By no means am I an expert on blogging--far from it. But I remain a student of the subject as do many of you. If you are blogging seriously you are undoubtedly curious about things like how to bring more followers to your site, get more comments on your posts, and increase your search engine presence. These are some of the topics I explore on my Blog Boggled series.
During April my Monday posts won't be so concerned with topics about blogging since in a sense the entire April Challenge is a sort of blogging experiment. After the month of April be sure to come back for my articles on blogging if you'd like to explore this topic a little further.
By now most of you have undoubtedly increased your followers and have seen more visits to your blogs. If you haven't done so in the past, I hope that this month will instill an increased awareness of what is happening on your own blog and the blogs of others. It's my hope that this April will be a time when you learn how to blog better and smarter.
Have you seen an increase in followers since you've signed up for the challenge? Are you following most or all of the other blogs signed up for the Challenge? Do you have any special approach to visiting other bloggers during this Challenge?
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I've picked up a few more followers and receied a lot more comments than I normally would, which is great. I try to follow whoever follows me and leave as many comments as I can. And of course return comments on people who comment on my posts.
ReplyDeleteBe intresting to see if the traffic stays high over the month...
best,
Mood
Me too! I usually follow back, comment back, but when it comes to new blogs from the list - it's a random choice - sometimes I pick up the links from twitter, sometimes from the list :) Having fun all they way! and yes, you're absolutely right - it's a great learning experience!! :)
ReplyDeleteEight new followers so far, and I've found some more great blogs to follow.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great way to make new friends!
http://paulamartinpotpourri.blogspot.com/
Hi Lee I had 76 comments and my followers are up to 340. had a greast day, of course I don't expect that everyday. I did a few hours answering and searching blogs then had a few hours rest, that's how my day consisted.
ReplyDeleteHave a "Restful" week-end.
Yvonne.
Blog Boggled, Now I thought you were going to suggest that with all these participants it's mind boggling trying to keep up LOL! One of my rules is that if someone comments on mine I will take the trouble to comment on theirs too.:O)
ReplyDeleteI have seen an increase in traffic and had some lovely comments. So far, a very pleasant experience.
ReplyDeleteMany participants are already followers, but then there are still probably over 400 new bloggers that I need to check out.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for this, it's truly fun.
Nahno ∗ McLein ™
It is certainly interesting to see how others living up to the challenge and I am curious how I am going to fair.
ReplyDeleteI have seen a couple of changes, more followers, more comments and two more family members blogging. So I would say participating has already been a success.
ReplyDeleteDue to time I am struggling to get round everyone. I use the list to try and work through, some blogs I follow some I don't have much in common with so pass by.
As far as commenting, I found yesterday I resorted to a simple "I came, I saw, I enjoyed" just due to time I wanted the blogger to know I had taken the time to visit.
RJRDaydreamer
Thanks for hosting this challenge. I had the busiest day ever in my 3-yr-old blog yesterday :).
ReplyDeleteI'm doing this on Wordpress, so not very sure how many folks on Blogger (that is most A-Zers) will follow me. I already follow a whole host of A-Zers ...
But thank you also because now I'm challenging myself to do 26 flash fiction pieces based on random prompts in a month, (which will never get published later, since they'll be up on my blog). I'm not sure I'm up to it, but we'll see! :D
Here too: more followers and comments, and best of all: I've met a few interesting people already and discovered a lot of food for thought.
ReplyDeleteThere's no way I can visit/follow all 1000+ blogs, so I pick those that spark my interest.
Great challenge!
As a baby blogger, I am still getting used to seeing with these new eyes of mine. I have been blogging for almost a month now and I soak up all knowlege I can. This competition has put me in touch with bloggers that share alot of my common interests. Nothing against, coupons, free give aways and mommy blogs but that was mostly all I seemed to be running into before now. I have gotten more comments( I think maybe the duck had something to do with that...lol, look for my duck if you get the chance) Anyways, I am rambling again in a blog boggled frame of mind. Great B word and thanks for putting this out there!
ReplyDeleteblog science? thats a first... looking forward to the 'blog boggled' series.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely more followers and more comments. I visit those blogs that leave comments and follow anyone who follows me.
ReplyDeleteI hope to have visited every blog by the end of the challenge at least once, but we'll see how that goes.
I have noticed that each "niche" of bloggers has their own rules and own etiquette. I definitely like this "niche" much better than the one I was introduced to when I first started blogging. There is a lot more support and sense of community as opposed to passive aggressive "it's my way or the highway".
It's great, and yes new followers! Sadly (which sounds very ungrateful) we've had a house guest come to stay unexpectedly so I haven't been as active as I'd planned, but I'll get round to every one who left comments, and I hope to find time to go exploring too. Still haven't got my head around the hyperlink signature so doing it the old fashioned way.
ReplyDeletehttp://traverselife.blogspot.com/
I have made some new friends and that picture made me laugh!!!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely more comments and followers have appeared. I've followed many new-to-me blogs as well. Happy Saturday! :o)
ReplyDeleteI picked up several yesterday and was astonished by the number of comments. Looking forward to the rest of the month!
