IT'S TIME TO BRIBE MY STEALTHY READERS; A COMMENTS CONTEST COMMENCES
My friend, The Ex (her nickname; not someone I used to make mix tapes for), has a great blog which I have bookmarked and read every day. She is damn funny, and I appreciate both her writing style and her anal-retentive attention to spelling and grammar. Have I mentioned that we don't actually know each other? We are virtual blog buddies. It's fun.
I've been thinking about her site because I want to make improvements to this one. I am openly jealous about the amount of comments she receives for almost every single post. Granted, she writes and shares more frequently than I do. But obviously her following is dedicated. And chatty. Mine consists of frequent lingerers with responses from only a select few (which make my day every time). Don't get me wrong, I am also grateful for those who do return often, the fairly decent number of daily hits, and my beloved 14 subscribers!
All of this stems from a great post that The Ex wrote last week, talking about her addiction to blogging and asking her readers why some of them lurk on her site without responding. I can relate. Clearly.
So, taking a page from her, I have some questions for my readers and for fellow bloggers:
- Am I covering pop culture topics that you're interested in? If not, suggestions?
- Did you know that you don't have to give your real or full name when you leave comments? Are you more likely to do so knowing that it can be done anonymously?
- How do you build upon readership and encourage comments?
- Do you prefer reading shorter, more frequent blog entries or lengthier, more detailed posts every other day or so?
- What are your favorite blogs, and why? Please feel free to plug your bookmarks here!
Last year I hosted a few small film contests here with success, and am currently creating a Comments Contest (especially once Lost starts) for the new year. Of course there will be a prize, and details will follow soon. So why not start now? Yes, you. Ready, go!
Thanks for playing. Or responding. And reading.
- Jo
I love reading your blog and comment when I am so moved. I enjoy your thoughts on Lost, your upcoming movie posts, and basically anything you write. I am stoked to be the first to comment on your desire for more comments! I do love reading what others think as well. Keep it up (I also periodically peruse your movie database...)
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LOST is what drew me into your blog. Your posts are great!! I always look forward to reading them after the show. Kind of how we all are excited to watch the show, I'm then excited to read what you thought about it the next day. It's something I look forward to. Not sure why people (including myself) don't comment more often. I like a good contest though, so I'll be back!
Thanks Jo!!
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JO! I'm flattered. Completely and totally.
1. Yes! You cover lots of things I'm interested in. Especially the writer's strike. You're basically my soul source of information about this. As for Lost?
3. I think I should probably recuse myself since it took me three years to get any kind of readership at all. But I did it by getting involved in other people's blogs and commenting incessantly.
4. I'm a fan of shorter, more recent BUT I also really enjoy the long ones you write. Can't we have both?
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Hmmm. Why do I read your blog?
Let's see...we don't have cable TV. I have never seen more than five minutes of 'The Sopranos'. And 'Lost'? Ha -- I have never watched a second...nor have any intention or desire to do so.
Popular culture, as an "industry," repulses me. The last day I watched 'Entertainment Tonight' (or similar shows) was on July 7, 2005 following the London Tube bombings...and Mary Hart (or who[m]ever) spent 3 minutes of my time explaining that neither Madonna nor Gwyneth Paltrow had been hurt.
At that point, I wondered -- "when the H*LL was the last time EITHER were on public transport?"
My better half lives by two entertainment blogs -- pinkisthenew-something-or-another; and tmz. But for her, those are Internet versions of Happy Hour...something to read as she winds down after work.
I, feeling like an island -- a Republican in Berkeley, of all places -- stick to political blogs, that all lean right. Too numerous to mention. All to compensate for driving around town stuck behind all the biodiesel Volvo wagons and (Toyota) Pious cars plastered with anti-W bumper stickers or other such platitudes. ("Don't Believe Everything You Think"...hey fellow Berkeley-ites, right back at you.)
So, where was I? Oh yeah. Why do I read your blog? Because, first off, despite our (numerous) differences -- I consider you a friend. And, as friends do -- you go to their dance recitals, to their softball games, and nowadays -- read their blogs.
More importantly, I see you as a soulmate, writing-wise. Though one with more (excuse the phrase) balls than me -- since you are OUT THERE...doing it.
And lastly, because without you, I would have to rely on my 14 year old daughter to know what is current and hip. (Actually I do, since she saw "Juno" over the summer...the fact that you recently saw it and approved only validated the film that much more.)
As to the question of: How should you blog? I would prefer 4 - 6 days of quick snippets...no more than a couple of paragraphs. Keep me up to date and informed. And jey here -- keep me coming back more than once or twice a week.
Then, once (maybe twice) a week -- expound on things. Tell me about the award shows. Talk about key trends in "the industry."
And lastly, maybe be provocative -- explore why all of the anti-Iraq-war films bombed. Pontificate on whether Oprah really does have that much influence on popular culture that she could tell us (or her viewers) how to vote. Talk about the blur between coverage on supposed "news shows" -- why do they spent 3 - 5 minutes on the color of Hillary's pantsuit?
Maybe these topics are too heavy -- and not your bailiwick.
Just my two cents. It is your blog, dollface, do as you please.
Your buddy,
John
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