Three WordPressers Making a Splash

From new books and viral success to high-profile podcasts, bloggers are accomplishing great things every day.

April 20, 2016

Ben Huberman

We love celebrating the achievements of those who use WordPress to share their talents with the world, so here are three recent success stories we thought you’d enjoy. If you’re thirsty for more in-depth profiles of WordPressers and their accomplishments, be sure to browse through our Discover features.

Modern love, modern families

Jerry Mahoney has been documenting the ups and downs of gay parenthood for years at his blog, Mommy Man (which also inspired a book by the same name). Last month he added another accolade to an already impressive list when his essay “Mom/Not Mom/Aunt” was featured on the New York Times’ Modern Love podcast, narrated by none other than Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson:

While you’re at it, be sure to read Jerry’s recent — powerful — post, “Why I Put My Family on Display.”

Pushing a hallowed artform into the present

Harmony France is a Chicago-based theater actor who’s had enough of the body-shaming and narrow-minded casting decisions she’s been subjected to in her decade in the industry. So she took to her blog to express her frustration — and her hope for a better future for performers:

Theaters wonder how to stay relevant; how not to die off once their main audience literally dies off. This is how. We need to start casting in a way that looks like the world that we live in. Casting predominantly white and male is antiquated. It doesn’t fly anymore. If we don’t change with the times, we will become irrelevant. And worse, it’s UNCREATIVE in a CREATIVE art form. We have so many more types of stories to tell with so many more different types of people. Let’s do better.
The message of “Do Better” clearly resonated — the post went viral on Harmony’s blog as well as on the Huffington Post, and was written up around the web, from Mashable to the New York Times.

A book you’ll want to judge by its cover

If you’re like us, you may have wondered what Matthew Ramsay — the chef and food stylist behind PornBurger — has been up to. And why it’s been so long since he shared any new, extravagant, gravity-defying burger creations with the salivating masses.

Well, the answer is here:

pornburgerbook matthew walsh

Ramsay’s been hard at work on a new “cook-and-look” book, PornBurger: Hot Buns and Juicy Beefcakes, which is now available for pre-ordering (the official release date is May 17). That’s quite a bun-to-blog-to-book success story.

What achievements have you and your blog been celebrating lately? Leave a comment to let us know.

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74 Comments

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  1. craftandothercrazyplans Apr 20th at 5:40 pm

    My blog is still relatively ‘young’, but my biggest achievement so far is a reader commenting that my post had inspired her. As much as it sounds a tad cheesy, it was lovely to know that my writing had a purpose.

    Liked by 18 people

    • hrgovan Apr 20th at 11:13 pm

      I know exactly what you mean. I was surprised how someone was asking me my thoughts on something based on a blog post I wrote when I was only doing it for a few weeks. It’s sometimes a cherry on the already delicious cake

      Liked by 9 people

  2. avanginhoven Apr 20th at 5:58 pm

    Great stories Ben. In my case, I started writing because I had extra time and felt that I had to somehow express myself in topics that interested me. My blog topics are multiple but kind of repeat themselves and for me if I only get one visit I feel successful. It does not take much, it is all about perspectives.

    Liked by 12 people

  3. Lisa Apr 20th at 6:51 pm

    This is awesome!! Makes newbies like me want to keep blogging! Thanks for sharing

    Liked by 10 people

  4. bigsurkate Apr 20th at 6:59 pm

    I’m celebrating well over a million views (1,139,000) and 1500 followers! Amazing for an uber local blog

    Liked by 12 people

  5. rambling kori Apr 20th at 7:01 pm

    This is pretty rad! It gives me hope 🙂

    Liked by 7 people

  6. pghjoseph Apr 20th at 7:02 pm

    Next week, I will be writing my 400th blog post here on WordPress.com. I started writing my blog posts nearly 20 months ago.

    Liked by 13 people

  7. Patrons of the Pit Apr 20th at 7:31 pm

    Well, man, there’s been so many. Writing about BBQ every week, naturally I get fed well. So that’s been nice. Being freshly pressed was fun for about a day. Love the sponsors we’ve hooked up with over the years. But I’d say the greatest thing we’ve achieved in blogging on wordpress, is just getting meet all matter of interesting, wonderful people from all over the planet. That’s the real gold right there. And that’s why we do what we do. Amen.

