So, I’m no blogging genius. When I first started blogging I had zero idea of the etiquette, cultish followings, or blogging cliques that existed. I pretty much started this as a procrastination tool. I’m still half-assed and hardly an expert; I have been dragging my feet even getting my self-hosted site up and running (does that even make sense?) because I have almost zero clue where to start (but dammit, I will learn, eventually. I will). But even with all that, I am starting to get some idea of what the blogging world is all about.
There are some phrases non-bloggers may or may not realize are not a good idea to say to someone who blogs:
1. I read your blog. With no follow-up. Oh. Thank you? You read it. But you didn’t say what it was exactly that you read. Or if you liked it. Or hated it. Or if it made sense. Or if you connected with it at all. Are you trying to tell me you are doing me a favor by reading it? Was it a chore? Did the post pique your interest and then disappoint? Know that most bloggers are incredibly insecure, and also inept when it comes to verbal communication, so if you said this to us, we probably just nodded and ran away, thinking that whatever it was that you read was ridiculous, boring, and/or full of grammatical errors and typos.
2. How’s your blog? Um. I don’t know. How IS it? That isn’t really something a blogger can answer for you. We like what we write…that’s why we write it. But how do you measure how a blog is doing? Are you asking if we still enjoy doing it? Or how many people read it? Or if we’ve made millions in advertising revenue? No matter what the question, it’s clear that you aren’t interested enough to have any input about how the blog “is”. At least that’s what our insecure brain is telling us you think.
3. Does anyone read your blog? Um, come on. ANYONE? You know at least my mom reads it. And sometimes she forces her friends to. So, um YEAH. THEY DO. Humph.
4. Are you still doing your blog? Seriously? If you really care, you’d just click the website and find out. And if you don’t care, that’s fine, really. We know that what we write might not be your style, or might not be interesting to you and that’s okay. But, your question belies your feigned interest. Please don’t pretend like you care all of a sudden just because I ran into you at Starbucks.
5. Nothing. This means you either didn’t read it or you read it and didn’t like it. Did I mention that bloggers tend to be sensitive and unsure? We are emotional scardey-cats. Hiss! We can tell how many people read our posts, but we can’t tell who, unless you comment. However we do realize that it just isn’t everyone’s “thing” to comment on blog posts (we’re guilty of this too, sometimes you’re just too busy or don’t feel like you have anything of value to say) so this form of communication is much preferred to 1, 2, 3 or 4. It’s the lesser of all the evils. Meow.
Oh god. I’m not insecure at all. I only absolutely second this list. I love your blog. I’m so glad you blog.
Seriously, we’re all just big jumbled messes who hold on to a thread of sanity through our typing, right?!
Love this, and your blog. Thank you for sharing your beautiful mind.
thanks for reading 🙂
That kitty thing is very true and it goes a long way in my life
it goes a long way in all 9 of mine.
Yes. We are just hanging onto sanity through typing. And big jumbled messes. But the hanging onto sanity bit is the key. Blogging is cheaper than therapy.
So true!
You’re right. You’re absolutely right. Dammit.
Dammit, indeed.
Reblogged this on the robot mommy and commented:
This. Yes. So much YES!!!
I’m a scaredy cat. Huge effing CAT!!!
lol clearly i’m a fat cat too
I read your blog.
And I love it ❤ Always.
And my mom forces others to read mine as well, lol
ah, moms. ❤
6) why do you have people on your Facebook you met through your blog?
this comes from my family and high school people. AS if the only people worth knowing are ones who are from your hometown with whom you have nothing in common.
OMG GOOD ONE!!! How did I forget that?!! Excellent point – thanks!
found you through the robot mommy whom is now robot family thanks to blogging.
Oh, and I read your blog
love her
Your insight and self-disclosure is intense, brave, witty and humorous. Your sensitivity and insecurity are part of your blogging gift to those who read it. (And your kitty is perfect for that poster.) Blog on!
my kitty is famous now! haha
that didn’t come out right. Don’t be scared, mom.
YUP! The Nothing one gets me the most. Especially when it comes to family who doesn’t read my blog! Grr. Or, this one: “How do you find the time?” which implies that I neglect something else, or that it’s not worth the time. Great list! I read your blog!
people who have no hobbies “I just don’t have time for x, y, x” scare me. How boring.
People do NOT get it, do they? For me…#4 and #5 get me the most. I shoulda taken up fishing. Then again, nah!
bahaha. a little too outdoorsey for me 😉 writing i can stay holed up on my couch.
After dealing with this shit with a prior blog I did for my family to update them about my kids, I didn’t tell anyone about this blog when I started it. Therefore, almost no real life conversations about my blog, no one telling me “I read your blog.” although in my case that actually would be news.
Yea i can TOTALLY see why people who blog end up switching over to an anonymous one! I might do it someday…i just really like my blog name and am not quite ready to give it up 😉
I just found this blog when checking out WordPress. I like this blog, open, honest, straight from the mind to the fingertips, voila, it is a blog. I love your blog name, your cat is cool (the kitty in the pic). Now, I am sorta kinda not a dimwit, but am scared (read terrified) of trying to do a blog and flubbing it really bad. Advice welcome, the good, the bad and the OMG I would never do that, but it’s funny kind of advice. I do have a lot of random, relevant (at least in my head it is) stuff to “say”.
Just thought I’d jump on in here. Trust me – if I can do a blog, anyone can (www.cordeliasmomstill.com) I say, go for it!
#4 always gets to me… it’s like they’re saying my blogging is frivolous. meh!
i’m guilty of #5 though. i’m mostly a blog stalker… i’m shy to leave a comment though i enjoy reading a lot of blogs. must be the insecurity thing, too. hehe. so thanks for giving me a push to leave a comment… glad i found your site! 🙂
yea, don’t people understand how our blogs keep us sane and are important to us? meh indeed.
i am also sometimes guilty of 5. and from blogger to blogger i feel like it’s less….annoying than if you know someone personally that is probably reading your blog!
UGH you’re better off than I am. Even my mom doesn’t read mine. Also? Something to add to your list? Here’s one from a friend of mine recently who has a cause… “So if I send you something, will you write about it? And how many followers do you have?”
Um. How many followers do YOU Have, she who has no blog?
UGH. great post.
hah! i haven’t gotten THAT yet!
>>> Um. How many followers do YOU Have, she who has no blog? <<<
Exactly !!! Will make an effort to remember this !
i enjoyed this post! hiss!
bat. bat.
I LOVE IT!!!
thank you 🙂
Being relatively new to blogging this said it all! Fantastic!
thanks! I”m still quite the newbie, myself.
Oh man, I got question two only a few days ago. I really didn’t know what to say because I think the person who asked believes that I monetize my blog – which I don’t – and they wanted to know how how much money I was making. It was awkward, to say the least.
Hah, well at least they thought your blog was worth something! I haven’t gotten that one yet! Hehe
Really funny post, spot-on observations. 🙂
I am pretty new to blogging and I just showed this to my husband, as he’s guilty of pretty much every thing on your list! He’s the only person who knows about my blog, though, and he says ‘I couldn’t write like that’ so he gets some Brownie points to make up for it…
haha! education for him – but hooray for you that he reads it! I think mine avoids mine like the plague.
Agreed! I just recently had someone ask me if I actually wrote/took the photos on my blog. Hmmm. Do you know me at all?? Who do think is posting that stuff? Geesh. It made the total emotional insecurity so much worse.
um, what?! my goodness. i guess i’d take that as a compliment??? It’s so much harder to discuss your blog with people who know you.
Ya — I like the comfort of strangers on my blog. 🙂
Someone said that to me of recent too… And I was like, “you don’t think I’m good enough to write?” it totally sucks
That’s how it felt–for sure!
Ha! My husband always asks how my blog is doing. Um…Fine?? I guess? I’m never really sure what to say in response. Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone. 😛
it’s such an awkward question to be asked.
I read your post. Nah, I’m just kidding, I read it and I loved it. We are emotional attention addicts, aren’t we? It is sometimes funny how you think that you think that you are doing this for yourself, but when no one reads what you write it suddenly becomes no so “selve” and more about, where are my g**d** likes?!? All the best with your blog!
yea, i suppose there is a reason we make our therapy/writing public!
Strangely enough I chose not to tell my family or any of my friends about my blog. I guess I just want a place to express myself without the polite friendliness and over-support that friends both give and ask for…
10 Best Replies to Idiotic Queries About Your Blog
1. “I read your blog.”
Reply: “I read ‘War and Peace.'”
Because, hey, if this is a game of non sequitur literary declarations, I’m gonna win.
2. “How’s your blog?”
