Why are comments and votes so hard to get and do we give new bloggers sufficient encouragement?
December 17th 2006 04:08
Signature tune
Well, I have asked the questions. Now it is up to the Orble community to answer. I accept that time is a problem but it is for all of us, to greater and lesser degrees.
Is it every man for himself?
I notice many rarely give any comments at all and yet can be happy to receive some, or do I have that wrong?
I regularly visit new bloggers, but find few cross the line to come our way.
Those who do and those who don't will know which category they fit into.
Often, something looks rather new but when one investigates it's generally the same group receiving and giving the comments.
Isn't it in your interests to contribute?
Surely it's not because you are too shy. Often a very brief comment gets one by.
And please, fellow bloggers, don't use this as a forum to cut me down to size. I ask the questions with good not self intent. It is my observation.
If one has any opinion on any of this, please express it clearly and politely. Skill is not a requirement just simply the will.
I do notice, myself, that often some of the top 20 in the stats don't contribute much at all, even about themselves and their own blog but they certainly attract the clicks.
These are my own observations, I'd be interested in what others have to say.
I do hope many of you will respond, it may get things moving along a little faster.
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Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Orble is a blogging community, emphasize community, it is better htan having your own log isolated so you don't get yourself screwed over with lack lustre traffic.
I love getting comments, but that doens't mean I'll commentback on the person commenting on my blog, though I do comment around posts I'm interested in.
It isn't really in my interests to contribute by posting comments on other peoples blogs, I do it becuase I genuinely enjoy getting on orble and seeing all the new posts and commenting on ones that interest me.
I'm not shy, but I'd rather comment a meaningful comment, not something short like 'hello, like your post'.
Oh for goodness sakes, the Top 20 orble blogs have been around for eons, they are getting what they deserve from posting continuously over a period of time, they got where they did on their own accord, they don't owe anyone else anything, we didn't help them get there.
That doesn't mean I don't want to reach the top 20, or that once I do I'm gong to stop commenting on other peoples blogs though.
Comment by TonyK
AFL Central
NBL News
I will give out comments where I think people deserve them, but bloggers are just shooting themselves in the footy if they are asking for comments. It is more about getting traffic than getting bucketloads of comments.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Sometimes, there' some really good things going on but hardly any response.
You two have given good comments on this post and deserve credit for showing your position.
Very few of us in this world make it on our own.
I was just tending to analyse the situation with the top 20 clicks attractors, but there is something wrong with the system where this dichotomy exists, in my opinion. And good luck and full credit to them for being there, I am not trying to detract from their success.
Certainly, financial inducement is not there for many. I'd like to see things improve, and that is for everyone, not just me and not just you.
Even Bill Gates did not make it on his own. Nor all the presidents men.
Should I not have asked the question?
What do others think. The first two do have a point of view and have gone to some considerable effort to express it.
Maybe, it's the female/male different point of view.
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
They don't get visits from people who visit orble and find those blogs and decide to click in, their traffic comes from the readershipt hey have built, peoplewho only visit their blogs to read their posts.
They also get a lot more hits from search engines like google becasue they have more content on their blogs.
Asking a quetsion on orble, getting lots of responses andhitting number 1 on popular posts list does not hold up in the long run, in the long run you have to post relevant to your blog topic, maybe not even get any readers to any one post, but in the end it will pay off as people start visiting your blog for the right reasons.
You're not going to be among the top 20 orble blogs by hits if you keep posting stuff relevant to the orble community only.
Comment by Homer Joyce
Well, I have read the questions posed by the person who thinks she is Orble’s mouthpiece. And I will answer all of them. I feel like I’m answering Queen Elizabeth after reading the post. It’s so regal. The tone of it. It’s no problem at all. Hardly a problem, to any degree at all. The Queen keeps her exterior morality while her son wants to be reincarnated as a tampon, and her daughter-in-law loves sucking toes. She’s ‘oh-so’ regal. Her tone is not condescending or patronising at all. We all ‘adore’ her here. She has a lovely castle from which to pronounce her regal Christmas messages from.
Do you not think it is worth the trouble?"
