I might reconsider about your minds being connected to mine....or maybe to Pancholin's. Funny coincidence he asked for bloggers to manifest and it happens that the cave was Blog Blitzed yesterday. You guys keep surprising me with your wonderful kindnesses. Thank you all for your visit. I couldn't visit all of you back but I really appreciate your presence here. :D 
"Milin, you will be in charge of the Cave Tour", Sessin straightened Milin's back. "After welcoming visitors, you will warn them it is forbidden to enter the Cave with lethal weapons such as guns, blades, crossbows, spears and the most terrible of them all: Chocolate."
Milin nodded eagerly and took note on his pad.
"He who gets caught sneaking those terrible things into the Cave will suffer the death of a Million Cuts, executed by the Master's shredder Chihuahua Dog and the butchering Parrot."
Milin's eyes went wide. He shuddered but wrote everything down.
"Remind them no pictures allowed. Postcards will be available at the end of the tour at the souvenir store-" He frowned and scratched his head. "I didn't know we had a souvenir store. I'll have to ask dad where that is and who's taking care of the store if we're all supposed to be away in our ninja assignment."
A group of six dwarves interrupted them, passing by with wallpapers of the cave tour. Sessin grinned and pinched his cousin's cheeks. "Big smile all the time! Don't forget good service will bring you good tips."
Comments. Do you look back?
Alex J. Cavanaugh hosts the Insecure Writer's Support Group. The purpose is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! We post the first Wednesday of each month.
I spent two weeks thinking on the subject for this post. There is one matter that is eating me at the moment but my inner voice kept reminding me everyone would be in a rush, so if I couldn't explain it in one paragraph, it would be better to choose one simpler subject for this month. Well, I can't explain my dilemma in a paragraph so I bring forth a little doubt that doesn't need of a long exposition. It has been bugging me for a long time and your insight is gold to me. Not to mention it is relevant to the A to Z challenge (and it also fits today's letter!)
I'll appreciate if you take a minute to answer a few questions for me.
1.Do you return to the sites you have visited, looking for a reply to your comment? (I know it is practically impossible to return during the A to Z. My question is under normal conditions.)
2.If you do, how soon do you return to look for that reply?
3. If you don't, can you tell me why?
4. Would you rather receive the reply by mail so you don't have to return to the site or would you consider the courtesy corresponded by me just going and commenting on your site?
Thank you for your time!
I was out yesterday so I'm blitzing you today :) I usually only check back on comments if I've asked a question or if there is a good conversation I want to continue reading.
ReplyDeleteI like to check back in on comments and really enjoy when people come and comment on my blog as well. Like Sarah it depends on the comment I left. Sometimes I just enjoy someones blog so I look at it a lot and will check in from time to time on comments I have left to see if it went anywhere.
ReplyDeleteAlso here is your tip good dwarf loved the tour and no that chocolate wasn't mine.
