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Last week, I had the immense pleasure of getting together with fellow blogger and friend, Jen @ When Pigs Fly while she was in Philly. And of course, we discussed blogging and some of the challenges we all seem to experience at one time or another.

Things like: readership, comments, writers block, change, and motivation.

I’ve only been blogging for five years, therefore am by no means an expert in the ways of how or how not to blog.

Yet, there is something I’ve observed when it comes to blogging that I would like to share.

Does this scenario sound familiar?

You start a blog. You begin by writing posts you feel inspired and passionate about because this is the whole reason why you started blogging - to create your own personal space where your voice and creativity have wings.

At first you have no readers, so it’s easy to express yourself because there is no feedback through comments. It’s simple. It is just you, your thoughts, and your space.

Then, after a month or so you start to get readers who are leaving comments.

YIPEEEEEEE!

Because let’s be honest….we ALL enjoy comments.

Then, after several months or even a year, you start to get MORE readers. MORE comments.

However, as your readership begins to grow you notice that not all your readers are the same. Meaning, they don’t have the same interests. Some may comment on certain posts because it touches them in some way, while others don’t comment because what you’re blogging about may not prompt them to respond, or they simply enjoy reading and not commenting.

And then you begin to wonder….

“Yikes….I’m not getting as many comments as I use to, what’s happening?”

“Am I doing something wrong?”

“I’m losing readers, what can I do to keep them?”

So, you start to conform what you share in your posts to your readers, but at the same time you realize it’s going to be a challenge because not all of your readers enjoy the same topics.

And you know this because you’re judging it by how many comments you get on each post.

You unconsciously start grading yourself on how good or bad your posts are by the amount of comments you get.

Slowly, you begin to question what you share because you don’t want to lose readers.

And then before you know it, you’re not writing your blog to express your voice anymore….you’re tailoring it to your readers; trying to please everyone.

Now I’m going to say something that may sound a bit blunt, but I have found it to be true.

You’re never going to please ALL your readers ALL the time.

Never.

And honestly, there is nothing you or I can really do about that.

The only thing we can do is share what we feel passionate about.

And I know this because in the five years I’ve been blogging, my readership and comments have fluctuated greatly.

And do you know what?

None of that should matter, because I can’t possibly help what my readers will enjoy. The only thing I know is that I enjoyed sharing it.

I’ve learned that I must be aware and considerate of my readers, but at the same time remain true to me.

Most of us are not getting paid to write our blogs. Most of us are doing this because we simply love to blog, express our creative spark, share stories, and meet people from all over the world.

Having a blog is like a newspaper. Some days people will read it daily, then there are others days when not as many people will. But that still doesn’t make any of our posts less news worthy.

So, if I can share any advice with those of you who have ever questioned your ability to sustain a blog, or begin to doubt yourself in anyway, I say this….

Don’t ever be afraid to take chances and share topics you assume your readers may not enjoy or initially understand. Because not only will you be denying your voice, but also the chance for your readers to discover something they might have never known.

Therefore, take chances. Change. Expand. Like life itself.

And just remember WHY you started blogging in the first place.

To express yourself.

Allow readership to be readership. And comments to be comments.

Because they will naturally flow like the ebbing of the sea.

And know in your heart….you are being true to YOU.

Blog on, everyone!

53 comments:

  1. I think you should always blog about what you enjoy rather than try to please your followers, I believe people follow you because they like you as a person and therefore will read whatever you write. Well that's how I fell about people I follow anyway. :)

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  2. 'None of that should matter, because I can’t possibly help what my readers will enjoy. The only thing I know is that I enjoyed sharing it'

    Absolutely. I must admit that sometimes I have questioned if readers will enjoy my posts but then I rationalise that if they don't they can either say so or ignore the post. No-one yet has said they don't enjoy one and I wonder, maybe unfairly, if remarks are made because it is thought 'that's what the blogger wants to hear.' I sincerely hope that isn't the case. On one or two occasions I've noticed (on other blogs) the readership going all out to 'be nice' and to 'wholeheartedly agree' when the blogger seemed to require that sort of response yet deserved just the opposite. What do I do when that happens? I leave without commenting and the blogger will never know my opinion.

    I'm actually pleased you raised this issue and I apologise for going on... and on... as usual. Have a brilliant rest of the week.

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  3. Thanks so much for posting this - you were right on the money, and I have struggled with the same thoughts over the past few weeks. What is the relationship between blog subjects and comments, blog themes and followers, etc? "Therefore take chances. Change. Expand. Like life itself." Classic, just like you. EFH

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  4. Those are good thoughts, Ron. I've never really worried about what I write because I normally don't delve into sensitive subject matter. However, there have been times when I've worried about publishing something sarcastic that may hit close to home to a reader.

    On the flip side, not all blogs are for all people. I've discontinued reading blogs that I found too depressing or downright mean. I have enough of that in real life!

