It’s been rather quiet here, because everytime I begin to write something, it’s mean-spirited, and I think all our mothers are in agreement about what to do about that.
I’m not a new blogger, nor am I new to web content, but this is the first time where my audience has been deathly quiet. Is my writing so terrible that every blue moon crossed with a non-sale at Lane Bryant (rare, I know) that I /might/ get a comment thrown my way, like a scrap?
Mr. Deluxe constantly tells me that people he knows read my blog and absolutely love it — great, but it would be nice to hear from them directly.
If you send me an email, it would also be helpful for you to reference my name — my name is Isabella Murphy.
This rattles me because the point of a blog is to have a conversation. I would like to have a conversation with you.
That’s why I don’t post too many sales — there’s other people doing that. I’m also non-political about plus size fashion — the entire issue is as much an economic one as anything else. I’m to the point where I’d rather pick up a sewing machine than buy another plain-old, tired looking top that’s been overplayed for the last couple of seasons, and you know what I’m talking about.
I’m a busy, busy, girl these days — I’ve got three campaigns going right now, and I try not to mix business with pleasure around here — I’d rather relax and chat with you about things that truly matter.
And in my tiny, overinflated opinion, sharing the latest sale from Plus Size Co. is only part of the conversation — please tell me you want more than this, yes? If you find in your heart of hearts that plus size fashion is more than a quick jaunt to the store to get material things, then I would hope that my topics would be of interest. Are they, or are they not?
I have much to give to you, but I’m unsure of where to go from here. My contest winner can’t deign to give me a response, and that gets me wondering what the end result of everything /should/ be. Is content king online, except for in this niche? Let me know.
Write to me. Comment. Say something. After so much stillness, I’m wondering the viability of continuing to speak to an audience that is unsure whether it wishes to speak to me.
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November 9th, 2006 at 9:24 pm
(((Isabella)))
As someone who has hosted a couple of blogs over the past couple of years, I can tell you that
all bloggers go through periods where there are comments galore and then–*insert pin drop here*.
I don’t think that it is any reflection of your writing. I might be a bit biased, but I think
it’s great! And I do love your blog for the exact reasons you listed. You don’t just bring sale
announcements to your readers. You take an idea and then wrap an entire post around it, complete
with links where we can find all the great products you suggest!
Don’t get frustrated and don’t stop. Your readers are out here–even if we don’t always speak up
as much as we could!
Peace & Love,
Ms. Aja B.
November 10th, 2006 at 10:21 am
I of all people feel your pain in this area. I just celebrated two years of blogging and one thing that has been a thorn in my side is the fact that I get so few comments. I have tons of relevant content on subjects across the board and still things are quiet.
It makes me think that because I am a man that in the world of plus size my opinion doesn’t count. It’s not until I look at my page stats to see that people are visiting my blog that I know that something is going on. When I see other blogs in this niche getting daily reader feedback even from me it bites big time to the point that one of my blogs is at an almost standstill because I have no clue how to jump start it.
I agree that blogging should be about interaction of the readers, but how can we make people comment. I for sure enjoy your writing and hope that you keep things rolling. Maybe its past time for us to take things to the next level as far as blogging for plus sizes go. Not sure but we cant go there if the top players drop out.
November 10th, 2006 at 11:14 am
My main blog is over at livejournal.com for just this reason. For me, journaling at livejournal is a conversation. Journaling at my fiberfetish blog is…. It’s not that it’s more impersonal. But I don’t expect feedback because the blogs I read seem more like columns or essays than conversations. And that has nothing to do with the writing style and EVERYTHING to do with the formatting of the comments. Maybe I’m just lazy, but it’s hard for me to go back to an entry and see if there have been responses to my comments in a regular blog entry. Especially if there are a lot of comments through which I have to weed. Whereas the threaded comments on livejournal just make everything so much EASIER.
Of course, the problem is that livejournal isn’t really regarded as serious blogging. To be taken seriously as a blogger (well, as seriously as any other blogger is taken), you almost have to have a blog on something like wordpress or blogspot or your own domain. I’ve not found a good solution for building a community in this format.
I absolutely read your blog and I love your writing. I’m glad you’re blogging, Isabella. Thanks.
Marianne
November 14th, 2006 at 3:33 pm
Isabella,
I read this blog pretty regularly and have commented a couple of times. I respond in order to have a conversation but when there is silence in response to what I’ve written it’s hard to feel like it’s worth the effort. I found this site via a search for plus size blogs. I’m not interested in sales - living in the UK makes them a non-issue for me - I’m interested in talking and learning about fashion. I’m looking for tips and ideas and a guide through this minefield. Being in the UK makes me look at being a plus size woman in a completely different way. It’s harder here. It’s sad how insanely excited I am about heading to the US next week and being able to shop with a bit more hope that I’ll have better luck in finding something, just one thing that lifts my spirits and makes me feel better about the reflection in the mirror. I’m up and ready for the conversation and just like you, I don’t want my thoughts to fall into a black hole.
Tanis
November 22nd, 2006 at 3:43 pm
Tanis,
I’m incredibly sorry about not responding — most of the time when I read your response to what I’ve said, I’m almost afraid to respond. When you reply, it sounds as if you’re angry at what I’ve said, and at that point — well, I’m only human.
I’ll try to respond in kind when you do, and I apologize if it felt like I was ignoring you.
Thanks,
Isabella
November 26th, 2006 at 2:48 pm
Isabella,
Sorry if I come off as being angry, that’s not my intention. When something you write resonates with me and I comment on it, it’s usually about something I’ve thought long and hard about (and ranted about to my husband on occasion). This is the first blog that I comment on regularly and I’m still learning how this works. So please bear with me through this awkward phase
.
Tanis
November 28th, 2006 at 6:42 pm
Tanis,
It’s quite alright — we’ll all new at this blog stuff, I think. I’m generally staring at ad copy all day, not talking about subjects that are close to my heat. I’m honored that you keep coming back. I’ll try to comment constructively in return.
Keep smiling (and ranting to your hubby),
Isa