Ooooh, tips for the dwarves! Thank you very much. You'll get a hot drink with a little umbrella on the top. :D
DeleteI wander about all over the place, visiting new and familiar blogs. I love getting comments and try to reply to everyone individually. Although I comment everywhere I go, I have a tendency to forget to subscribe so I never know when someone has continued a conversation. Lately I can't find any 'subscribe by email buttons' anyway so I've got no hope of knowing what went on *chuckle* I do have a list of blogs I want to read regularly so those ones will get more attention in the comment department. I'll be coming back to find out more about these stories, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI do like to go back and check on comments when I can and usually do within a day or two. Especially with bloggers who take the time to reply. If it's someone new and I don't 'know' very well, I'll check their old posts to see if they are the type of blogger that replies or not. But sometimes I forget to check, you know, life happens. (: Then there are some bloggers I know not to go back to check for replies because they never reply to comments. And then there are bloggers who have the most awesome commenters and I enjoy going back to their blog just to see what everyone had to say. So I guess for me, it really depends. But generally, I do like to go back and check on replies. And, I don't mind getting replies via email and sometimes I'll respond using email especially if I'm short on time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tour Father Dragon! I'll be sure to leave a tip and get my postcard. (:
Hahaha, Sessin will be amazed there were tips and we are just starting! You'll love the postcards at the end of the tour (by Z.) Thanks, Elise! :D
DeleteJust entered this awesome blog cave. I have roughly 1 year xp blogging and I am glad to have read this. Pre a-z challenge, I would look back if I just wanted to see how they are doing, especially if they are new. I usually don't check back if the discussion is 50+ comments. I would rather focus on supporting the people who are new and need the support. Anyway thats how I see it. Cheers
ReplyDeleteAloha,
ReplyDeleteNine times of ten, I never go back to check for a reply to my comment (this was the subject of one of my recent IWSG posts, too:)
I don't because I am (due to time restraints) a terrible commenter in the first place so going back to the same place twice would be a miracle :)
But the main reason is I'm fine, happy and content to leave the comment... I *never* expect the blog owner to reply. Seriously. :)
Happy C Day :)
I don't really go back at all (much), only to two or three...maybe four...*smile* anyway, great blog, awesome posts looking forward to the tour.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I go back, especially if I asked a question; but I'm hoping that the commenter will reply with an email. Does that make since? I usually wait a day or two to go back hoping for an email and if I haven't gotten one then I will visit again. Most of the time there is no answer either way.
ReplyDeleteLove the cave Al! I would like to visit sometime.
Dani @ Entertaining Interests
#warriorminion
If I had a question or suggestion or something I will return (unless I forgot to bookmark it). Sometimes there is a post that will lead to interesting responses so I come back for that too. I usually check back later in the day or the following day. What I started doing for my commenters is both. I respond on the post and for questions or help requests I email them too - because I know I have lost track of where I have left questions. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, and I love the cave shots!
Caves: I have been on few cave tours, very fascinating trips all of them! I was reminding my son that back when he was three we went on one and he kept trying to pet the little fuzzy bats because he thought they were cute.
ReplyDeleteComments: I always try to go back to pages where I have made comments, I also always try to respond to comments on my own blog too.
Keep up the great posts!
--
Tim Brannan
The Other Side and The Witch
Red Sonja: She-Devil with a Sword
The Freedom of Nonbelief
1.Do you return to the sites you have visited, looking for a reply to your comment? (I know it is practically impossible to return during the A to Z. My question is under normal conditions.)
ReplyDeleteNo... mainly not. In fact, I prefer to receive replied comments by e-mail. :-)
3. If you don't, can you tell me why?
I have too many blogs to get too and only a few hours a day to do it, so there isn't time to keep circling back.
4. Would you rather receive the reply by mail so you don't have to return to the site or would you consider the courtesy corresponded by me just going and commenting on your site?
I like mail replies, but I prefer return visits. Reason being that my first priority is to visit people who comment on my blog. If they don't odds are it'll be months before I can get back to them.
Loved the tour, btw. ;-)
I like to get the comments by email as I don't have time to come back, but I love it when someone visits me. I want to thank you for being my 100th follower yesterday. I was thrilled to bits. I love it when people visit and leave comments.
ReplyDeleteLoved the dragon cave tour, I think I will use one of your wallpapers. They are fun.
JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE
I can send a dwarf back to watch the gift store.
ReplyDeleteI visit so many blogs, I admit I rarely return after my initial visit unless I asked a specific question. I already receive a lot of emails, so I like it when the blogger leaves his answer in a comment on my site. I often do that as well.
Featured for A, Blitzed for B, IWSG for C - the Dragon Cave has been busy this week!
Have you ever been to the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico? I grew up in Texas and we used to go there a lot. Some of my favorite caves!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to take that tour! What an incredible home you have.
ReplyDeleteI do sometimes return especially if I asked a question I was really curious about.
