PhD in Parenting Reader Survey Results

Earlier this month, I posted a reader survey for a period of one week. I was extremely grateful to receive 835 responses to the survey, which is very useful to me in better understanding how people access my blog and what they want to see on it. Although some of you said that you find posts about blogging to be boring (stick to parenting issues!), a lot of others have expressed interest in seeing the survey results. So here they are...if they bore you, just skip this post. ;)

How often and how long

I asked people how often they read the blog and how long they have been reading for. These are their answers.

I love the fact that about 2/3 of respondents access the blog whenever a new post goes up, every day or a couple of times per week. Since I generally post several times per week, this means that most of my content is being viewed by the majority of blog readers when it is really fresh. That is great in terms of timely issues and also in terms of sparking discussion on the issues that are raised in my posts.

How people follow along and access the blog

There are a number of different ways people can access my blog. I post links to new posts on twitter and my facebook page. New posts automatically appear in the RSS feed. I know from my analytics that a lot of people come in through places like search engines, StumbleUpon, message board posts and other places that are more likely first-time visitors who hopefully sometimes are converted into regular readers. So I was interested to see how my readers, those engaged enough to answer a survey, generally access the blog. Interestingly, facebook, twitter and the RSS feed were all virtually equally important.

I also asked my readers if they are following me on twitter, a fan of the facebook page and/or a subscriber to the RSS feed.

This question allowed for multiple answers and I was interested to find out that 56 people are following along in all 3 places.  On the other end of the spectrum, 117 people are not following along in any of those three places, which probably accounts for some of the people who have the site bookmarked, who access it through a search engine, or who were first time visitors when they answered the survey.

Geographic location

I asked people where they live. Generally, I know the stats on the geographic location of my visitors because I can get that information from Google Analytics. However, I was interested in comparing engaged and interested readers (i.e. those who would take a few moments to answer a survey) to those who may just float in briefly from a search engine.

Here are the answers from the survey:

Those stats are fairly close to the actual statistics from my Web analytics, which for the past 3 months, show:

• United States: 66%


• Canada 16%


• United Kingdom 3.9%


• Australia 3.8%


• Germany 1.0%


• New Zealand 0.8%


• Other 8.5%

Topics of interest

Sometimes my post ideas just come to me. Sometimes I think a lot about what I should be writing and wonder whether it is still resonating with my users. Whenever I have a post that generates few comments or that generates mostly negative feedback, I do wonder whether I should have bothered writing it at all.  So the anonymous feedback from readers, including those who never comment, was really helpful in determining how much interest there was in each topic. All topics had people who love them and people who hate them (except Kids' Health, which was the only topic that no one finds "boring"). This chart shows the average score (on a scale of 5) of the interest in each topic.

I was interested to see that breastfeeding is still the topic that holds the most interest. It is certainly what I've written the most about and I do think I'll be writing a bit less about it now that both of my children have weaned, but there are still so many interesting and important issues being raised in society and research about breastfeeding, that I expect I will continue to post about it quite a bit.  Most people want more about discipline, although one respondent did say "I think that discipline is so dependent on families and their personality that it bores me to hear about how other people do it."  Generally, I feel like I said it all in my post on my Discipline Spectrum, but I do understand how some people do find day to day stories useful. Unfortunately, I often feel like I'm flying by the seat of my pants and don't have much to contribute that will help others and I also feel like the posts where I do tell stories about discipline are the ones that leave me most open to criticism from others. While I'm happy to debate ideas with people and have my opinions (respectfully) attacked, having someone say "the way you handled that situation really sucked" is more than I want to invite in on most days.

