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| Photographing Ricotta |
Can you even be bothered to answer the question?
Well I rarely write about being fed up .. but I am tired and bored of apathetic people. It seems that the world is overloaded with watchers who fail to engage. A thousand silent eyes.
I spent two days putting together a blog post. I traveled to Chelsea, interviewed experts on the subject, spent time photographing, writing, creating and editing what I consider to be an attractive and informative blog post and then tweeted. Nothing.
I tweeted again a few hours later.
Nothing.
After chatting to a few people, retweeting some things I found interesting and then .. you guessed it .. I tweeted my post again.
So I was left wondering what is the point? Does my writing have no value? Are my photographs unworthy of even a moment? It's like playing your heart out to an empty theatre.
I don't write for rating. I don't blog for statistics. I blog because I am communicating. It's two way thing.
Frankly I've watched over the past year or so as so much of Twitter has degenerated to a load of total and utter twaddle. Auto posts by bloggers too tired and lazy to bother tweeting themselves who signed up to various pieces of software to tweet on their behalf drive me potty.
It;s really partly my fault .. I've been guilty of just following people based on a whim and all of a sudden I am following over 800 people. Yes I know that you can do lists .. but really isn't that a bit pointless?
Then there is the serial competition re tweeter. Good God ( if I believed in one.) I'm all for the odd competition yes it's fun to try and win something by pressing a button .. but every tweet?
Oh and now I've got started .. there are the watchers. The ones you engage with for a moment and they lurk not engaging with you ever ever again. Just looking. So I feel like I am shouting in the dark.
I put a tremendous amount of effort into my both my blogs and my twitter, but you know two years ago when a post was written people would take some kind of interest. A beautiful photo was commented on, a good recipe re tweeted a news story shared, but not anymore.
To be fair I am at a loss as to what constitutes something worth commenting on or engaging with and I refuse to be rude about people, I am not going to be horrible about something for the sake of a response, and I'm not going to move to London and try to get in with the in crowd of foodies just to be up with latest food fashion.
To be honest it's partly my own fault. I try to respond to every tweet that is to me .. but in truth I can't engage with the people I like because I have followed so many people simply because they followed me. So what I would do in real life? Well I suppose I would value quality over quantity and so I'm going to unfollow all the people I am following just because they are following me. I am really sorry if I hurt anyones feelings but frankly I feel totally overwhelmed following so many silent people.
update at 7.30pm
I wonder .. . now that I have reduced the number of people I follow by over 500 I wonder how many will feel the need to unfollow me because I am not following them? .. oh .. nope .. I've stopped wondering now.
Deep breath.
Oh and do you like the photo from my new cheese making course? .. on second thoughts I won't ask ... in case I just un -followed you......
Hello Vanessa,
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog and yes, I read your lovely post from Chelsea , but not until last night. Yes, it struck a chord....my mother is always telling me to stop and smell the roses....and to be honest, I was a teeny bit jealous that you were there and I wasn't!
. Having been on early radio car shifts this week, I was so knackered I didn't comment....but I do understand how you feel.
Although I'm writing for radio every day, I love to blog..I love writing....and it is so gratifying when followers or complete strangers comment on something you written about and they like.
Please don't get too miffed though....your blog is being read ...and liked!.
You write a lovely blog btw .. I just popped over and realised you must be quite close by ... x
DeleteThank you...likewise! Yes, just across the border....not far at all!
DeleteThanks very much Vanessa! Yes, we must be quite close...i'm just across the county border very close to Market Harborough....
Delete:O) I'm here! I'm commenting!
ReplyDeletewell, I understand so well. Before I start waffling, I will say that I have been busy offline lately, so haven't even been on twitter much, let alone visting blogs. I'm working on The Girls bd party, and you will know, they are never problem free of simple, or fun!
I digress.
I love your blog. I'm guilty of not visiting as often as I should, but I love it when I stop by.
I wrote something similar on my blog a while back. I don't expect tons of comments/followers/ etc, but just now and then it would be nice to have as many comments as I do page hits. One of my most popular posts has had 161 hits, I'd literally wet myself if each one had left a comment! I understand that sometimes people just have time to read then are off, but oh, just now and then, it would be so nice to have more comments. I average around 10 a post, and it makes my day.
It's just about knowing that time isn't being completely wasted. That if you take the time to put yourself out there and write, show slices of your life, share things, that people will read it. Appreciate the effort.
I've decided that my ordinary, unexciting life, just doesn't spark enough interest for the majority of visitors to make a comment. Amazing how many mealy mouthed anonymous ones can find time to write something sarcastic or mean!!!!