ReplyDeleteI've just begun! I'm one day behind. I figure if I do A today and B tomorrow, I'll be caught up to where I'm supposed to be!
ReplyDeleteHey, Lee,
ReplyDeleteI'm so very grateful just to have people come and visit with me. I feel like we could pull up a chair and have a cup a cawfee, and just chat awhile. It gets mighty lonesome here, and friends are always welcome. I appreciate you, friend!
Love,
Ruby
Amen to that. I have a lot to learn about blogging and appreciate your tips. Like, yesterday, I thought my word verification was off but it wasn't. I appreciate it when someone tells me. I find bloggers to be such delightful people.
ReplyDeleteWell, my blog is still quite young, but I've discovered with every challenge (NaNo, Journaling and now A-Z) I gain more followers, which is really great! :-)
ReplyDeleteMy today's post for my A-Z Writing deals with B for Blockade! Enjoy reading and happy weekend!
Karin @ Nofretiris Dream Of Writing
Hi Lee .. you've done a great job - blog bloggled .. I think will become zlog zloggled - but it's a great way to meet new friends etc .. Cheers - glad I joined this year .. Hilary
ReplyDeleteYesterday was amazing! I stayed late at work to visit blogs and comment, and found tons of new blogs to follow. I think I'll probably utilise time before and after work to take advantage of a quicker computer and do my major commenting around office hours. Weekends will just do what I can to keep up! But I'm blown away already by the amount of people taking part - it's fantastic, truly tons of fun. :)
ReplyDeleteI make it a habit to follow back and comment when possible. More often than not, the real world prevents me from being online so my comments might be sporadic, but I figure if someone is putting in the time to produce something and I like it, I probably should acknowledge that!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I have learned from your efforts a improving your blog and I appreciate it. I have picked up some who clicked on my followers button, I hope I pick up more regular readers. The comments are up in just one day. I am enjoying using the surprise button and just randomly going to 40 or 50 blogs each day. They are all new and most very interesting!
ReplyDeleteGregg Metcalf
Colossians 1:28-29
Gospel-driven Disciples
A record number of comments and forty new followers yesterday alone. Not the surge you experienced, but then, I'm not following every blog I visit.
ReplyDeleteBeing brand new to this challenge, I'm not sure how I'm going to handle visiting other blogs. What I assume (yikes) that I will do at first is randomly select those I am not familiar with and definitely visit anyone who leaves a comment on my posts. I will most likely start with those bloggers near me on the long, long, long list!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI saw 'blog boggled' and thought, What! already? That was clever. It helps stick the content to the brain. I've gained a few new readers and have visited new blog. Love making new friends but really really need a few more hours in a day. Know where I can find those? :-)
ReplyDeletePenned Pebbles
I have seen an increase in the past few days. What I do to keep up with other peoples blogs is simply follow them. Then I can see right on my dashboard if they have updated.
ReplyDeleteI have a few more followers, I think I would have picked up more had I learned about it earlier. I am following a lot of new blogs already and my google reader had 100 new posts today, so I need a plan of attack.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited about this A to Z Blog Challenge! I had to post two today to catch up, but I should be right on track after that. I'd love to gain a few more followers and "meet" some great people!
ReplyDeleteThe follower count is increasing. And I have met some very interesting people through this whole process. I like have a diverse blog list to follow.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am trying to respond to every blog I visit so they know I was there and I respond to very comment I receive. And I plan to increase my blog list as I go through this month.
Besides increaing my "friends", I am exposed to so many more new ideas and thoughts ... and ways of writing.
This first day has been wonderful. Thanks
http://mynext20yearsofliving.blogspot.com
I've noticed that most of my friends who are taking part in AZ really do have two times more comments than usually, which is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm not participating, I do visit all of my friends who are participating every day :)
I've seen lots of new followers, and my "A" post received more comments than any other post before that. I've been trying to get around as best I can and leaving my own comments. I can already see that during the week I'm going to have a tough time, since I work all day and cannot check anything during that time.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for Google Reader, else I'd never be able to visit everyone.
I am old and I have blogged for almost seven years. Mostly mu blogging has be a combination journal and information for family and friends. S o I am not overly concerned about followers or visits. I have been delighted to meet new friends and two came out of the last year's A to Z blogging.
ReplyDeleteI haven't a clue how to put up the a to z sign although I've attempted it.
I don't do the challenges Arlee but you already know that. I feel bad enough when I don't have time to visit my current followers. Guilt, guilt, guilt! The truth is that I really don't spend that much time on the computer. I have 3 part time jobs and a house and a teenager and 4 animals to care for so my time is limited. So often by the time I can get online, I'm so exhausted that I just have no interest!
ReplyDeleteBut never say never, maybe someday when my life slows down a bit, I may indulge in a challenge as I do love a good one! Love Di ♥
Well Done! Yes, I have noticed more followers. I will have days, when I can comment more than others and visit more blogs! It is a fascinating experiment, A-Z challenge. I am going to try to change it up today. Maybe odd numbers one day, even the other as I work my way through the list!
