tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post8484311162394018519..comments2024-03-28T02:15:06.910-07:00Comments on Tossing It Out: Blog Boggled: Me, Me, Me--How About You?Arlee Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-7241750828915130952010-09-02T22:03:42.974-07:002010-09-02T22:03:42.974-07:00Hilary -- I'm late responding, but i'm gla...Hilary -- I'm late responding, but i'm glad you left a comment.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-53298950198190727442010-09-01T07:09:38.133-07:002010-09-01T07:09:38.133-07:00Hi Lee .. I love the mix .. I visit various blogs ...Hi Lee .. I love the mix .. I visit various blogs and just love what I read - but can't do too much self-interest or self-promotion .. but if it's done in a fun and light way - then it's great .. <br /><br />I like learning from others on their chosen paths .. if I get bored = I don't visit or comment! .. but I'm here!! HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-35070555739516124252010-08-31T07:43:21.196-07:002010-08-31T07:43:21.196-07:00Patricia -- Thank you for those kind words here an...Patricia -- Thank you for those kind words here and the one's you left on Alex's blog about A to Z. I know what you're saying about the personal stuff. That's why I prefer to delve back into my past and make a story out of things. I try to relate an experience I've had to something I think people might enjoy hearing or might be able to relate to.<br /><br />Paula-- I'm kind of like you in my reading approaches. I enjoy reading about personal stories if they are well written. If it's just an "I did this, and then I did that, and my kid did something, and I watched my cat do this", then forget it--I usually don't care if you didn't make it into an interesting account that entertains and enlightens me.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-91117374512874966932010-08-31T06:52:31.284-07:002010-08-31T06:52:31.284-07:00I'm all over the map when it comes to reading ...I'm all over the map when it comes to reading content in other blogs, articles and even opinion pieces. I find it interesting to hear personal stories and if they are well written oftentimes I will relate to the content on my own personal level. As for me, once in awhile I will share a remembrance or daily musing, but the nature of both of my blogs tends to be more of a news style.Paula Sladehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-21138156315083485452010-08-30T23:19:46.331-07:002010-08-30T23:19:46.331-07:00You know, what Diane said is true for me when the ...You know, what Diane said is true for me when the blogger talks constantly about accomplishments but doesn't share bits of life. That does get tiresome. We can share thoughts and experiences without sacrificing our privacy or that of our friends and family. And I say this knowing full well I'm going to promote my book on Wednesday's post. So it goes.<br /><br />Thanks, Arlee, for the quote and link above. You were the wind beneath many wings with that A to Z Challenge. Thanks again for all the work you did.<br /><br /><a href="http://patriciastoltey.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Patricia</a>Patricia Stolteyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17192369425956406122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-14201596958579707812010-08-30T21:31:59.241-07:002010-08-30T21:31:59.241-07:00L'Aussie --- My opinion is that if I like the ...L'Aussie --- My opinion is that if I like the way it's presented and it reads well I don't mind hearing people talk about themselves and their thoughts, so long as it's not overly inane. But I agree with you that a good mix of content helps keep the interest level high.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-77772081024709007832010-08-30T21:20:11.172-07:002010-08-30T21:20:11.172-07:00Phew, these are some long comments. Great post, Le...Phew, these are some long comments. Great post, Lee. I liked the examples you published. I think we all enjoy hearing a little something about each other, but like L. Diane Wolfe, I always thing, who wants to know? Is this boring? Maybe a good mix of writerly posts, contests, stories, mixed with a little personal anecdote is one way to go..:)Denise Covey https://www.blogger.com/profile/07106490051555233439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-79918168831972990082010-08-30T15:38:28.285-07:002010-08-30T15:38:28.285-07:00Lisa -- I think most of us enjoy biographical stor...Lisa -- I think most of us enjoy biographical stories for various reasons. I recall being very inspired by Benjamin Franklin's autobiography when I was younger and applying some of the things he did in his life to my own.<br />I also recall how when I was a kid we would often get pen pals from other countries to exchange letters with. Blogging is much better than having a pen pal.<br /><br />Jane -- That's why blogging can be so addictive. There are so many great bloggers to meet who have so much interesting information to share. Thank you for your frequent visits to my space.<br /><br />Holly-- You probably post more than you are aware of. Everytime you post a story that uses pronouns like "I" or "my" you have told something about yourself. Maybe you are not as overt in telling about yourself, you still reveal something about who you are.