Mutual support for bloggers

Dr Spin
Tales From The Other Side
Downwrite
Blip Blog
Gadget Museum

Well said, Mrs. M.

I really appreciated your input, often it's the first comment that gets one's post rolling.

You've certainly paid your dues and I realize that a lot of factors are involved but there's a huge silent majority.

Once again, thankyou

katyzzz

Comment by Brenton

November 20th 2006 14:05

I honestly only comment when I feel I have something constructive to say. I don't see tihs as a forum - I don't just comment for the sake of commenting. If I find something good, I vote, if i have something to say, I comment. You don't build a fan base by jumping up and down till you get one, and I never expect the peopel I comment to rush to my blog. I want people there cos they want to be, not through obligation.

That's the way I feel about it, witohut any offence intended.

Comment by Adrienne

November 20th 2006 18:09

Well Orble is a blogging COMMUNITY so commenting and voting is part of that, I think.

Comment by katyzzz

November 20th 2006 19:33

Brenton,

Sometimes people need that first step up the ladder help or even more, it's not just about what you write, it's existence and that means for all of us and Orble.

Some people are luckier than others, some may contribute everything to individual success, it's about helping others and, in return, being helped and that, it seems to me is what life is all about.

We also learn by reading, watching, glimpsing at the efforts of others and indications about how others perceive us is useful.

I am more drawn to some things than others, certain things repulse me, but I still think it is important to follow rather more than our own particular interests and most people can get along faster that way.

Naturally, you're entitled to your view and I can understand why you have it and I am certainly very pleased to have your response here.

Thankyou,

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 20th 2006 19:34

20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak

Adrienne,

I think what you say is very true.

katyzzz

Comment by Cibbuano

November 20th 2006 21:52

There's unwritten blog etiquette which says if someone comments on your blog, you should at least leave a 'Hi!' comment on theirs.

And if someone links to your site, you should link to theirs.

Comment by Schubler

November 20th 2006 22:09

Personal Development
Free To Join
Formula 1 News
Scams On The Internet

This is a very interesting post... and to be sincere... I don`t know how this site works best!!! I`m here since the 14th of this month... I`m just here to post and in what concerns commenting I made a few comments but not everybody answers back... I would like to make friends here... I saw you can send friend request but people here seem to just come and go... don`t like comunicating and it seems they don`t like making friends and supporting those friends... If some of us would organize in a group all would much much better I think... to give vote`s to each other and so on... but it seems this is of low interest to the most of the people here... and I for one I`m starting to get use to the idea ... and just post post post... and give votes ... maybe my vote and my comment will be usefull for someone!!!

Have fun and Thank you for making this post!!!
Wish you the best!!!

Comment by Wendi

November 20th 2006 22:20

I don't blog for the sake of the votes or comments, although I admit they're nice when they happen. I maintain a blog because it is therapeutic for me, or as a way to record my own personal growth, not because I want to win a popularity contest. Like Brenton, I reserve my comments for times when I feel I have something of value to contribute, not just for the sake of taking up Internet space.

I do take the time to visit other people's blogs, especially if they've commented/voted on mine - that is the name of the game, after all -- but if a person's blog just doesn't draw me in, I'm not likely to comment out of mere obligation. And when it comes to commenting on other people's blogs, I certainly don't do it as a way of "paying my dues", to be polite, or because I was told to do it - I do it because I enjoy the interaction.

Comment by Nina

November 20th 2006 22:37

Katyzzz: I'm sorry, I'm probably one of the terrible people that you're talking about. I try to make it to every blog that I can, but often there are just not enough hours in the day. Sometimes too, I just don't have anything to say, but it's usually because I don't have any knowledge about the area and don't want to make a fool of myself for writing an inane comment! Despite being a fairly verbose person, I am usually lost for words when it comes to art, so I'm afraid that I often shy away from commenting on your site. I do vote when I visit though.

Then again, if I comment on someone's site, I don't want them to feel that they have to come over to mine - though it is nice if they do.

Comment by katyzzz

November 20th 2006 22:41

Cib,

I was so pleased to hear you say that. It might make things a lot easier for many and it makes good sense too and builds the community spirit.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 20th 2006 22:51

Schubler,

That was very informative and I hope many will heed your words. We already have a group, i.e. Orble, that's a community, but most people come to make at least some money and perhaps don't realise how things work and are not interested in the group, as such.

That's their choice and the whole exercise is a learning experience for everyone, Orble included.

I certainly came with certain expectations, including being paid, that has been very slow to evolve but it has filled a void in my life when I actually have too much time on my hands, so I've learned to adapt and to benefit from what is available and not worry about what isn't.

But the wall of silent resistance did bother me, hence this post. I hope some good comes of it and thankyou for your kind words.

One has to learn from those who do and those who don't respond.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 20th 2006 23:01

Paranormally speaking,

Yes, I expected many would take this view, but there is an alternative one or, in fact, many.

I respect your position and can't really argue against it except from what I have already said and others have said, declaring your position makes things a little clearer.

We all come for different reasons and I concede this evokes different reactions, but you do join a group which, without input from everyone can't actually survive and then you lose your platform.

But you are here for reasons which you have been good enough to share with us so I guess there's more than one way in which we can contribute.

Amongst other things I'm here to do some good in the world and to that end must convert people to a certain view and for that to happen I need the involvement of others. It's different strokes for different folks, I guess.

Thank you for sharing your views and thoughts with us.

katyzzz

Comment by KylieW

November 20th 2006 23:05

Celebrity Obsession

I try to get round to most blogs, especially those who vote and comment for me. However, some days I just vote rather than leave a comment.

I think it's nice to reciprocate, but I don't expect people to comment on my site just because I've liked something on theirs and left a comment. We are a community and it's good to help one another. But I don't think we should be pressuring everyone to try and get round to every site and leave comments every day. That's a bit of pressure and I would hate for anyone to feel obliged to come to my site.

By the way, love todays art. Reminds me of tropical fish!

KylieW

Comment by katyzzz

November 20th 2006 23:11

TV Babble,

Thanks for sharing your views. I think you underestimate the worth of your own opinions, and, as for me the art is just the vehicle, not the message.

I do concede time is a BIG problem, especially for others who have more pressing commitments and I certainly don't consider you an unworthy person.

Sometimes, even a negative comment can be helpful and I think that is often overlooked.

But I guess Orble can't be all things to all people and that is where some of the difficulty lies.

So far I've heard from many, but there' still the silent majority out there that I'd like to hear from.

Most of the faces here I'm already familiar with.

But I have been pleased to hear from you and never underestimate your worth as a human being and please don't ever be concerned about professing ignorance or lack of interest, those things apply to everyone, whatever field they are in.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 20th 2006 23:27

Thanks Kylie,

I understand about the time problem and pressures and it seems you are as active as you can manage and feel comfortable with.

Your position is very clear and I'm sure many others will be interested in what you say, as I am.

Thanks for participating, any time you want your pets minded I'm available.

Oh, what we can achieve in Cyberspace, is this Heaven? and are we there already and just don't know it.

No, not quite, God doesn't seem to be around.

katyzzz

Comment by Bryn

November 20th 2006 23:36

Horrorphile

Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you ...

Comment by katyzzz

November 20th 2006 23:55

From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop

Bryn,

I tried that thankyou, it didn't work, present company excepted.

I think " do for others what they have done for you as well as do as you would be done by".

Thanks for the comment, brevity is no barrier to appreciation.

Katyzzz

Comment by Lilla

November 20th 2006 23:59

HI Katyzzz,

(and Bryn *lol* we'll have to stop meeting like this...I'm not stalking you really...)

…but seriously... KTZ... a good question... we all blog for money, sure... the thought is there... and I drop votes everywhere I can because of it… especially if the person has worked hard on a good thought provoking or entertaining post…but I think that eventually there is more to it than that... therefore to me blogging has morphed into more than a quick way to make a buck...

Like many others, I don't always leave a comment, but the comments really make the blogging more than ‘just a job...’

