tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post4413412170914018536..comments2024-03-28T02:15:06.910-07:00Comments on Tossing It Out: Does the Blog Math Matter?Arlee Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-64519140927195083022010-04-18T15:49:56.349-07:002010-04-18T15:49:56.349-07:00Paula, I totally agree with you. Follower may be m...Paula, I totally agree with you. Follower may be meaningless numbers who are there for show, but a commenter is one who actually reads, which is my goal in attaining followers. I would much rather have a commenter because then I know they are reading what I wrote, but all the better when that commenter is also following and reading regularly or even occasionally.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-79673020151536438112010-04-18T13:01:13.086-07:002010-04-18T13:01:13.086-07:00New 'followers' who declare they are '...New 'followers' who declare they are 'followers' are always a nice surprise, but it is equally fulfilling when someone pops in out of the blue and leaves a comment. I think comments on blogs are more important than the number of followers.Paula Sladehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-57308820892911383082010-04-17T23:04:18.845-07:002010-04-17T23:04:18.845-07:00Modern day drifter -- You're not the only one ...Modern day drifter -- You're not the only one trying to catch up. There's a lot of good posting going on with a lot of blogs.<br /><br /><a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/2010/04/overview.html" rel="nofollow">May 3rd A to Z Challenge Reflections Mega Post</a>Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-299684187802483462010-04-17T16:45:18.348-07:002010-04-17T16:45:18.348-07:00Thanks for mentioning me in this blog! I'm slo...Thanks for mentioning me in this blog! I'm slow at catching up, but I certainly will get there eventually.ModernDayDrifterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-67300648842047259272010-04-16T13:51:38.296-07:002010-04-16T13:51:38.296-07:00Jamie --I'm in agreement with you, excepting f...Jamie --I'm in agreement with you, excepting for the followers gained by some of those devices that merely engage in reciprocity. I wonder if followers gained like really do ever come back to look at anything you've said or if they are only involved to adding to rolls and nothing more. Readers are more useful than just followers. And that other analytical math is a whole different animal. That's where the blog science really enters in and I wish I understood more of how to interpret and use those numbers.<br /><br />Jan -- Your blog is an example of the type where numbers are basically inconsequential (unless the readership within the families is grown). Yours is like a scrapbook or bulletin board that has been left open for anyone to look at and you are not using your blog for the development of any platform or public agenda. It would almost be interesting to understand why you would gain followers.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-32205410760209061142010-04-16T13:20:56.523-07:002010-04-16T13:20:56.523-07:00I really haven't thought too much about the nu...I really haven't thought too much about the numbers. I started my blog a few years ago to keep my six families in the loop. They were happy to have the daily connection. I have continued to blog for the folks who watch for my dolls. As they are made I usually take pictures and talk about them.Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03597944446324222665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-61627548220333581582010-04-16T02:39:59.614-07:002010-04-16T02:39:59.614-07:00I completely agree that the numbers do matter. The...I completely agree that the numbers do matter. The number of followers basically equals the number of people who consider your thoughts and opinions worthy of reading and publicly support you. It's a great feeling when you get that one extra follower to a blog (thank you to everyone doing this challenge who has followed me blog as a result!). It's a great sense of achievement, but it can be tempting to get too caught up in the math of it all (visitor numbers, hit counts etc.)Jamie Gibbshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15168603412367448706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-80096261037757581292010-04-15T22:41:25.786-07:002010-04-15T22:41:25.786-07:00Debra --That's great news on both accounts. Wi...Debra --That's great news on both accounts. With your background and knowledge I think your insights about the effects and the effectiveness of this Blogging Challenge will be particular interesting and helpful to all of us. The posts of May 3 might turn out to be some of the most interesting and educational that we bloggers have seen yet on a cumulative level.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-69870041098629702352010-04-15T22:35:43.483-07:002010-04-15T22:35:43.483-07:00Tori -- I guess the real decision we have to make ...Tori -- I guess the real decision we have to make when blogging is what audience do I want to have and then blog for that audience. We created a specific audience with the challenge because we were on the same mission. After we are done some will go back to what they were doing which will be different than what others were doing-- the participant pool will fragment. I think you will still retain a lot of readers because many in this challenge are Christian bloggers like yourself. Likewise I would imagine that you will continue to keep up with some of the blogs that you found here.