top: wildfox
shorts: c/o sheinside
headband/necklace: f21
hair tutorial: here
I'm getting a little bummed out about blogging lately. Before I say anything, I want you to know that I thought long and hard about posting this because I didn't want to come off as some whiny brat who makes a big deal about something not so big. I decided to go ahead though because I know a lot of you are curious about this 'blogging' life and even ask me for advice. Well, with good advice there is also reality and I think it's important to share both. So, this is what's been on my mind...
I probably shouldn't be upset, but I can't seem to help it. Lately I've just been feeling like I put a lot of work into making this blog both a reflection of myself as well as an interesting place to come, with a variety of content. It actually takes a LOT of my time and I spend hours (and notebooks full of ideas) trying to come up with stuff that isn't just a "filler". And I love that. It makes me able to be more proud of this little place. At the same time though, I get really discouraged when actual time is spent on a post and the response is so... dead. Meaning very little reader interaction/response. Then, if I post something that literally took 15 minutes, everybody comes out of the dark. It just makes me question the time I spend on here and makes me feel SO much less creative when the non-inspiring what-nots are the ones that people flock to. It's seriously killing my creative mojo!
I hope you get what I'm saying though...? I'm trying not to sound like a biatch because I love all of you who come through here, and I know you're still coming even on the quiet days because I see you in my stats, which is awesome. So, I guess I'm just curious about this. It's always interesting to see for example, 100 comments on somebody's 5 second post that really took no effort, and then crickets on somebody else's who spent hours putting a cool tutorial or something together. I'm not necessarily just talking about myself. Having talked to a few of my bloggy friends about this very same thing, they seem to agree as well, so at least I know I'm not the only one with these thoughts. So what is happening? Are people just lazy or too busy to join in? Do they only come to certain blogs for specific content and ignore the rest? Or is the blogging community so over-saturated now that there are too many blogs to check out on a daily basis?
Anyways, those are my thoughts today. I guess there are still some things in this blogging world that are a mystery to me and I have yet to figure out. It's just hard to feel inspired, encouraged, and creative when it seems like visitors are looking for quick reads and nothing else. So I ask you this: what are your favourite types of posts, and are you a regular commenter on blogs or do you just browse and leave?
I totally get what your saying. Same thing happens to me, I spend hours on a post from coming up with a unique idea to actually doing it, taking pics and writing it out etc and I get low views then I will write a quick post before bed and wake up with 100s of views:( I love your blog doll xx
ReplyDeleteGo with what is in your heart, girl! If you're feeling burnt out, or bummed, take a break or do those "filler" posts. Honestly... When I visit blogs, I prefer those little fillers - the day-to-day, the what's in my bag, the what I'm reading, etc. posts over the DIYs, tutorials and business-y posts. I'm not saying I dislike the latter, I just am crap with DIYs, most of the tuts aren't pertaining to me and I can only learn so much about the blog business without actually doing something... If that makes sense. (I'm a learn by doing type of gal.)
ReplyDeletePost for yourself, first and foremost... Whether it's something long, that's taken hours or even days or something short and sweet. Don't worry about the comments for a while. Just try (!) to go with the flow - I know it's hard. Remember, a LOT of people are probably out and about this Summer. Even I, the hermit, have been outside more and my GReader has been pilin' up.
Blah blah blah. This is all to say: I think your blog is great. I really do. I've only recently started getting quite a few comments on my own blog, but it's never mattered if I get a lot or none - except I do want to one day make my blog a source of income. So I do get that. I do. It's just important to feel like you, and your space on the web, is taken care of. Also, not to add even MORE onto your plate - but you can always try blogging community sites. The Better Blogger Network has blown my mind because of how many fabulous ladies and commenters I've met through there already!
...Jebus. This is long. SORRY!!!
Thanks girl! I've been trying to post a little less frequently, but sometimes I just can't help it lol. The thing is, I blog for myself, but I mostly blog for everyone else. I know it should maybe be the other way around, but when you are trying to make blogging a decent source of income you really do want to make it appeal to everyone else like you said. I still do consider this place a true reflection of ME, but at the same time it's not my diary, if that makes sense! :)
DeleteI am on the BBN actually! I haven't signed in for a while, I always forget to.
xox
I feel the same as you...in fact, it is why I am taking serious break this summer. That may make it worse when I come back to blogging more, but oh well.
ReplyDeleteI do feel there are tons of blogs out there and it does make it hard to really dive into so many. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with my blog feed...
I also feel you on the heart felt time involved posts vs the 5 min or giveaway posts. I recently poured my heart out in a post and got little response. But the few people who did comment or email me made me feel better, that it encouraged them in some way.
But I feel you!! And I am guilty sometimes of reading and not commenting when I should!
But your blog is great & inspiring in many ways! I love your tutorials, DIY, heartfelt posts...all of it!
i've only been following your blog for a little while now but i absolutely love it here. i tend to feel the same that IF i get any comments at all on the posts i take time on it's generally someone that says "great post! follow me @..." and it's so discouraging when blogs that seem to have no point and are hardly inspiring have hundreds of followers and i have so few. i understand your discouragement and feel the same. i don't always comment when i enjoy a post (i really should take the time, but rarely have something constructive to say) but i spend so much time on my google reader that i do read nearly every blog i follow.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how it works isn't it? Happens to me as well, the posts I think nothing of...tend to get higher responses. It's almost always backwards! I do think blog land is filled to the brim, but that's not a bad thing.....it should mean more people that are supporting each other and commenting!
ReplyDeleteCarly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com
Ugh - I hate that too. Sometimes I spend so much time putting a post together and am so excited to hit publish and when the response is minimal it hurts a little. When I browse blogs looking for new reads it feels like there are a dime a dozen of exactly the same thing and sometimes I read a few posts and they are about absolutely nothing - when I look over and see they have hundreds of followers, I wonder why?
ReplyDeleteI follow blogs because I like them and I'm interested in reading not just to bring traffic back to my blog. I often comment however, I won't if I don't feel like I have anything worth contributing. I'd rather leave a few thoughtful comments than dozens of meaningless ones!
I think its depends on the person and what interests them personally.
ReplyDeleteIf ive fallen inlove with a tutorial and want to say thankyou, agree with what somesones saying in a post or want to find out more about the post i will leave a comment.
I dont think its something that should put you off spending time on something you enjoy, the chances are people love the post just as much as the one that has lots more comments, but have less to say about it.
I suppose its just upsetting that not everyone says thankyou.
Im a new-ish blogger and things are slow but I enjoy reading all your posts and following your blog.
