No this isn’t some pathetic April Fools joke. One year ago today, I passed through the blogging birth canal and came in to existence. That’s right, it’s my blogging birthday! Does making it to the one year mark make me a legitimate blogger? Probably not, but who said I wanted to be established anyways?
It’s been a crazy fun year, and I have to admit, I’m kinda surprised I’m still here. I typically get really involved in random things but then lose interest after a couple months. I wasn’t really to sure what would come of PDITF, but I’m quite pleased with my creation. Let’s take a little trip down memory lane and look at some of the PDITF highlights over the last year….
Site Traffic: (Daily Visitors)
April 1st 2009: 2 (most likely myself and my mother)
August 15th 2009: 39 (making some progress)
November 9th 2009: 175 (booya triple digits)
Yesterday’s traffic: 525 (thoroughly enjoying the growth **that’s what she said**)
Here’s a graph of my site traffic over the last 12 months…
Google Adsense Earnings:
Lowest Single Day Earnings: $0.00
Most Earnings in Single Day: $13.13
Total Adsense Revenue to date: $222.35
Average Adsense earnings: $0.61/day
While I may not be able to pay my rent from blogging income, I’m not really gonna complain about bankin’ a coupe hundred over the last year. Heck I can’t believe I’m making ANY money for the crappy content I regurgitate on this blog 🙂
Random Factoids:
Total # of Blog posts: 308
Total # of Comments: 3,848 (thanks dudes and dudettes)
Some Google search terms that referred people to my blog:
- unicorn punching
- girlfriend never leaves me alone
- operation sexi
- how to punch your girlfriend
- girlfriend getting fat has muffin top.
I’m really curious what the person thought after being referred to my blog for typing in “unicorn punching”. They were probably extremely disappointed, so in my quest to satisfy all PDITF readers, here ya go random person. This picture’s for you…
I seriously want to make babies with each any every one of you readers. I love you so much. In fact, I received a super encouraging email yesterday from a debt puncher that said…
Hi Ninja
1. I totally dig your site! I am thrilled that I found it a couple of months ago and I seriously read your posts daily. Great job!
2. Thanks to you, we are set to max out hubby’s Roth this year! We were comfortable contributing $333 a month, but that left us with $1,004 to ‘find’ in our budget. I am happy to say that as of March 31st…we found that money. So with the automatic contributions from April to Dec, we will be set. Thank you for sharing your story and motivating us.
I’ve heard through the grape vine every time a PDITF reader maximizes their Roth IRA, an angel gets their wings. Seriously though, do you know how awesome I feel after getting an email like that? It gives me warm fuzzies inside (or maybe those fuzzies are just indigestion as I have been a little “gassy”).
I have no idea what the year ahead will hold. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll stick around to celebrate birthday number two 365 days from now, or maybe I’ll be a drug addict name Rufus that lives on the streets of Compton (just sayin’ it could happen).
I have a favor to ask, consider it a birthday present, would you do me a favor and respond to the following questions in the comments section below? It will help me learn more about my readers and hopefully I can take that knowledge and rule the world produce even better content.
- How long have you been reading PDITF?
- What’s your favorite thing about this blog?
- What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? (This is the most important question)
- What’s your drink of choice?
- Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?!
Thanks again!
p.s. If you want to subscribe to my blog to get updates automatically every day you can do so here. If you want to get me on twitter I’m @punchdebt
Dear Ninja, Happy Bloggy Birthday!
1. I'm not quite sure. I think I found it via another blog, possibly through Fabulously Broke in the City's blog, but I would like to say almost a year now.
2. I love that your mom comments. I also love your sassy drawings.
3. I am looking forward to your posts as your life changes and how your address those pf concerns. Such as getting married and sharing a residence with girl ninja.
4. Currently it is Crystal Light Apricot Mango Green Tea
5. *shrug* It's Chuck Norris, I am automatically supposed to be proud, right?
Thanks for the wout out!
1. 3 months religiously.
2. your sense of humor and of course the cartoons.
