There are a lot of reasons why I follow blogs. I subscribe to those that exhibit excellent writing or inspiring photographs which take me along on adventures around the world. Other times, because I can relate to the writer, the posts are informative or I want to make a connection with one of my own followers.
I just checked and have subscribed to 270 blogs. That is crazy! I seldom follow those that blog every day or more than once a day since that is a lot to read. I try to comment or at least “Like” everyone’s blog sometime during the week. It’s how I get to know everyone!
So I have to ask the question. Why do so many subscribe, but never come by to read again? I am not getting a thousand views every time I post a story. I realize that some accounts are no longer active, but where are the majority of you guys? (((ECHO))) ((Echo)) (echo)
It’s a long way to the top
Some sly bloggers comment consistently and as soon as I follow back, they never stop by again… “Hey! Where did you go???”
Do the beginner bloggers freak out when email alerts start coming and they suddenly realize the consequence of hitting the follow button on 100 blogs in one day?
Do they follow and then turn off the email alerts? I know. Why bother.
Are they trolling for followers?
Do they think numbers are the most important part of blogging?
I have never followed random people with the hope of having them reciprocate just to build my numbers. To me, that is such a strange way to build a community.
A few bloggers stand on mountaintops built on their accomplishments. They expound knowledge or give us a slice of their life with very little interaction and good on them. I may always trudge along the rocky path.
Jenny Lawson – AKA – The Bloggess
She sneezes and gets 1000’s of views.
If I ever reach the summit, I wouldn’t want my own voice to echo back to me from the empty abyss. Everyone wants their voice to be heard. Right?
Hello out there! (((Out There))) ((out there))
Lecturing keeps distance between a writer and their readers. Many have a small clique of those to which they will respond. I HATE CLIQUES. Hate is a pretty strong word. Okay. Dislike…
There are many types of readers. I have family and friends who click over from Facebook or email. Many loyal bloggers stop by and comment almost every time I post. There are the skimmers who may be in a hurry and hit, “Like” to let me know they stopped by my place and those who press “Like, Like, Like,” on all the blogs they follow through the reader and hopefully click over to read once in a while. I love all of you! Really!
The blogosphere and specifically WordPress is an amazing community of people from around the world. I have made a lot of real friendships through the interaction of comments. I plan to meet up with more of you over the summer! Get ready!
Two years ago, I was told that if I planned to publish a book, I needed to blog in order to build a writer’s platform. I wondered what the heck that was. It is the group of people that follow you over a period of time that will be interested in buying your book (crosses fingers) when it is published (crosses fingers again). I learned that a rickety platform built with straw-like hits or views and can be worthless. One created through communication, connection, and relationships built with mutual respect is rock solid or at least a lot more solid than straw. Cue wind machine…
Once a month, my blog becomes a house party. Readers have the opportunity to meet my friends and build their own community. The next Use Me and Abuse Me Party starts April 25th. Yep. It’s official. It is no longer one day. The last one was a rager and lasted nearly a week!
I will continue to construct my community brick by brick and hope that others will keep stopping by my Wild Ride, if not to comment or like a post, at least to peruse my latest adventures for a few minutes.
It’s my dream that someday, I’ll shout from my own mountaintop and a crowd will respond, “FOR GOD’S SAKE, WE’RE RIGHT HERE. STOP SHOUTING!”
Now that’s what I call a following! Woo! Woo! Woo!
Are you selective when subscribing to blogs? Do numbers matter to you?
Susie Lindau's Wild Ride 
Susie – This is a terrific subject and I’ve wanted to ask you often how you managed to keep up with up with so many followers and always comment back to each one of us. I too try to be selective with the blogs I follow and consider myself a beginner. You are indeed a blogger on the way to the summit in my estimation and I applaud your many efforts with glee.
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You may be a beginner in experience, Sheri, but you’re a solid pro in content and style.
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I agree with David! So true, in fact I don’t know how you keep up with all the books you read! We all have the same number of hours in a day. I don’t get as many books read!