<br />We will all have experienced some growth in one way or another.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-34470878931796723242010-04-15T22:30:24.937-07:002010-04-15T22:30:24.937-07:00Count me in on May 3rd. I am honored and humbled t...Count me in on May 3rd. I am honored and humbled to have met such fine and talented people. I've almost doubled my "followers" during this challenge.Debra Harris-Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08890783290789005185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-87071449068123225352010-04-15T22:06:13.143-07:002010-04-15T22:06:13.143-07:00More numbers to me means more responsibility... I ...More numbers to me means more responsibility... I guess when I started out I really didn't care if I had followers as long as my sister Traci read it & commented. For a while she was my only reader. Her comments always put a smile on my face. <br /><br />Although I loved her support, I still felt like I was writing to the wind. I did desire some sort of audience... mostly for the experience to see what it was like to write to interested readers. Since I was new I didn't understand that I needed to put some effort into gaining an audience.<br /><br />Then she introduced me to blogger support groups for women. I joined two and found another world out there. This is how I found the challenge through a fellow blog supporter.<br /><br />Back then, I did get some visitors and feedback but not as much as I am getting from the challenge. To me it is exciting but I try to not think much of it... knowing that anytime someone can move on to another exciting blog... there is so much good stuff out there.<br /><br />Now that I have some consistent following I am more conscious about what I write and throw out there in blog land. I agree with some of the readers that comments do validate the author- I guess you can say "positively reinforces" and encourages the blogger to not feel like they are writing to the wind but making some sort of contribution to this world.<br /><br />Looking forward to May 3rd. :-DTori Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06312794332180689318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-81490420818232450372010-04-15T22:05:36.243-07:002010-04-15T22:05:36.243-07:00Julie-- I think you are performing a good service...Julie-- I think you are performing a good service to the bloggers you visit and comment up. To me it is not much different to visiting a neighbor or talking to a stranger on the street. The sharing and interaction is considerate human contact, which is partly what life is about. I have gotten to know so much more about the participants in the A to Z Challenge that now I care more and I look forward to my next visit.<br /><br />Melody --I concede that different people have different reasons for writing and for blogging.But I do believe that the natural inclination for humans is to leave something to show they were there whether it be grafitti or writing in a journal. What if a friend happens across your written account without your knowledge and not by sneaking or prying, but just sees it where you've left it and reads it -- are you angry? What if they rave and compliment your style and content? Do you feel somewhat proud or gratified? I just thinking if it were absolute catharsis, why not write it and then burn it-- that would be true catharsis I think. Why keep it? But don't mind me I'm just rambling.<br />I hope you will continue to check in on my blog now and then after A to Z is over. And I will keep reminding everyone about the May 3rd recap-- I think it will be valuable for all of us.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-8778494628479326332010-04-15T21:46:43.831-07:002010-04-15T21:46:43.831-07:00I don't think the only purpose of writing is t...I don't think the only purpose of writing is to have that writing read by others. For me, writing helps me clear my mind, clarify my thoughts, and just get things out on paper (or whatever medium I am writing on!) :) I do think that blogging is different though. Blogs are by their very nature interactive... and if I didn't want others reading I wouldn't be posting on the Internet. I do not want followers just to get numbers though. If I have a few people who read just because they care about me or they appreciate what I have to say, that is great. :) I am not really blogging to get recognition (as a blogger or potential published writer) though so I can see how others goals may be different. I know I have found several blogs I will follow after this challenge and if someone found mine, that's great. More incentive for me to keep on blogging. I'm in for the May 3rd challenge too... just remind us before then! I can't believe that this challenge is halfway over!