Do you let blog-traffic slow down your own work?
Click on the pic: Keep watching the cars!
I’ve been thinking about writing a post about blog traffic for a while. It’s something that I’ve found quite hard to deal with recently, and eventually I had to stop and ask myself why I’m spending so much time on ‘traffic’ that my own posts and creative work are suffering. Of course it’s lovely to receive comments about one’s posts, and I appreciate every single one. I also enjoy sharing, and getting to know other bloggers, and following other blogs. But recently the scales seem to have tipped and I’ve started to feel that traffic is controlling me rather than me controlling it. If nothing else it’s definitely been slowing down my own work.
In my in-box of a morning (as I’m sure there is in yours too) there are:
1.New Posts from Blogs I follow
2.Likes for my blog posts
3.Comments on my posts
4.Other emails
Sometimes it seems quite daunting having to deal with possibly 30 – 40 emails. But I feel I have a responsibility to those who have made the effort to send me a nice comment, and equally I like to return the compliment and look at their posts. I hate the thought of offending or upsetting people, when, after all, they have taken the time to read and comment on one of my posts. A friend of mine who was saying she has the same problem came up with a very good point. If the emails we receive every day were dropping onto our desk in old-fashioned paper form, we’d never get through them. They’d be stacked up to the ceiling and falling all over the floor within days.
My own analogy was of a sailor who finds his boat full of water every morning. He has to bail it all out before he can go sailing. Trouble is he spends so much time bailing that there’s little time left for the very thing he wants to do – to sail.
I decided recently that I had to take a different line and get very selective in the way I deal with email. The wheat from the chaff so to speak. Even though I’d like to read all the chaff I just don’t have the time. So I decided:
1.It’s just not possible to look at every new post on the blogs I follow and make a comment, so I need to select a chosen few to ‘Like’ or comment on each day.
2.Mentally thank everyone for a ‘Like’ on my posts.
3.Write a thank-you to everyone who has given me a comment.
Another aspect of blogging which can take up a large amount of time is awards and things like ‘You’ve been tagged’. Initially I groan when I receive one, then I feel guilty for feeling that way, then I try to fit it in. Maybe the hardest part is nominating sometimes up to fifteen other bloggers from my ‘Blogs I Follow’ list – which is about forty-five, and growing. I’m sure some people follow a lot more than that. I know that some of the bloggers on my list don’t participate in awards, and lots have the award already, therefore reducing the options of who I can nominate. I then feel uncomfortable about nominating the same people for further awards – assuming maybe incorrectly that they may not want the extra work of an award either!
Funnily enough I read this post yesterday:
http://sillyfrogsusan.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/to-dabble-or-not-to-dabble/
An excellent post and it made me feel better about my own feelings with regard to blogging and how I see my responsibility to other bloggers. My first responsibility should be to my own creative stuff – after all that’s why I started it in the first place. Somehow along the way that was getting lost.
I’d love to hear your thoughts – if you have time!
jmgoyder said:
I wrote a similar post not long ago (but not as eloquently as you!) – it definitely is a dilemma but I received feedback to the tune that most bloggers understand this dilemma.
You are so right in sticking to what you want to do which is to write (me too!)
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Jude said:
Thank you! It really is a relief to know that other people feel this way. Possibly many think it but don’t say it! 🙂
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memomuse said:
Jude,
I always make time for you darling! But I get it. And you can thank me mentally. The discipline to write goes out the window when I go on the internet. I do much better when writing and composing when I get out of the house, take my laptop and notebook and head to the coffee shop where I can never access their free wi-fi. It forces me to write — imagine that. Blog is a verb — write is a lifestyle and a discipline.
I have been so caught up in tracking down all the people who steal my photos, I could have written my book already.
I am making a committment to my memoir, at least getting the first thirty pages written, polished, and edited. Already have the first 11, but it needs to be edited and polished.
And yes, you are right about awards. I never nominate — too much hassle. I think we should create our own award! And it will be a hassle free one, just to pass on. People pass those awards out to get traffic back to their site. Not totally true, but somewhat.
Always a treat to interact with you darling!
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rutheh said:
It’s impossible to respond to every commenter and like button email. One blogger had a badge’All awards gratefully declined”. It did start to feel like a chain letter and an imposition on others. The first award I was thrilled that I had been “chosen” and didn’t fully understand the whole system
To the return viewers and commenters,I try to go to the commenters’ blog and write a thoughtful comment- but not every time. I appreciate people taking the time to look and comment.
