Because Maggie Asked The Questions About Blogging, I Will Answer Them

/ Ally Bean

Good Morning! It snowed, and continues to snow, here. This is going to be a perfect day for answering questions.

~ • ~

Earlier this week Maggie at From Cave Walls wrote a post offering advice intending to help new bloggers specifically, but useful to all bloggers in general.

She also asked her readers to answer 10 questions about blogging. After mulling over the questions for a few days, here are my answers.

• Do you respond to every comment, even if it is just an emoji?

I attempt to reply to all comments on a timely basis, although occasionally I miss one.  I’m not a fan of using just an emoji to begin a conversation but will reply with words to it.  I have no trouble with emojis used in conjunction with words or just an emoji to end an ongoing conversation.

• Are there styles, colors, or fonts that make reading a blog more difficult?

Yes there are.  I find it almost impossible to read white/pastel letters on a dark background.  I know it looks dramatic or modern, but I find it difficult to see.

I also think that it looks messy when someone indiscriminately has words in too many different colors within the text of a post.  Same with words that are written using a mix of uPpER and LoWEr cAsE letters.  They slow down my ability to read the post and I don’t like to be slowed down.

• Under what circumstances would you block a user?

I block spammers, haters, and people who are only here to try to get me promote their products or services.  This is my personal blog therefore: my blog, my rules.

• Are there certain topics you refuse to engage with?

I’ll talk about many topics, but I refuse to talk about things like health issues or finances or the specifics about who we are/where we live.

• How do you feel about blogging awards?

Early on they seemed important but now I’m indifferent to them.  If it makes you feel good about receiving one, then flaunt it.  However long ago I deleted the page on which I had mine, but that’s just me.

• How old is your current blog?

The Spectacled Bean is 11 years old [as if my loyal gentle readers didn’t know that already 🙄].

• Do you respond to prompts?

Generally speaking I freeze when I see a prompt.  Occasionally I’ll find something to say in regard to one, but overall they scare me and I immediately feel stressed.  It has to do with too many collegiate essay exams that were a large percentage of my final grade.

When it comes to playing follow-the-leader in the blogosphere, I like straightforward questions like these, or an ongoing weekly or monthly challenge, truth be told.

• Do the number of your blog followers matter to you?

No, not at all

• What motivates you to follow or unfollow a blog?

I FOLLOW blogs written by people who aren’t afraid to be unique, who know how to think clearly & write truthfully, who seem to be kindhearted, and who create blog posts that are visually pleasing.

I UNFOLLOW [or never follow to begin with] a blog whose tone is rude, crude, whiny, preachy, or there’s too much emphasis on selling something.  I’m not here for that crap.

• What is your blogging pet peeve?

I want to see a well-written up-to-date ABOUT page on every personal blog.  I want to know who you think you are before I start reading your posts.  Have some gumption and define yourself, kids!

~ • ~

TGIF, everyone.  Happy Weekend to you.

~ ~ • ~ ~

199 thoughts on “Because Maggie Asked The Questions About Blogging, I Will Answer Them”

  1. Our approaches are generally the same. The other thing that can lead me to unfollow a blog is too much posting. I follow several who post daily, or twice/three times a week, but those are generally photography blogs that I want to see. However: there are been people I’ve tried to follow who post not just daily, but multiple times each day. Ain’t nobody got time for that!

    Liked by 15 people

    • Linda, I was thinking about you earlier this week. In front of me, pinned to the wall, is something you’d written to me several years ago, pertaining to how you approach writing. It was in response to me having writers block. Lots of great wisdom packed into a couple of sentences. We never know how we touch other people.

      Liked by 4 people

    • Linda, good point about too much posting. I follow some bloggers who post daily, but I check-in with them a couple of times a week, not daily. I’d guess that if you write a daily blog you’d not expect your bloggy friends to be there every day– but then again, maybe daily bloggers do. I try to be here once a week, occasionally twice a week, sometimes I skip a week even!

      Liked by 4 people

      • Sometimes I just get so behind, even with blogs I love, that I have to skip some weeks. I used to force myself to read every post of those I follow. Then I was like, wait, I’m doing this for fun. Chill girl–there’s not going to be a test! Doesn’t mean I’m not a fan. 🙂

        Like

        • Annie, made me smile with “there’s not going to be a test!” So true, but like you I used to worry about keeping up with everything that bloggy friends wrote. Now I do my best, allowing me to chill.

          Liked by 2 people

  2. Enjoyed reading this one. Tone is also very important to me. I have no interest in reading someone venting. (ranting, whining, snark) Also refuse to read comment threads where people are doing the same. I do probably need to look at my “about” page. it’s been a while.

    Liked by 3 people

    • DM, you’re right, there are a few blogs out there that are ALL about venting, never saying anything positive or constructive. Everyone writes their blogs in their own way and it’s not my job to fix/change people, so if I stumble across someone who seems intent on being a whiner, I just move on.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. I’m pretty much in line with your answers. I’d probably add that I choose not to follow those who post daily or multiple times daily. I just don’t want to use my time that way. I also try to avoid politics if I can which is challenging these days. Interesting about your thoughts on an About page. Have a good Friday.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Judy, yes posting too often can be a bummer for those of us who want to follow someone, but just can’t commit to that much interaction. I usually try to check in with the prolific bloggers once or twice a week. And yes, a good About page sets the tone for your blog. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it!

      Liked by 2 people

    • Dan, thank you. I update my About page about every year, too. Like you I don’t look at it often, but I know gentle readers do. It’s such a simple way of introducing yourself, yet some bloggers don’t have one.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Hi Ally, I agree that the use of cutesy colors, all caps/partial caps, and a weird background and type color combination is very disconcerting. Also, overly lengthy posts that aren’t broken up by headings are a turnoff. I will add no politics to the list of ‘off-limits’ conversations. I’m here for positive vibes only! Thanks for sharing Maggie’s link. I’ll go over and see how her readers responded.

