Monday, October 12, 2009

You Light Up My Life!

Many of you will recognize that this is a version of a post I've already done. Since we were on the subject of blogging, I decided to re post bits and pieces of a series on blogging that I did back in August. This shoe lights up. And so does my phone. When I have a new email, a flashing red light appears in the corner of my phone. I used to look forward to seeing this light because I hoped it would be a response to one of my e-queries. On more than one occasion, this light saved me from the typical refresh-every-five-seconds syndrome so many writers suffer from. Since I stopped querying three months ago, I now look forward to seeing the light because I hope it is a comment from one of my blogger friends. Every time it is, I smile. I've spent the last couple of weeks talking about the importance of maintaining a professional blog. Just as important, though, is the concept of sincerity. It doesn't matter how professional your blog is. If you aren't sincere in your interaction on it, no one will want to come back. Commenting on other's blogs is one way to show your sincerity. Your comments bring me joy, and for that, I want to say thank you! Is it just me, or does anyone else love the comments?

46 comments:

Heather Sunseri said...

Blogging has definitely been very important on my writing journey, and the comments left on my blog inspire and energize me. I'm constantly learning from the friends I've made while blogging. Thank you, friends!

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

Hey!

I didn't get to read this the first time around, so thanks for re-posting it! I love comments too. They definitely make me smile!!! This blogging thing is a lot of fun!

Regina Quentin said...

Love love love the comments. When I get those e-mails I too smile. It makes me genuinely happy that people spend time reading what I have to say and then take even more time to sincerely comment on it. It gives me hope.

Kristi Faith said...

How cool is that shoe?!!? Okay, I'm done...distracted easily, this one is. :)

I am right with you on comments. Not only do they bring me joy-but the courage to keep going. Even if it was a disagreement (which I've yet to see) Especially since I have just begun the blogging aspect of writing-building my platform and what not; the comments validate and encourage. We're pretty cool people if you ask me :)

Matthew Delman said...

Comments make me happy (my number of followers going up does too), because that means what I say actually matters to people. Which is always a great feeling to have.

And thank you for your view on my sample pages, Susan.

Anonymous said...

I'm addicted to comments. Love getting comments.

You are by far my most consistent commenter on my blog, and I really appreciate that Susan. Thank you :)

Tere Kirkland said...

Lord, Susan must stretch herself pretty thin, because she's a consistent commenter on my blog, too. It does make you feel like you've written something that matters.

Thanks, Susan. You light up our lives, too.

Jody Hedlund said...

Comments are one of THE best things about blogging! I've been so encouraged, learned incredible things, and have gained some wonderful friends all through the comments of blogs.

Angie Muresan said...

I have to agree with Tere, Susan. You light up our lives too with your thoughtful comments. I love comments as well, particularly as I find out more about my readers through them.

Mrs. Major said...

I think I commented on this one before but I will again. Because I like sincerity too!! And, that keeps me coming back to your blog!

Tamika: said...

Susan, I enjoy your blog a great deal especially for the transperancy you bring. Writing is such a solitary world, it refreshing to know you are not alone.

Like you, the interaction and dialogue we all exchange through comments is a blessing.

It makes me smile when another writer takes time from their busy schedule to react to my journey in any way.

Blessings to you...

Eileen Astels Watson said...

Oh, I'm like you, Susan, I love comments. The interaction through comments is great, especially when you spend your days in quiet with your imagination mostly. I also love the feedback on how other's feel about what I've posted. It a great way to get to know people online.

Stephanie McGee said...

I always look forward to comments.

Carolyn V. said...

I love comments. I also love your idea of light shoes. =) They are awesome. Good luck on the queries!!!

Patti said...

There's a moment in the movie Julie & Julia where she's excited, because she has a comment for someone other than family. I can totally relate. Getting comments is like the highlight of my day. How sad is that.

Karen M. Peterson said...

I love getting comments and I love leaving comments. But I found myself having the hardest time finding the time to respond to them.

How do you respond to those whose emails are not attached to their user names?

Natalie said...

I love comments too. It's fun to see how other people deal with the same issues that I do. I don't have any real life writing friends so the blog is one of the few places where I can actually connect with other writers. It makes me happy.

Roni Loren said...

I adore comments and try to make as many as I can on others' sites as well. Although, I have to say that now that I follow over a hundred blogs, I can't hit them all every day.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

I deeply appreciate sincere comments on on Fridays when I pose my questions, I end up learning a lot, too!
~ Wendy

Stacey J. Warner said...

Lovely post...I feel the same way...everyone's comment lighten my day. I feel blessed.

much love

erica m. chapman said...

Great Post! Totally agree. I'm just getting into this blogging thing, but I've really been enjoying it.

Of course, I love the comments. That's how you know you're not just talking to yourself, and the comments add a lot of great info in addition to what is posted too.

