Click here if you can’t access the video
I was recently reminded of an old classic sung by Barbra Streisand.
The name of the song is “People”, and the lyrics are:
People,
People who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world
We’re children needing other children
And yet letting our grown-up pride
Hide all the need inside
Acting more like children than children
Lovers
Are very special people
They’re the luckiest people in the world
With one person,
One very special person
A feeling deep in your soul
Says you are half now you’re whole
No more hunger and thirst
But first be a person who needs people
People, people who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world.With one person
One very special person
A feeling deep in your soul
Says you are half now you’re whole
No more hunger and thirst
But first be a person who needs people
People, people who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world.
When I hear/read the words,
“A feeling deep in your soul
Says you are half now you’re whole
I realize that’s what fellow bloggers do for us.
Today’s Lesson
When we start a blog, it’s usually a journey we venture on by ourselves and have no way of knowing where it will take us.
Each time we sit at our keyboards, type our thoughts and hit “publish”, the wait begins.
Sometimes the wait is long.
For some, the wait is so long, they give up.
For others, persistence pays off the we get “discovered”.
Not discovered in a big way, but our words make an impression on another person and they respond.
That’s when magic happens and we begin to feel validated. We begin to feel we’re being heard and understood.
It’s in that validation process we begin to shine. We being to share more, and are often motivated to reach higher.
In one sense, we may feel needed for OUR knowledge, but more importantly, we begin to realize we do need others as well.
Today’s Assignment
When you receive comments on your blog, or messages on social media sites, what emotions do they ignite in you?
Would you keep blogging, Twittering or partaking in social networks if people didn’t respond to you?
For me, blogging wouldn’t be the same without people. I’m anxious to hear you think.
~Barbara.
Comments make me feel as if I am part of it all. Like I am being acknowledged even if its just a blogger saying Hi.
Without comments, Im just blogging to myself (or so it seems)and may as well stick to a written journal.
I would probably quit if it was just me in my blogosphere. At first I wouldnt have cared, I said I was doing it for me, but truth is I have become dependant on my network, friends, inspirational blogs that I stalk etc so really I am now doing it to become involved with others. .
have a great weekend
cheers!
melanie´s last blog post..Be Right Back
I will keep blogging even without comments, because it’s where I document things. In fact, I’ve forgotten how to do something before and ended up refreshing my memory by reading my own tutorial. I use it to document things, so no feedback (though not preferred) is fine.
On the other hand, I think Twitter is all about interacting with people; so if there is no feedback at all, I really think there’s no point in using Twitter.
Kelvin Kao´s last blog post..Entering Puppet Design Contest (please vote for me!)
Hi All – Just a quick note to let you know I deactivated the Twitter plugin due to the fact it was acting erratic. Hope to have another one real soon so we can share some Twitter love.
Hi Barbara,
Just saying hi so you know I’m reading 🙂 You have a great blog and I agree that comments are the best affirmations for most bloggers. At least we know people are reading, and that makes the blog worth writing. Great song too!
Daphne´s last blog post..Book Review: Facing The Final Mystery
I think to get people to hear me is very nice and energizing. For me writing is like walk, a journey. Getting friends in journey is very enjoying and it makes journey big different. However, it does not stop even if we are alone.. It just goes on and on..
The Journey Within´s last blog post..Lucid Dream to Yoga Nidra: Entering into the Dreams
While all visitors to my home may bring me joy (some by arriving, others by leaving – 🙂 ) not all comments on my blog bring me joy. However, I can happily hit “delete” and make them go away!
I’m convinced that the absolute BEST content on my blog lies in the comment section!!!
However, I blogged for almost two years before that started happening. I have so many clients who expect to get comments from the very first post.
Some blog posts make it difficult to leave comments. However, this one was easy. Barbara, your blog posts are a LESSON in encouraging comments!
Kathy | Virtual Impax´s last blog post..Removing the Cat Turds from the Social Media Sandbox
Hi Barbara – Comments are the lifeblood of blogs, aren’t they? I’ll never forget my first comment! Not only the one I made, but the one we got! I’ve tried to emulate your gracious example in responding to comments. It’s exciting when they take on a life of their own and the conversations go on between commenters, too, isn’t it? While I try not to judge my performance by the number of comments received – it’s interesting to note which posts get the most attention and response. Thanks.
Betsy Wuebker´s last blog post..ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE . . .
Comments and emails really keep me going. If I never received any comments or emails I think I would probably have given up by now. They are like fuel that keeps my blogging habit alive and well.
I enjoy writing and would probably still journal but blogging is more rewarding and has basically replaced my journal.
It’s a great hobby because you can connect with people. That song really sums up what it is all about. Nice pick!