    Liked by 6 people

    • Suzanne, I occasionally use color on words, but it is judiciously and for a reason. I’ve never liked seeing a mix of upper/lower case letters, but I know it was a thing at one point. I agree with you about how you need visual breaks when a post is lengthy. That’s part of my MAKE IT PRETTY idea about blogging– that I talk about every so often. Maggie is cool beans, I know you’ll like her post and blog.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. I feel like I’d have similar answers, but I too would include steering clear of politics. I mostly enjoy blogs that make me chuckle, are relatable, or make me think. I like when a blogger replies to comments, but it isn’t a deal breaker. I might need to look at my ABOUT page, not sure I’ve updated it recently. Thanks for the reminder. Interesting to see that people don’t want to follow a blog that posts too often, on a week when I freakishly posted 4 times. Yikes.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Ernie, I talk about politics in passing here, never as the focus of a post, just as my point of view. No one cares when I do, but obviously that’s not my groove here.

      I think that because there are so many wonderful personal blogs now [maybe because of the pandemic?], it’s difficult to keep up with anyone who posts a lot. I do my best to check-in with everyone at least once a week so I try.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I think your answers would mirror many of my thoughts as well. I do need to go back and look at my About, it’s been a while!
    I too find extremely long paragraphs, or even entire posts, without a break or a subhead, really tiring to read. The other side of that is posts that are made too cute with way too much color and chaos.
    I have unfollowed people who start delving way into their deepest most painful and personal experiences. Sometimes, it is embarrassing to read, stuff that should be shared with a therapist only, and then only after a long time in therapy! And then the responses get equally as uncomfortable.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Dorothy, hear, hear to all you said. I have no problem reading lengthy well-written posts if there are visual breaks– and the topic isn’t cringeworthy. You’re right about some of the stuff people say in their blogs. I don’t want to upset anyone further who seems to be in need of professional help. I just quietly back away.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. I’m with you my friend; great advice for all bloggers. Keep it nice, positive and for me: no politics. Nothing turns me off from someone more than talking politics; bashing one party over another.

    Dark backgrounds can really damper my mood too. What’s with that?

    I try to respond to all comments, but I do know that some people never go back and look (those on blogger who don’t get notifications) so for them I don’t usually reply. Now I’m starting to rethink that. Hmmmm….

    I have an “about me” page, but I really don’t know if anyone has ever looked at it. 😳

    Have an amazing weekend; your snowy front yard looks like a postcard.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Suz, I try to keep it lighthearted here, not because I have no depth but because it’s more fun to talk with people about daily life debacles or general silliness. If you want politics in depth, go to FB.

      I try to reply to all comments, but I get a lot here and I sometimes miss a few. I used to beat myself up about it, but now I accept that [and I hope I don’t shock you here] I am not perfect.

      I get about 7 or 8 hits on my About page every week. I agree that the yard looks like a postcard, better as an image than as something I have to traipse through.

      Liked by 3 people

  11. I FOLLOW blogs written by people who aren’t afraid to be unique, who know how to think clearly & write truthfully, who seem to be kindhearted, and who create blog posts that are visually pleasing. ~> YES!

    I UNFOLLOW [or never follow to begin with] a blog whose tone is rude, crude, whiny, preachy, or there’s too much emphasis on selling something. I’m not here for that crap. ~> YES!

    In short, Ally ~> YES!

    Liked by 4 people

    • Nancy, thanks for your support and kind comment. These questions are thought-provoking and I like that. I feel I’m better in tune with myself and the purpose of my blog after answering them. Not bad for a cold snowy winter day!

      Like

  12. I appreciate your insightful responses to my questions. It is good to know I am not the only one tripped up by font changes within a paragraph. It mentally stops me in my tracks often causing me to re-read the paragraph. I noticed you posted all your social media links and a Gmail address. Do you get a lot of spam – particularly directed to your email?

    Liked by 3 people

    • Maggie, yes, “tripped up by font changes” is exactly how I am too. Well said. I don’t know if it’s age or impatience on my part, but I want what I read to look smooth.

      I get spam on this blog via WP, but I rarely get spam at my email address. Most people who contact me there want to tell me something extra/private in reference to something I wrote. Kind of a behind the scenes rest of the story dealio.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. We’re pretty much the same. I can’t deal with bloggers who post more than once a day so if I like their stuff or certain themes I’ll only follow that particular area. I’m tied to my computer long enough during the day as it is! I want to be out making images or doing something fun so, I’m sometimes late responding or reacting to what people post, but I catch up! 😀

    Liked by 4 people

    • Deborah, I know what you mean. I like reading/seeing what people want to share, but I also like NOT being around screens. I comment on posts when I have the chance and never worry about when I comment. Today, tomorrow, next week– it’s all good.

      Like

  14. I am so with you on the colors and the ransom note fonts. It’s like watching movies where the camera moves too much or reading poorly researched books; anything that pulls a reader or audience out of the story is problematic–and should be edited out.

    My blog exists because I like to tell stories, especially funny ones. It’s also a reminder that whiteness shouldn’t be our default setting, whether in dating or simply living in the U.S. Of course I get a lot of racist comments and spam, but WordPress filters most of it so I don’t have to do too much blocking.

    Every so often my blog gets posted on an Asian MRA thread on Reddit, but that generally fizzles. As a white woman a hot Chinese American partner who can cook and dance, there’s not a lot of fodder for them. Or maybe it makes these dudes realize they should work on making themselves into a good partner/ person instead of trolling, doxxing, and attacking every Asian woman they think likes white men (when she should only exist to exalt Asian dudes).

    Liked by 4 people

    • AutumnAshbough, yes, yes– edit it out if disrupts the flow of the story. That’s my complaint with the goofy use of colors and fonts. Just let me read unhindered.

      You tell great stories, and I love how you politely, pointedly, explain the relationship dynamics involved in your life. You’ve certainly made me more aware of how other cultures approach daily life– and the issues therein.