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-83854484714143485872010-04-15T20:07:31.982-07:002010-04-15T20:07:31.982-07:00Hey Arlee, you're right. I agree. I first star...Hey Arlee, you're right. I agree. I first started to blog just because I wanted a record, then I got my first follower and started to share, then my next few and it was a thrill, then my next 10 and I felt some one really liked to read what was happening here. I know love to post, read posts, comment on post and have comments. I don't think I go a day without at least reading a dozen or so and posting on my every couple of days.<br /><br />I have so enjoyed your AtoZ Challenge. Thank you for sharing.<br /><br />Take care and God Bless!!!Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15956818436541141380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-20032067968032809382010-04-15T19:35:28.572-07:002010-04-15T19:35:28.572-07:00CC -- You certainly make valid points. If you had ...CC -- You certainly make valid points. If you had a ton of followers who were active commenters it would be virtually impossible to acknowledge them all. I see the importance of increasing number of followers of merely increasing odds of readership and expanding one's platform.<br /><br />L. Diane -- You too are right. However, increased fan base just means less personal attention. I agree just arbitrary disinterested followers are not overly meaningful, but it creates a certain illusion that has some validity.<br /><br />Stephen-- You and I have discussed this before and undoubtedly will again. I understand where you're coming from, but I do disagree about the merely writing to vent thing-- I have a difficult time conceiving that one.<br /><br />Glen-- I've been enjoying your posts. I'm glad you've been doing this.<br /><br />Trevor -- I believe we are on different planes of outlook here, or perhaps we can say it's a semantical thing. Yes ultimately and spiritually you are correct. However as long as we are in this world there is a lot of math that matters. If you are pastoring a church trying to bring people to Christ you have to work with numbers, just as the shephard has sheep math and the farmer has farmer math. There are money issues and bills, etc that all entail math. If I am going to blog with purpose, then the blog math matters. If I am blogging with no purpose in mind it is mere vanity and frivolity.<br /><br />Lydia -- the formula does work<br /><br />Lisa -- see my reply to Trevor. and as for the numbers that's where we have to make some decisions about how attentive we continue to be. What are the alternatives? Do we start blogging less? Look at some of the agent blogs with a few thousand followers and tons of commenters--How are they handling the numbers? Who do you want to be and what do you what your blog to be for? There's a lot to consider.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-72266369364053465212010-04-15T17:03:47.628-07:002010-04-15T17:03:47.628-07:00I like Trevor's take on the math. And I agree...I like Trevor's take on the math. And I agree with him. BUT, I will admit that I like looking at my follower's list getting longer and longer. But in my mind with that comes more responsibility. And I'm not too sure I'm so keen on that part of it. <br /><br />Count me in for May 3rd!Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12819089896296871441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-20763691714550845942010-04-15T16:29:27.087-07:002010-04-15T16:29:27.087-07:00The math definitely counts. I think it's more ...The math definitely counts. I think it's more important for bloggers, than say, the friend count on Facebook or Myspace. I've got about 150 friends on Facebook, but most of the time, we exchange a hello via our walls, and if it's an old highschool friend or something, we never talk again. On blogs, there is a lot more back and forth.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13267066733031149882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-54699333405115883582010-04-15T16:16:04.102-07:002010-04-15T16:16:04.102-07:00The math counts. I totally agree. Once I started f...The math counts. I totally agree. Once I started following other blogs and they responded in kind, I really enjoyed being able to share this community with other people. And the more I get to know my community, the more followers I get.Lydia Kanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00484415427764822386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-83035064605025743222010-04-15T14:57:10.139-07:002010-04-15T14:57:10.139-07:00Lee, don't know what it wouldn't let me po...Lee, don't know what it wouldn't let me post your comment on M is for MuteMath. I'm surprised you've never heard of them. I saw them in 2006 at Cornerstone in Illinois. <br />A couple of the members used to be in Earthsuit and old Christian Raggae influenced band. <br /><br />They are Christians, but aren't necessarily a Christian band. They have some great music and videos. <br /><br />Blessings bro,<br />DJ GlenMCDJ GlenMChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11901630521278521060noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-84361918178050876182010-04-15T12:53:15.693-07:002010-04-15T12:53:15.693-07:00Jesus + anything = nothing
