I follow a lot of marvellous conglomeration of blogs.
I stalk follow over 200 with bloglovin’ and a wild mess via Google Friend Connect and then a handful of preciousessss via email. Which is a lot. I KNOW IT’S A LOT. Sometimes I’m an active follower and sometimes I’m a lurker. Mostly I just pop up, yell at you enthusiastically in all-caps, and then evaporate into oblivion. I’ve been known to be summoned if someone says “I love Maggie Stiefvater books”. Because. Me too.
Last week I did a post on When Do You Unfollow Blogs. And I felt the post could do with a positive counterpart. BUT I WARN YOU. The reasons behind my followings of blogs are probably — unusual?! But you asked. And I’ve never claimed to be normal.
OH. And in case you missed my brief summary of my blog-reading-habits: My reading priority goes to those who’ve commented on my blog! So I actually leave a lot of comments on blogs I don’t follow and because I do this, sometimes I forget to follow them. Which is weird. I KNOW.
Don’t call me shallow! THIS IS A LEGIT REASON. Of course my eyeballs appreciate seeing delicious graphics and incredible photographs. I have good taste. But I also think a good design is like a promise.
THINGS A GOOD DESIGN TELLS ME:
- The blogger understands less-is-more.
- The blogger either has a) excellent taste, or b) is already thinking about their readers, which is excellent.
- The blogger probably most likely definitely knows what they’re doing.
Visuals are important, folks! You automatically put trust in good visuals.
And what do I mean by “good” design? There are so many definitions and so many blogs telling you how to make a good design. I’m not going to go into that because I’m an inept designing pumpkin. BUT. Real quick, these are my favourite kinds and styles of blog designs:
- THE QUIET PEOPLE: Super minimalistic and easy to navigate. I followed Beth’s blog the first time I clicked on it because MINIMALISM.
- DIVA BOOKNERD: Again, minimalistic, with a woodsy design. Basically Kelly always rocks the design.
- READ AT MIDNIGHT: I’ve only recently met Aentee but she always has such a PRETTY blog and graphics in her post. She also keeps to a consistent colour scheme.
- YA MIDNIGHT READS: There’s a lot happening here and it’s all so fabulous. These epic bloggers have a design that ties in with their blog name AND it’s not overwhelming. Colours are muted. And it’s just pretty, okay?!
Everyone is different though, and just because I love a more minimalistic style doesn’t mean you HAVE to! I tend to think that cleaner blogs are more professional and make it easier to focus on content though.
A HUGE reason I follow blogs is because some humans are sickeningly nice. I mean, what is it with people being friendly and saying meltingly wonderful things to me? DON’T THEY KNOW I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO LIKE THEM, DARN IT?!
Ahem.
When I was a small squid of a blogger, I did a lot of linkups to find friends. I commented incessantly. I got some super awesome buddies that made blogging 1000 x better. But now? Mostly everyone finds ME. Someone will pop onto my blog and then 2 days later, oh gosh, I think we’re best friends. I’m always open to new blogging friends. I think friends make the blogging experience, to be honest. So, if you’re a shy lurker: COME TALK AND BE FRIENDS WITH ME. I am no longer a squid. I am a majestic antelope.
Sometimes I follow blogs for the blogger and NOT the blog. I want to support my friends and I think this is 100% okay.
By the way if you’re the kind of person who comments on a stranger’s blog like they’re your long lost BFF? You’re awesome. Keep doing it.
I’m super into photography at the moment so any blog that does bookish photography? SIGN ME UP. This is probably one of the biggest reasons I’ll follow a blog without a second thought.
And this could go for any interest I have. If I suddenly become interested in intergalactic space travel — I’ll follow ALL THE BLOGS on that subject.
I’m needy. What?! It’s true. We all are in some aspect or other. Sometimes I follow a blog because it’s going to give me something.
BLOGS THAT I LEARN FROM:
- I trawled through ALL of Go Teen Writers post because they have a goldmine of advice for newbie writers.
- I lurk on Xpresso Reads and Cuddlebuggery to keep up-to-date on new releases and cover reveals.
- I follow Pub(lishing) Crawl for publishing industry news and advice.
I don’t comment on ANY of those blogs hardly ever. They are just my I need to learn something before my brain explodes blogs.
I follow (and comment more wildly) on other blogs because they specialise in something that I seriously couldn’t live without. Like they’re super FUNNY. Or their REVIEWS are the best. Or they take meltingly good PHOTOGRAPHS. Or they do the best DISCUSSIONS. If I need to giggle, I know where to go.
What can I say? I’M NOSEY. And I trust my good friends! If someone says they have a blog they’ll die without, then I want to be in on this awesome. I’ve followed a ton of blogs because people recommend them. SO. Write blog recommendation posts!! IT IS WORTH IT.
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I don’t get around to follow new blogs a lot, sadly, because I follow SO MANY and my blog kind of grew rapidly and is massively intense to upkeep. BUT! That doesn’t mean I’m closed off to new blogs. I think it’s important for bloggers to continually LOOK for newness. Sure you don’t have to follow every blog ever. But being friendly and welcoming to all your followers always really does help your blog grow. And you never know when you’ll find a new BFF.
Also the topic “follow for follow” is a bit controversial, but my only opinion on it is: DO WHAT YOU WANT. Don’t feel guilted to follow someone, though.
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Haha, when I first saw this post Cait I was like WHY IS CAIT REPOSTING THE POST SHE PUBLISHED LAST WEEK? And then I realized it was just my lack of sleep >.>
I LOVE Beth’s design! hat’s what I would love my blog to look like. At the moment it looks a little messy but I’m hoping to tidy it up soon. Also: Beth’s photography is AMAZING. So much pretty!!
I’m in LOVE with Hawwa @ HAWWA ETC’s blog design at the moment. :’) And who can forget Mel’s beautiful midnighty look?! AND KELLY’S. OMG KELLY’S.
I’m a silent stalker on Cuddlebuggery too!! I mean, I’m pretty much a silent stalker on most blogs anyway but more so on Cuddlebuggery, haha XD
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES DO A BLOG RECOMMENDING BLOG POST!!!!!!!!!!!! I DEMAND IT!!!
Ella recently posted…Every Move by Ellie Marney :: I CRIED
OMG SO MANY MISTAKES IN MY COMMENT. *dies* Forgive me Cait…
Ella recently posted…Every Move by Ellie Marney :: I CRIED
Yep on incredible design and photography! But they also have to have interesting content…. or they are my real life friends….. or I just like them…… really good writing tips… or if they are an author that I like…
Clare recently posted…Deep Snow is Deep Snow
I am a sucker for good design and photography myself. I cannot resist.
tina recently posted…July Wrap Up
*strokes my theme* I am forever grateful to Meg for my design because it’s such a delight to click and interact with, and it’s a great incentive for people to stay. I have yet to ace graphics for my post, though. :/
And I’m not a great follower of blogs. It usually take a while for me to remember to actually follow a blog if I’ve been reading it for a while, but if it’s a friend, I follow immediately. 😀
Shannelle recently posted…The Summer Story of August 1, 2015
I’m a sucker for quirky fonts. IT’S WEIRD BUT SERIOUSLY. Those minimalistic designs with these amazing fonts are epic. (Speaking of which, I adore your theme, btw 😉
i used to be a silent stalker for most blogs a while ago (i was a shy tiny squid just like you), okay yeah, I’m a silent stalker for a lot of blogs now too, but now I just got crazy with the caps. Life’s too short not to fangirl with your long lost soulsister who happens to live halfway across the globe XD I adore Mel’s designss <3
Nirvana @ Quenching the Quill recently posted…10 Bookish Peoples Whom I’d Love to Fangirl With
OMG THANKS FOR MENTIONING MY BLOG! *starstruck* and amongst such glorious company like Melanie and Kelly!
