blogging 'conversations'
I've been reading & hearing a lot lately about how blogging is unlike TV or radio, which is just one-way communication, in that it enables people to connect with each other via 'conversations' - but it's dawned on me that since I started this well over a year ago, I think the most comments ever generated was 4, and the overwhelming majority of my posts produce nada, zippo, nothing in the way of online conversation.
Soooo, I'm wondering, is it because my posts: (a) are so boring that you don't want to comment; or (b) are so thoroughly complete that there's nothing left for you to say; or (c) there's only 4 of you reading this stuff!!!
Just this one-time, humor me and respond with a comment - it can be as simple as A, B, or C - but let me know you're out there (if you are out there). Thanks,
Soooo, I'm wondering, is it because my posts: (a) are so boring that you don't want to comment; or (b) are so thoroughly complete that there's nothing left for you to say; or (c) there's only 4 of you reading this stuff!!!
Just this one-time, humor me and respond with a comment - it can be as simple as A, B, or C - but let me know you're out there (if you are out there). Thanks,
posted by Pastor Jerry McQuay at 11:21 AM
12 Comments:
I love reading your blog and am not really sure why I don't comment.
PJ,
I read the blogs several times a week, I have tried to post comments--recently, to the ever wondered blog. I hope--this time-- I have figured out the glitch that keeps my responses floating out in cyberspace. (I think you need a google account)
I find your blogs informative -- I think it is the same reason people didn't come to the homeowners event that people don't respond to this interactive site-- it requires a second step that some are scared to take. Exposure is necessary and often intimidating.
Keisha
I'm not sure about the google account - I'm the cyber-challenged one who just writes this stuff; Dustin is the tech wizard who makes it happen - so I'll check w/him.
One neat thing I've just discovered is that you can subscribe to the blog and have it automatically sent to you each time a new post is added, so you don't have to keep checking the site to see if anything new is there - very nifty! If you haven't already subscribed, do so now!
Awwwww..... I'm readin daddy! I never really comment because my internet connection here in Africa isnt the greatest most of the time :) But your blog is really good stuff! I know i enjoy it and that isnt biased at all :) Cant wait to see you in a week!!
Feel free to read MY blog sometime and comment :)
www.recklesslyabandoned.blogspot.com
Thanks, Jen and Randy & Keisha - guess that's 3 out of 4 readers chiming in!!!
Seriously, I'm having fun, even if nobody wants to talk to me.
Well, I guess I'm the official 4th reader. Having a blog myself & appreciating feedback, I comment when I have something to contribute.
There are other blog venues that are more "community" oriented & lend themselves to increased exposure & opportunies to interact. I have a xanga blog as well as my blogspot and for example, my most recent post on being HELD through tradegy, brought 32 comments. The exact same post on blogspot...maybe 4. But in Xanga I'm part of several "circles"...missions, worship, parenting, early childhood, etc...so people of like interest are perusing or signed up to get my post via email.
So, I think the venue is a bit different. Though I must say, your comments in response to reader participation will likely encourage such. We'll see, I guess, but by all means keep 'em coming.
You might also be surprised about the number of folks reading...you won't really know unless you get a site meter to see where your readers are & how they are getting to your site. I just put a really cool interactive map on my blogspot. I would venture to guess you have are more readers than 4 or 5. :o)
You're probably right (at least I HOPE you're right), but I'm still trying to provoke a few comments, kinda like asking for an 'amen' on Sundays...guess it's just in my blood. Dustin has shown me some neat analytics that indicate people are reading in a bunch of states and even a few countries - so let us hear from you, huh?
I'd say mostly "B"! :) That and the fact that I tend to read a lot...and not say so much.
A) Your blogs are definitely not boring
B) Sometimes they are so informative there's little left for me to say except, "Wow, I didn't know that."
C) I guess it is easy to comment when I see you. I think of the blog as a one way communication. You talk, I listen.
D) Then there is the everybody hears me and I was only speaking to you factor. That's a bit intimidating. That said, I will try to do better.
You know, there probably is a 4th option: maybe I'm not asking the right questions/phrasing stuff in such a way as to provoke comments - so thanks to all for the kind words, but I'll keep working at it!
I enjoy 'listening' (reading) your blogs on a regular basis, Sir. I'm not much of a commentor though. Keep on blogging! =)
Blessings,
Melissa
I am sorry. What did you say? I just fell asleep.
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