Reply: “Better than I expected, actually. It’s really true what they say about sex selling.”
Now, I’m gonna time you to see how fast you can whip out that smart phone and find my home page, you rube.
3. “Does anyone read your blog?”
Reply: “It’s a private, invitation-only website. It’s really just for intellectuals and professionals.”
Because, asshole.
4. “Are you still doing your blog?”
Reply: “Yep.” Then, after a long, up and down glance at their body, “Are you still working out?”
(smirk)
5. “–”
Reply: “–”
Good. You’ve just survived another near miss with an idiot. Reward yourself with a glass of wine while you peruse your latest WordPress Dashboard stats. Cheers.
Wish my brain would work quick enough to use one of these responses. It’s usually an hour or two later that I think… damn, that would have been a great response. 🙂
This is a comment win. Very clever.
Loved your replies..But cannot think of these before replying…Its always later we feel that this would have been the best reply.. 🙂
ALWAYS later. I’m not sure my replies are ever that good, though.
Holy shit, this is a beautiful blog post in a comment! You are amazing.
My super powers include enchanting wild animals, instigating flash mobs of laughter, and amazing blog post commentary.
And cooking with booze.
Wow.. I totally like your replies… You are bad ass! Lol
Oh, this is brilliant. Also, it highlights the reason absolutely nobody I know in real life has the link to my blog 😛
yes. yes, i see why so many bloggers end up starting over with an anonymous blog. maybe someday!
no one i know in real life even knows i have a blog. damn the bloody insecurities.
Smart, really.
HOLY CRAP – All true. I had a stranger ask me “How’s the blogging coming?” when I was out somewhere. Left me completely freaked. I couldn’t agree more – totally insecure.
Thanks for writing this!
Thank you for saying this! So true.
I eventually reach a point where I start to hide more posts than I publish. Maybe bloggers are shy… I cringe at, “I don’t know how you find the time/energy to blog”. Is the implication that it should be priority #last? I always answer that I’ll write whether I mean to or not. If I blog, I spare those I email from excessive verbiage!
yes, it’s not really a choice, sometimes the words just NEED to pour out. Some of my best posts I’ve spent the least amount of time on, too. Sometimes the ones that I have to work longer at kind of suck.
I’m glad no one has said that to me.
hah, bravo, and lucky you! it’s gotta happen eventually….unless you are smart enough to have an anonymous blog.
I’m not sure it’s possible for my blog to be anonymous. I tell everyone about it in the hope they’ll read it and then get interested in reading any of my published work.
Thank you. You just validated my whole rant about why the statistics are important to new bloggers ( http://cordeliasmomstill.com/2013/10/22/statistics-dont-lie-or-do-they/ ). After that extended comments discussion, I was beginning to think I was the only one insecure enough to care who’s reading my blog, or if, in fact, anyone other than my family was reading. I feel much better now.
I’m so glad my insecurities have made you feel better 😉 lol (I really am though)
I invited my mom to read my blog, but she doesn’t. Mentioned it more than a few times to my sister, and she never reads it. I use it because I’m shy, I can talk to everybody and nobody at the same time. NTFC Nicky I completely agree, nobody I see in real life has the link!
I think it took my sister about a year to start reading mine.
Nice post. I like your blog. I read this post. Do I like it? YES. Am I insecure? Quite possibly. Readers can be the judge !
PS. I would never let my mom read my blog… (take a look)
Yea, probably smart to not give your family access to your blog. I might have a lot more to say if I was purely anonymous.
Yeah… I like when my friends and family are non-judgemental to my thoughts. That is by not telling them exactly how I feel.
I feel this! Nice work, my friend!
I’m a new blogger. Sensitive is an understatement BUT I love to write and I do have something to say so I write. I absolutely LOVE this post because it’s SO TRUE! I can’t tell you how many times people have said that they’ve read or seen my blog and yet provide no feedback, don’t say yay, nay, you stink and so does your mama – NOTHING! But I continue to write because I hope to help or inspire someone else. So there you have it! Keep writing, I LOVE IT!!
yep, keep on writing, indeed. if i can connect with one person, i’m usually pretty giddy about it.
i agree. It is frustrating not knowing what is thought and by whom. I asked several times for feedback and got nothing in return. Yet they click like. Go figure.
yes – feedback, good or bad, is useful!
What a fun and true read. I love the cat picture!
Thanks! He’s my favorite fuzzy buddy 🙂
Oh he is yours? How cute! I use to have cats growing up, but now I am cat-less, ha!
He’s mine. Absolutely insane and not at all friendly to strangers, but beautiful.
😀 awesome , you made me laugh! The post is true and sarcastic, my favorite kind of humour.
It’s the only language I speak.
Got a chuckle out of #3, mostly because I think my mom is one of the few people that actually reads my blog, even if the subject of the day is fantasy football. I tend to get “nothing” as most people in my circle are not into technology, many of them are just getting into this whole smartphone thing. Thanks for the good read!
you can always count on moms, can’t you? love that.
Love it- just starting the whole blogging thing myself after hearing about it for *years* and YES there’s a bell dinging above my head! One thing I’ve found likable about blogging- there are so many others like yourself, that being anxious about your posts and sensitive about reviews seems almost… normal. Thanks for that brief illusion I’ll take what I can get! 😀 Seriously, thanks for sharing.
yes, we’re not alone, that’s for sure. Even if our friends/amily makes us feel like it sometimes!
This is extremely true! I hear numbers 1, 2 & 4 nearly every day…agh. Great post.
you poor, poor soul!
btw – Congrats on being freshly pressed… assuming you’re wondering why your stats just skyrocketed.
thank you! getting more than the usual one reader a day (mom) haha
Thank you for the good read, I especially like the emotional scaredy cat part.
Wow what a great post… I had these questions from my friends too. May be i can show them your post 🙂
not sure they’d get it (i might have offended a few of mine) but it’s helpful psychologically for me to vent sometimes hah.
Totally agree and I’m a new-ish Blogger. The nothing one totally made me smile since none of my local friends have said one word to me about the blog. Makes me wonder if they think the next day’s post will be about them. Come on… I have enough class to waitat least a few days. Haha 🙂
right?! You just don’t know if they read or not! Nosy me wants to know!
yeah, yo go girl
oh my gosh .. I love this! I may have to do a spin on this from a gardeners point of view! AWESOME!
let me know if you do!!!
First off congrats on Freshly Pressed!! Had I not looked on Freshly Pressed today, I would not had a great laugh….. I can honestly say I have only looked at Freshly Pressed maybe 2 or 3 times in the past year. I am not a writer, I just have had a crazy screwed up life. My grammar sucks , I have tons of typos and grammar police stalk me. I fall into the insecure category :0
thanks! i look only periodically at freshly pressed too, only so much time and life gets in the way, but whenever I do i always find some good reads. boo on the stalkage from grammar po-po!
Yeah they can kiss it. Congrats again. Looking forward to following you.
This is a great procrastination tool, isn’t it. And those cultish followings? Yeah, they’re kind of fun. I’ve had some enjoyable experiences commenting back and forth with writers all on another’s blog and post. Pass the kool-aid.
it really can be fun. cheers and sip!
I’ve been blogging off and on at various places for over ten years and I STILL know jack about cliques, fans, manners, etc. I have gone from being a sensitive scaredy cat, through a passive-aggressive bitch phase, straight on to every morning of bleeding my heart and rage out on a computer page! Blog on, and if the critics don’t like it? Moon ’em!
that is truly the best attitude in the end (or in the rear?)
Yes, the best at the rear end!
Reblogged this on ltdedt.
#7: Any inquiry as to whether or not you have a life. I once read someone’s (fictional) opinion that blogging was for people who didn’t have a life. I link it to the emotional thing.
Congratulations on being FP!
oh my goodness, blogging is ABOUT life… how do people not understand creative outlets/hobbies? How sad to be them.
Most certainly. About life, expanding it… I got up in arms over that.
Love dis foto’s
🙂 thanks
Your mum reads your blog? Luuucky! I can’t even get my mum to read my text messages. Or the labels on my insulin…hmm starting to feel a little light headed…MUM?
aw
but at least you can blog uninhibited!
Some days I am glad even if all I get is likes from the reader without a visit, but I do prefer the visits.
yea, i don’t mean to sound ungrateful. just a rant. 😉
🙂
Also if you ever get disheartened you should check out my blog for two reasons. 1) I am the author of the critically acclaimed “successful Blogging 101” and 2) by visiting my site then you’ll realize, hey it could always be worse!
lol will do.
Tiny Goat Steaks
okay. i’m dumb enuff to bite. What does, “Tiny Goat Steaks” mean…?