      I didn’t know about the Reddit thread situation, but I’m not surprised either. It’s fun to think that you disarm some dudes with your common sense approach to relationships. Bet it grinds their gears, as people used to say.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. I think I feel similarly about blogging. Though I can’t figure out how to change one part of my blog, that I obviously had once upon a time known how to get to, but now don’t. So it’s old. I agree with some of the commenters too about posts that go on too long, or without paragraphs. Sometimes there’s just too much. But on the other hand…sometimes I think there’s not enough substance. I go back and read my original posts and they were a lot more thoughtful than most of my posts these days. My blog has morphed into mostly photography with a few brief thoughts interspersed. I guess that’s OK. My blog, my rules, right? 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    • Dawn, I know that I, too, write in a more abbreviated style now than I did when I first started. I was more introspective and willing to express myself in depth then, but over the years I’ve adopted a chatty conversational tone here. That’d be my parallel to you posting more photos. If you don’t change as you go along, are you even alive? That’s my theory.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. *speeds over to check how up-to-date my About page is*

    I love personal blogging; I get very invested in other people’s lives. It is such a great way to connect. Also: I had many pen pals in my youth, and it sort of feels like that. Without the mailing stuff.

    Sometimes people blog a lot, and at great length, and at times I find that hard to keep up with. It’s not a pet peeve, because I love the glimpse into someone’s life, but sometimes I just find it hard to keep up! Do you know what I mean? Not a complaint, just an observation. When I comment I like to at least have something to say and if the post is extremely long sometimes I don’t have the time to go through it the way I would like.

    I’m glad to have bloggy friends like you! I keep some things very close to my chest as well; there are some topics I just don’t touch.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Nicole, you said it. I, too, get invested in other people’s lives and that’s why when a blogger just disappears, I’m worried/heartbroken, wondering what happened. Not that they owe me an explanation, of course.

      I get what you’re saying about lengthy posts that tend to ramble; other commenters have mentioned that too. I understand that self-expression comes in many forms, but I sometimes get lost. Like you said: “Not a complaint, just an observation.”

      I know some people are comfortable sharing all the deets of their lives, but I just can’t. So I don’t. Deal with it, world.

      Like

  18. I like learning more about you, Ally Bean. Though I’m sure my About Me page is severely lacking. I’ll have to go look at it.

    Interesting about topics you won’t do. I casually mentioned in a previous post that I don’t want to hear about someone’s colonoscopy and a dear reader of mine totally disagreed with my stance. She finds those type of posts educational, which I totally understand. So, I’m wishy washy on the topic. I steer clear of religion and politics, as I’ve been burned before by innocent comments. It’s sad because I think it’s important to be able to understand all sides, not just your own. That’s why empathy is severely lacking these days.

    Liked by 5 people

    • Bijoux, I agree with you that empathy is lacking in our world, as is understanding. I talk occasionally about something political/religious, but no one cares about my opinions, so it goes smoothly.

      I won’t go into health related issues. I may mention in passing something about a doctor’s appointment, but no one needs to know much more than that. I like to keep some things private. And isn’t that a shocking statement to make in our socially mediated world?!!

      Like

  21. I think we play by the same rule book. Because I value my blog followers, I do respond to every comment.

    Generally, I do not get carried away with colors, but in a post about February and tulips later on this month, I get a little carried away, but (Ally, dear) I’m not going back to edit it out. ;-D

    Liked by 4 people

    • Marian, I do my best to reply to all comments because I realize no one HAS to comment here, they CHOOSE to comment.

      I’m sure your upcoming post will be perfect. Occasionally using colorful letters works for me. I do so too. Just not all the time, all over the place. I get cross-eyed.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Uh-oh. I don’t even know what’s on my About page these days. I really should have a look at that and the other pages I have set up and haven’t bothered to update in forever. Thank you for the reminder. My answers would be similar to yours. One of my old blogs uses a dark background and a white font. It seems to fit that blog. I don’t think I’d use it again.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Robin, I usually check those auxiliary pages about once a year, then apply myself to updating them. I figure for people who’ve been reading along forever it makes no difference, but to new people who’ve just found me it’s a good way to introduce myself. I don’t know if it’s age or my current eyeglasses prescription, but I cannot read the light words on a dark background.

      Liked by 2 people

  23. I’m much the same as you, I want to read interesting, clever, well written posts but not mean spirited, pushy or filled with misinformation. I also don’t like daily or multiple times a day posts. I’ll have to check my About page and see if I can change the colour to black when I put in a link. It automatically changes to blue and I never thought about it being distracting. Thanks for sharing all of your answers. Maggie (a different one!)

    Liked by 5 people

    • Monkey’s Tale aka Maggie a different one, it’s all about tone and intent when it comes to personal blogging. I have no trouble with one or two colors of words, interspersed judiciously in the text. Those blue links don’t bother me at all. It’s just that when there are about a gazillion colors of words in one post my eyes bug out. Too much, I say to myself, too. much.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. I’m pretty much with you on all the questions except the subjects I won’t talk about are politics and religion. I don’t mind talking about the subjects you won’t post about since I do more personal blogging these days than anything else, but I certainly wouldn’t go into too many details either. I also don’t mind reading blogs that discuss politics or religion as long as that’s not all they ever talk about.

    I have an About page on my blog but I’ve often wondered if anyone ever looks at it. I always click the About page when meeting new bloggers if they have one.

    Have a nice Friday and a great weekend!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Martha, I occasionally talk about politics or religion here, but it’s far from the focus of this blog. I agree, that if that’s all anyone writes about, then I’m outta there. Variety is the name of the game for me.

      I get around 7 or 8 hits on my About page every week. People read it. Now whether they stick around, that’s whole ‘nother thing. Happy Weekend to you, too.

      Like

  25. The About Page is the first place I go, if there is one! If not then I am cautious before investing time and effort into a new blog. It will never be about numbers or likes, always about people I feel I can relate to and talk with.

    Liked by 5 people

  26. You said it best. I don’t like wordy. When I find myself skimming, I wonder what I’m doing there. I follow a blogger who posts 5 to 10 times a day (she follows every challenge there is). I only read one of her posts each day because it’s original and about her life. The rest are mostly concoctions to fit a challenge.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Kate, I’ve always tended toward writing succinctly. I’m all about GET TO THE POINT [assuming there is one, of course]. I appreciate the effort and dedication it takes to post every day, many times a day even, but I can’t keep up.

