Thursday 10 April 2014

just a thought …

 

This blogging lark is a funny old thing isn’t it.  I read all sorts of blogs, not just those about gardening, but often it isn’t the subject that draws me to blogs, but the way the blog is written.  I often post comments on my favourite blogs and most people who love gardening, the countryside,  which is mainly what my blog is about, or maybe feel a connection with me,  return and comment on my posts – but a few don’t – ever, and sometimes it bugs me - but I still keep leaving comments on theirs, because I enjoy them.  I was pondering about this and wondered why.

honesty

Over the weekend I came across a blog where all the commenters were having a lively discussion – being rude to one another – having a laugh at each others’ expense and then someone said “well it’s better than looking at bloody daffodils”, and then it struck me – that not everyone is interested in gardening – and I sort of felt a little stupid that I was hoping for comments from these people who just weren’t interested in what I have to say.  I guess I would blog anyway regardless of people leaving comments or not – but it does make blogging feel more worthwhile when there is two-way communication.

muscari - grape hyacinth

But then I thought, well, I am not necessarily interested in their chosen genre so why do  I enjoy some of these blogs when I know nothing about the subject?  After a lot of thought the reason I came up with is that it is the person behind the blog that I like and the style that they write in, regardless of what they write about.

SDC10300-001

So I conclude that you  just have to carry on blogging about what interests you in your own style regardless of how others write, or what they write about - and hope that someone, somewhere enjoys reading it enough to leave a comment, and not get into a ‘stew’ when they don’t. If I tried to change my style of blogging, and what I blog about, it would seem false to me, and I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to keep it up, although I do wish sometimes that I could be funnier and more witty – but hey ho – what you see is what you get!

erysimum - winter orchid

As I said at the beginning – blogging is a funny old thing – and it is wise to remember, I tell myself -  that you can’t please everyone – so you might as well just please yourself.

bergenia - pink dragonfly

(For those of you who are interested in gardening – the above pictures show just a few of the plants that are flowering in my garden at the moment).

I would be interested to know if this has happened to you and what your views are.

‘Til next time have a great weekend, and remember:-

“You can be the ripest juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches.”

77 comments:

  1. Well said... 'you can’t please everyone – so you might as well just please yourself' is a great way of thinking. You have a great blog so keep up the good work! By the way, lovely flower photos too.

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  2. Well, I like bloody daffodils!

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  3. Hello Elaine:

    We have read this post with much interest and would certainly agree that 'blogging is a funny old thing'!!

    That said, right from the outset we decided we should only write about what interests us and, in some small way, for the blog to be, at least in part, a record of our own lives, perhaps highlighting times and events we wish to remember. For that reason we have never accepted awards [although many have been offered], taken part in memes or succumbed to advertising.

    Where commentators are concerned we have been very fortunate to have built up some very close relationships with many of our Followers who have been so very supportive of us. We always answer every comment and try, if at all possible, to visit and leave a comment on the posts of those who are kind and generous enough to do the same for us.

    Of course we often find ourselves reading posts which may not immediately strike us as of personal interest. However, we have enjoyed entering so many very different worlds from our own and have, in so doing, learnt so much which we previously had little or no knowledge of. In this way our lives have been hugely enriched.

    That you should continue to write about what interests you, Elaine, is of paramount importance. Your posts, we are certain, bring great joy to many people, probably far more than you realise or know.

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    1. I honestly admire your dedication - so many people comment on your posts I wonder you have any time left for yourselves after answering them all. Thank you for your kind words.

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  4. I know exactly how you feel Elaine. I had a serious case of self doubt a year ago, wondering what on earth was I writing about, who really cared & was I talking to myself (like the daft ol' bat I am!) . I felt like I commenting here, there & everywhere & no one was at all interested in me.
    It is important to stay true to yourself, keep your style, write for your enjoyment. We'll never please everyone but you'll certainly please a lot of folk.
    I for one don't always have the time to comment, but I still visit & admire many blogger's posts.

