If you don't mind, today I would like to ask a few questions.
I am in the process of setting up a new blog ... it's header is the photo above and it's link is on my sidebar ... for my new and ongoing challenge to eat more simply, and eat fresh and local using wartime rationing as my guide. Back in the day foods had minimal ingredients we knew what we were eating and we ate simply but well. It's a well known and proven fact that the population of the UK was at it's healthiest during the war years, and I want to tap into all that with the knowledge that I have picked up over the years.
The reason for starting this next month is to eat more healthily and even simpler than I have over the past few years and in a steady and reliable way, help me save money on my shopping, and to get ready for my retirement having as much money in the bank as possible so that I can retire a year early to coincide with Alan's retirement date. I have felt just recently that all my previous Challenges have been practice runs for just this scenario.
I have been looking at the statistics for this blog A Smaller and Simpler Life and the figures make for fascinating reading. I get over 1,000 unique hits each day but I have just a smidge over 300 followers, of the readers of each post recently only something like ten or so people leave Comments. Over all the posts on this blog ... and there have been lots over the five years it has been running ... there has been an average of 17 comments per post, and considering that around a third of those would have been my responses that's quite low.
So, the questions:
1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog?
2. What makes you decide to click on the Follower button?
3. What stops you from leaving a comment?
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on?
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one?
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of it's community?
7. If you are a fellow blogger how do you see your Follower numbers, Comments and interaction with your readers?
*** *** ***
I ask because I tend to be a Follower of all the blogs that I read regularly, I leave comments (when Google and Blogger allows me to), and always check back to see if they have been replied to and love being involved in the blogging community.
There's no wrong or right answers to my questions, I am just asking as I am deciding whether to keep my new blog private for just myself, have a limited number of invited readers, or open it for public reading.
Your answers could really help me reach this decision, thank you. 😀
Sue xx
1. If I read a blog, I read almost all posts on it. I like posts which are not too heavy with photos. I presser posts be fairly short and well proof-read.
ReplyDelete2. I read a few posts and see if I like a new-to-me blog. I usually find blogs by clicking through from a comment on another blog which I read already.
3. Leaving comments depends on how I am feeling. I am more likely to leave comments for bloggers who also comment on my blog – it seems a small courtesy.
4. No way! I also prefer to leave comments on blogs which do not requite prior approval as I like to read what others are saying and usually can’t be bothered to go back. There are blogs where I overcome this preference.
5. It’s nice to receive a response but not essential.
6. I don’t get the community thing. I appreciate my commenters and am grateful when people are interested in me and cheer me on. I am interested in other people’s joys and struggles but don’t feel much linked to their other commenters.
7. 7 it’s a long time since I checked my statistics, they’re not important to me now although I used to check regularly.
And I look forward to seeing your new blog!
Phew, that took some writing!
Sorry, I realise I've given everyone a huge job, THANK YOU for taking the time to respond, it really helps. AND ... I'm sorry a lot of my posts are so photo heavy!
Delete1. Something that interests me (obvious answer really). Either an interesting take on a topic or someone who can turn any situation into an interesting read.
ReplyDelete2.I never follow blogs I would rather just bookmark them.
3. Stops me from leaving a comment - if you have to sign in with Google. Doesn’t work for me as I access from different bits of kit and am not signed in with Google on all.
4. Prefer a blog where I can comment. Quite like it when there is a discussion between the blogger and the readers. Also quite like it if there are differing views. Don’t like it when bloggers only publish comments that are in agreement.
5. Don’t need a reply to every comment - in fact I find that quite strange. Have come across some blogs where the blogger always responds even if it is “thank you for making a comment”:I don’t think that particularly adds to anything.
6. No
7. N/a
Hope that is helpful.
I think war time rationing included a lot more vegetables. I would miss coffee.
Look forward to reading about your progress.
Thank you, I really appreciate this. :-)
Delete1 - that’s a really difficult one to answer but I like reading about everyday ordinary stuff that is about the kind of things that I am also interested in
ReplyDelete2 - same as the above. Though I don’t always follow … I tend to have the blogs I like to read on the sidebar of my own blog (lifeofpottering) so I can see when there has been a new post
3 - blogger seems to be very hit and miss with making it easy to comment at the moment - especially on my phone. Also I’m sometimes a bit shy and sometimes I just don’t have anything interesting to say
4 - I don’t mind either way
5 - if I leave a response I like to get a reply and always go back to see if there is one
6 - yes
7 - I tend to only have a few people actually comment though I know lots more read. I tend to issue a link on Facebook when I publish and people tend to comment there. I think it’s just easier. I always respond to comments and love getting them but if I was only blogging for the comments I would have given up long ago. I tend to think that I am blogging for me to keep a bit of a diary and if anyone else is interested then it’s a bonus 😀
The anonymous comment is from me … Carol at Life of Pottering. I hate how difficult blogger makes commenting at the moment 🙈
ReplyDeleteI read all the posts of the bloggers I follow. I blog myself but do not get nearly as many views as you do but I blog for the fun of it and to document what's going on in my life and what I have made. I don't get many comments and usually reply to them all. I do comment on other blogs but I rarely go back to check if they have responded to my comment. Sometimes it won't let me comment on other blogs, it must be a google thing and that is annoying. I like blogs to have photos and usually put up photos on mine.. I do feel part of a community as a lot of blogs I follow also follow other blogs I follow. I only use the Blogger stats and I have my settings set to notify me if someone has commented. I use my blog as a bit of a diary for my own benefit so I am not concerned that I do not get a lot of people read it. Hope this all helps and yes, I will check to see if you reply on this occasion because you asked for responses and I am just not adding a chit chat comment. Oh, and I really enjoy reading your blog and would follow any other blog you set up.