It means I left my WordPress account open to your article my husband decided it would be absolutely hilarious to tell you “tiny goat steaks”. (mistaking your post for one of mine — he’s not a blogger, obviously) Your guess is as good as mine as to what it means.
In other news, I thought your post was true to the core.
“How is your blog?”
“I don’t know, why don’t you tell me? Clearly you spend so much time reading it.”
Ugh.
i hope you blog about your interesting husband! haha
I do from time to time. Never a dull day with him around, that’s for sure! 🙂
Since I’ve stated blogging I’ve felt like I have finally found the ideal hobby. Still learning but enjoying. What do you blog about I was asked recently. If you are that interested you will find me and then you can see for yourself I said back.
i’ve been thinking the same thing about the ideal hobby – it’s cheap, can be done anywhere and so cathartic! and your response= perfect.
I always get “why do you need to share your personal life with perfect strangers?”
Good post, I enjoyed it.
that one would really piss me off. okay, my husband every once inawhile says something similar, but for the most part he knows better than to say that thought out loud!
It’s not like I’m sharing our bedroom or our arguments 😉
This is fantastic. Especially since I had a hissing cat in my dream last night and so many other things that you posted in this post that are too freaky to be accidental. I always say there are no coincidences. The last one, #5 is the biggest one. Urrrrgh there is nothing worse than views with just silence… Cause it leaves you inside your head and we all know that for us writers it can get ugly in there… Lol. Thanks for the post.
yes, our brains are definitely a bit messy, and often dark, aren’t they?
What chaps me is people who know that I write a blog about my life but who don’t ever bother to read it, then ask me for an “update” or “all the news” since last we spoke, when I’ve already written about everything interesting that’s happened to me. I tend to send those people links instead. 😛
totally agree and undestand this. especially if i blog about something really important (which also tends to be hard for me to discuss, fully, in person) like my last miscarriage or something like that.
I read your blog… I now I’m gonna follow it…
hehe thanks (for the follow and the clarification of what you meant when you said “i read your blog”)
Number 1 made me comment just to say that you nailed it!
haha, it worked!
funny…
Oh my gosh! You have my laughing so hard! I just started blogging, because I love to write, but my goodness gracious, I’m very insecure about it, especially when it comes to verbal communication. I “love” (that’s sarcasm) it when people ask me, “So, what’s your blog about?” That’s an uncomfortable question. It’s just random stories from my life. But if I say that, I get an “Oh. nice,” and we awkwardly move on. I need to come up with a better answer. 🙂
I totally get this. I suck at answering pretty much anything verbally, and especially when it’s something that exposes my vulnerability like blogging does.
Well, at least that makes two of us! 🙂
I did a blog for one month, stuffed my posts with cartoons, then ran out of creativity. It freaked me out. The blog was like a hungry monster I couldn’t feed anymore… so I unplugged.
I’m back in the game. I’ve mutated to another side of my personality…but that scardey-cat feeling you refer to…that’s me all over!
Good post. Thoroughly enjoyed it:)
I worry ALL THE TIME that I will NEVER AGAIN think of a good post. I try to not pressure myself at all with needing to post in any regular time frame…but the anxiety still sets in sometimes.
Reblogged this on A. C. Cancio.
thank you!
Haha! This is so true! Everyone I know usually says #1 and I’m like, “And…what didya think?!?” Very nerve wrecking!
so. nervewracking. my palms get sweaty often when i click “publish”
LMAO great post!!!
I SOOOOOOOO agree with you on all those points! especially the fourth one, Happens a little too often for me lol
4 is the worst one, for sure.
Correct you are. I’m an addict for my stats page. Hoping like a slot machine, it’ll go my way. A little better, two more visitors than before. If they comment at least I’ll know or have an idea what I’m doing right or wrong. Neutral stinks. Thanks for the read.
feedback is always so helpful!
Loved this! My mother-in-law is my most devout follower and loves to get her family and friends to read my stuff. I consider her my personal representative lol
that is a good mother-in-law!!!
Everyone should be so lucky to have a devout follower, or cheerleader, as I call them. Bloggers make the world interesting, but cheerleaders keep it spinning!
I totally agree!
And! And! “I don’t read your blog because I don’t believe in them”, “What’s your blog FOR, exactly?”, “I won’t be following your blog because I already get too many emails every day”, “Who ARE all these people who read what you write? (implying you’re all a bunch of weirdos)”, and my personal favourite: “What do you find to write ABOUT every day?”. Love your blog. Very well written, very funny. Think I’ll follow you to see if there’s more where that came from!
so true
well, lto be fair we ARE all a bunch of weirdos. 😉
True, but they’re in no position to point fingers either! I mean, imagine not being riveted by our deathless prose, fascinating opinions and mordant humour. Losers. 🙂
yea. actually those comments you listed sounded ridiculously negative. thank goodness we can bitch about those kind of comments here.
Big scaredy cat here as well hiss!
Why do people put their twitter tweets on their blogs! It amazes me!
Number 6.
Oh my gosh, my faux pas — because I am a Twitter newbie still?! Have to go edit now to just have the follow button! . . . . btw, Grouch, spot on with the list!
I don’t have anything to say but I’m going to post this because I like your style of writing and this article was great. =) I’m crossing my fingers that I didn’t say anything wrong. Not to say that I didn’t read this post thoroughly, I did, I just hope you didn’t leave out anything…
hah. i’m really not judging your comments (that much). I apprecaite the read.
how do you make it into freshly pressed? =)
I don’t have anything to say but I’m going to post this because I like your style of writing and this article was great. =) I’m crossing my fingers that I didn’t say anything wrong. Not to say that I didn’t read this post thoroughly, I did, I just hope you didn’t leave out anything…
Your post just cracked me up. I’ve all those scenarios happen to me, so I laughed through all of them. Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
gotta laugh through everything! thanks 🙂
Thanks for letting me know 🙂
i feel like that might have been the response many of my friends/family had if they read this….eek.
I agree with this whole heartily especially with #5. Just started my blog and almost regret telling my family who have yet to bring it up since I announced it 😦 ah well. I’ll still go on 🙂
yes….i still might move to fully anonymous….i just really like my name and don’t really feel like “starting over”. we’ll see.
I’ve never read your blog (is it ok to say that…? honesty is ok right…?) but your freshly pressed status (totally jealous) drew my attention to this super funny, scarily accurate post. You are so right!
honesty! yes! honesty!
Haha, I love this.
thanks! cat theme seems right up your alley!
No problem! It definitely is. :3
As someone who just started blogging with word press less than a month ago, I enjoyed reading your post. I found it to be interesting and educational. I come into blogging with a journalism background and I feel I too have a lot to learn about blogging and using word press.
I still feel like a total rookie. At least you probably have less typos than I do (I always find three or four about seven seconds after i hit publish)
I find typos after I hi publish too and have to go back and edit them. So you are not alone on that.
Reblogged this on luckysharms2u and commented:
This has so mich truth to it! I absolutely can not stand it when people try to make small talk with my blog as the topic HISS!!
haha thanks!
Lol … I wonder what in the world can be a more annoying question than the first one 🙂
Oh Nice
I love this. I also love the black cat. Bobby had a black cat name Flash. He lived to be 21 years old.
holy cow, that’s an old ass cat. my little buddy is only 11.
Flash was really healthy up to the night he died as well.
HAHA are you still doing your blog? The worst
THE WORST for sure.
I think we both know I read your blog. I enjoyed and found some measure of understanding of my own blogging ego. *big sigh* thank you for the briefest of glimpses into the extremely relatable minds of other bloggers.
Hi. I wrote my first blog yesterday and blogging is a very new experience for me. Do you have any tips on how to accumulate an audience?
reading and commenting on other blogs, participating in blog hops, and just keep writing! have fun!
Until I started blogging, I’ve realized what those things really imply. HAHA I used to say some of it to my friend.
Permission to reblog this 😉
^_^
of course! and yes, i don’t think people MEAN to annoy/insult, i think they’re just trying to make small talk. but, STILL.
🙂 thanks … I am now following you…and would interact ^_^
Reblogged this on a commoner's nest and commented:
nyayx! good thing to know ^_^
Reblogged this on Welcome to the world of a Diva Mommee and commented:
Love!
Having just published my first post today, I would be thrilled if anyone said anything about my blog. But I still enjoyed this and will dream of the day that I can be annoyed with comments about my blog.
hah, i know. I really don’t have a huge readership either, this is more like….from a coworker or cousin or something!
“.When I first started blogging I had zero idea of the etiquette, cultish followings, or blogging cliques that existed.”