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  5. The 2008 election was my epiphany
    Things were so combustible
    I didn't get many negative comments to my political posts but I did get some really nasty e-mails and for a moment or two I thought about toning down

    and then I didn't

    I absolutely lost readers

    I have also lost a few readers that I thought were friends when I questioned something they said
    clearly they were not friends

    I am who I am, I have a good heart and my intentions are always good
    That is all I can do

    I am lucky, I have some wonderful readers/friends
    I don't really count comments anymore and I never look at the site meter thingie

    Enjoy the cool week
    Isn't it wonderful!!?

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  6. Wow, Ron, I was thinking about this very issue last night. I was trying to decide what to write about and I thought one story might offend or confuse certain people so I backed off. Wrong move! Blogging is all about freedom of expression, not market research. So, yes, by all means, take chances. change, and expand. Thanks for the great advice, buddy! Have a great week!

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  7. Good morning Akelamalu~

    "I think you should always blog about what you enjoy rather than try to please your followers, I believe people follow you because they like you as a person and therefore will read whatever you write."

    A-MEN!

    And I feel the same way.

    Thanks for stopping by and adding your imput, m'dear. Have a wonderful week!

    X

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  8. Good morning Valerie~

    "I must admit that sometimes I have questioned if readers will enjoy my posts but then I rationalise that if they don't they can either say so or ignore the post."

    Yup...I have too. This blog (and it's topics) have changed so much since the day I started it. There have been times when I've momentarily hesitated sharing something I thought would my readers would not understand or think I was "weird" for sharing. But ironically enough, they actually enjoyed it. I've learned to never underestimate what others will embrace or understand.

    Blogging has taught me so much about HOW to present a topic, so that others will be open to it.

    "I've noticed (on other blogs) the readership going all out to 'be nice' and to 'wholeheartedly agree' when the blogger seemed to require that sort of response yet deserved just the opposite. What do I do when that happens? I leave without commenting and the blogger will never know my opinion."

    Ditto! If there is a post I wish to respond to, and yet cannot figure out a way to word it properly (constructively), I won't leave a comment. But, I also understand that that may be the case on some of my own posts, therefore I allow my readers the freedom to comment or not, and don't take it personal.

    Glad you enjoyed this topic, because I think it's something we ALL at one time or another think about and struggle with during blogging. Yet, don't often bring it to light.

    Thanks soooooooooo much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings on this post, dear lady. I ALWAYS enjoy your feedback, so feel free to say as much as you wish.

    Have a brilliant rest of your week!

    X

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  9. Hey there Expat~

    "and I have struggled with the same thoughts over the past few weeks. What is the relationship between blog subjects and comments, blog themes and followers, etc?"

    Thank you for your honesty, sir. And I have too. I think this topic is something many of us have struggled with during our time blogging - it's only natural.

    Blogging has taught me so much about taking chances and allowing this blog to change and grow as I do. When I first started Vent, I initially thought it would be only humor. But as years have gone by, I've branched out and shared on a variety of topics.

    A blog is not static, it seems to take on a life of its own. So, I found it best to move with it.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Always enjoyed. Have a wonderful week!

    X

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  10. Hiya Bijoux~

    "However, there have been times when I've worried about publishing something sarcastic that may hit close to home to a reader."

    Yup, I have to because I CAN be very sarastic at times. But, I think it's all in how we 'word' it. As long as it's not down right mean and nasty, I think it's okay to temper some of our posts with sarcasm or snarkiness.

    "On the flip side, not all blogs are for all people. I've discontinued reading blogs that I found too depressing or downright mean. I have enough of that in real life!"

    Meeeeeee too! I don't mind if someone vents, as long as it's not constantly depressing or nasty. I myself have discontinued reading blogs for those same reasons. I think it's ALL in how you present a topic.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. I really appreciate it.

    Hope all is going well with your move.

    Have a great week!

    X

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  11. It was so wonderful to see you! I feel so fortunate that you had time. I'm having my blog critiqued by the SITS gals on Wed. I'm planning on writing a post tomorrow for it touching on some of these points. I'm definitely going to link to your post. I think it will be helpful to fellow bloggers. I'm feeling like I'm in a transition phase with the blog and I'm trying to decide where to go with it. I think writing this post may help me. Going to brainstorm about it while on the plane coming home today.

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  12. Excellent post. It's hard to please everyone and if you try you lose the reason you started blogging in the first place. I prefer quality of posts over quantity of posts...and yours are always of interesting quality.

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  13. Hello Lady Dianne~

    "I didn't get many negative comments to my political posts but I did get some really nasty e-mails and for a moment or two I thought about toning down

    and then I didn't

    I absolutely lost readers"

    You're blog is such a perfect example of what I'm sharing with this post. In the time that I've been blogging with you, I've witnessed your topics change, grow, and expand on so many different levels. And I soooooooooooo admire that about you because you take chances and express what's in your heart as YOU change and grow. Your blog evolves as you do.

    "I am who I am, I have a good heart and my intentions are always good
    That is all I can do"

    You GO, D!

    "I am lucky, I have some wonderful readers/friends
    I don't really count comments anymore and I never look at the site meter thingie."

