Sometimes Thank You Is Not Enough

Posted by Barbara Swafford on Wednesday, September 24th 2008

Filed in: Archives, Blogging Lessons, Linking

When we truly give from our heart, we never have a second thought of what we might receive in return. We give to help, support, honor and/or show our affection to others. When I blog, my goal is the same.

Todays Lesson

Today my heart is filled to the brim. Reflecting back on just the last ten days, I am honored to have been mentioned on twelve thirteen blogs. To show my gratitude and share the generosity of these bloggers, I am listing each link. I encourage you to visit their sites and drop them a line.

Chase March - “You Talked Me Off The Ledge”

Avani-Mehta - ““New Blog Of The Week”“

Lance of “The Jungle of Life” - ““The Impact We Have On Others”

Ellen of “Wilson’s Words and Pictures” - “Theme Contest”

Catherine Lawson - “What Happened To All The Time Savings?”

J.D. Meier of “Sources of Insight” - “Sources of Insight.com is One Month Old”

Stacey of “Create A Balance” - “Bingo - Embracing Money”

Eric Hamm of “Motivate Thyself” - “10 Tips To Help New Bloggers Beat The Odds And Push Past Their Rookie Status”

Blogger Dad - “Why Do I Blog?”

Davina’s of “Loving Pulse” - I’m Over The Moon As NBOTW”

Kim Woodbridge of “(Anti)Social Development” - “Stuff This In Your RSS - Blogging Without A Blog 9/23/08″

Harmony of “Golden Zen” - “The Power Broker Bust (pt 2 of 4)”

Rita of “Rita’s Digest” - “I Was A Mail–Order Bride: Part One – I Have RSD”

Not only to everyone who has linked to BWAB, but to all of you who read my work, I say thank you.

Today’s Assignment

Other than leaving a comment thanking another blogger for link love, can you think of other ways we can honor their kindness?

Join in the conversation and share your thoughts.

.

Photo Credit: aussiegall’s photostream

Related Posts:

38 Comments

said on September 24th, 2008

Hi Barbara. Well, ahem… {thanks} for the link. This is a very good question. When I link to someone it comes from my heart and having the opportunity to provide that link is a gift in itself. Thank you is enough for me.

When someone links to me I always thank them. Thank you is a phrase that is used a lot isn’t it? But, right now, I can’t think of anything else specific that I could do to show my thanks. I’m looking forward to hearing suggestions because I’m open to other ways of saying thank you.

Davina’s last blog post..I’m Over The Moon As NBOTW

said on September 24th, 2008

I feel that “thank you is not enough” when someone so much as leaves a comment on my blog. Ya know? Knowing that someone’s taken the time to comment on your blog, let alone write a whole post about you really is somethin’! It’s that kind of feeling that makes you feel great about doing what you do…

Barbara, you rock! And I know that you care about each and every one of your readers. So when you say “thank you,” it’s jam-packed with meaning and feeling!

Ricardo Bueno’s last blog post..Back from Blogworld Expo 2008!

said on September 24th, 2008

Barbara,
Thanks for the link love. Wow you did get the love this week.
It is the natural response of the universe to open hearted giving.
Blessings always!

Harmony’s last blog post..The Power Broker Bust (pt 2 of 4)

said on September 24th, 2008

Barbara, seems like you are getting back all the love that you have been giving to others. And then some more

Thanks for linking again. I believe we might not be able to do more than thank the person at the moment. But such a gesture is never forgotten. And if and when a moment comes when the person needs a friend, we can make sure to always stand by them.

Avani-Mehta’s last blog post..How To Pick Your First Anger Management Area - Anger Management Series Part IV

said on September 24th, 2008

I think a good token of thanks would be to bake cookies and send them out to bloggers. Of course, I might also just be hungry.

Thank YOU for continuing to provide thoughtful posts which inspire others to write better.

Blogger Dad’s last blog post..Eight(teen) Questions - Interview with Sean Platt from Writer Dad

said on September 24th, 2008

Barbara, first off - I think this just goes to show how much you really are appreciated. Your words. Your kindness. Your genuine caring. I am lucky to know you, and consider you a friend.