Oh, it’s worth the trouble. I’m sick of seeing regal posts. I want reality. Sick reality. Honesty. Truth. Usually I just expose myself for my own hypocrisy, but every now and again in life, I do so like exposing others for their hypocrisy.
Is it every man for himself?
Real men love real women. Even semi-women. Enough said.
I notice many rarely give any comments at all and yet can be happy to receive some, or do I have that wrong?
Yes you have it all wrong. You are thinking about yourself again.
I regularly visit new bloggers, but find few cross the line to come our way.
You visit others to inveigle and ingratiate yourself. Others find your inveigling and ingratiation offensive.
Those who do and those who don't will know which category they fit into.
I fit into the category of people who find your attitude pretentious and condescending and vomitous.
Often, something looks rather new but when one investigates it's generally the same group receiving and giving the comments.
Often, reading your words, especially the subtext makes me want to vomit more than I do just seeing you have (another) post. It makes me think, I would not like you in real life. You’d never shut up and listen to anyone, because you like the sound of your own voice too much. And telling everyone else how it is.
Isn't it in your interests to contribute?
No. It’s not. I’m only doing this to write what other people on Orble think but are too gutless to write. And that is to tell you that your pretentiousness is really vomitous.
Surely it's not because you are too shy. Often a very brief comment gets one by.
Brief Comment? FO? Is that brief enough for you?
And please, fellow bloggers, don't use this as a forum to cut me down to size. I ask the questions with good not self intent. It is my observation.
That is the wankiest comment I have ever seen on Orble .This is what it really means. Please fellow bloggers. My inferior fellow bloggers. Bow down to my superiority. Love me. Visit my site. Post on it. Tell me you think I am nice. Increase my vote count. I promise I’ll use your name in my next post. That is my observation of you.
If one has any opinion on any of this, please express it clearly and politely. Skill is not a requirement just simply the will.
Politely? Do you mean, Could Homer please not post on my site. He can see through my transparency? His skill shits me? You really should have used the word talent, not skill. But that’s okay. You’re like my sister. You’re a painter, not a writer. You’re not very good with words.
I do notice, myself, that often some of the top 20 in the stats don't contribute much at all, even about themselves and their own blog but they certainly attract the clicks.
I. Me. Myself. Personally notice that My blog. The blog I myself, personally created. (Use your own dirt). My greatness. Fellow Orblers. Let me educate you about my own greatness in one more post about the same subject I always write about. Me.
These are my own observations, I'd be interested in what others have to say.
Interested in other’s opinions? As long as they’re clear an polite and the person writing the comment has no skill? Certainly not perception of your interior?
I hope your vote count increases due to my visit. And you make shitloads of money. And please, do keep on enlightening those of us who are inferior.
Comment by Robert V
Maybe it's the latent Ayn Rand fanatic in me, but I find the notion of "good not self intent" a little offensive. At the very least, the two are far from mutually exclusive.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I don't want to try and re-invent the wheel for the sheer sake of it but I felt I should acknowedge your responses.
Please, other fellow Orblers, feel free to comment, you're entitled to your view just as I have given mine.
I am thus far exercising a degree of tolerance to Homer, which he may not realize, not through any lack of ability, I might add.
I do hope others will continue to respond politely and feel neither encouraged nor dissuaded by Homer's response.
Most people do respect my wishes about bad language etc,. By overlooking Homer's in this instance, which he probably interprets as Queenly, I hope I am not inviting trouble for myself.
katyzzz
Comment by Damo
I wish I could read every post that I want to.
I wish that ever post that deserved to be read was read by one thousand people.
But I am only one person and I can only do so much.
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I flit around orble like a very fast-flitting butterfly, I spend time on new talent when I recognise it, ecouraging, coaxing.... you know, we all do...however, sometimes real life happens too and all I have time to do is vote before flying off...I'm building my stairway, either way....
and I've forgotten what the point was, sorry Katyzzz.... um...