3. Sex, Religion and Politics seem to spur alot of debate, but I don't much like reading about them. I hate that most people have a herd mentality regarding these topics and if you're not doing things their way, it's somehow wrong. I don't think you try to push your beliefs on other people but as soon as you make a comment about a choice you've made in one of these areas, you get all the debate to the contrary that I'd rather not listen to. Okay, now I'm going to contradict myself. I suppose making fun of these topics would be fair game though. Like "I have faith that the good lord will provide", so I'm going to rack up the credit card debt and God will find a way to help me pay for it.
4. H2O
5. Why not. You know, when you first travel to another country, alot of stereotypes about Americans are based on what they see on TV. Entertainment is one of our biggest exports, by the way. When I lived in the UK, one of my colleagues was a big woody allen fan and he was convinced that all Americans had therapists. In Israel, Bay Watch was popular when I visited, so all the men there thought American girls were sluts.
Happy Birthday! I've been reading your blog for about 3 months and enjoy your perspective on things.
1. How long have you been reading PDITF?
Dunno. Since December, maybe?
2. What’s your favorite thing about this blog?
Your youthful enthusiasm. Is that wrong or condescending for me to say? Enthusiasm is GREAT, and so many of the people with whom I spend my days have lost theirs.
3. What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? (This is the most important question)
Honestly? Nothing. You're unlike any of the other personal finance bloggers I read, it's refreshing. Don't change. (I particularly love the questions you ask; I always feel like I have something worth saying in response)
4. What’s your drink of choice?
That's like asking what my favorite book is. Depends on my mood. Right this moment, coffee. Usually water. Evenings and weekends, wine or margaritas, or Irish whiskey, or gin and tonic.
5. Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?!
I am already proud to be an American – this picture doesn't change that (but if it did, it'd be in the other direction — we have enough of a reputation already, ThankYouVeryMuch)
1. I'm not sure exactly. I found you thru FB's blog and have been reading ever since. You are on my Yahoo reader so I read ALL the posts. I'm guessing a good 6-9 months.
2. You crack me up. You balance seriousness and hilarity perfectly. And I love the drawings!
3. Absolutley nothing
4. H2O
5. I'm already a proud American but how can you not love Chuck Norris.
1. How long have you been reading PDITF?
For a few months now, I think I found your blog through Fabulously Broke in the City.
2. What’s your favorite thing about this blog?
I love your sense of humour and your hilarious drawings. Personal finance is a huge interest of mine so unlike my other PF bloggers you make it fun to read about.
3. What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? (This is the most important question)
Nothing! Your blog is great as it is!
4. What’s your drink of choice?
Coffee. I have small kids, I can't function properly without it.
5. Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?!
Well I'm a proud Canadian but Chuck Norris is bad ass!!!
Congrats on your 1 year mark!
1. How long have you been reading PDITF? About a month, my sister told me about it.
2. What’s your favorite thing about this blog? Your stick men.
3. What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? You should show your face.
4. What’s your drink of choice? Beer.
5. Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?! I'm Canadian. I like being Canadian. So no thank you. 🙂
1.How long have you been reading PDITF? Less than a week but I'm hooked.. 🙂
2.What’s your favorite thing about this blog? There are no rules… I mean.. you punched a unicorn!!
3.What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? Haven't been following enough to know.. I like what I've seen so far though 🙂
4.What’s your drink of choice? Kamikaze
5.Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?! Sure.. Why not 🙂
You notice that most of the comments are from women? You must be doing something right Ninja.
1. 3 months.
2. The drawings.
3. Don't know that I would change anything. I read it because it is different.
4. Depends. Coffee in the AM. Water in the afternoon. Bourbon in the evenings.
5. You gotta love Chuck.
1.Per this post from day one!
2.My relationship to the author.
3.I'm your mom so here is where I say I would not change anything about it! It's perfect the way it is.