ReplyDelete1. On blogs I follow I read every post. That is why I follow them - the blogger writes things which interest me/resonate me/that I like/which I learn from. I enjoy the photos as much as your words.
ReplyDelete2. I never click a follower button. I keep all my blogs in Feedly which is free and easy to use..
3. Lots of things - if I’m not feeling well, if Blogger is being a pain and I cannot sign in, if the post is SO long and covers so much that I don’t know where to start, if I cannot think of anything nice to say (I do not believe I have ever left a not-nice comment), and same as Frugally if you visit me and have a chat I am far more likely to reciprocate, oh and having to wait to see if my comment is approved is a bit of a pain although I understand why some people chose that..
4. D’uh? NO.
5. Yes, even if it just a quick “thank you”
6. I have made IRL friends as a result of blog comments. One of the best ways (for me) to find new blogs is reading a nice comment which someone has left and going to that person’s site to see what else they have written.
7. I don’t have Stat Counters but Blogger does show how many visits each post has had. I used to think that I had very low comments and perhaps I did not write interesting or approachable posts and am therefore shocked that in percentage terms, you get no more comments than me. And I think you are hugely approachable and interesting!
In a way I think that knowing visitor numbers can have a detrimental effect - "no-one read this post, they don’t like me”, or “hardly anyone commented, they don’t like me” - all the nasty feelings which we know social media can trigger.
Whatever you decide, I do hope I can tag along for the ride. Over the years I have learned so much from you and all your different Challenges, and I believe your next project will be just as interesting (if not more) than all that have gone before.
I have a list of blogs bookmarked and I check/read them daily. I "discover" new-to-me blogs through the blog lists of the blogs I routinely read... some "new ones" hold my interest, and some do not. I comment on blogs occasionally, but not a lot. I'm not sure why, but I've never clicked on the Follower button of any blog. I leave comments when I think I have something to contribute, share, or respond to a request by the blogger. It may sound odd, but after reading a blog for some time, getting "to know" the blog author & others who regularly comment, I feel a part of the blog community of each of the blogs I routinely read even though I don't comment on every post. I'm an introvert and have always been an observer.
ReplyDeleteYour questions gave me pause today, and I'm thinking perhaps I should comment more often on the blogs I routinely read and not be so quiet. I enjoy your blog and the wide variety of subjects. Stay safe & well.
If you make it private I won't be able to read it as I only read blogs via my sidebar and private blogs don't update. The way I do it makes for very simple blog reading.
ReplyDeleteNow the answers
1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog?
I always read new posts by bloggers in my sidebar - people there are always interesting.
2. What makes you decide to click on the Follower button?
Because it's nice as a blogger to see follower numbers increase -
3. What stops you from leaving a comment?
I don't have enough hours in a day to leave comments everywhere, everyday
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on?
No. It's good to comment on something interesting
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one?
Doesn't bother me one way or the other -
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of it's community?
It's nice to join in with conversations with people who I've got to know either in real life or in blogland.
7. If you are a fellow blogger how do you see your Follower numbers, Comments and interaction with your readers?
I love to hear that people enjoy reading and to get comments which I try and reply to or apologise if I don't have time. I don't often look at the stats. I write because I enjoy writing.
It would worry me if I got dozens of comments on my blog as I'd never have time to reply!
I'm looking forward to your ration challenge as I know I couldn't do it.
For me its saying invited readers only when i click the link? am I doing something wrong?
ReplyDelete1. Topics that interest me mainly but I am also really nosy and love to see how others live their lives.
2. When I can relate to the blog and the writer and the content interests me. Its nice for the blogger to know people are liking what they write about.
3. Time generally, or when my phone wont play ball. Sometimes I just cant think of a response because my brains foggy!.
4. No, i like to leave a comment if i can.
5. If I leave a question, but otherwise not. Its a nice surprise if I get one though.
6. Most definitley!
7. I don't really check to be honest, i just love blogging about my life.
1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog?
ReplyDeleteAn interesting title that catches my eye or an interesting picture.
2. What makes you decide to click on the Follower button?
I don't follow any blogs. I bookmark them or I jump across from another blog's sidebar.