Thank you so much. I do my best and this week since so many of comments are like blog posts, I am waaaay behind!
Thanks for being a part of my community!
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Thanks, David. Your comment means a lot to me.
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numbers mean shit if you can’t back it up with a soul … you have plenty of both! And I would buy your book! There’s nothing wrong with trying to get your numbers up, but if that’s your only goal, then you will fail in the long run.. ( on one condition – you have to sign it ! ; ) People comeback to you, because of how and what you write. “Bloggers” should ask themselves a question, once in awhile .. “Have my website/blog/post change someones life for the better or made someone, laugh, cry, think and question?” Those who make people FEEL are a true success, not the ones with the the highest Alexa ranking. By the way, that blogger woman is hideous, like some others, whom I won’t name here ))
love you Susie!
lena
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Lena you are the best. A world traveler and you still have time to stop by my place??? Wow! Thanks so much for the friendship. I always look forward to your stories about your latest adventure!
My brand is a lot different than most of the big bloggers out there, but it is who I am. I do love adventure and people and life and I hope that comes through in my writing…
I can’t wait to have my book published and would love to sign a copy! You made my day! Hopefully it will be out sometime soon, but I still have to have it professionally edited and find an agent. We’ll see! It’s all very exciting…
Love you too Elena!
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I am selective when I follow a blog on my own, but I follow someone back if their blog is along the lines of my interests or whose voice really engages me. I was following everyone back who followed me, only to discover many bloggers were padding their numbers and had no real interest in me. So, I decided to follow people who are genuinely looking to build relationships and be part of a community. I don’t care about numbers. In the beginning I thought I had to care about numbers, but over time I realized that what I want most is realness–or as much realness as you can get out of blogging and virtual friendships! But I think you know what I mean, there’s a difference between a true follower and a fake follower. 🙂
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Absolutely!
This is a strange world where we communicate through keyboards and connect with people all over the world. I really didn’t know anything about it when I first started. I have met the most wonderful people here and don’t think I will ever give it up. I have already met several people through blogging and felt like I already knew them!
Because we write about ourselves, thoughts and feelings. we may be more revealing here than with some of our real friends.
Thanks so much for being a part of my Wild Ride!
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It says mine is the 185th comment. I’d call that an accomplishment, Susie. I usually get more like 4 to 6 – maybe 2% of my blog’s followers. I also wonder where the rest of them are. Glad you wrote this.
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Thanks so much David! I guess the readers had a lot to say. Many of the comments are like blog posts!
When I find those missing subscribers, I’ll let you know! I do think a lot of them are brand new and have to get their bearings. It took me a while to start reading the blogs I followed.
Big snowstorm tonight and the ski areas close this weekend! The moisture came in so late this year…Dang!
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I used to subscribe to lots of blogs but I had to cull the list recently as there were not enough hours in the day. I put the long list down to my beginners enthusiasm. Now I try to just follow those that really interest me. And Ms Lindau, you were on the original long list, and still on the short interesting list. So you must be doing something right!! 😀
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That makes me feel so very good! Wow!
I love reading yours since you take me right along with you and I feel I’ve had a breath of fresh Irish air!
After reading these comments, I cut back to 247… Hahaha! I can’t help it!
Thanks for stopping by and for being a part of my community!
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Susie, this is so topical for me at the moment! Maybe it always is for bloggers. You are someone I admire greatly for how you do what you do… Me. I’m easily overwhelmed, and so I find I have to be choosey about how many blogs I follow or read. It’s less about numbers and more about quality interaction for me. I guess that means it’s going to be a slow, long build… But I’m okay with that.
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That’s what I was doing. But when asking everyone to follow each other during my Use Me and Abuse Me days, I felt like I was being hypocritical. The last one engaged so many new readers, I had to put on the brakes! Screeeeech!
So here I am and boy did I learn a lot through the comments!
Thanks so much Alarna! Slow and steady…. 🙂
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Interesting post. I was skimming when I read it, haha. I find your words inspiring. I have had many stops and starts, always having trouble finding a focus for my blog. Hopefully now I have settled on one (first steps). Of course I want to be heard but I now do believe what you say is most important…creating a community through blogging, piece by piece…not being obsessed with how many hits etc… I guess that’s why so many other social platforms fall short…keep writing and good luck.