My reasons for following your blog:
– you are the funniest and most energetic blogger on the land.
– photography!!
– totally unique voice, I can spot your post from a mile away
– AND IT’S THE ONLY BLOG I AM COMFORTABLE TO CAPSLOCK IN 💖
Aentee recently posted…Book Review: Steelheart
Yes I am a bit of a silent reader on Cuddlebuggery as well! And Nose Graze. Seriously such a helpful blog. And thanks for mentioning my blog, lovely! All thanks to Mitchii for the amazing design <3
Great post, Cait <33
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads) recently posted…Midnight Madness Newsletter (86)
D’awwww, Cait, you’re so cute.
I’ll tell you a secret though… *whispers* my blog design is minimal because I’ve only installed about half of the package. I’m a blog design installing failure!
Um… Usually I follow blogs because I LIKE the blogger. Like, in my head I’m friends with them. In reality, things are different… And that makes things awkward… Yeah, I should just give up commenting, I think!
Beth x
Although website design is important to me, as long as it’s not cluttered and hard on the eyes, I’m good. I definitely go to blogs for content: their reviews are insightful and informative, or their discussions are interesting, or they just seem like a cool person!
What are some other blogs YOU would recommend? (Other than the ones you already listed haha)
Aila recently posted…SBPT #5: Fairy Tale Retellings
I actually agree with you in ALL of this, ALL. I guess main one though is design and personality. I believe both go hand in hand as well, even crappy designs have personality on them. But I do mainly like finding blogs who care about how the show to the world, mainly clean and easy to read and navigate. This is what inspires my design, been trying very hard to get it to look stylish and minimalist with the inspirations of those I follow. My favorite one is http://bookswept.com/ because even her writing is minimalist and very poetic. 🙂
Marisabel recently posted…Currently Reading
I totally agree with everything that you are saying.
I really dislike when a blog is ‘messy’ because it’s just so hard to read, and to navigate. I find it hard to follow/comment on a blog; when the writer is not so nice. But that hasn’t happen yet.
But agree with everything that you said.
Angel @Angel Reads recently posted…Book Review: Adrift by Paul Griffin
I am also a magpie and like pretty things, such as the way with life, and a design can make or break it for me – even if it’s a blog that helps other bloggers, or gives advise and see’s themselves as a blog guru still help thing – if I can’t take to the design, you’re all singing, all dancing means nothing to me, you know? BUT I, like you, also follow some blogs just because I get something from them. I’m a bit of a lurky on Elle and Company, but I LOVE Lauren and what she does, and I wish I could participate in one of her chats on Twitter, but I’m never awake (bah, sleep is frustrating!) Sometimes I even lurk here, and I don’t like it, it feels weird, but sometimes I feel empty of words, and that sucks.
Why do I follow blogs? I like the person behind the blog – although that can sometimes not be enough these days, if their not active or getting into their blogging, it sort of throws me a little, you know? I also follow if they’re different – although that makes little sense, but I’ll follow a blog that is all business and making money and growing yourself online with turning your blog into a job, even though I don’t want that, because I learn a lot from that, and they’re different from what I read elsewhere, you know? I don’t know really, I guess I have a very random reason for following different people. I might have to put together my own follow vs unfollow posts at some point.
These have been a great duo of posts Cait, I’m impressed, be proud! 🙂
Amanda @ Nellie and Co. recently posted…Book Review – Fire Fall by Bethany Frenette
It is all about content for me. It is important that blogger posts about stuff that interests me, than there is a chance that I would follow such blog. Visuals and design also helps 🙂
I visit new blogs regularly but I rarely follow new blogs now. I want to be able to navigate myself on my bloglovin feed so when I follow new blog I must be 100% sure about it. (I am not a fan of “folow for folow”).
Lucia @Reading Is My Breathing recently posted…Consistency in Blogging: Yay or Nay?
I would LOVE a blog recommendy post from you at some point, that would be awesome.
I think I’m with you on most of these points. Blogs have to be easy to navigate otherwise it’s a definite no for me. I’m also a big fan of the simplistic designs, clean and well done, they just make me happy but they aren’t a must. Also very much a if it’s a friend then OF COURSE I’m going to follow, regardless of anything else.
But I also love the finding new people randomly. Doing Top Ten Tuesday caused me to find several really awesome bloggers that I have no idea how I hadn’t stumbled across before now (including your lovely self) and they’re now favourite blogs to keep up with. With you on the finding people you really click with. For example, I can capslock about dragons and how you’re my evil overlord and it is BRILLIANT and I know that not only will you not give me the squinty side eye, but you will CAPS LOCK RIGHT BACK. Which is a sign of true awesome internet friendship. Plus you have awesome taste in books so there’s always that 😛
Blogs I would recommend are Angie @ Angieville, Beth @ The Quiet People you’re already there so that’s awesome, I love the design for Carly @ Writing from the Tub, and I am a big fan of The Book Smugglers and Zoey @ Uncreatively Zoey 🙂
Rosy @ The Review Diaries recently posted…Books I’m Squeeing About in August
I am appallingly bad at finding new blogs and I’ve mostly kept the same ones for a while now – but every so often people crop up on Twitter or my comments and I’m like, YES, you seem like an EXCELLENT person, let’s see what more you have to say! And if people comment on my blog often enough it eventually registers and I finally follow their blog 😛
Emily @ Loony Literate recently posted…It’s a Loony Life (20) – July Wrap Up
I checked out the blogs you linked to, and I agree- their designs are GORGEOUS. Design is definitely a factor for me as well. I have a habit of sometimes judging books by their covers, and I think it occasionally applies to the blogs I follow, too. Minimalism is my bae. (It makes me wish my blog had a better design, tbh!) Awesome post!
Holly @ Nut Free Nerd recently posted…QUOTE: Maggie Stiefvater
I think some of the biggest reasons I follow blogs are: good reviews, variety of books reviewed, great discussion posts, and the blog is pretty (I am so superficial). I do lurk on a lot of blogs like you mentioned for info purposes.
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog recently posted…Weekly Rewind ~ 8.2.15
Good design + good content = a happy blog reader!
Angel recently posted…The Angel Messenger: I Am A Winner of Giveaways!
I have been known to do stuff like follow for follow, but never on a permanent basis. When I’ve been impressed by a few posts or am curious about a new blogger, I often follow that person and then if I like what I see on a long-term basis—ease of access, post quality, stuff I care about, doesn’t feel abandoned, etcetera—then I’m willing to stay a follower. If not, I unfollow, like in last week’s discussion, with no hard feelings.
Heather recently posted…July Wrap-Up
YES TO PHOTOGRAPHY. <3 <3 Pretty much, to sum it all up, I'm most likely follow a blog if:
1. I like the person. And I share interests in them.
2. They have an interest in ME. (Does this sound bad? I dunno. I'm just more likely to pay attention to someone if they pay attention to me. If that makes sense?)
