Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Blogs...Why Do We Do It?


Blogs: are they still as unique as they once were. Or are they just popular due to fingertip technology?

I enjoy planning blog topics, researching, writing and receiving comments. I really enjoy visiting other blogs and leaving comments as well.

There's so much talent in blogland that you can't visit all the sites you've read about and there is an incredible amount of talent just bubbling to the surface. 

What's changed for blogs: 
  • Lots of opportunity to guest post
  • Photos have improved
  • Connecting with others who live distances away
  • Number and types of blogs from some unlikely places
  • Increased spam in comments
  • Increased Blogs and blog post comments disappearing
(This is the first time that comments from the last three months,  all comments...vanished!) Lots and lots of spam (within 2 days I have over 1000 spam items in spam folder) and now they're seeping onto blog posts ~ Other blogs have reported a new increase of problems as well.

Being able to share in an open forum, such as a blog, for me personally, is about learning how others think, write about, and share their life experiences, design, food interests, families, country, and information. Blog time is invaluable!...despite the spam issues.

Many blogs provide commentary on particular subjects, others function as personal diaries, online brand advertising of an individual or company.  A typical blog contains: text, images, links to others, web pages, and media related topics. Some blogs are textual, some focus on art, photographs, videos, music,  or just audio.  

As of February 2011, there were over 156 million public blogs in existence. On October 13, 2012, there were 77 million Tumbler and 56.6 million WordPress blogs in existence worldwide.

Blogs demand and incredible amount of time, spam maintenance, and planning each day, week, month and if you blog in addition to other professions such as interior design, shop owners, graphic design, artist, photographer, 
e-commerce, marketing, parenting, home schooling, and or social media, just to name a few. 

Your current skills are always being challenged by new technology, tools, updated systems, and new ways to blog and cut down on spam. So do leave a comment...I love to know.

Why do you Blog or not?

Why do you leave comments, follow, or not?

google image, wiki

11 comments:

Mary Ann at classic•casual•home said...

Yes...what is that comment above ? I have to check my spam folder now. I do notice spam on my old posts. When I started my blog, over two years ago, my friend said not to do it as there were all ready too many...and look at it now. I have gotten some local business and definitely e-design business from the blog...and a little bit of ad revenue...but more than that, I have made new friends--like you, Bette, and it has been a fun, rewarding and learning (especially from you) experience.

Ideezine said...

Mary Ann,

I've deleted that comment above and enabled word verification and not allowed "Anonymous" comments.

New friends...I'm glad to read that your blog has brought you many good things and who knows we may just run into each other within design circles or events this year!

I enjoy your blog and I'm glad you followed your instincts and blog regularly...I enjoy your blogposts and the pillow expeditions...outstanding!

Bette

Maya @ Completely Coastal said...

There are different settings how to deal with comment spam. I now only allow comments from people with google accounts. It was this or word verification (latter I don't like much). On top of that I have comment moderation on after 24 hours of posting. This took care of it! My blog is my business, and a dream come true if you will. Working from home, thinking the sea...

Ideezine said...

Maya,

Thanks for the helpful tips on spam control. It's refreshing to read how much a blog has expanded business, expanded creative individuals into more areas than they would have dreamed possible. I enjoy a trip to the sea and your blog is the perfect escape. Good for you!

Bette

helen tilston said...

Hello Bette

I blog for many reasons. One, it keeps my writing skills honed. Two, I absolutely love the friends I have made through blogging, such as your good self. It is so uplifting to receive a comment.
Keep well
Helen xx

Ideezine said...

Helen,

I agree that writing skills need lots of expression time. As you beautifully paired writing with art I admire your artistry. I really enjoyed sharing blog comments with you and continue to learn from you as well.

All the Best,

Bette

Loi Thai, Tone on Tone said...

Hi, Bette - I apologize for being so late. I did visit about a week ago while I was traveling. I wasn't able to leave a comment on the train, but I did notice all your comments were deleted. So sorry about that.

Regarding spam: I've been getting huge amounts lately. But only certain posts get them.

I started my blog as an extension of our antiques business. I am really enjoying all the connections and friendships I've made....with readers, fellow bloggers, and clients all over the world. Yes, it is a lot of work. Totally agree. Only wish I had more time.

Take care,
Loi

Ideezine said...

Loi,

Gosh no apologies necessary. You're so generous with your time even when you're busy (yay)!

Your enjoyment for blogging is reflected by the many many follwers who feel the same way...very excited about your posts and leave engaging comments. You have great blogging karma :-)

Maya (above) gave some useful tips in resolving spam issues.

Best Regards,

Bette

Zuniga Interiors Design Studio said...

Hi Bette! First of all thank you for the New Years wishes! You are so sweet! The best in the new year to you too! And now about the blog- well we started blogging for Zuniga Interiors as an extension to our design business and a way to be in the blogging community to be connected so to speak! We have met so many fabulous people and bloggers and I am thrilled to be a part of it! The only sad thing is when people use it to be cruel, bash or downgrade others or others business that stinks. But with that said I love your blog, it's imformative and always interesting!

Take care!
xo-
Michelle Zuniga

Ideezine said...

Michelle,

I agree that blogging has benefits for many, including, taking on a life of it's own especially for a designer. It helps to display style, design, and personality of the blogger and allows followers to feel included and share.

Thank you for commenting I enjoy visiting your blog and am sad when I read that blogs are getting spam and comments that are inconsiderate.

Happy blog journey in 2013!

Bette

pve design said...

Bette,
I blog....because...I was inspired and encouraged to and then amazed at how much connectivity and incredible friendships have been formed. Partly, I began my blog as a platform to share my artwork and the positivity is like having a virtual pat on the back or a proverbial hug.
After my web site launched in 2006, I did some investigative research and found that a blog was a way to draw visitors. Never would I imagine that I would be able to have visitors drop in daily from all over the world. It's changed my life.
I warn my family that they will all be at my funeral.
They laugh....who has the last laugh!
I know that I do not visit as often as I should or leave comments but I do what I can and try to be sincere.
It is after all the best form of flattery.
Oh, I have been pretty much self taught but I have learned so much and am not afraid of technology.
It's a wonderful thing~
pve
pve