*sip*
Oh yeah... I think you just gotta chug on and do your own thing, man! and let the rest pan itself out... meanwhile there's a great partay going on at Ash's - since it doesn't matter after you've laid down your initial karma at someone's post... well you might as well party and chat to your friends to your hearts content, whilst encouraging the new talent... . if you feel poetic... there's a perpetual poem party game going on somewhere that needs your help and an inspired line... [shameless advertising Katyzzz, sorry - loved your efforts]...just follow the reindeer poop...
It's Christmas... whatever that means....? *sipping*
*deeper now*
Here's my point: I think you can encourage the new talent, but I think as someone else said they don't feel good enough sometimes to cross the line and that is sad. My perpetual poem is proving that this is very much the case as vote scores outweigh actual comment lines left... and yet I know there is so much talent out there just waiting to cut loose... and old experienced literary birds (and roosters) like me, just waiting to mentor... regardless of bottom line values...
....going back to the partay now as Lilly and I are 'the band' again tonight I think... well I took my guitar anyway, and Ash is floating candles on her pond... check out the Christmas lights on your way in... awesome... and I'm aloud to say that if your're lonely tonight... come on over....
you know ... non-judgemental people....fun!
Katyzzz, the sig tune... will come together soon as my eyes focus again...*lol*
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I'll be over to that party in a flash, that is as soon as you've read my extra bit of potree I added, I'll look at the lights, may be worth a post to-morrow, I'll bring my bottle of wild rosehip syrup, I know you'll all be drooling and I guess it's I'll come to your party if you'll come to mine, very Queenly of me.
Yes I liked Damo's view so this bit's for DAMO, and he didn't insult me, which was nice.
Darl, doll, whatever, I'm already intoxicated just thinking about the party, just where is it exactly, yes the great Orble Poem seems to be dwindling from lack of support, but I know what the trouble is, it's that Lauren being Queenly, where's the King, I rather like men.
And many of them, even tecchy boys have the poem in them.
Do you have my throne ready or must I sit, I was very careful with that spelling, on the couch with the other plebs, and I thought I was so nice, damn it, must have got it wrong.
Perhaps the boys can think up a question.
Trouble is dear, I already do my own thing, get stacks of hits, far fewer clicks. Trouble is, I can't write, as Homer says, if he only knew my background, but he'll come good again, and if he can only get over his present obsessions, he'll get back to form, I feel sure.
But, between him and me there will always be that great DIVIDE.
Call me old fashioned as Dame Edna would say, love that woman, man, whatever.
I hope the current readers will forgive this little diversion, it's called fun, which I am here for as well as other things.
Are you sure you're fit to get back to the party dear, you can always stay and read my blog.
Now isn't that a wonderful sacrifice I am making?
I'm starting to cry, I feel so misunderstood. Oh, well these things happen, explaining any unexpected and unanticipated birth. And I haven't even started drinking yet.
You'll be telling me tomorrow I must give up the booze.
katyzzz
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Thankyou for a very nice reply.
katyzzz
Comment by Brenton
Dr Spin
Tales From The Other Side
Blip Blog
Gadget Museum
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
I started my blog on 1 November and you were one of the first who visited and commented and have been a faithful reader ever since. To which I am thankful for. I seem to have built up a bit of a following but it is hard work - not difficult but time consuming.
To attract readership to my blog, I let just about everyone on my email list know that I had started a blog and were welcome to visit.
I visited your blog and discovered that I enjoy your blog. I don't visit and comment out of obligation.
I agree that effort has to be put in at Orble to find the blogs that you will like to read. And sometimes people reciprocate and visit your blog. Which is nice, not necessary, but nice.
Time is definitely a factor. There are quite a few blogs now that I regularly visit and the list just keeps getting longer and the time I'm spending on Orble is slowly getting out of control.
I've supported new bloggers (I'm only fairly new myself) and some seem to have faded away. I have also found the "established" bloggers have been very welcoming.
No one can control or predict Orble or the community.
So do what you do best katyzzz, and do what you love, the rest will fall into place.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
So katyzzz,
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
as always, my dear, thankx
A pleasure... see you there...
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Homer Joyce, you're a jerk, you delete my comments wherever you can cos you have no spine to stand up for what you believe in, you can't take a beating, you claim to write what others think, but evne if you do you don't do it in any sort of grace or with any form of heroism that your post seems to be implying, not even in the slightest. You're about as spineless as they come.
