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Debbiedoo's: It takes Time, lots of time

Debbiedoo's

Diy, thrifty home decor decorating ideas on a budget. Painting furniture, stenciling projects. Turning trash to treasure.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

It takes Time, lots of time

As you can see, I am trying to post some tips and tricks that I have learned along the way for myself.
No expert here...just a girl with a lot of creative energy and a very active mind.
Not to mention I love to 
Many of you gals have asked me, how did I get so many followers in a year. I put a LOT of  Time and effort.
 I am the type of person that when I do something, I put my heart and soul into it. Not to mention the breaks in between because I was overwhelmed.  I have come to a good place with all of that too.


When, I first started, I did feel all alone, like that new kid at a new school.  I recall asking a few blogs to help me out with some things, and really, they did very little to help me out with general things, how to add a link, etc... I had to figure it out on my own. I will have a full tutorial up on that tomorrow.
So I do understand the feeling, and that is why I have chosen to do what I am doing to help some newbs out.
So let me start this little segment with the whole FOLLOWING thing.

Personally I wish they would just do away with it, or at least the numbers.  I tried removing mine, and changing font, but I can't get it right.  Women get caught up in numbers, get a little competitive and also get disappointed when their numbers are moving slowly. I get that. Now,  not all women, but more so than not I am guessing. I was one of them, still sometimes get disappointed if I follow someone and they do not want to follow me back. It is a bit of a sting OUCH. But that is just my personal feelings, so don't put them on yourself...it may not work for you.
I suppose that is why, I feel I follow someone if they follow me. And you know what, some of my best friends out here have been made that way...so don't knock it til you try it.
Now I will say, I want authentic follows, we all do, and I have been very fortunate to get just that.
Be careful out there as to what you say and how you say it. You may be trudging on thin ice.
You may mean to say something totally different than the way it was interrupted... in fact I have seen, and even myself have been on the end of a few strange comments, and cold in fact.
So think before you say. And try to be as sincere as you can with a comment.  Receiving  a "NICE", on a project that I have worked on very hard, well, sounds half hearted to me. I say that, because I have personally spoken with a few of you bloggers whom have told me, they do not care for comments in that fashion...I'm just sayin! . I really do not receive those often, if any, to be honest....
Don't get me wrong, there are posts that only warrant the words "Nice" we all have enough common sense to figure it out. Let me paraphrase this....if the nice comment came from a regular follower, and you always visit and give heartfelt comments, you really should get the same in return.  I have seen the NICE repeatedly...does that make more sense?
If you are a NEWBIE blog and want to get noticed, a more heartfelt comment will do it for ya! IMO!!!!!!!
People notice other comments left, they read them, that may even bring them to your blog....the comment you left on Jane Doe's that said..."WOW" you did a spectacular job on that dresser. What kind of paint did you use, and did it take long? you are so talented"!
I think to myself...."What a nice comment", who was that chick? and you go over to her blog.......

This my friends DO not take with a grain of salt.  
YOU have to make mistakes in order to be better. You learn and grow from them.  AND another bit of advise...DO not take yourself so serious.  Laugh at yourself, have others laugh with you, not at you.
You know how the saying goes if you fall, pick yourself back up again, dust yourself off and move on....something to that nature,it's true.  
There are many of blogs that will melt your heart, ones' that you envy and wish if only I were that talented, if only I had that many people wanting to read me, etc, etc. etc.  
Make it your own, be yourself, and be true to who YOU are and not what others are. That is what makes for a good read, and that is what makes people want to come back.
Now there are big league blogs out there that may totally disagree with any and all I have to say. That's OK, because this is my opinion only, this is what I have done, this is information I have passed along, or perhaps the example I have lead.
With that being said...I will be having some Big guest bloggers coming up.


