Crafty in the Med

I am here to enjoy meeting other bloggers and to share my love of craft ,mostly crochet, my thoughts and my daily happenings here in Alicante,Spain, my adopted country. I belong to a local choir because singing and music makes me happy. Flea markets and book shops are two of my favourite places to be. I read lots......sci´fi/fantasy,buried treasure, and off world adventures. I have a passion for history! I walk and walk and walk for about 10 months per year during the hot months I swim.

Thursday 24 May 2012

THE FOLLOWING IS OF INTEREST TO ALL BLOGGERS


that is if you don't know about it already of course
this happened to me this morning; a fellow blogger commented that she was following my blog but she didn't appear among the icon pics on the Google connect gadget and when I checked the list she didn't appear there either. I verified it with her and she told me she had followed me by adding my link to the blogs on her blog's dashboard. I commented that she had to sign in as a follower via the Google Friend connect gadget for the blogger to see who is following their blog. She did this and there she was on the followers list. Since then I've been browsing around on the web to pick up a little bit more info about this and this is what I have discovered. If you add the blog you want to follow via the dashboard it will not appear on the Google connect followers gadget or list. This means that you may think a blogger is not following you but the blogger thinks he is. It also means that you may have more people following you than what you think....the ones who think they follow you via the link on the dashboard. 
This is where you have to go to follow a blog :
Google Connect Gadget


 and this is where you go to add a blog to your blog list


Sorry to say  Tabiboo I don't see you on my follower's list please add via the Google Connect gadget on my blog. :-)
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Blog etiquette advice please.....confused
I hate being confused,I hate not understanding and as I tell my students if you don't ask you don't know!

I wonder if I am lingering where I am not wanted?????

Now bear with me a minute and I'll explain my doubts and hope that some kind soul can clarify for me
I am still a blogger learner but learning more and more from you the experienced bloggers out there as I go along.
However its not my intention to disrupt blogger etiquette so please correct me if you think I have misunderstood how one should go about this blogging business:
As I understand it this is the procedure:
  • You blog-hop to find other blogs that coincide with your own interest  (or you just like)
  • once you have found the blog you find interesting you follow said blog
  • you comment on the blog that you are following
  • if you receive a comment back that blogger then reciprocally follows your blog 
  • the blogging relationship commences up until one of the blogger decides to cut it short (for whatever reasons).
  Is there some sort of invisible message that is understood by experienced bloggers that if  you follow a blog and you comment to show your interest and keenness to follow that blog but the blogger does not reply to ANY of your comments, does not comment on your blog either ,but has not blocked you from that blog then, is this a discreet sign of not wanting your  presence on their blog?
Is it the norm in this case to just stop following or just continue as an anonymous reader?

and

If you are following a blog have received replies and comments from the blogger but said blogger does not follow you.  Does one just ask are you going to follow my blog or what?

Thanks in advance for your help

Amanda :-)

PS: I want followers but I want the reciprocal relationship that goes with it more. Quality more than quantity!






69 comments:

  1. Hi Amanda, thanks for your lovely comment and for following my blog! I would love to reciprocate, thank you, and don't really understand the whole etiquette of it, but am just going with the flow at the moment and really enjoying it! Have a lovely day, Claire xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many thanks for your comments here....well thats the problem I don't understand it either and like yourself going with the flow but have queries.
      Amanda x

      Delete
    2. If you click on my blog you're currently at the top, so I am following you! Must be slow, like you said xx

      Delete
  2. I have no idea, I love when someone is interested enough to follow me and leave a comment - thank you so much for your comments, at least I know one person has read my little blog... lol! I shall follow your replies with interest and hopefully learn something :) xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Exactly Cheryl this is how I feel too...I am thrilled that people have read my posts and likewise I enjoy commenting on the blogs I follow however its a bit dampening when I comment and comment and get no response or recognition.

    A xx

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  4. Oh no, I'm not sure either! I think that some bloggers have so many followers that it must be impossible to reply to all the comments they receive or follow everyone back. Like you though I think it is much nicer to receive a reply. Hope you have a lovely day xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comments. In that case they should specify they cannot reply to comments. Some do and therefore I know what to expect if I decide to comment.