I follow a ton of blogs but get overwhelmed and am reserving Saturday morning early(when I not away) to see what everyone has been up to all week,
I enjoyed reading your post today.
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Jude said:
Many thanks Ruth. I think the ‘Awards gratefully Declined’ is a jolly good idea – and I may create one! I also felt, as you did, that passing on these things to others may feel like an imposition to them. I felt quite uncomfortable about it. Mostly I was losing time writing my own stuff which is what I enjoy. Thanks for your thoughts. 🙂
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Tom said:
I’m not sure but this unbearable email-system is NEW. At first the blogs I followed appeared only in the reader. And these chain-letter-“awards” are embarassing. Being recommended by 1 is ridiculous. Every blogger who invents such awards should get a no-integrity-award.
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Jude said:
Maybe I’ll create a ‘No Integrity Award’ badge along with the ‘All Awards Gratefully Declined’ badge – that I’m currently working on! I have to say it does all get a bit much, and I guess I’ve been too worried about upsetting people. It’s been nice to hear other bloggers’ opinions on thisd subject – and unsurprisingly they all seem to feel the same way. Thanks for your comment Tom. 🙂
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Cardinal Guzman said:
I had to turn off the email notification for likes; my inbox was just getting out of control and became unmanageable.
I agree with Ruteh: those awards feel a bit like a chain letter. I’ve recieved a few, but so far I’ve only said thanks to the ones who gave them to me, I haven’t passed the awards on.
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Jude said:
Thanks CG, I think I’ll design a nice ‘Declining Awards’ badge! Then I’ll post it. 🙂
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reb said:
Great post, it was a delight to read it and see that other people feel the same way as I. I use Gmail as my email client, and have made a filter/folder, where all the wp-related email go. Still, I think I have to turn off the notifications for the ‘Likes’ — on Fridays, when the photo challenge takes place, it gets a little out of hand. Before I made up that filter, it was all mixed in with my personal email, and that wasn’t so good.
I’ve received a few awards too, and felt awkward about it — really awkward, as I’m so thankful to the people who nominated me, but still … the strings! Okay, I could accept it, and not do the questions, ‘passing on’ or whatever the rules might be, but I just don’t like it. Up until now, I’ve just thanked them. I think at least one person felt offended that I didn’t put it up …which is sad …I really appreciated this person’s comments.
This comment is getting longer and longer … I think I’ll «reblog» your post instead ;D
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Jude said:
Thanks for your reply Reb. I just had to write this post, and it’s honestly a relief to know that there are other people who feel awkward about awards and things. I’d really started to feel snowed under with traffic, and guilty for groaning at it. Thanks for such a supportive reply – and for re-blogging! 🙂 Also – I think I’ll pinch your idea and put filters on my Gmail for WordPress. Jolly good idea!
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Cardinal Guzman said:
I have one email for blogging, so all the stuff there is WordPress related somehow. If it wasn’t, I would definitely put up a filter too. It’s a good idea.
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Jude said:
I’m going to try and set that up today. Then I want to have a go at your lens blur effect.
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Cardinal Guzman said:
I’ve put filters in the blog email, so that comments end up in one folder, followers in another, and emails from myself (to remind me to check out this and that or to buy tomatoes or whatever) end up in a separate folder.
My inbox has finally become more managable.
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reb said:
Reblogged this on colderweather and commented:
Was commenting on this post, when I found my comment was turning into a blog post of its own, so … why not take advantage of the «Reblog» feature! 🙂
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lahgitana said:
The thoughts behind those awards are lovely: someone had a terrific response to a post and wanted to tell the world. Me, too–thank the sender, but that’s not how I conduct my relationships–with rules! Yikes! Unfortunately, WordPress has to have a reason to advertise itself–ain’t no free lunch, folks! Yes, I’m cynical.
Jude, I hereby nominate you for the creation of a blog badge that we can share as we see fit. Oh wait! That won’t work! Too much time! >:-D Now, if WordPress would invent a “Love” button that we might use in lieu of awards.
After I got out of hospital and was finally able to return to the computer, my inbox had over 200 WP emails–and those were just notifications of new posts! That about broke my brain–wanting to connect, but lordy, that was overwhelming!
I love your Wobbly Fish Award–made it for yourself, which cracked me up, then offered to share.
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lahgitana said:
Oh I forgot to say how much I enjoyed all those great European cars sliding by, plus the surprises farther in!