On the topics that are of less interest, I think that probably the posts on blogging are of great interest to other bloggers, but of little interest to non-bloggers. I do often have other bloggers ask me to post on those topics, which is the reason that I do. But I know that not all of my readers have their own blog (now I wish I had asked that too!). Politics is always tricky. I don't post a lot about it, but when there are important issues, I will not hesitate to wade in. I am a very political person, but not a dedicated member of any political party. In Canada we have quite a few political parties. I've voted in every election I've been eligible to vote in and I've voted for every single major party except for one (I consider major parties to be Conservatives, Liberals, NDP, Bloq Quebecois and Green) over my voting lifetime.

Ultimately, though, all of the topics that I write about are of interest to more than half of my readers, which is great. Everyone can skip a post from time to time if it isn't of interest, just like people skip over articles in the newspaper.

More of/Less of

I also asked some open ended questions asking people what they wanted to see more or less of on the blog. There were a few controversial issues, i.e. there were significant numbers of people who wanted more of it and significant numbers who wanted less. Those controversial issues were:

• Anti-Nestle Activism: A number of people said how much they appreciated all of the information and activism on Nestle's unethical business practices. Other people said that they didn't like it because, for example, a family member worked for Nestle. There were also quite a few people who said they fully support the boycott but felt that there were too many posts on the issue and that it was getting a bit old. For those who love it and those who hate it, let me explain about my past and future posting. About a year ago, I posted a lot about Nestle. The reason is that the Nestle Family event that I posted about, led to me asking Nestle a series of questions, and I promised to blog about each of their answers. That series of posts was about following through on a commitment and also exposing some of the holes in their responses. Since then, I've posted about Nestle when they screw up (which I wish they didn't do so frequently) and during the annual Nestle-Free week. You can expect me to post about the anti-Nestle campaign each year during Nestle-free week and as issues arise. However, I do not have a regular #noNestle editorial calendar and would really prefer not to have to write about them ever.

• Secular parenting: There is a great deal of interest from a lot of my readers in hearing more about secular parenting and parenting from an atheist or agnostic perspective. I'm thrilled about that because it is something that interests me a great deal. There are also people who want less of that. My guess is that they are probably religious people who otherwise like my posts on attachment parenting, but that probably do not get a lot out of my posts on secular parenting or who feel attacked or judged by them. I hope it is the former and that people who are not interested can simply skip over those posts that do not interest them. My intention is not to attack, but to provide a resource and a viewpoint for those who are in a similar place to where we are.

• Products: Some people wanted to see more about products that I would recommend and others wanted to see less. I'd like to clear up what may be a misconception of some readers based on the comments I received. Some people seemed to think that I need to blog about products because I am a "big blogger" or because I make money with my blog. That is not the case at all. Whenever you see a post about products, it is because I think that information would be useful to my readers. I do not accept payment for posts about products.  I used to do some reviews, but I really don't do that very often at all now. If I do, it is because I love the product and not because someone has paid me to say that or because they've offered me a freebie. I get numerous pitches every day by e-mail from companies who want me to blog about their stuff. Usually my answer to them is either "no" or, if I think it is a good company/product, I tell them about the opportunities to advertise on my blog. All advertising is clearly marked as an ad, so you never need to worry about an editorial post being a paid placement on my blog.

I do want to say that I appreciated all of the comments in these sections and read through them over and over again in great detail. There are a lot of great ideas for future posts and I'll hang on to that information as I make my plans.  One question I would perhaps put to some of you is whether you would be interested in seeing more guest posters. Some of you asked me to write on topics that I either don't know enough about or am not comfortable posting about, but I would be happy to try to arrange guest posters on some of those topics if that is of interest. Please leave comments below and let me know if that is something you would like to see more of or not.

Commenting

I asked people how often they leave comments. More than 1/3 of my readers (36.2%) never leave comments. While I understand why, from some of the responses to the open-ended questions, it makes the results of these survey extremely valuable to me because I am hearing their voices for perhaps the first time.

I tend to use comments as a guide and an inspiration, so I very much appreciate the people who comment often (1.8% -- a whole 15 people!), sometimes (22.1%), and even rarely (39.9%). Whether someone comments on almost every post or just comments when they are inspired to do so, it really does make me smile. Thank you.