My first feature was with great success...the way I define it anyhow. Allyson has received some awesome comments and a few fabulous followers along the way. I hope you are all enjoying my little tid bits...I seem to go on  a soap box sometimes...but OH well, that's me!
JUST have fun, it is just a blog! However. this could be a very creative outlet for you, a journal of your life and family, a way to connect with other women with like minds. Perhaps you are recovering from sickness and blogging is a helpful healing aspect.  It can me more than just a blog. So make it what you want it, just don't be too hard on yourself about it.


Labels:

61 Comments:

Blogger Blondie's Journal said...

Everything you wrote is so true, Debbie. You have to be as kind while blogging as you would be in person. I think of it like this...if I take the time to go and visit you at your home, don't act like I never came. Come to my home and visit me. See if you want to become friends with me. I may not have the home you can feel comfortable in or maybe you didn't like what I had to say, but return the visit and see.

This is just a metaphor, but I think it rings true because we all have real feelings when it comes to blogging and followers. I may not follow everyone that comes to my blog, but I always return the visit.

Great post!

XO,
Jane

January 15, 2011 at 10:07 AM  
Blogger Mel said...

You have so many followers because you are genuine, well, talented too :)

January 15, 2011 at 10:10 AM  
Blogger Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Yes, you just have to leave comments all over the place and hope they come by. Linking to a lot of parties gets you out there, too. Some blogs make it and some just don't. I guess it is whatever appeals to others. I love the unfollowers. I have a faceless person that is following and then unfollowing. So silly.

January 15, 2011 at 10:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Debbie, Thank you for "HELPIN' US NEWBIES",you have already helped me, cause I can make a button with text,whooo hooo!...Now!...I have a question:How do or I should say,when I am posting and I want to refer to a previous post how do I link back to previous post????
I know it takes time to read everyones questions,but I'm very patient...and too I leave for Vegas this afternoon and want return till next Tuesday, with that said,if you address this, I will not be able to "BLOG", until next week.....Thank you for all you do.

Jo
LazyonLoblolly

January 15, 2011 at 10:39 AM  
Blogger Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Good Morning my Sweet daughter..
Now girl some times it's hard if someone is following you and doesn't let you know..I call it the "Hit and Miss" If I become a follower I let them know..I also have a rule if I comment more than 3 times and hear nothing back I take them off my list..
I have never cared about the followers as much as I care about the caring and sharing with women..Followers are just a numbers game to me...
Now about the mega blogs girl most of them don't take the time to even comment when you join in their links parties each week..HELLO!! Your party would't be so big without your link up that took the time to do a post so at least you could do is go by and say THANKS...Anyway you know how I feel about this discussion ha ha!!
Putting away soap box for now..
Keep doing all the great things you do Debbie..Your so real that's why I adopted you ha ha!!
Hugs and smiles Gloria

January 15, 2011 at 10:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I still count myself lucky to have found your blog, and muddled through figuring out how to add it to my blog!! Sounds like such an easy thing, but I knew nothing. And still know very little. Only blogging for 6 months, and so much to learn. I added your blog, and a few others, to my blog because it was the quickest way for me to get back to them again. I have so much to learn!

Everything you say strikes a cord with me. At first I was so caught up in that "follower" number slowly ticking up. I would get a little hurt a couple of times when the number actually went down by one. But this is just supposed to be fun for me, no contests, no advertising. Just a fun way to document what, I'm doing. That's the conclusion I had to come to when it seemed to be taking up too much time.

Thank you for all your tips!!!

January 15, 2011 at 10:47 AM  
Blogger Something Nice and Pretty said...

Love this post Deb, it's so true...I agree with Gloria about the parties, both you and Kim have always stopped by to thank me for for joining in and I so appreciate that, always made me smile. Being a newbie is hard but I just keep trudging along:)

Have a wonderful day♥

January 15, 2011 at 10:50 AM  
Blogger HollyC said...

