Monday, January 2, 2012

You Can't Reach 1000 Followers by Being a Jerk


Happy New Year and I have a special feature today!

I know The Social Network told us we can't reach a million friends without making a few enemies. While that may be true, in the blogging world, you won't reach thousand followers by being a jerk.

All right, what do you need to be then?

You need to be an encourager. You need to congratulate those who are succeeding and support those who are struggling.

You need to give back to the community. You cannot take without giving.

You must be positive. No one wants to be around someone who is negative.

You must be consistent. You cannot be sweet and endearing in one forum while being rude elsewhere. When things don't go your way, you must maintain an even temperament.

You must be genuine. Your reasons for blogging cannot be self-serving. You are here because you genuinely want to connect with others. You are not here just to promote your product, book, site, or service.

You respect others and do not steal their joy. You don't bash another’s work, beliefs, or efforts.

You are humble. You realize you did not get here by yourself, but through the support and belief of others, and by grace.

You speak ill of no one. You understand karma and good will towards men.

You have earned the admiration of many. You understand that with much power comes much responsibility. And you are mature and wise enough to act appropriately.

And why am I telling you all of this? Because four of my blogging buddies are about to hit that milestone, and each more than qualifies:

Matthew at the QQQE
Matthew is the epitome of giving back. His site is dedicated to helping others improve their query letters. Matthew also participates in and creates blogfests designed to help others. Even on his down days, Matthew is still uplifting and genuine. He sees the bigger picture, which includes his impact on the future of many writers. Matthew does not take his responsibility lightly he is a true friend to many.

Copyboy at Not Worth Mentioning
His real name is Jesse, and his site is not for the faint of heart. There is some crude humor and no sacred cows. Or urinals. Or bizarre Amazon products. However, his comments are always positive, genuine, and thoughtful. Jesse really does care about his fellow bloggers, and it shows. He even designed a site called Bloggerdise that links products, authors, and bloggers together. Don't let his edgy humor fool you – Jesse has a heart of gold.

Nicole at Where Fantasy and Love Takes Flight
This fantasy author is about his down to earth as you can get. She has the wisdom of maturity with the sweetness of innocence wrapped in one package. Nicole is always sharing and giving to others. Right now she even has a Christmas Critique Giveaway, something she generously offers every year. Everything about her reflects peace, stability, and a place of refuge.

Roland at Writing in the Crosshairs
Roland is a writer who resides on a level far deeper than most of us will ever reach. He could easily be one of those authors who is haughty and aloof. Instead, every post is a gift of inspiration. He strives to give what he has learned to others. He is currently giving away all profit from the sale of his books to the Salvation Army, an organization that helped him when he was a child. Roland possesses a truly giving spirit.

These four friends of mine are amazing. They are all so close to a thousand followers, they can taste it. If you do not follow these bloggers, I’d highly recommend you get to know them. You just might learn some things about being a genuine person.

Do you follow these bloggers? Do you know anyone else who fits this description? Who? Tell the world – and be sure to tell them.

(And remember Wednesday is the Insecure Writer’s Support Group posting and the announcement of my giveaway winner.)

217 comments:

1 – 200 of 217   Newer›   Newest»
Karen Jones Gowen said...

Great list, Alex! I second every one of them. I'd love to hit 1000 this year but not sure I will as I've slowed down my blogging activities. And I've found follower count seems to reflect the amount of time I spend blogging, commenting, etc. When I cut back on my blogging time, my follower count slowed way down. You get back what you put into it.

Jamie Gibbs said...

1000 followers is a hell of a milestone. Great bloggers, each and every one of them. I hope I'm still around to gain that many followers in the not-too-distant future!

junebug said...

So very true!! You are a great example of how not to be a jerk. :-)

Anonymous said...

Wow! 1000 followers is amazing! Congrats to you and your fellow bloggers who've hit that milestone. You all must be doing something right. I'm only 922 away from having 1000 followers. lol

Unknown said...

Great post AJC, and thanks for the encouragement, and you know...you can always award badges too!

Maynard Morrissey said...

wow, 1096 followers... tremendously impressive! Congratulations!!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

A great post Alex if it had not been for you I would have given up a few times. Thanks for the encouragement shown in the past you deserve all the followers you have and congrats who are nearly there.

Yvonne.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Striving for the gold 1000 is a great way to feel you have done something with your site. Congrats to the fellow bloggers and to you Alex for being who you are...

Annalisa Crawford said...

Wow - 1000 followers. I dream... At my current rate of attracting new followers, I'll hit that point sometime in 2061!

