This morning I’ve been working on / pondering / trying not to panic about my session with Lysa at SheSpeaks this weekend, and I have three questions for you, internets:
1) When you read a blog, are you looking for a super-professional presentation (design, photography, writing, etc.), or are you looking for something that might not look as professional but feels really relational? Or some combination of the two?
2) Do you tend to think of bloggers as friends? I mean, not your closest friends or anything – but do you feel like you have a little bit of a relationship with the bloggers you read?
3) Do you use Twitter or Facebook?
That is all.
Thank you ever so much for your wisdom.
July 29th, 2009 at 10:49 am
1) I really enjoy a professional design on a blog (love yours, BigMama’s, Kelly’s Korner’s new design, Pioneer Woman’s) … but the relational aspect is by far the biggest draw for me. (Also, good grammar, spelling and punctuation make me so happy!)
2) I do thing of the bloggers as a type of friend. I look forward to hearing from them every day. I feel like I know you.
3) I use Facebook. Don’t have much use for Twitter.
Thanks for asking! :)
July 29th, 2009 at 10:51 am
And after commenting on how much I like good spelling and grammar, I made two errors. Can you spell loser?
July 29th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Hi!
I’ve been lurking, but am now coming out to answer your questions!!
1) I look for a blog to be relational, not professional. That’s probably because I started reading/writing to keep in touch. Which means
2) bloggers become an extension of my circle of friends and family.
3) I do not use twitter, and almost never use facebook.
Thanks for documenting your life this way. I enjoy reading your blog. :0)
July 29th, 2009 at 10:56 am
1) A combination of professional and relational- I think 1st impressions of either are important in hooking me on a new blog, although the relational would keep me committed
2)A “type” of friend, yes.
3) I use neither
Don’t panic. I’m sure you’ll do wonderful! :)
July 29th, 2009 at 11:00 am
I enjoy a well-designed blog, but I’m really drawn to the relational aspects more than anything.
Yes, I do view many of the bloggers I follow as friends, kind of. I’ve corresponded with a couple via email. (For example, it’s killing me that I can’t just sit and chew over the bachelorette finale with you. My daughter feels the same way!)
I love facebook – started using it to keep up with my kids and as a ministry tool (work with students) and really enjoy it. I’m afraid to dive into twitter because I already spend too much time on the computer!
July 29th, 2009 at 11:05 am
- I do so like a professional-looking design or at least one that’s neat and tidy and easy to follow. I recently realized this when blog hopping and found myself immediately clicking away from the plainer looking blogs. I’m so shallow.
– Yes! Friends forever. Ha!
– Facebook – yes (more than I care to admit). Twitter – No.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:07 am
When I look at a new blog, I am first drawn to the overall design. I stay a reader, however, if I can relate to the person blogging!
I feel that blogging brings people closer and opens up opportunities for friendships that might not have been available otherwise. For instance, I think that many women feel they are the only ones dealing with a certain issue…when in fact there are many women out there experiencing it as well. Blogging can bring out a whole new support group for people.
I use facebook, no twitter!
July 29th, 2009 at 11:08 am
1. I like a blog to look nice and not too cluttered, but I’m really just looking for something hilarious, touching, or relational to read during my long hours at work. I like to read blogs I can relate to or care about.
2. I feel like the bloggers I read regularly are like close friends, but it’s a bit of a one-sided relationship on my part. For example, this is the first time I have ever commented on a blog. Yep, feel special.
3. I’m a big Facebooker. Haven’t tried Twitter, but I’m not really interested in sharing with the world about how I had oatmeal with raisins and Fiber one this morning. Nobody wants to hear about that, or the aftermath.
Also, I love your blog! Cracks me up regularly.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:08 am
1. Too professional can be a turn-off… and yet I don’t want it to junky and unprofessional either! :)
2. Definitely more about the relational aspect! I am looking for encouragement, humor and wisdom!
3. I facebook. No Twitter.
Love from out here my bulldawg buddy!
Carol
July 29th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Since I read most blogs on Googlereader, I don’t really see the professional design all that much anyway. I wasn relational. I like pictures. I like keeping up with people’s lives.