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-64741849755936348962010-08-30T15:17:51.421-07:002010-08-30T15:17:51.421-07:00I never thought about it, but I do like to hear li...I never thought about it, but I do like to hear little stories and stuff from writers (or other bloggers). I rarely post something like that myself. Interesting.Southpawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16539290964546504171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-13294022430336704812010-08-30T15:17:05.751-07:002010-08-30T15:17:05.751-07:00I, too, enjoy learning about other writers’ lives....I, too, enjoy learning about other writers’ lives. I’m always amazed and humbled by the number of talented bloggers out there and wish I had time to visit them all every day. I especially enjoy blogs written with humor, insight and honesty (which is why I come back here as often as I can).Jane Kennedy Suttonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12519340747761460017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-17343967101446670592010-08-30T14:29:39.213-07:002010-08-30T14:29:39.213-07:00Even as a kid I loved reading biographies & au...Even as a kid I loved reading biographies & autobiographies. To read about another person's life is always fascinating to me. I also enjoy reading & learning about bloggers in other countries.notesfromnadirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500676081267972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-83142397799703425352010-08-30T14:04:45.753-07:002010-08-30T14:04:45.753-07:00Diana -- Good journal blogging is personal and yet...Diana -- Good journal blogging is personal and yet intended for others to read. I enjoy reading something that may have in reality been boring but the writer makes it seem interesting just in the way they write about it. Identity is an important aspect--to be able to read something and think, "oh yeah, I do the same thing" or "hmmm, I never thought about that in that way" or something with which you can draw a comparison is pretty cool.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-5095088610246030132010-08-30T13:58:48.579-07:002010-08-30T13:58:48.579-07:00Hart -- I agree that it's more difficult to fi...Hart -- I agree that it's more difficult to find any emotional attachment to a blog that is sterile and mostly just informational, and I feel less loyalty to a blog like that. Like is often done with public speaking, an icebreaker is a good way to start a post to warm your audience and come across more friendly to them.<br />Content with heart is better for establishing a blog relationship that makes readers feel compelled to come back.<br /><br />Jules -- I also like diversity--too much of the same thing can get old. The right kind of writing style can convey much about the writer.<br /><br />Bud -- I think you're right about realness. If a blogger comes across as open and honest, I think they some across as someone you can trust and want to be around. A blog that feels cold is certainly less inviting.<br /><br />Gregg -- I do understand what you are saying about the purpose of your blog. Talking about yourself can be appropriate in the same way we might get to know our pastor at church. Then of course there is always the personal testimony which is often used among Christians when they are trying to tell others about Christ.<br /><br />Terri -- Yes, a good blend is necessary. Even if the blog is entirely autobiographical there should be something that the reader is able to relate to in order to be able to relate the writer's life to their own.<br /><br />Dezmond -- Yes I remember that incident. This is why I think one should read and respond to their own comment section and if possible read as many comments in other blogs as they can. I've discovered so many great blogs by doing this.<br /><br />Stephen Tremp -- Blogs can be great places to learn and to get links to good resources. I like those blogs that do that and still are able to entertain.<br /><br />Karen -- I think that much of the blogging experience is not so much about "you" or "me" as it is about "us". The community is the best part.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-82293504390502213332010-08-30T13:57:26.701-07:002010-08-30T13:57:26.701-07:00Oh I definitely like to hear about other peoples l...Oh I definitely like to hear about other peoples lives! Mine seems dull in comparison yet I also feel that a blog is somewhat personal, a type a journal so to speak. So I sort of expect people to talk about themselves! It makes life juicy!!!<br />Love Di ♥Dianahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11429812875586479256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-75749083235577900262010-08-30T13:29:54.966-07:002010-08-30T13:29:54.966-07:00Good post. Lots to think about. I shy away from wr...Good post. Lots to think about. I shy away from writing about myself, for I don't want my blog to come off as 'me centered'. And yet, I've had followers asking for more details about me. So I try to write more about my life, what I am doing and what I think about stuff and how it relates to writing. <br /><br />My goal is to have a friendly, helpful, and encouraging blog. I've had so much help along the writing way, and I'd like to bless others in the same way. <br /><br />BTW - like the balance you have with your blog. Thanks for making me think, and for the links.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-91616388556686423502010-08-30T12:21:02.745-07:002010-08-30T12:21:02.745-07:00This is a "What's in it for me world.&quo...This is a "What's in it for me world." That's not to say this is a selfish attitude. People are busy and I think if they visit a blog they should be able to walk away with something that is useful and practical. <br /><br />Sometimes its fun to have fun, like with L. Diane Wolf's Sunday Sillies. But I also know that consistanly visiting her blog will help me develop into a better writer and promoter because she offers so much valuable advice, experience, and wisdom.