It's been a few days since I took the leap to the New Blogger. I was a little hesitant to lose all my links, and even more afraid to loose all my posts. Because I have over 400 posts.
That's insane, isn't it?
Anyway, a few changes were in order from the old sidebar. First, I've given a lot of thought to bloggy awards and have decided that I'm not going to post them on my sidebar any more. I appreciate the kudos that I've received in the past, but realized something about myself. The only reason to tag my blog with those things permanently, (as opposed to the transient "thank-you" post) is to feed my pride of life. You know...that natural inclination that longs to be regarded...to be popular--that thing that stumbled Eve in the garden.
And a couple of friends have missed the music; that was encouraging to find out. But at the same time, I know that I occasionally feel assaulted by the uninvited music of other bloggers when I open their sites. So, the playlist is there again, but you will need to click on the "play" arrow to get it started. It's your choice. Choice is good, don't you think?
Finally, after much thought and attention to my sitemeter, I recognized that blogrolls are of little consequence for traffic. I can't remember the last time someone "outclicked" to one of my bloggy friends from my sidebar. And I certainly don't need to reference my roll for my own blog-jogging now that I have Bloglines.
Blogrolls, in my opinion, are a nice pat on the back when you find you've been added, but also can act as a source of discouragement when you hope you will, but never are. Can I get an amen?
Another reason I am getting away from Blogrolling is because of the implied approval that comes with such a small degree of separation. And some of y'all are crazy!
No, I'm kidding. But I will be more confident and comfortable in recommending specific posts I come across. And I know it works better that way for traffic too. So, a win-win for us both.
13 comments:
I *love* the video clip of your girls reciting the scripture they have hidden in their hearts. I love the emphasis you put on it as it is crucial to the strong Christian walk. Great job girls!! :)
I have to chuckle at your new profile. "Sometimes" frank? The reason I keep coming back is because you are always frank- but you speak the truth in love. That is hard to find. :>)
I am one that DOES click on the blogrolls of others~it's how I've met some really wonderful bloggy friends I didn't know were there! but yeah, it does kinda feel bad when someone removes your name.... (((((HUGS))))) sandi
Yeah about the music! I love to hear it when I visit from home. But if I'm visiting blogs from work sometimes the music playing will cause the proxy to not allow me to bring up the site. By having it not play I can see your site at work every time! Thank you!!
Some quick thoughts:
1. Re "feed my pride of life" - I recently went fishing for the first time on my blog for comments. I wanted to know who was out there reading me. Humbling to get ONE reply!
2. Re blogrolls - I don't think I've had a single hit from being on a blogroll. But how would I know for certain?!
3. Re the music - I like the music here. Sometimes when I've read posts at night, I forget that your post has music and it kinda jumped out at me! So the option to play or not play is good. I'm listening now as a matter of fact. :)
I like the new look, you always give me food for thought, thanks again,
Jenny :-)
Oh, and I only "blogroll" so I can find the blogs I like quickly :-)
(Just for the record)
I agree and applaud you for making the changes. I did away with specific blogrolls ages ago because there was no way to avoid hurting feelings. I have the Family Friendly and Fruit of the Spirit blogrolls in my sidebar and those cover just about all the people I follow and recommend.
And now I'm going to delete the awards from my sidebar. I appreciate receiving them but I agree with you that it's probably some form of pride that I put them there forever. Out they go! And thank you for inspiring me to clean it all up.
Good for you!
GB, well said about your sidebar awards and blogroll. Will you think I am a copy cat if I do the same as you?
Again, loving your new look. :) Oh, and I love the vote thing on the top... I thought about doing something like this but never know what to ask. :)
It was so great to meet you tonight! I certainly HOPE you'll be back to other meetings!
It was so great to have met you at HOPE last night! I very much enjoyed meeting you and listening to your words of wisdom. I hope that you will continue coming and get to know us better, although, you seemed to have already known most of the group! ;-)
Okay, now for the quiz: What are ALL of our childrens' names and ages? ;-)
Blessings,
Candace (Sabo Family Dynamics)
Oh, I appreciate your heart and your consideration of others and your feeling of the need of keeping your spirit humble.
I find myself so elated when I see someone has "accepted" me, by adding me to their friends list or blogs I read daily. But I have also experienced a friend removing me...not sure why, but that hurts deeply too.
I have found many friends through the sidebar links to others friends, recommendations to those who they have found a common thread with. I am fairly new to this blogging world, and sometimes wonder if the time spent here is of value. Though I do feel "called and released" to share my family's story, in hope that we may make an impact of Light in this world.
thanks again for sharing your heart.
Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted
I love the changes. All great advice and the look is very crisp!
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