Fear, judgement, jealousy and pride are just a few of the emotions that can come creeping in as I float through blog-land. As much as try to I fight it, avoid it and pray against it, I have to be honest and admit that sometimes it is there - very real - lurking it's ugly head. One of the biggest stumbling blocks for me is: FOLLOWERS. I don't have a lot. (Yes, I know I am new at this and it takes a while.) I get so easily discouraged when I see others with over a thousand followers or 20+ comments on a post. It's foolish I know, but it's a struggle I wanted to keep in the dark.
I have felt God leading me to be honest in this area and be proud of what I am doing on this little blog of mine.... Be proud of the followers I have. (I am SO very grateful for each and every follower and viewer/reader that has stopped by Pure and Noble. - It's an honor to write this blog, to hear from you and to know that you stop by to read what I have to say. Thank you.) So, I am bringing this struggle into the light and removing the fear I have of everyone knowing I'm a newbie at this. I have to remind myself daily that this blog is not a popularity contest. Pure and Noble is my outlet - my way to honor my Creator.
From this point forward I will proudly and humbly share my followers list. Thanks dear followers. You may be few, but you are cherished. xo
Hi Brooke! I get it. I subscribe through Google Reader and pop in every time you post. And just so you know, you might have more people stopping by than you realize. I do find that even though people read, they don't often comment. Another way to track how many people are visiting is through Google Analytics. You can get a code to embed in your blog and it will track how much traffic you are getting. You can check the graphs and maps and find out all sorts of interesting things...
ReplyDeleteHey - I'm a subscriber too! And I know how you feel. It's easy to feel like you're a lone voice out there in Blogland but gina is right - if you use something like Statcounter, it will show you the # of visits per day, which pages, how often etc.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps!
Hey, I stop by a few times a week and I'm in Toronto. (heard about it through bkids). I've been thinking of blogging for well over a year now, and I know how we can sucked up in fear. I really enjoy your blog, I think you have a great style. Keep up the great work.
ReplyDeletemargie
Hi there!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even realize I wasn't a follower... since I have you added to my feedly stream! So, I am proud to be number 9!
I kind of think it's funny, the term "follower". I never wanted to be a go with the crowd type my whole life, and here are all these sites that I pledge allegiance to under that name. I know it's not a religion, following a site, but more of a agreement with the content. I fully agree and support your content, and all of your efforts - keep up the good work!
(Oh, and I use a SiteMeter counter on my blog...easy to install like Gina and Grapefruit said!)
i think i could have written this post.
ReplyDeleteFYI - I read you everyday!! I just don't comment, it's an old person thing. :) (i.e I couldn't even figure out how to get my name on this thing!!!!)
ReplyDeleteLove you! MomB
I hear ya girl...I can get discouraged when I don't get any responses on my posts as well! You are a much more faithful poster than I am, so I'm sure that helps! Keep posting. I love the creative ideas. And find your significance in following Him, not others following you! :)
ReplyDeleteYou guys are so sweet! Thank you for your love and support! xo
ReplyDeleteOh wow Brooke- I was just thinking these thoughts the other day! I guess no matter what we do, we always need a little encouragement or to see some measure of our success. And just so you know, I am not a follower here but am subscribed on my google reader. I have almost 50 blogs on there but there are only a handful I read faithfully, and this is one of them. I just looked it up on there and it shows that you have 69 subscribers there! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI was actually going to write you the other day and say how much I have been enjoying your posts lately, you can tell you have put a lot of work into them. :) All the best, Lisa.
you are the BEST. plus, yes...you probably have more people reading than you think. :) you are fabulous! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI "follow" you through Google Reader - and make sure I catch every post!
ReplyDelete:DDDDD I love this post and I have to admit that I too tempting at times the dark side hahaha
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm not a follower, but I am subscribed through bloglines.
Hugs from Spain
meni ^-^
i found your blog recently and have been following you through google reader. i often get very encouraged by your faith and love to the Lord. keep up with those wonderful postings!! :)
ReplyDeleteangela (of san francisco)
Just officially became a follower, but you know your're one of my daily reads, although last week I wasn't able to follow or comment as I normally do 'cause of all the winter bugs hitting my house.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a great blog, interesting, pretty, creative, warm and witty. Keep it up.
Engracia
xx
I feel the same as you, and as Nicole said, I could have written this post as well. For me is even more of a strugle as I write (and am)in Portuguese... Also, my blog is 2 years old and I have only 8 followers. But I am SO proud of them:)
ReplyDeleteKisses
I love your blog,
Isa
Oh Brooke, I understand how you feel! I have been a follower for quite a while now, and visit your every post. I love what you write although I don't always comment. Keep your beautiful posts coming, I really enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteI am very humbled. Thank you all for your very kind words. It is good to know that I am not alone in my crazy thoughts. xo
ReplyDeletei am in Sydney Australia and i check in daily too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Another "check daily, never commenter", here! I have your blog of my 'Favorites Bar' with Ohdeedoh, Bloesem Kids and Meg at Whatever. Sorry for not commenting and showin' the love!
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to start a blog for a while now so that I can chronicle our life for future posterity. I am horrible with keeping up with my kids' journals. I also need a creative outlet. A homeschooling Mom of 3 kids...boy, do I ever need an outlet! I have suppressed my desire because I know I'd do the same, measure my self-worth by my blog. A blog is making yourself completely transparent to the world and people aren't always so nice. If I received lack of comments or harsh comments, I'd feel rejected. I am obviously still working on measuring my value by looking UP instead of around!
I love your blog and only wish you were closer to me here in ole Virginny! We'd be fast friends, for sure!
love-love-love your blog! this post is honest and to the point. I remember feeling resentment to all the "perfect" mothers out there... Till I realised, we all need an outlet, a way to remember the beautiful. Keep on!
ReplyDelete