Share Your Light

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#JustAThought… – Has It Changed?

September 25, 2023•365 Thoughts of Healing, Community, Just a thought

A few weeks ago, Hugh published a post about comments on blog posts. I could relate to what he wrote so well. If you have a little time, please hop over and read his post. He completely nailed the issue I observed too. At that time, I had already written a draft. I was not sure whether to publish it, but Hugh’s post encouraged me to do so. So, this post is neither a complaint nor a rant, just an observation that particular comments were just left to be left. I think, why not share and see whether others make similar or other observations:

Sometimes, I think that a lot has changed here in the blogosphere. I notice that some comments get more and more contentless. You can tell from the general wording who did read the post on which they are commenting and who did not. Also, a word cannot be taken seriously anymore, which I always appreciated compared to other social media platforms. Some people say what sounds nice, and then it evaporates into the air. Maybe I am old-fashioned, but I respect others and take my counterparts seriously, regardless of whether in a personal meeting, on the phone, or in written words. I could not do my jobs without that attitude.

I know life changes, and what was important yesterday isn’t anymore today. Also, the time available may not allow the same engagement anymore. I completely understand since I can definitely tell from experience. But why leave a comment on something you have not even read? Since it is so obvious, it is not adding value. Wouldn’t it be better to ignore the post instead of pretending to be interested? I do not only notice those stereotypical comments on my posts but also on other bloggers’ posts those same people follow. I understand that sometimes you read something, but you don’t have to say something. Then, I think, it is better not to say anything but, in case you basically liked it, leave a “Like”. This is absolutely OK! Sometimes, when I receive a comment like “Love it”, “thought-provoking”, “wonderful” or “beautiful” or other cookie-cutter comments that work for any content, I ask questions like: “What do you think is beautiful?” or “What do you love about this?”, “What is the thought-provoking part for you?”. Mostly, there are no further replies.

Anyway, there are still so many of you with whom I share inspiring, insightful, and funny discussions about various subjects on your and my posts. However, I am still questioning what I perceive and trying to find an explanation. Maybe it is subjective, and I am the only one with that feeling or perception. Perhaps, it’s already been like this for a long time, and I only noticed. As I said, I completely understand when there is no time or no desire for reading posts. I am not even on WP every day anymore. That leads me to the point that there is no reason to apologize if one has not read my posts at all or not instantly. No one is obliged to read everything from everyone they follow.

So, what do you think? Has the atmosphere changed here on WordPress? Have bloggers who left WP also taken this old connecting attitude along? Has our blogosphere become more superficial and indifferent over the years? Or are these only my thoughts?

In Love and Light

P.S. Please don’t forget to read Hugh’s post What Kind Of Comments Are The Best To Leave On Blog Posts?

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The purpose of my blog is to inspire and shine a light on the beauty and power of the wonderful being inside your body. You came into this world to share what only you can give. Remember who you really are, conquer the world the way you always wanted to, and become the blessing to all of us that you were meant to be.

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52 Comments

I am in agreement with you Erika! I think the blogosphere has changed, since I started blogging over 13 years ago now. People have less time, and use emoji’s more now. I get it. But I do love the discussions and feel supported when people leave comments.

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I think it depends on the kind of blog. Your blog is very personal and talks of really deep personal struggles. Leaving emojis works with some posts but not with all of them. And after a while you notice, that they only pretend to read your posts. Discussions are important for you.

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Gosh, I so totally agree. Like so much in our world- time and substance has gotten less and less. Maybe people are simply tired of engaging online because that’s all we could do during the pandemic. I know that I certainly crave in person interactions now and prior to the pandemic I considered myself an introvert.

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Hi, Cara Sue, nice to meet you. That’s a good point you are making here. It can likely be that unconsciously people pull back or due to the isolation during the pandemic and the remaining part of home office they are not interested anymore in more serious interactions. It is interesting how it had this positive effect on you to reach more out to others than before. I am glad you did here that we could meet.