On to the question of the day: I’m with Blogger Dad - cookies!! Ok, since that can be difficult… I always am humbled when I see that someone has linked to something I’ve written. And, I’m drawn to read more of their writing. And, I think that’s one way we can honor them for their kindness. By reading older posts, and continuing to read new posts as well. To take the time to get to know them a bit better. I know this can be tough with limited time and (especially for you Barbara) the sheer number of places you might have to visit. I think we do what we can.

And, lastly, Barbara - thanks for the mention up above! Again, I’m humbled and honored.

Lance’s last blog post..Don’t Ever Give Up

said on September 24th, 2008

Wow Barbara, you get around in a good way. Speaks volumes as to who you are and how you support other bloggers.

I’m not sure other than commenting how to honor their kindness. If possible, Digging or Stumbling a post, often times I email links of posts to friends from their blogs. If I write a post and they have written something similar or revalent in the past, linking to it is good.

I will have to read the other comments, I’m sure I can improve upon this myself.

Thanks Barbara!

"Motivate Thyself"

said on September 24th, 2008

As everybody else has said, WOW! 13 mentions in the last 10 days. That’s awesome. Skellie, guest posting on problogger, mentioned the idea of making your readers ‘evangelists’ for your blog. Well, it looks like you’re having no problem in that area.

But there’s no doubt it’s because you are a genuine, giving person who seems to really value each of her readers. So keep doing what you’re doing. Oh, and thanks for the mention! Eric.

“Motivate Thyself”’s last blog post..9 Reasons Why Failure Is Not Only An Option, But A Key To Our Success

said on September 24th, 2008

Zig Ziglar wrote that you can get everything you want out of life by helping others get what they want.

I also believe that you get what you give.

Barbara, you help a lot of people in the blogosphere. I don’t think I can thank you enough for what you have already done for me. And I know you’re not even done. I count you as a friend.

As for helping other bloggers. I have my actual email on my profile page and have encouraged people to contact me there for things too delicate to share with everyone on the blog. It’s a little thing but I think we all have something to offer someone else.

Chase March’s last blog post..Things I said I’d never do

Scott McIntyre

said on September 24th, 2008

It’s a great community of supportive people you have here, Barbara, and it’s nice that bloggers can link to each other.

For me, the best way to show thanks to a blogger is to recommend their blog to others that might find it of interest.

In the crowded blogosphere, positive word of mouth is a great form of advertising for a quality blog.

said on September 24th, 2008

Hello again Barbara,

I’m very new to this game but already I’ve recognised the value of sharing the work of fellow bloggers. I was fortunate enough to have two well established and respected bloggers submit an article to Stumble. It’s astonishing what that did to the number of visitors. I also noted that the effect lasted days, not hours.

So that’s what I do now. If I read or participate in a discussion I really enjoy, I share it.

Dave

Dave Fowler’s last blog post..Women’s Work: The Hardest Work I’ve Ever Done

Karl Staib - Your Work Happiness Matters

said on September 24th, 2008

It’s all about Karma. When we give to others they want to give back to us. The blogosphere is a wonderful place if you don’t take, take, take.

Barbara, you deserve all the love and attention. Your blog has helped many people.

Stacey / CreateaBalance

said on September 24th, 2008

Thanks for the link love (I just love writing the words “link love”). I think it goes back to what I have been writing about… the natural law of giving and receiving. You have taught me so much about blogging in a short amount of time. The least I can do is tell my readers where I am gained my knowledge.

Although it is time consuming, I think a great “thank you” is to take time to read the blogger’s story, perhaps do a quick stumble (I LOVE StumbleUpon) and if time permits, contribute to the conversation.

Recognition means different things to different people, so another old fashion option is to simply ASK the blogger how they would like to be thanked.

Stacey / CreateaBalance’s last blog post..Do What You Love

said on September 24th, 2008

You’ve been a mentor for me and countless others.

