But tonight I received a comment on that post that gave me pause, and although I responded within the comments (it was posted anonymously so no way to contact them via email), I wanted to address it here as well. Just in case any of you wondered the same thing. And so I could 'splain myself.
The commenter wondered why I push my button on you guys but took down all your buttons as well as my blogroll. Here's my answer (c&p'ed from the comment I left...I hope the person comes back to read this, but she didn't sound too happy with me so maybe I'm posting to the air).
I really try not to push anyone to take my button. It's there if you've been featured (and the only time I mention it), and some folks really like blog buttons on their sidebar, so I made one available. I removed my buttons because it was getting too crowded, and I don't like the clutter. I want a more streamlined look. Some blogs I used to visit were hard on the eyes with so much going on besides the actual post.
I will be adding back a blogroll as soon as I can figure out how I want to do it. I'm perusing others blogs for ideas since I have so many I like to read. I'd like to categorize them somehow...like crafty blogs, inspirational blogs, strictly home decor blogs....that kind of thing. To help folks more easily find what they're interested in.
I will be adding back a blogroll as soon as I can figure out how I want to do it. I'm perusing others blogs for ideas since I have so many I like to read. I'd like to categorize them somehow...like crafty blogs, inspirational blogs, strictly home decor blogs....that kind of thing. To help folks more easily find what they're interested in.
Hope that explains where my brain is. I didn't mean to offend anyone by removing the buttons or blogroll. I just felt like if I put some up, I would need to put them all up, and that would take over my sidebar at this point. Plus I don't want to leave anyone out. If you all would like me to add back a blogger button section, then I will be happy to do so. Let me know in the comments.
If I've been pushy about my buttons for my blog or link party, please forgive me. I know I hate when other bloggers push their blog buttons or constantly ask for followers. I have tried hard not to be pushy in any of my postings. Obnoxious, yes. Pushy, no.
Honestly, I'm not sure where I'm going with this blog. It seems to be all about getting followers and subscribers, but I want it to be about sharing and learning, laughing and making friends. The only reason I see for getting more readers is to make money thru an online store or thru sponsorship/ads....neither of which I'm particularly interested in right now. The whole follower thing feels lots like that old 'in crowd' garbage we played in highschool. Like I want to go thru *that* again....I abhor popularity games.
I don't give a flyin' flip who's in or out, whether I'm in or out, or whether the sky is really purple.
Again, I have the google follower and subscriber crap over there so folks who are interested in my goofiness can get the play by play. And my analytics say even though the numbers are growing, I get less than a 1/4th of those numbers actually reading me each time I post. Those numbers are very deceptive. And my numbers lately have gone up AND down. Not everyone is gonna jive with me, and that's ok. I've unsubbed and stopped following many blogs as I've honed in on what I really want to spend my time reading online. There's only so much time in the day, ya know? Nothing personal.
BUT, we all like to know what we have to say or show off is appreciated and noticed. We are all envious of the big blogs with thousands of followers. We all dream about what it would be like to be famous in blogdom and maybe get to sit on a panel at Blissdom. We want our picture taken with The Nester. We want people to affirm us, our talents, our measly efforts. Blogging connects us to the big 'out there'. That's the wonderful part. But the dark side is the constant reminder of who has more followers/subscribers...I admit I feel giddy when my numbers go up, and something just a smidge shy of devastated when they drop. How stupid is that? That ain't bliss. That's just dumb.
If I'm never in the 'in crowd' of blogland, I'm gonna be ok. Truly. If I get another anonymous comment like I did on that other post, though, I might throw in the towel. PLEASE give me the benefit of the doubt, folks. I'm just a mama who struggles with feeling significant like everyone else. I'm just recording my thoughts and words and pictures in hopes that it makes someone smile or makes them feel normal amidst the tiny top 1% of mega-bloggers with it all together. This isn't a contest right?
I feel icky now. Gonna go make hot chocolate and avoid the 'puter for the rest of the night.
86 comments:
Don't throw in the towel! You're doing great :)
When I start wondering abt blogging I think back to why I started it - not for others but for my family now that I have kids all over the world as well as extended family everywhere, this was a way for them to see what we were up to, even though we can't talk everyday. If others want to follow along great if not thats ok too....I enjoy your blog and I think you should have fun doing it
love your blog cindy and your personality too! the reason i visit is you!
Don't sweat it. It is impossible to please everyone, the important part is pleasing yourself and your family.
I don't remember you ever "pushing" the button. (That sounds funny) I rather see fewer buttons, bells and whistles on blogs. It is really distracting.