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Hi Erika
Maybe it is me but it does feel like an age old debate. Then again it could be because Hugh has been banging on about it for a while!
I’m guilty of all commentary crimes. I suppose I take the view that if people visit and end up leaving a like or a bland comment at least they visited. That visit may have involved them reading the blog. It may not have stimulated much energy for a meaningful response but that’s fine. If they come and if they read next time they may comment.
At root the issue to me is that it doesn’t matter what they do as long as they’re not rude. I blog for me not for engaging comments. If I blogged only about serious topics with a smidge of controversy it might be I’d expect responses. But posting short fiction, images of my garden, silly memories and the odd review doesn’t create a content that might stimulate everyone to take up their keyboard.
Like Darlene I have some followers who always comment. Their identities have changed but the current group comment in much the same chatty way. Others are regular leavers of the ‘great stuff’ genre. So be it. All are welcome.
I’m grateful for their eyes. If that leads to a comment its a plus. If that comment is detailed then marvellous.
I’m not about to criticise them nor do I think they are more prevalent. And yes I’ll still leave bland ‘splendid’ comments of my own alongside occasional longer pieces like this when I have something detailed to say.

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Hi, Geoff, first of all I have to say that whenever you left a comment on one of my posts, it has always connected to the content of the post.

You know, no one is obliged to leave a comment at all. I am sure that the posts will reach the persons who need it. With or without a comment. That doesn’t matter.

Also the time factor has become an issue for many (also for me). I cannot read every post. And even if I read a post, I don’t always have something to say. So what? That’s ok!

But I noticed more and more comments of which I thought, they feel obliged to leave a comment but have not read a single line. So, why leaving a comment on something you have not even read? Especially, when it becomes so obvious. Better don’t leave anything and that is honest. And if one wants to show their appreciation, a Like suffices completely.

People shall do what they feel like, Who am I to tell anyone what is right or wrong. I just noticed this more and more. I wrote the draft of this post before Hugh published his. I was not sure whether to publish mine because I don’t want to step on other people’s toes and (as you said), as long as the comment is not rude, what’s the problem? Still, Hugh’s post confirmed my observation and I thought, why not asking the community?

However, I really appreciate your comment, Geoff. That is exactly what I mean. People read something and if they want they can leave their thoughts to it. That’s it! Blogging is supposed to be fun and inspiring, not another obligation to fulfill.

Thank you, Geoff!!

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Hi Erika! Yes, I do think the atmosphere has changed. Mind you, during the pandemic, I noticed a lot of people who jumped on the “blogging bandwagon” thinking they’d make a killing. Many of them have disappeared now, leaving—for the most part—bloggers who want to sincerely engage. 

That said, I’ve seen my share of “Awesome post!” and comments that make it clear the individual hasn’t bothered to read my post. That always makes me shake my head. 

If I don’t have time to leave a thoughtful comment, or really don’t have anything meaningful to add to the discussion, I agree that a simple “Like” is the way to go. 

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Hi, Michelle, I was really wondering, if it was only me who noticed this. It is interesting that those who do usually leave comments connected to post contents are those who make the same observation. While some (not all) of the others are finding excuses or have not commented at all on this post… for once… lol.
I think you are right, regarding the pandemic. But the pandemic also took bloggers that used to be lovely friends here before Covid, maybe they found something else or more meaningful than blogging.
However, people know now that we notice and I will focus on those who are interested in real conversations.
Thank you very much, Michelle!

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I have found that the comments have become more meaningful and engaging over the years. Perhaps I’m writing more interesting posts, but I think it’s more because I’ve become part of a community of bloggers who genuinely care about and support each other. People are busy, so I understand if it’s just a short comment sometimes. I tend to follow many blogs so I just can’t possibly comment every time. Happy blogging everyone!

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Thank you for stopping by, Darlene. Yes, time has become rare, also for me as I mentioned in the post. Still some people think they have to keep up with all the blogs they once started following. I have a lost less time left for blogging I used to have years ago. So, I understand this problem very well. You know, I don’t mind short comments at all, I usually don’t leave long comments either. But if there is always only a “beautiful”, “love it”, “Happy Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,….” then you notice that those don’t read the posts. I don’t mind not leaving a comment at all. That is how life goes. Sometimes you have something to say, and sometimes not. And sometimes you don’t have time for reading posts but then why leaving a comment? That’s actually the point.
Again, thank you for stopping by and leaving your opinion, Darlene.

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Thank you so much for linking to my recent post about comments, Erika. And thank you for being so honest about the decline in proper discussion and conversations in the blogging world.

