I don't know about you, but seeing **FOLLOWS BACK** just makes me wince.
If you're a faithful oldie around Maxabella loves... (and by that I mean you've been visiting me long enough to have become bored with my sidebar long ago) you probably didn't notice that a little while ago I took the 'Google Friend' count off the side of my blog. I didn't remove the actual button because I love being able to 'follow' a blog myself, but I didn't want to have to worry about the numbers anymore.
I'm so tired of the numbers.
When I first started blogging, Flog Yo Blog Friday (at the time hosted by Mummytime and then by RRSAH and now by her Glowness) was a godsend. It's a lovely linky that really helps a newbie (and an oldie) to get to know other blogs they might like. There is none of that *FOLLOWS BACK* nonsense, although I did just notice that there is a pretty long list of participation rules going on lately, most of which involve needing to follow one person or another. But, regardless, it's just a really nice linky.
A lot of American blogs (and apologies if I'm generalising here but they do seem to mostly be American) seem to only do giveaways and 'linky party' posts. Both the giveaways and 'linky parties' have lots and lots of rules about following the blog and then following this person and then skipping two extra people and following the third and then the sixth and then... Sheesh, what are those 'linky parties' all about anyway? It's like there are blogs out there that exist just to link up to other blogs.
I kinda got into trouble with a blogger recently because I didn't bow down when she added my Grateful linky to her 'list of linky parties' page on her blog. I was kind of annoyed, actually, because there were all these **FOLLOWS BACK** bloggers coming over from her page and I had to keep removing them. They didn't bother to write an actual 'grateful' post, they just linked up their latest psalm post and I was supposed to be happy about that. So not happy.
It's hard to get your blog out there, I know that.* But do they really just want people to 'follow' them for the sake of saying they have more followers? What's the bloody point? Is it because of all the sponsorship business? Can't PR / Advertising companies see straight through all that marlarky anyway? I'd much rather have a magazine blog than a billboard blog. And by that I mean 'readers' rather than 'traffic'.
I dunno. I just know I'm so tired of the freaking numbers.
Do you worry about your 'stats'?
Is it because of a PR angle or is it something else?
How many blogs do you follow? Do you 'follow back'?
__________________________________________________
* But if after all of that if you're still interested in the numbers, here's a little tip for bumping your name up the list that I only just realised. I used to have an ♥ symbol next to my blog name Maxabella loves... which was fiddly so I removed it about a month ago. Then I realised that I couldn't tell the difference between my newly installed Instagram page (also Maxabella loves) and my blog page in my browser, so I put a non-fiddly asterix before my blog name. Guess whose blog is number one in most people's lists of blogs they follow... that's right, it's * me!
[Image of the Pied Piper by Eugenio Recuenco]
113 comments:
All so true! Number do matter when you're starting out, well maybe they don't, you just want someone to follow you so that you feel that someone beyond yourself might be reading it.
to me interaction is the key. Comments make me smile.
I couldn't be bothered in a link up that requires too much work.
A simple stop by and read some others is as much as I like to commit too.
I 100% followed back anyone that followed me in the first month of blogging but I then went back and unfollowed any didn't truly like and have stayed that way ever since.
I think there was an ego thing in the early days but as my blog is not for profit I have no reason to raise numbers (not that I dont love seeing them rise) and I like the idea if people popping by because they actually like my style.
I assume I will probably end up following anyone who links up at my party as we will have a shared Pinterest love but if they start chucking in psalms instead of pictures we will have words!!
Oh, couldn't agree more. I can't stand it when I write a post and someone leaves a message like, "Hi. I'm over from 'such and such' blog and I'm your new follower!' The post may be a very serious, heartfelt one..and absolutely nothing is written about the post! Bugger off.
I never ask people to become a follower when I do giveaways or anything like that - the only time I think I did that was when I did relaunch my recipe blog, and asked people to follow it. But haven't since. I don't want people to follow me because they feel that 'have to'. I want people to follow my blog because they want to read it.
I have mine up, but hardly look at it. The other day I sat looking at my sidebar thinking it looked different and suddenly realised it was GONE! Poof! I just left it and it magically came back. Don't know what's going on there!
I only check stats when PR co's etc ask for them. I used to check them a lot way back. But now? Don't need to.
It's true that numbers matter when you start out, but I think most aren't really fussed about them as you keep going. :)
xxx
I definitely would love readers over traffic. Some days (as a newbie) my stats are so low that I feel pretty lonely in the blogosphere but if someone takes the time to leave me a comment it makes my day. And I'd much rather a comment here or there (even if left by my mum ha!) than a high number of hits but no interaction.
For the record my only motivation for putting your Grateful button on my own blog was to share the concept. I LOVE grateful Saturdays. xo
I've never heard of *** follows back ***.
I don't check my stats.
I very rarely do linky parties.
I find that, in the past, I had more time and commented on lots of pots. Lately I don't have so much time to comment, so I just read. Now I don't get so many comments on my page. To me all that past commenting seems so false, what is the point of it? I comment on you, you comment on me .... to what end?
So now I just write what I want, cos I enjoy doing it.
I read what I want, cos I enjoy doing it.
The End.
p.s. how do you have just a friend connect button but no numbers on your side bar? I like the sound of that. Ta.
I try not to worry about my stats. After all it's just a number. I'd rather have engaged readers who actually read my blog and comment frequently. People who I feel like I have a relationship with.
I cringe with the *FOLLOWS BACK* stuff too. I mean I want you to follow my blog because you like my writing, you like ME, not out of obligation and then you forget me.
It's for this reason I keep the number of blogs I follow very very small. It's not a nasty thing but I want engaged readers and I can't ask what i'm not putting out so keeping that number of blogs I read smaller helps me to feel like a better blogging friend.
If I were to do a giveaway or link up I would ask that as part of the rules people are following my blog out of curtosy and respect. But that's about it. I generally think the less rules the better.