    PotP

    Liked by 8 people

  8. judithrwebster Apr 20th at 7:34 pm

    I’m very much still a ‘newbie’ blogger like Lisa above ^
    The greatest achievement I’ve had so far is some supportive comments telling me how much they like my posts – I review books & film/tv adaptions of books, as well as some other creative writing bits. I recently passed the ’10 Followers’ Milestone and I’d really love to hit 20 soon 🙂

    Liked by 15 people

  9. Mary Ann Apr 20th at 7:37 pm

    I am new to the blog world.. and have seen many diverse interests and opinions.. I have found there is a little something for everyone..

    Liked by 10 people

  10. lancedowrich Apr 20th at 7:54 pm

    I am new to WordPress but the successes of all who have gone before are inspiring!!

    Liked by 11 people

  11. isabelfincham Apr 20th at 8:04 pm

    I’m proud of getting to 21 posts! My blog is now an official ‘adult’ 🙂

    Liked by 12 people

  12. cookiesandcreamforlife Apr 20th at 8:08 pm

    i just wrote my 5th blog ^^’ still going strong

    Liked by 16 people

  13. Ed Lehming Photography Apr 20th at 8:31 pm

    I’ve been blogging ‘deliberately’ on a daily basis since December of last year and just published my 250th post today. It’s taken a while to begin to figure out what works and what doesn’t and I’ve learned to accept that some days views are way down. I do look at other blogs that have over a thousand followers and wonder how long it took to get to that point. I post my photography, with a short inspirational quote as well as a brief summary about the photo. My biggest inspiration is when someone comments back that the photo or story made a difference in their day. https://edlehming.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 16 people

  14. kimberlee stirling Apr 20th at 10:34 pm

    I’ve been blogging since last August and I’m always thrilled if one of my posts touches or resonates with someone. This is what keeps me going, each week putting my words out there, hoping for an echo back! Good luck to everyone and keep up the good work, it’s worth it!

    Liked by 15 people

  15. nvsubbaraman Apr 20th at 10:55 pm

    Absolutely great! That is MY WordPress.com. Congratulations; go from strength to strength. It looks as if I cannot exist without my blog Envious Thoughts which has in 418 days and 457 posts has a view score of more than THIRTY EIGHT THOUSAND!
    Thanks.
    N V Subbaraman.

    Liked by 10 people

  16. rushbabe49 Apr 21st at 12:01 am

    I’ve been blogging for over six years, have 175 followers. I think that’s because of my Conservative slant-always looking for fellow conservatives. I’ve enjoyed doing the Photo Challenges, and I normally have something in my archives for most subjects. I am thrilled to have a number of professional photographers following my blog.

    Liked by 10 people

  17. superiordomain Apr 21st at 12:28 am

    I just started blogging & am still learning the insurance and outs.love the fact that there is a community where we can share and encourage each other

    Liked by 13 people

  18. Mascherelle Apr 21st at 1:44 am

    I’m highly satisfied with the community of bloggers here! I am a newbie as well [started just a month ago], but I feel so encouraged to continue blogging. Knowing my posts resonate with at least one other person, is inspirational!

    Liked by 12 people

  19. Ezra Apr 21st at 2:38 am

    I just started blogging recently out of interest or just a love for writing, and my most recent post happened to reach a friend that I haven’t seen or contacted in years. She contacted me and told me that she had also been going through a rough time and my writing has inspired her to be a little stronger. I guess that is the biggest paycheck writing has ever given to me 🙂

    Liked by 15 people

  20. MySestina Apr 21st at 2:56 am

    new to the blogging world.. inspired by life, nature, my fellow bloggers and much more.. the beauty of ups and downs on the stats every day.. the urge to post more to reach out to as many hearts i can.. this is another world in the older world.. cheers to all!!

    Liked by 10 people

  21. DreamTemples Apr 21st at 2:57 am

    Ten months of blogging and for me, the best part are the likes, comments and followers.Its a great feeling to know that what I have written has touched someone somewhere and that there are like minded people!

    Liked by 11 people

  22. thechickengrandma Apr 21st at 2:57 am

    The comments that I am reading here are so encouraging. I am a blogging newbie and yes….I also love getting a “like” or a comment on a post. I sometimes feel like I am raising a child with my blog the way I watch over it. Some posts resonate with people and some do not. I am really enjoying the journey.

