I know most of you have noticed that some blogs have become pretty commercialized lately. I just don’t know quite what to think of this. So I want to ask you your unvarnished opinion:
1. What do you think about blogs having sponsors?
Most of us by now have gotten those emails soliciting “real estate” on our blogs. And if you haven’t yet, you soon will. It sort of reminds me of the Monopoly game I played as a kid. I’m kind of afraid to “sell” some of my real estate. Since I don’t outright own the house I’m sitting in, I feel like my blog is the only little space in the world I actually do have full say in. And it’s not like I have Park Avenue up for grabs anyway. What are your thoughts?
2. What is your take about ads on blogs?
I got one email saying they’d put $150 dollars in a Paypal account for me for a text link on my blog. Out of curiosity, I asked who they were representing. And it was a cash till payday loan. Well, that bordered on downright sleazy to me.
How are they suddenly getting all of our email addresses? Yes, I know most of us have our email address on our blogs somewhere. But I just don’t think anyone is fool enough to pay someone to just sit and troll all the blogs for email addresses. There’s far too many. Is this something, for instance, that Blogger has initiated or fallen victim to?
3. Followers: Now I go back and forth on this one. Do you actually utilize Followers other than trying to show your support for another blog?
As I’m sort of the token welcome wagon lady, I feel I should support new bloggers any way I can. But is this actually giving new bloggers the wrong message? Because many of these new bloggers email me and ask me what I think. And I don’t know quite what to tell them about the aforementioned issues. So I hope your answers will clear the muddied waters for them a bit.
Between you and me and the fence post, we all know we can’t help but look at that Followers gadget on our page as we scroll down. If it goes up, we feel like we’re going in the right direction. If it goes down, we feel like we’re not giving readers what they want.
I’ve been considering taking my Followers gadget off altogether. What do you think about that? How important is it to you to have this gadget on blogs? Does seeing how many Followers a blog has make you feel more or less inclined to read it?
Now in terms of ads and such, there are some blogs I’ve visited lately where I feel like I’ve jumped on the Beverly Hillbilly’s jalopy. And suddenly find myself sitting alongside the Clampetts as we enter the big city with flashing lights.
But then again, we all know I’ve been skating on the precarious edges of the sanity circle these days anyway. I’ve written about some personal issues, that, had I had clear judgment unclouded by so much emotion, I likely would have steered clear of.
So please, let’s just get it all out in the open. And if you prefer, email me with your answers. Because I am starting to feel like this is all somehow getting out of hand. Sometimes I wonder if the “bigger” blogs just shouldn’t go under a separate title of “commercialized blogs.” Because they’ve left the stratosphere we all know and are on a different level.
Why is it you think you’ve moved to this quaint little Mayberry town, (or Blog Town) and then it all changes right before your eyes? Makes me kind of sad really. I guess that’s just called the winds of change.
i really do not like commercialized blogs – i do understand why one of my favorites has it, she does need the money to supplement her income. so i make exceptions for her.
but generally the blogs that just sell stuff, i’ve started steering clear.
On on the fence. Some ads aren’t toooooo intrusive and then there are others that smack me upside the head.
I’ve been contacted, too. So far I’ve said a big fat NO to everyone.
Great post, B!
xoRebecca
At first I didn’t mind the sponsors and ads but I agree with you that some are totally out of hand. It’s hard to tell where to look on some blogs because there are so many boxes. What’s an ad? Who is a friend? It’s confusing. Have you seen those belly fat ads that are on some blogs? The person in the drawing actually gets fatter and skinnier. Gross!! No way would I have that…I think it’s a BlogHer ad maybe.
I have had requests for ad placement and it just makes me uncomfortable. The companies that have asked are unfamiliar to me and it just isn’t right to endorse them on my blog without knowing their products well.
I didn’t have the Followers thing for ages then people asked about it. I did add it but don’t like it. Yes, I look at it and it feels weird and makes me feel pressured.
I will honestly say that some of the biggies have gotten so commercialized that it’s very much a turn off to me.
I receive those e-mails too, and I’ve even had friends ask how much I charge for an ad on my blog. I can’t foresee any situation that would cause me to sell ads on my blog. And I really hate visiting blogs that are cluttered with ads. They aren’t very welcoming, are they?
In my mind, our blogs are like our homes. People visit us here. You wouldn’t invite someone to visit you in your home and then try to sell them something–unless it’s a Tupperware party or something. And I don’t have those.
As for the “Follow Me” feature on my blog, I only added it because I had a request from a reader. It’s a recent addition to my going-on-four-year-old blog.
You and I have had this discussion, but I’ll be happy to give my opinions to your followers as well. I have been approached by some advertisers hoping I will plug a product or give them some real estate on my blog. To be honest, I was a bit surprised that I was being approached because my blog is quite new. While I am not totally opposed to advertising on blogs, I prefer to see limited and tasteful advertising.
Regarding the topic of followers, I am always happy to discover someone is following me. I hope that my blog entertains, amuses and interests my readers. I privately followed lots of blogs (yours included) before creating my own. For me, the follower tool is a way of letting the author know you like what they are presenting.
Blogging has changed my world for the better and I have met some very lovely folks!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
I enjoy spotlighting other bloggers etsy shops and sales and I have my own etsy shop and sales on my blog, but I turned down a sponsor giveaway as I didn’t like the fact I had to imbed a link for an unrelated item. I have thought of having books I like for sale, but only on a second page. I don’t want to have a bunch of ads on my blog. There are different types of blogs, however, and some people use their blogs as their business. I read some of those, but don’t interact with them. I guess it’s up to the blogger to decide whether or not to use ads, and it’s up to the reader whether or not to follow.
I prefer to stay away from the commercialized stuff. I have a favorite blog that has started ads and sponsors, but I find that when I visit and it’s about that, I move on. I find more enjoyment from the blogs that are created by “people like me.” I feel like I’ve made some lovely blogging friends. I guess I like the followers, because it gives me a way to find out about someone else, what their blog is like and what attracted them to mine. I work a full time job in surgery and come to blog land to “get away” and relax. The moment it starts to become stressful or like a job, I’m out.
I’m on the fence about all of this, too. While I am not crazy about seeing ads, I believe that we all have ownership over our blogs to do what we wish. And I don’t believe in judging people. As far as keeping track of followers, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t matter to me. But I write for the people that ARE there and not with the intention of attracting a larger audience. If we didn’t care about followers we could always keep journals, make vision boards or frame our photography.
xoxo
Jane
This is a great topic.
I don’t mind if people want to advertise on their blog. Doesn’t bother me at all. Some need the income or are stay at home moms and can use some help.
As for the followers…it stresses me out big time. I started my blog the same time two others did and boy did those ones take off. And I think how is theirs more popular? The one is like the queen of blogging she is always now interviewing new blogs.
I put alot of time and energy in my blog and some days think forget it when i see how slow my following is….but then i say wait a minute I am thankful for the ones i have and is it really necessary to have so many? It some ways it is like high school all over again! But i get wonderful feed back from family and friends who can’t figure out how to become a follower lol ! So in the end i just give thanks when someone has left a lovely comment on my little blog.
And I have to thank you again for introducing me…it really did wonders for confidence!
Pamela xo
Hi just felt like I wanted to jump back in and say that I think Etsy shops are great. I do not have one yet myself, but I have shopped Etsy and think it’s a great way to share homemade and vintage goods!
