I have been thinking about this word ever since Tracy was sweet enough to pass on the Karma Award to me. A generous blogger shares ideas, doesn't look for fame or fortune. Some have the skills to post videos. Many offer generous giveaways in the form of contests or blog candy, or random drawings.Is this the only way to be generous in the blogosphere? I think not, and though I love to share my ideas and often give my stuff away, I think I have been as guilty as many others in one very important area. Which is the reason for this posting. You know I normally just upload a photo of a project and give some information about how/why it was made and credit to the stamp company/collage image creator, etc. This kind of post is different for me, but I hope you will continue reading.
How can I be more generous? Every day I receive updates in my mailbox from feedblitz. Usually over 20 at a time. I scroll through quickly, read the posts and move on. Useful, a good time saver, but when I don't actually go to the blogs I miss the opportunity to show a truly generous and grateful spirit. I miss the chance to leave a comment.
I am not speaking for everyone, but talking to other bloggers I know I speak for many when I say how much comments mean to us. It makes us feel like we're not talking to ourselves (not always a bad thing; I do it all the time), and that we have, however briefly, touched someone out there.
How many times have I read an amazing blog post and did not take the time to let that blogger know it was amazing to me?
I know, I know, you're busy. We all are. But my vow is to improve myself on this score. If something I read informs me, touches me, tickles me, inspires me, even annoys me, it's all good. It means it made me think and/or feel. So I will acknowledge that posting with a comment. I will take the time. I will let someone know I value what was written. I will let someone know someone was out there listening.
How about you?
8 comments:
what a wonderful post..I too am guilty of not commenting most of the time,and know the feeling of seeing no comments on my own blog(s).
If I feel I don't have time to comment, then why should I hold others to a different standard??
You made me think today, Eileen....and I should try to put forth the effort of commenting- I enjoy the sharing that goes on in blog land, so why shouldn't I let others know just how much!
Karen
Eileen, thank you so much for the karma award, which I will acknowledge shortly. Also, I totally agree with your post. I try to go through my blog friends as often as possible to read and comment because I know how much the comments mean to me. I can't always do this, (how many of us can do this all the time?) but it's nice to try when we can. So sweet of you to mention that. and finally, I LOVE your paper dolls. Was it a kit or something? I want to make them!! I always get such great ideas from you!
Oh I so agree. I LOVE my blog, but I wish more people who were important in my life would read it, you know like my family!! :::sigh::: But I treasure my fellow ARTists who stop by. It's so nice to hear that someone is listening!! I share my ART not for profit but because it is in my soul. Thanks Eileen ....you said it so well!! :)
I so agree with your girl!!! I love receiving comments and I do try to stop and give them when I view ARTists beautiful creations!!!! Thanks so much for the reminder!!! Have a very blessed Saturday!!
I, too agree with your sentiments. And to prove it, I'm leaving you a note. Even better, I'm going to follow your site because you have such beautiful work posted here. Such inspiration for me....
I hear ya! It's no fun talking to ourselves, is it? I personally love to leave comments.
Have a good one!
Linda Cain
I'm not at a point where I can't respond to those who leave a comment on my blog posts. I acknowledge each and every one.
I know how much time and effort goes into posting. I have a "day job" and am raising a 17 year old manchild by myself. People always ask me how do I "do it all". Well, I DON'T! You should see my work space at home, my bedroom - yikes!, my garage - another yikes!
But that's "ok", I believe that art and people are more important than ALL of those mundane tasks. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it! LOL
If it wasn't for art . . . well, like the name of your blog, ART SAVES LIVES, right? *smiles*
Oh dear, you have guilted me into leaving a comment!! I started browsing your older posts after taking a gander at those great grunge flowers and now feel I should let you know I stopped by!!
You are so right, I am always reminding myself when I pop back to my blog and see '0 comments' that maybe other people have as little time as I do!! But the positive feelings I get from knowing I have connected with someone, however briefly is as you say, something we should all take time to pass on.
Thanks for the reminder - will try harder!!
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