And then one day it hit me, and I said to self: “For crying out loud, these are blogs. Relax. Leave a comment. Serious. Funny. Short. Sweet. Whatever. It doesn’t really matter what you say; just say something. No one’s expecting literary greatness.” And self took a deep breath, calmed down and started commenting.
The rest is history, as they say.
Since then, I’ve been following a number of blogs that I comment on regularly. And I am delighted about the decision I made to take that step and begin participating, because not only do I truly feel that I’m a part of this wonderful blogging world, I’ve also connected with some amazing people that I’ve come to think of as friends. People from all over that I’ve become quite fond of. It’s an incredible experience.
Well, now it’s your turn. If you visit this blog often but simply lurk, introduce yourself. Leave a comment and say hello. Just once, if that’s all you want to do. So I can say hello back. So I can thank you for visiting. And perhaps you have a blog that I might enjoy visiting.
Come on, don’t be shy. Come out, come out...wherever you are...and say hi. Today, tomorrow, next week, next month...whenever you’re ready. Go ahead. Just do it.
Here, listen to one of my favourite fictional characters, the vampire Lestat. He says it very well.
I love reading comments. I know not everyone has the time but it's good if/when people do leave a comment. So, you've got a thing for Lestat, then have you? Ha!
ReplyDeleteLestat is my favourite character in the Anne Rice books. He's a bit of a rebellion, a little quirky and quite restless. He kind of grows on you!
DeleteAll bloggers like comments. Like you, I wonder why most readers are so reluctant to say hello. Maybe they're just not big mouths like me. Anyway, I enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteI think some people just don't know what to say, which happens to me sometimes. I still lurk on some blogs, but there are others that I comment on regularly.
DeleteI was a lurker too at one time. I read a few choice blogs but never commented for a year or maybe even two. I was really just learning the ropes of blogging by observing. Then I started my own blog and began actively commenting on others.
ReplyDeleteI pretty much followed the same route. And although I don't comment on all blogs I visit, there are others that I always say something on.
DeleteI am a former lurker turned commenter. And once I began popping in to say hello I found that the interaction is amazing and spreads like wildfire. I always enjoy your blog :)
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to interact with other bloggers. I always enjoy when people leave comments, no matter what they say. And it's particularly welcome when it's someone new because there's always a chance that I'll discover another great blog to follow.
DeletePeople don't leave comments like they used to, either. I blame Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with that. I still don't leave comments on all blogs I vist, mostly because I often don't know what to say. Your blog is one of them. I pop in on all your posts, sometimes I go so far as starting a comment, and then leave because I can't think of something to write.
DeleteMartha, you "hit the nail on the head" regarding lurkers. I am one them. I comment on your blog once in awhile but I am only comfortable doing this because I know you. In a way, I was thrust into the blogging world when I started my own blog. I'm still just discovering how big a world the blogging community is. I also know that when I've received comments from "strangers" on my own blog that they have made my day. I always like reading your blog as it lifts my spirits and encourages me to ponder whatever your topic of the day is. Thank you for your blog!
ReplyDeleteI'm always happy to hear from you Cathy, but we're also connected on Facebook, so we can interact there, as well. I always enjoy getting comments here, especially when it's from new individuals. It's always nice to make a connection with someone else who may even be living in another country --- even continent!
DeleteSometimes I still lurk:) But you're so right, having your own blog makes it easier to comment.
ReplyDeleteI still lurk, too. I am very guilty of that!
Deletelurking is more common than commenting especially when just random viewers. Getting a comment out of the blue is rare.
ReplyDeleteExactly. You know, back in my lurking days it was because I didnt' want to leave my email address with people (required for most commenting systems) because I thougth I"d get spam and stuff. I didn't know that blogs were really run by just one person (usually) and they're not spammy machines!
DeleteThat is very true. I often run across a blog post that's interesting on a blog that I'm not following, and no matter how much I enjoyed the post, I just leave because I don't know what to say. Once in awhile, though, I do say something.
DeleteHi Martha!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I enjoyed the vampire clip! I've got to read Ann Rices's books. My sister Barb loves them.
My only experience with blogging prior to August was a science blog at my school, but the program was plagued with glitches and then the funding was cut. :(
In August I made one little post and lost my blog until October. Ron (from Sophie's View) got me going again; and his partner Jim (Ocean Breezes) was right behind Ron. I had no idea about the whole friends and commenting side of it.
But I learned quickly, and the wonderful comments and developing friendships keep me going! I don't know what I thought blogging was, but I'm so glad that I stumbled into this amazing world!
And I am so happy to have met you! Have a happy day.
Well, I'm glad that you stop by and leave comments! I'm happy to have you in my blogging circle, and I'm really enjoying your posts!
