Website Stuff and Such
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.
About The Author
My blogroll is SO outdated! I think I removed you when you stopped blogging, and haven’t updated my blogroll since you started again. I really really need to update that since half the people on my roll don’t even blog anymore!
I can relate to a little, I don’t feel comfortable talking about theology with people I know, Its always awkward because you don’t know their reaction, and people are always defensive when it comes to parenting styles.
Children(meaning adult children) who aren’t parents get defensive because they feel like your attacking their parents, and weather or not someone even LIKES their parents, they take it as a personal attack when someone implies their parent is a “child abuser”(that’s how they’d usually interpret it, no matter how easily its put, the truth always burns like hot coals)
Parents on the other hand, get a similar reaction, and will easily interpret that someone is implying they are a bad parent. Its even worse if someone goes to their own parent, they will be perceived as ungrateful.
A bit of rambling, I just read your post and could relate to a portion. Have a nice day=)
I love your blog. I just recently found it thru GCM. I added you to my bloglist. The only thing about your site is it’s slow – it could be my pc, but other sites haven’t given me any trouble.
Thanks for creating & keeping your site going.
Lovely to meet you. I linked to you as well. I used to be active on GCM when Jeri first started it.
THANKS for letting me know the blog is slow. I have a good high-speed connection and I couldn’t tell. I will make it so there are fewer posts on the front page. Maybe you could open my blog tomorrow and let me know if it is still bad. I suspect the problem is because I link to so many videos and have some pictures and then keep too many posts on the front page.
I love your blog!
Lurk, lurk…
Does anyone else find my blog slower to load than others?
I reduced the front page from 30 posts to 10 posts today.
I don’t find it slow, but I have DSL.
I don’t remember how I stumbled upon your blog, but I do find it interesting, and try to check it every day!!
Someday I want my homeschool to look like yours.
I drool over your bookshelves. We started the Robinson method recently, thanks to you, and it’s going really well so far! I’m going to have a look at your grade lists for books – that’s an area where I don’t quite know what they should be doing. Although, my oldest decided to use his reading time today to read everything under ‘army’ in the old encyclopedias we have! 
Last year at this time, many of my books were living in boxes and even boxes on their sides pretending to be bookshelves, and most of my books were in closets. My bookcase dream was a long time coming.
As I assume you know, we use the Robinson self-teaching philosophy, and not necessarily the books they recommend, but I have those books listed in my grades sections in the sidebar. THAT part of my site needs work… It is hard to provide a picture of what we do with four unique children without making it too complicated. There is also what we “plan” to do versus what we really do.
Sounds great about your oldest! Fun!
“Plan” versus “reality”.
Sounds familiar. I do like having a schedule… and as long as we loosely follow it, I’m happy.
Right now, we don’t have the room for any amazing bookshelves. Someday, when we build a new house, that’s totally going in the plan! Right now, we have bookshelves stuck wherever they’ll fit.
You know I have found your website to be such a rich resource. . . and you, personally, to be a sweet friend and encouragement. I’m glad you are continuing to build your site, tweek it, keep good info online. . . It’s important to have this info available.