Thankyou :)
Emma xx
Emmaknitted.blogspot.co.uk
I think so many of us, from every spectrum of the blog world can relate to this in some way. I'm sorry that you're feeling discouraged. Just know that so many people DO love your blog and DO look to you for inspiration and tutorials. But I do understand that sometimes there comes the day when you sit back and think, "But I put so much time into it!" It's frustrating. Just hang in there and keep doing what you're doing! :)
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I spend hours of energy on my blog, and some of the "last minute" posts are fawned over. Honestly, I think that Pinterest (which I'm not part of) takes away some of the conversation. Readers see a tutorial and pin it rather than respond. Also, a lot of people check things from their smartphones, and it's a bit difficult to interact that way. Sometimes I wonder if turning off comments is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteYour work, ideas, and design aesthetic are really great, though. As much as you want others to enjoy your blog, it has to be something that makes you happy.
http://mandycrandell.blogspot.com/
I've come to realise that I am really writing my blog for myself, it makes me feel good to write it and I have to keep that in mind when I don't get a lot of views or something. On some posts there just isn't going to be something that everyone feels the need to comment on, it's nice to just read other people's thoughts sometimes. Also, a blog doesn't have to be full of really long posts or heart felt stuff, don't get me wrong I love blogs that are, and I read all sorts of blogs, but sometimes it's nice to have something quick to cast your eyes over. Each blog is individual and there to give the writer an outlet, so it can be whatever anyone wants it to be. Don't get disheartened by it, but if you can't help then do whatever you need to do to make you enjoy blogging again, whether that is taking a break, posting less frequently, or just writing a few short posts and seeing what the reaction is - I think the most important thing is if you're not enjoying it then don't do it! Nobody is forcing you.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, and I've commented a lot!
-Alice
shinyprettythings-alice.blogspot.co.uk
x
I know exactly how you feel, but I also know that there are days when I can't get to my blog reader-ma-jig because I'm too busy with other stuff -- and sometimes I forget about it. When I do sit down and check them out, though, I enjoy what I read. It's so fascinating being able to read the thoughts of others and learn new things from them. Don't let a lack to movement on your blog deter you from posting what you want. Keep on keepin' on!
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel. It often seems like the posts that I took a lot of time on and was really excited about posting end up being the posts that get little to no response, and then the fluff posts that took me under 30 minutes to write that I don't personally care about very much but just post for the sake of writing something tend to get all the attention. It just seems very bizarre to me what gets a response and what doesn't at times.
ReplyDeleteI know 1000% how you feel. I feel like this a lot, and even wrote about this in the past. However, I feel like this more and more. I don't want to complain or offend my followers or anything, you know. I got like 60 more new followers in three weeks. Yes, I got comments, but as I posted after that...it seems like I have the same number or less. Yet, I see people who post a picture from Pinterest or a quote or a picture and receive dozens and dozens of comments. Then when someone writes something real, there isn't a huge response (maybe because there isn't a picture). I often feel guilty, because I spend SO MUCH time blogging, and not really receiving the response I want, you know? Sometimes tutorials or posts with collages are so time-consuming, that I wonder if people even read them. That's why I don't create my collages in photoshop or if I do a tutorial, I don't spend time editing it to make it super duper fancy. Sometimes I feel like my linkup posts get more responses. I know this comment is all over the place. I've talked with husband about this same topic. He says," You just never know what people are going to respond to. The posts that you think will get the most, won't and the ones you think won't, will." Blogging is becoming inconsistent for my Type A personality. Sometimes I feel like I am talking to nothing :( It is such an emotional rollercoaster.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any answers for you, but I know exactly what you're saying. I often find it was my quickly thrown together posts about some photos I took or a day out that gather loads of comments and then ones I spend time pondering seem to get a more limited response. I guess it goes to show that no one really can predict what your readers come for. I just try to work on the basis that I post what I'm proud of and then I don't care as much whether it gets a big response or not. I do care of course, because we all blog for the response, the reactions, the comments and the feeling of community that comes with it. However I know that I'd rather have a few really thoughtful and detailed comments in response to a post than a hundred "love this" comments.
ReplyDeleteDon't let it ruin your blogging mojo. I don't always comment on your posts, but I do read them, sometimes I just don't have anything that I can say other than "love this" which is just lame. X
Same thing here, one of my most popular posts right now is one where I decided not to spend a lot of time writing it. It is short and sweet (ha, ha...I'm a cupcake blogger). It IS disappointing. So, yeah, I'm also struggling with how to get more visitor interaction.
ReplyDeleteAmélie
cupcakesbyamelie.com
Hi Dana,
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty new to your blog and really enjoy it but I also understand your pain as I too, feel the exact same about my little blog and corner of the web! My new aim is to increase readership.
How am I doing this? Well I'm spreading some blog karma! I'm taking MORE interest in other peoples blogs and their posts and if I like a post, well darn it I'm gona leave a comment and say so! Hopefully, they may be nice and then do the same for me! :)
Keep bloggin my dear! :)
http://www.luckyrainbowdesigns.blogspot.com
I read blogs every day in my RSS reader (yours among them), but I generally only click over and comment if I actually have something to say/add beyond "I like this." In 'real life' I'm a pretty quiet introvert, and tend to listen more than speak, and that seems to have carried over to the online world. I don't feel "I like this" is a useful comment or conversation starter, so I don't bother with that. It doesn't mean that I don't like a particular post.
ReplyDeleteI will say, I find I comment more on posts that ask a question of the reader at the end (as you do on this post - and I'm commenting, see?). It provides a clear conversation starter, and then I'm answering the question and being engaged, instead of just saying 'I like this'.
asking a question is something i always try to do ;)
Deleteyou're right though, a lot of people use readers and even I am guilty of not commenting on every single post I read. I guess we don't really think about it too much, i've just noticed lately that the uninspired posts are usually the most popular, which is confusing and frustrating.
yep, yep, i feel the same way! i will write and think and edit a post for days and then i get no response from it. other posts i wil throw together in 30 minutes and people will take to them.
ReplyDeletemaybe it just depends on the modd of your readers on a specific day? i don't know. i love blogging and in the end do it because 1. i love it, 2. i love to write {and it's great writing practice}, and 3. i like to have a collection of my thoughts, photos, etc.
I love the interaction with readers and other bloggers but at times it does get frustrating when you feel like no one is listening/reading!