You're such a good gal Debbie!! It's good that you're sharing your experiences with everyone! I can't put as much time into my blog as I'd like...with two small children at home it's hard, but I do try to visit with all those I follow and who follow me. Heck, I would like to be able to follow everyone and visit everyone daily, but you're right...it takes lots of time! The whole 'following' thing is stressful! Thanks for the great advice!!
~Holly

January 15, 2011 at 10:51 AM  
Blogger Jemsmom said...

What an awesome post Debbie! So true and to the point. The whole following has been an interesting thing for me. I actually just went last night and "unfollowed" several people that I just do not visit often. I was also not getting updates on my dashboard from the ones I do enjoy and wondered if I just had too many. I try to follow someone if they follow me and I enjoy their blog. With all that said, for the first time in my life, I don't necessarily want the BIG blog. The competitive part of me kicked in a bit, but then I realized that I just wanted to write about my life and if you wanted to read and get to know me GREAT and if not, no worries! That has been a huge relief to me actually to come to that conclusion!

I think it is wonderful what you are doing and I know so many people will benefit from your ideas! Keep up the good work girl!

January 15, 2011 at 10:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Debbie, this is a great post. I've been considering starting a blog but I'm not sure I have enough going on around my home to keep it interesting to followers. I have done a lot of projects only because other blogs have given me the inspiration to do so. One of the reasons I don't "subscribe" is because I realized after doing so with the first two that I no longer am able to view their blogroll. I really enjoy seeing the blogroll of other bloggers. That's how I have found some of my favorites. I just wanted to point that out. I am curious to know if others do the same thing for the same reason. Maybe I am the strange one:) I have a few under my "favorites" category, and I sometimes check those several times a day just to see if they've posted something new. Thanks to all of you who share your homes with us and give us great ideas and inspiration!

January 15, 2011 at 10:59 AM  
Blogger Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Such great tips. I so agree that the numbers shouldn't be such an issue, however they do seem to be. I think you attract people of like minds and that's why it is so important to be yourself. Then the followers you do have and the blogs you visit will be ones that you really enjoy and isn't that the whole purpose of blogging anyway. You tips are fabulous for the newcomer. It seems like a very strange world when you first start blogging, and I am still learning after two years. Hugs, Marty

January 15, 2011 at 10:59 AM  
Blogger The Charm of Home said...

Such good advice Debbie. You have touched on a lot of really good points. Your best advice is to just be yourself. I love that because when I visit you it is like we are talking in a coffee shop you are very friendly and open that is so nice to visit. I have to say I get around to comment every week but some weeks I do better than others. As you know, with the kids around they eat up a lot of my time. I don't know if your kids do online gaming, but I have two high school boys and when one of them get online he won't let me on, he says I lag him out. They especially notice it when I visit a blog with huge pictures that take a while to load. We live in a rural area and we have high speed but, I can say it is hard for 3 computers to operate to full capacity at the same time. This week with the snow days I didn't comment so much because the kids were hosting gaming matches online and it was tough to see all those comments come in and I have yet to respond. So, I work at it, but I have a hard time with the comment thing. They have a dictating software, it is sold on Amazon. You wear a headset just like the kids do when they talk to there friends and game and you dictate comments and you blog that way, it is supposedly much faster. Sorta like that app for iphone that you speak a word and it will look it up. I am sure we will all be wearing headsets in a few years to do this. LOL Looking forward to your guest bloggers. Stay warm.
Sherry

January 15, 2011 at 11:05 AM  
Blogger The Decorative Dreamer said...

Great advice Debbie! You know I do not get caught up in the numbers game and do not even like the whole emphasis on it. However, it does sting when when you have those you really enjoy following who either decide they no longer want to follow you or ignore your comments all the time. Just try creating a new blog and you'll find out who your real blog friends are, trust me on this one. I had someone whom I thought was a great person until she ignored my comments continously even though taking the time to comment with so many others. I'm not so interested in her fabulous posts anymore. I can't get to everyone all the time but do make an effort to check in from time to time as that's more manageble to me. As for being careful what you say, well, I try. I would never say anything rude intentionally but sometimes I guess I rub people wrong. That is where I think your correct in advising people not to take things so personally. We are all on such a limited amount of time and should remember that in regards to how often and the length of responses to our posts are. I personally would be fine with a Nice Job! ...rather then a cold shoulder. But that's me! You are such a great helper and these gals are really lucky to find you!

