Top Posts and Commenters for May 2011

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In case you missed them, here are my top ten posts for May 2011, along with my top ten commenters. I am sending each of the top commenters a free copy of Jolt!: Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly Changing by Phil Cooke.

Wordle Graphic for May 2011

Graphic courtesy of Wordle.net

Here are my top ten posts:

  1. Find Your Passion in Three Steps (a guest post by Mary DeMuth)
  2. Avoiding One Great Temptation Every New Dream Faces (a guest post by Jon Acuff)
  3. What Are You Doing to Protect Your Marriage?
  4. How to Organize Evernote for Maximum Efficiency
  5. Creating Your Personal Life Plan
  6. Fix for Wireless Connection Problems on Macbook Pro
  7. Why I Ditched My Moleskine Journal
  8. How to Update Your Facebook Status with Twitter
  9. Three Reasons Why You Must Guard Your Heart
  10. Three Questions You Should Ask Before You Buy an Ipad 2

Amazingly, the top two posts were guest posts! Congratulations to both Mary DeMuth and Jon Acuff.

In addition, I wrote there of these posts more than a year ago. As I have pointed out before, if you are a blogger, you can continue to generate significant traffic for old posts. You just need to be intentional about it. (I outline my strategy in a blog post called, “Recycling Your Blog Content.”)

Although I didn’t include it in the list, because it is not really a post, my About page continues to be near the top (#17 to be exact). If you are a blogger, this is why it is important to carefully engineer this page. You might want to read “10 Ways to Create a Better About Page for Your Blog.”

My top ten commenters were:

Note to commenters: Please sign up for a free Disqus account. This is the commenting software I use on my site. That way, when you comment it will create a back-link to your blog or Website. Also, if you upload an Avatar (picture), we will get to see what you look like. This is just way more personal—and social.

For June, I’m going to give a free copy of Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir. . . of Sorts by Ian Cron, to each of my top 10 commenters. It is one of the BEST books I have read this year.

Ready. Set. Go!

Question: If you blog, what was your top post for May? Why do you think that was the case? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are snarky, offensive, or off-topic. If in doubt, read My Comments Policy.

  • http://www.leahadams.org Leah Adams

    I had two May posts that seemed to speak to my readers. The first was a post on jealousy and how the green eyed monster had crept into my heart without my realizing it. Ewww!!  The other popular post was one entitled “Paper Plate People” and it dealt with how we often treat people like paper plates…cheap and disposable. 

    Thanks for continuing to offer incredible content, Mr. Hyatt.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I love your paper plate analogy. Feel free to provide links to your posts.

      • http://www.leahadams.org Leah Adams

        Thank you, Mr. Hyatt. I did not want to assume that it was ok to post links on your comments section.

    • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

      I really like that title. Interesting titles always get people to read!

      • http://www.leahadams.org Leah Adams

        Brandon, I try to be creative with my titles, all the while thinking about search engines looking for info.

        • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

          That definitely helps!

    • http://jonstolpe.wordpress.com Jon Stolpe

      Leah, you have a new blog reader.  Your Paper Plate People post was great.  Thanks for sharing!

      • http://www.leahadams.org Leah Adams

        Jon, thank you for stopping by over at The Point. I hope you found something to encourage and challenge you. St0p by any time.

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      Thanks for sharing two incredible posts. That was head on.

      • http://www.leahadams.org Leah Adams

        Thank you for stopping by The Point, Uma. Blessings to you!!

    • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

      Love the post Leah!  The little things (or, at least, the things that seem little to us) can really make a difference.

      • http://www.leahadams.org Leah Adams

        Steven, it really is the little things that can make a difference. Thanks for stopping by The Point.

        • http://byrdmouse.wordpress.com JB

          I sound like a broken record here, too, but you have yet another follower. I didn’t see a share button, but I’m about to share it.

          • http://www.leahadams.org Leah Adams

            Thank you, JB. You are welcome to share it. I am still on Blogger and cannot seem to get the share buttons to activate for some reason. Sorry about that.

    • http://harshtechtalk.com Harsh Jha

      Best way to rejuvenate old blog posts :)

  • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

    My top post in May was a post called, “Political Differences: The Role of Government” – http://brevis.me/role-of-government/

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      Robert! I love your posts on economics a lot. That kindles my thinking. A real food for thought.

      • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

        Thanks! I love reading and writing about economics.

  • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

    My top post for May was “ARE YOU INVESTING IN YOURSELF TODAY?” It can be found at http://bit.ly/lFcdkn

    It starts off with a great quote by Og Mandino and then I outline 8 ideas of how you can invest in yourself today. Most everyday I write about living an intentional life – that’s what gets me excited.

    I think this post resonated most with my visitors because it speaks to the heart of an intentional life.

    • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

      Really Enjoyed this and other posts on your blog.  You are a new addition to my Google Reader.  Thanks

      • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

        I always find new awesome blogs from this site!

      • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

        Thank you for the kind words – I really appreciate it.

    • Joe Lalonde

      Checking out the post Jason. It’s always interesting to see what other readers are posting.

      • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

        Thanks for taking a look, Joe.

        • Joe Lalonde

          Not a problem Jason. Looks like a great blog you have over there!

    • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

      I love Og Mandino, one of my favorite authors. What you say is so true, Jason. Great insights!

      • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

        John, thank you for the encouragement. I enjoy reading your blog!

    • http://jonstolpe.wordpress.com Jon Stolpe

      Jason, Thanks for the reminder.  It’s too easy to get home from work and waste time in front of the time wasting machine in the family room.  I appreciated your tips.  I’ve also added you to my Google Reader.  Thanks!

      • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

        I talk about the TV so much because I’m the world’s worst at wasting time in front of it! Thanks for adding me to Google Reader – I just added you as well!

        • http://jonstolpe.wordpress.com Jon Stolpe

          Thanks!  I look forward to hearing more from you.

        • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

          What shows do you find to be your biggest time drains?

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            For me, just about any show can be a big time drain – it is so easy to turn the TV on; and, it seems almost impossible to turn off.  However, the ones that frustrate me the most are the old reruns that I have seen before, don’t really care that much for, yet find myself watching anyway just because.

          • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

            I have done the same thing.  I get sucked into reality/history shows.

          • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

            For me it is mainly when I don’t have a pressing activity and I sit down and start flipping. I can watch HGTV House Hunters all day long. Why do I like that show?? I never watched HGTV before I got married!

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            It’s interesting how tv-watching habits can change after getting married.  And, even more interesting with kids ;-)

          • Anonymous

            Best thing that helped me cutting out television was when my Tivo went out after an electrical storm. I haven’t watched much tv since, and haven’t really missed it much either.

          • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

            JB,
            Not sure how I lived before DVR. DVR can definitely help me limit wasted time with TV. If I really like a show, I can record it and watch it another time.

          • http://byrdmouse.wordpress.com JB

            I, too, do not know how I lived with TV before my Tivo, but since it went out I have not worried about the shows I used to “have” to watch, and the few I do frustrate me when I can neither run it back to hear what I missed while my kids were talking or because I have to sit through the comercials now. As a result, I watch less tv.

          • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

            My TV watching time went down after I canceled our cable service.  I do have Netflix and Hulu, but it makes it more difficult to get drawn into the “flipping Loop.” 

          • http://jonstolpe.wordpress.com Jon Stolpe

            I’m a sucker for reality TV – American Idol, Survivor, Amazing Race, Biggest Loser.  In REALITY, I should be going out and making and living my own reality.

          • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

            I like that idea,  I am thinking I should strap my iPad around my neck and take video all day.  Kinda Truman show-esque.  Maybe that will be my blog premise.  j/k   or am I????

    • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

      That is a great quote.  There are days where it takes everything we have to survive a day; but, if it is our goal to do just enough to survive that day, it is a wasted day.

      “Intentional Life” … love the concept.  In fact, that is part of my blog’s purpose – “Intentional Family, Life and Leadership”.

      • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

        Steven, thank you for the comment. I added your site to my Google Reader!

        • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

          Thanks Jason!

    • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

      This is a great post, Jason!

      • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

        Robert, thank you for the comment. Encouragement means so much!

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      Thanks for sharing your post. That was pragmatic and practical solutions to implement.

  • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

    My top post was a humor piece: “15 Things You Might Not Want To Say To Your Worship Leader”

    http://www.davidsantistevan.com/2011/05/15-things-worship-leader/

    I guess people like to laugh :)

    • Joe Lalonde

      There’s some humorous things in there. Number 6 is especially funny since we’ve had people say that at our church.

      • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

        I know, us too. Some of these are a bit ridiculous, but you just never know what could be said!

        • Joe Lalonde

          It always amazes me what is said. Our church even went to electric drums at one point because of complaints of it being too loud. While it’s sad, it’s funny to look back and see what kind of “frivolous” complaints/comments there are.

          • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

            It’s a huge tension. As leaders, we need to be “pastoral”, which involves loving them, teaching them, and being patient with them. But we also need to define our vision, know where we’re going, and not let others dictate that for us. Tough waters for sure.

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            We did that too.  Went round and round several times.  We even tried enclosing the drums in an acoustical cage.  Nothing satisfied everyone.

          • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

            #1 realization of church ministry: you can’t please everyone :) then again, that’s probably true in all organizations.

      • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

        People at my church have said the same things…

    • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

      Great humor. I’m just waiting for someone to ask to play on the worship team with their iPad and Garage Band…. (actually might be really good!)

      • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

        along the same lines,  I am waiting for Guitar hero/Rock band : Worship Edition.

        • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

          That would be pretty funny! It would be awesome to open up worship doing that! :)

        • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

          You know how much money that would make? :)

          • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

            it would be great for youth group lock-in and such.

          • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

            Oh yes

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            I would buy in on that one!

      • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

        John, we’ve rehearsed with an iPad before and a lot of worship teams are actually doing this. I foresee us using it in the near future. What would be funny is if the entire worship team was sitting there with iPads and iPhones, not looking up, but leading in worship :)

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          You should check out North Point Community Church’s iBand. They do JUST that! Over 3 million page views.

          • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

            Totally cool!!!

          • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

            Amazing. I remember watching this over Christmas. The next step? An entire worship service like this!

          • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

            If you ever do one, please film it!

          • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

            That’s awesome!

          • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

            That was just stunning to watch.  Thanks for pointing that out.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Pretty funny, David!

      • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

        Thanks Mike

    • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

      I showed this to my worship pastor! He loved it…but he was too afraid to show it to the pastor! haha

    • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

      David, great post! As a former worship leader, it made me laugh :)

      • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

        Thanks Robert. Worship Leaders of Michael Hyatt’s blog unite! :)

        • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

          Ha ha.

      • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

        It brought back many memories for me ;-)

    • Anonymous

      I did get a literal LOL on that one!  Too funny…

      • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

        Thanks Karl!

    • http://twitter.com/Caleb_Phelps Caleb Phelps

      David, as a fellow worship leader, I totally feel this post. Some people don’t think before they say things. And if they do, sometimes it still doesn’t translate to creatives’ brains very well haha. Keep up the good work!

      • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

        Thanks so much Caleb. I find it important not to take rejection or the praise of man too, too seriously. Thanks for reading.

    • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

      Fun post David!  And I too have heard so many items on that list.  Well-intentioned people (most of the time) behind what was said; but, often-times short-sighted and consumed with all the wrong things for all the wrong reasons. 

      • Anonymous

        While it isn’t something said to the worship leader, it left the pastor speechless when I told him that I can’t text or tweet people during services held in the sanctuary, only those held in the MPR (Baptist for gym).

        • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

          That’s funny :)

      • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

        Thanks Steven. Yea, you’ve just got to love people, even when they’re a bit misguided in their comments :)

        • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

          I have learned that there are usually other things going on in people’s lives and their comments, many times, are just an outlet for other frustrations.  So, I have to remember that there is usually more to the story and that I can’t take everything personally.

          • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

            Well said, man.

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      That was hilarious David

      • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

        Thanks Uma. Really appreciate it!

    • http://LookingForPurpose.com Dylan Dodson

      Great post!

      • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

        Thanks Dylan. Just checked out your blog. How’s the book writing coming along? Great topic.

  • Anonymous

    The top one that received individual attention was entitled “Tomorrow is the End of the World.” However, I don’t use shortened articles on the front page, so it’s hard to tell which posts drive the traffic that just marked under my blog title. And the web-page stats are as high for my page as the total of all individual posts.

    Probably that one post was high because I did it the day before the hyped-up May 22nd and a few friends retweeted the link.

    Doug

    • http://callistasramblings.blogspot.com Kathleen Garber

      I bet anyone who posted about the end of the world got high hits.