I often feel the same way about blogging. Usually it comes down to whether or not the post was for me or for the readers. A lot of the posts that I wrote because I wanted to write them gain a lot of comments, whereas the posts that were meant for my readers get very little feedback. I think that it has to do with a reader wanting to see who you are. They don't want something presented to them for them. They want a glimpse into the person that you are. They want to be able to connect with you. I honestly don't comment on tutorials a lot because I can't connect to them. Sure, tutorials are cute, but 99% of the time they are something that I honestly will probably never try even if I think it looks like something fun. However, if someone is posting about their day to day life and I can really connect with what is going on, I'm definitely going to comment. Commenting also goes both ways, so I find that in order to start conversation and community with others I comment on the blogs of those that visited mine. I also try to respond to as many comments as I can so that commenters know that I care about what they have to say. I see it as a give and take type thing. Regardless, you'll still have days where people just don't comment for whatever reason, but if you know that you wrote the post for you then what does it matter? Keep your head up! Your blog is fabulous and you shouldn't worry about it so much! ;)
ReplyDeleteI would love to say I am a regular commenter.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to sound stupid. But I like to say that a post that someone worked so hard on was great and that I really enjoyed it but I actually feel stupid and that If I do that to every post I like I end up feeling like a spammer. I also feel its like im giving a fake comment because I don't want to do the whole 'oh I love your x'
On your comment on the blogging world being 'so over-saturated now that there are too many blogs to check out on a daily basis?' I think that might be right. When I fist joined blogger my community was so small that I read every post that popped up but it gets harder you can go a good few hours with no new posts and then all of a sudden there is an influx of posts but its so hard to keep up with them all.
http://alittlebitof-love.blogspot.ie/
I'm rather new to blogging, and there's definitely a lot about this world that still mystifies me! Personally, I love to laugh, so what draws me in are funny posts--clever writing or a unique perspective on an everyday event. I do usually comment when I read something that I enjoy. I also like more personal, reflective, or thoughtful posts, but if I'm just stopping my a new blog (and many blogs are still new to me) I'm not as likely to read them as if I already "knew" that blogger or had a reason to be interested in her life.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say, after looking at all these looong comments, is that I know exactly how it feels. When you take, for example a diy from someone else and post it, the crowd goes wild. But try and do something yourself...crickets.
ReplyDeletei feel like this too sometimes. posts that i have planned and scheduled and really excited about sharing sometimes get hardly any comments and i'm like, but why? when some of my day-of posts have more interaction. maybe its just that those posts are more personable and more people can relate more easily? idk but i feel you.
ReplyDeleteI am guilty of being a silent reader, but like Amanda said I find it hard to provide a comment unless there is some way (a question for example) to leave a meaningful comment than just a simple 'Amazing photos' and away I go.
ReplyDeleteIt actually takes me a good while to write a comment that has not already been said, because I don't want to be repetitive. After seeing the amount of people who feel like this, it's time I try a bit harder. :]
Perhaps people are just more interested in honesty. Well-thought out posts are great, but, to me, sometimes they seem a little too professional and while I enjoy them, I don't feel the need to say so. This goes for -every- blog I read. It's when someone sits down and talks out how they feel - perhaps they've been feeling particularly amazing, or particularly bad and just want to get something off of their chest. Those are the posts I'm more interested in, getting to see the real person behind the blog.
ReplyDeleteI can appreciate that you put a lot of your time into your blog to make it a reflection of you, but maybe you should stop worrying so much about it. You've done a fine bloody job already so perhaps it's time to just sit back and enjoy it, and not let yourself get so upset when people don't give you the response you'd like for a brilliant post.
My blog isn't that big, but I, too, find that I get little to nothing for clever crafty tutorials like paper mache ships and what not, but I get a bigger response for sending out a quick announcement saying that I'm looking to buy My Little Ponies. It's a sad truth, but it's the way it goes.
Perhaps you shouldn't let yourself get bogged down by it - you seem a confident sort of person so I'm a little surprised that it can shake you like this. I wouldn't have thought you needed the validation.
Your blog is damn near the biggest and most beautiful that I follow, and from what I've gathered from you, you're cute, quirky, clever, and confident. Most words beginning with a "K" (except the bad ones, of course. You're not a cucumber and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! ;P)
Take a step back, breathe and just enjoy your blogging. Blog like no one's listening, that's the way I like to go - the upside for you, however, is that people are listening, even when it seems they aren't.
Chin up super star
Kim x
I hear ya loud and clear! (see here I am coming out of the wood work to comment)
ReplyDeleteI can also relate with those feelings, that's why I'm trying to be a better reader too! No more silent reading! I absolutely love your blog and I'm so glad I've come across it!
ReplyDeleteXO Kayla
Hi! First of all I would like to say that I love your blog and I feel sorry that you feel a little sad/frustrated/or something like that.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those people that does read the post, but doesn't always comment. But I did want to take time to reply to your question. The reason why I don't always comment is because I'm usually very busy and I read blogs in between daily things I need to do.
But that still doesn't answer your question why people comment more on 'non-inspiring'-posts. I think that I may have a guess for that answer.
A great post has so much great info that I have so much to say, that I know that I'm going to write a huge comment, for which I don't have time and that's why I don't comment at all. (and also my english sucks, so it gives me a headache).
Also such a post is bigger and therefore people need to take the time to read it (which they may not always have) but also after such a long post they feel like they done enough: 'well I read this entire post, which is an accomplishment, so I don;t think that I need to do more to show my appreciation for this post'. Something like that.
While when seeing a tiny post people may feel like they need to say something more.
We actually discussed it in one of my journalism classes. When it comes to reading things on internet, people have this '5-minute-rule' or something like that. People are going to give 5 minutes per day for your blog, so if you post is too long they are not going to finish it or they are not going to comment, because their 5-minutes are over.
Also what I have learned is that people are most likely to post when they are emotionally 'touched' or when it is something that affects them personally. So when you write a great post, then people are probably inspired (if they read it) but it is too much effort to write a comment. Because usually you have to 'think' about your opinion and how to say it in a comment. A little post which talks about cute headbands (let's say) is something that the reader thinks: 'oh wow those are cute' (emotional) and 'oh man I need a headband like that' (personal) and that results in a comment.
So ehm yeah I haven't really explained it well, but I think that it kinda works like that :)
These are all such great comments... I'm emailing you guys back instead of commenting here...
ReplyDeletep.s. those pictures of you are just lovely!
ReplyDeleteoooh when that happens to me i feel invisible, uncool, or my blog sucks hehe i am actually amazed at blogs like yours that grow this quickly!
ReplyDeletei do feel a little bitter when i see posts where the blogger didn't seem to exert much effort and yet that post goes viral lol
i go to your blog everyday and enjoy and get inspired by all of your posts! and on days when you don't post, i look into your old posts. yep, i'm one of the lurkers in your blog. sometimes i have to admit that it makes me lazy to leave comments, most especially on busy days. but i guess i need to show more appreciation to my fave blogs because everyone feels this way when a certain post has not been given that much attention.
i wish you well, dana! <3 :-)
http://softvoiceofafreespirit.blogspot.com/
As a relatively new blogger, I find this quite frustrating. I know I'm not anywhere near as good as so many of the blogs out there, but I can see that people are visiting the blog and so often feel glum that I have so littler reader interaction (often because I'd love to get to know new bloggers and this seems like a good way to connect).
ReplyDeleteAs a commenter, your post made me think of a few things about why I do or don't comment on some posts. Sometimes it is selfishly to do with (my) time, other times I really enjoyed the post but can't think of anything more engaging than 'I really like this' which I will sometimes post but often feel silly doing (which is so stupid because anyone saying that to me would make me flip with joy!)
