I've been blogging here at "On My Side of the World" (formerly known as "Frugal and Thankful") for about a year but I still consider myself a novice when it comes to blogging. There are so many things I still need to learn. I barely touched the surface of HTML coding, I don't know what SEO stands for and the idea of getting my own domain, honestly, terrifies me. This blog is like my kitchen - I play with the ingredients and get all messy, and try to get things together into something that I and others could enjoy. It's a constant trial and error.
At first, the traffic to this blog was minimal. But as it increased a little, I discovered more about the relationships on Blogosphere aka "Blogging Etiquette", the more formal relationships that you build with other bloggers.
And I realized how much I still have to learn. Just recently I found out that it's not OK to use somebody else's image on your blog without asking permission. I'll be honest, I'm guilty of that. I would always put a link to the original source (or where I found the image which is not always where it was originally generated) but, apparently, it's not enough.
I love blogging. I love friendships we build from it. But I don't want anybody to feel like I'm stealing an egg from your kitchen to use in mine. Now I'm trying to create my own images even if they are not very professional. But hey, I'm still learning to "cook", right? :)
The other thing is commenting. I try to respond to most of the comments, even if it takes me a few days. I realize that often people don't read my response unless they come back to check for it ( or just come back to my blog which is what I'm secretly hoping for :). And if you are new here, I try to go to your blog and comment too or send you an e-mail. Blogging does take time. And sometimes I'm as slow as a snail. But I'm trying and working on it :)
And because I brought up blogo-friendships, I have a couple of questions for you now. Most of you have been blogging for a lot longer than me- you are more experienced "cooks", so to say :). Over this past year I started following hundreds of blogs. It takes time to read all of them and comment. But some of these bloggers decided to stop writing for a variety of reasons. I haven't read anything on their page for many-many months. Do you still follow in hope they'll come back or do you delete them from your reading list? There is another dilemma I have. There are a couple (just a couple) of blogs that I follow, and the people who write them don't seem to care if I do follow them or not. They never responded to my comments, never checked out my blog (or at least, never commented here) or followed me back. And it's been like this since the time I started blogging. It looks like they don't care about what I have to say.
Should I keep following them or commenting on their blogs? Or not? This blog is small, and the topics might be boring for some. And I understand. I can't relate to all of the topics people write about too. But I try to be respectful. Because I know that you write what's important for you. But what is the proper "blogtiquette" on this?
I hope, this post didn't offend anyone. I'm sorry if it did. This was not my intention. I'm trying to be respectful to your voice as a blogger and to learn from you because I still feel far from being a "chef" in this Blogger Kitchen :)
What are your thoughts?
For myself, if a blog goes unposted on for a couple months, I delete it off of my blogroll and stop following. EXCEPT my one good friend who is currently serving in Afghanistan so she gets a "free pass"... haha! ;) But really, I read what i want, comment when I want. I've unsubbed from a LOT of blogs for various reasons, some get to be too much about making blogging income, for some it's that they never interact or reply to comments ,etc... I think in the end you just have to do whats comfortable for you. If you like to read, read whether they comment back or not. If you don't, then don't waste your time, kwim? I do try to keep up with those who comment on my blog and with "return the favour" by keeping up with thier blogs, although I may not always comment on each and every post. Just do what you feel is right, Lena... your heart is always in the right place, so just follow it my friend!! xo
ReplyDeleteI don't comment on every post either but it's about building relationships for me. Thank you Carla for your support! You definitely have a lot more experience than me :)
DeleteLena,
ReplyDeleteI had THIS VERY POST in my head all day!! I, like, you believe in blogging etiquette. I try very hard to read and comment on all the blogs I follow, as much as I can with the time I do have. When I first started getting comments on my posts, I didn't realize the importance in saying "thank you," or responding to one's comment. But the more I started commenting on OTHER blogs, I began to feel a little jaded when someone wouldn't even bother to say thanks after I'd leave meaningful words...So, yes, I think it's important to comment back. Also, I don't care for the "Hi, I'm following you so now you'll follow me back" blogger who never reads my blog once they've become a follower. If you're just following me for a follow back, don't bother. I don't care about my numbers, I write to connect with people who really care to connect.
Thanks for posting this,
Meredith
I don't leave comments "follow me back". I believe if a person is interested in my blog, they will check it out and start following because of me, and not because they feel that they have to. I might not have as many followers because of that but I want people to come and come back. I too want that connection that you were talking about. I'm glad you found this post helpful. I was hesitant about posting it:)
DeleteI agree with Carla above.
ReplyDeleteI reply to all my comments from followers but then I don't have many. It's like having a conversation with a friend.
I have followed quite a few blogs (not all on my side bar)and found it impossible to keep up with them all as it takes a lot of time so I've weeded them.