January 15, 2011 at 11:07 AM  
Blogger ChRiS said...

i have made some *nice* comments and i always figured if a person took the time to least say that they actually were impressed...now seems its more offending then nothing at all.

January 15, 2011 at 11:08 AM  
Blogger Leo said...

I do try to follow folks who have followed me. But if I follow someone and they don't do that back - I am okay with that. I don't even really notice it.

What I do notice is when I'm a follower to someone's blog and it's obvious that I read their blog regularly because I leave detailed comments on a regular basis - and I never get a response back. That to me is rude and shows disinterest...so I have recently stopped following/reading about five blogs because of that. So to me - responding to comments is very important!!

Thanks Debbie for putting this together. I have learned some great tips already!!

January 15, 2011 at 11:12 AM  
Blogger Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Wonderful advice! I haven't decided how I feel about the whole follow thing. It does get kind of stressful to keep up with everyone. A follower criticized me the other day for my sidebar comment of "follow me and I'll follow you back." She said she'd never follow someone for the sake of getting a follower. My reply was- every follower is a real person. I haven't met many people who were not interesting in some way or another.
Just wondering how you keep up with all your followers. You're always so nice to pop in and comment. Wondering how much time it takes. Maybe you can share your strategy.

January 15, 2011 at 11:18 AM  
Blogger Allyson Pecilunas said...

Debbie, I agree with all of this. I think when you just start out you want people to read you so bad and it eventually happens and takes hard work. I am so glad to have you as a mentor and helping me out along this blog journey! Thank you so much for featuring me it meant alot!

~Allyson~

January 15, 2011 at 11:25 AM  
Blogger Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

Debbie,...so GLAD I found you and your blog! Your posts are so insightful and ring true to me personally!! I love your decorating and sense of humor, your projects, seeing you and your family & what you do to your house!! Love it all!! :)

-heather

January 15, 2011 at 11:28 AM  
Blogger Pam Kessler said...

Nice.

January 15, 2011 at 11:28 AM  
Blogger Debbiedoos said...

Hi Ladies...thanks so much for your opinions and thoughts on this as well. Wonderful.
Tammy you asked how I keep up. Well it is becoming increasingly difficult...but I do try to do it as soon as I receive a comment, either via email or a visit..preferably a visit.
I do not feel it is insulting to have follow me, I follow you...you are right, we are all people, and all have something to share. It does not mean you have to be their BFF, but if you find you get an occasional visit, you can do the same...what harm in that?
JILL, I was not clear on your question? Sorry, me scattered today.
CHRIS...as I said some posts IMO only warrant a nice, you be the judge of that...again, I think a heartfelt, thoughtful comment gets more notice...this advice is for the newbie blogs that want to get noticed..makes sense right:)? I hope so.
Have a great weekend gals, I am signing off til tomorrow...been sitting here for 2 hours.
Debbie xxx000

January 15, 2011 at 11:29 AM  
Blogger Pam Kessler said...

Sorry, couldn't resist. You are so kind to share your knowledge with the newbies!

January 15, 2011 at 11:32 AM  
Blogger Nancy Wyatt said...

And nothing worse than a blogger who emails you asking they put you on their sidebar!, well pestering you over and over about it. I know many who say they don't care and really they do and it taints blog reading for me :( I have seen some bloggers take off their followers feature and simply create a box that instructs folks to go to the top of their blog and hit follow on the blogger bar. That is cool so that folks aren't focused on the numbers. You still see ur number on your dashboard so it isn't completely gone. I think also that life gets busy and so some folks can't respond as life and family gets busy and comes first. I try to visit all my followers at least a few times a month and at the minimum once. So, I'm sorts glad I have not hit the high follower numbers because it would take up my entire life to contact every one of my followers on a regular basis. Thanks for the post, I'm not an official follower but drop in time from time ;) have a good weekend!

