What do you read on a blog? A Revisit
It's time to revisit a post from the past for this weeks Sunday's Favourite.
Happy to Design created a way to share some favourites from the past.
Many of us have been blogging for years and we have published some really great posts. It would be so nice to share them again! There are always new visitors to blogs and they haven't always read the posts from way back when. So her idea is to choose a favourite post, and then repost it for all to see and enjoy again.
Stop by her blog and perhaps you will be tempted to join in.
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Today's revisit was originally posted on March 8, 2008.
I picked this post because I thought it would be interesting to see what your views about reading blogs is today compared to when it was first posted. You can read what others commented here when it was originally posted.
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Today is a day to view the world through the windows, especially in my part of the world, where we are getting dumped on with a huge snow/ice storm once again. I have an unexpected day off as schools and some businesses in our area are closed due to the awful weather.
I didn't want to write about the snow and I'm sure you have probably read enough postings about snow to last you forever.
So what will I blog about today? How about blogs?
Blogging has become so popular it is getting harder and harder to keep up with the reading of them all. That got me thinking ... what do you actually read on a blog?
What actually attracts you to a blog?
Is it the header photo? the give aways? the great photos? the humourous posts? the informative posts?
What actually attracts you to a blog?
Is it the header photo? the give aways? the great photos? the humourous posts? the informative posts?
First there are those Label lists - is it worth the time adding numerous labels to a post? Does anyone ever look at the long lists folks have up on their blogs? or is it better to have a simplified list of labels? So instead of listing all the various flower names is it better to just list flowers?
How many posts? - Some blogs boast they are on their 400th (or some such number) post. Is that important to you, or are you just interested in the present post?Once a post has been lost in the back pages of a blog does anyone ever go and read them again? Now I know some bloggers keep an online journal and then all those previous posts are important so you can keep up with their lives.
The photos in this post actually have nothing to do with the content of the post. But I think a post is a bit boring unless it has a photo or two. And these photos keep to the gardening theme of my blog.
And last but not least ... the comments. Do you read all the comments on your blog? I know that I do and I even try to respond to some of them. But does anyone ever go back and read that response? I have that feature where you have to enter a series of letters before the post is accepted. Do you find that annoying? I know that sometimes I do, so I'm thinking of removing it from my comment section.
So if you feel the urge to answer some of my questions, please leave a comment. You never know, it just might influence me in how I continue to blog.
PS: Thanks to all the members at Blotanical that chose this post and boosted it close to the top of the weekly favourite posts.
PPS: since this post I have taken away the verification code, but comments still have to be approved by me
17 friendly comments:
Love your header, colorful, simple, appropriate. I like when the first post is visible below the header, so I'm not scrolling, scrolling, scrolling to get to what I came to read. Yours is good.
Comments are important so that the blog becomes interactive. Approval or a code, if there's been a problem with spammers; not both.
I think that general labels like 'annuals' or 'shrubs' are too broad. I'm wanting to find Pansies or Zinnias, not every annual you ever planted. Perhaps I just want to see a list of what grows. I put my labels in an alphabetical label cloud at the end of blog, after the posts, so visitors aren't scrolling, scrolling, scrolling down the sidebar one label at a time. I need that space for other bloggers' links. If a label gets too many posts attached, I break them down into narrower categories.
Thought provoking post, good replay.
Great minds think alike - I did a series of "revisits" in the summer, called "Blast from the Past Tuesday". Am all for recycling posts - I'd rather see a good one which I missed before than a new one which doesn't say much.
I check out blogs with pictures(-: I seldom read any that are long because I just don't have time. So I like a short but sweet little blurp and thats about it. Blogs that go on and on are to much for me but I still skim through the pictures(-: Hope that does not sound rude but its just because I don't have alot of time to get to everyones blog(-:
I like humor and if I find a blog that is fun and cheerful I will check back often(-: I also love crafts and junk so that of course is important to me(-: I also love animals/Birds etc so anything like that gets my attention(-:
I think the verification thing is annoying. I try to make it as easy as I can to leave a message. If someone spams me I just delete it.
I read all the comments that people leave for me and answer them all if I can(-:
I don't usually read other peoples comments on the other blogs though.
I too wonder what people look for in a blog post.
