tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post3104411110489361168..comments2024-03-24T16:50:00.727-05:00Comments on Maria Zannini blogspot: Who's Reading Your Blog?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-41991755793713296552012-02-11T06:29:46.250-06:002012-02-11T06:29:46.250-06:00Amy: I truly feel that if we reach down to our com...Amy: I truly feel that if we reach down to our common denominators that in the long run we'll reach more people. <br /><br />Write about the things that are important to you. Eventually, you'll hook up with other people who thinks it's important too.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-1829076876101493962012-02-10T14:52:25.924-06:002012-02-10T14:52:25.924-06:00I have also been thinking about this a fair amount...I have also been thinking about this a fair amount (like many other people, it seems). <br /><br />For instance, on Google+ I recently dialed back my Writers circle so it doesn't show up in my main stream (I can still click to read it by itself tho) because so much of the content writers were producing was boring self promotion and it was keeping me from reading the interesting stuff that non-writers were posting. It was sad to realize that it was pretty much only my Writers circle that was clogging everything up.<br /><br />So I spend time thinking about how I can be interesting as a *person* and not just a writer. Of course, I end up talking about writing a fair amount anyway because I think about it so much, but I'm hoping there's a happy balance that is achievable.Amyhttp://practicalfreespirit.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-40961758411521430692012-01-31T16:25:02.095-06:002012-01-31T16:25:02.095-06:00Sherry: Ah, but just now you reached one new reade...Sherry: Ah, but just now you reached one new reader who loves slice of life stories. :)<br /><br />It's nice to meet you. I've added your blog to my reader.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-55700974286814515472012-01-31T16:18:35.863-06:002012-01-31T16:18:35.863-06:00Maria, you are pondering the same issues I have be...Maria, you are pondering the same issues I have been lately -- not being so author insular and reaching readers. I rarely write about writing. Most of my pieces are about issues pertaining to my novel (censorship and parenting)and the slice of life stuff that I like to write, has personality, and lets me be me. I'd like to be a cyber Jean Kerr or Erma Bombeck who also writes fiction. Alas, how to reach readers who like that.Sherry Robertshttp://www.sherry-roberts.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-25280283295031949362012-01-27T15:03:11.907-06:002012-01-27T15:03:11.907-06:00Julie: Hello and welcome! I'm always glad to s...Julie: Hello and welcome! I'm always glad to shake paws with a fellow dog lover.<br /><br />I was afraid this post might offend some people, but like most of my posts, I'm not judging, just making observations of the things I see.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-48694461842314434622012-01-27T10:33:24.703-06:002012-01-27T10:33:24.703-06:00Hi Maria! Thank you for your comments on my post a...Hi Maria! Thank you for your comments on my post at Misha's blog, I'm so glad to have discovered your blog as a result. This post was so interesting to me, as while I love reading about writing and supporting other writers, I often find the posts I enjoy the most are about things that help me get to know the person behind the writer, that's when I start to feel a connection. And on my own blog, my post about The Count on Sesame Street is my most viewed post haha. Anyway, I really enjoyed this post and am going to keep it in mind, I like your ideas for posts that can engage both writers and non-writers alike.<br />About Murray, my heartfelt condolences. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet and I am so sorry for your loss. <br /><br />Great to meet you!Julie Flandershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05003737491313673214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-65346665247056751972012-01-24T20:34:27.778-06:002012-01-24T20:34:27.778-06:00Darke: I missed you earlier. Sorry. I think you do...Darke: I missed you earlier. Sorry. I think you do a good job mixing it up. One-note blogs are good if you're looking for specific content, but I get bored easily. Sometimes I just want to know more about the author and less about his process.<br /><br />Ref: Murray<br />Thank you. His death still weighs heavy on my heart. We tried so hard.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-52446306743917364272012-01-24T20:23:34.642-06:002012-01-24T20:23:34.642-06:00Marianne: Well, you are finding an audience here. ...Marianne: Well, you are finding an audience here. I've been getting quite a few hits on your guest post on jewelry making. Most came from Googling DIY jewelry.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-6249224475597075472012-01-24T19:31:35.536-06:002012-01-24T19:31:35.536-06:00The post of mine that gets the most hits, hands-do...The post of mine that gets the most hits, hands-down is the one about moles vs. voles. LOL!!<br /><br />I agree with you, but reaching readers is HARD.Marianne Arkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00934613403368823760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-77845497063079280132012-01-24T18:13:37.433-06:002012-01-24T18:13:37.433-06:00Sarah: I don't track often, but when I wrote t...Sarah: I don't track often, but when I wrote this post, I decided to do a little research. Hence my findings.