I don't carry on visiting and reading a blog unless I really enjoy it and so I think you should factor this in about your readers. It must be insanely frustrating to have worked on a post and get zilch back, but be assured that the people who read it keep coming back for more!
I honestly read every single of your posts on your blog, Twitter, and Instagram. You must know this because I try to come back and ask you things later on on it. However, when it comes to the blog I don't like to leave comments for a few reasons. I'm the kind of a person that likes to leave long comments, and just leaving a "nice tutorial" "cool photos" "lovely recipe" comments are not me. I like the author to know that I genuinely enjoyed every part of their post and I will leave no part of the post untouched when I do comment. So I don't leave comments because I know people like you that put their time into posts want some substance in their comments, some kind of feedback and with a small comment in my opinion, you don't get that. I also don't have time to do this which is why I usually opt out to leaving comments.
ReplyDeleteI feel like you all the time with my blog, and I feel it is harder for me since my blog is a lot smaller and I wish people would comment more to help me grow and tell me what they like.
I want you to know, your blog is what gives me inspiration everyday. I'm constantly on it throughout the day because I think you're such a beautiful person inside and out. I'm a computer science major, but because of you I want to do web design on the side if I can. Don't get bummed because you don't see comments. Just look at your views and you will know that so many people love it. Just know everyone doesn't have time to leave a small comment on a beautiful post like yours. <3
You are the best, Dana. Keep doing what you do, because in the end it doesn't matter what they say(in comments lol) what matters is why you do it. :)
love you!
AMEN! I hate leaving cheesy "cute" or "nice" comments. I try to be funny or clever... so that means how often I comment diminishes... :)
DeleteWhen I was in college during one of my classes we got in to a discussion about television commercials. We spoke about how the average commercial is under 20 seconds. The reason for this is because most people can't focus for longer than 20 seconds with advertisements and over the years commercials have gotten shorter and shorter. I may be a little off with my information because it was a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteAny way, on to my point! People have short attention spans sometimes and glaze over posts. And that does include me from time to time. The lack of comments used to happen to me frequently back when I was active on Livejournal. I would write out great detailed posts about my life and get maybe one or two comments. Posts with a paragraph or two would get multiple comments. So I understand how you feel.
A lot of people also just don't know what to comment with as well. Sometimes I don't even know. I do make the effort to comment whenever I have something to say.
But I do understand how you feel. It sucks when you put out the effort to make a great post and get zlich in response.
You know, I just thought of something too... I wonder if our attention spans are decreasing because of how the world operates today. I mean, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Everyone is having conversations in 140 characters or less. Just something your comment made me think about!
Deletexox
You basically summed up everything I've been thinking about blogging lately. As much as it sucks, it's nice to know I'm not alone. But, keep doing what you're doing, because you are an inspiring person!
ReplyDeleteDana.
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog since back when you had 800 followers. I have read every single post since that time. Yes, I do hold you responsible for my lack of paying attention in my Anthropology Lecture! I swear it is you and Heather (my fav blogging duo) that inspired me to start my blog!
Anywho back to this post. I have been a fan of you forever. If you were to change one thing on your page, I would notice! I even check back here several times a day thinking "perhaps she will post twice" yeah wishful thinking! The point is, I have been a fan of yours for so long, I know your url by heart and look you up on my phone, kindle, and laptop but it wasn't until about a month ago I was a legit FOLLOWER!
Why? I do not have a damn clue. I would almost say lazy... It isn't that I didnt want to show my support I just didn't do it, and ready this post baffled me. I have no idea why I never followed you earlier and to add to that. I have read every single post you have had since 2011 and never commented on many?
It really got me thinking why I didn't. It is almost like a habit that society has instilled. That when you see good ideas, people thriving, doing awesomeness... you don't always give them the proper attention even if you have been benefiting from them. Unfortunantly I think it is something that has been brought on by the world we live in.
I hope this brings light to the situation, oh and dont worry I follow you now ;] We need to make a linky group that is when you read someones blog, and take something from it, whether it be a new way to do your make up or blog tips that you follow and comment! SERIOUSLY!!
Much Love Girl,
Keep Rockin On.
With Love,
Caitlyn
www.littlepetrie.com
One comment I read said that we do not always know what to say and I agree to that. For me mostly when I see blogs that have a lot of pictures of themselves or other things you do not always have a comment for that. So for me I usually do not comment on stuff like that. I think post people tend to comment on are the ones that get them thinking ones that they want to share what they think or feel as well.
ReplyDeleteBut I know for me I never get caught in numbers or comments I blog bc I love and enjoy it. I think if you start looking at all that it does not become fun anymore.
strangely i never EVER commented on blogs until i got a blog myself and realised how much i loved getting comments. xxx
ReplyDeleteI was exactly the same way!
DeleteI read every single one of your posts but I very rarely comment as most of the time, I feel like I have nothing to contribute and nothing constructive to say. But at the same time, I understand how you feel. Although I only have a very small blog, I do get a few comments but they tend to be on the posts that I've put very little effort in while the posts I spend days trying to put together, taking photos, making sure everything I say is 100% my opinion, and then spend hours writing up and trying to make it as good as possible, I get barely any reaction and it's frustrating - putting so much effort in to get barely anything back.
ReplyDeletexoxox
It's probably always going to be the case but you should just blog for you, don't worry about the stats, be creative and write what you want to write, it's most important to keep you happy!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rafflesbizarre.blogspot.com
I like a good story - something real to life that I can relate to. But I also like blogging tips or interesting DIYs and, of course, giveaways. I tend to comment on most posts of nearly all the blogs I read... I guess because I think I have something to say?? (What does that say about me?) I love your blog because every day is different. You have such a variety of subjects and pictures and your store is awesome. I wouldn't change a thing, if I were you, and don't get discouraged when you're comments are down. I don't know if it's true statistically, but I've noticed on my tiny blog that I get the most comments during the middle of the week. Toward the end of the week, people tend to taper off.
ReplyDeleteI won't lie, I'm a crappy follower in that I will read tons of posts but not leave comments. I just can't stand repeating 'Love this! OMG so cute!' on posts (on various blogs) all day. But I do think it's cute and I do love it. I think there are just too many blogs out there to read.
ReplyDeleteAnd as far as personally? I get in a blogging slump where I rarely post (like right now) anything or read anyone's posts. I just think that forced content is poor content. And when I have something I want the whole world/Internet to see, I'll post it. And chances are it's good content and I'll get tons of comments.
Oh and I never read posts with guest posters, I just think those are annoying and I don't care to read them! I subscribe to a person's blog to read about them, not half a week's post about some other person. I also don't like blogs/blog posts that are over saturated with sponsors. Like, I get it. You're making money from this. Stop rubbing it in my face. LOL!