Well said my friend, (and I'll try to save you cookies, it'll make you feel better momentarily). I worry so much about my blogroll. I've toyed with the idea of removing it, just to make the blog look less busy. It gets overwhelming, and then you start blogging to please everyone else instead of yourself. Your blog is one of the better ones out there, well designed. Just be you, and the rest will happen naturally. Me thinks anyway. See you in 47 hours. (hugs)
Oh my gosh, please don't throw in the towel, I look forward to each and every one of your posts.
As far as the buttons and blogrolls...psh...who cares? I'm here to read your blog. And while I do sometimes discover new blogs through blogrolls, most of the time it's through bloggers who are featured in the blogs I follow and read daily.
This is YOUR blog, and you need to be happy with it. I'm happy with it, and so long as you are happy and I'm happy....then that's all that matters to me! haha!
Enjoy your hot chocolate and kick your feet up, tomorrow is a new day!
Blessings, Melissa
I don't know, maybe its just me but... even if you DID push your blog button, then decided to take all the buttons off your blog, who the heck cares? I am surprised that someone took the time to notice, AND comment about it. Whatevah. Ignore the crackpots and keep doing what you do. We love ya!
Why is it we can get a hundred wonderful comments and then one bad seed or opinion and it gets under your skin, you keep thinking about it? Then you can't even answer the comment, because they are ashamed to sign their name. What does that say?
Just keep doing what you do best. With almost 500 followers you know you are loved!
Hugs,
Donna
The thought had just gone thru my mind that I sure wished I had more followers...and I saw you had posted something about exactly what I was thinking. My blog is probably a bit too "preachy" to some people...I do try to throw in some things to make it more "homey", and real life...but who cares that I only have 39 followers...I get more hits than I have followers...so somebody must be taking a look see...or a look read!! Don't throw in the towel...I love your honesty and down to earthness (is that a word???). Take care!!!
Cindy... anonymous comments... you just have to ignore them. I have to admit, I've had a couple get under my skin, but then I get a good one, and it more than makes up for the bad one. Stay true to yourself! You have great ideas, projects and a wonderful blog!
Keep up the good work!
gail
I follow your blog because I like reading it and I don't want to miss anything! I assume that is why 46 people follow my blog. It's just a number. I am trilled that 46 people want to know what I am doing!!
As for anonymous comments - well, I think it is just chicken poop not to identify yourself when you make comments. I treat those like I would treat real chicken poop!
I love your blog as is, and don't even recall reading the post about wanting our input. If you want my input it is this: Your blog is lovely. Leave it as is.. there have been only 1 or 2 blogs that I actually don't read just because of layout, buttons etc.
I find it frustrating when people take the time to provide feedback and then choose to be anonymous. It is like maybe they know that what they are saying isn't very nice? Although, it is kind of like text messages, or emails.. and you cant really get the full tone of the email when you read it.
Anyhow.. I am starting to ramble. I hope you have a better evening. :-)
Sorry lets try this again. I love a less messy site. I can not concentrate on busy site and leave them quickly. Thanks for cleaning things up. Your site is Yours do what You want.
Cha Cha
Oh Cindy...your blog rocks. The reason I come here is because you have really good articles about decorating. The other reason I come here is because I feel like I know you. You are personal and you don't seem like the king of person who is just out there trying to get followers. Haha...high school all over again. When I go to a blog that has sponsors and ads all over it, I leave immediately and don't come back. I feel that if you have a blog out there it's a gift to people and you shouldn't expect anything in return. I have my little show off blog and some thoughts and it's really small and new and I love it. I have 27 followers and I've thought about removing the following box, because I don't want peopel to think it's about that. So maybe I will remove it...because you know...everyone probably knows how to bookmark the blog they love. In any case, Cindy, YOU ROCK, your DECORATING ADVICE rocks, and THANK YOU for your blog.
Girl your blog rocks!!! Chin up and keep on going just like you are! However you like your blog to look -- that is the way it should look -- it is yours ya know!
I'm dealing with that right now. I love buttons, but I don't love my crowded side bars. I feel like it's distracting, and probably taking forever to load on some peoples computers. Still trying to figure this all out, too.
Hi Cindy-
We are snowed in today and I have been playing with my blog design all day. I have to admit having all of the thoughts you mentioned in your post. I honesty think the Google Friends followers button is kind of silly. Does anyone ever do what it was intended for? To see the number of subscribers in say, a reader is what will bring advertisers, not the followers button. You mentioned The Nester, I am pretty sure she doesn't even have a Followers button on her blog. So I would do what feels right to you. Be an original. Blogging takes a lot of time, you want to feel passionate about it, not unhappy. I love the humor you inject in all of your posts. I can see your personality, that is what makes me want to know more about you and come back to visit often.
