Comments on: Answering Questions on Content

By: Cori

Cori — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:04:21 +0000

Although I do not comment often, I do read your blog faithfully. I like reading what others are thinking. Today’s comments about simpleology resonated with me because I have fallen prey to time and tasks managing me rather than me managing them. I was manipulating Simpleology to conform to my wayward habits. I can tell you, it isn’t working!

Thanks for the specific illustration. I need to be more rigid in my approach.

By: Sally Ferguson

Sally Ferguson — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:19:59 +0000

Thanks Randy. I was worried that the interaction between blogger and reader was crucial to know a blog’s effectiveness. It relieves my mind to know that it is not a barometer to that effect.

By: Mary E. DeMuth

Mary E. DeMuth — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:42:59 +0000

Thanks for another informative post, Randy. Here’s a question I haven’t seen answered:

How do you truly measure your hits? I get about 200 hits a day on http://www.wannabepublished.blogspot.com, but I also have about 100 subscribers to it via feedblitz. Is it accurate to say I get three hundred hits a day? Or do hits only mean actual fresh hits?

Just curious.

Oh, and thanks for the link to Gail’s site. Great stuff. I’ve added her as a link.

By: Camille

Camille — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:16:31 +0000

Randy Sez: I like comments because it enables my blog readers to interact with me and with each other. This is what some people call “creating community.”

That’s what I love about this blog and what makes it different from others I’ve been to. Some look friendly, and you could post a comment, but they aren’t laid out to feel like it’s a round table talk, like it feels here. Maybe it’s all the clean white space. I like the way the comments are laid out, very focal, no clutter in the gutters.

You can glean loads here by lurking alone, and if you’re a Think Out Loud type who depends on feedback to keep yourself in check, you can get what you need here too. I don’t personally know anyone like that - I’m just sayin.

And of course, there are some Very Cool people here.

By: sesgaia

sesgaia — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:01:40 +0000

I like the designations of “habits” and “interruptions.” As far as major targets though- while writing “fifteen pages a week” may be a habit in that the mechanical process is to sit and type, writing a novel takes up way more space in my life than just the time I actually spend at the keyboard. I find it the most engrossing, challenging, demanding thing I’ve ever done, besides parenting. (Which speaks to the whole issue of parenting-habits and interruptions are a bit part of parenting, sure, but there is so much more required, and the creative energy needed to be a good parent despite one’s attempt to achieve other goals should never be underestimated…)
Writing a novel calls upon my courage, dedication, and creative energy in a way that regular “habits” don’t, including grappling with some emotional baggage around the whole goal of becoming a successful novelist. So, no matter how many other habits I have in my daily life, and regardless of life’s interruptions, the only major target I have is completing my novel. Like Rachel, my health and fitness are a big factor in my life, but that goal doesn’t require the same emotional and creative energy, at least for me, so I am able to factor it in. I also think that for people who are caretakers, or who are the main emotional support in their families, the issue of how much energy gets spent on taking care of others versus focusing on major targets, is also a huge factor. Being a good wife, mother, parent, friend, doesn’t really fall under the rubric of habit or interruption (though it can sure feel that way!!!).

By: Mary E. DeMuth

Mary E. DeMuth — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 01:36:24 +0000

Randy, one more question. Does Technorati Rank and Authority really mean something? I mean, gee, will I get some cash prize for good numbers??