Changes
And Twitter changed its look as well! I think it’s better, but I won’t know until I can find everything again.
Followers Part Three
I never planned to do a whole series on this, especially as I don’t feel like an expert or anything, but everyone has seemed to enjoy it. Again, this is just one humble Ninja's opinion...
When it comes to followers, it’s not the numbers, it’s the connections that matter.
“Easy for you to say, Alex – you have over 1300 followers!”
But I wouldn’t have 1300 followers if I hadn’t learned to make connections with some of those followers. Note I said some, because there is no way to connect with all of them. I couldn’t even visit all of them in one week. (I think somewhere around 500 followers you realize you can’t visit everyone anymore.)
You can’t gain followers just by following a bunch of blogs. Friendship is a two-way street. Find those with whom you share a common interest and start to build a friendship by commenting. Be genuine, encouraging, and show you really care.
You gain followers by supporting and championing others. You gain followers by being a friend and a positive influence in the lives of others.
And if you want even more, visit my post from last month You Can’t Reach 1000 Followers by Being a Jerk.
Not everyone will become a friend. That’s all right though! Sometimes we just don’t click with someone. Maybe they are really negative or moody. Maybe they like to rant about others. Who knows! But if you don’t connect, move on to the next blogger.
And just to show how important connections are, here’s a comment from Wednesday that made me smile:
TL Conway said... I had strong first impressions of popular bloggers (yes, including yourself, truth be told!). Not necessarily bad impressions, just beliefs that you all were too busy to talk to/interact with a small beans blogger like me. I'm SUPER glad to say my first impression was completely wrong!
(I'm popular? When the heck did this happen?!?!?!)I’ve made so many awesome friends here. I admit, I am to the point where I can’t visit every blogger buddy every day. But I do try to keep up with my friends so I don’t miss when something special (or tragic) happens in your lives. You guys matter to me!
Are you making connections? Are there certain bloggers who are special to you? (Couple of mine will get a surprise on Monday!) Ready to kill the new word verification? Or are you still twitching from Killswitch Engage’s music…?
Don’t forget to check out TBR!
Wowza! I'm first. I loathe those human-check things. They make me want to throw stuff about. The other day one was UPSIDE DOWN! Never had one, never will. You can always delete spam anyway. I've often wondered how you visit everyone (because it looks like you do! And you read the posts) Off to check TBR....
ReplyDeleteSome followers I've met in real life and become friends outside of blogging, meeting more this April....
ReplyDeleteI gave up a comment on a blog the other day, after not getting the CAPTCHA right three times! Too much like hard work. I did tell the blogger, so hopefully they'll consider getting rid of it.
ReplyDeleteI did read another blogger who said even though you can turn it off, sometimes Blogger just puts it back again - is that true?
Great 'following' tips - I'll be returning to take notes!
There are some bloggers that I will always visit every time they post: Dez, Margot, you, Lydia, Matthew, Anne, the other Ann, the list goes on and on...
ReplyDeleteBut, I get what you're saying, you can have lots of followers but you do need the connections as well. Or else, why are you blogging?
Great post.
Susan, how does one type upside down? Never had word verification either.
ReplyDeleteLurker, I hope to meet more in the real world.
Annalisa, never heard of it coming back on again! It's a setting in one's profile so not sure how that could happen.
Clarissa, that's right. I have a large list of those I visit all the time, but they also return the visit.
I've made a lot of great friends with interacting. It's important to have the right type of interaction in blogging.
ReplyDeleteI despise that new two word captcha!!!
What a wonderful post, Alex, and great tips on meeting new people, finding those with common interests, etc. I've definitely met A LOT of fellow writers out there--always a good thing to know you're not the only one who's crazy! ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the heads up on the captcha thingie. Think I'll change mine to blogger approval.
I just recieved a comment on my post regarding the new 2 word verification, just before I read your post! I went into my profile and I think I've turned the annoying thing off, but I can't be sure. Please let me know if I have! If I haven't does anyone know how to turn it off exactly?
ReplyDeleteI am with you Alex, it is very important to take the effort to reply when you can to your network, but of course with a network so big I still don't know how you accomplish it!
It bothers me that I can't spend the time necessary to visit the folks I want to. I have a list of maybe half a dozen that I'll find a way to visit every day but beyond that I just do what I can.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on the whole blogging thing. You must make connections and support others. Please let me know if I have that annoying thing turned on. I'm going to check it out now.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
These are great tips on blogging I so agree with. You do have to be a friend and visit and comment. But thank you for saying it's okay not to visit all the time. Because I find with my blogging even once a week that it's a lot of work and I am now getting lots of comments to reply to. So yes, I cannot get to everyone's blog every day even though I want to.
