Hello, Friends and happy Wednesday. I hope you are having a great week so far.
First, I have show and tell:
Imagine my surprise when just recently I received a package in the mail from Australia. A friend that I met through our mutual blogs sent it to me for Christmas but it took the slow route, apparently, and didn't arrive until February.
Look at all the lovelies I received. A snowman placemat, a jeweled initial key ring, some holiday tissues, and a red beaded ornament.
Thank you, Sue!
I love my gifts very much.
What's on my mind . . .
When I began to blog back in January of 2007, it was simple. There was no Followers gadget then (at least that I was aware of). Nowadays it feels like blogs have become popularity contests, with giveaways or other methods to attract Followers. I guess I am old fashioned. I figure if anyone wants to read my blog (or Follow) it's because they like it, and if not, they won't be returning, simple enough.
A bit of my blog history ~ My first blog was called "Simply Quilted" because I focused mainly on the quilting theme. One day I was trying to delete some photos from older posts but I messed up, and in my frustration, I impulsively deleted the entire blog. At that time a blog couldn't be undeleted. Within a few days I was sorry and started over with "Cootie Bug" which I continued until I had technical issues with Blogger. When I couldn't correct them, I created a newer blog called "Cootie Bug 2" (which I later renamed "Cootie Bug Connie").
Over two years ago I went through a major life change. Along with wanting a fresh beginning, I was having some privacy issues, so I created this blog. Since then, I have attracted former readers and some new ones.
I don't do giveaways, I don't offer free patterns, I don't have photos of fascinating travel, or pets, or gardening, I don't raise chickens, and I don't refinish furniture.
I guess I am asking you for constructive criticism here so if you want to leave a comment, be honest. Soon it will the 300th post on this blog and it's caused me to ponder. Truly, this is not a pity party, but I am rather sorting things out in my mind. Thanks for "listening."
And with that, I'll say
'Till next time
Edit: this is not about quitting blogging; I wrote this to seek opinions on how to make my posts more interesting. I realize nobody can tell me what I need to learn on my own. But your comments are welcomed, just the same. Thanks, Friends. :-)
19 comments:
Lovely gift you got! As for blog followers, I don't even know how many followers I have. For me blogging is not about that. It's about the people who read my blog and leave comments for me. we've become friends and I know they're interested in my life, my sewing and such. I know I've stopped being a follower on some blogs that I now follow via email because it seems more reliable. Just my two cents worth! LOL
Hi Connie, I've enjoyed you blog through your several changes over the years :). It's been a while since I posted on my blog, and with so many changes of Blogger, don't even know if I could. Guess I should at least try. I've enjoyed watched your grands grow up. If you are thinking about leaving, please don't because you would be missed. From central Texas, wishing you a wonderful day!
To Patsy, No, I'm not considering leaving, I'm just wondering if I need to find something on which to focus when I post. Thanks. connie
What a lovely Christmas gift! Nice way to stretch out the Christmas surprises. I enjoy reading your blog, and I'm not looking for something specific. When I first started blogging, my plan was to blog about quilts, but now I'm all over the place. I read blogs about quilting, decorating, travel, etc. Unfortunately, I've signed up to Follow too many blogs, and I plan to clean out my list soon, because I just don't have enough time to read them all. The ones that I will choose to delete will be the BIG bloggers, who never ever respond to one of my comments, or who have never commented on my blog. And much as I like the occasional blog hop, there are just too many to follow any more. I prefer to 'get to know' a small community and mostly stay there. Is that way too much info??
Hi Connie,
I think your content is just fine. I always read but don't always comment. I wouldn't worry too much about followers leaving. Have a wonderful day. :)
Connie, your blog should be about whatever is on your heart and mind to blog about. It's yours and you should do with it what you like. Some folks use them for specific things like quilting or knitting or whatever. Some folks use them for their journals. You shouldn't feel the substance of your blog is something up for question.
