My Journey to 500 Fans on Hubpages

Well, it's not like I'm turning 50 or just got married or won the lottery. It's not even like waking up in bed finding myself laying next to Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp. I certainly don't feel like I did the day my daughter was born or when I graduated college. It may not be life changing, but it's equally worth acknowledging and celebrating; reaching 500 fans on hubpages!

This is all about you, my fans, and a quick note about my journey. I signed up on hubpages 2 years ago. I took almost a year off because I was dealing with having a new baby and being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis last year so it's been a rocky journey. I came back to write consistently a few months ago- for myself at first, but then it really became about the fans, their comments, and building my own little community.

I want people to be entertained, enlightened, and hopefully reflecting more about how important life, relationships, and social isses are. I've been known to ruffle a few feathers, usually unintentionally. I hope everyone knows, I don't write anything unless I've checked facts, am passionate about the subject, or want others to think about a topic by providing a different view or exposing something not everyone wants to acknowledge. There is a little bit, sometimes a lot, of me in every hub.

What you will find in this hub are the fans who helped me to stick around for "the big 5-0-0" and those that keep me inspired. I'll also mention why fans are important and how to get more- at the end. I had this hub planned for quite some time, but hesitated in publishing it because I don't want to disappoint anybody if I forgot them and I won't take offense if anyone wants to remind me of their pivotal role in being one of the 500. The hubbers I mention stick out to me for various reasons, so let me explain...

Triplet mom and mighty mom~ The first of my fans, before I became serious about hubbing. They appeared regularly to leave thoughtful and constructive comments so I appreciate them. Not much bad to be said about a mom to triplets and a "mighty mom", who both find time to write clever hubs. Girl power! OK, I've just always wanted to say that.

themanwithnopants~he's not as bad as his name would imply. After my long break from writing, I published a hub called "God Dropped Me". I was struggling with my faith and the physical pain of having Rheumatoid Arthritis. I guarantee I would not be hubbing regularly if it weren't for his comments on that hub. That was a low point for me and I was shocked, still am, that I got myself out of that rut and back on track with my faith because of all the comments from folks. If you commented on that hub- THANK YOU! And thank you again manwithnopants (Jim). He is an honest and caring guy, truly genuine. He would be the one hubber I would love to meet in person. We have so much in common and his approach on topics is similar to mine, although he does a much better job with political hubs than me. I refer to him as my siamese twin, partner in crime, and muse.

martiecoetser~she is one of my favorite commenters. She takes the time to write a thoughtful comment and truly reads through the details in my hubs. She always gives me her honest opinion and I respect her because she writes as an open soul with every fiber of her being. She is the definition of passionate writer.

James A. Watkins~one of the first hubbers I paid attention to and became a fan of. James is a legend on hubpages. His writing is probably the best I've seen on here. Now, don't anybody get jealous or upset, but this man has put a lot of research and life experience into his hubs. He is my inspiration for being a better writer. He has such a wide variety of hubs, tons of fans, and I've noticed he acknowledges everybody who comments and still finds time to show up on hubs to comment. Thanks James!

Fred Allen~what a guy! He is a huge inspiration for me with the kindest and most genuine words in his hubs and comments on mine. He is one of my consistent commenters whom I look forward to reading comments from. Thanks for being there fred.

Ediann~ I sought him out to be his fan after reading one of his hubs featured on his autistic son. Incredible love of a child- this man has the world because he loves his son so much. One of the things that got me out my rut was to stop feeling sorry for myself and realize what I do have. Yes, my young daughter is high maintenance, but she is healthy and has no additional obstacles.

Other favorites: MPG Narratives who leaves great comments and writes equally terrific hubs about tough topics- much respect for Marie. Sabu Singh who has been a consistent commenter for a long time and gave me some belly laughs in a couple of his hubs. Katiem2, well, she speaks for herself. She is a terrific writer. I really can't count how many times I've gotten great info from her and thoughtful comments on my hubs. Petra Vlah is a tough cookie and extremely intelligent. She has written hubs that made me think about social and personal issues as well as politcs. She also visits me often in my comment sections.

Again, I'd have to mention themanwithnopants. But I have some other favorites.

christophreilly~Stop reading my hub NOW if you aren't entertained by christoph's hubs and/or his comments. He is hilarious and almost never says anything without a humorous innuendo. I mean, grow up already christoph! He really is a great guy and I'm lucky to have his comments appear in my comment section at 2 am. Yes, I'm a night owl and apparently so is he. I follow his hubs regularly, but do not consider myself a member of his cult.

Tom hellert~ another guy who can make me laugh with his hubs and his comments. I am truly entertained and can't wait to see what he's going to write next in my comment section. I don't think he means to be funny, he just can't help it like flies on sh*t. Of course a fly has a shelf life of 4 days and can usually be swatted away, but tom keeps coming back for more of my sh*t, I mean hubs. lol.

