This week's question:
"What are your feelings on losing followers? Have you ever stopped following a blog?"
This question - the question of what it means to follow a blog in general- is one I have thought about and talked with other bloggers about several times.
I have lost a follower or two at different times. Whenever I see that my number of followers has decreased, of course I always wonder if it was something I wrote/something I said. I don't try to write things that are controversial, but I also try to be honest about my reviews. Lately I have noticed that I have hardly had any comments on my posts, and my stats that show how many visits I have had to my blog are lower than they were a month ago. I'm not sure why, and I am trying to believe that my comments will eventually pick back up, as will the number of visits I get.
I haven't ever stopped following a blog yet, even though there are some blogs that haven't had a post for almost a year now. Eventually I think I should clean things up and get rid of the ones that are no longer active. And yet, part of me thinks that if these people ever return to blogging, I would still enjoy reading what they have to say, even if they have been absent from the blogging world.
I agree with Jen, who raises the question of what actually constitutes being a follower. For me, adding a blog to my blog roll is the easiest way for me to keep track of blogs I continally read. It also gives other people who read my blog a list of other places to visit. The number of blogs I follow - and really read- continues to grow, but there are some that I truly just glance at. And, overall, I am lucky to make a few comments a day.
I would like my number of followers to grow, but at the same time, recognize that blogging is a hobby for me. I have a job, three young children, and many things to keep me busy. Blogging takes a lot of time, and while it is something I enjoy very much, there are other obligations that need to come before this pleasure.
Lately I have become more selective, and as Jen suggests, I will continue to Hop around to other blogs, but look for some that I genuinely want to follow. I am hoping that some other bloggers will see my blog, like what I write, how it is set up, and genuinely want to come back and read my reviews and future blog posts, too.
11 comments:
For what it's worth, most of my posts have had fewer comments over the past 2-3 weeks. Maybe it's just a busy time for everyone.
Stopping by on the Hop. Happy Friday!
I have very similar views as you do on what it means to be a follower...of course, different people have different expectations...and that's ok. But, if I follow someone,I want to get to know that person. I also have a busy life outside of my blog.
I've scrolled through your last several reviews and have added three books to my TBR list :)
Thanks! and Have fun hopping this weekend!
Following just for the sake of following someone is rather silly I have found and doing it just so someone has an extra number on their page also isn't my thing. I like to follow people because I really like what they are saying/writing.
I have to agree with what you posted and hope you keep the honestly in your posts! I am looking forward to browsing more through your blog
(also OMG school Liberian sounds epic! i am studying to be a primary teacher and sometimes toss up the idea of school librarian as well)
I haven't been getting many comments lately either. I am trying to increase my posts, but like you said - blogging is a hobby to be enjoyed. I don't want it to be a forced task! I'm already a follower by the way. Hope you have a good weekend!
I understand what you mean about tracking the number of visits and such. I'm doing the same thing. It gets frustrating when it's lower than usual doesn't it? ah well, we must all persevere! keep going and never give up :)
I liked your post though. It was good and very informative.
Happy HOP! I was just commenting to another blogger wondering why it seems like fewer people are commenting and she shared the same reason - maybe people are busy. I think there's a real ebb and flow and so hopefully things will pick up :) Hope you've got a fun weekend planned.
Come by to see my HOP at The Bookish Snob
I have two young kids who keep me busy so I don't get a lot of time to just sit at the computer. I read a lot of posts but don't get time to comment. So I try to remember that when my stats/comments/followers decrease.
Linky's don't work on my computer, so I'm not on the list, but my blog hop is here
Hi, I'm hopping thru via the BBH. It's real interesting to hear what everyone has to say about this subject. It is true that comments and following have been down on my blog too. I follow because I like blogs and luv when they follow me back because they like mine, not because of a contest.
I completely agree! Blogging is a hobby, and I do it for me...not for recognition or followers. while i don't get a ton of comments, i love every one that i do get...it's pretty awesome when someone reads what you write and wants to connect with you about it, whether it is one person or 50!
happy blogging!
Hello,
Happy Friday! I'm just doing my rounds on the Blog Hop and Follow Friday. I also want you to know that I try to be a faithful follower and visit often. I hope you have a great weekend and Happy Reading!!
I'm an old follower. When I go through my google reader I usually stop and read a post if the title catches my attention. So maybe you should try working on your titles. Just a friendly suggestion:)
Romance Book Junkies
I just found your blog through the Hop and I quite like it. As a mom of two young children - I can appreciate the time constraints and yet the desire for something for myself.
I noticed your NaNoWriMo badge. I'm doing that as well. Right now I'm blog hopping instead of writing, though. Shhh.
I'm a new follower.
http://sheeryhall.blogspot.com
Have a wonderful week.
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