Blog, Blogging

The Situations of Blogging-Likes and Dislikes

Blogs are not being read seriously and even ignored most of the time, as they are squeezed between mountains of blogs; they consist of procrastinated thoughts, ‘me, myself, and I’, and random thoughts. They fail to offer any new information and elicit any comment(s) to discuss them further.

Liking vs. Reading

There is a difference between a ‘like’ and the sincere effort to read the content (blog) with interest. Yes, there is a conflict- between the mundane content (available abundantly and the informative/creative blogs that hold you little longer than intended) and the collated information dumped on the blogging platform. The original content is becoming controversial and if they are a little lengthy, the readers’ turn away from them without a second thought (why spare a second thought on something original; they probably won’t be as interesting as the cliches).

Pictures vs. Content

Now that the digital and social media pundits are advocating the use of images, pictures, infographics along with any type of content, it has become ubiquitous. Well, if the images really complement the content, then it can be attached, but it is not a sacred decree. Most of the time, the images overpower/shadow the content; a weak content becomes weaker. The combination of a fabulously creative image with weak content is a letdown. It’s not justified and a waste of digital space.

Infographics are essential for business blogs to explain processes and highlight the important aspects of their strategies. They have an audience in mind, and infographics make it less time consuming to comprehend the subject matter. But if the content of a business blog is insipid and full of industry jargon or written by novices in a casual manner, the entire purpose of a formal business blog disintegrates.

Blog and Content

Even a single line or a quote can be considered a worthy blog if they have the right content and idea to engage with readers and generate interest. The primary idea is to create interest and hold on to it with a smooth momentum (exchange of ideas between the writer and reader).

Any content cannot become a blog, especially, if they are remodified content, plagiarized content, and personal random thoughts. The idea is to develop new content, with individual ideas and create a blog that is unique. Being content with someone else’s content is self-defeating. Let’s honestly respect the blogging platform! 

Following a Blog to Increase Followers

Yes, there are many bloggers who like numbers (the number of likes and the followers’ count). It takes effort (social media- many platforms, registering the blog to forums and promotions, endlessly), A blog without credible, well-researched content, promoted tirelessly, is a futile effort. The euphoria lasts briefly!

When you gain followers, engage with them. Visit their website. read the content, try to understand their genre of writing. There are many bloggers here who believe in ‘like’ for a ‘like’ (as if returning the favour). Many ignore the followed blogs for different reasons-

  • They do not have an interest in the type of content
  • Do not agree with their perspective and likes to remain passive
  • They like the content, but decide, that it is too ‘strong’, for they can break stereotypes
  • Too negative and unnecessary personal details on a public domain
  • Bored with literary content
  • Apprehensions about initiating a conversation
  • Irregular or ‘Missing in Action’ from their blog
  • They are not attracted to a content-heavy blog
  • Images and Memes attract them often
  • More attuned to the social-media culture

Running out of Ideas

It is not easy to come up with fresh ideas regularly for a blog post at the same pace. There will be lean periods and moments of frustrations due to lack of ideas. Blogging will feel laborious and these moments will occur frequently if you do not read; read books, journals, fiction, non-fiction, articles, and take interest in bloggers who present well-researched content. As a blogger, you cannot live in an insular world. 

I do not believe in ‘Writer’s Block’! I do not discourage readers’ with the philosophy of such a kind. One has to be self-motivated and seek relentlessly for new ideas. It depends on enthusiasm and interest; also; the creative abilities help craft beautiful content even from a speck of an idea. Ideas are everywhere, mostly in your head; discuss, argue and boldly come up with your individual perceptions. Understanding different cultures, reading various types of literature also open up the mind to new directions.

~Amitav

50 thoughts on “The Situations of Blogging-Likes and Dislikes”

  1. I’m just now reading this and I agree about the lack of attention to content and engagement. Perhaps it is due to the format.

    ‘Readers—people who like to read–will read anything in print, or so it seems. At least that’s what they say judging by the memes they post on social media about going to heaven and being plopped down into a pile of used books, decorating their rooms with books, and the like.

    However, it seems that when we start looking at a computer or smart phone screen, we default to scanning only. I know that I am particularly sensitive to being overwhelmed by long paragraphs and will tend to bolt when there are not headings, pull quotes, and the like. In other words, the more social media we consume, the ADD we seem to display.

    Many times I have nearly given up on writing altogether. I write non-fiction, and most of it consists of short stories and thematic essays—the majority of which is humorous. It doesn’t start out that way, but it seemingly always ends that way. My mind channels an Erma Bombeck or Dave Barry kind of observational style. Despite being urged on by friends who say ‘you should write’ and despite the fact that ‘it’s in me’ to do so, it does appear that my ‘gift’ [if one believes in that] is a bit misplaced. Essentially no one visits the blog and read my content. They MAY read something in Reader but they do not pop over to the blog and spend time there.

