Thursday 24 September 2015

Why I'm leaving 300 blog comments in 30 days.



Last week I set myself a challenge to leave 300 blog comments in 30 days.  #300in30days

Why would I inflict such a thing on myself? I hear you, and my aching elbow, ask. Well ... read on ...

As any unpaid blogger will tell you, after they've carefully plotted, drafted, written out, edited, taken photographs to illustrate, scheduled and then promoted a new blog post, receiving a comment on it really does help them feel it all might have been worth it. 

Well, that's what any honest blogger will tell you.

There may be those who profess to really not care about the number of comments they receive, that they do it all for the self-expression or the connection with others.

But I'd guess that unless they've actually removed the comment facility on their blog [thus proving they don't want/need comments] then those bloggers are either:
  • [a] getting so many comments that they can be safely confident enough to know they are reaching their audience as they hope to;
  • OR [b] they're lying. 
  • [Or maybe they're masochistic and they just enjoy the feeling of being ignored...]

So, I'll be the first to admit that, when my posts don't receive many comments which is actually the general rule [none of my posts this year reached 20 comments and the average is just a handful per post], I feel it. 
  • I feel like I'm wasting my time;
  • I feel like whatever it is I enjoy blogging about just isn't hitting the mark with readers;
  • I feel silly for spending so much time blogging if no one hears it;
  • I feel it's a good job I enjoy writing my posts and documenting my life in this way. Otherwise there'd be no reason for me to do it. I'd be long gone.
But, hang on hang on ... this is not intended to be a pity party!  

For a start I appreciate every one of those handful of comments. They're a wonderful handful.
  • They're a handful from the kinds of hands that put down everything else to type out a greeting to me from far and wide.
  • Hands that are warm, friendly and steadying.
  • Hands which, were my comments section the 'real' world, would be pulling a chair out for me to sit, and passing me a cuppa. 
  • Hands that would wave to me from across the road, from out of a window, from above a crowd. 
  • Hands that would cover their faces when I made an awful joke.
  • Hands that would draw me into a hug when I needed one.
Quality will always win out over quantity but, in order for my writing [and my shop] to succeed, and in order for my network to stay alive  - I need to make a conscious effort to keep those relationships going AND meet new bloggers

And I know there are many good reasons I don't receive lots of blog comments ... for example ...
  1. As well as a blog, I also run a Facebook page and a Twitter account where I chat with people on a wider scale than I do here. And social media makes it so easy to leave comments and chat. Easier than via blogs. 
  2. I'm moving away from focusing on sharing craft projects here, so it's possible that much of my old blogger network has moved away from me as I have moved away from craft-blogging. AND ...
  3. I admit that I am not the world's most dedicated blog-commenter myself. So I don't expect to receive something that I don't always give. [Stop sniggering at the back there!].
In short ... don't worry about me ... I'll get by; I'm not letting this get out of proportion. I'm just stating facts. And feeling a little bit exposed in the process ... but I feel it's worth talking about.

But rather than merely bemoan my current situation:
  • Partly because self-pity never won friends or influenced people ...
  • And partly because it's tricky to leave blog comments in the dark ...

I decided to act in the spirit of an old proverb: to light a candle rather than cursing the darkness.

And challenging myself to leave 300 blog comments in 30 days is my candle of choice.

Between now and October 17th, as I'm leaving my comments on old blogs and new, I'm hoping that somewhere amid the 300 ...
  • I'll connect with a few new-to-me bloggers.
  • I might find new readers who appreciate my blogging style.
  • I'll put out so much positive blogging charm ... that some of it might find its way back to me one day.
  • I might make someone's day.
  • I'll find new inspiration, new aspirations, new friendships. 
  • I'll come face to face with some of those serendipities I very much treasure but which you can never plan for! 
I'm keeping track of all the blogs - old and new - I visit during the challenge and will no doubt share some of my experience, reflections and statistics as I move along.