3. What stops you from leaving a comment?
I don't have a Google account or a Blogger account, so I can't sign in to comment using those. I am often put off commenting if there are already lots of comments. I am also a full-time carer, so often have to abandon ship before I would really like to!
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on?
Definitely not! I like to feel that I can contribute something if I have anything interesting to add.
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one?
It is nice to get a response, but I am quite happy to comment on blogs where it is customary not to get a response.
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of it's community?
Being a commenter definitely does.
7. If you are a fellow blogger how do you see your Follower numbers, Comments and interaction with your readers?
I don't have a blog.
I'll answer your questions with the following:
ReplyDeleteI almost always reciprocate. I follow the blogger who follows me and leave a comment on a blog that commented on mine. I usually reply to comments, even if it's only a thank you.
I write relatively short posts, so I don't lose the reader.
My topics usually revolve around things that could help iwith our daily life.; less about history or culture.
1 To learn new things 2 I have only been following your blog for a short while but now follow 3 Arthritis in fingers make it hard to type some days. 4 No 5 I don't think it is necessary 6 No 7N/A I do enjoy the blog and love reading what you are up to.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to your new challenge - yours is a blog I really enjoy reading.
ReplyDelete1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog?
I too read everything posted by blogs I follow!
The content is what draws me in - it might be lovely pictures or it might be a wall of text but if its interesting, humorous, or I feel particularly fondly about the writer, I'm hooked.
Fwiw, the title isn't an especially important feature for me, and the length of posts doesn't matter if the content is engaging.
2. What makes you decide to click on the Follower button?
Like Bag End above I use a blog agregator (the oldreader, *love* it) and subscribe to blogs there. Never use the follow button. I definitely get a slightly different experience to many, since a lot of people seem to bookmark blogs and use sidebars. I get all the contents, but in a very 'clean' view and only see someone's actual blog as it appears on the Internet when I click through to comment.
I do blog, but not on Blogger and I follow a lot of blogs also not hosted on Blogger.
I'm not even sure if reading a post through a blog reader actually registers as a view on the original platform?
3. What stops you from leaving a comment?
This is a really interesting question! I think it's a good summary to say "I don't comment if I feel I'm not adding much". I'm torn on bloggers who always end a post by posing a question; if it doesn't flow naturally from the rest of the contents it can sometimes feel a bit like 'how to increase engagement with your blog 101'. I really should comment more.
I don't tend to comment on blogs where the writer & readers feel a bit cliquey in the comments.
If someone posted something outrageous/offensive I probably wouldn't say anything, I'd just quietly unsubscribe.
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on?
I'm fairly neutral on this, but I think it's nicest to invite commentary.
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one?
I suppose that's nice to have, but not essential. I do click 'notify me' if I leave a comment though, so I'm reminded - I'd definitely never go back to check!
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of it's community?
Yes, I think so, even though I seldom actually get around to commenting.
7. If you are a fellow blogger how do you see your Follower numbers, Comments and interaction with your readers?
I keep the vast majority of posts private, so I never check the stats.
I have followed your blogs for at least 6 years but I don’t comment a lot as I usually use my phone and it won’t let me comment for some reason. I love your blogs as your life is the kind of life I would love to live and I get some great ideas. Heather
ReplyDelete1. I’m interested in what you right as lots of the things you do and say match my own take on life.
ReplyDelete2. I think I am one of your followers but Google beggars up my responses sometimes hence I’m listed as anonymous.
3. I often leave comments which disappear to goodness knows where!
4. I don’t mind either way.
5. A general response about the answers is fine although sometimes it’s nice to have a bit of a dialogue with you.
6 i like to read others comments to appreciate different points of view.
7 No blog
Catriona
I read blogs by RSS to Feedly rather than following them individually. I especially enjoy your challenges and hope to be able to receive your new blog on the latest and biggest challenge. But if it is 'private' that might not be possible unless I make a change of some sort.
ReplyDelete1. I especially like reading about your challenges. 2. I think I am a follower. 3. I like reading, but I infrequently comment. Sometimes things you write are taken the wrong way. 4. No 5. Yes
ReplyDeleteI read your blog regularly...I don't read "my" blogs every day, necessarily, as I have stretches of time where I opt out from the internets when it all gets to be a bit too much.
ReplyDelete1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog? If it's a blog I follow, then I read every post. I've pruned my reading list down to the point where I only follow the ones I want to read.
2. What makes you decide to click on the Follower button? I bookmark all of my favourites and check in with them that way. I used to use Bloglovin as an aggregator but it seems to have popped its clogs.
3. What stops you from leaving a comment? For the most ridiculous of reasons - most of the blogs I follow now all seem to have a 'regular' commenting crowd and I feel like I'm intruding. Obviously, I de-lurked today because I would love to follow along on your new adventure and hope you don't go private :)
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on? I'm fine either way - though I much prefer having the option. I can understand why people turn comments off...it can be a lot of work reading and responding but when I was blogging, I enjoyed that part very much.
