Does Anyone Read the Flyers Blog? -- Update and Findings from Flyers Survey Results

Dave K

This blog entry is an update of one I wrote nearly two years ago, which you can read by clicking HERE.

Before providing exciting, enthralling, and enlightening new information that will keep you at the edge of your seats for sure, I'd first like to mention that as Flyers Blogmaster these past few years, I like to think that the Blog:

• Provides Flyers with interesting and useful information,
• Enables the many Flyer bloggers (more than 100 different Flyers since the blog's inception) to let us all get to know them better, read about their adventures, make us smile, and to share their stories for their non-Flyer family and friends to enjoy, and
• Helps bring Flyers closer together as a community of runners, friends, and members of a fantastic running club!

If you haven't ever written anything for the Flyers Blog, it's something you might consider.  It needn't be long (or it can be a little long if you've really got a lot to say) and you can write about most anything of interest to you (or I'd be happy to suggest a topic) that's remotely related to running, triathlons, or the Flyers.  If you look down the left sidebar, you'll see a very broad range of topics from a long list of bloggers.

I've seen first-hand that Flyers who've provided a blog entry are glad that they did, and as you'll read below, yes, the Flyers Blog is both read and enjoyed by several million viewers, or something in that vicinity.

Do Flyers Read the Blog?

I am an avid reader of the Flyers Blog, and I await each new post with a fervor and, yes, a longing, that might more appropriately be reserved for my wife. --Barak Obama, President, United States of America

• Pageviews are on the Rise.  As noted in my prior post on viewership, back in February 2011, the Blog had received more than 25,000 pageviews during the prior two years.  Since then, less than two years later, the Blog has received more than 35,000 more pageviews for a total of more than 61,000 pageviews since the Blog's inception.
• Top 10 Blog Posts.  A couple of years ago, the Top 10 most-read posts had pageviews ranging from 173 pageviews for #10 to 285 pageviews for #1. Now, the Top 10 starts at 320 pageviews for #10 and reaches 760 pageviews for the #1 pageviewed blog entry (the post that promoted the Laurie Harris Hope and Dreams 5K). The most recent 10 blog posts averaged 230 pageviews each!

Why is Blog Readership Rising?

I dunno.  One factor is likely that I finally joined  FaceBook and have since promoted each blog entry on Flyers Facebook in addition to continuing to post an announcement and link for each entry on the Flyers Website Homepage. During a recent month, the "referring sites" that led readers to the blog included 300+ pageviews from Facebook vs. 130 pageviews via the Flyers website. Also, Flyer Leslie L tweets about new entries on Flyers Twitter.

Do Flyers Like The Blog?

The NY Flyers Blog has changed my life. For the worse.  But I still like reading it anyway. -- Wilson Kipsang, World Marathon Record Holder, Sept 29, 2013 Berlin Marathon.

In the survey that the Flyers Executive Board (EB) undertook this past winter, they thought to include a few questions about the Blog for Flyers to answer. Recently, the EB shared the findings with me, which provided some insights.

Of the 152 Flyers who responded to the question asking them to rate the Flyers Blog:

• 85% reported that they liked it including 45% who liked it "very much" or "a great deal."  
• Only 7% replied "not much" and no one answered that they didn't like it at all.  
• On the question of whether the blog provides useful information, the responses/percentages were nearly identical to what's in the first two bullets here.

Some of the comments about the Blog that Flyers noted on the survey were: "inspirational!" "entertaining" and "interesting to hear fresh voices."

Of course, other comments were less flattering.  One person suggested: "dump it."

But that may have come from my wife, who'd probably prefer me to spend less time on it :)

-Dave K, NY Flyers Blogmaster

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Does Anyone Read the Flyers Blog?

Sooooo, does anyone actually read the NY Flyers blog?

Apparently, YES.

Thanks to our fantastic Flyer Bloggers, the NY Flyers Blog has gotten more than 25,000 pageviews during the past two years! 