Since I dreamed I was babysitting Harper for Kelly last night, and I’m not entirely certain I’ve ever even left her a comment…I would say yes, I consider bloggers my friends. :) Many of them have become my friends–like send a baby gift to them and I have never met them friends.
I Facebook. I don’t Twit. I update my status on Facebook a lot and Twitting would seem redundant to me.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:15 am
1. I like a professional look I think-nice colors, clean lines and links that work.
2. I enjoy friendly lets sit down and chat kind of blogs.
3. I Twitter and Facebook randomly-not in a consistent manner.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:16 am
1) I like relational blogs. It is icing on the cake if it looks professional, especially if the blogger’s content is more professional.
2) I’m totally bff’s with my blogger friends.
3) I’m on Facebook and @thelemons on Twitter. I found an app that updates my Facebook status with my tweets too :)
July 29th, 2009 at 11:16 am
1) I enjoy blogs that are like talking to a girl-friend, and nice looking but not too cluttered. (Yours is pretty perfect, missy!)
2) I tend to more of a lurker than a consistent commentor, but yes, I do feel my blogworld friends are Friends. I’ve invested time (reading, praying, sharing) in their lives (and some of them with me) and it’s definitely a relationship, albeit a virtual one :)
3) I have so far evaded both Facebook and Twitter (though you will find a profile of me on Twitter ’cause I signed up to follow MckMama when Stellan isn’t doing so well). Don’t really see the point for me, and with a 3 month old, I have no time for it. Besides, who cares if I had choco milk for breakfast? Not even me!
Best of luck
July 29th, 2009 at 11:17 am
1. I enjoy a well-designed blog, but I too read most of mine in google reader so I often don’t see the design. I enjoy reading people who are real & funny. Definitely relational.
2. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve interjected a blog-read story to my husband. I wonder how long it will be tell there’s a bloggy intervention at my house.
3. I facebook and twitter. I’m not friends with any bloggers on Facebook, but I follow them on Twitter.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:20 am
The look of a blog is what draws me in at first…the writing/relational aspect is what keeps me there. :)
If you read someone’s blog on a daily basis, you start to feel like you ‘know’ them. Those that I’ve met or email on a regular basis, I feel like are close friends.
I facebook…haven’t given into twitter yet.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Relational
Yes
Yes Yes
July 29th, 2009 at 11:22 am
1. I do appreciate a nice layout and design, but someone I can relate to is much more important, and if they are funny, even better.
2. I feel like other bloggers are my friends, but I also feel weird sometimes seeing things too personal from them…like I really am stalking these strangers. Make sense?
3. I use facebook. I don’t really get the point of Twitter, to be honest.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:22 am
I read so many different blogs, some more professional than others. I enjoy viewing unique designs and get ideas for when I am able to do a blog makeover but it doesn’t hinder me from visiting.
I have met so many wonderful friends through blogging. Although I have real life friends, my blogging friends have become so important to me as I work full time with my husband from home on the computer. These friendships have been a blessing to me. I attended a bloggy get toether of AZ bloggers and we all felt like we knew each other. So, we just picked up the conversation. I pray with my bloggy friends and we often email each other. I can’t wait to meet some of them in person.
YES, I’m on Facebook, I twitter and LOVE IT!
July 29th, 2009 at 11:24 am
- I prefer Relational as opposed to professional.
- I do tend to feel like the bloggers are my friends.
- I Facebook. Twitter interests me, but I haven’t tried it yet.
Have Fun,
Andrea
July 29th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Well-designed blogs are great – but sometimes they become “professional” and then I tend to lose interest. I guess I’m more about the content (I want to have something in common with the blogger).
I think of bloggers as people I can vent to without any repercussions.. lol
I use Facebook – but mostly just for that silly game Farm Town.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:26 am
1. Relational is most important and I like the presentation to be neat and interesting. I like correct spelling.
2. I think of some of the bloggers I read to be my friends.
3. Facebook yes, Twitter – not yet.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:27 am
I like a blog that isn’t cluttered-too much to look at distracts me. I’m like a four year old.
I don’t see too many really plain blogs but when I do they need to really grab me with content or I lose interest…see four year old comment above.