Today’s sig-tune is as interesting as your question …

Lilla…

Comment by Daressi

November 21st 2006 00:03

I like to comment with other people about different topics. And comments are always better when two or more persons do not share same opinion , but with your opinion Ms Paint Art I must agree

)

Comment by Stuart

November 21st 2006 00:38

Mediated

I fear that I reside on the other side of the philosophical fence.

In many respects I strongly dislike the voting system. Whilst I can understand that it's a vote of appreciation or congratulations of a post, it also has the vehicle to catapault a post into the limelight. Hence additional revenue etc which Katyzz has talked about.

But I see this as a recognition of merit. In otherwords if you write a good post, people vote for you. If you write a thought provoking post, people will discuss it with you.

However, what seems to be suggested here is a mutual voting obligation whereby we all vote for each other to catapault each others blogs in popularity. This is especially highlighted in comments like "I've earnt my dues."

If this is the case, and we're all voting for each other, then essentially instead of everyone starting at 0, we're all starting at 140, or 30, or 92, because we're all voting for each other.

How then do we find the truly original, thought provoking, inspiring pieces of writing?

Now don't get me wrong, if someone comments on my post, I'll swing by theirs and check theirs out because I'm curious. I'm interested in seeing how their are simillar and dissimillar to me. And, if I enjoy it I'll comment or vote and return to their post later in the week. Kudos where Kudos is due.

But I don't know if I should feel obliged to support another just on the merit of them voting for me. Because then they're not really voting for merit but moreso a soft blackmail of mutual support is being initiated. "Scratch mine, scratch yours."

Frankly I'm not an overly itchy guy.

I realise I'm probably in the minority, by the sounds of it the vast majority here disagree with me. But by the same token that I hope I don't get needless flamed and vilified, I wouldn't want to have every one of my posts voted on because you like me. Rather I'd want the posts you enjoyed to be voted on so I can learn and develop as a writer.

Comment by Adele

November 21st 2006 00:48

Lost Fanatic
Day Break TV

Don't worry, Stuart. Even if you're ostracized, I'll still sneak over, under cover of darkness, and read your highly entertaining posts.

katyzzz,

Today your sig tune is an ecstatic dancer. Lovely and energetic.

I get to everyone's site who comments on mine, but that's not many. Most of the hits on my blog are from off-site visitors. There seem to be about three Orble-ites who watch Lost. *sigh* What can one do?

Good post, though. Thought-provoking.

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 00:49

Lilla,

It's mophed for me, too. But I see limits to how far that morphing will allow me to go.

What I am trying to do is quite complex by normal standards it seems and I'm adapting as I go along, but eventually time and evaluating return will triumph over morphing, but, for the time being I'm just drifting along with the breezzzzzze.

I know you'll like that one and I continue to be more conscious of my dreams, if I have one that appears startling or exceptional in some way I'll let you know.

katyzzzzzzzz... just buzzzzzzzzzzzing around as usual!

Comment by Stuart

November 21st 2006 00:51

Mediated

Haha cheers Adele

The axis of evil mediated.com.au is happy to trade wheat with you as long as your government is oblivious to anything that happens.

I'm catching up on Lost since it started showing on channel 7 at midnight.

However I'm not always insomniac and so I'm missing out on plot development points which makes it tricky.

Gotta save up for the DVD

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 00:53

Doressi,

I liked your view, brief but well said. I'll be popping by to visit you, very soon.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 01:00

Stuart,

You've put a lot of time, effort and thought into your response and your view is still valid.

I shall always believe in paying my dues, in every area of life, after all, some are not so fortunate as others and I think it's a good thing to count one's blessings and help others along the way, just as they help us from time to time.

No-one escapes life without some sort of burden and if we can lessen that along the way, we should.

Nevertheless you're entitled to your opinion which was well explained and expressed and with that I find no complaint.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 01:07

Dr Spin
Tales From The Other Side
Downwrite
Blip Blog
Gadget Museum

Adele,

Your image alone should attract many.

I have certainly appreciated your visits and awareness of the word reciprocal, you are always a delight to interact with and I wish you had more visitors.

Your comments about my artwork are an absolute treat and it's amazing what your mind sees.

It varies from those who have an overall interpretation to those who see specifics and/or both.

It is wonderful for me to interact with people in this way.

katyzzz

Comment by Brenton

November 21st 2006 02:13

Just to clarify, I"m not saying everyone should go off solo on their oddy nokky... I'm just saying I want community to form naturally, rather than being forced.

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 03:27

Brenton,

I understand what you're saying and no one is suggesting force or compulsion, this is just a discussion and one point of view is as good as any other.

Thanks for calling back to clarify.

katyzzz

Comment by Johanna

November 21st 2006 04:10

PCOS Mum

Hi Katyzzz

Like many who have commented before me I try to visit everyone who visits me. I always vote if I read the post and comment if I feel I have something to contribute. I suppose I can see both sides of this discussion.

Comment by DuskDevi

November 21st 2006 04:15

Rugby World Cup 2007

Hello katyzzz...

I have visited you often and left my numerical karmic mark but not my 'voice'.

I vote because I like what I read and see and if the post resonates with me (like many others here) and I comment when the post affects me....and then I continue to comment because I like 'talking' and 'listening'...generally engaging in conversation and inadvertently adding to the vote count.

I try to visit as many bloggers/blogs as I can. I don't do this as an ulterior motive. I like hearing what people have to say. I subscribe to so many blogs my inbox threatens to unsubscribe me!

Although I am lucky enough to work from home, it gets to be a problem...I have whittled away many hours reading and commenting when I should be working! Prior to joining Orble, I kept very strict 'office hours' albeit sometimes still in PJs'!

People get paid for blogging??? Huh?
Is someone not telling me something?....

I blog because of the opportunity given to me to 'voice' my Inner Jock.
I'm not too fussed if people don't vote. That is not why I write. I write because I can...but I am most grateful for those, like you, that despite no understanding nor appreciation of the sport, still come to visit and comment and I get the bonus of your vote.
This is true community support and I thank you for it but it's not an obligation. It's a gift.
I agree with Brenton but also believe that sometimes the natural process needs a push...

(also... thank you Lilla, JoshZ for supporting my rugby posts as well...and I'm very happy and pleasantly surprised to hear from the non-rugby Orblers who do know a bit about rugby...thank you KylieW and Nina)

I intersperse my rugby ravings with non-rugby ravings and it's these that tend to bring other Orblers to my site, which I am also very, very grateful for.
I may say that I write because I can but it's also nice to write because people read....and 'discuss' your point of view with you.

I just like interacting. Everything else is a gift.

Thanks katyzzz. Good post. I think it has definitely achieved its objective.

DuskDevi

******************************************************************
Katyzzz...if I may...
******************************************************************

Adele...I love 'Lost'...but you're in the US and it's back on there so I don't want to accidently read any spoilers. This show annoys me...promise myself after every episode that I will never watch it again...and yet...sigh...there I am again, week after week...as soon as it's back on I'll be at your place.

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 05:07

Book Club
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior

Thanks Johanna,

There's room for everyone's opinions here and diversity is the name of the game.

Thanks for your thoughts.

katyzzz

Comment by Luke

November 21st 2006 05:10

I dunno... I don't really care if someone leaves a comment on one of my blogs if it's just a comment for the sake of making a comment (if that makes sense). I read and enjoy various other blogs here, but I don't always comment on them. It feels kind of cheap to make a comment with no substance.

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 05:15

Thanks DuskDevi,

You've certainly put a lot of time and effort into your response and I have observed your alter egos, if you don't mind my calling them that.

Diversity is welcome here and you've certainly given us a lot to think on.

It was great to receive your contribution.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 05:22

Book Club
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior

Luke,

Thanks for your visit.

All comments are useful and even if you don't think it worth it the receiver might.

There are obvious thought processes going on in your mind when deciding to leave/not leave comments and sometims it may well be of benefit to the writer to know what has made you reach that decision.

But, at the end of the day, it's up to you and if you're comfortable that is really all you need worry about.

I just like to go that little bit further but I'll be thinking about what I do a little differently from now on.