      As someone said to me not too long ago, the reason she follows fewer bloggers [and FB friends] is that they insist on doing prompts + challenges and she considers that contrived. I’d not thought of them that way before.

      Liked by 2 people

  28. I appreciate this topic and reading through all the comments (so far) in response. I’ve been thinking a lot about blogging in recent weeks. One of the reasons I’m on hiatus is that I wanted some space in which to consider the whats and whys of blogging, and blogging vs. other kinds/ways of writing. I have been reading more than I have in years (decades?). And I’ve been writing a lot. One day I almost broke silence to post something–I do miss having a place to share/explore ideas with others–but the urge passed and I was glad I didn’t indulge it. For whatever it’s worth, I think “my blog, my rules” could be the only rule any of us ever needs to keep on a right (for us) blogging path. But also: yeah, don’t do a black background. (https://uxmovement.com/content/why-you-should-never-use-pure-black-for-text-or-backgrounds/)

    Liked by 5 people

    • Rita, thanks for the link. It explains what I’ve been experiencing with the white/light letters on the dark background: “This effect is known as ‘halation’ and it affects users with astigmatism…” YES! I feel vindicated.

      I take breaks from blogging, too. I come back refreshed and ready to rejoin the group. I know that I read more books and articles when I’m not blogging, but I never write a thing when I’m not here. Considering I’m trying to keep my mind clicking through writing, I need to keep blogging. At least for a while longer.

      Liked by 2 people

  29. Interesting to read. I’m similar to you in that I like a variety of topics on a blog and NO selling, not too much whining(some is normal) and an attempt to engage with the commenter. I’ve been reading several blogs lately where there is no interaction at all with me, even if I ask a question in my comment. It’s not motivating to continue to follow those blogs. I guess it defines a bit more what I’m looking for in my own blog or in others’.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Margaret, yes your expectations are the same as mine when it comes to how I approach personal blogging. No surprise, considering how long we’ve been at this.

      I’ve had bloggers skip over my comments while replying to everyone else’s. That is just rude. I’ve also had the experience when you care enough to ask a question, only to find yourself ignored. I think to myself, “I’m sorry, was my interest in the conversation YOU started too much for you?” I think this in a snarky tone of voice, of course.

      Liked by 3 people

  30. I agree with everything you have said here, although my about page has crickets going on. 😉 My blog is mostly photographic but I do written posts now and then. In the past there were a couple of very popular blogs that I followed and enjoyed but began to get annoyed with the tone in some of the responders’ comments. I can do without sarcastic and condescending. I unfollowed when each of them decided to try to belittle me in a comment. Then again, their blogs, their rules; no one has to stay. Happy weekend. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    • Lynette, I like your photos and your approach to blogging. I like anyone who does their own thing well, and doesn’t try to stir up trouble along the way. Weird about sarcastic and condescending comments, but not surprised I suppose. I also think that communicating solely through the written word on the screen at times lends itself to miscommunication. I know I’ve written comments that when I went back to read them later I realized that they sounded much harsher than I meant them to be. 🙁

      Liked by 2 people

      • Lynette and Ally, when I blogged I tried to give a regular commenter the benefit of the doubt when I perceived a comment as being derisive toward me in any way, (especially since I had a personal rule that I don’t argue online) but two “off” comments in a row – a pattern -was the limit of my tolerance. If *I* think in retrospect, as Ally said, that my words may have been misconstrued or poorly chosen on someone’s blog, I try to compensate a bit (with tone) whenever I next comment.

        Liked by 3 people

        • Colette, good thinking. I’m fairly sure that most people who bother to comment on this blog are not interested in causing trouble. I like your two off comments, then you’re out. I try to make amends too when I feel like I said the wrong thing. I tend to be silly sometimes and that is usually what gets me in trouble. 🙄

          Liked by 2 people

      • I agree. Sometimes I worry that I’ve been misunderstood and haven’t expressed myself very well. In the case of these two bloggers, I had noticed the consistency of tone over time (in each case, more than a year) and I had seen talk them down to others, as well, so these weren’t one-off comments. Cheers. 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

  31. I want to come back and read all the responses carefully, but right now, I just want to say DITTO! Also adding the multiple posts a week or – horrors! – a day. Who is that interesting? And, who has the time to read that? Not me. Also, I think the gods are talking to me… this is the third recent post that has chided me to update my About page… I’ll get right on it!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Janis, people here have said many thoughtful things in regard to these questions. That’s cool. I enjoy learning about how people blog, and what bugs them about personal blogging. I’m not that interesting so I know I could never make a go of it by posting every day. I understand what you mean about attempting to read everything someone writes. I get to what I can, but SHOCKINGLY I have a life outside of blogland so I live it first.

      Yes, update your About page. You’ll be glad you did. 😉

      Liked by 2 people

  32. Why is it so fun to see other bloggers’ thoughts on the nitty gritty? Because it IS fun, and fascinating. I will 100% not read a blog in reverse type — I cannot do it.

    Now I am off to check on my About Me page, because it surely needs updating. I just updated my Me 101 after about a million years, so that’s something.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Suzanne, I agree that there’s a certain fascination that comes when reading about how other people do that which you do. The thing about personal blogging is that you learn it on the fly. I’ve known a few people in real life who wanted to start blogs but couldn’t do it because they couldn’t take the uncertainty of personal blogging– just putting yourself out there without guarantees was too much for them.

      Is your Me 101 in reality your About page? Just curious

      Liked by 2 people

  33. Great post! I love your answers and pretty much agree with all of them (although anybody who doesn’t know the specifics of where I live clearly has their head in the sand!). I do think it’s funny how you say you freeze up when you see prompts, and yet, this whole post is based around prompts! 🙂

    Enjoy your snow. We’re below normal this winter, so I guess you’re getting our usual windfall. Or snowfall, as it were.

    Liked by 4 people

  34. Cool and perfect responses. (and equally interesting comments. It’s always a fun crowd here)
    Dialogues through comments are what makes blogging fun…especially in bad or boring weather
    Agree on the fonts and formats – often my eyes are tired and all that circus stuff is cute but is distracting.
    Been out of pocket recently, so have to run and respond to comments left (OH, the guilt…avoidance doesn’t make it any better or easier though. It is rude not to speak when spoken to…they used to say that somewhere, right?) Hope you have a nice weekend!