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      True! Prophecies and forecasts always kindles our interest and curiosity.

    • Anonymous

      Probably so, although I wonder how many people just skipped over those posts because they were tired of the hype.

  • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

    I didn’t have a top post for May, as I do not have a blog, YET!   I am actually in the process of setting mine up and getting the first couple of posts ready and my goal is to launch around the July 4th.

    • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

      Sounds great! Can’t wait to subscribe to it! :) Who are you using to start it?

      • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

        I am not sure yet.   I am just currently getting material together for content.   I am thinking of going with wordpress, and possibly a .com  instead of  wordpress.com (based on @mhyatt:disqus ’s recommendation.)   but I am open to other ideas.

        • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

          100% go with wordpress! I used a different company before, and nothing compares to wordpress. You just have to decide whether you use wordpress.com or wordpress.org (self-hosted). I currently use wordpress.com because I don’t want to spend a whole lot of the self-hosted option at this point in time…

          • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

            I agree. I think hosted (.com) is the best place to start. I wrote about this here: “My Advice to Beginning Bloggers.”

          • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

            This post has been front and center on my Computer for weeks now.

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            I started with a hosted .com site a few months ago.  It was easy enough to get started with.  However, the surprise benefit has been all of the support and great ideas put forth through Michael’s blog and Tentblogger.com.

          • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

            what was your tipping point to start blogging?

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            My tipping point story: about a year-and-a-half ago I committed to learning everything I could on a couple of chosen subjects (leadership and children’s ministry).  Since then, my learning has broadened a little (to include family and parenting).

            Several months ago, I got the sense that God wanted me to start sharing what I was learning (which helps me to be more intentional with my learning and, hopefully, helps others).  I didn’t really have a good platform for this challenge.

            Enter, the blog.  God showed me that my blog would be my voice, my platform for sharing what I learn and for creating a place from others to benefit from my experiences.

            What is your tipping point?

          • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

            I am still on the edge,  I am hoping that by making it public it will push me to Ship.   I just feel the need/desire to get things out of my head.  I always seem to have 90 ideas and nowhere to go with them. 

          • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

            Schebs, I’m looking forward to your launch on July 4!

          • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

            Thanks @BobEwoldt:disqus , I am too.  Nervous but excited.   I am heading to Disney world for a week, 2 days after my 30th Birthday.  I think I will have a post or 2 early on about my inner child and how that affects me and those around me.

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            Writing is a great way to explore subjects and to get things out of your head.  I also find it a great way to go deeper with, and further develop, thoughts – to help solidify something I have learned.

          • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

            Agreed Steven! Excellent points to ponder with.

    • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

      Just go for it…and read Steven Pressfield’s “The War of Art.” It will get you moving.

      • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

        Thanks for the book tip.

      • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

        I should including this title in my to-read list.
        Thank you.

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          Definitely. You won’t be disappointed.

    • http://callistasramblings.blogspot.com Kathleen Garber

      I wish I had all this blog advice that’s around now before I started my blog years ago. What is your blog going to be about?

      • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

        I am still working that out.  Jeff Goins had a great article about types of blogs a little while ago.   I am thinking it will be more personal, with focus on things like:  finding oneself when turning 30 after floating through life with no plans and half-cocked ideas.

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      Just go on Schebs! You will rock

      • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

        thanks for the vote of confidence Uma

  • Anonymous

    I have been on a hiatus from my blog as I was finishing up my M. Div and trying to get into the flow of a new ministery.  So no top one this time.  I am always facinated with how you are able to get hits on post from years ago, it is amazing.  At the same time, I am always fasciated by the number of post that people have in a month.  I notice that it does pay to be a guest blogger and to respond those folks who post to your guest blog.

    • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

      Looks like we need to go read yesterday’s post and become a guest poster for @Michael Hyatt as well.

      • Anonymous

        Good point…..;-)

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I really do think it pays to be a guest blogger. Jeff Goins has convinced me. I am planning to set some goals in this area for myself.

      • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

        Same here! I already have a few guest posts lined up on other sites…A few people have guest posted on mine too. It really is a win-win for both because it increases traffic for both sites!

        By the way, you are always free to guest post something on my site! :)

        • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

          Great idea Brandon! I like that

      • Anonymous

        And I am sure that those would be some written goals in this area.  ;-)

      • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

        Jeff did a great job on his post – and the follow up post on his site.  I have added guest posting to my short-term goals.