I’ll be the first to admit…I need validation! LOL… Seriously though, I love each and every comment and feel very connected to my blog community. When I am down, it’s these beautiful folks that come in and lift me up again. It’s very special to me. Funny, I would have never dreamed this was possible…to sit at a computer and receive validation from people you don’t know. And now with Twitter… Wow, the connection with my fellow bloggers is really making an impact. These brief exchanges make me feel even more connected.
Geez, do I need to get out more or what!!!
Caroline (The Zen In You)´s last blog post..Favorite “Foto” Friday
I would blog whether I received comments or not. I love to write. But it is nice to hear that someone likes what you write or has a comment. Even though, I have said it before I’ll say it again–Barbara, the blog looks great.
Silly Girl´s last blog post..The Sun has returned
Barbara,
How’d you get so wise, woman? Your writing in this post reads like poetry, to me. It captures the feeling of blogging so well…what it’s like to blog and how it feels when we do find our community.
In answer to your question, would you continue to blog even if no one visited, I have to say YES! When I first started blogging in 2007, the only comments I got were from friends and family and I begged them to leave a comment. It was frustrating, but my desire to write was stronger than my lack of responses so I kept at it.
On the other hand, I remember my first comment that was from someone I DIDN’T know…it was such a sweet moment.
Thanks for this post :~)
Sara B. Healy´s last blog post..Pet Emergency: Miss Dix’s trip to the vet
Barbara, nice post to put things in perspective. There is so much hype about social media, and a lot of that hype focuses on the tools. But without people and connections, there would be no “social” for the media to make the magic happen.
Curious, how long did it take before you felt you were “discovered” as blogger. When I found you over a year ago, you already had a thriving community going.
aloha,
sterling
Sterling Okura´s last blog post..Recent Projects Built With Free Tools
Well put.
I always think the sum is more than the parts.
J.D. Meier´s last blog post..Catalysts and Drains
I’ll be the second to admit I do need validation! Otherwise, as Melanie said, I’d probably not bother publishing and keep it on my own computer.
Yesterday, I had a really great experience. It was World Autism Awareness Day and I wrote about my son. It was incredibly uplifting to get all the comments and having people tweet the url and stumble it for me – not just as a proud mother, but because I really felt like my community was rallying behind my cause and doing what they could to help. Even a few people who post on my forums, put the link on their facebook pages (which is huge, because they’d prefer that their offline friends and family don’t find the boards!) That made me feel incredible and just so good about life and the goodness of most of the people I meet.
Tracy´s last blog post..I’d like to introduce you to my son
I love sharing my love of taking pictures and Los Angeles with my readers, and based on the comments, I think others like it to. I have one regular reader who was born and raised in LA, but now lives in Nashville. She misses home, but through my posts and pictures, she relives memories, talks about them, and shares with me.
Another reader comments, “I really dig your site; the photos are always interesting, as are the posts. I always feel better after a visit.”
These types of comments are why I blog, why I love what I do, and why I’ll keep doing it. I think I would blog about LA and continue taking pictures because I love doing that too. I’m fairly new to the city, so each time I plan to visit a different location, I’m seeing through my eyes, but also looking at it from a blogging point of view.
As far as how I feel when I read comments, I smile each time the comment light goes on. It’s like reading a little letter from a friend.
LisaNewton´s last blog post..Working around the Neighborhood
Hello…
It’s not called the world wide web for no reason. Just like a web it’s all about connection and when the connecton is broken in any form it just doesn’t work quite the same.
Yes I love the human connection and now that I’ve enjoyed the luxury of comments I think that they would be difficult to give up 🙂
Best wishes Ribbon
Ribbon´s last blog post..Interview…
I agree that it’s hard to imagine blogging without the interaction. When I close comments, I do it because I know that I absolutely won’t have time to respond to comments. But I am always a little sad about the lack of interaction.
Vered – MomGrind´s last blog post..Suffering For Beauty
I like the interaction so yes, I like the comments. It tickles me when I think I will only get 1 comment on a post only to see many comments. Okay, I am an adrenaline junkie!
Linda´s last blog post..Your Very Own Seed Vault
People are the one that help us grow our blog so we really need them.
Paul U´s last blog post..A trick to motivate yourself
I love comments. I would keep going but I wouldn’t post as often. It would be more like an online journal for myself. I do feel like I have friends I’ve never met and one that I have!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..Bold Changes for Bold People
Comments make me feel great, specially if they are from regulars, when the line between “public” and “friend” starts to blur. In a way, blogging is all the social engine I need, and the best I love.
Miguel de Luis´s last blog post..I did not do any drugs
Barbara,
Honestly, if I didn’t get responses from folks I would eventually bail. It is crucial to my sense of worth and psyche that I make connections with people. It’s why I’m here. Without it, I’m just blathering in the wind.