Jesus + nothing = salv...Jesus + anything = nothing<br /><br />Jesus + nothing = salvation<br /><br />That's the only math that matters!Trevor Peckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13682294489709952806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-65451097061021369192010-04-15T12:47:07.075-07:002010-04-15T12:47:07.075-07:00rLEE-b ~
Well, I know we've discussed this pre...rLEE-b ~<br />Well, I know we've discussed this previously, but my outlook is perhaps a bit unusual. <br /><br />I do agree that no one would blog if they didn't want it read by someone. And yet, I don't necessarily agree that "bigger is always better" and that having as large a regular readership as possible is necessarily everyone's secret goal.<br /><br />I would indeed like to see the readership of my political Blog increased because that is where I post what I consider truly important, socially relevant truths. <br /><br />My more personal Blog, 'Stuffs', is maintained primarily for the amusement of a few friends. Yes, I'd stop posting on it if NO ONE was EVER going to read it again. And although I'm pleased if others outside of my immediate circle enjoy it, still, it exists primarily for just a few folks, and as a forum for me to bring into manifestation ideas I entertain in my mind.<br /><br />I think there is a certain type of person who just NEEDS to create what they imagine. The appreciation of it expressed by others is secondary - just getting it "made", just giving birth to the idea in some more tangible form, THAT is the principal objective. And that's how it is with me. <br /><br />Look at how this A To Z April Challenge has me sharing 30-year-old poetry with people for the FIRST time. Prior to now, all of that poetry had been seen by probably no more than four or five persons in my life. I kept it put away. Why? Because showing it, sharing it with a significantly sized audience, wasn't the real purpose for my writing it. I wrote it just because I needed to get it on paper and out of my system. Having it read by many people was given little or no consideration. <br /><br />Sometimes, with some people, it's just the DOING that matters most.<br /><br />~ "Lonesome Dogg" StephenStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-8072131144083465412010-04-15T12:13:32.521-07:002010-04-15T12:13:32.521-07:00Followers do matter, but not for the sake of showi...Followers do matter, but not for the sake of showing off how many followers one possess.<br />Besides, there comes a point where you can't keep up with everyone - there's just not enough hours in the day.L. Diane Wolfehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-64532998507110602282010-04-15T11:19:23.241-07:002010-04-15T11:19:23.241-07:00I actually have two blogs and my second blog start...I actually have two blogs and my second blog started out to express my spiritual side in a way that didn't promote a certain religion or creed but that was open. Sadly because so few follow or read it and because time is always short for me, I neglect it a lot. I think having followers is important, it validates you. I also think we tend to stress about it more when we first start blogging and then as the followers grow it can be too easy to take it for granted. I suspect that is often one of the reasons behind saying followers don't really matter. But I think the other reason is, what good is having hundreds of followers if they never comment and may not actually even read your posts? It's a tricky subject. I value each and every one of my followers because I know how hard it can be to find time to makes the rounds and read & comment. But my actual commenters, they have a special in my heart because they give me feed back.Creative Chroniclerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03434862566768775103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-40091607693453809452010-04-15T11:09:38.532-07:002010-04-15T11:09:38.532-07:00Dragon's Muse-- yeah, you don't have to be...Dragon's Muse-- yeah, you don't have to be a mathematical genius to figure it out.<br /><br />Raquel -- I agree that for a writer especially all writing contributes to the betterment of one's craft. When your on a public forum like a blog I think most writers want to maintain a quality that is representative of the work they do.<br /><br />Bud -- You have amazed me in your posts and your ability to reach out to others and communicate. A book coming from you could really be valuable because I think you have a perspective that others have shared but many don't understand. You could have an opportunity to share something that needs to be discussed.<br />Please-- no computer crashes! That would be awful.<br /><br />Alex -- sounds like you were a step ahead of the game when you started your blog which probably saved a lot of random efforts. I was basically clueless when I got into it.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-39944225969817776752010-04-15T10:45:42.162-07:002010-04-15T10:45:42.162-07:00I will definitely contribute on the 3rd.
And when...I will definitely contribute on the 3rd.<br /><br />And when I began, I was forewarned that blogging was a two-way street. If I wanted followers & comments, I had to do the same for others.Alex J. Cavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.com