tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post4634528293566030522..comments2024-03-28T03:02:16.508-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: How To Keep Blogging From Being a Popularity ContestJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-50055424112407702782010-12-04T09:38:03.820-05:002010-12-04T09:38:03.820-05:00Thank you for consistent, clear, and thoughtful me...Thank you for consistent, clear, and thoughtful messages. I have been a silent but faithful reader for a year now, and I almost always walk away from one of your posts with something to think about.<br /><br />I wrote a recent post in reflection on this one and another blog with an opposing worldview: http://www.aspiring31.com/2010/11/building-relationships-with-sincerity.html<br /><br />Keep up the good work - I'm loving it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-15871544634583906032010-12-04T05:19:01.585-05:002010-12-04T05:19:01.585-05:00I'm glad I found my way to this blog post. Cle...I'm glad I found my way to this blog post. Clear advice in a genuine voice. Blogging is great - and fun - but it claws in and hoards time.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15459671422564355990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-43813570334309475692010-12-03T11:05:35.185-05:002010-12-03T11:05:35.185-05:00Thanks for this post, and for all of your posts on...Thanks for this post, and for all of your posts on blogging. I have a writing blog that I wrote on for a while while I was in an MFA program, but then took some time off to figure where I want it to go. Now I'm in the process of starting my blow anew and making it more professional. Your tips have been extremely helpful!Ghenet Myrthilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12621168379560585094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-69182821397140355282010-12-02T16:50:24.847-05:002010-12-02T16:50:24.847-05:00I've gained so many lovely friendships via blo...I've gained so many lovely friendships via blogging and FB. Even if I never publish a book, I am enriched by the support and kindness. <br /><br />And I believe my writing has improved by reading well-written blog posts! Now ain't that sumthin?Jeanette Levelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12898750484193832082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-57733357419723312482010-12-01T18:06:00.167-05:002010-12-01T18:06:00.167-05:00I wholeheartedly agree with your points. If you a...I wholeheartedly agree with your points. If you are genuine and blog/comment with a purpose, then the relationships will follow. I would rather have 5 followers that are truly interested in me than 1,000 that are only interested in seeing their name in the sidebar or the comment section. Good stuff, Jody!Hallie Sawyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76314259065654628022010-11-30T21:43:02.273-05:002010-11-30T21:43:02.273-05:00Hi Jody -
I took a four-day break from the comput...Hi Jody -<br /><br />I took a four-day break from the computer over the Thanksgiving weekend. I missed everyone, the inspiration, the motivating posts, but it refreshed me.<br /><br />Unlike most writers, I'm not an introvert. I have to restrain myself from spending all my time blogging.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-8825860857010311362010-11-30T21:40:21.573-05:002010-11-30T21:40:21.573-05:00I absolutly agree. When I started online networkin...I absolutly agree. When I started online networking I thought it was to promote my book. I soon discovered myself more interested in discussing topics of interest with others, helping others by sharing what I think might be helpful and more recently promoting others. I love it when I find another author who's work I like. I've even started giving out awards.<br /> <br />With this intention I've found it very satisfying. Good site hit stats are nice though and I am hanging out to get 100 followers on Facebook for Lethal Inheritance, but it's not the main point anymore.<br /><br />I do mention my work when I first visit a new blog, but I figure people would like to know. I always like to know about other people's work. I've found some great books that way.<br /><br />So...I know you'll be far too busy, but if you every have a moment and are interested, I have ch 1 of my YA fantasy on my blog. I'd love to know what you think.