Thanks once again for leaving your comments.

katyzzz

Comment by Kams

November 21st 2006 05:25

Geek Metro
Bloggers Tips

Kat,
sometimes i don't comment despite someone commented on my post. Two reasons-

1. The subject matter is beyond my thoughts (ex- i have very little understanding on literature or celebrity talks).
2. When i noticed the comment i am in hurry, and in time i forgot to drop by.

The second reason would be completly my fault, i am trying to get over it.

Comment by Luke

November 21st 2006 05:29

I agree with what Kams said too... if I don't really get a certain subject matter or have little experience on it than I tend not to comment. Unfortuately Katyzzz, art is one of the many things I know almost nothing about!

Comment by DuskDevi

November 21st 2006 05:38

Rugby World Cup 2007

Hello katyzzz...

No time, no effort...I just wrote as I thought. Unfortunately I do not edit as I comment...but I must learn to keep it short, yes?
I do get carried away with the sound of my own words...
I have no alter egos...just facets of me.

Must go visit your 'lungs' post now...

DuskDevi

Comment by Jimbo

November 21st 2006 05:40

I am consistently the highest ranking blog on Orble in terms of unique readership, averaging about 900 individual readers per day, and yet my comment amount and general vote average is abysmal. It's something I still can't explain.

Comment by Anonymous

November 21st 2006 05:48

Hi there

I am definitely one of those people who hasn't answered or commented on your blog or voted. I know this because you've said so on my blog.

I haven't voted because I have no idea what it is or how to do it. I haven't commented on your blog, yet, because I am on the road and only get online about once a week when I can. So I don't see comments on a daily basis to reply to them. I see them on a weekly or sometimes fortnightly basis.

I have to try to do a week's worth of posts in a hurry and though I always go and take a look at anyone's blog who has commented, I don't always have time to write back - particularly if the computer I am on is slow. It's not about not being a good neighbour, it is just about being on a mission - wanting to get good, informative material out on a regular basis for other cycle tourers as my first priority.

I do appreciate all comments on my blog - though I have so little faith in what I am writing that it gives me a heart palpitation each time I see someone has commented - but often just don't know what to say in reply. I don't want to manufacture some comment if it doesn't just occur to me either.

Sorry, but being new to blogging, the politics of commenting is totally lost on me. Is it just the done thing or do you get some financial gain out of this? Does it encourage more advertisers? I thought that just the fact that I visited other sites would show up in your stats.

Claire

Comment by MelissaA

November 21st 2006 05:49

Fun Facts

I'm pretty similar to what Kams said, but even if I don't comment I will leave my voting mark around the Orble town.

Sometimes I just don't have anything to say and other times I forget - I'm pretty naughty to start with setting posts in advance and what not because I know I won't be around. Which of course makes it harder to get around the traps.

But I never make comments just for comments sake - it either has to be a valid comment on the post or some other sort of commenting 'fun' iykwim.

Jimbo, I'm with you there also - I am consistently near the top of the ranking etc - (although the amount of times I sit at 21 some days always annoys me) and yet it has nothing to do with the higher voted or commented on posts. Those are usually the days when I'm lower and it's the other weird stuff that gets me higher.
Go figure!

Comment by Kams

November 21st 2006 05:57

Geek Metro
Bloggers Tips

Yes definitely hitting the voting button is at least we can do if we can't leave a comment.

But giving vote have a issue also, sometimes i don't like the post for some reason (nothing personal) may be the topic or something. In those cases Vote is out of the question unless the blogger is known to be productive in the past.

Its not discrimination, in fact an encouragement for bloggers to create good posts.

Comment by Angelika

November 21st 2006 06:04

Have hardly enough time to post on my blogs, don't want to make insincere comments, don't know how to vote, trying hard to post at least every other day.
Blogging can be stressful!

Comment by Jessicca

November 21st 2006 06:15

Hi Katyzzz,

I believe it attracts people to response onto comments when you have something that spur their responses.

I do try to do my best to write posts that spurs thoughts or provide good information but I also believe that the topic and the category that you are writing is important.

And the fact is, it is ironic. People just remember to post and forgot to read others, while they hoped that their work will be read by others.

Cheerio
Jessicca

Comment by StephenP

November 21st 2006 06:18

Hey katyzzz,

Haven't you opened a can of worms??

I would be one of those bloggers that you are alluding to - not because I don't want to comment on other blogs, but I comment only on blogs I feel strongly about.

By this I mean that I generally save my comment for sporting or musical posts - these are subject matters that I think I can offer a valid comment about.

But in saying that, I am endeavouring to pass comment on a variety of different blogs at present. I think that in the past I have been guilty of being lazy and self absorbed in my own blog, but this is one area that I am endeavouring to work on.

As Brenton stated earlier, I don't just comment to boost my karma - I prefer to add my perspective to the subject matter at hand.

Hope that makes sense,

StephenP

Comment by Peeling

November 21st 2006 07:35

And I would be guilty too. This one time, I'd like to be a little honest about my 2 cents, whether you like it or not.

Scratching each others' backs is going to get none of us anywhere, except maybe the people who own Orble and a few other old timers who regularly get their posts in the top 5 most rated.

What you really need is people from outside the orble blogging community commenting and rating. Orble writers should be writing, others should be commenting. That's how it should be. Orble is nowhere as big as Digg, to get traffic boosts from our own members rating each other.

You might want to give writers a few more tools to help them break free of this frustration and bring in more visitors from outside.

If I ruffled any feathers, apologies.

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 07:48

Kams,

Good and honest response. Thanks for sharing with us.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 07:52

Luke,

Thanks for visiting again. I wasn't just referring to my own posts. My posts are not just about art but I'll not trouble you with those thoughts, you're free to do as you please. When you don't know something that's as good a reason as any to comment

I see from what's below your head it doesn't matter really.

Good luck with it all,

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 07:56

DuskDevi,

There's no need to restrict yourself and I like different facets of people and I'm learning more about that.

Your lenghthy response was an exceptionally generous one.

Stay just the way you are, don't change for others, unless you see good reason for doing so..

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 08:07

Jimbo,

I can. I must look you up. Music is the key, no need to explain more and it's clicks you need, not votes.

This is the best and most generous piece of information. Just which ones do they pay on.

I've certainly got a long way to go.

Then again, I don't have a popular topic and don't want one.

I just want to do some good in the world but I also want to make some money. The opportunities are well and truly out there, but we need to navigate the journey correctly.

And I thought I was doing so well.

You are getting readers in spite of yourself but I'll be over to visit you as soon as I get this post out of my hair. Silly me.

Good to hear of your success. The pinnacle of Orbling. But, as has already been said, different strokes for different folks, as long as people are happy it doesn't matter what they do, provided they don't deliberately make others unhappy and I do see more than a little of that going on here.

Thanks for putting some numbers on what we need. I suppose it would be too much to ask how much money you make. It should be easy enough to work out but I don't know which clicks pay and how much for each click. No doubt I'll find out in time.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 08:12

Claire,

What you say sounds perfectly reasonable, doing other things is a big issue and I'm not trying to swing people to my point of view, I'm just trying to find out why things are the way they are.

My sympathies with the slow computers etc. I understand completely.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 08:14

Melissa,

Still figuring. Great info. Thankyou.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 08:18

Kams,

I've not got this voting system worked out. Someone fill me in please, where's the vote button to hit?

Sorry about the stupidity factor.

Thanks for revisiting, it's appreciated. I wonder why I started all this, didn't realise what hard work it would be.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 08:21

Good comment, Angelika,

Perhaps new Orblers need to be filled in a little better, but I'm sure you're doing the right thing in posting, but there are other issues that come into play.

Maybe jon will fill us in?

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 08:23

Wise words, Jessicca,

Your observations are good ones. Thanks for sharing.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 08:25

Makes a lot of sense, Stephen P.

Can of worms sure said it. I didn't realise how much work would be involved.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 08:28

Peeling,

You've won me, with you all the way. Where's this Digg place.

katyzzz.

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 08:30

Wow,

What a day, tells me what not to get involved in when I no longer have time.

katyzzz

THANKYOU ALL AND OTHERS ARE STILL WELCOME. SILLY ME!