    Me too. I feel VERY blessed.

    I will occasionally look at my site meter thingie, but not nearly as much as I use to. It takes too much damn time away from blogging.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, dear lady. Always enjoy your thoughts and feelings.

    Have a great week!

    X

    P.S. OMG....I'm LOVIN' this cooler weather. Fall is finally arriving - YIPEEEEEEEEEE!

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  14. Hey Rob~

    "I was thinking about this very issue last night. I was trying to decide what to write about and I thought one story might offend or confuse certain people so I backed off. Wrong move!"

    Trust me, I've done the same thing on ocassion. However, the longer I keep blogging the more I realize that if I 'word' certain topics in a constructive, it's really okay to express myself.

    And I have to say, in the time that I've been reading your blog, your topics have ALWAYS been presented in an honest, yet constructive manner. I love the way you write because you always blend humor, cleverness, and directness in your posts. You write intelligently.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, bud! Have a great week!

    X

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  15. Hey there Jen~

    "It was so wonderful to see you!"

    Same here! I was soooooooooooooo excited to finally meet you after all these years. And you're everything faaaabulous I thought you would be!

    "I'm having my blog critiqued by the SITS gals on Wed. I'm planning on writing a post tomorrow for it touching on some of these points."

    Oooooo...goodie! I can't WAIT to read it!

    "I'm feeling like I'm in a transition phase with the blog and I'm trying to decide where to go with it. I think writing this post may help me."

    Like I shared when we spoke last Friday, I totally understand what you mean about 'transition.' It seems that every couple of years, our blogs evolve (transform) into something new and different. But, I think that's healthy.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Hope you had a great time on your trip. Have safe journey home!

    Talk to ya soon!

    X

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  16. Hiya SuziCate~

    "It's hard to please everyone and if you try you lose the reason you started blogging in the first place. I prefer quality of posts over quantity of posts..."

    You said it! That's why I thinks it's so imporant we remember to stay TRUE to ourselves and WHY we started blogging.

    ALWAYS enjoy your post, Suzi!

    Thanks for stopping and sharing. Have a super week!

    X

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  17. Ron...I'm very sensitive about this topic, so I'm glad you wrote about it.

    For many years I blogged somewhere else. I was there a long time, and built up a large number of regular readers. You have hit the nail squarely on the head with conforming to their expectations; after so many years I found myself holding back and writing for THEM rather than for ME. Even my blog name - "Here We Are Now, Entertain Us" - was a nod to that. It's the reason I pulled up stakes and started over fresh, with nobody reading me. I've vowed this time around to always write about the topics I want to cover and not be swayed by public opinion or a growing (or shrinking) readership. Luckily, I've been able to stick to my guns so far.

    Keep on writing for yourself and everything else will fall into place!

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  18. Howdy Mark~

    Thank you so much for being honest in sharing your comment.

    "You have hit the nail squarely on the head with conforming to their expectations; after so many years I found myself holding back and writing for THEM rather than for ME. Even my blog name - "Here We Are Now, Entertain Us" - was a nod to that."

    I know what you mean buddy, because when I first started getting more readers and observing which posts got more comments than others, I found myself concerned about my ability to sustain my readership and STILL write for myself. I think it was about a year and a half ago, when I decided to take more chances and begin sharing posts that were more personal rather than just humor. And I have to tell you, everyone here embraced the change. I've got such an amazing group of people who read my blog and have moved through the transition periods of growth for me. I feel so blessed.

    "I've vowed this time around to always write about the topics I want to cover and not be swayed by public opinion or a growing (or shrinking) readership. Luckily, I've been able to stick to my guns so far."

    You GO, boy! And keep on blogging as you do because I sincerely enjoy ALL that you share.

    Diversity.

    Thanks for stopping by and sharing on this post, Mark. Muchly appreciated and valued.

    Have a great week!

    X

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  19. "You unconsciously start grading yourself on how good or bad your posts are by the amount of comments you get. Slowly, you begin to question what you share because you don’t want to lose readers. And then before you know it, you’re not writing your blog to express your voice anymore….you’re tailoring it to your readers; trying to please everyone."

    Oh yes. Been there. Done that.

    But after five years, I've also learned, I can't possibly please everyone.

    And now I am back to writing about what I want, when I want to write. If I don't get a lot of comments on that particular post, is does NOT equate to failure!

    "Don’t ever be afraid to take chances and share topics you assume your readers may not enjoy or initially understand. Because not only will you be denying your voice, but also the chance for your readers to discover something they might have never known."

    LOVE THAT. LOVE THAT.

    Yanno, I was just contemplating about posting a personal video on my birthday next month, but I was feeling VERY hesitant about it, because I don't want my readers to assume I am either conceited, or being obnoxious by posting a video of pictures of myself. But after reading this? I feel much more confident about giving it a shot. Thank you my dear friend. Thank you.

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  20. Hey there Meleah~

    "But after five years, I've also learned, I can't possibly please everyone.