To answer your questions:
ReplyDelete1,2,3. I try to reply at the latest by the next day - even during the A to Z, though this is my first time on the challenge (so much fun so far!!).
4. I am way too polite not to return the favor.
5. Whatever's easiest is okay by me. We're all overburdened by social media these days!
Love those pictures today!
I do return especially when I have asked a question and want to know the answer.
ReplyDeleteI want to swim in that thermal pool!
ReplyDeleteNow to your questions:
1.Yes!
2.some time that day.
4. I prefer a reply on the site.
Addendum to #4 On my own blog I reply to folks' comments with the reply button and I also try to go visit them at their blog. But I understand that some people are too busy to do both.
i am the worst... i try to remember to write something out there as a comment... sadly i am bad on responding to my own comments.
ReplyDeleteJeremy [Retro]
AtoZ Challenge Co-Host
Oh No, Let's Go... Crazy
Good morning, Al! This is my first time doing A-Z so I have been hammering out my process as I go. I definitely reply to and visit anyone who posts a comment. I am also bookmarking blogs that I think are fun, interesting or informative and will return to those throughout the month. I've been posting replies on blogs that are participating (I've noticed that there are links that are down, people who aren't doing an A-Z thing or maybe added their name to the list just to get traffic?) I skip those after the first visit. I notice that you have visited and commented at Citymusecountrymuse a few times now and we are so grateful for your time and support!
ReplyDeleteOh no, the Chihuahua shredding! I'll have to leave my sword and my chocolate at the door. Is their a sword and chocolate check area? Love the pictures of the Dragon Cave! It looks like a beautiful place to live.
ReplyDeleteOn the comments. It's odd but sometimes I check back and sometimes I don't. My life is hectic even when A to Z isn't running. I like comments by e-mail but I rarely ever do that and I feel bad about it sometimes . . . I thought about commenting to you that way a few times and just never did it. (sorry) My preference - come visit my blog, and I'll visit yours and if comments are answered, great, if not . . .it's ok. And after being blitzed I think we all understand that you aren't going to personally get to everyone even with an army of dwarves at your bidding.
Afraid I simply couldn't visit without chocolate.
ReplyDeleteWith respect to comments:
It depends. Sometimes my comments are such that no reply is really necessary. Sometimes I wonder what you thought about that or if you had something to add, so I do return. I usually give it about a day. I always appreciate a return visit and that's what I normally try to do when someone visits my pace.
Love the postcards! As for IWSG - depends on the comment I leave or how much the post touched on my heartstrings. I do subscribe by email - with A - Z, there are so many comments, it's definitely hard to keep up. Also, with the amount of blogs I try to frequent these days, even when it's not A - Z, it's hard to keep up sometimes. Then there are life moments and computer glitches to contend with...we do what we can. At the end of the day, knowing we did that should be enough. Best of the day to you, kind sir:)
ReplyDeleteI love the cave postcards! Thanks for the tour. As far as comments, I almost never go back and check for replies. I always reply to any comments I get but I really find it too hard to go back and check to see if someone has replied to me.
ReplyDeleteNice photos! I moved to Cantabria, Spain, last year and got back into caving after a 15 year lull. There are some amazing caves in this region! Everything from little holes you have to worm your way through to giant galleries as big as airplane hangers.
ReplyDeleteOo! I love the cave!
ReplyDelete(But I'm biased, because there's a special cave in my current WIP. :)
1.Do you return to the sites you have visited, looking for a reply to your comment?
Not usually.
2.If you do, how soon do you return to look for that reply?
Usually the same day. If it's a post/conversation of real interest, I'll subscribe to the comments. But, like I said, this is rare.
3. If you don't, can you tell me why?
Honestly, I just don't have time. I do well to make the rounds the first time.
4. Would you rather receive the reply by mail so you don't have to return to the site or would you consider the courtesy corresponded by me just going and commenting on your site?