AND HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP ME AND/OR JOIN IN:

[1]Just join in!!
  • Set yourself a 30 day period [any time you like]; 
  • Start commenting and counting up your comments;
  • Use the hashtag  #300in30days on Facebook/Twitter [I'm not yet on Instagram] to share your experiences. 
[2]Suggest a blog for me to read.
  • Let me know who you enjoy reading.
  • I thought 300 comments would be easy - just 10 a day. But ... it turns out it's trickier than it seems - especially if I want to leave genuine, engaged, comments each time.
  • So help me, and anyone else reading, by linking me up to new content in a comment [!] or via social media.  #300in30days 
  • You're welcome to self-promote, or pimp a good friend or family member's blog. [I'm not against some light nepotism or cronyism!] 
[3]Share with me where/how you find new blogs.
  • For example I've recently discovered some hashtags [eg. #30plusblogs] that I can use to find bloggers I would never normally discover.
  • Where do you go when you need a shot of something fresh and new?
  • What are your techniques for uncovering blogging treasures? 
And finally ... 

[4]Keep me going!
  • Cheer me on, share my posts on social media, leave me a comment!
  • Slide cups of tea into my peripheral vision while I sit here typing, typing, typing comments.
  • Knit me a support bandage to prevent RSI!  ;-)

-------------------------------------------
Over to you dear blog reader, maybe you'd like to ...

  • share your own feelings on how blog comments make you feel;
  • share thoughts on why people might not leave comments; 
  • chat about anything comment-related;
  • and leave me those links! 
See you here soon or at the #300in30days hashtag sooner.

Julie 

78 comments:

  1. I identify with a lot of what you say here Julie. I found that when I was creating posts about cards I had made I wasn't getting many comments and even less when I was posting tutorials, which take a lot of time to write not to mention photograph. However if I posted a picture of what was on my desk as part of that well know Wednesday meme, woyww, I might get as many as 20 comments. Those posts can be written in about 10 minutes, a tutorial might take several hours. Commenting seems to have dropped off over the summer and I've been less than consistent over the last few months, which plays a part I know. For me it's always been more about connecting with like minded folk, but that kinda starts with a comment doesn't it? Well that was a lot of ramble that didn't really say much! I like the idea of 300 in 30 days and it was lovely to see your name pop up in my comments the other day :-)

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    1. Thanks so much for sharing all that Fiona. Like you say, it's the connection with like-minded folk that I'm really after, but I just don't know what else to do to find them [and they're obviously not finding me!]. I'm going to try to treat this all as an experiment ... to see if you really can do anything *deliberate* to find a network OR if it's all just chance ...

      And I'm absolutely aiming to keep in touch with my *current* network too, no throwing my blog baby out with the bath water!

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    2. someone (can't remember who) says to put your blog address as part of pinterest info when pinning, or your blog address as the 'visit' button - that could drive people back to your blog (as long as the pin originated from your blog, obviously) (you might do that already, sorry I didn't mean to state the obvious!)

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  2. Great post.... I read many blogs and try to comment when something resonates with me. I'd leave more comments if the process was more streamlined... but that's also a bit of an excuse on my part. http://decor8blog.com/ posted yesterday about the future of blogging and it's very insightful. 2 of my favorite blogs are http://dispatchfromla.com/ and http://talltalesfromkansas.typepad.com/ who happen to be sisters..... they usually post with a bit of humor which I enjoy! Thanks for a great post. I need to remember there is a person at the other end of a blog and try and leave more feedback.

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    1. Thanks Emie1 I've heard of one of those blogs [I took one of her classes once] - but it's not in my blog reader - so will definitely take another look. I'm adding all suggestions to a #300in30days Pinterest board so I don't forget them all: https://www.pinterest.com/notesonpaper/300-in-30-days-a-blog-commenting-challenge/

      And thanks for a heads up on the decor8 post too - very interesting + timely for me!!!

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  3. Julie, I am going to join in! I will aim to leave 300 comments in 30 days in October. I've been very lax with blogging lately, but don't want to lose it. I love the idea of finding new blogs and connecting with new bloggers. I did do that a while ago when I started dressmaking again. And now I have my own Etsy shop selling vintage sewing items. Thanks for the idea and good luck with your challenge!

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    1. It probably makes sense to focus in a specific month ... I just thought of the idea and set it all up the same day! Impulsive? Me? Keep in touch with how it goes!

      And best of luck with the Etsy shop!!