      Amanda :-)

      Delete
  5. It is a mystery to me. I also find it confusing when people regularly comment on my blog, and I on theirs (I sign on as a follower); although they comment and read my blog they don't click as a follower.... Perplexing, have they simply forgotten to 'follow'? Am I not quite up to standard to permit public 'following'?

    Puzzled, and Perplexed, of Pocklington - just kidding! Elaine from Lincolnshire.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Elaine,
      It is VERY nice to hear I am not the only one confused about this.

      A x

      Delete
  6. Oh Amanda - if only I had the answer. Some time ago I wrote a blog called blogging etiquette and received some thoughtful and interesting replies. The truth is, I don't think there is any etiquette involved. Like you I am a relatively new Blogger - I started in January. I think the whole thing is quite random, as in life I guess. I visit a lot of blogs and try to comment where appropriate. If people are kind enough to join my blog, I always join theirs - it just feels like a common courtesy. I look for blogs that interest me - crafting, thrifty living, travel, family, and just generally nice people with something to say. If someone links my blog on their page, I again reciprocate, providing a link to their blog - people who visit blogs are quite likely to use these links to seek out other blogs so it is a helpful navigation system. There are people who I visit every day, because I like their blogs; others who I might look at from time to time - of course some people blog every day and others don't.
    Blogland is like life; there are kindred spirits out there as well as people you probably wouldn't be friends with. If I join a blog and there is absolutely no reciprocation or acknowledgement (I always try to welcome new followers), then I sometimes remove myself from a blog list. I am probably quite sensitive and feel a bit offended if there is no reciprocity.
    I noticed FourHappyBunnies (who has a lovely blog) say that blogs with lots of followers can't respond, but there are some amazing people that do. Jane and Lance Hattat http://hattatt.blogspot.co.uk/ have a huge following and often receive in excess of 200 comments on a blog; they reply to each and every comment - I find that incredible. Similarly Sue at http://ournewlifeinthecountry.blogspot.co.uk/ has over 400 followers and not only follows others, but comments too. I guess it is each to their own, but like you, I prefer to have some kind of reciprocal relationship on a blog ..... just keep doing what you do and you'll attract the right folk. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Mrs Thrifty
      many of your comments here really echo my own thoughts. Many thanks indeed for your encouragement... perhaps I am just being too impatient but I consider that everyone has a reason for being a blogger and mine is really similar to yours and I imagine to lots of other bloggers out there too so I feel that a one sided relationship is no communication at all. Therefore I have decided that if a blogger continues to ignore my comments I can only presume that they do not wish to follow my blog or be in contact therefore I shall remove them from my blog list,albeit reluctantly because I have commented on their blog because I found it interesting. At present I am super happy with my followers and enjoying this experience so I prefer to dedicate my precious time to them rather then wasting it sending out comments that are not appreciated.

      Keep well

      Amanda :-)

      Delete
  7. Hi Amanda, i may be being thick, but can't find the photos of your followers, never mind the follow button, that's why I cut and pasted the url xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. It comes up at the top right hand side on my view Thriftwood x

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Amanda - I thought it was you, but wasn't too sure and didn't want to assume. I've added the link now and your blog name.

    I blog hop a lot and like to pop in and say hi, but I would never expect anyone to follow me back on that basis. I would never expect anyone to follow me back just because I follow them.

    I do try and respond to all that comment on the blog though and usually do that via their blog.

    I've just recently started to reciprocate by giving all that follow me a big shout out, hello and link back to their blog because I think it's a lovely way for others to find.

