It’s time again for one of my favorite parts of blogging – writing the annual anniversary post! So, what’s been going on in the blogging world in the last year, and how has it impacted or changed what we’re seeing on the blog?

Two things stand out on my end: first, as I’ve mentioned, I taught a section of Intro to Philosophy at the University of Iowa last semester. That took up a lot of my time, but I got a lot of enjoyment out of the class. Teaching was the topic of last week’s post, so check it out if you missed it.

Second, I’m still seeing clients in my philosophical counseling practice. While this hasn’t impacted the time I’m able to spend on blogging, I suspect my experiences with working with clients has had some level of (subconscious?) influence over my choice of topics. Clients come to me with interesting and thorny challenges, and it has been a rewarding experience.

But let’s take a moment to look at the data.

Readership Data and Most Popular Posts

So, how did the blog do in the last year?

On the whole, I’d say it did…OK. It’s tough out there for blogging, particularly as podcasting is now well ahead of blogging in terms of attention. But Base and Superstructure does reasonably well for an all-text format. Given that I started the blog as a writing vehicle and creative outlet – rather than as a serious money maker – I’m satisfied with that.

Sure, I’d love to grow the readership. And I’d love for readers to recommend the blog to friends and family. But the blog isn’t starved for attention.

Here are the three posts in the last year or so that did the best:

1. Epicureanism 101: Types of Desires
2. The NIMBY vs. YIMBY False Dichotomy
3. Iowa City Politics: Two Factions or Realignment?

My favorite part about ranking the most viewed post is that readers always appreciate the diversity of topics found on the blog. Here we find represented three major blog themes: philosophy and philosophical counseling, discussion of national level political problems, and in-depth discussion of local politics. It’s cool to see that each of these topics resonates with people.

Blog Finances

So, it’s been a couple of years since I’ve shared any financials with readers. As some of you know, the blog makes a bit of money via AdSense, Patreon, and affiliate marketing.

But what are the actual numbers we’re talking about?

Really, they’re quite modest. The Patreon brings in about 10 bucks per month, and the other sources bring in less than that. As I’ve always said, the blog isn’t for making money. It’s a creative outlet and format for discussion. I’m happy with anyone who signs up on Patreon (thanks for those of you who have!), but it’s certainly not required. And I’ll never paywall anything on this site.

What’s Next?

One thing I can say for sure over the course of the next year is that I’ll continue writing and publishing in multiple venues. This blog will continue for as long as both I and readers find it interesting and useful. How long will that be?

I don’t know. Who’s to say? I don’t imagine it ending soon.

But I’ll also keep writing on Medium, and I plan to continue my philosophical counseling practice. And, of course, I still have a full-time job.

I’m not lacking for things to do.

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