3. PHOTOS.
4. I like their "style".
5. A nice-looking blog is a bonus, but not necessarily essential for me; I mean, sometimes blog designs cost a lot, you know? So I totally get why someone might not have the money to make their blog look all pretty.
I don't necessarily follow someone 'cause they've followed me. BUT. I might see they've followed me, check out their blog, think, "OH HEY. I like their blog!" and follow them. But it's never something I do principal.
Kara @ Diary of a Teen Writer recently posted…World After || Post-Apocalyptic Angels and a Severe Lack of Raffe
Interesting topic. If a book blogger follows me, I follow them back, so that’s how I found most of my favorite blogs. I also follow bloggers who have similar reading tastes to me and bloggers who post great discussions.
Aj @ Read All The Things! recently posted…The Sunday Post #13
I’ll usually find a new blog somehow, and if I like the last few posts I’ll read through the whole archive. ALL OF IT. If I’ve managed to make it through all the posts and I still love the blog then I’ll follow at once. Content and voice is #1 for me, design is second.
Victoria Jackson recently posted…Bonus Post: Where I stand on Batman vs Superman
I don’t think I have many blogs to recommend. I’m kind of useless at design, so this is hard for my own blog but hey, I try. I follow a blog which has interesting content, and writer that I’m friends with, and people who reply to my comments (that’s important for some reason). I used to have to visit the website or follow by email, but now that’s all way easier with bloglovin. (It’s weird, your blog can be on bloglovin if you don’t have an account. I don’t understand. I had 6 followers before I even joined.) Helpful post!
Shar@weavingwaveswords recently posted…Mini Reviews for all the books I read in the last few weeks
MINIMALISTIC STYLES ARE MY FAVOURITE!! My blog isn’t actually all that minimalist but I’ve been meaning to get to it and play around with the design and stuff but just there are so many distractions and my brain is tired, and I’m feeling quite lazy lately, so..yeah, that’s me the lazy butt. I’m feeling so unproductive lately (probably cause I am), GOSH. *facepalm* I think I need some cake now. Book Photography is the BEST, and I love taking pictures of books, so when I see other people doing it I instantly like them, what can I say, great graphics are the best. 😀
Blog design is so important! But content usually wins over design. If the content is what I’m looking for, I don’t really care what the blog looks like as long as I can read, follow and comment.
Photography. Yes. YEESSS! I think the book blogging community needs more of that although it’s going in the right direction. I don’t have that much photography going on over on my blog per sé (but I want to – trust me I do) but it’s one the most important things about blogging I feel like. Here’s an example. There are tons of book reviews in my Bloglovin’ feed that I just scroll right over and basically ignore even though I am interested in the book. That’s because I only see the title and the cover. If there is an artsy fartsy photo of the actual book I’d click on it immediately. This is why I love bookstagram so much. Artsy fartsy book photos EVERYWHERE!
Kaylie @ Potterhead Reviews recently posted…July 2015 Wrap up
Such a great post! I think you are doing good by commenting on your reader’s blogs first. I always comment back on my readers and make an effort to do that same on their blog. I struggle mostly with finding bloggers who have similar tastes as my own. I ready mostly fantasy with just a little bit of the hyped contemporary. I also love historical fiction. I do not read a lot of the romantic contemporaries that are so popular. I am still very new to the blogging world and I am still struggling to find similar bloggers. Ha! That’s why I follow you! I have found a lot bloggers that I love reading their reviews even though their books are not really my style. But I love the blogger! I guess it is just going to take time. Great post! Loved your comment about the squid and the antelope!! Hilarious!
Theresa recently posted…Monthly Wrap-Up: July 2015
OMG. Was it really *only* last week I started commenting? *wipes tears of nostalgia*
Haha, why did I follow Paper Fury basically? That’s the best way to describe my following of fabulous blogs in general.
1. Name: I mean, come on, PAPER FURY?! HOW BADASS IS THAT?! Also, catchy, cool, creative names tend to attract me. I like the sound of cool titles when you read them aloud or think about them, and I like names that makes me go “Ooooh!” Also, everyone RAVES about Cait. And I do mean, EVERYONE. And I don’t like to think I’m too moved by peer pressure…if everyone is raving about Cait, that
means there must be something AMAZING about Cait to rave
2. Branding: You’re funny, cool, and energetic. I like blots with fun personalities, especially humor.
3. IT’S PRETTYYYYYY: The design! Is! Gorgeous! And! Super! Freaking! Cool!
4. Witty Tagline: Read, write, rule world? UMMMMM, HELL YES.
5. Fun vocabulary: I like that you make up your own words. I find words interesting, and also like when I see something from my own vernacular, or a word I’ve never heard of is in a post. I don’t believe in simple for everyone. What crap, I like interesting words and I wanna see your intelligence!
6. CREATIVE, INTERESTING CONTENT: Your about says you’re shy, and I’m like “WUUUTTTT?!?” The personality and intelligence in each post always makes your content interesting, and adds a creative twist to a topic perhaps discussed before.
Oh, and it’s totally cool if you’re shy, it just doesn’t show! I’m SUPER awkward, too so I hope that didn’t upset you! <3
Wesaun @ Oreos & Books recently posted…The Saturday Oreo #4: When “Fans” Are Disrespectful To Authors
Great post, Cait! You’ve given me a couple of great new blogs to check out, and I love reading what makes people decide to follow/unfollow a blog. Personally, I follow mostly for content – if the blogger is providing helpful information presented in a straightforward way, I’m likely to subscribe!
Briana recently posted…How to Handle Plot Bunnies While Editing
Good design and quality content. And I follow by email.
Terri M., the Director recently posted…Scenic Sundays 44: My Good Friend and S.E. Hinton
My 9 favorites (in alphabetical order) are: Book.Blog.Bake., Nyx Book Reviews, Of Dragons and Hearts, Oh, the Books!, Oh, the Stories You’ll Know, this one random blog called PAPER FURY, Reading by Starlight, Strupag, and The Reading Petal. Have you heard of all of them? These are the bloggers I interact with both through blog comments and Twitter. Not all of them post content that interests me 100% of the time, but they write plenty of posts that do, and they ALWAYS take the time to reply to my comments. I love Of Dragons and Hearts’ discussion posts. Stormy from Book.Blog.Bake and Terri from Reading by Starlight are the very first two bloggers who welcomed me into the community and made me feel comfortable enough to start commenting on other blogs, so I am eternally grateful to them. I’m also grateful that I found your post (about commenting, ironically) on Oh, the Books!, commented on it, and our friendship began. 😀
Usually, if the content is something that interests me. What the blog looks like doesn’t really affect me one way or another.
But, if the blogger makes me laugh, they are so in. I follow funny blogs. ;P
Writefury recently posted…North Cascades & Diablo Lake
That. Is. A. Lot. Of. Blogs. It used to be, I was so busy I couldn’t even keep up with the few blogs I was following, but I’ve come to the point where I read blogs of commenters, and then the few I follow, and then I have a few others I check in on every now and then. I like much the same thing with blogs–simpler styles and such. I also like friendly responses. Like, one thing that made me really love your blog (aside from your general awesomeness) is that you get soooooo many comments, and you still make an effort to answer them all. Like, my brain dies when I think about it.