    Liked by 4 people

    • philmouse, I agree that it’s the conversations in the comments that make personal blogging fun. I love your description of the word/font situations as “circus stuff” because that’s exactly what those blog posts look like. A few colors, wonderful. A bunch of colors, my eyes don’t know what to look at next.

      I grew up with “It’s rude to not speak when spoken to” so I feel that way with blog comments, too. Good manners, you know? Thanks for checking in here. You know you’re always welcome.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. I remember when I started blogging I said I would never talk about pets or politics. Guess what? I was bad! I’m like you with the prompts … I think it’s a sweet idea but I’m not nearly clever enough to keep up.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Jan, funny how we evolve and adapt as we go along in blogland. As long as someone feels comfortable writing about whatever, it’s all good. You do you, boo. I agree that prompts are generous and sweet, but I have the worst time with them. My mind goes blank.

      Like

  36. Good answers, Ally. I update my About page at least once a year. Multiple posts per week turn me off. Number of followers is an inaccurate reflection of the quality of the blog. I find prompts are usually not what I have in mind so I just write what I want to write 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    • Natalie, I update my About page yearly, but not on a strict schedule. One day I’ll think to do it, so I do.

      I try to post once a week, although for these last three weeks I’ve posted twice a week as a personal challenge to see if I could. I can, so it’s over now, having proven something to myself. Not sure what though.

      I want to love doing prompts, but somehow they make my brain shut down. I know many bloggers rely on them, but somehow I just can’t. Oh well

      Like

  37. I agree with you on nearly all your points. I especially hate reading small fonts and/or black backgrounds. My blog is probably visually boring but I’m scared to change my format/skin out of fear I won’t get it back if I don’t like changes I might like to experiment with.

    After reading your comments about an About Page I’m wondering if I should add one. I have a header that tells some things about me but it’s more of a mission statement, and I have a link listing what I blog about but how to do an About Page is a mystery to me.

    Liked by 5 people

    • Jean, I understand your fear about changing your blog template. I’ve had to do that a few times because WP no longer supported my old one. I held my breath, then moved onto a new one. Like you, once I changed it there was no going back. There were issues, of course, but in the end I got things looking good again in a different way. And with no dark backgrounds! 😉

      I don’t know anything about Blogger to help you figure out how to do an About page. On WP it’s easy… which doesn’t help you at all.

      Liked by 1 person

  38. “I’m not here for that crap!” Best line ever lol you’re my hero! 😂 Honestly, I had an about page and it somehow got deleted… I have NO IDEA what happened to it… have been meaning to get it back up but what I had on there wasn’t saved in a draft folder elsewhere so now I have just find time to do it.. ugh! But thanks for the reminder! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  41. Ooo, pretty snow. We need more. I had to drive through some UGLY snow from Albuquerque yesterday. They got maybe two inches and shut down the city like there had been a terrorist attack or something.

    As for blogging, all your responses make good sense. I recently updated my About page, but know I should try to be a little more expansive and creative. Sigh.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Eilene, I understand what you’re saying. Once upon a time we were in Albuquerque in mid-December and there was 1/2″ of snow. The staff at the hotel worried for our safety driving in it. We assured them we’d be okay, and we were. Partially because we know how to drive in snow, partially because there were almost no cars on the roads. Overreact much?

      Good luck with your About page. When you get it right, you’ll know it instantly.

      Liked by 2 people

    • Gigi, I like your idea of a slightly larger font. I don’t know why white letters on a black/dark background became popular but I find them difficult to read. About pages can be fun!

      Like

  43. We sound pretty similar. I know that many blogs promote a product or the person, but NOTHING turns me off faster than if that is all a blogger does. I look for a fresh opinion with a witty sense of humor who isn’t afraid to poke fun of themselves. Followers? What does some meaningless number mean if their “followers” don’t engage with them? I always head to the About Me page when checking out any new blog. It’s surprising the number of blogs that don’t have one.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Pete, yes I agree with you about too much promotion. If your blog is meant to be part of your author’s platform I understand some self-promotion, but start doing that all the time and I’m outta there. Too much of the same.

      You said: “What does some meaningless number mean if their ‘followers’ don’t engage with them?” Amen, brother. I’m right there with you on that issue– and on heading to the About page. I want a starting point when I follow a blogger.

      Liked by 2 people

  45. Interesting about the white text on dark background – I got told that that’s gentler on the eyes (because dark text on white/light background means more light is shining into your eyes) so should be easier to read, particularly if it’s a lot of words / you’re reading for a long time.

    I found myself reading this thinking, “yes, makes sense, given the layout/content of your blog” 🙂 And I do agree about having an “About” page for all blogs. Occasionally I think I should update mine, but then I have a read and realise not much has changed 😛

    Liked by 3 people

    • Pistachios, Rita, a commenter above, linked to a page that explains the science behind why and how your eyes see what they see when reading text. It’s difficult for me [with an astigmatism] to see when it’s white/pastel on dark, but not everyone.

      These questions got me thinking about how I do/keep/write this blog. I’ve changed my approach as I’ve gone along, so the contemplation required to answer Maggie’s questions, based on now, was good for me.

      Liked by 1 person

  46. “I FOLLOW blogs written by people who aren’t afraid to be unique, who know how to think clearly & write truthfully, who seem to be kindhearted, and who create blog posts that are visually pleasing.”

    Hmmm, guess that’s a nice compliment to all of us followers here on your blog! THANKS!
    I updated my About page about 3yrs ago – seems like yesterday. I’ll get to it once all my music stuff is ‘updated’
    😉

    Liked by 3 people

    • Laura, that is a compliment to all the people who follow here and I follow back. I hadn’t thought of that, so serious was I answering the questions.

      While it’s not a dealbreaker or imperative that all bloggers have About pages, if someone does it’s nice when it’s current. Although I get having one that works for many years.