DeleteOh, and by the way, I think you'll really like Anne Rice's vampire books. I'd recommend starting with The Vampire Lestat. The series begins with Interview With A Vampire, but apparently it's not that good (I never read it, so I can't swear to that, but most people who have tell me it's not worth it). You don't need to read it to get into that series, so going straight to The Vampire Lestat is fine. It's a great book.
DeleteWhen I first started my blog I was prepared for no comments. All the bloggers where saying that it took almost a year to get any kind of comment response.
ReplyDeleteI am guilty of being a lurker still. I don't always comment on posts because sometime I feel like I have no value to add even though I enjoyed the post. Guess that is the introvert side of me.
Yes, that would certainly do it --- the introvert in us! But I do try to make a real effort to comment when I enjoy a post. And there are some blogs that I post on regularly.
DeleteI was a lurker too! Then my sister said, "hey, you should start your own blog. Oh,..and start commenting." It opened up this whole world to me! All these interactions and stuff. It's been crazy. So yeah, don't be a lurker, say something. It can be something dumb or whatever, no one cares, we just wanna hear that you're out there. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think it's a lot of fun. I've met some very interesting people along the way, so it's been worth it!
DeleteI lurk on twitter. And I feel semi-guilty about it but I can rarely express myself in so few words. I had no idea that you were a lurker, Martha. You seem very self possessed now!
ReplyDeleteYup, I was very much a lurker. And I still do it on some blogs. SOmetimes I just don't know what to say!
DeleteHaha, I may be on 'bloggy-break' -- but I'm still out here lurking too :) Fun post, Martha!
ReplyDeleteI believe it, Jane! Bloggy break sometimes just allows a break from posting and commenting - but looking is okay. It's like window shopping...LOL...
DeleteHey Martha!
ReplyDeleteBack when I didn't leave comments, I considered myself an "absorber" rather than a "lurker", but that sounds more like I am a paper towel or something! HA! I kill me! :-)
Projectile laughter!!!!!
DeleteHahaha...Kay, you silly gal, you! You always make me smile. I still lurk on your blog. I read your posts, but don't always comment!
DeleteOh, Sophie...hahahahaha...
DeleteMe no LURKER ~~~ me just cra'cra' ~~~~ at least JImbo thinks I am.
ReplyDeleteI encouraged Jim to start blogging 1st because I thought it would be a good tool for using his brain after his concussion. Do you think I was right? LOL
He really has an incredible eye and way to express himself. I know I'm bias but hey if he can help someone I'll share then!!
Ron (who started blogging a few months after Jim ~~~ just a slow learner I guess)
Now all you LURKERS get off the fence and join in. Seriously what have you got to lose? Nothing I'd say!
Ron, for Sophie Doodle
Well, I'm glad you did encourage Jim to blog. Look how well it's turned out. And we've all had this wonderful chance to meet each other, which makes it that much more amazing.
DeleteI wasn't a lurker. I had no clue what a blog even was!~! lol And even less of a clue after my accident!!
ReplyDeleteAll I can say Martha is that I am so happy that I jumped in to this world and listened to Ron. AND, that I/we have met you in the process! 'Interview With A Vampire' was one of my all time favourite movies.
Remember, I am married to an introvert and have learned to appreciate where they come from.
I think the best part of it all is meeting some amazing people along the way, which certainly came about by leaving comments and receiving some here. And look at us now...we're even connected on Facebook. Next step is to make a trip out east at some point and meet in person!
DeleteO Lestat... Well, I've certainly not been a lurker -- I've publicly loved your blog from day 1 haha!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so glad you did!
DeleteGreat post!!! And so true, even now there are some blogs I don't know what to say to them so I wait until I find the right thing! I am getting a little better at commenting but always afraid to repeat something! LOL
ReplyDeleteI hope one day can comment without think, that day will be great!
And you know I love reading yours! (I hope)
Alice
I still have moments like that, although it's much easier now. Sometimes I don't think about it too much; I just go ahead and write something and click on publish!
DeleteI hated writing. I took two college classes in writing and did average in them. I have a website that I have to do all the writing for. My husband is the one who aced those same writing classes. Now that just does not seem right somehow. I have been enjoying your blog. It is interesting. I enjoy the photos, you see I have had the same kind of love affair with the camera since I was young. The first was an instamatic. I still have the camera, film for it is not easy to come by these days though. Thank you for your wonderful insight and the pictures of Canada. I live in the middle of the US-Nebraska.
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret. Welcome, and thanks for leaving your comments. Yes, I share that love for the camera. I no longer have the type that uses film, but when I did, I went through rolls and rolls of them. I've been taking pictures for as far back as I can remember. It's something I've always enjoyed. You mention that you have a blog, but I don't see a link to in on your Google+ page.
DeleteI meant to add that if you leave a link to your blog, I'll pop over for a visit!
Delete