Agreed whats the point in just blogging for followers... I follow blogs that I actually want to read and I really only want followers that are happy to look into a little slice of my life - the numbers don't mean a thing to me (but I blog for fun not for profit).
I have noticed that American blogs have linkys for bloody everything!
Every second blog has a Wordless Wednesday linky and then when they link up to another blog they always mention that they have a linky in the link description (have I confused you? I confused me)
I don't get it. There is no point in having a tone of followers if no one is commenting. Blogging, for me anyone, is about the social interaction with my readers.
I hope the people that follow me do so because they like what I say and share. I'd rather not have someone follow me because they feel obligated. I wouldn't like that.
I've stopped following some blogs because I got sick of the sponsorship giveaways. While I appreciate this may be a way of earning income for some, it's not for me.
I follow blogs that I like... that's about it. I have noticed a few more people following me lately and I'm not sure what that's about cause I am doing the same things I've always done.
Also, hat does everyone do with comments? Are we expected to reply to each and every one? I respond to some that ask questions and whatnot but then what?
I know what you mean. i like how with blogging you get what you put in, but it seems so clinical to have those linkys where you follow the sixth and ninth and whatever-th person .. I follow people only because I personally enjoy their blogs, not because they were a certain number on a certain list. And for my followers, I'd want them to follow because they like me. I moved to wordpress recently and what I have most liked is that google friend connect is no longer a part of my blog. I am not sure if it makes it harder for people to follow me as they now have to email subscribe or just remember to come back, but I do like that the emphasis on numbers has gone. It's a balance and I think some tip towards focussing too much on the numbers. I do like to know that there are people out there reading and I love hearing their feedback and their insights. but I hate comments that are advertising, not about my post at all, but just to get people to click onto their own page.. a balance! x
I'm a bit baffled by all this PR talk around blogs at the moment. I blog if I have something to say or show. Sometimes I think I'm the only one that reads it!
I periodically go through the list of blogs I'm following and unfollow those which no longer interest me.
The numbers don't mean much to me! I'm more concerned with people who actually spending time on the blog and making a connection.
I definitely don't follow back, I only follow blogs that interest me - and then sometimes that changes and I might not read them for a few weeks...
It is something I have been thinking about lately too - it's not the be all and end all of blogging!
Rach x
I think we all worry about the numbers at the beginning.
The beauty of being on WordPress is that Google Friend Connect does not work on a WordPress hosted blog. SO, long story short, people only come to my blog if they want to engage with me. Little old me. It's nice. None of the 'I'll follow you if you follow me' or checking out my stats.
Without the numbers, blogging becomes more like having pen pals, but without the scented stationary. I think everyone should turn off their friend counters. :)
Not concerned with numbers.
Don't check stats. Never heard the term 'follow back'...
I follow a blog if I'm interested, and I leave a comment if I have something to say. I don't have time to comment on all posts that I read, and wouldn't do so just for the sake of getting a reply, or a new follower...
I originally began blogging as a way of practising my writing skills. Then I met some really nice people whose writing I loved. That's about it for me. Give-aways, sponsored posts and linkys are fine, just not really my thing. I'm hoping one day to get to the state where numbers don't count, but every reader is precious!! I hoard them like gold...
Fuck follow backs. I want a connection with whoever stops past. Notice my followers box is missing too? Yes, our convo the other night had a big impact x
I completely agree...I want people to follow me because they like what I write. Period.
As my blog is connected with my business, numbers do matter - hopefully, one day my happy followers will need a birthday or Christmas gift, or fall in love with one of my products, or decide what my Story Starter Challenge Linky is all about. The more people who know what I do and hopefully love my products, the better for sales. But I'd much rather have fewer engaged, interested readers who become raving fans, than a multitude of followers who really don't get me, or what I'm trying to achieve.
Because I run a biz, as well as being a mum etc etc, I have limited time to read blogs - as much as I love to. I only have about 3 or 4 personal blogs that I really don't like to miss (Maxabella for example) in my Reader, and follow everyone else I'm interested in on Twitter. This way, I can choose how much time I spend reading blogs, tweeting etc, based on my workload.
I recently got annoyed with the expectation of "Follows back" as a Facebook thing - for blogs, I reckon it's worse! Reading and engaging with a blog takes time and energy. If you lose that, you've lost the whole purpose of blogging.
Great post, and an interesting discussion. Thank you.
I don't go in for any of that crap. I just follow a blog or two because I'm interested in what they have on there. End of story.
Yet again, you hit the nail on the head! I have only really just started a blog and reading other blogs, so the whole culture is a bit of an eye opener. I am following those blogs I love, and I do one or two link ups each week as it makes me write, and also lets me see other blogs I may have not otherwise come across. So you are right, it is great for beginners, but I have noticed some blogs are promoting the "follow back" which seems very contrived. There is a lot to be said for quality over quantity, or as you say readers over traffic. For me, at this stage, I am just blown away that a few people are actually reading what I write - never thought that would happen!!!!
*Chantel :o)
I hate the I'll follow you if you'll follow me stuff. I've had plenty of comments on my blog to that effect. I ignore those ones.
If you comment on my blog though, I can guarantee I'm heading over for a look-see. If it's remotely interesting, I'll follow right away, and give it a try for a few weeks. If it doesn't 'speak to me' I'll unfollow.
I confess, I notice numbers. But (and as terrible as this is to admit), I am interested in monetising. I'm physically unable to work. I'm still waiting for the beuracracy to work through the red tape and approve my disability pension. My blog is literally the only way I can possibly think of that I can contribute to the household income (having said that, at this point, I've only received one PR person offering to advertise, which I accepted, and it was a modest fee. he just today asked to renew, so that was nice).
I'd rather have bloggers advertise than products and big PR companies. I haev an Nuffnang ad, but I don't love it. And they're pretty erratic.
I know it's not cool to admit to wanting to make money from my blog. Particularly when a)I dno't fit into ANY niche and b)my blog is not a 'popular' or well known blog, so it is not even all that likely. But I'm trying to be honest in response to your post.
