In the past month, we have had record visits to the blog and at the same time gained more followers on Facebook than ever. Very funny! But when you grow on the Internet, all sorts of other things happen too ...
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ShareRecord number of visitors
In the last month we have had over 14,000 unique visitors to the blog, which is a record. Very exciting! We are also almost up to 1000 fans on Facebook (at the time of writing 990). If you have not yet found us on Facebook, you are welcome to like us at Facebook/freedomtravelnews. As usual, we are also available on Instagram.
Web trolls and blocked in Iran
A classic thing that happens when a blog grows is that you get hit by so-called online trolls (people who write to provoke and be mean). We've always been fairly spared, but we take the fact that there are a few more as a sign that the blog has grown! Recently, for example, one reader wrote a long, aggressive rant and ended with an outraged "your sausage!". ...
Our blogger friend Lena, with the blog Ladies AbroadWe have recently been in Iran and realised that our blog is blocked there. We don't really know why, but maybe we accidentally wrote about a naturist beach or something else immoral?
We'll take that to mean that we're big enough to care and we're in "good company" with other blocking sites like Facebook and SvD...
The best thing about blogging
Big blog or not, the most fun part of blogging is always the exchange with all of you amazing readers. Every day I look forward to reading all your lovely, funny, wise and constructive comments! Some of you also have your own blogs, which I follow with great pleasure via Bloglovin.
Another great thing about blogging is all the people you get to meet and all the fun you get to have. So what's coming up next? Today we're going to a press lunch to hear about the latest news in the camping world and soon we're off to Croatia. Will you be joining us?
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snort says:
How strange that you are blocked in Iran but probably you have written about something completely normal by our standards. At the same time, it is fun that you are so big and that there is such an interest, which usually seems to be in a positive spirit. Net trolls are so annoying and I myself have been hit by one... But you have to ignore them.
26 April 2016 - 8:35
Goatfish says:
Congratulations, what fun! 😀
In March I had been blogging for 10 years and of course a lot has happened along the way. Many new meetings with wonderful people.
In the beginning there were some online trolls, but now they are far away.
Croatia is right up my alley, so of course I'll follow you there 😉.
Hugs <3
26 April 2016 - 8:36
Mr Steve says:
Glad you are growing, well your blog then of course. It will be fun with a return visit to Croatia.
Blocked in Iran? Will you be admitted if you travel there? And if you are admitted, will you be released? You may be required to make some sort of apology.
26 April 2016 - 8:49
Åsa says:
Great to see a record number of visitors! Congratulations! I look forward to travelling with you again!
26 April 2016 - 8:57
towe says:
Of course we'll join you 🙂
26 April 2016 - 8:58
Ann-Mari says:
Congratulations?
26 April 2016 - 9:09
Mr Frank Olsen says:
Fantastic with the nice development of the blog ! 14000 visitors in one month is very good! It indicates that you are doing the right things 🙂 .
Of course we will follow you to Croatia, we are going down there ourselves this autumn and inspiration is always good 🙂.
26 April 2016 - 9:17
Solan says:
Congratulations Freedom 🙂
26 April 2016 - 9:23
admin says:
Znogge, I had never thought that our blog could be blocked, but apparently...! Cyber trolls are boring, but I guess they have a boring life or something... 😉.
Geddfish, congratulations on your 10 years as a blogger! 🙂 It's nice that you don't have to deal with web trolls now and it's fun that you "come along" to Croatia!
Steve, maybe we shouldn't introduce ourselves as "freedomtravel" if we go to Iran 😉 Although I've been a bit curious about Iran actually, but on the other hand, I can't blog if I go there... I think Iran will have to wait actually 😉 .
Åsa, thank you! And fun that you "follow along" of course! 🙂
Towe, lovely! 🙂
Ann-Mari, thank you!!!
Frank Olsen, thank you! It feels very fun! It's great that you are also going to Croatia, it's a country we like very much!
Solan, thank you!!!
26 April 2016 - 9:24
Ann-Sofie says:
14000 visitors! That's respectful. But you are worth it. Would be happy with 1000. ?
26 April 2016 - 9:42
Renate's travels says:
Fantastic! You deserve the success, really! 😀
It just sucks about the internet trolls then...
26 April 2016 - 10:03
Anette says:
Ugh for net trolls, can't understand why they simply don't just stop reading a blog that apparently upsets or annoys them.
That's the advantage of not having many readers, mostly family and friends and the occasional friendly soul who happens to drop in from time to time.
Your blog posts are always interesting so it's understandable that you have a lot of readers, congratulations!
26 April 2016 - 10:07
Angeliqa says:
What a great read with a record number of visitors 😀.
Go with the flow now!!!
26 April 2016 - 10:11
Marina says:
So glad that things are going so well and that you have been so noticed! It would undoubtedly be a bit fun to know why you have been "banned" in Iran... Of course I'm coming back to Croatia!
26 April 2016 - 10:16
Lennart says:
Congratulations on your success!