There are etiquettes? Oops …
yea, even though i know them i don’t really follow them either 😉
Superb post!
I’m a newbie too, that’s what captured me from the very beginning. Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed 🙂
I just started a blog to release pent up rage….is this a bad thing? lol Seriously though, I have had the crappiest year ever, and your blog made me laugh, really laugh, which is quickly becoming a foreign concept at the moment. I plan on reading more, because if this one was good and made me smile, I’m looking forward to the rest ^_^
PS LOVE the kitty, I have 4. If you would also like a “Crazy Cat Lady Starter Kit” write to: I kid! rotf
I think that’s the BEST reason to blog, ever. We have very similar reasons for our blogging, I think.
Likely. I just want a record so I don’t make the same mistakes, and possibly so I can look back one day and go, “Ha! See!? Look there, right there!! I had it, it just took me a minute is all!” lol
This absolutely sums up how I am feeling right now. Granted I have only been blogging for a short while, but, I have sure already gotten ALL of these comments and have ALL of the insecurity to go along with it. Good times… ha! Thanks for sharing!
I am very new to blogging and can totally relate to this. I enjoyed reading it.
I *connected* with this entry. And I’m new to this so I’ll start by saying I’m sure my mom doesn’t know how to type “blog”, much less find mine. So if you’re one of those a fore mentioned insecure bloggers, perhaps you have things to work on that don’t involve making lists about other peoples comments?
I have a million things to work on. And I’m avoiding them by posting a ranty blog post instead 😉
Who cares what the say… F’em
Agree, in principle. You’re so secure! 🙂 Someday…..
🙂
There, there, kitty we’ll be careful not to rub you the wrong way. Can I just mention, though that worse than ‘I read your blog’ is someone clicking on the follow button without commenting on what inspired him/her to do so. That is the absolute pits, believe me.
Love that last picture! Totally identified with everything you say here too http://pezcita.wordpress.com/2013/06/19/wildberry-skittles-and-the-accidental-attention-getter/
Earlier emotional-wreckie reporting: I have read this post, but not more. I went into the freshly pressed, and there you were. Glad your mum reads your blog, I don`t quite dare to show her mine:)
Yea…sometimes I question whether I should have shared mine! ahha.
Very true!! I’m so messed up that I never told people in my life about my blog because I feared their rejection (it’s easier with strangers). (Oh, and because I didn’t want anyone to know what I was really thinking).
I loved your # 1 especially and think it’s perfect! My anonymity plan backfired when a blog post I wrote went viral on facebook last month (I’m still not sure how it started!?!) and people in my life received it and realized it was me. I started hearing from hurt/angry friends who were shocked that I didn’t tell them about it. They’d say “I found your blog” or “I read your blog,” and “Why didn’t you tell me about it?” But no one followed it up with an “I think it’s great!” or “I think it’s terrible, no wonder you didn’t tell us.” Nothing. No “likes” or comments on my blog (good or bad) or in real life about the content. Just silence and crickets chirping. And these people should know how insecure I am! 😉 So I think you are spot on!
I think your blog is great, by the way!!
oh wow! that’s crazy…so are you going to keep your blog now that you’re cover is blown or start a new anonymous one?
It took me a couple of weeks to decide it was a good thing that it had gone kind of mainstream. I’ve gotten a lot of really amazing comments from strangers and my new blogging friends, so I’ve been extremely fortunate in that sense. I’ll just be careful about what I say about my husband and his mother going forward! 😉
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Haha yes!
Amazing. So true. The one I get sometimes from people is “You haven’t updated your blog in a few days. Why?” Geeze, I’m not a machine. Again, great post and congrats on being freshly pressed!
a few DAYS?! Holy fuck, that’s ridiculous. I suppose I’m a slacker but I post a few times a week MAX and sometimes go weeks or months with nothing. You should take it as a compliment that your posts must be really good though if they want to read more?!
I love this ❤
What could be worse than receiving a comment that says “I believe you should change your title into this…” Like you wrote that title on a whim or what. Just adding something that we, bloggers, will sure hate to hear.
But , you certainly hit all all of us with those “things”.
yea, we already hit “publish”, so…..
🙂
Ha ha – pretty much, yup 🙂
I’ve had a former employer (I ended up ‘retrenched’ with someone in my place a week later – August 2013), she said things ALL AROUND the fact I blog, but never actually SAID IT. Such as, “Your life is an open book…. for some reason / I know you quite cyber savvy / I know you like to write…”
All of that was worse than any of the above. It was subtly humiliating.
But ‘Does anyone read your blog?’ would have to be the worst!
Cheers on FP 🙂
that’s weird! maybe because you were “at work” and she thought you were sharing some special secret?!
I think she became aware of my life, history and hardships, and began to view me differently. I did a video here about it – http://wordsfallfrommyeyes.wordpress.com/2013/09/05/when-they-pay-you-to-go/ – and in it also I say I believe it is related to when I came off antidepressants (without announcing it on the blog, without telling anyone), and I was unwell about a week – she really nit-picked my performance that week, then continued, seemed to go on a roll, and she just got worse (even when I was actually better).
I think my blog caused her to view me differently, in short.
Very entertaining and incredibly true. Doesn’t it make you want to grab and shake them?!
I have read your blog, liked it and stood amazed at how good you described our sensitive nature as bloggers. Well done!
🙂 thanks
That was fabulous! I can definitely relate. Although sometimes I’m happier to hear the words ‘I read your blog’ with no follow up, rather than ‘I read your blog but I think you should write about blah blah blah instead beauce that’s what I would rather read’.
Here’s my take on receiving unsolicited blogging advice http://acollectionofmusings.wordpress.com/2013/07/05/advice-is-free-thats-why-everyone-is-giving-it-away/
Love this! I’ve had people say all of these things to me.
I loved this too I thought I was the only one with zero confidence when it comes to blogging and I allowed it to stop me contributing! Thanks for reminding me it’s a learning process.
I read your post – and I truly liked it – in my mind and per pressing the like-button. I thought I will also follow you, so not to fall into point no.1 😉
Honestly, I thought is was brilliant. Looking forward into reading more of your posts 🙂
you’re not the only one who mentioned that “like” button with no follow up!
I am still aspiring to attract the readership to even make comments in the first place! I’d love to be told someone reads my blog!
True that! I am in the same boat.
I get it! I can’t wait until you get annoying comments 😉 haha
Oh dear. The worst of it is…I just hope I get comments! Sounds rather needy of me but honesty is the best policy, right? Lol Cheers x
Bang on target sir
I’m with you all the way 1 to 5…
ups, and no. 6 from Lance… lol…
bahah! thanks.
Reblogged this on itjustinme.
S m i l e !
I totally agree-to everything.
“Great read.” Nodding and running away now!
hardy har 😉
#8: I haven’t had time to read your blog.
#9: I still haven’t had a chance to read your blog.
[Mind you, I would probably have said the same until I started my own blog.]
ah yes. and i’m sure i was guilty of saying some similar things before i blogged, too.
now that was awesome (and true!) congrats on being freshly-pressed!!
lolllll loved the piece…specially the first point is so so apt!!!!
I’m in denial……Whilst loving this!!!
Spot on! Love this! I was hit with, “Maybe you should just keep a journal”.
that made me laugh out loud.
Yes, Five times yes! I am so glad you put this out there. Preaching to the choir and all that, I have to say that there are no end of times someone has totally wazzed me off by being “that guy”. At least now I know it’s not just me that get’s wazzed off.
When someone says “I read your blog” I usually say, “And……?” or “What did you think?” I’m always curious what somebody thinks of it and if there’s something I can improve about it.
yea. i’m usually paralyzed with self-doubt and my mouth stays shut or something really mumbly comes out!
i am new to blogging i like this.. (Y)
I love the list. But it missed out my all time worst thing that was said to me:
“You have a blog??? So you tell the world every time you have a bowel movement?”
Can we add that to the list?
[I feel I ought to clarify that my blog is in no way related to defecation.]
hahaha that’s hilarious (and sort of creepy)
I am new to blogging and really need some honest criticism about my writing, I can handle that. It’s difficult however when people judge your posts because they don’t relate to them. If you’re not my target audience, of course you may not feel a connection, but it would be nice to get some do/don’t advice. I know my target audience is out there, I just need to reach them! Wheelchair dog walking, adaptive sports, hardcore wheelchair basketball, overcoming disability. The interest must be out there somewhere!
oh definitely is. you’ll find a big group if you seek out similar blogs and start following/commenting on them.
Thanks for this. Big motivator. I just started blogging and, well, I was too chicken to put it out there, and now I am. Retardedly scary and cathartic too. Your post gave me insight into why we all blog.