I do feel like I know the bloggers I regularly read and I now email regularly with a couple of my readers which has been fun.
facebook only…haven’t twittered yet…I’ve resisted, secretly hoping it would fizzle out. I don’t think I can add one more piece of technology to my brain right now.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:32 am
- The words pull me in…there has to be some connection (whether it is humor, similar experiences, etc) to keep me reading. More often than not, I will stop reading a blog based on a bad design rather than continue to read for a good one.
- Definitely a relationship…the blog world is like the second side of me
- yes to twitter, got on facebook in its early days but pretty much over it now
July 29th, 2009 at 11:32 am
I like them to be relational and they don’t neccessarily have to be professional, but I do like them to look nice and be easy to read. Not a lot of bloggy clutter, if you get my drift.
no on the facebook and twitter. I figure keeping up a blog is enough!
July 29th, 2009 at 11:33 am
1. I like them to be real. As for professional, I am just picky about spelling and grammar (but that’s just me.) The graphics and template don’t matter as long as it is easy on the eyes.
2. Yes, but with appropriate social barriers. For example, I think my blog friends would pray for me if I were sick but I wouldn’t expect them to bring me a casserole.
3. No and No. I tried Facebook and was overwhelmed with all the emails of people leaving me notes on my wall. I guess I’m more of an introvert than I thought.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:33 am
I can definitely appreciate a well-designed blog, but care far more about the content. I like to read witty, interesting or compelling posts.
I tend to get hooked on a blog and can’t wait to check back to see what’s new. I also love to follow the stories of people going through triumphs or struggles. I don’t think I would consider these people friends, but I do get slightly attached.
I use both, but am miserable about updating either.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:35 am
I look for a blog to be relational first, then pictures really help you get to know the person writing. This bleeds into #2, and yes I consider them friends. Especially people who regularly comment and have ongoing conversation. Not always close friends but friends yes! And I use facebook, not twitter. I know I’m behind on that one…
July 29th, 2009 at 11:37 am
1. Some combination of the two
2. Yes, I feel that we are friends. I talk about blogs I read with my husband like I chatted on the phone with you today…
3. I use facebook and am signed onto twitter but have honestly never tweeted – I just follow others’ tweets
July 29th, 2009 at 11:47 am
1. Combination of the two. Relational and simple. Uncluttered.
2. Yes, you have an insight into some small sliver of their life.
3. No. I hate (I know, that’s an intense word, but seriously) Facebook, but would consider Twitter if I had an inkling of an idea how to use it.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:48 am
1. I think I continue to read when they are relational, but am first drawn by presentation.
2. I definitely feel like they are friends. I sure do talk about them like they are!
3. I do not use either.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:48 am
1. I’d say I’m looking for a mix, but I like clean, simple blogs that are easy to navigate and not too flashy. Too much on a page can be distracting.
2. Yes! I love reading bloggers that I can relate to and identify with.
3. I use both. Just started on Twitter, but I’m not the best tweeter–I feel too much pressure to be witty in so little space.
I’m so sad I won’t be there this weekend. I went two years ago and was planning on going again, but my best friend decided to get married this Saturday. It will be a blast, but I wish I could be in two places at the same time. Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
July 29th, 2009 at 11:48 am
1) a blog design doesn’t really impact whether or not I visit the blog unless it is more hard to read than it is enjoyable to read
2) i definitely think of the bloggers that i read as my friends :) in fact, one of my 101 in 1001 days goals is to meet several of my blog friends IRL :)
3) i am on both facebook and twitter :) gotta love it!
July 29th, 2009 at 11:50 am
1) When you read a blog, are you looking for a super-professional presentation (design, photography, writing, etc.), or are you looking for something that might not look as professional but feels really relational? Or some combination of the two?
Definitely a mix of the two. If it is professional but boring, I won’t read it. If it’s relational but is tacky or is full of spelling and/or grammatical errors, I won’t read it either.
2) Do you tend to think of bloggers as friends? I mean, not your closest friends or anything – but do you feel like you have a little bit of a relationship with the bloggers you read?
Not necessarily the bloggers I read, but those whose blogs I comment on and they comment on mine. Also if we email frequently or occasionally, and most especially if we additionally keep up with each other on Facebook.