Comment by Jimbo

November 21st 2006 08:33

I still don't earn much in the way of commissions from Orble - around $3 per week. I'm not too sure whether others are earning more, but unfortunately I don't think we're going to see much in the way of real earnings until we expand beyond Google Adsense, though that might take a while.

Comment by Jessicca

November 21st 2006 09:08

Actually, I have no idea how to know that whether I am paid or not.

Anyone knows about this?

Comment by Jimbo

November 21st 2006 09:15

Go to your stats page, and where it says "Display stats for previous X week," change it to 2 or 3 weeks. When the page refreshes, it will show the commission in the top table.

Comment by Peeling

November 21st 2006 09:50

Duh! And you reply back with 15 comments, and I have 15 emails in my mailbox saying that there's a new comment. I should be wrapping my hands around your neck and squeezing, squeezing....But seriously, thank you the post. I needed to let out a bit of steam on this ratings and comments business here.

Comment by Jessicca

November 21st 2006 09:52

ou ok...

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 09:56

Jimbo,

I seem to have earned $1.99 since I've been here.

$1.48 was earned yesterday.

That's not enough money to keep me hanging around, why do you stay, perhaps you should check out the payment system a little more.

I've no intention of working for that sort of money. Stats gatherers for Google, it seems. I'm not about to quit to-morrow, I understood some of our clicks were coming from outside.

If not, we're going nowhere. I was really after a scholarship. That seems like a fortune from where I'm sitting, but there's no way I could cut down to 2 1/2 hours per week.

That's what I would be aiming to do. Apart from my own mind I don't think I've done much for anyone.

katyzzz thanks for your generous input.

Comment by Jessicca

November 21st 2006 09:58

aha... finally know how this Orble works... hahahaha...

I am still kind of new here.

So, when exactly will we get paid? Is there a minimum payout or something?

Comment by Jessicca

November 21st 2006 10:01

Well, the thing is, we are not getting enough traffic in. How long have you been writing in Orble, katyzzz?

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 10:03

Peeling,

Understand how you feel. I recently stopped the emails, just clearing them was worth more than they're paying.

Sorry if I've stuffed you up to-day. You are right. But put a stop on those emails. I follow up where I need to, just keep it in my head.

I stopped reading them first to see if it would work then I just put a stay on them coming.

Incidentally I find things harder to find under their new system and less informative.

I hadn't heard of you until to-day.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 10:06

Jessicca,

Quite a few weeks now. Thus far they have given me a free domain but that's only while I stay, I understand

What a day!

katyzzz

Comment by Jessicca

November 21st 2006 10:15

I believe so too, I am here about 9 weeks now if not mistaken and I only got about $16. Sometimes I have an average of less than $1 a week. I guess we need to do something to boost up the traffic with good posts.

I remember the briefing email did state that it will take a while until the Google engine really have higher pays. I guess you can't truly make a fortune with just Google hits.

I guess most of us stayed on because we just like writing.

Cheerio
Jessicca

Comment by Jimbo

November 21st 2006 10:18

The thing is, the Internet is so big that you have to fight for your traffic. It's now taken me over six months to get a steady retention rate of 1000 daily readers, and that's through constant posting. My advice is keep the Orble community alive through what you're doing now. At the same time however, your posts at the moment wouldn't seem very intriguing to outsiders - you need posts/articles with a little more depth in order to gain a better readership. Once you write something that will draw in external traffic, other people may reward your efforts by posting the article on Digg or other such sites.

My reason for staying here is mainly because I am actually enjoying it now. It is quite stressful at times, but if you're in an area like music, movies or technology, you begin to learn so much more about that area. As well as that, it opens doors into other things - I'm now a frequent contributor at BlogCritics, which puts my readership up even more across the spectrum. The key thing is patience - you won't get the best readership in a couple of weeks or even a couple of months. Keep at it, and you'll get rewarded eventually, provided you're good enough at it.

Until then, we can only hope that the genii behind Orble - Jon and Jay - can come up with a better ad revenue system than Google ads. As easy it is to set up, I don't think its a very appealing ad system. There are others around, we just need to find the right ones.

And don't forget, Orble is a constantly evolving thing - if you have an idea, post it in the Writer's Forum, and if its decent, Jon or Jay will consider adding it, towards a better community.

Comment by Jimbo

November 21st 2006 10:18

Comment by Jessicca

November 21st 2006 10:26

Hi Jimbo,

Applause to you!

You are right. Ever since I started to write more about health information, I tend to dig in anything that is regarding to health. And as you said, the more you dig in, the more you learn. And from that it is trully satisfying when you know that there are so many things to learn out there, just within the category that you are writing.

Katyzzz, I think the server connection with Jimbo went cranky again. I see duplicate comments.

Cheerio
Jessicca

Comment by Jimbo

November 21st 2006 10:29

Yeah that duplication is my fault - my Internet doesn't like multi-tasking.

Comment by Jessicca

November 21st 2006 10:43

People
Diet Food Lifestyle
CHEATERS
1 For The Road

What have you been doing at the other end of the Internet?

Comment by Jimbo

November 21st 2006 10:47

Not what you're thinking

.

Unfortunately, even downloading something simple like music will set my browser into a tangent of failed connections. And the pollies in Canberra think that Australia doesn't need a faster Internet connection. It feels like the MIddle Ages here when you read about the kind of speeds they get in Hong Kong.

Comment by Vixter

November 21st 2006 11:14

hello,
Great question, I do believe it's good to pay respects to those who pay them to you - I think this Q of yours is a nice kick in the pants...I also hope more ppl actually take note.
I always like to give my 20 cents back.

Comment by Tracy

November 21st 2006 11:30

Movies and Life

Hello

This might sound like a silly question, but how do you vote for a blog, is that when you read but don't leave a comment?

This has been a helpful post, katyzzz. I generally try to write a comment on blogs I'm interested in and I always reply to those that write to me (unless I miss a few).

Tracy

Comment by Jimbo

November 21st 2006 11:37

Just click on the vote count to add a vote.

Comment by Tracy

November 21st 2006 11:54

Movies and Life

Thanks, JImbo.

Comment by Brenton

November 21st 2006 14:04

Dr Spin
Tales From The Other Side
Downwrite
Blip Blog
Gadget Museum

Well it was clear to me b4 i started, that i was gonna get shonky pay - but face it - I'm getting paid to have a website i'd otherwise need to pay for.

So... w00t.

Comment by katyzzz

November 21st 2006 20:24

Jimbo, Tracey,Brenton, Jessicca

good to have your continuing comments.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 22nd 2006 01:04

Vixter,

Sorry the first reply got lost.

Mutual co-operation does seem the way to go, but certainly I require more dollars for what I do.

I don't believe in working for peanuts.

Can't see much change coming there.

Thanks for your reply.

katyzzz

Comment by Jessicca

November 22nd 2006 01:06

Hi Jimbo,

Speaking of the Ancient Days of Internet...

Do you know that Malaysia at this moment are still majority in dial-up mode? The fastest you sometimes can get via dial-up is 52 kbps. Usually you only get around 46 kbps. And if the storms kicked in, you can just unplug the telephone line and switch off the modem. No point surfing.

Furthermore although there are many interesting broadband packages available from different tel-co here, the process is a great hassle at times.

Sorry Katyzzz, I wrote out of topic here.

Comment by Jessicca

November 22nd 2006 01:08

Hi Vixter!

I'd be sure to visit your site and supporting with my 2 cents worth!

Lets continue helping each other out!

Comment by K.L. Almeroth

November 22nd 2006 02:38

Motherhood

To Katyzzz,

This is a good one!

For me, it is purely a time factor thing....I have very limited free time to myself, and I try to make the most of it each day on here...

My goal each day is to reply to anyone that's commented on my site...then, if I've been sent an email saying someone's responded to a comment I left on their site, I visit there....then I try to read and vote or comment on at least 5 other posts....

This takes about 2 hours to do this, particularly with a slow internet connection!

Those are my goals, separate to the time it takes to do an actual post!

I try my best, but I know I don't get round to everybody's....I try to support everybody, but I'd be here all day if I did that.

Yes, I feel a certain amount of guilt over this!