You are rude and condecending, you put people down and think 'gee, well since its the truth I have a right to put people down publically', well thats what we call rude and insensitive in real life.
Theres a difference between wit in writing and blatantly offending people. While people post on your blog and claim you're a good writer, you're nothing of the sort, your writing sucks royally, like you mentioned yourself, orble is one of those places where people compliment you on your writing regardless of any reality, fact of the matter is your writing sucks.
Katyzzz you have to understand our blogs extend beyond orble, getting on the popular posts list means less than 10 extra hits in any given day, maybe 20 if you push it that hard, you have to stop complaining about other people not posting comments this or that. Orble cannot be your number one source of traffic, it is not the number one source of traffic for the top 20 blogs, people on orble rarely evne click on them even, they get their traffic from the greater domain that is the internet.
You should get off us 'techy's' backs. You think were all gruff and upset we don't make the popular lists, well heres a news flash for you: We are the most searched people on Google, our blogs have higher potentiol to generate external traffic, were paid a higher commission than other bloggers due to the topics we have (adsense system), truth is were the ones who feel srory for you, because your blog has a narrow topic hence will find it difficult developing over time.
You have a habit of taking things way too defensively, like on the computer art is easy art post, you also back down from arguments way too quickly.
Bot you guys need to develop some spine if you want to get very far on the internet.
That is my 100% accurate take on both of you. So sue me, my lawyer sleeps with your lawyer.
Maybe all the traffic stats on all blogs should be released publically, then we'll see who cares and who doesn't give two bits, I am more than a little bit curious to find out what the traffic on other peoples blogs are to be honest, just for the heck of it.
Comment by Hellvis
Earache Hotel
I think if it's comments and votes that you want, or appear to want, then that is going to turn off quite a few people.
Obviously everyone likes to get recognition and encouragement for what they do. But I think the successful bloggers are more focussed on writing about what they love than getting votes and comments.
I know it's ironic, but posts like this don't compel me to comment on your blog. I think they detract from what your blog is about. I don't think anyone clicks on a post like this one and then goes, "hmmm, that complainy girl has a point, I think I might check out some of her art."
Stick to your art, and things related to your art. Make your art and your love of art seep from every pixel of the computer monitor. Of course, you don't have to do this, but I think it would make your blog better and perhaps more successful, if that's what you want.
I remember your first comment on my blog which was in my Wolfmother review. While I appreciated that you took the time to have a look and say something, it really had nothing to do with my post. I checked out your blog, as I could see that this was what you wanted me to do. I looked at the art you mentioned and commented. I had a look at some of your other posts. I may have even voted. The problem was, it didn't feel honest. I felt I was commenting out of an obligation, not because I was interested in your blog. That's why I didn't stick around.
Despite being a graphic designer, MS Paint art really doesn't interest me. I would wager that '80s swamp rock, post-punk, metalcore, and psychedelia doesn't interest you either. That's fine. This has nothing to with skill or talent and everything to do with taste. Why visit a blog that's not interesting to me? Life is too short.
I think you should focus on your art, writing a good blog, and getting enjoyment and satisfaction out of what you do. That should be enough; for you and for your readers. If it isn't then maybe you are not doing it for the right reasons.
Comment by Justin
There's been a few victims to this I can think of, myself included. So overall I think it destabilises productivity and negates freedom to express.
So, yeah, if you personally want to comment - comment; if not, do not. Any obligations past updating your own site are detrimental though.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I have a hesitation in looking at Orble this way. I think it does stifle creativity as Cinematrix said, where the main focus of blogging them becomes reciprocal voting and commenting. I don't want people commenting because they feel obliged...I want people to comment or read because they want to and hopefully enjoy something about my blog. If they don't want to read or comment, that's their prerogative. Hence, the freedom of a blog.
I see Orble as a place where we are a bit freer than in the rest of the working world. We can choose what we'd like to write about, whose blog we would like to read, what we would like to say...the freedom is quite infinite. And above all, I see it as fun. I look forward to my Orble portion of the day. I don't want it to be laden with guilt that I haven't commented sufficiently or clicked enough. I can get that guilt quite easily in other portions of my life.