I love that photo. Food is so hard to photograph, I tend to take pics from above as it were, just makes things look nicer. Mind you, as most of my food ends up looking like mud on a plate, that is not always the case!
Right. Time I was off. Am trying to make a few blog visits this evening ;o)
lots of love to you, dare stop blogging/tweeting and face my wrath woman!
x
Oh Sadie, what a lovely comment. I really ought to make more time to comment on other peoples blogs too! I am the pot calling the kettle black today !
DeleteI love your blog too .. It's a joy to read.
x
:O) I'm here! I'm commenting!
ReplyDeletewell, I understand so well. Before I start waffling, I will say that I have been busy offline lately, so haven't even been on twitter much, let alone visting blogs. I'm working on The Girls bd party, and you will know, they are never problem free of simple, or fun!
I digress.
I love your blog. I'm guilty of not visiting as often as I should, but I love it when I stop by.
I wrote something similar on my blog a while back. I don't expect tons of comments/followers/ etc, but just now and then it would be nice to have as many comments as I do page hits. One of my most popular posts has had 161 hits, I'd literally wet myself if each one had left a comment! I understand that sometimes people just have time to read then are off, but oh, just now and then, it would be so nice to have more comments. I average around 10 a post, and it makes my day.
It's just about knowing that time isn't being completely wasted. That if you take the time to put yourself out there and write, show slices of your life, share things, that people will read it. Appreciate the effort.
I've decided that my ordinary, unexciting life, just doesn't spark enough interest for the majority of visitors to make a comment. Amazing how many mealy mouthed anonymous ones can find time to write something sarcastic or mean!!!!
I love that photo. Food is so hard to photograph, I tend to take pics from above as it were, just makes things look nicer. Mind you, as most of my food ends up looking like mud on a plate, that is not always the case!
Right. Time I was off. Am trying to make a few blog visits this evening ;o)
lots of love to you, dare stop blogging/tweeting and face my wrath woman!
x
Vanessa, I love the photo beautiful bread as always, and did you make the cheese too? I always love cheese with red peppercorns!
ReplyDeleteAs for the commenting, I wouldn't worry, I think it's partly the weather, I know I'm finding it dull, and I've felt uninspired to cook and write, and therefore comment.
But I do read your posts, and i'm sure that once the sun does shine you'll find that comments will pick up.
Just keep being yourself and don't worry too much.
Jude x
Well, I've just read this, and I think you are brave to do that. I write a blog too and do sometimes get readers (my dad, my sister in law, one of my colleagues), and it is a bit frustrating. I like the picture; it's hard to make ricotta interesting, but your picture is beautiful. Don't give up x
ReplyDeleteI DO like your picture. And I know what you mean about shouting into a void! I've been studying all year and decided to pluck up the courage to enter a competition to showcase my skills. I posted the details on Facebook, where I am friends with a modest number of people who are genuinely friends. I posted details again and again. A few have voted, most have ignored me. And they're my FRIENDS! Ironically, one pointed out that I'm probably not getting many votes because I'm not on Twitter... I don't think my confidence could handle another way of being ignored!!! Though I confess, I have been pleasantly surprised by the number of my blog readers who are answering my call. It's truly a double edged sword this social networking.
ReplyDeleteAnd like I said, I do really like your photo. Chin up eh?
Oh I love your name! Little macaroon .. although now I want to eat one!
DeleteThank you. Yo are right it is hard to get people motivated xx
I bet most of us have felt like this, Vanessa...I'm a bit unmotivated to blog at the moment...so much going on and everything that seems interesting at first seems a bit boring when I come to post! I think, from asking around, that many previously prolific bloggers are questioning their role at he moment...changes afoot? I always read and enjoy your posts, am guilty of sporadic commenting but then many people never comment on mine unless I have a giveaway! I try and just let it flow over me. I started my blogs as an extra way f communicating with my sister in Australia. I know she reads it, so that's really all that matters!! Keep going...you ARE doing good
ReplyDeleteOh Rachel you are an angel. I'm probably still here because of people like you. Generous, honest & talkative!
Deletelol
xxxxxxxxx
I can't believe I have just lost my whole post!! so here goes again....
ReplyDeleteI think blogging is almost a full time job. If we want followers and comments we have to put the effort into our posts and get out there and comment and interact with other bloggers. That is time consuming. I have spent a couple of hours a day composing my own blog and then going and reading and making appropriate (as opposed to Hi, yes I agree) comments on other people's blogs. That is time I could be spending in the garden, in the kitchen, writing and generally earning a paltry freelance income. Consequently I can't always keep up.