Let it out! Don’t hold back.
Who you calling an emotional scaredy cat? 😉
Great post! I love putting people from #1 on the spot by asking them which posts they read and which they enjoyed the most.
hah, you’re brutal.
Number 1 is the one I get most. Its just so tantalizing. You read it! Thank you! Wait, did you hate it? Why did you bring this up? EEP.
“Did I mention that bloggers tend to be sensitive and unsure?” Yes we are. I don’t know how many times I have posted something, felt really good about it, only to be absorbed in self doubt a short time later.
Every. Post.
I am on my fourth year of blogging. Wish I could say this changes after a while. But, no, it doesn’t. 🙂 Congrats on your feature! FP! Wonder what they will say about that?
I hate the “how’s your blog?” q and I get it a lot. I’m always tempted to shout “WELL I DON’T KNOW, HOW IS IT?” Gah…
This is all so true! I get so many snide remarks about my blog from people who don’t have a clue! Thing is, we blog and we put ourselves out there and create content and what do they do? Nada!
touche touche, you have done us bloggers a great service. congratulations on being freshly pressed and thank you for being so honest.
Reblogged this on The Dread Pirate Buttercup and commented:
I would have to add to this (and since I am New to blogging and defiantly do not know the answer) the one that bugs me the most is… “What is your Blog about?” The others on here are great as well. Though My mom doesn’t read my blog 🙂
it’s hard to answer if it isn’t straightforward like “cooking” or “gardening”. I struggle with that one, too.
I just don’t know what to say. That seems, to me, to be more a question for specific writings. Not, an entire ongoing site devoted to a persons writings. Even the straightforward blogs (Gardening for instance) are about so many different aspects of gardening,. I suspect this would be annoying even if I could just “sum it up” neatly . 🙂
I’ve had a few non-committal responses to my blog….sure makes me wonder! You make excellent points! I find your writing wonderful and humorous! I look forward to seeing more of your work!
Penny
Thanks Penny. (Love your name, btw)
Thank you!
I often say “I don’t care if people like me or my blog,” but I damn sure relate to #1 and #5. Thanks.
saying and thinking aren’t always the same thing, eh?
Interesting points. My worst case scenario would be: ‘Could you make your outpourings a little simpler so lesser mortals might stand a better chance of following them?’ Luckily, yet to get it!
Great insight, even though writers may be insecure and sensitive, I still believe it to be a huge act of courage to write and also requires enormous balls to put yourself out there for the world to love, hate and usually ignore. There is a strange intimacy when you open yourself up and let someone read your thoughts, emotions and/or rants and raves— allowing someone to fondle your mind can be akin to being clumsily groped on a one night stand or made love to by a soul mate. Sometimes ya just got to get naked and see what happens, besides, masturbation is no substitute for being touched by another. Just don’t let the publishers pimp you out or rape you. Thanks for the great post.
Love this comment. Sentimental and hilarious at the same time. Totally agree with both the serious and the silly points!
Thank you! Everything I’ve been thinking and feeling for some time written so wonderfully.
Number 3 is the best! And so is your answer! Love it!
I just fell in love with your post. #4 “Are you still doing your blog?” annoys the mess out of me. Like, really? If you really wanted to know, you would go to my link, or find it on my website like I should you — a while back. Ugh, so annoying. I’m such a blogger lol.
Number 4 is the worst offender, for sure.
Or a good indication what you’re posting doesn’t have an audience…or is so boring/terrible no one wants to read it.
showed you**
I’m totally insecure. My family and friends don’t even know I have a blog, and have been writing in it for almost 2 years lol
Nail on the head with most of these.
i think that’s smart! then you avoid some of those awkward convos and you can write uninhibited.
Loved this lol! It’s as if you read my mind. All of the above I’ve run into and all have left me kinda scratching my head lol!
LOL….LOVED this!! I will now be following your blog….just so I can comment and ask the above questions 😉 It really was a funny read, and entirely too true! Thanks for the perfect morning read!
http://www.safehavenprivatevaults.com
http://www.nathancoccimiglio.com
Happy Friday!!! 🙂
OMG! I have found “my People”. Such a great post. Thank your for starting my day with a good laugh. The other bit of dialogue that terrifies me is the inevitable “what do you do?” question. Any advice because December is fast approaching and this question comes up a lot at the dreaded cocktail party.
You have time to come up with a witty response! You do! You could say….”I write”. If that’s true?
Oh yes! Thank you! As a beginner blogger this and so much more! Right now just keep sharing it on my Facebook in hopes someone will read my blog and connect! Not sure if my mother reads my blog though…May I re-blog this on Mommy Needs A Cuss Jar please?
Stop trying to write for an audience and write for yourself instead.
Writing for myself would entail a lot of swearing as I cannot vocalize all I want to say to my child lol. I think that is the main reason for my blog only because I go crazy as a stay at home mom.
Let it be your out, then. Go ahead and swear it up. don’t censor yourself for the perception of your audience.
If your blog is your “dime store therapy”, then allow it to be. My motorcycle and days at the range for “dime store therapy” with my writings being just additional gravy.
Should anyone complain about how you do your entries or try to make it reflect you as a mother with your tone and language, forget them.
Genuine hope your blog brings you satisfaction and is appreciated by at least one person! That’s what I strive for at least.
Swear it up, indeed! This is the place for catharsis and no holding back. Check out this rant: https://amorninggrouch.com/2013/04/23/top-10-things-infertiles-want-you-to-shut-the-fuck-up-about/ and then talk to me about swearing! 🙂
reblog away, my dear! thanks.
The problem with most “bloggers” is they write for an audience, instead of themselves. I write for myself, and if other people like it, then that’s a bonus. I honestly don’t care if it’s only myself, my wife, or one of my friends like an entry. If it’s only one person, then I’m satisfied. Of course I’m always satisfied since I always like my entries.
Because I never refer to what i do as blogging, being a blogger, nor having a blog people generally don’t ask about my blog. When they do, they usually ask, “Do you still write on the Internet?” or “You still write?”
As far as my more serious writings go, like my short stories, the reason people ask is because I generally don’t show them to anyone. The only they know about are my online entries, which are mostly comedic in tone, and sometimes the conversations we have go in line with one, so I’ll read a few lines as a sample.
I’m pretty sure my mother still wishes I would just write my stories and not what I do online. I think she’s the biggest supporter of wanting it taken down. *L*
That’s a good point. Someone else mentioned that she calls hers a “writer’s site” which I LOVE. Because yes, that’s why I’m writing (and why I often ignore all the inane rules and ettiquette). Totally agree with this idea here.
wow, i feel like many people can relate to this as well as me
Brought it up in other posts, but write for yourself and not for an audience. Also, leaving comments on other people’s blogs and making responses can get people to check you out.
yep. yep!
lol….you caught it right… these were my sentiments when I first started too. It is quite something to put yourself out there…. thank you for sharing.
so true! these really are the worst things you can say. I actually like it when people comment, but barely anyone does. If you can’t comment and you liked it, at least like it. It does something for me sometimes.
positive feedback is affirming.
I had no idea that blogging has so many “rules” and what a culture it is! Thanks for posting, any other blogger insights for someone new at this?
ignore all the rules and just write. 🙂
Sounds good to me!
That about sums up everything my mom has ever said to me about blogging.
hah.
This is hilarious. Love it.
I’ve only been blogging for 19 days and i can already see how annoying it would be to hear those! Fortunately i’ve never had somebody say any of those to me, and i’ve not even thought about saying them to anybody else. Thanks for this post, you may have saves me my head! 😛
Saved*
yes, it’ll happen. just wait!
Sometimes when people say nothing they are actually gaga over your blog, they just don’t want you to think they’re stalking you
That is such a positive outlook. 😉
In the beginning, it was so exciting for me, I talked about it with friends. Now I am more reserved. I think if I had kept it on the down low I would have been better off. My own book club has never been to my blog….
I think the word “blog” is a turn off. I would love to coin the term “writer’s site.” We can all relate!
I love the term writer’s site! seems so much less….BLAH and so much more real. Yes, I think in retrospect anonymous blogs are most certainly the way to go!
So very true!
Yep, you sum it all up perfectly 😀
I’m with you all the way — right down to the cat. He read the blog as well, but offered no comment. At least nothing intelligible anyway. Frankly, I think he’s more emotional secure than I am.
Cats are more emotionally secure than any being on the planet.
Undoubtedly. I am so envious of them, but then I would be, right?
I like cats a lot !!
ME TOO.
Thank you so much for your article:)
I just blog for me, in that sense I guess I am narcissistic! If other people like it, that’s cool!