Sarah Tokeley said...

What a lovely post to start the new year. I'm already following three of these people, so I guess I should hop over and check out the fourth :-)

Laura Pauling said...

I completely agree with all of them! Congrats to the bloggers. :)

Suzie F. said...

I agree with you, Alex. Encouraging, positive, genuine, humble...all important, not only in the blogging world but in our every day lives as well. I'm already following Matt and Nicole - will check out the others.

Happy New Year, Alex!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

1000 followers is a big deal. I doubt I would ever hit this number of followers. :)

Happy New Year, Alex!

Brinda said...

I'll check out your list. I'm sure my Google Reader can hold some more subscriptions. :)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

It's true. While most everyone seems to be supportive there are those who are not, in the blogging world.

Teresa

Laura Eno said...

You are a prime example of that giving spirit, Alex! My inner ninja salutes you. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Karen, that's true, although I've seen bloggers who don't blog as often as I do have two to three times the following.

Jamie, you will!

Junebug, thanks.

Suz, you will get there.

Maynard, thanks.

Yvonne, you better not ever give up!

Speakers, you know what to do.

Thank you, Jeremy.

Annalisa, are you participating in the A to Z Challenge? That will speed it up!

Suzie, Happy New Year!

George, just keep at it.

Brinda, mine hasn't exploded yet!

Journaling, sadly that is true.

Laura, thank you so very much.

Old Kitty said...

Happy New Year Capn Ninja!! And yay for these fab bloggers about to gain a millenia (I made that word up I think! LOL!) of followers! Yayayayyayay!

Take care
x

Cate Masters said...

Every author needs to read this post! So true, Alex.
I was already a follower of Matthew's, but now the other three are one closer to the mark.

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

1,000 followers! Holy darned moly! Congrats to you and everyone who has achieved that incredible milestone. Amazing! And your advice? Perfect.

Happy New Year Alex!

julie fedderson said...

I'm proud to say that I'm one of the thousand for all four of these well deserving bloggers. And your rules of the thousand are applicable to outside of the blogoverse, too.

Jan Morrison said...

True dat! Respect and enthusiasm seems to be the qualities needed. These look like great sites and I'm going to go push up their numbers by one!
Thanks Alex, you are always a supportive guy yourself and I've appreciated your comments through the years...

Unknown said...

Oh wow! What a cool way to start a new blogging year!!!

Congratulations to all of them! And you, of course!! You qualify undear all of those points, too!!

and also... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Unknown said...

Good work, Alex. I'm off to join!

Marta Szemik said...

Congratulations to everyone! It's a great accomplishment for anyone who has reached the milestone! Happy New Year!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kitty, it's a good made up word though!

Cate, thank you for saying that.

Thanks, Cathy!

Julie, it's just the right way to live life.

Jan, and I've appreciated yours.

Thanks, Tessa.

Miranda Hardy said...

Very thoughtful list. I love it and agree with it wholeheartedly. So glad you notice those amazing bloggers.

Arlee Bird said...

I like and agree with your philosophy and it is one that I likewise try to follow.

However, I must say that I have run across more than a few blogs that were rude and hateful or very self-indulgent and seemingly uncaring about their commenters and still had tons of followers. I can never understand why that would be.

I prefer the nice ones like yours.


Lee
Wrote By Rote

Suze Reese said...

Insightful and inspiring! Thanks for the heads up on those other great blogs!

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

I'm pretty new to blogging and I've already seen how supportive you are of other writers.
I will definitely check out these others. Thanks!

Cassie Mae said...

Yay! Going to make myself some new friends :)

And 1000 followers is a MAJOR accomplishment! Holy poo, I can't even imagine seeing that number, lol.

I totally agree with you on the blog posts. I better reevaluate what I've posted in the past. :)

Luanne G. Smith said...

Congrats to all of them. I'm sure they'll all be in the 1,000 follower club by the end of the week, if not the day at the rate some of them accumulate followers. :)

Cherie Reich said...

Congrats on the 1000+!

That list is do true too. No one wants to follow a jerk for long.

Happy New Year! And here is to 1000 more!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Miranda, with so many approaching a thousand, I couldn't help but notice they all shared similar qualities.

Thanks Lee, and you certainly fit the bill as well.

Thank you, Rachel - I try!

Cassie, it's mind blowing.

Karen, thank you!

LG, that was the plan when I decided to do this!

Anonymous said...

Very true, you have to give something to the blogging community and encouraging words are the best way I know. Leave them in a post or on their site in the comments.

I appreciate the encouraging words people send me. I could not do this without my blogging family.

