Thoughts About Blogs and Opinions
I like to express my opinions. I guess I just can't keep them to myself. Come to think of it, isn't that what makes the blogging world go around? I mean, blogs are very public forums and a lot of your exposure depends on who finds you and how many whos find you, right? And of course, sooner or later you're going to say something that offends some one - sort of an inevitability that the more you write, the greater those odds get. Not that I've ever said anything here to offend anybody, intentionally or otherwise. I mean, I write my blog to share ideas, have fun and meet others who share my passion. It's also why I read blogs.
So what are my ramblings all about (this time)? Well, I was over at the Yarn Harlot's blog, as so many of you also go there I'm sure you know where I'm going with this.... She just completed some eye-popping vintage socks. Mind-boggling, time consuming, decorative, magnificent, drop-dead gorgeous socks decorated with 32 individually knit mini-leaves! The post about how she finally completed the project had over 800 comments. No, really, over 800 comments.
Let's pause here for a moment. Over 800 comments.... When I visit other blogs and I see over 20 comments, I am disinclined to leave a comment because, after 20 other people have commented, what are the odds you're going to want to say almost exactly what someone else has already said, right? I dunno, I guess I just figure if I'm going to take the time to leave a comment it should be something more original than "ditto", especially if the blogger is more or less a stranger to you. If it's someone I know then at least if I leave a comment it will be worth my time because that person will say, "Oh! Nice to see you were here and like what I did."
But 800 comments? Does she actually read them all? If so, how does she still have time to knit? I had over 100 for my Blogiversary and thought my inbox would collapse under the weight! I read them all but still haven't had time to visit all the blogs they came from. And outside of 20 or 30 friends, does she have any idea who anyone else is or if they comment frequently? How could she ever have time to visit any of their blogs? Is there any point trying? But more's the point - she was perturbed by several less-than-enthusiastic commenters - and rightly so - who were rude. Perhaps these type of commenters are hiding behind the sheer volume of comments that ensures anonymity. Which brings me back to my original point about opinions. Everybody has one on just about everything - but for pity's sake people - don't you read your own comments before hitting the "send" button?? I'm not saying don't comment if you don't like something, but "it's not my favorite color and the pattern is not to my taste but I'm glad you had fun making it!" sounds a lot better than "OMG that's bar none the ugliest waste of time you've ever posted! Were you insane?".
Sigh! It seems that tact has gone the way of the dinosaur! Okay, so maybe I sound pathetic expecting people to use manners on the internet, but comments are a deliberate, more intimate communication. I personally can't fathom why any one would actually take the time to say something snide, especially when the blog owner can easily delete it, but why be hurtful? Just for the sake of being hurtful ?? What's up with that? Guess it takes all kinds....
Did I mention that one post had 800 comments? Oh. Did I also mention that as nice as it must be, to be a famous author/blogger/knitter (who, I might add, just won at least one huge Canadian Blogger Award) her situation made me feel better about being a slightly lesser mortal, I mean blogger. I think I can be quite comfortable with my smallish circle of cyber knitter friends who leave nice comments - or are at least nice enough to refrain from commenting if I post about a real warty bullfrog project!
And feel good about my silent blog readers who don't comment but come back again and again to read my ramblings because (in my wildest dreams I hope) it entertains them a little or even gives them a good laugh at my disasters and makes them feel good about their much greater-than-mine achievements. I especially don't mind those ones being silent...... ROFL!!!
Have a great day all! And don't be shy to leave a (nice) comment!! Cheers!
So what are my ramblings all about (this time)? Well, I was over at the Yarn Harlot's blog, as so many of you also go there I'm sure you know where I'm going with this.... She just completed some eye-popping vintage socks. Mind-boggling, time consuming, decorative, magnificent, drop-dead gorgeous socks decorated with 32 individually knit mini-leaves! The post about how she finally completed the project had over 800 comments. No, really, over 800 comments.
Let's pause here for a moment. Over 800 comments.... When I visit other blogs and I see over 20 comments, I am disinclined to leave a comment because, after 20 other people have commented, what are the odds you're going to want to say almost exactly what someone else has already said, right? I dunno, I guess I just figure if I'm going to take the time to leave a comment it should be something more original than "ditto", especially if the blogger is more or less a stranger to you. If it's someone I know then at least if I leave a comment it will be worth my time because that person will say, "Oh! Nice to see you were here and like what I did."
But 800 comments? Does she actually read them all? If so, how does she still have time to knit? I had over 100 for my Blogiversary and thought my inbox would collapse under the weight! I read them all but still haven't had time to visit all the blogs they came from. And outside of 20 or 30 friends, does she have any idea who anyone else is or if they comment frequently? How could she ever have time to visit any of their blogs? Is there any point trying? But more's the point - she was perturbed by several less-than-enthusiastic commenters - and rightly so - who were rude. Perhaps these type of commenters are hiding behind the sheer volume of comments that ensures anonymity. Which brings me back to my original point about opinions. Everybody has one on just about everything - but for pity's sake people - don't you read your own comments before hitting the "send" button?? I'm not saying don't comment if you don't like something, but "it's not my favorite color and the pattern is not to my taste but I'm glad you had fun making it!" sounds a lot better than "OMG that's bar none the ugliest waste of time you've ever posted! Were you insane?".