4.Mt. Dew
5.Chuck Norris – Hmmmmmm- if you say so
1. A few months. I read your blog with coffee every morning.
2. You're fun AND intelligent. You show your thorough enjoyment of PF without bitterness. Your goofy sarcasm is good, too. Oh, and the stick figures!
3. Hmmm…you're doing pretty darn good, honestly. But a PF lady like me loves a good graph more often, you know?
4. Coffee.
5. Actually, I live in Alaska, which I kind of wish would become a Canadian territory someday. I'm happy to be an American, because there are certainly much, much worse places to be born into. And Chuck? Not NEARLY enough chest hair. (I am Alaskan, after all….I like a man with a full pelt.)
1. Hm… I guess it's been about three months!
2. I love the graphics. They're consistently hilarious, and they really add to your posts! And I love that you write about things that average people deal with. Like student loans, jobs, relationships… I like learning new things about PF topics, but sometimes PF bloggers get so technical that it puts me to sleep! I also really like that you ask the readers questions. It gets us involved in a way that we otherwise wouldn't be.
3. Hm… I wouldn't change anything! I hope you keep up the marriage-personal finance posts because I think they're hella interesting.
4. Diet Dr. Pepper when I'm being bad, water when I'm being good. 🙂
5. Ummm….
Congrats! You have more posts in one year than I have in 2 years….you should be proud!
How long have you been reading PDITF? About 3 months
What’s your favorite thing about this blog? The informal nature while getting acorss great info
What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? (This is the most important question) Reply to MORE comments especailly ME
What’s your drink of choice? Whiskey or Scotch
Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?! The picture makes me want to unbutton my shirt and play with my curly chest hair
Yeah, I've been slacking on the comment relying. I think it's because you people are all so much smarter than myself I can't really follow up with anything worth while. p.s. keep your curly chest hair to yourself 🙂 haha
1. How long have you been reading PDITF?
Today. I found your tweet about wishing you a happy (blog) birthday. I love babies, dammit, and I'm here to prove it!
2. What’s your favorite thing about this blog?
So far, it's your sense of humor and crude artwork. It's awesome.
3. What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? (This is the most important question)
Afraid I can't answer much on this one yet – but I'll be back again, so that answer should count for something, right? RIGHT!?!?
4. What’s your drink of choice?
Coffee. I know, I know… not as exciting as saying "Jagerbombs" or something – but hey, I'm old. My birthday's on Monday. I'm gonna drink an extra latte that day.
5. Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?!
No, but it made me laugh. I'm already a proud American. Well, I'm proud. And I'm American. That's enough for now.
1. How long have you been reading PDITF?
Daily for about 4 months
2. What’s your favorite thing about this blog?
You put the "P" in personal finance!
3. What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? (This is the most important question)
I'm especially interested in the chronicles of moving in with girl ninja and getting married, as I'm in a similar situation
4. What’s your drink of choice?
Green tea 🙂
5. Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?!
Hmm..
Happy Blog born day!! Here are you answers below. Are you going to do some funky Excel analysis on these?
1. How long have you been reading PDITF?
I don't know. I want to say forever, but I'm going to say 6-9 months.
2. What’s your favorite thing about this blog?
Your writing. You are one funny dude.
3. What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? (This is the most important question)
Sorry, I can't answer this question. It's perf the way it is. But if you put a gun to my head, then I would say I want to here about the Ninja Family and Girl Ninja more!
4. What’s your drink of choice?
Grapefruit Juice. It soothes my soul.
5/ Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?!
I'm American and Chuck Norris always looks dirty, ew!
Well I am honored to pop your commenting cherry! I am honored.
Oh and I will post up some pics from the wedding and future baby ninja when that time comes!
Thanks for being a loyal reader!
1. How long have you been reading PDITF?
since like day 3! ok, I don't remember but you were still under the 50 subscriber mark..now look atcha
2. What’s your favorite thing about this blog?
the awesome artwork and references to punching inanimate objects, bodily functions and money
3. What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? (This is the most important question)
not much, an archive page would be nice
4. What’s your drink of choice?
water, good ol H2O man
5. Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?!
hmm no but it makes me want to redo my wardrobe to include more denim
1. A few months
2. your sense of humor and I guess relatability (i will be graduating this year and also have super hero/ super cool rents!!)