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog post..An Ebook service that’s just write for writers!
greetings barbara! uh on thinkingoutloud blog,that’s my main blog, i enjoy the comments there because i really do write for people and myself and enjoy the feedback. i like chatting it up there.
on my other blog, i write and nobody comments, but i totally enjoy it. that’s really for me. i don’t blog for the comments, i know people are reading it and that’s good enough.
would i keep tweeting. i’m not sure i would. if i’m talking to you, i hope you talk back. i really don’t like talking to myself. i won’t get mad about it, but maybe lose interest.
Natural´s last blog post..E is for Episode
If I am blogging and it seems that nobody is reading/commenting on my blog, it’s fine with me…because blogosphere is big and I am but a dot in this virtual world… but of course, I will be very, very, very happy if somebody noticed me and dropped me a message.
Interesting thoughts on this one. Would I continue blogging without comments? Damn I guess not. It’s the interaction and mutual support that builds the community and makes us all feel wanted. I guess I don’t really “need” the comments but I certainly love them and want them.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s last blog post..Why Loving Your Work is Overrated
The boost from commenters is much needed motivation for me. I’m not sure if I would keep blogging. I would say yes, but it wouldn’t be half as fulfilling.
Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last blog post..Bruce Lee – Complete the Other Half
Barbara – I like your thoughts on this post. It’s made me think about blogging and what I feel when I get responses. Like one of your readers who commented above, I feel connected to the bigger picture when I receive a response and I love to hear the different perspectives. I like to present topics which I’m living and feeling at the moment. When I write about something it’s like I’m processing it and the lessons are revealed to me. The picture is not always complete when the post is published. I’m still processing.
I haven’t been as active lately and I’m working on changing that but what I’ve learned from blogging is more of what I’m discovering about myself and what I feel when I put those feelings to words. I haven’t had much traffic but I have kept blogging even without responses because the writing inspires me. The responses are a definite bonus when they come. When I share my feelings and thoughts, I feel like I have a voice and when it has touched someone and resonates and they share, it’s huge for me. I’ve made contact and we both learn something from one another.
Having others out there to connect with becomes a network of friendships and what’s so incredible is that this network is from all over the world in different cultures, timeframes, environments. It’s a global community where you get to exchange thoughts and ideas and I’m very grateful to be a part of it. I’m grateful to you for keeping your blog going and this opportunity to share on your blog.
Blessings,
Pat R´s last blog post..Fitting In – Cookie Cutter or Piece of Puzzle
I agree with you. My blog wouldn’t be the same without the comments. It would be a lot more self-centered, for one thing, and wouldn’t have as much depth, for another.
Dot´s last blog post..Silva CDs 7 and 8
Hi Barbara. I would keep blogging even if I didn’t get any comments (I think). I hope I never have to make that decision. The drive to write is strong in me, especially to connect and inspire feelings in readers. When I get comments I feel connected, playful and just plain happy. I would miss that big time.
Davina´s last blog post..When Surgery is a Laughing Matter
HI Daphne – Thank you. Yes. Comments do confirm our visitors are reading, and what a great way of letting us know.
Hi Melanie – You’ve brought up a great point. When we start blogging we don’t realize what a difference comments make, but when we start receiving them, those “warm fuzzies” get contagious and we want more. It would be difficult going back to an imaginary audience, wouldn’t it?
Hi Kelvin – I agree. Blogs do serve as a great place to share AND document what we’re doing. I hear you about Twitter. If we ask a question or put our thoughts out there, it’s nice to get feedback from at least one person.
Hi Betsy – Thank you for your kind words. Like you, I will never forget my first comment left and received. It’s a turning point in blogging. And yes, dialogue between commenters is great to see, as well.
Hi Journey Within – ***smiles***. I like how you put that – “it’s a journey,… but does not stop even if we are alone.” So true.
Hi Kathy – Thank you. Isn’t that true? Many do expect to get comments on their first post, but as we all know, that’s unlikely to happen. In a sense, we have to “earn them”.
Hi Chase – Thank you. I agree. Comments do keep us going by giving us motivation and often inspiration. Blogging is journaling, with perks, isn’t it?
Hi Caroline – Comments do give us validation. Can you imagine if we blogged day after day, year after year, never knowing if our words affected someone, or not. Thank goodness we have comment sections where our readers can share, AND where strangers become friends. It’s pretty awesome, isn’t it?
Hi Sara – Thank you for your kind words. Yes. Blogs do sprout communities of like minded people. I love when that happens.
Hi Sterling – How well put. “…without people and connections, there would be no “social” for the media to make the magic happen.”
