First off, let me say that I am pleased, tickled pinked, humbled and honored to have you here!
From June to August my "followers" have doubled! That's right---doubled. Don't get me wrong, though the numbers are comparatively "modest", I think it's still a positive statement. And I'm thankful.
In June, my official count reflected "33" ---and I remember thinking when I hit "fifty", how nifty! Oh boy---I was on cloud nine.
Anyhow, it caused me to ruminate and reflect---what factors cause you to actually follow a Blog?
Come on, I wanna know...
Some of you have few amidst your roster, others have dozens. I've sometimes taken a peek. :-)
With thousands, maybe millions of Blogs in the blogosphere, how do you choose whether to be a "regular" as opposed to a casual, infrequent "spectator"?
Is it the design?
The content?
The personality of the writer?
Is it a reciprocal thing? In other words do you follow others as a courtesy of them following you?
Educate me. Consider this a poll on human behavior or a blog building discussion amongst friends.:-)
Image credit: jscreationzs
Congrats on your subscriber increase!
ReplyDeleteWhat gets me to follow/subscribe is generally a combination of the author's personality, the subject matter, and the writing ability. Obviously, you've got all three because here I am writing in the comment box :)
woW! How cool... what a great comment! The feeling is mutual, Jean.:-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and weighing in!
Congrats on your Followers increase! Well, what caught my attention to your blog was the title: Pen & Prosper! I am a freelance writer and an aspiring novelist so OF COURSE that title would make me look! As for the rest, its usually the content, if I can relate to it in some way, sometimes a pictures catches my eye and I'll taka look, sometimes I'll follow, sometimes I wont'.
ReplyDeleteYou may even have more loyal followers. I have you on Google Reader and I don't think that is recorded anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI find blogs often by accident but chose to follow them if they either have something i can gain from them or they amuse or entertain me. Yours does both. I am a freelancer to the publishing industry so you often have interesting stuff - but even when your posts are not relevant specifically to me, I often find them interesting
Yvonne,
ReplyDeleteWelcome! Glad you dig the title and that you've found some things here of interest. It's a pleasure to have you with us.
Thanks for your thoughts.
kimstories,
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful of you to offer up such kind words! You know, you're right. I have been told that some folks are following me through Google Reader, which would add to the count! I'm lovin' it. :-)
B/T/W/ I enjoyed reading your Blog post about "doing what you love." Hope to hear from you again in the future.
Much continued success!
Congratulations on your subscriber increase! Rock on! :)
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of blogs in my RSS feed that I follow, but there are those special ones that I must read and I can't wait for them to post. Like you! :)
I follow a blog based on the content, the author's personality and the writing. I usually will not follow a blog if the grammar is horrible. I'm not the best, but I should be able to follow what the writer is saying.
The design doesn't matter to me all that much. The content is what matters the most.
P.S. I also like to see see that the author is engaging with the readers via the comments too.
Take care,
Evelyn
Hi Evelyn,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you again today. I agree--poor grammar is a put-off for me too! Have a great holiday weekend. Thanks for commenting. :-)
Dig your blog Mdm. Brown. I kept reading because the content was relevant to me, but straightforward, which perhaps boils down to the personality. The design is not that important, but must be clean and useful, as yours is.
ReplyDeleteI will now take a few moments to explore your wonderful site some more. :)
Trayle, welcome aboard!
ReplyDeleteLike I'm totally diggin' the fact that you're diggin' the scene here @ Pen and Prosper! :-)
Thanks for the cool comments, and for joining the ranks...
Let's connect again soon.
For me it's a matter of interest/great content and authenticity.
ReplyDeleteClara.
P.S. Congrats on your followers as well!
Thanks for your thoughts here, Clara. :-)
ReplyDeleteTrayle, currently in Haiti,
ReplyDeleteB/T/W/ I just hopped over to your site. I must say your images and poetry posts are awesome! Keep doing what U do. ;-)
And the fact that you answer comments! ;)
ReplyDeleteAs an amateur blogger and wannabe poet (www.traylek.blogspot.com), your advice has been just what I am looking for!
Thanks again... and I'll be back.
Good to know. See U next time!
ReplyDeleteThe relevancy of content and the personality of the writer attract me to blog. Sometimes it's the title of a blog. I do follow Country Music Chicago http://countrymusicchicago.com/because I absolutely love the title of that blog. I'm not a country music fan but the content and the design is great.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your increased readership!
Thanks, Marcie!
ReplyDeleteI follow a blog when I sense the blogger is truly passionate about her topic and dedicated to pushing the envelope. (btw, I sense it, and I have.:))
ReplyDeleteJustin,
ReplyDeleteWelcome! It's a pleasure to have you here. Thanks for your comment and your time. Much appreciation!
Yvonne,
ReplyDeleteP.S. I LOVED YOUR PLAYLIST! I listened to it all day yesterday. Nice taste...especially Michael Buble!
I follow a blog for many reasons. Content and personality are the top factors. I am often pressed for time, and I need to make the most of each stop. I reciprocate followers, unless the topic or theme is just something I cannot embrace.
ReplyDeleteI also follow to support and encourage, as so many others have done the same for me. Design is not a big factor; I am there for the person and content, not the curb appeal. Although some blogs are more attractive than others. :)
Good topic!
Blessings,
Karen
Good to have your perspective, Karen. Thanks much!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Glad to be of value.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteGreat Doubt And A Wonderful Answer!!!
I could very well relate this experience.
OMG! what a coincide! even in the count
almost so close a 2 less. LOL
Here, the very irritating thing to note is that
some bloggers never respond to the comments
or the follow, this is a bad trend following some.
Thank you so much for the share.
Keep inform,
I am here via Evelyn Parham's place :-)
Best Regards
Philip Ariel
Thanks, Philip!
ReplyDeleteContent and the blogger's personality. Mostly, I read blogs for specific content. However, if I like the author's "voice," I will read to hear that person. Even if the subject is not one I have a direct connection to.
ReplyDeleteI will sometimes follow someone who follows me. Unless the blog topic or blogger's delivery is offensive - foul language, explicit sex, racist or homophobic diatribes, animal abuse.
Yes, I do find stuff to read online, lol.
Thanks, D7ana. So glad you find this blog to be worthy of your readership. :-)
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