3. only change i would say is replying to comments (you're getting a lot now though and it's prob hard to keep up)
4. Ice water, little on the boring side but ultimately amazing! (former runners bad habit haha)
5. I think I would be more proud if there was a drawing of DN with chuck norris as his debt sidekick (just food for thought)
Oh, Ninja and Chuck Norris…could be a lethal duo for sure. I will definitely make sure to respond comments on a more frequent basis! Thanks for the tip.
1-a few months, found you from another PF blog..forgot which one
2-your sarcasm and cartoons. by the way, the hotel/3 guests/$30 $29 riddle? yep, that kept me guessing for a while, and then i repeated it to friends. apparently we'll all pretty slow when it comes to simple math.
3-i agree with suggestion to add an archive page
4-depends on how my workday goes…this week i needed a glass of wine EVERY evening
5-never understood that norris dude
1. About a month. But I'm kind of a serial reader – when I find a new blog I like, I read everything, back to day one (in a short amount of time).
2. You also always keep things fresh – even if you've got 100 posts on retirement plans, they each bring something new to the table.
3. Since I've enjoyed everything I've read so far, I'd say nothing. (Though the comment about you responding more to comments does sound nice.)
4. Depends on the time of day – I'm mostly a water & green tea drinker, but I'm a sucker for a good microbrew in the evenings (mostly on the weekends), or a vodka-lemonade-pomegranate-juice-with-a-splash-of-lime cocktail.
5. I love everything Chuck Norris.
1. Cannot remember…maybe 6 months?
2. Keeping it real. Providing another point of view. Open to other people's opinions, sort of 🙂
3. I agree to those who said that more replies to comments would make your blog better because it makes your blog even more real and personal.
4. Coca-cola.
5. Not really. Weird pic.
1. Seven months
2. Your irreverent and enthusiastic approach to personal finance. And the drawings, of course.
3. I don't have an original answer; I like the idea of a little more interaction in the comments.
4. Tequila. Water. Not at the same time, but vats of both.
5. Heck, yeah!
1. 3 months. My New Year's resolution was to find some pf blogs.
2. So many things about your story remind me of when I was just out of school and about to get married. It is wonderful to see how proactive you are and how you seem to have so many plans for your future. It is fun to read your posts and think back to what we (me and the hubby) decided to do, but without the seemingly amazing foresight that you have;) Also, you have motivated us to up our game (financially speaking) with many of your posts.
3. Add a guest post from Mom Ninja! She seems awesome and raised a financially savvy kid. As a mom myself, I'm interested to know how did she did that. Were finances/budget/allowance things you talked about at the dinner table?
4. Dr Pepper
5. Oh, ya. Super proud.
Happy Birthday PDITF!
Trina
Also, that reader you quoted sounds pretty amazing. She must be a Coug!
I don't think cougs are capable of using a computer 🙂
Greetings from Minnesota. Happy Blog birthday.
1. How long have you been reading PDITF?- You had me with yor engagement blog, 5 months.
2. What’s your favorite thing about this blog? your funny stories. Girl Ninga rules. Your views on the upcoming marriage make me smile.
3. What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? (This is the most important question). Oh gee pressure.. Like the stick figure drawings so dont change them. The blog is good now.
4. What’s your drink of choice? COFFEEEEEEE
5. Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?! Doesn't do anything for me. He was good in movies, dodging bullets and jumping from train car to train car…
have a good one, chris in MN
1. I've been reading for the past 4 months.
2. I love your cartoons and how funny they are. And I like your style of writing and tone it sounds like you are just chilling and talking to an old friend.
3. I wouldn't change anything! I do hope that you will add (in the future, of course) pictures of you and girl ninja on your wedding day and the new baby ninja.
