Carol | April 28, 2009
I just went through my Reciprocal Blogroll (in the far right sidebar). I was a little disappointed that so many people have dumped my blog from their sites. I have also noticed that people occasionally add my link to their sites, and then, within a day or so, they realize, to their dismay, that they don’t really want to hear what I have to say, or be identified as a reader of my website. I have even been dumped from people’s Bloglines lately.
My new website is not nearly as popular as my old website. For one thing, it is much more difficult to get to the top of Google. Another reason is because I no longer frequent forums or message boards. For another thing, the volume of websites/blogs on the internet has increased greatly so there is much more competition. I also realize my writing approach has changed over the years since I began blogging in 2002. I used to be more chatty and personal, but I avoid that these days. I used to write much more about my children, and I included lots of family pictures. To protect my children’s privacy and their future endeavors, I keep those posts only for registered readers, and even then, the volume of personal posts is much less than in the past. I also write more about politics which is definitely a no-no if I want to attract more readers.
Since the time I wrote my original website articles back in 2001, very few of my opinions and beliefs have changed. I guess I either haven’t grown much, or I have been blessed with continued insight. I do believe my beliefs and values are founded on Biblical principles. That was my goal in the beginning. To find the truth and share it with others.
Over the years, I have watched people change. They have changed parenting styles, changed from expecting to send their children to school to becoming fans of homeschooling, and even changed deep-rooted religious beliefs. It does make me question things, but I mostly get the same answers.
I get very few comments on my blog, except from my mother and a few “best buds”. I know people are busy, and I don’t have very many profound posts, but I do believe there are some gems among my many webpages. 
Good luck finding them. Some of the pages need work, especially the ones on homeschooling.
I do not encourage debates or drive-by comments which make posts more interesting for readers.
I read very few blogs written by other people. As a result, I don’t comment on many blogs which would help build online relationships. I can only recall making disagreeable comments on other people’s blogs about 2-3 times (and a few more when I felt attacked). I avoid being contrary even if I disagree with a passion. I don’t know if that is due to a lack of courage or simply out of respect for other people’s online territory.
I am open to blog suggestions if you have any, because my Bloglines blogroll is very short. I visit less than a dozen family blogs, and several political websites.
One interesting thing is that I RARELY give out my website link to people I know in real life. I have given it to such a very few, but I do realize that some people have found my blog through searches. They prefer to pretend they don’t read it. I find when people I know read my blog, those real life relationships are very awkward unless they also have a webpage or are vocal on Facebook. Sometimes, I am tempted to give my link to everyone I know, but then I remember the gossip and misunderstandings and feeling insecure and judged. So, educating strangers instead of people I know will have to suffice for now. I do pray that I will know if I should start sharing the link, and that I could handle the repercussions.
Mentioning Facebook gave me some thoughts. It is interesting how Facebook showcases people’s unique personalities. I make an effort to connect with the “friends” I have on Facebook. I want them to know I truly care. I really do. Some people return the love and others don’t. For some folks, I am just a number in their collection of “friends”. For others, my status updates and comments are a trigger for gossip. Some are so narcissistic that they wouldn’t notice if I announced I was jumping off a cliff. But some of my friendships have really grown because of Facebook. I hope my friends know that I would do anything for them. I rarely ask someone else to be my friend because I grew up never feeling “liked”, so I never assume that anyone would WANT to be my friend.
I do not like Twitter at all.
If you dare to link to my website, please let me know so I can add your link to my sidebar.
If you want access to pictures and stories about my children and family, email me with information about yourself and your family.
Category: Journal 2009, Website |
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