Happy New Year to you and yours Alex!

Tonja said...

Great advice. 1000 followers is huge. I'll check out those sites.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Alex - thanks for pointing out the A - Z challenge. I knew about it, but it sort of by-passed me. Looking forward to giving it a go.

PS. Just cheekily pointing out, you don't follow me... you know, just saying. :-)

Laura S. said...

These are all excellent points, and you're right that the four bloggers you mentioned are a terrific example of them!

Happy New Year, Alex!

TerryLynnJohnson said...

I'm off to visit their sites! thanks!

Lindsay said...

Great list, Alex. I do follow some of these bloggers. Off to check out the others now. :)

Karen Kyle Ericson said...

Great post Alex! I totally agree. If I'm not helping others or encouraging them- what's the point? Besides I hate feeling grumpy... makes for a bad day.

Emily R. King said...

Wonderful post! You do blogging right, Alex. It's about so much more than self gain.
Congrats to your blogger friends. 1000 followers is a huge accomplishment!

Charles Gramlich said...

Good words, and very true. I generally try to hold to these goals myself. I don't always succeed.

~Sia McKye~ said...

Being a snarky jerk doesn't get you much and that's true whether you are blogging or in life. I figure what goes around comes around and retributive justice can come down hard.

I haven't read Nicole's blog (I'll have to check it out) but I have read Matthew and Roland's. They're sweeties. :-)

Happy New Year Alex!

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Jay Noel said...

After a long hiatus, I'm just getting back to blogging in the last few months. The funny thing is, there was really no such thing as "Followers" when I was blogging. Your Technorati ranking told all.

Does anybody even know what Technorati is anymore???

Jessica Salyer said...

Thanks for the advice Alex. I hope to someday be an awesome ninja master like you. :) I already follow Matthew's. I'll have to check out the other three. Happy New Year!

E. M. Prokop said...

Hey Alex! Nice post...the only one on your list that I'm following is Jesse at Not Worth Mentioning...I love his humour!
Thanks for letting us know about these people!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I followed someone who had thousands of followers, but after a week of his bragging and self-rightous posts, I stopped. Jerks might reach that many but I won't be one of their followers.

And you are all you described.

Korsgaard said...

1000 followers, wow! Here I was thinking that my 148 was an accomplishment haha.

At any rate, I followed these four thanks to your shout out, so maybe they can break the magic four digit number soon.

Anonymous said...

Encouragers are the nutrition of our lives. And, like evaporating water, it always came back at you, usually soaking you more than expected! I do follow two out of the four. Thank God I have found much more encouragers than jerks in my circle of bloggers!

Colene Murphy said...

So very true! And what a fantastic list of amazing people! Congratulations to all of them! What an amazing milestone to hit. I'm flabbergasted, though no surprised by any of them.

Lydia Kang said...

No surprise I know all of these great bloggers. Congrats yourself Alex on hitting 1000 a while ago!

A Daft Scots Lass said...

I follow two out of the four. Matt and Jesse are both awesome. Jesse's been my blog crush for yer now.

Will give the others a visit.

Southpaw said...

Note to self: don't be a jerk.

Got it.

Congrats to you and them.

(Congrats on book three too.)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Stephen, same to you!

Annalisa, I don't? Sometimes the icon in the follower box doesn't link to a blog.

Karen, it does make for a bad day!

Thanks, Emily.

Charles, I think you do.

Sia, well said.

Jay, I do.

Jessica, thank YOU.

Eve, Jesse is cool.

Thanks, Diane.

Korsgaard, I hope they do!

Thanks, Lydia. Still not sure how it happened.

Las, does Jesse know that?

Southpaw, you have nothing to worry about.

Johanna Garth said...

It seems like all those things should go without saying but I'm so glad you said them!

Matthew and Roland are people I already follow but I'll go check out the other two!

Bish Denham said...

Wow, 1097 followers! You rock Alex. Congratulations!

Christopher Hudson said...

Can't be a jerk, eh? I knew I was doing something wrong.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

You can reach 1000 followers by blogging about completely uninteresting things once a week as long as you have an agent and are published through a Big Six house. Simply by "being that" writers flock all over those people.

You can also reach 1000 followers easy by being a literary agent. Simply announcing, hey, I represent books and want to tell you about my goldfish...will seriously get you 1000 followers and you don't ever have to visit anyone.

But for "mortals" like you and I, yeah your rules apply.

Donna K. Weaver said...

I love you list, Alex! Why is it so often that people think being "honest" must only be about saying negative, hateful things?