    Anyway - take care and 'hello'

    Have a lovely evening,

    Nina xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Amanda.. so glad you stop by my blog again... I am new to blogging as well and when I first started.. I didn't know what to expect.. but I have about 39 followers now..nothing happened at first, but they are coming slowly.. Hoping to get more as time goes by. I do respond to bloggers who respond on mine.. I have some followers who never say anything..but that's ok. Some days go by that I might not say anything but that's because I am busy crocheting away.. I do try to post something each day of the week and relax over the weekend. I am just happy meeting new people who enjoy the same things as I do. I really didn't know so many others have the passion for crocheting as I do.. It's great! So have fun with it.. and I am a new follower!
    Shari :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi dear Amanda,

    I am a follower of your blog since I first replied to you. I try to reply as much as I can, but I am taking blogging without obligation because I can't put myself into the pressure of being online all the time replying or commenting but I try as much as I can. I am like Nina, I don't expect anyone to follow me or reply to my comments. Like I said, I do try as much as I can, but with a little one around, dealing with my depression and all that I want and have to do, sometimes I can't reply to everyone all the time.
    Anyway, I hope you are having a good evening.
    xx
    P.S.: I I don't reply in your blog, you can always check back on mine at the comment section as I normally reply the comments there. xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Amanda I agree with all the above, I love it when people leave comments on my blog and it saddens me when I see I have had maybe 300 people view that day and not one of them leaves a comment or becomes a follower. I have been blogging a while now and I think it was 6 months before I even received a comment you can imagine how pleased I was when I got my first. I think probably there are so many blogs out there it is impossible to remember or actually follow every single one that you like, so you have to prioritise or you would be blogging all day. I always look at my reading list everyday and see what everyone has done and I try to visit them all and leave comments but, you have to grow a thick skin because you do get ignored. I have been exactly where you are now and wondered the same things, now I have learnt to just go with the flow and not take it too seriously it is supposed to be fun after all. If someone does not reciprocate I'm sure they mean no offence and if you like their blog continue to view it, I do, if I took everyone off my list who ignore me there would be very few left I'm afraid. Anyway enough rambling it's a pity we couldn't all get together with a glass of wine and put blog land to rights, have a lovely evening xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Linda,
      Glass of red for me please!!!
      I'd like that how about a bloggers meet up party in Alicante ?

      Amanda :-)

      Delete
  13. Hi Amanda!

    I think maybe something was up with your profile. When you commented on my blog first and follwed me, your name and picture just came up but no information to your blog or your lists were there. I only found out you were a blogger when I clicked on a comment you made over on another blog! Maybe you should check your profile settings to ensure your not a no-reply or the like.

    But now that I know you are a blogger too I have followed you- I like to follow those with similar interests but like Linda says above I think you have to grow a thick skin,some may choose not to follow or comment regardless of your interest. Most bigger bloggers will not reply to all their comments but do a bulk in post comment "thank you".

    I would say relax where etiquette is concerned and continue like you have always done. Read the blogs that interest you and comment on what you like. If that blogger doesn't reply don't take offence, that's their loss on your nicetys! I hope you enjoy blogging fo rthe fun it is x I am so happy to have found your blog... I am off for a noodle! Hazel x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Hazel,

      Thats right its happened to me several times from bloggers who have signed on to follow me and no link by the photo of the blogger. I have found out how to change that now so thats fixed. Good advice Hazel....relax it is I just wanted to do what was right and it seems there is nothing I can model myself on. Going to go with the flow I don't want to stop enjoying my blogging.

      Amanda x

      Delete
  14. Hi Amanda,

    How funny, I just replied to some comments on my blog that I hadn't seen because my notifications went to my junk mail!! And one of them was from you! I agree, it is frustrating when people don't respond but always nice when people do.

    I don't think there is any etiquette, just everyone is different I suppose, sometimes people get busy, others might forget? Who knows. But just so you know, I have received all your lovely comments on my giveaway posts but I have avoided commenting on those because I don't want to clog up the giveaway entries.

    Anyway, try not to let it bother you, your blog is lovely and people will follow and comment simply because they enjoy being a part of your blog :)

    Lexie @ Piecesofwonderful.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Lexie,
      Thats really nice of you ...and very encouraging.

