This month's theme is "whether" and asks us to choose between two given alternatives. Today's prompt is:
"Would you rather have more blog readers or more blog comments?"
I don't have a ready answer.
When I started blogging, what appealed to me was the idea of having a "place" that was mine. Just mine. This was back in the days when a solitary trip to the bathroom was a real treat. To my surprise and delight, I got some readers AND some comments. But even without them, I think I would still blog, even though nobody cares to accompany me to the bathroom anymore.
Plus, what makes blogging different and more fun than private journaling to me, is the idea that someone might read it.
I remember a blog friend from days gone by who is now a f*book casualty. She would get very offended if people read but didn't comment, to the point where she would often admonish such activity in her posts. I didn't share that view. My blog doesn't come with rules for readers. It's not because I'm indifferent, but the opposite. I'm happy that anyone stops by, I'm not about to place limits.
I notice, too, that the blogs I prefer to read (you know who you are!) are those that don't obsess over increasing traffic and collecting followers. Or, if they do, they're pretty good at hiding it.
I think trying to appeal to the masses would take the enjoyment out of blogging. It's like when I decide to make a painting or drawing, I just do what I'm in the mood for. If I only created stuff that would look good next to the couch, that wouldn't be as fun. Take me or leave me, this blog is often just a ramble. No coupons, no tent sales.
That said, the prompt got me thinking, and I did a check on my traffic stats for the past month. Here are the top 5 searches that landed people here:
"Parkour girl"
"Boobs"
"School bus bike"
"Compression tights women"
"Fat people artist"
Hmmm.... how very Shakespearean.
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18 comments:
Well, I, for one, have very much enjoyed your increased frequency of writing. I've always enjoyed your posts and knowing I can find something new here that much more often is a nice bonus.
I was just discussing the whole blog thing with my sister. (She started one and was trying to hunt mine down. I finally gave in and gave her the url.) And I said something similar... that it's not just the writing alone, but the knowing that someone else might read and relate. That is the best part about blogging - finding others who get it. Still, I would probably write with or without the readers and comments.
Very awesome read today Abby! Congratz on posting everyday for more than 3 months! Once my blog gets older, I was planning on applying at BlogHer as well eventually.
I can relate to you on all levels concerning blogging. I do it because I love it! I don't care if I don't get 1, 2 or 0 comments. Personally, I'd like to have more of both but if I had to choose one, I'd rather have more readers. Maybe they just didn't feel like writing a comment? There are a lot of blogs and websites I visit frequently for useful information, but I sometimes don't leave a comment :s heh.
My blog is only 2 months old so I'm just happy when someone drops by to see what's happening! I figure that with time, I'll get more followers. For now, I just do what I do best. Draw and blog :3.
I've always enjoyed your blog because it's so "you". Obviously, you're one of the you-know-who's!
You're one of my new regular destinations! I'm sure your readership will build. Yes, there are people that just like to read and don't care to comment. Fine by me!
"Hey, I just rode my motorcycle to work for a whole month straight! Wonder if i can do it for 2 months?". Which led to four...then six...
Ended up riding to work for over 2 years straight before moving on to another job. Kinda became a bit obsessed with keeping the streak alive. Chili cookoff potlucks were particularly challenging!
Shakespearean or Freudian? I, too enjoy reading your expanded writings. I really miss it when I am out on the road and I cannot log in to read the latest Abby Tale (but now that I have an iPhone, it is a bit easier). I think you've set the bar high for the rest of us slackers. I like your style, a bit eclectic, never pretentious, very funny and always entertaining.
I love the list of your search landings :-D !! Re: comments or readers-- There is something so nice about comments, I think. It means someone has stopped by long enough to look/read/think and then write a bit about it. Must mean something. I, personally, like the attention ;)
I miss my regular visits to abbyabbydoo lately. It seems I'm having a busy streak that is keeping me from my favorite blogs. I think I can get my rhythm back though.
Ditto to what the others have said, and keep up the daily writing...as long as it feels good.
Oh, interesting post you have here. Makes me think about what is important to me about blogging and in what quantities.
First of all, I started coming by your 'place' after reading your comments on Terri's blog. I thought they were so witty I had to have a look at your other writings. I was hooked from the beginning and am very happy that you have a new post up everyday.
I would probably write even without any followers, just because it's great therapy, but I have to admit I've come to like my little blog family, and I look forward to reading the comments you all so kindly take the time to write. So thank you for not only being a great writer, but a great reader as well. :)
For one or another reason reading this post reminds me of 'Julie & Julia'. Have you ever watched that movie? : )
Not that I think it's one of the best movies ever, but there's something about the love for blogging in it that touched me and, in a way, can be found in your blogging too, I guess. I'm more a reader and not always a commenter. But (as you see) I'm doing my best lately. ; )
Btw, I really like the fact that you keep your blog updated every single day. Keep going and can't you just sign up for a whole year at once this time? :p
How do you have enough time to write and blog each day? I don't read blogs every day, maybe three times a week. I am retired, old, live alone (if you don't count the cat), but heck, I am darn busy. Happy busy though.
Something inside starts to feel annoyed when the beginning of a post is "sorry for not writing...." dang, that almost ruins it for me. I don't apologize and I don't have expectations. What happens, happens. If there are comments, cool. If not, I still get something from just writing in the blog. I like your attitude. But heck, I already knew you have a mature, intelligent mentality.
I was thinking Shakespearean since we could probably build a play around these 5 elements. Freudian works too! Thanks for your glowing comment. Will you accept a check or shall I sign you up for direct deposit?
I always enjoy your posts and only wish you would do them more often. Your blog, your life, I'll wait!
It is good therapy and I'm so glad you decided to visit! And have you noticed how many of us have blog friendship roots that lead back to Terri?? She's like a matchmaker!
Thanks CiCi. The time constraint is the biggest obstacle. I just "decided" to blog every day and so far, it's happened. It's surprising how much time you find by neglecting important stuff ;)
Thanks for being a reader and sometimes commenter! I remember "Julie & Julia". She blogged every day after cooking something new - every day! Yes, that was a fun element to the movie, how she just started doing it for fun and then got this large and loyal following.
I'm secretly attempting to keep it up for at least a year, but don't tell anybody. I like committing to just small month-sized chunks, though. Remember, don't tell anybody!
There is something special about someone taking the time to comment. I remember the first blog comment I ever got. I think I started sweating.
Biker trash...
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