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.stephentremp.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Stephen Tremp</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-85442773545603484682010-08-30T11:58:36.739-07:002010-08-30T11:58:36.739-07:00thanks for the compliments, Lee, and it's true...thanks for the compliments, Lee, and it's true what you say about how reading what people write in their comments can help you get to known them better. If I remember correctly there was even one of your friends who said that at first he thought I was some superficial movie junkie :) when he took a quick look at my blog, but that he profoundly changed his opinion after reading my comments on your posts.DEZMONDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14127166104359407763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-23724692122045454812010-08-30T11:44:04.923-07:002010-08-30T11:44:04.923-07:00I guess I like a good blend. I want to know the pe...I guess I like a good blend. I want to know the person but also want to come away with some good information or feel like it was worth my time to read. Not sure why we fluctuate around the blogs. I think there are only a handful I read faithfully each week.Terri Tiffanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07771622379178654235noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-4669504876747014222010-08-30T10:35:45.162-07:002010-08-30T10:35:45.162-07:00This is a great post with some fantastic questions...This is a great post with some fantastic questions. I have been told over and over by other bloggers that they like to hear about my life, background, and experiences - I have been told more than once it makes me "more real." <br /><br />As a result I periodicaly "force" myself to share personal items about myself. Of course, you many not know this, but I am very open and transparent and certainly would share with anyone almost anything about my life if someone truly had an interst. God has been good to me and blessed me immensely and I have done, seen, and experiences so much that the vast majorith never will.<br /><br />But the object of my blog is Him, Jesus the Christ and Him crucified. So it is not about me.<br /><br />I like it when other bloggers share about themselves. It is interesting to learn about people.<br /><br />As far as what kind of content appeals to me most - if you have perused my blogroll you will find it is mostly biblical, theological, and pastoral contents that appeal to me. However, I find blogs like yours, Bombastic Bandicoot, Welcome to my World of Poetry and a few others which are not theological but becasue of their wonderful content appeal to me and I add them to my blogroll hoping others will like them also.<br /><br />Yes, to answer your question I like to hear about a blogger's personal life and interests. <br /><br />Does writing style and originality trump content? First, there is no such thing as originaltiy, Solomon told us there is nothing that is new under the sun - so most are really not original. Style can sometimes be a deterent. Content that is fun, interesting, arresting, benefical, challenging, or motivating is always better than style. I go back regularly to about 50 blogs becasue I like the blogger or the blog, it is good content that keeps me reading the full blog and commenting. If the content is uninteresting then I don't read it that day nor make a commenht but I will go back the next day.<br /><br />I don't mind sharing about myself to answer your questin when asked, but I like to write about theological, biblical, spiritual and edifying issues.<br /><br />As usual, good blog and great questions.Gregg Metcalfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16413691313803396844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-20512153619833946602010-08-30T10:07:43.116-07:002010-08-30T10:07:43.116-07:00as for me, i wrote this a long time ago:
salvatio...as for me, i wrote this a long time ago:<br /><br />salvation<br /><br />Writing is my salvation...<br />in a manner of speaking.<br /><br />It is the only way...<br />that the voice of my heart can be heard...<br /><br />and understood.<br /><br /><br />as for what blogs attract me?<br /><br />those that write...write from the heart. i love reading genuine people. Yvonne exposes a lot of herself in her poetry and i love reading her! the other side of that is i enjoy thought provoking posts such as yours. although some say they don't like exposing their real selves...i think/believe that another writer is able to read "into" or "thru" those fronts or facades at times. how can a writer separate themselves from what they are writing unless it's fiction? but even in that case...surely he/she is slipping into the personalities involved. don't you think? <br /><br />this one can only write real...unnamed ladhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00147841736324054200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-53328448583535926852010-08-30T09:17:17.454-07:002010-08-30T09:17:17.454-07:00I love the variety of it all. Personal content, st...I love the variety of it all. Personal content, stories, poems; I love diversity. Do I write about myself? Well not to the depth I feel. That is when I mask an emotion with a story.<br /><br />Am I voyeur? Oh yes, I love reading about people. It helps me paint a persons picture through words.<br /><br />Why do people visit my blog? Have no earthly idea. But I am glad they do.