I'm happy to get either.
I wish more bloggers would turn off the 'no-reply' so responding by email was an option.
I'm suddenly very concerned about chocolate and butchering parrots!
ReplyDeleteI sometimes go back to a comments section to see if a comment was replied to. Of course today I did that and saw that the blog owner had opted to not even publish the comment, which is kind of insulting. Keep that in mind, folks.
You may leave chocolate outside and you'll be safe. About deleted comments, it happened to me too and yes, it hurt my dragon sensibilities. Some people are a bit too paranoid.
Delete1.I try to return to sites. I always visit those who post on my blog. And I try to remember to bookmark all the ones I find interesting. For those who I *really* like, those I've befriended, I subscribe via email.
ReplyDelete2. I give a day usually. Most usually don't require a response...and most people I've noticed, don't respond. Not sure if it's customary to respond to every single comment made...as I'm horrible at doing so. But I try to respond some, to thank everyone for commenting at the very least.
3. I usually have too much going on in my life, and tend to forget. Maybe it's an age thing, maybe it's OOooo Squirrel!
4. I like both ideas :)
Jamie Dement (LadyJai)
http://writebackwards.we3dements.com
All caves hold special interest, but especially those inhabited by dragons, so this is a perfect post for me.
ReplyDeleteAs to the questions about blogging strategy: I take replies in email, so I often don't return to a blog for a reply. I do sometimes when I'm not up to my pointy ears in A-Z posts. I do like the threaded system and I have it on my blog now for this month. Still I answer most comments in email.
Trying to catch up with my blog hopping. If I had bigger feet it might help--you know Briar Rabbit feet. See you all of April!
ooh i love those cave pictures. so magical!
ReplyDeleteAs for comments--I always try to return visits made by folks on my blog and I leave comments on theirs. Certainly helps make the bloggy friendship flourish!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
I love caving. I did the Actun Munknil Tunicil cave in Belize. It was inexplicably amazing! And I was supposed to comment on your blog yesterday for the blog blitz. I'm sorry I'm late, but congratulations and well done!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit caves.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your questions:
1.Do you return to the sites you have visited, looking for a reply to your comment? (I know it is practically impossible to return during the A to Z. My question is under normal conditions.) Not all of the blogs I visit but if the topic has piqued my interest I will go back.
2.If you do, how soon do you return to look for that reply? If I see the person criss crossing across the blogosphere, I'll check back before I log off. If not, later that day or the next day.
3. If you don't, can you tell me why? The post may not have been something I wanted feedback on.
4. Would you rather receive the reply by mail so you don't have to return to the site or would you consider the courtesy corresponded by me just going and commenting on your site? No, no more email!!
Elsie
IWSG co-host
Love those cave pics, Al. Some great shots there :)
ReplyDeleteIf I see that someone replies to comments (not all do, and that's totally fine), I'll go back..usually later in the day..to see if they've replied. If not, no biggie.
Hope that helped!
I try to remember to check yesterday's post when I check in on today's post. I don't always remember, but I do try.
ReplyDeleteGuns, knives, and chocolate??? I am hypoglycemic so I suppose I am more likely to die by sugar than either a gun or knife. Hahahaha. Too funny.
We have honey candies, they are yummy! :D
DeleteI typically don't look back after leaving a comment, unless I asked a question. Mainly, I appreciate it when people comment on my blog, but that's by no means required.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures of the cave--glad I took the chocolate out of my pockets first! :)
Thanks for stopping by at Tales Of The Reborn Crafter
ReplyDeleteI love love love the cave pictures. I live near Howes Caverns and have gone there a number of times. It never gets old.
You have been BLITZED today.
ReplyDeleteOn the question, I do visit the blogs of each of my commenter and leave a comment on their latest post. If they have taken the time to read our post, it is only fair to return the goodwill, I feel. Cheers!!