We're all different and we're all going to use Orble differently. To expect that we're all going to agree on one specific approach isn't going to happen. I just want to enjoy Orble and all that it entails.....
Tracy
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I'm sorry but this post was not just about me and many of you have me ALL WRONG.
That being as it may, AHMED, I love technology and the technology posts, I visit because I want to, the comment about tecchyy boys and poetry was just meant to be a fun thing,
Others I am not here just about art, I am simply trying to work out the most productive way to act, both for myself and others, it was never my intention to lay a guilt trip on anyone, I would still like to know how new bloggers feel.
AHMED, I have more backbone than you'll ever realise, and I have said some very nice SINCERE things about you, so do get the bee out of your bonnet.
I have never met so many SUPER SENSITIVE people in my life. May be that is the problem.
When I came to Orble I just simply acted the way it had been suggested I should.
I do realise about "out there" so Ahmed it is not really necessary to repeat yourself.
For people to click they have to be presented in the ads with something they are interested in.
There may also be some factors that I do not comprehend.
And AHMED, everyone nowadays has to take an interest in technology and want clear, easily understood information, your reaction seems almost apologetic.
Good luck to you with all your endeavours, I did not put this post up to complain, I posted a question which I felt needed answering. I am certainly getting much more than I bargained for or desire.
Thank you to those who have replied in friendship. Apparently not to be regarded as complaining it is not only necessary to say nothing but also to question nothing and maybe that's why the rest of the community stays mute.
Tip for those experiencing time difficulties [me included]. You can disable the constant communications re responses etc, that saves a lot of time.
Unfortunately, at the moment there seems to be a computer 'hitch' so I am getting a stream of them again. It took me a long time to realise I didn't need them.
AHMED, I THINK YOU SHOULD THINK A LITTLE MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY, and not pull down one of your supporters.
I have invited comments, I guess I got what I asked for. But, Ahmed has surprised me, others speak as if I am having no success at all, I am suggesting that for most of us success is not possible.
I have yet to hear argument to the contrary.
Even the top earners, here for that very reason, do not seem to get much out of it, financially, and that is why we hear so little from them.
You're right , they are under no obligation.
What I am trying to do is to establish more clearly what the prospects are.
Too many people make invalid assumptions about my "art", that is just something I enjoy doing from time to time, it is not my life's purpose.
Please stop jumping to conclusions that it is and commenting accordingly.
May I have some other comments please about the big picture, not JUST ABOUT ME.
katyzzz
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
My children think your Signature Tune looks like Christmas presents.
Very festive.
A.H.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Give my love to your children and say I said I hope they have a wonderful Christmas and to be extra kind to Mummy.
I'm glad they like looking at my signature tune,
katyzzz
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I'm not retracting any comments I've made about your art and posts. I sincerely love your art and am amazed how each day you have a few more gems to share with us. I'm also inspired to try doing some art myself by following your instructions. I think your posts are generous in nature by teaching us how to do what you do so well and for sharing them with us.
Tracy
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
That's a really nice thing to say , thankyou.
What I am trying to do here is look at the bigger picture for everyone, not just me.
I have multiple reasons for being here, which is not really the purpose of this post.
I'd just like to get overall views from a wide range of people about the whole process and end results not just about me.
But I do thank you for you participations, both ot them, in this endeavour.
katyzzz
Comment by Sandi
Over.
Yourself.
Please.
I think that you liked how popular your LAST post like this was, and therefore decided to do it again. I don't see any difference to this post to your last post asking about votes and such.
I rememeber you "ecnouraging me" when I first started. I remember thinking "What an obvious attempt to get me to visit her site."
Here it is:
If you'd like to elevate your mind above the bed sheets and why you should value yourself in this
way only is a mystery to me, why don't you come on over to my site and escape some of the misery
by joining in a little mystery.
Audience participation is not required, there's just something there for you to think about.
katyzzz!
