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Yesterday marked the "one-week anniversary" of the "On the Sly" blog. With over a thousand hits in a week and averaging about 300 hits per day, I am happy that this idea has been so well received. In addition, there have been over 50 comments posted in the first week. From my perspective the readers' comments become very important to the success of a blog. They add to the original thought, they provide a different perspective to the original thought, they add humor, and may inspire me with material for future blogs. The comments thus far have been interesting and I thank those who have participated:
Concerning "Tale of a Tail": there were pros and cons on the subject of Foxy Gagnon growing a ponytail. The support or lack thereof came from Tampa to Texas to Plattsburgh. My ponytail quest continues, and my next question becomes, "Where in the world do people buy hair-ties?"
Concerning "Cold Feet": Cindy agreed that "Mothers know best." Very true, as my Mom has had so many other helpful suggestions through the years, such as, "Eat your carrots," and "There's already enough salt in the soup" and "Always make sure your underwear doesn't have holes in them."
The blog about "Family Tradition" brought several comments: W. wrote of the family tradition in an older Plattsburgh of Christmas shopping the length of Margaret Street. W. added many other interesting and/ or humorous thoughts. And, I heard from my cousins in California and long-lost friends from all over the country who commented on the newborn blog.
"North Country Nicknames" may become a series: "Cricket" posted her thanks that I did not include her real first name. I had actually considered having an "answer key" at the end of the blog with the real first names of each nickname mentioned, but decided against it. I guess I made the right decision. And readers suggested other nicknames, like "Bucket" Trombly and "Fuzzy" Fesette. However, W. advised against the book idea because it would be too difficult to organize and I'd run the risks of offending someone. Worth considering, W.
My most recent blog "Growing Up" brought a variety of responses: Chris wrote poignant comments about a death in the family in July and how Christmas was different without "grandpa." He included reminders to "cherish each day." Thanks for sharing, Chris. My own son posted a comment, and paid me a compliment, which I humbly published. And Lorna knows what the "Growing Up" blog was all about as her own son Cale, 27, left the area a few years ago for better jobs and better weather. And to hear from Eileen Curtis after so many years was gratifying. A writer, a poet, Eileen was a student teacher with me at Stafford Middle School. She lived in the Peru area, where she had a great family and a great apple orchard.
Readers' comments to "On the Sly" do matter, and they become a part of what a blog is all about. It's intended to be an interactive activity, and I look forward to readers' participation as the blog ages towards its "one-month anniversary" on January 22nd.
Comments
Your site is great
Posted by: calvin | July 6, 2006 12:21 AM
Great job on the blog foxy!! It's a very interesting way to be able to communicate to the public without really putting it out in the public. I'm sure with your great spirits involved in this venture it will be very interesting stuff, Foxy. Good Luck!!!
Posted by: hondo | January 10, 2006 7:15 PM
Foxy:
Being technically challanged as I am, I had someone show me how to access this "blog site" so I could properly congratulate you on your new venture. Like everything else that you have been involved with, I am sure that it will be very successful. Your retiring as a teacher at the SMS was such a loss to the children of our community. You touched so many lives in a very positive way and for that you can always be very proud of your academic accomplishments. Good luck with this new endeavor.
Posted by: Michael J. Mannix | January 9, 2006 3:57 PM
Foxy,
The blog is as fun to read as you are to have on my show. Keep up the great work.
Chris
Posted by: Chris Fells | January 2, 2006 7:03 AM
Foxy,
As you continue this new career I and many others implore you never to reinvent yourself. This blog as I see it is a venue for people to share positive and enjoyable experiences. The nicknames alone has generated interest among many people that I have talked with. The North Country has been blessed with many fine people with positive attitudes that go beyond partisan beliefs, such as Mike Mannix, Bob Garrow and yourself. Please keep this blog positive, non-poltitical and above all away from anything controversial. Congratulations to the Press and to you for this highly enlightening method of communication.
Posted by: Joe Staves | December 31, 2005 10:24 AM
My initial reaction to reading your blog is that I think it is good for younger readers to read about all of the adventures occuring in Plattsburgh several years ago. At that time blogs were non-existent as well as high speed internet access and high tech computers. Some of us, "almost baby boomers",remember those stories with fondness, especially the friday night football games at the "old" Bailey Ave. field. I apologize if I am making anyone feel older. That is not my intent. I guess that as I was reading all of your comments and stories I was reminded of fond memories of those fun days.
This avenue of commenting is great as some of us "almost baby boomers" have been getting into the technology world and enjoying it. For the "almost baby boomers" who read this "column", maybe you should ask them,
what is on their minds nowadays?! I bet you will receive some interesting comments that could generate lots of dialogue. Thanks!!!
Posted by: KM | December 30, 2005 11:09 PM
Mr. Foxy Gagnon,
I must say, your blogs are just as interesting as your English class. I'm very pleased to see how well you are doing, though, I am a little distrought hearing about your retirement. You made an excellent teacher and I'm glad that you are keeping us all updated on your life. I am looking forward to hear more. To help you out a little on the ponytail issue, Walmart has everything, including hairties for cheap prices. Seeing you with a ponytail will be a different experience but interesting at that. I just read a comment that im not sure I totally agree with and knowing me I'm sure you know I will argue my point. I am a young reader(18) and though, I am in style with my peers, I understand Foxy's blogs and enjoy them. Foxy, Have fun with your retirement life and keep us all posted! We love you Foxy and that is something that will never change!
Posted by: renee frederick | December 30, 2005 3:08 PM
Come on, Foxy it’s time for you to reinvent yourself again. You’ve spent a lifetime being positive, doing the right thing, and setting an example for everyone you’ve come in contact with; but you’re setting yourself up for a fall. Take, for instance, the comments you received from your ‘Sports’ blog. True readers and sports fans would have responded with the obvious baggy pants, skip passes, behind-the-back dribbles and passes, palming the ball, and stutter steps. They would have commented on the coaches thinking they’ve become the sixth man on the floor with their side-line pacing (with the exception of coach K.), and even coach Daugherty, who has resisted the ploy, met with his coaching staff on the floor prior to time outs. I expect they discuss where to meet for pizza after games and sometimes even try to determine game strategy. And don’t even go to football with the inflated coaching staffs, headphones, clip boards, scouting reports, helmet adornments based on accomplishments, and play guides written on wrist guards. True readers would have gotten into your question instead of the sappy, feel-good, fuzzies you received, although well earned based on past experience.
You’ve come to the cross roads in your career and need to choose the right corner. Your contemporaries are retiring and are more consumed with the lousy meals at the early-bird specials or the rip off at harvest dinners, or the poor food in general, and lousy service everywhere. They are consumed with their ailments and appointments and complain about everything from the bad weather to rising prices of everything. They’ll soon die off or forget how to turn their computers on and your readership will diminish. Your younger readers are in the real world of rap and trash-talk and won’t understand what you’re talking about unless they see an adjustment. So get down, get Jiggy, let your hair down (forget the pony tail), and speak to the masses. Create a blog you can sink your teeth into, provided you have any left; or risk letting your readers go to Homer Goddeau's website and become lost forever.
Posted by: W | December 30, 2005 12:43 PM