But I took this up to write, first, not comment on everyone's....and I do notice my writing suffering, because I feel pressured to read other people's and to vote and comment.

Not just pressured, but I want to read other's and vote, too! I also have some fantastic friendships from this site, and I feel I must touch base with A.H. and DD every day, or I feel a little lost!

Okay....hope this long reply excuses me somewhat!!

K.L.

Comment by katyzzz

November 22nd 2006 03:45

K L.

Your decisions and concerns are very valid ones and I am aiming to cut my time down, all UP, to 2 1/2 hours per week which was my original intention and that was with a suitable if small financial reward, which did not include peanuts.

Good luck with everything you do, your top priority is to yourself, especially as you are limited as to time and feel so passionate about writing.

I think I've learned a lot from the question and althought the response has been magnificent it comes at a cost of the time involved in reading and replying at least adequately to others.

I had not anticipated that.

Thanks for sharing your views with us, one needs to streamline one's approach to the incidentals that impact so heavily on time.

katyzzz

Comment by Jessicca

November 22nd 2006 03:48

And frome that, I realised that your votes has crossed over 350!

Great job and keep this post active!

^_^

Comment by katyzzz

November 22nd 2006 05:41

Jessicca,

I wish I knew how to get the silent majority to respond. I think we've all leart a lot from this exercise.

katyzzz

Comment by Jessicca

November 22nd 2006 05:54

Don't worry, sooner or later the silent majority will realise the topic, as long as we keep it active so that it stays at the popular posts section. ^_^

Yes, I believe we all have learned a lot. But to proceed with action, how many out there will do so?

Now THAT'S the challenge.

You can feel crap after reading but hours or perhaps a day later you might just creep back into that silent mode and fogotten all about it.

May be harsh to some readers here, but it is quite a fact.

Comment by katyzzz

November 22nd 2006 08:30

Jessicca,

I think the fault lies with the penny pinching Google, sponsors of adsense? and some very unimaginative marketing

katyzzz..................... thanks for your continuing interest. I'm not sure there's a lot we can do but I'll be cutting back my involvement a lot faster than I intended to

Comment by Pilgrim

November 22nd 2006 13:41

Time is my enemy at the moment. There are so many interesting blogs I would like to leave a comment on but unfortunately....there isn't enough time to do it and so I vote for those articles I find interesting but post comments only on those I feel like I have something to contribute to.
"My comment for your comment" sounds to me like barter, and it's a cheap coin to pay with for someone's writing. I write comments or vote on blogs I find interesting, the fact that those people don't visit me doesn't make me like their writing less and it certainly doesn't stop me from going to their blogs again and again. I don't like the idea of someone posting a comment on my blog just because he feels it's a duty or some kind of exchange. I expect people to visit/write comments because they like what they read.
There...I've said it....

* Short Stories *

Comment by katyzzz

November 22nd 2006 19:55

Pilgrim,

The time factor is really a huge issue.

The vote for each other system is not a precise reciprocal exchange.

If an article is good enough to read, you obviously form an opinion, why not give the writer the benefit of that and leave your comment. This system is much more informative and worth far more than the 'simple vote for'.

I also believe we are here to help one another.

If you don't communicate, e.g. via comments how can you do that.

I am going to be far more selective in future in what I comment on. Far more people have gained from me than the other way around.

I also like people to realise and acknowledge when I help them, just not think what a wonderful writer etc, they are.

Feel free to say as you wish, do as you please. The best written article in the world can flounder if everyone shared your views, but you are entitled to them and have been honest enough to state them and that is essentially what this post is all about.

katyzzz

Comment by Lily

November 22nd 2006 23:01

katyzzz

One must never give with expectations to receive..

i believe in art for arts sake.. and writing for writings sake... but that's just 'me'.

~Lily

Comment by katyzzz

November 22nd 2006 23:11

Nice to see you Lily,

And good to have your comments.

I guess we are all here for different reasons and some for more than one reason and the reasons can be intermingled, just like me , a liquorice allsort and good enough to eat, too.

Have fun, express yourself and enjoy the view.

I saw your little red dress somewhere else but can't remember where now. I still like it.

katyzzz

Comment by Lily

November 22nd 2006 23:16

I guess we are all here for different reasons and some for more than one reason and the reasons can be intermingled, just like me, a liquorice allsort and good enough to eat, too

i think you might have just answered your own question lol ... i love liquorice allsorts..

~Lily

Comment by katyzzz

November 23rd 2006 00:59

Lily,

You must have loved Lilla's train dream, we've got another Harry Potter there, If she only knew it.

Just imagine how many free feeds that will give me.

She must guard that imagination well. It's worth a lot of money and money can do good things as well as some of the others.

katyzzz

Comment by Jessicca

November 23rd 2006 01:16

Well, everyone have every reason to pay and to earn from others. This is what the world is about, the trading never stops.

However, Google is still quite a large engine to maintain, and we can't really expect them to pay out as if they own Fort Knox... LOL...

But like you said earlier. Everyone has their agenda to be here. As long we continue to help each other I believe we will make Orble a really great site to visit. Perhaps, a little more fine tuning... but I know Jon and Jay are working hard to achieve that. ^_^

Cheerio
Jessicca

Comment by katyzzz

November 23rd 2006 02:20

Jessicca,

I agree with much of what you say, but I think we should be reaching the outside world and having ads that would attract a financially equipped audience.

I'm not sure that we receive any benefit from outside and if this is true, we're just very poorly paid stats gatherers for google, who do have lots and lots of money.

katyzzz....I'm, always glad to see you.

Comment by Jessicca

November 23rd 2006 02:32

You have a point too, katyzzz...

I hope that sooner or later Orble will be able to approach real companies who want to advertise directly with them rather than just tagging along with Google. It is hard work but that's what marketing is all about. Not everyone (or every shop) knows the power of the Internet yet and hope that based on the Google engine Orble will know where the traffic comes from and approach more advertisers from that specific reigion. ^_^

Cheerio
Jessicca
p/s: I suppose the beauty of Google is that it shows the advertisements according to where you log on, if not mistaken. But still I might be wrong. LOL...

Comment by katyzzz

November 23rd 2006 02:49

Jessicca,

We need a pro-active approach from Orble, itself, to make this venture more profitable for us, given the initial hope of a scholarship worth $40 per week Our earnings are far short of expectations and that was a very modest return anyway.

Giving some licence in that they are still setting up, but I see no particular indications that they are planning to go down that route.

Under current conditions most will not hang around for long and that certainly would include me.

katyzzz... you're doing a great job in your support.

We do have more to gain by helping one another than simply going it alone.

Comment by Jessicca

November 23rd 2006 03:10

That's right katyzzz,

That's what the orble community's motto is all about. Being there for each other.

It doesn't have to be like for the entire community, but as long as you can spare that tiny little time to help out, I am sure that it has gone miles ahead for every single writer here. ^_^

Cheerio
Jessicca

Comment by katyzzz

November 23rd 2006 04:04

Jessicca,

I hope so.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 23rd 2006 06:09

Is there someone new out there who can push this to 400?

That would be great, I'd like to get the silent majority on board. That would be very interesting.

katyzzz......oldies are ,of course, still welcome

Comment by Jimbo

November 23rd 2006 06:16

Heck, why not. 400 here we come!

Comment by katyzzz

November 23rd 2006 08:43

Gifted Parenting
Freelance For Life

Thanks a lot Jimbo,

That has allowed me to tip it over.

katyzzz

Comment by Hope

November 23rd 2006 12:28

My blog is not that popular - yet. But I do try to answer comments when I get them.

Comment by Sandi

November 23rd 2006 16:53

I was not aware of the "etiquette". I usually comment on blogs that interest me, or I have something useful to add or to commiserate with that particular blogger.

Now that I know it is expected of me, I will comment back.

It also saddens me to think that someone would only comment on my blog to drive up their own scores in hopes of a return comment. I want people who are truly interested in what I have to say comment on my blog, not score whores.

Comment by katyzzz

November 23rd 2006 19:56

Hope,

I'll pop across to see you soon. Visit others if you want them to visit you. It takes time and some expertise.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 23rd 2006 20:02

Sandi,

I think by adopting too ideallistic an approach you can hold yourself back.