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one? Yes, it's always nice to have a conversation -- but I understand if folk don't have time.
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of it's community? It can do, yes. Back in what I call the Golden Age of Blogging (mid to late 2000s) I blogged every day and spent time making the rounds and commenting. It was a wonderful community and I loved it.
7. If you are a fellow blogger how do you see your Follower numbers, Comments and interaction with your readers? I don't blog anymore and never really checked my stats...though it was always nice to have the conversations in the comments...that was one of the best bits.
Thank you for sharing your days here...you've inspired me in all kinds of ways and I'm always learning something. cheers, Mel
1, I like to read ordinary peoples posts about their lives, the ups and downs.
ReplyDeleteSmall joys and I love photos. I am interested in your ration challenges and eating less processed food.
2, No rhyme or reason.
3, I would feel like a stalker if I commented on all posts.
4, it is nice to comment but some people use their posts as a lornal for themselves.
5, Not worried if there is not a response.
6, Not too bothered about communities, just individuals.
7, I've never checked my stats and wouldn't know how.
1 I like your challenges, reading about your pets and life in general. 2 I don't have a blog myself so although I read quite a few blogs regularly I don't follow any of them. 3 I do comment occasionally if I have any interesting to add. 4 No, I like the option to comment. 5 I understand folks have a busy life and do not always have the time to comment. 6 Although I don't follow any blogs there are various favourite ones I read all the time and it's interesting to see them comment on each other blogs. 7 N/A
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I took early retirement, no state pension until next year so will be interested in your plans and progress.
I read the same 20 or so blogs most days, including yours. I enjoy hints and tips for frugal living (also gearing up for retirement!) but I also like learning from others on any topic. I don’t firmally follow any blogs because I don’t have a google/gmail account to subscribe with. I don’t comment on many because I don’t have a blog and, without a google account, many won’t let me post (so I no longer try). I will try to comment more often. I hadn’t thought of the impact on the author of me reading but not commenting - sorry about that. Thank you for all your posts! Hx
ReplyDelete1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog?
ReplyDeleteFind out what people are doing. I am nosey.
2. What makes you decide to click on the Follower button?
I don't click on follower buttons.
3. What stops you from leaving a comment?
Subject doesn't interest me, or I haven't got time.
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on?
Don't mind either way.
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one?
Don't mind either way.
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of it's community?
I don't mind if I am not part of an online community. I don't like the pressure of having to write what others want to read. I write for me, if people want to read it, or not read it, that's ok
7. If you are a fellow blogger how do you see your Follower numbers, Comments and interaction with your readers?
I don't know what my follower numbers are, it doesn't matter to me how many I have. I moderate comments and will not tolerate people coming on my blog just to cause trouble. I used to be flexible and give everyone a chance, but not any more. I haven't got time to get into long conversations.
PS. I have some happy readers on my blog, I will reply to their comments.
DeleteI cant remember all the questions now I'm actually commenting! I read certain blogs every night, it's my bed time reading, I rarely, rarely comment as I feel a bit awkward doing so, like I'm having an opinion when I don't actually know you. But I also love reading what other people have commented. I can't see your side bar as I read from my phone but would very much appreciate a link for the rationing/retirement blog please so I can then click and save your blog ... many thanks, Helen
ReplyDeletePS also can't follow as im on my phone but I have you and others bookmarked
I love blogs that are pure, with no ads that flash all over the place when you're trying to read. I usually don't follow those. But, if I like the content, I will always hit the "follow" button and leave comments. I don't like blogs that don't want comments, only because I think "what's the point?" This is a community, not a magazine. Just my opinion. I have been confused too about why I have 23 followers, but heading to almost 40,000 views. It's a mystery. I love your challenges! Oh, and I also am not crazy about blogs that make you become a "member" in order to read or comment. The simpler, the better. I can't handle adding one more password to my brain! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a bit hit and miss for me at the moment reading blogs and writing for my own, but I just saw this post today and wanted to reply even though it is now 11.30 at night and I should be in bed. I enjoy many blogs for different reasons but especially the ones where the writers personality comes through. I quite like reading about everyone's day to day stuff or seeing what they have made, places they have visited. Over time you get to know a blogger like you would a good work colleague and end up knowing such a lot about their day to day life because they share what is happening and because of this I sometimes know more what is happening in a bloggers life than my own sisters.
ReplyDeleteAdvert free is good too - not as distracting. I leave comments when I can mainly to develop a connection with the blogger and often pop back to see a reply. I am with Wordpress which is not that compatible with Blogger and I use the Wordpress reader to see new posts of the blogs I read. I do not become a follower of Blogger blogs as they publish my email address if I do rather than my own blog name and I would rather keep my email address private but this means filling in my details everytime which is a pain. Blogger and Google have made it so difficult to comment if a blog is not set up in the right way - but then I expect this is the same for Blogger commenters on a Wordpress site.