Reblogged this on thebookkahuna and commented:
I found this blog extremely witty!
I have definitely had people say these things to me.
Love your post:)
I’m pretty sure it’s only my mom and her friends that read mine…or at least enough to get the jist of it. haha.
#6 “What is your blog about?”
Indeed, that one is really annoying!
Haha you’re hilarious. This post is so true and deserved to be on Freshy Pressed! Glad I found your blog this way 🙂
Reblogged this on Mommy Needs A Cuss Jar and commented:
I read this post this morning and find it true. The looks I get when I say I blog!
Reblogged this on maunderingsofaninja.
thank you 🙂
Could you tell me how you get the shortened version of your post that just gives you a little?
Dude I’m a total bloggy slacker….no clue. Lol. I’ve seen a lot of people just write a bit of their own and quote a part of it with a link to the rest??
Ok. Thanks anyway
I best keep this in mind.. i’m new to blogging
You got a laugh out of me. Probably because it is so true. Bravo!
i can only speak the truth.
You speak the truth :’) love this post. love your blog
I absolutely love this post, it had me laugh out loud, no really it did. I understand completely what you’re saying, and as a visual artist writing for me can be a bit of foreign territory, and awkward. Often don’t quite know what to say in my own blog. I’m glad there’s someone out there that feels the same about having basically no feedback. I think at one point I actually made a post asking if there was anyone out there, and got no response. How sad was that, so instead I put whatever out there and hope someone sees it along the way. Thanks for putting it out there. And by the way… I read your blog. 😛
🙂 yes, it is so scary to put yourself out there. but, keep doing it anyway.
http://pharaohsdidit.wordpress.com/
I liked your blog about worst things to say to a blogger. I too am striving to overcome procrastination. Its been suggested to me to start a blog over a year ago. I just got around to looking into it. I’ll create one eventually and my mom (biggest supporter) will read mine too.
just do it and be a bloggy slacker, like me! no pressure
Good post. I don’t have any of these problems though, because no one reads my blog.
not YET.
True , nearly no one reads mine , but still you slowly are becoming a terrible addict for looking at your own blog statistics ( even if it serves no purpose at all ) , … ( err … what next ? )
Glad I’m not the only one 🙂
and isn’t THAT the kind of feedback we’re usually all looking for?
My blog’s for me, but somehow other people have read it. What the?
hooray!
Ha! Ha! So true! I’m six months into blogging and I have experienced everything you’ve said. Thanks for posting.
I haven’t been blogging too long and from what I hear from veterens, it doesn’t get any better! haha
I love this! especially with the “almost zero clue where to start”. seriously, im still facing that thing! nice blog!
me too. sometimes I care, sometimes i don’t. meh.
Congratulations making freshly pressed!
thanks! didn’t expect it, that’s for sure.
I think the worst one is nothing, even if you are the type of blogger that writes harsh things that stump people, you still deserve a little – OMG you scared me for life!:” Right”?
Thank you, Thank you. The whole list is great and I am so happy to know that I am not the only one. I am so clueless, I didn’t even know other bloggers felt this way. I have to re-blog this. Thank you again.
Reblogged this on Women are Everything.
I just started my first blog just a few days ago. You gave me a hearty laugh! Now I know what there is to look forward to. Too funny.
Actually, judging by this post & it’s comments, I think you may be a blogging genius! Writing what’s on all our minds, had a good chuckle, thanks!
I definitely agree with this list. Just perfect!
I enjoyed reading your blog and understand where you and many of your commentators are coming from yes i read each and every comment 🙂
Spot on. I’m learning more every day.
Delightful post! I read it, I read a few other things on your blog as well, and, oh yeah, I followed you too, since you are definitely awesome. And I wasn’t about to be guilty of #5 by not commenting. 😛 Cheers!
so tue! Hugs, Barbara
i learn about blog thank you …..
Reblogged this on Sheshe and Camilla's Text Messages From The Edge (or, How To Manage Middle Age).
I really enjoyed your blog and as a new blogger myself it struck an emotional cord. Thank you for sharing with us
your post hit home,im still learning the ropes.and rules.Thank you for saying what alot of us would like to
Reblogged this on DiamondsSparkles.
I’m still at the point of not sharing my blog link on facebook. For some reason it makes me nervous. Baby steps.
Very nice entry. And true for the most part i guess 😉 this made me smile, thank you,
Spot on 😀
So many things from this post (and the comments!) have resonated with me! Thanks for posting 🙂
Signed,
Fellow Insecure Blogger
i just recently took blogging seriously, like posting almost everyday. and just this week i felt 1 out of 5, specifically, the nothing part. writing is fun though, and like you, i use it as a legitimate excuse to procrastinate.
Okay.. I admit I AM sensitive and insecure.. I delete my personal blogs all the time, and then feel unfulfilled and start a new one..
Must admit, I had to think for more than five seconds before writing this comment, so your blog had an impact on me. But then, I wouldn’t want to say anything to offend deliberately. Thought your post was to the point!
I wish you were wrong, but you’re right. Loved this post!
~ I love #1! They should have just give us feedback instead, right? Before I forget, lemme congratulate u on being FP! Yours is a simple but cool post. You nailed it! 🙂 – Bliss, The Lurker’s List
I simply like this posts and I want to congratulate you for it.Keep Blogging 🙂
Very good points, I too have not been at this very long, but it is impossible to read through the countless blogs out there I find interesting to read. Some blogs are very lengthy, which take a considerable amount of time to go through, but I do my best.
I HATE the whole, “how’s your blog?” question! Ugh.
I am a cat but i’m not scared! A very interesting blog to read as I am new to the world of blogging I am yet to experience all of this but I shall keep it in mind!
Way cool blog.
This is so true!!!! I’ve had my blog for a little over half a year, and I usually post once a week. One time I was busy with school and stuff, and I skipped a week. The day after I next posted, I was talking to my friend and I mentioned something about my post, and she said “I was wondering whether to say something, you weren’t posting anything!!!” I had no idea what to say. I think blogs are just this kind of thing that we need to feel like we have absolute control over, so we don’t necessarily like when other people talk to us about it, because we can’t control their response
This is so true! We may need a support group.
True, still relatively new at this but comments are so nice to read 🙂
That exactly how I feel too!!
People are either bloggers or they’re not. So many people out there cannot comprehend why people would share things about their lives online. If something you write informs or helps or entertains somebody, than you have succeeded…nonbloggers don’t get that…they don’t see how that can be possible.
Or my other favorite….”What IS blogging?”
Hahah THAT is a good one.
All of this is so real. Great post.
Haha – this speaks LOUD of what we go through. Thank you for posting – I will reblog. 😀 cate b
Reblogged this on Let's Have Another Piece of Pie and commented:
Hey friends – this says it all………
Nice! And congrats on being pressed.
Lol!
Love it! I’m still learning the ropes. I hope my mom reads mine. I’m new to this blogging world so stop by and let me know how I’m doing. http://www.tiaslabaugh.wordpress.com
Haha great blog 🙂 i can’t stop laughing at the question does anyone read your blog 🙂 love it 🙂 (and sorry if i make grammar mistakes, i usually don’t speak english 😉 )
Reblogged this on What Goes Around Comes Around.
Oh God, I loved it, honestly.
Ah, yes, I can related to all of that. I become less sensitive with time but I still care more about what others think about my blog than I ought to. Good piece!
Have just started blogging and about to start posting all these essays and rants and raves I have been storing on my computer, notebook, desk drawer for years and never had the confidence to share with anyone… Still haven’t told my mum about it though- should I?? (She is probably a subject in a few rants) So maybe not…Yet! Maybe after Christmas when I have written some more! Thanks for the heads up on what to expect from the blogging community! x
Yea honestly sn anonymous blog might be the way to go..so you don’t have to hold back. Up to you though and what you’re comfortable with.
Even my mom won’t read my blog. Time to go cry in the shower.
bahaha
Love this list!
Loved this. I blog because I love to write and on the slim, remote, slight, ridiculous chance that someone might find humor and/or interest in it. Since we can track how many people read our blog, with little feedback of same (cue in insecurity), I’m quick to conclude that they all think it sucks! Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone in this cold, cold blog world lol!
Hah, I don’t know that that is what it means, but it certainly feels like it, doesn’t it?! I try to remember that before I blogged I never commented on any blogs, ever.
thanks good post, fun reading all the remarks, almost as fun as reading the post! I have two blogs, one for family & friends and the other for me.
smart.
jajaja the first one made me laugh and I don’t even know why!
Good Work! This is so true…
Haha, this is a great article. Keep up the good work.