    Liked by 15 people

    • inspireyourself912 Apr 21st at 7:22 am

      Hey, actually even I’m a newbie… And that’s the way even I feel…

      Liked by 5 people

    • overandout22 Apr 22nd at 8:29 am

      I agree, I’m reading through all the comments now. It kind of feels a bit like a really friendly neighbourhood, all warm and fuzzy!

      Liked by 3 people

  23. AliciaEatsHerWay Apr 21st at 4:20 am

    I was stoked to get 1000 viewers last month and hoping to do so again this month! The biggest accomplishment, though, is that writing this blog has helped me stay committed to a healthier lifestyle. I started a cleanse to cure food intolerance and allergies and 3 months in my allergies have lessened, I have more energy overall, I have a more stable mood, I know what triggers certain reactions and I’m inspired to cook up tasty healthy creations all the time just so I can share them. It’s been a blast! Come check it out if your interested in super delicious recipes that are natural, healthy and scrumptious!

    Liked by 10 people

  24. Chez @ Chez Moi Apr 21st at 5:47 am

    This might sound a little strange, but the biggest achievement for me lately has been resisting the temptation to monetise my blog. I’ve been getting requests to write sponsored posts on an increasingly frequent basis. It was easy to say no to most, but a couple of recent invitations really made me consider my options. After much thought, I turned them down and decided once and for all not to accept any invitations. I’m grateful for the opportunity, but in this world of $$$ it feels good to say it’s not for me.

    Liked by 11 people

  25. inspireyourself912 Apr 21st at 6:31 am

    But I also gotta feel bad for myself. I started writing an inspirational blog (inspireyourself912.wordpress.com – Inspire Yourself) but, I think I ain’t getting any support. It’s not that I’m being impatient and desperate, but to go a great distance, you need fuel. Similarly, even I need motivation. But even then, really happy to see others progressing! Keep going, Folks!!! Cheers!

    Liked by 8 people

  26. katdesigndiary Apr 21st at 8:03 am

    Really good to see there are new bloggers like me out there, the blogging community is very supportive and I have been getting good responses and feedbacks on my design blog, these simply make my day! Whenever I browse through other blogger’s posts, I get so much of inspiration for my own works, there is so much to learn from people around you. Happy to be a blogger, it’s an achievement in itself.

    Liked by 10 people

  27. A Nenes Life Apr 21st at 11:07 am

    I’ve read all these comments and indeed, they are all great accomplishments. I think mine has been in finding my voice in a world where I thought it wasn’t valued. I had always wanted to write but I let my fears and insecurities get the better of me. I’m over that now and am so happy to have pushed passed my fears.

    Liked by 12 people

  28. Lusito Mthethwa Apr 21st at 11:54 am

    The comments here are very inspiring. It is good to know that I am not alone experiencing this blogging life of ups and down and more downs sometimes. This really make me to continue and grow, learn from all the successful bloggers what works and what does not work. I am on my 16th Blog post today. My viewership improved when I connected my blog to my Facebook page and received more followers and readers. However we must be honest, at times we may follow but not necessarily read. Nonetheless, the journey must go on, consistency tends to lead to excellence.

    Liked by 8 people

  29. Bang The Piano Apr 21st at 12:03 pm

    So inspiring! I became a little disheartened earlier today, seeing all the blogs and Instagram accounts out there that are already so well established. But us newbies must soldier on! I’m loving it so far, it’s so refreshing to have a space where I can just be me.

    Liked by 10 people

  30. overandout22 Apr 21st at 1:11 pm

    I only started a few days ago but my greatest accomplishment is getting a view. I just like to know that someone is looking at what I’m posting. It doesn’t sound like much but for me, it’s a nice feeling.

    Liked by 15 people

  31. fullpotentialsite Apr 21st at 1:24 pm

    Ooh, the pornburger photo is just awesome. Love it!

    Liked by 4 people

  32. tbymallano Apr 21st at 1:24 pm

    I’ve starting blogging just a few weeks ago about life and style. Although there are people commenting I think it is mostly self-promoting. A reader has starting following me a week ago and she is so sweet.
    That’s the biggest achievement for me I think

    Liked by 6 people

  33. Dermott Hayes Apr 21st at 1:31 pm

    I’m out of work and immobile, but since I’ve always written, I’m now maintaining not one, but four blogs about food, drink, health and writing. As R.W.Emerson wrote ‘life is a journey, not a destination.’

