Accidental Blogger

I started this weblog exactly a week ago.  I do not plan to make a habit of giving out periodic progress reports – the health of the blog is my concern, not that of the readers.  But I would like to give a brief summary of some of the things that transpired in the first week of this endeavor because people other than myself were involved in dictating the turn of events.

At the very outset, I alone was involved in generating readership by contacting and haranguing friends and family.  Most are supportive of my new hobby and dutifully visited here. Ethan Leib, with whom I had enjoyed my first stint in blogging, provided an early endorsement and kind words on the popular law blog Prawfs Blawg.  Manoj Joshi (my brother in law), an editor of a major newspaper in India,  linked the blog to his own archival site. Traffic picked up even while I was scrambling to iron out some wrinkles in the system. Then last Monday, Brian Leiter of the widely read and influential Leiter Reports where I have been a regular reader, mentioned Accidental Blogger on his site. That caused an unexpected boost in traffic, causing me some panic initially and much satisfaction later. I don’t expect the same level of activity to continue. When things settle down, readership will be determined mostly by my own ability to attract and keep readers. But it sure proves that a helping helping hand can make things happen – even in the blogosphere.

The activity I mention above however, is not visible on the weblog because with a few exceptions, only those who know me personally, have left comments. Going to a new blog is a bit like going into the living room of a stranger – one doesn’t know what to expect or how to behave … and unlike me, not every one is comfortable in starting a conversation with a stranger. But don’t let that hesitation hinder anyone from leaving me a few comments and suggestions. I have no insider knowledge and am not offering any special expertise. The commentary here is just my perspective of things happening around us. Agree with me if you wish and disagree if you must. Either way, it will be fun.

I will take stock of my efforts in another 2-3 weeks. If I feel that I have the energy to keep up the solo effort and that I might have something worthwhile to say, I will continue. If readers let me know how they feel about this neophyte blog, it will help greatly. Thanks to everyone who stopped by. I look forward to  your return visit.