ReplyDeleteIt is an amazing, beautiful, challenge!
I'm lovin' the challenge and, yes, am finding new blogs to follow and gaining new followers through it. I began my blog as a cathartic outlet, never knowing that I'd meet so many interesting people, or that there'd be others who wanted to hear what I had to say. It's been such a wonderful experience. Thank you for starting this challange and bringing us all together :)
ReplyDeleteI've gotten two new followers, which for me is a big deal! :) I promise to comment and follow back...and I'll find at least two new blogs each day to follow. I love love love this challenge.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteBeing new to this challenge ,I hope the links for everyday posts of A to Z challenge should be pasted here .Am I right?
http://umaspoembook.blogspot.com/2011/04/whispering-tree-branches-b.html
Let me see what I can do with this challenge :)
I'm so happy to have met a few great bloggers yesterday, and I look forward to meeting some more. I'll definitely come back to you after April to read some of your blogging articles. Sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to go to a few blogs per day :) and even if I'm unable to get to everyone within April, I'll keep doing it until May ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm following you now!
I like the sound of blog blogged. Well, its been fun posting so far and though only one new follower and comment...its the wrting part that matters to me...
ReplyDeleteI started blogging as a way to bring a semblance of order in my chaotic brain.
Since you mentioned earlier, these are some of the blogs visited that haven't posted any A-Z material.. some haven't posted in a while.
http://leadaddict.blogspot.com
http://www.makailynshoes.blogspot.com
http://gmcclead.blogspot.com
http://tryingforwords.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6295378842
i can't believe how big the list is I could only comment and visit 20 blogs yesterday.. and I wanted to do 50... but IT's still fun
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I really haven't had too many visitors from the A-Z challenge. I have stopped by a few and commented and followed.
ReplyDeleteI really do love this challenge.
The comments were in the same number range but I had new visitors so that was awesome!
ReplyDeleteI found you on A-Z blogfest. This is my first visit to your blog, but I'm sticking around to follow and look forward to your Monday blog articles next month ;).
ReplyDeletebethfred.com
i am a little late, but i am glad i was able to join up... i got a lot of places to visit... got my blog-goggles on and ready to roll.
ReplyDeletejeremy
Hey.. this is Ananya! :) I too, like you.. love making new friends.. :) I saw your blog and immediately loved it.. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a wonderful meme! I am going to participate in your challenge and hope to see your comments there too :D
Take care
Ananya
Founder
Breathless soul blog
http://rawconviviality.blogspot.com
When I first signed up for the challenge I had one follower. Now, after visiting 200 sites, I have 44 at present count. I have been trying to go through the list of all participants and visit their blogs, comment, etc. It's pretty time consuming and I hope I'll get to visit everyone before the month of April is over.
ReplyDeleteI have seen an increase in my visits and followers. It is nothing short of cool and amazing. I'm trying to comment and follow those who visit me, but I have taken some random shots and found great new blogs.
ReplyDeleteI've had two more followers an my first post had four comments on it which is more than what I usually get, so thanks for the challenge. I'm going to visit more blogs that have entered the challenge.
ReplyDeleteNo to the first question.
ReplyDeleteHaving just started the challenge yesterday on April 1st, I'm not surprised that there hasn't been much following of my blog using that Google Friends Connect thing. I just added it to my sidebar though and haven't paid it much attention in the last few months.
I'm not following most or all of the blogs doing this challenge if you are referring to the Google Connect method, because I don't use it to read the blogs that I'm interested in. It's just not my thing. RSS feeds, email and go plain going to these blogs and reading them is what I prefer more than the following but maybe someone will convince me to start using it throughout the challenge.
Yes, I have a special approach for visiting others throughout this challenge. I will be visiting the blogger who introduced me to the challenge, bloggers with posts that are of interest and the my remaining visits will be randomly selected over the course of whatever song is playing at the moment on my CD player or MP3 player. Five to 10 minutes may not be much but it's all that I have to spare in between work, bloggers that I already visit such as Tricia's Musings and other projects that are taking up my time.
I've gotten some more followers as well, and discovered some bloggers that I find I enjoy reading. Interested to see how many remain once the task is over.
ReplyDeleteI did get some new followers yesterday and I plan to visit asa many blogs as possible each day.
ReplyDelete59 comments so far today and over 160 yesterday. Record numbers for my blog. I'm trying to get back to everyone one comments and now I'm nearly 3 days behind!
ReplyDeleteI do expect to catch up to this part and hopefully start tackling the list. But as many of your are seeing this Challenge does work. The more effective you are in blogging, the better your results are. The Challenge has been incredible so far!
Thank you for all of your wonderful comments.
Lee
I mananged to visit, read and comment on 100 NEW blogs yesterday, and 35 so far today!
ReplyDeleteIts boggling my brain, but I'm trying to visit everyone who signed up. Not everyone is my cup of tea, and I know I might not be their's. I say my hello and move to the next blog, but if I like it, I follow along
I've picked up a few followers but what I'm really enjoying is finding new blogs to read.