Every now and then I think I should be interested and concerned with numbers but in all reality I really don't think I am. I admit to being bewildered by all the talk of media kits and stats and all that and I am really not sure what to make of all of the PR interest in blogs and in particular mummy blogs. I mean I get why there is the interest from the companies but I have mixed feelings about whether it is good for me and my blogging. Thanks for the reminder to keep thinking about all of this.
Oh, and as for follow backs, that's not my thing...if i visit a blog and i feel a connection, i follow. Simple.
I have only recently started blogging and don't have many followers yet. While I do want to build up my follwers (in the hope that I receive more comments, which is what I love about blogs- the interaction), I'm not too fussed. I plan to just see what happens :)
When I started blogging I joined a blog link up, it was a US one, I had all these follow back comments on my blog and when I went to their blogs they were pretty boring or not my style, I didn't follow back and about 3 weeks later they all unfollowed me.
Can you imagine knowing exactly who unfollowed you. Would you have a spreadsheet? Odd.
I tweeted recently, that I only need 8954 page views to hit 50K, it was meant as a joke because it is just crazy to be sitting there looking at your stats that closely. But I also noticed I had 12 comments on the post and only 7 page views, so my stats are really not worth checking out.
However, every time I get a new liker...a real one, I still feel excited.
I am very new to this blog world and find this whole linky quite confusing really. I participated in Maxabella link party last week because it meant something personal to me and made me think of what I was grateful for and come at a time I needed to smile. My story is personal and I started blogging as an outlet from my reality, if that means someone actually reads it along the way then great but if not then never mind. I had a look at that Flog Yo Blog and really did not understand it and found it way to confusing. So I will continue to be honest in my posts, tell my story and if that interests someone then all power to me.
Oooo never heard of FOLLOW BACK, but then I tend not to get involved in all that Bloggy (is that a word?) world.
I write my Blog as an outlet and to share stuff about my world. It is great that people read, either by just parachuting in or by following. Some even comment. But I am not bothered by stats; I check occassionally but actually its all a load of waffle and the numbers dont make sense (or am I just a little dense when it comes to numbers - says the woman who runs a school!).
Anyway I am lucky, I make a little by writing and I have a job so dont feel the need to maximise my earnings on my Blog. I do understand however that some do use it to help make a living. Unfortunatley some companies like to know about your "followers" in order to give you the opportunity to advertise etc etc...despite us knowing that that isnt the be all and end all of your readership.
I havent been a Blogger for long (just coming up to my first blogiday - congratualte me later for having the patience), but have been an avid reader for a few years now. Even in that time, I cant believe how comercial it has all become - each to their own though!
I don't even know what a linky link is. No parties and no tweets. Not a mummy blooger and lord knows I don't have a media kit or any intention of even creating one. The stat button is just there because it's .. . .interesting.
I stop by yours because I think you are an interesting read and sometimes I find one of your readers interesting. I try to comment on a few blogs lest I be considered a lurky loo.
I'm not much on following rules.
I hate having to jump through hoops for comps or link-ups, so I don't expect my readers to do so either. I read blogs because I like what the blogger offers not because I have to.
And I do keep track of my stats - it's a PR thing - not an obsessive thing.
Follows back sucks. Cannot see the point. But ** makes me laugh. Sneaky Maxabella...
BTW, the Weekend Rewind linky at And Then There Were Four is an awesome one for engaged readers. And a great chance to air all those posts sitting in your archives. Just sayin.
As a brand spanking new blogger I can attest to the initial concern with numbers—it’s the only measure available to gauge if your efforts are worthwhile. Recently I have gathered a very small handful of precious readers, and one genuine comment left on my blog gives me more pleasure and appreciation than any traffic stat. I have never heard of linking parties or follow backs. I tend to informally follow a small number of blogs as I’m still figuring out the whole process and how to best keep it manageable and genuine.
I am Canadian. A good majority (not all mind you) of the blogs I follow are from the UK simply because I’ve found the blogging community to be overall creative and engaging which is exactly what inspired me in the first place.
Great post as always, thank you!
I'm new to reading Blogs and started my own a few weeks ago for fun. The combination of words and photos appeals to me.
I haven't told anyone I know about my blog yet but I have 5 followers and am just thrilled to bits because I equally love their Blogs and it's nice to form a relationship with awesome people with similar interests that you otherwise wouldn't have met.
I don't know what follow back is yet but I'm assuming it's when you participate in a linky thing - well what's the point of following back if you don't like someone's blog?
I knew what this would be about as soon as I read your title. I couldn't agree more. We did get suckered into a few FOLLOWS BACK when we first started but quickly realized it was a joke. WHAT is the point? I don't look at stats at all now. I read a great post at Zen Habits earlier in the week about focusing on creating something of value. He wrote that people will find you (and remain loyal) if you are providing something of quality as opposed to the blogs that are all about selling themselves. Your blog sprung to mind while I was reading the post - as it's a blog of quality. I'm glad for FYBF too, that's how Nic and I discovered you!
x
I used to feel compelled to follow anyone who started following my blog. I don't anymore. I will check out their blogs but wont floowo unless I am interested.
On the flip side, I definately don't require this and that or people to become followers if I have a giveaway. I just don't want complete strangers popping by and making comments just because I mentioned the word "freebie" or the like.
I just hit 100 followers and was rather gobsmacked about achieving that I will admit. But as many followers as I have, a lot never comment and I would much rather interact with a few people who take the time to chat than a few hundred who don't.
Great topic btw.
(Sorry I had to delete that last post- missed out one word and it changed the whole comment I was making)
And there was me thinking that the * was a deliberate ploy ;)
I have blog followers. I follow blogs. If nary a name on the two lists is the same it really doesn't bother me. I'm just happy that there are a few people interested in reading what I write.
Great post!
Please follow me back at http://www.krazyinthecoconuts.blogspot.com
;)
Chiming in here that I totally agree. I don't want people following my blog because I followed theirs.Yuck! I want people to like my blog. If they don't like my blog it doesn't mean they don't like me.