ReplyDeleteTHANK you for pointing out that word "thingy". I feel like I"m taking an eye exam and flunking each time I have to do it. And re: followers, I have connected with some and although I haven't had much for them to comment on, I hope they feel my connection to them. What does it mean though when you LOSE a follower.
ReplyDeleteYour posts about blogs and followers are right on. Love your dedication and I hope to live up to your excellent standards.
ReplyDeleteThe new word verification is (insert favorite curse word here). On another blog, I messed up four times. It doesn't make me want to return anytime soon.
Going to TBR now. At first, I read this as PBR. I thought, Wow. Alex likes rodeo.
I always get the captchas wrong. I do have it on my blog but now I think about it, I really would love for robots and aliens to come visit, how cool would that be, so I'm gona turn it off, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've only been blogging a few months but the thing I've enjoyed the most is how connected everyone is :)
Great post about followers, Alex. It's sad but yes, you do realise you can't visit everyone any more at some point. You're such a generous blogger that you deserve every last one!
ReplyDeleteI'd almost reached 1000, okay almost 300 off, but I was getting there. Now, I'll lose 459 March 1st to Google Connect. Off to TBR.
ReplyDeleteI can't read the second word on the verification screen - the one with the box behind it and the colors inverted. It should at least be human-readable, right?
ReplyDeleteI would type in the word ver. but half the time I can't read it. I click away b/c I'm not going to try like 5 times! :)
ReplyDeleteBut what if I am a robot...Yes, I hate those boxes. Also, the new Twitter threw me for a loop when I logged in. I normally use Hootsuite. As for fellow bloggers as friends? You, Ninja Alex, rock. Enough said.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you do it, Alex. Sometimes I think *you* must be a robot! :)
ReplyDeleteFacebook's forced switch to its timeline format has me grumbling. I don't mind the word verification unless Blogger's being a bugger and rejecting everything I type in, lol.
Thanks for the shoutout for TBR too - glad you were a guest today.
Miranda, it's tough!
ReplyDeleteAlyssia, thank you!
CM, I just give it my all. I'll go by and see if you have it off.
Rusty, then I appreciate the fact that I am one of those people.
Natalie, sometimes we can't and that's all right.
Em, it's probably just someone with whom you never connected anyway. Don't worry.
Huntress, that made me laugh! I guess I'd be the rodeo clown.
Anna, thanks! I notice it mostly on new blogs. Once you get used to blogging, it becomes easier to drop it.
Ciara, look into the Linky Tools connector. I need to post about that...
Tonja, exactly!
Thank you, Brinda.
Thank you for the opportunity, Cate.
I'm with you on the word verification. Axe that!!
ReplyDeleteThis TBR site sounds fab. I'm heading over to check it out.
Agreed on the word verification. It's too much of a strain on the eyes to read most of them. Or you have to reload the image a few times until you get one you can actually see.
ReplyDeleteI haven't noticed new changes to Twitter very recently, but I view it three or four different ways, so maybe I'm just used to things looking and acting differently between web and mobile and app versions.
egads am i with you on the word verification!
ReplyDeletethose things are getting so hard to read, i'm questioning my humanity as well...
As always Alex, great advice, especially connections. I always appreciate when you stop by. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe it's the quality of the connections, not the quantity, that make all the difference in the world. Huge things happen when you align yourself with the right people. It's so epic I can't even begin to describe it. You'll see what I mean tomorrow at my blog.
ReplyDeleteI hate Blogger for changing their word verification! No more words like cockahop and titblue. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday!
Take care
x
Hate the new Twitter. I had just gotten used to the old one and now I have to get used to it all over again. I wish they'd just leave that stuff alone.
ReplyDeleteAs for the new captcha -- another stupid invention. If I don't get it on the first try I blow off the blog. Sad to say.
Re: followers. So many, so hard to follow so many.
Have a great weekend.
Great point about the interaction in blogging, it is a social media outlet, and it should be a two-way street. Sure, you can't respond directly to everyone, but not every comment warrants a direct response, either. Sometimes it's just a quick way for a follower to say "I'm still here, even though typically I lurk..."
ReplyDeleteI have rejected WV from the beginning but with this new one, sorry, I AIN'T DOING IT! Yes, I'm aware ain't is unacceptable but sometimes, for drama, no other word will do!