YES, thanks for writing this. I haven’t been a regular blogger lately, and right now I’m sort of staying under the radar as a blogger, so my friends have no idea about my blog. But when I DID publicly blog, I remember thinking these exact same things. Like, why the hell would you ask me if I still blog? Just check yourself!
seems like such an obvious solution.
i click like hisssss
Brilliant! Although, my mum doesn’t read my blog. Should I be worried?
you should probably be thankful (unless you need her to share your writing to get the word out)
haha this is true!
Ha! I have heard all five (four? plus silence?) of these, which goes to show that even the most amateur of us can relate. My mother also likes telling people that I have at least one dedicated reader (that would be her…), so helpful:) Great post!
hooray for moms.
I’m still at the “Oh, you have a blog?” stage. I get over excited when I see someone has read it, even if apart from a couple of friends the followers all seem to be wanting me to make my millions from my blog by simply subscribing to their newsletter or something. Keep reminding myself I do this because things fight to get out of my head into the real world, not because I actually expect people to be waiting with bated breath for my next dollop of musing.
This is all ahead of me, apart from the sensitive and insecure bit – seem to have that down pat.
yea, totally understand your position! Some days I care, some days I don’t. Even if no one read at all, I’d keep doing it for the therapeutic value.
Word! It gets lonley in the “bloggasphere” Thanks for posting…
in the bloggysphere and the biosphere.
So true.
Great post! The picture had me laughing. Bloggers pretty much sew their hearts on their sleeves so we all tend to be a little sensitive! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed, cheers to blogging!
Thanks! That’s my lovely cat, Twigs. He’s crazy but beautiful lol.
I can think of worse things to say but I’m not going to say them out loud.
Btw, this post has words. How about you?
Amen, friend!
Woah. An extremely insightful post, one that is both relatable and surprising. ‘not a blogging genius’? Oh, you have no idea. 🙂
Very good piece! I certainly hate when people simply say “I read your blog” without elaborating. I would rather they not even tell me that if they’re not going to say anything further. All non-bloggers should really read this piece.
Got a new follow! Loved your posts, your fun to read…yes, loved your blog!!
Reblogged this on lufangblog and commented:
Growth of knowledge
Love this post. However, mid-comment am realising that I have nothing substantial to say. We bloggers get tongue-tied too.
Yes, we totally can get that way, I am living proof of that.
Reblogged this on Handmade goods by Winterapocalypse.
thanks 🙂
Welcome.
odd thing, blogs.. 🙂 I post only to inspire.. I don’t do personal – or rarely do.. I really hope to uplift people, To pass on knowledge gained.. I don’t have much of a following, true. Perhaps because I don’t rant on about my personal life. Who Knows? My blog is read, although not by many on “word press..” I won’t make freshly pressed, (known as freshly pi**ed by some.. lol… but that’s okay. My blog is my diary – something to turn too when I need to. ~ leave you with a thought…. Technology…the knack of so arranging the world that we don’t have to experience it… Max Frisch.
a diary without anything personal? hm.
personal but in a different sort of way… A diary of inspirational – all of which have touched my life… in some sort of way… 🙂
an inspirational diary of daily quotes and prose.. yes.. somewhere to look back on.. – or a gathering of those words that touched me in some way. 🙂
Ah gotcha. That makes sense 🙂
Having just written my first blog yesterday I found your post today. It is very funny. It also is scary in a way. I don’t think I gave any thought to the sort of person I am before commencing. I can identify with a lot of the points raised. I think I would like to have read your blog before launching into my little effort, perhaps my first attempt would be better if I had. I will now worry about people not wanting to read my blog and I will then try to find excuses for their not doing so and in the end I will now worry myself sick. Thanks
Hahaha sounds like you can relate to the insecurities part…. too funny.
Just a bit.
I read and like your blog.. I love your matter-of-fact writing style . No waffle. I’ve only started my blog and when people ask me how’s my blog, I get a bit tetchy and can’t understand why. Thank you for validating my feelings! :0)
My favorite line of your comment = “no waffle”. For some reason that makes me chuckle.
Lol! that’s good. I think I was a little tired when I wrote that and couldn’t come up with anything longer..
You know at least my mom reads it. And sometimes she forces her friends to. So, um YEAH. THEY DO. Humph…………………. Hehehe i enjoyed this line alot 😀 ….
haha sad but true, eh? thanks.
But i cant even say this right now 🙂 as i m kind of new Blogger here and my mother do not use internet 🙂 hehehe
😀
So true on all points.
Nice stuff. I loved number 5.
Thank you. Loved your 5 points..
Found myself agreeing with all of that!
Your hit the nail on the head. I get asked 2 and 4 regularly and the answers in my head are exactly as you write them!!
oh yes, these are definitely “in the head” responses only! hah.
I definitely have to agree with this. There’s nothing worse than putting yourself out there, encompassed with all your thoughts and feelings, and people just say those things to do. Makes the insecurity that much worse, that’s for sure. I really enjoyed reading this. Your writing is excellent! 🙂
I know it’s just our own insecurities….but they sure do feel so real. Thanks 🙂
I do so agree with you! And also at the beginning you describe exactly how I feel; not knowing how the blogging world works, the etiquette, the people etc… I feel kinda lost a lot of the time T_T
But well, guess it just takes time and after all, yep, at least my mom reads my blog 😉
I think blogging is the bestest ever. It gives me a chance to just share a thought with so many others and I simply love making friends.
“…inept when it comes to verbal communication…”
That is an astute observation concerning bloggers. I would like to know the percentage of WordPress bloggers who identify as introverts,
since introverts are typically better communicators in the written format.
On another note…I told my sister I started a blog. “But I only have 20 followers at this time,” I state.
“That’s twenty more than you had when you started,” she stated. I love her for that, for offering me a positive and realistic perspective.
So to add to your list…What “to” say to a blogger….
Oh, good idea for a post. Sounds so much harder than the bitchy rant I wrote, though. hah.
when i get a “like” i go the the liker’s about page, then to their home page where i’ll: thank her/him, make a positive comment and ask, “why the like?”
Wow, aggressive! Does it work?
Hiss…huck…hack…HACK…HACK!! Meow.
My favorite type of comment on my blog(s) are the ones completely unrelated to what I have posted. They aren’t spam, per se, but you think, “Did you just read anything I have read?”
And I love it when people email me and ask me if I can post about something that is completely unrelated to my content. I have one self-hosted blog that is related to the 1920s, and every week some guy emails me with suggestions (because I ask for them in my contact page) that have nothing to do with the 1920s or even remotely close to being inspired by it. I message him back and say, “Well, this (whatever it is) does not fit within the scope of my blog” he gets catty and says “YOU asked for suggestions.” *sigh* People just don’t pay attention. That is why I have started a new free blog on WP to see how things go with it and if I should bother paying the expense for commenters like the above mentioned guy. lol
True. Sometimes I worry about that, if I am reflecting only a part of a blog, but I’m sure at least my point, and the relation to the writing itself, comes through. Which is important.
#5 is clutch! Always nice when someone says something!!
Tiny goat steaks are more correctly known as chops!
Great post that outlined not only my compulsions, but also my angst.
I couldn’t have said it better.
There’s those people that read the posts and insist on giving you real life comments…like seriously? have you ever gotten a-hold of Dan Brown or Jeffery Archer to tell them how amazing they’re writing is? or how you liked this specific scene? didn’t think so.
I loved this.
.theafricangirl.
*Mapenzi.Love* 🙂
their writing***
sorry for the poor grammar.
Reblogged this on jasonschillzone.
Earned another new follower! Perfectly described me. And made me chuckle to know there are others out there like me. 😀
And isn’t that why we blog? We’re not alone! And we’re also not (too) crazy.
I couldn’t agree more. i am definitely insecure about this whole setup. being brand new at it doesn’t help either!
I just have been blogging for about a month and I can already tick all five annoying sentences off! I wrote one article in which I appealed to anonymous bloggers to show their names, to show who’s the person behind those letters, that are sometimes funny, sometimes interesting and sometimes even brillant, but everytime more than their authors consider. Thanks to these comments I got at least one reason to stay anonymous as a blogger. (sorry for mistakes, I’m not a native speaker)
hahahaha this is so true!
The cat analogy…..duh. Your blog is great!
I like this post! Sometimes I wonder if my parents are my only readers too 🙂 I used to write my blog as an extra publicity tool for my music, but now I’m enjoying writing so much it doesn’t matter so much to me how many people read it (just today I had my 5000th view!)
You’re writing. The production of the writing itself is really the important thing. So therapeutic.
I meant to say, “”you’re right” and I wrote “you’re writing”. Which you are. Hah.