I know that not everyone will like my blog and I don't even expect friends and family to read my blog.
I do try and go and visit blogs of sweet gals who leave comments.I have found some wonderful blogs by doing this.
I still feel like a fairly novice blogger. I find the numbers both exciting and terrifying for the same reason, because there are people out there reading what I write. Yay, I mean Yikes ;)
i am still shmaefully attached to stats. I need to take the plunge and move away from them but ... I'm just not sure I'm ready...
I'm a stat nerd and proud of it.
BUT, I have been around long enough to get that followers do not make an engaged blog.
And "follow me follow you back" makes me feel a little grubby. Blogging tea parties and the like are ick.
You're the best. I agree - if you are looking for sponsorship, etc companies can tell if your blog is genuine and has a lot of traffic or it is is just a "billboard" blog.
I admit, I used to do the "get more followers" linky parties, but now I just do the linky's that I care about - such as outfit ones or your grateful one.
The past few weeks, I have seen a lot more of this sentiment - quantity over quality in the blogging world.
It is kind of like life. When You are in high school you think being the most popular matters, but when you get a bit older you realize that having quality+true friends is far more important than having A LOT of friends.
I'm a somewhat new blogger so numbers still matter to me BUT I really don't like people who become a follower w/ the pitch for their business or that I follow them in return. That I won't do!
And I'm with you on the linkys. More and more of the participants are not doing anything more than pitching themselves. It's starting to turn me off which is sad because I started blogging to express myself and hopefully find likeminded women.
I follow 8 blogs and read them all regularly. They resonate.
The FYBF rules are rather long, but sadly it's not my call to shorten them, I'm only Flog-sitting.
With giveaways sometimes I have no follow rule, sometimes I do, depends what mood I'm in at the time. The number doesn't really represent much anyway... I tell myself I have thousands of people who choose the 'follow privately' option... I'm delusional though ;-)
Thanks for this post. Totally agree. My blog is small by American standards (as far as followers) because I don't participate in that linky silliness (just do FYBF of course). Have you noticed that a lot of those blogs with 2,000 followers only get a couple of comments per post? Crazy. What's the point?
Thanks for putting it in perspective. I get a bit worked up about my numbers. I've only been doing this for a year and I haven't even reached a tenth of the follower that other blogs of the same age are reaching. It's true what others have said... It's really so I know there are people other than myself that are reading my blog. It's the same with things like FB... how many "friends" do you have... it becomes all about the numbers. Something I really don't want to be!
Didn't even know this was going on..... I follw blogs because I like them..... That's the only reason! I use my blog for marketing, but only for marketing my own handmade products.
If you want more genuine followers then hou have to comment on blogs with similar subject matter. People will eventually find you. I remember watching my stats so closely when stats became available. It's great to know you have traffic even though they might not be commenting.
I feel like I have made some sort of real friends by blogging, and I have been able to start my own little businessy shoppy thing selling kids handmade swimwear. Even if I am not up and running atm due to technological difficulties (my toddler trashed my laptop)
I am so on board. If you don't read my blog, then don't follow! I check any blogger who follows me, but if their blog is all about raising tulips, I won't follow.
I want readers, not followers and u r right, it is mostly American bloggers with giveaways and stuff that are guilty.
The Cranky Old Man
Great post, lovely!
Like Cath, my blog is attached to and promoting our small business, so stats matter a little. We really wanted a platform where our customers and people who love what we do could get to know a different, more 'real' side to our little company, and the blog has been an interesting exercise in writing the right kind of posts, and making sure that they're lighthearted, sentimental or sweet and kind of fun. Awfully tricky sometimes - especially when a good rant is needed.
I think I follow about 40 different blogs - and have about two dozen that I read over the stretch of the day. And I comment as much as I can (when google lets me sign in) because seeing (relevant) comments on your post is wonderful :)
xx
I don't get the giveaways with entries dependent on following , posting , facebooking and tweeting?
Haven't heard of follows back either.
I'll be honest and say i'd like to have a higher number of followers - but only if that meant more commenting and discussion. A more engaged readership, if you will. You know - like you have here!
At the moment, i have about a dozen people who comment regularly. I'd love for THAT number to increase!
Your blog maxabella is a perfect example of how you can be fabulous without all that blaah. I still think it's a case of 'each to their own' but agreed the 'Follow Me' thing is a tad crass. I don'tn think as Aussies we go in for all that. Caz
I had to come back to read all the comments.
Lol @Sarah
Glen needs a hug.
I concur with Allison re Weekend Rewind at And Then There Were Four. Always a supportive and engaged bunch of readers over there. Also the easiest linky in the world.
When I first started blogging I followed everyone who followed me and a few interesting people to boot. Then I realized I wasn't reading all those blogs so I went through and unfollowed them. Now I just follow those that I read regularly (as in every single time they post!) and I have found that I have unfollowed a few more lately because I found myself annoyed by what they wrote and you know what? That's the beauty of this thing...if I don't like what you are saying I don't have to read it.
I would like to have more engaged readers. I have a few that I know read because of emails and comments, but I know that when I check my "stats" the numbers there reflect far more readers than my google follow thing shows...so I don't know how much stock to put in those that "follow" blogs. I like the idea of having just the follow button rather than the numbers.
Ugh. I don't know about anyone else, but "follows back" just screams "desperate for followers" in my eyes. It also means they're only going to follow you because you're following them, rather than because they genuinely love and connect with your blog.
I used to worry about numbers - page loads, comments, followers - but I've started to realise that stats really don't matter. I write for myself, and I know there's always going to be at least one person out their who connects with what I write xxx
For me, blogging is about fun. It's a creative outlet. I don't do it to drive traffic, I talk about the things that make me happy. Or in the rare instance - things that don't. I blog for myself and people either follow or they don't. They comment if they like something, but the reality is what people comment on does not drive my content.