    Keep going Elaine, x

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    1. When we are so busy it is difficult to keep up with everything - but it is nice to know that you are always lurking in the background

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  5. Beautiful flower pictures, I love that colour of honesty, mine are more lilac.
    What concerns blogging, I always think I am rather boring with my garden talk for I am not funny at all and I realize that many people don´t have any interest in everything growing and flowering but we are so lucky there are also a lot of people like you and me who like writing about our favourite hobbies and that keeps us going on.

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    1. The Honesty is flowering well this year - I saved those seeds and just scattered them about - I'm amazed that I have a nice little patch now. You are right of course - thank goodness there are many dedicated gardeners out there who enjoy sharing their gardens with us.

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  6. What lovely flowers you have in your garden and, unless you have just watered, you have had some rain - something we really need although it is more desperate on the other side of the island.

    By the way, where do you keep your wheelbarrow. I find that if they are in a garden shed they always seem to be in the way and having one outside in the elements resulted in my last one rusting through although the tray of my current one can't rust the handles could.

    As for blogging, I started it purely for myself and still find it helpful at times to go back and see what was happening in my life one or two years ago.

    Coincidentally my last post was flowers in my autumn garden.

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    1. Yes we have had plenty of rain just recently, but, I can't believe I am saying this, I had just had to come indoors to cool off as it is a beautiful warm day today. I agree with looking back over past blog posts sometimes it is hard to remember things - using the blog as an aide memoir is a great help.

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  7. I have so many blogs I enjoy it is getting a bit out of hand. Sometimes I feel badly I'm not leaving comments every time I visit but it would just take too long. I'm always drawn to an authentic voice.

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    1. Yes, it is sometimes hard to get around to everyone especially at this time of year - I think we are all in the same boat.

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  8. There is a lot of humour in your posts Elaine, plus warmth, honesty and a practical no nonsense approach that makes me feel a lot more confident about my own efforts in the garden.
    It does bother me if I comment somewhere and there is never a response, either a return visit or a reply on their blog. It makes me feel unwelcome and therefore after a while I tend not to return. I blog because I enjoy the interaction, both home and away so to speak, and gravitate towards others who seem to feel the same.

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    1. Thank you Jessica - very kind of you to say so. I couldn't have put your thoughts on commenting any better myself.

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  9. I am loving all of your blooms friend....what is the flower in the first picture????? And you had me cracking up about what those bloggers were talking about...bloody daffodils!!! HA! Let me just say that i have been through so many interesting situations with blogging. Like you I have reached out to many bloggers and like you I have left comments on many blogs and don't get anything back. I remember reading a post by a blogger I like and how she was concerned about the "blogging community" because she was not getting as many comments anymore but the funny thing is she would never respond or comment back to all of the people leaving comments on her blog. To me it is a 2 way street for sure! I just feel blessed to have found some cool people to talk about daffodils with!!!! Happy weekend lady! Nicole xo

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    1. The flower in the first picture is Honesty - I scattered the seed last year and no one was more surprised than me when the flowers appeared. I know reading and commenting on blogs is time consuming especially when you have small children so I appreciate the effort you make to comment on my posts. Thanks Nicole.

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  10. I don't imagine for one moment that that person didn't enjoy looking at daffs, it's probably that we're all keen on showing ours, ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

    Personally I'm hopeless with flowers, so really enjoy looking at other people's gardens; especially if I'm told what I'm looking at. As a veg' gardener, I'm also very interested in gleaning tips from fellow minded people.

    As for non-commentators; I often have about 200 views and 10 comments, but it doesn't worry me.

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    1. That's the trouble with gardening blogs isn't it - when a flower is in season it is in season for everyone and we all want to show it off - but I never tire of seeing beautiful flowers and veg of course. I never bother with page views myself I am sure the figures aren't that accurate.

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  11. I think a blog should reflect the person writing it which is why I always refuse guest posts for my blog. At one time I felt that I had to just pose about gardening as that was the genre of my blog but in the end I decided to sneak in bits and pieces about other things - after all I'm not JUST a gardener. and it is interesting to get to know people through their blogs. I know lots of my readers never comment but that's OK. I once posted a poll asking why and so said they had nothing to say and others said they felt that everyone else commenting seemed to 'know' one another. I think they felt commenting would be like a stranger butting in on a conversation between friends.

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    1. Some blogging cliques seem to be very close not wanting to let other people in or perhaps it is just my imagination but I do feel like a bit of an outsider sometimes.

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  12. Keep on pleasing yourself as your blog always pleases me :-) I have far more views than comments on my blog, I think we all do. Lovely pictures - I love this time of year in the garden, the vibrancy and the expectation are a joy!

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    1. Thanks Sue. I wonder at people's reluctance to join in sometimes, surely that's what blogging is all about.

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  13. Hello xxxx
    Your timely post made me finally make a comment for you xxxxx
    My excuse xxxx shyness! Thanks for all your lovely comments x
    I am a reader who enjoys your lovely garden!

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    1. Hi Nicola - so glad you have broken the ice! Yours is a blog I always enjoy - quite unique in the use of your words and pictures. My comments don't always show up for some reason but I will keep commenting regardless - 'because you're worth it'. (Although I would love to see bigger pictures of your garden for me to drool over).

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  14. It is a funny thing isn't it? Some of the blogs I follow I've never commented on, others, I have a lot. Sometimes I like lurk in the background and don't feel chatty, but I know it's nice to hear from fellow bloggers so I'm going to try harder! xx

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    1. I agree, there are lots of blogs that I read but don't comment on - especially when time is of the essence. Like you I will try harder.

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  15. I had a sneak peek over here from the comment you left on Freda's blog and got intrigued in reading your post about comments. I often come across new blogs and leave a comment to say I have been. I have many interests and gardening is one of them but I tend to write about whatever is happening in my life at the time so it is quite varied and gardening is only a small part of my blog but I do read blogs that are only gardening, or craft or financial and budgeting and like you I often go back to the ones where I develop a blogging relationship with the blogger through comments and enjoy their style of writing. If it was down to the style of writing though I don't think I would attract any readers LOL!! looking forward to reading more of your blog - Viv

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    1. Hi thanks for coming over - that is exactly my point - you can't form any sort of relationship if you get no response to your comments - thank goodness not everyone is like that.

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  16. Well bloody daffodils are my favourite spring flower or should that be bulb? whatever your blog is on my list because I love the flowers and photos that I cannot grow in my garden, it`s funny but I do believe that having "green fingers" really does help

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    1. Of course they are - what would spring be without them.

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  17. I always enjoy your blog and the things you write about. I do try and answer comments on my blog and also visit and comment if I can on the bloggers who have visited me. I often wish I could be funnier or wittier when I write but as you say it would seem false and would be hard to keep up all the time. Stay just as you are, Elaine. As usual lovely photos of your garden and I love daffodils too:)

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    1. I find it easier in winter to get more involved in the blogging world but then there isn't so much to blog about in summer when we have plenty to say there doesn't seem enough time to say it.

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  18. Ditto Kelly. Ditto Mark. Ditto everyone. I love blogging. As you, I have given up the addiction to magazines. Blogging is personal, allowing writers to write from their soul and to connect to others with the same soul. While I still have my Facebook, I much prefer my blog friends. I have only had one snarky comment about my Christmas village as I wrote about my childhood memories. I was accused of being angry and chastised for such an attitude from a respondent who had mo blog, no profile, no email. Still the hateful comment hurt. I deleted it. I love my blog friends across the globe. I spend every morning with them. We will keep on keeping on with our cheerful, friendly, loving discussions and comments.

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    1. I like that Ann - blogging with those who have the same soul - sounds just right.

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  19. I started out on Blotanical being a garden blogger, and while I loved it and was quite popular it just wasn't a good fit for me after a while. I'm not that competitive, and it ended up being all about points, and popularity. Which is my point I guess, don't blog for comments, blog because you love the connection. The blogs that you read may be all different subjects, but the blogger behind the blog might be a good friend eventually. I read a large variety of different blogs, photography, life, social media, and everyday bloggers that's what so interesting about this genre...the variety, and the connection to real people.

    Jen

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    1. No - I don't blog for comments my point was that it isn't as much fun when it is one-sided and there is no connection.

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  20. An interesting, and somewhat reflective, post. I think that all bloggers feel as you do at times. I have always replied to all comments made on my blog(s) and usually, but not always, regularly comment on the blogs that I follow. I know that some people don't reply or comment much, if at all, but that's down to them.
    I still enjoy blogging as much now as I did when I first started long before Facebook or Twitter existed. Flighty xx

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    1. You were one of the first to leave a comment on this blog when I started and I found it so encouraging when I could quite easily have given up - and I thank you for your support.

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  21. I'm so distracted by the gorgeous blooms in your spring garden I had go back and read ;-). Commenting versus lurking versus trolling versus verbal fist fights... that's just kind of how it is in the blogosphere. When things are super busy with work and chores and family and activities, it's all I can do to throw up a post now and again. Not because I want to please a certain segment (except for the cat updates on special request!) but because I feel a certain community with the group in this tiny corner of blogland. And, like you, I read a much broader variety of sites that never get a comment from me. I think that's pretty normal. Glad you have your bloggy mojo back and enjoying gardening and all the beautiful things to report on.

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    1. I think the answer is that it pays not to be too sensitive about these things and just keep on enjoying the blogging friends you have made.

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  22. Well, first of all I have to say that I think you are funny, and witty, with such warmth and an all round good egg!!! I totally agree, it's always about the person in the end, individual personalities shine out whatever the subject. I too enjoy a variety of different blogs and think it is a two way street, it's like life isn't it, give and take works for me rather than just take. If there is no response from a blog it does feel kind of chilly.

    Your posts are always lovely and I always smile when one pops up in my inbox, so you stay true to yourself! I actually bore myself with my posts at times and often wish I could come up with something interesting that is well written, but it's often about time isn't it....as you say, blogging is a funny old world, but one I do enjoy, and after a while many, many people become friends, friends who I care about and even worry about if I don't see a post, so that shows it's about the person behind the post.xxx

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    1. Don't flatter me too much or I'll have to get a bigger hat! I often find the best posts are those that come straight from the heart and don't seem too contrived - after all it's not meant to be great literature is it.

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  23. Oh dear, those bloggers you mentioned wouldn't have liked my posts with all the daffodils I have been showing recently! The highlight of blogging for me has been to discover so many others with similar interests and make so many friends all over the world. As I don't feel the same connection with those bloggers that don't reply I either stop visiting them or don't leave commnents anymore. I am envious of your honesty, it used to grow well in our garden until the snails and slugs discovered that our garden was the best in the neighbourhood! Sarah x

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    1. I agree, it always amazes me that someone at the other side of the world could be interested in what I have to say and vice versa - only a decade ago this wouldn't have happened - how life moves on! Funnily enough the slugs and snails never seem to bother with the Honesty they are more intent on making a meal of my lettuce.

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  24. What I like about blogging, apart from all the interesting new friends one makes, is the way every single blog is different. We all set out with the same template which we customise to our liking, but I have yet to come across a blog that is identical to another.
    Snowbird's comment has enticed me to go and have a look at her blog - having just read her funny sentence quote - I actually bore myself with my posts at times and often wish I could come up with something interesting that is well written. I must see what she is talking about.

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  25. I agree Rosemary I find myself liking a blog because of the design others really put me off a bit like book covers or packaging. And don't take any notice of S now birds deprecating comment she is a great blogger and commenter.

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  26. There will always be people that think their blogs and interests are better then others. Just don't pay any attention to them. I think of blogosphere as one big school yard with small groups of people that enjoy same things. And that is what I love about gardening blogs. Our small group where you can joke about some daft thing only gardeners will understand, or complain about stupid bugs and find understanding from other people.
    I think if all would write about same things every blog would be the same and it would lose that interesting touch.
    I love reading your blog, your photos are great, stories funny and interesting and I would really hate if you changed your way of writing. ♥

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    1. Thanks leanan I am not worrying about it I just find it all a little perplexing.

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  27. A thought provoking post Elaine and some interesting comments. I have blogged for a few years now and do on the whole stick to gardening/allotment related posts. I tend to restrict my blog visiting to blogs with a similar theme although I do visit one or two book/reading related blogs. I've had the pleasure of meeting some bloggers in real life and exchanging plants and seeds with others which has been lovely. I do know what you mean about bloggers who never ever reciprocate with comments and when this happens I certainly feel less inclined to comment on such blogs. I know that sometimes Wordpress bloggers sometimes have issues when commenting on Blogger blogs so this may may be a genuine barrier. At the end of the day though life is too short to take offence or worry about it unduly. I enjoy reading your blog so do stay as you are :)

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    1. I think I would get bored just reading gardening blogs much as I love it - there are so many great blogs out there I can't resist having a bit of a nosey around for something that excites and interests me. Variety is the spice of life as they say.

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  28. There seems to be two categories of blogs. There are the big, really popular ones whose author's rarely return comments. An example is Margaret Roach's A Way to Garden. I have yet to see Margaret leave a comment on any of the garden blogs I know. She does reply to comments directly though.
    Then there is second and much larger group of blogs where commenters are basically friends. Friendship is a two way thing for sure. People seem to prefer a return visit to a reply to their comment.
    The problem I am finding is this: 2 posts a week with an average of 25 comments each. That is a lot of replies and return visits! I have been falling behind in returning visits and I feel terrible about it. I assume that people are getting a bit fed up with me because my posts are getting fewer comments these days. The problem is there are only so many hours in my day. This is an issue that troubles me greatly and you can see that unease in my 4th anniversary post.
    I do feel very strongly that you need to stay true to yourself. And I never tire of looking at pictures of daffodils.

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    1. Thanks for taking the time to comment Jennifer - blogging does pose a predicament sometimes especially when your time is at a premium - I have cut back considerably - at one time I had four blogs on the go but began to find it stressful and have ended up with just this one, which is more than enough. I hope you get sorted in your mind how you want to carry on - I would miss you if you disappeared altogether.

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  29. I very much agree with Jennifer. Working full time (and at the moment 6 days a week), and having (some sort of) a home life means I have a limited amount of time in front of my laptop. And writing two blogs takes up most of that time. I try and regularly visit the blogs of writers I have formed a 'relationship' with over the years but sometimes fail to do even that, I simply can't visit all the blogs of all the people who very kindly leave comments. And again like Jennifer, I am finding that the number of comments on my blog is trailing off. I should hate to think that commenters thought I was being rude by not reciprocating but I can't I follow many (any?) more blogs than I already do. Good post, Elaine - it is an issue that I have been thinking a lot about recently and I'm still not satisfied that I have reconciled it. Dave

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    1. Funny how yours and Jennifer's problem is basically the same. Just let's say it is nice to hear from you and appreciate when you are able to leave a comment.

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  30. Thank you for writing a great post on this subject. I work full time and then have a busy time finding something to write about and take photos of things that interest me. I average about 20 comments per post and I like to answer the comments personally on email and not back on the blog comments as I don't want to assume that people will want to visit that post again (everyone has so many blogs that they visit). I will also visit all the bloggers that have left the comments as I feel that this is blogging courtesy. Sometimes their blogs are not exactly my cup of tea, but I may still leave a comment but not decide to follow. I think with some of the big, popular blogs, they simply could not visit everyone and will instead use their time to produce some great posts and thank everyone within their post for the previous set of comments (I have done that a couple of times when I have been feeling poorly).

    My blog has changed its direction a couple of times, from craft, to gardening, to trips out etc etc, so I suppose it's a journal of what happens that week and I am glad to say that some bloggers have stuck with me and we have become virtual friends. With this comes the swapping of real email addresses and sending parcels to each other, a new age pen pal. Then the caring side when a family member or indeed themselves are poorly. It's amazing how it all evolves.

    I would say, stick true to yourself. If people have the time to comment they will, and if they respond to yours that's a lovely gift. Sometimes the comment of 'I've been following you for a long time and this is my first comment', is always so heartwarming. xx

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    1. Blogging is such a personal thing and from all the comments it seems everyone handles it in a different way, for whichever way you look at it, it is a time consuming pastime. Thanks for your comment Chel.

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  31. You hit the nail on the head when you said blogging is personal and should be a reflection of the blogger. I have a goofy, irreverent sense of humor and have taken hits for it before but it's my blog, so that's that. I agree that it's the personality of the blogger that keeps me coming back rather than the content or photographs. If I don't feel a connection to the blog/blogger, I stop visiting. But I don't think there's ever a reason to be nasty or rude in comments. That's just a reflection of the true nature of the commenter, regardless of how slick their blog may appear.

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    1. Exactly right Tammy - I agree that a blog should reflect who you are it's no use pretending to be something you are not and a kind word here and there doesn't hurt anyone.

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  32. You have really got us all thinking with this terrific post, Elaine! I can only echo much of what has already been said. I always enjoy reading your blog, too and catching up with all your stories. The truth is, I do follow blogs I genuinely enjoy reading and I love the way my favourite bloggers post about what is on their mind and not what they feel they should be blogging about. I also love sharing the same interests with people. And as for comments...I must admit I think blogging is two-way as well. For me, interaction with others is so important.

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    1. I can't understand it myself when people put posts up but don't want anything to do with the people who comment - a strange way of going about things in my view - for the most part though reading how other people spend their lives is very rewarding.

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  33. Wow, Elaine - What a great turn-out! And I think that's one part of blogging--to create a community. Sometimes, as in my case most of the time, it's a silent community. I know they're there because I see the analytics. I admit, I don't read and comment on as many blogs as I probably should. I always like yours - you're a world away in plants, color and timing, which for me, is one of the most interesting things about it. Keep it up, but know that some will keep it mum.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by Jean - nice to know you are there in the background keeping mum.

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  34. Oh, Elaine! So many comments!

    I have a different approach - and realise it's an unpopular one but . . .

    I don't know why I began blogging. That's lost in the mists of time. But I think it's just that I like writing things and taking pictures and doing the layout. I approached it much as I would if I were writing a newspaper - comments came as a surprise; a welcome surprise but to have people read and comment wasn't (and still isn't) my main motivation.

    I still approach it as I would a newspaper. And because people do read my blog and are kind enough to comment, I try to keep the standard up and not to wander off the subject. And when I do so, I also keep in mind the many readers who never comment. I can tell they are there because of the stats. I take them into account just as I would if I were publishing a newspaper. It's not only the people who write to the letters column who matter.

    Which means . . . although I read many blogs, I don't feel obliged to return visits.I do gain a lot from interaction with other bloggers, I really do. But I don't see it as a kind of club.

    Many do. And that's fine. Indeed, it's good. It's just unfortunate that the name 'social networking' has become the umbrella term, even if some of us aren't very sociable.

    That said . . . I have a phenomenally long reading list. If I were to comment on everyone's post every week I'd have no time for anything else in my life!

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    1. I never thought of it like that Lucy - certainly a different approach but one that suits you - I certainly don't see it as a kind of club - there are far too many cliques out there for my liking - it is hard to keep up with everyone's blog - I wouldn't want blogging to become a chore that's for sure.

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  35. Food for thought Elaine. I eventually put up a little notice on my comment box saying I would "do my best to get around to other visiting blogs" it was taking more time than I could give it basically. However I always try to respond on the blog and answer the comments there. Great post and yes let's all keep blogging away....it's a passion isn't it!!

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  36. It's a difficult one isn't it - I guess we all handle blog visiting the way it best fits into our lifestyle.

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  37. Ha! Love your peaches quote at the end of this post, Elaine! So true! I started my blog when I thought our original funders might be interested in what we were doing with their money in our community garden, but no. Then I read that a lot of bloggers give up after a year so that made me determined to keep going. Now I enjoy writing and having somewhere to show my photos, even though it's a real struggle to keep going timewise. What with the garden, the blog, work, college, family life and ailing parents, I don't always find time to comment on other blogs but will try and find a space to go back and catch up with my favourites (like now!!). I like the sense of community that blogging brings and get quite cross when spammers leave daft messages (which are instantly deleted!). Interesting reading through your comments, I never thought about readers feeling isolated from friendly comments … I shall have to give that some thought now!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Caro - I know the time thing inhibits people from doing the rounds of all the blogs they follow - I must admit even I find it hard to keep up and I'm retired - I guess we all must just make allowances for each other and know that we all do the best we can under sometimes difficult circumstances.

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  38. Blogging is a wonderful way to photo-journal my garden. I am enjoying it for myself and hopefully others.. I don't care if I bore anyone to tears with my daffodil pics! I really love your blog-- your words and subject attract me! Of course, your beautiful garden too!

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    1. I think it is the same for most people Erin - to keep as a journal so that you can see from year to year how your life and the life in the garden has changed - anything else is a bonus.

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  39. Hello Elaine,
    Thank you for this thought provoking post. When I started blogging 7 years ago I used to reply to every comment by email because that is what bloggers did. As a result I formed very strong friendships with other bloggers which have continued even after they stopped blogging. Replying to comments became more difficult when I had a full time job and I had to make a choice between blogging and writing emails. Now that I have more time I have found that most comments are left without email addresses so I cannot reply. I notice that many of the blogs I comment on do not reply either in the post or by email but I don't mind because I comment to say that I have enjoyed a post and I don't expect a reply. Other social media have a "like" button and that would be very useful for blogs so that you can show that you have enjoyed a post without leaving a comment.

    Perhaps the most important thing is to say thank you to you for reading my blog. Enjoy your lovely garden on this beautiful sunny day.

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  40. Thanks A lice - I didn't write this post with the intention of 'having a go' at anyone - I realise that everyone has their own way of dealing with the blogging situation - it is just that is is sometimes a little disheartening when you don't get a reply or return visit. It feels a little like being put on the 'naughty step' without knowing why. After saying that I always enjoy my visits to your blog and will continue regardless of whether I get a response or not - reading your posts over breakfast always brightens my day.

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  41. I'm am glad I found this is I - yet again - attempt to catch up on the blog reading. It is a funny business, and people are very different in the way that they approach blogging. I blog partly because I want some sort of a record of my garden and what works - and what doesn't. But I also blog to interact with others, to learn from them, be inspired by them. I used to feel I needed to comment on every blog post I ever read, but have let myself off the hook when either people post more regularly than I can keep up with, or just never interact with me, becuase to me it is so much about the interaction. I don't have to agree with how someone else does things, or like what they grow, but I do have to be interested in them, in their writing and/or garden, photographs etc. And to keep me coming back, there has to be some sense of relationship, if that doesn't sound too weird. I sued to get terribly upset if I commented and the person didn't respond, now I just comment on blogs of people I don't interact with much if there is something I want to say, but rarely expect a reply. But they are the first blogs to fall off the list when time and energy mean I can't keep up. Sorry, very rambly, but you touched a chord with me, and from reading the comments, lots of other people too. Do please just keep blogging about whatever you want to, in your own warm, funny, engaged and engaging style. be true to yourself, and ignore those that ignore you!!

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    1. Thanks for taking the time to reply Janet I know it is sometimes hard to get round everyone - your thoughts mirror mine exactly - I like to think I have formed some relationships with regular followers who think the same way as I do and whose blogs I enjoy visiting.

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