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Sunday, September 20, 2015

What Happens When I Read Your Comments!

   


   
Sunday is a good day to think about things in life, don't you think?!

Today I was thinking about blogging and how it has changed since the arrival of Pinterest.

In some ways the changes are great, and in other ways, not so much!!

One of the ways I think it has changed, and not for the better, is the lack of communication between bloggers, and their readers.


I know I have found myself not reading as many blogs, and commenting less, and less. On my own blog I see fewer comments than ever before.

Comments are a bloggers life-blood, it is one of the things that keep us writing. We need to know that our audience is out there, and that they are enjoying our efforts.



This all came to mind today when I was visiting Joni at Cote de Texas. She always does such a thorough job on her research, and always gives us such insight on the subjects she is writing about.

I realized I had not visited her wonderful blog for awhile. I also had not left a comment for a long time. I truly felt a bit guilty so today I left a comment telling her how much I appreciated the time and effort she put into the post she wrote.


I looked back at some of my old blog post, and I found a post about non-bloggers commenting. I would like to share that with you all today, if you don't mind.....




.........Sometimes we just need to talk about blogging. You know the ins and outs of this mysterious and wondrous place we call blogland.



While visiting with a couple of my friends a few weeks ago a discussion about blogging came up. One of my friends has a blog, and the other loves to read blogs.

Little did we know there would be many questions that would come up from time to time that there just would not be any answers that made any sense. We all agreed.


 There was one question that came up that did have an answer……  
“Is it alright for a non-blog author to make a comment on a blog?”

Let’s face it, we were all readers before we were writers of blogs. I think we all became captivated about what we were seeing and reading in blogland, and that prompted our own desires to become blog authors.



My answer was, “Of course!” After all, comments are like food to blog authors. Without comments it is hard to have enough energy to come up with what it takes to write a blog.

At first I was a bit surprised at the question, but then I had to think back when I first discovered blogs.
 I remember thinking that I did not have the right to have an opinion since I was not part of this new found group of people called, “BLOGGERS!” 
 It all seemed so special and wondrous to me.

I honestly felt that I should just keep my opinion to myself, after all they were the one’s that were putting all the work into writing the blog, I was just sort of a voyeur looking in on their world, unbeknownst to them. 

I could quietly enjoy looking on, and  I could have an opinion, and no one would ever know. It just seemed to be the right thing to do at the time.


As time passed, and I read more, and more blogs I realized that maybe, just maybe my comment, or opinion would be valued by the author. Still unsure I was hesitant to comment.

Once I finally felt as if it was alright, and the only reason I felt it was alright is because I discovered that other non-blog authors were leaving comments. 
 I finally started leaving comments, and making my presence known to the blog author, and fellow readers. 


A wonderful thing happened!! I actually developed some amazing friendships with like-minded people. Now this is something that is missing when commenting does not occur.

Eventually, as you all know I started writing this blog. I am now on the other side hoping that my readers will feel comfortable here, comfortable enough with me and what I am writing about to leave a comment to let me know they were HERE!! 




Whether you are a reader, or you are a blog author, “WE!” need, and want your opinions, and comments.

You, the readers are  what keeps me writing! Without you, and your feed back this journey would pretty much be meaningless. 




I for one have had so many wonderful experiences here, in blogland because of you wonderful readers.

So, I am here to tell you. Yes!! by all means, please leave a comment whether you have a blog or not!!



Readers are what gives me the energy, the want-to, the desire to keep writing.
If you feel you need permission, please feel as if you have been given permission………

I so appreciate all of you that take the time to not only read, but to let me know how you feel about what I am presenting here on my blog.


I actually find it a bit hard to express how much it means to me.
Just know this……. As long as you are reading and commenting I will be writing.

I can only hope that you are still……..



“Enjoying the Process” Of:

Following along with me in blogland,

 
 

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love your blog and read every entry. Thank you for sharing your life and your design ideas with us. I am so excited to follow the continuing journey of your new home.
~~S. Clark

Rattlebridge Farm said...

I enjoy your posts. I've been out of the blogging loop for a while and haven't commented anywhere; only recently have I inched my way back into the mainstream. Nowadays, writing a post is like sending a paper boat into a fast-moving river, one where boats are launched every moment of every day. Comments are a joy and a gift. Honestly, I think readers are like me--they are touched by a post, but life pulls them away before they can comment (or blogger/Wordpress,etc eats a comment; or the set up for comments are too difficult). For all of us, the clock is always ticking. Just knowing that makes a difference for bloggers (because without comments, our posts start to feel like monologues, when we hope for a dialogue with friends). My philosophy is to write about the things you love (which you do beautifully), and know that your little boats will reach the shore. Love what you are doing with your house! And thank you so much for writing wonderful design posts--I always learn so much from you. Also, thanks for your comments on my FB page (fringed sofa, being the latest--my 10 yr old fringed sofa is coming with to the new house--though we may not move for a while, as we had a disaster with the wood floors).

Anonymous said...