4. Ice tea
5. Suuure… why not.
P.S. I read a bunch of blogs, mostly PF ones, and I am a comment virgin, I have never made a comment before, except now 🙂
1) 3 months I think? Found it from a link, from another link, from the simple dollar.
2) My favorite thing about your blog is that I think of it as my favorite PF soap opera. I love the cast of characters: Ninja, Mom Ninja, GF Ninja, and the illustrations of course. And your sense of humor. And oh yeah, the ideas you have put in my head about getting rid of these pesky CC's and that rediculous 2nd mortgage. And that cash reserve fund I am building…..
3) If I could change 1 thing, I would suggest you matching 401k contributions to your readers, otherwise, or until then, can't think of much I'd change. But I promise I will keep you posted on any other brilliant ideas.
4) coffee with vanilla almond milk – of course always brewed at home.
5) I will always remain loyal to my God, my country, family and my friends.And Chuck Norris.
1. How long have you been reading PDITF? Hmm. A couple of months, I guess?
2. What’s your favorite thing about this blog? I like the cartoons. Also, I like that you're a personal finance blogger who is closer to my age than most. (I'm a college student, so you're a few years ahead of me. But it's nice to see the a bit into the future!) I also actually like that you're a person of faith as well, but aren't pushy about it. (I'm a Christian as well, I just don't think every conversation needs to be turned into "This is what Jesus Christ wants you to do today," as some people seem to)
3. What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? (This is the most important question) Hmm. I could use tips on how to get a job in college — general job search advice as a young'in could be helpful. Maybe more day to day what you spend your money on type posts? (Waiting for the April 2010 NW post!)
4. What’s your drink of choice? Coke, or black tea with milk and sugar.
5. Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?! No, because I'm already maxed out of my American proudness.
1. How long have you been reading PDITF?
A few weeks, I found you through the Yakezie
2. What’s your favorite thing about this blog?
You're insane. Seriously, it is so hilarious!
3. What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? (This is the most important question)
I haven't been reading long enough to say. But your posts are funny and original. A site like no others….I like what I see. I am entertained and educated.
4. What’s your drink of choice?
Tahitian Treat. Its like a fruit punch soda….problem is, they don't sell it in the Midwest
5. Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?!
Um no. But go back to my response for question 2!
1. Since BadMoneyAdvice linked to you a few months ago.
2. My posts. (just kidding) Nah, I meant the pix of GN.
3. I agree, more interaction with the guests.
4. Perrier with a twist, or red wine.
5. No f–ing way!
The only thing that would make that post better is if Chuck Norris punched the unicorn. Stupid unicorns. Always messing with Chuck Norris.
What! How can you not love everything chuck norris. You better be careful what you say or Chuck will come for you in the night.
Happy Blog Bday! Woohoo!
I think I've been reading your blog since July/August of last year? Whenever you did the Mad Lib that went around the PF blogosphere 🙂 I love the cartoons and your sense of humor makes me laugh. Yay! Drink of choice is water or green tea.
Word up from my Pizza Delivery G-Ride (Chevy Cobalt- Silver with manual locks, windows, truck, tranny) of yeah Detroit Area
Great job Ninja I'm so glad you are 6 months older than me, I have someone to look up to now 🙂
1. I've been laughing at your blog for 4 months now.
2. Being an open people on my site, I love your openness here- except the little black boxes over your face. What color are your eyes?? Oh yeah, the art work rocks.
3. This is a hard question because PDITF is a part of you (Ninja), it's used to express your thoughts on life and personal finances. We all have different views on the two subjects, but it's our uniqueness that make us visit and read blogs. Who the hell am I to ask for something different. I like PDITF just the way it is. As you blog it will evolve in a natural way that I'm sure we will all love.
4. Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi – since I quit caffeine and booze it's all that's out there 🙁 DAD in a past life Diet Mountain Dew and a Crowne Royal and Coke (double is up).
5. Chuck Norris and Tyler Durden for President and Vice President.
Jeff
I second the idea of a mom ninja guest post!