Carolx
Yes, it's impossible to keep up with every single blog. That's I don't comment as often as I would love to. I'm thinking of doing a little bit of weeding of my own this weekend :)
DeleteI don't delete them still hoping they'll come back one day and explain their silence but I know that can never happen. But, so far, I'm ok with that :)
ReplyDeleteI don't mind and I can understand when somebody doesn't check my blog-there can be many reasons: lack of time/interest, I'm still working to improve it, I don't write much and so on BUT what I don't like is what you wrote about: when somebody doesn't care about what I want to say, doesn't respond to my comments but I can see that he/she replied to bloggers who he/she knows (or who are from USA because he/she wants to sell something and it's only available for USA citizens). If the only comments I left was "congrats!" I don't expect to see their replies to that but when I spent half an hour to write a valuable comment and take part in important discussion it could be nice to hear something back.
You wrote really interesting post because it's something (I mean commenting) I've been thinking about lately. And my general thought about it is: do what works best for you and you feel good and comfortable with :)
Thank you for your thoughts. I think we write as often as we can. And I have friends on blogosphere who wrote quite a bit and then stopped but I will never delete them (unless they announce they are done with blogging) because we had a chance to connect. And I hope they will come back. It's more about those people who don't really care that bother me. A simple thank you is enough.
DeleteI follow blogs I enjoy, I try to check out new blogs often but time can be an issue. If a blog I have been following stops posting I do delete it from my blog roll as it is just taking up time and space. I am still trying to remember to respond to comments on my blog but time seems to be an issue on this as well. Just enjoy your blog time and don't sweat the small stuff. I love your blog
ReplyDeleteThank you Debby! I love your blog too. You are the constant inspiration for me :)
DeleteI agree with Carla. Time is valuable. Read what interests you. However, I find while a certain blog may not always interest me, if I follow it over time, I feel like I've gotten to know the person and found a friend.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great point here. It happened to me before too! We are all different but there are things where we can all connect. I've found a few unexpected friends thanks to blogging too :)
DeleteIt depends. I'll admit to not updating my blogroll as often, so I'll delete blogs I havent seen activity for a while... a few others, I can't seem to remove. But if they were ones I liked to follow a lot (like Rafiki's) and they've announced they're taking a break, I'll keep them on tab until they return. It doesn't hurt anyone. Well, at least it doesn't bother me. I know I'm very OCD about some things, but my blogroll doesnt seem to be one of them.
ReplyDeleteI would never consider removing Rafiki's!! :) But he's one of those who I believe, I really connected with. But there area couple of blogs that I started following a year ago, and they blogged for 2 months and now they are gone. I'm not sure what to do in this case.
DeletePersonally, I think I would delete them as it would appear that they may have stopped blogging.
DeleteCarolx
Great post. I always try and respond to comments and am usually not a fan when blogs don't reply back. I understand every now and then, but if I ask a question, I kind of want it answered! Haha that's a pet peeve of mine.
ReplyDeleteMe neither. I don't respond every single time but I try to be more diligent about it.
DeleteThank you Lena for asking these questions. As you know, I'm a very new blogger and I'm often asking myself the same questions. Am I doing this right or wrong? I borrowed "Blogging for Dummies" from the library and even there not all the information was very informative. I'll be looking forward to reading all the responses, and Carla has given good advice. BTW I do enjoy reading all about your life experiences. :)
ReplyDeleteFunny, I got "Blogging for Dummies" a couple of months ago from a thrift store but it's been pretty much collecting dust ever since :) I've looked through it and found myself to be not even smart enough for this book when it comes to Blogging :) Still so much to learn.
DeleteI am not as "into" blogging as lots of people. Actually, I consider myself more of a stalker than a blogger. I love reading and seeing what everyone else is up to. I had another blog for years, made some wonderful friends from it and now we are all on facebook, so never post there anymore. Then started my current one so I could document my quilting and crocheting projects, and I am a slacker about posting. I would not worry too much about "rules." Blogs and bloggers are unique, we all do out own thing, that's what makes it fun!
ReplyDeleteI love how you put it. I stalk some blogs too (I LOVE looking at home tours to see how people live :) All bloggers are definitely unique, and I love it! We can learn from each other!
DeleteI haven't really figured out a rule for blogs that don't update. I have several on my blogroll that are my friends in "real life" so I keep them there to show support even if they don't update often. I don't follow too many blogs because I want to be active on the ones that I do follow, and I totally look to see if the person responses to me! :) It isn't always necassary, but it is nice when they do. I try to respond to everything, but my blog doesn't get too much traffic, except from my friends on facebook and they usually respond to things there. Hope you keep on cooking, Lena; I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI have a few that are my friends in real life who don't post at the moment for different reasons. I will never consider deleting them :) And thank you, I'm working on my cooking skills :) And amazing people like you keep me going :)
DeleteSee; I came back to see if you would respond! :) I'm such a nerd.
DeleteBut seriously, I think the comments that you got from this post should let you know that people totally read you and really like it. Congrats and keep it up!
