It is quite obvious that a lot of bloggers treat the blogging world like junior high. They want to be the most read, or the cool kid, or feel like they fit in or that people really, REALLY like them. I don't get it. Most of us are grown adults. Yes, writing to get feedback and make a difference is awesome. But getting upset because someone doesn't read or like your blog is ridiculous.
I comment VERY rarely on blogs. I only comment if I have something to say, and even then since I have to do so from my iPhone I keep it very brief. I try to respond to all comments on my blog because I think that's important. I want to let people know that I hear them and I appreciate them taking the time to comment. I have had some people stop reading because I don't comment on their blog. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
If you don't like a blog it's really simple: don't fucking read it. Don't try and turn other people against it. That's like being the bully in school who tries to get everyone to hate a kid, and it is childish.
Everyone writes blogs for a different reason. A lot of folks are writers trying to perfect their craft. Some are just trying to make people laugh. Others want to help people out. Mine is kind of like a cathartic place to get things out, but if I can make someone laugh or help someone out in the process that is an amazing added bonus. We should respect all of the different reasons people write out their ideas and stories on the internet.
No one should feel obligated to read 100 blogs a day. We all have lives. I follow VERY few blogs and I check out a few others every so often, because I like what the people have to say. If I don't follow your blog it doesn't mean I don't like it. It just means I try to really keep my computer time to a minimum. A ton of them are blocked at work, and I really try and stay off of the computer at home. Overthinking why someone does or doesn't read your blog will just drive you crazy. So cut it out.
A huge thanks out there to all of the wonderful people I have met from this crazy internet world. I love you all to bits. And to everyone worrying who's reading or what people think, relax. This is supposed to be fun. If it's not fun, we shouldn't be doing it. There are millions of blogs out there. I have like 100 readers a day and I feel shocked and blessed to have that. The fact that anyone takes the time to read your little millimeter of the internet should be appreciated.
Happy picture of the day: my friend Jen bought this for me at Goodwill yesterday. I LOVE ridiculous things. A toaster on fire that says "Toast Flambe?" Hell yes I need that for my kitchen!
I think a lot of those Jr. High bloggers have something in common with other bloggers...they are desperate to be HEARD. God knows I am. Have you really seen people try to turn other people against bloggers who aren't social enough? You sound like you're speaking from experience.
ReplyDeleteIt is fine to want to be heard. It is not okay to be so desperate to be heard that you behave like a 12 year old.
ReplyDeleteI have had MANY blogger gal pals have backlash because they don't comment "enough" on blogs or read certain blogs. It's very junior high.
Well said :)
ReplyDeleteBecause of our email conversations, your comment totally made me spit water all over my desk laughing. Good work you!
DeleteHahaha! Oh how I love you!!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I get the hint and you are absolutely, 100% spot on about what the world of blogging has become.
I've been moaning like a mofo about why I've suddenly become unpopular and it took an 11 year old to say to me, "mum, why are you worrying about it? If people are so trivial, then why would you want them as followers? Just write for the ones who do still like your blog"
He may be evil but he is one smart evil. xx
High five Spawn for me.
DeleteI am grateful for all you ladies and gents who read my blog. I could give a rat's about who I offend.
I was actually shocked that you were bothered by losing followers. I am always shocked when I gain some.
I'm not shocked at losing followers, just confused as to why people have stopped reading.
ReplyDeleteAnd you should never be shocked about gaining new readers. It kinda shocks me that you DON'T have a larger following.xx
See, I don't give a shit when people stop reading. It's not personal. I stop following blogs all the time when people no longer write stuff I am interested in.
DeleteI always said if I ever get above 100 followers I'll go poof. I am not interested in having a large readership. I like a small intimate one where we actually interact.
Seriously? People actually do that? Try to turn other people against blogs? That's just so ... high school. I'm glad I'm pretty oblivious most of the time, I'd never notice if it was happening to me. Ah well, as the old saying goes, "Say whatever you want about me, just say it behind my back. I don't want to have to listen to that crap".
ReplyDeleteYeah, I could care less who does and doesn't like my blog. I know it's very much in my voice and doesn't follow any sort of writing rules, and I'm sure that's offputting to some. I'm fine with that.
DeleteSee now I totally get you. I don't write for comments, in fact I would be highly surprised if I have any regular readers - more that people may stumble on it and never dare go to that part of the internetsphere again!
ReplyDeleteI write a blog because its a bit like a diary, I get it all out of my head and seen as I share my head with little aliens that bounce about reguarly I need all the space I can get.
I don't try to be funny, if I am it's purely by accident and I am not blogging to make a point or give my opinion about world events to anyone.
I do however love your blog because you say what you think and I like that.
Thanks Ribena,
DeleteAnd it sounds like you and I blog for much the same reason. I have to get this stuff out of my head or I'll explode. I could do it in a journal but the feedback I get on here I highly enjoy.
Being funny by accident is the best kind of funny.
That is the bitchin-est needlepoint I have seen in many moons! Almost as good as this one:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3713547728062&set=a.1057076917952.144725.1556733676&type=3&theater