<3
kimberrleigh.com
Oh I agree I never even bother with guest or sponsored post.
Deletedana, thank you for your transparency. i feel exactly the same way, especially since i have blogged for 4.5 years and my numbers are as low as they are. i too focus on quality, novel, unique, content and get crickets chirping all the time. it's so frustrating. IF i had the resources for professional photography for all my outfit posts, i would use someone. BUT, i don't. you see how cheap my ads are and how few of them i sell. i put tons of (voluntary) time into my blog and make zero money and often feel none of it is worth it. i get discouraged all the time. my last stitch effort is having freckled nest completely overhaul my blog. we will see if that works. also, i am 50/50 a commentor and a browser. i try really hard to comment.
ReplyDeleteYou already know how about feel about this, but I wanted to drop in to obviously show you some feedback (the purpose for this) and to thank you for sharing your heart!
ReplyDeleteI think that there are a lot of factors to what is going on that can include summer time (busyness), a ton of blogs popping up daily, and really just not having time to leave a comment if they dont feel its necessary.
I think that all of us as readers could take some responsibility by going into our blog readers and really cleaning house. Yes it might be sad to stop following some blogs and hurt their numbers, but if there are a ton of blogs out there and we can't keep up then cleaning up might mean we can focus on the ones we truly love!
loving this honest post. i've been having the exact same feelings as of late. i have noticed that people seem to be more inclined to comment when there are less words and more pictures. i think a lot of it has to do with time and people having so many blogs that they read. but i love these honest posts about your life and your thoughts. these are what i enjoy reading!!
ReplyDeletexo TJ
I love your clothes you have such a cool style :) I followed <3
ReplyDeletehttp://littlesugarcube98.blogspot.co.uk/ ❤
this is a good post. it's good to put it out there sometimes. once in a while, that's all you need.
ReplyDeletesee, i read you from my google reader. and i kind of read a lot of blogs. and it can be overwhelming to comment on every post when my reader shows 100+ every morning. so i don't... but i'm here. everyday. love your stuff, dana :)
Hi Dana I wanted to share my thoughts b/c I feel like this EXACTLY.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to "figure out" what my audience likes, if that makes sense. It's the same thing, I spend hours on a post, and then a post that just comes out gets a great response... is it b/c it's more like it's from my heart? But then other times I do a quickie post and get nothing... and confession: I am jealous of those who can just post what they did that weekend and get loads of love.
In regards to "too many blogs" I totally disagree. There are TONS of clothing shops, TONS of artists, TONS of cafes but that's b/c there are TONS of people w/ tons of different tastes out there. You are unique, your blog is unique and will have it's own unique, fingerprint of followers.
ALSO: I am part of the problem. I read blogs during my lunch break/on the bus and I rarely comment just b/c my phone does not make it easy to comment and also, it's harder to comment at work... but it doesn't mean that I'm not appreciative of all the work you (or others) put into a post! Because I'm there with ya. :)
I totally hear you. Not getting feedback on something you worked really hard on, and then watching someone else's easy post get a bazillion comments, is tough. That's why I have a standard rule -- if I read it, I comment on it. Even if it's just a quick note, or a short letter (like this) I try to always make my mark. "Hey, I'm here! I read this, and I thought it was awesome."
ReplyDeleteI think summertime is harder because life just gets busy...even busier than normal. But I'm trying to work on my commenting and connecting with bloggers. I know how much I appreciate when people comment on my blog posts, so I want to return the favor. :)
ReplyDeleteYour blog is one of my favorites to read, I'm constantly on the lookout for new posts here. I do read quite a few different blogs every day, sometimes it's just takes too much time to stop and comment, and I also feel like I shouldn't be commenting on every single blog post that I read. I find that most of the time I will comment on a post that I found humorous, inspiring, or that really made me think about the topic. DIYs are always an interesting read, but as of yet I haven't actually stopped to make/do any of those projects.
ReplyDeleteLike some of the other comments have said, you should blog because it's something that you really enjoy doing, and not focus so much on stats or comments. I really enjoy reading your blog and would be disappointed if you stopped blogging!
Jenn x http://pinkdiary.org
The blogging world is especially saturated, and it's incredibly hard to keep up with it! I have blogs that I love to read, blogs that I sometimes love to read, blogs that I get to every once and a while... and the list goes on. Yours is definitely one that I constantly come back to. I don't like reading diaries, I like something with substance that's useful to everyone, and I've commented before telling you that I admire you for that.
ReplyDeleteBut it's easy to get discouraged... especially when everything/everyone seems to be so driven by numbers.
The good thing about the blogging community though is that everyone seems to have everyone's back (and I think the majority of people are genuine about it)
I look forward to reading more of your posts, and seeing just how successful this site (and your shop) (and your book) will make you!
Hey! I'm a new reader to your blog. I found it through your smokey eye tutorial and I love it. I will tell you what I love about your blog from the short time I have been here. I love all of your tutorials (messy waves, makeup, dog treats), I also love how you blog about your life and I especially love all of your wonderful pictures.... what can I say I'm a visual person. I just want to let you know that I appreciate the work you put into your blog because, coming from someone who has tried, I know blogging takes a lot of time, hard work and inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYou rock and you should know it.
Hi Dana!! I don't think you sound whiny or biatchy. I think reader interaction is something that most bloggers crave. However, I'd like to share some insights on why I think your blog doesn't receive as many comments as you'd like.
ReplyDeleteFor one thing, I think you focus quite a bit on creating great tutorials and "pinable images," which in turn brings you tons of Pinterest traffic (I'm guessing). This isn't based on any scientific testing (haha) but I bet that blogs with tons of Pinterest traffic have slightly skewed stats when it comes to readers who are there for the blog and blogger herself vs readers just there to gleen info from the recipe or the DIY or what have you. People visiting from Pinterest rarely ever comment or stick around, it seems, so I try not to rely too heavily on them.
Also, such a tiny, tiny percentage of even my readers comment on posts, and I notice that most of them comment because I have interacted with them at some point in time, or because they feel like they relate to me in some way. So, really the best, most interactive readers are the relationships you've nurtured, or the readers who are there because of personal things you've written. I've come to realize that unless I'm willing to pour the time into interacting with my readers, they won't interact with me. It's not that they're not reading (the stats show otherwise), it's just that people ARE pretty lazy when it comes to commenting (I am one of those lazies, lately). So I guess it's best to just let your stats be the best reward for all that hard work you put in, because people ARE enjoying your posts, obviously, even if they don't interact.