You rock! (Hubby will be bugging me soon to read somemore to him from CassaStaR--we're loving it, btw).

M.J. Fifield said...

1000 followers is a huge milestone. I follow a couple of the blogs you listed but I'll have to check out the others.

And I agree with Michael Offutt, that visitor from the future.

Glynis Peters said...

Happy New Year, Alex!

Thanks for the links, I do not know the bloggers you mention.

Angela McCallister said...

Thanks for the referrals, Alex. I'm already a follower of Matthew and Roland, and I wholeheartedly agree they hit each of these points. I'll visit the others because, knowing you, the referrals are solid ;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Bish, thanks. Crap, I didn't even notice I was almost at 1100.

Christopher, you are snarky - BIG difference.

Michael, that is true. Bet if J K Rowling blogged, she'd have a million followers. As for the agents, I've seen a few that blogged, but never had an interest in following them.

Donna, thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying it.

Anonymous said...

Well said, Alex. Well said. Keep on keeping on. Here's hoping you and yours (family and your entire Ninja population) enjoy all the blessings of their New Years, new journeys, and new discoveries.

Peace~~

Anonymous said...

So true! Thanks for the links. I'm always looking for great new blogs to follow.

Nicki Elson said...

These are excellent rules for life in general, too. Nice job listing it out so succinctly. And what a wonderful homage you gave to these bloggers---I follow 3 already, and will go make it a solid 4 right now. ;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Angela, thank you, I appreciate that.

Bryce, thanks!

Nicki, they are all deserving.

Anonymous said...

I agree with everything. 1000 followers is quite the milestone. Maybe one day...

Unknown said...

Wow! What an amazing milestone for these wonderful people. I follow Matt and Roland, but now I'm off to check out Nicole and Jesse.

Wise words, my friend. Thank you for sharing and always being your cool and gracious self.

The Happy Whisk said...

Nice way to celebrate others. Go you. Rah. Happy Blogging -- here's to you all getting another thousand more.

Cheers.

Suze said...

You are the opposite of jerk, Al. And you definitely have what it takes to ride your wave!

LynnRush said...

Fantastic post, Alex!!! Happy 2012 and here's to an exciting, encouraging year!!!

Unknown said...

You are a wonderful friend. I am following them but I hope they reach their goal soon.

Nancy said...

Great post and so true. I will be checking out all four of these writers.

D.G. Hudson said...

Great suggestions about checking out blogs we might not have discovered.

I already follow Matt's blog, and am now following Roland. Still have to check out the others.

I trust your recommendations. . .

Abby Minard said...

Alex, you definitely qualify for all these points you made on your list- you are what every blogger should aspire to be. Matthew and Roland are great - I'll have to check out the other bloggers too! Looks like you've hit that milestone as well while I was gone :)

Nancy Thompson said...

I know Matthew and love him to death! I'll have to check out the others. But personally, I couldn't even imagine having 1000 followers. HA! I'm struggling to get to 200! But everything you say is true. You have to give to receive. And you can't slam others. I know of someone who's been deeply wounded by others who once followed him. I'm not sure what happened and I know the road goes both ways, but a bigger person would take the high road. You, Alex, are an example of how to do it right, how to treat people with respect and how to show loyalty. You're one of my very favorite bloggers out there. Thanks for all YOU do.

Christine Rains said...

I follow all four of them. They're fantastic! And this post just shows how genuinely wonderful you are, Alex. High five.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Melanie, you will!

Melissa, thank YOU.

Whisk, where would I put them??

Suze, thank you so much.

DG, they are all wonderful people.

Abby, yes I did, in October - just before the one year anniversary of CassaStar's release.

Nancy, you'll make the Ninja blush! Thank you so much. A thousand followers is overwhelming some days, but I've met so many amazing people on this journey. You included!

ediFanoB said...

True, true words Alex.

After reading your post I asked myself if I would like to have 1000 followers.
My answer is NO. It would definitely overburden me because I'm afraid I cannot give back enough in my available time for the blog.


Anyway Matthew, Copyboy, Nicole and Roland have now anew follower.

Jemi Fraser said...

So true. Negative people are exhausting - I don't spend my energy with them if I can help it.

I follow the other 3 great people, but I haven't met Jesse yet. Off to fix that... :)

Ms Saba (aka Teacher007.5) said...

How very nice of you! I follow Nicole's blog and yes she is everything you mentioned above. I will check out the other blogs you mentioned!

Claire Hennessy said...

Great advice from one who walks his talk. Hope you have an amazing 2012 (which I only just found out is a leap year!).

CA Heaven said...