Bogging does in many ways seem as though i'ts a contest of sorts. Sme days it seems like that to me...to see who can make the most of...whatever it might be. There are days when I have to walk away from it and enjoy the life we all had before computers!! LOL. Blogging can be about learning something new and making those friendships we all have made. It can be very inspirational and yet it can be the most frustrating thing too!
I'm probably not helping much at all. But just keep it the way YOU like it!!! That's what matters most.
Hi Connie--I just read your site for the first time--Think I popped over from 'A Hug Delights' site--
and you sound soooo much like me!!!
I have my followers list at the very bottom of my site page--I do enjoy discovering that I have a new follower--but that is now why I post--I post for me and for the small group of friends I have created--not sure what I would do without them in my life!!! I also hate the advertising on the sites-
cause I do not have TV for that reason plus there is nothing I am interested on it--my TV is spending time with my blog reading!!
and I did read down some posts and found the one on the decorating sites--I again feel like you do--I do have some I follow--but they again mostly have 'white' and I am a color gal--and my pet peeve with most of them is they photo the new arrangement 10 times just different angles--that drives me nuts--show me something new!!!!!
well-better go before I bore you--
hugs, di and miss gracie
I don't give away stuff either..I use to raise chickens, but the feed go to be too expensive!
I've "followed" you around a LOT!...and I'll still be here.
Have a good week!..and find something to sew on!
I am also not picky about content. My favorite blogs are the ones that are real and not commercialized. I want to get to know someone and delight in their creativity, grandkids, etc. I have actually tried to 'unfollow' blogs because my list is way too long, but Blogger makes it very difficult. I think I have done it, and then they are there the next day. When I first found quilting blogs in 2011, I was excited about the giveaways and all the eye candy. I was fortunate to win quite a few things as I didn't have the funds to get started quilting. I have donea few giveaways since then - not to build up my followers, but to repay the blogging community for what I received. :)
I've been with you through a couple different blogs. I'm attracted to blogs that feel good to read. They are usually written by every day people, like me. I have done give aways and link ups. This was just because I wanted to. I'm not really into counting my followers either. I follow blogs so they are on my reading list. I blog for me and I read blogs for me. I like your blog just as it is.
That package sure took a long time to make it's way to you! I'm glad it did make it though as it was full of wonderful things!
I like your blog just the way it is. Blog about whatever you feel compelled to share. I've often wondered why I've lost followers too but had to remind myself that it is impossible to please everyone. Do what ever makes YOU happy!
Connie, what interests me is the heart of the person writing. You seem to me to have a sweet heart, so I like to visit and see what's going on in your world. Just be you. 'Cause you are just fine!
First off, I wouldn't take the fact that you "lost a follower" as a negative. They may have just been cleaning up their lists and decided to keep the ones that they follow the most. I would just keep doing what you are doing. It's your blog. Just enjoy the process.
I don't visit your blog as often as I'd like but I enjoy dropping by and catching up on you and your life. I wouldn't worry about losing a follower. Sounds like you have some pretty faithful ones. ; ) I've always enjoyed your blog and consider you a blogger friend.
I like the variety of posts on your blog. I like the fact that you are who you are and just enjoy sharing your life with your readers.
(I do follow your blog in my blog reader, but I also follow blogs via e-mail--although I think it's easier to follow them in the blog reader [and much more difficult to unfollow someone who has quit posting or whose content has changed so much that it no longer draws me in].
Mrs Connie~
I enjoy to see what you have to say & are up to.
I am so short on time this eve...
however you bless me by who God has made you & what you share!
Thank you for being just that...smile
Blessings~
Lori
Well, I was just telling you the other day how I enjoy seeing you post, but please don't let the whim of someone else affect your desire to share! I feel like others who have commented here, do this for yourself! People can tune in, or turn the channel. You are appreciated, whether it appears in followers or not ~
:-}pokey
The way you organize your blog awesome thank you very much for the sharing such nice stuff.
Villas for Rent in France
Connie ~ I'm not sure what you could do differently. You're YOU! Your blog will reflect your interests and passions with a little bit of life thrown in. I've enjoyed all you post about. I'd say just keep doing what you do...you always get lots of comments!
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