      Liked by 1 person

  47. Good answers, Ally. I also have a hard time reading white or pastels on black. I don’t think I’ve ever blocked a follower, but I have blocked a couple of comments. There must be many more blogs I would enjoy following, but I don’t seem to be able to fit in the time.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Nicki, I agree with your last sentence so much. There are interesting blogs out there, but finding them then finding time to read them… well, it could be a full-time job. I just don’t have the time to do that.

      Liked by 2 people

  48. And now I wonder what my about page says and how “old” it is. Can not imagine posting more than once a day. I used to do a daily December one with my advent calendar and did daily posts on our medical missions but other than that… Whenever it strikes me. I have done a rant — my most read post ever but it was not political just about life in health care (and that was pre pandemic). With you on the same font and basically minimal colour.

    Liked by 2 people

    • BernieLynne, it’s easy to forget about your About page. I don’t dwell on mine, but I do update about once a year. I get hits on it every week so someone somewhere is reading it.

      When I started blogging way back in 2004 I had a few years when I posted daily. IT’S A LOT OF WORK and I ended up feeling obliged to blog rather than wanting to blog. The whole *messy* font thing may be creative and stylish, but dang it’s difficult to read.

      Like

  49. I enjoyed reading your answers. I was recently interviewed for a Q&A blog series put out by WordPress and they asked if I was willing to provide my name. I wasn’t (and fortunately that was ok with them). That’s one thing I won’t provide because I reveal a fair amount about myself of the blog anyway. In other news, just this morning while lying in bed before getting up I told myself I needed to update my About page. With a new bun for over a year and now the kittens, it’s time. Thanks for the reminder.

    Liked by 3 people

    • The Travel Architect, I get keeping your legal name quiet. I write under a nom de plume here. Not everyone needs to know all the deets of my life– or what Uncle Sam calls me.

      That’s trippy that you were thinking about updating your About page then read this. I’m not obsessed with About pages, but I do prefer when I find one that is current and tells me something about the blogger. About pages seem to me to be a gracious way of starting a blogging friendship.

      Like

  50. We’re very similar in our blog philosophies. I don’t formally Follow any blogs, but I am a regular reader and commenter of many. What never ceases to amaze me is the number of people who never respond to comments but leave the posts open to them. I don’t get it. As you know (and as you do), I respond to every single one.

    I don’t think I’ve ever gone to an About Me page for any blogger unless I was curious as to where he/she lived.

    The things that bother me most about some blogs is the “click to read more” (I’ve already clicked to get there; just let me read); one long, unbroken block of text; and finally, no evidence of editing or proofreading. While it’s true that blogs are personal and informal, if they’re out there for readers, they should be worthy of those readers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nance, you and me both about the inexplicable weirdness of: “people who never respond to comments but leave the posts open to them.” May I also add a corollary to that which is: people who cherry pick which comments they reply to. That is off-putting. Either be all in on comments or close them.

      I’ve noticed that “click to read more” deal on some personal blogs, too. I don’t know what’s up with that. Is it the platform doing that or is the blogger choosing to do that?

      I also prefer to read text that has been edited and proofread, but I allow for occasional mistakes in grammar and spelling too. None of us is perfect!

      Like

  51. Fun post! Okay, I’ve read through the comments & I don’t think I saw anyone mention they wouldn’t talk about sex on their blogs, which surprised me. (That was a topic off-limits on my blog as I imagine is true for many). However, I understand that any suggestion of it is sure to get hits.😕 I agree with so much of what you & other commenters have said. I’d add that any blog intent on telling me how very fabulous the person is/was puts me off; let me decide if you’re all that! Apparently you hit a note on the “About page” comment as many bloggers are now scrambling.😁 Lastly, long is fine to me if the person is a good writer with something to say; I figure I read books so it’s like a chapter in a book.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Colette, I hadn’t thought about sex being a forbidden topic. I guess no one else did either. Not sure what that says about me and my gentle readers!

      I haven’t run into anyone *fabulous* in blogland in a long time, but I’m with you: I’ll decide whether I think you are or not. I do see that mentality on IG where many people are INFLUENCERS, or so they hope.

      I read a wide variety of blogs because I’m interested in/curious about a wide variety of people. Some write lengthy posts. I like how you envision a long post as a chapter in a book, the book of their life. [And my goodness, didn’t that sound profound? 🤔]

      Liked by 1 person

  52. I enjoyed reading your take on blogging, Ally, or at least these particular questions about blogging. I can’t say that I have ever received just an emoji as a comment, at least not an initial comment, perhaps to end a conversation. Anyway, I do respond to each comment. As far as blogs I follow, if a blogger posts frequently, I don’t feel the need to read and comment on each post. I do check in with most at least weekly. When I visit a new blog for the first time, I always go to the About page to see who I’m visiting. And I periodically update my own About page. That said, it’s probably time to consider that again.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Christie, the emoji only comment situation started maybe a year ago on this blog. Maggie noticed it happening on her blog, too. Like you I no longer try to keep up with everything any one blogger writes. Reading and commenting once a week is doable but after that, I may love them to pieces, but I usually can’t find the time to read more.

      I like About pages, obviously. I consider them a polite introduction, but not everyone is onboard with the idea. Whatever floats your boat [blog?] I guess.

      Like

  54. This is great, Ally Bean. I agree with you on so many of these points, big and small and especially when it comes to avoiding the haters, overselling and negative blogs. I do like to read blogs that are refereshingly honest, but don’t harp on the negative. I also avoid certain topics, especially politics and religion and anything too personal about myself, unless it’s relevant. Thanks for sharing your ideas – I always enjoy your posts. Hope you’re having a great weekend! 🙂

    Like

    • Barbara, thanks for reading this– and agreeing with me! [Am I allowed to say that?] Over the years I’ve gotten to a point where I just can’t take haters or negative Nellies. I understand that they’re free to opine all they want, but not here nor do I want to go there. You flatter me with your compliment. I’m glad you enjoyed this. Happy Weekend to you, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  56. I live and learn! I didn’t know that light font on a dark background was more difficult to read, thank you for sharing. I did know that black font on a yellow background is one of the easiest to read (which is why, I believe, some countries, like The Netherlands, use it for license plates), though a yellow background is a little jarring online 🙂
    Double checked our About page (thank you for the reminder!), yes, we’re still lovin’ the Endless Weekend 😀
    Re-happy 11th birthday!