Destination Infinity
Nice cave photos. What's the real cave(s)?
ReplyDeleteIt's a combination of many. The blue cave, the crystal cave, the fairy pool in the crystal cave, I think. Not sure.
DeleteTo Dwarf Milin...I am unarmed, here's my snickers wrapper, my perfume is OoooLaChiWawa, no need for a camera..I have a photographic memory, I'd like to buy a Dragon Cave Tshirt, and I'm a generous Tipper..wink!
ReplyDeleteThis cave is beyond comparison...I've been to Carlsbad Caverns. The tour guide is most efficent...checked off list at every turn. I'll be back for your REPLY as I see you have that option activated...I usually check back if it is an option...same day. Otherwise, I appreciate a return visit to my blog...thanks for yours yesterday.
I am now 'Dragon Friendly'...Please tell Sessin how much I enjoyed the tour.
Sue~CollectInTexasGal
AtoZ LoneStar Quilting Bee
Welcome to the Dragon Cave, Sue! You are the star tourist type. Dwarves will be grateful. (And now that you mention, I'll have to make sure they check off the list at every turn. Mostly after the Treasure Chamber.) :D I am still smiling about the razor wound.
DeleteI return, have had some interesting conversations back and forth. I've also posted long comments, meant to return and couldn't remember where it was I posted. (age related I think ;))
ReplyDeleteI've also posted returned and found no response, it goes in cycles, circles and I chalk it up to life on the 'net'.
Love the cave pictures, am very claustrophobic, but if large enough, would do well.
My deepest apologies for not posting yesterday during the blog blitz! I was out wandering the neighborhood, looking for victims, uh, I mean clients!
Double blitz from Yolanda, checked! :D Better late than never, I say. ;)
DeleteAwesome pictures. I've been considering that Insecure Writer's Group for some time now...
ReplyDeleteThe comment issue is one that definitely deserves attention. I don't always return to check because I don't often remember to. Responses by email are good.
I usually try to respond to each commenter on my blog. OR I go comment on their page. I realize that if I have a hard time remembering who I commented on, chances are others will, too. So when I reply to a comment on my page, I never respond with anything extraordinarily important... I save that for their blog.
What a stunning cave! It's very you, Al. That's meant in a good way.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't check back on my comments unless I asked a question that I really want the answer too. Mostly I consider a reply a return visit. If someone asks me a question, I usually reply by email since they have to leave their addy to comment in the first place.
Well, those are some good questions.
ReplyDeleteI know some people respond to comments. If I asked a question or made a suggestion I might go back to look for a response. I don't need it by email. If it was important I would have emailed in the first place.
Hope that helps.
These cave pictures are amazing.
And don't worry, I ate all the chocolate.
HMG
A beautiful cave. Wow. Though, I guess I must empty my pockets of chocolate.
ReplyDeleteI rarely return to the sites where I've left comments to see if there's a reply unless I asked something important. It would be nice if the host emailed the reply if it's an answer to a question or they had a question or a funny comment in return.
Your cave is beautiful. I want a tour.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a lot of time online, so I only go back to read responses once in a while. I'm not crazy about email replies, as I already get 200-300 emails a day.
I do like to return to the sites to see replies, especially if I believe I wrote something more than just your generic comment. When I don't, it's usually because I forgot what blog I left the comment on. For that reason, emails are good.
ReplyDeleteOh, I forgot to comment on your cave tour. It was wonderful. I see you left out the directions to it. Are people blindfolded before getting to the main chamber entrance? It seems like there's lots of treasure, beauty and privacy to be protected. Not everyone who will happen across your blog are us wonderful bloggers.
DeleteYou know, I had not think of that. Too bad I don't know the Confundus spell, hahaha, so yeah, I'll have to give instructions for security matters. Thanks for the reminder! And for the ice-cream! *smooches* I'm still elated because of that.