26 April 2016 - 10:29
Travel Friday says:
How cool that you're growing so fast. As you know, I've also noticed those online trolls. They are everywhere, but you just have to shake it off and move on. Not everyone can (apparently) enjoy the success of others, that's just the way it is. I'm rooting for you.
Hugs!
26 April 2016 - 11:31
Berit says:
Congratulations to you, always fun when the number of visitors grows - and you work so much on your blog, so you are really worth it!
(My blog http://www.desires.se has decreased slightly according to one.com's new statistics but still about 6,000-8,000/month at the moment).
26 April 2016 - 11:32
Berit says:
.... And I would skip Iran in your situation! Was there in 1978 and have no desire to return!
26 April 2016 - 11:37
OnTripdk says:
Super well done, big congratulations from us ðŸ™'
26 April 2016 - 11:40
Ika says:
Skip the online trolls and continue with your lovely blog :).
Think you might be blocked in Iran because of, as I say, "naked pictures". Heard from Iranian friends that the regime has advanced software to detect "inappropriate" blogs and other online content.
26 April 2016 - 11:45
Discovering The Planet says:
Oh, that's great. Well deserved. One must not forget the great work you have done. Rock on?
26 April 2016 - 12:15
Ditte says:
Congratulations to you and the blog! I am really happy for you. You put an incredible amount of work into the blog and then it is extra fun that it is appreciated.
Internet trolls are boring creatures and unfortunately appear, I think, in both large and small bloggers and take pleasure in hurting and giving "a little something extra".
I have been following you for many years and have enjoyed interesting and exciting reading and very nice pictures.
Wishing you all the best in Croatia.
Even in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq, some blogs are banned and many websites are blocked.
26 April 2016 - 12:32
Ama de casa says:
How nice that you are growing so much - no wonder with the great and informative blog that you run 🙂 .
I've been happily free of online trolls. But I'm not very big, and besides, I don't write anything provocative. I mostly stick to nonsense in general 🙂 .
Congratulations to all visitors!
26 April 2016 - 13:57
Annika says:
That's great. Congratulations!
Always fun when a blog grows.
How boring with trolls, have been spared from such (take in wood), understand that it is very boring. Found in both small and large blogs, I have seen. Sad life those trolls must have.
It's always fun to click in here.
Nice to see Croatia for you again. You really liked that country when you were there.
26 April 2016 - 14:00
admin says:
Ann-Sofie, thank you so much! Of course, we blog because it's fun, but it's even more fun when you see that many people read what you write 🙂.
Renate, thank you so much! You have to try to ignore the web trolls ... 😉 ....
Anette, thank you for your kind words! I think that people who read our blog even though they don't like it must have a boring life. I mean, if they don't like it, why waste energy reading it???
Angeliqa, thank you, we do 🙂 .
Marina, some other readers have written some suggestions... During the European trip we probably had a lot of beach pictures without a lot of clothes... Maybe they don't like that? 😉
Lennart, thank you! 🙂
Resfredag, yes, we know you've had to deal with nasty online trolls! It's like you say, just shake it off, those who write are hardly feeling good themselves!
Berit, it doesn't feel like it will be Iran right now... 😉 Glad your blog is doing well! A tip is to register it on the blog portal, then it will be included in the list of the 50 largest travel blogs (some non-travel blogs are also included, but in any case) and at the same time becomes easier for others to find: https://www.bloggportalen.se/BlogPortal/view/TopLists?tl=1&categoryId=23
Ontripdk, thank you very much! 🙂
Ika, you may be right about Iran. There were a lot of beach pictures last year, maybe sometimes a bit scantily clad... 😉.
Discovering the planet, yes, we do put a lot of work into the blog...
Ditte, thank you so much for your kind words! We appreciate it! We also appreciate that you often write here! 🙂
Ama de casa, glad you think we have a good blog! 🙂 It is interesting what you write, but what is provocative really? I have understood from several travel bloggers that it can be provocative to be able to afford to travel for example... But it seems to be worse for young girls!
Annika, thank you so much! Yes, I also think that trolls have a very boring life. We don't have many either, but it happens from time to time.
26 April 2016 - 15:19
Comsi Comsa says:
Congratulations, nice when it goes well. The trolls create their own life I usually think ....
Hugs ♥
26 April 2016 - 15:33
Cat's Considerations says:
Great! You are really ambitious and forward thinking. It gives results too. That's great!
26 April 2016 - 16:31
Role o Carina says:
Congratulations on your great Blog that we follow! 🙂
More boring with the internet trolls.....
Have a good time and we'll join you...:-)
26 April 2016 - 16:41
Lena & Jan says:
CONGRATULATIONS! feel with you...
26 April 2016 - 16:43
Lisa & life on the bright side says:
Nice!
What was the best seller there in mid-April? 🙂
26 April 2016 - 16:52
admin says:
Comsi Comsa, presumably they are unhappy with something in life and have to complain about others...
Katta, we do put a lot of work into the blog, that's for sure!
Rolle and Carina, thank you so much!
Lena & Jan, thank you!!!