January 15, 2011 at 11:36 AM  
Blogger Melissa Miller said...

Debbie I have learned over time to just go with flow. I really don't worry about it anymore. Followers, numbers, posts, commments...etc. Those things are so unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Life is truly a gift and very short. A blog is well just a blog. It's our health and the people that matter.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Warmly, ~Melissa :)

January 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM  
Blogger Farah said...

Very good post Debb... Its my believe that if you are good and sincere to others, people automatically like to idealise you, their likings are always with you.... and for you I am sure, from your heart you are a lively ang very friendly natured, one who like to make jokes, talk pleasently, care for others... and all this count in your lifde very much either in the direct way or in indirect manner...
The same thing is here with your blogging... people love you, like to talk to you ... And I like your participating attitude towards the things...
Really like your this post...

http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah

January 15, 2011 at 11:39 AM  
Blogger Molly said...

Being a woman of few words IRL, I dont comment on every post I see, even on some that make me say "how cute" outloud. But your post made me think about commenting a little more deeply. Reading a post is kind of like listening to a conversation. So if I were face to face with this person listening to them tell me and show me something they have done, I would probably come up with something better to say than just, "nice." If I am going to take some time to click the buttons to post a comment, I should make it a little more conversational.

Let me ask you this...when I get a comment on my blog that I particularly like or asks me a question, I do answer. However, I have it set up that I see my comments thru email so many times I respond via my iphone, not by visiting their blog and posting a comment. Is that bad manners? Maybe it is, because I don't think I have visited the blogs of those that comment on mine. maybe I need to go knock on some doors now...

January 15, 2011 at 11:50 AM  
Blogger Debbiedoos said...

Nancy W...I am not opposed to that either. Of course no pestering should be involved. But if you want to network and get yourself out there, being on a blog roll is a great start. I also feel having someone on my roll benefits them just the same:)

January 15, 2011 at 11:54 AM  
Blogger Erin said...

HAHAHA! I couldn't help but laugh at Pam's Nice!!! I will admit that I have left Nice on occasion... but like you said, I follow those peeps and make other comments all the time...somedays I may be in a funk and I like what you show, but all I am capable of is a "Nice"...and I think sometimes a nice is better than a nada, so I agree..use it sparingly. Good tips lady:)

January 15, 2011 at 12:01 PM  
Blogger Glenda/MidSouth said...

I read your post and responses with interest, and will check back to see what others have to say. I have made notes for a post and changed them (don't want to offend anyone), about my experience in blogging.
My followers list goes up and down like a yo-yo. :D I must be pretty boring at times.
Unfortunately I am behind visiting some new followers. But some I was unable to visit, as there is no link or website.
I will be back to read what more people have to say about this.
Enjoy your weekend.
Glenda
P.S. Yes - I have stopped following some blogs for various reasons.
I want blogging to continue being a fun/enjoyable experience for me.

January 15, 2011 at 12:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just wanted to say thanks! You always visit back to my blog, and it's these little things that count to us Newbies! I always try to visit any blog that leaves a comment, because I know it feels nice!

And I do have a question, just not sure if I am asking it clearly/ right. On replying back to comments, I must be thick. I can't figure it out. I see on some blogs that can reply right under a comment. I can't figure out if I just can't do it, or am doing it wrong. I can only add another comment, which they may not see. If it's a question I try to find their email, but again... easier way?

January 15, 2011 at 12:11 PM  
Blogger DIYbyDesign said...