My best-Diane
I started blogging and felt I 'met" so many wonderful people, but then started feeling pressure! I had 41 followers and then 40! What did I do to lose a follower? I felt inadequate that I wasn't creating or redoing enough...but now I have let my self off the hook and just want to enjoy this whole thing...And you should, too. Your blog is great!
~Nancy
I feel your pain. I write my blog and wonder if anyone even reads it, but I still enjoy it thinking someday, someone will read it. I try not to get caught up in how many followers I have either but always do wonder why if I lose one here and there. I try and remember advise I read when I first started blogging which was "don't worry because you won't be able to please everyone". Anyway, I think you have a great blog and keep up the good work.
I have been going through the same thing recently as I was thinking about reaching 'a wider audience'. I'm always so excited with every new follower that I found myself wondering how to get more.
I found myself not posting certain ideas I had because so and so might not like it, etc. Then I realised, I've just got to be me!!! Someone out there will appreciate it! Even if so and so someone else doesn't. Hehehe.
I love your blog, and I like the new streamlined look.
I love your blog...it is neat and easy to read... I am not crazy about a bunch of sponsors, ads, and buttons. Before I started my blog I decided that I would do a blog roll but not a buttons section. I also divided up the blog roll into a couple sections. I did crafts, fashion, home decorating. Which reminds me I need to add you. Off to do that now. ;)
Don't give up. Hopefully for all of us, you will stick with it. I know I can 'feel yucky' sometimes too about who isn't following me, and then I remember that, while I adore my followers, and truly can't believe I have any at all, that part had nothing to do with why I started blogging.
Don't worry about what anyone says about your blog - look all the positive feedback you're getting now. Type what you want, post what you want, write how you want to and put any kind of pictures you want to here -it's YOUR blog!
It's not about the numbers. I only have 16 followers (and one of them is me - sniff sniff) but you know what? I enjoy blogging, I have great ideas and it's makes me feel good. I say go for QUALITY not QUANTITY.
You're doing great and I love your blog - do not do any towel throwing!!
♥ Donna
Hi Cindy,
I don't know about all of the blogsphere politics you mentioned, but I do know I love your blog. I am in the process of redecorating my house from top to bottom and I'm trying to do it on a budget. I get so many ideas and so much inspiration from your blog and those that link on your Make it for Monday parties, it's just fantastic. This is your blog and whatever you do is right!
All the best,
Laura
Please stick around, I'm new to the blogworld (as a reader) & found I enjoy your blog - you're on my Google Reader, so I never miss a post!!!! I really appreciate your "realness" & stay positive. PS - I was never in the "in croud" & that suits me just fine! -Amy
You do a great job and I love reading your blog for it's content-you have great stuff! I've found out real quick it is like a big popularity contest and almost got sucked in. We all blog for different reasons, so keep remembering what YOUR reason is!
Step away from the towel...there will be no throwing of it! I am so happy to have found your blog...how ever it was...I love reading...your personality is so great! Plus, I've got instincts!! Cottage Instincts!!
Hi,
My name is Sheila & I would just like to comment on why some of us sign in as Anonymous. I don't have a personal blog or a google account and I have no idea what WordPress & Typepad are so I always sign in anonymously. Everytime I do leave a comment though I always make sure to sign my name so I guess it really isn't anonymous afterall. But unfortunately, it is the only profile I can select. I hope this helps to explain why some of us use Anonymous and a big thank you goes out to everyone who has a blog because I very much enjoy how freely everyone shares their great ideas, projects, skills etc. Keep up the great work! Sheila
Ok, so I'm totally feelin ya on this whole post! Don't we all blog for the same reason? I will never understand why people leave rude comments. If I don't like something I see I either don't leave a comment or I stop reading someone's blog. Its YOUR blog, and if we don't like it, then WE should leave, we should NOT try to make you feel bad or guilty. Keep it up, you are awesome and I always enjoy reading your posts (in google reader so I probably don't show up in your stats) and I don't always comment, but that doesn't mean I don't think you are awesome! (and I TOTALLY would have sat with you at the lunch table) heh!
Bravo...you are amazing, and I love your site and your blogging. You are real. Thanks.
Hey, Cindy,
"Obnoxious, yes. Pushy, no". That's just one example of why I get a kick out of reading your blog...you crack me up!
One thing I've learned in life is, not to get bent out of shape over "stuff". I blog for the fun of it and for the incredibly nice women who share their ideas and creativity. Do y'all know how you've helped me? I can't thank the 2,435 blogs I follow enough! ;-) Sure, there are the big dog blogs out there; the queen bees of home decor who have thousands of followers. They are good at what they do and I don't begrudge them their following. They deserve it. But just because they are big in their niche in blogland doesn't mean anyone else isn't adequate. We all have our talents and value in life. Mine doesn't happen to be in decorating and I'm fine with it. I recognize it and so be it. My strengths just happen to be in other areas.