One of our bloggers suggested that info about Flyers Blog readership could make for an interesting blog topic.  And so I'm happy to oblige (although I won't promise you that this write-up is, in fact, interesting :)

But before talking facts and figures:

• What Bloggers Should Know:  Our Bloggers should know that many many Flyers and others enjoy reading what Flyer Bloggers spend much time and effort in caring and sharing with us on the Flyers Blog.
• What Blog Readers Should Know:  And the readers of the Flyers Blog should know that the Bloggers appreciate when readers tune in and check out what they have to say.  They especially like when readers provide comments at the bottom of their blog entries.
  
  Does how to comment seem confusing on the Flyers Blog Site?  Well, actually it's easy and you don't need a gmail account to sign-in -- you can just sign in as "annonymous" (though great if you'll put your name at the bottom of your comment).  You may cse the Comments section to share your own relevant stories and information, or even just to say "thanks!"  Did I mention that the bloggers love to receive comments and thanks?

Now, here's information that just may be of interest to both our Bold Bloggers and the Ravenous Readers of the NY Flyers Blog.

HOW DO THEY FIND THE BLOG?

Most Flyers Blog readers get to the Blog via the NY Flyers website.  However, quite a few get there via Facebook, Twitter (thanks to Flyer Leslie L regularly tweeting about each new blog post!), Google, other Flyers blogs, and even via the Iceland Marathon website that includes a link to Annie B's write-up!

WHERE DO THEY LIVE?

Not surprisingly, the vast majority of Flyers Blog readers log in from the U.S.  But we also have a following, in descending order, in Canada, the U.K., Iceland, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Germany and Belgium (yes, 31 times, readers signed in from Belgium!).

MAC OR PC?

Most readers (64%) view the blog on their PC.  And nearly half as many readers tune in via their MAC (26%).  But folks also like to check out the Flyers blog on their iPhone (4%), iPad (2%), Android (1%), Linus (1%), and Blackberry (1%).

TOP 10 BLOG ENTRIES

Here are the Top 10 most-read Flyer blog entries of all time along with the number of pageviews.  Although these are the Top 10 most viewed, all of the Flyer Blog entries receive lots of pageviews -- usually 70 or more each.  And perhaps a few Bloggers on the Top 10 list have quite a large number of proud friends and relatives who were encouraged to check out their blog post :)

Flyers Marathon Training Program Off to a Running Start
Shira Z
Jul 25, 2011
285 Pageviews

Marathon Training Program Makes Magic
Rachele A
Sep 29, 2011
261 Pageviews

Interesting Races in Interesting Places -- The Reykjavik Iceland Half Marathon
Annie B
Sep 21, 2011
259 Pageviews

Flyer Females Fend Off Felons
Shira Z
Jun 23, 2011
249 Pageviews

Dear to My Heart: NYC Marathon Takes on New Meaning
Kari S (okay, not a Flyer but a Flyer Marathon Training Program Coach)
Nov 14, 2011
224 Pageviews

Hotties Take Central Park
Lara K
Jul 29, 2011
209 Pageviews

My Marathon is Over, Now What?
Brett C
Nov 11, 2011
203 Pageviews

Yoga for Runners -Soothing Stretches for Mischievous Muscles
Dave K
Aug 19, 2010
190 Pageviews

Driving You Forward
Scott C
Jul 5, 2011
181 Pageviews

Recovery & Regeneration: A Runner’s Secret Weapon
Brett C
Aug 26, 2011
173 Pageviews

-Dave K, Flyers Blogmaster

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Thanks Bloggers!

Dave K

To mark the New Year, I'd like to offer some blogger thanks.

First and foremost, thanks to the flock of Flyers who submitted write-ups for the Flyers Blog since I became bequeathed Blogmaster in 2011.  Many thanks for sharing your wealth of information, knowledge, insights, time, effort and humor with your fellow Flyers. 