ReplyDeletemy followers haven't increases but i have increased the amount of blogs i follow which means i have to speand more time reading which is fun because i love to read
ReplyDeleteI've picked up a few followers but so far most of my comments are coming from blogs I already followed or ones that I have taken the initiative to follow. I don't believe I have been "randomly visited". A little disappointed but trudging along. I am currently daily following at least 40 blogs and having a wonderful time seeing all the different types of blogs.
ReplyDeleteI had 286 visitors yesterday and picked up almost 20 followers. I don't expect this everyday but hope to keep up the momentum for the month of April.
ReplyDeleteI have 21 new followers which I am so pleased about. It took me nearly a month to get that many when I first started my blog.
ReplyDeleteI have also found some great new blogs to follow :)
This is a bloggin' brilliant challenge :)
It's been great so far.. A definite peak in number of comments and followers.. I've checked out a few A-Zers.. I do try to check out the ones who have dropped by mine at the very least.. I'm not rushing though..
ReplyDeleteI like the way you write.. :) It's been a particularly great experience being a part of the A-Z challenge because of all the blog-socialising (sociablogging?? :P ) that's going on...
So cheers to a successful start of the A-Z!! :D :D :D
This definitely is a great experiment. The most intriguing part is not increased followers, but seeing what everyone else is blogging about in the cyber world. Thanks for hosting the Challenge!
ReplyDeleteHi Lee, you certainly know lots more about blogging and its technicalities than me!
ReplyDeleteMy followers have increased, not much but steadily as the days (and posts) pass. It's great too to meet and follow some wonderful people and blogs out there.
I'm into a very busy season as far as my crops are concerned, so I cannot comment or follow too many at once. And I have to be a bit creative to 'save' writing time - like I just did for 'B'
I have gotten some new followers. I'm trying to check out as many blogs as possible and follow ones that click with me. My first post got a fairly typical number of comments, but they were from a number of new followers from the challenge, and they were very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe Challenge is awesome-thanks for all the work you've done!
I have had many more comments at a quicker rate than usual, which is awesome! I'm loving this challenge so far. Today was B is for Bowie, as in David Bowie. So much fun :)
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
Yup, I have gained 5 new followers in one day. I credit this fun challenge with those new members, so thank you Arlee!
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to visit EVERYONE, but not on the same day, of course. The numbers are huge, as you know, but I am going to give it my best shot.
ReplyDeleteLee,
ReplyDeleteIt's tough for me time wise to keep up with the blogs I choose to follow. Darn day job...and other things keep me more than busy. I just cant do all I want to do, and mean to do.
Hey, is that a pic of you at the top of this post??
Sig
On yesterday's post alone, I've gotten more comments than ever before on a single post - and that includes when I'd have a back and forth with a commenter, haha!
ReplyDeleteI thought the challenge would be for *me* - seeing what I can write, sticking to a topic each day, blogging every day... but I agree with what you've written here - it's definitely more about seeing what other people like, what brings them to my blog, and what will bring them back! Pretty amazing.
Hi Lee! Glad to see the A to Z challenge is under way! I wish I could participate this time around, but I'm so incredibly busy this month that I've had to keep my posts to about 1/week.
ReplyDeleteI will be trying to follow the challenge and the bloggers involved as much as I can - keep up the great work!
-Vanessa from Optimal Optimist
Hello Arlee,
ReplyDeleteI'm dropping in and taking a look around!
I like your A-Z idea and stumbled across it while visiting a couple of sites I follow; they lead me back to your site.
I'm thinking of throwing my hat into the arena and giving it a go! (albeit a day late)
Looks like it could be just the thing to cause me to post a little more often!
Cheers,
Jenny
Drop by my site and say hello - if you have time!
I have added a couple, now I hope to find some good blogs to visit as well. Good look all!
ReplyDeleteYou make compelling points. I completely agree!
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to gain more followers and interactions from this challenge, but as a result, my "regular" content will take a back seat for the month. It is a necessary compromise, as you point it!
I have personally added a few that I have found and enjoyed very much. Not sure if I have added any as of yet to my following. Im sure that will happen. Trying to figure a way to read at least three new ones a day from your group of followers not sure how Im going to do that. Bu that is a plan of sorts.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Lee, my followers have increased and everyone has been very welcoming!
ReplyDeleteThis is proving to be a very educational and exciting experience! I've been trying to stay loyal to my new followers as well as popping in on other bloggers. Thanks again, Julie
Wordpress has a feature called "tag surfer" that you can use to find other A to Z folks, just fyi. I'm learning a lot, this is fun!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen an increase yet (more than usual, that is) but then I missed the "A" post yesterday (#badtessa)... I'll probably only follow those who strike my fancy, as I'm already following over 300 blogs and have issues keeping track. There's only so many hours in the day, after all. As to the A-Z...I have no idea how I'm going to manage this challenge...but I PLAN on visiting 5 a day or so...
ReplyDeleteT.x
Alas, Wordpress doesn't have the follow function, but I've certainly seen more comments than usual--and I'm far more aware of what's being written than I was a week ago.