ReplyDeleteWord verification was bad enough before now it is terrible and if I run into it I just run away so I really hope this topic will come up for the A-Z challenge. I think there are many bloggers that actually do not know that they have it or how to get rid of it.
ReplyDeleteI have read it's not the followers you have it's the content you provide.. That is what makes us all comeback, I agree... but it's a nice feeling to see a new follower pop up in the followers box. It's our way of knowing that we are not alone and what we do matters.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I too am a human... I am having trouble with the new verifications, I cannot read them very well. I am slightly dyslexic and I have enough trouble typing let alone some-type of word problem.
Great Day!
Jeremy [Retro-Zombie]
Visit The Madness:
IZOMBIE
That word verification is a real pain. I wish people would lose it altogether. I have like one spam a year on my site. I like Twitter's new look, but like anything it takes a while to get used to finding where everything is. Okay, I'm off to check out the TBR site over at Cat's blog.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to figure out how to turn off the capcha's. : / It is annoying
ReplyDeleteI am an equal opportunity blogger. Humans and non-humans welcome.
ReplyDelete;)
HMG
Alex, I despise those captcha thingys. I can never decipher the letters.
ReplyDeleteOn a personal note, I want to thank you for your kind comments on my blog the last few weeks. I truly appreciate them. xo
the new word verification is really adding to my blogging time, and that is a problem.
ReplyDeleteJoshua, maybe that's it - I only view online.
ReplyDeleteJeffrey, now you have me curious!
Anne, took me forever to find my Twitter messages.
Gail, that word works for me!
Sic, trust me - I am the one talking about comments next month on the A to Z site and I will mention it.
Jeremy, must be impossible for you then.
Heather, you rock!
This is what I get when I type in the help form:
ReplyDelete(My question)how to turn off captcha in comment
(their answer) did not match any answers in Blogger Help
I'm pretty new to blogging, but I have been very encouraged by the amount of comments I have been getting already - mainly due to joining in on bloghops! Writers are friendly! I'm a little overwhelmed by all the blogs I am reading now, but it's a lot of fun to comment on what everyone is up to! :D
ReplyDeleteGot rid of the verification yesterday - it was beginning to really annoy me too. I'm beginning to question my eye sight because for the life of me, I can't get those words!
ReplyDeleteAs far as followers and blogging, I try to follow the example of bloggers like you, who are encouraging and share their knowledge - so Thank you!
I never liked those word verification things. I never put them on my blog because I don't want to put anyone through that, and I wouldn't wish them on my worse nemesis.
ReplyDeleteAlso great advice! I don't nearly have as many followers as you, but I always visit my followers blogs and try to reply to their comments.
I had to go back to the older dashboard. I think I found out how to turn it off. Hopefully it worked.
ReplyDeleteIt IS about the connection not the numbers and it CAN'T be easy for you to say this because you have so many followers.
ReplyDeleteYou stay connected more than anyone I know.
PS Robots have feelings too. ;)
T
I'm happy to report that several of my online connections have turned into true friendships that extend beyond the blog. It really is all about taking the time to invest in people and not about building up numbers of followers.
ReplyDeleteAnd I can't even believe you doubt your popularity. Puleez.
Have a great weekend.
It's true. It's not possible to be friends with >1000 followers. People are too busy and we have lives to live. But you make some excellent points, and you have always shown yourself to be a great blog friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm kinda concerned about GFC ... Have you find a substitute yet?
ReplyDeleteI added a RSS with feedburner and email subscription. I might try Networked Blogs, but I want to know if there is anything else out there ...
When you read literally HUNDREDS of blogs a day, spending five mother$%^&*(^& minutes to enter the captcha really adds up. If I fail twice in a row, I give up.
ReplyDeleteWord verification needs to die. Just a couple of years ago, bots were just flooding Blogger, but it's gotten better. In fact, I'm thinking they've developed a bot-killer, as I saw a SPAM comment left on my blog via my email, but it didn't show up on my actual blog!
ReplyDeleteI only have 80+ followers, but you're right about making true connections with a certain percentage of them. Just like in "real life," you do get a feel for people via the blogosphere.
I will say that I'm happy you and I are regulars on each other's blogs. Since writer blogs are pretty female dominated, it's nice to find some testosterone on here!
The new word verification thing drives me mental. One word was just about doable, but now TWO? and half-obscured most of the time too... gah.
ReplyDeleteThis new captcha that Blogger has added is one of the worst things they've done. I usually have to enter it at least twice. A real time waster that everyone in A to
ReplyDeleteZ needs to get rid of before April comes.