I check stats rarely, maybe once a month. More out of curiosity than anything.
I occasionally do a PR post if I am asked, but only if it's a product I would buy/use anyway or like. And I always disclose. But I think in 18 months I've maybe done three? I prefer to post about things I love and use. It's more personal and that's more my blog!
As for "Follow me back", sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. Following, not a big deal, but I only put blogs I really read in my blogroll. Otherwise I end up with hundreds...
K xx
Okay, I must be a bit naive as I haven't heard of **followsback**.
I am not heavily focused on stats, I just want to be able to connect with people on a personal level and have regular readers and commenters. I don't necessarily join the linky things for followers, just to find more interesting blogs and be a part of the community. I guess if that translates to someone newly following my blog that is fantastic.
This week has been a very fulfilling week as I have had two emails from people saying that they love my blog. That to me, even those two people, make it all worthwhile :)
this subject feels sooo junior highish. blogging should not be a popularity contest but it sometimes feels that way, and this whole follows back thing is ridiculous! why are women so insecure? i had a comment from someone once, who invited me to her linky party...when i checked it out , one of the rules was to follow the blogger before you and after you at the party....so silly. i removed the "number" on my followers gadget, cause it bugged the heck out of me...i'll have to figure out how to remove the pictures too.
btw...146 people "like" you on facebook...or so it says....if you were wondering. he he
i always love reading what you have to say,
erin
My blog is quite personal to me. My main aim is to keep a record of all the wonderful things that inspire me about my beautiful daughter. I have nothing to sell. Having followers has just been a delightful bonus that I wasn't expecting. I've just started joining a few select link parties which has led me to some fantastic and inspiring blogs and some beautiful blog friends.
The other day I had someone become a new follower, who left a comment asking me to check out their giveaway - I checked it out but the giveaway didn't interest me. Next thing I know, the new follower had un-follwed me and it kind of left a bad taste in my mouth because I realised she may have only wanted a new follower of me (for numbers sake perhaps) but because I didn't oblige immediately, unfollwed me. Seems a very un-blogy thing to do.
I love reading the grateful link up each week and contribute when I have a real, heartfelt grateful post to share.
Nicely said Bron...numbers aren't the be all and end all for me, sure it's nice to have followers but I want ones that are genuine and who I can engage with.
I initially when starting out followed everyone who followed me...I thought it was etiquette but soon learnt to only follow the blogs I were genuinely interested in :)
x
I definitely understand the follow back crap...
I used to care about how many Followers you had until I realized it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter to your life. You should write your blog for yourself. My only problem lately is not THINKING of enough good quality stuff into my blog. I've been busy and everything I'm doing is menial imo lol
I am brand new to the blogging side of things (but have read them for years with relish!)and went into it knowing that I am building something that is a part of me. I am looking to create a community where I can discuss things and share. I honestly would love to see 15 people truly interested and commenting rather than have 2000 "followers" who don't actually read my posts or engage with me at all.
Today I actually asked on my FB page if people would spread the word to others they felt would truly be interested (and that took a lot for me to ask) simply because I noticed in the stats my likers only came from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and wanted to see where all the rest of the people were LOL.
I don't follow back and usually make a point of not entering comps that have extra entries for following. I thank people for following my blog now in a post and I hope they like what I have to say and stay around I am grateful to those who do follow my blog as they sometimes contribute through their comments and I consider them community. IYKWIM. I like to see more people joining but I'm certainly not fixated on the number ( I may have been at some time in the past .... )
I agree. I'm not one to follow back just because. I can't, I don't have the time and I am really interested in building quality relationships and sharing those things I love and can stand behind.
The numbers get really frustrating and while they are important it can't be our only focus. the focus needs to be on engagement and building community.
I want to build a community of loyal readers not just a high number. i think in the end that advertisers and sponsorship deals will look to this more. Your influence can only go as far as to how many real people are listening to you
what is a follows back? Is that when someone asks you to follow their blog because you have followed theirs?
and is it possible to follow more than 300 blogs on blogger?
I like to think people read my blog... but my husband doesn't even read my blog- so whatevz.
shit bron, im ALL OVER your blog atm- ive even been through your archives (you non smacker you) ;)
xo
I'll tell you a little secret, Bron -- I have NEVER trawled another bloggers' Google Friend count -- but I do frequently read through your comments and check out blogs based on how interesting, funny or thoughtful those comments are.
I've picked up a number of favourite blogs that way, and I know a couple of people have then followed those blogs through links on my blog (that sounded confusing, sorry)
I hardly ever check my own follower numbers, but I read my blog comments and they make my day. I'd rather one thoughtful comment than a slew of new followers who never come back after that initial click.
I don't always "follow back", though I do check out every new follower :) I like to know who my readers are ;)
The thing is though, the amount of followers isn't necessarily an indicator of the amount of regular readers.
If it is a PR angle it's not a very well thought out one because a blogs' stats are much more telling of the reader base.
That's gold, Toni. The fact that you do that has made my day.
I'll post up a 'how to remove the follower count' post at some stage in the future, everyone. x
Maxabella, this kind of post is exactly what I love about you!
I think we have a very different take on blogging Downunder than our American sisters do - whenever money comes into something it changes the game. Like professional athletes. Some would say professionalism has ruined the game. others would say it has improved the game and created careers and security for talented people who don't have to play for their country on Saturday and go to work on Monday.
Blogging changes when money is involved. Numbers become important and I guess that obsession rubs off.
Also the desire to be "successful" or popular... I guess we all want to be liked.
Which kind of makes the whole "follow back" notion a bit pointless. Its just a click, a number. Not actual readers or people who connect with you or like what you say and appreciate your writing and thoughts.
I follow blogs that interest me. I follow blogs of freinds and those who I think might need some encouragement. But my regular reads are in my blogroll. that's where I look to see what's new.
I know I have a whole lot of readers who don't "follow"l non-bloggers who read because they want to, not because it will help promote themselves.