Liz Brooks recently posted…Mind the Revolving Doors: The Misfortunes of a Semi-Super Hero
It sounds shallow, but I want the blogs I follow to be pretty. Cluttered, hard-to-read, slow-to-load blogs are not for me… no matter how great the actual posts are.
I also give some weight to whether or not the blogger and I have similar views regarding books, but as for content itself, I’m usually drawn to blogs with discussion posts… ironically enough, since my own blog is sorely lacking in that area.
I’m actually terrible when it comes to “following” blogs. I haven’t quite figured out a way to do it (I used to use Google Reader, but then they went and got rid of that, so I just stopped following blogs for the most part). I have a few favourites that I check regularly, but I know I’m probably missing some great stuff by doing it that way. Maybe if I can figure out how Bloglovin’ works…
La Coccinelle @ The Ladybug Reads… recently posted…Review – Eye Sore
Those are a lot of the reasons I do too. It helps if the load time is realistic- there are some blogs that are so monetized or cluttered I feel like they take more time to appear than I do to read the posts. I also love sites that are mobile-friendly and ones that post regularly…. but not seven times a day.
Christine @ BookishlyB recently posted…Still Alice: The Scariest Book I’ve Ever Read
Design and content are the two major ones for me. I like a sort-of minimalistic design with beautiful graphics, and I’m also more likely to follow a book blog that posts more stuff than book reviews. I follow blogs often, but I have a tendency to be a lurker for awhile before I come out of my shell and start being more active with them. I also love it when bloggers actually respond to their comments. While I might actually follow their blog if they don’t respond to comments, I doubt I would ever really comment.
Anyway, this was a great post, Cait!
Precious @ Clockwork Desires recently posted…Recapping My Absence
Haha, one of the main reasons why I follow blogs is because their design looks pretty and their content is something I want to keep on read/they have pretty interesting posts. Sometimes I find a blog I followed because of giveaway purposes but I usually check out their blog before unfollowing. If I like what I see, I keep following! I tend to try to keep the amount of follows I have to a pretty decent (and controllable) number because it’s just way too overwhelming when I follow like 300 blogs haha. Plus, I don’t usually sign up for email notifications from blogs so that doesn’t flood my inbox as well. Great post and it was so nice to see what you see in a blog that causes you to follow. 😉
~Kaitlin
Kaitlin @ Next Page Please! recently posted…Summer Blogger Promo Tour: Jessica at Crossroad Reviews
Haha, your reasons actually aren’t that unusual! I have a habit of following blogs that are pretty and people that are fun. Oh and things that are interesting. Honestly, my qualifications aren’t that high. I just love people who love books!
Jess @ Such a Novel Idea recently posted…Blog Tour & GIVEAWAY — Never Always Sometimes by Adi Alsaid
Maggie Stiefvater is queen. I automatically love every person who says they love her. 😀 As for the blogs I follow… I’m a huge sucker for good blog design, too, but I really find good writing and plenty of reviews super important. I follow a gazillion blogs on Bloglovin, but I’m terrible at perusing my feed over there… I get about a dozen of my favorite blogs (yours included! Because I am a dedicated minion!) straight to my email that I read regularly and comment on often; I just find that it takes so much TIME to be a good fellow blog reader/stalker on all the other great blogs out there… Gah, I’m torn between making a bigger effort to reach out and discover more bloggers or hide myself in my bed under the covers and read more books. Because TIME, there is not enough of it!!
Mallory @ The Leaning Tower of Tomes recently posted…The Sunday Post — August 2nd, 2015 // Monthly Wrap-Up Edition: July 2015 // … And some August challenges!
I’m a stickler for a good design – it just has to be good on my two pairs of eyes? Anything bright and flashy just isn’t my thing. I do have a very sad memory okay remembering who and which I need to comment back on (thus, I just comment. Meaningfully to the best of my ability without sounding like an absolute robot that I feel when I write a meh review).
I’m actually pretty shy – most of the time lurk and wait for someone to chat with me before I talk….
I also have a fondness for those that have voice in their posts. Because, really, who likes robots?!
(I would recommend Ella over there at the top of the post comments, but I’m biased towards cobloggers.)
Sophia @ Bookwyrming Thoughts recently posted…Blog Tour: Confessions of a Queen B* by Crista McHugh – Review
I follow blogs, because we share common interest, they have a great sense of humor *wink, wink*, or because they are just fun, and I enjoy there posts.
This was interesting to read, because you have commented on my blog quite a few times and that made me incredibly happy, but now I am wondering what you thought of my blog. Was it too much, too blue, too subdued I don’t know.
Skye recently posted…SWC #5 The Troupe
Lots of great reasons to follow blogs. I love a nice design too, really ugly ones just end up really putting me off. I’m at a time where I need to go through and UNFOLLOW some blogs because I just follow far too many, and ones that don’t even interest me in the slightest.
Charnell @ Reviews from a Bookworm recently posted…My Weekly Recap: 01/08/2015
Definitely do blog recommendations! If there’s a blog you think is brilliant I NEED TO KNOW. (so i can share the goodness not because i’m super nosey) (or am i)
I’m fairly new to book blogging, but I’ve always been fussy about the types of accounts/blogs i follow on any social media format. I have to reallyyy LOVE the content otherwise it’s not worth it for me! I came across your blog a few months ago when Beth from The Quiet People recommended it in her Bloggers Bookshelf interview, and it’s the best book blogging decision I’ve made! Your blog helped me loosen up as both a blogger, and a writer. Your ‘voice’ is very welcoming, witty, and of course hilarious!
I pretty much died with happiness the day you followed me on bloglovin. I am now an angel walking the earth :))
Alliyah recently posted…THE INFERNAL DEVICES #1
Isn’t design so much though?! I don’t think it’s shallow at all, because it’s OBVIOUSLY not the only thing you follow a blog for. And people are so fabulous! Running into a kindred blogging spirit is probably one of the best feelings in the universe, kind of like when you find a chocolate bar you didn’t know you had. In fact, I think I’ve made more friends blogging than I’ve ever made before! Also blogs about your newest obsession are FRABJABULOUS!!! BTW, have you heard of The Fangirl Initiative? It’s this really awesome blog devoted to fangirling about books, movies, shows and practically all the fandoms, and here’s the link if you’re interested.http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/
Thank you very much for yet another lovely blog post, I know I’ve said it before, but your blog makes me smile. (-:
Elizabeth Anne D. recently posted…These Are a Few of My Favorite Things #2: 10 Beautiful Bookish Pictures
Thanks for the shouty fabulousness smushy *covers you in glitter and feathers*
I’m the same, I love a minimalistic design. Even a blog that’s little more than a white background and simple header which you’ve clearly mastered. Even swapping out a header for just some hand lettered font looks superb. The quicker it is to load, even better. I think with blogs who feature a lot of photos, it’s better to keep everything else simpler so it doesn’t look too busy. Some of my favourite designs are the most simplistic like http://www.paperboulevard.com/, http://www.booknadian.com/ and I absolutely love Aentee’s blog. I think the days are gone of cluttered sidebars, flamboyant flashing crap and heavy colours that hurt your eyes.