3) Do you use Twitter or Facebook?
Facebook
July 29th, 2009 at 11:50 am
1) I love a cute blog design but, honestly, it’s the writing and relational aspects that bring me back time after time.
2) What – bloggers aren’t supposed to be my virtual BFFs? I’m crushed! In all seriousness, I definitely feel like I know the bloggers I read on a daily basis. But not in a stalker-ish way.
3) Facebook and Twitter – what can I say – I’m a social networking addict?
July 29th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Wow! I get to share my opinion! Thanks!
1. Retlational is far more important… some of the way too professional ones are harder for my little ole computer to handle…
2. Yes. I do think of them as a type of friend. A new type of friend is emerging in the techno–webby-world.
3.Yes! I use both! Mostly facebook!
July 29th, 2009 at 11:54 am
1) The design doesn’t matter too much to me. (Something simple and clean works just fine.) The biggest draw for me is the content – good and funny stories always are a big hit with me :)
2) Yes!
3) Neither.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:55 am
1. I like a combination of good presentation or relational. It doesn’t have to be super-fancy. If I can navigate o.k. (find the posts, find where to comment, find how to get “home” are my main three), I’m good. If what I read makes sense, I’m good.
2. I tend not to read bloggers when I don’t feel a bit of a relationship with them. This doesn’t mean I expect them to respond to all of my comments or e-mails. I just like to think they ARE paying attention to us out in “blog land.”
3. I use both Facebook and Twitter. I have mainly Internet friends on Twitter. I don’t have any Internet friends on Facebook.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:57 am
1) I really enjoy a creative blog design. That being said, I am more about the writing because I read my blogs though Google Reader and then it doesn’t really matter what the actual website looks like.
2) Yes, partly because I read my blogs every day and so they’ve become a part of my daiy routine. :)
3) I use both!
July 29th, 2009 at 11:57 am
1. i think i’m somewhere in the middle. the relational side is way more important than the appearance. it’s what i read that keeps me coming back, not the “decor”.
2. i def think of them as friends. sometimes i don’t even know their real names, i just refer to them as their blog names. it’s sad, yes, but fun too. i know so much about ya’ll and can relate so much to some of you. i have always LOVED the south and yet, i live in cali so sometimes reading your blogs makes me feel like i get a feel for the south.
3. yes, i use both twitter and facebook and love them both. i use twitter more cause i have it on my phone and it’s “quicker” to me than facebook, but i feel like i can connect more with other (via pictures and things) on facebook.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:59 am
1) A combination of the two, but relational writing is what keeps me.
2) Yes, I think of some bloggers as my bloggy friends, but only after several comments or email exchanges.
3) I twitter .. and am ADDICTED! :(
July 29th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
1. I judge a blog by it’s content, not presentation. I have gone to a couple of blogs that had a weird colored background or impossible to read font, and I’m not trying to go blind, so I guess that does matter a little.
2. I WISH I were friends with many of the bloggers I follow. I feel like it’s mostly a one sided relationship with the majority of bloggers I read, and since I don’t consider that a relationship at all, I’d have to say no for #2. It does make my day when I occasionally get a response, though. And I’m constantly saying to people, this woman whose blog I read, and I do wish I could just say, my friend, instead. I think I’d come across as less of a stalker.
3. I facebook, and I follow a few people on twitter, but I don’t update at all. I know everyone loves the twitter, but it seems like facebook on crack to me.
July 29th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
1. The writing brings me coming back for more no matter what the blog looks like. I do appreciate pretty, but I need something with substance.
2. Why, yes I do! I sometimes refer to them as “friends” in my real life! ha
3. Facebook
Since I answered your questions, could I throw one out there? Okay, thanks! Just wondering what happened to the oh-so-funny bachelorette recaps? Even my dear sweet husband enjoyed them! You know when I would read them to him over the phone while he was trying to do some important work stuff. And did ya know, Ed came BACK & won the WHOLE DARN THING!!! I thought I would see you using “the words” to jump for joy…or something equally as funny!! All that just to say – I miss that! Glad I got that off my chest. I’m sure my TMJ will thank me for it cuz it’s been causing me some tension. I heart you BooMama!