Which doesn't help when it comes to a popularity contest but when they email me, it lets me know I'm writing something worth reading.
It still boggles my mind how those commercial blogs packed with ads have such crazy follower numbers. How??? Where do they come from? I guess because they are all busy playing linky and following back...
{but I'm not jealous, no REALLY I'm not...}
oh I like the magazine and billboard analogy. Me too.
happens on twitter a lot. I got followed by a guy that said "follows back" and I looked at his numbers and he was following about two thousand people but he had four thousand followers.... I think he doesn't follow back at all.
Oh and I HATE when someone links their blog up to a linky and it has nothing to do with anything.
So true, Maxabella.
Thank you for writing about this.
I'm at the point where I just really enjoy writing a post every day or so and interacting with readers and other bloggers who have a genuine interest in my blog.
Have a lovely weekend.
SSG xxx
I completely and totally wrote a post about this yesterday, tweeted about not being able to finish it (and being scared about being snarky) and posted it today. No, really. I just found yours. And laughed, because I had the same thing in mind.
Not only that, but I have the * in * Perpetually Me * to drive my name up from the middle of the list too ;) and your name is at the top of my reader. Thought I'd let you know!
I like the way you went about it. Yours is short and sweet. I included pictures on mine- for those who don't see the "follow back" part. I also included chocolate references =P
Wonderful post! I'm gonna keep bumping mine to the top- sadly, I hop in America for one reason, and one only- I'm looking for American bloggers. All the ones I find that I like are Aussie! Is it because all the awesome bloggers are Aussie (I can count the American ones I like so far on one hand) or is it because I just can't find any good American ones? (I'm American- that's why I'm looking for American ones). I'd also like to broaden my horizons to other countries too, but that's hard to do.
I've found the horrible giveaway blogs, detestable coupon blogs, ones that subsist solely on these hops, giveaways etc. and I just don't get it! How can people follow blogs like that? And the tweets...but I keep hoping I'll find a good blog out of it. That's how I found the ones I like...picking through everything else. I stumbled on an Aussie blog, then I found another, and suddenly, everything I read is Aussie.
I'll have to check out your hop though, never seen it before...because really, although I'd like to find more that are American, and I've caught myself writing colour and centre and other non-American spellings, I love the blogs I've found in Australia, and if that's what I like, well, that's what I should read! Geography matters not!
I like seeing someone else's perspective on this, and that I'm not the only one.
~Ashley~
So, so true and well said.
As much as I love comments on my blog, I'm not a fan of "I'm following you now, so come and follow me back!!" That's not the point. I'll follow a blog because I choose to, because I like it - not just because they are following mine.
Hi Maxabella..I visit anybody who has followed if I can, to check out their blog. If I like what I see I will follow and if at some stage I don't I will unfollow! I don't ask anyone to follow me though, I like to leave that completely to their own discretion..I often follow people who don't follow me! Numbers..from time to time I pay attention but I think I would do this even if nobody followed..just like I did for the first three months. I do like a comment or two though and I do feel a commitment to those who have taken the time and made the effort of following.
Amen to that. I work with the PIs and UBs all day every day so when I get over here I break all the rules I run around telling people about when publishing online and just let it all hang out. I undo the top button on my pants and swing my feet up on the couch, grab my cuppa and sail on my merry way. It's my little testing ground for a-ha moments. I have headlines that would send an SEO specialist into therapy and after four years blogging I haven't really rocked any great analytics. But, who cares, I've met some great people and shared some stuff and if ya wanna come by and have a cuppa and a natter, the door's open.
I did a double take when I saw the title! Readers and comments (bonus!) are more important than numbers :)
I try to visit the sites of all those who comments on my posts but I never know how to comment on giveaway posts.
I can only tell you how many followers I have because I went and checked the other day. I don't follow blogs - much prefer to actually click over to the blog and see the whole picture.
I see the same thing on Facebook with business pages - drives me nuts.
I generally only follow blogs that I read.
As for my own blog, I just like reading comments - from anyone! And I try adn reply.
it's quality, not quantity that counts! Although, in saying that, I have been using a number of new linky's to get some more exposure in this new blog venture of mine. It's about reaching out to a different audience that Alice doesn't need.
I love that this has had 82 comments - what more can you want than engaged followers who leave fabulous comments that add to the conversation? I'll admit I set myself a stat goal that I wanted to reach per week. Once I hit that I was happy - now I'm past that and I don't really care anymore. I love those who take the time to comment, and I love commenting on other blogs. I'm all about the **comment love** if you want to *follow me back** xx
Another blogging post from the master! I find new blogs to follow from the commenters on my blog and on other blogs I read. I confess in the early days I joined a 'blog hop' or two with the purpose of spreading my wings a little, but it has been a long time between hops for me. *Follows back* is a sure sign that I won't even go there. Great stuff x
I don't have a Google button or box. Yes, I'm very far behind!! I've heard comments that people don't like it when they can't follow your blog, so I've been conscious of this.
I really love the idea of just a button. Might go and do that now. Actually, after I finish writing my Grateful For post!! :)
Awww I 'hearts me a good psalm' .....oopsie.
There goes some followers.
Thanks Maxabella...for telling is like it is..
In my changes changes changes to my blog....I started not liking how it looked, either...so, tis now,
like a magazine, newspaper front page.
I am going to take Google friend off. I "know" people read my blog. I used to be thinking it mattered about comment numbers. Now, I just love them and respond. One, two or ten.
My stats (counters) are enough for me to tell anyone who cares what my page views are...and I want people to visit and read because they LIKE to.
Cheers, D
Ah, I agree with you on all the points... I was quite obsessed with numbers at one point. Now, ah, I'm grateful if people stick around long enough to see what I have to say!
Thanks for being real! Whilst I am still sussing out the 'etiquitte of blogging' and working out the benefits of having followers... not sure if that matters to me... i always appreciate the thoughtful and often encouraging comments you make to my posts. To me, that's what blogging should be about. I guess that's the old adage, 'quality over quantity'...