And anyone looking for a new design, one of the cheapest places to find a template is Etsy. In most cases you can get one for under $20 and then just grab a few goodies on Creative Market, which is super cheap. Sometimes you can even make do with the freebies they post up.
If there IS anything you need my little smushy, you let me know <3
Kelly recently posted…Where The Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller
Hahaha. “The kind of person who comments on a stranger’s blog like they’re your long lost BFF….” I….might sometimes be that person. But there are particular bloggers that just seem so open and friendly in their posts, so you just can’t help it. The blogging community is simply fabulous that way.
Ally R. recently posted…Ten Characters Who Are Kindred Spirits(In That They Are Book Drunkards Too)
THEN YOU ARE AN AWESOME PERSON AND I SHALL GIVE YOU CAKE AND PROBABLY KEEP YOU FOREVER.
I love this post Cait! I’m ashamed to admit that I hardly follow any blogs (*hides in corner*), but the ones I do follow are the ones I absolutely love and am committed to reading and commenting on daily. And that have an awesome design. And are 100% friendly.
I hate to say it, but – initially at least- sometimes design is almost more important to me than content when it comes to blogs. I think that comes from being such a web design gimmick in the past, but that’s something that is super important to me.
And friendship is one of the best things about blogging, so I know if someone seems especially sweet than I’m more likely to follow them.
Fabulous post my twin, and I completely agree with everything you’ve said here! (And haha…these qualities remind me an awful lot of you & your blog. 😉 Great design, friendly, great photography…you’ve got it all!)
Zoe @ Stories on Stage recently posted…Crimson Bound
THERE IS NO SHAM EIN THAT. 😀 I think if one follows blogs in a way that doesn’t make them happy…then blogging isn’t going to be fun for long, right?! And I don’t think it’s shameful to love design at all. I mean, you wouldn’t go out to meet a new friend wearing your daggy, grubby clothes, right?! SAME WITH DESIGN. Looking nice and neat is an excellently good thing.
YESSS to minimalist designs. I love them something fierce. I also think that it makes blogs look more professional. Before I started a blog I looked around at what kinds of designs I like and it was almost always a nice minimalist WordPress design. Sadly, I’m not a designer, so I can’t quite get my blog to look the way I want it to BUT SOMEDAY. I really like the banner, but I’d prefer a full site, white background design that highlights the content. SOON I WILL ACTUALLY HAVE SOME TIME AND ACCOMPLISH THIS.
I think my top reasons I follow people are because 1) they’re nice 2) they share the same interests 3) humor and quizes 4) I learn something. I prefer it when it doesn’t feel like I’m having a one-sided conversation, and even though my blog is moooostly a book blog I’m much more likely to check back on another blog when they also post about some of the tv shows/movies/other random subjects I’m interested in, because I also post about that stuff and I like reading about it.
That said, I don’t always follow people in the sense that I subscribe via e-mail or by bloglovin. When I do that it’s usually more of a symbolic follow, because the way I ACTUALLY follow blogs is by just typing the name into my URL bar. And I definitely notice when the same people leave comments on my blog and I’ll recognize their blog after a while and even though I might not always follow them religiously, it’s usually like “oh yeah, I KNOW this one, good to be back!” I also follow blogs on twitter, but then it really depends on what the person shares and it kind of tempts me to lurk more, because when I’m on twitter I’ll just read articles and blog posts on my phone.
Vlora recently posted…Free Books (Just For Me, Don’t Get Too Excited)
I can never get my blog to look EXACTLY how I’d like it too. *stomps foot* I’m really not a fan of my big black bar under my header either. But my new design should fix that! 😀 SO EXCITED. (It’s going to have a sort of Peter Pan twist, mwhaha.) AHEM.
Yessss. I don’t like one-sided conversations either. I feel like it is actually an effort to read blogs and comment and share posts and stuff. And i’d rather be noticed for my effort. It’s like going up to someone IRL and talking and then…having them ignore you? LIKE WHAT? That’s rudeness. Just because we’re on the internet doesn’t mean rudeness should be allowable *nods* (Although, that saying, I do get that sometimes circumstances prevent talking.)
I STILL have to reorganize my blog but at the moment I’m just too busy to do so. I’m hoping by next week, I’ll get a move on in organizing it and linking some stuff up (even though I’m still way too much of a newbie to understand the technological advances of…blogging). But knowing me, I’ll probably end up pushing it until next year XD. I follow people who I feel like they could be my friends in real life. And probably would be my friends if I had the money to travel around the world to see them.
Hilary recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: League of Book Nerds
HA. I’ve been blogging for like 4 years and I STILL DON’T KNOW TONS OF STUFF ABOUT IT. It’s definitely a learning process. I aloooong one. Omg, there are so many blogging people I would like to meet IRL. 😀
Eighty percent of the blogs I follow are not “normal” in some way. Like yours. Ha! Beyond the basic things like relatable content and simple readable font, he blogger having a sense of humor is a MUST, and the quirkier the better. You, The Social Potato girls (especially Faye), and Elizabeth from So long… & Thanks For All The Fish) are examples. Other things are good giffing skills (another reason I follow you), great photos (another point for you), a good potion of the books are under the radar books, and really high on my list… the blogging is conversational. I love conversational style, especially with reviews. The other 20% are fave authors, guilt follows (the blogger comments a lot on my blog, or is a newbie in need of boost), and like you have noted, a few informational blogs I hardly ever comment on. After talking to you about following and commenting on blogs, and saying I never look at my Bloglovin’ feed and use email follows and my Blogger feed, I realized there was a deficiency with that system for me. I haphazardly look at my Blogger feed and there were about 16 bloggers who deserved better than that, so now I have the sticky notes function on my laptop with their name and blog link, and I am going to check their blogs every couple of days. 🙂
La La in the Library recently posted…THE SUNDAY POST #21
DID YOU JUST ACCUSE ME OF BEING “NOT NORMAL”???? :’) Omg, thank you. I AM SO PLEASED. hehe. AFJDKLAS I LOVE THE SOCIAL POTATO GIRLS. Their reviews always crack me up and have me running for a book or fleeing madly throwing tomatoes. I do appreciate a blog with excellent gifing skills. *nods* It is an art form, tbh.
(Isn’t the sticky-note function the best though?! I have a list of all the tags I’m supposed to do on there. XD I never thought about using it to follow blogs thoug. GOOD IDEA. I mostly follow the ones I never ever want to miss a post from via email. But I keep that down because my inbox is always crazy.)
You know…I have no idea why I follow the blogs I do…I think a large part of it is probably meeting them on twitter, but I’m pretty useless at commenting.
And oh my gosh, you follow 200+??? I have no idea how you keep up…
I’ve got no idea how many I follow.
And I started off with link-ups as well! Mainly Top Ten Tuesday, because those are so much fun 😀
I discovered a few blogs that way.
I find I don’t really follow new blogs so much any more…I have enough trouble keeping up with the blogs I do follow…in fact, I think there’s one blog I’ve been following for AGES and I’ve never gotten around to commenting…even though I want to, I just never get around to it, and it makes me feel so bad because I know how great it is to get comments.
WHY is there not more time in the week??
Cassie recently posted…July: A Summary
I DON’T KEEP UP. Seriously! I DO NOT. I just couldn’t. I mean, I spend a lot of time blogging but not that much…hehe.