I see some divergence in what you have actually said here and the image you present.

But I'll call by when I spot something of yours I can take an interest in.

That's really the way to get on, but it's a little more complex than just this 'exchange', you need an audience and that auience you must build and react with.

Hope those comments are helpful. But, 'to each his own'

katyzzz

Comment by Adrian

November 24th 2006 01:03

Philosophy Blog

Hey Katy, I reckon you should check out (if you haven't already done so) Kams' blog. I was thinking this post would interest you.

Haven't read through all the comments above, so I don't know if people have already said this, but I do think that you use "pay your dues" in a strange way. I don't think there are any dues to be paid.

If I borrow money from someone, I owe them the money. I've asked them to give up something for me, and it's my job to restore them to their original condition. Or if I make someone go out of their way for me, then I owe them a favour in return.

If I commit a crime against society, there's some sort of sense in which I owe society for the damage I've done.

But if I mail a present to the Queen, she's under no obligation to mail one back. It's a favour she didn't ask; she has no "dues" to repay. If ten strangers walk past me and each throw $100 at my feet, I don't have to spend $1000 I might not have to give them the same back. One can't impose on other people in society this way. One can't enslave people or make debtors of them; they can only make themselves debtors.

...

It's an open question whether a blog comment is a positive in the first place. Maybe the person doesn't give a toss about votes or feedback. Maybe my comment just annoys them.

But even granted that the comment is a positive, the fact is, that I don't know where the other person is coming from. So what right do I have to expect a comment back? I don't know whether the other person hates talking to people or hates me or my blog, how many other comments or e-mails are awaiting replies, what relationship troubles they have, how busy they are at work, whether they have cancer or are getting married, etc.

Just because I've done something that might or might not make someone's life easier gives me no right to make their life harder.

And I don't know how they feel about the whole system of commenting -- whether, for instance, they don't want to be spammed with e-mails announcing new comments, whether they have an aversion to idle words and believe that the only appropriate time to comment is when there's a comment worth making, or whether they believe that it's unfair that posts rise to the top of the list based on some sort of cliquish popularity contest rather than on the innate worth of the writing.

Comment by Adrian

November 24th 2006 02:05

Philosophy Blog

Another way to make this point is just to look at how much time people do spend responding to comments.

This is something I personally worry over.

For instance: responding to this post, and thinking about it, took around 20-30 minutes (I'm a slow writer).

I have so far spent 5 hours today, and will likely be here for at least another hour without finishing replies to everyone; I spent about the same amount of time yesterday; slightly less the day before. If you take the time to read and to give considered replies on a couple of posts, the hours just add up like crazy -- and take away from everything else that you could be doing in life -- working, spending time with your partner, household tasks, watching a movie, reading a book, exercise, actually writing posts, etc.

Comment by katyzzz

November 24th 2006 02:40

Adrian,

Thanks for your visit and comments.

Time restraints are a very important issue and on that we could not agree more.

I am not trying to force anyone to do anything and response is not usually a 'quid pro quo' basis.

Your philosophy about other issues is valid up to a point but we do need to look at the system here, a community of bloggers, by definition that involves inter activity by its participants.

It's not just a matter of, here I am, look at me, my work is so wonderful, people will be drawn to me.

We should all be so lucky. I believe we all have dues to pay no matter what we become involved in, and if someone helps me I always remember, never forget and look for opportunities to show my appreciation over and above simple words.

Perhaps that's my Christian and cultural upbringing.

A debate would take a very long time and we've both spent too much time already, I still await responses from the silent majority who are mostly missing from this blog.

Blogging, for me, is not the beginning and end of human existence.

We could both go on and on, but, let's not.

Thankyou for your intelligent views and on some points we'll just have to agree to differ.

I have certainly been helped by many visiting and leaving their comments and I like to do the same for them and to encourage newcomers in a similar manner.

Felicitations,

katyzzz

Comment by Lily

November 24th 2006 02:53

god, lets not katyzzz... you're not a very good listener sometimes, my dear...

As Adrian says (kudos Adrian) nobody owes anybody anything here, the operable word being 'owes'.. or paying dues as you would put it .. the only requirement upon anyone who blogs here, to me, is respect .. not lining others pockets with votes, clicks or strokes and certainly if they're not interested in the blog subject.

shite, i better unsubscribe myself from this post...

~Lily

Comment by Sandi

November 24th 2006 02:54

I wasn't aware I presented an image. I realize that most my readers are readers that I have had for awhile that have followed me from a small very private journal, to livejournal, to eblogger to Orble. I am writing no different now then I did then. I welcome more readers of course, but I don't want people to just hit my blog with a comment only in hopes of getting one in response. I want people to comment becuase I made them laugh or think or whatever.

Comment by katyzzz

November 24th 2006 04:02

Lily,

You're always welcome and your views, by listening if you expect conversion, you're unlikely to be successful, as am I.

But your points are valid and as deserving as any other person's.

I do not regard 'owe' and 'pay dues' as synonymous, I could change my words to make a lot of people happier, then a lot of others may become unhappier.

Obviously I do have certain views but I have paid close attention to what other people have said. The question asked 'why'. It was a question. I am honest enough to present my views exactly as I see them, some agree, some disagree, some part and part, it all makes for variety and I certainly agree with diversity but I also have in mind equity and without some thoughts to money, and that is Orble's concern more than mine, Orble would not be able to run, at all.

In any community there are rights and there are obligations, how everyone views these matters is up to them.

Blogging is part of my life, not life itself so I am in many ways disinclined to place too much emphasis on these views but I posed a question and others have responded. I am very pleased about that but I have spent an enormous amount of time responding, but, at this point, I think the exercise is very worthwhile. In the past I would have been far too busy and expect to become so again within a few months.

I do understand you a little better than when I first started, so I am listening, rest assured.

Be happy in 'my' favourite little red dress. I, too, had three brothers but I may not have had things as tough as you but I have had a lot of obstacles placed in my path in my journey of exploration of life.

Good to have your continued views. Feel free to make your own decisions, it is not my place to tell anyone what to do.

Blogging, in itself, is a little sureal.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 24th 2006 04:17

Sandi,

You do have an image, or are you going to remove the picture.

I matched my last comments to what you said and the image in that picture.

I've yet to read what you have written elsewhere.

I do not respond to things I don't want to but I do try to russle up support. I see nothing wrong with this and as I have already explained it is not just a simple matter of I'll hit on your blog and you must hit on mine, but I think it is a fair system of exchange and life is all about exchange, and relationships require this reciprocal approach.

I have modified my techniques, and, we are all here for different reasons.

I take it you don't want me to read what you have to say unless I am prepared to say it completely altruistically. I would have thought my comment would come into the 'whatever' category.

Perhaps if I catch a glimpse of something riveting I should vote, but as I never vote, looks like you'll miss out.

I figure I have a purpose in being here and that purpose will be best met by attracting as much by way of comments as I can.

I am not writing a journal so no doubt we're poles apart in what we are here for.

But I do appreciate your visit and I am interested in all views, I am still waiting for the majority to emerge, who remain silent on the subject.

No doubt people will be forming their views on what they read, not just on what I say.

Happy and enjoyable blogging,

katyzzz

Comment by Pilgrim

November 24th 2006 15:16

Katyzzz

I'm wondering how many people are asking themselves right now if you wrote comments on their blogs just to "pay your dues" or because you really enjoyed their writing.

"If an article is good enough to read, you obviously form an opinion, why not give the writer the benefit of that and leave your comment."

An article must be more than "good to read", it must be very good in a way that appeals to you. Most articles are good to read but not all of them entice you to the point of leaving a comment. Or maybe we just don't have anything to say; maybe our time is so limited we can only post a comment a day and in this case we have to be very selective. This doesn't make the article bad in any way, it's just the way things are.

"The best written article in the world can flounder if everyone shared your views, but you are entitled to them and have been honest enough to state them and that is essentially what this post is all about.

The best article in the world will not flounder if it's that good but we must keep in mind that what seems the best to a person may not sparkle the same interest in another.

