Sunday, December 20, 2015

Was It Something I Said?

For some folks, blogging might be a bit of a popularity contest -- to see how many followers they can amass.  While I too like to see that more people are interested in my blog over time, I've been writing in this space going on 13 years, and my priorities lie more in the realm of sharing -- my life, my thoughts, my art processes.

Generally, over the last few years, my Gentle Readers have numbered around 84-85.  Some come, some go.  Maybe I've become a bit boring and need to step up my game, word- and idea-wise...and I'm giving some thought as to how I might do that.

However, all-of-a-sudden in the past week -- less than a week, really -- five (count 'em!) followers have stopped following.

Writing this is, I know, like locking the barn door after the horse has been stolen, for these former followers are unlikely to read this and contact me to explain why.

Perhaps it was the recent posting of a prayer poem?

Or the fact that I've taken a break from my artwork to make more traditional, pieced quilts?

Or the fact that I'm making those small quilts for Syrian refugees expected to arrive in our area in the next few weeks?

Or perhaps these readers were interested only in my process through Elizabeth Barton's Master Class and, now that the 2015 class has wound up, they've left the room, so to speak?

Maybe it's because I haven't orchestrated a give-away in almost a year?

The thing is, I don't keep track of who follows me and who doesn't...and I'm not about to begin to do so.  This blog is not, for me, part of some sort of competition.  I'm not interested in hunting down readers who stop following, to give them a shake and make them tell me why.

But I do like to be liked -- and I like to please my readers.  So please, Gentle Readers, help me out a bit here.  Please let me know what you like about what I post; what you'd like to read about more often; what bores you to tears and has you groaning, "Not yet another post about 'X'!"

I promise I'll pay attention to what you post in the comments...and see what I can do.

And thank you for your support!  :-)

16 comments:

Vicki W said...

I think blog readership waxes and wanes naturally. I also think that many people are moving away from blog reading and moving to Facebook and Instagram. Focus on what you love and the right readers will follow!

arlee said...

I've noticed the same, my dear. At first it really bothered me, then i thought "pfft". I think part of it is everyone can see, like and comment on FB if you've "network blogged" there--and people want fast fixes.
I don't always comment either, and my apologies for that! I like your mix, and wouldn't have you change it, because then it wouldn't be authentic.

Now i'm going back to FB and will comment there too ;)

Jo Vandermey said...

I think you need to be true to yourself and blog what you feel is important. There will always be someone more popular especially if they have give always and such.
I am not a consistent blogger myself so I only have 14 followers but I also know that some look but don't follow or see it on google plus.
I think if I knew more people were interested in my blog I would write more but it is also circumstance since I don't always have something to show.
Some may be turned off about religious or political posts but if that is part of you than again as long as it is tasteful not hateful it still is a part of you.
Stay true to yourself.
I enjoy your posts although I don't always read every post in my feed. Time thing usually.
Taste also changes ...I don't read all the traditional blogs I used to because I can only manage to follow so many and have time to read them.
Take heart!
And thank you for sharing your journey.
Jo

elle said...

I'd say the same things as you and you are right it isn't about the stats. I think things just change over time. People have more options and less time but I don't think blogging is going away anytime soon and meets a specific niche for certain readers but especially for the blogger. Please yourself, Margaret. It IS your blog! ;^)

Wil said...

I think this is just a coincidence. Keep the blog like you do.

Unknown said...

I have read all your posts and enjoyed them all. You are doing them well. I feel you are a long distance friend and would miss the posts if they were not there. I feel this is a country with all kinds of freedoms and we should be able to express our thoughts as long as we are not doing serious harm to anyone. My parents were immigrants from Lithuania and they insisted we were Canadian and we followed the customs, language etc. of their chosen land .So keep on doing as you are. I would miss you if you were not around.
Rena Holma

Linda A. Miller said...

Life ebbs and flows, and people come and go. As Arlee mentioned, be authentic! You cannot please everyone. When you are sharing from your heart you will naturally speak to those of us who are listening.
And.. Happy Holidays!

Giddings Art said...

I agree with all of the above. Please don't take it personally. You can never please everyone all of the time but you should continue to be yourself. You have amassed a large following by writing about the things you do. I wouldn't change a thing. Your loyal followers have made a connection with you and we look forward to reading your posts and seeing what you are up to. I agree that as Social Media changes, there will be ebbs and flows. But I hope blogging will not go by the wayside. It is a great way for us to learn from and support each other. Merry Christmas, Margaret!

Sheila said...

I read on another blog that there is a problem with blogger and that is the reason for the lost followers , nothing you have said or done . I also lost five this week , maybe they will suddenly reappear . Hope this helps . Merry Christmas .

Darlene said...

After reading the comments, I have to agree with all of them. I enjoy reading your blogs including the artsy ones even when I haven't got a clue about what you're doing. I think, also, it's a way we can keep in touch as we don't see each other as much anymore. Keep on truckin' and write about whatever you feel you should.

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

Interesting....my followers (and I also dont really keep track) fell by 5 this week as well! Maybe the same 5 people have cleaned out their following list because several of us have lost 5 this week. LOL
I agree that people are moving to Instagram and also following on Bloglovin or email, so it is hard to really know.
Please keep posting, I enjoy your creative spirit!

Suzanne Ramsay said...

I enjoy your posts greatly. I enjoy the pictures and comments of your weather and activities because I was born in the east but now live in the west so it is a bit of home for me. I really enjoy your sharing all things artistic. I am trying to find more time to quilt and it encourages me. I'm sure you took your master class for personal reasons but I found that I liked your choices more often than the master class instructor. Please know that although I rarely comment your posts are a nice interlude when I take my breaks.

Sha said...

Like Art -there are several reasons to write a blog - some will do it to promote themselves and their creations and some do it because they want to share. I read somewhere, that Shirley Mclean wrote about her life experiences because the sharing of the experience, in this case via the written word, was necessary in order for her to feel that she had completed a given experience - ie that the books were part of her creative process just as much as the specific experience itself.
I believe that you write because you are generously willing to share your explorations, challenges, discoveries and success (and maybe a few "opps that didn't work") with those of us who are interested in reading what you offer. You share all of life as it touches you and I know that what is offered is offered from the heart and a place of integrity and honesty. It is a gift, and I receive it with respect and appreciation. - AS I read the your blog, it can inspire me, make me question ( artistic options as well as live views) - your courage and determination to follow your artistic drive and create supports me as I bumble along on my own journey and it reminds me that none of us are alone on this journey - we are just at the various different points along the path and it's good to know there is someone up ahead and someone coming up behind me to maybe join me along this part of the walk - thanks

California Fiber artist and composer said...

Please don't take people un-subscribing personally. This is a very busy time of year and people may be rethinking their priorities. Some of the people may have been interested in Elizabeth Barton's class. I know that I have not had time to browse blogs for quite some time. I think your posts are genuine and reflect your interests. Remain true to yourself and don't get caught up by cyber statistics.

Maggi said...

Your blog is who you are and so it should be. If there are people out there who don't like certain aspects then do you really want them as followers if they can't accept that not everyone is exactly the same? It is our differences as well as our similarities that draw us to other people.

Jo Ferguson said...

I've been away because I've been taking care of my sick puppy. You'll have to put up with me catching up on a few weeks postings at once.