I read your blog daily, Kathysue. You are very welcoming. I do comment on blogs. At times I comment with compliments, admiration and appreciation for the hard work that goes into the blogger sharing their talents. At times I ask a question. As a reader and not a fellow blogger, I do appreciate a reply from the blogger or some sort of interaction. At times I feel like an outsider looking in. Some bloggers are very receptive. Some make me feel like I'm entering a world of a bloggers "clique." To the bloggers who are receptive to non bloggers, THANK YOU for taking the time to acknowledge your followers who admire your work!

Kathysue said...

Miss Anonymous, thank you so much for your comment and I love to respond to my commenters/readers, but if there is no email or way of contacting them we can't respond except by leaving a comment like I am. That is why it is nice if your are registered with google, then we can respond or find you.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Great post, Kathysue! I do miss the time when we were more of a community and really supported each other with our comments.
xx,
Sherry

Sarah said...

Kathysue, I've read your blogs for a number of years and have learned much from you. Your motto of "Enjoy the Process" has always resonated with me. I was an elementary teacher, and I always taught with just that in mind. It is the process that is important and where the learning takes hold. The end product is not always the important component. I've tried to live my life with that in mind. We need to enjoy the journey.
Thanks for sharing your expertise all these years. And yes, I agree. Commenting is important. If I read a blog, I always leave a comment. I know it is time intensive, but so is writing a blog. The communication between a blogger and one's readers is an important, valuable part of the experience for me. Because of the communication I've made some wonderful friendships.
Keep up the good work! Thanks!

Victoria said...

I love to read your posts and comment when I feel I have something to say or simply when I want to express my appreciation for what you have written. It never occurred to me -- as a brash girl from the Bronx -- that I should not express my opinion. I am happy I never had that thought because I would have missed out on so many of your lovely, thoughtful responses to me. You have become an important virtual friend who is genuine and caring and adds a great deal of advise, ideas, beauty and pure enjoyment to my life. Please know we non-bloggers and bloggers alike are enjoying your interests and adventures, especially following along while you build your new home. XOXO, Victoria

Melissa said...

Thanks Kathysue for your lovely blog. I do try to comment now and then but I sometimes feel that I am being too vocal!
I really like your motto of 'Enjoy the process' and especially how you relate that to the minutia of building your new home at great speed from scratch. This is a journey that I am really loving and I will be referring back to you process myself in the hopefully near future as we build our new home. (We do have to sell first!).
Thanks for your great advice and thoughts.

noreen said...

Hi Kathysue, I've been one of your blog followers for a while but seldom comment. Now I want to let you know that we love and appreciate all the time and effort that goes into each post. Thanks for reminding us that you would love to hear from us too! I've enjoyed reading about the new house progress.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Kathysue... what a great post. I admit that the number of comments that I receive has gone down. It is also frustrating when someone writes to me and they do not leave me their email address. I try to get back to all non-bloggers and I make a point of visiting every blogger that leaves a comment.I think you speak for the majority of bloggers. Well said. Have a great week.

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Through commenting, I have gained so many wonderful friendships....it is all about the support of the "community"....such a win/win....I think the communication/friendships is what I love most about blogging!!!...Have a great day friend! :) Great post!!!!

diane said...

Well said. I might add that bloggers need to read those comments and respond to those with a question etc as I see many comments asking a particular question about a product, inspiration etc and do not see answers from the blogger. As a blogger for myself and for others in the design field the world of blogging and commenting has certainly changed and many of my clients sites are disabling comments for fear of hacking, too much spam, vile comments etc. This might explain the reduction in commenting. But it is part of the uniqueness of blogs and sets them apart from an article, newsletter etc. Just FYI, I have enjoyed your blog posts for many years and look forward to seeing your new home come together so thanks for sharing.

diane said...

Well said. I might add that bloggers need to read those comments and respond to those with a question etc as I see many comments asking a particular question about a product, inspiration etc and do not see answers from the blogger. As a blogger for myself and for others in the design field the world of blogging and commenting has certainly changed and many of my clients sites are disabling comments for fear of hacking, too much spam, vile comments etc. This might explain the reduction in commenting. But it is part of the uniqueness of blogs and sets them apart from an article, newsletter etc. Just FYI, I have enjoyed your blog posts for many years and look forward to seeing your new home come together so thanks for sharing.

Barbara said...

Hi,

I appreciate your blog & read it almost every day. I am a non-blogger & was hoping that my questions/opinions would be welcomed within the blogging community. Your blog appeals to me personally because we are in the same age group & I share your decorating taste & fashion style. I emigrated to Canada from England 45 years ago & now I feel I have found a "cyber" friend who lives in California with similar interest to my own. I love how the internet & blogs have given me a new found interest so thanks for the opportunity to chat with you.

Barb

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Amen!!! Comments are what keep bloggers going, lift our spirits, and enable us to plan other posts that we hope people will enjoy. If we don't get feedback is almost like we are alone in the forest.

Ivy Lane said...

