Your opinions requested

July 29, 2009 | My Jottings

Dear Readers,

As I near my one year anniversary of keeping this little blog, I’m thinking about what to change, what not to change, and all of those kinds of profoundly important matters. I would be grateful for your feedback, even (perhaps even especially) if you’ve never left a comment before. And I also would like to say thank you so much to those of you who recently wrote to encourage me about the blog. *Sniff*  🙂

In your opinion,

1.  How often would you like to see a new blog entry? Every day? Every other day? Twice a week? Once a week?

2.  Will you still read a blog entry if it doesn’t have a photo? (I read recently that one very famous blogger refuses to read a complete blog post on other peoples’ blogs unless it’s full of photos – if she sees only words she moves on. I thought this a little strange, since I read blogs and books without pictures all the time…but I realize everyone is different.)

3.  What kinds of things do you like to see in a blog? Do you like diary-like entries with details of a person’s day? Do you like stories of events? Do you like devotional-like entries? Do you like funny stories? Sad? Spiritual? Details about family? Do you read the Joys section? Would you like to see an occasional recipe? All of the above?

4.  Approximately how many blogs do you regularly read? Feel free to share what other blogs you like – I always love a good recommendation.

5.  Do you think my blog could use a makeover? Perhaps a new home page with new colors/elements? I know people who have their blogs done over regularly.

6.  Have you ever entered the monthly bloggy giveaway? If not, why not?

7.  Lastly, can you think of any idea/topic you would like to see written about on the blog? I actually have over thirty drafts in the works, (“Organ Lessons,” “Heart Monitor,” “Dixon,” “Druthers 4,” “Yook At Dat Yake!” and “Virginia, My Mom,” among others) but I’d like to know what you’re interested in reading about. Maybe you have a great idea!

I know there are a lot of questions here, but I hope you’ll help me out and offer your thoughts – I value your opinions. You can answer by leaving a comment (it’s really, really, easy to do) or if you like, you can e-mail me by clicking on the words “Contact Me.”

If you would only like to answer a couple of these questions instead of all seven, that’s great too.

I’ll be sharing my bloggy findings soon, but I won’t quote you if you don’t want me to.

Thank you!

Comments

  1. Sue Raimo says:

    Dear Julie, As you know, I am not yet fond of computers. But, since I am very fond of you, I follow your blog regularly. I will check it at least 3 times a week to see what nuggets are there free for the taking. I love the variety! It is always fresh – Whether it be glimpses into human personalities, struggles and joys in your own life, the sharing of pictures, recipes, books or quotes, I get the same feeling I get when I our schedules permit face to face time. Your skillful use of the language, humor, and personal honesty also contribute to making this blog a work of excellence. More than anything this blog helps me see the sacred in the ordinary. Love, Sue

  2. Kay says:

    1. How often would you like to see a new blog entry

    A: I check the blog 2-3 times per week…but I always read any past posts I may have missed.

    2. Will you still read a blog entry if it doesn’t have a photo

    A: Photos are nice, but not necessary.

    3. What kinds of things do you like to see in a blog?

    A: Oh…you know …all the usual blog-gy stuff. I just think it’s a hoot to see the world from a different perspective.

    4. Approximately how many blogs do you regularly read?

    A. um…a couple I guess. Yours and your eldest’s

    5. Do you think my blog could use a makeover?

    A. No…leave it…it’s comfortable. Those other bloggers you mentioned…Those are the same people who change their furniture and rearrange their family rooms oftener than I clean my fridge.

    6. Have you ever entered the monthly bloggy giveaway? If not, why not?

    A. Yes…because I like stuff :0)

    7. Lastly, can you think of any idea/topic you would like to see written about on the blog?

    A. Thirty drafts? Wow…ration those out and I’m good until like… Halloween!

  3. Savannah says:

    1. How often would you like to see a new blog entry

    A: I also check your blog about three times a week. And I also catch up on all the posts. I like a post every day!! haha! I just love them!

    2. Will you still read a blog entry if it doesn’t have a photo

    A: Yes, but I absolutely love the photos you put on here! They are perfect!

    3. What kinds of things do you like to see in a blog?

    A: Everything that you already putting on. I love it all. My favorites are about your wallpaper, the updates on the bunnies (minus the death-sentance), and especially your blogs about your grandchildren.

    4. Approximately how many blogs do you regularly read?

    A. I read yours and one of my best friends, Katie Gagel.

    5. Do you think my blog could use a makeover?

    A. Nope. I like it how it is.

    6. Have you ever entered the monthly bloggy giveaway? If not, why not?

    A. Yes, because I love free stuff, and I love leaving comments. I like how you do that, because interactive material is very fun and entertaining!

    7. Lastly, can you think of any idea/topic you would like to see written about on the blog?

    A. A story about Grandpa, my Dad, or when you were little. 🙂

  4. Ronda B says:

    1.A- I also check your blog 3 or 4 times a week, and I catch up on all posts too. Often I go back and re-read ones that I have really enjoyed or made me think about something. So many have been inspiring!

    2.A- Yes I would read if there weren’t photos as well, however, I do enjoy the photos or slideshows etc. when they are there.