    Liked by 6 people

  34. example54371 Apr 21st at 3:00 pm

    I am new at wordpress, just written 7 posts. I write on social problems & how can we overcome these through education. I have 13 followers. But i am happy that people are liking my posts.

    Liked by 11 people

  35. riding4lifeblog Apr 21st at 4:17 pm

    I have done about 5 posts but no one is looking at them. I’m feeling like I should just quit.

    Liked by 7 people

    • Ben Huberman Apr 21st at 7:26 pm

      The best way to attract readers to your blog is to reach out to other bloggers yourself — for example, in our weekly Community Pool posts — and to share your posts to your social networks (which you can do automatically via Publicize). Good luck with your blog — I hope you keep going, as it often takes a while before you can build a strong, regular audience.

      Liked by 7 people

    • kimberlee stirling Apr 22nd at 11:57 pm

      I just checked out your blog and left a comment – I agree with Ben, since I’ve spent some time recently jumping into the deep end of the “Community Pool”, I’ve come across some very inspiring blogs (my favourite!) and believe it has helped new readers find my blog as well!

      Liked by 5 people

  36. Margie Apr 21st at 5:23 pm

    My blog is nearly 6 years old and I have 2129 followers. I think about 2000 of them are fake followers (like DirtySciFiBuddha) or only followed me because they hope I will follow them. They have never liked or commented on a single post and I certainly don’t get anywhere near 2000 readers when I put up a post. As a measurement of anything, the number of followers is next to useless.

    Liked by 8 people

  37. Isaiah Kumuyi Apr 21st at 6:07 pm

    For reasons of time and access to the Internet, I had not been as committed as I had envisaged. But, I think I have found a way around them and I’m beginning to enjoy the experience.

    I write on developments in the socio-political space of Nigeria from a solution proffering perspective and I hope to raise citizen awareness about civic engagement with my posts.

    I feel fulfilled with every view and comment I get. It means to me that slowly but surely, my messages are getting across.

    Liked by 7 people

  38. ZeppMatter Apr 21st at 7:26 pm

    I also just entered the fresh new world of WordPress. I realize my site is not the usual, although I have writing capabilities, I would rather use it for broadening horizons. I give recommendations for movies, music, television, books, artists, games, and soon more! I am constantly adding to these lists. I would love to start experience other member’s sites along the way!

    Liked by 5 people

  39. nonprofitdigitalblog Apr 21st at 10:30 pm

    It’s my third week using WordPress, I focus on charities and non profit organisations. I started the blog after realising how much the third sector needs a digital marketing strategies. So I use videos to explain marketing ideas. It’s really a new experience to work on something and wishing nothing in return. I don’t have many followers but I’m still happy to be able to give!

    Liked by 5 people

  40. shadefully Apr 21st at 11:49 pm

    New blogger here! I haven’t got a large audience yet, but am really enjoying wordpress as an outlet, and hope it will be a great way to meet some wonderful new people!

    Liked by 6 people

  41. doctormikesblog Apr 21st at 11:49 pm

    I’m one of those people who always wanted to write but never did. I always found excuses not to write: my writing sucks, I don’t know what to write, I had to study for a med school exam (maybe that last one was a legit reason). I just started blogging last week, and I can’t believe how many people started liking my posts and giving such great and positive comments!

    I’m sure some of you feel this way too, but sometimes it’s such a great feeling to have someone listen to you. And here, I feel like everyone is genuinely listening. I know that because I find everyone else’s stories fascinating as well.

    Liked by 7 people

  42. badfish Apr 22nd at 1:23 am

    I left home at 17, and heard a voice say: “Now, you will write a book.” I’m now 71. They say those who do,do; those who can’t, teach. I teach writing at a university in Abu Dhabi. I have never had the discipline to sit and write my dang book. I started a blog about a year ago, and have SOMEHOW managed to write a post maybe once a week. I did not develop discipline. I developed followers who inspire me to keep at it. What inspires me is when they say things like: “this post brought tears to my eyes.” Of course, I was writing humor…but still.