I don't really look at my stats and sometimes delete followers who are not what I would call real followers but more advertising their wares and websites through mine. I blog to create a journal for myself which will include photos that I can look back on and provoke good memories. A lot of my followers are not the people who comment and they arrive at my blog from someone elses. I often stumble on new blogs through other commenters or a blog side bar. Blogging has certainly changed over the years and many bloggers given up so it is nice to hear you are going to continue in some way.
One day I am sure we will meet in Booths in Garstang for a good natter!
I read your blog first thing every morning. I am from Tennessee USA. I have never been to the UK but would love to visit. Your blog seems to give a glimpse into daily life. I have never commented because - well I don't know- no silly excuse will be given. I read many blogs about quilting and daily life of the home maker but don't comment. If you go private, I will join you if possible. Thank you for the time that you take to blog. I appreciate your efforts. Nannette Roberts aka retired and loving life
ReplyDeleteI usually read a blog for awhile to decide if I like it and then add it to my blog list. I don't usually hit the Follow button.
ReplyDeleteI always try to leave a comment, and I am sorry what with all the spam I was getting for awhile I added moderation, but I do try and get comments up as quickly as possible and either answer them in a reply or do a blog post with the answer in it.
I think that summers are probably slow for lots of us. I have never had many comments, but I don't care. This is a community that I love to visit.
Looking forward to your new challenge and new blog if you decide to make a new blog.
God bless.
I don't comment often but your new blog sounds so interesting I'll contribute. I can't remember how long I've followed you but I think I started because I enjoyed your quotes. I've kept a quote journal for yrs.
ReplyDelete1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog? If it's not too long & has something I'm interested in. I often pass up reading posts that are very long.
2. What makes you decide to click on the Follower button? If the content & viewpoint is something I'm interested in.
3. What stops you from leaving a comment? Usually because I don't have time....there is so much to read! I want to read it all & I can't do that if I'm commenting on everyone.
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on? No
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one? Sometimes but I'm ok if I don't get a response. I understand people have other things to do.
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of it's community? Not really
I hope this helps.
1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog? I follow a lot of blogs that I find interesting and have read from the very beginning. I always read a blog right from the start if I want to follow them.
Delete2. What makes you decide to click on the Follower button? If I read them all the time I feel I should follow them.
3. What stops you from leaving a comment? On blogs that get a lot of comments-someone, or many, have already said what I would have said. If I disagree with something a blogger has written I never comment because some can get quite snippy about differing views. Just easier to not say anything!!
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on? No, because I like to read comments.
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one? Yes, but I understand that that could be quite time consuming.
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of it's community? Not really. I find with many blogs the same people comment all the time and I enjoy reading what they think and have to say. I also understand that on most blogs we are only getting to read what the blogger wants us to know and that might be a very small snippet of their life!!
I rarely comment on blogs I read but do read all your postings and live them. I love to hear about living life with photos. Love down to earth blogs. After reading what you wrote I realize I need to comment more on blogs that I follow. I apologize for that. I look forward to reading your new blog when you start writing and publishing on it
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, Sorry I've been missing in action for quite a while leaving comments although I always read your blog:( I've loved all your blogs over the years♥ I seem to remember your little shop Lavender Blue so it feels as though I've been following you for a long time:)
ReplyDelete1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog? I may learn something new, book recommendations, recipes, day to day living (ups and downs) pets are just a few.
2. What makes you decide to click on the Follower button? If I really love the blog then I will follow:)
3. What stops you from leaving a comment? If my comment is going to be too long as I can tend to ramble on:(
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on? I would prefer one where if you chose to comment you can:)
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one? It is lovely when you receive a response but I can relate when some blogs have so many comments, time wise it can be very hard for the blogger.
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of it's community? No:)
Hope my answers will help:) I will still love to follow your new blog, hopefully that will still be an option for me♥ Linda xx
Briefly! I like reading blogs when people have interesting things to me. Yours (and the other Sue) is on my morning blog reading list. Why? I like nature, simple living and frugal. I don’t often comment due to some of the reactions that occur on blog land, like the Karen comment recently. Recently I read in one blog that some commenters don’t have blogs! Er.... I do like getting a reply to a comment. I’m looking forward to your new eating blog, simple and natural. Karen
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog but it’s hard to comment or follow because my system blocks me Pam
ReplyDeleteOh, goodness, what a lot to say.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the idea of a new blog aimed at rations and retirement and would definitely follow and read. I'd prefer it not to be private but if that's how you prefer it, then go for it! Why not?
1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog?
I have a fair old number of blogs that I follow and use the notification thingy that says when there's a new post to read. What attracts me? Common interests, things I enjoy, an engaging or interesting style of writing, returning the compliment, photographs, those by people I feel I 'know' online . . . and there's probably more.
2. What makes you decide to click on the Follower button?
er - I think it is so that I can get regular notifications really. That's what I use to access most of the blogs I follow.
3. What stops you from leaving a comment?
Sometimes you can't which is a shame, I think, although I understand that if a Blogger has been getting unpleasant comments, it might be the best and safest thing.