On the other hand I know as a blogger how much I appreciate the input from my readers. I have about 5-10 regular readers who comment, but not much more than that. Seriously why do I bother? Well I have met some very interesting people, one or two I have then met IRL and have become friends. I am a writer and blogs or books, both are honing my skills.
Twitter is a whole different ball game. I love it and hate it. I can go weeks at a time without even logging on and then am hooked for the next few weeks. I have had an agent contact me because we had a mutual twitter friend and she read my blog as a result so I can't diss it completely. But I don't take it too seriously. There are a lot of eejits out there and statistically some of them will be on twitter, but some will be on the 52 bus as well :)
I'm really sorry you feel that way. I've loved reading your blog and on the occasions when we've personally engaged on Twitter it's been fun (and interesting).
ReplyDeleteBut *takes deep breath* sometimes I find that real life simply gets in the way of being able to do all the things, read all the blogs, make all the comments etc that I want to. It's not that I don't find things interesting or worthwhile, just sometimes that I have other commitments. I realise that other people are the same.
Writing a blog myself I've noticed that page views and comments are totally unpredictable, and I try not to worry too much if I don't get much of a response. As I know I have quieter times myself where I can't - or don't comment - I try not to be upset when it happens to me. Life is too short, and I enjoy writing my blog for what it is. An outlet for me, which if other people read and enjoy, then brilliant. But I try not to fret about it anymore.
I'd say don't give up, but at the end of the day you have to do what you feel is right. X
I'm sorry if I have been one of the non communicative Vanessa, though don't lose faith. You write beautifully, and illustrate with lovely photos. Life gets in the way for everyone - we have been so caught up with our house move that I have barely had time to cook let alone blog and comment. But there is a lot of respect there even amongst people you may have lost faith in. Keep up the lovely writing! (In fact I meant to comment on your childhood breadbaking memories you wrote the other day).
ReplyDeleteOh I meant to ask how did the move go? You are not really far away ... and I love the Cambridge Botanical Gardens.
DeleteI know I must sound like I am complaining .. but I am getting despondent. It's so hard to hit a wall of silence. x
It is really hard isn`t it when people don`t read or comment. I love photographyand think your photos are lovely. I just write for me on my blog and about what I want to write about on the day.
ReplyDeleteNot been a tweeter, hardly ever go on face book, but I blog (mostly for myself) and it is lovely when people comment and to think people may agree with a point of view or like a recipe. My photos are mostly taken on the iphone so they are not going to win any prizes. But I agree like friends those who don't reciprocate can be deleted. Harsh but true.
ReplyDeleteDeep breath...it's a big old Internet out there and I know I find it hard to keep up with blogs and tweets and to comment on every one is beyond me. I still get comments and interact with a dozen or so Twitter friends, some posts have more impact than others, I just tend to go with the flow. Maybe if you take a break you will be able to come back with new enthusiasm or a different approach.
ReplyDeleteHi, I follow you on Twitter but haven't popped over to you blog before... I'll put it on my 'blogs to read' list. If I can I usually comment - but as I now read mainly via iPad it is often not easy to leave a comment.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad about not following your followers on Twitter. I feel a twitter follower cull coming on. But numbers don't really matter - quality over quantity.
Yes I did cull. from following over 800 to about 250... and this morning I looked at my timeline and interacted with everyone. Much much better! x
DeleteBlogging is a fickle beast. I've been blogging since 2001 and have seen first had the significant changes to blogging over the years. I admit I don't blog or read blogs as much as I used to, my business and new home takes up so much of my time and I know this has had a negative impact on the blog.
ReplyDeleteI've recently made a decision about my blog. At the end of the day I blog for me about me. Not for PR freebies, not for notoriety, not to climb up some Klout (or similar) ladder. If someone comments or RTs for me it's a bonus. Try to think about why you originally started your blog.
I do think though blogging peaked in 2010. Now everyone seems to be some sort of blogger and it's easy to get lost in a sea of them. For me the blogs I return to (even if I don't have the time to comment) are the ones that have beautiful photography (like yours), interesting articles and not pumped full of PR.
I also should note that I access most blogs via my phone these days and Blogger blogs are very difficult to comment on via my phone.
Stick at it. Just remember why you started blogging those few years ago.
Jules
Jules you are one of the best bloggers I know. You are always interactive & write beautifully. I was really more about my own self doubt and intimidation over no one chatting back to me.. !
DeleteGood luck with your business!
lol x
Hi Vanessa, PLEASE don't stop blogging! Your photographs and writings are an absolute inspiration - and yes - I am 100% guilty of lurking, reading, soaking up the beauty and not always commenting! It's actually due to the fear of looking like a stalker lol! When you first find a blog or tweeter that inspires you, you tend to respond and reply to every post that comes along, and then the moment comes when self consciousness and self doubt starts to creep in - "Is she going to start finding this weird that I gush at every single image and comment?!"