Sincerity is an important quality. I write my posts like I would say them outloud- that can be good or bad depending on the slang I use, but oh well :)

Thanks for you blog- Hopefully we can all show you the light *ha ha* sorry I had to end on a bad pun. You're awesome.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I love comments!!!! They can really make your day! I am truly grateful for my blog family. It is like though we connect through our blogs, somehow it can still means so much! Love ya girl!!!! :o)

Danyelle L. said...

Your blog is wonderful. I totally agree about the need for sincerity, it really does color how I see the blog and the blogger. :) And yes, I love comments too, because they're like a conversation I'm having with my friends. :)

Dawn Simon said...

Love the comments, love the comments, love the comments! And I agree--sincerity totally matters!

I saw Roni's comment, and I'm the same way. Now that I'm following more blogs, I can't go to each one with every new post. I enjoy the blogs I follow, though, and visit when I can!

Ellie Kings said...

I'm getting on board, Susan, with everyone else. I enjoy having comments because it means someone took the time out of their busy day and stopped by my little 'ol blog. You are a very special person Susan... you read so many blogs and leave motivating comments. Thank you for that! May God continue to give you wisdom and may you always be an inspiration to everyone around you! All my love, Ellie

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

its always nice hearing from your peeps :)

Clementine said...

Love the phone, Miss Susan.

K. M. Walton said...

Comments make me feel a purpose, like I'm writing for an actual audience. And I like 'em.

MG Higgins said...

Yes! I love comments and I also love when comments turn into discussions and spread to other blogs. There's such a sense interraction and community.

Cindy R. Wilson said...

I think if I was wearing that shoe, I'd get so distracted with looking down to watch my feet that I'd trip all over everything.

But anyway...I LOVE comments! I love how other writer's really understand what I'm dealing with and try to encourage me and others. Have a great day!

Elana Johnson said...

I like the idea of a light when I have a new email. I just have a tab open all the freaking time.

And I like comments too. I try to get to every blog, but yeah, it's impossible. But every blog I read, I comment on.

Jennifer Shirk said...

Who doesn't like comments? LOL! I enjoy hearing what people have to say.
But I especially love when comments make me laugh and brighten my day!

Kelsey (Dominique) Ridge said...

Comments make me feel special. **bashful smile**

Robyn Campbell said...

Flash, flash! *grin*

I love the comments. They get me through hospital visits and days when I think this thought: "Honey, the muse, it just up and died!"

So blogging has become UBER-important(I knew I would use that word) and without you and all my bloggy buds, I'd be in some serious doldrums. Thanks Susan! :) Great post!

Nicolette said...

I love, love, LOVE comments! They really do light up my life! :D

I always try to be as sincere as possible when leaving comments. And even if I'm in a silly mood, I'll change to to serious to read a serious blog, and comment seriously, because it makes for a more sincere comment. I feel guilty when I read blogs but don't comment because I'm trying to cram in fifty more blogs before lights out, but I'll usually make up for it later.

I always appreciate your comments, Susan!

Jade said...

Comments rock my world!

Lillian Robinson said...

Believe it or not, I actually know of one person that did NOT like comments! Weird huh?

Faith said...

Wowww!!! I need one of those shoes so I can stop hitting refresh every 3 minutes!!! Lol. I love comments on my blog, but as you know, I don't get many... oddly enough, my traffic stats are growing though. Oh well! I appreciate everyone who does stop by and comment though, it gives me warm fuzzies every time I get that 'new comment' email :)

B.J. Anderson said...

I love blogging! And I love commenting, especially on your blod. ;)

Amy DeTrempe said...

I completely agree with the sincerity of blogs and those are the ones I enjoy. I also love commenting on blogs and wish I could read them every day.

Sherry Dale Rogers said...

Wow, I finally made it to the bottom of all those comments. Go you. I absolutly love the comments. I have all my emails come through my phone and it always gives me a smile and brightens my day every time I get a comment.

Happy Blogging

Anita Saxena said...

My blog, commenting on other blogs, and making new online writer friends, has definitely been a source of joy for me recently. And anytime someone posts a comment on my blog I get sooooo excited. And when someone becomes an official follower-that absolutely makes my day.

storyqueen said...

I think this is an important post because I, too, am drawn to the sincerity of others' blogs. That is what keeps me reading the same ones, week after week.

Shelley-who-also-loves-to hear-from-readers

Michelle D. Argyle said...

WOW! Look at all your comments! I love love love comments. I hope your little light goes off when you get this one. That's the most awesome phone I've ever seen!

Abby Annis said...

You're awesome, Susan! I always love your comments (and everyone else's). It's great to have followers, but my favorites are always the ones who participate in the discussion. :) I'm trying to lurk less and comment more. How do you find the time?

Swapna Raghu Sanand said...

Awesome thought! Comments light up my life too every time I see that someone has taken the time and effort to spend a little more time on my blog to let me know their thoughts. That effort and investment of their time is priceless and makes me feel deeply motivated to do much more than just blog.

Your posts are so full of positive light and energy. I too feel very happy only when my interactions with other bloggers happens with a very sincere, natural flow. Otherwise, the purpose is lost.