    • http://jonstolpe.wordpress.com Jon Stolpe

      I recently have been considering asking a new friend of mine who is Jewish to guest blog on my blog about the sabbath.  I think it would be interesting for me and for those who are regular readers to my blog.

      • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

        That would be fascinating.

      • Anonymous

        My pastor did a blog over an long time with a Rabbi.  They first spent time blogging back and forth about the Moses experience of getting the 10 Commandments and then after that they went back and forth on Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount.  It was very enlightening to see both perspectives and to see the Rabbi engage in discussions about Jesus.

        • http://jonstolpe.wordpress.com Jon Stolpe

          I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes.  On the subject of guest bloggers, I actually had my 5th grade son as my first guest blogger today.  It’s interesting to get his perspective on fears and anxieties.

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      This is natural Whitakerous! We need to adjust to the flow of life.

  • http://www.christopherneiger.com/blog Chris Neiger

    The top post on my blog was about how marriage is a fight. We have to be focused on it, work hard at it and we can’t let our guard down. 

    Thanks for all the good content on your blog!

    • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

      Great Post.  I loved it.  Made me really think about my marriage differently.  Thanks

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      Thanks for sharing a rhoughtful post Chris!

      • http://www.christopherneiger.com/blog Chris Neiger

        Thanks Uma!

    • http://jonstolpe.wordpress.com Jon Stolpe

      I stopped over at your blog this morning, and you write some great stuff.  You have a new fan and follower.  Keep it coming!

      • http://www.christopherneiger.com/blog Chris Neiger

        Thanks Jon I really appreciate it! 

  • Joe Lalonde

    Michael, thanks for providing such a great blog and an opportunity to participate in it. It’s a great tool to grow and learn! Congrats to Mary and Jon. It must be an honor for Mary and Jon to have the top two blog posts on your blog this month!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I am thrilled that their posts hit this level. Obviously, their content resonated with my audience.

    • http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

      It was a surprise and blessing. Congrats to Jon too!

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      Ya ! I agree Joe with you when you say – it’s a great tool to grow and learn!

  • http://snappycasual.tumblr.com kelsey williams

    The top post in May on my fashion/style blog was about my clothing budget of $10/week. There are so many fashion blogs out there that I can’t relate to because I’d rather spend my money on things that matter (staying out of debt) than wearing designer clothes.

    http://snappycasual.tumblr.com/post/5158356586/my-clothing-budget

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      The concept of fashion blog was new to me and I liked the contents. Thanks for sharing Kelsey. My knowledge get wider from such introductions.

  • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

    Interesting list this month, Michael. I really enjoyed Mary’s three step post and Jon’s  post built around his new book, “Quitter.” I am totally blown away how many comments you are getting since the beginning of the year. Your new format is certainly working. I took your advice a few months ago, and decided to post almost every day. This has made a huge difference in my traffic. May was my best month in years with 15,588 visits and almost 28,000 pageviews. Your readers were number 7 in my referral list.

    My top post for the month was my perennial favorite, Goal Setting Toolkit.

    My top recent post was my in-flight comparison of an iPad 2 vs Kindle.

    I need to follow some of your high traffic solutions and setup a weekly guest posting and give away some free books now and then. I’m hoping the Storyline conference next week will give me some direction on where to take my blog  and my life going forward.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Let’s grab coffee at Storyline. I’d be happy to brainstorm this with you.

      • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

        Sounds great. Really looking forward to the conference.

    • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

      That’s great traffic! I’m still working my way up the ladder with a little over 3,300 pageviews!

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      Your post on Goal Setting Toolkit was insigtful and motivating. thanks for sharing John.

  • http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

    I’m just so tickled! Hooray! I feel like I’ve almost won a gold statuette!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Maybe I should offer that as a prize one month!

      • http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

        Cash will work just fine. :)

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          Ha! I like cash prizes, too.

        • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

          :)

    • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

      Mary, I can’t tell you how much fun I’ve had with your Top 3 movie question. It is amazing how the responses have turned out.

      • http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

        That’s great to hear, John! :)

  • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

    Awesome! I did pretty well this month in terms of traffic and posts, but one of my top posts was called “When There’s Only 1 Banana Left”. It was a post about favoritism. I got the idea from a funny picture I took in a walmart!