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Thanks for coming by!
I learned a lot from these wonderful comments. Everyone has a different voice, but all want to be heard. You are right about social media, but in combination with other communication, it can provide another way to build community.
Good luck to you too! Thanks!
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Great post, Susie. I’m one of your followers who doesn’t comment your every post but come back regularly to check out what you’re up to. I follow a lot of blogs as well and I simply don’t have enough time to read and comment on all the posts. But I make sure to click ‘like’ after reading a post I like, and to leave a comment every once in a while- I know how good it feels to get a new comment!
Sometimes I unfollow blogs after a while because I lose interest in the contents. I keep on coming back here because your posts are always well-written, interesting, and even funny sometimes. Keep up the good work, Susie, and I’ll be curious to read your book when it comes out 🙂
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Thanks so much Cecile! I love reading about your life too! How is NZ???
I have used my blog as a place to practice and there is always room for improvement. I love the friends I have made here and you’re included in that group!
I do fall behind in reading. I just try to do my best and that has to be enough.
I was thinking about you. We are coming to Nice this summer!
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I’m still learning how to connect to the blogging community. I don’t know the in’s and out’s of blogging etiquette yet. Slowly, I’m catching on. Good point about blogging everyday. Some like it, Some don’t. I’m still not sure if I should blog everyday or three times a week. My husband warned me everyday is excessive. Lol anyway, hello. I’m here. 🙂
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I am so glad to “see” you!
Think of it this way. Every time you post, followers get an email. The more people you follow that post every day, the more email you get. It is a lot to keep up with if you miss a few days. I would rather spend more time writing quality blogs and post 2-3 times a week. That’s what I hear from others too, but it’s up to you!
Thanks for commenting!
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good point! I am going to go back to posting 2-3 times a week. It also gets overwhelming to write so much! 🙂 Looking forward to learning more about blogging. Thanks for the tips!
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Glad to help!
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Oh, and one day I’d like to join your blog party. Just gotta find time when I’m not so busy with my three munchkins. 🙂
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No problem! Any time you want to stop by and click on a few links is fine! Just tell them, “Susie sent me!” and they should click back!
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OK – I’m a “liker”. If it makes you feel better I only press the button when I actually like what you have written…. Admittedly, when I travel I can’t always keep up.
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I think many only have time to like. For me personally, if I read the post, I want the reader to know that I did. The Like button is an amazing tool when I only have time to skim!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
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I just want to look back and be proud of every post. In some way I am creating a legacy for the cherished part of me that does not get public exposure during the rest of the working week. I unashamedly recognize that my blog is in part, a crusade, a small, but red hot iron to forge a better future. Lastly I really enjoy the role of being an intellectual gadfly, a socratic pest that makes readers uncomfortable, that makes them think. It’s definitely not for everyone and that’s OK.
Of course I support my loyal community first but there is so little time and so much to do. I work on myself not to fee guilty that I don’t have the time to visit other blogs as much as I would like. Thank you for this excellent post which made me stop and think about these issues.
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Thank you so much Malcolm!
I am glad it made you think.
This post really hit a nerve for a lot of people and there is a lot to be gleaned by reading the comments. It is different for everyone.
There are times when I can’t do it all either.
I agree that a big part of blogging is to create a body of work that others may enjoy years from now.
It sounds like you are very busy, so I really appreciate that you took the time to read and comment on my post!