Thank you Erin:)
DeleteI also am wishing for a guide to blogging manners! I try and respond to the comments on my blog, and I like to really, I am interested in others blogs and learn a lot...but sometimes I get too busy...I have noticed too that people just stop writing....sometimes I feel like doing that so I know where they are coming from...so far I have been enjoying the blogging scene..but who knows,t hat too may change! keep posting!!
ReplyDeleteI had small periods when I didn't post but I always come back :) I have to much to say, I guess :) Please, don't stop blogging. I love your outlook on the world.
DeleteAnother thought on blogs that go stagnant for awhile...About a year and half ago we had a tradegy in our family. So I was MIA for awhile. Now in the last 6 mths I started blogging again and it's a perverbial ghost town! I need to install cricket noises or something ;) I never lost any followers, so everyone is still "there" I guess. I must just be really boring! Oh well, my aunts and in real life friends read. Thanks for the reminder on what people should keep in mind when blogging!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for all the pain your family had to go through!! And that's one of the reasons why I'm hesitant to delete some blogs - because I don't know what's happening in people's lives. Thank you for your input. I appreciate it!
DeleteI have a blog list that I work my way through over a week's time. I'm still fairly new to your blog, can't even tell you where I picked it up from but I can tell you that I'm 6 1/2 years into blogging and my experience wouldn't fill a tea cup. I was one persona on xanga, Penny Ann Poundwise, and had a good following for a bit. I lost it when I wasn't able to think about posting over much and became repetitive and posted lots of images from BH&G that interested me (a sort of pre-Pinterest thing). I was going through a tough time for about 2 years and felt choked by the persona I'd created. People actually didn't respond well when I'd let the 'real' me show through!
ReplyDeleteAfter a bit I started a new blog on blogspot and have had lower numbers, but more comments overall. I've learned that it's more important to share my heart than just stick to one facet of my life, but I've begun cross posting the one facet things to Penny Ann once more.
Oddly, it wasn't until I began posting on BlueHouseJournal that I began to comment on other blogs. I don't always see a response but that's okay. It woke me up to the fact that I needed to acknowledge at least some of the remarks made on my own blogs.
As for following blogs that aren't posting, I may hold on to the blog and check back for awhile, then I'll let it go. I find that if I was really interested and liked the posts/person posting, then when they begin again, I'll see a reference to that fact somewhere and can pick them back up again. As the earlier commenter said here, sometimes things go on in our lives that just don't allow us time/energy to blog. However, remember this too, just as not all people are friends, all blogs are not deserving of undying loyalty either. Let them serve the purpose they serve and then move on. You'll spend more time seeking out blogs that teach, give rest, amuse and fill that 'have to' space a lot better.
BTW I started at the jeans post today and worked my way down. My youngest son was hard on jeans too. I found that honestly paying MORE for his pants netted us longer wearing jeans. Inexpensive jeans seemed great at first shot, but frugally speaking they just didn't cut it. The fabric is not as strong as you'd imagine. All jeans are NOT created equal. Better to have two really good pair of pants (though reinforcing is a great idea) than a drawer full of 'ready for shorts' jeans in winter!
I read all of my blogs through Google reader and follow so many of them that if one doesn't post for a while, I probably won't even realize it. I love blogging on my blog, but since my daughter was born, I haven't been very good about it. I hope to become a more regular blogger once I get used to being a working mom.
ReplyDeleteI've typed this reply twice, deleted the first and lost the second. So to keep it short this time...
ReplyDeleteI think you hit a nerve with comments. We all love comments and there is a validation in receiving them that receiving an email reply just doesn't have. Like Carla, I drop blogs if there is no interaction from them either by email or comments. Life is too short and it's discouraging to keep making comments and not getting them back.
I don't delete blogs that go dormant. I probably should, but I keep thinking they will get back to the blog or I will go back and dig out some of the gems I found there. I read blogs on my blog list instead of google reader. It's easier for me to tell what is going on with them I think.
I'm not good with the follower thing. Until I read the comment above, I didn't know people followed a blog just to get followers. Makes sense though I guess. Here's a question for you, and you can reply here because I've already got it bookmarked, lol, how do you find your followers' blogs? When I click on the photo, it might take me to a profile page with no blogs listed at all. Some have a youtube link. I'd comment on their blog if I could figure out how to find it.
Hey Marti, thanks for stopping by and thanks for your insight! There are definitely people who start following you just because they want you to follow back. Unfortunately, they are rarely interested in what you have to say :( And I also have a few people who joined this blog through GFC but never came back after that (for example, when I had giveaways).
DeleteTo be honest, the only way to find your followers' blogs (if they have one) is when they interact in comments and such. Then you can click on the name next to the comment and it will take you to the link for their blog. But it's not always the case. And often people that follow you, don't even blog themselves, they just have a profile and a reading list. I hope this helped. As I said before, I'm still learning this blogging thing too :)
Oh good, I thought I was just too technodisabled to find the blogger. What is GFC?
DeleteGoogle Friend Connect :)
Delete