Click on any of the names below to read the blog entries of these nearly 50 Bloggers who provided a total of 89 blog entries in 2011 :)

Alan G, Amanda R, Amy S, Andrea K, Angela G, Anne H, Annie B, Bo K, Brett C, Claudia O, D.J. V, Dana M, Dave K, Deb M, Denise I, Diane Z, Ed A, Frances E, Francine A, Heather M, Janet H, Jerry F, Jess R, Jim S, Joanne C, Jon B, Joyce S, Julie W, Kari S, Lara K, Liz G, Lloyd H, Mike C, Rachele A, Reyna F, Richard B, Richard G, Scott C, Shira Z, Siggy T, Sondra M, Stephanie L, Stephanie P, Steven L, Terry B, Toby T, Vicky T, Will D.

And, thanks, too, to those who read the blog -- usually about 70 visits or more per blog entry, with some of the most popular posts receiving more than 200 pageviews each! -- including those who have provided Flyers bloggers with comments, questions and much positive feedback for their blogging efforts!

Wishing all Flyers -- and Flyer Friends, Family, and Other Flyer Loved Ones -- an exceptionally Happy New Year and a wonderful year ahead!!

-Dave K, Flyers Blogmaster

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And The Winner Is....

 Well, it's time to announce the winner of the NY Flyers Winter Hat Give-Away.  Per last week's blog posting, those who suggested topics for future blog write-ups received chances to win.

HOW WAS THE WINNER SELECTED?

I know, you're all wondering if the winner was chosen fair and square.  Well, for those who might be concerned that the drawing was rigged, I recruited two individuals of indisputable character to randomly select the winner.

The winning ticket was drawn straight out of the Flyers new winter hat by Lucy K, shown here inspecting the hat prior to the drawing.  Lucy is highly revered for her integrity, gentle disposition and her soft fur.  Also shown here is her very capable assistant, Sabrina K, who is extremely honorable, respectable, and otherwise awesome.*

Lucy K (Meow) with her Assistant Sabrina K

SO WHO WON?

I am pleased to announce that the winner of the NY Flyers new winter running hat is none other than Flyer Francine A.  Congratulations to our winner, and thank you to all of the contestants!  Now it's off to JackRabbit Sports UES store (Lex at E. 85th Street) for the rest of us to buy our own NY Flyer winter hats so that we might look as sharp as Francine.

WHAT'S NEXT?

There's a full March schedule of blogging up ahead.  Stay tuned for the upcoming broad array of interesting topics.

All NY Flyers are encouraged to consider contributing to the Flyers Blog.  Just send me an e-mail if you'd like to post something. 

I think that our many Flyer bloggers on this site will agree that it's easy, fun, and very satisfying to share information, thoughts, feelings, and ideas by posting on the Flyers blog. 

Just click on the name of any A+ Blogger (of course, every Flyer Blogger is an A+ Blogger :) listed along the "Categories" section of the sidebar to see all of their past Flyer Blog posts, or click on a category if there's something of interest that you haven't read or that you want to take a look at again.

In speaking with those who read the blog, I'm certain that Flyers appreciate bloggers' efforts and greatly enjoy the posts, which range from race reports to silly running humor (I still watch that hilarious video about the gala every once in awhile, though maybe I need to get out more?) to everything in between.

So........ don't by shy -- give it a try.  I'll bet you won't regret blogging.  Or if you prefer to simply just read the blog, then please add your comments at the bottom of posts that you read.  Bloggers like receiving positive feedback, and also enjoy when what they write leads to discussion within the comments section.

*True confessions.  Lucy K sniffed at the Flyers winter hat, but elected not to select a ticket.  Therefore, the young and also honorable Mitchell K pulled the winning ticket from the hat, with oversight provided by Sabrina K and internal auditing provided by Liz K.

-Dave K, NY Flyers Blogmaster

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Hats Off To Eric (and Win a Free Flyer Winter Hat, Too!)

Gosh, what to say in my inaugural post as the new Flyers Blogmaster besides welcome to the New and Unproved Flyers Blog?

Well, first, many MANY thanks (at least 732 thanks, and possibly more) to Eric S. for helping me transition into the role of Blogmaster.