I agree. Be nice, be polite, even when you rant and criticize. It's possible >:)

Cold As Heaven

Hart Johnson said...

You absolutely know what you're talking about here, Alex! I try to do all this, though I know I'm not flavored for everybody.. Still, I try very hard to be kind and encouraging... just sometimes a little racy or political. Congrats to all these great bloggers, too!

Enid Wilson said...

I just wonder how your friends and you have time to do all that. Maybe you can teach time management skill to us too.

The Spinster’s Vow

Ciara said...

I found a new blog. :) Congratulations for the 1000 followers. That is amazing. Hey, I hit 700. I'm not too far off. ;)
Happy New Year, Alex.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Edi, thanks for following them! And a thousand followers is overwhelming sometimes.

Ms Saba, she is!

Claire, thank you!

Thank you Hart, and you are always a great example. Naked and all!

Unknown said...

Great list and Great blogs! Thanks for sharing! :)

Leovi said...

I loved your words to begin the year, I subscribe to them.

Rusty Carl said...

Great advice! Congrats to your friends. I don't mange the blogs I follow very well, so I think I follow most of them, but I only hit Matthew's on any sort of regular basis. I need to do things better this year.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Leovi.

Rusty, no time like now to begin!

Tara Tyler said...

you should know, faithful blogger!

thanks for the advice!

KM Nalle said...

Great words to live by (and not just in the blogging world).

These are all fantastic bloggers (as you are as well) and prime examples of what is right about the blogging community.

Happy New Year.

Donna Shields said...

1000? Holy canoli! I'm dreaming about when I reach 100 (I'm real close). 1000 is absolutely awesome. I follow Roland. He's great :) Thanks for the other three.

LD Masterson said...

I hadn't discovered any of these four. Thanks for pointing my in good directions.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Wonderful post and great blogs! Two of them gained a new follower today (I was already following two). I think you hit the nail on the head on what makes a good blogger, as well. I'm happy to say that I've never run into a negative blogger, so far.

Sarah Ahiers said...

i'm pretty sure i follow them all. I'll have to check on copyboy though. The other 3 i'm for sure golden on

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tara, thank you.

Kari, Happy New Year to you as well!

Donna, it will happen!

Shannon, I hope you don't.

Sarah, you will dig Jesse!! You'll like his snarky humor.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Hey, I follow all 4 of them! I guess I have good taste!

You are so right about your list, Alex. Twitter might be the place for snark, and Facebook is the place to share amusing cartoons and videos you stumbled across.

Blogging is for good will. Happy New Year!

Patsy said...

1000 is really impressive - congratulations, Alex and friends. To get that many you must be doing lots of things right. I'm watching and trying to learn.

Tasha Seegmiller said...

The other thing these all have is a passion for what they are doing, which comes out in their writing. That also draws the people.

Carrie Butler said...

Great points, Alex! Congratulations all around! :)

M Pax said...

I believe I'm following all but one. Great info, Alex. You're right. More than anything, we have to be genuinely ourselves and generous.

Congrats on reaching 1,000 followers yourself, and Happy 2012!

Li said...

Congrats to all of you :-)) sometimes nice people DO finish first :-))

Carol Kilgore said...

Congrats to all these bloggers. And to you, too, Alex. You also fit the bill of someone who gives back. And - oh, look! You have more than 1000 followers, too :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Dianne, good for you!

Thank you, Patsy.

Tasha, good for pointing that out!

Thanks, Mary.

Lisa, yeah!

Carol, thank you.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

From the first day I found your blog, one of the things I've liked about it is all the great links I've discovered to other blogs by reading yours. I follow three of these already and am off to check out the other.

Jules said...

I can't be rude, why did you wait to tell me that?! :) Congrats to the list of wonderful bloggers, you nailed Roland.
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Natalie Aguirre said...

Your post is so true. That's exciting that Matt and Nicole are almost at 1000 followers. Both are awesome blogs. I found about your blog through Matt's. So glad I did.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Your post is so true. That's exciting that Matt and Nicole are almost at 1000 followers. Both are awesome blogs. I found about your blog through Matt's. So glad I did.

Anonymous said...

A very heart-warming post and the four blogs you mentioned are really good... Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Great post Alex and great bloggers you have listed. I would like to put you on that list :)

From the Mind of a Madman said...

I will show you mine if you show me yours..... blog of course. Following you now... but politely!

ali cross said...

This is a perfect list. I am 8 away from 1000 followers myself and I hope that my readers feel like it's worth their time to visit my blog. I try to be authentic and kind.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Congratulations to the bloggers. Thoughtful list that's right on target.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Great advice from a brilliant leader! Congrats to all of the bloggers listed and I will be sure to visit! Julie

Mary Aalgaard said...