I love how linkups are a great place to meet people! I adore it. I basically only do TTT posts now though, because I feel like they’re the easiest ones to be original and unique in. x)
YAY Aentee! She is so fabulous.
If I find a blog that has a pretty design, I almost always follow. lol That sounds so horrible. But really. If I can tell they put a lot of hard work into their design, then I usually assume their posts will be just as great. On the flip side, if the content is really great, I will follow. I’m a sucker for a blogger who talks to the viewers like they are having a personal conversation with them. (I need to work on this). And you, Cait, fit both of these things! You are one in a million (the song from Miss. Congeniality totally just popped in my head). You have the beautiful blog, and the AMAZING content.
Oh, also, since I’m really new to blogging, I pretty much follow anyone back who follows me. I mean, as long as they are book related, of course. It’s like, WOW you took the time to follow a new blogger like me? I LOVE YOU! I need to slow it down, though. I’m starting to follow a lot. I CAN’T HELP IT. I just love everyone.
Sarah @ The Reading Petal recently posted…Every Last Breath (The Dark Elements #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
YES! EXACTLY!! I feel like a good design is such a good front! It’s like wearing something nice and clean when you go up and meet a new prospective friend, right?! You want to look your best. *nods*
AWWWK. SARAH. YOU ARE TOO NICE THO. I’M JUST GONNA SIT HERE BLUSHING AND THEN GIVE YOU SOME CAKE.
I totally get that though!! I’m trying to trim back on how many blogs I follow (because helloooo I follow too many as isXD) but I can’t stop because there are so many awesome people out there and I LOVE talking to newbie bloggers because they seem to want to chat more than 10 years+ established bloggers do. 😉
“So I actually leave a lot of comments on blogs I don’t follow and because I do this, sometimes I forget to follow them.” THIS. I feel so bad when I realize I’m not following someone I’ve been talking to for months D: It’s not that I don’t want to it’s just I forget xD Anyways, my reasons are pretty close to yours, being: Good design, the blogger is personable, and if they read a lot of the same books I read 😛 If we’ve talked a lot yet don’t read the same books I’ll probably still follow because like you said, you follow some people because you are their friend and just want to support them. Great post, as always!
Alise recently posted…July 2015 Wrap Up
ME TOO. I literally realised one of my new favourite blogs had NOT BEEN FOLLOWED BY ME. I felt awful. >_< I mean, following probably isn't SUCH a big deal if you're a regular commenter, but it is kinda weird, right?!
I follow blogs because
a) They have pretty blog design. I like blogs that has simple designs, too.
b) I always talk to them on Twitter so I want to see their posts!
c) They have unique posts and unique voice.
I love Aentee’s blog, too! I recently discovered her blog because we talked a bit on Twitter. I’m so glad we did because now I have a new blog to read 😀
Leigh @ Little Book Star recently posted…July 2015 Wrap Up
Aentee’s blog is SO DARN PURTY. I think pretty blog design is important (and all the styles, not just minimalism) because if you’re going to be hanging out at a blog, you might as well admire it while you read, right?!
I follow blogs on Bloglovin because I LOVE their content. I want to read their stuff whether or not they comment back. These blogs are like the best and the list is constantly growing, which is great. When there are blogs that I’m unsure of or blogs that consistently comment on MY blog, I group them on Feedly so I know to comment back!
I typically follow blogs that post the content I want to read. This means less memes, more discussions and reviews that are either funny or have a personality and are oh so alive! Fave thing when the blogger sounds more like a person than a robot, ya feel?
Nova @ Out of Time recently posted…Monthly Recap [July 2015]: So Long Summer School!
That sounds like a really good system! 😀 I often find I end up skipping the blogs I REALLY love because I spend so much time replying to comments and coming back. OOPS. But still no regrets because I love all my commenters too much. *hugs comments* I FEEL YA, THOUGH. I like reading posts with personality the most. Also interesting discussions. I much prefer them to reviews, tbh.
So, this is hard. Because the way I follow blogs NOW is very, very different to when I was a wee little blogger. (Littler? Is that even a word? Anyway.)
Past Shannon: Followed anyone who dared give her the time of day. One random comment pretty much guaranteed a follow. Also followed indiscriminately for giveaways. If there was a mutual love of ANY book, the blogger would be added immediately.
Current Shannon: Feels to guilty to ever UNfollow someone, so tries to keep it to a minimum. Basically, if someone writes say, 5 posts and I have enjoyed 4 of them? I’ll follow. OR if they are a super loyal follower and/or we’re friends on some other social media. But email is reserved for the upper echelon of the elitist elite. Otherwise… holy email problems.
Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight recently posted…Review: Vivian Apple Needs a Miracle by Katie Coyle
Being a “Littler blogger” is totally a thing. ME TOO. I was follow-for-follow, and I actually think that’s okay for newbies. It gets you on your feet and INTO the community, right?! Little!Blogger!Cait did so many notoriously evil things (I even created a twitter account JUST for giveaways which is a big no no…hehe, although I barely ever tweet giveaways now, so I’m safe from the wrath of the bookworms)
I’m really picky when it comes to following blogs. From the first glance, if the design doesn’t appeal to me then I am a lot less likely to follow – otherwise when reading the posts I find myself distracted. I’m very set in my ways when it comes to which blogs I follow, and find it hard to find new ones to read so most of the people I follow are in the “blogging circle” of sorts that I’m in, my internet friends, and then usually ones that they recommend.
Definitely recommend The Mile Long Bookshelf, Weaving Pages, and Feed Me Books Now. Their designs in my eyes are fantastic.
Holly recently posted…Holly Recommends::: Historical Fiction
I’m probably not too picky…although I have to be stricter about following blogs now because having 300 or so around is A BIT EXCESSIVE, MAYBE?! But half the time I know and like the blogger so I can’t unfollow even if I don’t get a chance to read too often. *sigh* I just need 94 more hours in my day clearly.
Design also plays a role in why I follow blogs, but I’m not always fond of minimalism. I’m actually all for the cutesy booksy style. But sometimes minimalism works too. The design just needs to look good. And readable. Definitely readable.
Also, if blogs update regularly. I follow blogs mostly through RSS (well GFC and Bloglovin’ too but I check RSS almost daily) and then I can read updates and see if they interest me, without my mailbox becoming cluttered. If bloggers update regularly I’ll keep on following them.
And then also interesting content. Reviews longer than a few words/sentences.
Majanka recently posted…Book Tours: Starter Day Party for Unholy Bargain
YES. I agree! It doesn’t need to be minimalistic. It appeals to certain people, but not all, which is why we need ALL kinds of designs, right?!
Yayyy Cait this post is so wonderful! I completely agree that design is everything but also being friends with the blogger and also loving their content is also a big reason why I follow too! SO MANY WONDERFUL FRIENDS TO MAKE. So little time!
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence recently posted…Paperweight by Meg Haston Review: All the Sad Things
I don’t think I’m too fussy on who I follow but AHHH WHEN ALL OF THESE THINGS COME TOGETHER IN ONE BLOG IS JUST RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING. *happy sigh*
Almost the same things as you. Minimalistic and simple to navigate blogs are my jam. I’ve been loving blogs with good graphics a lot recently. And mostly, bloggers like you….as in amazing ‘rule the world’ kinda bloggers. Great post Cait!