If lots of comments are saying more or less the same thing, I might not although I do like to acknowledge that I have read.
If a blogger doesn't ever reply to comments, I wonder whether they are being read at all.
Sometimes, I just can't think of anything to say (unlikely but it happens occasionally)
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on?
No.
(Wow, a short answer!!) :-)
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one?
Um - it's nice although I totally understand that it isn't always possible and if a blogger is getting hundreds of comments it just isn't possible. I try to respond to comments on my blog.
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of its community?
Yes, I think it does. I feel I am engaging more with the content and, therefore, with the person who wrote that content. It's like being part of a face to face conversation really.
7. If you are a fellow blogger how do you see your Follower numbers, Comments and interaction with your readers?
I'm assuming you don't mean literally how but, in case you do, I have a hit counter and I check the comments function both for new comments and for spam comments which aren't spam. For a while, your message showed as spam quite a lot, for some ridiculous reason!
In terms of the more 'emotional' aspects, I check numbers now and again but, while it is nice to know people are reading, I wonder how accurate it really is. I love getting comments and being able to respond - it feels sociable and can be really helpful/informative. I start worrying if I don't get comments - what have I said wrong, for example, have I offended everyone?
(Silly, I know)
I feel I have made some good online friends through blogging and commenting - something to be valued and appreciated.
Sorry I've gone on rather - you know what I can be like!! xx
Oh, lordy, it's longer than I thought it was - really sorry! xx
DeleteNot a problem Joy, I shouldn't ask so many questions. :-)
DeleteI read blogs where I can learn something new, and where I can see how "normal" people in different countries live.
ReplyDeleteI never follow.
English is not my first language so it takes a long time for me to write a comment.
I like reading the comments, too.
I don´t mind either way. I think you can´t expect an answer to every comment.
I would have to comment more often to answer this question.
I am looking forward to reading your new blog and will try to comment more often.
Hilde in Germany
I read blogs concerning day to day living and find good tips and ideas. I follow blogs when I see several posts I like. I don't comment very often due to lack of time but welcome the posts to read in the morning.
DeleteI cannot remember all the questions and the order they come in, at present you are up to 34 comments (7.30 am uK) so I think you will have plenty of feedback. In any order and what I remember I click on a follower button if I find a button, I like to read about other people’s lives. I did start a blog when my husband had a stroke and I found it a convenient way to keep friends and family updated but as he stabilised I gradually stopped but I am very grateful to have a written record of that time. I would like to start again but my caring duties and slowing down with age (81) mean I am short of time. Many of the blogs I read are from people who commented when I was blogging, or they are people who write about things I am interested in. I comment occasionally and am always pleased when I get a reply but it is not necessary. I hope I will be able to read your new blog. It is sad when bloggers disappear, I still miss Frugal Queen and Life’s Too Short…
ReplyDeleteI never comment when I have to book in as I don’t remember my password!
Pam
Frugal Queen has a Facebook page, and a blog. Just gooogle Frugal Queen in France.
DeleteYour first question got me thinking and the majority of blogs I read are ones where I learn from the people who are sharing their lives whether its their ideas or skills. The others are ones where its the style of the writing or the images that attract me. I realised that I only follow one blog and it meets those criteria.
ReplyDeleteI like to read the comments and to have the choice to comment myself but do not comment frequently as often remarks are just repeated and I don't feel I'd be adding anything useful. I like a response if I've asked a question but don't need one that is just to say thank you.
I think the sense of community comes from knowing there are others out there thinking and living in similar ways. Your blog has led me to many other interesting ones. That's a good thing in some ways but I can end up reading for hours!
I tried but I can't access the new blog as I don't have a Google account and am being asked to sign in. I don't like that and hope the blog will be open access like this one. I really enjoy your challenges so would hate to miss this new one. Thank you Sue for all the time you put in.
Hello Sue
ReplyDelete1. It’s a little window into other people’s lives that I like.
2. I never follow. I just visit the blogs i like.
3. I comment very occasionally but the whole logging in faff put me off before. I am happy just to read without commenting mostly.
4. No
5. Yes but don’t mind either way.
6. No - but if would if I blogged I think.
7. No
I hope I am able to read your ration blog :) Maeve
Homework :)
ReplyDelete1. I try to read all of the posts on a blog I'm a follower of. Otherwise, it would be of a subject that interests me.
2. A blog I find interesting, and that I read regularly.
3.Time. Not feeling as though I have anything to contribute. Or sometimes there can appear to be a lot to comment on and I don't know where to start :)
4. Not really. I much prefer blogs which have a two way 'conversation'. I also enjoy reading the opinions of others, whether or not I agree with them.
5. Yes, I think so. I always like to reply to comments on my own blog.
6. Definitely.
7. I actually don't know how many followers I have, but you've got me curious now :)
Hi Sue. I’m looking forward to following your new blog and your frugal progress. To answer your questions:
ReplyDelete1. A blog that has content that interests me and where I can learn a bit at the same time. I enjoy reading all your posts. Seeing your part of the world ( I’m in Australia), enjoying following your challenges.
2. I follow blogs on Feedly, so don’t click on the follow button on the actual blog. If I read a few posts and enjoy the content, I’ll follow along.
3. I often don’t feel a comment is warranted, or wonder if I have anything relevant to contribute, which doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the post.
4. No. I like to be able to comment when relevant and find it really frustrating when Google won’t let me comment on some blogs from my phone.
5. Yes, it makes me feel my comment was appreciated and starts to build a friendship
6. Yes, it sure does
7. I have a blog and see my details on the “Stats” and “Posts” sections in Blogger. I get about 70 reads of each of my posts and about 6 comments. I receive an email to advise when a comment is made and reply to those emails.
1) Your blog is one of 3 that I check daily. It's like following a serial which I've followed for many years. I particularly like hearing about Mavis.
ReplyDelete2) I've never clicked the 'follow' button. The only time I've regretted not being a follower was when Mias Landliv suddenly went off air and accessible only to followers.
3) Nothing 'stops' me. I just don't usaully feel the need to comment.
4) Don't care.
5) No. I'm not that needy.
6) I don't feel any need to be part of any blog community. I read because I find enough to interest me - food, frugality, dogs, daily doings etc.
7) N/A
I do like having a glimpse into parts of other peoples lives that they want to share and enjoy learning new ways to do things as well as having the way I do things validated by others with a similar view.
ReplyDelete2 I’ve never quite figured out what “follow” button is all about - I just read blogs on via Google search
3 I don’t want to just reiterate what others are saying
4 I don’t mind either way
5 I don’t mind - but it’s nice to read the “threads” that develop in the comment sections sometimes- from other people’s comments not necessarily mine
6 not really
7 haven’t got a blog
Thank you Sue for the time you spend letting us all into your life - I would be interested in your new challenge- as you say you’ve been building up to this one for a while!
Have fun, best wishes from Country Cook
Hi Sue, I read all your blog posts because I like the general theme of your blog - things I can relate to and find interesting (homelife in general) I never follow anyone - the blogs I like I visit daily usually, I comment if there's anything I want to say, or like now, have been asked to do so. I don't mind if I receive a reply if there's any point to it (no need to say thank you - it isn't something you say to your friends when they speak to you is it?) I like to feel part of the blogging community, I don't blog but enjoy and am grateful for all those who find time to invite me into their lives in this way. I like to show sympathy and joy, to comfort and congratulate as appropriate, and hopefully kindness and friendship to those who are likeminded but whom I have never met personally, but consider as friends. Elaine
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading about different peoples lives but especially those in the UK, Scotland, etc. It's a glimpse into a life that I don't live and i find it fascinating.
ReplyDeletei follow most of the bloggers that I read regularly to support them and their content.
I don't always leave comments. I'm an introvert and even in blog land that holds true.
I guess if they don't want comments that's their choice. I personally love comments and if I get a response even better.
Yes, in a small way I feel part of something. I live in a rural town in Northern California so my blog focuses on some of those things, plus gardening,cooking, living in retirement on a fixed budget. So I like to read frugal blogs but I especially like cooking ideas and pictures.
i love reading comments on my blog. I don't get a whole lot but feel a kinship. Since I use Wordpress and not Blogger that changes how my blog shows up.
Thanks Sue for asking good questions.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating post, I loved reading all the responses. Here's mine.
1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog? I read all the blogs I have listed in my sidebar. They are there because I always enjoy the content and the engaging way the blogger writes. If I have any free time I often scan the sidebars of other blogs will click on anything with an intriguing title.
2. What makes you decide to click on the Follower button? When the blog has continually interesting content.
3. What stops you from leaving a comment? If I've got nothing useful to contribute towards the conversation
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on? No, I often enjoy reading the comments as much as the actual post.
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one? I like it but don't expect one and aren't in the least bit offended if I don't get a reply.
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of it's community? Yes
7. If you are a fellow blogger how do you see your Follower numbers, Comments and interaction with your readers? I write a blog because I love writing and sharing photos. I love getting comments but I'd still publish posts even if nobody responded. I can't remember the last time I checked my stats.
I have also forgotten all the questions now I have got this far but will answer what I remember. I love photos. I love a glimpse into other peoples lives. I never follow but have twelve blogs bookmarked that I check in on daily. I don't always comment because I haven't always got something to add but I do like to check back for replies to comments, my own and others too. I have a chicken blog (Carol's Chickens) and only have a regular small group of like minded chicken keepers who comment and therefore I always reply but understand people with a huge amount of comments can't always reply to all of them. My blog is just my journal of chicken keeping and I have been going over ten years. I used to write daily but now write weekly. I also find as others have said that the blogs I follow comment on each other (probably how I found them in the first place) and it does make me feel part of a community. I have been reading the blogs I have bookmarked for a long time and like the feeling of having got to know this part of people, which is just the part they want to reveal, of course. I hope that covered it all.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog very much, it makes me stop and think.