Just following a blog and thinking they'll follow back is not a good plan--I often don't notice when someone has just clicked the Follower button. They need to leave me a comment so I'll know.
Lee
Wrote By Rote
An A to Z Co-host blog
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
Alex, I laughed at the beginning of this post. I'd just read three bloggers who used word verification and the new process slowed me down so much I was close to cursing. Thank you for making this point! As for followers, you are right. There are those we connect with and those we don't but you have to put yourself out there in order to develop "relationships." A blogger I read sometimes posted yesterday that she was going to stop posting because she wasn't getting responses. But she admitted she wasn't up for the back and forth required to develop a following. Read as: she didn't want to put the effort into commenting on other blogs. She closed herself off and I felt sad for her.
ReplyDeleteI ranted at Clarissa's yesterday about the new word verification mess. Twitter changed, but it was pretty easy to find my way around again. And I couldn't agree more about blog relationships. I love my followers. Now I'm off to TBR.
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend!
CAPTCHA drives me insane. Half the time I can't read the letters and just give up.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice as always!
yeah, no thanks on the captcha.
ReplyDeleteI do have a list a blogging friends i try to hit every day. And even if i don't, they're at the top of my list when i do find time to check out blogs.
(you're on that list, natch)
I'm considering taking you up on the box of Hot Tamales. The new word veri sucks! :D
ReplyDeleteI've been mentioned in Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog!
ReplyDelete*dies and floats off to the great pearly gates in the sky*
I have learned so much from blogging the past year. The most important realization was how eager I was to get to 100 followers. Now I'm there, my efforts have shifted to really working on establishing relationships and connections with bloggers. Somewhere along the way, I started to focus on quality not quantity.
I hope to one day have the problem of too many followers :) I admit I like the new Twitter better, actually, but I am on there way too much.
ReplyDeleteWill check out TBR later in the day and thanks for the tips on gaining blog followers. Some days it seems like an uphill slog but I think the key is patience and persistence. Hmmm, sounds just like trying to get published ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Alex .. excellent post - and yea .. life is about friends - as is the blogging world .. and so true - we can go fast, or we can go slow - but friendship is the name of the game ..
ReplyDeleteCongratulations though on setting examples for us to follow ..
Cheers - Hilary
The new captcha is infuriating and I'm glad that you are taking the time to highlight it here. Hopefully people will take it down.
ReplyDeleteYou are so dead on the money from everything I know about blogging. For me, it became impossible to visit everyone before I even got to the 500 mark so you definitely have a higher threshhold. I try to make it a goal to visit everyone within a single month. I know that doesn't sound like I'm much of a follower for some ppl but at least they get a little attention.
Thanks for providing feedback for my blurb draft today. I'm getting lots of ideas on how to make it better :)
amen! turn that verify off! ack!
ReplyDeleteand another bit of great advice for blogging. if a blog of a new follower doesnt strike me right away, i wait to folloe back to see if they're "serious" about liking me by their comments or just looking for #s followbacks. i'm not in it for the numbers, i want connections and productive communication =) thanks!
Yes, there are quite a few, like you, who I've made special connections with. I don't know how you manage to keep up with so many followers. I admire your effort! As for Killswitch Engage, that's one of my son's favorite bands so I'm used to hearing it. Doesn't make it any easier to swallow, message or no. And I HATE the new WV. I've never used or had a problem. Wish everyone would get rid of it. Really, spam is not a problem. Have a great weekend, Alex!
ReplyDeleteI hate the new word verification things. But I do like the new Twitter look so far.
ReplyDeleteAnd I completely agree. I've met so many new friends through blogging. You can't interact with everyone (sometimes I can't even interact with my close friends as much as I would like), but it's those connections that mean so much.
Thank you for bringing up the new Word Verification thing. I HATE IT! It's even harder to read and honestly, I gave up several times this past week. I turned it off a long time ago and I've had very little spam, so I would encourage everyone to do the same.
ReplyDeleteI will check out the TBR and I again appreciate the reminders on how to gain an interactive following. I'm trying, man.
Second post I read on this word thingy today and it is indeed vexing. I disliked the last one as well. This is such a wonderfully informative post. I'm working on those connections too but the challenge is weeding out those who aren't responding. I comment constructivelybon some blogs and never hear from them. Thank you and have a fab weekend.
ReplyDeletehttp://fabulosityreads.blogspot.com/
Thanks for your public service announcement on the word verification thing! Apparently, I *am* a robot, because I can't ever get those things right.... :)
ReplyDeleteYIPPEE - Everyone hates word verification. I hope they listen and TAKE IT DOWN. It's making me crazy, and we all know what a short trip that is.