      Amanda :-)

      Delete
  15. Hey Amanda

    I know what you mean, sometimes I look at my post views and think, someone specifically clicked on this post because they likes the title/photograph/opening paragraph but they didn't post a comment to show that they were there!
    I guess people have their reasons, but I don't have time to view every post of every blog I follow, let alone comment on them all but I think that means that when I leave a comment I really do like sometime that someone's posted!
    I follow a lot of big blogs for how-tos and projects but I follow more modest blogs for the conversation and community feel :)
    Sue x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hello Sue Marie
      Nor do I have time to view every post of every blog I follow and certainly like yourself I can't post on them all. However I scatter it around and comment when I can ad when I find it of interest. My comments here on this post were concentrated on the initial contact with a new blog before you have linked by following a blog.

      keep well

      Amanda :-)

      Delete
  16. Just came across your blog and thought I'd leave a comment! I do sometimes find it frustrating when I leave a comment on a blog and the other person doesn't reply. I guess there are many reasons why people don't! As you say though it is so nice to get a comment and to feel that what you're blogging about has interested someone!
    June

    ReplyDelete
  17. hello June,Thank you for following my blog. I'll be popping over to yours in a sec.
    I imagine there are heaps of reasons why people do not respond and I certainly don't expect bloggers to reply to my every comment. That's why I give a time margin and also comment several times but after the fourth comment well thats when I start thinking its just too much one sided. I'll have to learn to just walk away or blog away :-)

    Amanda :-)

    ReplyDelete
  18. MANY MANY THANKS for your comments today.
    In a way you have clarified my doubts ....
    there is no real etiquette but that of good manners and consideration
    step away from what you don't like discretely
    relax and enjoy blogging
    there are others out there who feel the same way

    and now dear followers and readers I feel a spot of crochet coming on
    be good now :-)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Amanda, thanks for the interesting post. Firstly, I love it when I get a comment on my blog and always try to reciprocate, however I only do so when I actually have something meaningful to say. I'm not naturally a gushy, oh-darling-you're-gorgeous and everything-you-make-is-so-loverly-sort of a person! As in real life if I'm honest to the point of being a bit standoffish! Sometimes it will take a few days before I return a comment (as with you, I think this is the first time I've commented on your blog!!)
    I'm not so worried about the number of followers I have (only 4!) and suspect there were more people reading based on the number of comments I get. Also if everyone who I follow also followed me I'd have lots of followers!!
    For about the first year of blogging I did it so discretely and quietly no one knew I was out here! Probably due to something that happened quite early on, a very popular blogger with hundreds of followers did something that hurt me very deeply. I was a follower and commented on a post of hers, she commented on one of mine saying "I'm your first follower, if there's anything you want to know about blogging just ask, as I have a number of tips" (or something along those lines). I was so excited to have a follower, and commented on another of her posts, the very next day I noticed that she had already stopped following me. Ouch! it took me back to primary school and the feeling of having no friends. I felt like telling her how hurt I was, but refrained. I almost stopped blogging right there and then. Now I blog for myself, it's like an online diary. I do appreciate comments, and love to see where in the world people have read my blog are from. But I no longer worry about followers, I've only just put the Google Connect Gadget back on my blog. Like you said quality over quantity. Another thing I've read a number of times is the use of word verification puts off a lot of people commenting, and have to say I find it a chore, and have taken it off my blog.
    Wow! that's the longest comment I've ever written on a blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Sally,
      Many thanks for your comments . I really appreciate you following me back to my blog and also commenting after having had such a bad experience in the past.
      I'm the opposite I do like having followers and the Google gadget motivates me tremendously but there is no other reason really while I like to see who follows me. However that doesn't mean I am out to GET as many followers as I can not at all but I do like the bloggers whose blogs interest me to become followers too. I like to socialize however that doesn't mean I shall be looking at every post or commenting all the time nor do I expect that from others. Everyone does have a life out of blogland after all.

      Word Verification is a pain ...it annoys me tremendously but I suppose it stops spam. Have I got it on mine? I don't think so or at least I don't think I have it activated.

      Look forward to popping into your blog again and to see how you got on at the Market

      keep well

      Amanda :-)

      Delete
  20. Hi Amanda,
    I love reading your sweet comments and am so happy that you visit so often!