Alex, this is so true. That's the secret to your success. I'm working on my insecure post right now. Cheers!

Belle Wong said...

Great post, Alex. I'm on Wordpress so I don't really do the follower thing, but your list of how to be the kind of blogger people want to read/follow is a great list!

Unknown said...

Fantastic advice. I agree with every point you've made, especially about the giving back. Congrats to all the people nearing that magical 1000.

mshatch said...

I now follow all four :)

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Great post to start the year with, Alex. I don't know how you 4-digit folks (that doesn't sound right, does it?) do it and maintain meaningful connections. I'm especially impressed to learn Roland is donating his book profits. What a guy. You all inspire!

xoRobyn

Tyrean Martinson said...

Awesome list and post Alex! I follow two already, and now I'm off to visit the others.

Chuck said...

Great list Alex...I can only aspire to have all those qualities. I know my post was a little negative today but dammit, some times ya gotta let the dogs out! Congrats to those who are nearing 1000 followrs.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susan, that is good to know!

Jules, you are never rude my dear.

Natalie, thank you - I appreciate that!

Siv, thanks.

Madman, thanks!

Ali!!!! I'm so sorry I missed yours. Epic Ninja fail.

Bella, thank you!

Robyn, it's not easy.

Thanks, everyone!

Tracy Jo said...

This is great, Alex. I still feel pretty new to the blogging world and it is inspiring to see these people succeed. I appreciate and have learned so much here. I am only following one out of the four...so off to check them out. Thank you!

Inger said...

Thanks for this great post. I feel a bit overwhelmed with 200 and some followers because I really want to know them all and visit their blogs on a regular basis. I fail in this more often than not. But all the best to you and those you mentioned who are close to reaching this great number. Happy New Year.

Mina Burrows said...

Thanks for posting this. I just reached 1000 not too long ago and for me that was a big deal. I'm doing my part now sharing the love. Thanks, Ninja Alex!

Susan Oloier said...

They are amazing! And very supportive people, for sure. Wow! 1000 followers. They deserve it :-)

Kimberly said...

Awesome post. 1000 followers is an amazing milestone. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tracy, that is wonderful to hear!

Inger, I know how you feel.

Mina, that is awesome!

Denise Covey said...

The mind boggles at 1000 followers. I follow Roland and consider him a dear friend. His prose is indeed on a higher level than most of us can dream of.

I'll check the others out. And I know there are plenty more over 1000 that I've visited.

Denise

Amity said...

Ouch...ouch...and another ouch...:(
Am I a jerk?
But no, I am warm, friendly and does not speak ill of fellow bloggers...

Only, I am a jerk for reason that I don't write regularly....:(((

Anyway Alex, thanks for this eye-opener post and thanks for sharing about four wonderful people in the blog world.

Must have to follow them...you words are encouraging!

But I am no jerk! promise!!! *winks*

Rick said...

Happy New Year Alex! As always, great post and I will be going over to join those other sites. Keep up the good work.

Mason Canyon said...

Alex, great list. Know 2 of these and looking forward to checking out the other 2. Congrats to all 4.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Denise, I can't even imagine going there...

Amity, you are INCAPABLE of being a jerk! You are one of the sweetest women I know.

Thanks, Rick!

Wanda said...

1000 followers now that's a great blogging success. All wonderful advice for any blogger.

Dafeenah said...

congrats to those who are almost there or are there!! I can't even imagine half that let alone a whole thousand. But you guys definitely deserve it especially you cap'n ninja.

dolorah said...

Look like you've posted your ISW post early :)

I do follow all but Copy Boy, and I'm sure I've been to his blog several times.

Congrats to all making 1000.

........dhole

Cat Lavoie said...

Happy New Year Alex! All the best for 2012!
I totally agree with every item on your list. Congrats to you and the other bloggers on reaching (or being close to reaching) 1000 followers! :)

Mel Chesley said...

Wow that is totally awesome!!! What a huge milestone. I agree with everything you said and can only hope I am like that. Job well done! Congrats to the four of them. :D

Karen Lange said...

You hit it right on, Alex! One does not get very far without doing all of the above. Congrats to your gang!

LynNerdKelley said...

Alex, great advice for bloggers. This post is full of wisdom. Congrats to you for over 1100 followers and to your four blogging buddies for achieving 1,000! Woo hoo!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thank you, Dafeenah! And I bet you could handle it.

Donna, oh no! Wait until you see Wednesday's post.