ReplyDeleteI personally, have felt extremely unmotivated to blog over the last few months for various reasons, mainly due to being busy with a new small business and three crazy kids. Having thought that I was Superwoman in my youth, I've found that the older I get, the less able i am to multi task, and my blog has been a direct casualty. However, I wholly appreciate and always find time to seek out the bloggers that bring a ray of sunshine into my day, and you, my dear, are top of that list.
Paula x
Vanessa, I read your blogs regularly and I'm sorry I haven't commented before. I assumed I'd be lost in a sea of others. Your blogs give me inspiration to try to be a more imaginative baker, cook, gardener, and generally a better person. I love the photos, particularly the ones of your gardener, oops sorry, I meant garden and boats full of good chocolate are the stuff of dreams! I may be a little jealous! Please keep blogging and tweeting. I like to live vicariously and you are appreciated. x
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea . .thankyou so much for your comment .. .. Yes my gardener is cute!
Deletex I am a lucky girl - my husband calls me Mrs Robinson .. !
Hi lovely, I hear what you say and have been feeling the same. I am not sure I can offer anything of real help but I do think that there are several factors at play here.
ReplyDeleteTwitter/blogging/even good old fashioned facebook (!) offer an absolute overload of stuff to look at/read/engage with. My brain feels overloaded, wired. I am tired. I too follow a silly number of people and started a cull last night before I read that you were doing the same. But it's the FOMO factor I guess - will we miss something if we don't follow that person.
Another reason more personal to me however is when I read something as beautiful as one of your blog posts I want to comment and respond in a way that is equally eloquent. It is often late at night. I am often halfway down a second glass of something red. I fear I will not do myself justice -whatever that is - so I leave it till the morning comes.
Which it invariably does - along with the kitchen clean, the ovens on, the K Mix revved up and the production of yet more cakes to be photographed, blogged about and tweeted.
But rarely does anyone respond - which kind of brings us full circle and while I have been here the fondant is hardening so I need to get back.
So sorry to be in a rush but wanted to reply before the moment had passed, hang in there lovely lovely lady - I owe a lot to you xxxxxxx
Oh Linda .. I am just as guilty .. in fact I went to bed thinking that I haven't actually commented much on anyones posts either. I suppose I wasn't really thinking about other bloggers. More the non bloggers and the fact that I am spreading myself too thin. There are some fabulous people out there ..
Deletebut I felt so overwhelmed by all the hard work and the total wall of silence ...
Love
V
x
It's been good to share - let's hope this can be the start of a new wave of openness and taking time to support each other. Thanks for starting an important conversation :-) xxxxxxx
DeleteI know how you feel! I do read your blog regularly as you write beautifully and your photos are always stunning. I subscribe so tend to read posts on the weekend or weeknights if I am awake long enough. I find comments have decreased amongst many blogs, maybe as people are too busy or aren't able to comment due to time constraints or tiredness. It can be difficult to comment on blogs if posts are read on phones or tablets so that might also be a reason. Carry on blogging as you always do, you bring pleasure to many people whether or not they leave comments.
ReplyDeleteBlogging and social media has changed a lot in the last two years. I've lost the enthusiasm I used to have when I first joined Twitter, where I could chat with people.It's like talking into an abyss sometimes. Whether it's sharing your latest blog post, just saying hi or asking how people's day was.I've been watching Chelsea all week so I'll go and read your post now.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel, but as someone who receives very few comments (if any) on my blogs I came to the conclusion that my posts must be boring, true to say though that I haven't posted since before Christmas, with one exception. I suppose I can only reiterate what many others have said above, sometimes there just isn't time to comment, we think we will come back later and comment, but following so many blogs sometimes there are so many to read and just not enough hours in the day.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have a twitter account, I don't tweet and so don't read your tweets either even though I am a follower!
Please don't assume we are uninterested - I can assure you that's not the case.
I don't think you are stupid or premenstrual. I think it's quite normal to expect some sort of comment, sometimes though a blog post gets read from via the phone and there's not always time to reply, then of course what happens is that the time is never found! Sadly. Please don't stop blogging, I love reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteI haven't got into Twitter as I find it hard enough to keep up with blogs, and this year has been more difficult with work commitments, children doing exams, applying to Universities, etc. I have noticed that generally people are making less blog entries so we really should be motivated to comment more.
ReplyDeleteYour lovely picture reminds me that I must have another go at cheese making.