    Liked by 8 people

  43. corneliaweberphotography Apr 22nd at 1:56 am

    I have been blogging for a few years, but it really kicked in since over a year getting more visitors, like and comments. And that actually happened at the same time as my art work in my photography took a turn to a different approach, it became the love of sharing, since than the numbers have increased amazingly. So my advice for beginner bloggers is, just find the love of sharing, and you will be on the path of success, readers will recognize that.

    Liked by 10 people

  44. overandout22 Apr 22nd at 8:27 am

    Wow! That is amazing!

    Liked by 5 people

  45. ebunnygirl Apr 22nd at 8:40 pm

    This has helped me find the motivation I needed to start posting more often!

    Liked by 6 people

  46. Rabia Apr 23rd at 6:29 am

    I’m somewhat of a blog newbie. I started my blog back in 2012 but had a bunch of setbacks, tried again, had more setbacks, started yet again and felt like I should give up blogging. Well in the last couple of months I’ve been being more consistent with posting. I blog about various things like books, TV/film, inspirational messages, mental health, it varies. I feel successful with just writing posts and seeing at least one person saw it. I don’t believe I have any comments yet but whenever I get just one that’d make my day. I just saw I did reach 20 likes so that’s something to celebrate. Also, I’m loving the encouraging and uplifting comments here.

    Liked by 4 people

  47. kenzieslosingit Apr 23rd at 8:03 am

    I’m only about 2 weeks old on WordPress. I started blogging for a class, and I’m really enjoying the experience! I love that it’s a way for me to express myself, and the likes and comments really help keep me inspired. Everyone has been so welcoming and sweet in the WordPress community. I’m excited to keep going! I have a very down to earth, relatable health/fitness blog. Give it a gander if you feel!

    Happy blogging ❤️

    Liked by 6 people

  48. kashafS Apr 23rd at 1:51 pm

    I am a newbie like most of you here!! I write purely out of passion for what words can do!! I am too young but I know I will reach my milestones. I am also writing my own book. Its been hardly a month i started blogging, but the journey seems promising…

    Liked by 7 people

  49. RBC Apr 23rd at 2:26 pm

    I finally decided to pursue my dream since kindergarten, and although this is still new territory for me, I’m very excited to begin this journey!

    Liked by 7 people

  50. j8w7 Apr 23rd at 5:50 pm

    The best achievement that I ever had was when I did a very special week honoring Jerry Blavat’s 75th birthday in 2015, and I had gotten 475 views!-JW 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

    Liked by 5 people

  51. sailthroughmythoughts Apr 24th at 1:23 am

    I’m new to blogging, and didn’t think anyone would care about what a nineteen year old has to write about. All of that changed when just one person told me they liked my post and encouraged me to keep writing. I realized I am passionate about writing and inspiring others. It was nice to feel like I’m getting a little closer to figuring out what I want to accomplish in my life.

    Liked by 9 people

  52. Jess Apr 24th at 9:17 am

    I have just joined WordPress as a blogger and I really love how supportive you all are. I heart WordPress!!!

    Liked by 7 people

  53. IJYA Apr 24th at 11:11 am

    My greatest achievement to date on WordPress is that I got 21 likes and I don’t know exactly how many views but quite a lot, my poetry and stories are getting better by passing time.

    Liked by 7 people

  54. RiMa Apr 24th at 4:11 pm

    Blogging is the best way to express yourself. If you start blogging from a young age, and people like it or comment on it, it encourages one to write more. And these stories, were truly amazing…..

    Liked by 8 people

  55. rabbitpatchdiary.com Apr 24th at 7:04 pm

    I am new to blogging and have a lot to learn. I have written all of my life, but mostly for myself. I kept journals for each of my five kids as they were growing up-when they did, I kept writing. I write about the extraordinary beauty of my simple life on the remnants of a farm. I have no clue how to proceed, how to become “successful” in the blogging world. I do know I want to write whether “success” follows or not. My mission is to comfort, heal and inspire any one who visits my “rabbit patch”. Best wishes to everyone. We are all in it together.

    Liked by 9 people

  56. Blondzombie Apr 25th at 10:10 pm

    Blogged for years, abandoned it and have now started to reblog again. I’m like Forest Gump, I just like running (or writing in this case) if people want to follow along that’s great, but I would do it regardless of numbers. Great examples of success here, kudos to them.

    Liked by 9 people

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