Great advice Debbie. I try to leave comments that I would like to hear. If someone leaves me a comment I make sure that I go back and visit their blog and leave them one in return, not only thanking them for visiting my blog but also taking notice of what they are doing. I think it's a trap to get too caught up in the numbers. Not only the number of followers but the number of hits each day. I have a phrase on my daughter's memo board that I use as my motto...Treat others how you would like to be treated. If you use that philosophy, it will get you far in life...and in blogging. Keep up the great work. I'm learning so much from hearing about your experiences.

January 15, 2011 at 12:15 PM  
Blogger xinex said...

Great tips, Debbie. You get a lot of followers cause you speak from the heart and you give it your all. I try to visit and comment to everybody who visits me. The only time I am unable to do this is when I am traveling and have no access to internet....Christine

January 15, 2011 at 12:19 PM  
Blogger Anita Diaz said...

Debbie do you ever sleep, lol??? You have been busy, but you always are! I saw your counter stools and they are too fabulous! I love how you painted the random blocks. I desperately want to get to some projects. Send me some of your energy!!

January 15, 2011 at 12:27 PM  
Blogger Vicki said...

This is all great advice. I've only been blogging since September and have put lots of time into forming relationships. I visited a ton of blogs when I first got started. It helped me find my voice, make friends and get ideas. But, you need to be tuned in. Leave meaningful comments. Read the whole post! If you don't have time to do so, then I say don't comment. Otherwise, you may leave a "nice" like Debbie said when an "OMG, this turned out amazing! So glad you finally did it!" might have been more appropriate. Linky parties are the key too BUT you really need to participate and visit others. It is all about networking if you want the numbers to grow AND if you want to make some real relationships with similar interests. I'm having a blast!

January 15, 2011 at 1:28 PM  
Blogger Alison Agnew said...

Well said Debbie. I really enjoy connecting with fellow bloggers who have something worthwhile to say. I always try to give a comment to anyone who comments on one of my posts. It's a little time consuming but worth it to cultivate those relationships.

Thanks for your insights!

January 15, 2011 at 1:35 PM  
Blogger AntiqueChase said...

Two thumbs up NICE...

I agree with 99.9675% of the content...

Great post...

January 15, 2011 at 2:39 PM  
Blogger Randi said...

I know I have always greatly appreciated your return visits to my blog. I don't obsess over how many followers I have because for now I enjoy commenting in return. I feel if someone takes the time to make a comment on my blog, I want to take a moment to comment back. That ability would be lost if I somehow became huge like Dooce. She rarely responds to anyone, yet she is considered the queen of the blogosphere. That may be fine for her, but it's not my style. Your warmth and your "we're all girlfriends" style is what keeps me coming back here. You make us feel like we live right down the block. Still anxiously awaiting your TV show... :)

January 15, 2011 at 3:21 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Debbie, this was so awesome to read, I know first hand about being a new blogger, and I can say that YOU are the biggest SWEET HEART out there, I want to thank you again for all your help I it wasn't for you I would still be out in space... Your a good friend.

January 15, 2011 at 3:47 PM  
Blogger Here On Crow Creek said...

Hey Debbie!! I always always check your blog. You are my buddy not just on the blog but I feel like a real buddy. I think me and you could tear up a town..and we really need to plan on a day to do that soon! You are a sweetheart and a very talented , classy lady! It is a lot of work to get going on a blog but the saying is so true. To have a friend one must be a friend. Oh and have I told ya how excited I am about the pet party!! I cant wait! Nikki&Nelly are soooo excited! I have to get me one of those cute buttons.Is that your doggie on the button? Soooo precious!

January 15, 2011 at 3:59 PM  
Blogger xinex said...

Thank you so much for your kind words, Debbie!...Christine

January 15, 2011 at 4:09 PM  
Blogger Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

You're so right about a little encouragement...especially when you're new...just a few comments when you first start out will give you the inspiration you need. I always try to comment ... especially on new comments and join their follower...sometimes I'm the first one and they truly appreciate it!!! Way to go Debbie!!!

January 15, 2011 at 4:17 PM  
Blogger Traci said...