I follow blogs that I find interesting. And occasionally other bloggers decide to follow me. And that's ok. :-)
Lisa
I have no idea what "follows back" is all about. I don't think I want to! :) Although I have had a few people on twitter ask me to follow them which were swiftly added to my blocked list (brutal, I am!).
As for stats - I only realised I had stats a couple of weeks ago and even then I don't give two hoots.
I know my husband reads my blog and loves it and that's all that matters to me.
I follow blogs that I enjoy reading or find inspiration from, but unfortunately I don't always have the time to read, or comment as much as I'd like.
Followers on my blog are lovely and I hope genuine and not after a "follow back", but it's comments that mean the most to me. Knowing I've written something that someone feels is worth replying to is worth it's weight in gold.
Another great post Bron. You're on a role woman! x x x
Yay, you did it! I've been waiting (and also have a similar post in 'draft' waiting to go). Well done. And I'm so proud of you for just saying it as it is.
I too, cringe about 'follows back', and also don't like it when someone links up to Fancy Pants, and there is no photo of them in clothes whatsoever. Not even talk about what they wore. Grrr.
xx
Now considering I am comment 91 I am obviously not alone when I say... hoo-freaking-ray you are spot on woman! You are one smart cookie... and I love this line "I'd much rather have a magazine blog than a billboard blog" I so so SO love it!
OMG, really, there is a follow back thing, WEIRD. Blogging is meant to be all about grace isn't it, not money?? I do PR & giveaways, but only brands i buy anyway & sure i ask people to follow to enter but don't beg or number out rules about how to get entries, i don't like FB or Twitter, just blogs, but you know what, it's just bloody helpful if someone wins & they actually follow & find out they've won!! If people are living off their statistics & number of followers, i'm a bit worried about their reality of worth in the real world.
At the end of the day i'd rather save my advertising on my blog for my own business, not desperately making a few cents a click or whatever to promote someone else embarrassingly blatently. Love Posie
PS didn't notice you took your numbers off, but like my blog, like how yours is simple, post down the centre, links & fun down the side, you can actually read it without ads flashing, yay!!
I'm new at this. I don't really understand the linky stuff & follows back at all. I just browse and follow what I like. I have noticed the difference between American blogs & AU blogs but I haven't figured that out yet either. It seems there is a trend of starting online businesses in America right now because of the unemployment rate & bad economy. Although I'm American, I started blogging to learn, express & connect with others, not for money. Since all business marketing here is moving into CMS the lines between personal blogging & business marketing are becoming more and more fuzzy.
I've been wanting to remove my actual follower numbers for a while now, but I don't want to move the follow button. How do you do that? I need to go and do a bit of reading I think ...
hi Bron
late to this post as usual.
My take:
1. No one has time to really really follow 250 blogs and comment and enjoy them unless it is all you do. So you should follow what you like.
2. the follow back stuff is weird.
3. I have noticed the more infrequently I post the more followers I lose - weird isn't it? it's like you are being punished for not putting enough into it. With only a couple of exceptions (like Table Tonic) I personally can't cope with bloggers who post multiple times a day
4. I used to have no follower numbers on my widget but something weird has happened to the blogger template so you can't do it any more. So I have deleted the widget. The numbers thing has always annoyed me. In any event people need to realise that follower numbers are just one part of your readership - it doesn't show up those who subscribe by email for example.
xoxo
But isn't the "you comment, I comment" stuff the same thing?
I notice if I go awol for a bit (as I have lately - getting very disillusioned with it all), and don't comment though I may read, all my blog comments drop off...
So really, it is the same thing.
I really do think it is all a numbers game and those that do protest otherwise are not really being completely truthful.
Nobody likes to feel unappreciated, it is merely human nature...
Amen! Agreed with absolutely everything you've said here. I've never got into the whole linky thing (although I do love reading the grateful posts splashed around the blogsphere. I totally get the magazine vs billboard concept. xx
Always glad not to have the Followers thinggy as I'm using Wordpress. This all sounds very complex, I'm steering clear!! Love a great list of comments and the time to read them.
HO-BLOODY-RAY!
Ok, so I know I'm late to this, but amen to this post! I had a really interesting conversation about this the other day with fellow bloggers, one of whom was sponsored to fly across the world -who said savvy sponsors/PR people look for engagement not stats and follower numbers. That's what I want on my blog - conversation, engagement back and forth, not *I follow back* because *I don't* well not automatically anyway.
I stumbled across on of those follow link back party things the other day - I couldn't click away fast enough! What is the point of having all those followers if you don't have a relationship with them?
Wow, what an interesting post!
Firstly I am realising that I'm a tad behind the technical times - never heard of the FOLLOWBACK rules? Probably a good thing! But I am a number cruncher at heart so I did finally, two weeks ago install a proper stat counter program and am enjoy perusing the stats so far (even though I admit I know not how to understand half of them!) Will remain to be seen if the novelty wears off...
But agree, you should only follow and engage in a blog if it is of interest to you, not merely for the sake of building figures x
Madmother makes a good point x
I've written carefully but still not sure ... I'm taking a leaf and "being brave"...
* Bagging follows back... it's a choice for whatever reason do or don't
* Bagging numbers and stats today... I doubt there isn't a blogger out there who's narcissistic ego isn't boosted by a comment or a new follower
* Bagging opinions about what others write on their blogs last week...it's a choice to read or not to read
It's all a bit "school yard" for me as another reader mentioned.
There will be readers out there taking taking these things personally and feeling insecure about themselves.
Feeling just like a "school loser" in blogland.
Then publishing a linky on being grateful... to draw people back again!
What ever makes you happy or get comments, readers and followers. I'm a bit confused. Does anyone ever disagree? Maybe they just don't post.
Yes, it's your blog - I just wish it was a bit more constructive sometimes. You have a lot of great things to say.