ReplyDeleteAll told, the challenge has already paid off. Thanks for making it possible.
Best,
Joe
Dead Reckoning
I have seen an increase. And I love those quick buttons to jump from blog to blog - the surprise is sweet!
ReplyDeleteGrace and Peace
Hi, I'm a new follower and trying the A-Z challenge.
ReplyDeleteI have two blogs. I signed up for it for Welcome to Me. I am unofficially trying it on my Yummy Stuff blog.
I have gotten more comments and a handful of new followers.
http://ruth-welcometome.blogspot.com/
I've gained a handful of new followers so far, which is fab, and am definitely getting more comments so far. As for following, I'm using the navi-buttons to work my way through the blogs one by one, following those that inspire me, following those that comment on me and occasionally having a random potter by going blog to blog. Hope you have a fab weekend
ReplyDeleteLx
I'm boggled by the impossibility of getting around to read everyone's blogs ;)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete2 down and 24 to go. I couldn't come up with a theme for the month, so I decided that I'd couple this challenge with a "Project 365" type of activity. Project 365 has several flavors -- I think the original one was simply to take at least one photograph each day. The scrapbooking community took this idea a step further and aim to not only take a daily photograph but to use those photographs in daily, weekly, or monthly scrapbook layouts. And, since I prefer to have some type of image in the majority of my posts, I decided that my A-to-Z posts would be accompanied by a daily scrapbook layout.
ReplyDeleteI guess you'd say that my theme is "a month in the life of Elsi". I have not yet seen an increase in visitors -- at least I don't think so if comments are the measure of visitors -- but I don't necessarily blog for the visitors. I blog for me, for my friends and family, and hope that this is a form of a legacy to let my grandchildren and great-grandchildren know a little bit about me when I'm no longer around to tell them myself.
New to the A-Z Challenge this year, I'm already loving the creativity I'm discovering, and the ease with which is provides a means to discover new blogs and attract new visitors to our own. What fun!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I wholeheartedly supported your suggestion to drop the word verification requirement on blog comments. They annoy me to no end, and I've lost more than one comment out of frustration or trying to move on too quickly. I wonder if that many bloggers have had problems with spam, or if they just select that option as a random choice. I don't want it and I don't need it on mine!
ReplyDelete~Josie Two Shoes~
Two Shoes In Texas
Monday Memories
Write A Letter Wednesday
Words In Motion
I'm focusing on breathing and not being overwhelmed or bamboozled by rambling thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHere is today's post:
Surprised by a B poem. I may write some B prose later.
Loving this!
I've picked up a few new followers, but that's not really why I joined up...I took the challenge to see how many blogs I could visit. Friday I went to about 50 new to me blogs. I was surprised by the number and the variety of blogs I had never heard of, but saw they had comonn blog friends. Today I'm focusing on visiting my regular bloggy friends. Lots of fun, Lee! I'm glad you talked me into it. :D
ReplyDeleteI've been commenting on many people's blog so it's been nice to see other successful bloggers. I hope to gain more followers as the challenge continues.
ReplyDeleteSocial Science Medley
I've definitely seen a jump in visits and have some new tweeps following me... poor saps. Kidding! Only day two as well! This challenge is awesome and I'm enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteI got some new followers after the Challenge began--and I've been getting a lot of comments!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'll be able to follow everyone participating in the Challenge. There are just so many that I probably wouldn't get to comment on them again once A-Z is over.
I don't use the follow function much (probably because I'm on a WordPress platform and independent URL so I didn't get used to using it from the start) but I do follow a lot of blogs in my Google Reader and I've added four new ones already - with the challenge just two days old. This is a truly fantastic way to get to see new blogs, and I'm really glad to be participating!
ReplyDeleteI'm a brand new follower of yours, and am still fairly new to the world of blogging. Not sure if I'm ready to jump into the April blogging challenge myself (just found out about it today), but will happily support the participants. I blog on the healing energy arts (Tai Chi, Reiki, Sound Healing, etc.) you can find me at http://earthdragonhealing.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteAlways one up for a challenge, I came across your blog purely by accident. I write a regular blog mainly about gardening because that is my love. This weekend I decided I would do a smaller "side" blog on a daily basis with short notes and maybe just the odd photo. I called it A Daily Jotting. I think your A - Z is most exciting. Enjoy my blog(s), gardens are not everyone's choice of fun, but I do sometimes write about other things. Thanks Ronnie
ReplyDeleteHmmm...not a huge increase as of yet but I think my slow and steady way will win quite a few new followers. I follow any blogs I visit unless they are so out of line with whatever I believe in that I would feel a hypocrite. I comment on each blog that I follow and I go and comment on anyone's blog that comments on mine. I'm slowly making my way through the list - perhaps I'm at about 10% so should do OK by the end.
ReplyDeleteI think, however, that the community I've made on line won't change too drastically - I find after one of these fests that I have a couple more people that I'm interested in and who might be interested in me and what I have to say but the longer term ones have been developed over a number of years. It is like going to a great big rave. fun but I like the small gatherings where you can really exchange ideas. So, I guess I'm middling but I am WILLING! And I'll keep visiting, commenting, following and posting...