Eric created something very special, made all the more special by the many Flyers who have put time, effort and caring into providing us all with informative, interesting, and sometimes extremely entertaining blog posts.  If only we had a Flyers MasterBlog charge card where Flyer bloggers could bill for their services....

And, many thanks, too, to Ed A. including for his darn-tootin' terrific tutelage on how to use the blog software and in otherwise assisting me to have a clue on what to do.

Eric S. and Ed A. bonding over mulch at a Flyers Central Park Clean Up Day

Hats off to both of them! And speaking of hats......

Win a Free Flyers Winter Hat!

In addition to the Flyer apparel featured on the website, there's a new NY Flyer Winter Hat for sale -- $17.50 at the JackRabbit Sports Upper East Side store (1225 Lexington Ave between 84th and 85th).

This new winter hat is really cool (hot?), and you can win a free hat right here on the Flyers Blog by participating in the Flyer Blog Free Raffle (no charge for tickets, and no limit on number of tickets!).

Lara K. Models the New Flyers Hat -- winner receives hat only (model not included)

It's easy to play. Here's how:

• Propose a blog topic and write it down within the comments section of this post (you don't need a Google account to submit comments on the Flyers Blog -- you can just click "annonymous" and write your name at the bottom of your comment).
• You don't have to volunteer to write about the topic, although you increase your chances to win if you do (see two bullets below).
• For every topic that you propose, you get a raffle ticket (I'll write your name on a slip of paper), so the more topics you propose the better your chances.
• If you propose to actually write about the topic for the Flyers Blog, rather than suggest that someone else write about it, then you get an extra raffle ticket for each write-up you propose to submit.

In one week, I'll pull one ticket out of the New Flyer Winter Hat, and the name on that ticket will be the winner of the hat.  If you don't win the hat, you still can buy one at the JackRabbit UES store for $17.50.

Proposing Blog Topics

I'd like the blog to continue to be about the club - running, members and events.

And, I invite Flyers to write from the heart. Please don't feel self-conscious in sharing your joys, your humor, your sorrows, and, within reason, your annoyance (hmm.... will the Ranting Runner return? No 'twas not me).

My goal is for the Flyers Blog to continue to be an interesting, informative, and fun resource outlet for NY Flyers. I can't wait to find out how it continues to evolve, and hopefully me along with it!

There's an exciting blog schedule already set for March, and plans are in the works to let Flyers know when each new item is posted. So stay tuned.

Happy Blogging!

Dave K.
Flyers Blogmaster*

*Footnote: I'm dedicating this year's efforts as Blogmaster to the memory of our beloved family pets, our cat Rollie who lived nearly 17 years (Nov 1992 - Sept 27, 2009) and our goldfish, Watery, who lived more than 9 years (Sussex County Octoberfest, Oct 2001 - February 16, 2011).


Rollie



Watery (on right)



Watery



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Penultimate

Eric S.

I never expected to do this. Last year, when I told our esteemed president, Glen W.,  "I want to get more involved again with the club this year." I was thinking more along the lines of organizing a happy hour or something."  He asked me to get the blog going. The key in my accepting the position was his rigid parameters: "Make it whatever you want it to be."

I've tried to run the blog with little input from myself. I've wanted it to be about the club - running, members and events. In order to track visits, I installed a counter, but I never looked at again after that. I was more interested in creating something of quality that reflected the club. My thought was that if it was a good blog, people would read it and enjoy it. Who needs numbers when you can have supportive comments?

So it's been a great blog. I've learned a lot... about running, training, the people in the club, and I even got inspired to start cooking! Thanks to everyone that submitted posts, including our regulars and not so regulars, like Ted The Runner (and no, it was never me). A special shout-out goes to Ed A. who was very helpful with proofreading articles and catching grammar, typos, and more than a few punctuation errors that I missed.

Unfortunately, though, after my moving to Canada in the second half of the year, I've unfortunately felt a growing disconnect with the club. It was inevitable, really. There are more and more names that I see on the Flyers' website that I don't know, and there are many events and races that I don't attend or participate in. As the term came to an end, I decided it was appropriate for me to move on.