What a thoughtful post, that is why I love your blog. You can tell you put your whole heart into it. I still have so much to learn...like how to even make a button and I cannot figure out how to post a button on my sidebar. But, that is something I need to work on - and practice with, and read more blog tips. I checked out your first feature and was very impressed!

January 15, 2011 at 4:19 PM  
Blogger Becca Bertotti said...

Great post, Debbie. And, so true. I'm a firm believer in that you get out of something what you put into it! I love all of my friends who I have met through blogging!

January 15, 2011 at 4:26 PM  
Blogger Victoria said...

That was a great post, as usual! But the following thing, I was going to follow a blog last week and I got a message saying I had reached my following limit and would need to delete some in order to add new ones. I've been going thru my list, deleting ones who haven't blogged in 4 months or more but I still felt bad! How come I hit a limit but you haven't yet???


Also, when I first had my profile up it wasn't showing my blog on it or a 'my webpage' link so new bloggers should be sure that they can be found thru their follow icon. I've got people following me that I can't follow back cuz I don't know their blog address:(

January 15, 2011 at 4:54 PM  
Blogger Victoria said...

Oh, also Julian from Tallulah's Antique Closet has somehow removed the numbers from his followers. I'm not sure how he did it but I can ask him.

January 15, 2011 at 4:56 PM  
Blogger Olive said...

I think women should lift each other up and we bloggers should not "eat our young." Lift them up in comments so to speak. Chasing the numbers does nothing for me but I have little ambition and it shows I suppose but I do have great friendships and that also shows. Another fabulous post Debbie!

January 15, 2011 at 6:14 PM  
Blogger Chrissy said...

Oh Debbie, I agree with your comments about followers, but I think that is how I gauge whether I am interesting or not. However, after reading your heartfelt comments, I am getting a better perspective on blogging.
Thanks so much for taking the time to help me (us) :)

January 15, 2011 at 6:33 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

You write so well ! I could never write this ! I totally agree 100%
I always leave nice comments...I am here for the fun, the friends, being inspired and cheer on others!
You are on my blog list with my friends. We have known each other for almost a year. You are wonderful and so much fun !
And i am here for you. I learned a long time ago that you have to support each other to get good toward you.(Karma maybe). But it works and i love the people on Blog land and i love you :)

Hmmm well i have a favor to ask you...
I am a finalist for the Winter wonderland contest on Chictopia and was wondering if you could vote for me. It's on Facebook and takes 2 seconds!
PLease !
Could you tell your readers too ?
Anyways....Here is the link!
http://apps.facebook.com/stylesip_chictopia/

HUGS

January 15, 2011 at 7:26 PM  
Blogger The Polka Dot Closet said...

Well, this certainly was a nice post from a really nice gal! LOL Nothing much to add to everyones fabulous comments except, I was wish I had a fabulous memory, I have no idea if people I comment on comment back. Oh well...Carry on Debbiedoo, you are on a roll

Carol

January 15, 2011 at 8:16 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I really loved reading this post! :) It puts out a lot that no one would ever tell you. Very cool job, Deb!

January 15, 2011 at 8:28 PM  
Blogger Anita Diaz said...

Debbie I forgot to tell you...all you have to do to delete the followers button is click on the little wrench/screwdriver that appears whenever you view your blog. You dan delete anything that way.

January 15, 2011 at 8:41 PM  
Blogger Shellyhectic said...

Thank you so, so much for all your help
There is a Reason you are one of my very favorites!

January 15, 2011 at 8:52 PM  
Blogger Infatuated with Homes and Gardens said...

What great timing this post is ,with the help of you and surprisingly quite a few others I am so enjoying my new hobby ,and am excitedly looking forward to the year ahead, Can't wait to see what you post next!
One thing I amhave not mastered and I think it would make my blog better is photgraphy ,if you are inclined could you please let me know what sort of camera and settings you use when takining interor photos.
~Sharon~

January 15, 2011 at 8:58 PM  
Blogger Sarah said...

