Last week Sharon initiated a most useful conversation by writing about and then asking about why people don’t leave comments at blogs they read. This week she has categorized the responses she has received, commenting on each category and providing lots of food for thought about this topic. I intend to write my thoughts here and I encourage you to go read Sharon’s post and the comments on it.
Before taking Sharon’s classes and participating in her TAST challenge, I had no interest in either reading or writing blogs. The few I had seen were not well written and not interesting to me. Through the classes and TAST, I discovered the blogs of other fiber artists.
I got into blogging after leaving lots of comments on Flickr and other people’s blogs which motivated other people to encourage me to blog. I leave comments because I think most people appreciate feedback, and I like to support and encourage others. It is also a way of starting a conversation with someone with whom I share interests. Some bloggers respond to my comments by email.
Usually I respond to comments by email. WordPress makes that easy by delivering comments to my inbox, with the commenter’s email address. Even if it’s just “thank you”, I like to let people know that their comments are appreciated.
I definitely welcome comments.
As for what I write about: I thought quite a bit about that before starting to blog. I wrote myself a statement of purpose. Because I so enjoy seeing the work of other fiber artists, I wanted to show my work and write about it. I also wanted to share the other main interests in my life–reading and food, and to educate people about ME/CFS. There is so little understanding of this devastating condition that takes away most of one’s life. This blog also allows me to publish my essays and get them out into the light of day. I’ve written quite a lot over the years that may be of interest to others. By blogging, I have met people who share my interests and who have become friends.
Since I am almost completely housebound, blogging and giving and receiving comments has greatly enhanced my social life.
Thanks for all the good wishes about my computer situation.
Jo, it’s good to have you in the blogging community. I hope your computer is fixed soon. You have wonderful insight and I enjoy reading your blog. Happy Thanksgiving.
Jo I am pleased you discovered blogs – and enjoyed them because it meant you started a blog too! The more blogs that are about textiles the more other people are encouraged to try or develop their skills in this area. It keeps the tradition alive and moves it into the 21st century.
I admit that if someone encounters poorly written self reflective blogs they are not attracted to them so that makes blogging for textile practitoners important too. Its not any one blog that is important it tis the whole community of voices that are.
thanks for the post, the nice words and the link