July 29th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
1) A combination of both because it really matters why I am there. It I am doing research on a tech subject, I want professional. If I want to laugh and cry with you, it isn’t so important.
2)Yes, sort of. If I comment and read it all the time. But if I lurk? Not so much. I do not feel any kind of friendship with Neatorama but I do with Kailani.
3)Both. I really Twitter because I Facebook. When I started doing the facebook statuses I found an app that you could Tweet and it would run through the facebook also. So 2 spots for 1 status!
July 29th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
1. Content is what draws me in…Specifically, relational content. I am drawn to you b/c of your honest, open nature and the fact I am a southern gal too. MckMama- the fact I am a christain and a mom, and I pray over her sweet little stellan….etc. You get the idea. Flashy doesn’t do it for me, but I do like it clean and easy to navigate (links working, etc.)
2. Yes, it “feels” like a relationship, even if I *know* that I am one in a million reading. For instance, I sent you a “love your writing” email back before I knew how big you were…you sent back a thank you (as a proper southern gal, I’m not surprised). Now, i don’t expect that, but it sure was nice. Conversational tone in blogging posts, some personal tidbits (i don’t want to know where you live for heaven sakes and I would worry if you posted too much personal stuff! But knowing your love for all things appetizer related is good…get my drift?!)
3. I do facebook, but that is seperate from my “bloggy” life (if you can call it such). I only twitter to the extent that I want to know how sweet baby stellan is doing when he is in crisis. Call me old school, I guess.
You’ll do fine at She Speaks!! Hang in there!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
1. Design is far less important than content. Also, I need some decent use of CAPS and punctuation. I’m not a snob, but if all that’s ever used is an outside voice and nary a period, I’m outta there.
2. Somewhat, yes. The ones I read most frequently, I go back because I feel I can relate to them or learn something from them, or they offer me a fresh perspective on things – or they just plain make me laugh.
3. Facebook? Yes. Twitter? Useless drivel.
July 29th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
(1) Presentation of blog can be either professional or a more informal approach. Content is important to whether I come back. I don’t like blogs that seem to be out to make a “harsh point” but do like ones that “share opinions”.
(2) Just as when you sometimes hit it off when you meet someone, sometimes someones blog just “hits the spot” and you can develop a relationship through comments and emails.
(3) I use facebook for family and a few friends.
July 29th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
1–I like a little bit of both. I love developing new relationships through blogs, but if the blog isn’t laid out well, I probably won’t stay. Blogs that are cluttered…no matter how good the content…have been disappearing from my day to day reading. My blog isn’t anything special, the template is pretty basic…but it isn’t cluttered.
2–Friends for sure. I get so excited to exchange comments with my fellow blog friends. I especially love talking to my in real life friends about blog friends that we share. And I get absolutely giddy when I see a blogger in real life…I’m moving to Birmingham next month and am hoping I’ll run into you soon!
3–I use facebook and twitter. They serve different purposes for me, but my current favorite is twitter.
July 29th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
1. A combination. The look can cause me to leave, but if the writing is great then I’ll press on. If the writing is full of grammar errors, typos, etc., I have to move on since I’m OCD on that type of thing. I just unsubscribed to a lady who used these………over……..and over………and over again and these, too!!!!!!………for no apparent…….reason!!!!!!!!!!
2. A different kind of friend…but a friend nonetheless.
3. I don’t use either. Blogging and keeping up with my favorite bloggers takes up way too much of my time as it is. I don’t see how everyone can do facebook and twitter, too! I’ve got to have a life away from my computer and phone.
July 29th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I like a combination of the two – nice, professional to look at but also relatable and enjoyable…and yes, I think of the bloggers I read all of the time as “friends”…and I Facebook and sometimes Twitter.
July 29th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
1. I have to admit that the design of the blog really has an impact on whether or not I stay to read more than one post if I’ve clicked over from somewhere else. Whether or not I add it to my reader has more to do with the content, but design is the first hook to get me in.
2. Yes, I often refer to my favorite bloggers as my “fake friends.”
3. I don’t do twitter, but I do have a facebook account which I always forget to look at.