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Jude said:
Thanks Laurie! Love you too! Took me blinkin’ hours to draw those blasted cars, and lord knows how many ‘layers’ of animation. But I had such fun. Think I’ll make an animated ‘Declining Awards’ badge – and will make you a ‘Love’ button! You’ll have to forward it to 200 other bloggers though teeee-heeee! 🙂 lol. Hugs.
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Sonel said:
Never feel guilty about anything hon. Even if you just press the “like” button now and then on one of my posts it would mean just as much as when you commented. It all depends on why you started blogging hon. If you started blogging as a daily journal, then do your daily journal. If you want to do challenges, do them. The thing is that you must do what makes you happy. We will never ever be able to make everyone else happy if we are not happy and content. Everyone who blogs knows how it is and I am sure everyone understands. I know I do. Do what you can as long as you are happy. Don’t let blogging become a commitment to make others happy. Do it because it makes you happy. If you don’t want awards or want to be tagged, let people know. Sometimes we are to intent on making other people happy and worry so much about their feelings that we forget our own happiness and our own feelings.
Love those cars! You are an amazing animator for sure and sometimes I wish I can sit for that long in front of my pc but that is not possible but I am happy with what I can do in the short times that I do have. 🙂
*hugs*
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Jude said:
Going to take that advice! Actually I’d already decided I had to make changes in how I was approaching all the blog traffic. I’m happiest when I’m creating stuff, so that shall take priority. So glad you liked the cars – and also glad I have the time to play with that sort of stuff. Thanks for your words and many BIG hugs!
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Touch2Touch said:
Time is a commodity like others, and more precious than most.
“All awards gratefully declined” is a valuable timesaver. (If I could figure out how to get the logo actually ON my blog I would, but otherwise I just say so.)
The Like button has a real use, but even there, I only click Like when I really do.
I’ll look at others’ blogs once, maybe twice, but only return to the ones that interest me (which can be for a variety of reasons).
One thing that helps a lot with the clarity: I’m 77. I KNOW there’s no time to spare!!!!!!!
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Jude said:
I definitely need to make this logo … and would be very happy to help you put it on your blog!:)
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pix & kardz said:
I have two logos available that are free to be copied and no need to credit or link back to me. You can see the info in my comment below. Clicking on my pix & kardz name will take you to the page where you can get those badges if you like. Enjoy! Happy Blogging!
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happysherlock said:
This is a great post and I’m glad to see many bloggers are feeling the same way. Phew! At least now I don’t feel so bad. When I first started blogging couple of years back on live journal, it was meant as a personal journal and I kept the blog open only to a few friends. Last year, I switched over to WordPress and turned off the privacy settings. The interaction with fellow WordPress bloggers was refreshing, and I love how encouraging and friendly this community is. It was also great ‘meeting’ so many wonderful people. But some weeks back, I started to feel the weight of my very full mailbox. Like you, I want to respond to those who take the time and effort to leave a comment or like but it was challenging. Especially since I usually respond or read blogs on my phone when commuting. Then I figured that it was just nuts for blog traffic to take the fun out of blogging. So now, I respond only when I have time and post whenever it makes me happy 🙂
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Jude said:
I’m really glad I did this post. It’s obviously helped other bloggers to see that they’re not alone in their thoughts on the ‘bursting mailbox’. It’s great to communicate and share with fellow-bloggists, but when it starts to become a strain then it’s no longer a pleasure. Good for you HappyS for being true to yourself and making the decision to respond when you have time, and not to if you don’t. Thanks so much for your thoughts. 🙂
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pix & kardz said:
Some great thoughts here, Jude. Honest and creative as well! 🙂
‘All awards gratefully declined’ is how I word it at my blog, which is where you may have seen it. I actually created an
awardspage where I politely but consistently have indicated my intention.You are so creative that I am sure you can come up with an animated badge. However I have created two of them on that awards page which may be freely copied. While it does say ‘courtesy of pix & kardz’ on them, they do not link back to my blog, and if you or any blogger would like to use one or both of them, you are very welcome to do so. No need to link back to my blog, or to comment with a thank you or ‘like’ button. 🙂
Enough said. Cheers! Happy Blogging!
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Tom said:
Like in real life, one should tell the truth and not trying to be everyone’s darling, being honest instead of trying to sell something. 1 substantial comment is worth more than 100 “likes”. It’s an unpleasant phenomena of the new media that today so much people are trying to become a star instead of doing something creative and substantial which has worth in itself – even if no one sees it.
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Jude said:
Absolutely agree. Reality TV is a prime example – quick fame. I like your words Tom.