You keep it up, girl. You're funny and I enjoy following along your blog. This is your blog and make it what you want in order to make YOU happy.
Thanks for sharing your rockin' blog with us!
Nancy
I can admit that I'm one of those who isn't a big follower either, and I don't read every post (on anyone's blog) because it's like you say -- I've only got so much time in a day. That said, I ABSOLUTELY agree with you about blogging (the hows and whys) and that I'm just here trying to feel significant. It's hard in this invisible world! But I'm with you. Yay for support and achievement and nice comments. That's what we're all here for, right?
Well, I sure hope that you didn't mean what you said about throwin in that towel! It took a post like this for me to come out of the wood work and comment. I enjoy your blog, I am a newer follower and I hope it isn't over, I am still gradually going through your old posts when I have a moment here and there (3 kiddos, very little spare moments). Seriously, about the negative "anonymous" commentors, should anyone really care what they have to say? Umm, they can't even leave their name/link to back up those comments! I too have read a few of those on my blog too, well thank god for the delete button!! I change out my list of blogs that I read on occassion, I add, replace, and then sometimes I add back again, for variety. That is what works for my blog....afterall, it is your blog right? I do this for fun, and we are entitled to have our fun in our own way, be it real, make believe, corny, funny, sad. If it makes others happy along the way well then how awesome that we have gained an online follower and maybe friend! Those are the commentors I want to hear from. You have a good night....Signed, your new woodwork commentor, lol....aka Dee from farhousecountrystyle blog!
No worries. Revamp your blog to your liking!
While it is fun to have someone to strok your ego, I am pretty sure when you started your blog, it was you and your personal friends who benefited. Just becaus you are funny and creative, everyone else came along for the ride.You are inspirational in that you find so many ways to create, you blog things that are going on in your real life, and you feature other bloggers who inspire you. I add your button WHEN I link up, so others know that that is the Linky party I joined. (My favorite one) and can check it out if they are so inclined. (Isn;t that what it is for?) Just keep on being yourself, worst case.... Anonymous doesn't come back.
I will!
Karyn
Apparently I had a problem with my silent e on my words above. Yes, I know how to spell. Sorry...
Well okay I must weigh in. I only recently found your blog but I liked it enough to put it on my blog roll. I get all the stuff about how many followers we can get and all, but lately I have noticed a trend in ways to bulk up your numbers. Lots of bloggers are having giveaways that make you jump through multiple hoops to be entered like joining their followers for more chances to win. So you joined to up your anty, not necessarily because you heart the blog.
So while these bloggers bulk up their numbers, we that try to get followers through inspiration or sheer wit feel inadequate. I responded recently to a blogger whom I REALLY DO LIKE that by becoming a follower would list me in her blog roll. I only joined because as I said I do like her blog. Has she added me? No. Is she trying to bulk up numbers? Maybe. The jury's out on this one.
Be true to yourself. That's all I can say. I think my blog is a contender. Am I big time? No way. I comment on some bigger blogs and don't get the time of day. Whatever. I don't answer all my comments for no better reason than time. But I do have the majority of them in my sidebar.
Hang in there. Step back if you need to. Just be you.
Hugs,
Shelley
Loved this post. Your heart is true and I love your honesty.
I've often thought~wow, it would be amazing to be a blogger who has a huge following etc. etc. but ya know? they have to deal with some pretty critical comments, mean comments and lots of other issues that I just don't think I could take :)
Even if you get one more comment like that one don't throw in the towel, over all I really believe people like that don't stick around and you have so many other really genuine people here reading and loving what you have to offer!
No way in H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS you're quitting! If I ever post anon...is because I don't have a blog.
I was actually starting to worry about you....I had noticed a sure slow down of posts from you. Good to know you're just taking a breather to figure this all out.
Can't wait for some warmer weather so I can see the "goods" for sale. ;) I can't believe we are now having freezing rain on top of all this snow. ugh.
Jeni (Decatur, IN)
Wait a minute.. The sky aint purple?? ;)
Please stick around! I enjoy your blog so much, and i am glad that you don't commit to one style of blogging (craft, decor, familly....) I like having a mix. It's NORMAL and un-intimidatinh!
I'm sorry anonymous had such a problem with the stupic blog roll/ buttons. Geezumcrow. Seems like they have confidence issues, and you better nip that in the bud now because we all know how contagious 'those' issues can be. (and if you ever figure out how to do the whole blog roll thing, let me know. I feel like I'm in the same boat as you!)
