Normally I don't care about stuff like "number of hits" on this site because I don't host ads and traffic doesn't matter one way or the other.
However, my curiosity is piqued when I get an extra 25,000 visitors within an hour, especially when they're all referred here by a Google search.
Is everyone suddenly interested in sock monkey pajamas and stilted conversation with the FedEx guy?
Or did I miss some kind of media mention, in which case can someone clue me in?
(Seriously, if I knew you guys were coming, I'd have wiped up the cat barf.)
(And possibly showered.)
You were recently mention in "Today's Chicago Woman"...
Posted by: Shakeia | June 02, 2008 at 09:28 PM
It's because Stephanie Klein plugged you.
Posted by: bklnite | June 02, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Dude. I HATE TARGET WITH A PASSION but since i REALLY WANTED YOUR BOOK I went there. What can I say? I'm lazy. Anyway, I could not freaking find your new book. Not only that, I found NONE of your books? What the hell? Just another reason for me to hate Target I guess.
Posted by: Butter Eater | June 02, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Stephanie Klein sent me to you.
Posted by: Jill | June 02, 2008 at 02:35 PM
I know I've been referring like crazy since I saw you at your book signing, and have had at least a dozen women buy your books and then thank me for referring...so it's probably a lot of word of mouth. Congrats!!
Posted by: Kate | June 02, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Jen- I saw your book review in People magazine- and googled you to find out if this is the same Jen Lancaster from HNHS who used to write me hilarious notes in math class (it is!) Congratulations on your success! I will see you in Denver at your book signing.
Posted by: Veronica E. from high school | June 02, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Seriously......25,000....that is AWSOME!!!!
No one else's books have ever literally made me cry from laughter.....If I happen to be reading one of your books on the train, I get asked at least 6 times (in and out of the city...NYC) "Excuse me, but I could not help but notice your reaction to the book your reading, what is it?"
And instantly....you get a new reader....seriously, don't you ever stop writing :)
PS--Congrats on NY Times....its about damn time!!!!!
Posted by: Dalitza | June 02, 2008 at 09:39 AM
I just googled you because I started reading Such a Pretty Fat, and I think I'm in love with you! I'm blogging on it this week, my friend! Of course, I don't get the kind of traffic you have here, but I still spew my nonsense to whomever is bored enough to read it!
Posted by: The Chick | June 01, 2008 at 07:29 PM
I'm one of the newbies. But the Ann Coulter reason is why I'm here. I was reading her blog and found your book linked on Amazon. :)
Posted by: PixieMegh | June 01, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Well, I can say that your book is now on the table at B&N under the new to paperback! That's where I fell in love! Read SAPF first and cannot wait to get my hands on the others :)
Posted by: Ashley | June 01, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Seriously, what is book signing etiquette? Will you sign just the one, or can I bring all three? I am so excited that you are coming to Denver!!!!
Posted by: Cologal | May 31, 2008 at 05:09 PM
I wrote a review blurb about SAPF for my newspaper and mentioned that you were a blogger...I don't think the review has run yet, though. Although it would be neat if all of those hits were from my area, wouldn't it? :)
Posted by: Kelly A. | May 31, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Definitely more hits because of the People review! Way to go, supastar!
Posted by: Karyn | May 31, 2008 at 01:59 PM
PLEASE COME TO SOUTH FLORIDA!!!! You'll love talking about all the pretty people down here.
Posted by: Barb | May 31, 2008 at 06:39 AM
I'm a LOSER that SCRAPBOOKS and a member of our scrapbooking forum posted a link to your website because she said she loves your writing!
After coming here, I realized that I have read one of your books. I know the new one is out and I can't wait to get it.
Posted by: Tiffany | May 31, 2008 at 06:12 AM
I found you through Stephanie Klein and an ad, I think on MightyGirl. Glad I did.
Posted by: misstraceynolan | May 30, 2008 at 11:35 PM
I was gonna say maybe it was from your pal SK, but she posted about your love fest last week.
So much for a cat fight in Chicago. I'm feeling the love. Can't wait to see the panel at PRinter's Row! I'm bringing truffles that I will NOT drop on the floor!
Posted by: Manic Mommy | May 30, 2008 at 08:32 PM
I'll bet it was from the People magazine bit. I don't usually read it but was flipping through at the doctor's office and saw your face so I had to read it. Right?