And one more thing. I think you are an extremely business minded individual, and to me, that shows on your blog. There is NOTHING wrong with that, but I think bloggers are more likely to comment on more journalistic blogs, vs. "professional" blogs. Your blog blew up so fast based on the smart business moves you've made and your Internet savvy-ness, so maybe you sort of skipped that more drawn out relationship-building period that a lot of bloggers go through and gain loyal, interactive readers during. I know for me, I think of your blog as almost an empire, and a booming business, which makes me less likely to comment. Not because I don't love you, though. It's weird, and hard to explain. Hope maybe some of that helped in some way! :)
PS - Also! Stats and comments, for all bloggers, are especially low in the summer. Keep that in mind! Mine, for one, took a nose dive somewhere in May.
ReplyDeleteTBH, I usually browse and leave. I love tutorials but maybe people don't have much to say as opposed to when there is a quick post that is mostly about something personal that people can relate to? I do love your blog though and hope you don't stay discouraged for too long(everyone is allowed to get that way time to time though) because I'll miss you!
ReplyDeleteI actually read every post. i don't ever comment cause I'm lazy. i have around ten blogs i read on a daily basis and that's because I'm wrapped up in their lifes. i no longer write my blog because its to time consuming but i did fall in love with your blog and the others for different reasons and want to keep reading... even lazy posts.
ReplyDeletehope that made sense. maybe you should take a vaycay and think if you really want to keep it going. or maybe limit to 3 posts a week so you can focus on your other businesses
I was just turned on to your blog today, so will be sure to follow as well. But, thanks for your candidness and honesty. In a world where we try to be so p.c. instead of just saying what we feel or think, it's refreshing. I have a startup company that I often get frustrated with similar things and constantly wonder what I'm doing wrong or how I can improve, and you're right, it doesn't matter that I have dedicated my life to this company. I have learned not to take some things personally and things sometimes are just cyclical. Hang in there, as I tell myself daily...seems like you're doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteHi Dana,
ReplyDeleteI am one guilty lately of not leaving comments on the blogs I read. Mostly because I have 3 little girls who are climbing on me the entire time and I barely have one finger to type. It gets quite frustrating for me. I love interacting with others and commenting but after reading so many, by the time my girls go to bed I am so overwhelmed.
I agree... I have been getting less and less comments on my blog lately. I for one am out or am doing things with my girls because it's summer. I usually blog in the early morning after getting my daughter on the school bus, now we all sleep through my blogging time because we're staying up later.
It is discouraging to pour my heart out on my blog and get no comments but I see there are visitors in my stats. This month I just hit a stand still and sit at my computer having a hard time finding something to say. Thinking if it's worth it to put myself out there but get no response or support.
It is possible that my followers are just numbers and don't actually read, I'm guilty of that. I follow everyone I visit in all ways and I do not use my reader. I use my sidebar buttons or my daily reads column to keep up with the ones I love.
I LOVE your blog and all your content. xoxo
These are my thoughts exactly on the daily!! I always wonder how some people get the 100 comments?! I realize that they have a lot of followers and that could be a big part of it too. I am a fairly new blogger myself and I go through the same trials everyday. There have been many days that I go through thinking that I should just give up, because no one is reading or no one cares anyways?! I enjoy reading your blog! Keep up the great work!!I hope you find comfort in knowing that your blog is awesome, and that we do recognize the hard work that you put into it!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!
Cheers!
Kelli
loveshappyhour
I read a lot of blog before i started my own and it was only after i started that i realized how much effort bloggers put in. I really admire your blog, its always so beautiful and you can see the dedication in every post. And i can completely understand where your coming from with this post.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog, each and every post. Keep it up, i know a LOT of people love your blog just as much as me.
I also just wanted to mention how helpful your blog advice, especially for people such as myself who has just started on my blogging journey. Its almost as if your giving back to the blogging community! Haha :)
Thanks, Anna
http://opshopaholic.blogspot.co.nz/
Lots of feedback on this post, eh? ;) And I'll echo everyone else when I say that (a) as a blogger, I can totally relate, and (b) as a reader, I can totally relate! There are some days I don't have as much time to read all the posts and comment on my favorite ladies in the blog-o-sphere, though I try as much as possible... and sometimes even if I love the post, I don't always have something meaningful to say so I keep quiet.
ReplyDeleteOn the other end (as a blogger), I'm sometimes quite surprised by the posts that get a lot of traffic and attention, and others that seem to drop with a thud. I think some of the best advice from other bloggers is to just be proud of what you're writing and sharing, and hopefully the rest (and the audience) will follow. That said, it can be a challenge and a struggle to fit our true selves into a "blogger identity" that helps readers relate to us. If I wrote about everything I wanted to write about, my blog would be off in 12 different directions on a weekly basis. It's a constant challenge, to be sure...
So now I'm rambling. Chin up, Dana -- we love you, you have an awesome fan base, and I can assure you that your time is not being wasted!
I feel the same way...I'll work on a post thinking that it's going to be fabulous. Thinking that it's the best I've written yet...and then...nothing. Then I throw a few photos or something in a 2 second post, and I get all sorts of love. I don't get it. I just keep on keeping on...
ReplyDeleteI hear what you're saying....but my brain just keeps thinking about donuts.
ReplyDeletePs. I never comment but love this pretty place.
Ugh! I am one of the worst commenters EVER but I read your blog everday. I'm really trying to work on my blog commenting and I just want to tell you that I love EVERYTHING you post!
ReplyDeletexoxo
I find many bloggers don't seem to comment at all. I always make it a point to return the love and leave some others on random blogs that I find & dig. I think if we all pitched in a little more then we could get them flowing again.
ReplyDeleteI also agree and say there is so much content to keep up with it's rather difficult. Some days I don't have time to comment but I always try to catch up eventually xx
It's a cute blog! I can tell you put a lot of time into it! I do read all of your post... and my general rule about commenting for myself, is I want something genuine to say! With that being said, I should tell you that on my blog on linked to your blog on "how to follow blogs" I definitely appreciated the way you talked described it .... a lot of my friends are not in the blogging world yet and don't understand it!
ReplyDeleteOn some of the 'bigger' blogs like yours, I want to comment, but often if I see 30+ comments already, I feel kind of like someone has probably already said what I was thinking. :) If I don't catch a post when its fairly young, I probably read without commenting.
ReplyDeleteJust my personal habit. Even on my own blog, I find the quicker posts DO turn out to be more widely read. Heck, I was SO excited inside when you commented on my blog recently! :D I loved it. Thank you.
Oh my
ReplyDeleteDo I feel the same way at times. You are not alone. I also wanted to let you know that I subscribe to you via email and your blog is one of the wry few that I actually read and freaking love every single post. Love ya over here.
Debonairbandit.blogspot.com
I completely get what you're saying. I try really hard to find engaging topics and write down ideas for great blog posts. I don't know if I'm reaching out to the wrong audience sometimes or what, but it can be entirely too frustrating. What sucks the most is that it DOES kill the creative spirit. But hopefully it'll get better, and sometimes slumps occur. It's the pain of being a blogger, I guess!