I’m alarmed at seeing the words ‘stress’ and ‘guilty’ in some of the comments on your post. I think we have all been there, but nobody should ever feel stressed for not reading all the blog posts of the blogs they follow or feel guilty if they do not prove they’ve visited by leaving a non-engaging comment.

As you righty say, there is nothing wrong with not reading all the posts of the blogs we follow. There is nothing wrong with clicking ‘like’ and not leaving a comment. There is nothing wrong with taking a break from blogging when we need one. Nobody needs to prove they’ve visited a blog. Blogging should be a pleasurable and fun experience.

I used to follow over 500 blogs. It got me in such a rut. When I cutback on the number on blogs I followed, I became a much happy blogger. Most of the blogs I unfollowed were because I was not really interested in the content they were publishing. When I think back of all the time I wasted in reading and commenting on those blogs because I felt obliged to do so, I saw how much of a fool I’d been.

I’ve only ever encountered one blogger who told she she expected me to read and comment on all her posts because she did the same on my posts. Needless to say, I unfollowed her blog.

Thanks again for being honest and open about this subject. It’s one that many bloggers don’t like talking about in the fear of upsetting others.

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To be honest, I needed your little nudge in shape of your post that I dared to publish this post. Who am I to tell anyone what to do and what not. As we both learned over time to take it all more relaxed, so will they. But by exposing ourselves and risking uncomfortable comments, maybe we can help others to overthink their habits, to take it all a bit easier, and to avoid or eliminate this unnecessary blogging stress earlier.

As you said, blogging should be pleasurable and fun.
So, thank you for taking that step forward and motivated me and others to raise a hand.

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I hope we can help those who feel obliged to leave comments on posts just to prove they’ve visited, Erika.

I remember asking a blogger why he felt he had to leave comments on all the posts he visited. He said he felt obliged to do so because they always left comments on his posts. When asked, ‘Doesn’t it make sense to read and leave comments only on the posts that interest you and incentivise you to comment?’ he shrugged and said he didn’t want anyone thinking he was horrible for not commenting on all their posts. When blogging takes you down that path, I think it’s time to rethink.

I’m so pleased you published this post. Thanks again for being open and honest about how you feel.

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Then it is definitely time. I mean, many are fleeing into social media because they are shy, insecure, and may not have many friends. Often those turn actually out as the latest superheroes. But some seem to be authentic in their insecurty and pleasing-mode. It is sad to watch this. It like it that you openly talked to that follower. Maybe it triggered a process for more self-esteem.

I am glad I did it. Maybe I should stand above it but I did not. Ignoring something that bothers you doesn’t solve the problem. Thank you for your motivation, Hugh!

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I think Time is key here. I often think about not posting and going back to just reading/commenting. I’ve followed too many blogs which also stresses time, I’m now trying to focus more on the blogs that really matter to me. But it does feel like I need to spend what time I do have to blog more on other peoples posts. If they put there heart and soul into them, then they deserve focus. Also it feels like maybe there is a disconnect between bloggers and the apps now, the next generation of apps needs to be driven by bloggers not app writers.

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I think, as long as the heart is part of the action, it is all good. I used to follow too many blogs either. And even now, I cannot visit every post of every blogger, although I truly appreciate everyone I follow. But I think, I will read what is meant to read and when I read something, I love to interact about it. This is blogging. It is not Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Blogging is something personal to me. And I love sharing this energy here. So, I like what you wrote about blogs and apps. I can relate to that.

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I agree, and also feeling guilty, Erika! You are right, the blogosphere has changed rapidely. I experienced it myself, that i more and more found less time to read all the postings, but don’t really know where i lost time. Maybe our minds have changed during the incarceration by the pandemic? Let’s start a research. 😉 Best wishes, Michael

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I think there is too much going on with all of this social media, our jobs, our private life, our hobbies, circumstances. We get flooded by it all and think we have to swim along but we don’t need to. We have a choice, and social media is the first thing I cut off when time is rare. I used to follow hundreds of blogs. But over time, I said goodbye to many that actually did not do it to me (anymore). I wanted to have more time to visit and appreciate those that really mean something to me.
This overwhelm made us “numb” as Jan said. We function but at one point we have to stop, take a step back and look at everything from a distance. We need to enjoy the moment and not work everything off to reach a future that will never be reached since we are only playing catch up. As you know, in German we have the word “entschleunigen”. That is what we need to do from time to time.