DeleteAny time! My job is to serve. :)
DeleteI usually try to go back to the sites I comment on, if I can find the link (sometimes I lose track of them, if I've run across the link in Twitter). Sometimes I go back, too, to see what other people have said in general. It's usually later in the evening, since I tend to post comments early in the morning.
ReplyDeleteCave pictures are beautiful! I've been locally to Luray and Shenandoah (bacon!).
I don't go back to the sites. I lose track :) For myself ... I like to email the person directly. I wrote you an email after you commented on my blog. So glad that you stopped by and commented. I hope this helps you.
ReplyDeleteI return if I can, and if I can remember where I went easily. I return that evening or the next day when I'm reading again. I like replies on the site.
ReplyDeleteI am anxious for the tour to start. I took the chocolate out of my purse and back in the cupboard. it was just a bit to tide me over in case the tour got long, but I hate being shredded, so I'll bring jelly beans instead.
I try to respond to a comment on my blog as well as check out sites of people who like or comment on mine. However, I seem to not be able to find the blog link for some people so I may not get to their website or blog.
ReplyDeleteDenise at Organization and Inspiration for Fellow Writers, participant of A to Z Blogging Challenge
You don't do patdowns or check pockets, do you? *hides the chocolate contraband deep in jacket pocket*
ReplyDeleteI love the photos of your cave!
As for blog comments, I do always check back. Normally, I'll hit the subscribe button to get the comments back by email because I do think it's a two-way conversation. Some people don't respond to the comments and that's ok too, but I generally know which ones will - like you. :)
I have a heightened sense of smell, hahaha. Just wait for the postcard pics at the end of the tour. They'll be great (or that's what I hope as some dwarf should be working on them, but I am not sure who.)
DeleteThanks, Laura!
I'm sorry Al, I'm on blogger break and totally forgot about yesterday :( I even saved the date in my e-mail and forgot to check. Where are those dwarf minions when I need them.
ReplyDeleteHowever, your post today intrigues me, and I'd like to answer your questions (I forgot it was IWSG day also).
1, 2 and 3: Sometimes I return. Depends on whether my comment requires a reply or not; and, how "familiar" I am with the blog author. Another reason I'll not return is because I've been culling through my Google Reader (now Feedly) or participated in some special event (like IWSG or other blog hop) and I don't remember every blog I visited (I ALWAYS comment if I visit). So I only return if I usually exchange banter with a blogger, left a question, or left a funny joke or referral and want to see the blog author's reaction. My return time also depends on how important the response is (if I'm expecting one), and when/if I remember I left a comment hanging.
3. There are some reasons not included in the above general blog commenting not covered. If I visit a blog over a couple months (I can be inconsistent) and I never see a reply/response comment (to me or anyone) I'll assume the blogger responds by e-mail. If I never get an e-mail and the blogger never leaves a comment on any of my posts either; I'll mostly stop visiting (no matter how popular the blogger in the community). I'm very quick to drop a blogger if they have comment moderation on and I see my comment posted eventually, but there is no response (sometimes I'll deliberately ask a question to be answered so the bloggers should make a response out of politeness) either in the comments, by e-mail, or in one of my recent posts. No need to waste my blog love on someone who doesn't reciprocate in even the meagerest amount. I'll also not return to see a reply if I know the blogger is selective in who they respond to or return a blog visit (exception: industry professionals). These are drastic circumstances, and will likely have me not visiting the blog at all, let alone not comment or return to see a response to my comment.
4. I actually hate to see my e-mail cluttered up with responses like "thanks for visiting." Not all blog posts require a more indepth comment than that. Why waste the blogger's time with several personal "thank you" when a simple response from the blog author of "thanks everyone for reading/commenting" will do for something requiring "congrats" or "I liked this post" or other such mundane comments that show the post was read.