    And now I am back to writing about what I want, when I want to write. If I don't get a lot of comments on that particular post, is does NOT equate to failure!"

    BINGO! You said it! Blogging is truly about staying true to ourselves because no matter what we write, we can never anticipate how it will be received. All we can know, it that we enjoyed sharing it.

    "Yanno, I was just contemplating about posting a personal video on my birthday next month, but I was feeling VERY hesitant about it, because I don't want my readers to assume I am either conceited, or being obnoxious by posting a video of pictures of myself. But after reading this? I feel much more confident about giving it a shot."

    You GO, girl! And (as always) I look forward to reading your post!

    Mucho thanks for stopping by and sharing your voice on this post. I really appreciate it, my Libra friend!

    Have a GRANDE' week!

    ((((( Meleah )))))

    X

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  21. I so agree with you. You can't plese everyone and when you try to you lose yourself. I have challenged myself this year on the postaday and found even though it has seemed nerve wracking at times I've enjoyed expanding my topics. I don't think I will try it again though. I think I'd prefer to write when the urge hits me than because I HAVE to! I always enjoy your posts Ron.

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  22. Hiya Peg~

    "You can't plese everyone and when you try to you lose yourself. I have challenged myself this year on the postaday and found even though it has seemed nerve wracking at times I've enjoyed expanding my topics."

    You said it! And when we try to we lose ourselves.

    I think it's great that you've challenged yourself to post everyday this year. You GO, girl!

    I seem to do best when I give myself two specific days to post on because it keeps me motivated, but at the same time, allows me space between my posts to respond to comments and visit everyone's blogs. I use to post three times a week.

    Thanks oodles for stopping by, dear friend! Hope you're having a marvi Monday and week!

    X

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  23. I've been through every stage of this. I have lost many reader since I started, but then many of them don't blog themselves anymore. I've also gained many readers and still have some from my first days of blogging. You are right. It's like life. People come in and go out your life and only some are there for the long haul.

    I used to be fixated on how many comments I got, as if that was a guide to how good my post was, but I now believe it just depends on the time readers have as to whether they leave a comment or just read it and move on to the next post. Some blog posts I read have American content, therefore I have nothing to add by way of a comment. That tells me that some people may not have anything to add to a post I may write. I must accept that and not worry too much about numbers.

    I try and write posts that just give glimpses into My life, and rarely tackle anything too serious. If I do feel strongly about something I will write about it, and have a good rant, but mostly it's light hearted stuff.

    You are right. We should stay true to ourselves. If we lose all of our readers by doing so we must accept that we are boring people that nobody loves and go eat worms :)

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  24. Hey there Tracy~

    Thanks for stopping by, girl!

    Have a grrrrrreat week!

    X

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  25. i can truthfully say i enjoy 99% of everything you write, ron. what's the 1% i don't know, i just didn't want to say 100%, that would not be true. i really do enjoy your writing though, each one is different, entertaining, touching, surprising, funny. you have a great sense of humor so it's hard NOT to like you, but you also have a serious deep side. there's a time to laugh and a time to cry...i think you know just when to do both.

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  26. Hiya Babs~

    "I have lost many reader since I started, but then many of them don't blog themselves anymore. I've also gained many readers and still have some from my first days of blogging."

    Yup, me too. There are some people who I STILL blog with who have been with me since the very beginning, and others who have left for some reason. And you're right, people come in and go out your life and only some are there for the long haul.

    "That tells me that some people may not have anything to add to a post I may write. I must accept that and not worry too much about numbers."

    Exactly! And I too use to be fixated on comments, readership, stats, etc. I think most of us bloggers have gone through that period. But, I eventually got to the point where I realized it just took too much time and energy away from what I love to do - blog.

    I adore whatever you share on your blog. You have variety, and I like that.

    "If we lose all of our readers by doing so we must accept that we are boring people that nobody loves and go eat worms :)"

    HHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Too funny!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Hope you had great Monday and week!

    X to you and Mo!

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  27. Hey there V~

    Thank you for your truthful comment, girl!

    And also thank you for your sweet and supportive words. I do try to add a bit of variety on this blog. It's not possible to be funny all the time, ya know? Sometimes I feel like being more introspective and serious.

    I mean that's life, right? It fluctuates. So, why not our blogs too?

    I can't tell you what a pleasure it's been meeting and getting to know you through blogging. Not only are you a really, really cool lady. But you're also freakin' talented - with your writing AND photography!

    Have a great week, V! And mucho thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  28. I read this, read the comments....and stepped away for a few. I think I needed to.
    What was it....a month or so ago I had to ask myself WHO are you putting fingers to keyboard FOR? I didn't much like my answer when I had to own to me, sometimes it's for other people. Now, keep in mind that I started this whole deal eons ago as a way to keep tabs with some people.....folks I'd connected with and felt a connect TO. I know a couple still drop in from time to time and check up on me and mine.....that's a cool thing.
    I still didn't like the answer--so I had to rethink my position and get back to some basics about what's true for Mel.