ReplyDeleteYou are one of the best 'friends' out there. Definitely, one of the 'good guys'. DL asked for a plaque, when I get around to it, I'll send you one too.
Do you think it is rude to directly post on someones blog to turn off the darn verification?
ReplyDeleteProbably.
I do like the new look on twitter, but of course I can't find anything - not that i could before. ;)
I try to bribe followers with cupcakes.
Great interview over at TBR, Alex!
ReplyDeleteThat word verification is so annoying :( ...and also, why is it two words instead of one? Can robots magically see one word and not the other? ._.
ReplyDeleteI've just read your interview at TBR. As Rick said : it was quite an enjoyable interview.
ReplyDeleteAs Susan Roebuck said : I truly dislike the new 2 word verification! I have mentioned it on some blogs I've visited, knowing it is their cyber-homes, of course, to do with as they wish. My time is so limited that trying to peer at upside down and blotted out letters makes me hesitate to re-visit those 2 worders.
Great luck with CassaFire! Roland
I don't like that new word verification thing either. I've never had any bots to worry about. I'm still making connections and most of them are wonderful people. There are a few certain bloggers that are special to me too.
ReplyDeleteI always check out the blog of any new follower I get; although, I don't always follow them back. Time-wise, right now, I'm already beyond my limits, so I've had to be more careful about just hitting the follow button. However, I do always respond to comments, and, if you are a frequent commenter on my blog, that certainly makes it more and more likely that I will get involved with your blog, too.
ReplyDeleteIf only I could stop time for blogging... heh
I HATE word verification. Maybe we should start a campaign to wipe it out of all writers blogs. Because heaven knows that we already have little enough time without spending most of it squinting to see the stupid letters. :-/
ReplyDeleteI've had word verification turned off ever since Blogger revamped their own Spam Detection. Haven't had a single issue in over a year! :)
ReplyDeleteI like reading Blog Followers, the Series, Alex. Keep it up for us small beans bloggers.
ReplyDeleteThat interview at TBR was interesting and I liked your news.
By the way, have you read the Gateway novels of Frederik Pohl?
(it's an interesting parallel re the ruins from a classic scifi guy)
Have a great weekend and thanks for the comment on the 11 Questions Tag post.
I took the word verification off my blog but have to keep comment approval on. Trolls exist and not only in LOTR.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree about the twitter. Everytime I figure it out they change it so I end up back where I started. Connections are important. I think you're one of the few who I've seen go from few to many and still be the same. I've followed a few blogs where the person "changed" after reaching a certain # of followers which really put me off. Not that I"m sure they cared by that point but it's one reason I enjoy your blog. If there's a 100 or 1, you're still you.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I'd like to turn off the word verification thingy on my blog but can't find the option to do that - can you help?
ReplyDeleteI hate Twitter's new look... it drives me crazy. I'll have to use to it though, I have no other choice. :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely hate the new "not a robot" thing. I've hated comment verification for a while now, actually.
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah. I can't get to every blogger. I'm trying, I swear. I have been getting my 10-15 blogs/day and that has to be enough for now.
Gossip Girl, it's in your blog's settings under comments.
ReplyDeleteMarta, good for you and thanks!
LG, thanks.
Lydia, thank you.
Juliana, Linky Tools friends is new and there are no boundaries.
Jay, the spam is caught often. And yes, so few dudes online!
Lee, I will tackle that in my March post.
Liza, she's missed the point.
Sarah, thanks!
Suze, I'll send a box.
TL, thanks for the laugh! And friendships are more important than numbers.
Michael, I almost mentioned that a blog with five hundred followers should have fifty comments apost, which yours does!
Tara, good for you.
Nancy, thanks!
Faraway, thanks!
Roland and Andrew, thanks.
DG, no I haven't read those.
Mood, thanks so much!
Great post on TBR and yes catcha also drives me nuts - some of them you can't even make out the letters.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the word verifications. They are so unnecessary now too because blogger is great for picking up the spam.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I totally agree with you re making the connections. So much more important than numbers.
Hi Alex
ReplyDeleteYou're amazing.
I've had so much trouble with my internet of late that I decided to preschedule your book release. It should magically appear on Feb. 28 at 12 midnight mountain standard time. You must be excited.
Nancy
Good tips, Alex. I agree, it is a two way street. Heading over to TBR right now...
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
I'm so impressed with you, Alex. Even though I don't *know* you, it's clear that you're genuine in whatever you say and do. I see you everywhere--and you're a great influence in this awesome blogging community ;)
ReplyDeleteI've never liked the word verification but the new one is almost unreadable for me!