However; I follow blogs publicly, and allow access to my e-mail and blog even in the comments, so that a fellow blogger may follow/respond/comment in any way that is comfortable to them. I respond to comments in the comment section, and I expect if a blogger needs a specific answer, they will check back for the response or leave an e-mail address for a more private response. There are times I leave an overall "thanks everyone" comment when every comment is the same; but I like to let other bloggers know that their comment is read and I haven't skipped anyone. Unless the commenter was rude, then I'm likely to just delete the comment entirely as if it did not exist - luckily I've had very few of those.
So, if you don't respond to my comments either in the comments or by e-mail because they are generic, then at least visit my blog once in a while (ok at least once a month) and leave a comment. I'll know you reciprocate my blog love. Otherwise, I feel it is up to the commenter to return for a response if they really want one
5. I know, you have no question 5. I just wanted you to know I will return to see a response on this post, even if it is a generic "thanks Donna." But shhh - I'm on blog break and not visiting blogs - except the blog blitz, which I totally missed . .
.....dhole
Yeah, what Donna said...
DeleteI understand perfectly your reasons and preferences. I think in many ways, they are similar to mine. I think number 3 and 4 are extremely enlightening even about my own reasons why I would (or even have) stopped visiting a certain site. Thank you for taking the time of such a detailed answer and I certainly will keep it in mind, not just for you, but for all other bloggers. It is only natural one would expect the devotion corresponded somehow. One would understand maybe daily visits are not possible, but your request is not that demanding, (nor mine, really.) And since we are all full of activities, it's only right that the time one may devote in surfing and commenting is distributed among those bloggers that are regulars in our own site. :D (And don't worry, your discrete dropping by will stay between us. :))
DeleteAwesome :) I enjoyed the cave tour, and sending kisses (not chocolate ones) to you and your awesome minions. Good luck with the A-Z challenge Master.
Delete......dhole
I forgot to ask why no chocolate. I love chocolate.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to say, if you need to improve your English you should try Rosetta Stone, I think they are a fabulous language learning system.
JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE
Hi Jo, I can't stand chocolate. It got me badly sick when I was little and it makes me nauseous ever since, even the smell of it comes out to be disgusting to me. I literally flee from chocolate stores like vampires from garlic.
Delete1.Do you return to the sites you have visited, looking for a reply to your comment? --Yes. I save a link in Windows Explorer.
ReplyDelete2.If you do, how soon do you return to look for that reply?
--Usually within 24 hours or when I next visit the site.
3. If you don't, can you tell me why?
--n/a
4. Would you rather receive the reply by mail so you don't have to return to the site or would you consider the courtesy corresponded by me just going and commenting on your site?
--I don't prefer email unless the reply contains information best left off the blog. I understand it's more personal, but I get so much email that requires attention that I'm afraid it'll get lost. But better an email reply than no reply--when a reply is warranted, that is.
I do sometimes return to a blog to check for a reply, especially if I've asked a question. I don't return to bloggers who don't respond or only respond erratically. This doesn't bother me, and I don't hold it against them if they don't respond to my comments. Time is short for everyone. When I do return, it's usually a day later--I'm rarely faster than that.
ReplyDeleteIf I've left a comment that could call for an answer, I always go back. Otherwise, it depends on how crammed I am for time. Sometimes I check the next time I'm visiting that blog. (I usually visit on the same M-W-F that I post on.)
ReplyDeleteI used to check the little box for e-mail notifications but I got an e-mail for every comment made on each blog after I visited it and it was just too much email.
I also only go back if I've asked a question, or if it's on a really funny subject, and I want to check the bloggers reactions. If I had the choice between commenting on my comment or visiting my blog, I'd much prefer the visit.
ReplyDeleteJulie
I almost always return, but not until sufficient time has passed that allows for a reply, usually the next day. I've sort of learned who replies quickly and who needs a little more time. I've also learned that there are blog authors who never comment back, but will visit my blog. I like to comment back and visit, but sometimes don't get around to visit. I do need to get better at that. Again...time!