I don't have comment verification or approval. If you wrote something offensive I will delete it...pronto.
I don't like music either. Sometimes my volume was up loud the night before and then in early morning I am blasted by some music that I can't find to shut off. Plus I like to concentrate on what I am reading. Too distracting.
I have noticed that as women we all seem to be drawn to a post that is personal. Whether happy or sad we seem to be the nurturers even on our blogs.
I read every comment and reply directly to any with an email address connected to them. I also comment on the post itself sometimes to keep the dialog going.
I liked this post!
I like a sense of humor on a blog - - - one that will grab my interest.
I also like pictures - - - maybe I'm still in kindergarten, I don't know!
I go to blogs that are all about one topic (home decor, quilting, gardening, thrifting, etc) but I'll be honest, they don't "keep" me very long.
I like variety.
I like fun.
I guess I like to be entertained.
I definitely LOVE it when there is interaction. I leave lots of comments and I love to get lots of comments.
I LOVE it when the comment alert e-mails I get have the other bloggers return e-mail on them so I can respond directly to them.
I like blogging for the community of it.
Funny thing - - - I made a post about why we blog about a year ago. I am, on Chari's Sunday Favorites, methodically reposting my favorites from when I started up until present. One day, I'll get to that "why we blog" post and repost it.
I am the first one to groan when I see the word verification....I HATE THEM! I took mine off a LONG time ago and I noticed an increase in comments!
I read as much as I can...and I do like to see blogs that add photos too...they just make it more of a complete story!
Hi Linda...
What a great and interesting post, my friend...I'm so glad that you are sharing it with us for Sunday Favorites!
This is really a subject "near and dear to my heart". I guess I am what you would consider an avid blogger...I spend many hours on my blog and visiting other blogs so I really am curious and interested in what other think and enjoy when it comes to blogging! Blogging has opened up an entirely new and different world to me! I'm an empty nester...I'm not employed outside of my home and I live in a rural area so there isn't much to do here...hehe! I have such a passion for my home and blogging has put me in contact with others that share my interests! For me...it's like having a great neighbor that I can go and have a cup of coffee with and visit! I love blogging and have met so many wonderful, creative & talented women! I really enjoy perusing blogs with similar interests...I've gotten alot of great ideas this way and have learned so much! I tell my husband that it's like opening my favorite magazine and finding a "wealth" of articles!!!
Now...here is my "2 cents" about what I like and dislike about certain blogs. I really enjoy the time and effort that bloggers spend on their header photos...I do think they are important. It's like being drawn into a good book because of the beautiful cover! And...I love photos!!! For instance...you could read a blog about decorating and I do enjoy reading the "how to's" but SHOW ME THE PHOTOS! Hehe! By the way, I always (and God is my witness) read every single word of a post! Sometimes I'm slower getting around blogland because of this...but it's just my way!
As far as the "labeling" goes...I do it but have begun to think that I need to condense my list because it is getting sooo long! If I am interested in a particular subject, I do use blogger's label's list to find similar topics, etc. I certainly would be interested in whether others use these lists or not.
Comments...I love reading my comments! I read every single one and I also try to comment back or pay the commentor a visit in return! Again...I have lots of time on my hands and can do this! To me...it's like answering a written letter that I have received in the mail. It is a bit disappointing to me when I have continually commented on a blog and never ever here back from that blogger! And...I will admit that having to type in the word verification is very annoying to me...although I do it! I would rather not have to! Hehe! I have removed that feature from my blog.
Now...last but not least...about reposting a past post! I think I'm a bit partial when it comes to this subject since I host a "reprise" meme...Sunday Favorites! I think it's a great idea...I spend alot of time and planning on my blog posts and just hate the thought that they may be viewed once and then forgotten about! I would like to get a little more "mileage" out of them! Hehe! I have always enjoyed visiting other blogger's "reprise" posts...they are usually new to me! Not to mention, there are just times when I would like to post but I'm short on time or ideas!!!
Anyway, my friend...I know that I've written a book here! I will check back to see the responses of your readers to the questions that you have posed in this great post! Thank you for sharing it with us today for Sunday Favorites!!! I am going to go back and read your original post to see what others are thinking!!!
Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design
Oops...just lil' ol' me again! Like I didn't say enough in my last comment! Hehe!
I wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed the photos that you included in this post! I just love the "waterfall" effect of those pretty clay pots!!! So unique and really pretty!!! I would love to make a planter like that!!! I also really like your beautiful pumpkin header...yes, it really caught my eye...right off!
Warmest wishes,
Chari
Good re-run Linda :)
I don't like very long lists down the sidebar, so my labels are generic. If was very specific like Nell Jean suggests, she'd have to do a hell of a lot of scrolling even if a tag cloud was used. There's always the search function if people want to look for something specific, which I see is being used quite a bit on my blog.
I've stuck with WV because I like everyone to see what everyone's had to say and add to that as well as my original post rather than having to wait for me to approve things.
This is a very good question. The very fact that there are so many blogs to read means that if the blog is not able to quickly convince you to stay, you will move on.
For me I go through the following process:
1)To choose a blog to visit - I look for an intriguing blog title, one with a little humor always piques my interest.
2)A great blog header will keep me there for a look-see. I like simple and striking - no clutter.
3)A simply laid out blog format with the newest post either visible upon entry or not too far a scroll away is a MUST! I don't want to hunt for what I am looking for.
4)A well thought out, well written, informative post is also a MUST. I exit any long winded posts, and tend to not stick around for posts littered with quotes and poetry. I LOVE humor!
5)Pictures aren't necessary for every post, but do add to the experience. But they have to be GOOD pictures. And preferably pertinent pictures with explanations. Non-related pictures can be confusing.
6)I prefer blogs that allow comments.
7)I HATE word verification! I don't like moderation that doesn't show your comment back to you and just tell you that others won't see it until approval, but I will take that over WV any day!
8)Clutter is a big turn off. No flash animation or pop-ups. I will not return to those blogs.
9)I don't like it when blogs have music that automatically plays. If I want music while I read, I know how to play it on my computer.
10)Too many ads, and ads that take precedence over the true content, are a turn off.
Bonuses:
1)I actually do use the labels to find additional content on a blog as the search feature in Blogger sucks. (guess I should add labels to mine!) I like more specific labels to help me find what I am looking for faster.
2)I do prefer blogs of authors who read and respond to comments. But if the blog is good, it wouldn't be a deal breaker if they didn't.
3)I like blogrolls. If I like an author's blog, I will check out blogs they like.
4)I like blogs that hyperlink references in their posts so that if I read something that I would like more info on, I can just click to get there.
5)A passionate, funny writer that isn't afraid to go off on a good rant now and then ;)
HI Linda -- thanks for sharing this thoughtful and helpful post. You had some great points. Plus I loved the way you explained the Sunday Favorites at the top of your post, with the link to the original comments. I've been blogging for a few years, but am very much an amateur who is willing to learn. Thanks for teaching. Mine is mostly a travel blog (we're full-time RVers) but I do take a lot of pictures of flowers and gardens, so I love the idea of your blog and I'll favorite it.
I have removed the verification from my blog and have not had any problems due to the removal.
Sallie (FullTime-Life)
First thing that attracts me to a blog is a name, if its something that might be interesting, I will read it. Also same with a specific post.
I dont like posts too long without any pictures, I just dont read them. If this post was without any pictures, I would not read it - so you probably know what Im talking about, when placing pics althought no need for them.
I also like blogrolls, you can imediately see interests of the blog author and find some new interesting posts.
I have word verification on my blog - only because I have read a few times that people had serious problems with spam. I dont have approval.
I hate advertisments on blog - one or 2 is OK, but when there are more advertisments than anything else, I dont read it, or leave a comment. As I dont beleive those people with millon ads are realy interested in comments...
I like leaving comments, especialy when is something I have interest or experience with. Dont like very much those "nice blog" comments, either you have to say something or not.
I like reading comments (both on my blog and other blogs).
Hi Linda, I saved reading this until I had a little time. You pose a lot of good questions. As for whose blogs I read, first the ones on my blog roll or Google reader, sometimes I venture out, though it takes more and more time to read all the great blogs out there. At some point one has to draw the line!
Comments...I subscribe by email to see if the person I am commenting to responds. I like that feature. I try to answer each and every comment on my blog..though if I have posted two or three posts since the one the person is commenting on, I may let it slide.