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  4. I know exactly what you mean about the comments. I don't blog for them, but it sure is nice when you get them! I'm always amazed at the number of people that I come across in my daily life that I never knew followed my blog. Just last night, a friend told me that her daughter---who lives in Atlanta---took one of my tips and is thrilled with it. I had no idea she followed me. It really doesn't take all that long to leave a comment. I don't always do it either, but with your prompting and good example, I'm going to make more of an effort. Thank you, my new friend!!

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    1. That's the best of both worlds then Barbara - to be able to reach people far and wide ... and close to home too! How lovely to learn you've reached all kinds of appreciative eyes!

      I'm really no good example ... but I appreciate the sentiment! x

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  5. I can relate to what you're saying - I'm not commenting on peoples blogs so why should I expect them to comment on mine?? We have to let people know we're here in blog land - can't just expect them to 'know' we're here and writing about life, the craftiverse and everything can we...
    I initially thought - 300 comments!!!! whoa thats a lot - but really when broken down into bite size pieces its just 10 a day - sounds quite manageable!
    I like blogging - but feel I have lost my way lately - so I 'might' join in - might make it harder for myself and not comment on the same blogs each time - the 'favourite' blogs that I'm sure we all have - finding some new ones... so many blogs... so little time.....

    Julie - thanks for this blog post - I could really relate to it...

    PS - you realise I'm counting this comment as one of my 10 per day, one of my 300 comments don't you - 1 down 299 to go! (this way madness lies)

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    1. I'm finding that the hardest parts is finding something I want to comment on. I guess I don't have enough content in my blog reader each day that gives me scope to find 10 things to say ... I'm definitely on the hunt for new content and that's what's taking me so very long!!

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  6. I'll admit that I don't always comment ... hangs head in shame. And for the record, I love to receive comments from you because they are always appropriate to what I have blogged about, always positive and invariably funny. So thank you!

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    1. Aw. That's just *so* nice. The 'appropriate to what I have blogged about' element is what's contributing to my taking long to leave these 300 comments. [I think I forgot about having to *read* the posts before leaving a comment when I factored in what felt 'doable' ... ooops ...] ;-)

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  7. I'm sitting here on the naughty step feeling very ashamed because I have become a little lax on the commenting front. In my defence m'lord, I put it to you that the culprit in my misdemeanour is my phone. (exhibit a) aided and abetted by the school in which I work. I won't go into the internal politics relating to the life and lunchtimes of a school secretary but lunch time for me often results in half an hour sitting somewhere quiet reading things on my phone. And while it's very easy to read blog posts on a phone, it's more time consuming to add a comment. With the best of intentions, when I get home I remember I've read something, but forget I didn't comment. Please take into consideration the document (exhibit b) which is my birth certificate which shows that I am no longer the spring chicken I used to be and thus prone to bouts of forgetfulness. I always read and enjoy your blog , love your sense of humour and style of writing. As a way of saying I'm sorry, how about if I ring up Benny and ask him to take you out for the evening? I can't promise that I'll manage 300 comments in 30 days, maybe I'll have to start small (like myself) and work my way up?

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    1. Aw, get up Deb, you know what your granny said would happen if you sat too long on a cold step ...

      I'm completely lax on commenting myself. And, as far as I'm concerned, yours and mine and every one else's are all *perfectly valid* reasons for it. There's a *lot* of content out there, some we don't need to connect with - just read/look at the pictures, and some we want to connect with but we forget about ... or the technology makes it so fiddly to.

      I don't want anyone to feel bad reading this ... but it's nice to think I've started a conversation. and ... I know who my friendliest commenters are. [Yes, that does mean you and no, I'm not just saying it because you've implied you can get me on an evening out with our Benny...].

      And absolutely - if you want to join in in any way shape or form - then you're welcome! x

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  8. 300 in 30 days? I probably actually do average close to that regularly. I enjoy saying hello to everyone who regularly reads my blog and leaves a message for me and I've always believed in the power of a comment as a way of making connections. Course after a while it gets a bit self limiting: if I say hi to everyone, I don't have time to find any new connections! But it's definitely worth making an effort..we all like to feel appreciated ..as you say I've never been 100% convinced by the "I'm only blogging for myself and I don't care if nobody comments" argument. If we didn't like comments, we'd all just be writing private diaries instead! I have made lots of blogging friends through leaving a comment. Time well spent!

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    1. You're a better man than I Sian - your dedication and your unfailing appearance in my comments regularly puts me to shame! I hope I can stay inspired once my challenge is up. x

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  9. Oh dearie! I am an extremely faithful reader but a very quiet lurker when it comes to commenting. It's not that I can't be bothered or don't care, but I think it is more that I am shy. And by not commenting, especially to someone I admire, I don't have to "put myself out there" in case they don't care/reciprocate. It's all muddily justified somewhere in the back of my mind. I know just what you mean though about receiving comments. It brightens my whole day. I think this is a fabulous idea and the good swift kick in the seat that I need as well to climb out of my lurker tree! You're always welcome to a cuppa at my house any time.

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    1. Hi Brenda Lee! Thank you for un-lurking and sharing this perspective, it hadn't really crossed my mind [the thought that anyone would be shy at saying hello to *me* is quite something].

      But now you've pointed out - I know what you mean. I'm far more likely to comment on smaller, personal, blogs than I am on large/famous blogs as I wonder if the larger ones will even notice!

      I hadn't really considered that aspect properly - put it into words, so to speak - so thanks for pointing it out!! I'll definitely ponder on it in one of my follow-up posts.

      I'll drop round for a virtual visit soon :-)

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  10. What a great post Julie. You have said what so many of us think, some of my old regular visitors no longer comment but i confess that like you, Facebook has taken a lot more of my time and attention. For this reason I have not visited as many blogs as regularly as I used to and therefore do not expect people to comment on mine. I plan to refocus my time and live the idea of joining you on this challenge. You have inspired me today and made me and a lot more bloggers feel less alone in our thoughts. Good on you! Now where is that chair and a cup of tea?!

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    1. Thank you for saying I've said what other people think Sandie. That means a lot to me.

      I drafted this post a few days before scheduling it and - when I re-read it *after* it was published I felt a little bit awkward at how honest I was about how it feels to not get comments. But I left it 'out there' as [a] it's true and [b] I hoped it wasn't just me! And you've backed me up on that thought - thank you!

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  11. I love a comment on my blog - and in the past have been a reader but not comment leaver. Your decision to do '300 comments in 30 days' inspired me (or possibly triggered my guilty conscience) into trying to leave a comment on every blog post I read now. It doesn't take long (apart from if you are on an iPhone - grr) and it shares the love :)

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    1. Thanks Louise - honestly, there's no need to feel guilty - before I published this post I really didn't know if there were many people who really enjoyed dropping by here. Now I do. That's good enough to know without guilt-tripping anyone into always commenting!!

      And, as I suspected, technology is playing a big part in making regular commenting tricky!

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  12. Hi Julie, I subscribe and regularly read a total of two blogs, yours is one of them. I did initially arrive for the crafty stuff but I am happy to stay on in it's absence. I'm a rare commenter as I have four children two of whom are home-schooled and a couple of blogs myself so if I find myself with a spare moment I apply adhesive to pretty paper in that space. But I am very grateful for your presence here on the internet. :-) Thank-you!

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    1. Goodness Gypsy, that's a completely lovely thing to hear. It means so much.

      I'm happy just to know you're there!

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  13. Hi Julie, I have been following you for about three months and have not made a comment, I am sorry as I enjoy reading what you have to say very much. I follow mainly quilt blogs, usually American. I do not normally comment as I am only saying what many already have said. I have asked questions, and never received an answer. On seeing a blog from someone from UK which is a rarity, I aways say how pleased I am to read a British blog, even if I am one of few comments there is still no reply. So I finally decided no one is interested in what I have to say. Most quilting blogs are commercial in some way, they link up to each other all the time. I understand these bloggers may be too busy to reply to all, certainly the Americans are very good at giving...patterns, tutorials etc, so I have accepted they are just too busy to reply to comments. The USA ones often offer merchandise for one comment so may be that is why they get so many comments, no use to me as they do not send overseas, they don't seem to read them but use a number checker of some sort to choose a winner. I will try to comment more often to those which seem un-commercial, but I do not read 300 in six months. Thank you for your blog, and to all other bloggers, my life would be considerably greyer and more lonely without you.

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    1. Hi Gwenyth. Thanks so much - for reading and for taking time to contribute to this conversation. The more people share, the more I think we're all getting an idea of what a complicated relationship we can have with blgos/bloggers!

      I know what you mean about larger blogs/site - I too don't often comment on them either.

      You're absolutely welcome to read me without commenting - just knowing you're company is there is more than fine by me.

      I'm learning that there's plenty of people who do just that - maybe I attract a particularly quiet audience ... and as someone quiet myself I really shouldn't be surprised!!

      :-)

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  14. I agree. Even one comment makes you happy! Ni c e to know we're not talking to ourselves!

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    1. Yep - I guess that's what we all want to know!

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  15. A fab idea and good luck with your challenge - it is always lovely to get a blog comment and I do my best to not read and run but just some days there isn't the time. As I'm about to embark on my usual blogging every day for the whole of October challenge I am going to promise to do a return visit to every comment on my blog during that period of time. I will also try and take part in my month in numbers too - my first number will be the number of months since I last participated - ooops it has been a wee while xx

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    1. You know you're always welcome at Month in Numbers Karen - no one's counting [!!] when you do and do't join in.

      Time is the key isn't it?

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  16. Hello! I also hang my head in shame at not letting you know how much I enjoy your posts. I am a shameless lurker, reading blogs but not always commenting (too lazy to click through from bloglovin on my iPad). I came to your blog as a crafter but have stayed because I enjoy your stories so much, a glimpse of real life told with warmth and humour. I have dabbled with month in numbers in the past and must get back on that horse! I have really enjoyed your portable magic posts, it is one of the positive things about the internet that one can find other people with a similar appetite for library books! In fact I thought of you only the other day, someone has pinned the Stephen King quote about portable magic outside my classroom, a sign to say hello perhaps? Must do so more often x

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    1. Ooh that's the second quote related coincidence that's come out of this challenge ... you know how I like serendipity!!

      I'm more than happy to know people are actually reading - if not commenting - if i hadn't written this post I wouldn't even know that! Hang your head in shame no more! ;-)

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  17. Oh you....

    -BRILLIANT idea. I'll definitely be joining in (and will add your post in to my 1+4 post this Sunday to spread the word (a little)). Although I think I probably do leave around the 10 comments a day mark already....(on average)...

    -As you know, I always have so much to say in response to your posts...I read them through once and then come back to them to read them again and then try to comment in as few words as humanly (effervescent human-ly) possible!....[I actually get quite embarrassed sometimes that I leave such long comments...!]

    -Other blogs. I tend not to comment if they're already very popular blogs....(I kind of like the reciprocal nature of commenting and like the interaction that happens when bloggers reply to comments and that's not going to happen on the bigger blogs....).

    -I am guilty, myself, however, of sometimes not leaving comments on something I wanted to leave a comment on....I often read on a tablet or my phone and I'm not logged in to 'I Will Bloom' on either of those, as I use my work accounts more on those. I read and then think 'Must leave comment when I get to my laptop' and then sometimes that doesn't happen....I always feel awful when that happens because, as you say, someone has put their heart (and quite often a big bit of their soul) in to the posts that resonate with me, and I feel awful not recognising that (in however small a way) by commenting.

    -Blogs I love (that you might like to comment on): https://blondewritemore.wordpress.com - fab posts about 'the writing life', always so well written and often absolutely hilarious! and Gabriele's - http://backontheflooragain.blogspot.com - she has such a delicate touch when writing and somehow manages to encapsulate many of my own thoughts so much more succinctly. And Joy - http://www.wordsofjoy.me - beautiful writing.

    Right....this is hideously long already so I shall bid you adieu....

    H xxx

    [No P.S.'s tonight.....!]

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    1. There's definitely a technology aspect coming out of all this. So many different hoops to jump through from the different blogging platforms.

      I'm impressed you [and Sian] leave this many comments regularly, I must admit I'm struggling!

      And I love your long comments!! Thanks for the links to the other blogs, I'll add them to the Pinterest board and visit soon.

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    2. I've been wondering, for a while, whether to switch to Disqus on my blog....it certainly seems like it would solve many of the technology-based problems with commenting...

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    3. I must admit I've logged into Disqus while working my way around the challenge and it is definitely a lot easier to leave comments through it. I'm not sure if it lets the blogger click through to visit your blog in return .... I need to go back and check that.

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  18. well said - I often wonder why one post gets more comments than another and I have noticed that comments drop at certain times of year. I'm going to keep a count of comments I leave and try to comment more broadly than I do at present

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    1. You've put your finger on something there Helena - I think it's the comparison element that really started me thinking about the whole thing. Why some of my own posts and indeed some other people's blogs get more comments than the majority of mine. 'Comparison is the thief of joy' keeps swirling in my head!

      I'm finding it enlightening that people are saying they read me but don't comment ... maybe I just have quiet readers.

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  19. Just to let you know I am a silent lurker on your blog...I often visit but rarely comment - perhaps naughty me, but as I dont have a blog the faff of leaving a comment can make it all painful

    Nix

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    1. Not to worry Nix. Your contribution to the conversation is hugely welcome - but don't feel you need to change your habit in future. I'm learning lots from this process already - and I'm grateful to know there are people out there who may not regularly comment but who've taken time to do so when they want me to know I'm not wasting my time. So thank you.

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  20. I adore your blog and would comment more BUT for some reason your comments "facility" doesn't work with my browser (Firefox) and my Google ID. So I have to make a special effort to go to Windows Explorer - which I'm ashamed to say I'm too lazy to do unless I have something I REALLY want you to know. So.... Good on you for leaving encouragement for other bloggers. I don't blog, so that may also be part of why I don't comment more.

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    1. Thanks for your input Kathy - it really does mean a lot to me that people are making an effort to let me know they're there. And now that I know that it will change the way I feel about it all.

      And yes - the logging on and out and into other accounts is absolutely the thing I hate most about trying to leave 'quick' comments. If only there was some other way!!

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  21. Hello dear!

    I think this is a great way to start back up the community of art bloggers!
    Supporting other artists by giving them a reason to post is a wonderful thing and I will join in this challenge to encourage my fellow artists!
    -Serena

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    1. Thanks Serena. I hope you make lots of worthwhile connections while you're on your commenting travels. That's what my initial aim was for this challenge although it's definitely changing the more feedback I get.

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  22. I have enjoyed reading about you and your life for a long time. Using vintage papers, collage, and text on scrapbook pages is what drew me in. Excellent crafting series like MIN and engaging writing pieces on any topic (overheard conversations, for example) keep me regularly entertained!

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    1. Thanks so much Ellen. Honestly - all this lovely feedback from people who are taking time [and battling technology] to let me know they're here is just wonderful.

      Thanks so much!

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  23. I have been a super-duper fan of yours for so long, that it's hard to write this without turning into some kind of cringing, toadying wreck ...

    I started out admiring your work in Papercraft Inspirations. I live in South Africa, and the magazine is hard to come by (not to mention expensive [!]– being the same price as a meal for four, or a week's shopping for people less privileged than I am). But every time I get my grubby little paws on one, I look for your designs first. Seriously. I'm not joking.

    Having now discovered your blog, I've been like a dog with two tails. :) Not only is it a joy to read, there are occasional unpublished works of art too. :) Until recently, though, I haven't been able to comment on posts, but since updating my browser, this is no longer a problem. I only wish I could buy some of those beautiful paper packs from your etsy store, but being in SA makes this difficult. We have loads of second-hand bookshops in Cape Town, where I live, but I still cannot bring myself to re-purpose one. Maybe one day, I'll have the courage to do so!

    So ... thanks for being top of my papercafting blogs, and always bringing a smile to my face. You rock.

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    1. Thanks Careena - taking the time to let me know how you found me. It's fascinating to hear!

      I'm sorry the exchange rates etc make it tough to get the magazine/my shop stuff - that's such a shame. I've had orders form all over the world but I don't think I've had one from South Africa ... now I know why!

      Thanks again for dropping by to say such kind things!

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  24. I smiled to see that when I got to the bottom of your post, Julie, that there were 49 comments there already! I made it a rule when I started blogging that I would never read a post without leaving a comment (I think I'd average ten a day at present) because it felt like stepping onto someone's porch, looking around their living room through the open door, and then sneaking away without calling out to say 'Hello, there? I'm just popping in to say 'Hi'!' Your aim sounds totally worthy and I hope you find lots of interesting places and people to connect with - you are going to be spreading lots of happiness this month :).

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    1. a conclusion I'm coming to Alexa is that I just don't have enough blogs in my reader that I want to comment on. I need to add more [from those I'm discovering in my experiment] and ... cull a few I no longer connect with. It's all stirring up much more for me than a simple decision to leave a comment!

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  25. For a long time I was a dedicated commenter... I liked the connection and building the community and basically just pushing it out there... But then I got busy and while I kept reading blogs, I didn't comment as much... And it kind of sucked... I felt a bit like the life was being sucked out of the process because the conversation was gone... But for the last two weeks I have been doing a similar thing to what you are doing... Well not as organised... But in my own way getting back to stopping and chatting via comments... And it feels good... It feels as though I am reconnecting with my own blog all over again... Really liked your post and your plan xx

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    1. Thanks Tracey - it's always great when I wonder over a post ... and how it will be received ... and then I learn that other people feel the same! Thanks for contributing to the conversation. :-)

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  26. Hi Julie I'm another one that reads your blog but rarely comments.......guess I'm a bit secretive!!!!!????? I do always enjoy reading and looking at your pictures, and, I did follow your altered book thingy a while back so, thanks for your inspiration xx

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    1. I'm learning that lots of my readers are equally low key Irene ... and I really shouldn't be surprised, I'm always trying to reach out to people who might not always be the most forward in the pack. I'm quiet in 'real life' but love to connect through my writing. So it's lovely to know your there ... now you need never comment again! :-D

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  27. Just left a really long comment before I realized I hadn't logged in so lost it all!!! I am so glad that I visited you today Julie and am up for the #300in30days challenge! I do regularly leave comments but I am lucky to ever get more than 10 comments (on a good day)! I spend time devising, cooking and writing up recipes to share with others but get more comments for posting a photo of my cat. I do get my 'old faithfuls' commenting but never seem to generate new interest. It makes me feel rather old and out of touch and unappreciated!. I do ask people for feedback if they have tried my recipes but rarely get a response. Just to let you know that I am still making collage cards from when I originally bought a kit from you. I think you are very inspiring and can't understand why you don't get oodles of comments from your readers. x

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    1. Ooh - that's very kind and I'm glad the kits have been useful to you. And I know just what you mean about new interest - I'm hoping my experiment will lead to that, but at least it's a start, at least I'm now making an effort rather than just feel lost.

      Loved your blog post today - thanks for sharing the challenge with your readers!

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  28. I was only saying to a fellow blogger yesterday that someone should start up a 'save the small blogger' campaign... I believe you just have! xx

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    1. Hi Ethel - thanks for joining in the conversation! Loving the 'save the small blogger' idea ... we could totally have badges! And - at 5ft 2in I'm a small blogger in all senses of the word!

      I'll be dropping by your corner of the internet to say hi ... in a comment soon!

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    2. I'm a small blogger and I am 5ft 2 inches too! :-)

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  29. A very thought provoking post Julie. Yes getting comments definitely leaves you, usually, feeling good about your blog. I've been very remiss this year with posting, reading and commenting but I will join you in the #300in30days challenge and will send along a blog for you to check out, hopefully it's not one you already read.

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    1. It's entirely understandable Gail. And yes - do send me any links, all new content is appreciated right now!

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    2. Thanks for understanding Julie. A couple of blogs I like to read/look at http://cupcakescardsandkim.blogspot.ca/ and http://areallygoodyarn.blogspot.ca/ - one is on card making and the other my other passion - knitting.

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  30. This is a great idea, and a bit funny because I happened upon this blog while doing virtually the same thing! I don't have a set number, but I have been making an active attempt to read & comment on more blogs recently than my usual bunch. I find a lot of people by clicking on links in comments of the blogs I read regularly. That's how I found this blog! Perhaps I'll go ahead and join the challenge!

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    1. Hi Erika. It seems - from the people who've been commenting here - that lots of us are feeling the same urge to connect with more/new/different blogs lately. These things seem to go in waves - where people reach the same point and want to try something a little different. Thanks for contributing another voice to the conversation!

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  31. Came over from Sian's to have a read. REALLY interesting. I'm a bit of a serial commentator on the blogs I follow.....do you know Scrapping Cavewoman.... I'm mostly a follower of scrapping type gal, but her adventures in Spain I find really interesting! Here's the link anyways, since you're challenging yourself. I like to help out where I can;) http://scrappingcavewoman.blogspot.com.au/
    Good luck with it all!!!! Oh! And I think you got slightly more comments for this post, tee hee!!!

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  32. Just came over from Sian's blog. This was a great post to read. Good luck with your challenge. Comments always make a blogger feel better.

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  33. I was just listening to a podcast yesterday where they were discussing why folks don't seem to be commenting on blogs as much....the general conclusion was that so much more of the discussion happens on other social media (Facebook and Instagram, particularly) than it did in past years. One of the people on the podcast said that if they link to a blog post on Facebook, they get more comments on the Facebook post than on the blog itself. I think this might be partly due to all the technology issues people have mentioned - it's very easy to comment on a Facebook post from your phone, for example, but it might not be easy to comment on the blog post from there. The point I'm trying to make is that maybe we don't notice that the conversation has just moved elsewhere. =)
    Also I think you may be right about having quiet readers. I've been following your blog for over a year at least and only left a handful of comments. I'm a shy commenter.... =)

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  34. I am guilty of being a non-commenter. It all started when my comments on Blogger would just disappear when I clicked "Publish" when I was using my iPad. It was so discouraging to type out a long, thoughtful comment and then have it disappear. But that's a lazy excuse, I suppose.

    I like Ethel's idea of "Save the Small Blogger". I've been having a lot of feelings about blogging lately and missing the "good ol' days" where people connected and shared ideas and interests. Nowadays it seems like most blogging is done on a contractual basis and bloggers are trying to sell me snack subscriptions or clothes from big box stores. I decided a few months ago to stop reading these blogs and instead I've been working to find and connect with like-minded "small bloggers" who share my interests in gardening, letter writing, paper crafting...and just sharing their daily lives. I've been taking a peek at your Pinterest page to see if anyone you've been checking out fits the bill. Turns out we are on the right track ;)

    P.S. Thankfully I copied this comment before hitting Publish because again, Safari and Blogger failed me and my comment did not appear. Trying again from Firefox...crossing my fingers!

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  35. Oh my soul, I love this. I LOVE THIS. And I'm going to join you starting MONDAY. (Gone this weekend which makes things tricky!) But your approach to being the lit candle in the darkness is spot on. Spot on a reflection of my heart. :)

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  36. Hi there
    I am @verushka143.A lifestyle blogger from Durban ,South Africa.I blog over at http://spicegoddess.co.za
    Since starting the challenge I am on Day28 now I comment more and get more comments.Each time I log on I get excited to see a comment lol.
    Great challenge you have set yourself x

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  37. Hello Julie, I just commented on your recipe post, and then remembered I meant to come back and comment on this post of yours, which I had read but not commented on. Because that's generally my problem - I read blog posts on my phone or tablet but can't face trying to type a long, meaningful comment with those tiny little letters. So I think 'I'll go back and comment on that later when I'm on the PC'. And then I forget all about it because by then I've been to work, fed and bathed the children, done the washing up, and started to think of what I need to get ready for the next day. Erm, now what was that post I read earlier?!!

    Anyway, I wanted to comment and say I think it's an admirable challenge and I hope it's going well for you. I do leave comments when I can or when I remember, but it's infrequent, and I'm okay with that because I know I'm doing my best. Occasionally I will go and have a catch-up on a blog I haven't read for a while, and sit and comment on 15 or so posts. I do love it when I get comments on my blog, but I also don't mind when I don't, as I know I'm also getting comments and likes on Instagram & Facebook, and people are pinning things, etc. Blogland is changing and I won't let it effect my enthusiasm for it! xxx

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  40. I couldn't agree more! As a fellow blogger, I can attest to the joy of receiving comments on my posts. It's that validation that makes all the effort worthwhile. While some might claim they don't care about comments, I believe deep down, we all appreciate that engagement and connection with our readers. And if someone says otherwise, they're either swimming in comments or perhaps not being entirely honest. Here's to the power of comments in the blogging world!

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