    Being a newbie here [and on Twitter], I know that I find it hard to search for the kind of content I’m looking for. Granted, it may be because I’m over the hill, but I think there should/could be better taxonomy or way indexing to allow a person to browse for content they might enjoy.

    In other words, if you don’t know the right keywords to search for, chances are that you’ll miss out entirely on talented folks who may be sitting right here in Reader. I wish there was a way to assign styles and genres and be presented with ‘You might also like’ options. Maybe that’s what the “More On WordPress’ is supposed to be ….

    Again, I include here the caveat that my statements may be being made out of ignorance and the fact that I am still rather uninitiated.

    All in all, I love the WordPress blogging platform, but Reader is a bit of a disappointment in my opinion.

    Thanks for the great article.
    Reign

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I cannot deny anything that you have written in this comment. I feel WordPress started out to be a serious platform for the serious writers of any genre. It still is, but that space is rapidly giving away to the pressures of the social media type of posts, The inability to read anything more beyond the ‘literal’ can also be a cause that people stay away from any ‘long reads’.

      I primarily write poetry and other creative and philosophy related topics but that being too literal and not being able to perceive the metaphorical narrative that holds the piece usually disintegrates in front of them. Probably, that’s the reason, ‘long reads’, non-fiction, serious literary piece, poetry, philosophy, humour, short stories and articles related to Art and Culture are not preferred. As they have, quite naturally historical, psychological, and philosophical mentions spread across to hold the narrative.

      t is said, ‘read, read, and read’, but a reader should also identify the right kind of literature, and one has to have that keen eye. It probably has to be initiated at an early age where creativity, observation, and the interest in humanities, and classical literature are recommended for reading and discussion.

      I do not agree with your statement, “Granted, it may be because I’m over the hill…” To me, a writer, Artist, and creativity are always relevant, it is the cultural shift and a lot of other distractions of various social media platforms that are diluting the seriousness of writing. Reading a long piece from a mobile device is a strain to the eyes; quite naturally, they are not being read. Reading on the go and not spending enough to think about what is or are being read, diminishes the effectiveness.

      Twitter too has been a 140 character (now increased to 260) wonder allows anyone to make a comment without thinking. It is primarily a reactionary and recreationally engaging platform where anything is being hurled at each other, only for some momentary heroism.

      For us writers, we have to continue what we believe in and hope that the right readers will find their way to read our work. No doubt, WordPress is a wonderful platform, and if it were not for this opportunity, I could not have shared my work with the world easily.
      The only thing we need to consider as a reader is to identify the right type of reading material and engage in a meaningful manner with the writer; after all, communication cannot be one-way traffic. The culture of ‘Likes’ and not anything more is also a case where the narratives cannot be taken further with critical thought processes.

      Thank you so much for sharing the important points in this comment, Reign. I hope this is just a phase and WordPress will have more meaningful, creative, and thoughtful reader-writer communications.

      Thank you once again for sharing your views.

      Amitav

      Like

      Reply

  2. This was so nice. I try to provide informative and valuable content, however, sometimes I struggle to understand if people are liking due to its quality or for some other reason. Thank you man. This post was great.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you so much. With the expansion of digital space, there is also abundant irrelevance creeping in. Huge amount of content lack quality and the good work is getting clouded by those. I think it depends on the individual to use this fabulous medium with some responsibility and also give enough time to read quality content. Social media is a different aspect and we should not club it with creative spaces.

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. I hope that changes and some serious writings, be it of any genre, gets the traction it deserves. Let blogging become something serious and not relegated to some social media frenzy. Let’s read, write, and support the talent we have here on WordPress.

      Liked by 4 people

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  8. This is so true, and very well said. Thank you for sharing, because it does seem to be primarily about numbers/funds. It has been said that even your typical reader just glances over the paragraphs. But I love what you have said here, and our work is not in vain.

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. Thank you so much.

      Yeas, that’s true, now everything is about getting noticed, numbers, and how to gain some fame in a short span of time. Social media effect, as I say it.

      It does not do justice to the bloggers creative work and creativity, if it is not read carefully and just liked without reading.

      Having said that, let’s be optimistic, and communicate with all the like minded people here and keep the fire of creativity alive.

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Courtney. Best wishes to you!