Jan Morrison
Just to make it 101 comments - I have read more of your posts and see that you ask for a URL to be left so here it is: http://adailyjotting.wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteI hope I have the gist of your challenge correctly - my side blog is simple for short daily musings.
Ronnie
I don't have a system of visiting the blogs, there are so many. I get to as many as I can each day. I hit at least 50 a day...thus far. No huge increase in followers or comments. I suppose it is because I am way down on the list and people don't tend to scroll down that far. but it won't deter me, I didn't have many followers before.
ReplyDeleteI've gotten more followers and comments. Thanks for hosting this challenge.
ReplyDeleteOver 1000 participants - it boggles the mind, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteI'm seeing a slow increase in number of followers, and having fun meeting new people and finding cool blogs.
I try to hit up most of my YCN writing peers that I recruited (up to 87 now!), try to visit everyone that leaves me a comment, then randomly hit the 'surprise me' button when I have a minute or two.
Which reminds me ... I'm landing on a lot of blogs where people haven't posted since long before the challenge started. Should we report those to someone?
I haven't noticed an increase in my followers since I signed up for the challenge, but then...it's only the second day! :-) I'm confident that with me posting daily, visiting the other challengers and commenting, and just promoting my posts via Facebook and Twitter that I'll see a change. My goal for the challenge isn't really to gain more followers (though that would be a lovely addition), I am more interested in posting daily and keeping on track. I may spend a good part of my Sundays writing future posts so that I don't fall behind.
ReplyDeleteI have increased my followers. That's always a plus! I hope to keep them as actual readers too.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely be following you beyond the A to Z Blog Challenge April 2011, Lee!
ReplyDeleteFor myself, I created my blog to continue writing and sharing without putting so much pressure on myself. It is my way of self-theraphy for my tendency to want things to be perfect.
As I mentioned previously, I was an anonymous blogger simply writing for catharsis and to channel my creative streak.
Now, into the first quarter of they year with my new blog, this challenge came just in time to have an opportunity to explore other blogging communities,and get to know fellow bloggers, who are just as enthusiastic with this share passion.
Warm regards, Joanna aka paper ~
I've picked up a few new followers as well. It will be fun and interesting to see how the month finishes out!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying for random blocks of 10 or 5 blogs at a sitting. So far, I've not seen a huge increase in blog followers, but there has been some interest in today's post. ;) Of course, I threw myself on the mercy of the blogosphere - you see, I've been arrested, and I need bail! (If every participant here gave just $1, I could be sprung next weekend and I'm pretty sure I could do with time served and community service.)
ReplyDeleteI have a special page for everyone's links - the one thing I haven't found for wordpress, yet, that blogger does really well, is the blogroll widget that brings newer entries up to the top. Then again, I haven't the energy to enter every link by hand...I mean, not if you want me to READ them, too!
Holly Jahangiri
It's All a Matter of Perspective
This year, it's personal - I'm now a "survivor." Please give to Relay for Life.
Thanks for reading my blog, it means a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea where this will lead, but I am mostly hoping to develop a habit of updating more frequently than "whenever I get around to it." I'm going to try and visit as many blogs in the challenge as I can. Good luck to everyone!
ReplyDeleteI'm very excited to see the results of the challenge this month! Thanks! :)
ReplyDeletewww.margokelly.blogspot.com
Not only the number of blogs, but the variety of topics covered as well. There are photography and crafting blogs I never would have come across otherwise.
ReplyDeleteEdge of Your Seat Romance
i do couple of ne ppl apart from my rgular followers.
ReplyDeleteIt's torture not to be on my own high speed computer for the first week of the challenge, Lee. Even so, I'm getting new visitors to my blog and some very kind comments. I love the A to Z and look forward to getting caught up with old and new friends next weekend when I get home.
ReplyDeleteI'm following a lot of the RPG Bloggers doing the contest. I'd like to follow more, but my RSS would go crazy if I did such a thing! AH!
ReplyDeleteI did see an increase so far in my follower count, about 5 more people have joined up since the 1st. I'd love to see more, maybe hit around 120 by the end of the month. That would be cool beans.
Maybe next year we can figure out a way to get a consolidated RSS feed for all of the A to Z Challenge entries ;)
I'm enjoying visiting the A-Z'ers from last year and have picked up some new ones. My internet keeps crashing so I'm stressing a bit that I wont keep up.
ReplyDeleteWool'n'Nuts
busy blogging 4 B(ee) Words,
ReplyDeletewhat fun...
it is random adventure.
I certainly have new followers since the A-Z started.
ReplyDeleteI'm having a blast!
Doris
I have had a few more followers and comments. But I have to say, I am really enjoying checking out all of the awesome blogs out there. What a fun group of people, I love this blog world. I try to make it a point to comment on every blog I visit and also reply to those who comment on mine. I have slow internet, so I'm not sure I will make it to every blog out there, but I will strive to. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry-- I had to bow out of the challenge--I'm still in the hospital with my baby boy....and not sure when we'll be getting out. I had over half of the alphabet already planned out too! Oh well, maybe next year?