Nice stats and great job! Yihaw!
1.How long have you been reading PDITF?
6-7 months. Like Larry, I've been following since BadMoneyAdvice linked to your page.
2.What’s your favorite thing about this blog?
That you are close to my age and we share similar lifestyle choices. I also appreciate seeing someone make smarter decisions then I have made. Give me something to strive for.
3.What’s one thing you would change, add, or like to see me do different? (This is the most important question)
I like the suggestions of an archive as well as a mom ninja guest post.
4.What’s your drink of choice?
Tea, Mountain Dew, or a fuzzy navel, depending on the time of day.
5.Does this picture of Chuck Norris make you proud to be (or want to be) an American?!
Being an American is fine and all, there are definitely worse options out there, but I think that picture has inspired me to become an expat. 🙂
1. Ever since it was linked in Consumerist (which I LUV), though I have yet to develop daily reading of yours. I am warming up to it.
2. That you are as passionate about saving and building your net worth as I am, though you are in a much better position. I also think it totally rocks that you're young and so into it! (I am too, but not as young as you.)
3. Your pictures and drawings are great, but something about the set up is not aethetically pleasing. I want it all to fit on one page.
4. Champagne
5. Nah, I don't really care. About Chuck or being an American (don't get me wrong, I'm happy to be American, but it isn't a big deal to me)
P.S. I want to point out that even though our values in life don't exactly meet up, I like that I can still read your blog and enjoy it, see that we have something in common. I have an aversion to Christians and nearly gave up reading when I found that out, but I can see past it and find value in it!
I would love to hear you elaborate on how PDITF could be more asthetically pleasing. I definitely don't want it to look ugly. If you have any specific suggestions please let me know.
For some reason my reply didn't show up! Okay… so, to sum it up, I feel like there isn't enough seperation in your text boxes with the white. Perhaps define your boundaries a little more, or do different colors. Also, I'd love to see all your graphs on one side together (like net worth, savings bars, etc.) And lastly, I don't like that I have to use the scroll bar at the bottom to go left and right to capture everything. Make it all fit!
Here's one of my favorite blogs that uses white and grey (similar to you), but it works better I think, but this is only my opinion! Don't get rid of your drawings either!!!
http://www.oleole.com/blogs/arseblog
1: not sure, sometime last fall
2. your wonderful drawings and sense of humor (and that you're my age, so you are MUCH more relate-able than a lot of PF blogs out there)
3. right now, nothing. work what works. 😛
4.gin and tonic…mmmmmmm
5. that picture actually kind of scares me..lol
OH MY GOSH!! The blogging birth canal!? You totally crack me up, Ninja! Congratulations!
[…] Punch Debt in the Face turns 1 year old. Congrats on 365 days of world domination. […]
Happy (belated) Birthday. I think I showed up in November-ish… glad to see you've grown so much since!
Wow, amazing job. Not only did you hang on for a full year, but you're doing very well for yourself and your blog, as well.
1. About a month or so now; I found you through the Yakezie challenge. Great stuff, and just keeps getting better.
2. I do love the humor and the stick figure cartoons; they remind me of the now defunct Punny Money, one of my favorite pf blogs.
3. Not much really comes to mind; more humor is always good 😉
4. Milk, usually (odd, I know, but still)
5. Sure, why not?
1. I have probably been reading your blog for about three to six months. Actually, I just made that up. I honestly don't have any idea. Sorry. That lame answer is going to totally screw with your statistics, isn't it?
2. Lovin' the comics at the top of each post.
3. Being that I was an English major in college and taught middle and high school English for six years, the spelling and grammar errors drive me a little bit crazy… but I can put up with it because I enjoy the content.
4. Alcoholic? Margarita or Amaretto Sour. Non-alcoholic? Water or milk (preferably with Hershey's chocolate syrup in it. Mmmm.)
5. Naturally.
On and off for about 6 months
Girl Ninja
You're perfect in every way
Red Wine
Emphatically not; his trigger finger placement is terrible.