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-5224829438006711322012-01-24T11:10:09.789-06:002012-01-24T11:10:09.789-06:00i honestly haven't looked at my traffic for a ...i honestly haven't looked at my traffic for a long time. I really need to, but i keep putting it off as something i'll do once i'm a bit further in my journey.Sarah Ahiershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02795455714801965956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-56104121229539287152012-01-24T07:50:06.117-06:002012-01-24T07:50:06.117-06:00Bingo, Maria! You hit the nail on the head. I try ...Bingo, Maria! You hit the nail on the head. I try to incorporate my hobbies and other things into my blog, just because there is so much more to me than just writing, and I like to connect with those people as well.<br /><br />I know your heart is breaking over Murray, but you made his short life full of love. He knew he was loved, and who knows, maybe he'll come around and visit you.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14849835587452669592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-24336030286701589042012-01-23T22:36:22.632-06:002012-01-23T22:36:22.632-06:00Kim: First, thank you for rescuing your dog. There...Kim: First, thank you for rescuing your dog. There aren't enough of us out there to make up for the ingrates who abuse and abandon their pets.<br /><br />Ref: blog fests<br />The Platform Building Campaign blog fest has been my favorite. I think Rachael Harrie does a great job. I can pick and choose who I want to follow instead of being led around like a sheeple.<br /><br />Because blog fests take so much time I'm very selective. I don't want to be totally antisocial, but I can't afford to play everyday either. <br /><br />***<br />Jenny: Charm is along the lines of voice. There are some people I read for no other reason than they're fun to follow.<br /><br />Re: tweets<br />I wish you could teach me how you manage to follow tweet streams. I keep trying, but I can't keep up.<br /><br />***<br />Jimmy: I'm serious. Good keywords really work.<br /><br />***<br />Angela: You are so sweet. I need more friends like you. :)<br /><br />***<br />Krista: Everyone needs to know about pig bladders. This will be a hoot.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-54931766895981093732012-01-23T21:55:08.986-06:002012-01-23T21:55:08.986-06:00I wrote out this entire intelligent thing and it b...I wrote out this entire intelligent thing and it blew up. grumble<br /><br />I have a fair balance between readers and writers who follow my blog, tweets, facebook. I know the writers want writing stuff, and the readers want other stuff. It isn't even that the readers don't enjoy the writing comments, but after a while they feel excluded.<br /><br />I try to balance the writing stuff, with the random things like pictures of my cats, me ranting about something or another, and occasionally blogging about news.<br /><br />I once joked that I feel like I'm constantly talking to the same 300 writers wherever I do guest posts, so I really try to move outside that group. (Also, every time I do a blog tour, someone dies or ends up losing a limb...but that's why I don't do tours anymore). I'm planning to visit this blog in a few days to talk about condoms, pig bladders, and canning (yes, that's all related). Why? Because I love history and Maria loves homesteading/DIY. A match made in heaven! <br /><br />I think we could all enjoy ourselves more online if we just talk about the things that actually make us happy. For me, that's pig bladders :DKrista D. Ballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13735832053631141449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-28868032633942160632012-01-23T19:55:12.738-06:002012-01-23T19:55:12.738-06:00You are one of my exception blogs. I actually do ...You are one of my exception blogs. I actually do come here as both a reader and an aspiring author. But I came here first as a friend, a bud who loved your writing style. As long as you don't break out a video showing me the 'nitty gritty' of how you go about turning one of your cute little chickens into Tuesday night's dinner, then I'm here to stay. But again, I may be a bit of an exception.<br /><br />I'm glad to see you getting back into things. I admit I missed seeing your name pop up in my e-mail :-)Angela Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03324366495151363782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-44557394795480889492012-01-23T18:06:08.338-06:002012-01-23T18:06:08.338-06:00Thanks, Maria. I'll keep that in mind the next...Thanks, Maria. I'll keep that in mind the next time I go to fill out those keywords.<br /><br />-JimmyJames Garcia Jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00559119178720751963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-10868635526819844742012-01-23T17:36:02.027-06:002012-01-23T17:36:02.027-06:00Maria, so glad you're back!
Good points abou...Maria, so glad you're back! <br /><br />Good points about blogging, reaching people, why we blog. I'm following the #dbwsum (digital book world conference) tweets at the moment and was fascinated by a comment on social media - publishers employing people to do social media for them - and they mentioned that they wanted to employ people who had/exercised "online charm". I know that's not really what you're talking about in today's post, but it is kind of related. The warmth of your posts, regardless of writing or other topics, reaches out and connects with people. I guess the key question is, does that connection increase sales?Jenny Schwartzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00320451924849353120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-45713722286080410002012-01-23T17:07:22.717-06:002012-01-23T17:07:22.717-06:00Bingo. Thanks, Maria, for verbalizing some of the ...Bingo. Thanks, Maria, for verbalizing some of the same thoughts I've been having with my new blog. The blogfests are fun, but take way too much time away from my writing. And I am so sorry about your dog. I took in an abused dog one and a half years ago and have medical issues with him but love him to death. They grow on you so fast!Kim Van Sicklerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04957877837203134260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-681230403896787792012-01-23T13:25:46.059-06:002012-01-23T13:25:46.059-06:00Jennifer: I don't know if I should be talking ...Jennifer: I don't know if I should be talking to you. I'm mad at you. LOL. You're the reason I spent gobs of money today. I LOVED your post about your counter tops and finally decided to take the plunge myself. So yes, you definitely have content for non-writers. (expensive content)<br /><br />Rula: Exactly! It's not that we should exclude writers, but rather find ways to include people who are not writers. We're more interesting when we talk about things we have in common.