ReplyDeleteI have my special connections amongst bloggers - it's like standing in a crowd. Some you'll gravitate toward more than others. I think what sets people like you apart is you give the appearance of paying attention to each and every one of us. I think you'd still have that gift even if you had 5,000 followers. Maybe some day you'll bottle up that secret and sell it!
I actually just turned off my word verification yesterday. I have a really hard time reading some of those words! If I have a problem with spam comments, I'll just go back to having to approve the comments and try to stay on top of it. No way am I making people have to mess with the new word verification!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, by the way! I agree with you all the way. There are connections that will certainly be stronger, but to make those connections you have to put in the effort, just as you would with in-person relationships.
The new word verification drives me CRAZY!!!
ReplyDeleteAs for friends, I truly have some blogger friends that I love - they are supportive and we connect in many different social media sites. Can't wait to meet some of them in person, but truly consider them some of my dearest friends.
You don't have to buy my hot tamales - you just have to show me how to switch it off. I keep saying that I'm going to but then I get in there and can't find it!!! At least, I'm pretty sure that mine is still on. And how do you find the time to guest blog?? You are the busiest person I know between your own, guest blogs, comments and your books!!
ReplyDeleteDafeenah, thank you.
ReplyDeletePatsy, go into settings - it's under comments.
George, you have blog owner approval - that's all that you need.
Elana, I hit a hundred, but that's all I can do.
Thanks, Nancy!
Morgan, thank you so much.
Laura, I really appreciate that. Now to bottle up some Ninja...
Jennie, it's under settings! I'll help...
I'm not fond of the new twitter myself. I liked the layout before. Now I have to press extra things to get my lists. Don't they understand I don't have the attention span?
ReplyDeleteYou really are the best when it comes to making connections with bloggers. I try but I just go through periods where it all seems too much and then I have to back off for awhile. With as many blogs as you follow though I think everyone understands when you can't get around every post each week.
I haven't really seen the new word verification yet. Most of the bloggers I follow have had theirs turned off forever.
Love this post, and you are DEFINITELY one of the popular ones! Hahaha, you always brighten my day when I read your comments.
ReplyDeleteWord verification. Aggh. Hate it.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I like the new twitter. I know it's not to everyone's liking but given time they'll come around!
Love your point that it's the connections, not the numbers. That's what really makes blogging worth it-- connecting with people and actually becoming friends!
ReplyDeleteTS, thanks! And you'll know it when you hit it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, LisaAnn - I try!
Ellie, I just haven't had time to play with it yet.
Shallee, it is!
The new word verify is horrible. You can' even read them. Is it torture? I think so. Sometimes I just have to give up.
ReplyDeleteI need to organize my google reader. Next month. :)
I hope everyone listens to you about the word verification. Some of them are really difficult to read.
ReplyDeleteHopping over to TBR.
Ack! Does my blog have word verification? I need to research. I have really loved this series. You are so good at visiting people...so it is cool to see how the Ninja does it. :-) Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI think I'd rather they used a gom jabbar to make sure I'm human than those awful word verification things.
ReplyDeleteHey Alex. I tried to post a comment earlier but I was writing on the Nook and it likes to sometimes disconnect in the middle.
ReplyDeleteSo much fun.
Anyway, I cannot stand the new word verification. It's a nightmare. Today I was posting on a blog and I had to refresh six times before I could find one I was able to read.
Hate it.
Hate it.
Hate it.
But ... I'm still super duper excited about that toothpaste.
Have a groovy weekend and boogie boogie.
I can't stand the new word veriication, either. Yuck! I can't wait to see who you're going suprise on Monday. You always do the coolest things for your Ninja Army. Off to check out TBR! Only 10 more days til CassaFire!! Whoo Hoo!
ReplyDeleteSusan, hope so!
ReplyDeleteTracy, I'm glad you've enjoyed it.
Whisk, hate the verification, love the toothpaste deal!
Melissa - I know!!!
I've just turned my word verification off. Thanks for the advice.
ReplyDeleteI've decided to become a robot so I can read those bloody things!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the TBR link.
I hate the word hate, but I hate the word verification thingy! augh...
ReplyDeletefunny thing is I always get the letters right, but my vision is skewed now because of it..
I have to thank you, Lee and all of the A-Z challenge bloggers for showing me the way. Maybe because you were mainly writers, but writers are the best bloggers! They comment more than any other group I am in. They comment on comments; they go out of their way to make you feel included! Thanks Alex!
enJOY your weekend~
I think I have that human checker thingie turned off . . . I will double check. I don't like them either.