Awk, Stefani. YoU MAKE ME BLUSH. YOU ARE SO NICE. :’)
The main reason why I follow blogs is because of writing style. If the blogger’s voice comes through as personable, funny, and relatable, I’m going to follow. I want it to feel like we are having a legitimate live book discussion. (Ahem – you are one of my best examples for this.)
Also, all caps aren’t a necessity, but when I see them, it generally makes me want to check the blog out a bit more. Weird, no?
Clean design is pretty high up there too. Cluttery blogs dissuade me, and I feel too overwhelmed to focus on the content. Diva Booknerd is always super elegant and I approve every single time she makes a design change.
I’ve figured out exactly what I like: elegance in design, but casual fun in writing.
YES DO A RECOMMENDING BLOG POST. DOOOO ITTTT
Sophia recently posted…July // Cake + Crime Scenes
*bows* WHY THANK YOU.
hehe, actually that means, like A LOT to me, because I do crazy things on my blog (and I basically talk like a deluded marshwiggle 99% of the time, let’s be honest) so I like to know it works for people and doesn’t drive them batty crazy. hehe. I am, *ahem* probably guilty of over all caping. BUT IT IS A THING I CANNOT RESIST.
Yeah, the ‘follow for a follow’ thing is bull *cough*! In the beginning, I did that, and my feed was inundated with stuff I didn’t have the slightest interest in reading, much less commenting on! And it’s difficult to find those blogs where I actually feel comfortable commenting – even if the blogger herself (or himself! – yes, it happens) doesn’t know who I am.
And all your reasons for following someone are good reasons – because they work for you 🙂 I have a feeling I’m going to link to your blog again on Sunday… I think I have a slight crush on your discussion posts, Cait, and I’m really not trying to be creepy or anything!
Have a great week 🙂
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews recently posted…Review: The Last Time We Say Goodbye – Cynthia Hand
I did it too when I started!! I don’t think it’s bad when you’re getting on your feet, eh?! And I think this kind of stuff toootally changes from person to person WHICH IS GOOD!! I totally would love it if everyone else did posts on this so I could see all their reasons. heeh. I am nosey.
OMG YOU ARE THE NICEST THING EVER. <3 And definitely not creepy. Just 100% awesome. XD
I love this post. It is made of win. I think I am going to analyze it. (ALSO HOW DO YOU MAKE SUCH BEAUTIFUL GRAPHIC THINGIES AAAH GORGEOUS.) Yes we want you to recommend blogs.
My favorites are yours and http://mirriamneal.com/ and http://musingsofanelf.blogspot.com/ but I think you know about both of those. XD
Deborah O’Carroll @ The Road of a Writer recently posted…Ishness of July: Otters, Hummingbirds, Retellings and Skyships
Oh oh you want to know my cheaters secret? look up canva.com. YOU WILL KNOW I AM A FAILURE AT GRaPHIC DESIGN AND ALL THIS IS JUST CHEATING. XD HEHE. But that site is golden. Ahem. AY YES I FOLLOW BOTH YOUR FAVOURITE BLOGS. We have excellent taste, right? *hi fives*
I’VE BEEN SO BAD ABOUT COMMENTING, AND YOU’RE SO GOOD ABOUT COMMENTING ON MINE, I FEEL TERRIBLE. AND I’M VERY SORRY. GOSH. I just got swamped.
Anyway! I shall try to be better.
HAI.
Let’s see… ehm…. I have to enjoy reading the blog. I have to feel like it draws me in. Blogs are like books, if I don’t enjoy the reading process, I don’t come back to them. SO yeah.
I also have to like the person, because if we just clash then… no.
And while I know that white and less-is-more is more professional, I like blogs with personality. … mine is a little cluttered, and I need to clean it up when I’m off… ha. EHM. I don’t like dark blogs with light writing. UGH NO, LET’S NOT EVER DO THAT.
okay. that’s it I’m done. I quit. I’m out. ARE YOU DOING THE SUPERNATURAL REWATCH? BECAUSE I AM.
Treskie recently posted…Picture Saturday — black and white.
PFFT. YOU CANNOT FEEL BAD. XD IT’S TOTALLY FINE!! But omg, how long have I been following your blog?! And your design has always been the same. XD IT IS HOMEY AND I LIKE IT. But yes and yes I need to like the person. I’ve clashed with a few bloggers and just…nope. It’s better not to waste time feeling angsty about their posts or topics or what not.
I AM NOT DOING A SUPERNATURAL REWATCH BECAUSE I DON’T HAVE TIME. *cries* But one day I will. I willllllll.
I don’t necessarily follow blogs for their design, but I will refuse to follow a blog for it. You know, if it has very loud graphics, crazy, neon colors and makes your head hurt to look at it. I will follow a blog if we like a lot of the same books or if they have interesting discussions. If they have something to say, I am more likely to follow them.
Cynthia @ Bingeing On Books recently posted…DISCUSSION: Some Girls Are Removed From Optional Reading List
Interesting discussions are my weakness. xD I LOVE a blog that’ll focus on interactive and interesting posts and not 100% reviews. ^_^
When I find a new blog (mostly those on writing), I usually check out the About Page. If the person seems cool, I’ll follow. Unless they start posting about subjects I don’t care for usually I continue to follow, especially blogs that are young writers or new and their posts are mostly comment-less. Comments cheer anyone up so I try to make sure none of their posts are comment-less. ^ ^= Besides a follow always encourages someone else. I basically follow mostly to encourage. I follow also for fun and for learning, but encouragement is a big thing for me.
Victoria Grace Howell recently posted…Tea Tuesday: Alishan Jin Xuan Oolong
Omg, I love doing that too!! I LOVE finding mostly-comment-less blogs and flailing around them in gloriously confusing circles. :’)
Ooh, I love all these reasons (and yep, I am nodding my head to all of them too). But also, and this probably goes with the last reason, when a blogger I am absolutely in love with talks about the blogs they love I automatically have to check them out because, oh, what if that blog they love is equally as fantabulous?
I also say a very big yes to people being friendly because yep, we are such shy peoples.
Mawa Mahima recently posted…Ten Fairytale Retellings I Want to Read
Yesssss. ME TOO. When a blogger I love is doing some recommending, I PAY ATTENTION.
I CLAIM YOU AS MY FRIEND, CAIT. Just how Rowan claimed Celaena, right? You ARE a centuries old, badass Fae prince, right? I follow only a few select blogs. I’m fairly picky. I just REALLY HATE excessive memes or bloggers who don’t interact with their readers… It surprised me how many don’t and how many do! The only thing I will refuse to follow a blogger for is if they have white text on a black background–MY EYES!
I AM. Never down it. I have pointy teeth and total awesome fire powers. I DO.
I do get that some people don’t have time to do a lot of interaction, but it does bug me when bloggers complain about not getting comments in one breath and then don’t GIVE comments out in the next. You reap what you sow basically. xD
Agh. White text KILLS.
