Lonetester HQ Turns 5!
Apparently time flies when you’re having fun blogging, as it was on this day (3rd October) in 2011 that I wrote my first post here on Lonetester HQ.
I found re-reading that first “Hello World” post is interesting, as back then I simply knew I wanted my own genealogy blog (separate from work) , without knowing exactly what I’d write.
Now 5 years and 300+ posts later … I’ve written about all sorts. About websites I’ve found and used, about programs, about books I love, about local history, events I’ve been to, genealogy cruises, social media, even me and my pets, and of course my family history.
I’ve taken part in (and created) geneamemes and blog challenges, met many new geneabloggers along the way, as well as having distant family ‘discover me’ through my blog. I’ve even been nominated for some awards.
Even after 5 years, I would say that my blog still doesn’t have a ‘specific’ direction other than most of it is history and genealogy orientated. And I’m fine with that. I’m not a professional researcher or writer, not every post is a “how-to” one. In fact in reality I’m more of a “I’ve done this … or found this …Â and you might find it useful” writer. In otherwords writing from my experiences.
Anyway I do love blogging … or maybe I should say I love writing. But blogging lets me share my stories and experiences with others in a way that simply writing them (for me) doesn’t.
While I’d love had have a giveaway or something to celebrate my blogiversary with my readers, instead I thought I would help change someone’s life by making another loan through Kiva. For those who are unfamiliar with Kiva, it is an organisation that allows micro-loans ($25), to be used by those needing help from all around the world.
“By lending as little as $25 on Kiva, anyone can help a borrower start or grow a business, go to school, access clean energy or realize their potential. For some, it’s a matter of survival, for others it’s the fuel for a life-long ambition. 100% of every dollar you lend on Kiva goes to funding loans.”
Anyone can participate in Kiva. In fact the more the merrier. Every loan really does help. And the loans are paid back (slowly), which then allows you to relend that money again. If you are part of the genealogy community, and are interested in Kiva, you might be interested in joining the Genealogists for Families group on Kiva. For more about Kiva loans, have a read of “Can You Spare $25?“, and visit their website www.kiva.org.
I never started this blog to gain the whole world as my audience, but it is nice to know that some do read my posts and find them useful. So thanks for being here, taking the time to read this, and here’s to the next 5 years. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to get some CAKE!
13 Responses to “Lonetester HQ Turns 5!”
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Congratulations on 5 years, keep up the good work. I always enjoy reading your posts when they appear in my Feedly.
Thank you Carmel. I have plenty more posts already in the pipeline, just need some time to get them written.
Congrats Alona – it takes stamina to keep a blog going – and you’ve done it.
Like yours my blog is a Pot Pourri – it’s fun to write about whatever takes one’s fancy.
I hope your plug for Kiva brings some nee members to the Genealogists for Families Group – such a worthwhile cause that is rewarding for we lenders.
Looking forward to your next five years.
Thankyou Jill. I’m actually not sure it even feels like 5 years, maybe more like 3 … and I doubt I’ll ever have to worry about what to write about as I have so many ideas, it tends to be more a case of which one or two should I do next in the time I have available. And I “Pot Pourii” … love it. It does seem to be a very apt term to describe both of our blogs. And yes, hoping my little Kiva note might introduce it to a few new people.
Now on with the next 5 years.
Congratulations, Alona..I love reading your blog, you send me off looking for other things that I might not have heard of or noticed, so much appreciated…
Celebrate with cake by all means..and tell us about your day in your next blog…
Thankyou Chris. I love reading blogs too for the same reason you mention, that it sends me off looking at other things. The learning never ends. I just wish I had more time to blog. But then again I’m thankful for what time I do get to do so.
P.S. the cake was YUMMY!
So, I take it you’ve sent my slice by Express Post?
Congratulations and Happy 5th Blogiversary!!
Congratulations on your 5th Blogiversary Alona! Keep up the great work!
Congratulations Alona in your blogiversary…it’s been great to have you as a fellow blogger and genimate.
I love that you chose to profile Kiva as part of your blogiversary. It’s a great success story isn’t it?
Congratulations Alona!
Wow! 5 years and 300 posts, that’s impressive.
Alona, congratulations on 5 years and so many posts. See you at the expo. Fran