Feel better soon. You're loved! ;)
Cindy,
I love to read your blog! Blogging is so individual, that's what I love about it. You don't have to be like everyone else, you can just do what you want to do and what feels good to you. For those who criticize what and how you do things, my answer to them would be, "don't look", "take me off your blog roll", "this is my blog". I can think of a few other things I might say . . . Having said that, I think you do an amazing job at keeping your blog fun, different, funny and simply you. Hang in there, you're doing great!
Hi Cindy,
You know I love ya! Is it just me or do anonymous comments just make you want to cry. Okay, maybe it's just me. And you're not pushy, just funny, interesting, inspiring and unique. That's why we keep coming back. Grrrr! Now I need some chocolate. Keep up the good work!
Ok I found myself in you! I love what you wrote and to be honest when I first started my blog I was so sure nobody would even follow me that I removed the followers gadget from my sidebar. I didnt want to be embarrassed by the lack of followers. I only added it when a few friends asked me where it was? thats just been a couple of months ago and who da thunk I have some hundred and something> wow!woopie doo! I have been fortunate not to have any negative comments ( a porn link once) that was creepy. This is my first visit to you and I absolutely adore you and your blog! I feel bad I don;t add as many blogs to my roll, or comment enough its honestly just a matter of time for me.
xoxo
hang tuff!
Amy
I love your button, and it's one of the few that I've attached to my blog because I want my friends to know about your great ideas too.
I hear what your saying though. I feel like nobody reads my blog (because I have zero followers...maybe I belong on the blog loser bench...highschool drama sucks!) Anyways, my little Happiness is Homemade is my own little thing. I love writing down things that make me happy.
You're blog is refreshing and I love reading it!
When we publicly blog we open ourselves up to feedback that can sometimes be destructive to our spirits. I, too, have had a couple of anonymous negative comments that were snarky. Some people just love to try to crush others' spirits and creativity.
I once had an awful neighbor that loved to stir the pot for those of us that lived near her. She loved wrecking havoc with the harmony on our street and sadly, she wound up taking her own life. That tragedy was a lesson for me to remember that stuff isn't necessarily about me when people are unkind to me - it's usually about them.
I'm among the popular vote here and love visiting your blog. It's a winner and so are you!
you are amazing and talented! don't let one person's misguided comments get you down...I enjoy your blog - and it is, afterall your blog and a reflection of you! So you do whatever you want to it...I will still be reading! Take care and keep inspiring us!
terina
http://goddessofmycottage.blogspot.com
I have to agree with what Marla said. I have been telling my children since the entered school that peoples comments, actions and reactions almost always have more to do with them and less about you.
I started blogging because I have a neurologic condition that makes it hard for me to read (one of my lifes true loves) and causes memory problems. So I decided to blog about doing things that I really enjoy and hopefully this will fill the void left by not reading and help me to keep my writing skills and continue to challenge myself with new "technical" things. I am happy that 15 people want to read my blog enough to follow and occationally check in. Your blog is wonderful and I applaud you for following your own needs to change and improved your blog, that is how we improve ourselves and grow. So no towel throwing OK.
Good post! Good on you to get that comment of your chest. I don't have a blogroll because if feels like clutter, and I have selected a few blog buttons of people I really like to see whether I like them there.(it is my blog, and my prerogative to choose whose buttons I put up).
I have a linklist on my blog, it is connected to my reader, so no maintenance. Shoot me an email if you want to know how to do it. Beth (A to Z) has a button page, that is also a way to do it. You'll figure it out, don't give up. And one day you will have your picture taken with the Nester (I share that dream but an ocean is between us, your chances are better ;-), not just because I think she is the greatest but she is the first blogger I found, seriously).
It is impossible to be politically correct in blogland. Blogging can be a love/hate relationship. You love to blog, then something or someone makes you question your own being. You begin to have doubts.
Question...would you change your cottage style within your home if a stranger came in and said "I don't like this."? I'm sure I hear a very loud 'no'. But if you had a good friend come into your home and suggested that you might want to add more candles to your table to highlight your treasures, would you consider it. Of course. With your situation here in blogland, you need to consider the source.
On a different note-I want to thank you for highlighting my makeover room and I really love the shade of your blog background. Do you know it matches my walls exactly in my makeover room? I'm so coordinated when I come to visit you.
Sending Blessings...
Cindy at Lakewood
I also really enjoy your blog and please don't stop what you're doing!!!Lucy
Hi Cindy! It's your blog....go with your heart and make it look how you want it to look! Be true to yourself....always. You won't be able to please everyone.
I don't like to use Google reader, so I have a long blog list. I find it easier to just pull up my blog and go through the list.
And the number of followers, oh dear! Why oh why is this such a big deal? I recently did a giveaway, and did the whole become a follower, get a chance, etc... I really wish I hadn't done that. Oh well, you learn as you go, I guess!