I think you talk lots of sense here. Not going to rehash what others have already commented. It is so easy to fall into the trap of valuing your blog by the number of followers. A good book is a good book however many or few read it and same with blogging.
i do appreciate when someone drops a note or comment introducing themselves but not if they are doing it just so i will then follow them...that's weird to me, like people are obsessing way too much over it. i didn't even know how to look at my stats for so long and now i do check the "traffic sources" because it was pointed out to me that someone was actually visiting my blog from theirs and stealing photos.
love this post!
I've written the 'Found u over @ Such and such blog' but the genuine reason is I have found them through a certain blog and actually really like the blog so I follow the,not just because of the linky thing.
I don't even expect to get followed back as I know so many people have a lot of readers/comments and don't always have the time or may not find what I write interesting. I only every follow blogs I connect with and read regularly and comment as much as my time allows.
Hardly ever check my stats and would much prefer regular readers (even if its 10 or 20!) that comment and engage over hundreds or thousands of traffic.
xx
Great post xx
I'm actually glad that I follow the blogs I follow and I'm even more glad that you posted this because you are finally tired of following for a follow! I don't exactly know the point of the american comment because i've been blogging for long enough to know that non american blogs do the same thing---you included(american or not)! i remember you doing this same exact thing to grow your numbers---maybe you didn't exactly say "follows back or come follow me" but your comments and intentional visits to many blogs on those hops were for the very same reason!
you followed so many blogs with the hopes of getting a follow in return (mine included) left one comment to get my attention and then never showed your face on those blogs again! okay---maybe some of those turned into your faves but i know you're not a faithful follower of mine! i tried to comment many many times on your site to show that I was a "true follower" and then I just stopped commenting because i felt like you didn't acknowledge.
Whatever the issue may be, I know that many bloggers do this to grow their numbers to get sponsors/reviews/giveaways/whatever and they are perfectly fine with that....I'm not one of those people, never shamelessly self promoted and I'm strongly against it! I also believe in returning the love and don't ignore my readers! I'm glad you don't want the followers/numbers anymore! Those people that do this don't even read about posts like yours and don't care what anyone thinks about it.
In either case---Rock on and I'm SO Happy that you are #1 on everyone's list! that's totally something to be PROUD of!!!!
WOW! I never knew half of this existed.
1) I have no stat count on my blog so I have no idea how many people actually read it.
2)) Huh?
3) I'm not sure how many I follow. I do know that I have some sort of relationship with almost all of them. I have never heard of follow back.
4) I am occasionally aware of how many people follow my blog but not really or seriously. It is not in any way the reason I blog.
Hi Bron. These are my thoughts that spring from your post today. (http://maxabellaloves.blogspot.com/2011/08/when-will-i-ever-learn.html)
I take your point about the vanity of "followers-for-the-sake-of-numbers". I would be frustrated if people followed my linky totally off theme too.
I'm a fairly new blogger and don't really know what "following" I have. I know I have some engagement via my blog, via Twitter, and that's what I joined for; to be part of and contribute to the community out there. If I had no comments or followers (of the engaged variety), then I couldn't consider myself part of the community.
Having said that. It is almost impossible to get off the ground and make inroads into the said community without some efforts of the "I-follow-you- you-follow-me" variety. I choose to reciprocate primarily via comments, not "follow-backs". Whilst I've a long way to go, I can imagine, it's only as a blogger gets a bigger following that there is some luxury in being more picky. I don't feel offended by that; that's just how the game goes.
I don't think you're being too harsh here. All fair comment according to me.
Stats, traffic... these days I'm just happy to get a post up and published... and these days when I write a post, in my mind or actually on the computer, I'm often thinking about what I want to record, what I want to be able to look back on later ... so over time it becomes more and more about me and less and less about anyone else.
is this the post that got you in trouble??? I don't think your judgy honey....in fact - you say it as you mean, and i like it. I know we all blog to get our thoughts out there and yes it's nice to have comments and followers, but not just if they are doing it for the numbers. I'm not about that, so I would follow a blog just for the sake of it either....I'd much rather spend time with a few bloggers i love xx
Numbers is something I've been thinking about a lot lately. I pretend I don't care but i guess as a new-bee {kind of} it does make my heart sing when I get new followers and comments. [blush]
I do 110% agree with having followers that READ {and participate or say something thoughtful occasionally} than just having a big number trophy.
I follow a stack load of blogs which now clog up my blogger reading list, it's gotten unmanageable but the softie in me wants to share and send number love to growing little blogs like my own. Shhh don't tell anyone that then they get lost in my list...
Haven't quite figured a way to to 'share number love' and yet filter or keep my blog faves at the top of my list. Maybe I should e-mail each of them and ask them to use the asterix thing? Maybe blogger should invent flag colours for filtering that only the blog owner can see LOL
I haven't discovered blog stats yet, nor do I do the PR thing... for me personally it's not why I started... but of course no offence to those who love and do the reviews/PR etc etc.
Your blog, Your rules right!?
:)
What? Jeez, I am way behind the eight-ball on this one, I have no idea what *Follows Back* is (well, I mean, I do, but it's never happened to me). I follow other blogs because otherwise I'd NEVER remember where they were. I do a lot of lurking, but do like to comment when I have the time as a way of telling the blogger that I appreciate their time and effort and point of view or lovely curtains or whatever. I like the whole labyrinthine nature of going off on tangents (ie following links to other commenters etc), but it does get a bit unwieldy. I agree there are some bloggers who exist solely to gather followers (there is one who visits me once a month and leaves a cut and paste comment to the effect that she is a new follower etc etc). It irritates me so much - I found her blog months ago and started following it because I thought it was interesting but jeez, lady, give it a rest!
No one ever asks me about "the stats" unless it's my husband, charmingly taking the p#ss. Ho hum. I blog because I like it and I comment on other people's blogs because I like what they're doing. Does it really have to be harder than that?
xx
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Yay! You're letting me know you're there. In reality I'm HOPELESS at replying, but in my head I am very very good. Happy day to you! x