    Liked by 1 person

  57. Firstly, what a gorgeous snowy shot – so hyggelig! (as they say in Denmark) It seems like most bloggers are on the same wavelength as you and I, if reading the comments on both our responses to Maggie’s questions are anything to go by. It is why WordPress bloggers are more fun!
    I like to play around with the functionality on my blog, (it is part of the joy of a blog). I do have an about and a contact page and update them every so often.
    Perhaps I am guilty of putting a block of colour over text that is a salient point within my text- and I do like to use headings, and a fancy background here and there, so I do hope it isn’t too distracting for readers. It might just be me but if I haven’t visited a blog before and it is just a slather of text, it only gets a short chance to grab my attention (as your blog definitely did) before I scroll on. Thoughtfully placed images, that are relevant, are a restful break for the eyes and mind. But like everything, some folks don’t get the balance right and post way too many pics and not enough text which doesn’t make for an interesting post either.
    Excellent point using caution about giving away too much personal info. I agree and why my other half the M.o.T.H pseudonym.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Amanda, this has been a very hyggelig few days here. We’ve been inside with our warm clothes and blankets, books and tea. Outside it sparkles.

      I, too, use color on my words occasionally for emphasis or put some words in a box with a colored background to make a point. I don’t do it all the time, nor do I put colorful words in every paragraph. That’s what gets to my eyes. If the color is for a point, then I like it.

      I know what you mean about too many photos with too little text. There’s a balance that makes reading and seeing interesting. Otherwise it seems off-kilter.

      I’ve always approached blogging with the idea that I’ll tell you, my gentle readers, as much as I want you to know about me/us, but no more. Some people are comfortable sharing everything about themselves, but not me. So I don’t.

      Like

      • I notice the sharing of personal information does vary between bloggers, Ally and I am always staggered when someone posts everything about themselves and are completely open. When queried they say things like, “But what could happen? What could they do wiht that information?” Identity theft appears to be a thriving industry of which, perhaps they must be ignorant. Of late, I have noticed a rise in the number of fb quizzes that ask questions like whose birthday is on 23rd? First job/ Name of cat and dog? and generic questions that might be used in security login requests. Concerning.

        Liked by 2 people

        • I see people on Twitter ask a seemingly benign question like the ones you mention and I wonder the same thing: Aren’t people worried about identity theft, getting hacked? I’m not a paranoid person, but I am cautious. HOWEVER they’ll be hundreds of tweets replying to the question so I think you’re correct in that people don’t worry about giving away such deets.

          Liked by 1 person

  59. I agree with your criteria on what motivates you to follow or unfollow a blog. It’s nice to make blogging friends with different kinds of people, as long as they remain friendly and not judgmental. The shadows on the snow (from the street light) in your neighborhood look magical!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Barbara, I agree. I want to connect with a wide variety of people so that I can learn about them, about myself. However not everyone is for me, nor am I for them.

      Early Friday morning when I took this photo it was sparkly and perfect outside– and incredibly cold. I liked the light play, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  60. Very thoughtful responses to these questions, Ally. I have become wary of following certain bloggers. I now go check their blog before committing. When I see they are multiple posters, I refrain. There are others whom I like anyway so I solved the issue of them filling up my inbox by changing the parameters. I get one email per day that shows me the last three posts (or less) that they did in that day. It reduced my stress level tremendously. I don’t use the Reader because it annoys me!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Dale, I don’t use Reader either. It bugs me, too. I use Feedly, a RSS service that allows me to follow people, then create my own folders to put everyone into. That way I funnel all the daily bloggers into one folder I can check when I have the time, reading one thing they’ve written since last time I had time to check the folder. Feedly means no emails– and no goofy WP system. It works for me.

      Liked by 1 person

  61. I agree with all your responses Ally. I do wish I had not divulged my location, but it’s kind of difficult not to given the nature of my blog. Also, I’m pretty sure readers know I live alone. That fact only bothers me because my blog appears in the local newspaper and, in an age where crime runs rampant, I like to think that people aren’t using my walking routine, as a chance to take advantage of my absence at the house. I probably should get off their community blog roll, but likely a person reading about my interactions with squirrels isn’t a B&E criminal.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Linda, I understand your dilemma. You wanted to let people know where you’re walking because that’s the theme of your blog. I didn’t know your blog appeared in your local newspaper which is cool– except when it’s not. I’m smiling at your last sentence. I have to think you’re right, a squirrel-loving potential criminal isn’t going to think of you when it comes time to break into a house. What would he get? All your peanuts?!!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Yes, anonymous would be better these days as I see what is happening every day in this city and surrounding cities. I was also posting in a hyperlocal online paper at the same time, but they changed to a new platform and my pictures were coming out wacky – no vertical pics allowed. So I left “Patch”. I have been blogging at the “News Herald” since 2013. I don’t know if the community blogs are in a hard copy edition which publishes twice a week. I’ve only had one reader from the outside world make a comment. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        • Your experiences with publishing beyond blogland are interesting. I tell people who I know in real life that I have this blog, but no one other than that. Of course if only one person from the outside world has ever made a comment, there may be nothing to your concerns. 🤷‍♀️

          Liked by 1 person

          • My neighbor who encouraged me to start a blog was a faithful commenter until her death in 2017. I have several friends signed up – only Ann Marie comments. I’m pretty sure I’m safe too Ally. I looked to see if I was still on the “News Herald” Community Blog Roll and they did something odd. The contributors used to be listed in order of “seniority” as to longevity on their site. I had moved to fifth from the top last time I looked. Now we are listed alphabetically by our blog title. Guess where that puts WWW&W?

            Liked by 1 person

    • L. Marie, thanks. I thought Maggie asked good questions, ones that certainly got me thinking on how I do things. And I agree, everyone who stops by this blog to read & comment is great. It’s fun.