And that leaves me here. But this won't be my last post. My next one will be, and it'll be reflective of us - the club -  than me or any single member or event. It will be a good post on which to leave the past year.

And then what?

David K.

Back in April of last year, I had considered asking Dave K. to be Co-Blogmaster with me. He of course doesn't know this, because I never asked. I couldn't figure out how the duties would be divided up between asking people to blog, creating the schedule, sending out reminders, doing the layout, editing the content, adding links and images, etc. There was a lot to do and I wanted some help, but I felt like coordinating the effort would be more of a hassle than it was worth, so I continued to go at it alone.

But Dave stood out from the other bloggers. His posts were always early. They always came with photos attached, or at least links to photos on the web. He included suggested links to other online articles. Frankly, he was a Blogmaster's dream come true. He made it so easy.

So at the end of the year, shortly after I gave notice that I wasn't about to continue on with the blog to Glen, I mentioned it to Dave via e-mail, adding in parentheses "(interested?)".

Lucky for us, Dave followed those parentheses up with Glen, and will be taking the reins of the blog in the next couple of weeks. His last post was self-published to the blog for practice. And if the quality of his submissions in the past are any indication of the future, the Flyers' Blog is only going to improve throughout the course of this year. Best of luck, Dave.

All my best to the Flyers and the blog. I encourage you to write and get your opinions, stories, and ideas out to the rest of us.

Go Flyers! - Eric S., Soon-to-be Ex-Blogmaster.

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The Flyers' Inaugural Central Park Men's Room Run

It's Spring! And with the coming of the new season always comes new Flyers' social events and special running events! This Thursday kicks off the first of hopefully many running/social events happening in the club. In the spirit of our annual Bridges and Arches Run, the Flyers own Co-Social Chair, Ray S. kicks off this season with something extra special to we've been waiting for a long time: the Flyers' Inaugural Central Park Men's Room Run!

Bathrooms in Central Park have long been neglected gems of both cultural and architectural importance. Each has its own unique character, quality and vibrant experience to offer the men of our club between races and group runs. The sights! The sounds! The smells! Where else can you find such stimulating aromas and fragrances?

We'll start at our usual Thursday night meeting spot, stopping at each bathroom throughout the park, where Flyers can take photos and ponder the unique virtues of each venue (in whatever way moves you, of course). Both guys and girls will be allowed to explore each lavatory to whatever degree they like. Make sure you have a big lunch, guys!

Excited? Can't stand still just thinking about it? Here's a little preview of a few of the spots we'll visit on the run tonight:

First, we'll step off the drive for a bit and hit the secluded but well-maintained tennis courts, where the more sporty fellas can find rest and relief from the pressures that have built up during those long days out on the court. This is surely a hidden oasis of relief from the hustle and bustle of modern New York City. So guys, sit your bustle down and enjoy!

For the guys interested in a more theatrical performance, it's the Delacorte Theater bathroom! What a scene, indeed! Every stall will provide a new show and a new display in our running exhibition, with many encores! We'll admire the beautiful, historic stonework on the outside, and contrast that with the lovely yellow-green and stainless steel interior of this architectural masterpiece! Flyer Of the Year, club vice president and architect, Brian H., steps in to explain this venue's golden history. Thanks for volunteering to demonstrate, Bri!

Finally, at the Central Park Boathouse, a different design. For gents who prefer peaceful intimacy and the background sounds of waves lapping on the lake, there's no better place than the boathouse. Only four guys in here at a time, so you're guaranteed quiet solitude for the business at hand.

Ah, yes there we have it: each hand-dryer whispers a story; each mirror reflects a colorful history! I hope you've enjoyed this sampling of lavatory wonder that we'll experience Thursday night. There are many more sights and sounds to bear witness to on this run. We'll meet promptly at 7:00 PM at Engineer's Gate, and I expect to see you all dancing with anticipation. And don't forget to wear your Flyers' gear, guys!