    To answer your question...there seems to be too much emphasis on getting followers lately. I blog hop around and only have a few blogs that I "follow". But I have several blogs on my blog roll and several more that I have bookmarked in my favorites. Having followers doesn't guarantee that they actually read your blog. So I guess I am trying to say don't worry quite so much about that followers number, unless you are trying to make money with your blog (and that's a whole nuther story...)
    I also am not sure about replying to comments. Sometimes I reply directly on my blog. Usually I will visit the commenter's blog and leave a comment there. Rarely will I email back.
    Blogging for me is something I do for fun and as an online journal of creative and happy things I do.
    Well that was more than 2 cents worth!! Happy Blogging xoxo Debbie

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    Replies
    1. Hello Debbie,
      Many thanks for your comments here.
      Totally agree about the excessive emphasis on blogs to GET followers for whatever reason,online shops,making money from the blog or other. I classify myself in the other I don't want followers to earn money but to socialize and perhaps naively I think if the person is a follower they read some of my posts however as you say there is no guarantee they will do that. I find the followers list very motivational I like to see if someone has become a follower, I like to know how many followers I have. No other reason.
      It seems from the replies I have received that in some cases my post has been pulled out of context. I queried the first contact with another blogger where you leave a comment to demonstrate your interest in the blog not in how bloggers blog nor that all comments should be answered and post reads...that's impossible!!! I'll echo what you say here blogging is for fun not an obligation. Thanks again Amanda x

      Delete
  21. Hello Amanda,
    I've just been reading your post and all the comments ...If someone is kind enough to follow my blog then I will always follow back and likewise if I receive a comment on a post then I like to make sure I return the kindness (I don't just reply by email without a visit because I think I should take the time to see what they have been up to too!)...Everyone posts at different rates (me about once every ten days) and if someone is posting every couple of days then I am going to end up missing some because I am not online but I will do my best to visit regularly...I try to go with the flow and just trust my instincts...
    Hope you are having a happy week in the med!
    Susan x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hello Susan,

      Considerate .....very considerate I'd say

      Thanks for your comments

      Amanda :-)

      Delete
  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Helen,
      Thanks for your comments. Jeez...I'm not accusing anyone!! I was querying and trying to clarify some of my doubts about how to proceed when you initially contact with a blogger and they do not respond after leaving several comments on their blog. Under no circumstances do I expect nor will get I imagine because its impossible, that bloggers reply to every comment and see every post. If that were so I for one would just drop out because it wouldn't be fun anymore.
      I've seen a comment to that effect on someones blog and she warns you that she has no time to respond....can't get it fairer than that really...so its left to the reader to choose. I think I'm going to change mine to I would love to answer all coments but its not always possible however I really appreciate......

      what do you think?

      Amanda :-)

      Delete
  23. Haha, I hold my hand up ... it was me! Thanks for pointing it out to me, I've now joined properly, after being completely oblivious for years and thinking I was following lots of people. I now really am! Sorry to everyone concerned, especially my loyal followers who probably thought me very arrogant to be accruing followers and not bothering to follow them. All put right now! Have a lovely day, Claire xxx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Claire
    Thanks for your comments. Do think Blogger or Google could have warned people about this glitch from what I have read out there as the Google connect gadget came later the old system was just left as a second option.

    Happy blogging :-)

    Amanda xx

    ReplyDelete
  25. As someone who thought she was clever just to be able to blog, comment and follow other's blogs... could you please tell me how you reply directly under each post. I've had some lovely comments (yourself included), but there doesn't seem an option to reply the way you have with these comments. Can you help a befuddled, blogger who is a bit computer challenged :) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ok Cheryl...here we go you want to activate threaded commenting
      Follow this route:
      sign into your blog
      go to Design at top right hand corner of your blog
      scroll down to Settings & Post and Comments on the left hand side of the page
      in there go to Comment Location and choose Embedded
      leave that page go to Settings & Other
      in Other go to Allow blog feed and set to full
      save all each time sign out of your blog and sign back in
      and thats it
      Let me know how you get on Amanda :-)

      Delete
  26. Hello Cheryl
    Do you mean where it indicates Reply Delete under each comment?
    If so I think its to do with your settings. Just a tick I'll be back can't remember where it is

    A

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks Amanda, I can only see delete!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Cheryl

    Have u followed the above instructions?