Thank you

Thank you to the 835 people who answered the survey. The feedback and the validation is invaluable.

Comments

[Amber]

I love numbers and spreadsheets and charts, so I love seeing the results of your survey. Thanks for sharing it! :)

[kelly @kellynaturally]

This was such an interesing post to me - maybe its because I'm one of your "comments way too often" and "subscribes in more ways than is strictly necessary" readers? ;)

Re: Secular Parenting... somehow - I don't know how - I didn't realize that secular parenting/atheism was important to you/part of your life until your recent article "Approaching Heaven..." and then, the comments following the posting of your survey.

The topic has been on my mind for a week now, and though I didn't comment on it in my survey response, please count my vote as "highly interested" in future posts about atheists & agnostics raising children - as that is my husband & I and we don't know anyone else IRL raising kids from a secular point of view. It would be really fascinating to read, learn, & gain more perspective about.

Also, I find your blogging posts enlightening - but then, perhaps like you said, it is because I write my own blog, own an internet-based business with my husband (which has its own blog), and am always looking for ways to improve my & our digital reach. I would hope you don't stop blogging about blogging, even though it scored the lowest...

Thanks Annie for always having something worth reading.

[kelly @kellynaturally]

Oh, I neglected to comment on your guest poster inquiry. You have a distinct voice... any guest posters you'd invite would have big shoes to fill, so to speak. Though, I can also say that anyone you DID choose to host, I'd seriously consider following - as I'd imagine would most of your readership. It's a good way to build community.

That being said, I've been turned off from some blogs where I really enjoy the host, but enjoy much less the guest posters who frequently post instead, because I think it dilutes the voice of the author - and also (this could just be me, of course), it speaks just a bit of content simply for the sake of keeping fresh content in the RSS feeds. Not that I believe that's the way you'd be hosting guest posts, just thought I'd throw that out there as food for thought.

PS: [warning: cheeky comment forthcoming] I'd love to guest post on your blog - assuming I had something to say that would be of value to you & your readership. :)

[Lacey Jane]

I also realized that I filled out your survey without thinking too terribly hard about it and would also love to see more posts on secular parenting! I am not a parent yet but my partner and I do not plan on raising our children in any sort of religion. My very catholic family and his very church of christ family aren't thrilled about this, but fortunately we both have very supportive and loving families who won't try to fight us on that issue. I love when you post about it and have a few of your posts on that subject bookmarked for future reference.

Guest Posts would be cool. I would read them and comment if I felt the need, just like any post on this site :) Thanks for all your hard work and dedication to this blog! It's fantastic.

[Cynthia]

It was interesting to see the results. Regarding the guest poster inquiry, I'm with Kelly in that I enjoy the occasional guest post, but too much of it really turns me off from a blog. And yes, they'd definitely have big shoes to fill!

I appreciated the mention of your motives for the secular parenting blog posts. I'll admit, I was one of the minority who said she'd like to read less of that. You are one of very few bloggers who I feel I really relate to, so when those posts on secular parenting pop up it does smart a little. I "know" you well enough to understand that your motives are to provide support to other secular parents, but my gut reaction is still one of feeling criticized, hurt, and even mocked at times. Your most recent one, for example, felt like you were saying that as a Christian parent, I can just brush off my child's difficult questions with pat answers about God and Heaven, when the reality is nothing like that. Regardless, I understand that secular parents want support the same way I do as a Christian parent, so I will be sure to read those entries with your true motive in mind and (try to) avoid feeling judged or criticized by them. I do still find it interesting to read your thoughts on the subject, so I can't bring myself to skip them altogether. :)

[Alicia @ Lactation Narration]

I didn't say it on the survey, but I would also be interested in Secular Parenting posts. I am a Unitarian Universalist, but secular parenting definitely speaks to me too.

