Whose Blog Deserves a Follow? Why become a follower?

[Lynda Coker]

Why Become a Follower?

There are three reasons that readily come to mind. First, the content is outstanding and you sincerely enjoying the blogger's style, voice, and opinions. Second, it's a great way to network. Third, it's a positive way to support another blogger.

Share three of your favorites with us and we'll check them out. One of the three may be your own.

Between the Pages

[Enbrethiliel]

+JMJ+

Simcha, I've been thinking the same thing about contests and followers. I became the follower of Parajunkee's View because it has really great contests (free graphic design work rather than free books) that I'd actually like to win . . . but now that she has over 400 followers, I don't think I'll ever win anything! LOL

I do occasionally read her reviews when I see anything that interests me, and sometimes leave a comment (or I'd feel guilty otherwise!), but I wouldn't say I avid follow her blog. She's a great reviewer of Paranormal novels (both Romance and Young Adult), and those aren't really my cup of tea, I'm afraid!

For these and other reasons, I don't think that the number of followers one has means very much. I've been blogging for six years and have only fifty-four followers as of this week. One of them started following only after I left a comment on his blog. It was nice of him, but I doubt he reads what I write!

I also happen to know, from e-mail correspondence, that at least three more people are following me anonymously, and that other regular readers pop by often because they have me on their sidebars. I started blogging long before there was a Follower widget and it doesn't really mean much to me.

[sari]

My son and I were just talking about this today. I have been blogging for over a year and have 14 followers. I had been thinking about trying to gain more followers when it hit me. Many of the blogs I follow that have hundreds of followers do not have many comments. I at least can count on half my followers taking the time to write back. I figured what I should work on is my content and not play the numbers game. Some times I have people comment who are not followers so I too have anonymous followers.
As long as people comment once in a while I will be happy with my postings. When nobody writes in my blog, no matter what the numbers may say, I know I am not doing my job.

[Lynda Coker]

Thank you so much for posting these great sites!

[Greg Zimmerman]

I follow (and enjoy!) blogs that have a mix of book reviews and other thoughtfully written book-related content - which is the goal of my own blog, too. I sort of try to stay away from the folks who only do the daily meme topic and/or talk about their challenges - not to say those aren't fine blogs, just not my cup'o'tea.

Three blogs I really enjoy:

The Book Chubi: http://thebookchubi.blogspot.com/

Kath at [insert suitably snappy title here]: http://kathmeista.blogspot.com/

JenKnox: http://jenknox.blogspot.com/

Cheers,
Greg

[Lynda Coker]

I very much enjoyed scanning your blog. Will return when I have more time. Thanks for offering your suggestions. Going to check out the rest of them today.

[drey]

Greg - I'm loving your blog! Very fun, & very interesting... =)

[Allana Lake]

I find many authors' blogs a bit impersonal and infrequently updated, so I read blogs from some of the more humorous writers like Arthur Kade (www.arthurkade.com) and Dewan Gibson (www.imperfectenjoyment.com/blog). Warning: the language in both blogs is at least PG-13, but they're both hilarious.

[Lynda Coker]

When I read a blog and enjoy it very much, then keep checking back only to find that the blogger very seldom updates their blog, I too am very disappointed. I'll check out both of your recommendations. Thanks so much for posting.

[Nishita Kumar]

Apart from writing that appeals to me, I also like blogs that cover books that are in my comfort zone. Another important thing is the layout of the blog. If the blog is too cluttered, or takes too long to load then I usually avoid those ones - that said I love blogs with a good layout. It's very difficult to list out just 3 of my regular reads, but here are my faves:

Medieval Bookworm
My Fluttering Heart
Shona's Book Shelves

And of course, my own :) Nishita's Rants and Raves

[Lynda Coker]

It is hard to determine when a blog has too much 'stuff on it.' A certain amount adds visual interest, but too much, adds confusion for some. Thank you for your recommendations.

[Alyssa Kirk@Teens Read and Write]

Interesting posts, sense of humor, updated information, and original content. The personality usually comes through in the posts and I love it when a post can make me think and/or laugh out loud!

[Lynda Coker]

Thanks for posting your thoughts.