    You can check it out here: http://bigb94.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/when-theres-only-1-banana-left/

    • Anonymous

      Loved the picture and the article!  

    • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

      There is always something interesting to take a picture of at Walmart ;-)

      • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

        That is true! You never know what you might come across! Haha. I was in
        there one time and a middle-aged man was stealing a lolly-pop! :) It was a
        huge police scene!

        • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

          You have to watch out for those men and their lolly-pops – it has been known to lead to international crises :)

          • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

            Haha! That is the best comment of the day! Also in Walmart, I saw a bunch of
            kids try to steal the biggest flat screen TV. It was funny because they were
            rolling it out on a cart and then they hopped into a truck with the cart and
            the TV! Then when we left walmart, we saw them, the truck, the TV, and the
            cart on the side of the road with the police! :)

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      Favoritism …. I needed to hear on that today. Thank you Brandon

      • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

        I think it is something we all need to be constantly remind of!

  • http://jonstolpe.wordpress.com Jon Stolpe

    My top post for the month of May was titled “Friendship Comes In All Ways.”  The blog post was  about an upcoming face-to-face meeting with a new friend found through the web.  I’m guessing that part of the draw to this post was a desire we all have for deep, meaningful friendship.  Whether it’s found through the internet, through our jobs, through school, or through are day to day activities, we all want solid friendships.

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      True Jon! Face to face meeting has great advantages. (We need to remember the saying ” Out of sight out of mind)

      • http://jonstolpe.wordpress.com Jon Stolpe

        Uma, Face to face is certainly the best, but it still fascinates me that one can communicate and have relationships with others without ever meeting each other in person – like this dialogue here.

        • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

          Yup! Agreed Jon! (I still wonder at pen friendships!)

  • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

    I’m just curious…how were your pageviews this month?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Almost identical to last month: 366,586 pageviews. However, my traffic has more than doubled in the last year. Last May, I had 152,001 page views. My goal is 500,000 pageviews per month before the end of the year. Thanks.

      • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

        Sounds like a great goal! I’m trying to get up there! I’ve been steady at
        about 3,300 pageviews for 2 months of blogging with wordpress!

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          That is excellent progress. 10,000 is the first milestone. Shoot for that!

          • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

            Thanks! I will try to hit that! Hopefully this month!

        • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

          That’s a good size Brandon! Keep moving

          • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

            Thanks! It’s all a growing process! How’s your site been doing?

      • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

        Do you use simple WordPress stats to get this information?  Or do you use somwething else entirely?

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          I am using Google Analytics.

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            I have noticed a difference in reporting between WordPress stats and Google Analytics – with Google Analytics showing higher.  Do you see the same sort of thing or know why there would be a difference?

          • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

            I honestly haven’t compared them closely. I do know that for advertisers, Google Analytics is the authoritative source. That’s what I use as my standard as well.

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            Thanks Michael.

          • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

            It might be that WordPress doesn’t count your own visits while you’re logged
            in, while Google Analytics does (I think).

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            I have gotten this impression too.  In comparing some of the page links, I see links in Google Analytics that were initiated from my WordPress admin page (like previewing posts) that were not shown in WordPress Stats.  But, I don’t know if that accounts for everything.

          • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

            Perhaps. I have never researched it.

          • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

            I guess I don’t have my Google analytics set up right.  It says that I had only 9 visitors, and they were all from Brazil.  But all of my comments came from the states…  Crazy.

          • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

            That doesn’t sound right.

      • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

        That was awesome! Congrats Mike! Hope you will surpass the target.

  • http://www.forward-living.com W. Mark Thompson

    Congrats to the winners and guest bloggers. Pretty cool you guys got the top two posts!

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      Thanks Mark!

  • Anonymous

    Thanks so much!  I’m excited to read this one!

  • Anonymous

    My favorites from your list were #3 and #9.  #9 actually fit in with a series I’m teaching at my church on the book of Proverbs.  

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Excellent. I’m glad.