I personally don’t care for all the commercial ads so I ignore them and move on. I have been contacted and I’m not interested. I will give my opinion on whether or not I like something by trying it. I would be more inclined to support a person on etsy because it is not a corporation. I feel the corporations have enough w tv, print and other places on the internet…I believe we need to support our home grown merchants. As far as followers I fell in the same trap until i thought back why i started it and it was for my family that is all over, if others join in I’m happy!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brenda I first heard about blogs from the decorating HGTV site RMS. So many were taking the plunge into the blog world and I decided to as well not knowing what to expect. What I have found is a pleasant surprise. The friendships are by far the most important aspect and reward of blogging to me. It has been a blessing to meet so many wonderful people across the country and around the world. I am not interested at all about advertising or making money from blogging. I don’t want it to feel like an obligation or a “job” to me per say. Even part time. This is just a fun hobby with the wonderful reward of friendship. I don’t enjoy blogs that are one big commercial. They definitely feel cold and impersonal and I don’t visit them.
As far as the followers button goes I think it works just fine. To me it’s just a tool allowing us to view other blogs in our google reader. If someone has the subscribe to my feed button I will not do that. For me I do not like to receive constant emails on other bloggers new posts. I tried it on just one blog and it about drove me batty getting emails all the time. Ugh! I can’t keep up with blogs that don’t have the follower button displayed so I really hope people utilize this handy feature. Please don’t remove yours! I have fallen into the thoughts at one time or another of wondering why I was losing followers and then feeling bad. I have decided I am not going to worry about it at all anymore. Whoever wants to read and follow my blog will. Those who chose to leave oh well that sucks but I will get over it.
I hope you are doing well. I’m still hoping for the special post about her return. I’m praying.
Blessings, ~Melissa
I am sort of on the fence too about the adds. I don’t like the blogs that are just covered up with them. I do hate that belly one mentioned in one of the comments. What I don’t like about some blogs that are covered with so many sponsors now is they have lost the personal touch with their readers/followers. They are so busy keeping up their projects to post to keep their blog highly visible in order to keep and gain new sponsors, that they don’t comment back on other blogs cause they just don’t have the time anymore. In the other retrospect I wouldn’t mine making a few dollars for all the time that is put in to blogging, but then again that is not what I started it for. I just wanted to share my home and ideas and of course I am doing more projects from being inspired by you bloggers. I do like watching my followers grow. I feel like it means I am doing something right.
Whether or not a blog has advertising doesn’t really bother me… because I read most of them on my reader. Unless I’m commenting, I rarely see them. The follower button I use a lot. It makes it easier to add someone to my reader.
Is this what commercial blogs or advertisers want to hear? No, but it’s the truth. I do occasionally purchase items from blog ads, and I probably wouldn’t have found them on my own. A good read, is a good read, whether there are ads or no.
Hi Brenda..
Mixed feelings here about commercialization.
I do understand some folks are doing whatever they can to make ends meet in these tough economic times..
those sites with so many ads,I just steer clear of them….
I blog for my own pleasurable creative outlet..
It is relaxing to showcase my photography, as well as my thoughts, in a place where I have complete control of content!.
I’ve made some wonderful friends here with similar interests.
I do enjoy seeing WHO chooses to follow me..but am not in a race to be the biggest and bestest with the mostest followers in the blogosphere…
and yes.. whenever I discover a newbie blogger..
I do visit and encourage..because that is the way I became comfortable in this big Blog world!!
warmest hugs..
Loui♥
Hmm, this is a tough one for me. Mostly because I’ve been paid for my writing work for over a decade now. So when I started my blog I intended for it to help me expand my writing and hopefully pull in a little more income to pay for college tuition, which is astronomical but that’s another topic!
I think that some ads are over the top, but I can choose to not visit the blogs where I feel their ads are distracting. The flashing ads I find particularly annoying. I do have sponsors, but many of them are there in exchange for goods they have given me as giveaway items. I feel like they are artists struggling to get their name out there and if they are kind enough to give me a giveaway, and I like their work enough to feature them, then the least I can do is to spread the word about them by placing an ad on my sidebar. I’ve found lots of wonderful artists that I never would have known about through sponsor ads. And I have sponsor ads on other blogs to get my name out as well. I think it’s up to each individual as to whether or not they want to advertise or have advertisers on their blog.
I think we all put lots of time and effort into our blogs, and there really is no rhyme or reason as to who catapults to the top quickly or who doesn’t. So for me it’s a job, one I dearly love, but a job none the less. And I put more time into my blog than I have lots of other jobs I’ve had, by going and doing photo shoots, which I never charge for, and for promoting the local businesses in my area. It takes time to do those shoots and to edit the photos, so why not get compensated somehow. I guess it depends on if your blog is your hobby or if it’s a business and mine is both.
As far as followers, it’s wonderful to see the numbers go up, but I don’t put a lot of stock in the whole follower thing. People will un-follow you for weird reasons, like if you don’t follow them back or if you don’t comment enough on their blog. That to me is not what following is about. I follow blogs that interest me and it’s just an easy way to keep them all in one place where I can easily reference them from my dashboard. But I do chuckle when I see someone come on to the scene and they get a shout out from a big blogger and their numbers go through the roof for no apparent reason. But hey that’s life, all I can do is try and provide the best content I can and keep moving forward.
What annoys me way more than ads are those people who close ranks as soon as they see you are getting a little slice of the pie. It’s a big internet and there is plenty of pie for everyone, so people like you Brenda who give shout outs and introduce others to new and upcoming blogs are the best! You aren’t worried about someone taking anything away from you and you get that it’s a community and if we support one another everyone wins!
Phew, I should have emailed this, wonder if it will even go through since as usual I said WAY too much! Now you know why I blog, so my poor husband doesn’t have to listen to me all day and night!
Kat
Holy crap Brenda…sorry my comment turned into a post!
Yikes!
Kat
I started blogging because I enjoyed looking at everyone’s quilts, sewing and gardens, and there are some blogs, like yours, that I read daily. You have given me inspiration and ideas of what to do in my little “cozy house”.
When I find a blogger who is just advertising, I hurry and get off of it or just ignore and don’t look at it again. Some folks do use to sell their wares and gain extra income. Myself, I use my blog to tell a little about my grandchildren and family.
If we bear with this folks, hopefully they’ll look and go away. I’d also like to know how they get all of our names and blogs, maybe it’s some of the “Big Brother” watching us that we’ve been hearing about for years.
Please continue with your blog, I feel as though I know you and would hate to lose your “friendship”. lots of love
You and I have talked about this at length. Here goes:
I’ve been approached about advertising or doing a giveaway using some company’s products. I’ve always said no. It doesn’t sit right with me. I know for certain bloggers, this is a much needed boost to their income. Quite frankly, I could use a boost to my income! BUT, speaking only for myself, it turns me off. Some of the advertising is fairly inconspicuous and therefore doesn’t bother me. But some of it – yikes! It is the first thing I see when the blog loads. Sometimes I can’t tell where the text is amongst all of it. Too slick, too commercial, too much. That’s not why I blog and not what I look for in a blog. So, I guess my totally honest answer is the increased commercialization really bothers me. When I see that on a blog, I sigh and stop reading. It’s like you think you know someone and then they change. For the worse.
The followers widget is a temptress. I have wondered why my numbers sometimes decrease and why other blogs very similar to mine have more followers. But in the end, it is what it is. I’ve had giveaways but absolutely will not ask people to become a follower as part of it. I think that is false and it loads the follower list with bait. I want someone to follow me because they really like my blog. I follow others because I like their blogs. I also agree with the comment about Google Reader. Following helps me keep up to date with those blogs I enjoy.