ReplyDeleteAt my blog, I usually post and get busy doing other things, because, let's face it, there's a lot more to do in this biz other than the blogging aspect of it. I get email notifications that someone has commented, and I usually let a few of those build up before returning to reply. With the way things are, I simply don't have the time to keep running back with each comment, not that I get a slew of comments. I try to be a writer first, a blogger second. If I never spend time writing and then all the subsequent work it takes to finally see it through to publication, then I'll forever remain a blogger.
I only sign up to receive the reply through email if I've visited a lot of blogs (like on IWSG day or another fest), or if I've asked a pertinent question that I don't want to forget about.
And then...what people don't seem to understand...is that we're all humans, with human frailties and all the problems that come with life. Remember my PBC post? Man, that really has me in quite a funk and has created its own share of problems. I'm very depressed about it, so writing has been difficult, inspiration hard to find, and visiting sporadic. Add to it this pneumonia and it's like the perfect storm.
Speaking of which, another thing we forget to realize is that things happen beyond our control. For instance, yesterday we had a storm that knocked out the power about midway through the day. I was only able to visit a couple of blogs before it happened, and it wasn't restored until after midnight.
And lastly...I really like your blog. You post quite often, so I'm not able to visit with each one. Writer Unboxed is an excellent site (my fave of the big ones) with some great articles, but they also post daily and I just can't go every day. So please, never take it personally, because it's not meant that way.
I also plan to visit everyone's PBC post for Save the Cat! I haven't forgotten and I graciously ask for a little understanding about the chaos happening right now.
I try to treat the blogging world like real life, as much as I can. I realize that people have "other lives." I also realize that they get sick and problems in life happen. How often do you feel like visiting people in real life when you have a fever and stuffy head? If your life is consumed with other projects, how readily are you willing to put them on hold to go say hi to someone? Plus, I don't really like to moan and groan to friends all the time...it wears on a friendship. My post was quite unusual in the respect that I put some of that out there.
When there are issues like that, I tend to retreat and address them until solved, doing the bare necessities of my other things because my main focus has now become the problem. Priorities shift.
This was a great post!
My friend, just this morning I was thinking about you so much that I thought I would write you a note to ask how were you doing and here I found a comment.
DeleteI am sorry to hear about your pneumonia. I had pneumonia about three weeks ago and it was nasty. I feel you there but I also think it was only natural after all the pressure you've been through and the extreme exhaustion you were experimenting already with your mom and your whole situation. Your defenses must have been already underground levels.
Don't you ever worry about the visits with me, Mike. I know perfectly well the kind of serious stuff you're dealing with and I would never take offense if you don't come often. On the contrary. It should be me dropping a note from time to time to know how are you doing or at least send you words of support.
Please do take care of yourself. I am still praying for you.
My best!
Al
Dragon love...there is no better kind. Thanks for yours.
DeleteAnd thanks for letting me know about April's PBC. We'll see you for another. By the way...do me a favor and put some suggestions for books you already have and would like to do with the PBC in the PBC Suggestion tab.
I think that for May, we'll do a book by John Vorhaus called, How to Write Good. He's a contributor to Writer Unboxed, and his book is only $5.99 ($4.99 on Kindle).
Now...put those giant wings around me and give me a hug. :o)
Hahaha, consider yourself hugged!
DeleteBeautiful caves. I'd like to visit caves since I've never been in one.
ReplyDeleteI bookmark a blog page and check back in a few days to see if the author replied. I don't mind email replies. No reply at all is fine, too, since many bloggers reciprocate with comments.
I hardly ever go back to sites I've left a comment on, but occasionally I have been known to if I remember the comment & am curious about an answer. Also I prefer not to get emails back from people or have to follow via email, cause I get enough email each day as it is. ;) Still it is useful, I'll admit, to get an email notification of a response to my comments. I guess it's a catch 22 for me ;)
ReplyDelete