Thought: On blogs becoming part of friendships
I have been asking more and more of my friends lately about their blogs, and whether or not they are on networks like Facebook, MySpace or Mixi. Most people are on some kind of a network, while many people prefer “not wasting any time” on such online trends.
“Stop by my work and say hi” has changed to “Visit my blog and comment” for many people. The number of comments you leave for someone seems to signify the level of friendship for many people, the way the number of phone calls or text message to a friend may signify your level of commitment to that friend during chaotic times or during disagreements. “I’m sorry I shouted at you” has been replaced, for many, by “I’m sorry I posted something that disagreed with you.”
Are we relying on blogs to have relationships?
Are we making blogs part of our relationships, like friendships and others, even though in the offline world we usually do not make things, other than ourselves, part of friendships? I think everyone is approaching this question uniquely, while arriving at one of the many results, like yes, no, maybe, and it depends. How about you?
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( June 16th, 2007 at 8:31 am )
In this fast paced lifestyle that many of us lead, I think you’re right about people commenting on each others blog, to an extent.
I’m seeing more and more people asking me to comment on their blog rather than send them an email. I’m not sure why that is, but it’s somethng I realized after reading your post. Thanks for sharing those thoughts, it stop and made me think!
Don
( June 16th, 2007 at 8:34 am )
Hmm, my response gave you the idea to write this, huh? Hmm, I have no answer to this, though, or maybe it’s “it depends”. I’m not sure on this. Good question…
( June 16th, 2007 at 3:50 pm )
Don @ AffiliateWatcher, thank you for visiting and responding.
That is an interesting observation too: comparing e-mails with blog comments. Do you think people are unconsciously or consciously trying to blend in the concept of improving their blog with the idea of incorporating more offline communication towards their blog and blog comments? “Hey, he/she is my friend, why not talk to them and have blog come into play at the same time!”
I am glad that you found this post interesting, and I am even more glad that you shared your view on this. Thanks again Don!
SP, hmmm, which response? I am trying to remember. Also, so for you, it can be an “it depends” answer or logic, I see.
( June 20th, 2007 at 9:37 pm )
Heh. The whole reason I originally started blogging in the first place was to help family and friends who live far away to keep up with us and us with them. Of course, they were all kinda duuuuuerrrrrrrwhhhhaaaat? and the blog continued without them.
I wish a few people I am close with or used to be close with had a blog and would visit mine, sometimes.
I forgot where I was going with this.
( June 21st, 2007 at 7:29 pm )
Valerie, heh, thanks for the comment. I see where you are going I think.
Wow, that is nice, that you began blogging to keep in touch with friends and family. Do more of them now have blogs, since time has passed, or still the same?
Do you think some people may be visiting your blog but with a different ip or not commenting, and thus you not finding out if they are coming or not?
( June 30th, 2007 at 4:05 pm )
Yeah, when I was pregnant - only snippets here and there (very few) and then “for real” when he was about three months old. However, there wasn’t much interest, the only ones to visit me was a long-term online friend, pretty much. A few comments from one of my sisters-in-law and she had her own site for a year or two but both of that is long dead. S visits me quite often but she won’t comment, lol. Some of my old friends and some family blog on MySpace now, but none real active. Sure, it’s possible they visit but no one says anything either in comments or any other method. I’m sure my two domain name changes have confused them over time.
( June 30th, 2007 at 7:45 pm )
Thanks Valerie for the comment. I see about the time you were pregnant and how different people responded or kept in touch [or didn't] in different ways. So you saw first hand through an important experience and period in life how others react online.
Do you think some people, even if they are online, prefer pushing or having friendships away from blogs; like them preferring friendships more in the offline world?
Did you forward the two previous domain names to the new domains, or did the previous ones expire?
( September 17th, 2008 at 1:22 pm )
I started my blog when I was living in Louisiana. I was depressed and lonely and I figured what better way to waste time then to start a blog. I needed an outlet to express my feelings and what I was going through and my blog was the best way to do that. I also wanted to connect with others who have similar interests therefore I joined several online makeup communities. I never expected anyone to comment and I really didn’t care if anyone read it. It was more of a way for me to vent and share my shopping splurges (otherwise known as makeup hauls). Eventually people did start reading my blog and I formed several online friendships. These people helped me get through some low points in my life. They have been encouraging, understanding, and most of all they showed a genuine concern when I going through a rough time.
On the other hand, I see a lot of people who have blogs and they take their comments very seriously. It’s like a competition or popularity contest. More comments shows that you are more popular. They want you to comment rather then e-mail. I have seen people disable their e-mail feature so that you are forced to leave a comment in order to contact them. People have also gone as far as to send text messages or e-mails requesting that you comment on their blog (or MySpace page). I don’t understand it. I see people getting upset because they comment on someone’s blog and when the person doesn’t comment on their blog in return, they get pissed. Sometimes the blogging world get’s a little retarted.