I have no buttons on my side bar. Frankly, I don't know how to do it, and I don't want it getting any more busy. I did add a music list today, but again, that's because I like to listen to those songs while I'm blogging. When I hit a blog that has music playing that I don't love, I just turn down the volume. It is their blog, after all. They can listen to whatever they want!
At any rate, I enjoy your blog very much! Keep on being you. Be original. And always be true to yourself!!
Kinda loving this post!
For many many many reasons.
I enjoy your blog so I hope you don't "throw in the towel".
You're doing great!! Love ya!
'nough said ;~)
*hugs*deb
You are doing a wonderful job! There is a reason why some people stay anon though, they don't have the guts to stand behind their convictions. You are not going to make everyone happy all the time, so stop beating your head against the wall trying to. I feel like you. I don't care if my blog is popular or not. I didn't start it for a popularity contest. I also didn't start if for anyone but myself. I felt disconnected with people and wanted to make new friends. I have met some great people here, including you. I love talking and chatting with the ones that make my heart smile with their sweet comments. That is why I do it. I may never meet these people in person, but they are still friends.
I think you need to do what is right for you. It's the quality of followers, not the quantity. Obviously you are doing something right though. Don't try to fix what is not broken.
That's just my two cents. I love you and your blog just the way they are.
You know lately I feel like most bloggers are caught up in all the sponsors, giveaways, followers and such. When I started reading most blogs they talked about decorating and themselves and now about every other post is about a giveaway or a sponsor and I really hate that. I stopped reading most of my favorite ones because it seems that is all they post about. I think for some now it is a popularity contest. Oh well I will stop griping.
Your blog is great! You have wonderful ideas and I will continue to read. Take care!
I'm a lurker. I have about 100 blogs I have bookmarked and visit each and every day, yet do not seem to take the dive and subscribe. I don't know why that is. I'm just like that - I guess. I think you are totally a part of the "in crowd" to me. I think your ideas are unique and you and interesting. Don't you dare think about leaving blogland. Your blog is one the first ones I go to each and every day. I appreciate you! I like your blog page just the way it is!
Don't throw in the towel. Blog the way you want to blog - It is YOUR blog! I don't understand how some out there feel they can dictate how someone should or should not set up their blog, write about, etc. If a person does not like what they see/read on a blog - surf on by. No one is forcing them to visit/read a blog. Recently I read a comment someone made about not liking it when a person writes about a certain thing. If they don't like it, don't visit the blog for crying out loud.
If everyone did it the same way, I would get bored with the world of blogging, have to get off the computer and get some things done around the house for a change. :-)
Hey! I have been told that I have to much time on my hands.
I love your blog and have never felt pressured to do your button. I love visiting your blog and seeing what wonderful things you do and that inspire me to do something more with my home. Thank you.
Well I for one love to visit when I can and feel no pressure either way, with mine or with others. Like you I do it for some escape and fun!
Enjoy your day!
Leann
Cindy - Good for you! Afterall, it's your blog so you should be allowed to have it look any way you want! If people don't like it - then they don't have to read it!
I love you just the way you are!!!!
Thanks for such a great post. I totally understand where you're coming from. Keep up the good work.
Still love ya!
Hugs, Catherine
Honestly, the whole follower thing reminds me of kindergarten...you get a gold star if you are a good little girl...I disliked the concept then and I still don't like it....we should do things because we want to ....let's try not to fall into the trap of seeing who can get the most gold stars..I have given up reading a lot of the "bigger blogs" that have so many followers etc. They become so not personal....I love my little circle of followers and commenters..I have never met them but they seem like my dear friends.
It's your blog and you can remove buttons if you want to. . . buttons if you want to! Sorry you got a distastful comment. I can't remember when I found you but I know I have checked in daily with you since. I started a blog three years ago to keep our friends updated after we moved three states away. I have kept it up because it's a fun outlet for me even if no one reads. I receive very few comments and have only a handful of readers. most in the down syndrome community who are now disappointed with me because i don't write about that topic very often any more. my blog has changed as i've changed. i'm thrilled when people stop by and leave me a comment but when someone expresses disappointment with my direction or something i say, well, mostly i laugh. they don't have to read. not long ago i was chastised for saying 'hell' in a post. she didn't think i needed to "go there." ahhh. . . our blogs are public so we are open to criticism. i hope you can stay focused on why you blog and remember that most of us come back repeatedly because we enjoy you.
okay that was really long and my three year old is screaming so i'm not even going to re-read to see if it makes sense! keep writing!!