Aside from being a masterful guide, you’ve been a lighthouse and a safe harbor. That’s a wonderful thing on the wild, wild web.

said on September 24th, 2008

By reading their words instead of skimming.

said on September 24th, 2008

Natural says it well: “Speaks volumes as to who you are and how you support other bloggers.”
You attract goodness and good people because your heart is good, and it shows both in your words and deeds. Thanks for sharing yourself with us.

said on September 24th, 2008

Hi Barbara: Well aren’t you just the prom queen of the blogosphere I agree with Natural, Scott and others that the best thing you can do when you’ve found a blog you resonate with is to let others know about it: stumble, digg, e-mail, link to it, put it on your facebook page, and so on. We all work very hard at increasing traffic and subscriptions and helping another blogger with this task in any way we can is the best way of saying “I really got something from your writing, thank you.”

said on September 24th, 2008

Marelisa (and some others) basically said what I was going to say. I think all bloggers love traffic, and any help with that counts as a big thank you. You’ve shown a great example of that with this post.

Hunter Nuttall’s last blog post..Win A Copy Of ProBlogger

said on September 24th, 2008

Hi Barbara - what a lovely pic. Thank you for the mention. All those links in ten days is amazing.

said on September 24th, 2008

Of course, in many cases thank you is not enough. However, I think that your thoughts of appreciating what others have done for you go a long way. As the saying goes, ‘walls have ears’, when you thank someone, your thankful thoughts and words will go a long way and the universe will thank these people in ways you may never know. Sometimes we are able to show our thanks by gifts or reciprocating the favor, but when we are not able to do that we should not worry but just know that our wonderful thankful thoughts are creating beautiful things for the person we are thanking.
Thank you Barbara for what you have done here, and thank you for being so warm hearted. May you truly be blessed!

said on September 24th, 2008

In fact, I try to give some kind of reference (link love, mention, trackback…) to those who engage well with my blog in terms of comments, suggestions, link love, technorati fave etc.

Yes, as you rightly said, just saying ‘Thanks’ have become more like a routine and actions would be better than talking.

Cheers,
Ajith

said on September 24th, 2008

Barbara,

You are wonderful. A godmom in this vast blog world

Certain things I do:
1. Take “time” to comment.
2. Drop a personal email. Articulate exactly how the person has made a difference in your life.
3. Like Dave says, “share”. Make an effort to share. Share in creative ways (like your BOTW) and go out of the way to share.
4. And when the need and/or time comes go above the ordinary. When a blogger has a need in real life, respond in real life. Here is what I mean - http://www.designmom.com/2008/09/nie-nies-story-in-new-york-times.html . That story really moved me.

Few communities in real life are as tightly bound as the blogging community - talking everyday, about things that really matter. I hope when the time comes we all are there for each other.

Sounds a bit heavy, but my thoughts are honest

Oh, I forgot - and just help new bloggers with their issues …
Any idea why CommentLuv is not picking up my last blog post?

Thanks Barbara, as always!

said on September 24th, 2008

Hi Barbara. Ok, I’ve been keeping track of all these suggestions. I have more to work with now thanks to all of you.

Being a friend, baking cookies, reading blog archives, social networking, ask for what’s needed, engaging through future comments and lending a helping hand. Sounds real good.

Davina’s last blog post..I’m Over The Moon As NBOTW

Vered - MomGrind

said on September 24th, 2008

What a beautiful gesture, Barbara!

said on September 24th, 2008

OK, OK — I agree on giving link love, stumbling and commenting to thank another blogger.

What has tickled me (along with the above when it happens) is when I find a personal email from another blogger in my inbox. Knowing how limited all of our time is, the fact that they took some of that precious resource to write to me means a ton to me personally.

Also, if you can find out what a blogger’s favorite charity is, you can surprise them with a donation in their honor. Or, you can donate to kiva.org or any favorite charity of your choice in their honor as well. You might need to get a snail mail address for them to receive an acknowledgment from the charity however.

Barbara, you deserve all good things that come your way, and more! I like the idea of “Prom Queen of Blogging” as a new title for you! Wear your tiara proudly!

said on September 24th, 2008

I’m with Linda A; getting an email from a reader is a wonderful thrill. I came upon a new blog yesterday and after reading just the About page, I was prompted to write the blogger - and got a lovely response.