Lisa, we made a tip about pitches in Europe and spread that post on FB 😉 .
26 April 2016 - 17:09
Travelmania says:
Of course, I will follow you when you go to beautiful Croatia (=!!!)! It will be fun to follow you! Was myself at a nice campsite on Hvar (Camp Vira), it is beautifully located by the sea and not so far down to the village, a tip if you are going to Hvar!
26 April 2016 - 17:36
Ann-Sofie and Lennart says:
Congratulations! You deserve it...
26 April 2016 - 18:02
Across the board says:
A bit cool to be blocked in Iran, when you write exclusively in Swedish. Must be someone with language skills who sits there and keeps track 😉.
26 April 2016 - 18:51
admin says:
Travelmania, thanks for the tips! We have actually been to Camp Vira, and we agree that it is nice! 🙂 This time we are only going to Split though and we are flying down. In May we go to Croatia again, then it will be Istria! 🙂
Ann-Sofie and Lennart, thank you very much!
Criss-cross, haha, yeah, right? Or they are just looking at pictures...????? 😉
26 April 2016 - 19:32
Matts Torebring says:
Congratulations on your success! Blogging, photography and writing is one of the most fun things I know.
26 April 2016 - 19:43
BP says:
A huge CONGRATULATIONS from my side! The funny thing is that you are increasing when you now blog from home again.
The advantages absolutely outweigh the disadvantages in your case, I think. You know what I think of Facebook by now;-)
What can you say about Iran. Best not to say anything if you know what I mean...
26 April 2016 - 21:19
admin says:
Matts, thank you very much! The same here 🙂
BP, thank you so much! Yes, it's perhaps a bit strange that we're increasing more now... One reason may be that it's easier to invest in the blog when you have continuous access to electricity and internet 😉.
26 April 2016 - 21:33
Camilla says:
Glad that it is moving forward! You have really invested too, fun that it gives results! Heja heja!
26 April 2016 - 22:17
Steel city anna says:
Do you delete the comments that end with 'your sausage'? Was a rather interesting insult I think 🙂 I have only seen nice comments on your blog. Congratulations on the increase!
27 April 2016 - 0:51
Ama de casa says:
Well... what is really provocative? I am at least old enough to be considered able to afford to travel, I think. But maybe it will be worse now that I've drunk from the fountain of youth? 😉
But I stay away from politics and stuff. Obviously not because I don't have opinions about it, but whatever you write on the subject, you always tease somebody... 🙂 .
27 April 2016 - 1:38
admin says:
Camilla, thank you very much, yes we spend a lot of time and energy on the blog! Luckily it's fun 🙂
Steel city Anna, I actually deleted that particular comment because I got tired of them (but I posted and replied to an earlier comment by the same person). It's different actually. Sometimes I publish and reply and sometimes I delete. But there are not many such comments! More than 99 % of all comments are nice (and of course I don't mean that you have to agree with us, you're more than welcome to have a different opinion or think we're doing wrong etc, as long as you express yourself in a normal way, by trolls I mean those who obviously leave comments just to be mean and then behind a secret identity).
Ama de casa, haha there are risks in drinking from the fountain of youth 😉 Yes, what is provocative? I know a few travel bloggers who have received a lot of online hate. Then it has been about young girls who travel a lot or about mothers who are questioned because they travel a lot with their children.
27 April 2016 - 6:52
anita says:
Hi!!! Congratulations on your success! I've been a little bad at following along lately because I'm working full time in cold Sweden now. (bad at updating my own blog as well) I wonder what you have written that makes you blocked, if you at some point find out why, you must tell me.
Net trolls...but all big bloggers have to deal with them I guess...and you are really big now. Hugs from Anita up in Hälsingland instead of Crete.
27 April 2016 - 9:05
admin says:
Anita, great to hear from you! Looking forward to a little more activity on your blog, but it may not be as fun now that you're in cold Sweden 😉 The trolls are not too many, so we just have to ignore them....
27 April 2016 - 10:27
Anki says:
Congratulations on the record number of visitors! I wonder what they're up to in Iran ...
Have a great time in Croatia - of course I'll join you!
27 April 2016 - 14:23
biggeros says:
Firstly, may I congratulate you on your great success on both FB and blog. I always find it interesting as usual to follow your blog with tips and travel destinations. I now follow you on instagram. Good luck in the future ??
27 April 2016 - 14:55
Christine - 29°. says:
Congratulations, what fun! 🙂
I have also had my own blog blocked in Nice for some strange reason. Very funny.
02 May 2016 - 21:15
admin says:
Anki, yes, you can wonder about that... but maybe they can get caught up in all sorts of things 😉.
Biggeros, thank you so much and what fun that you also follow on Instagram! It is Peter who posts pictures there 😉.
Christine, but how funny that the blog was blocked in Nice!!!?
02 May 2016 - 22:09
Dryden - Traveller's Edition says:
Wonderful with a growing blog, you clearly deserve it with all the hard work it entails! Go hard! 🙂
05 May 2016 - 22:46