      Liked by 2 people

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  9. When I came here years ago I was shocked by the lack of attention to content. St first I was amazed that so many people would read my posts and like them 🙄. Lol. It took a few minutes or weeks to realize that wasn’t it at all, they just clicked the like button from a list of poetry blogs never evening opening my post.
    I had come from a very intimate blog site prior, my first time blogging, so I knew no different, if you liked something on that site you had to open it first in order to find the like button which definitely led to people reading the post. But even then, if it was too long they’d skip. At that point and when I first began here, my posts were exceptionally long human condition posts and I likely had a handful of real readers.
    I do adore WordPress after all these years, despite the problem areas like this. We will always find these social media characteristics in communities but I think it’s pretty easy to find those blogs with deep and sublime content as well as readers who are interested. In this large community we can find our smaller heart community, 🙂❤️

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. EC, I can relate to what you have written. It is not good for creativity and creative endeavor. The type of hype around mediocrity is baffling. Good literature, creative originality is being replaced with frivolity. Not many take the effort to learn or even ask the writer/blogger about the metaphors or if there is any ambiguity.

      I feel people are trying to blur the line between networking and creative pursuit. I have noticed, people do not even visit the site or bother to navigate through the blogges work. Just hitting the like button and generic comments are not doing justice to the creative work being presented.

      As you have mentioned, in spite of all the grey areas, we will find the like minded people, and I agree, the community will grow and become popular. Let’s connect with like minded people and further the creative world.

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts and here’s wishing you the best. Keep posting your beautiful and rich writings. They’re awesome! ❤☺

      Liked by 2 people

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  12. A very timely and insightful post, Amitav! My deepest connections are with those who have left comments (I sometimes receive more comments than likes!), letting me know with their beautiful words that my offerings have been read. There is a lot of content out there and it can be overwhelming…if I’ve lapsed in reading someone’s work, I try to set aside some time to read a post or two and comment…it’s a joy to get echoes back!

    Liked by 5 people

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    1. Thank you so much, Kim. I have been observing a lot of things that has been happening in the blogging world; a lot of it influenced by social media. A blogger takes so much effort to put out their work here and it seems things are becoming too casual.

      I do not deny that there will be different types of blogs, but there should be some seriousness in reading someone’s work and also in creating the content. As you said, comments do take the discussion forward and helps in communicating better.

      In all this, I am still optmistic that blogging will evolve and bloggers and readers will consider this knowledge platform more seriously.

      Cheers to creativity! Wishing you all the best, Kim! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

      Liked by 3 people

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  13. Thank you for the insightful clarity Amitav. I am not a writer/blogger, but I have a blog. I am an artist who creates images of my observations and internal process with life and creation itself. The blog is a platform to share and hopefully relate and inspire.
    I am a follower who does read the content of blogs I follow and I found your post very informative, thoughtful and a request for all to bring a greater consciousness to their posts and why they are blogging/sharing, interacting and hopefully inspiring. As a person who shares process and not a blogger, I thank you again for your insights.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Liza! You being a wonderful painter, I thank you, that you share your work here. Being an artist who translates the world around is amazing.

      As you rightly said, for any work of creativity, we need a greater consciousness to truly present the facets of the wonderful journey.

      Your have an idea about your blog and even explain the art. Any genre of creativity require patience, dedication, and keen observation to bring new insights to the process.

      Best wishes to you! Keep sharing your wonderful work.

      Liked by 3 people

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  14. The lengthier, the less interested people are.
    Too much time to invest, I mean waste, huh?
    My first poems were without visual stimuli for a reason. Didn’t want any distraction. Then I gave in too knowing many would first notice a pic, then the word. A compromise.

    Liked by 4 people

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    1. You are right, B! It takes effort to establish a blog among all the chaos. Where people think it’s just about gaining followers and likes. I have even seen rampant plagiarism; really a problem. I feel, the gradual progression in the creative world and being appreciated by the thoughtful readers can help in this journey immensely. There are many good bloggers and appreciative readers who value the effort. Let’s say cheers to that and keep moving ahead!

      Liked by 3 people

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      1. For sure.
        I’ve heard about plagiarism here but was only nodding my head before it happened to me. A woman posted a couple hours after my story was published in VV a story with exactly the same structure and similar content. She didn’t even bother to change the title.

        Liked by 3 people

  15. A wonderful post, Amitav, highlighting many of the issues with blog culture. You are right, for many, it is simply another social media outlet in which to gain attention and be popular. I have hundreds of followers who never read anything I write and of those many of them are news, commercial or fashion blogs that I have no interest in. If anyone truly reads me they know, I like poetry, am into poetry and that is what I tend to read as well.

    One of the greatest challenges for me is taking time to leave a comment on someone’s blog only to have it ignored or held in moderation until it’s forgotten. I believe if someone takes time to leave a comment then it’s our responsibility to at least acknowledge it. And, if you receive too many comments to respectfully respond to, then please turn off the comments section and be content with likes.