    A.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Amanda,
    Oops, I think I am one of those bloggers who rarely gets around to responding to comments on my blog, so sorry! It is not meant as a slight to anyone, I'm just a slack blogger, so apologies if you were offended !
    Thanks for your lovely comments and interest in my blog, I do appreciate your time and love reading what everyone has to say, but I am quite bad at commenting! I don't spend a huge amount of time on the computer, so I tend to blog hop a lot and don't have that many blogs that I check out all the time, I'm probably more of a quick-check- when- I -have -a -few -spare -minutes type of blogger, but I really must try and lift my game! I am sure I could be a lot more involved in the blogging community if I put a bit more time into it!
    Anyway, I am now following your blog, so look forward to catching more of your posts! Have a lovely day, Jules :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jules,
      many thanks for following my blog and for these comments. I don't think I felt offended but more confused...wondering if I was doing the right thing and wondering if it was a discreet signal that my blog wasn't the sort you were interested in. Lets face it you can't like everyone's blog so how do you avoid that??? I am going to have to think that one over...how do I say to a person thank you for your interest in my blog but I am sorry I don't think your blog follows my interest....yikes!!! bit cold isn't it...don't think I could say that.
      I DO agree with what other bloggers have commented that blogging is supposed to be fun...enjoyable! Does everyone have fun in the same way NO! they don't so every blogger uses their blog in their own way. Its not a question of changing how you blog that would be a cheek even to suggest it. My query on my post was to really understand how to proceed it the circumstances I mentioned on the post.
      I look forward to enjoying reading your posts and commenting when I also have time as I have up to now.

      Keep well

      Amanda :-)

      Delete
  30. I changed to the new interface, and followed step by step - THANK YOU! xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  31. Very interesting post and I enjoyed reading everyone's comments on the subject. I just started blogging in April and have been surprised at how much fun I've been having with it. It always feels good when someone leaves a comment or decides to follow my blog. And I get a kick out of seeing what countries my visitors are from. Seeing that someone found my blog all the way in Malaysia made my day.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hello Katie,
    thank you for following my blog and thank you for your comments here. I'll be popping over to your blog this evening too.
    It is fun isn't it I haven't been at it very long either and I find I am dying to see what's happening out there in blog land everyday. I thoroughly enjoy reading the posts and commenting when I can. I am thrilled when I see my follower list has a new pic there its so motivating.

    Do pop in when you can :-)

    Amanda

    ReplyDelete
  33. Ha ha Amanda - I did say this one was a hornet's nest - it really seems to open up discussions! Hope you are okay. You DO have word verification and I removed mine because I hate them You can use this link if you want to get rid of it. http://formerlygracie.com/2012/01/blogging-tip-how-to-remove-the-captcha-from-the-new-blogger/ I have only had 2 weird 'spam' messages left, but you can moderate all comments if you want to xx

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hello Mrs Thrifty.
    Ok! Ok! I was expecting some controversy actually. Its only fair that people should have their say. I knew it wouldn't be a very popular subject but I have to clear the air when I am confused about something. Thats me I'm afraid! :-)

    many thanks for this link I'll have a look see because I really find that word verification annoying.

    Amanda :-)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Amanda. It can be a really complicated business sometimes cant it? I dont profess to be an expert on blogging etiquette.I have just had a look now and realised my name didnt show as being one of your followers.Sometimes I join blogs and it doesnt show on my reading list and I am not sure how to do that either! One day I'm sure all will drop into place!!!I think sometimes that some people have so many followers they cant possibly follow them all properly and I do like to comment to let people know that I have read their blogs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Anne,
      Thanks for your comments.
      this is what other bloggers have noticed as well that if you don't follow a blog via the Google connect gadget on their blog then you are not reflected on their follower lists. You are not on mine unfortunately and I would like you to be :-)

      Amanda

      Delete
    2. SORRY ANNE my mistake your name does appear on my list. I was looking for you under your blog name not as Anne :-)
      A xx

      Delete
  36. That makes a lot of sense - you learn something new every day....as they say. Thanks for info and I hope the discussion is going well.