I wrote a tongue in cheek (which is what I feel I am best at writing) entry about womens magazine after having a conversation with my sister about how if we all could just lead the "Glamour girl life" we'd be perfect. I found your "encouraging" comment insulting, impersonal, and nothing more than to increase traffic to your place either from ME or from those that read my blog. I did go to your blog, and have yet really gotten what you do. From what I get you do art... on MSpaint, and you know what? So does my six yr old daughter. There you go.
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
If you want traffic for your blog you should seek it out yourself. No one else is going to do it for you.
When I came here there was no community, we all had to try and get traffic to our blogs ourselves, it wasn't up to other bloggers to come and comment on our blogs and vote for us and all that crap.
It's not about being 'every man for themself', it's about writing something worth reading and finding ways to advertise your blog outside of orble.
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Now, new bloggers have to play catch-up, which is tough, I agree. However, I think offering quality content is always the right approach.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I'd still like to hear from others, I know there are a lot out there. Some of you misunderstand me, others will always be my friends.
But I put the question up and if I cop flack from that so be it.
I know some who would call some of those responses as coming from pico brain, I am not so unkind.
That saves an awful lot of typing in reply.
Maybe I'm starting to catch on to what blogging is all about.
Let's hear from those who haven't yet made it to the line.
Incidentally, my first encouragement from others was and is still very precious to me.
I don't think too many realise just how much it can take to get any interest at all and a 10 lobbing on your site when it's not moving can start the ball rolling.
Of course, girlie images will always do it but the rest of us have something more serious in mind, even though we like to have fun along the way.
That I have cottoned onto, real quick smart.
katyzzz
Comment by Candice
I haven't read all the comments, I stopped after Homer's I'm afraid, just because it would take me so long to read it all. But I still wanted to comment.
I am pretty new to Orble. I've appreciated all the comments I've received and I've returned the favour for everyone. It has resulted in some good, interesting and regular exchanges.
Some people I comment back on more than others just because some blogs are more relevant to me than others though. Also, I already find that it takes me longer to read and then comment on blogs than to write my own. So, I try to balance it out. If I didn't it would defeat the whole purpose of writing a blog - ie. to write. My time is pretty limited because I have a young daughter and I already post blogs less often than I should. I hope that doesn't sound too much like I'm trying to justify myself. I really just wanted to offer that perspective.
I love to get comments and to give comments but time. Ah, if only there were more of it in a day!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I think that is a wonderful comment you have made and it's really useful to have your feedback and make the point about balancing your time. This is certainly true. But you seem appreciative and also understand that being mutually helpful to each other is beneficial.
Thank you so much for your positive perspective and I understand you would not want to read through all those comments.
I certainly appreciate that you have take the time to respond to this post and it's natural you seek others out with similar interests.
You're a real sweetheart. Enjoy your blogging experience.
katyzzz
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Katyzzz,
Well, at least someone else is starting a war on Orble!!
I mean that in a completely funny way...I hope that wasn't taken any other way!
When I first started, all I knew was to write. I was surprised to see comments, and that people were commenting.
Ahmed was one of my first comments, and he supported me from day one. He was always there, commenting, and I really, really appreciated it.
So I feel he is one that supports others, very much so, on this site.
Of course, then I made other friends on Orble, and it was like an unwritten rule...you visited each other's sites. I think everyone that's made friends on here does this.
And then you read others and comment on other writers' sites for various reasons....for me, it's because I like their stuff...
I think I've already told you how I like to comment, or vote, on at least 5 other writers' sites each day.
I try to stick to this...but I've been very slack this week.
But I certainly didn't come on here to 'support' everybody else....but you end up doing that. It's just natural.
I don't think we should put any more pressure on each other, or ourselves, to continually be on each other's sites...don't we have enough pressure, as writers, as people, as humans???
I feel the pressure. And it sucks!!
But please know, I do like your stuff...love your artwork. I wish I visited more...I can only plead guilty that I can't get around to everybody...I have a long list of people I need to get round to....yes, pressure, but also because I really, truly want to visit these other writers on Orble...
K.L.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I agree those first words of support are very special and I think it makes a world of difference to the blogging experience.
Things do seem to have got a little out of hand lately, really, I guess I was trying to get at the reason for that. It is nice when people respond in a helpful way, not a critical one.