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend,
Scarlett
Thanks so much for hosting. I can't believe how many have signed up for the challenge. I was worried about signing up late but they are still just pouring in! I hope to be able to visit all the participants over the month! Now I have 2 new challenges!
ReplyDeleteHi Lee, I'm cross-eyed and I swear yours is the last blog I'm reading tonight! Yes, I've picked up a few and followed a few (to be honest, more like 10 so far). And have been alternately excited, exhausted, balking, bored, baited, oh wait, got stuck in b mode. :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, thanks for kicking off this freight train.
that rebel, Olivia
P.S. If you haven't already checked out Eric Trant's b post, ya gotta. :)
ReplyDeleteLotsa fun on this one Lee. Thanks for co-hosting this. No real buzz on my site, but then again, I'm at 821 or something, so I guess that makes sense!
ReplyDeleteI love doing blog experiments to see what works and what doesn't... It's crazy to me how one blog post can explode and another just fizzle out or get average hits. Since I blog everyday anyway, I'm excited to see the effect of this blogfest in comparison - so far my comments and hits are about average... but I've had allergies the last two days, so I haven't commented as much as I normally do.
ReplyDeleteThis is great to see all of these comments. It may take me while to make it through all of them, but I am reading them and trying to make it around to all of your blogs. There have been some great suggestions for future challenges that I will definitely take into consideration.
ReplyDeleteThank you all!
Lee
Thanks for doing the challenge, I had pretty much abandoned the blog and this has inspired me to pick it back up. So fun.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to be able to say, yes, I'm following all the challengers, but I've not managed to get round them all yet. What with this and still visiting my usual regulars I'm having to get up early to fit it all in!!!
ReplyDeleteHere to let you know I've featured your challenge on "Jingle Poetry, Sunday Rally Dispatch."
ReplyDeletehttp://jinglepoetry.blogspot.com/
Looks like fun. Good luck!
I have received a ton of new followers since signing up and participating in the A-Z challenge. I do try to follow everyone back. Though at times it is impossible if there is no link information with which I can follow them back.
ReplyDeleteBut so far I am enjoying the challenge. Thank you for creating and hosting this great challenge.
Just stopping in to show my support. Although, given the number of comments here I hope you even find time to read this, lol. Shows one thing, the A to Z challenge does increase traffic! Knew it would, I've done enough of these kinds of things. Have a great weekend, Lee!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've had more followers and commenters than usual. At least one commenter has learnt the term "social anxiety" from my blog and that's what makes this worthwhile for me. I can't manage to get to all the blogs, but I'm doing my best.
ReplyDeleteI've more than doubled my followers since April began... I sailed past the 100 mark without even knowing it until it was too late to say, hey! 100!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see how different people approach this challenge so differently. I think in the end it will help us all become better at this blogging life.
Thanks for issueing the challenge!
I've had quite a few more followers, and my comments have quadrupled since the challenge began. I'm feverishly working away at returning the favour too!
ReplyDeleteI've picked up more followers too, and of course I follow back. Comments are up as well. This has been fun so far!
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this - you really do rock!
ReplyDeleteI'm a day late, but my post for letter B is up. Please visit my blog at ...
ReplyDeletehttp://mom2nick.typepad.com/heres_whats_new/2011/04/b-is-for-blog-.html
Thanks for looking.
Laura T.
I've picked up a couple of new followers, but then again, I just signed up for the challenge yesterday. Thank you much for the challenge. It's a great way to meet and make some new friends.
ReplyDeleteI've had some new followers and a couple of comments -- and I've found some new blogs to follow myself.
ReplyDeleteAs a family history blogger, I'm happiest that I have family members involved suggesting topics they want to read for future posts.
jimsgirlfamilyhistoryblog.blogspot.com
I am so grateful for this challenge! I have visited a few blogs this weekend - not as many as I would like but that is because my weekends are spent, primarily, away from the keyboard. I look forward to tomorrow when I can sit and read and connect and read and comment and connect and read.... I will more than likely use the twitter hashtag #AtoZchallenge to find blogs to comment. That's what I have been doing mostly. Following on twitter and returning the comments I receive.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU again!
My B post addresses "No More Worship at the Temple Busy." :-)
Hello Lee,
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'll be able to keep up with the A-Z challenge since I'm just getting back into my blogging and writing, but I was overly excited to find your blog with all it's helpful information on blogging. I look forward to reading your posts. :D
Jacee
Thanks for all this wonderful information on blogging, I'm not the greatest user of technology myself! Thank you for dropping by and leaving such sweet comments, pretty girl.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day.
FABBY
Two days in, and my blog has seen so many more readers, a few additional followers, and given me the motivation I need to keep blogging.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting the A to Z Challenge. I'm so glad I discovered it and so glad I joined in the fun. I'm meeting lots of new people and learning a lot.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Lucy
Blog Boggled sounds like a great topic. Thanks for coming up with the a-z blogging challenge. I participated in it last year at my old blog and I look forward to gaining new followers and friends this year. Keep up the great work! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I've gain any new followers - I do not know how to set up the 'follower thing'...but I do follow some of the blogs I got to know from this challenge...