#5 is one I have been feeling and scratching my head on….I am new to blogging and I’m trying to learn the ropes. I question if I’m doing it right…..thanks for the above blog, at least I know I’m not the only one who feels this way and this helps me feel a bit better about myself. If you or anyone would like to take a look at what little bit I have written and tell me your thoughts and/or suggestions I would be extremely grateful. I just wrote one on Forgiveness that was hard to write, took 2 days before I had it good enough and the courage to publish it. Thanks again for your thoughts on what you’ve learned!!!
Yea, I know that feeling of waiting to hit pubish, or being afraid to hit it. Just keep hitting it (did that sound suggestive? You know what I meant, right?!)
Thanks!!!! And I will “HIT” it…….
Reblogged this on Robin's Life Blog.
Thanks 🙂
Nice post you spoke for most of us! check out my blog…I hope it inspires you
Check this OUT!!! http://TheJobCow.com/?id=rafe23
sheesh! now everyone knows what really happens behind the scenes! meow!
Waow! This is true true true! Thanks for speaking for us all.
http://damilolaolori.wordpress.com
Reblogged this on JOindex.
Reblogged this on gustyadek.
I just joined Word Press yesterday and I saw this entry. I’m glad you posted this because I’m not used to the blogging atmosphere, this my first blogging attempt. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I’ll keep these pointers in mind.
-sincerely, A Word Press Newbie
Ps. If you have any advice, I’m a great listener! 🙂
just have fun writing, and click publish! and be honest.
Thanks 🙂 I have a question, are you better off blogging about your life, or things people would actually be interested in, as in daily problems? Because I would like to know if ever blogger has a theme.
I blog for therapy so I blog about my life. If you want to build a big audience might want a clearer theme.
Here you! I feel like its a fight to get my friends and family just to hit the follow button! I love when I asked, “Did you check out my blog”? And the reply is… “Oh, I’m going to”. This is all while I’m chatting with them on FB. It’s easier to get perfect strangers to read it!
it really is. and you often get much better feedback from the strangers. ditch the fam.
If one could only choose their family….
Reblogged this on samhorseman.
I’m new to blogging so it is good to know what I should / shouldn’t be saying, as well as what to expect from others, eek. Good to see that cats play a large part in all this 🙂
cats are behind everything.
this so right man
Right on!
I agree I’ve been writing forever and I still haven’t a clue how to make money with it
yea…i paid for a self-hosted site but have been too lazy to learn how to do anything with it. maybe someday. maybe not.
No I’m not insecure! No really I’m not.
Now tell me you love me. You love me ….. right?
smooch.
True True True. But I have managed the most diplomat-styled replies. Helps. For the numbers matter
After reading this article, some of them have replied in a similar way as mentioned in the comments! This is paradoxical!
astute observation !!
simply awesome.
So I’ve heard all of those too smh. Lol that I’m not the only one who wants to scratch someone’s eyes out for using those options! The world needs to know this is a violation to a blogger!!!
Hah this made me giggle. i have just started a blog back up again, well like an hour ago actually, i used to have one a while ago and then life got REALLY busy. But i know what you mean, but to me the blog is mostly for myself, and i am thinking it would be so fun to go back through all my posts in a few years and see how much we do actually change!
so true
we need to be protected from crazy idlers.
http://bonixxnina.wordpress.com
Great discussion here! I read your post with interest and found the comments pretty amazing. I quoted your blog today on a post I wrote- thank you for sharing such great insight!
I usually write for international travelers, and found your comments on acceptance for bloggers to be equally applicable so I created an “worst 5” and added a “best 5 things to say” for accepting and understanding people who are from elsewhere.
http://whattheworldtaughtme.com/2013/11/25/the-5-worst-and-best-things-you-can-say-if-you-meet-an-ex-pat/
I’m looking forward to checking back often (and not to commit any of the 5 worst!)
nice!!
well according to the comment doodad I’m number 534. You are experiencing the same balls I am. No commenters of any worth. Grrr!
Reblogged this on The Poetry Salon.
I just began blogging and wrote something about being unsure about my posts. Currently, this is not posted, as I am unsure about posting.
bahah. click publish!
I published not long after leaving this comment. LOL.
I read your blog….., good!
Reblogged this on Worrying Wonders and commented:
Insecurity described at its finest.
Absolutely spot on! Cousins of mine swore they regularly read my blog. When I was checking my blog post they walked up behind me and asked “What is that?”… Jeez!
liars! boo. hiss.
I am very new to the blog space and it is nice to know that I am not alone in my insecurities. I like to think that blogging is similar to talking to myself, sometimes someone might listen, or not p.s. you cat is lovely!
Reblogged this on Marsay and commented:
We sensitive like that….HISS:-p
Never easy to bare you soul to the world! I told my family & friends to be gentle lol
Reblogged this on Cold Thriller in Disguise.
I am not a scardey-cat or insecure.
I just like to share my blogs and stories with others.
Geniuses do not blog, they write theses. No need to worry about not being a blogging genius, who is a genius anyway? Mark Shuttleworth? Richard Branson?
hah, good point!
Reblogged this on Mind Clarity and commented:
Can anyone say it better? I think not.
Scaredy cats – so true. The minute that email comes in from WordPress, titled “___ liked your blog post!” yet there’s no comment, or even the follow email, I’m left with no idea why. Blogging is weird. Fairly new to it here on WP but agree, without “real” comments on the content, I don’t know if anyone likes it, or why they follow. I’m guilty of the #5. Just keeping my trap shut, cos most of the stuff I read, I tend to disagree with and instead of leaving negative comments, I just don’t leave any. OMG, Hope that’s not why I’ve no comments? Scaredy cat me lol. Anyway, great post and I certainly can relate. Awesome writing!
Reblogged this on My Life and commented:
So true!!
Fantastic read!
Wow, it’s like you were inside my head. Thank you for putting into words what so many of us feel. We’ll done!
thanks!
In the same boat!
Love it when someone’s writing can actually make me laugh out loud. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
thanks for reading 🙂
I am very new to the blogging world and have already heard many of these things coming from friends and family. Happy to know I’m not the only blogger going through it!
So TRUE!!!
Hey you, spell “scaredy” cats right, why don’t you? lol Just kidding my friend. Love the blog so far. I have MS and though I have several blogs where I post occasionally I usually run out of steam before I get around to responses and etiquette. I’m still trying to figure out how to operate WordPress. I hope you don’t mind that I follow your blog on my page. Have a great day! – The Mudge
damn it did you find a typo? I am a typo QUEEN. If you were one of my students I’d give you a sticker for spying it.
Fantastic post! Love it – this sums me up so well! 🙂
Hahha great post, so sadly accurate!
This is great- I encounter this all the time on my own blog, and it pisses me right off! HAHA! People randomly comment on my facebook page and go “Hey you still writing on that blog”
“THAT…BLOG?!?!?!” COME ON!
-Anastasia
and on your fb page no less, where you probably have a link to your blog! hah
Exactly haha!!!
When I tell people I have a blog and I get the awkward silence or the blink, blink, blink…but then they’ll turn around and tell me I should check out someone else’s blog…Priceless
Blink. Blink. That’s the worst.
Lol sure is.
Thank you for the hilarious post. When I started blogging almost a month ago, I was disturbed by the lack of comments. I worried a lot that my writing was the reason for it, until one fine morning when I got my first comment. Yay! Your post so true and to the point.
Only other bloggers understand the value of a comment.
Reblogged this on The Broken Mirror and commented:
I love this article! It is funny, but also sadly true. However, I only want to be an emotional scardey-cat if I can Hiss at people all day!
I loved this so much I had to reblog it! You said things that have stayed politely in my head forever! Reblogged on: http://ramonatheconfused.wordpress.com
I’m really good at not being polite, sometimes
So so true! Loved it 🙂 Hope all those who say (even one) these 5 things, read it.
#3 & 5 – very insensitive & inconsiderate – ouch!!
Re-blogging on http://yopinks.wordpress.com/ – Thanks much!
Hehe thanks 🙂
Reblogged this on Yup…that's me! and commented:
so true!
This is too funny! Keep writing! You have great voice. 🙂
I hope you have a beautiful day! ❤
Why, thank you!
As a blogger this is very insightful and a quick reminder of what not to say to a fellow blogger. Luckily I am only guilty of “are you still doing your blog?” and after reading this all I can say is ouch.
This post, YES. I just started this blog but I have a few niche blogs. I rarely share them the people in my life because of these very things. Also
6) Do you ever blog about…”___”
hah, i haven’t gotten that one yet!
My dad. -.- I made this blog for me, dad, not so you can control me online as well.