    Nina x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Tabiboo
      It is...it is. I think I've aired something that others were wondering about too.

      Amanda :-)

      Delete
  37. Hi Amanda! I think you are not getting comments back because you are set up as a "no-reply blogger" I have wanted to send comments back your way via email, but I can't. You need to go to your profile page and hit Edit. Then click next to the box that says "show my email", don't forget to save the changes at the bottom. Hope this helps! By the way I have been blogging only a year, and it has taken all that amount of time to get up to 80 followers and establish a real nice friendship with a few kindred souls out there. Not everyone I follow follows me back, but that's okay. Just do what you like and it will all fall into place.
    Contact me if you need help with the no-reply blogger thing. I have several new followers who are no-replys and I can't get to them!!
    Take Care!
    Lynne

    ReplyDelete
  38. hello Lynne.
    Yessss you were right I didn't have that ticked...I've fixed it now. However that would be just for comments sent to me by email as I do receive comments as you can see on my posts.
    Many thanks for this and for your advice.

    Do pop back in and visit when you can :-)

    Amanda

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  39. Hi Amanda. I've just been reading all the comments left on this post. It's quite interesting to see what other think. But I think generally it's lovely to have lots of followers and comments but I see blogging more as an online diary of things that interest the author. I wouldn't be offended that people may not reply or follow, I have been following and commenting on several blogs since I started and have never heard a peep. So if that happens I wouldn't let that bother you, different people have a different approach to blogging. I think if you concentrate too much on the amount of followers you have or the amount of comment you receive you forget about the real reason you started a blog ... to share your interests with the world. Write about what you love, if others love it they will follow. So just relax and enjoy it.

    Also, I don't reply to a comment as you do. I think if you leave the comment in the comment lists, alot of people will never see your reply. I for one ALWAYS forget to come back after I've commented so I never see a reply. I reply via email (as long as a NO-REPLY isn't set up) that way what you write back don't show in the comment list but will go straight to their email address for them to read personally. You do this by reply straight back when you get an email notice when some one has commented (just like an other email).

    This ended up being a lot longer that I'd planned .... oops.

    Love Katie xx

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    1. Hello Katie
      Thank you for your comments.
      More than offended I was confused and I really don't like to feel confused...so I sort clarification. I think I have it pretty clear how to proceed from now on and every-ones comments have been of great help. I have to admit I also like to read what other bloggers comment in a post and for bloggers to see me there to...thats networking.
      I thoroughly enjoy blogging more than what I would have imagined.

      Amanda :-)

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  40. Hi Amanda!
    Thanks for popping over to say hello at my blog - it's so nice to come and see you here, too.
    Wow- what an interesting post and interesting comments from everyone as well.
    I am a very lucky blogger who has 300-ish followers and am thrilled whenever anyone leaves a comment for me. I will always reply to these via email (except for no-reply-ers). That way, I find it a manageable task!
    I don't always follow my followers back- I have soooooo many blogs to follow these days and soooooo little time, but if it looks like an interesting one (like yours) then of course, I do.

    Enjoy the weekend!
    X

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    1. Hello Sarah,
      Thank you for your comments and thanks for following my blog.
      300 is a lot I can't imagine being able to comment constantly on 300 posts I'd have to give up work.

      Amanda :-)

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  41. Hi Amanda, I have managed to add you to my reading list on the side of my blog, how I'm not really sure but thank you anyway, something must have done the trick!!

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  42. Oh good Anne glad you got it sorted! :-)
    A.

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  43. Hi Amanda, I love this post and the comments you have received, it is such an interesting and timely subject. I've been blogging for about 9 months and have only just started looking for friends and like-minded people to share stuff with and I have to say that I'm really enjoying meeting new people and reading new blogs.