    For me, the content has to be engaging, it has to be relevant to what I am interested in and it has to be written well. And, I personally like a blog that offers unique approaches to writing about many topics, not just a single idea. Many of us have lives beyond blogging and this is more a hobby than a livelihood, so it’s important for us to engage with those who have the same approach to blogging.

    Thanks for generating this discussion.

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! You have covered some pertinent points in this comment.

      I feel blogging has evolved from being adaily diary of sorts to help people use this platform for creativity, Arts, Literature and other cultural aspects. Unfortunately, there is a problem of too may of mundane stuff, where blogs and writings are getting lost.

      Coming to your second point about comments, I feel very few readers actually read the entire blog and they try to comment on the nature of creativity or even try to understand the writer’s perspective. I usually have seen a lot of generic comments (commenting for the sake of commenting) to get noticed.

      Coming to your third point. No matter which genre a blog deals with, a blogger/writer has to do enough research, read regularly, and present content that elicits some quality reaction from readers. To write on varied topics one has to read read and read. I have heard from bloggers that reading the classics (literature) is challenging and not worth the effort. I believe in originality and creativity, but one has to hone their skills by reading the legendary works. It is true for all genre of writing.

      The ‘social-mediafication’ of blogging and the unnecessary rush to gain followers and likes is counterproductive in the long run. So many people start a blog and abandon them in no time.

      Thank you once again for taking the ttime to share your thoughts here. I hope this discussion moves ahead and find some way to make blogging a wonderful experience.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. You are kindly welcome.

        I have to agree with what you’ve shared here. If we want to become better writes we need to hone our skills by reading a variety of work and we have to have meaningful and engaging discussion around the topics we write and read about. And, I, too, have seen many bloggers come and go, unable to sustain their blogs through means of soaring statistics based on frivolous liking and following everything in sight, simply to gain attention.

        It was my pleasure, sir and I do hope these types of discussions help in moving blog culture forward in positive ways.

        Liked by 4 people

  16. Great post. I often thought of writing a similar post especially on the subject matter that content is not read and simply liked. As if trading like for like is what us real writers want. I’d rather it not be liked.

    I want my content read. It comes from my Soul.

    Yes, I want my books bought as I can’t keep blogging for free. So, I will resort to some reposts period.

    I’m at a point where I am seriously thinking of leaving social media.

    I’m an optimist, but it seems that you have to be connected to the right celebrity or people to get recognized and your works of hard labor bought.

    Sorry not sorry for the venting. 🤗😁

    Liked by 4 people

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    1. Thank you, Emma. No, it’s not venting at all! You are passionate about what you do and it sometimes feel that not being read and heard amidst the chaos of nonsense that is being created these days.

      I would urge you not to leave, but hang on there! We are all here to support each other who wish to keep blogging alive and most importantly creativity.
      The journey is tiresome, but its worthwhile too. I do not think being connected with ‘so n so’ helps in the long run. Instant fame on social media do not say much.

      Stay the course and you will be rewarded! I really hope blogging and creativity evolves and comes out of the social media frenzy. Wishing you all the best!

      Liked by 3 people

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  17. Well said Amitav and very true, precisely due to these keenly observed indifference or true readership or me-my-I syndrome, the good contents always get sidelined . Having said, however, let’s keep the creative contentment alive & writings afloat / shared in the midst all that come in between, including the disruptions ! Keeping interest alive is the key , let’s stay interested !
    Lovely articulation by You . Love.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. A wonderful comment! This gives me immense happiness that we can still look at the positive side of blogging. It is all about creativity and creative pursuit that will help us journey and be able to read so many other blogs who presents some really good content. Worth reading and getting inspired.

      As you said, self-motivation and creative spark is essential. Thank you so much for the wonderful comment and appreciation. Best wishes to you!

      Liked by 3 people

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  18. Well-said, Amitav! I believe every blog has its own uniqueness and they are all created and carefully prepared by fellow bloggers with their endeavour. Maybe they have been spending time in discovering a new, intriguing topic, or hours in polishing their paragraphs, that’s why their effort deserved to be appreciated. Your beautiful poems have been bringing me various perspectives with awe throughout these years, and they are always a joy to behold.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Bauhinia! I agree with you, a blogger creates uniqueness with diverse content, creativity, and by providing something the readers’ can enjoy. It’s a time consuming effort to read and find new topics for a blog. I have seen many fine blogs, with unique content not being read. Transforming this platform to another social media will weaken the purpose of blogs, blogging, and creativity.

      Thank you once again for your support and appreciation. Best wishes!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

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