  • http://twitter.com/Caleb_Phelps Caleb Phelps

    May was a busy month of finishing up classes and beginning summer classes, thus, my blog underwent major reconstruction without any posts. However, I did post on the eve of may with a crucial lesson that I have recently learned, The Art of Passing the Baton: Why it’s Critical in Every Aspect of Life | http://wp.me/p1bDls-2j

    An encouraging lesson I have learned from you Michael, is not only is the cultivation of leadership in others important, but more importantly is being able to successfully transition them into your place when you leave. I’m looking forward to another great month of posts from you, half of which I will be reading in Ireland! Onwards to more great lessons!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Ireland? I love Ireland. I visited about three years ago. It was one of my best trips ever. I especially loved the Irish people.

  • bethanyplanton

    I love that you do this every month. It is such a good reminder to me what I have read and was thinking about this month. 

  • http://www.tonyjalicea.com Tony Alicea

    My top post for May was “People Like Me”. It was the most fun to write and hits on my main blog topic of Identity. It took off on StumbleUpon and got the most views this month as well:

    http://www.tonyjalicea.com/2011/05/people-like-me/

  • Anonymous

    My top post for my month-old blog was “When Life Gets in the Way of Life.” I attribute its popularity to both its brevity and the fact that it allows insight into the mind of a kindred spirit–an unpublished writer.
    byrdmouse.wordpress.com

  • Anonymous

    My top post for my month-old blog was “When Life Gets in the Way of Life.” I attribute its popularity to both its brevity and the fact that it allows insight into the mind of a kindred spirit–an unpublished writer.
    byrdmouse.wordpress.com

    • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

      I really liked what I have read,  but was unable to find a way to add it to my google reader.

      • Anonymous

        I have clicked around but have not yet figured out if there’s a way for me to allow that option in WordPress. It may be one of the advantages if a non-free blog which I am contemplating going to.

        • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

          You can add the blog directly in Google Reader by clicking the “Add a Subscription” button at the top of the page and copying/pasting (or typing) the URL (http://byrdmouse.wordpress.com/) into the field.

          Also, I have generally found that many of the WordPress Themes take care of providing a button for subscribing to an RSS feed.

          For a great deal more info on the subject, check out Tentblogger.com – lot’s of great detail and description for setting up blogs.

          • Anonymous

            I just tried that. I only opened Google Reader after B_Schebs comment, but now I think I understand that it is the kind of reading method Mr. Hyatt must use for his daily reading. I have already changed my daily reading to a set time limit, but finally get how this can make even that easier.

            Once before I tried Evernote, but just couldn’t get into it. This Reader seems like the Evernote functions for reading material. Could be the catalyst I need to try Evernote again.

            Thanks for the help!

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            Using Google Reader has made a big difference for me in following several blogs.  Before using a reader, I would only follow a couple of blogs (that were sent to my email); now, I follow many more.  Of course, setting parameters on how long one spends reading is helpful – otherwise, it is easy to become consumed in reading.

          • http://byrdmouse.wordpress.com JB

            I’ve been using Google Reader now for 2 days, and I’m already wondering how I lived without it. Wow! Talk about increased productivity.

          • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

            Amen! I’ve only been using it for a short while, too, and it’s a great
            productivity enhancer!

          • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

            I have been using Google Reader for about a year and a half.  One of the best tools I have stumbled upon.

          • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

            I occasionally run across site’s that I have to enter into Google Reader manually. I don’t know what it is. It must be a certain kind of feed that causes problems.

          • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

            Thanks for all the help. You are now added as well. 

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      I loved your post on   Judas was a Judas before Judas meant Judas a lot.

      • http://byrdmouse.wordpress.com JB

        Thank you. That was one of those that just hit me during my morning devotional time. It was also the first post composed completely on my iPhone so I was apprehensive about spelling, formatting and the like until I could view it on my monitor.

  • http://callistasramblings.blogspot.com Kathleen Garber

    I have a question about the top commentors. Is the number beside it the number of comments they made this month or total?

    Also thanks for telling me to make a Disqus profile, I just did. How do I get it to link to my url and not my profile?

    • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

      along the same lines, does this account for comments on posts from previous months  or just comments on posts that are new in May?

      • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

        Just new comments for May. The code actually uses a date range.

      • http://callistasramblings.blogspot.com Kathleen Garber

        Good question, I’m curious too.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Those are the total comments they made for JUST last month.

      To link your URL, go to Disqus.com, log in, and then enter it into your profile.

      Thanks.

  • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

    My top post continues to be a shot of the Hubble deep space field, that I pposted in 2008.  Crazy.  Next up is a post I wrote on respionding to the EF5 tornado in Joplin, MO. 