Don't worry about what got someone's panties in a wad. I enjoy your blog, and I don't know the first thing about blog buttons or any of that business. I can't even figure out how to identify myself. My daughter told me she found my blog and I laughed because I made one entry and could never figure out how to add another!! I am so not the computer girl, but I have figured out how to follow blogs, and I follow yours! I check it almost daily. I like someone who is honest and just a real person. I have loved your posts on your marriage and decorating ideas. Don't let the grumps get you down!
LLinKS
Hi Cindy
Nice to meet you and looking forward to seeing you this weekend.
It seems to me with 66 positive comments and almost 500 followers that one seemingly negative comment is pretty insignificant. I am new to all this so I may be talking out of nowhere but it looks to me like you are loved girl - so count your blessings :)
Rebecca
PS Hope that didn't sound harsh because it wasn't meant to... :)
To add: I think you used your buttons to promote where you were featured if I'm right. I do that off the main page via a one button click. Instant clean, and this way I can show the masses more detail so the feature info is worth both our while to be there. Here's the link for those wanting to know what on earth I'm talking about.
Tell me this isn't more interesting than a simple button. :)
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2009/12/funky-junk-was-here-and-here-and-here.html
FJ Donna
(repost due to typo)
A follower button is meant for followers to be able to follow you easier. It's to help make a blog more user friendly.
If one is turning it into a gauge of whether they're successful or not, that's up to them. But it's not what it's meant for. I use others followers widget thing to help me indicate how long they've been blogging for. If the numbers are high and I've just discovered them, I KNOW I'm missing out on something fabulous. But I also give new bloggers or lower follwer numbers a fair shake too. It means I need to roll up my sleeves and dig abit deeper to see if a superstar is about to be born. I've discovered many new fabulously now famous blogs by bypassing the follower thing and digging in myself.
Button schmutton. They clutter up a blog front in no time if not carefully moderated and done in an attractive way. I can see putting buttons in a sponsor like format if buttons are important to someone. Or create a button page off your main through ONE button.
My preference to feature many blogs I love is to just have the blogroll on. It's current daily that way, requires no maintenance and has a uniform look. And I frequently use it myself.
Buttons tell very little about your potential visit. I want to see what I'm clicking on and a blogroll accomplishes that. I don't click on just blog buttons myself from other blogs and wouldn't install them unless I needed them myself to access. But they still don't tell me how current a post is.
Assess what you use the buttons for and that will guide you on what to do. Function first, baby. :)
Fact: you DO tell others to grab your button once you feature them. Someone just took that out of context. I saw it as an invite to do so if I wished, but someone not knowing you quite as well? Totally understandable. Some push buttons and some make it mandatory. That will never be on mine. Ever. It's up to each individual but the option will be avail for those that wish for it.
FJ Donna
But do move YOUR archives up higher. :) Viewers are here for YOU first. The rest is all icing on the cake.
I will go away now.
FJ Donna
Ok I tried scrolling thru the comments to see if someone said this before. I may have missed it tho so if this is a repeat, ignore me.
I solved this issue by creating another blog of just my fav blogs. I put the link to that blog on my page. This way my main page wasnt busy. I broke the blog roll blog down to catagories. I allowed 25 blogs on each page on that blog list site so they wouldnt get so long that people would lose their places or get bored. It seems to work. You could check out my site if you want to see how I did it. Just go to the Seanymphs Fav. blog link at the top of my page.
I have a very similar blog post in the works that will go up over the weekend. First off, anonymouses suck. I've had one tell me that they were embarrassed by my misspelling. Another tell me that they thought I was rude, and most recently one asked if I had a thyroid problem because of my bug eyes. Nice. Secondly, no. This is NOT a competition and it needs to be about spreading the love and the inspiration...not the cool crowd in-table thing. I love you. I love your honesty. It will get you in "trouble" with some anonymouses out there but keep doing what you're doing! Blessings friend, Beth
Just adding my 2 cents. Cindy, you're wonderful. You have a gift for inspiring creativity in others and sharing fabulous ideas. And I enjoy your sense of humor! Dontcha dare throw in that towel :) -Tammy
You blog is for you, first and foremost, and to share ideas and stories with your readers. What you put on your blog is your decision and only yours. I've never felt you were pushing your blog button - and I read your blog regularly.
I have a blog button and I have a few blog buttons on my sidebar. But I am always conscious of clutter. I have taken things off my sidebar in the past to keep it clean. I don't have advertisements or blinkies or anything I think will be annoying. But that is my taste.
As for the followers widget, I am as human as the next person and smile when I see I have a new follower. But I am very careful not to fall into the 'popularity contest' trap. It isn't that. It is, as Donna says, a way for people to keep track of your posts and adds convenience to the process of blog reading. I have had a few giveaways in the past and absolutely refuse to do anything other than having readers leave a comment. If they want to become a follower because they like my blog - great. But I am not going to give them more chances at a giveaway if they become a follower. That always seems like "If you will be my friend, I'll share my ice cream with you" stuff.