    3.A- I love your blog and have enjoyed everything that you have done thus far.

    4.A- To be honest, yours is the only one I regularly follow and recommend to friends and family. I have checked out a few of the blogs you like as well but I always look forward to yours the most. 😀

    5.A- A makeover – No – I don’t like change, but if you chose to do a makeover, I would learn to love it as long as I’m reading your captivating and inspiring words. You truly have a gift Julie!

    6.A – I believe I may have, sometimes I think I will come back later and do it then miss the deadline. It’s always my loss.

    7.A- I love whatever you write about, weather it’s your childhood, your family, your friends or just your musings… I always hunger for more!!

  5. Jessica says:

    Hi Julie-

    I love your blog and check it 5-6 times per week. Of course I want you to write as often as possible, but I can’t say much since I have a hard time keeping mine updated.

    I would definitely still read it even if there weren’t photos. I can take or leave photos on a blog. I love what you write. Most of what I read doesn’t include photos so I guess that’s what I’m used to!!

    I love to see humorous things on a blog or just random tidbits about you and your life. I like to use it as a tool to get to know you better.

    I follow probably 5-6 other blogs regularly.

    I don’t think you need a makeover. I love the way your blog looks and wish mine was as unique and beautiful!!!

    I will always enter your bloggy giveaways. I am a SUCKER for any chance to win something. I love prizes!!! ANd I love the things you give away!!!

    My favorite things that you write about have to do with the journey of your life. You have so many great stories about your history and I can’t get enough of them. All of your experiences are fun to read about!!!

    Keep up the great work Julie!!!

  6. Jessica says:

    One other thing…I do read My Joys and I do love the pics that you’ve included in that section. Especially the fun ones from your post about your friend Denel! What a hoot!!!

  7. Tauni says:

    Hi Jules,

    I too love your blog. I also check it 3 to 4 times per week and catch up on posts I may have missed. As a matter of fact I missed Denel’s. I just read it, “what a hoot” is right! I am amazed at your memory and appreciate the detail with which you recount the childhood memories because some of them are mine as well, that I have forgotten. Your words bring back even the smells of the time.

    I would read if there weren’t photos, altho I like seeing your side of the world. Here in So. Cal. it is so much drier and deserty. I also love seeing your kids and the grandkids as they grow up.

    Things I like to see in a blog are the things that affect your daily life. Sharing stories of events, things you do, special celebrations, etc. I also like to know what God speaks to you as well.

    I only read a few blogs because I don’t have time anymore to read more. I wish I could, but I would become a bloggy junkie. I just like to hear what people’s lives are like. I follow my daughter’s because I get to know a little more about what she is going through as we don’t have as much time to talk as we used too. Of course Ben is always on there too!!

    I don’t think your blog needs a make-over. It is one of those comfort things, I know what the pic’s at the top represent and it is nice to see them there.

    I have entered your give-aways, but am so new to the blogging thing that yours is the only one I have entered. Truthfully, I try to post comments if I can regardless of a prize or not. I also enjoy learning about some of your readers from their posts!

    I am looking forward to hearing/reading about the ones you have in the wings waiting to be completed. You always come up with good posts, things I would never have even thought of.

    That about sums it up ~ thank you again. I feel like we are closer and I can hear your voice speaking as I read. It is nice. See you soon!

  8. Deb says:

    Hi Julie!
    1. I check out your blog every time I log on to my computer. If there is nothing new, I re-read a past jewel of yours!
    2. Photos are nice but I’ll echo Kay in saying they are not necessary. They are kind of like frosting – the cake is still good but the frosting makes it better.
    3. Just keep on doing what you’re doing. It’s working! 🙂
    4. Yours was the first blog I ever logged on to and is now the only one I read regularly. I have checked out others, especially your favorites but only occasionally.
    5. I love it just the way it is! It’s like one of your comfy chairs, always ready to be climbed into!
    6. I sure have and I won once too which makes me like them a lot!!!!
    7. Everything you write is an obvious gift from your heart and is received as such. I too cherish the tenderness, the honesty, the humor, the quirky surprises……and especially how your love for and faith in God comes out of your stories!
    (Are you going to have a “Blog Birthday Party”? I’d come! 🙂

  9. Pat says:

    How often would you like to see a new blog entry? Every day? Every other day? Twice a week? Once a week?

    I don’t read your blogs every day (because of time constraints) but I read the back entries that I missed. I love them!

    2. Will you still read a blog entry if it doesn’t have a photo?

    Of course I will, although I love your pictures.

    3. What kinds of things do you like to see in a blog?

    I enjoy everything you put in it. It’s your exceptional writing and the fact that it’s you that draws me to your blog.

    4. Approximately how many blogs do you regularly read?

    Yours is the only one.

    5. Do you think my blog could use a makeover?

    No, I love it just the way it is.

    6. Have you ever entered the monthly bloggy giveaway? If not, why not?

    No, probably just the time element.

    7. Lastly, can you think of any idea/topic you would like to see written about on the blog?

    I enjoy your varied topics. Your heart comes through them all.

Leave a Comment

Please note: Comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment.