A preliminary study of bloggers in their natural habitats. April 30, 2008
Posted by angelh28 in Uncategorized.trackback
I have some questions for everyone today regarding comments, readers and feeds, how you find me, etc.
I am an avid stat checker. I know a lot of bloggers are. It’s fun to see where people come from and who’s reading your blog. I find a lot of good blogs by checking my stats. Along with good blogs I also find plenty of disgusting and lame Google searches that somehow bring people to my blog.
Lately I have seen a lot of new people/bloggers that have found me. I can only assume that some of them don’t like what they see, don’t agree with things they have read or just find that I’m not a good match for them so it’s a one time visit. We all do that; we find blogs, read a post and move on. That’s fine. Everyone doesn’t have to love me and I don’t have to love everyone.
Bloggers can also be very cliquey. Such as life. We usually try to find people like us, don’t we? We do this so we can relate and share common ground. I suppose there really isn’t anything wrong with that, but to me, there is so much more to discover out there. Blogging has become such a great way to reach far corners of this world that we normally would not have had a chance discover without the internet and blogging. So, it’s nice to open your mind and find people that are NOT like you.
Now, for the questions:
How did you find this blog?
Do you read blogs of others that are different from you on various levels?
When you leave comments, do you subscribe to updates so you can see what others are saying or do you just leave a comment and move on?
Do you expect the blogger to respond to you via the comments or email?
Do you only read bloggers who read your blog? Do you stop coming back if they don’t leave comments on your blog?
Why do you read what you read?
Consider these questions as something like a study of bloggers. Of course, the ulterior motive is to improve my blog and my connections with bloggers, but I truly am curious about how others operate.
Even if you have never commented before, this would be a good time to speak up. I don’t really care about the number of comments I get because I do see that a lot more people read than comment so, no, this is not a ploy to get comments. I have pretty much given up on getting 30+ comments a post. The way I see it is if my posts were that interesting or thought provoking then I would probably get those 30 or more comments. Obviously, what I write isn’t that great and that is ok! I’m happy regardless and the comments I do get are just that much more special to me. I read every single one (when they are actually delivered to my email box) and truly enjoy that other people take the time to say something to me. I just need to return that favor more, and I am trying.
So, please, tell me your thoughts. What makes you comment or not comment? What keeps you returning to the blogs you read? How do you want the author to respond to your comments?
If you don’t take the time to answer this post with comments about your thoughts on blogging then I will be forced to put a post up tomorrow that deals with children and poop, and I know ya’ll don’t want that.
I just need to know, ok? Humor me.
How did you find this blog? Probably through the blogroll on “Whatever Blows my Skirt” (it’s the only blog we both have rolled).
Do you read blogs of others that are different from you on various levels? Yes, of course. I would argue that most of the blogs I read are different than my own. I only know of one other Canadian blogger in North Carolina.
When you leave comments, do you subscribe to updates so you can see what others are saying or do you just leave a comment and move on? Nope. Just comment and move on.
Do you expect the blogger to respond to you via the comments or email? Not usually.
Do you only read bloggers who read your blog? Do you stop coming back if they don’t leave comments on your blog? Not at all. I have no idea if the bloggers I follow read my blog - and I don’t really care either way. I don’t get into the reciprocity that many bloggers expect.
Why do you read what you read? Most of the time, it’s a combination of good writing and an interesting story to tell. That usually does it for me.
How did you find this blog? I don’t remember but I keep coming back because you crack me up
Do you read blogs of others that are different from you on various levels? Yes
When you leave comments, do you subscribe to updates so you can see what others are saying or do you just leave a comment and move on? I rarely leave comments
Do you expect the blogger to respond to you via the comments or email? I don’t require a response but I would love comments on my blog
Do you only read bloggers who read your blog? Do you stop coming back if they don’t leave comments on your blog? I ready anyone who catches my attention, mostly other mother’s blogs
Why do you read what you read? To learn how everyone else would/could handle situations I have or will have. To make myself realize that I am not the only crazy person in the world.
I found you from “Whatever Blows My Skirt.” I read because you are honest, real and funny. Plus you used to live in Mesa, so did I (I live in Peoria now). I love Arizona but the heat. Ya.
I don’t always comment on the blogs I read, and no I don’t really expect a response. I read anyone’s blog that comes to mine and leaves a comment but most are related or good friends.
Those are a lot of questions missy. LOL Ok, here goes:
How did you find this blog? From another bloggers blog roll.
Do you read blogs of others that are different from you on various levels?No, I tend to read blogs that are personal blogs. I find those more interesting.
When you leave comments, do you subscribe to updates so you can see what others are saying or do you just leave a comment and move on? I usually just leave comments and move on.
Do you expect the blogger to respond to you via the comments or email?I prefer email but I sometimes check back to the bloggers post to see if they have responded.
Do you only read bloggers who read your blog? Do you stop coming back if they don’t leave comments on your blog?I read alot of blogs but I will only comment on blogs that comment on mine. Is that wierd?
Why do you read what you read? I like the personal stories.
I found you through Hotfessionals blog. I often check out the blogroll of people I read, because I often find that we have the same likes.
I suppose I do read different blogs, yes because I read blogs written by mothers (I’m not one), I read blogs written by Americans (I’m not one), I read blogs written by celebs ok, so I am HUUUUUGE in the States but the point is, yeah I read all sorts of blogs… some are educational, some are gossip and some are just random blogs written by people who have had the same dramas as me.
I don’t subscribe, no, I check back mostly.
I don’t mind if bloggers respond to comments or not, but I think it’s better to respond on the actual blog because that way other people can engage in the conversation in the comments, whereas an email is just between the writer and the commenter.
Loads of people who’s blogs I read, don’t read mine but I don’t mind that. It’s not about creating a gang. It’s about writing, ranting, releasing the pressure… and if you make the odd friend along the way, then great.
I read YOU because you’re a dramawhore like me.
How did you find this blog?
- I don’t remember.
Do you read blogs of others that are different from you on various levels?
- Yes! Mostly they’re way younger!
When you leave comments, do you subscribe to updates so you can see what others are saying or do you just leave a comment and move on?
- I move on. Otherwise, I have no time to continue reading or commenting.
Do you expect the blogger to respond to you via the comments or email?
- Expect? No. But I 99% of the time respond back via email to commenters on MY blog.
Do you only read bloggers who read your blog? Do you stop coming back if they don’t leave comments on your blog?
- No! No!
Why do you read what you read?
- Because I like what they have to say!
I FOUND you randomly but I FOUND friendship in you
Anyhoo….honestly I found you randomly and I’m stucked!! I am stuck in this friendship because through blogs we walk through the journey of ups and downs, sharing good times & down time.
To some, Blogger seems so ‘unreal’ but we are as real as can be.
I am back again and again because I believe that relationship (whichever kind) needs to be nurtured and likewise for blog buddies, our long-distance friendship is also ‘nurturing’ as we visit each other frequently comments or no comments it is ok so long as I know you are doing fine.
Hugs & Kisses always
Betty (Shionge) So Shiok from Singapore
Um… I dunno the answer to these questions! I don’t remember how I found you, but then you flattered me by including my “most embarrassing moment” story in your collection and I was all proud and stuff, and then I read a lot of your archives and was all, “I get her!”. I think you and I are a lot alike, and that is true of most of the blogs I read. I recently pared down my list because I was reading boring stuff because it was a habit. You are still on the list. You aren’t boring. Oh, by the way, you are the only one I ever comment to that responds via email. Tres bizarre to me- I expect no response, but if there is one, I expect it via a follow-up comment. Which is how I do it. Is that wrong?
I don’t remember how I found you. I think you commented on my blog. Or maybe I found you first. Can’t remember.
Yes, I like reading personal blogs, and one stage of life is not more interesting to me than another. The blogs I read have everything to do with the writer’s voice and persona and little to do with how much I have in common with them.
I might check back on a comment if I thought there was an active exchange going on, or if I was concerned enough about the post to look for a response from the author. Otherwise, I move on.
I don’t really expect a response. I love it when that happens, but I think it’s a natural occurrence when two people start connecting, and not something to be expected or forced.
It depends. If I started reading a blog because someone left me a comment, and I’m not super-fond of the blog, and that person stops commenting, they will probably get purged from my reader when I periodically review who I’m trying (struggling) to keep up with. It’s not a spiteful or personal thing. I think of it as the same as going out for drinks with a coworker a few times, and they’re alright, but if you only have so much time, you don’t really want to invest it in them. Nothing personal, not about not liking someone, just about loving other people more and only having so much time.
I read what I read because it’s incredibly interesting, all this blogging, and I grow to care about the people I read. So, I might start reading your blog because you’re funny, and you caught my eye, and I like your style. At some point, though, it morphs into an odd sort of online friendship, and almost every post is worth reading because you’re invested in them and their story. Which is another reason why I trim people out of my reader- so that I don’t miss posts from blogger friends trying to keep up with people I feel kind of “meh” about.
The whole reciprocal blogging thing is kind of crazy. I got my feelings hurt when I disappeared off of someone’s blogroll. Then it occurred to me- my feelings are hurt over an internet snub? Hello?! And? How would I feel if I dropped someone off of my blogroll and they took it all personal? I am not fond of blogging politics.
I found your blog via another blog but I don’t remember which one. It was either Suburban Turmoil, The Happiness Project or Busymom. I do read blogs of people who differ from me occasionally, but tend to read other “mom” blogs or those of my friends’ friends or people with similar interests. I don’t look for updates, usually just comment (if I comment at all) and move on. I don’t care if bloggers respond to my comments or not, don’t care if they read my blog or not, and I read what I read because it either interests me or entertains me. I am not a “die-hard” blogger, so makes no difference to me - I have bigger priorities than who’s reading me, commenting, replying, etc. But that’s just me…
How did you find this blog?
I think someone else linked to you and recommended it. A perfect Post maybe?
Do you read blogs of others that are different from you on various levels?
Yup - random mixture of stuff - most of which is nothing like me
When you leave comments, do you subscribe to updates so you can see what others are saying or do you just leave a comment and move on?
rarely comment - never subscribe
Do you expect the blogger to respond to you via the comments or email?
no, but it’s a nice surprise if they do
Do you only read bloggers who read your blog? Do you stop coming back if they don’t leave comments on your blog?
I don’t blog - too busy reading everyone else’s!
Why do you read what you read?
It entertains me
How did you find this blog? I honestly do not remember…had to be through another blog … did Lindsay at Splat Designs do your blog before? I think that was it and the title intrigued me.
Do you read blogs of others that are different from you on various levels? sort of, but a lot of the blogs I read are of teachers
When you leave comments, do you subscribe to updates so you can see what others are saying or do you just leave a comment and move on? I just leave a comment and move on … I don’t even read what others have commented before me
Do you expect the blogger to respond to you via the comments or email? no
Do you only read bloggers who read your blog? yes Do you stop coming back if they don’t leave comments on your blog? I think you know the answer to this! ha!
Why do you read what you read? I haven’t overloaded myself with blogs, so I really feel like these people I read are my friends and I am genuinely interested in what is going on with them.
Belated answer to your questions:
Actually, you found me. I think through Kristi. There was a meme about favorite TV show characters.
I try to read blogs that are different from me, though the ones that get too soapbox-y, I eventually stop reading.
I never subscribe to follow up comments, and I never expect responses to my comments, even if I ask a question in my comments.
I generally only read blogs that I enjoy. I sometimes feel obligated to read the blogs of people who read mine who I would otherwise not read, but, oh well. If I continue to comment on a blog and they never comment on mine, I don’t really care, but, sure, I would prefer to be noticed.
I read whatever. Things that make me laugh. Things that make me think.
I’d love to get 30+ comments per post, but I daresay that’s never going to happen. It’s never even happened once. So there. I am also a terrible commenter myself, so, I guess what goes around comes around.
Don’t forget about old BFFs, who is just now checking in.
I started B2Br a few months ago, but I didn’t think it would be your tea. I went through some dark times and it’s a little more NC-17 than DYD was.
Anyhoo…Just wanted to stop by and Say “Hello, DraMa!”