    I suck. *laughing* I'm okay with sucking. I don't have a list of characters--I know who they are, I don't need one. I don't go back to 'explain'......I know, even if you don't. Most people who've wanted to stick around come to conclusions--sometimes they check it out, sometimes not......I'm good with either, even though I'm sure I confuse the heck outta folks who might end up on the web log by chance or destiny.
    I suck! LOL And really--I'm okay with that.

    The readings--there for me.
    The photos--there for me!!
    See....*laughing* It's ALL about MEMEME, didn't I tell ya that longggggggggg ago?!

    I can't do it any other way and be at peace with me. That's why it jumps around and makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever to anyone who lands there.
    But--I'm okay with that. Cuz I land on places that make absolutely NO sense to me either--and I end up knowing I just need to go to the beginnings and go forward. 90% of that's the 'feel', 10% is what's there in black and white. (if that makes sense......)

    You had a 'feel' that I wanted to embrace and come to wrap myself in. Sometimes I'm spot on--as evidenced by you getting to deal with me day in, day out. LOL (ya poor thing) You still have that 'feel' and it's in the core of you--breathing into what you put in black and white, showing up in what your eyes see around you.
    I'll keep coming back cuz of that. Not cuz of some fancy schmancy web design, not cuz of some super cool clips that make me smile--not cuz of anything other than the 'feel' of you. (no smartie remarks about how I phrased that, please.....LOL) It's the YOU I've been graced to watch evolve, the YOU I've been graced to cross paths with.....oh geeze........eons ago. It was a good call then.....

    Obviously I have excellent taste. :-/

    (TOLD ya it was all about ME! ROFL!!)

    (((((((((((( Ron ))))))))))))))

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  29. Preach on, brother! It's impossible to please everyone, so why bother. Blogging should be something you *want* to do, and not something that you *need* to do. I too have seen blogs start up then quickly fall apart because, well, they became work and not a source of enjoyment.

    I blog to maintain a sense of discipline. Coming from a military background it's nice to have a mission to accomplish at the end of the day. It's deadlines that I love, and since I enjoy writing and sharing a blog is the perfect outlet for me. Not everyone is going to enjoy my work, but the people who stop by day after day are my kind of people. Bloggers like us (I'm speaking of you, me, and the people on our blogrolls) make up a niche community, and it's one that I'm proud to be a part of.

    Keep on blogging!

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  30. Hiya Mel~

    I LOVE YOU, DEAR LADY!

    Love you not only for your honest comment, but also because you totally blog for the reason I mentioned in this post....

    ....being true to YOU!

    And NO, you don't suck. Not at all. Because your blog is what it is - YOUR self-expression. No explanation. It just is. And I think that's freakin' awesome!

    In the whole time I've been blogging with you, I've never known you to concern yourself with readership, comments, stats, etc. You simply BLOG.

    And that's what blogging is all about.

    So no, you don't suck. You ROCK!

    "The readings--there for me.
    The photos--there for me!!
    See....*laughing* It's ALL about MEMEME, didn't I tell ya that longggggggggg ago?!"

    That's it!

    " I just need to go to the beginnings and go forward. 90% of that's the 'feel', 10% is what's there in black and white. (if that makes sense......)"

    Yes, that makes perfect sense to me because I'm the same way. I can instantly 'feel' a person through their blog when I visit for the first time. And if I like the feeling, I stay. But if I don't, I don't.

    Which is WHY I blog with YOU. I like the 'feel' of you (no smartie remarks about how I phrased that please - HA!).

    Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing the fullness of your comment.

    And thank you for your sweet and kind words. They touched me deeply.

    Please know that I ditto your entire last paragraph to you, dear lady.

    "It's the YOU I've been graced to watch evolve, the YOU I've been graced to cross paths with.....oh geeze........eons ago. It was a good call then.....

    Obviously I have excellent taste."

    TOLD ya it was all about ME!

    Have a faaaaaaabulous week, Mel!

    (((((((((( Mel )))))))))))))

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  31. Howdy Herman~

    "Blogging should be something you *want* to do, and not something that you *need* to do. I too have seen blogs start up then quickly fall apart because, well, they became work and not a source of enjoyment."

    THANK. YOU.

    I have always said, that when the enjoyment of blogging is no longer an enjoyment for me, I will stop. But, so far it's still such an enjoyment.

    "I blog to maintain a sense of discipline. Coming from a military background it's nice to have a mission to accomplish at the end of the day. It's deadlines that I love, and since I enjoy writing and sharing a blog is the perfect outlet for me."

    You said it!

    Not only do I blog because of the self-expression and social/community aspects. But also, because it's good training for the day when I may be writing for a living and NEED to make deadlines. That's why I set a posting schedule for myself. Blogging is such a wonderful way to practice our writing skills and improve. It's also a great way to stretch ourselves and take chances.

    It's OUR space to do whatever we want with it.

    Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your imput on the post, buddy! You've added MUCH!

    And please know what a joy it's been getting to know you through our blogs.

    I'm so proud to have you as a blogging bud!

    Have a super week!