There’s room for everyone, of course. But I will stick to what I feel are more authentic blogs, like yours, my friend.
xo
Claudia
I’m “turned off” by commercialized blogs…Suspicious by nature, I have never investigated those who want to “rent” space on my page. If it sounds too good to be true….
I know what you mean about followers. I’d rather have comments, personally! Often seems to be no correlation between # of followers and comments….
Great post and one that needs to be addressed. Thanks for doing this. I agree with you. I don’t like the commercialization and don’t enjoy reading these blogs. There are so many ads on some blogs they are just not personally friendly anymore.
As far as followers this allows me to know who is following me and it is a good feeling to know that these people read my blog. I use the ‘follow’ on other blogs and do not like to subscribe thru a feed to my email. Don’t remove your followers gadget. The number of followers normally does not deter me however many of the blogs that have become commercialized have so many followers that I really have no desire to follow a blog with 2500 followers.
I have received emails asking me to sponsor a product or whatever and I normally do not. However Hometown Seeds offered my readers a discount so I felt this one was OK because my blog is about gardening. They offered me seeds for putting this on my blog. I have no desire to make my blog a place for commercials.
I did have my email plastered on the front of my blog but removed it because my email jumped dramatically due to spam emails and nasty ones too. I feel it was because my email was out there for all to see. Now I have 60 spam emails a day.
I’m going to amend this to say that I do not have anything against promoting Etsy shops on blogs. I fully support little cottage industries. And these don’t seem intrusive to me at all, as you personally know who you’re buying from. One of these days I might even decide to have my own!
Brenda
Brenda, I don’t want to put commercial advertising on my blog because then I am forced to tout their products, and where do you draw the line? I feel that it has changed some of the blogs I used to love to visit, and they are no longer the friendly, warm places I once enjoyed. And then you are stressed to up your ante in terms of getting new people to read. I just don’t need that stress because I blog for enjoyment and to connect with people I enjoy and to learn something new.
There are some blogs that have handled it well, but I don’t want to do it. I don’t mind etsy promotions which I think are neat.
I enjoy seeing the rolling thing over there on the side of your blog because it catches my eye, and I like to see who you are reading. I keep my blog list on my blog so that people can click and visit if they see a name they like. I always liked that about one of my early friend’s blogs, and so I did it on mine.
I don’t display my followers list for two reasons. First, I actually follow the people who follow me, and that is a lot of people to keep up with. I think some people use that thing as if it were facebook and some sort of popularity contest. I’m serious about my followers, so I make it a little more difficult for the point and click group. But unfortunately, that’s made it tough for others to figure out how to follow, and some of my friends aren’t followers! LOL! That’s okay because I follow them.
I hope this answered your questions from me. I love blogging, and I love your blog! Whatever you do with it, I would still be visiting!
XO,
Sheila
I look at it this way – If I don’t care for the way someone has their blog, no one is forcing me to visit/read it, so I move on. There are some blogs that I use to visit often, but rarely do now for various reasons – my choice. I did not contact the blogger and say “I don’t like the way you do this or that”. It is none of my business and if I don’t care for certain things, I move on. If all our blogs looked/sounded the same, what would be the purpose of blogging.
Do what is right for you – If you want to advertise, that is your choice.
Thumbs down on sponsors. Thumbs UP on Etsy!
There is no way that I would have a sponsor or adds. I had a friend that sold space for some adds and they turned out to be pretty bad!
I really don’t even look at the followers and I never look to see how many followers others have. Now you have my thinking of taking it off!
Patty and I have been “blogging” since 2001/2002. Over the years there have been all kinds of inventive ways to get their brand or link on your blog or mine. From porn to spam links happens when you accept the money or sign on.
I tell people to try blogging on their own and advertise their own stuff and don’t expect someone else to do it.
Anyway, it never worked out for me.
I’ve noticed that quite a lot of blogs are advertising advertising space on their blog. So they have acknowledged that they can make money out of people like me and you by advertising whatever it is we do, whether it be our blogs or something we want to sell. But that puts me right off. I hate that everyone is trying to sell you something whereever you go! We get tele-sales, postal sales, spam in our emails, we walk into a shop and get asked what we are looking for, I liked that my blog was the only place in the world that didn’t happen…. but I don’t think it will be for much longer!
As for followers, I like to know that somebody, somewhere is interested in what I’m saying. But losing followers wouldn’t make me want to change what I talk about – the main reason we are here is for ourselves isn’t it? To get our feelings and thoughts out of our heads.
x
The only commercialized blogs I read are a few of the quilting blogs as long as I can increase my knowledge or skills in some way. I have Amazon Affiliate codes(books)on my sidebar and at the end of my posts if they relate to that post. And it`s books I have read or plan to read.
I removed the Follower gadget. I follow those blogs with Google Reader and some posts I have emailed to me. Followers that “leave” do not make you less an interesting person.
I get those crappy emails too and delete them.
I don`t think having a separate selling blog is a bad thing. I had more sales in my blog shop than I had on Etsy because I was easier to find. I sold vintage and antique linens and my embroidery and crochet. It was strictly a selling blog using my dot com. If I find a nice, readable blog and there is a link to their blog shop, I`ll check it out.
I enjoyed reading all the comments. It was very interesting.
Wow. I’m new to blogging (few months now) but I’ve been reading them for years. Some of my fav’s are getting a bit heavy with the advertising and I don’t really care. Perhaps that was their goal. I read because of content and connection – ads or no ads, I will stay or go based on my interest.
I have a link to my Etsy shop on my blog and that’s all for now. A friend of a friend has asked if could put a link to his photo business and I might let him but I will not charge him. To each his own.
Followers. I love getting a new follower, makes me feel like I’ve made a new friend. I do find it strange that someone would sign up to follow and then never again leave a comment. From reading your comments, I guess they are just fishing for more followers for themselves. That’s fine too I suppose.
I say, do whatever feels right for you. I’ve just started reading your blog and I’ll keeping coming whether you have ads or not, as long as I enjoy what you’re putting out – and I do so far.
Brenda,
I am very protective of my blog….it is my little “Utopia” if you will….I have been approached and have politely said no every time….my blog is my own little world, and it is empowering to know that in this one tiny space I have “the” say about what is in it….I don’t want to ad anything to it that would corrupt my little world…..OK I just read this post so far, and I sound like a nut! LOL But you get the point…there is so few places in the world that you can keep just how you want them!
I love to see Etsy shops on my favorite blogs, I have found many lovely items that way! I will always support that kind of selling, just like you said!
I am new to blogging. I think I can still say that. I honestly don’t pay attention to the ads…..etsy is okay. It’s fun to see what other people make and sell.
As far as followers……I get so excited over a new follower. But, I only have 22 and two don’t count. I’d like to have swaps and give-a-ways eventually. Nothing fancy, nothing commercial. I also feel like my followers are friends.
I so enjoy your blog. ((((HUGS))))
I was re-reading your comments and want to add that etsy shops and individual bloggers’ shops don’t bother me at all. In fact, I love seeing what bloggers create or what vintage lovelies are out there.
xo
Claudia
I’ve been fortunate…my ad inquiries are from organizations I actually have a heart for.
I also run an ad for a friend for free – because she is, well she is my friend.
I will take ads that come along when they fit with me and mine because I need the money if I want to stay home with my girls and keep them in school…
I stay away from impersonal blogs and I generally avoid give aways unless it is something I really love.