Let's have a look at a little scenario:
Mrs. Smith is a blogger with a lot of time on her hands. She writes articles on her blogs and also leaves a large amount of comments on other people's blogs. Now, if she would get a comment on her blog for every comment she writes on other people's blogs that would probably push her somewhere high on the list of articles. This doesn't mean she's a great writer, does it?

* Short Stories *

Comment by katyzzz

November 24th 2006 20:15

Pilgrim,

How did you know I was Mrs. Smith?

Your comments are valuable and I do understand the time factor. There is no way, under normal circumstances that I'd be spending so much time on this.

It is in no way an even exchange, I'd love to receive comments from everyone whose work I've seen.

I think things are not so simple as many people are suggesting. I'm surprised that so many criticise me for doing just what Orble recommends.

The worst article in the world can attract more attention sometimes than the best.

Here, I feel it is far more a matter of content than on quality of writing, although one does not exclude the other. I could go on and on, as I am sure you and many others can.

Orble is not the end of the world.

I am not here to be tested as a good or bad writer, I have more than one objective in seeking multiple audiences.

Nevertheless I have found it all to be a very interesting experience.

Would that life were so simple as you tend to suggest.

I am sorry so many object to my paying my dues, the end result of that is that I
shall now be more selective which excludes a lot of others, especially newcomers.

It is often hard to get that 'first ' response and I have been instrumental in starting a lot of posts off, by my initial comment and I'm sure a lot of people appreciate that.

Reciprocal is a word many feel comfortable with.

I hope those who read my comments will appreciate them for what they are and from that point of view only individuals can make that judgment.

I can understand why you think the way you do. You make my actions sound despicable, when ,in fact, they are often altruistic

I believe offering a helping hand is as important as being attracted, like a moth to the bright flame. May I suggest flames are few and far between and not generally fluttering about at Orble.

Meanwhile we deal with the real world while searching for the ideal.

I hope my response has not overwhelmed you.

Frankly, I am getting to the point where I don't much care what people think of me I just do what I feel I have to and can do.

Thanks for putting so much time into your response.

katyzzz

Comment by Lily

November 24th 2006 21:23

Frankly, I am getting to the point where I don't much care what people think of me I just do what I feel I have to and can do.

That's the spirit, katyzzz

~Lily

Comment by katyzzz

November 25th 2006 02:03

Lily,

Thanks for your comment,

I'm coming over to see your poetry asap, for no other reason than 'I like it'.

Lady in red, as the song used to go!

katyzzz

Comment by Pilgrim

November 25th 2006 03:44

Katyzzz,

I may have been a bit rough on you, I admit, but one thing I'd like to set straight is the fact that I didn't write about "Mrs. Smith" with you in mind. I just used the name to get a point across.
I'm sorry if I offended you in any way, it wasn't my intention and while I do try to see things from your point of view, it is not that easy.
"Do good and the good will come back to you"; I'm a firm believer in this saying. Maybe sometimes it doesn't come back from the person you did well by, but in the end it does come.
Good luck with all your posts.
Peace.

* Short Stories *

Comment by katyzzz

November 25th 2006 04:07

I was just being playful and witty [I hope] when I referred to Mrs. Smith.

Don't worry, I'm tough, I can take it.

I understand the point you're making but I don't think you realise how much I put myself out for others without any expectation of any return.

But, certainly, I do not feel offended. There's no need to apologise, and the peace offering is accepted, with thanks.

katyzzz

Comment by Anonymous

November 26th 2006 04:14

great question..i have no answer but i will try to be a good member from now on..i have been lazy for long time..thanks for reminding..

Comment by katyzzz

November 26th 2006 04:54

My goodness,

Such confessions Anon,

"Be good sweet maid and let all those be happy"...... a bit tough if you're a bloke?

katyzzz

Comment by LaurenD

November 27th 2006 09:01

Hi Katyzzz,

I believe the reason why is because people are usually more concerned with their own welfare and don't naturally take to the give and take idea.

It takes a post like this to jump start things.

So thank you.

LaurenD

Comment by Jessicca

November 27th 2006 09:11

So, for those who has been feeling a little (at least tinsy winsy little bit?) bad about themselves, why not we do something special, in collaborating with Pegasus's Pay It Forward move and be nice to 3 orble members and support their post?

If you can make a good deed every day, make a good "pay it forward deed" a week and see how many out there are really nice to continue uplifting the Orble spirit?

Comment by katyzzz

November 27th 2006 09:54

Lauren,

Thanks a lot for that, you've got it summed up well.

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 27th 2006 09:57

Jessica,

Thanks a lot for your continuing contribution, I wonder if we'll get to that magical 500.

I thought this post was dead, but then up again it pops.

katyzzz

Comment by LaurenD

November 27th 2006 09:58

Do you win a new car if it makes it to 500? Maybe a trip to Australia?

LaurenD

Comment by Jessicca

November 27th 2006 10:09

Oh I'd look forward for a trip to Australia!

Miss all my friends and the nice fresh air (at the highlands of Toowoomba)

LOL...

Comment by LaurenD

November 27th 2006 10:17

Come on, people, she's so close to 500 now! Pay it forward!

LaurenD

Comment by Jessicca

November 27th 2006 10:23

Alright!

Just a little more! This is exciting!

Comment by katyzzz

November 27th 2006 11:19

Lauren,

Who? me or you?

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 27th 2006 11:22

Jessicca,

Who's been doing most of the work around here?

I thought I'd just hail the nearest cab, i.e. Orbler, but they can be pretty hard to catch, just where do they all hide?

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 27th 2006 11:23

Lauren, where are these people? I keep waiting for them to come out of the woodwork. Prize, what prize?

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 27th 2006 11:25

Jessicca,

It is exciting, money would be even more exciting.

Peace, sisters, peace.

katyzzz

Comment by LaurenD

November 27th 2006 11:29

OK, just checked and you're at 497. Looks like you're gonna make it!

I think they should at the very least send you a fruitbasket.

LaurenD

Comment by LaurenD

November 27th 2006 11:32

***TRUMPETS BLARE***

501!!!!

You made it!!! Hooray!!!

***TRUMPETS BLARE***

# Fireworks #

OK, Orble, give the girl her new Mazda!

LaurenD

Comment by katyzzz

November 27th 2006 20:24

Lauren,

Thanks a lot for that, how about 1000?

katyzzz

Comment by Eric

November 27th 2006 20:28

Mal Gadget

I posted my take on this earlier today.

Interesting topic.

Comment by katyzzz

November 27th 2006 20:35

Lauren,

Trumpets blaring and fireworks, I'm very excited and I know Jessicca will be hallucinating with excitement.
and now all the others, and there' plenty of them left who haven't left any comment at all, will all unite and we'll take a fast run to the kilo, computer style, you know how it is all 1s and 0s.

Such things are of which dreams are made.

My retun comments wil be, fine, great, thanks, good, or any other one worders I can think up and type quickly.

Thanks to you and Jessicca for that last run of support.

But, where have all the flowers gone? long time passing?

katyzzz

Comment by katyzzz

November 27th 2006 20:35

Comment by katyzzz

November 27th 2006 20:43

Eric,

Lovely to see your face, but, where are the rest of the techy boys?

katyzzz... oops , sorry, I meant "good"

Comment by Jessicca

November 28th 2006 00:47

Yo hoooooooooooooooo!

You are right katyzzz!

I am dancing with joy here!

All right! The next 1000? Let's keep this post up and let everyone aware of the importance of Orble community!

Cheerio
Jessicca

Comment by Bryn

November 28th 2006 02:00

Horrorphile

Orblers rockin' in the free world !!!

Comment by Jessicca

November 28th 2006 02:05

Indeed Bryn!

Join in and dance with joy together! ^_^

Comment by katyzzz

November 28th 2006 04:39

Jessicca,

thanks

katyzzz....I've just seen my earnings, i really don't think I'll be around for long.

Comment by katyzzz

November 28th 2006 04:41

Bryn,

free of financial restraints, apparently.

katyzzz... do pop over and see your sound of music horror version! and do leave your star sign.

