So I did that Feedburner thing last week. I’m not sure why. The little button over there in my sidebar went from 0 to 41 in a week. I wasn’t sure it was an accurate record of how many people subscribe, but I thought 41 was a pretty fair number for a blog newb like myself. Then, today, the number dropped to 38.
My first thought was Meh. Then I thought, “So 3 people aren’t subscribing to me anymore. Hmmmn.” Next, I started to frown and my thoughts turned to, “I’ve been that boring lately?” I hadn’t thought I was any more boring than usual!
Figuring that my blog must be more smoke than fire *snort*, I shrugged it off. I’m not that into the numbers game when it comes to blogging, but it did get me to thinking… Lately, I’ve been adding to my feed reader and my blog roll, not deleting. So my question to you today is, why do you stop reading someone? Why do you unsubscribe and/or stop visiting their blog? What does it take to turn you off of someone or chase you away?
I’m sure the replies to those questions are as varied as the people who come here and whose blogs I visit and/or read. Still, I’m curious… so indulge me in comments with your answers if you would, please.
Since it’s Sunday, it’s a good time to give out the very special bear award that Dawg gave to other bloggers. Dawg went to the Vermont Teddy Bear factory and their slogan is “If you care, send a bear.” So Dawg gave the bear to Karl, who gave it to me. So now I’m going to pass it on to 10 other bloggers. The rules are simple:
- The Beary Best Award is given to those people who we want to know we care… just because
- See rule #1
Don’t forget that the bear award should link back to Dawg. If you need the code click here.
Now for the people I think deserve one of these. (I’m omitting the people Dawg and Karl gave one to, not because I don’t care about them, but because I’d like to spread the bear a little further into the PRB.)
- Livvy the English Courtesan
- Matt-Man
- Nicholas
- Bluepaintred
- Susan
- Vixen
- ShinyBitch
- MaryO
- Marty
- The Other Jen
I’m not including Motley because she got a Blackberry instead of a bear. Heh.
We’re off to El Torito brunch with Karl today so have a Beary Brunchy Sunday!
Tags: beary best award, feedburner, question
August 3rd, 2008 at 12:22 am
the only reason I stop reading someone, or delete them are :
1. I stumbled upon them and read their front page, was amused and bookmarked it, then, as the weeks and months passed, they had nothing to entertain me, I would delete them, sad that I had been duped into bookmarking them in the first place.
2. If the tone of their blog did a 100% change from where they were when we started. i tend to get attached to all of my feeds. I get antsy when I cannot read and see what is happening in all of their lives. It’s REALLY hard for me to stop reading someone I consider a friend, even if their writing bores me. I need to read it. It’s kind of an addiction, I guess.
As for the beary award, thank you, you are too sweet!
bluepaintreds last blog post..After Almost Nine years of Marriage, Most of our conversations go something like this:
August 3rd, 2008 at 4:30 am
i really only stop reading someone due to time restraints. but that is assuming i READ them in the first place. it takes a long time for someone to addict me to them.
(did that make sense?)
hello haha narfs last blog post..Glasses
August 3rd, 2008 at 8:24 am
Why thank you “beary” much… he he
And El Torito… I love that place. Used to go there so often back in the day.
martymankinss last blog post..Scooter Sunday #16
August 3rd, 2008 at 8:40 am
BPR - Your criteria is pretty much same as mine. And you’re welcome for the bear.
Becky - I know what you mean, I have a few blogs that I don’t read on a regular basis, only once a week or so or when a post in my feed reader looks interesting.
Marty - You’re welcome. And OMG do Motley and I love El Torito. Their Sunday Brunch is the best!
Winters last blog post..More Smoke Than Fire
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:45 pm
The only reason I’ve deleted someone from my reader is if they post less frequently than, say, once a week. Unless they are really good. I need lots to keep me busy!
Middle-Aged-Womans last blog post..Nerds Yes, But Environmentally Conscious Nerds
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Why do I stop reading blogs? Well, it isn’t that I stop reading, it’s moreso that I haven’t had the time. Surprisingly, this summer has been laborous and has been eating away at the time I once used for visiting blogs and many other sites. And of course, writing!!! In that area however, it clearly shows my lacking in writing at our beloved Bar. Feel bad about that cos I’m always afraid I might be keeping someone from posting their story that’s associated with mine. Come fall, I know things are going to lay low for a while and give me the breather I need. In the meantime, I’m going to try, try, try to make it to your blog and leave a comment…PROMISE
:) 
And lastly…thanks for the award! It’s ‘beary’ cute!
August 3rd, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Thank you for the award! You’re a darling!
As far as I know, I have never subscribed to a blog. I just visit the ones in my blogroll, as and when time permits. So far, I haven’t removed anyone once I’ve put them there
Nicholass last blog post..Saturday 9
August 4th, 2008 at 4:06 am
I’m not entirely sure it’s all that accurate either. My numbers jump all over the board. I could have a 20-subscriber drop or gain in a single day. It’s weird. But I still love watching it. Twisted, isn’t it?
kapgars last blog post..It’s a beautiful mornin’…
August 4th, 2008 at 6:25 am
Thanks so much! What a nice thing to come home to!
I stop reading a blog if they don’t post for a really long time. This summer I’ve been SWAMPED and can’t get to all the blogs I want to. Even the ones I lurrrve.
I hesitate to delete them, though. I haven’t figured out the whole feed thing so I still go down the list on my bookmarks. I know-so old school.
August 4th, 2008 at 7:02 am
MAW - I know what you mean about people who don’t post for a week. You forget they are there!
Shiny - Not to worry. You’re not holding up anyone at the Bar. As for blogs, most bloggers understand that people get busy, so they don’t get offended when people don’t comment for awhile.
Nicholas - I had to admit to loving the feed reader. It tells me when someone has a new blog post so I don’t have to click and go there if there is nothing new. It’s a big time saver!
Kapgar - Well, maybe not twisted… I’m just curious. Blogging is still new to me so all the little bits fascinate me. I do think I agree on the accuracy thing. I’m not sure it’s a true accounting. It certainly doesn’t match up to WP Stats or Woopra. In fact, nothing matches!
Jen - We’ve got get you a feed reader. You’ll save time, which frees up more time for other cool stuffs! If you need help just give me a holler. Several bloggers helped me out when I was trying to figure out the reader thing so it would be nice to pay that forward.
Winters last blog post..Grill Me
August 4th, 2008 at 10:51 am
A big bear-hug to you for the gift. Thanks!
I have only deleted one person from my reader and that was because she quit blogging (so now I stalk her via email). It took me forever to figure out how to use my reader for reading. I haven’t figured out yet how to tell if people are subscribed to my feed.
August 4th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Vix - I couldn’t find an RSS feed link on your blog. I’ll have to look again.
Winters last blog post..Grill Me
August 26th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
I’m such an ass. I’ve had this window open ever since I got back from vacation and haven’t said thank you! What an ass…
Who appreciates you and the award. In that order.