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I definitely think the blogging world has changed. Over the years we have become almost numb to blog content with so much shared, especially blogs that are simply reblogs. But you bring up a very good point. I have been known to leave a word as a comment, such as beautiful and it is almost in regards to an inspirational saying or poem. I also agree that it’s better to not comment at all if you haven’t taken the time to read the blog. I don’t know where it’s all heading, but I will continue to blog until no one shows up. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. Hugh always has such relevant information to share.

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As I said to Ritu, for a while I thought of shutting my blog down because I simply could not afford the time to share “good” posts plus show my appreciation to the bloggers I follow whom I love to follow. And like you, I know that I will share what wants to be shared as long as I can write.
Over the past years, I unfollowed a lot of blogs that I started following as a favor but nothing more. I rather follow less blogs that I really like and be better able to visit those regularly. So, I understand the problem of becoming numb regarding the amount of posts.
You know, there are bloggers like you, where you know for sure, that a “beautiful” coming from the heart💖

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Hi Erika – I do believe the culture has changed, and I tend to attribute it more and more to an apparent addiction to hand-held technology! I see so many people whose main focus is clearly the little screen in front of them. What with that mini-screen and the LOL, LMAO etc. etc. short forms, there would seem to be a trend towards quick dialogues.

Considering how popular TikTok and similar are, it does not surprise me that constructive Blog dialogues are not as prevalent as we would like. Perhaps it is nothing more than a generational trend?

Also of course, there is an income to be earned from the “right”(?) social media platform if the only focus is on making money.

Then of course there are the individuals whose sole motive for Following a Blog is to hopefully attract people to their Blog.

Below is a link to a 2018 Post of mine which covers my thoughts on Blogging stats and what they really mean. There are many similarities with the basis for this Post of yours!

Blog Stats – What do they mean?

Regards. Colin.

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What I loved about blogging compared to other social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook (I am not on TiKTok but only heard about some crazy stuff going on there) has always been this personal part. Bloggers are connected not only followers. But there have always been those who followed for a follow, who were only about stats. Maybe I forgot about that.

I just read your post and could not believe that I have missed it. Then I remembered in early May 2018 I moved from one apartment to another one and I must have taken a break. So, I am glad you mentioned it here. I like your detailed thoughts on all the options like “likes”, comments, views, etc. Like you, I love seeing familiar people coming over through all the years. I appreciate that maybe even more when I see some “runners” passing by. And I appreciate you still being over. We have
always had profound discussions😄 Thank you, Colin.

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I have a laugh at my “new Followers” over this past 9 months, given that my Blog has been virtually inactive since Ray’s sad passing. I have to wonder “What are they following given my inactivity???” 🙂

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It is already 9 months ago. Gosh, that went fast. That’s really interesting that you still receive new followers. Maybe they see one of your comments or an older post gets suggested… I don’t know, just pondering. But, as we know, there are those who follow everyone to get a chance to be followed back.

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I don’t think the atmosphere has changed. You have some dedicated followers who interact with you and leave sincere comments and you those who “like” and go as if they were at a drive through. I try to appreciate everyone’s post and the time they took to create/post it.
I’m good with whom I interact with and appreciate them.

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Drive through mode. That sums it up. Actually, those who leave meaningful comments are even more appreciated when you have both. So, it’s ok. I am also thankful for everyone taking the time and leaving something, but I was wondering what others see and think about it. Thanks for your opinoin and sight, Sylvester. Always appreciated.

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I never doubted it. I think those automated comments are not discouraging me because there are too many that are always amazing. I just try to understand. But at one point, we need to let it be what it is and simply enjoy what we do for the reason we do it. That’s all that matters!