    X to you and the family!

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  32. That is what I love about your blog though Ron. You are serious one day, peeyourpants hilarious the next. There have been reflective posts and somber ones, but always true to your voice. I like to think that I write for me (especially now that I am also writing for so many others), but I know that there just might be stuff in there that I think will fly with my regular readers too. I figure that if I want to write something that doesn't fit in with my blog, I can either fit it into another blog, a journal or even into a friend's head via old-fashioned verbal communication. This is a good reminder though to be true to you.

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  33. Yes! You hit the nail on the head with this one. When I started, I would literally track how many readers I had. Like it was a popularity contest or something. Remember how much I wanted to be Blog of Note?? To be honest, I don't even know if they do still do that and it doesn't really matter in my world anymore.

    I like how you describe the ebb and flow of readers. That's so true. I've had people who comment consistently and then virtually disappear. It's funny, though, because if/when they come back, it's like meeting up with an old friend you haven't talked to in a while. You start up right where you left off. Don't you agree?

    Hey, know what? I wore a COAT today. YIPEE!!!!

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  34. Good evening Katherine~

    "I like to think that I write for me (especially now that I am also writing for so many others), but I know that there just might be stuff in there that I think will fly with my regular readers too."

    And you DO, my friend. You absolutely do!

    And that's ALSO what I love about your blog.

    It's diverse.

    Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing on this post.

    And thank you for your aquaintance. Lovely lady, you are!

    And talented.

    Have a maaaaaaaavalous week, Katherine!

    X

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  35. Interesting topic!
    I don't think I've ever really put up any posts to please specific readers. My blogs have always been mainly for me. That's not to say that I don't wish I had more readers/comments because it would be great to have a few more contacts (I'm a Sag for crying out loud, we LOVE people!!!) but it's not always that easy. I have gone to other pages and left comments but not everyone reciprocates. Alot of bloggers have their regular readers and blogs they like to visit and they aren't necessarily looking to expand on that. And I don't always have time to read new blogs on a regular basis either.

    I looked at my post page and there was a time I had more readers but some of them don't blog anymore and others may have started new blogs that I didn't end up following and a couple people I see on FB occasionally. I'm actually posting on FB much more often than I am at any of my blogs.

    So these days, I have a small handful of regular readers and I adore them! Everyone is welcome at my blogs but I don't post regularly... ooh, speaking of... I guess I need to update the jewelry and Reiki blogs, huh?! LOL

    Blogging has always been a curious thing. There are people I read and think they are brilliant but the person only gets about 3 comments and then other blogs are soooo boring I can hardly follow along and they get lots of comments.

    The most comments I got was when I was doing a giveaway... free earrings and a video and a couple other odds and ends. LOL People like free stuff!!
    And one blog post I remember putting up last year that got NO comments was about the Islamic center in NYC. I don't know if it was the wording or my opinions but not even a regular left a note on that one. You just never know.

    As you know, I enjoy your blog and try to comment often!! I don't always get to your review or photog blog though but when I update my other blogs I'll come by and catch up.

    Have a wonderful week. Loving the cool temps!

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  36. Hey there Chrissy Girl~

    "When I started, I would literally track how many readers I had. Like it was a popularity contest or something. Remember how much I wanted to be Blog of Note?? To be honest, I don't even know if they do still do that and it doesn't really matter in my world anymore."

    YES! Isn't it freakin' amazing how much emphasis we put on that stuff when we first started blogging??? OMG...I joined every single blog directory to get my blog out there and my stats HIGH - HA!

    Now, I barely read my stats anymore or concern myself with how many comments I get. I just let it happen as it does.

    " I've had people who comment consistently and then virtually disappear. It's funny, though, because if/when they come back, it's like meeting up with an old friend you haven't talked to in a while. You start up right where you left off. Don't you agree?"

    Yes, I do agree. Reconnecting with a returning reader IS like meeting an old friend.

    I know this may sound strange, but sometimes I think friendship through blogging goes deeper than some friendships offline. We connect in a much more powerful 'energetic' way.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, Chrissy!

    Have a fantabulous week!

    X to you and the gang!

    P.S. Hey, know what? I wore a COAT today. YIPEE!!!!

    OMG!!!!! I'm LOVING this cooler weather!!!! FALL IS COMING! FALL IS COMING!

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  37. nice post Ron. And yet I wonder about the ones who have gone pro with blogging. Was it mere chance or carefully orchestrated? And for the ones that do go pro, content selection becomes a very careful consideration. Even for the not-yet-pro bloggers who advertise, there is sadly sometimes an obligation for the blogger to write copy for the advertisers' products. How depressing that must be! The conversation you had with Jen must have included some words right out of my own head. I'm sure it must have been nice to say them out loud to another person who completely understood. xo, Diane

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  38. Hey Crystal Chick~

    "I don't think I've ever really put up any posts to please specific readers. My blogs have always been mainly for me."

    That's great! And that's the way it SHOULD be.