Sigh! It seems that tact has gone the way of the dinosaur! Okay, so maybe I sound pathetic expecting people to use manners on the internet, but comments are a deliberate, more intimate communication. I personally can't fathom why any one would actually take the time to say something snide, especially when the blog owner can easily delete it, but why be hurtful? Just for the sake of being hurtful ?? What's up with that? Guess it takes all kinds....
Did I mention that one post had 800 comments? Oh. Did I also mention that as nice as it must be, to be a famous author/blogger/knitter (who, I might add, just won at least one huge Canadian Blogger Award) her situation made me feel better about being a slightly lesser mortal, I mean blogger. I think I can be quite comfortable with my smallish circle of cyber knitter friends who leave nice comments - or are at least nice enough to refrain from commenting if I post about a real warty bullfrog project!
And feel good about my silent blog readers who don't comment but come back again and again to read my ramblings because (in my wildest dreams I hope) it entertains them a little or even gives them a good laugh at my disasters and makes them feel good about their much greater-than-mine achievements. I especially don't mind those ones being silent...... ROFL!!!Have a great day all! And don't be shy to leave a (nice) comment!! Cheers!
Hi Monica! I really feel bad about the "Diva" comment. I took it as a compliment, but I was just joking with my comment. I hope you did undestand that! :o)
I've commented on the Yarn Harlots blog twice so far, and she replied both times! I was really surprised. I didn't expect that! I do enjoy your blog, writting,knitting, and spinning A LOT, so that's why I'm coming back for more. I also think if you have a blog, you should open the comment box for your readers. I came across a couple of blogs where you can't leave a comment. Even if a lot of readers don't comment every time, blogging is only fun when there's a dialog. :o)
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Hi Monika! DON"T feel badly! I thought it was funny! I was afraid you would be concerned I was thinking of you! I definitely wasn't! Believe me - it would take a LOT more than that to ruffle my feathers!! Besides, I like teasing - it is often more sincere than gushy compliments, if you know what I mean! And you're absolutely right! Dialog is what makes it worthwhile! I mean, how much fun is it speaking into a telephone when no one is on the other end!! LOL!! Have a great day!
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Monica: It's funny, but I almost never leave a comment. I guess I'm one of the silent readers. I don't read a lot of blogs - takes too much time away from my knitting (and now, spinning)! I do read your blog when I get a notice - it's entertaining and opinionated, which I like. Boring is NOT good. Normal, like you, with disasters and projects that turn out fabulous, is more my speed. Keep it up! Ellen
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Well thanks for taking the time to say hi! I really appreciate it! Puts a smile on my face for the whole day! I like reading your blog too - for exactly those reasons!!
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WOW! I didn't know what you were talking about. Went to Yarn Harlot to see. WOW again. Have you ever noticed that when you look for a new knitting book that out of all the patterns in it there is only ONE that you like? And even your best friend only likes ONE in the whole book. And it's not the same ONE???? And then your friend knits up the one you didn't like and all of a sudden you see it differently and you love it. Truly, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like your blog and the most recent thing I thought was just gorgeous is the saffron yarn. I do wish I had some yarn that color.
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You are absolutely right Jeanne! I have often overlooked patterns that didn't appeal to me only to see someone's version of it I just loved! I often wonder if we let the type of yarn in the book affect our like or dislike more than we think..... Perhaps beauty is in the yarn before it hits the eye!
It's funny, I really love that saffron yarn - but it's a color I never would have bought as a commercial yarn. It really caught my eye as roving and it was such a pleasing exercise to spin it. Now that I've done that I'm ready to knit with it ... if I find the right project.... Thanks for the compliment!
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I'm a ditto on all you had to say in this post.
In her post, the Harlot mentioned not to say something you wouldn't say in her living room.
Well, there are people out there who WOULD say rude things in your living room. But, we meet them, and don't care for them enough to invite them over. So some of them wander over and dump in your cyber "living room". Or that's my thought anyhow.
I come read your blog because I like the stuff you make, enjoy your opinions, and marvel at how much you get done in the time you have.
Also, I am trying to figure out how to take the "heirlooms" button for my site (as offered)...I'm so not computer literate!
Barb B.
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Hi Barb! And I think you're right! There really ARE people who would speak like that in your livingroom! In fact I have a few inlaws who.... oh, well, never mind!
The buttons are easy to take. If you're on a PC just right-click on the one you want and choose "Save image as" and then tell your computer where you want to save it to.
If you're on a Mac hold down Control and then click on the one you want. Select "Save image as" and tell the computer where you want to save it.
Once you have it saved there are 2 things you can do, depending on your blog interface. Some blogs let you upload items to the sidebar directly from your computer. Mine doesn't. It asks for a URL (internet address) for the image. That means you need an image hosting service (most of which are free) like Photobucket.com or facebook.com. You upload the image to your account. Under the uploaded image will be a list of things, like the title, sending links and also a URL address. Just copy and paste the URL into the sidebar dialog of your blog and the image will display there. It sounds a bit complicated but it's very easy. Once you've done it a few times you'll go 'piece of cake' ..... hmmm ... sounds good .... mmmm breakfast!!! LOL! Let me know if you need easier directions! Have a great day! Monica
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LOL. Well I can safely say that I will never have that problem!
Blogging like that takes some major devotion.
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