I tried my first Friday Follow last Friday and have to say that I am not impressed. For me I want followers who are interested in what I am writing and who are going to read what I am writing. I also follow sites that I like to read. Friday Follow did bring me new followers which I am thankful for but I was also asked to follow lots of sites that did not interest me. I hope people follow me because they want to and not because they feel obligated.
So- do I follow them just because they followed me?
It's seems like having followers is just a numbers game like facebook friends. People try to get as many as possible to just be the cool kid in school. That's pretty much what it feels like to me. Like in school when you want to have more friends then anyone now it has spilled over into the WWW.
I can understand follow Friday for businesses and people who are doing giveaways and such but for everyday bloggers I think it takes away from the authenticity of your blog.
When I find a new blog and enjoy it I will definitely follow. I like to read about other people and there daily happenings- especially military wives.
Am I against Friday Follow? Of course not so please no haters. I just know that it's not for me and I will stick to just writing.
Many Blessings
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Well, after my posting I lost 2 followers. :-( I was not trying to hurt anyone's feelings or be rude. Apparently it was taken personally by some and I am sorry.
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Well, after my posting I lost 2 followers. :-( I was not trying to hurt anyone's feelings or be rude. Apparently it was taken personally by some and I am sorry.
10 comments:
i agree totally. i did it a couple times but probably won't be doing it again. i had no idea if people were following my blog because they actually liked what they read or just wanted someone to follow them back, and i don't like feeling guilty because i'm not returning the follow if someone's blog isn't a style i'm interested in or whatever. plus i think it takes away the fun of blogging if everyone's making it a contest to see who can get more followers. :)
I think it's more like people want a lot of followers because it validates what they are writing. I have 14 followers, which is pretty ok with me (although I'm pretty sure half of them don't even read it). But back when I was at 2-5 people, it was like writing to a ghost audience..heck, it still is like writing to a ghost audience.
But sometimes I will follow someone and expect them to follow me in return, not because it's a game but because in my mind they might be interested in what I am writing, and I want to share it.
Well, after my posting I lost 2 followers. :-( I was not trying to hurt anyone's feelings or be rude. Apparently it was taken personally by some and I am sorry.
I have done it twice and agree with you that I am not sure if SOME of the readers are actually reading my post or just clicking to add. The reason I say that, is my blog is a food blog. I post every day a new recipe. I dont have all 96 followers posting comments everyday...not even a fraction. I personally like to read what I click follow to.
Follow Friday has grown SOOOO much that it's kind of lost some appeal for me as well. Not because of the whole numbers game like you said, but because literally HUNDREDS of bloggers are now doing it, and unless you're in the top part of the list (which requires you to post at like 1 AM!), then you don't get any visitors. The last 2 weeks, I was in the 300's and didn't get a single visitor. I'm not going to bother anymore. But I totally agree with you that I want people actually reading my blog not just following because they feel they have to.
Sorry you lost 2 readers! It happens.
Well, I can tell you I "followed" you because your blog interests me. Can't say as I have ever even heard of Friday Follow (not sure how I missed that). I must be busier than I thought chasing my munchkins! LOL
I agree, I think Friday Follow would work better if there was a way to categorize - like a friday follow just for milbloggers, or just for mommies, etc.
Cheryl, I have an award for you on my baby blog, come get it when you have a chance! (preggotimes on blogspot)
:)
I just gave you an award!! You can pick it up at Shamrock and Shenanigans
I agree 100%. I would rather have somebody read my blog than just follow so I will follow them. I just laugh at those who care so much. My blog is through wordpress, therefore I do not have the option for a followers widget. For that, I am thankful.
ps. I enjoy reading your blog and follow only so I am updated when you post. :)
Karen (My Goal is Simple)
I've always said that if someone has more than 500 FB friends, I don't trust 'em! How many can really be friends?
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