      Like

  63. Pingback: Because Maggie Asked The Questions About Blogging, I Will Answer Them – CURIOSIDADES NA INTERNET

    • Yvette, I like creativity and I find that a judicious use of color on words can help focus the reader BUT a bunch of colors and letter sizes scattered in the text makes my eyes cross. Very distracting.

      Maybe interest in Award pages has to do with how new you are to blogging? After awhile they’re nice, but not necessary.

      Liked by 1 person

  65. I agree with most of your responses. Fortunately, I haven’t seen the wonky FoNt sIzE thing. Or the colors. I don’t think I could stick around to actually read what was written. I used to see a lot of light font on dark backgrounds but that has mostly gone off trend. That sort of color scheme makes my double vision intolerable.

    I also agree on the awards thing. When I was a fresh faced little blogger I thought they were pretty cool. But then, you could see that for the most part they were being passed around between a few bloggers. I’m not sure blogging is cool anymore. But I can’t go without my favorite writers of heartfelt prose or flapadiddle. Or both.

    Sometimes it does, or did, bother me that I didn’t have more followers. Now, I’m lucky to have a few good bloggy friends and I appreciate them showing up when I actually get around to writing something. The conversation has always been my favorite part. As for how old? I found my live journal archives and I’m now estimating WP blogs started around 06. In between live journal and wp I had a brief period of blogger.

    Pet peeve. Fake bloggers. People who follow or like you from wordpress because all good bloggers will follow or comment back – and when you check out their blog it’s canned articles or advertisements.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Zazzy, the weirdness surrounding letter sizes and colorful words [literally] is something that I find disconcerting. I like creativity, but only when it adds to the text, not distracts from it.

      I’m laughing about the idea of blogging being cool. I’m not sure that it is, or ever was, but I like it. I’m doing my own thing here, and figure it’s better than sitting around twiddling my thumbs. Also like you, I enjoy my bloggy friendships. Although lately, like in the last few years, so many bloggers have dropped out. Makes me kind of sad, I miss the chit-chat, but I understand why they’ve left blogland.

      I know what you mean about fake bloggers. I like that term, btw. I’ll only leave comments on new-to-me blogs that have real content, not some post purloined from elsewhere or intended to sell something. I also have had people leave lovely comments here, then when I go to find their blogs WP tells me that the blogs no longer exist. This confuses me. Are they fake, but formerly real? Who knows.

      Liked by 3 people

  66. Oh my word, THE COLORS. It drives me nuts and I can barely see some of them at all (like lime green on white). Twitter seems to be a popular place for the rAnDOm CapS and that’s a chore. Good thing tweets are short; I’d never make it through a whole post with them.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Laura, I like creativity but sometimes people go too far with it when it comes to decorating their words. I guess that’s what you’d call it. Anyhow, glad to know I’m not the only one who has trouble seeing them.

      Liked by 1 person

  67. Hi! I am new to your blog but I found that it was really informative! I’ll definitely use what I learnt from you (as well as the tips in the comment section) to become a better personal blogger. Thank you so much for this!

    Liked by 1 person

  68. Ally, your answers are pretty much how I’d reply which is hardly surprising as I’m a keen follower of your blog 🙂 The only point of difference is that I have used prompts before and probably will again. I’m so familiar with the concept from fiction writing, that they don’t cause me to do the deer in the headlights thing. Some chime, some don’t. So I pick and choose.

    Your response in terms of off-topic subjects was interesting. Mine is a little different in that I’m happy to talk about myself, my stuff, and to decide where my line lies. While I occasionally mention my family, I wouldn’t disclose anything private about them. I mention Himself more than others, for obvious reasons, but I wouldn’t disclose disagreements or upsets, as that’s private. I believe it’s important to respect other people’s boundaries.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Deb, I have nothing against prompts, but they don’t work for me. [I have a friend, however, who hates prompts, considers them too contrived. She won’t follow blogs who use them. I find her take on them interesting. I mean, who knew they could rile someone so much?]

      I agree about respecting other people’s boundaries. I try to not talk about specific people because their stories are theirs to tell. I don’t like gossip, so talking negatively about other people seems off to me. Occasionally someone will say something to me that sparks a topic and I’ll explain that, but overall I try to focus on Z-D & I when I feel the need to talk about people.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Too contrived eh – yes, that is an interesting take. I guess if it was all you did, that could end up being decidedly contrived. I found them useful during the lockdown period as they sparked memories or thoughts I’d filed away and forgotten about. I guess that’s more properly how I use them – to dig something out of the old human brain filing system which I can turn into a post. I regard them in the same way as being sparked by another blogger’s post, so long as you build your own take into it of course.

        Liked by 1 person

        • I thought it was an interesting take, too. This friend is bright, not mean-spirited, so when she said what she said, I was intrigued by her point of view.

          I find that often a blogger will write something that sparks a thought or memory for me. In a way that’s like a prompt. I may not want to follow proper prompts, but I enjoy reading what others write in response to them. For me, that’s the fun of prompts– seeing what everyone else does.

          Liked by 1 person

  69. Favorite line: “I’m not here for that crap.” 😛 Now that you mention it, blog prompts stress me out too. I always delete on sight those posts because I do NOT want to join in. Wasn’t sure why I felt that way, exactly, but I think you nailed it.

    Liked by 4 people

  72. Feel like this is really relatable for me.
    I really like to read a well-written, post with proper punctuations and paragraphs. I like bloggers with originality, creativity and something to say.
    I also unfollow blogs when they post too often. Some bloggers post multiple times a day, everyday. I just can’t keep up.

    Liked by 1 person

  73. I’m two weeks behind on the blogs I follow and this comment already brings your total to almost 200. That’s impressive! Just wanted to say, I’d answer every question exactly as you did. My reasons, motivation, and satisfaction with blogging are perfectly spelled out in your answers. Thanks for a bit of “getting to know you” through your responses!

    Like

    • Dave, thanks for taking the time to read these questions and answers. I appreciate that. I know that over the years I’ve changed the ways in which I maintain this blog, refining my process until it makes sense to me. It’s nice to know my way makes sense to someone else.

      And as for being behind in reading the blogs you follow, I GET THAT. I feel like Sisyphus every time I look at my Feedly account. I can’t keep up.

      Like

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