Posted by: Kristi | May 30, 2008 at 07:48 PM
I mentioned you on my blog. I'm sure that was it. The 6 people that read me must have contacted the entire internet and told them about you!
Posted by: dodim | May 30, 2008 at 07:25 PM
If the hits were between 8a-5p, that was me. This is the only effen stuff that keeps me sane.
Posted by: heid | May 30, 2008 at 03:59 PM
I've logged in every day since I bought your latest book, which by the way, IS as wonderful as everyone is saying! PEOPLE magazine is where I first heard of the awesomeness that is Jen. I am in hysterics every evening reading SAPF, with my husband looking at me like I've lost my mind. I try to explain to him that the city version of myself is on every page, but the look in his eye tells me, "Whatever, fruitcake." I hope to see more of your memoirs in the future!
Posted by: corinne | May 30, 2008 at 03:48 PM
I saw someone on Answerology very recently recommended your books and gave your name...?
Posted by: Nanc' | May 30, 2008 at 03:33 PM
OMFG! I'm reading "Bitter is the New Black," what a scream, I love you! I can't finish fast enough! must.read.all.Jen.
Posted by: XaXa (cha-cha) | May 30, 2008 at 01:40 PM
I bought Such A Pretty Fat and almost peed laughing. Love your style, love your humour
and I absolutely love your writing.
Planning to get Bitter is the New Black as soon as I'm finished with SAPF (except I don't want it to end)
You are fab! Are you planning to extend your tour across the pond? There must be plenty of UK fans who'd love to meet you.
Posted by: Brit-ish | May 30, 2008 at 12:45 PM
You weren't mentioned on Dooce's site, but I'd guess that you were mentioned on another site. Most statcounter thingies for webpages have a "came from" section where you can see what pages people came from and therefore might be able to see who linked your blog and bumped your hit counter up 25K.
Posted by: PDX Pup | May 30, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I do check in often during work. Could I possibly be THAT bored here? Nah, I don't think I'd have time to check in 25,000 times.
Posted by: Liz | May 30, 2008 at 11:19 AM
That’s a lot. Maybe Dooce or Pioneer Woman mentioned you? Or were you on TV somewhere and didn’t know it? Whatever the reason, congrats!
Posted by: RubiaLala | May 30, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Maybe you can turn your 25k into "theoretical dollars" like the boys on South Park tried to do.
If this works, please send my $5 theoretical dollars idea fee to www.winningisneverenough.com. I'm so theoretically going shopping.
Posted by: Karen Buscemi | May 30, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Guilty - every time you write something that makes me laugh - I send the link to my mom (who doesn't cruise your blog as often as she should), she sends it out to her friends, etc, etc. Oh - and I also post it to one of the chat groups I'm in - mostly folk musicians from OKC and Austin, but I know they dig you.
SO - no royalties needed. Maybe a bottle of the finest 2buckchuck...or not. Anywho - thought of you last weekend while cleaning out the garage. FOr some reason, my 1st real pearl necklace I got in high school was wedged inbetween an old bottle of motor oil and a defunct Christmas decoration. Immediately put it on with my nasty shorts and holey (hee hee) t-shirt, went to the CVS and was told I looked nice. Huh....they really do improve any outfit.
Posted by: Mary | May 30, 2008 at 10:13 AM
I bought SAPF as my second book from the "buy one get one 1/2 off" table at Borders and haven't even touched the first book. I'm hooked! Thank you! Made me google for your blog immediately. Can't wait to see you in Minneapolis (Roseville)!
Posted by: Jeanne Larson | May 30, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Maybe it's residue from when Stephanie Klein linked you? Dunno...
Posted by: Andria | May 30, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Okay, I'm on lockdown from buying magazines, as I subscribe to ten...how was the review in "People"? Jen, you so need to post TV and mag appearances! Jenaholics need their fixes! :)
Posted by: Kim | May 30, 2008 at 09:37 AM
the people review came out 3 issues ago, so i don't think that's it. unless, you know, there are some really lazy celebrity gossip/lifestyle magazine readers who remember what they read about 3 weeks ago and who also all come here on the same day by coincidence/psychic channeling. maybe this is the blogosphere's version of butterfly/tsunami?? :)
also found you through your ex-nemesis' blog... and i have to say thank you for hating people because without it i might not have ever discovered the joy that is avoiding the reach-around discussion with your mom. fabulous!