ReplyDeleteI bet it's a number of things....but I'm guessing people get busy and run out of time, or are too lazy to comment, but still want to look at pictures?! It does feel crappy, though, when there isn't a lot of interaction. I guess as long as you are blogging for yourself, it shouldn't matter...but we are kinda blogging for others, right?! Not sure how to remedy this...a short break may give you a boost?
ReplyDeleteI have to be honest...I am not a very good commenter. I have been working on it though. I actually just recently found your blog and I ADORE it. I can see how you would feel unmotivated by the lack of enthusiam though. I really should be giving more feedback because I think a lot of people blog to have those interactions and share ideas. I love all your posts. And even if I don't comment, I am reading and enjoy them. I think if more people decided to comment it would make a world of difference, but honestly I just think its laziness. I don't think its a matter of the readers not enjoying the material. Who knows though?! I am getting ready to venture into the blogging world myself and I really have intentions of starting more friendships through comments and sharing. So expect to hear from me more because I will definitely be showing you all kinds of love :)
ReplyDeleteSeems there's a lot of people feel the same way!
ReplyDeleteI think you have to base it all on the blind faith that people are reading anyway! Every so often I feel that no-one is reading my blogs, Twitter feed or Facebook and that's partly because it's getting harder to track who really is. But I KNOW that people are reading them, however small in number.
I read blogs through Google Reader, about 40 in all, so I tend to skim-read most but genuinely regularly read about 10 of those. I then add any of interest to my Pinterest account, especially tutorials, so I can read/try them later.
I don't really comment unless I feel strongly motivated to do so, and if I see that there are lots of comments, or that someone else has made my point, I don't bother.
Hope that helps!
I totally get what you're saying. I started a blog separate from my photography blog just so I would have a place to write things and share things that I loved. Nobody ever read it. I don't have time to set up huge tutorials, and it seemed like that was what got people readers. I ended up making my blog 100% private, so no one but me can read it. Turns out I really just wanted to write, and share photos of my personal life. Even if no one is able to read it now, one day I can look back on it, like a diary. I may even let my kids read it one day. It was a good option for me. I think the most important thing is that you just blog what you want to. If you don't want to spend hours putting together a tutorial, then don't. If you do want to in order to push your creativity, then by all means, do it! Don't worry about the comments or the stats! :) Good luck, and I love your blog!
ReplyDeletei totally get what you are saying. i don't have as many readers as you do, so there are even less comments on my posts. but every single one i get makes me happy. i try not to check statistics too often as i am mainly blogging just for fun and only when i think i have something to write about. i don't want to pressure myself into writing a blog post. like i said, for me it is just something i do for fun. but of course i can't prevent myself from being a bit sad if there are no comments on something i put efford in.
ReplyDeletei have just recently set myself a little goal to comment more. as i have to admit that sometimes - well... actually more often than not - i am a bit of a lazy commenter myself. as someone else here in the comments said, i rather have something real to say, than just say "oh, i like that". but now thinking about that, even that could make a blogger's day, right? that's what i like readers to do on my blog, too. also i tend to comment more on posts that don't already have a ton of comments as i think to myself that a third comments matters more than a 103rd. do you know what i mean?
anyway, i really like your posts - all of them. there is no particular topic i prefer. i like when bloggers write whatever they are interestet in/like at the moment and the blog reflexes THEM. i like tutorials, diy, outfit posts, recipes, reviews, random thoughts, ... really anything.
Dana, I really like your blog and I always lurk even if I don't always comment. I had to comment on this post though as I share your thoughts. Sometimes I think that some posts are just hits and the others are misses, sometimes it's not necessarily the content but it could just be that it was posted on the wrong day and not many people were online at hat time/on that day. Another thing I often think about is whether some people just take a few seconds to click and skim over a post and leave a comment, and that maybe this would be more difficult had it been a more detailed post because they'd have to take more time to read it and think of an insightful comment, and thus instead they don't interact with it? Those are just my two cents, but really you should post what you want, and interaction shouldn't matter, even though I know it's nice to get comments and disheartening if you don't. xx
ReplyDeleteOh hon...I hear you. I mean, here you have a beautiful blog (and it is; you know it, I know it) and there are posts when you put in a crapload of effort, and then...minimal response, or not the sort of response a post of that ilk SHOULD garner.
ReplyDeleteI feel like that, too...for e.g., if I write a serious post wherein I write about my late dad or the war (or WHATEVER), it's like...crickets, almost. Which is kind of weird, because you always hear about people wanting to read one's personal story and experiences, blah blah, and then you get personal and write from the heart and...only a few comments. And, hey, don't get me wrong, even when I write the snarky/humorous posts I'm writing them from the heart, but when there's a discrepancy in the response you get on serious and humorous posts, you sort of think, "Wait, what am I here, a jester of sorts?"
Don't fret, be true to yourself and know that your blog is a beautiful, creative and inspiring place. I'm most certainly rapt that I stumbled upon it, that I clicked Follow without a second thought, AND that I'm fortunate enough to have you as a follower on MY humble blog.
xo
I try to comment as much as I can because I love comments, and I know they're what really make a bloggers day!
ReplyDeleteIn saying that, I do work full time so sometimes I'm too exhausted to do much more than read posts.
I also find I feel really disheartened if I'm not getting comments on my posts, it makes me feel generally 'bleh' and unmotivated to leave any myself. A vicious cycle really.
I almost feel like (and this is just my opinion) it's etiquette to return comments. If someone has taken the time to read your post and leave a comment, you should try to do the same.
Maybe turn your comments off for a while? It can be disheartening when you don't get the reaction you hoped for but maybe it'd be easier to write what makes you happy if you weren't checking for reactions- kind of takes the pressure off.
ReplyDeleteI personally read a lot of blogs that post short posts rather than long thought out ones, and I find them just as inspiring as the planned posts, just in a different way. I've noticed some of the comments on this post are from people saying they kind of resent blogs that only take a few minutes on a post and get alot of interaction, which i don't think is fair.. there are so many different types of blogs out there and each is personal to the writer and to the reader, too. There are so many reasons people commenting on your shorter posts could be happening too, my reason for reading shorter posts is that I don't have a lot of spare time on my hands, so something that takes 2 seconds to read leaves me a bit of time to write a quick comment, whereas something that takes me a while is one that I'll read and then leave because I'm out of time.
Another thing is I always thought of your blog as more of a business, which is maybe why people don't comment as often as they do on a post that they make an emotional connection with.. for example, I love looking at pictures of kittens, so if someone posts a kitten picture with no words, I'll leave a comment, but if, say, you post a great DIY piece, even if I think it looks cool I know i'm rubbish at DIY so might not feel like I have anything to add. It's personal taste. That doesn't mean I'm not reading your posts though, it's just that they usually leave me with food for thought rather than an instant reaction and it's hard to come up with worthwhile comments on posts like that.