Love this post Kathysue. I just started back with my blog and posted a few new posts this past week.. I got one comment and was so happy! It was from a fellow blogger Karena! ArtsbyKarena.. It literally made my day! Blogging is such a great way to connect, inspire and "meet" new people with refreshing attitudes and passions be it in work, decor, family, life, love etc!

Happy Blogging!

Xo,
Ivy

Karen said...

When I quit blogging I slowly quit commenting, but I can promise you, I have not missed a single one of your posts in the past three years. Seeing a new post from you is like getting an unexpected call or text from an old friend updating you on her life. I've so enjoyed following along as you build your new home. I doubt there is a woman alive who has savored the experience more than you. Can't wait to see how you decorate your new home!

Karen said...

Kathysue,
Guilty as charged. I should know better, I'm a fellow blogger. I think I've found myself commenting less in part because of Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. I sometimes feel like my head will explode. Both of our sons are in computer related business with one that manages a team for a digital ad-agency and he is in charge of social media. He suggests that I try to post on all the social media sites...and by the way, I work full time. I'm not complaining, I love my job but to do it all sometimes seems impossible. I have so many favorite sites that it can be a bit overwhelming. Still, I too love comments and feel I've made "friends" with so many fellow bloggers. So maybe your post has inspired me and I'll try harder. :-)
Enjoy your week. I always enjoy your posts.\
Karen

Kathysue said...

email from a reader!

I am following quietly along reading everything you post and am amazed at your meticulous, disciplined
approach to your work and home. I love your taste, your minimalism and the fresh appearance you achieve in
decor. You give us a lot of extremely valuable information from dimensions and heights of things to things
one needs to consider in decor. I am an undisciplined, eclectic person who gets emotionally attached to
stuff which doesn't lead to a clean airy feeling - it is soooo hard to be utterly ruthless in what goes and what
stays.... But I am learning from you. Thank you so much.
Olwyn

Dee said...

I just started following your blog this past weekend and enjoy it very much. I will mention this because it can not be attributed to your blog as I am new here. I have seen a decline on other blogs I read and worse it seems that some bloggers have redesigned their blog to make it harder to find and read other comments....so why bother to post when I believe some are actively hiding or blocking posts that don't appeal to them. I agree there are most likely comments that shouldn't see the light of day but....if the blogger can't take the heat get out of the kitchen. And worse is only answering direct questions when opinions or questions were requested. Or answering most and skipping others. Responding to other bloggers and skipping non-bloggers is the road to losing followers. I have unsubscribed to more than a few this last year when 3 out of 5 posts are to sell a product, my time is more valuable to me than pure advertisement on a regular basis. So I eliminated two and added yours....happy to be here and enjoying your take on design. Thank you.

Christine @ Suburban Charm said...

Great post! I love your blog and have been away from both reading my favorite blogs and writing my own for about a year and I do miss the friendships I have made. I am guilty of not always leaving comments because I am frequently reading blogs on my iPad while waiting in the pick up line at school and the kids get in the car and comments never get posted. As a writer, I agree that the comments mean so much. You have inspired me to be better about leaving comments and connecting more with my own readers! xoxo

Sonny G said...

Hi Kathy..

I enjoyed reading your post.

a couple of years ago I stopped commenting and almost all the blogs I visit because I was sick and sad at being totally ignored.

I wasn't tweeting- facebooking- instagraming- hometalking- pinteresting and whatever else folks were entrenched in.

I was a nobody- and nothing to the bloggers I was praising and supporting with my comments because I wasn't Building Their Brand..
Blogland was once a family- now its a business and nothing else but~!
I've thought many times of doing a post and putting in the subject like, plain regular nice-not in it for the money- Bloggers and readers, Please Visit Me. Those are the folks I miss, those are the folks I want to be a part of.
thanks for allowing me to comment and state my feelings.
Sonny

michele said...

lots of rich food for thought here. i think the blogging/reading/commenting issue is a complex one, and i have not let myself become overlyconcerned about blog stats or ego stroking because i started out as a blog reader and understand there are seasons and that seasons change. for myself, i feel inauthentic and like a stalker if i read a blog post and do not leave footprints by way of a comment. the only time i wouldn't comment would be if i feel negatively toward the topic or writer. if i read a post, i comment. however, i also type 92 wpm and am a wordsmith. it takes very little time or effort. there are seasons when i cannot read blogs, and i feel no guilt about this. as a result, i don't depend on comments from readers to motivate me to keep blogging or to 'repay' me for my effort. i don't expect payment. i began blogging for myself. i still blog for myself. my blog works for me, not the other way around. i honor the bloggers who depend on their blog for income and need those stats to secure advertisers and even boost their morale. but i think it comes down to knowing your worth outside of the numbers game and respecting that plenty of readers are not wired for words or discourse and simply wish to learn/savor the content and let it enrich their lives. it's about ripples, right? you send out light and love, and you trust it will multiply. do i sound like a flower child? that would be me.

Anonymous said...

Love your blog and read all your entries. Your blog is one of my favorites and I always leave them in my inbox until I have time to read thru them.