I don’t know…it is hard to say…I think I am walking a fine line.
I’ve been on the web for at least ten years between my poetry, my writing, and my photography and after several crash and burns I try to avoid the popularity game in any structured way. I truly believe integrity and loyal friends is much more beneficial to me than popularity and marketing.
I keep the follower up because it is helpful and I use it to populate my reader but I try not to notice how many are on it.
Don’t like sponsors or ads. I will simply not go back to a blog that looks too commercial, or has ads. The exception is Etsy, I DO LIKE to see what people are making with their own two hands and selling.
As for the followers and blog rolls (I added that), I’m neutral. I generally leave them both on my sidebar as a courtesy (I follow those who follow me; I comment when someone leaves me a comment; just good manners).
I will add one more thing. Nobody seems to want to say it, and I know I risk stepping on toes, but here it is: If I regularly comment on your blog but you don’t ever comment on mine, after a while I will drop your blog from my roll and stop following. Once again, common courtesy and good manners, just like in the real world.
I’m with you. As for the followers list, typepad doesn’t offer it, although readers can subscribe to my blog. But since I don’t know how to access it I have no idea how many people are following me.
Happily, most of the blogs I read don’t have commercial ads. I too am bothered by flashing ads blatant commercialism. I don’t mind the blogger ads – little square ads that lead to an etsy shop or website – I’ve advertised on one of those just to get my shop name out there via a busy blog. I think it’s a great, inexpensive way to advertise to like-minded people.
My list of favorite blogs continues to grow, but I tend to stay with crafting, home decor, and lifestyle blogs. They’re mostly full of inspiration, creativity, and sharing, and that’s what I love most about blogging. ::Jill
What a great post Brenda! I was thinking about these very subjects last night.
I am a little torn regarding commercialization. Some of the blogs have become overly commercialized and their blog pages are too “busy” when you try to read them. The commercialism has changed some of the blogs I used to love to visit, and they are no longer as friendly as they used to be. I am not against it completely, but I think some should use a little more discretion in who their sponsors are. I prefer to see limited and tasteful advertising. As for the promotion of certain Etsy shops on blogs, I have no problem with that. Like you, I fully support little cottage industries. I am trying to talk my mother into opening an Etsy shop and, of course, I would promote it.
I recently had a few giveaways and will have more over the next couple of months, but I absolutely will not ask people to become a follower in order to enter my giveaways. I want someone to follow me because they really like my blog not because they had to in order to enter a giveaway. I have a small blog and because of my schedule I am typically unable to post every day which I am told is basically a cardinal sin. Because of that and the fact that my posts are random and not within any specific category (i.e., cooking, gardening, parenting. DIY, etc.), I do not expect I will have a huge following and I am certainly okay with that. I am thankful for the followers I do have and the comments I receive. I figure if someone likes what I post, they will follow/read my blog even if I do not post daily. I follow others for the same reason – simply because I like their blog. I have a few that although I still follow them, I do not visit them as often as I did when I first discovered them. The reason is because they have gotten too big and, in some cases, too full of themselves and I became turned off. I also agree with the comment about Google Reader. Following helps me keep up to date with the blogs I enjoy. For example, I enjoy your blog because of your writing style and your photography. That and the fact I just love handsome Clyde! I want blogging to continue to be fun for me. I have a full schedule (like a lot of bloggers) and I do not want to become stressed or bogged down by worrying about followers and sponsors. If that becomes the case, then blogging would no longer be fun and I am not sure I would want to have a public blog any longer and would only keep my private family blog.
Thank you for this post. It has been interesting reading the responses of the others and to find there are other people who feel the same way I do.
Warmest regards,
~ Tracy
Brenda,
What a great posting and subject. I couldn’t agree more with all you said here. I’m run pretty quickly from those blogs with tons and tons of ads. The last thing I want is a bunch of spammers. I blog for myself and fellow gardeners, crocheters, crafters and color lovers. I do have a good number of followers but I still have the core group of daily blogs I like to read like you every day. I have thought about taking mine off too at times. I don’t really look there when I find a new blog I like. Sometimes the new smaller bloggers are well worth the time to help them get started.
It’s all worth the pondering, but I’m just going to put it in the back of my mind, as I head out to the garden to see what’s a popping today. Besides, my yarn is dry and ready to spin into a color ball.
Sures for a sweet day,
Kate – The Garden Bell
I personally prefer blogs that are not commercialized. I don’t read blogs to read advertisements. As far as followers, well I am very new to blogging, and I put that feature up because everyone else had, it so I figured it was what you do! I do like to see that I have followers, but my blog is like a journal to me. If someone reads it, great, if not, it is my therapy in a crazy world. I love to put what blogs I am following, as I love to highlight them to anyone who comes to my blog. If I was able to, I would probably have pages of blogs to highlight. I just seem to find more and more blogs daily that I just love. There are so many creative and talented people out there. Reading blogs and blogging myself, has become my own personal therapy. More fun and cheaper than a shrink LOL!
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There is good and bad in everything.And you must do what feels right for you.
Personally I would not have the ads, I have received a few offers and I won’t do it.This is my personal space that I feel I can welcome friends and speak my mind.Its not for sale.
I like the followers thingy that’s not quite the same as selling out.
Altho I would get rid of it in a bat of an eye, it dosen’t matter to me at all, like the comments, leave one or don’t … so many lurkers out there and that’s fine, who hasen’t read a blog and not comment.We all enjoy comments tho !Its being polite, would you go to someone’s door and just stand there stare and say nothing??
But I truly dislike when a blog has a giveaway and you must be a follower,and you must advertise the giveaway on your blog ,may as well jump on one leg and rub my tummy too at the same time.
I think its too much, if you want to do a giveaway do it and God bless you for it, but dont make your friends work for it.
That’s what I think… did I stay from the original question too much??>> LOL!!
Diane
Hi Brenda,
Timely question. I am one of the bloggers who has not commercialized her blog, but I must say yet. I do hope to find ways to get some money back for the time I invest in my blog. Especially since I ought to work another day in my professional career, but do not really want to. So if my blogging can help me pay the bills and not having to go to the office another day that would be great.
But at the same time I understand what you mean by things getting out of hand. I do not mind at all that people put ads on their blogs, especially for cottage industries. Or use other ways to earn some money through their blog. But I do hate it when every other post is a giveaway or other kind of sponsored post. Some blogs feel like they are only channels for commercial purposes. I aim to make sure that even if and when I do start to try to monetize my blog, I will do so with integrity and make sure I add value, fun and inspiration to my readers life. That comes first, always, Money comes way behind that.
But for now my blog only costs me a lot of time and some money too, not a penny earned yet.
For the followers. I have it, because people use it. And yes it makes my day when I see that number go up. I do not use it myself because I follow blogs in google reader. And I hate all the ‘become my follower’ promotion going on.
Plain and simple… I hate all adds on blogs!!!
For even longer, I have disliked blogs which are simply selling the writer’s stuff too. Yes, people have a perfect right to hawk their home-made items, on their blog. But I don’t read such blogs.
I prefer to read [in blogs] what’s going on in the blogger’s life… What the blogger’s is thinking about… What she’s reading… Pretty pics she wishes to share, of her surroundings, etc. Etc., etc., etc.
Not adds, or hawking her stuff.
And since I’m free, I can decide not to read blogs which are selling their stuff. Simple…
But the ding-dang adds have gotten so pervasive in “Pretty Blog Land,” that it’s hard to not read blogs, which allow them.