Our following habits are definitely the same! I used to be a lurker for most of my blogging experieces (which extends to about almost a decade actually) but since I started giving comments (how can I resist flailing about how awesome someone’s post is??? or like how amazing their graphics are??? or just plain faANgirl toGETHER???? old self, you poor, poor soul) I especially agree with the “connecting with the blogger” thing, it makes blogging a much more fun experience! Since I’m still a teensy tiny person in this blogworld I lurk around other blogs which have interests similar to mine, plus all the other reasons above. So I’m leaning towards a blog which are either bookish, lifestyle/design, travel. I’m also on a lookout for local blogs from Brunei, since it’s interesting to find out what THEY blog about.
And I would DEFINITELY recommend you! Right now one of my fave bookish blog is Aentee actually and SHE recommended you to ME so haha! (ps you should do the recommending-post-thingy cause it would be fun!!!)
Nurul Atiqah recently posted…Book Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
AFDJSLKA YOU WOULD RECOMMEND ME? I’M JUST GONNA FLAIL AND DIE RIGHT HERE. RIGHT NOW. Aentee is utterly fabulous. And I can’t believe she’s a newbie blogger, she IS LIKE AN OLD SOUL PRO. SERIOUSLY. *bows to Anetee*
AWK. FANGIRLING AND ALL CAPS AND EXCLAMATION MARKS ARE THE LIFE BLOOD OF MY BLOG. So you are welcome here, my friend.XDXD
Of course following a blog because of the design is a legit reason, Cait. I also do that sometimes. 🙂 I like blogs with pretty and clean designs because they’re easy on me eyes. It doesn’t necessarily have to be black and white. I don’t mind colors especially if they’re done right. That’s why I also love YA Midnight Reads. Plus, they have fabulous content. Winner! 🙂
Julie @ Books and Insomnia recently posted…Top 5 Best and Worst Things About Being A Writer || [BOOK BLITZ: Guest Post + Giveaway] Scratched by Marie Long
YES! The fact that they’re easy on the eyes is also a big win…and also I feel like it doesn’t distract from the content you’re writing! 😀 Colours are good *nods* and I adore YA Midnight Reads because their design perfectly balances colours + simplicity but it’s still interesting (and fabulous).
….holy canola oil! 😮 I was going to comment and be all like “yada yada yada i can relate let’s be best friends” and then I saw you have nearly 100 comments. So no doubt my comment will be lost in this sea of discussions xD but I’m going to do it anyway because who am I kidding- I live to talk.
Those blogs you posted are so aesthetically pleasing. I absolutely adore the minimalist designs. Insta follows for them all! AND OMG GO TEEN WRITERS I LIVED ON THAT BLOG FOR ABOUT A YEAR IN 2012 WHEN I WAS SUPER INTERESTED IN WRITING. I got busy in life, and this is the first time I’ve been on that website in forever. It’s weirdly like coming home? Major nostalgia feels.
I follow new blogs pretty often. If your blog has tons of reviews and memes and tags, and it’s easy to follow via email or twitter or blogloving, then I’m in. Very rarely is arrangement and style an issue for me, unless I can’t FIND anything. People. Organize your shit in an orderly fashion PAHleease.
SJ Bouquet recently posted…Ruin and Rising Review
Omg, HELLO SJ BOUQUET! *waves* You will not get lost in a sea of comments here. 😉 WE SHALL BE BEST FRIENDS OF EVER BECAUSE OF THIS.
Oh! Oh! I lived on GTW for years too! Not so much anymore. Like I think I grew out of it a littttle but if anyone ever asks me a writer question I always send them there because they’re SO incredible and helpful. And omg, the writing courses I paid to do told me less than what those lovely authors give away for free. :’)
I’m actually really surprised you replied! AND SO QUICKLY! But omg one last thing- the only writers thing I will ever pay for is that Go Teen Writers book! I’ve been wanting that for a really long time and I NEED IT ON MY SHELF!
SJ Bouquet recently posted…Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares Review
I follow like five blogs. (Yours being the latest.) All of them are, in some way, book-related. If it’s a book blogger they have to like a few of the same books/genres that I do; for writing blogs, the writing advice has to be ACTUALLY HELPFUL for me to even make one return visit to the site. Bloggers that take the time to respond to comments–even if it’s just once in a while–are one hundred percent more likely to get me to follow them. And unique voice is a definite draw for me, too. As for blog design, if it seems like the blogger didn’t just take the default design, and it’s not impossible to find things, I’m good. My own design could use a bit of work (not sure about that background image–I do like it but I think I need to simplify a bit), but I think I’ve at least managed to keep everything pretty easy to find.
And as for blog recs, YES YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY DO A POST. I actually did one last week (http://thespellboundreader.blogspot.com/2015/07/blog-recommendations.html) but I’m going to have to do another . . . my list of favorite blogs seems to grow every day.
Ellie recently posted…What to Read After The Hunger Games
I do the same, there are some bloggers who comment on my blog regulary and as I am always commenting back on their blogs I often don’t follow them, but I stil regulary visit them. Most of my reasons for following a blog are because I like them as a person, they comment on my blog or I like their content. I think the last one is most important. A nice design can certainly help as well and can make me more likely to follow their blog, often in combination with one of the other points.
I don’t often follow new blogs, but maybe once every two or three weeks I find a new blog to follow. When I have lots of free time I spent more time visiting blogs and adding new blogs to the list of blogs to follow. I really have to clean out my list of blogs I follow on bloglovin soon as it’s massive. Great post Cait!
Lola recently posted…Sunday Post #138
Well now that I’ve found you, I’ve never letting go! (lol) I heard about you by visiting Lexxie and thought the topic she mentioned was important. Then I arrived at your home and you are simply fun, fun, fun AND I can almost feel the WELCOME mat at the door! You’ve made some excellent points that are important to know. BIG Hugs… and may you have a stress-free and soothing Sunday. Ro
p.s. – off to check out your post from last week. *heh*
RO recently posted…SOCIAL MEDIA SUNDAY, A SUMMER SALAD & STUFF
*dies* Ahg, I JUST realized that there’s a way to comment BEFORE all the other comments. Meaning, I don’t have to scroll all the way to the bottom to comment. Well that’s nice. I’m sure it’ll come in handy many times in the future.
I’m a craft blogger, so most blogs I would recommend are crafty blogs. If I were to recommend only one though, it would be http://www.thinkingcloset.com/ and it’s because Lauren is JUST SO NICE. And because I love her content. But her niceness (personality) comes out in her content.
So, I agree with all of your reasons for following blogs basically. I know that when I see a blog that is beeyootiful, it makes me want to follow, and if I see a blog that is not pleasing to the (or just my) eye, usually I leave right away. I definitely think less is more, which is why I definitely don’t plan to keep my blog the way it looks forever.
Lastly, since you asked, CAN WE BE FRIENDS PLEASE? (For realz, I’m not asking to get stuff. Just having amusing convos over comments is enough.) I’m following you, but I don’t expect you to follow me, since you are a busy woman and I understand! But yeah, we should be friends, me thinks.
OMG OF COURSE WE CAN BE FRIENDS, MAGGIE. I WOULD LOVE THAT SO MUCH. ALL THE FRIIIIIENDS. *flails wildly* I will give you cake and we can talk blogging and it shall be glorious. :’)
(Also I’m definitely checking out your blog after this, if I haven’t already stopped by recently!!😂 Sometimes I forget which blogs I’ve visited or not, but I do honestly try to comment back all the time! :D)
200 blogs sounds like so much. I wouldn’t know where to start about processing all of those blogs, haha.
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