Mel, it is awesome!

Karen, this Ninja Army is awesome.

Lynn, thanks!

Will said...

I've been following two of the four, now I'll re-follow, and find the others! Thanks for stopping by the new space, but honestly, I totally expected to be found by the Ninja Captain.

Trisha said...

Excellent post Alex! Going to check out those blogs!

Charmaine Clancy said...

Great etiquette for blogging - and true for living in any community.

Ella said...

I think you need to write a book on Ninja wisdom! ;D This was a great post~ You are a kind Ninja who rocks! Off to check out these amazing blogs~
Happy New Year!

Angela Brown said...

I've followed QQQE for a bit and just started following Where Fantasy and Love Takes Flight. I've enjoyed my interactions and look forward for most posts from each of them. Will have to check out the others mentioned as well.

Pearson Report said...

Alex - As a new follower I am very impressed with how you run your blog. The attention you give to putting out positive thoughts and encouragement to your fellow bloggers through these timely posts is worth acknowledging.

So...thank you! You do the blogging world proud!

Jenny @ PEARSON REPORT

msmariah said...

Great advice Alex, as always. Happy New Year!

Nick Wilford said...

Excellent advice, I'll bear all those in mind as we head into this new year (which, apparently, may be the last one we get!) Don't know if I'll reach 1000, but I'm grateful for anyone who follows me. Well done for getting over 1100! So far I'm only following Matt out of your list, but I'll check the others out ASAP. Happy New Year!

LoLy said...

WOW, Thanks for sharing & Happy New Year :)

Laura said...

Fantastic post, Alex, and a very good guide! And thanks for the head up on these guys - they are all amazing!
Lx

Matthew MacNish said...

You're the man, Alex. Such a great, supportive friend. I can't imagine anyone would follow me and not you, but I told my readers to double check this morning.

BragonDorn said...

Great Quotes! Happy New Year!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Will, you can't escape the Ninja!

Charmaine, it is!

Thank you, Ella.

Thank you, Jenny. I just try to give back.

Nick, Happy New Year!

Laura, yes they are.

Matthew, you the man!

farawayeyes said...

A thousand followers, sheesh...it boggles my little mind. Actually not,it's easy to see why you have so many people follow you. You are all of the above.

You, Matthew, and D L Hammond top my list of 'good guys'. I'll trust you and go check out Nicole and Copyboy. I already know Roland. Actually, another good guy.

farawayeyes said...

Hammons - that's D L Hammons. Nothing like calling someone a 'good guy' and getting their name wrong. What can I say, spent the day at the beach yesterday,it's early, and I'm still blond.

Anonymous said...

Wow! and I was excited about hitting 40!! I have a lot to learn :)

Copyboy said...

THANKS SOOOO MUCH!!!! WOW! OVER 1000!!! And all I got you was prune danish.

Seriously you are an awesome blogger/author my friend.

Kristen Wixted said...

You are genuine, it shows.
I'm comment 165.
Wow.

A Beer for the Shower said...

This is absolutely 100% true, and words that we live by as 1000+ follower bloggers.

True fact: not a single person that comments 'good post, bro!' in an attempt to gain more followers will ever hit 1000+. It just doesn't happen. You have to actually CARE about your readers.

Dempsey Sanders said...

Alex, well done, your so committed and fully deserving, you really do care about your readers, and this just goes to show how good your work is. We love the ninja!

Steven said...

I unfortunately do not follow any of these writers, but that is going to change. Your points on success in blogging have me wondering if I am giving back much. Perhaps I give people some entertainment and weird paranormal stuff to inspire them? Yeah, that might be a stretch...

David P. King said...

That's a brilliant post, sir. I think I'm following all of your close to 1000 friends. Though I better check out Jesse's. I love your position on blogging and giving back. An example I hope to live up to.

Happy New Year! :)

Laila Knight said...

Well you are certainly not a jerk. :) I follow two of your buddies up there. And I do love Roland...he's an absolute poet. Just stopped by to say hi. I'm still hiding from blogger. Don't know when I'll be back yet, but Happy New Year! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Faraway. And yes, I know DL well!

Nibbles, it will happen.

Copyboy, you are most welcome! And I like my danishes heated.

Kristen, even I say wow...

Beer, you are so right!

Dempsey, thanks!

Steven, I often give entertainment, so it's all good.

Thanks, David!

Laila, I hope by February!

Anonymous said...

Boy, I couldn't agree more, Alex! Great reminders and I hope 2012 is a great year for everyone!

Mark said...