Good luck with everything you do. I still remember reading your first post about awaiting news in the mail and sharing your tears. It was so beautifully expressed.
katyzzz
Comment by Questionable Content
The default view is for 10 votes or more - I have 8. Hence, I don't get the traffic to my newly-posted stories the way I did before the facelift. Then it becomes next to impossible for me to draw the attention of casual Orble browsers who wouldn't think to check the lesser-rated posts straight up.
My traffic stats can attest to that fact - my stories from November have comparatively received far more votes and comments than my new ones. November was the month where the front-page layout was changing.
Sure I got a bunch of exposure when one of my posts was voted Post of the Day - but that typically coincided with my changeover to a domain blog, so the free site got all the traffic for that one.
Is there a definitive list of levels of contribution in regards to earning Karma points, or does it just...happen?
I better get a bunch of referred clicks to Slurred Words from this comment, or I'll be dirty.
Comment by katyzzz
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I get good hits and readers but very poor ccick ratio which I can't work out except that who'd want to click over and over again about blogging.
There's a secret there I've not come to grips with and at the end of the day it is the clicks that are the most important.
You're also right about THE LINE, there's a tendency for the higher karmas not to go there. But then again, if you cross the line you may be able to attract attention from them. Good luck with that.
The karma does have certain 'rules' for progression, which include you're voting for and being voted for by other Orblers.
When I got to 8 I struggled for ages to get to 9, and then progress to 10, although still not easy, came a lttle bit sooner.
As a result I got hung up on votes and still tend to be, even though I realise many of the top 20, by clicks, and they are huge in comparison with myself, attract few votes and many don't even post too often.
I have only just joined adsense but think I haven't set it up properly yet and it strikes me that you can get involved with a lot of others who benefit from you but not reciprocally.
I understand your beef, it is annoying, now I'm seriously after clicks but seem to get nowhere fast except downhill. If I can't overcome that problem I can see little point in staying, it may be different for you.
I hope I have been at least a little sympathetic, if not very helpful, perhaps someone else can advise, it is not just the content and/or search engine that is the trouble, I get good hits.
katyzzz
Comment by Questionable Content
If the reason I don't get as many comments as say, this blog does, is because people only want to leave nice comments, then that's shit.
I *want* people to voice their true opinions of my writing - if something they read on my site offends them, or if they hate a certain piece, or if they think I should be boycotted, TELL ME!
None of this pussyfooting around, pat on the back stuff. I know there has to be people reading out there that hate what I'm saying, and I wish they'd raise their voices. Any feedback is great, as far as I'm concerned. Lets me know people are actually reading.
And yes katyzzz, I see your point in the "what's the point in staying". Over the last month, my average votes per story have dropped from the 40's to if-I'm-lucky 20's. I'm not doing anything different - maybe that's the problem.
Comment by katyzzz
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I don't like crudeness and bad language, so tend to avoid those posts.
Occasionally, for various reasons I say something out of kindness.
I'd rather tell it how it is, but I know of no-one who has copped as much flack as I have.
I think your complaints are justified, but if you can get the clicks, you'll earn, irrespective of votes.
I wouldn't worry too much about votes but you may feel you want to get your karma up to 10.
I've noticed a few who seem to have got there very quickly, but they may already be established elsewhere.
Other than inviting others to comment, which they don't like either, I can't say I have anything else to offer.
You may have noticed some very bad language on this post but I consider that person has very special needs at present, I don't think he is particularly well, so I didn't make a fuss.
I think you'll know to what I am referring.
Thanks for your comments. I wish you well and hope some people of generous disposition will comment to shed a little light on all of this.
I doubt whether I am the only one concerned.
katyzzz
Comment by Questionable Content
I think you'll know to what I am referring.
Are you referring to me?!
Comment by katyzzz
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But he hasn't bothered me much of late but his content certainly has.
I don't like bad language but I've already told you that.
You'll always get straight answers from me.
Hope I've been a little bit useful.
katyzzz
Comment by Questionable Content
You could send me an Orble message telling me who it is? I just read Cleaning Up Mind Filth and assumed again, apparently incorrectly, that it was me.
My bad.