And no worries, girls, you don't have to feel left out. Our other trusted social Chair, Elle G., will be leading the Inaugural Ladies Room Run in the fall, just in time to get those last long runs in before th NYC Marathon!
- April F.

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The little blog that could...

Yep, that's us. I've gotten a lot of great, positive comments from people who have been reading and enjoying our Flyers' foray into blog-world. As editor, I really do appreciate it, but I also would like to remind all our readers to please, let our bloggers know they're doing a good job - by either posting a comment, or shooting them a personal e-mail (they can all be found in our trusty Online Flyer Directory). They deserve to know that their effort is recognized.

And the interest in our blog is growing. I have a list of people that have expressed that they want to blog, along with a whole bunch more that I'd like to prod into posting as the year progresses. There's a wide diversity of people and running-related interests in our club, and I'm trying to reflect that on the blog. Let me know if you think I can do better, and how.

So far, I'm pretty happy with the way things are working. In case you haven't noticed, a new blog post typically goes up approximately every other day or so, which gives each blogger his/her day in the sun, but also keeps things fresh and interesting as the month moves along.  With April coming up, the blog schedule for the month is looking great with topics like half marathon training, healthy eating, and volunteering with Achilles, along with our usual ongoing running themes. I've also just updated the link to the Flyer Spotlight at the top of the right-hand sidebar, and will continue to do so from month to month as, so keep an eye on it to learn about the many members in our club. This month, accomplished runner, Iris C. (pictured), is featured.

For everyone out in Central Park today doing the Colon Cancer Challenge, it looks like you've got pretty good race weather out there. Good luck and have fun! - Eric S.

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The Blog Man Cometh

Hope everyone's been having a most romantic long weekend!

There are some big changes coming to blogland, folks, and I'm the first one. I'm Eric S. your humble Blogmaster, at your service.

Appointed to this position about a week or so ago, I've spent the last few days trying to figure out what specific role this blog plays in our happenin' little running club. My conclusion is that it really doesn't have one. Moreover, there are very different opinions in what role it should play. So after struggling with all these different opinions, I finally decided to go with the only one I know best... mine.

The Flyers already, thanks to our amazing Webmasters and Webmistress, have a kick-ass website. All the info you need to find about the club is on there, and all the links to running club events and races are there as well. We have truly great volunteers posting announcement, updating the calendar, and keeping up with PRs, awards, and activities. In the forums we have a place where people can ask questions and seek advice. 

Soooo... What's the place for the blog, then? Well, I think that the blog will sort of fill the gap between the (soon to be resurrected) Flyer's newsletter, and the website. Like the Flyers' newsletter, I'd like to see race reports and articles/ stories posted on interesting topics, but more than that, I'd like the blog to become a place for expressing opinions, reporting on races, giving advice, and telling your stories. Sort of a Flyers' Forums x10.

That said, surely this is going to be in flux for the next little while. Richard G. will have his newsletter posted any day now, and I'm sure there will be some overlap with that. Our good VP, Brian H., has been posting info from NYRR, which is a bit overlapping with the our own website, but that's OK, too. I might change the look, name, layout, etc. but need to think about that for a bit.

The most important thing, though, is that I'd like this to be representative of our esteemed club, so I invite all members to get involved. If you're reading this and thinking that you want to post something to the blog, please forward it to me at blogmaster-at-nyflyers-do-org, and I'll be more that happy to post it. Keep it appropriately focused on running and/or the club is all I ask (well, with Terry Baker's VIWHI being the exception, of course!), and it is my intention to keep any editing to a minimum.

In the meantime, I'll write, and try to reflect the perspective of our many members in my posts. If you don't think I'm doing that, or have any suggestions on how to make this blog better, please send it to the address above.

OK, that's all I have time for this fine President's Day. Be well, and good running to all.  -Eric S.

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Welcome!!

Welcome to the official blog for the New York Flyers!!

These days, news is moving faster and faster and in order to keep up with the times, so are we!!

This blog will be the new home for race reports, articles, or anything else that can work the creative muscles as well as the running muscles!!

Most of all-have as much fun reading this as we all will have contributing!!

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