10 Years
Of
Deliberate Agrarian Blogging

Dateline: 11 June 2015

Me and my grandson in 2014
(life can change a lot in 10 years)

It's kind of hard to believe that I have been writing The Deliberate Agrarian for the past ten years, but it's a fact. June 18, 2005 was My First Blog Post. A few days later, I wrote about contentment and my agrarian vision in "The Desperate Agrarian?"

Amazingly, much of the personal vision I wrote about has become reality. What makes it amazing is that it was nowhere in sight (and far from reach) when I wrote those words.

Readers have come and gone, and lots of fellow agrarian bloggers have come and gone. They've moved on to better things, I guess. 

My style of writing and the things I blog about have undergone some changes over the years. Many of my earlier writings were about Christian agrarianism. That was back when almost no one had heard of the term. I tended to put a lot more thought and effort into composing what I wrote in the early years. These days, my blog posts are often more like Facebook posts, or so it seems to me. 

My current site meter indicates that this blog has had nearly 3 million views (it doesn't reflect the additional 1 million+ views I had on a previous site meter). And there are currently 859 subscribers who get each new blog post in their e-mail. 

There are, of course, plenty of other blogs with more views and readers. But I'm continually amazed that so many people find this blog worth reading. 

Besides that, I'm thankful for all of you who do read my writings. Many of you have written me, or commented on a blog post, over the past 10 years, with words of encouragement, or to share some idea or interesting link. 

I really do think that some of the nicest folks in the world are readers of this blog.

In short, writing The Deliberate Agrarian has been a great adventure, and, in so many ways, a life-enriching experience for me.

Here's hoping I can keep this going for another ten years. Wouldn't that be something!






16 comments:

timfromohio said...

Happy 10th b-day to the blog! I started reading a year or two into your blog (read the back entries) and, Lord willing, look forward to reading at least another decade's worth of material from you.

Sincere thanks for blog, books, ideas, links, pics, and videos (best carrot videos on youtube).

TimfromOhio

Frank and Fern said...

Ten years is quite an accomplishment, Herrick. I enjoy your thoughts on the state of the world, along with a few garden pointers. I don't know about another 10 years. Do you think we'll still have internet, or something kin to it, or if there is, access to it in ten years? Sometimes I think it won't be long before the only things available to read or see here will have to join lock step with the current governmental point of view, or not at all.

Happy Blog Birthday, Fern

vdeal said...

Herrick,

Congrats on the 10 years. I've been following you for some time now - probably 6 or 7, maybe more. Not sure how I stumbled upon your site but glad I did. You and I think a lot alike and kindred spirits are nice to know, even online. We've exchanged emails and I have some of your books. It's been a fun and inspirational ride. Here's to another 10, God willing and I'm gonna believe that all things are possible through him. Thank you.

David The Good said...

Wow... congratulations. You make the internet a much better place. I'll only hit my three-year anniversary on my site this August.

Sunnybrook Farm said...

You have done a lot of work, amazing that it has been 10 years, good job!

Anonymous said...

Great job. I started reading 7 years ago after finding your blog when looking for info on butchering chickens. Since then, we've moved to the country and now raise a few steers and chickens on our place in Western Wi. I'm a wage slave to a good job in town (probably will be forever) but we find comfort in our Faith and happiness in our simple lifestyle and home-schooled children. I find your blog inspiring, educational, and just plain enjoyable to read.
Thanks for passing on your wisdom.
Kind Regards,
Muns

Unknown said...

I'm not exactly sure when I became a reader but around 2009-2010. By way of your chicken plucker and butchering vid.

Congratulations Dear Mr. Kimball on ten years of blogging and achieving your goals and visions.
A Devoted Admirer of Your Prose, Inspiration and Ingenuity,
Pam

Unknown said...

Congratulations on 10 year anniversary. Your blog is an important part of my mornings, along with my coffee. I have learned much from you in my quest for simpler and more sustainable retirement years. Also many eye opening, mind altering truths that are not part of society norm these days. Thanks for your efforts. Your blog is and has been one of my most important mentors.

Kyle Sonnier said...

Mr. Kimball,

You do a tremendous job and I look forward to your posts. Your words are measured and heartfelt and you've inspired me and many others. Thanks for sharing your insight and wisdom over the past 10 years. I've been following you for quite some time after searching for information on butchering chickens. I went back and read all your posts prior to discovering the Deliberate Agrarian site and have ordered one of your books and enjoy all your recollections and wisdom.

Keep up the great work!

paular said...

I found your site several years ago and have enjoyed many posts. Thanks so much and congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Great job on 10 years! I'm sure it seems like "work" sometimes to write a post, but we all take a tremendous amount of enjoyment and encouragement from what you share. I have your book too; what a treasure! Thanks and I pray the LORD continues to bless you and your family! -Dave in PA

RonC said...

Thanks for all the effort you put into this blog. I have four blogs that I have set as my home pages...Your blog, Kevin Swanson's Generations with Vision, Martin Armstrong's blog (both of which you introduced me to) and Leigh's 5acresandadream.com

My wife pointed out your blog when we were looking for information on butchering chickens. I have since built your Whizbang plucker and scalder both of which deserve the title "Whizbang." I also built two wheel hoes and three garden carts. I gave two of the garden carts away to my mom and older sister. I use mine a LOT.

I am going to attempt to caponize my first batch of cockerels tomorrow. I have them off feed and water since last night. I am guessing I have approximately 15 birds to do...Another topic I would have never encountered but for you.

You have definitely influenced my life and I am grateful for all the information you have passed along. Looking forward to many more years of your blog.

Sincerely:

RonC

Anonymous said...

I've read you from almost the beginning. You've signed books for me that I have cherished; almost wished that I ordered two of each so I could keep the signed ones separate from the 'working' ones that get used and dirty. Enjoyed watching you and your family grow in quantity and Christianity. I'd enjoy a pod-cast or radio spot with your input regularly. God is good, His plan is perfect, live as if you're walking next to him daily, love as if you were in His sandals. May God bless you and yours - Troy from MN

Toirdhealbheach Beucail said...

Herrick, I love reading you. You are a thoughtful writer who has made a difference in my thinking. Here's to many more years of deliberation and writing.

Herrick Kimball said...

Thank you, everyone.

I really appreciate your comments!

Fern—
I also have my doubts about the internet being here (or being so unregulated) 10 years from now. But I'm enjoying the good aspects of this technology as it is. It'll be interesting to see how things unfold in the years ahead.

Jake said...

Congrats on a solid decade. I'd wager that the same stick-to-it-ivenss that has helped your Whizbang business flourish has helped your blog succeed as well. Here's to another decade!