    It made me laugh when you said that you want to comment "are you going to follow my blog or what??" Hahaaa that would be excellent, nothing like a bit of honesty, I wonder what people would say?????

    You are my latest follower (welcome, welcome, mwah, mwah) and you found me through a site we both love and follow also...that is the kind of bloggy love I like - also learning new stuff - like that no-reply email thingy mentioned above, I need to go and check that out, like, right now.

    Wonderful post, lots of lovely and brilliant comments, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it with my breakfast bagel this morning...now....shall I follow you back..hmmmmm, let me see ;o)

    lots of love, write again on this kind of thing soon. xxxxx

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  44. Hello there Miss in Bloom,
    Well that makes me feel better....I was thinking about this post the other day and how could I have had the cheek to write it and even publish it...but it seems I have voiced what many other bloggers think as well.
    Actually I do ask now or rather invite or perhaps I should say nudge a pblogger to follow .... by adding after a few comments posted on a person blog and also of course having received comments back...but who still do not follow me officially...you know tick up on the jolly old list. I convinced especially with the blogs that have over 300 bloggers they forget whether they are following people or not so I nudge nicely and if it still doesn't happen well no matter I'll continue to follow that blog because I like it. Response to this post was really very gratifying and goes to show that there are some really fab people out there!!

    Keep well

    Amanda :-)

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  45. Hey Amanda, a late reply but an interesting topic, so thought I would throw in my 2 cents worth.......

    I follow blogs I am interested in and sometimes follow blogs who have become my followers.......occasionally I completely forget to follow blogs because I am enjoying reading their posts so much..... I'm not into 'I'll follow you because you're following me' and if people tell me they are following me and suggest I follow them, that's a little bit too pushy for me.......particularly if their blog isn't what you are into!!

    Followers are nice, but to be honest, if we have lots of followers can we can really keep up with their posts even if it's infrequently, so, are we following them? I don't think so........who's got that much free time?

    I prefer to reply via email as you can personalise your reply and that way I have created lovely blog friendships. I may not return to a blog I've commented on for some time and miss reading the reply.

    I do find it a little rude if a blog I have been reading, commenting on and supporting their creative journey for over 12 months or so doesn't reply, so I will move on .......

    I think minimum blog etiquette should be .......always be supportive and encouraging in your comments, reply to comments or try to visit commenters blogs to show your appreciation and anything extra is a bonus.

    Claire :}

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  46. Hello Claire
    Many thanks for your comments here...some interesting points and food for thought!
    re: suggesting to a blogger to follow
    mea culpa Claire I have done this and I agree its pushy although I invite the blog I'm following to follow my blog if they wish....because I want to stay in contact with that blog because I like their...but you know the other day I was thinking I may not be or rather my blog may not be everyones cup of tea so although I may wish to follow a blog the blogger may not ,as you mention,wish to follow mine. My invitation is rather putting a blogger in a predicament of either ignoring my invitation or accepting to follow a blog you're not interested in. Thats not nice!...so I've stopped that. At present I comment on b logs I find interesting and like you say all the rest is a bonus.
    Amanda :-)

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  47. Hi Amanda! That's a very interesting post! I'm gonna tell you my experience! I created my blog about a month ago and was answering to every comment someone made for me! But soon I realised that my replies were something like "thank you so much!!", quite similar to everyone! So decided to write an automate reply (of course I;m reading all the comments!). Plus, I was thinking that someone who pops into my blog maybe doesn't want to read my answers and see only my blog-friends' comments! So the way I prefer to show my appreciation to someone who's taking the time to post in my blog, is by visiting his/her blog and write something really meaningful!
    I hope you didn't get offended by me by any means:-),
    have a nice day,
    Angeliki!

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  48. Actually I coincide with your opinion here Angeliki...I also prefer to show my appreciation by commenting on that person's blog. I am certainly not offended its all constructive criticism which one can learn by and everyone has a right to their opinion.

    Keep well

    Amanda :-)

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Thank you for your comments. I do read them and try to reply to all as well.Please keep them coming. Amanda :-)