ReplyDeleteWe have been through similar challenges, I had to retire early, and my state pension was later than expected. We have been using WW2 ration quantities again this year, and have many of the same books!
I like to comment occasionally, to agree, or add something relevant, and helpful if possible.
I like reading positive comments.
I hate it when people make nasty comments on a blog, and would understand when the option for comments is turned off.
I reply is pleasant, but not necessary.
Great questions!
ReplyDeleteI have a few blogs that I read on a regular basis, although I don't always follow them; not sure what makes me decide to click on the Follow button, though. Sometimes, if someone follows my blog, then, I follow them in return. I have read your blog from the time you had that camping site, but, I haven't always commented. I have especially enjoyed your challenges. I do prefer a blog where I have the option of commenting and I definitely like getting a reply to my comments! I see my blog followers on a side bar and I check to see if I have comments, I don't receive any special notifications if someone has commented on a post.
I do hope you will make your new blog a public one and I shall comment more often!
1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog?
ReplyDeleteSometimes to see/read about what someone has been making or doing, sometimes for their opinions/"take" on life (even if different from my own), sometimes for photography/images, sometimes for engaging writing style, sometimes just for a slice of life.
2. What makes you decide to click on the Follower button?
I don't tend to do this, but have no good reason why not - maybe just not very good with blog etiquette and not sure what difference it makes?
3. What stops you from leaving a comment?
Feeling shy, feeling like I don't have anything different to add to what others have already said. I tend to read regularly but comment less often. In real life I tend to be a listener/observer too.
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on?
I don't mind either way.
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one?
Yes. It makes me feel welcome and I'm more likely to comment again. If people leave comments on my blog I will always respond.
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of it's community?
The Follower bit, not so much. Commenting, probably yes.
7. If you are a fellow blogger how do you see your Follower numbers, Comments and interaction with your readers?
I don't look at any of the stats - I can't really make head or tail of them! I tend to think of blogging as being like sending messages in bottles out to sea. I blog mostly for myself - to motivate myself and keep track of what I've been doing creatively (as that is important to me). Occasionally I get a message back, and that's always absolutely lovely.
1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog?
ReplyDeleteI have a few blogs that I follow on a regular basis and I read all their posts because the blog is generally interesting to me. Usually it's the bloggers lifestyle, their humour, the tips they share, book recommendations etc that I love
2. What makes you decide to click on the Follower button?
A silly answer perhaps, but I'm not really sure. Does the blog owner benefit from more followers?
3. What stops you from leaving a comment?
I'm very shy, even on blogs and often think that I don't really have anything to offer to the conversation.
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on?
I think that it wouldn't be as fun for the blogger if no one was able to comment, ask a question etc
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one?
I probably would like it, but would not be offended if there were no responses. I don't know how bloggers keep up with all the comments.
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of it's community?
Reading a blog and seeing the same commenters makes me feel part of the community, even if I have nothing to offer.
7. If you are a fellow blogger how do you see your Follower numbers, Comments and interaction with your readers?
My blog is a private one to share my genealogy finds with my family. I must admit that they don't respond very often to the posts and I wonder why I do it sometimes lol.
I love the idea for your new blog, Sue as I always learn a lot from you. I'd be very interested in the subject.
1. What makes you want to read a post on a blog? I don't really know - I tend to read the same blogs every day, and then dip into several others to catch up. I enjoy reading about different people's lives.
ReplyDelete2. . What makes you decide to click on the Follower button? I don't follow blogs. I just bookmark them.
3. What stops you from leaving a comment? I often feel I don't have much to add to a conversation : people have said what I might want to say before. I will sometimes comment, but more often don't. It's also the fact I seem to have to always put my name/URL It gets tedious. On those blogs where I know the author knows me, I will post as Anonymous and then (if I remember!) finish with "Love FD xx"
4. Do you prefer a blog that you can't comment on? No. I have almost stopped reading the one blog where the author says "If I don't like your comment I won't post it" That seems daft and stops any sensible discussion (although I do know she was getting lots of trolling too) I like to be able to comment if I wish
5. Do you like getting a response to your comment when you leave one? Yes, but it's not a problem if there isn't a comment (unless I asked a question) I try to answer all comments on my blog.
6. Does being a Follower and a Commenter on a blog help you to feel part of it's community? A bit. I suppose I feel part of a general "blogging community"
7. If you are a fellow blogger how do you see your Follower numbers, Comments and interaction with your readers? It's nice to know people find my blog engaging, so comments are important. If people comment on my blog I always look at theirs but I don't automatically follow - If I'm not attracted by what they are writing about I don't bother. I rarely look at my stats on my Wordpress site, except to marvel at which posts have continually attracted attention (Boris Johnson or Homer Simpson? has continued to garner viewers for several months!)
I look forward to reading your new blog - I don't think I could live your way, but I really enjoy reading how you do! I admire you.