Barbara, as I’ve said before, your blog is helpful without the hype and people really care about one another here, so I’m not at all surprised that so many are linking back to you.

Funnily enough - as has happened with us before - I was thinking about writing a post about why we blog - inspired by your questions!

Barbara Swafford

said on September 24th, 2008

Hi Davina - You’re welcome. Like you, I link because an author’s post moved me, or inspired me. As long as I can remember where I read something (sometimes I forget), I’ll give them credit.

Hi Ricardo - Thank you for the kind words. Yes, I do care, but sometimes I feel like I’m not doing enough.

Hi Harmony - You’re welcome. That sounds BIG ” It is the natural response of the universe to open hearted giving.”

Hi Avani - You’re welcome. You’re right. We can support others in time of need or help them with requests they might have.

Hi Blogger Dad - You’re welcome. Cookies! Yum! I love to bake. Where do you want them sent?

Hi Lance - You’re welcome. You want cookies, too? O.K. Yes, getting to know a blogger better and reading their older posts is a great way to show our appreciation. Linking to some of their older writings is a good idea, too. Thank you for your kind words.

Hi Natural - You’re welcome, and thank you. The idea of using Digg or StumbleUpon is a great idea. Sending more traffic to others will keep them motivated, as well.

Hi Eric - You’re welcome. Evangelists! That’s a great way of putting it. Like you, I read that post. And, thank you.

Hi Chase - You’re so sweet. You all are my friends, too. You’re right, I’m not “done” yet. I always have “something” up my sleeve, and am always trying to find more ways to get the word out there about all of you.

I don’t have my email listed, but I can easily be reached via my contact page which is in the header.

Hi Scott - You’re right! Positive word of mouth recommendations work wonders in blogosphere. Just like in life.

Hi Dave - Oh Yes! Stumbles can have a bit of a lasting affect. Isn’t it a great feeling when those spikes hit? Although a lot of Stumblers don’t stick around and become regulars, it’s great to know they visited.

Hi Karl - Thank you. Yes, karma plays a BIG role.

Hi Stacey - You’re welcome. Link love is a pretty cool phrase, isn’t it? When I first started blogging, I didn’t know what it meant, but when someone linked to my blog for the first time, I knew it was a great thing.

I’m happy to hear I’m expanding your blogging knowledge. Although this is not a typical blog about blogging, I hope to open everyones mind to the big picture.

Hi J.D. - I don’t ever being called a “lighthouse in a safe harbor”, but I take that as a HUGE compliment. Thank You.

Hi Writer Dad - Yes, reading instead of skimming is a great idea.

Hi SpaceAgeSage - You’re welcome, and thank you. I feel honored to have such a wonderful community of fellow bloggers. How could I not help others?

Hi Marelisa - Prom queen? I don’t know that I would go THAT far. You’re right. Helping others meet their goals and get recognized in blogosphere is very important. It’s a great way of showing our appreciation.

Hi Hunter - My first sentence of today’s lesson said it all. I was seeing the links come in and my heart was filling to the brim. I couldn’t let it go unmentioned. I’m hoping you all find a new friend by visiting a site you may not have been to before.

Hi Catherine - You’re welcome. Yes, I’m overwhelmed, humbled and honored.

Hi Sharon - Welcome to the BWAB community. You’re welcome, and thank you for your kind words. I love how you put that, ” …the universe will thank these people in ways you may never know.” I believe you’re right.

Hi Ajith - **smiles** Yes, actions do speak volumes, don’t they?

Hi Maya - You’re welcome and Thank you. I like being a godmom. In real life I have two god daughters. You do bring up a great point. Communities in blogosphere are often much more tightly bound than those in real life.

Thank you for the link - I will read that later.

Re: CommentLuv - I’m finding it’s temperamental - sometimes working, sometimes not.

Hi again Davina - This is a great collection of ideas, isn’t it?

Hi Vered - Thank you.

Hi Linda Abbit - Yes, personal emails are a great way to thank others. We’re all tight on time, so receiving one is always a pleasant surprise. Donating to a favorite charity is another great way to honor a blogger.