ReplyDeleteI agree, followers are good, connections are best!
Alex, I can always count on you to make me feel better. Thanks for stopping by. Kindered spirit... you betcha. You know that when Y and movies equal Young Frankenstein.
ReplyDeletePamela Jo
Oh and I still haven't found everything on the new facebook, much less twitter ...just when you think you go a handle on it ...they go and change the grip.
You are so right - we won't "click" with every blogger that we meet, but we have to reach out and try to make the connection...
ReplyDeleteThe twitter thingie "traumatised" me... oh well, nothing new... I'm generally traumatised by any new advancements in technology... just when I get the hang of it, they change something...
Google Friends Connect is a typical example - I just had mine installed about 4 months ago - it's gonna disappear in 2 weeks ...
*sighs*
Yes, those words really horrific check. I hope that bloggers dispense with them more often.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice on blogging, Alex. And congrats on reaching so many followers! Wow! Over 1300! But you deserve it because you work so hard and you're a genuine person.
ReplyDeleteJai
I don't know how you do it, Alex, but you are the embodiment of "friend" to so many on the internet. Now I will feel extra grateful and excited when I see a comment on my blog from you, knowing how busy you are. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm with ya on that captcha thing. Yuck.
Michael, thanks for turning it off.
ReplyDeleteElla, thank you for your kind words!
Pamela, thanks and that's funny!
MISH, sorry you'll lose the Google Friends Connect.
Thank you, Jai!
Appreciate that, Cathy.
Alex, perfect post for me to read.
ReplyDeleteDo they really need to make that new word verification thing so hard to read?!
ReplyDeleteAs far as fave bloggers, I like ones who make me laugh, or delve into offbeat but cool topics that I haven't read about a zillion times. But honestly, there is something to like about each of my followers. It's funny how well you can get to know someone without even meeting them.
I don't mind filling in word verification on other blogs, but I want visitors to my blog to forego the step.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I *think* the new-look Twitter is a good thing, but I need to get used to it first!
I love the connections I've made through blogging -- I remember having a French pen pal in school, and now it's like having hundreds of e-pals all over the world.
ReplyDeleteYou can't have 1300 followers and not be popular.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your wonderful series on the alphabet challenge. As you remember I was with the very first challenege and I have met life long friends. I stopped blogging for over a year and the bloggers that checked on me was overwhelming. They missed their friend and my blog. What a wonderful feeling. Good writing to all!
ReplyDeletedreamweaver
I got rid of the word verification some time ago to make it easier on my readers. Blogger is finicky enough to leave a comment and I've had many complains from my followers, especially those who have the Wordpress blogs.
ReplyDeleteI've made quite a few good friends with my followers. You're right - it's the connection that matters, never the numbers.
Catherine, it is!
ReplyDeleteJC, good call.
Patricia, excellent analogy.
Wanda, it's still humbling...
Angela, it's all about the friendships.
Great post, Alex. I cherish the connections I've made through blogging. I still remember (and interact with) the first person who followed my blog a few years back. Interaction is so much more important than numbers.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend! :)
You're definitely a popular blogger. :) Thanks for the following tips!
ReplyDeleteThe new word verification seems harder than the old--though I still don't really mind entering it in. (I used to have it on my own blog, but took it down for last year's A-Z Challenge.)
I hope mine's turned off - it's meant to be!
ReplyDeleteI definitely have some very special bloggers who I love dearly... and there are the super-fun fab lot that potter in now and again to say hi.
Off to find you at TBR
Love from, The Romantic Sap (yes, yes I am ;))
Yes, you're right, I publish a daily basis and I'm best to discuss with the time available, my blog and can not grow. My goal is to keep my current situation.
ReplyDeleteI also hope my verification is still turned off. They did a funny spoof on The Middle where they were trying to get concert tickets and ended up losing out, because they couldn't make out the verification code in time. Looking forward to seeing you at TBR! Julie
ReplyDeleteYou have so many awesome followers because you are awesome to them. You don't just say it, but live it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your insightful posts.
You always impress me because with all of the projects you're working on and all of the bloggers you have to write for, you always find time to comment on my blog and those of others. You deserve much more than 1300 followers for sure!
ReplyDeleteCat, I'm not sure I remember the first person to follow me!
ReplyDeleteGolden, I've messed it up ten times today at least!
Laura, nothing wrong with being a romantic sap.
Heather, thank you!
Julie, I appreciate that.