Don't be uninspired though, if people keep coming back (as you see they do in the stats) then you're doing something right. I even went out and ordered samples from scentsy the other day just because you said it was good, so you're definitely making an impression!
I'm totally right there with ya, girl! I'm fairly new to the blog world, but I can already tell it can take a toll on you creatively when people don't show the love on things you worked your ass off writing/creating. It's like a virtual punch in the gut. I get it...and also hate it.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I am guilty of being a lurker. In fact, I think I might have only commented a handful of times on your blog...but it's not because I wasn't reading it. It's because sometimes I don't think my comments matter. Not just to you, but to people in general. I know that sounds ridiculous because comments are like currency in the blog world, but sometimes you wonder if that two sentence statement is going to make a difference. Especially on bigger blogs that get hundreds of comments. I feel like I'd get lost in the shuffle, just another comment. So, that's why I lurk. BUT...I'm totally working on de-lurking myself (obviously)! Your post touched my heart because I totally know what that feels like. To feel unheard, unappreciated. So here I am, leaving you love! I read. Every post. And I pledge to try my best to comment more! You're blog is wonderful and you are appreciated, girl! Don't ever doubt that!
I have been feeling the same way lately. It's hard because on one hand I feel like I want to keep my readers but on the other I don't want to compromise who I am. I love your blog, I'm sorry I don't comment enough. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeletei'm coming out of the dark. i totally feel ya girl. i've been trying to dedicate one day to blogging, reading blogs, and commenting because i would love if someone did the same for me too. i shall send you more bloggy love! effort should always be appreciated!
ReplyDeletehttp://romanticallychallenged.net
It is a bit discouraging (especially for me being totally a new blogger) to be visiting other's blogs and commenting away and to see the stats on my blog (over 800 views since I started) but I have under 10 comments total. It sucks. And like people will tell me when I see them "oh great blog" but really, comment. I'd love to know your out there!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, thanks for posting this. I will admit I don't always comment on the blogs I read because I guess I feel like maybe what I have to say is silly or unimportant, but then again, I'd kill for some comments!! Vicious cycle!
Hi Dana! I've stopped over here from Gina's blog at Acute Designs. I've been blogging for almost a year now - and I get it. I'm actually kind of jealous you have in-person blogger friends to talk about things like this with... I could use some in-person blogging friends. I've been reading through the comments and a few bloggers who have a bit more experience than me seem to have had some good suggestions - - which have been awesome to read. Best of luck with continuing forward, and the way I'm going to look at it is if the numbers are there in the stats, at least you know the readers are there, now you just need to figure out what gets them talking.
ReplyDeleteMaybe go back and see if there is a theme to your posts with the most comments? Are they on the same day? Are they about the same topic? Are they the ones with more/less pictures? etc
I completely understand where you're coming from... although I am surprised that you have over 3000 GFC followers and over 90 comments on this post. I mean, that is a lot of responses.
ReplyDeleteNot sure, maybe you're just measuring on a different level, because I am happy when I get more than 10 comments on my posts.
Having said that, I think there is a big imbalance between people who write blogs (and expect readers to comment) and people actually commenting themselves. I am not sure in which category you fall, but I've read many posts from other bloggers where they're "apologizing" for not being good at commenting at other people's blogs... and then I stop and wonder how those people can then expect comments on their own posts in return if they never comment anywhere else?!
I know I'm late on this topic & already read your response post, but had to comment anyway:)
ReplyDeleteOh man do I hear you on this. And lately I've been starting to wonder if this is what I really want to keep doing. I've had the exact experience with spending ages on something I thought was really special and being excited to share it and then getting an underwhelming response. Then seeing the same old regurgitated ideas (including myself regurgitating stuff here) and seeing HUGE responses is frustrating. And it seems to have little to do with how big or small the following is, how many places linked to/commented on, time of day or any of the "logical" explanations.
I think it is probably a combination of several things:
Most people are probably in the same boat of not having the time to read most of the blogs they follow because of other time commitments. I would love to read what I follow more, but the only way I could these days is to stop sleeping.
For those that do have the time and don't comment, one possibility is how achievable something seems. An easy, doesn't-involve-much effort/ability type of thing has people thinking "I like that and I could totally do that myself", so they're more inclined towards it than something they may admire for its uniqueness and skill, but deep down resent a little because they know they couldn't do it themselves.
And as a blogger I have to remind myself constantly that making the things I WANT to make is more important than making things for mass appeal. Somehow you lose what makes you unique and that's usually what attracted those readers in the first place.
Do what makes you feel satisfied and the rest will work itself out!
I know i'm a little late here but I just stumbled onto this. And dozens of people seem to have just said the same thing I'm about to say, but it really holds true for me too. I have a smaller blog with less of a following than yours, and I experience the same thing all the time. I get so excited after having made something that i deem 'the most incredible thing i've ever done', but that initial high of having taken nice photos and posted it diminishes as time passes and it seems as though no one notices. Or, almost worse, your stats show you that people saw it but didn't take the time to comment. It really upsets me and I get selfish and think 'whyy?'
ReplyDeleteMy policy, generally, is to always comment on something if the blog is small, just beginning, or has a relatively small following. If someone has posted something, albeit amazing, and has 200 people already telling them it's amazing, I feel like I might blend into the fanatic masses, and at that point, what is there to say that hasn't already been said? On the other hand, if a blog has worthy content and few commenters or readers, I see that as a great opportunity to help boost someone else's blog and self-esteem, and I know it's going to someone who will actually read and appreciate the comment. It will make their day, like it makes mine when that happens to me.
Unfortunately, i think you are right that this crafty blogosphere is over-saturated and everyone wants their blog to be the next big one. It's just unrealistic, and it's something I'm having to accept too. But ultimately the reason why i continue to blog is because i'm proud of the things i've made (or the places traveled to, or experiences I had, or whatever else I'm writing about) and I want to have a record of them somewhere, a type of public portfolio of projects, that i can look back through and relive the excitement that went with that particular experience. And isn't that a good enough reason for everybody to continue, who wants to, regardless of whether or not thousands of others are doing the same thing?
It is a bit embarrising that I am commenting this late, is it a month since you wrote it? Something along the line.
ReplyDeleteI needed some time to think about your post, because I am guilty. I often read posts and then I end up not commenting. Even though I loved the post, found it inspiring and what not.
Sometimes I write that I liked it, but some posts just deserve more than that. And since I am no native speaker and sometimes (when I am stressed, which I am often while reading blog posts - it calms me) I just can't find the right words. And I don't want to write something which doesn't make sense.
Did this make sense?
I am not so sure, actually.
Anyhow, I think that I just don't want to write nonesense. And when a post is deep, inspiring or really good, I feel overwhelmed. Haha.
I never mean to be ignorant.
I agree. It sucks butt. Especially for me, I have 2 followers and you have 4.8k, lucky you. (:
ReplyDelete