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Ok.. my fingers got tired scrolling to the bottom here, sweetie. SO I think you must be getting quite a few “hits” here on this post:) I have found switching from wordpress.com such a struggle. I only recently discovered that I can still log on here to see the reader and my Follows. And just tonight, discovered that I am able to log in to my wordpress.com account and have my image show when I comment. All of this after I began setting up a Blogger’s Folder in my Safari Bookmarks so I could just go down the list and make sure I see my “regulars”, like you! My new blog doesn’t show my replies right after your comments.. which annoys the heck out of me, because half of the point of blogging is conversation, right? Anyhooo.. enough of my rant, I loved your points.. your posts. I too, wonder how other people get 1,000s of views. There must be some trick I’m missing. I don’t think it’s just about good content. I see lots of amazing content that doesn’t get seen. Maybe it’s that sneaky SEO stuff? xx Barb
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I have to ask. Why the move? You had such a great community here..
I don’t think many people get 1000’s of views unless they are super people that are published and have a following of over 20,000 or more.
I posted this after getting a lot of subscribers and not seeing a corresponding rise in views. It all comes down to percentages. I learned through the comments that there is a burn out factor as well as a limit as to how much time people will spend reading. I am in the minority! 🙂
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Well, to me, you are on the mountaintop already!
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Awww! Thanks! I am still trudging, but after posting this, I realize that I have an amazing community of people like you Nia!
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My blog started at the request of some friends when I moved to Alaska. It was just for a few family & friends. Then it started to grow, then I got Freshly Pressed. But I’m still relatively small (300ish followers). But that’s OK – I’m not on a quest for thousands of followers. Not my thing.
I’m also selective about which blogs I follow. I only follow those that I actually do read. Limited time and too many competing interests!
In the end, people do whatever works for them, and that’s OK. (except for the spammers – that’s definitely not OK!)
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300 is great! My numbers are misleading. I have 1500, but have been doing this for two years and have spent a lot of time building my community.
I have a blog party once a month where bloggers come and subscribe to each other. The last few, I felt obligated to follow too and boy did my subscriber list blow up! I had to manage those that blog more than once a day or every day while I try to make the “rounds!”
Thanks for coming by!
Spammers suck…
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You can weave a great write up on any topic Susie..this one is close to heart cos i have experienced the same…the followers were there but comments started dwindling. ..anyways i have been absent from blogosphere for some time so am. building the road again .
And hey we really are here. 🙂
Love ya 🙂
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Thanks so much!
I am so glad you are a part of my community Soma! I think that viewers do fall off after being gone. I have seen that happen on other blogs. It takes a lot of effort, but your posts are always fun! They’ll be back!
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I wonder why there’s such a drastic difference between subscribers and views, too. Maybe they just read the email instead of visiting the site.
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You can change your settings so your email only shows the first 55 words. It does make a difference.
I did have a few newbies leave comments, so some are around. The rest, who knows???
I just got a notification that it’s been 2 years since I became a WordPress user. It took me until May before I posted, so some may be brand new.
Thanks for coming by!
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Do you know how to change it? I can’t figure it out!
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I just spent a while looking for it and can’t find it. I know there is a way to change it… I checked support and may not be asking the question properly. You could try Googling it!
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Oh, Susie! How could I have missed your comment on my post http://laketranslations.blogspot.com.ar/2013/02/amazing-and-enlightening.html It was the first one ever! Thanks so much!
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Woohoo!
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I think if people subscribe they get emails and can read the blog on them, so don’t always click on the blog. I’ve had a few blogs where I’ve had more likes and comments than views on stats. Which in theory should be impossible!
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You can change what people see in an email in settings. Mine only shows about 55 words.
The Likes are a rip off. They used to give us a view for them, but they changed that and people can click Like from the Reader so we don’t get a click. 😦
Comments do! Thanks so much for stopping by and reading!
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As a relatively new blogger of less than a year I like to follow and read different kinds of blogs to pick up tips and learn. Plus, I have met some great people out there through blogs. Sure, we all look at our numbers and appreciate when we get new followers and comments on our posts.That is part of why we blog, but I also like when people appreciate what I write about, and I also love to read fun posts out there.So many great writers and interesting blogs that I am subscribed to now – it’s hard to keep up!
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I agree! I do look forward to great posts especially the ones that make me laugh! You always write something that makes me giggle…
Thanks so much Phil and for being such a great supporter!