Winsome~ I think winsome is trying to court me- nah just kidding, but his words ARE smooth, eloquent, and make smile with a twinkle in my eye. I love his comments, but find myself visiting his hubs often for entertainment and learning a few things as well.

mistyhorizon2003~ this gal is an awesome experienced hubber who has a knack for putting it all out there. If I think I talk about taboo subjects, she is the queen, and she makes it all funny and honest.

epigramman~I found him wandering around themanwithnopants hubs so any friend of his, is a friend of mine. I ventured into his corner of "the pages of hub" (as he would refer to it) and I am amazed at his rhyming abilities and awesome poems and prose. Everything he writes is unique and entertaining.

drbj~ I'm still trying to figure out what d-r-b-j stands for. drbj is another one of those that leaves regular comments and contributions to my hubs and has some funny hubs to keep me entertained. I love the "funniest (or stupid) laws" hubs.

wifelv and zellio~ I'm mentioning these two together because they became my fans about the same time and like to comment on the same topics. Their discussions and contributions to a few of my hubs are entertaining. I really appreciate their honesty when commenting and love to see them show on up in the comment section.

Here is a special section dedicated to the fans and hubbers that have taught me a few things about life and various perspectives of.

Joe Barnett~ This man has a lot of life experience. He is personally invested in each of his hubs, some being incredibly moving and REAL. There is nothing in my comment here that would do him justice. His honesty and introspection are admirable.

David Stone~ He is the best fan a hubber can have. He is a writer, and a good one. I respect him as a published author and know he will always give me constructive comments on my hubs with intriguing discussions as well. Likewise, he has wonderful hubs ranging from philosophy to travel and doesn't mind my rambling comments periodically. His book, "A Million Different Things: Meditations of The World's Happiest Man" is on my list of must-reads.

breakfastpop~ every morning breakfastpop has the political and social issues scoop AND a breakfast recipe. She's found her niche and I admire that. She is also a great supporter on many of my hubs and I appreciate her fanship.

robwrite and jayb23~ These two guys; I love their perspectives on life and many of their hubs portray their originality. They always have positive contributions in my comment section. Both are intelligent guys and I enjoy seeing what they have to say next.

Silent Reed~ A wonderful variety of hubs with a unique style- great poem and prose. I never know when he'll show up in my comment section, but it's always a pleasure.

sweetsusieg and saddlerider~ both have a unique voice in their hubs; saddle rider, a great story teller of life and sweetsusieg, brings a pragmatic perspective on life. Their comments on my hubs are insightful and positive.

Inspirational fans/hubbers- great writers I'd like to mention are wannabewestern, Leafy Den, and Just a voice. When I say great writing, I'm not kidding- some really great work and although I don't see them too often in my comment section, I've taken their words to heart.

Good health information is hard to come by. I see hubbers on here who receive a lot of attention for a health hub, but when I read it, the information is sometimes false or too general. I've got a real passion for health and you won't find many hubs from me on it because I only publish something on health when I am 100% able to back everything up and give the best possible information. I'm only picking 2 hubbers here who are great fans of mine and I believe they know what they are writing about in their health hubs.

Silver Genes and Tatjana-mihaela~ Both beautiful women who write intelligent health hubs, among other topics. They both write insightful comments on my hubs as well and I truly respect their input. I've sought their advice and believe they have more to offer me than I have to offer them.

I have a few fans I want to mention because I have every intention of seeing them more often and getting to know them. They are new fans, some new to hubpages also. They've peaked my interest and I look forward to keeping up with their hubs.

• Char M
• Shane belceto
• cheaptrick
• thougforce
• carrie450
• elefanza
• Simone Smith
• dahoglund

THE IMPORTANCE OF FANS: When I first started on hubpages, I didn't go out and seek fans because I thought the more fans, the less personal my experience. I was wrong about that mentality because since gaining more fans, I've made more friends. I usually dedicate a couple days a week, one for reading and one for writing. It's a very comfortable and rewarding balance. What I choose to read depends on my mood. I go to certain hubbers for specific information, even advice, I got to others for entertainment, ans some to learn from.

I've arrived at a certain point on hubpageswith consistent hubs and ratings, therefore the fans come to me, but that doesn't make the experience any different or less genuine. But how do you arrive at that destination? I began reading hubs randomly and reached out to become fans of writers who have a unique written voice and/or entertaining and intelligent to interact with. Usually I reciprocate fan requests, but always read several of the person's hubs to make sure I WANT to be a fan.

My comment sections are open for debates, discussions, and contributions large and small. I am thankful somebody is reading my writing, and many are talented writers themselves- what an honor! I try to read my comments almost every day and reply to them all.

The most important reason for having fans is inspiration, sharing ideas and obtain more ideas to write hubs about. I notice when I haven't been reading on hubpages, I get writer's block. Interacting and reading your fans' work is what makes you (and me) a better writer.

Advice: Regular, regular, regular! Post hubs, comment on other hubs, and reply to comments REGULARLY!