Wow, congrats to your pals:) Sounds like good common sense...kindness opens doors everywhere:)

Patricia Stoltey said...

I'm so impressed with the blogger world you and these blogging superstars have built, Alex.

RaShelle Workman said...

Alex - You are so right. Jerkiness doesn't get a blogger very far. =D

Congrats to the four hitting the milestone. So awesome!!!

anthony stemke said...

Inspirational post with good real life lessons.
Thank You.

Tanya Reimer said...

It's really not about how many follow, but why they stick around. You are so right!!!
Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

New blogs for me to check out. Yea! Very nice post. :)

Jennifer Hillier said...

This is a must-read post! Amazing advice, and not just for blogging, but for real life, too.

Happy new year, Alex! Wishing you mega success in 2012. Glad I get to watch you shine :)

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

Wow, what a good share, and good reminder! Your list acually describes what it takes to be a good human being. A good blogger has to be a good human being.

Hope you had good holidays and a great year ahead, and congratulations to your blogging buddies who made the 1000 mark.

Allison said...

Great advice, Alex. Thanks.

Allison (Geek Banter)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mark, wish it were more common.

Tanya, well put!

Thank you, Jennifer!!

Elizabeth, thanks.

DWei said...

Congrats to all of them! I'm not even half way there yet.

J.L. Campbell said...

I know two of the four. Gonna check out the other two. Happy New Year!

Leovi said...

I visited the blog of Roland and I think perfectly fulfills the profile you describe.

Elana Johnson said...

Holy mother of comments. And yes to all of the above. I think the one about giving back is especially important. I've been blogging long enough to see people come and go, come and go.

I've come and gone. Not as many people come to your blog when you stop going to theirs. That's just the way it is.

Cindy said...

Great post! They say that if you feel down the cure is helping someone else. It works every time.

Huntress said...

What magnificent taste you have, Alex. I follow two of your choices already and adding the other two asap.

Melissa Pearl said...

Yet another great post, Alex. Thanks so much for those reminders. I think you are an amazing blogger and the fact you comment so much is awesome.

Great promo for the other four blogs too. 1000 followers is an awesome achievement!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Same to you, JL!

Leovi, that is good to know.

Elana, I can attest that is true. And yeah, the comments are beginning to boggle my mind...

Cindy, well put!

Huntress, thanks! They will appreciate it.

Melissa, thanks! I can't always get to everyone, but I really do try.

Helena said...

Your four blogging friends (of so many) really do sound amazing. And thank you for the reminder that a little kindness and consideration helps us all.

Golden Eagle said...

Great advice! :)

Congratulations to these four bloggers; I follow three, and I'm heading over to check out the one I don't follow!

Author A.O. Peart said...

Congratulations to your blogging friends for getting so close to a huge milestone. I'm gonna follow all of them. Thanks for the recommendation!

All you say in this post is so true. And not only in the blogosphere but in real life as well. My mom has always said, "We attract more bees with honey than with vinegar."

Kelly Polark said...

Wow! 1000 is a whole lotta followers!

Congrats to Matthew, Copyboy, Roland and Nicole!!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Golden!

Angela, it is so very true in real life.

Kelly, it is!

nutschell said...

First of all, Happy New Year, Alex! and to all of you as well :0 Congratulations to Matthew, Copyboy, Nicole and Roland. It's no easy feat to reach the 1000 follower mark. This is such a great list--and a great reminder of the bloggers code. :)I think Alex had an easy time writing this one because he exhibits all the traits. He's the perfect epitome of a giving blogger. He always leaves comments on my blog, even if I'm sometimes too busy to visit. (dont worry my goal this year is to visit my bloggy friends more often :))
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Steve MC said...

Excellent Blogger's Manifesto. I bookmarked it in case I ever do start a blog, but I'd freak out if I ever got this many comments.

Ruth Schiffmann said...

Wow, great post. I'm off to meet your blogging buddies. . .

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Thanks, Leovi, for the nice words about me. I followed your blog -- it is stunning and evocative and beautiful.

inluvwithwords, your latest post was evocative and wise, touching the heart. I, too, followed it. Thanks for your nice words on my blog, Roland

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nutschell, thank you - I appreciate that! I always have time to visit you.

Maine, it is a bit daunting...

Roland, Leovi is an amazing photographer.

Hannah Hale said...

Newbie here and wanted to say you're SO right. What a major milestone, to have a readership that large. Congrats to the bloggers!

Catherine Stine said...

Alex, you're a genuinely nice soul too--I can tell from the short time I've been aware of your presence on the blogesphere. I will totally check out the people you list!

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