But……. I’ve “taken stands” before. I’ve decided to avoid blogs which are always pushing their favorite flavor of religion. And blogs which make me do both Word Verification and Comment Verification. Guess I could stop reading blogs, which have adds too.
It makes no difference to anyone but me. If I miss something super, this way… Oh well, there are always new/different blogs coming on line. And older ones, which I’ve not yet found. So, I won’t miss much.
Thank you for writing on this topic and for asking our input!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: Followers
I personally hate the Followers thing on Blogger. Hate it, because it causes me to want to check, and to want to have a lot, lot, lot of Followers.
Having been in different forms of blogging for years and years, I have found that this WANTING Followers and WANTING to check how many I have, is very COUNTERPRODUCTIVE to my enjoyment of blogging.
I’ve had the Blogger Followers showing. And taken it off. Think I’ll stick with NOT showing it. But the ding-dang thing still shows up on my own Dashboard and still can “tempt” me.
((((((
Yes, I have “Follow-ed” new blogs in the past, to support them. I no longer bother so doing. My Comments have to be enough.
Brenda,
This is very timely. One of my favorite blogs has become so cluttered with ads that I don’t find it visually appealing any longer. I have learned so much from some of these bloggers though. I can understand why they should have the option to earn money for their efforts. I might not visit as often and I might not leave a comment.
The etsy ads, I feel, are different. The are homemade and usually very tasteful – not harsh and commercial.
Followers are another timely subject. I have almost 100. I have visited many of their posting and feel a responsibility to comment then and again – the same with those that I follow.
However, I don’t knowingly enter giveaways and don’t plan on having one myself. I am at the stage in my life where I like to give a check for my favorite charity! I don’t think I want to buy followers or comments…
Brenda, the other thing I am struggling with are the events that I faithfully join each week – yet rarely does the person sponsoring leave me a comment. I participate in one and I have never heard from the host. I realize that the sheer numbers of participants could make acknowledgment difficult but it it is sometimes hurtful to see their comments on the other blogs at the event.
Having said all that, I love blogging and the wonderful talented bloggers I have met and I truly appreciate my followers and their comments.
Carol
I believe I am considered a lurker. I bookmark several blogs that I really like, and just drop in once in a while. What can make me choose to bookmark one blog over another? Outstanding photos and writing – just like yours. I am an avid gardener, so your blog really grabbed my attention. Another factor? I do not like to ready about products (other than etsy, there are always fun items to look at should I chooses)and I definitely do not like the promotional giveaways. It may work for many people, but not me. In my humble opinion…just keep doing what you do…from what I see you are gracious to other bloggers and your photography and writing are a perfect combination that draws me back time after time.
Btw, I use Google Reader, to see when my favorite blogs, have posted a new post.
Only one other gal mentioned Google Reader, so far, in these comments. Thought I’d say it too, to show that it’s not necessary to use Blogger Followers, to see which of your favorite blogs have new posts.
^_^
Good questions…I Do Not Like Ads.
I have been approached and have declined. It’s about me and my little world…selfish, yuh?! I feel is does take the quaintness away from that persons blog. I have also gone back and forth with the follower gadget. It’s not so much how many for me…and I am so surprized that I have followers, it’s just lets me know when they have a new post and saves me time with blogging…
Of course, it’s your blog and you can do whatever you WANT TO!
Deb
Great topic. I even read all the comments. I guess I am one of those people who can just ignore all the ads on a blog. Most of the time I don’t even notice them. So I really don’t mind if someone has advertising on their blog. I visit blogs because I like the content and/or the photos. If I feel like the content has become one big commercial, I quit reading. I have never clicked on an advertising link, not even the etsy ones. Probably cause I don’t notice them. I don’t have any advertising on my blog, but then no one has approached me. Should I get upset now? I think not, I really don’t care. It would be nice to make extra money, but I blog mostly for me,to have fun & meet new people. That is what I love the most about blogging. I like feeling like we are neighbors just visiting with one another out on the porch. So I guess you are right about blogs becoming too commercialized, they start feeling more like a corporation than a good friend to chat with. But I also understand why bloggers have ads. Especially in this economy and for those who want to stay at home with their kids. So I am torn on the advertising issue. What I do know is I don’t like when someone is having a giveaway & you must jump through a bazillion hoops in order to get a bunch of chances to win. I like the giveaways where you only have to leave 1 comment. Nothing more. That is what I have done (even though I’ve only had 1 giveaway) That way I know that the people following me are following me because they want to, not because they wanted to win some prize. I like having the followers button, it does give me some validation. But I don’t get upset if someone drops off (at least I try not to let it effect me). I know we are all different so not everyone will continue to like my blog. And I understand that not everyone will leave a comment. It takes a lot of time to leave a comment. I know that I am sometimes too busy to leave a comment as I visit so many blogs and I have a full time job and I am a wife and a mother. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to do it all. I know that I am not alone in this. But if something really impresses me, I usually try & leave a comment as I love getting comments. We all do. But I understand that not everyone has the time to comment. I love reading your blog as you are a real person, with real feelings and emotions and you aren’t afraid to share them with us all. Plus you are a great writer & your photography is fabulous. I hope that you keep on blogging the way you have been. I just love visiting your cozy little house.
Kim
I recently considered ads to help me extend my income but I rejected the idea because my blog is about so many things. I think that if I want to make money and have ‘publicité’ ou ‘les petits annonces’ as they say in France, then I would create a blog that would attract commercial interaction. But that’s not me. I write because I love writing and I write for me and not for anyone else. I try to do photography and I like being creative. It’s a kind of therapy. I am honoured if someone wants to follow my blog and I am told it helps ranking, but I’m not really bothered. This thing about blog friends seems a nice idea. Maybe blogs are bit like people … you can assess whether you like the person or the blog within the first few seconds of meeting!
I’ve been running ads for BlogHer for a couple of years but that’s it. I’m constantly getting emails from “vendors” but so far I have not done much with them. I do have a giveaway page but have not posted any giveaways! I have to agree that some blogs have gone so commercial that it’s no fun to try and read their posts (if you can see them through the ads). I guess it’s a matter of what each individual chooses to do…and of course, their followers or readers can chose to stay faithful to that blogger or not.
If you would like extra money for your efforts why not. Everything in moderation.
Cheers
Oh my goodness girlfriend, lots to think about in the middle of the week.
I’ll start with the ads, personally I don’t pay any attention to them. They can be distracting and confusing at the same time. Way too much on a page. Having said that, some people may need the income and so they have to have them. I don’t do them and don’t plan to do them. I have done two in the past, but put them on the side, no picture and small print.
I don’t read blogs that are busy, with lots going on, they give me a headache and my eyes don’t know where to go.
I love clean blogs.
As for the followers…I don’t have a button because I have seen blogs that have the sides up and down with buttons. I just don’t understand that. I have also thought of getting rid of my favorite list, but at least it’s not intrusive.
I have no idea if this helps you in any way, but it’s what I feel at the moment: tomorrow, who knows? Char
First of all, PLEASE don’t remove your followers button! It’s the main way that I find new blogs to visit, and is no doubt how I found yours
If I like a blog then I assume that the other people following have a ‘like mind’ and so it’s worth looking at their blog too and so it goes on… I think the followers ‘roll’ is such a great tool in this way that I moved mine to the top of my blog so that it’s a longer time before people ‘fall off’ as they do when it’s just the small side square to give others a longer time frame to ‘follow up’ on new followers (pardon the pun!). I thought about it for a while before I did it because I was a bit worried readers would interpret it as a ‘brag’ thing then I figured it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want, life’s too short to go around second guessing everyone!