Comment by katyzzz

November 28th 2006 04:42

Jessicca,

OK

katyzzz

Comment by Jessicca

November 28th 2006 04:48

Hi katyzzz,

what will you do next after you leave?

Comment by katyzzz

November 28th 2006 06:16

Jessicca,

I expect to become very busy again next year.

Until then I'll use the internet a lot, youTube in particular and expand my own knowledge.

This royalties for life is just a real "take'.. Not just the fault of Orble, it's become a part of the culture and how you do has nothing much to do with how you write or the substance of what you write, it's more about Britney's panties, and Tom and Katie and foul language and obscene practices, unfortunately.

The experience has been meaningful, but I lost a whole post this morning, something wrong with the system and the thought of producing the same again with similar results is too much to tolerate. And what has happened to Homer and Adrian, surely two of the top few. There's no future with this unless you find a way of doing it yourself. I've wasted enough time but it took my mind off my own particular problems for a while.

I'll probably stay around for a while, but it won't be long term and just how much I contribute from now on is yet to be decided.

Obviously some will get enough from it, but not me.

The 500 was a lot of fun, but also some very hard work, very time consuming.

There are a lot of people here who deserve better, but not singling out Orble alone for that. It seems to be very well organised but all these types of activities are thriving by making use of unsuspecting victims.

katyzzz.... I really think this post is now done, but for the remainder to make it to 1000, would be fun. The silent majority as I keep saying!

Comment by Adrian

November 28th 2006 21:51

Philosophy Blog

Hey Katy, I think you should make this a spotlight post, so that your attitude on commenting is clear to new readers.

Comment by katyzzz

November 29th 2006 02:43

Adrian,

Nice to see you again....hmmm , no, I don't think so.

I really liked your post with the bay leaf, went to leave a comment, ....NO WAY...you've a different set up from Homer.

So, how is that going?

I really liked the fresh CLEAN approach. I think what people like most about you is engaging in some discussion now that opportunity is lost to them and I wonder how you'll fare?

katyzz

Comment by Anonymous

November 29th 2006 03:25

No offense, but isn't it time that the discussion on this post ended? Seems a little overdone and offtopic now.

Comment by katyzzz

November 29th 2006 04:21

Falling Haiku Leaf
Inner West Life

Anon,

See my comment just a few above your head.

I only respond when people, like you, write something, should I tell them not to and on your instructions.

Nice to hear from you ,

katyzzz

Comment by Little Angry Doll

December 7th 2006 04:41

Katyzzz,

I'm coming in very, very late here.

At the moment, I can only login once a week. I'm not going to go into why, but I only have so much time. I try to support those who support me and I find it rewarding to read as many posts of yours as I can.

Just like everyone at Orble, I have my favourite writers. But I am one who will vote without leaving a comment more often than not when I don' t have the luxury of time.

I think you've made a very vaild point though. I became a bit tired of commenting on one particular blog and have no return feedback, so I just stopped.

I have loved watching your art over the last several months and look foward to watching your art progress.

This is probably the longest comment I've made - and the boys are at me!!!! But you deserve a long comment, my dear!

And NOS has just bitten me!

Comment by D. Armenta

June 2nd 2007 05:24

The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.

I'm really late too, but just wanted you to know I always check out and vote, if not comment all the time..
I'm with Bryn and Cibby, opinion-wise.

Comment by katyzzz

June 2nd 2007 06:13

D,

Boy, this was a saga.

katyzzz.....thanks for your view.

Comment by katyzzz

June 2nd 2007 06:17

Article Dime
Tips in 365 Days
Flick Picks
Quotable Quotes
Laugh 'Til You Drop
Band on the Run
Fashion 101
Robust Beauty

LAD,

You deserved a reply, I guess I just lost sight of things. Thanks a lot, hope the bite has healed, the boys have growed and the job goes well, busy little mum, I know how it feels.

katyzzz

Comment by Bernadette

August 25th 2007 18:32

I guess I reply to a few but I make sure that I vote if I cannot give any comment at all. And thanks btw Katyzzz for dropping me a line or two at Quote seven.

Bernadette

Comment by katyzzz

August 25th 2007 21:25

Thanks Bernadette,

You certainly have a long list of blogs there.

katyzzz...I don't get to see many comments on these older posts now.

Comment by madeliaette

September 17th 2007 19:23

I think the main reason I do not always read and respond to people who have commented/voted for me is that I do not always have time to do anything but work/write. Today, I have free time, so am catching up, by popping along to the people who have commented on me, and getting to know their writings. Some days, I simply post my blogs then run as i am editing a book or writing a sample article for a job attempt, etc.

I did not understand the voting system when i first joined. Maybe other people also need to have it explained before using it?

Comment by katyzzz

September 17th 2007 21:44

Madialette,

Thanks for popping by, put your thoughts re voting into a forum and Jon should answer you.

I never vote without leaving a comment.

That's the system I feel most comfortable with and the search engines pick up on comments, so that's a good thing for you to know.

It's hard when you're short of time, tho.

katyzzz

Comment by Lester Caudill

October 31st 2007 14:08

Round Politics

Hey Katyzzz, this is a wake up call for us all. Great post, and I will try to do better myself.

That's how I Found this post is looking for writters that left a comment on my posts, and looking for some posts that I might have knowledge of to leave a comment on.

I don't like talking about something I know nothing about. Thanks again and a great post.

Comment by katyzzz

October 31st 2007 20:02

Cop it Sweet
Metamorphosis
Random Travels

Lester, I'm lucky I got to see this comment, most posts become 'old' very quickly, it seems a long time since I wrote this one. Comments when reciprocated usually go onto something current although I can understand why you sought this one out.

Good luck with your blogging, it can be a bit of a surprise at times.

katyzzz

Comment by Andy 2

November 30th 2007 00:33

I am generous with my votes, I try to leave comments. I love getting them except my POV is so flippant that sometimes I believe I am misinterpreted. With time my humour style will be understood, then I will control orble and then - THE WORLD!

Comment by katyzzz

November 30th 2007 02:12

Good on you Andy 2, I wish you every success, you may have noted that I visited you just this morning, I'll keep an eye on you.

katyzzz

Comment by Patricia Graff

December 14th 2007 00:05

Inside my Mind
Free Speech

Hi,

I vote and comment on the posts I read. But if someone takes the time to read my ramblings, I feel I owe them a comment, or at least a vote.

I think everyone who is posting on here is doing so because they're compelled to, and I think it's nice for them to know that their work is appreciated by others.

I'm still getting my sea legs, as I'm very new here, so I am cautious about what I post. I'm like the new kid in school, I guess. And I'm not used to opening myself up to others, which makes it harder for me to write the way I want to, but being here will help that, or so I hope.I'd like my writing to become more honest.

Sometimes, even a negative comment can be helpful and I think that is often overlooked.

I agree! They can be the most helpful, but I'm sure people are afraid to leave a negative comment. I think as long as it's constructive criticism, that it's very good and will only help the writer become more fine-tuned at their craft.

Patricia

Comment by katyzzz

December 14th 2007 02:55

Living Healthfully
Masahista pala ha!!!
On the Lighter Side

Patricia,

It's nice to hear from you and to receive such a lovely long comment, mine tend to be very brief as I'm pressed for time.

I would be adventurous and take some risks, but I'd have to agree negative comments are not well received and people can often be a little touchy, I've erred in this way myself, but I like the truth and can one speak it without treading on toes, but I'm sure you're more diplomatic than myself.

Good luck with your writing and enjoy the journey, however it pans out you'll learn something from it, it's a great place to practice and it's nice to see your own work up in lights be those lights be but barely dim.

Thanks for the visit.

katyzzz

Comment by Physiotherapy

December 20th 2007 06:12

hi katyzzz! how are you doing? It's good to be back. You know why it took a long time before i got back into posting? I got too busy with things... Especially now that my wife gave birth to my son...

Well you know what I admire about you...You get to explore new articles and try to associate yours to these articles..And it feels good, knowing someone appreciates and gives interest to one's effort like you do...

Happy holidays!!!

Comment by katyzzz

December 20th 2007 06:56