    Thanks for creating an environment where it’s easy to jump in and get involved!

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      Congrats Jeff!

      • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

        To you as well, Uma!

  • Jonathan

    I especially enjoyed the post related to organizing Evernote. I had been using Evernote for the last two years, but it was just one big collection bucket for me. Now, I am an organized machine. Thanks!

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      That’s great Jonathan

  • http://www.thedailywalk.net Adam

    Congrats on the great month. I loved the Evernote series. I found it to be very informative, and I learned a lot of things i never new Evernote was capable of. I recently bought Evernote Essentials and cannot wait to dive into it!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I have quite a few more Evernote posts planned.

      • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

        This makes me happy

    • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

      Adam,
      I just checked out your blog and really like it. Just added it to my Google Reader. Keep up the good work!

  • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

    This a great community – thanks for the great conversations.  And, thank you Mike for the opportunity to join the conversation.  It is an absolute privilege to be among the top commentors.

    My most-read post for May was titled Sometimes “God Has A Different Plan“.

    The post explored a story in the Bible where Jesus didn’t immediately respond to cries for healing and his good friend, Lazarus, died.  But, that wasn’t the end of the story and God used the opportunity to show something more important.  Sometimes God doesn’t do things the way we think they should be done – sometimes God has a different plan.

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      That was touching Steven! God always has a greater plans than what I can imagine.  

      • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

        Thanks Uma!  I always try to remember that I have a choice for my perspective and position in life … I can either try to be the star in my own tiny story; or, I can be a part of God’s bigger story.

  • http://www.ChrisLoCurto.com Chris LoCurto

    My top May post was Walt Disney’s Dirty Laundry. I think it spoke to readers because it was about turning your business around by taking suggestions from your team, instead of knowing everything. That’s a mistake leaders make in business all too often.

    Thanks for everything you do Michael!

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      Your blog was informative and resourceful Chris! Thanks for sharing

  • Jmhardy97

    The goals and packing for a trip were both great posts. Timely to as I travel for work and for vacation.

    Jim

  • http://wewannado.com Ryan Knight

    Michael, just signed up for your newsletter and it’s cool to see how well connected you are with your readers. I don’t have a blog but I do have an activity/game listing site and the most popular game this past month was Kubb (Swedish for “Blocks”). It’s pretty much because my site is new and used primarily by my friends and we all enjoy Kubb.

    Anyway, I look forward to learning a lot more leadership and social media advice from you. I’ve seen you at CFA Leadercast and have read a lot of great things from you. Keep it up!

    • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

      That’s true Ryan! It’s a well knitted online community here.

  • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

    I think a great prize would be dinner with Michael Hyatt.  :)

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Hmmm.

    • http://twitter.com/B_Schebs B_Schebs

      oops  this was supposed to be up in the thread about cash prizes

  • http://theriverchurch.tv/ Scott Gould

    I do like the way you do this Michael, very good to honour the people who make the blog what it is.

    Thanks for showing us a good way to go in blogging.

    • http://theriverchurch.tv/ Scott Gould

      As in with Christian blogging!

    • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

      I love seeing the top posts from Michael, and from other people that follow
      this site!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      You are welcome!

  • Anonymous

    Just realized how big Evernote is.  I wonder if that is foreshadowing to something in the future?  Or maybe it is just a reminder of the great Evernote post to date.

    • Anonymous

      Guess today’s post answered that question.

  • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

    Huh! Congratulations to all the top commenters! It’s a great online community growing here! Another interesting fact is that the guest posts have topped the most visited page list for current month.

    I would say that my post on educationg oneself as the best post for the month of May.

  • http://dustinstout.com Dustin W. Stout

    Thanks for continually providing awesome content! I am learning SO MUCH from your blog, and look forward to all the awesome content to come!

  • http://LookingForPurpose.com Dylan Dodson

    My top post from May was “How I Am Doing.” It was about how I was feeling as I was preparing to get married without my father around who died two years ago.

  • http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

    Can’t wait to read that book! I’m excited after hearing you and Gail talk about how good it is.

  • Wes Bleed

    My top post was “The Value of a Spoken Blog Post,” about creating an audio version of your blog post so that you can more effectively connect with your audience and bring your ideas to life.