    Yes, I know FB takes up a lot of your time, more so than blogging. But hey, I think it's great because that's the way YOU like to socialize online. I know SOOOOOOOO many people who enjoying FB that way.

    Me? I LOVE blogging because it's both a great way to socialize and be creative at the same time.

    "And one blog post I remember putting up last year that got NO comments was about the Islamic center in NYC. I don't know if it was the wording or my opinions but not even a regular left a note on that one. You just never know."

    Yes, that's it...you just NEVER know. That's the thing about blogging - sometimes you just have to take a chance and share whatever you feel like sharing, and know that you felt passionate about.

    "As you know, I enjoy your blog and try to comment often!! I don't always get to your review or photog blog though but when I update my other blogs I'll come by and catch up."

    I love WHENEVER you stop by, my friend!

    And yes, I do hope you'll update soon on your blogs because I miss your posts.

    Anyway, M, thanks oodles for stopping by! ALWAYS a delight seeing ya!

    Have a super-duper week!

    X

    P.S. and YES...I'm loving this cooler weather!!

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  39. Hey there Diane~

    Thank you.

    "And yet I wonder about the ones who have gone pro with blogging. Was it mere chance or carefully orchestrated? And for the ones that do go pro, content selection becomes a very careful consideration."

    Great guestion! Personally, I think most blogs that have gotten popular and gone pro (say, like, Dooce) it was mere chance. However, she has developed her blog commercially AFTER she became popular. But I don't think she ever intended or planned to make her blog that way.

    Also, I think there's a difference between a personal blog (like Dooce) and a topic blog (like ProBlogger). Topic blogs I think are more ruled by content consideration because it's about a specific topic. Where as, a personal blog has more freedom to be diverse in content.

    "Even for the not-yet-pro bloggers who advertise, there is sadly sometimes an obligation for the blogger to write copy for the advertisers' products. How depressing that must be!"

    True. And some bloggers do write copy for the advertisers at times. Sponsored posts.

    THAT, I couldn't and refuse to do even on my own blog.

    However, running ads on a blog I honestly don't have problem with. As long as they're not ALL OVER THE PLACE and distracting me from reading. Dooce is actually starting to get that way. WAAAAAAAAY too many advertisements on her blog.

    "The conversation you had with Jen must have included some words right out of my own head. I'm sure it must have been nice to say them out loud to another person who completely understood."

    Yes, Jen and I had a very nice chat. I only wish it could have been longer. I had to work more hours than I initially thought, so we didn't have a lot of time. But, it was QUALITY.

    And one day, I have a feeling you and I will meet. And it will be just as enjoyable!

    Thanks for stopping by this evening, Diane.

    Have a great week!

    X to you and Cristybella!

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  40. Hey there Ronnie,

    Late I may be but, I am happy to respond to this post.
    You know blogging is like almost everything in life; a lesson.
    And like also all bloggers, we do it like Frankie:
    "I did it my way".

    I have had come from the school of hard knocks, too. I had my period when blogging was telling your story on what is going on in your life. It keeps you busy awhile and happily chatting about everything that strikes your fancy. But, that machine broke along the line.
    Klunk..

    I got up off my tush and said " specialize".
    And, that is just what I did with travel photography. It was the BEST blogging decision that I ever took. I never have been happier.

    I enjoyed your post and will never forget meeting you in 2008 in Philly, too. Unforgettable...
    xo

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  41. Bonjour Barbara~

    You're NEVER late, my friend....always on time!

    "You know blogging is like almost everything in life; a lesson.
    And like also all bloggers, we do it like Frankie:
    "I did it my way".

    LOVE THAT, Barb!!!!!! And it's funny you mentioned Frankie because I was just online trying to find a Dean Martin song and kept seeing Frankie's name too!

    "I got up off my tush and said " specialize".
    And, that is just what I did with travel photography. It was the BEST blogging decision that I ever took. I never have been happier."

    Good for you, girl! And I LOVE your blog!

    That's the joy and beauty of blogging - to express ourselves anyway we choose.

    "I enjoyed your post and will never forget meeting you in 2008 in Philly, too. Unforgettable..."

    Ditto! Unforgettable!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Hope you're having a great week!

    xo

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  42. I savored and really thought through every word you wrote. So true. Such a good reminder. I long to evolve and sometimes feel scared. Or trapped in following the view/comment numbers. How silly, huh, and like you said, in honesty, we all do it. I want to dare more, and to share what is in my heart. I started blogging first and foremost to have an outlet to my heart and things dear to me - like fashion, Paris and issues of the heart.

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  43. Bonjour Susu~

    " I long to evolve and sometimes feel scared. Or trapped in following the view/comment numbers. How silly, huh, and like you said, in honesty, we all do it."

    Thank you for your honesty. And you're right, we all at one time or another do it because I think it's only natural to be curious about comments, readership, stats. etc.

    I too sometimes get frightened about sharing a particular topic; thinking that my readers won't know what I'm talking about or understand. But, I've discovered that people are much more open then we sometimes give them credit.

    So, dare more if you wish. Because you'll be delightfully surprised at how well it will be received.