Posted by: melissa | May 30, 2008 at 09:17 AM
OKay, I just finished the BLBA part about trying to avoid explaining a "reach around" to your mom at Xmas. OMG, I had tears in face on the L. Can't wait to start SAPF!
Posted by: biggayfan | May 30, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Bloglines. Everytime you update, I am here!
Posted by: Stephanie | May 30, 2008 at 09:09 AM
People are finally coming to their senses!!!! :)
Posted by: Rachel | May 30, 2008 at 09:06 AM
I am going to buy your new book tomorrow can't wait. Hope to see you in Boston
Posted by: CATHY WALKER | May 30, 2008 at 08:51 AM
It's probably b/c you pretty much rock.
Posted by: Even God Is Single | May 30, 2008 at 08:43 AM
OMG, I tell everyone I know how much I love your books and your blog. It's on my facebook page and myspace (although I haven't checked myspace in like 6 months). I was so disappointed I missed you in DC (stupid mother's day). You inspired me to start journaling! I don't think my blog would be a hit, although I have considered starting one of those ones where I just chronicle what I eat. Apparently, those are really popular...but I don't know why...
Posted by: amanda | May 30, 2008 at 08:42 AM
WHAT??? Hard to believe how fabulous you are? Jen come on! Honestly we love you and tell everyone we know. My girlfriend read your books when she found be laughing out loud reading Bitter. When she finished she called to say how much she loved them and thought you and I could be relatives our humor was exactly the same. You rock girlfriend!!! Enjoy the spotlight.
Posted by: Lisa Johnson | May 30, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Yowzahs! That's some serious hits. I have total hit envy. I agree with some others. Feel free to re-route as needed ;-) Congrats though! Perhaps goes hand-in-hand with the booming success for SAPF?
Posted by: LJ | May 30, 2008 at 08:30 AM
I am a bit behind, just finished Bright Lights and SAPF is on order. I have decided that I am going to buy extra copies of all three and insist my friends read them. Seriously, at more than one point I was laughing so hard that I could not see to read through the tears! Good stuff girl. Congrats on the 25K, have a great weekend and pats on the head to your hairy little children Maisy and Loki.
Posted by: Michelle | May 30, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Well, I'd love to take credit but it wasn't me. I don't know how I found you, mostly because it was over three years ago. Then I was gone for a little while, returned, found you wrote a book and promptly bough all of them - accordingly.
If you're feeling overloaded, you could send a few of them my way!
Posted by: donna | May 30, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Jen,
There's a story on Yahoo today....
"Hobby or Addiction? Woman Can't Stop
Watching Reality TV".....does that sound like anyone you know????
Posted by: Linda | May 30, 2008 at 07:59 AM
wow, 25k hits...that's fantastic! with the press you've gotten from being in people mag and on the nyt list, that probably drove it up. oh yeah...and the fact that your books (and humor) are AWESOME!!! can't wait for the next one :)
Posted by: MJ | May 30, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Your a star baby! I just finished SAPF (like 2 min. ago) and ran right to the site to get some more. I've actually run out of people to call and read parts of the book too. This stuff is so funny you just can't keep it to yourself. Now I just refer people to your website.
Posted by: Kellie | May 30, 2008 at 07:38 AM
can you see in your stats where it's all coming from (if there's a link of some sort somewhere)? if not, i'm guessing the People Mag thing just might do it...
Posted by: sweetney | May 30, 2008 at 07:33 AM
I bet your blog (or book) was mentioned on a daytime talkshow. All the women (sorry for the generalization, but seriously) watching must have hopped online and looked you up.
Posted by: Dara | May 30, 2008 at 07:21 AM
Saw your new book mentioned in the lastest People Mag....????? Maybe that's part of it......Other than you just being Awesome!
Posted by: Robin | May 30, 2008 at 07:05 AM
Someone mentioned SAPF was reviewed in 'People'. Maybe that drove the surge? But that is an awfully high number in such short time. Hmmmmm ...
Maybe "fit+fabulous+funny+forty" is a more popular search than you suspect!!!
Posted by: Ginny | May 30, 2008 at 07:04 AM