In answer to your question, I blogged for nine months +/- before I felt like I felt I had arrived. From there it has blossomed into a wonderful journey.
Hi Silly Girl – Thank you. From visiting your blog, I can see that you do love to write. Comments are like the icing on the cake, aren’t they?
Hi J.D. – Very true. “…the sum is more than the parts.”
Hi Lisa – Yes, it is like reading a little letter when we receive comments. I like the story you shared how the gal moved to Nashville and uses your blog to keep her hand on the pulse of LA. You undoubtedly have touched her heart with your photos and words.
Hi Tracy – What a beautiful story. That’s one thing about blogosphere; there are a lot of kind and caring people who love to promote others and their causes. When a post gets Tweeted, Stumbled or linked to, it can reach thousands in a short period of time. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it? That had to have warmed your heart. 🙂
Hi Ribbon – Yes. Comments would be hard to give up. Thank goodness that’s not an issue, hey?
Hi Vered – Your comment about being saddened about the lack of interaction reminded me of how life takes us away from our blogs, and when it does, we do miss our friends and communicating with them. Like you, I find it sad.
Hi Linda – Numerous comments do get the adrenaline going, don’t they?
Hi Paul – That’s right. People are needed in order for us to experience (blog) growth.
HI Miguel – I agree. More happens on our blogs than in social media networks. Reciprocal visits often create great friendships.
Hi Tess – I’m with you. Comments keep me going and I wouldn’t post as often if I didn’t get comments either.
Hi George – I think you speak for many. Comments do help us with our self worth and it’s not a bad thing to admit it.
Hi Natural – You’ve raised a good point. When we have multiple blogs, one usually ends up being out “social outlet”. Knowing we have readers on our other blogs is satisfaction enough.
Re: Twitter. You’re right. It wouldn’t be fun to talk to someone and not have them talk back.
HI Mike – It is very, very, very special when someone drops us a comment, isn’t it?
Hi Tom – I agree. We may not NEED the comments, but we do love them and want them.
Hi Karl – Comments do give bloggers a lot of motivation. Who knew how important they would become?
Hi Pat R – First, how wonderful to see you again. You’ve been on my mind.
I know what you mean about publishing an article that we’re still processing. The comments help us to see the situation through other view points and will often complete our thoughts. It’s an awesome process, isn’t it?
Hi Dot – That’s true. Comments do get our thoughts off of ourselves and we begin to write for our audience.
Hi Davina – Comments do make us happy and connected, don’t they? How great it is that blogs are interactive.
Yes, Barb – it is awesome to publish a post and still be processing it. I think that’s where the comments and connection with others help so much as their contributions glean different views and perspectives you would have never thought of by yourself.
Blessings,
Pat R
Pat R´s last blog post..Fitting In – Cookie Cutter or Piece of Puzzle
I feel all warm and fuzzy with 99% of comments. But those 1% can really throw my sensitive nature into a tizzy for 5 minutes. However, that’s all part of it.
Mostly, blogging’s the most divine hobby ever invented!
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..Potential Regalements
Hi Barbara.
I’d keep writing because, as Davina said, I write because I must. It helps me to think. As painting helps me to see.
But the people connection is exciting to me. I love good conversation, and I’m finding it through a growing network of blogs. It’s awesome when it comes in my door and lands for a few minutes.
Like Pat, I continue to process after publishing and am eager to read others’ thoughts. Commenters complete the posts. And sometimes extend them into future writing.
Barb Hartsook´s last blog post..Snowy Track Meets Take Me Back to the Old Days
Hi again Pat R – Thank you for the additional words of wisdom.
Hi Jannie – Well put – blogging is the most divine hobby. 🙂
Hi Barb – Yes, those who comment on our posts do “finish” our work. Often it’s the comment section where the meat is at, and where we can go to finish processing our original thought. Pretty awesome, isn’t it?
In the beginning I checked my e-mail constantly. There were times where I almost quit because comments were coming. I would be lying if I still didn’t feel disappointed when the comments don’t come, but I don’t let it get me upset anymore. I’ve gotten to a place where I can be happy with what I wrote even if I don’t get a lot of comments. I tell myself (even if it’s not true) that people are reading not commenting and that’s good enough.
I have also found that belonging to Twitter and Facebook has helped me overcome the comment let down. I think a lot of it is the desire to talk with others and I get my “fix” there. 🙂
Debbie Yost´s last blog post..Taking a Break
The most frustrating thing is when people come to my blog and read my posts, but don’t leave comments. Or, they leave a comment such as, “Nice blog.” Well, what’s nice about it?
Understand how god has beautifully added one more day of in your life not because you need it but because someone else needs you. Let us keep inspiring people, and blogging is one way of inpiring others.