Label lists, when I first started out I was so specific with plant names I created a long list of single entries...so I took the label list off. I may relabel some of the older posts with more general topic labels and then have a list that will represent labels that have more than 5 postings. (maybe!)
Ads...I know some have so many ads I can't figure out where the posting begins. I do love great photos. Sometimes I feel like I should say something, a comment, if I visit, but feel redundant 'oh how pretty' 'great photo' etc.
Word verification is a bit of a pain, I don't use it-- though I have all comments come to my email account, so I know if there is something amiss.
Thanks for asking great questions. I wonder about some of the same stuff.
Hi;
I like reading blog posts that make me think -- and this one certainly did!
I have to see pictures. If I see solid paragraphs of text I get out of there very quickly...
Comments - lessons learned - for me! I find myself with a lot of time on my hands this fall, which is very unusual. So, I have been spending a lot more time in the blogosphere and quickly discovering all the mistakes I've been making. I'm a reader and a lurker - never leave a comment unless I have something good to say. Realizing the error of my ways I now like to stroll through the favorites list and at the very least say hello. :)
Hi Linda
It's interesting to see why many women have started a blog and what features interest them on others.
As a garden writer, I wanted a place to expand on my weekly column and show colour pictures of the plants and things I was writing about. The labels have been useful but I only show general categories - never thought to list the specific plants which is food for thought.
What I look for in another's blog is simplicity, good photos (like everyone else) and information I'm interested in.
Repeating a blog is no different than me digging up an old column and reworking it by possibly updating information or changing it a bit.
I don't know if I would have thought on my own to post an old blog again since I just started this summer - but what the heck, why not? We all take the time to create something nice, wait awhile and put it out there again - as you pointed out there may be new readers to appreciate it.
I read all my comments and sometimes visit the person's blog to thank them for dropping by but I do have my few favourites like yours that I check out regularly. Common interests always draw people together in any circumstances.
Blogs that are cluttered, have religious themes or hard to read font I stay away from. The music isn't an issue because I don't turn my speakers on.
Good discussion!
Hi Linda~~ I'm always happy to dole out my two bits. I have to say that what attracts me to a blog is fabulous photos, cute, down to earth prose but not too much in one post, location--I really like local blogs but not exclusively. Subject matter that is relevant to my interests. And I shy away from blogs that already have 50 comments. For some reason this just bugs me. I'd rather visit the more humble among us. Sometimes I will read others' comments, sometimes not. I'm not crazy about how-to posts, where the blogger must impart lots of important information. There are oodles of venues for information. Most often, I will stick to the current post simply because I'm always behind in visiting. I've been blogging less than a year and have about 70 posts, so archives aren't that big of a deal. I ALWAYS read every comment I receive because this is the frosting on the cake!!! I love everyone who takes time to comment. I think most bloggers feel the same way. If a commenter asks a specific serious question, not a silly rhetorical one although I love those!! I will either go to their blog or their Blotanical Plot to leave a reply rather than on my blog. I don't often go back to read comments upon comments. Not that it's a bad thing, I'm just taxed for time and usually don't leave a direct question. I don't mind the word verification thing. It helps keep my brain alive. Whew. Sorry this is so jumbled.
Hi Linda, Thanks for reposting this.
I have only blogged for about 1 year, so I am still looking for ways to improve my blog. All the suggestions everyone's made are great. As a precursor to my preferences, I will just say that I was a User Interface Engineer for many years, so some of my observations come from formal training as well as my personal feelings. So, here they are:
I don't like black backgrounds, even though pictures stand out better on them. Black with white letters is particularly hard on the eyes.
I like blogs that are clean and don't have lots of ads all over, especially between the posts. Ditto for the "share this" type of buttons lining each post. It's too hard to find the next post on the page.
Music is a big turn off to me. It also takes a lot more time to load a blog with music than without.
I do like label clouds. They are easier to click on then scrolling through label lists.
I like blogs with a consistent message. For example, if the blog is about plants of the southwest, I don't really want to read about what the writer made for dinner last night. Focus is good.
I, like all the others here, love pictures in posts. Like the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words".
I do have word verification on my blogs, but am considering removing it for a while to see if I have troubles.
And finally, I myself love to read comments, but I know that I should do better responding to them. Sorry to those whom I have forgotten.
Kathy
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