I follow around 300 blogs (but comment on only a small percentage) and big (and some are into the many thousands of followers) or small, commercial or not, it makes to difference to me. I’m there for the content – pure and simple. And I sometimes do click on ‘sponsors’ buttons and find some darned useful stuff that I wouldn’t find otherwise.
As for requiring people who enter giveaways to follow that’s a tricky one. I wouldn’t do it (and I don’t enter giveaways that require you to post about it on your blog) BUT I do know that there are people out there who troll blogs just looking for giveaways and that is why some of my bloging friends limit entries to followers only.
What it all boils down to in the end I think is that so long as we act with integrity we can’t go wrong. It’s inevitable that at some stage something we do or say online, just like any other aspect of life, is going to upset/turn off someone – well that’s life. Just do what YOU think is right and let others think and act as they wish.
(And a note about follower numbers dropping, it is a well-known technical ‘glitch’, I ‘lost’ several when I had so few I knew everyone on my ‘roll of faces’ and altho the number had dropped everyone was definately still there and there are lots of stories like that around. And even it it’s a genuine ‘disfollow’ why do we get so senstive about it in blogland – do we all have the exact same friends and acquaintences we had years ago, of course not, people come into and fall out of our ‘real world’ lives all the time for many different reasons – why expect blogging to be any different???)
Hi Brenda,
You know how to get a conversation going girl! I am torn on this too. I don’t like when blogs become overly commercial but the economy sucks and some need extra income. As far as the followers goes, I guess I look at this way different than others. I am always surprised when I get a new follower/friend. I do not think about it on a daily basis. In fact, I always have been bothered when someone didn’t have a followers button. It makes it harder for me to follow them. And the thing is, we didn’t make up this term, blogger did. It would be nice if they just changed it to friends. But I like to easily follow a blog and not get those annoying e-mails. And I like Etsy shop ads but some blogs do nothing but promote their new stuff so to me that’s just the same as putting other ads on your blog. I guess it’s a personal choice and I respect other’s right to make it.
Cindy
hi brenda,
i am glad that you posted about this, you intuitive lady you, because i’ve been thinking about this lately (as of course, my blog has been pursued a few times, too).
i’ve decided that if something is non-intrusive and relevant to my interests, i will consider it. i have turned down a bunch of offers because they seemed very out-of-left-field for me and what my blog is about.
it took me almost a year to even know to add the followers button. having that button does make it easy to follow someone though. i am becoming more interested in numbers because of my little publishing dreams. i hope that if a publisher sees that people are reading what i write, i am worthwhile publishing in print.
i love writing new posts and taking photos and the entire process but just as much i enjoy visiting all of the inspiring people i have met and continue to meet. it’s a warm and supportive world here. i hope that doesn’t change.
okay, sorry to ramble. did i mention i am postponing a big kitchen clean-up? (LOL)
xo
elyse
Brenda, As a fairly new-comer to the land of blog I find this very interesting. Whenever I connect to a new blog to have a look around as soons as I see heaps of ads I find I am losing interest. I love blogging just to see home decorating, craft ideas, food posts and a little bit of family thrown in too. There are enough ads in magazines and on the telly for me!
Suzyq
I have another comment. I love Etsy shops! I would much prefer to shop on Etsy than most commercial sites. Homespun, charming, and unique are words that come to mind when I surf Etsy. I think Etsy provides a win win shopping experience. I am so inspired by all of the talented bloggers and if one of them has a little Etsy shop, I’m all for it!
Thanks for being a frank and honest blogger. You always speak your mind, and I admire you for it!! I also commend you for supporting new bloggers and bringing them to our attention. You’re a good kid Brenda!!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Love
I feel like I can choose which blogs I visit so I don’t have a problem with those that have chosen to get more commercial. I think it was bound to happen…when there’s an opportunity. I don’t feel strongly about the subject but it’s been interesting to read some of the comments. I love the followers box. I like to click on a follower and visit their blog when I have a little extra time! Very interesting post, Brenda! ♥
Well, I don’t like the ads. I think if it helps you, you can pick something like the Amazon bookstore where you have a shelf and get money if someone links and buys through your link. I am doing the Business 2 Bloggers. I have an icon and get offers to try and review. I usually don’t have enough followers or “views” of my blog to qualify. I am getting some no slip hair bows to use on Molly! Sounds fun. I’d do the bookreviews too for the books. But not big bucks I guess. Followers are my friends and I don’t want to use them. If I like something I blog about it anyway. Good post!
Hugs, Lisa
I always say no to ads and people who want me to do a giveaway (and they’ll supply the prize). I always wonder why they’re contacting me. My blog only has 400-something readers (except for today feedburner shows 88, don’t know what happened there…) so I’m a small blog. It wouldn’t benefit them much, if at all.
I’ve had people ask me for links or do a review as well, and I don’t do that either.
If I link to someone, it’s because it was a great post, or I like their blog and think others would too, or something like that. I don’t link because someone sent me an email saying “We’re doing such and such and think it would appeal to your readers. Would you please give us a link?”
As for followers, in the beginning yes, if someone had a lot of followers, I was more inclined to check out their blog further.
That’s because I figured that they must have some good content to have that many readers or followers. So I could just “follow” and assume the rest of their posts would be as good as the one I just read.
I don’t mind if people have ads, although sometimes the blogs are hard to read. However, I don’t like a blog that just does constant giveaways, with very little content.
I just want control of my blog and content, kind of like you said. I also don’t want the hassle or doing a giveaway that someone else sponsored.
The only thing I did that might have been close to a sponsored giveaway was when Hannah Keeley asked me to do a post on her blog for a series she was doing.
She just asked me to do the post, and she never asked me to link to her blog or mention her giveaway. There were no rules.
I didn’t have to do mention her at all. But I did that because I wanted too, and also because the giveaway was on her blog, not mine.
Oh I’m always thinking about removing the followers widget! Was just thinking about it again today. It creates a lot of pressure and I know it creates hurt feelings. I think we were all doing fine using Bloglines and Google Reader. There really was no need for the followers widget in the first place. I still have most of my blogs that I read on Bloglines.
I suppose everyone can just do what they want, but too many adds, too many “sponsor” giveaways turn me off. I don’t even bother to read some of those “big” blogs. There’s just no content. But I’m in the minority as they continue to become more and more popular. I think people like free stuff LOL!
What I really, really, really hate is when people have giveaways and insist that you follow to enter. I don’t see the point of having people follow you that have no interest in your blog other than they want to win something. To me that means that blogger is really just all about the number of followers and not anything else.
Blogging has changed tremendously in the last few years. I agree, some of the more commercialized blogs should be called something else. They’re really businesses and not journals.
Manuela
Hi~
Not exactly sure of my thoughts on advertising. I like the idea of us bloggers getting a little cash in our pockets, but some blogs have gone overboard with their advertising. And I don’t like when it takes forever to load their page because of advertising. But then the money factor does play an important part too. I guess I am really no hope, am I?
I have been toying with the idea of taking my followers counter off also. I really try and not get caught up in the numbers of followers, I just like being able to be in contact with friends. I guess I am wishy-washy all around today!
Have a great day, your garden pics are beautiful. How I wish I could pull up a chair and enjoy it in person!
Kate
Hmmm… I’m having a bit of an identity crisis in blogging myself. I just mentioned on my latest post, about ‘bloggy peer-pressure’. Some of what you’ve mentioned definitely falls into that category.