Every blogger has her own way of blogging - from design to followers to giveaways to blinkies. I may not like someone's style, but if I like what they have to say, I'll keep reading. We are not in competition. Frankly, some of the BIG blogs out there - the ones that get talked about and talked about - are okay, but I don't get what all the fuss is about. Just a question of personal taste, I guess. Bigger isn't better.
I love your blog - continue to do what you do the way you want to do it.
xo
Claudia
Cindy,
We got hit hard with the blizzard and this has afforded me the time to catch up on everyones blog. In all honesty, I didn't think the comment warranted this kind of response. As Funky Junk stated above, maybe it was a misunderstanding from someone who doesn't know you. It didn't read mean spirited or negative to me and in all fairness, you did ask for everyones' opinion. Have fun with Jayme this weekend and "forgitaboutit" (said in my Jersey accent).
Deborah
I sent you an email, let me know if you got it sweetie pie ;)
rue
cindy...you know I love it here...just the way it is or was or whatever you do:)...keep your chin up and have fun this weekend...lucky you!
Rene'
OKAY... so I'm up at 3 am getting my blogger, button, follower, comment fix ... and I couldn't help but notice on my blogger sidebar, follower button ...you are #299 ... Nice to meet ya.
when I was a newbie, I'd say things like ... pop over, take a peek, you might like... and such ...
fast forward ...I've settled into my own thing-y ... my style and my sense ...and along came almost 300 people like YOU.
I'm a hoosier, too, so we have alot of sense and style in common ..heehe
Wish you had known about the blogger girl reunion in the chicago burbs ... it's tomorrow ....throw on your parka and "pop over" ...
I DO always say one thing to new comments ...let's chat
Cindy,
Are we long lost twins? Your thoughts are exactly as my thoughts. And I hated high school too!
Don't change anything for anyone. Unless you want to change for yourself. Then that would be OK. I love you just the way you are. Doesn't that sound like a song?
Love your style, love your sense of humor. Keep up the good work. Ditch High School!
Kim
Cindy, I love you, your blog, your writing style, your photos, everything. I always have fun when I come over, really!
Ignore bored people who don't have any work to do and kill time by sending anonymous hate messages. You are right that really brings back high-school memories, haha. Hypocrits! :)
Anyway, grab an ice cream and some chocolate and smell a flower, you'll feel better in no time! Don't let them get to you!
♥ Erika
Just for the record, I don't have ANY desire to have my photo taken with anybody nor do I care to sit on a panel at any blogging anything! There are way more important things I'd like to accomplish with my life.
Manuela
Cindy, I took off the buttons, too and for the same reason. I like a simpler look. Ain't nobody's bidness but your own! Love Ya!
Sherry
I am an anonymous poster. Yes, the dreaded anonymous poster. But really, it's b/c I don't have the time to nurture relationships and I feel guilty if I don't comment more than once or continue posting. I learned a long time ago, if I'm going to post an anonymous comment, it needs to be positive. Otherwise, why do it? It's just mean and cruel and quite honestly, pathetic. If you want to criticize someone, then put your name behind it. Otherwise, you're a coward. I will pop in, oh, say maybe once a month and post something somewhere. And I agree with other commenters, why is it that we tend to focus on the one negative comment, instead of the what, 50 other positive comments?? You're no different than me, who wears a new shirt, 10 people say it looks great and then one person says, eh, and now the shirt is ugly. Why are we like that? I enjoy reading blogs, b/c it gives me wonderful ideas and helps me relieve stress. I enjoy getting new recipes that have used for someone's family. I'm envious of you that can open your lives up to everyone and are courageous in sharing information. It makes the big world seem smaller. And I think your blog is wonderful. I love your creativity, your outgoing personality, your wit...I love sarcasm! And that you love your husband and try to lead a good life. You're not mean, you're not nasty, you have great taste, but you don't live in a mansion, making it realistic for all of us. And through each blog, I find a new one, like Tales of the Coop Keeper, to encourage my love of vintage trailers and raising chickens, and wonderful food. And the love of family. Someday, maybe I'll be able to fully participate in the land of blog. I wish I could, I'm jealous of the friendships that have been displayed. But at this point in my life, it's just not possible. Something somewhere else would have to give.
Ignore the idiots, I am sure there will be more, because every village has one. But don't hate all anonymous posters. Some of us can only pop in from time to time and want to tell you how much we appreciate you. After all, if you open your living room curtains to the world, chances are, someone is driving by slow going, look at her wall color!
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