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Time is a big issue. A few months ago I thought of shutting the whole blog down. But I worked on a better time management since so much has changed. That is also the reason why I am basically not on WordPress on the weekends and workdays if possible. I only read as many posts as I can really read and have to leave the others. Of course, there are prioritised posts like yours 😉

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I am glad you are listening to yourself. I don’t want you to leave WP forever, so breaks are necessary. I hope you find time to breathe and focus on the more important things with a more relaxed mind. Love you, Sis 💖

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I have often wondered if were hijacking someone’s blog posts if I were to be verbose. Over the years, I have prided myself on the economy of word usage, in my poetry, etc. And I so totally “get” where you and Hugh are coming from. Why folks, me included, do not more fully interact, I couldn’t say. Perhaps, they are dealing with their own self-worth; thinking that they have nothing to add. Or perhaps they are pressed for time but want you to know they have been there. ❤

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Oh, Annette, you have so much to give and you are such a dear and “old” friend here on WordPress. Don’t underestimate what your words can do. Just remember how often I was happy to share your words in a guest quote. I think I understand you without reading a long comment. Also through your posts, I feel you. Does this make sense? Just feel free to write or don’t write whatever you feel like. Big hugs, dear Sister💖

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Erika, my answer to Hugh was….

Mmmm, but there is so many shades of grey, from the learner who smashes ‘likes’ like an addict…or…something that equals the silence of the lambs. But we must have them all, expectations of the many, for the many, from the many. Me…I started with those likes, grew more confident and actually said hello once or twice. A sentence occasionally, slowly building a style…until I realized I wasn’t being me. But that too grew until I realized I just needed to stand in my truth, that easy of easy style where we just give from the heart…not the mask of expectations we all wear. So my friend, they all shall indeed visit you, sometime, someplace…leave you barren or confused in their direction. And occasionally touch a place in us all so that we can be interested, even smile…and dare to post another day 😀❤️🙏

May we all still do something kind lady, share us in our many forms as we grow, and be free in expressing that growth 😀❤️🙏

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Maybe yes, it is a process to grow into it. And, Mark, you are exceptionally amazing in commenting. It is such a joy of reading your comments and having our discussions, and I never take this for granted.
I just noticed the opposite development. I would never expect it from anyone to leave a comment. I am just a little “surprised” why someone leaves a meaningless comment instead of none. As I said it to Beth. Some appear like they are in a hurry and feel obliged to leave anything.
I was just wondering how others see this. But I am so thankful for you and the many wonderful and inspiring people here. As we know, we all were meant to find each other. And even this observation has its effect 💖

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Indeed Erika, the ‘why’ of the cosmos has a great purpose in it all. Or we would all be sitting in a desert of lifelessness. These moments test us in so many ways, asking us to look.
Great post kind lady, it did indeed ask us to look within, the greatest dare of them all…and find a little more the greatest part of us all 😀❤️🙏

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I like it when my own posts reveal a message for me that I had not seen while writing and only take shape through the comments. It is only about appreciation and thoughtfulness. Thinking of the best I can do in my opinion and not trying to interpret the opinion of others. It is what it is, and what is teaches us… hopefully, if we look and listen.
And this all because of your words: “it did indeed ask us to look within, the greatest dare of them all…and find a little more the greatest part of us all”. Thank you from my heart for being here for and with us, Mark 💖

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And thank you for your lovely words kind lady. I think our many interactions are indeed what make us, those inner questions to defy those inner doubts. May it all free us until it no longer matters.
And because of that, and in the end…there is a big, beautiful field of flowers, a place of much peace and love between everything…I’ll meet you there to enjoy the freedom we have found 😀❤️🙏

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“… until it no longer matters…” Reaching alignment and enlightenment. I am longing to let go of that ego part that still pulls me back in its control. But I recognize it faster than before. However, that is the journey: breaking out into awareness. Looking forward to sharing this freedom and awareness with you, Mark!

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oh, I could not agree more with the two of you. maybe it’s changed over time, as people have become busier or are into blogging more for the numbers game of how many hits they’ll get back, but I’ve noticed it as well. when I hit ‘like’ it see it as kind of a calling card, to say I’ve stopped by, but the comments that are generic, sometimes give me pause, and I’m left wondering in the same way you are –

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I think the community from yesterday has really changed. Many bloggers left and those who are still with us, yes, the have probably become busier – including me. Life simply changes. Sometimes I think those who leave generic comments feel obliged to stop by and show it. Which is sad because everyone understands. I appreciate every like (thank you, Beth) just those comments make me ponder.

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Thank you very much for sharing Brenda’s and my post, Hugh. I am sure this makes even more aware of the fact that thoughtless comments are identified and not appreciated.

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