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Amen! I’ve noticed the same lack of activity, but I have to admit I’m guilty as well sometimes. I don’t know how you keep up with 270 of us, but I’m doing my best to keep up with as many as I can!
Looking forward to reading more wild adventures.
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Hey thanks Jessica!
I do my best…
It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few months and if these new followers become more active. I remember when I was new to blogging, I hung out and observed for while before commenting. It made me nervous at first! Not anymore!
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For me, I follow blogs that I enjoy. I tried to stay up on them all but when 5 hours a day went to blog reading, I knew I needed to retool. I make sure to read and comment on everyone who takes the time to read and comment on mine. 🙂 When time permits, I check out the other talented writers I know and like. A follow is my way of saying, I like your stuff and I want to be aware of it, even if I don’t get to read every post. 🙂
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I just wanted to tell you Susie that after reading most of your 200 some odd post I have restructured my blog. I added two places where people can comment on my advice as well as my poem. I want to thank you again for giving me the opportunity to learn from my fellow blogger. Thanks guys.
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Oh my! Wow! Thanks so much. I will be over to check it out!!!!
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That is a great way to manage all of them. I am behind this week and need to catch up!
Thanks so much for weighing in. This subject really got readers thinking!
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I stumbled on this post by tapping your gravitate in like list. Wow, what energy! I am reading more and definitely following. How do you do it? I’m a new blogger and looking for inspiration. My tap was a good serendipity me thinks. And Happy Birthday!
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I am so glad! Thank you so much!
I was wondering where all the new subscribers were coming from!
I have a blog party once a month where you can exchange links. Just have fun writing what you are interested in. That’s what I do!
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In a great twist of irony, I clicked follow after reading this post.
I have to admit that when I started blogging, I was looking to it to help “build my audience” in the event I ever did get around to publishing the novel I’ve been working on for six years, or use as a platform to get that elusive fame or book contract. But in the time I’ve been doing it, I’ve found that I just enjoy blogging. It gives me a creative outlet, it has allowed me to meet some amazing folks I wouldn’t have connected with otherwise, and I just outright enjoy it. Whether I have 10 followers or 10,000, the fact that there are people who read and enjoy what I write is enough. It is absolutely enough.
Although I will admit that getting likes, comments, and seeing that bar spike with all-time high visits is a nice benefit.
Thanks for posting!
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Exactly! I would say that the practice I have gotten through blogging has been most beneficial I look back on my early stuff and cringe…
Thanks so much!
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I don’t write the kind of blog that people want to read nor the kind that I like to read so I don’t expect readers or followers if I’m honest about it. I subscribe to a lot of blogs and after a while I get bored with most of them. There are a diamonds amongst the gravel and I stick with those, but tend to save up the e-mail alerts for a couple of weeks and sit and read a bunch of posts all in one go. There’s a lot of good stuff to read on the internet and not enough time to read all of the stuff I’d like to read which makes it hard to be a regular blog reader. Many writers take a lack of responses personally, because many writers are sensitive and thoughtful people. Personally after 20 years of having my writing rejected I’ve got rhino skin on the lack of interest and I’m amazed when people take an interest. I’ll be following your blog from now, but I’ll be a sporadic commenter. Finally on the issue of the birthdays post – I haven’t celebrated my birthday since my mid teens; nothing sinister in that just that as far as I’m concerned celebrating my own birth seems a bit egocentric, though I gladly celebrate everyone else in the family’s birthdays, especially my kids, but no-one mentions mine and I don’t think the kids even know when it is, in fact I forget when it is myself sometimes. It takes all sorts I guess. My perfect day is making someone else happy.
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Sorry about error,in above comment, should read ‘…when it is myself…’ not ‘…when it myself…’ I just ‘really’ read the comment prompt above… Wild thoughts? No. Wilderness thoughts? Yes.
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I didn’t even notice! I will fix it for you.
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You sounds like quite an interesting guy and have me very curious as to what you write that could be so awful! I will look forward to your occasional comment. 🙂
I guess you will have to check your driver’s license to keep track, but I love your idea of a perfect day!
Welcome aboard Richard!
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