<br /><br />Nice post and great questions. :D<br /><a href="http://fragilemouse.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow</a>Juleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02136045025997662057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-25324735638683743512010-08-30T08:12:41.850-07:002010-08-30T08:12:41.850-07:00Lee- I'll confess right up front to being a gi...Lee- I'll confess right up front to being a girl who can be 'me, me, me' but I really prefer READING blogs where I get to know people, too. <br /><br />From time to time I ask questions, and i try to get a conversation going (I think you do a great job with this when you do your debate topics) but MOSTLY the conversation is bigger... I share... I go to people's blogs and see what THEY share. And over time I feel like I've really gotten to know people.<br /><br />There are some blogs I read that are less personal--that have good links or advice. And I respect those bloggers. But those friendships form SIGNIFICANTLY more slowly than they do with the people who put themselves out there. Even FABULOUS advice blogs (take Elizabeth Spann Craig) get the point across better because she starts with a little personal story, then relates it to writing.<br /><br />I happen to think the trick (for meeting what I enjoy, anyway) is presenting not JUST you, but your take and interaction on a topic... so you give us some content, but also some heart.Hart Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17599570189253229318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-80062630344024792262010-08-30T07:52:54.703-07:002010-08-30T07:52:54.703-07:00Karen --I was hoping you would catch this because ...Karen --I was hoping you would catch this because you are such a great example of a writer who has used the memoir genre in her blogging and published work. Most of us enjoy reading biographies and books that present personal stories in interesting ways. It's enjoyable to meet somebody with a good story, or listen to friends or relatives who spin a good tale about their lives and things that happen to them. Nearly all fiction is about people and if we would want to read about people who don't even exist why not real people. If it's presented in an interesting and entertaining way a written acount of any human activity can become engaging reading.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-41947114714518304562010-08-30T07:41:06.270-07:002010-08-30T07:41:06.270-07:00Yvonne -- I hope you didn't mind me using your...Yvonne -- I hope you didn't mind me using your blog to illustrate my point, but I think it's a great example of personal content we are drawn to read because of the unique way which you present it. You do a really good job.<br /><br />Doris -- I think all of those things you mention are important for creating interesting blog content. The way you apply your personal experience is good because you make it applicable to a story that will move us or make us consider related incidents in our own lives.<br /><br />Alex -- Cool! I don't think I'm the only one who would enjoy that.<br /><br />Dezmond --- I think part of your draw is that you sound authoritive, credible, and reliable. Your presentation is entertaining. I think we mostly have learned about you personally through your comments, which contributes to the argument for reading comments.<br />And you are right: We don't have to read a blog if we don't like it. We can always change the channel--there are plenty of options out there.<br /><br />L. Diane -- Thank you for your kind words for me. I hope you didn't mind me using you in this, but your quote made good copy for the topic at hand and I know readers do enjoy hearing about what you are up to. Your blog has great balance. I knew pretty much what you were saying. I am especially annoyed by the bloggers who come across as egotistical and pompous and don't acknowledge comments they receive, unless you criticize them and then they become angry or defensive. I've come across a few blogs like that and those are the ones that illustrate your business partner's observation very well.<br /><br />Clarissa -- I think readers come back to your blog because you provide helpful information with a good presentation. I don't why someone would have made that comment, but I don't think you need to change much about what you are doing.<br /><br />Marvin --The blend and the balance gives your blog the special personal touch that tells us that it is you. I don't think most readers want some dry account of how to do something or reportage. The friendly blogs involve personality and relationship with a dose of learning and experience. The textbook and reporting blogs are out there I guess if we need them but they're pretty darn dry. Of course, if the blogger does have something to promote or brag about, I think that's totally acceptable as long as they're nice about it and don't do it everyday.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-5915249167664438242010-08-30T06:58:45.741-07:002010-08-30T06:58:45.741-07:00If the blogger is interesting, I find it interesti...If the blogger is interesting, I find it interesting to read about him or her, sure ... as long as it isn't always about "me", lol. I mix in a bit about <a href="http://theoldsilly.com" rel="nofollow">The Old Silly</a> in my posts, but try to keep it well blended with lots of other stuff of interest and/or value to the readers. A blog shouldn't just be a self-promoting advertisement, but a place where readers are drawn to the posts for reasons that enrich their lives, hmm?The Old Sillyhttp://theoldsilly.comnoreply@blogger.com