Friday, November 5, 2010

Hoppin'

I can't believe it's Friday already!   Actually, I also can't believe it's November already, either....       

But, now that we're here, it's time to HOP!!!    The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer over at Crazy for Books, and every week, we all get to see who's hopping, and visit blogs -- every week, I discover a new blog to enjoy, which is cool.     Every week, there's also a question --- this week's comes from Vicki over at The Wolf's Den:

"What are your feelings on losing followers?  Have you ever stopped following a blog?"


Great question!   And actually, before I even thought about my own answer, I read what Jennifer had to say -- which was a great, by the way.    And this made me think a little about how I was going to answer this question.   When I first started my blog, I was happy that I had any followers at all, and I actually still feel that way.  I'm not someone who has 500 followers (heck - I don't even have 200 followers!), so I'm just happy that there's anyone out there who reads what I'm posting.   However, I admit that when I notice the number goes down, I do feel a bit of a pang --- it's a little hard not to take it personally.  However, I understand that maybe somebody out there just isn't liking what I'm posting anymore (or maybe they don't have time, or maybe it's something else entirely).  I'm not going to track the list every hour and track down someone who stops following me, and badger them into explaining themselves.    On the other hand, I am happy when I see that I have gained more followers (of course -- don't we all?).  What I would love to see are more comments --- it's nice to know that someone is reading what I've posted (and I don't need much -- maybe just a few words).


As for the second part of the question --- yes, I have stopped following a blog here and there.  Let me explain:  When I first find a blog that I think it reallt cool, I add their feed to my Google Reader.  That way, I can get a good feel for their blog.  If I find I'm reading every post, and commenting, then I follow them.  I try not to automatically follow -- I guess I'd rather be a devoted reader & commenter as a follower, than just add myself to their list and not really be that into their blog.    I usually stop following a blog because a) the person hasn't posted in a month and seems to have stopped blogging, b) the tone/content of the blog has changed, and I find I'm not reading/commenting as much. 


I think that Vicki put out what seems like a simple question for us all this week, but one that I think touches all of us personally.   It's definitely exciting to have followers (and believe me, I am grateful for each and every one of mine).   I'm interested in seeing what other bloggers have to say in response to the question --- should make for some good reading these next few days!


Happy Friday, everyone!!!     And if you're a follower --- thank you!!!!!!!




11 comments:

Jen Bigheart said...

Hopping by! You have a great attitude about the amount of followers you have. It isn't about the #! Hope you come by and see my answer!

Anonymous said...

I've seen a lot of really good responses to this question so far today, and I really like yours! Mine is just a teeny, tiny blog, but I'm grateful for the followers that I do have!

Book Loving Mommy said...

Hi! I'm a new follower from the hop! Great answer and I agree totally! Check out my blog when you have a free moment.

http://booklovingmommy.blogspot.com

Chelle said...

This is a great question! And you're right, it touches us personally. When you step out into the Web you never know who's reading (I mean that in a non-creepy way). Followers come and go but getting comments really helps reaffirm you're doing something right. Not to mention they make blogging fun!

WonderBunny said...

Great attitude about followers. I'm not hoping this week but I saw the topic and had to comment because you're right. Seeing our followers drop does give a little pang but as I've dropped following other blogs just because I don't have time and I wasn't reading much of what was being posted to start with. It is a trade off, We all can't follow everything but we want everyone to follow us. :) I'm just happy that I tend to get at least one comment on every book review. I can be happy with that.

Teacher/Learner said...

Well put, Jo :) And how sweet is that photo?!? Have a great weekend & have fun hopping.

WonderBunny said...

By the way, the picture is just great. It is weird and cool at the same time. :) I love it!

Red said...

Stopping back from the hop! I agree with your following attitude: I only follow blogs if I like what they're writing.

Cute picture btw!

danya said...

Thanks for hopping on by! Very cute picture :) Also your header is really cool!

Vicki S said...

Hopping through, and can I just say that I LOVE the new blog layout? Well, I'm a bit impatient, so I'll go ahead and say it anyway. I LOVE the new blog layout! It compliments your exceptional posts perfectly.

Keep up the great work, and have an amazing weekend =D

Julie said...

I follow quite a few blogs (but only hit that follow button if the content really interests me). I wish I could actually visit and read all of them everyday, but I can't. I try to make some time to hit my Reader at least twice a week and click over to posts that interest me. While I'm there, I'll look at the archive or scroll around to see other interesting posts that I may have missed since I was there last. I have unfollowed some when their content changed to things that aren't interesting to me (I really don't need 20 posts in a day about a bunch of deals when that could have all been put into one post) or when the blogger stops posting for quite a while. But that's rare .. I've found that if they interest me on the first, second, or third visit, they're going to keep putting up posts that I'd like to read.

Julie @ Knitting and Sundries

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