<br /><br />Jackie: When a blog starts to feel like work, you have to wonder where the joy went. I blog for free. It shouldn't have to be a drudgery for me or the reader. I'll bet when you start posting about things you enjoy, attendance will be up.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-6861441347705770882012-01-23T13:18:04.755-06:002012-01-23T13:18:04.755-06:00Linda: Figured that out, did ya? :) I'm always...Linda: Figured that out, did ya? :) I'm always tickled when I read about this blog hop or that one and then they wonder why they have no time to write. Writing (for most of us) is a commitment. I love to visit and chat, but I also know I have an obligation to get my work done.<br /><br />Nicole: I've been reading your mythological creature posts with glee. I love stuff like that. It's so much more interesting than an excerpt.<br /><br />Tracy Jo: Photography is such a perfect way to entice readers to your blog. I am no photographer, but I'm always amazed how often pictures bring people in. There's just something that makes us want to click on the link. Part of the charm of photography is that you can tell a story without any words at all.<br /><br />Myne: Can I tell you how lucky you are to start out with readers? That's wonderful. For the first few months when I started blogging, I thought I was talking to myself. LOL. <br /><br />I don't write to stats, but I'm always curious about trends. It's a statement about my effectiveness (or lack of it).Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-38244950523581466552012-01-23T13:07:35.989-06:002012-01-23T13:07:35.989-06:00Angelina: That makes sense. I don't blame read...Angelina: That makes sense. I don't blame readers for not wanting to friend me. I have quite a few FB friends who are not writers. They rarely comment on my book posts, but almost always pop in when I share something personal.<br /><br />KT: There's nothing wrong with discussing writing, especially when you want to create or fortify a network of writing buddies. It's the peddling to other writers that made no sense to me.<br /><br />Clarissa: You have me curious how you plan to promote your new book. Looking forward to it.<br /><br />Mike: Nice to be back. :) I think you're an excellent example of voice. I read you for the sheer pleasure of how you phrase things. <br /><br />Deborah: Guilty about snacks? Never! I get a few hits about food, but it's rarely about "my" food. LOL.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-85064283149836290632012-01-23T12:51:49.004-06:002012-01-23T12:51:49.004-06:00I go away for a few hours to spend gobs of money (...I go away for a few hours to spend gobs of money (not my favorite activity) and come back to a lot of excellent comments.<br /><br />I'll answer comments in a minute, but I'll have to pause visiting blogs until this afternoon. I have a date with a paintbrush.<br /><br />[sigh] No rest for me.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-67530183116053387862012-01-23T12:07:12.186-06:002012-01-23T12:07:12.186-06:00As the only non-writer thus far to comment I have ...As the only non-writer thus far to comment I have to agree with Linda that this is timely, my blog has lost it's focus/momentum and in the next few months am going to remedy that. Not only by attacking the problem of who my target audience is but starting to actually post things besides book promoting, my thoughts on what I have enjoyed reading and get some more fun back into the personal posts that I stopped a long time ago for one reason or another.<br /><br />To help me have something to share we now have outdoor projects started and once the garden is under way will have photos and updates on it's progress as well as the other things that are a little bit less about books and a little bit more about connecting with my online audience personally.<br /><br />Maria it is nice to have you back, just wish that your year would have started on a much lighter and happier note than it did. <br /><br />The Frugal Way is a good way to give you a more positive start to 2012, go forth and find all kinds of goodies to share with us!Jackiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02181111718630957098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-4396466710832427442012-01-23T11:20:48.091-06:002012-01-23T11:20:48.091-06:00Very good point! I'm not published yet, but I ...Very good point! I'm not published yet, but I still try to mix my content (or questions as Jennifer says) a bit. It's always interesting for me to look at my stats. Some of my biggest google search traffic comes from recipies or tree pictures I've posted. It's definitely a good idea to share something readers may have in common with you...other than your reading/writing.Rula Sinarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01703015110251843280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-37335055472840475612012-01-23T11:05:09.764-06:002012-01-23T11:05:09.764-06:00I **try** to have content for writers and non writ...I **try** to have content for writers and non writers. Or at least pose questions for both. Sometimes it works. :) I should probably pay more attention to my stats.Jennifer Shirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16970585847385511795noreply@blogger.com