    (((( Susu )))))

    Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, beautiful lady. You've added MUCH!

    Have a great week!

    Ciao....X

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  44. hi ron....I am on the down hill slide with blogging... perhaps it is just a mood ... but so many of my favorite bloggers have stopped and I miss them and I also find I have less creative spark as well...hmmmm...

    what to do? I am waiting it out for now, watching those stats fall but hardly care...so sad! we shall see where this goes knowing life is an ebb and flow.... much love xox

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  45. Hey there Linda~

    "perhaps it is just a mood ... but so many of my favorite bloggers have stopped and I miss them and I also find I have less creative spark as well...hmmmm..."

    I too have gone through that same thing, so I know what you mean and how you feel. Blogging seems to 'shift' every so often. However, I have discovered that those times for me were creative periods of reinvention and change.

    "what to do? I am waiting it out for now, watching those stats fall but hardly care...so sad! we shall see where this goes knowing life is an ebb and flow.... "

    Simply do what you're doing, wait it out for now and just see what happens. Remember, it ebbs and flows.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, dear friend. Hope you're having a lovely week and enjoying this cooler fallish weather.

    ((((( Linda )))))

    xoxoxoxo

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  46. I have to agree with you on this Ronnie- us bloggers do feel this way! I am having an awful hard time getting a consistent following and it makes me extemely self concious! I try to mix up what I blog about so everyone can find something they are interested in but my interests are limited! I am glad you shared this it is nice to know this is a common way of thinking!

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  47. Hey there cestlavie~

    "I am having an awful hard time getting a consistent following and it makes me extemely self concious! I try to mix up what I blog about so everyone can find something they are interested in but my interests are limited!"

    Just keep on doing what you're doing because what I really enjoy about your blog is that you share what you feel interested in and passionate about. And your blog is diverse. I like that!

    And let me tell ya, it took me a few years to get a consistant following. I have readers who have been with me from the beginning (and I with them). However, I still go through periods of losing readers and then later on, gaining a few.

    Like I said, readership and comments are like the ebbing of the sea. They naturally move in and out.

    Thanks for stopping by, my friend! Always great seeing your comments. Hope you're having a great week!

    X

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  48. um first. whaaaaaaa??? YOu know Jen?? How?

    and um, jelly!!!! We were going to meet up this summer, but never happened.

    Ron, we ALL know what you're saying here. Sometimes, I go back to older posts and i read the comments and I'm like, where'd they go?? They used to comment all the time... but you know, life just happens. I know that I've forgotten about some.

    See, for me, I don't use google reader or anything.. So i just go back through my comments and go to peoples blogs that way. So i know i occasionally miss some posts. Part of that is just cus i have to limit myself cus blogland is like a vortex for me. and since i work from home on the internet i have to be real careful cus and entire day will pass and all i've done is leave comments.

    but just know, that it's not cus i didn't like one of your posts. I love ALL your posts.. you're great and we'll always be blogging besties!!

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  49. Hey there Blunt~

    "um first. whaaaaaaa??? YOu know Jen?? How?"

    Yes, I met Jen about two years ago through Essential Bastard's blog (which, you know, is how I met YOU too). Jen and I also talk on the phone every so often, so when she told me that she was coming to Philly last week, we met up for coffee. I only wish we had had more time, but I was working a lot more hours last week, so she met me on the job.

    "See, for me, I don't use google reader or anything.. So i just go back through my comments and go to peoples blogs that way. So i know i occasionally miss some posts. Part of that is just cus i have to limit myself cus blogland is like a vortex for me. and since i work from home on the internet i have to be real careful cus and entire day will pass and all i've done is leave comments."

    Yup...I totally hear ya, girl! Sometimes, on my days off, I too spend almost the first part of the day responding to comments and leaving comments. I have to really be careful about how much time I spend online because it becomes addictive.

    "but just know, that it's not cus i didn't like one of your posts. I love ALL your posts.. you're great and we'll always be blogging besties!!"

    (((( YOU ))))

    Oh, you're a sweetheart! And no worries, girl, because I understand. I always want my readers to feel free to visit whenever they wish or can. No pressure.

    Thanks oodles for stopping by, bestie! Hope you're having a FANTABULOUS week!

    X

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  50. Hi Ron,

    I've seen you over at Mary Says many times and thought I would finally come over here for a visit. Love your blog and photos. I'm close to Philadelphia myself...hello neighbor :) Have a lovely weekend and keep dry.

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  51. Greetings Jane~

    Welcome! Thanks so much for stopping by and introducing yourself. Nice to meet a fellow north eastern (close to Philly)!

    Hello neighbor!

    Please stop by whenever you'd like. You're alway welcomed!

    Have a nice weekend and keep dry.

    X

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  52. Yep. Amen to all of that. Visiting from Meleah's.

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  53. Greetings Jayne~

    Thanks so much for stopping by from Meleah's, so nice to meet you!

    Hope you had a great weekend! Stop by any time, you're always welcomed here!

    X

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