Sunday, February 8, 2009

103 - Following tons of blogs that you don't read

So, this weekend, I tried to limit the number of blogs I follow because I realized that I wasn't actually reading some of them. I followed some that haven't been updated in a long time, I followed some that I wasn't interested in, I followed some just because they followed me. It got to be so much that every time I went to my Dashboard, the long list of posts would make blogging a hassle, a time-devouring endeavor and a bore. It totally turned me off reading other people's blogs in the past two weeks, and yesterday, it sort of worried me because I once proclaimed to the world that I was a loyal, dedicated blogger. I have Nymphoblogmania.

I think that I quite like the list I have now, so for those of you who made the cut, congratulations. Hail To The Thief, a blogger whose entries I really appreciate, did a post a few weeks back on how she selects which blogs to follow. I try to follow pretty much the same principles, and I encourage all of you to go check those out and actually try to follow them. The people who follow so many blogs but never read them or comment on them can be quite annoying. What's the point, you know?

I know I haven't been visiting a lot of your blogs lately, but hopefully, I'll be in full throttle again by next weekend. I've realized that in addition to Nymphoblogmania, I have Obsessive Compulsive Blogging Syndrome, too. My grades have been slipping, I'm not doing my homework on time, and yesterday, I conjured up a schedule for me to follow that includes sleep, work, some free time and time for blogging. It's my attempt to sort myself out and manage all my priorities. I start this new regime tomorrow, I'm very excited about it and I hope it works.

But yes, with this new schedule, I've included time to blog each day, so I'll be stopping by your blogs soon.

Does it annoy you to go to people's profiles to find a MASSIVE list of blogs they're following?

17 comments:

Sophie said...

There also seems to be bloggers who follow any blog they land on just to receive followers back. That annoys me.

Thank you for mentioning my blog!

Anonymous said...

yes, and then when I look at the ones I follow - I only religiously read about 5 of them (you're in there too :) but I feel bad about deleting the rest in case they get upset! Screw that, I'm deleting

Me said...

I tend to follow people who are actively commenting on my blog. So its more of a conversation. I suffer from Nymphoblogmania also but I try to keep it under control.
Bunc

Douglas said...

I can't keep tabs on all the blogs in my list either. So, no, it doesn't annoy me when I look at a profile and see a ton of blogs because I realize they likely don't read them all daily. To those that do, I assume you took several classes on speedreading.

I noticed, a long time ago, that blogging is incestuous. We read each others' blogs, we make up the vast majority of our own readers. It's like a writer's club. We sit around and read our works to each other, compliment and critique, and know (in our hearts) the publishers (general public) just ignore our submissions.

But it's okay. We write for our own needs, not others.

Chris O said...

Before I add a blog to my reader, they have to go thru my blogworthy ritual. I bookmark the site and then once a week I visit the sites I bookmarked. I read thru their offerings for the week and if I'm truly offended, er, interested, I will add to my reader. Then I delete the bookmarks of those I added to the reader, delete the ones I'm not really interested in, and those that have potential, I give another chance.

Damn, I'm obviously over obsessive over this blog stuff and have too much time on my hands. I should go. Oooo, Hail to the Thief, I haven't checked that one out yet!

Madame DeFarge said...

I'm inclined to agree with Douglas about the incestuousness of blogging. We just bounce around the same places.

Having said that, I am baffled by people who have time to 'follow' umpteen blogs, which makes me think that they don't actually read them, just collect pretty shiny things.

I like my followers, they seem an interesting bunch, who comment regularly and enliven my day. I also only follow blogs that I enjoy and I do try to comment within the boundaries of the time my real life allows.

Good luck with the schedule.

EURA. said...

A schedule sounds like a good plan.

I always feel bad when bloggers comment on my blog and I haven't commented on their posts in a while :)

J.J. in L.A. said...

I follow 20 blogs and can't imagine reading much more. Some are 'how to' blogs. Some are people who've commented on mine and I liked theirs. Some I 'stole' from other followers. One is a pseudo-relative of my man's (Shh! I'm spying). And one is like an auto accident. I can't look away. I've thought about deleting that one but I want to see how it turns out. lol!

KMcJoseph said...

You're right! I'll delete you too!

Ryan (LWM) said...

It is irritating...I too am guilty of it, though. I make attempts to trim the list, but it's so much work. I try follow only blogs I'll actually follow...Sometimes it's just too hard.

PS I might end up following (and actually reading) your blog. I like it so far.

KMcJoseph said...

Damnit, I can't delete you!!! I read it everyday!

gaf85 said...

M, I try to keep my list of blogs I follow manageable and will sometimes delete one that no longer interests or excites me. I do really enjoy yours because I never know what you are going to say.I must also confess that there have been several blogs on your list you follow which I have then visited and found a treasure so thanks for that.

Linda S. Socha said...

Loved this one and can relate. I feel I should quickly join a 12 step probram...What a great post....I loved Douglas' comment. He is right on also
Have a great obsessive week Michael

I will be not far behind
Linda

EiTheL said...

Well Google reader (http://www.google.com/reader/) make it easier to read blogs that you follow. ATM i follow three, two are yours and the third is someone else that I randomly stumbled upon... I forgot how :P

yours are fun to read :P

umm i'mma go now.. my cat just threw up... and its not done yet... >_>

Jojo a. said...

I keep my list short n' sweet. I read what I like and people read me if they like it. I feel bloggers sometimes want to please other bloggers... no point folks, no point.
No one has to pretend he/she ecares, you like or you don't! (get it? E-cares)...
It's night, I'm tired. Forgive me haha!

Louise Viray said...

Nyee...That means if you rate my blog, your vote might probably fall under "Boring. Next blog please."

Nah, it's alright. I don't care if I have you as a follower or not. I'll still faithfully follow you though. ^o^

.Louise

LegalMist said...

I share your blogging afflictions. Ay yi yi, what a time consumer it can be!