I’d be fibbin’ if I said …Followers gadget isn’t important to me.
But, I’ve tried so hard to visit those that follow me and thank them for following. I DO like to see the number going up; to me it is a meter of sorts; to gauge interested people.
I’ve also, emailed people to let them know that I’ve hated to see them go, when I’ve noticed them missing– they’ve always come back!
Does that make me needy or insecure … I don’t know. I just always try to be a gracious hostess.
That’s all we ever want to do right?
As for advertizing– I only recently decided to try the Google ads, I’ve never advertised ‘space’– that is way too much responsibility for me. To me it takes the fun, control, and spontaneity out of blogging.
Thanks for you questions, and for poking at us for information… it’s been interesting reading others thoughts.
so many questions. I use the following tool to keep a list of blogs I occassionally read in my blogger dashboard window. That way I can scroll and see if I wan tot read their latest post or not.
I use the linked blogs in my sidebar to reciprocate those who have linked me in the same way or to keep a handy read list of some of my fav’s.
I try to visit anyone on my following list at least once when they follow, and occasionally just randomly pick a few to visit.
I thought about doing the blog posts for pay to promote a company but decided I wanted to keep the content, truly my own. But I don’t mind reading blogs who do advertise on their blogs for whatever happens to pay. But I have found usually bloggers are picky enough to only promote companies or products they truly like. If something gets puched on my blog, it’s because I like it and want to share with others.
I don’t advertise on the Back Porch. I’ve had plenty of opportunity to do so, but have declined each and every time I’m approached. If others want to advertise, I see nothing wrong with it. It’s just not for me. I like the peacefulness of the old Back Porch, just the way it is.
My follower thing is under my posts. I’ve had a few folks tell me, that impressed them that it was not readily seen. I appreciate having the option to follow and go through the list of blogs I follow, every day. I also have another list. I don’t think the follower list is any indication of the success of a blog, because a follower may decide my blog isn’t for them and move on, but their name remains. I don’t believe I am obligated to visit those who follow me.
I just clicked to follow someone new, this evening. I like that option.
I have favorite blogs who advertise heavily and I still visit, because I like the blogger and the site.
I personally don’t want ads on my blog. When I am contacted by companies to hock their wares it makes me very uncomfortable and frankly, right now, I just don’t even want to think about it. I don’t need the added pressure.
Some ads are OK but the popular blogs that have the pop up survey screens really annoy me. I still read them for the content, but I’m not sure why they want to do that to their blog readers.
I love the Follow tool on Blogger, not to see who follows me, ( I rarely look at it), but it makes it easy for me to follow others.
I’m so glad you brought this up. I agree with you that some of the blogs that I used to enjoy have turned into one big infomercial. I don’t even go there anymore. A few tasteful ads on the sidebar is OK with me but I choose to be commercial free. I say whatever floats your boat. Mimi
I think commercials that suit the blog and fit the style of it are okay (to a point) but real estate ads are never okay!!! lol!
Wow, I read most of these comments and I see I’m really in the minority here! I think bloggers can remain true to themselves and have ads on their blogs. When I do product reviews in which I receive free products in return, I’m honest. I’m not going to tell my readers that something is good if I don’t think it is. When I first started blogging I had no idea I could make money doing this…to me it’s just an added benefit. I’m getting paid to do something I love to do! I think some people don’t realize how much you can actually make! It’s great to have some extra FUN money every month! Being a single mom it has really helped me and my daughter. I’m very thankful for it but I understand that it’s not for everyone.
I appreciate all my followers but I don’t dwell on the numbers. I actually try not to think about how many people read my blog because it sort of stresses me out! LOL
Dear Brenda
my blog is like a personal journal and a hobby. I will never have ads in it nor I’d like to be paid by any sponsor. Maybe because I don’t need it but basically because I’m against it as a matter of principle. If another blogger, with an Etsy shop or similar, wanted to be featured on my blog, I’d gladly do it, for FREE. Blogging is about sharing and connecting, not making money- at least to me-.
As for the followers thing..well..it’s a great satisfaction to see the number of followers growing.. but sometimes makes me anxious too ! am I all wrong??
Hugs
Flaviana
Wow, that’s a tough question Brenda. I understand why some people take advertising and I have considered it more than once. With a husband out of work and the unemployment ended (this week) it’s an even bigger temptation. I have to say I don’t like the blogs that have turned commercial. More power to them if it brings in good money, but it isn’t what I enjoy visiting and I skim through the posts that are nothing but a call out for the sponsers. Would I do it? Probably if I were a big enough cheese to actually make some good money! But I’m not and I’m ok with that because my blog is really just for me. I prefer to support small home businesses like mine. A womens network based on personal relationships makes sense to me. The network of friends I have found online is one of the best things about blogging!
I admit, the followers button feeds my greedy little ego. I like the affirmation that someone likes what I write. The blogs I follow have to appeal to me a lot (like yours)and they show up on my google reader, so I do use the application for my special favorites.
Hi Brenda
Back again this morning to click your follow button. I wanted to come back and read the comments after mine and thought I had already become a follower. Bear with me, I ain’t as young as I once was.:-) You are and have been for a long time, on my list, but I hadn’t followed, until now. This to me proves, that people keep track, even if they don’t follow.
Gee Brenda, Are you selling that can of worms that you just opened? I will be going back to read all of these comments. That was an excellent question, and there are a lot of strong feelings about the subject. Personally, I have turned down any offers so far, but would never rule out advertising. Etsy is always a happy link to find on others blogs as is Ebay. I go to specific blogs to read what they are up to, and that is part and parcel. I don’t even mind when a blog has a post selling a few items or hyping what they are selling. It is the inappropriate ads that are annoying. No one likes feminine hygiene products jumping out at them. So, my thoughts on the subject are advertise responsibly and don’t make me hunt through the ads to find your post because if I have to search for the post you will lose me as a reader. Just my 2 cents. As you already know, I am a big fan of your blog…the words and pictures. As for followers…It reminds me of a popularity contest in high school..couldn’t be bothered with it then, so it isn’t likely that I will jump on that band wagon now.
♥, Susan
I know I am naive in thinking of blogs as personal communication. If you put something out there, on the internet, it’s there for the WORLD and forever. I don’t personally like the look of commercial ads on blogs but some of my favorites have them. I wouldn’t stop visiting for that reason. As to followers, I don’t bother with it. I have enough people in my life sizing me up and down and telling me if I’m right or wrong and I don’t need it. I like to keep it homey and personal as though I had invited someone into my home (which I am) for a brief chat and sharing something I made or some insight I have. I even struggle with discussing personal issues. I would like to a lot but I feel sometimes like people don’t want to hear it. After all this is an escape for some of us where we can leave the world’s troubles behind if just for a few moments. I am very sympathetic however when I read of other’s issues, like your missing kitty. I can totally empathize with your situation. I just haven’t had the nerve to do it myself much yet. Go with your heart and if they like you, they like you. Don’t do something because it’s the trend or not something you are comfortable with.
Mary
http://www.primitiveseasons.blogspot.com
Great topic, Brenda. This is something I ponder lately as it is becoming more and more prominent.
One of my favorite blogs has ad space, but it is just a few squares in the corner with logos from related blogs. This does not bother me as I am obviously interested in the topic.
It does bother me when I go to a blog that touts “simple living”, etc. only to find their is more adspace than there are posts, and the ads have nothing to do with the subject matter.
I would love to find a way to make blogging a lucrative venture but I am not willing to sell ad space to companies I don’t know and love.