Alex, I don't like those check words at all. However, I began to understand the reason for them when my publisher's blog started having all these comments from people who sell term papers and that sort of thing. It's really frustrating to find that kind of meaningless comment on a blog. And it happens over and over again there. If check words will help, I think they're a very good idea...
ReplyDeleteHave an awesome rest of the weekend!
Monti
Mary Montague Sikes
I'm finding I can't decipher the letters in the "prove you're not a robot" thing. Seems a robot would be better at it. Thanks for asking people to finding an alternative.
ReplyDeleteOf course I agree about connections. Blogging is mainly about connections, secondarily about writing. And I'm lucky to have you as one of my most best blog friends.
xoRobyn
Great post my sweet friend. Change can be a good thing,I know. Yes I have expressed concerns about losing followers. But it's natural to feel a sense of accomplishment and validation when people like your blog so much they want to connect with you.Then there is a natural sense of loss when you realize you may be forgotten because you know longer show up on a blog list. I am happy we are bloggy friends.Biggest Hugs !
ReplyDeleteMan, I love reading all these comments! So yay for not having that stupid word verification. I curse every time that stupid thing comes up and I have to freakin' guess what the heck I'm supposed to put in there, lol.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, you are very popular Alex. :) What makes you even more awesome is you don't even realize it!
There are several blogging buddies who are very special to me. They comment on almost every single one of my posts, even when I'm in a funk and haven't been able to travel to theirs. I'm catching up though, because they are amazing people.
You always impress me because with all of the projects you're working on and all of the bloggers you have to write for, you always find time to comment on my blog and those of others. You deserve much more than 1300 followers for sure!
ReplyDeleteYou connect Alex, and I'll chip in on the Tamales. I feel like a handicap or a participant asking to buy a vowel.
ReplyDeleteYeah that stupid WV crap has to die. Not even a rhyming nut can decipher that. Yep, all about connections, what makes it more fun.
ReplyDeleteMonti, then try blog owner approval instead.
ReplyDeleteRobyn! I'm lucky to have YOU.
Katherine, and we've been blogging buddies for a while now!
Cassie, thanks. And I have a lot of buddies who come visit me no matter what. It's just amazing.
Prekdut, thank you!
Oceangirl, I like that description of word verification!
Pat, it's got to go!
Word verification can be a pain, but my brother and I just got tired of deleting SPAM or approving comments all day. It takes a bit of effort to comment on our blog (as Michael said), but I appreciate you making the effort Alex. You're our number one commenter!
ReplyDeleteI've never used WV. Don't plan on starting now.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, you are very popular.
Of course you are popular, Alex. You are like the Prom King to all of us. Seriously, you are awesome. When I read your comment from Conway it made me think of how often I have come across blogs that I really love, but I tend to shy away from because they have thousands of followers. I think to myself that they are far too busy to take time to get to know a new follower. I decided to go ahead and follow and comment if I really like the blog content or the bloggers personality. You changed my mind (albeit, my preconceived judgmental mind) You always take the time to reciprocate and to get to know your followers. I have been pleasantly surprised by others as well. There have been a few blogs with thousands of followers where I have felt a little disappointed after leaving quite a few comments and never getting a response. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Thank you for the advice and tips on removing the robot catcha form. It is driving me nuts!!!!
Alex, holy smokes.... 142 comments! Is that a record??? lol Are you keeping tabs to see when you break a comment record? You should. I may have to go check it out. lol
ReplyDeleteANd thank you for mentioning that nasty new word verification bugger. It's killin' me!!
Hey buddy,
ReplyDeleteMan this scrolling down to the end was tiring. You are Mr. popular these days... Well deserved! You are a committed friend to all of us and as for me I really DO appreciate it.
Lately my life has been in a cyclone. Just when it touches down and I have some normalcy and catch up the cyclone whirls again. EEESH!
I can't wait for your blog tour next week... That I HAVEN'T forgotten. At least for now anyway. LOL
I am really trying to whip the cyclone out honestly. Thanks again for your friendship and loyalty.
Yes, I think we all have certain bloggers of special interest to us in your comments and value highly. Greetings.
ReplyDeletethanks for share
ReplyDeleteMaurice, yours is no problem!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, thanks for following and commenting! I try to visit everyone who comments and certainly my blogger buddies. You guys are the reason I'm where I'm at!
PK, it's not the record - 220+ is the record!
Michael, you have been missed! Thanks in advance for helping with the Catch Fire! Blog Party.
Not only is the new.word verification a pain, you don't even have to type it in correctly, to get accepted!
ReplyDelete