[phdinparenting]

Kelly:

There is no such thing as "comments way too often". Keep 'em coming! :)

[Lisa]

Thanks for posting this. I took your survey and this is the first time I've commented on your blog, though I have been reading it for awhile. I didn't even realize you were an atheist and I would be very interested to hear more on secular parenting. Especially atheist books and talks geared towards children. Thanks, and keep up the good work!

[phdinparenting]

I would recommend the books Parenting Beyond Belief and Raising Freethinkers as books for parents. For kids, there are some products I wrote about a long time ago that my kids like about evolution: http://www.phdinparenting.com/2009/04/12/playing-with-darwin/" rel="nofollow">Playing with Darwin. If I come across other great books or videos, I'll try to remember to write about them. I think there is a lot out there that isn't explicitly atheist or explicitly religious, but I do scan books on holidays and moral issues to ensure there isn't religious information in them that I would disagree with before selecting them for my kids.

[Inkedstar]

I too appreciate the secular parenting point of view! I am glad to see the comment above from a religious parent view point where she agrees to "try to" avoid taking it personally (if only the religious people i know in real life were as gracious!).

Annie, you bring so much consideration through this blog and i know that is challenging. You also encourage us to really think about how we parent! I truly enjoy your perspective!

[Alina]

Hello Annie,
I am okay with guest posts... but sometimes I find guest posts on other blogs to be simply a way for the guest blogger to get more traffic to their own blog (at least, that is "vibe" I perceive). I am sure you would do a great job finding guests to post, though, and that wouldn't be the case on your blog.

[Quotidian]

I enjoy guest posts when they are not too frequent, and when the host blogger provides a little blurb explaining why they asked the guest to post.

I too am interested in more thoughts around secular parenting, particularly since I've found your previous posts around issues of religion and faith so respectful of diversity

[Ready to snap | PhD in Parenti]

[...] my reader survey, two people asked me very similar questions. Since this evening I was ready to snap, which also [...]

[Erin W. / Beatnik Momma]

I filled out the survey, but I couldn't think of anything specific that I'd like to see more of, so I left it empty. But reading this post, seeing the idea of secular parenting brought up, I would like to throw my voice out there and let it be known that I would LOVE to see more about that. My husband is atheist and I have no clue what to classify myself as other than sort of an all-or-nothingist and we are attempting to raise our children to make up their own minds, which is really hard when it comes to tough subjects, like how to deal with death ("He's hanging out with Jesus," isn't exactly a go-to for us.) or in dealing with other family who want to butt in and teach the girls about religion before we're ready for it.

So PLEASE. More posts on this. :)

[krin]

Hi Annie,
I didn't see the survey in time but I do try to read whenever I see a new post from Twitter. I am a new mom (my son is 6 months old) but already I find myself relating to your perspective and approach. I haven't really commented much (once or twice) but I've been meaning to be more interactive on the blogs I read. I love reading about breastfeeding and would be very interested to read about secular parenting as my husband and I (non-practicing Jewish and Catholic respectively) want our children to experience our families' cultures without a focus on religion. I have similar feelings about guest bloggers as previous commenters - they can add to a blog if they are appropriate and not too frequent.

[jessica]

I didn't get a chance to do the survey before it closed, but have been a regular ready for nearly a year. I read on the rss feed and am often behind by a week or two which is why this is my first post. I wanted to throw my support behind the political posts which I really enjoy. I've been doing this mom thing a long time with 5 kids between the ages of 17 & 3 (and I've been pregnant and/or nursing for 17 of the last 18 yrs) so the breastfeeding, co-sleeping, etc is old hat. I still usually read those posts because I really enjoy your style, but the ones about politics, or for that matter things like gender issues and values, really make me think - which I enjoy! Non-theist parenting is always interesting too since each of my children has needed a little different response to living in a predominately Christian community.

Can't wait to read some of the new ideas!

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