I like BLT’s as much as the next guy.
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I hope I’m still blogging years from now.
And I hope years from now, if I’m still blogging, that I can encourage new bloggers to keep on truckin’ and not to look at the numbers and do the comparison thing so much.
Because I know, as a new blogger myself (8 months is new, isn’t it?), I can get frustrated with little reponse. I know I’m not alone. I’ve read posts by others, wonderful, profound, well written posts, with only a spattering of comments.
And then I’ll see a post on, say, BLT’s.
Not that there’s anything wrong with BLT’s. I crave BLT’s – all the time. BLT’s rock.
But it’s a BLT. Simple. Right?
Anyway, I’ll read a post on BLT’s that has 1,273 comments. What?!? BLT’s?!? Who knew that there was that much to say about the BLT. (This is just an example, so don’t go searching for a popular BLT post – unless you want to, then, of course, that’s your prerogative.)
And then I have to quickly remember that with a few exceptions, which usually involve prior fame or just plain luck, most bloggers have worked for those 1,273 comments.
They’ve spent years writing, photographing, editing.
Years of staying up ’til all hours of the night to get the perfect syntax.
Years building relationships.
Years learning html, css, and other complicated code stuff.
Years of missing out on fun outings with friends because they’re trying to get the perfect bacon shot.
So why am I whining? Should I expect special treatment? Should I expect to not have to be diligent and work just as hard – and smart – as the next? Should I expect a windfall of traffic because my husband thinks I’m brilliant?
Nah. Nope. Not so much. But that sure would be nice.
Just like any thing else, it takes years of hard work and determination to build up to 1,273 comments on a sandwich, or however you measure success.
So I’m off to put my big girl pants on and get to work.
Well, not before I grab a BLT. I’ve got a fever and the only prescription is a BLT.
See ya!
I understand the comment envy! Keep it up! P.S. Some of those basic posts turn in to really good ones. Things you think is common sense stuff but sometimes people really don’t know how to make a good BLT.
As an *extremely* new blogger…THANK YOU for this post! Such a great (and timely) reminder.
And for the record, I love your blog!! 🙂
Great post! It is all so true. You have a great blog, so just keep on writing, taking pics and posting. I am a little over 4 months at this. It truly is a “job”, but a fun one and you truly need to be committed to working at it every day (as I know you are!).
one of my most commented on posts was when i asked what kind of bathroom cleaner folks liked. most of the time imagine that we are all listening and nodding our heads in agreement.
Nice post. For the record, I’ve been considering blogging for some time now and, for many of the reasons you’ve stated, I keep delaying it. Always some excuse. Maybe, just maybe, you’ve finally hit on the encouragement I’ve needed to “Just Do It”.
Anyway, I’m a big fan so keep up the good work! 🙂
@Amart62
No one wants to read about someone who is trying to be like someone esle. Personally I happen to like that you are original in your content and authentic in your passion. BLT’s are for the general public because everyone can relate to a BLT… but it takes a special kind of person to be a gardner and an even more unique one to write about it. One comment is absoltely just as important as 12K if the one person leaving that comment has walked away from reading your blog changed in some way, enlightended, happier or a better person for it. Can a BLT do that?
“I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion” LOL!
I enjoy your posts with great delight… I hope you continue being you and no one else!
Couldn’t agree more. I used to write posts at a time that (probably still) don’t have any comments. I’ve been blogging for 6 months now (today’s the 6-mo anniversary!) and only now am I seeing a consistent number of comments on my posts.
And I can’t tell you how much blood, sweat and tears I put into getting there. Focusing on writing great content, and asking a question at the end, are the key to getting feedback, I have discovered. It takes a village (or in this case a following). I think on average only 10% of visitors to any particular blog leave comments. I could be pulling that out of my a** but you know. It sounds about right.
only 8 months? well just so ya know I have been coming here every day for weeks now. I had a failed attempt with your Dr. Pepper Cake recipe. I’m unclear of how exactly I stumble across you but I am SO glad that I did.
my idea of a perfect BLT is toasted white bread, helmans mayonaise, crunchy lettuce, crispy bacon and oh so just ripe ‘maters.
keep up the good work. and thanks for what you give.
Hmmmm Bacon! Sorry what were you saying I was just too distracted by the photograph of the bacon.
It’s really funny to see which posts get the most comments, usually it’s not the ones I expect. Even looking through your own blog at which posts get most comments can be quite amusing. I get a ton of hits on a post about Scottish Stereotypes which was a bit of a rushed post when I had no inspiration! All sort of people come there from Google, may searching for ‘I want a Scottish Boyfriend’.
Do you think maybe lots of people are searching ‘I want a BLT’?
Hope you have a lovely Easter weekend,
Jade
Your blog is wonderful….with or without the BLT 🙂 Beautiful blog, especially considering it’s only 8 months old.
Miss Amy you have a fabulous blog darlin’! I enjoy your wit and sincerity daily. I know how you feel though I go through the same thing some nights. When it seems like you have found your niche your “thang” it’s like having another child. So the need to see that child grow to what you envision being it’s full potential can be compelling even competitive sometimes. Just like with our actual children whom we have to let go to move through life at their own pace, we will have to do the same for our blog children. I think your blog child has made great strides and will continue to do so. It is beautiful, creative and has your personality stamp.Don’t change a thing.Your husband is right… You rock! Have a fantastic Easter Holiday 🙂
Totally feel the same way. And you’re doing really really well. I’ve been blogging for five years and I don’t get as many comments as you have right now. Sometimes it’s the luck of the draw. All of a sudden a blog catches and then everyone want to read it because they get so many comments “so they must be awesome” right? And that brings more readers and more readers. And we all know that PW MUST have staff she’s not talking about. Just sayin’.
Ahh…the power of bacon!
Now I want a BLT too! I know what you mean about the traffic stats… My current resolution is not to think about it so much and just enjoy blogging, as well as reading other’s blogs. Because I really do enjoy it, and if it never ends up being anything more than a source of enjoyment for me, I’m o.k. with that.
I LOVE your blog, but am curious, were you by any chance talking about Michael Ruhlman’s blog? I remember he did a post on BLT’s and got lots of responses.
Hey Debbie!
No. I had no idea Michael Ruhlman blogged about BLT’s. I hope I’m not on his list now (not that he has the faintest idea who I am). He could blog about mud pie and it’d be good.
~ Amy
I remember reading a post about ketchup that had well over 200 comments and I was jealous. It happens to the best of us. 😉
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some bacon that is calling my name.
Whoa, all the way to 37 posts before I even see this :-). I’ve been doing my internet “fast” so have spent very little time reading my favorite blogs. I’m sitting here now salivating for a BLT (your fault) so I won’t have a long comment but just enough to say I think your blog is terrific…and so are your tweets. Have a wonderful Easter weekend! ~Martha
I admit that I am one of those people who read and never comment on blogs. I really do enjoy yours!
I have to admit that I am just like Sarah…I am horrible about leaving comments! BUT..(and this is a HUGE but)…I absolutely ADORE your blog!!!! I have you on my feed and check you every day~ So keep on blogging, you have faithful readers out there…and I promise to comment more! 😉
p.s. even though I am completely overstuffed from Easter lunch, I have to go make myself a BLT now. lol
Hehehehehe…. you knew this would make me chuckle 🙂