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Madhu said:
Brilliant animation Jude!
You must have read my mind! I have been wondering lately how everyone else manages their ‘traffic jams’! And awards!! i am currently sitting on 11 unacknowledged awards and two tags feeling guilty about it. Neither have I posted anything of merit in the past one week. Time to pull up my socks.
Sonel has a point you know. We have to decide what WE want.
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Jude said:
I think probably lots of people have the same problem but don’t want to voice it for fear of upsetting others. I felt like that but in the end you have to get tough or your own creativity suffers. Pull up those socks! 🙂
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Russel Ray Photos said:
At my previouis blogging platform where I hung out from July 2008 to January 2012, I’d was getting about 350 emails a day when I left. It had 210,000 participants, and I had 685 followers. I knew it would be worse at WordPress with its millions and millions of participants. It is.
I have a simple system.
First, I turn off all email notifications about new posts from fellow bloggers.
Second, I have a nice Excel spreadsheet where I have a linked list to everyone who has ever left a comment on my blog, people following me, and people I follow. On a first in, first out basis, I visit everyone and “camp out” in their blog, trying to leave at least 10 likes and 5 comments. Sometimes it’s fewer because the blogger doesn’t blog quite as often as I do.
Third, for the emails I get about people following, liking, or commenting in my blog, I summarily delete those I recognize because I’m going to be visiting them anyway. For those I don’t recognize, I check my spreadsheet and add them as necessary.
Fourth, I go camping. Right now I’m camping out in your blog in return for you visiting my blog on April 14. So I was probably over here at your blog on April 14 or a couple of days earlier.
As you can see, if I’m here on May 7 because you were at my place on April 14, it’s about a 3-week delay. So when I finish camping out here today, I anticipate being back around Memorial Day.
I have left as many as 316 likes and 77 comments in just one day, and I use holidays to get caught up.
Of to see what your other campers are up to.
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Tom said:
Turning off ALL email notifications is no solution. There should be an option to choose which off and which not.
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Russel Ray Photos said:
I agree. Maybe there’s a plug-in or widget.
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Tom said:
I FOUND IT! It’s hidden in the dashboard like an easter-egg and I think it’s a new function.
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Cardinal Guzman said:
UI must say that I’m impressed by your work Russell!
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Jude said:
Thanks CG – I just un-spammed you!
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Jude said:
Blimey Russel, you’re incredibly organized! You’ve obviously created a system that works really well for you. I’ve learned to be more selective with ‘New Posts’ – I don’t look at everyone’s new post every day, I delete ‘Likes’, and I always respond to comments. Having got to grips with the inbox I’m now feeling much better. Many thanks for your input and comments. 🙂
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Robin Jean Marie said:
Well, thanks for the “like,” Jude, and (as you may understand because you just wrote a post about it) it did lead me to your blog, and I am happy about that! I’m trying to figure out blogging etiquette, myself, as I’m a bit new at this, so I’ll follow that link you provided. However, I did let a tag game go by with a complete absence of guilt, so I feel that I’ve made progress in that department. And you must have posted this before that pesky little pre-checked comments notification box popped-up everywhere and turned a blog traffic jam into gridlock of L.A. proportions. = o I’m finally getting that under control!
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Jude said:
Had to chuckle at your absence of guilt! Good for you! And glad if my post helped a bit. 🙂
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purpleborough said:
Once I wrote a post about my dislike of likes. I think I was to direct and offended some. Now I try to read post on Saturdays only but I find I cannot read all of them and tend to hit the like button. I shall stop doing that and just read what interests me…found my way over from colderweather!
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Jude said:
It seems so easy to get caught up in ‘Likes’ and New Posts and Comments, and pretty soon there’s no time left to create. A great shame that people were offended by your forthright post. We’re all different, and have differing feelings and opinions. On some days I just delete everything except comments in my inbox if I’m working on something. I’ll pop over and have a look at your blog now. 🙂
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Eleenie said:
Hehe, that about sums it up! I also should be concentrating on a lot more productive work but here I am back on WordPress. I can’t deny that I love it, I have read some fantastic blogs and learned much about various countries through those blogs but I’m in full agreement with what you say, it’s very time consuming to be a decent and polite blogger. So what do I do this evening? I have a nosey at new blogs! I can’t see myself getting much work done in the near future 🙂
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Jude said:
Yep, there are some great blogs out there, and I also spend too much time visiting them. Thanks for dropping in on mine! 🙂
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