Prom Queen of Blogging? WOW! All I’m missing is the tiara.

Hi Ann- Keep in mind, if you find a new blogger who would be good for the NBTOW series, just let me know and I’ll definitely consider them.

I’m happy to hear I’ve inspired you. I’ll be watching for your post on why we blog.

said on September 24th, 2008

Hi Barbara,

Thank you

I try to do something nice first. People ask me quite a few WordPress related questions because of what I write about. Sometimes it is too much to thoroughly answer in the comments so I will email them the information. I like helping and no one has taken advantage of my time. I don’t expect anything in return but find that it happens anyway; a link, a stumble, a heartfelt email …

I will also email the person, stumble an article to help with site traffic and even click on some banner ads. I know not many people here use twitter but I will also promote someone’s site that way.

I look at it more as a pay it forward type of philosophy than a karmic one.

Kim Woodbridge’s last blog post..Stuff This In Your RSS - Blogging Without A Blog - 9/23/08

said on September 24th, 2008

Wonderful links above. The thank you that you gave I am sure was welcomed with an open heart.

Tammy Warren’s last blog post..Was that a compliment? Think about it.

said on September 24th, 2008

Barbara,
I have only been in “this” world a short period of time and you are so welcoming and I thank you for it…for answering all my questions
for writing on my comments section
for replying
for your heartfelt post and instructions
for the lovely pictures that accompany…
for all that you do Thank you

It is a bit like the world LOVE this old Thank you phrase…we need to be more French maybe and have many, many words and phrases to express our appreciation. Maybe even more so when in this world hugging is very difficult - touch with words

I share Mother Theresa’ s words:
” There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.”

said on September 24th, 2008

Well teach, you reap what you sow…

John Hoff - eVentureBiz

said on September 24th, 2008

Hi Barbara. We all link to you because you’re such a totally cool chick!!! heheheh

I think the best thing we can do is help each other.

John Hoff - eVentureBiz’s last blog post..Building A Business Through Social Media Vs. The Old-Timer’s Way To Business Success

Barbara Swafford

said on September 24th, 2008

Hi Kim - You’re welcome. That’s very kind of you to help others via email. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed. Twitter is apparently another great way to promote a site, and it sounds like you’re using that, as well.

Hi Tammy - Yes, those sites I linked to are great reads. I’m hoping many of you found another favorite.

Hi Patricia - You’re welcome, and thank you for your kind works. I do as much as I can with the time I have to do it, and can only hope it’s helpful to others. I love the Mother Theresa quote.

Hi Chris - How true.

Hi John - Cool chick? I agree, we should help each other as much as we can. You’re very good at that.

said on September 24th, 2008

Thank you, Barbara, for visiting my blog too! I know you are pretty busy but you take the time to write in a comment each time you visit mine.

With much appreciation,
Evelyn

Evelyn Lim’s last blog post..Mind Travel To Ancient Egypt

said on September 24th, 2008

Getting linked is always something a blogger appreciates.

I think it’s a nice gesture, that you have extended your gratitude by linking to all of them.

Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..7 Ways to Settle a Dispute

Barbara Swafford

said on September 25th, 2008

Hi Evelyn - You’re welcome. I do try to leave a comment whenever I visit a blog. Like you, I want to the author to know I was there and read their writings.

Hi Bamboo - Thank you. Yes, we do love links, don’t we? They’re almost as good as comments.

said on September 25th, 2008

Hi Barbara,

Baking cookies is good. Or a pie. Ha! I am already hungry for lunch and it’s 9:00 am.

Writing about things that interest people or working on a project with a fellow blogger is a nice way to share.

Ellen Wilson´s last blog post..The Power of Perspective in Photography

said on September 30th, 2008

I agree sometimes when we say thank you we do not really mean it but we still say thank you. I believe that when we say thank you it have to come from your heart and you must truly mean it. To show the other person that you are thankful for the link they gave you, you can give them a link back to say thank you.
But since I usually have not time for that I just open my TwitterFox and write something like “reading…” and then I put their site or blog address in there with a Click and an Enter. I know that brings me traffic so I suppose that it will help them in a small way too.

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