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-64278548298190794952010-11-30T19:34:50.591-05:002010-11-30T19:34:50.591-05:00I try to find blogs I really like and follow them....I try to find blogs I really like and follow them. There are so many great ones is the problem for me.... :O)Dianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07604687906788800639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-6584280478317553152010-11-30T19:27:29.289-05:002010-11-30T19:27:29.289-05:00Good post! I don't know how to do it, I don...Good post! I don't know how to do it, I don't think. I mean, I'd like to visit everyone but when I'm pressed for time, it's those who've visited me that I visit first. I hope it never becomes a popularity contest. I was never the popular type. LOLJessica Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12365768876905444157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-55003453948735112632010-11-30T17:20:53.891-05:002010-11-30T17:20:53.891-05:00Oh yes, what to do about those reviews? Jody - I&#...Oh yes, what to do about those reviews? Jody - I'm with you. I get kind of icked out when writers put up dozens of "Another great review for my book!" posts. For my first novel, I tried to post as many reviews as I could out of courtesy to the reviewers, but felt myself straying into "ick-land." For the second book, I posted the biggies - Booklist, RT Book Reviews - and a few others. And with those, I try to make it more about the reviewer's blog than my book ("check out her super-cute blog while you're there!") However, I make a point to leave a comment for every review I find (and some don't pop up in Google alerts for days to weeks!)We authors truly do appreciate what our influencers and reviewers do. Word of mouth is everything in the book world, and we know the influencers and reviewers ARE that word of mouth.Sarah Sundinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08205570391669770574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4196223398107000822010-11-30T17:19:22.175-05:002010-11-30T17:19:22.175-05:00This is such a great post with such a wonderful, i...This is such a great post with such a wonderful, important message for those of us blogging and reading.lisahgoldenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11158660223296807317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-26599356618737417362010-11-30T15:02:49.990-05:002010-11-30T15:02:49.990-05:00Hi Anonymous,
Wow. I'm truly sorry if that wa...Hi Anonymous,<br /><br />Wow. I'm truly sorry if that was me. I am. And not because I want to keep from losing a reader (although I would be sad). But I what bothers me more is knowing I hurt someone's feelings. It wasn't intentional in the least.<br /><br />I'm incredibly grateful for each and every single person who reviewed my book, hosted me for an interview, and helped promote it through Amazon reviews or elsewhere. And although I may not have the chance to personally thank each influencer, I've tried to express my thanks in various ways.<br /><br />As far as being able to tweet or provide links to all the reviews and interviews, I tried to do the best I could. For a while, during the days following my book's release, I was incredibly busy with all of the work and just didn't have the time to keep up with everything.<br /><br />But I also wanted to be careful about overwhelming my followers with tweets and facebook messages regarding my book. If I had tweeted all of the many interviews and reviews, I would have turned my social media sites into billboards for my book--which is truly not what I want them to become.<br /><br />I hope this might give you an inside glimpse into perhaps why an author may "miss the boat" in showing gratefulness. And again, if it was me, I'm really sorry! Because I am VERY grateful for ALL of the support from everyone! :-)Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76101749468049842202010-11-30T13:37:43.857-05:002010-11-30T13:37:43.857-05:00As soon as what I'm doing starts to feel like ...As soon as what I'm doing starts to feel like a popularity contest, I back off. I hate that feeling and refuse to go back to middle school. I don't put pressure on myself to have 1K followers. I put my writing first and have fun with my writing friends online.Laura Paulinghttp://www.laurapauling.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-55223813851188210452010-11-30T13:29:59.026-05:002010-11-30T13:29:59.026-05:00Your thoughts here are good ones and I agree. Frie...Your thoughts here are good ones and I agree. Friendliness and courtesy are important.<br /><br />I tend to be more of an "influencer" as an unpublished writer, which is fine. I appreciate a simple "thank you" from the author for my review or efforts on her (or his) behalf. It's a nice gesture.<br /><br />There is one writer I've written reviews for and influenced for, who usually tweets and blogs about every review EXCEPT MINE. I have since ceased following this writer on her blog, and may not even read her future writings, because courtesy is not shown.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-10176874608534330462010-11-30T13:23:35.920-05:002010-11-30T13:23:35.920-05:00This was such a great post Jody. I think it's...This was such a great post Jody. I think it's a constant challenge to be a friend online. I think you are so right about getting started early. I love the friends I met right at the beginning of blogging. We've had over a year to get to know each other and to care about what is going on in each other's lives. That's the key, I think.<br /><br />Thanks so much for your comment the other day. You are a sweetheart.Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00861022355718378425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-10530573637110908682010-11-30T13:19:51.663-05:002010-11-30T13:19:51.663-05:00Another good sense post! Without real connections,...Another good sense post! Without real connections, networking just doesn't work.Rashda Khanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04803134396969891096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-74733709539079476872010-11-30T11:26:10.341-05:002010-11-30T11:26:10.341-05:00I love this post a lot, Jody. I liked what you sai...I love this post a lot, Jody. I liked what you said that behind each profile picture is a real person. Thats so true. Its not just about numbers, but about the genuine friendships we make.Rachna Chhabriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-3789153798526575812010-11-30T03:01:38.747-05:002010-11-30T03:01:38.747-05:00Yep,Bravo.Yep,Bravo.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-78447354354522457382010-11-29T22:44:08.172-05:002010-11-29T22:44:08.172-05:00I adore this post. :)
The reason I blog is because...I adore this post. :)<br />The reason I blog is because I enjoy the relationships, the sharing, the fellowship. I enjoy reading blog posts by friends and fellow writers/industry pros/book lovers. And I've definitely made some real friends through blogging, many of whom I've gone on to meet in person, talked to on the phone, critiqued for, sent/received cards and gifts, etc. <br />There is some snobbery and cliquishness in the blogosphere and on Twitter, sadly. But that is am unfortunate part of every facet of life.<br />I try my best to treat others with kindness and respect, and I try my best to get around to as many wonderful blogs as I have time for...but, as you mentioned, finding a healthy balance between writing and networking is vital. (and, boy is that difficult!). <br />Again, thanks for a terrific post.<br />~LolaLola Sharphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14394765053485642935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-28557223488866867452010-11-29T19:05:09.747-05:002010-11-29T19:05:09.747-05:00Great post, as always! To me, social media is all...Great post, as always! To me, social media is all about cultivating relationships and helping each other. I learn so much from other blogs, and I hope my blog can be a helpful tool as well. Or even just a place to stop by, knowing we're all in this together.Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-49059892805170444322010-11-29T18:43:31.134-05:002010-11-29T18:43:31.134-05:00I frequently get comments where visitors will ask ...I frequently get comments where visitors will ask me to follow them. Often, they haven't followed me, which is even more perplexing.<br /><br />I read every single blog I follow. I couldn't possibly follow everyone.<br /><br />But I do also stop following blogs where the writer never acknowledges me. It doesn't have to be all the time and they don't have to read mine, but if they can't even acknowledge that I exist and visit then I'll move onto someone else.Karen M. Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06972093977468313631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-65288929573922376402010-11-29T18:32:41.236-05:002010-11-29T18:32:41.236-05:00Always enjoy your posts, Jody! Sometimes I do feel...Always enjoy your posts, Jody! Sometimes I do feel the pressure of the 'popularity contest.' But I've thoroughly enjoyed meeting wonderful writers and kindred spirits as a result of blogging. Just today I had the incredible opportunity to meet a blogging friend all the way from England! What a blessing! Writing IS definitely most important, but getting to experience true friendship as a result of blogging is the icing on the cake!! Have a great week & God bless!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-85421107517308559622010-11-29T18:08:26.737-05:002010-11-29T18:08:26.737-05:00I liked this particular post so much I retweeted i...I liked this particular post so much I retweeted it. It's important to be a real online friend rather than a number hunter. The real relationship is far more rewarding anyway!Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-79330235402984555762010-11-29T16:47:26.244-05:002010-11-29T16:47:26.244-05:00Terrific post as usual. I blogged about annoying T...Terrific post as usual. I blogged about annoying Twitter behavior today and my annoyance was mostly regarding the things you mentioned. It's so important to be real and genuine. Social networking is SOCIAL. It's amazing how many people forget that part.Roni Lorenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02719679344024635326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-47868051526265832392010-11-29T16:11:09.090-05:002010-11-29T16:11:09.090-05:00And this is exactly why we all love you so much, J...And this is exactly why we all love you so much, Jody! You walk the walk with us. You are such a great role model for things like this, because you really do "practice what you preach". Wonderful advice! :-)Shannon O'Donnellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17299313309059235876noreply@blogger.com