Debbie, great advice. Heartfelt comments are important. The best part of having a blog is the friendships that I've made with others that blog. You are certainly a perfect example. I much appreciate your friendship. ~ Sarah

January 15, 2011 at 10:19 PM  
Blogger MJ said...

I love you and your soap box Debbie. Thats why your on my blog roll and I try to check in with you daily and almost on every post. I love to hear from you and I love to visit your GORGEOUS house that I secretly envy. lol I love your crafty projects, I love that you live in the Carolinas. I think your a great blogger and more importantly a fair person. I feel its courtesy to follow if someone follows you too. Im not interested in the bigtime bloggers with 1000+ followers unless their content is of interest to me and in return they take the time to visit my little 70 follower blog. Im lucky to say you were one of my first followers and I in return yours only 7 months ago. Your an awesome lady and I will continue to keep you close. Wishing you a wonderful new year blogger buddy!

January 15, 2011 at 10:35 PM  
Blogger Anne said...

You were spot on saying that you need to make a few mistakes. My philosophy with not only my blog, but life itself...is to be the first to admit you screwed up, and then just laugh about it, and move on! Lesson learned.

By the way, taking care of the newbies is a wonderful thing you're doing! Thumbs up!

January 15, 2011 at 11:09 PM  
Blogger Maria@BubblegumandDuctTape said...

Hi Debbie,
Love this post as I too am puzzled about this whole follow thing. Not quite sure what to make of it. The "followers" who visit me and leave me comments are mostly people who found me through my comments at other blogs. I think that some people don't actually read your post and therefore leave a one word comment.

Thanks for writing on this topic, I'm interested to see what others have commented.

January 15, 2011 at 11:34 PM  
Blogger Maria@BubblegumandDuctTape said...

oh by the way, thanks so much for linking my blog on your sidebar, that is way cool that you did that, You Rock!

January 15, 2011 at 11:35 PM  
Blogger Gypsy Heart said...

You are wonderful!!! If Gloria, "Happy To Be", hadn't helped me when I was trying to start my blog I would have thrown in the towel. Your words are wise and helpful to all ~ seasoned bloggers or newbies. I really appreciate this!

You are kind, genuine, funny, creative, a super mom, talented and a jillion other things so I'm glad to call you friend.

xoxo
Pat

January 15, 2011 at 11:53 PM  
Blogger Gypsy Heart said...

P.S. I posted a giveaway today ~ stop by!

xo

January 15, 2011 at 11:53 PM  
Blogger Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic said...

I really liked this post, it made me think really hard about followers and following, commenting and replying back.
I know people who always reply to every comment they get, and some who never do. Some only reply in their own comment section.
Personally, I've found it to be a very difficult balancing act and sometimes I get overwhelmed and fall off the balance beam totally. I'm shooting for replying to at least 50% of my comments, always trying to rotate around and pick someone different to reply to, especially a new commenter.
One thing I want to point out to newbies is to make sure they can be replied to when they comment. I get so frustrated when I take a lot of time to reply to a nice comment only to notice AFTER I hit send that the email went to no-reply blogger limbo. I think a lot of people don't even realize they have made it impossible to reach them, and then they might get mad and unfollow because they feel ignored by the blogger when in fact that blogger really did try to reach back out to them! Whenever possible I try to go to their blog and let them know I couldn't email them back. Most times they didn't even realize they were set up that way and come back and thank me for pointing it out.
And I never follow a blog unless I see something I like about it. Could be the writing style, the photos, the sense of humor, or the projects. I look around to see if I find it interesting and follow if I do. And if they don't follow me that's ok, I only want people to follow if they like what they see.
Sorry this is so long, you really did make me think! Thanks for such a great post!

January 16, 2011 at 10:02 AM  
Blogger Traci said...

I LOVE the pictures in this post. They're gorgeous Debbie!!

January 17, 2011 at 11:35 AM  

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