Wow, 200 Posts On Medium.com!

Howdy yet again, friends, family, fiends, foes, and all of you funky folks!

200 blog posts isn’t just another notch on the ol’ keyboard; it’s a wild and wicked journey through my twisted brain matter, that’s paved with early mornings, late nights, spilled  Diet Mountain Dew, some definite “aha” moments, and a fair share of dumb typos that still make me chuckle. As I sit here typing out this 201st post (with some splendid background Jackson Browne playing “The Pretender”), I can’t help but reflect on some of what I’ve learned along the way.

So, what’s the skinny on hitting 200 posts? Get ready, because we’re about to take a Main St. cruise through the lessons I’ve picked up on this road trip of words, wisdom, and the occasional major brain malfunction.

1. Consistency is Always the Key, but Creativity is the Lock

If there’s one thing that’s as true in blogging as it is in songwriting, it’s that consistency is key. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you’re not showing up regularly, your audience won’t either, just like rock star’s fires, they fade without being stoked, and used. That said, showing up isn’t enough—you’ve got to bring your best stuff, your “A” game every time. Whether it’s digging deep into an intriguing story or dropping a “Dean-ism” that makes readers laugh, keeping content fresh makes all the difference. Creativity is the lock, and you’re the one holding the true combination.

(Dean-ism:  “One minute isn’t a lot unless you are on the wrong side of the bathroom door!”)

2. Writer’s Block Is an Ugly Beast, but It’s Tameable

Ah, writer’s block. It’s that unwelcome guest that shows up just when you think you’ve got everything lined up and locked down. If I had a dime for every time I’ve stared at a blank page while my brain played elevator music, I’d be cruising back in my old 72 Cadillac Coupe De Ville playing some Bob Segar by now. But here’s what I’ve learned: sometimes you just need to start typing—even if it’s just gibberish at first. Once your fingers get moving, the mind follows. It’s like turning the volume up slowly and the dial to the right station, (Sky 7 Only Classic Rock, of course.) until the tune you’re searching for hits just right.

3. Engagement Is a Two-Way Street

You’d think writing is a solo gig, but let me tell you, it’s more like a jam session with people of various different and strange genres contributing. The comments, emails, and shares are what make blogging worth it. I’ve found that asking questions and sharing relatable stories brings people out of the woodwork. When a reader says, “This hit home” or shares their own experience, it’s like hitting that high note on stage—pure magic.

4. Humor Is a Superpower

I’ll let you in on a little secret: a well-placed joke or a quirky phrase is worth more than a whole paragraph of dead-serious analysis. ‘Dean-isms’ have become my little signature because humor makes things palatable and memorable. Don’t underestimate the power of making someone crack a smile while they’re sipping their smoothie. It keeps people coming back for more and makes writing feel like fun, not a chore.

Dean-ism: “I got motivated to work on the yard today, but I laid down and took a nap till that stupidity passed.”

5. The Right Title Can Make Your Post Sing

I learned early on that a blog post title is like the opening guitar riff to a song—if it doesn’t grab you right away, it’s over. You want people to feel intrigued enough to click but not to be misled. Finding that balance has been like tuning a guitar until it’s just right. My rule of thumb? If the title doesn’t make me chuckle, nod, or feel curious, I keep on working on it till it is right on the money.

6. Not Every Post Will Be a Home Run

Some posts will resonate with readers and get shared far and wide, while others will just gather dust. And that’s okay! In fact, the ‘not-so-spectacular’ posts are where I’ve learned the most valuable stuff. They’ve taught me to listen to feedback, adjust my approach, and explore different topics that I might not have considered at all. It’s like playing a setlist—some songs bring the house down, others are just crowd warmers.  Even if the post is a dud, if you post the next one as a killer, people will go back and read that earlier dud, and maybe it will catch on with the later audience.  Maybe the timing was off, or the reader’s just weren’t ready till a week or two later (One never knows.)

7. Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Taken And Fairly Dopey

One of the most important things I’ve realized is that your own personal authenticity always wins. In a world where there’s already a huge sea of voices, standing out isn’t about being ruder and louder—it’s about being yourself.  My blog posts with a bit of my backstory, a few relatable moments, or tales from my own weird, wacky, and wild life have always drawn the most attention. When you’re writing from the heart, it shows, and readers can tell.

8. Learning Never Stops, If It Does, So Do You!

The world of blogging, much like classic rock, is ever-changing. Algorithms evolve, readers’ tastes shift, and trends come and go faster than you can say ‘wallet-vacuuming marketing tactics.’ The only constant in our strange world is change.  Staying curious, reading up on what’s new, and experimenting with content are all part of the overall gig. Embrace it, or get left in the dust of that old Pontiac GTO Judge.

9. Feedback Is a Gift, Even When It’s Wrapped in Tough-Grit Sandpaper

Not all feedback feels really good, but it’s all so valuable. Sure, glowing comments are dynamite (who doesn’t love those?), but the constructive criticisms are where the real gold lies. They’ve pushed me to refine my style, improve my research, and explore angles I’d never thought about. Even the “meh” responses have a lesson buried inside them.  If someone is just being a Troll for the sake of getting a rise out of you, please, for your own sake, take the high road, and let it go, you will thank me.  Other than that, take all feedback to heart and use it wisely.

10. Celebrate the Wins, Big and Small

Whether it’s hitting 500 followers, 200 posts or getting a comment that says, “This made my day,” take a moment to celebrate. It’s easy to keep chasing the next goal without appreciating what’s already been achieved. Every post is a little victory—a slice of your own special voice shared with the universe.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s next after 200 posts? More stories, more laughter, more adventures! Each post adds to this ongoing conversation we’re having. And as long as I’ve got a keyboard, a foggy old head full of stories, either serious or silly,  and a love for sharing them, I’m not stopping anytime soon. If you’ve been along for the ride so far—whether you’re a long-time reader or just stumbled in—thanks for being part of this journey, I always really appreciate you!

Dean-ism:  “It’s day 12 of my diet and I have lost the hearing in my left eye!”

So, here’s to another 200 posts, filled with everything we’ve come to know and love: stories, music, and a touch of that Dean Benson goofy spark.

Please tune into my show! (More of the crazy “Dean-isms” everyday!)

Dean Benson, “The Dean Of Rock & Roll” SKY7music.com middays on the “Only Classic Rock Channel”.  Also see more of my writing at: https://stan.store/DeanBensonRocks .