ReplyDeleteGraywolfie
Woof Woof!
I've followed a few people from the list so far, but nowhere near through every blog yet. It's difficult to tell so far how many new visits I've had specifically because of the A-Z as I also did Friday Flash for the first time this week and quite a few have visited for that. No doubt the coming week will make it clearer.
ReplyDeleteJuliet
I just signed up for the A to Z Challenge. I'm a little late and am going to catch up now. It sounded too fun to pass up! Off to blog A and B now!
ReplyDeleteLaura at
http://laura-asimplehappylife.blogspot.com/
I'm so glad I came upon your blog. I decided to not take part in the challenge, but I'm reading the posts of some of you who did. And I'm having a lot of fun doing so. I enjoy my readers, who are from all around the world, and I enjoy their comments so much.--Inger
ReplyDeleteThank you for the A-Z Blogging Challenge! I opted to complete my 26 posts beforehand, so they're ready to go. The idea was to free up time to do other writing...we'll see! I'm having a blast visiting new sites and meeting some incredible bloggers. A great exercise, and yes, definitely a challenge. LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteI'm so enjoying this challenge. Thanks so much for organizing this!
ReplyDeleteWow! You popped up almost right away! How cool... Haven't had a chance to check out the visitors. But, will. I'm heading out for some blogger pills for when this is over! Come visit when you can...
ReplyDeleteHi! I've gotten 4 new followers and more visits. I have taken this opportunity to organize my posts into an A-Z format. I'll post 4 or 5 photos of mine that begin with with letter of the day. Then, I put a link of the post underneath from where the photo came from. On the side bar, I have your button with a link list underneath, so that by the end of the month, most of my favorite posts will be easy to find for everybody. Does that make sense ... well, if you see it, it will. Thanks so much, I'm getting an added benefit!
ReplyDeleteKathy M.
Oh, I'm going by the 5, 10, 15, 20, etc. method in following. Then I'll count by 3's, I guess!
ReplyDeleteI post a link to a new post in my chat room every time I have one, and since I announced the Challenge I've gotten at least one chatter to subscribe. Whee!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I linked my Wordpress blog to my Facebook page so I won't have to post it there. Hopefully some of the people I'm friends with on facebook will like the A-Z posts and I'll gain a few more people.
If nothing else, it makes it easier to keep them updated on any news I might announce on the blog.
I've definitely noticed an increase in traffic and some new followers, which is nice. I'm slowly making my way around to visit other blogs as I have time, and I'm following each one I visit. Your numbers have really increased, I just began following you a few days ago and I was #750 and now you're at 908!
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank you for this smashing blog. Not to mention your little A to Z challenge is most fortuitous timing for myself.
ReplyDeleteNeed more followers and participating in a great blogofest to get them. Woo Hoo!
http://wantonredheadwriting.blogspot.com
Wow, 159 comments! I didn't think that I would ever get all the way down to the comment form! lol Congrats on your success, my friend! Great response to the A to Z challenge! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great feeling to check your blog traffic and see new visitors from different parts of the world. All thanks to the April Challenge!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time doing the A-Z challenge :) I love checking out all the different blogs, and I really appreciate the inspiration for my own posts! Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteJust the number of bloggers signed up to this challenge has me bloggled! And the number of comments on this post!
ReplyDeleteI've already seen an increase in followers and I have started following a few more as well. My plan for visiting as many entrants as possible is to work numerically through everybody who has signed up. Unfortunately, I'm already about 30 behind!
Glad to hear so many raves and positive comments. I thank all of you. I am making every attempt to get through each comment with a visit back to your blogs. I do appreciate all of you.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Sig, the photo at the top is of me albeit one taken about 35 years ago.
Lee
Hi Lee,
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time trying the A to Z blog, and I've seen a slight increase in the number of comments on my blog, which is great. What's better is I've gone and visited a bunch of blogs I don't think I would have found on my own -- and some of them I'm now following. Very very cool! Thanks for this. It's great!
Great interview! Dezz has been my Hollywood Spy from some time now. Love films and Dezz updates me with the latest news.
ReplyDeleteA lovely surprise to know you have so many talents, we share the love for books, I'm an avid reader. I'm a teacher too, love to cook, so there you have it..we're sort of kindred spirits!
This is a brilliant challenge, Arlee! And it is definitely challenging as I don't generally post daily. I think it will be a feat to get to all the participants, though I would dearly love to visit each and every one of them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting...:)
Thanks for hosting this challenge. I just started blogging in December and I am learning a lot. I still don't have many followers (my parents are not computer saavy, the siblings too busy and since I live overseas most of my friends and neighbors aren't able or interested in reading a blog in English. But I am hoping as I gain more experience, I will also gather more followers.
ReplyDeleteNow this looks like something that I just missed that might have helped me generate some traffic on my blog. Maybe next time.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed with you having over 1,000 followers!