Well, our eighth blog anniversary occurred this weekend.  So today we celebrate that milestone as we do every year, with some statistics and a look backs.

First, as always, the photo of Luna that launched it all on July 19, 2006.

We are always happy to receive visitors from all over the world, and we do.

Our top countries are:

1. United States
2. United Kingdom
3. Canada
4. Germany
5. France
6. Australia
7. Switzerland
8. Italy
9. Netherlands
10. India

Not surprising, the largest English-speaking countries are on the list (I include India), but also a strong presence in countries of Western Europe, especially Germany and France. Beyond India, several countries an Asia were well represented, especially Japan and South Korea. Notably, China had only 6 visitors this year, perhaps we have been blocked? Our top country in the Middle East was Iran, in Africa it was South Africa, and in South America it was Brazil.

Our top ten cities were San Francisco, New York, London, Zurich, Los Angeles, Oakland, Sydney, Melbourne, and Chicago.

Our top post from this past year was Our review of new modules from Make Noise. Indeed, we saw the highest overall engagement on our NAMM coverage.

Our top commenters for the year were:

1. Georgia and Julie, along with the late Tillie (we miss Tillie)
2. meowmeowmans of Animal Shelter Volunteer Life.
3. Snowcatcher
4. Louis la Vache (of the now closed Bay Area Photo blog)
5. Beth F of Beth Fish Reads
6. Our friend “Kitty” from Canada
7. Gattina
8. Sukhmandir Kaur
9. Sue St. Clair
10. Lee County Clowder

Overall, activity on the blog itself is down, while participation via Facebook, TwitterInstagram are increasing. Our top “liked” posts via Facebook were:

1. Chris Broderick Farewell Bay Area Concert
2. Happy Gotcha Day to Luna!
3. CatSynth pic: Belly Rub
4. Cat Museum of San Francisco’s Morrissey Birthday post
5. CatSynth pic: Nina the Studio Kitty

Our Facebook channel has become particularly strong on its own, often with distinct posts and readers from the blog. As for the blog itself, my own activity has gone down quite a bit this year, due to a variety of work and personal issues. In particular, I’d like to get back to more of our interest posts, including more music and art reviews, “Fun with Highways”, etc. And of course more cats and synths.

And finally, thanks to everyone who has stuck with us through any or all of our channels. You are what makes this such a rewarding experience!