As for followers, I have not gotten that far. Don’t even know how to set it up. I like that my blog is relatively uncluttered, and what really matters to me are the comments. If someone is inspired enough by a topic to leave a comment, then I am a happy camper.
Thank you for this though provoking post!
After reading the comments, I saw that Pat of Back Porch Musings wrote that she puts her “Followers” at the bottom of her posts. Maybe that is the answer for me. That way people wouldn’t see that unless they scrolled all the way to the bottom. What do you think of that idea?
Brenda
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good questions, brenda. am thankful i did not get this kind of email yet.blogging has changed my way of appreciating things i am passionate about…it is like finding my motherland. before discovering design blogs, i thought i was crazy for collecting photos of things that inspired me (im not a designer) and taking pictures of my home vignettes i create (and for what? i thought- but i love doing it). anyways, still have not pondered on those questions but i thought getting my blog commercialized can be a destruction for me, but something i would stay away. have a great day…verbena cottage
I am just a reader – not a blogger – but this is something that has been on my mind for the last couple of weeks, confessing that I don’t have a clue as to the cost and work involved in a blog.
The links for the bloggers own Etsy shops, mall space, on-line shops, don’t really bother me.
More and more, I am seeing blogs that have a lot of ads and whose blog is yet another plug for some store, product, magazine, etc.
There is nothing wrong with making money from one’s blog – and I don’t intend to say they shouldn’t – just that I like the more non-commercial ones. There is room for both, I think.
i started out with all the big blogging gusto about hoping to have hundreds of followers + big dreams + potential money making. 2+ years later and i mostly just blog for me — for the therapy that it brings and the creative release i find in writing. if others read what i write and comment on it or find it interesting then wonderful, but, really it’s all for me.
Wow Brenda, fabulous post and some fabulous comments too! Hope you find me all the way down here:) I think that everyone should be able to do whatever they like with their own blogs, including having ads etc…but for me personally, it is something I don’t want to do. I can see how having that extra bit of income from ads would be great for some people though. I started my blog as a way of documenting our family life so that I wouldn’t forget the little things that we do, so I would like to keep my blog as my own little space. I would be happy to support someone’s Etsy shop on my sidebar, but I would do this for free.
I also tend to stay away from the big commercial blogs. I do have an issue with large blogs who promote that bloggers should be kind and answer comments and emails etc…and then don’t actually do that themselves, but I guess again that is up to them and if they want to be hypocritical then I am happy not to visit them anymore. As far as followers, I do have them on my sidebar, only because I think it is nice for someone who has taken the time to follow my blog to see that I am acknowledging that. In saying that though, I have made the ‘Number of followers’ text invisible. I blog for myself and for those lovely people such as yourself Brenda, who visit my blog and leave such kind and supportive comments. Thanks for a wonderful thought-provoking post Brenda, sorry for the rambling, lengthy reply:) ~ Tina xx
Hi Brenda! Oh, girl, this was a great post! I’ve read all of your comments and it’s been so interesting. I just decided to email you with my tiny opinion. I’m glad for your openness and just poking it out there for us to discuss.
You’re still in my prayers and a happy ending!
Take care and be a sweetie,
Shelia
Hi Brenda,
I know what you mean. I like to keep my blog just about my own little world and what crosses my path. I started it to be about that and that’s where I try to keep it. Just upbeat and positive. You asked about the Followers widget and I have to say I think it’s a bit self serving. I mean, what is the function of it really? I always find your blog a calm and quiet place to visit with beautiful pictures of your garden and your pets, very serene. Thanks for that. xo, suzy
Oh you hit a hot topic!
My blog is my quiet, happy space. I began my blog as a way to document what was going on in my life. That anyone read it came as a complete suprise.
I actually will not read blogs that look they should be on the Las Vegas strip. It makes me crazy, not calm.
The follower button came as a request by my readers who wanted the ease of knowing when I posted.
Personally it kind of makes me uncomfortable because I remember the feeling of being picked last on the playground.
Hey Brenda so glad you brought this up because I have been wanting to talk about it myself on my site but since my accident I have not had the chance.
I too like others have been approached many times and I just ignore the invitations. My site for friends to connect with friends. That is the reason for my follower gadget. I had thought about taking it off at one time but then I like to think that when others come to my site that they want to check out my friends.
Numbers don’t mean anything because some of my favorite blogs have less than 20 followers or 10 but I enjoy them as much as those that have hundreds.
To try and answer your question I think we are better off without doing commercials unless its for another blogger.
Miss you and hope your doing well.
Got bad news today the surgeon can not see me until next Thursday. don’t know if I can hang in there that long. but have no choice do I.
Love ya
Maggie
I like having the list of followers. I click on some of them because most have blogs of their own and have the same interest as you.
I hate advertisments but some bloggers need the money. That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.
By the 88 comments you got on this one Brenda, I can see it’s a good subject.
#1 I guess if someone wanted to sponsor my individual blog, I’d say no. As you know I also write for Lowe’s, but even on their blog, I don’t have to write a rah rah for the company (although I like Lowe’s).
#2 Ads. I have two small ads on my website, one is for Amazon a company I really love; and the other is for Botanical Interests Seeds. I love their small company, and their seeds are great. I wrote about them long before they asked to put an ad on the blog. As to text links, no freakin’ way. Those are almost always scams. If someone else wants to do it, I guess that’s okay. They have bots who get our addresses just like the scammers.
#3 My followers. I love my followers and commenters, and I read every comment and try to respond to all of them too. If we didn’t have people who liked reading us, it wouldn’t be much fun to blog. I don’t have a followers gadget (unless I have one from Networked Blogs on Facebook), but I noticed the ones on Blogger. I say y’all go for it. WordPress doesn’t have this feature as far as I know.
I just read the blogs I like and those who are my friends. I hope they do the same for me when they have time. Great topic.
Hi Brenda, Well, I’m taking some time responding to this as I think it is a very important topic and was interested to read all the comments left thus far. I think it comes down to that there are as many answers as there are definitions for “what is a blog”? The format may be the same, but the reasons for creating it differ greatly. I don’t like ads that obviously have nothing to do with the blog subject but I wouldn’t stop reading a blog I enjoyed because of ads. As for followers widget, I think it does help create a sense of community and I appreciate knowing who reads my blog. Have a wonderful weekend! – g
Brenda, I have been so amazed at your rapid success in blogging. I truly have. You should teach classes on it! I agree with Pat and she is one of my favorite bloggers to, btw.
I love when I come to a blog like yours and I see my blog friends are also a fan of yours. That tells me we are all kind of a community of sorts.
I guess in a way, when I see somebody with like 2000 followers or something, I think good grief! I don’t know why? I just do. SO if you want to be humble about it, I guess Pat has a good suggestion. But for you, I am proud of your success! I think it is becuase you don’t advertisie and you don’t go out of your way to “brand” your blog. You are just being you and people respond to your authentic self. Love you and am proud of you for it!
I don’t want to judge others and what they choose to do because maybe they are in need of the money. However, unless something drastic changes I will not become a commercialized blog. The world is too commercial as it is. I rarely look at any ads on anyone’s blog and to tell the truth some of them just seem to get in the way. I blog simply because it’s fun and I read others’ blogs because I enjoy seeing what others do in their parts of the world. As to Followers….I don’t have a counter, don’t think I will ever get one. I know my blog won’t appeal to that many out there but I’m just appreciative of those who do visit from time to time. Thanks so much for asking this question!