Readers: Can't Live Without 'Em; Can't Shoot 'Em

Blog followers are as individual as the bloggers who post. Maybe even more so. Some blogs have zillions of followers...I'm not sure how that happens, but I'm attempting to find out. Most blogs, like mine, have a good handful of loyal readers. Mother probably has more lurkers than intrepid souls who actually signed on to follow. Hell, my family hasn't even signed on to follow my blog. I'm not certain they even read it.

The way followers follow is equally individual. I have one follower who makes my blog the second stop of her morning coffee rounds. And, Your Mother Knows is in excellent company; it's next after she peruses the New York Times...special company, indeed! This reader is the reason why I attempt to have the post up fairly early. I don't want her coffee to get cold while she waits on my lazy muse....

Others only pop by occasionally, prompted by my email saying that I've written about something they may find interesting. Laura would be a good example...if I post about Olivia, I know she'll take a peek. Otherwise, there's a lot going on in her life and well, she's got too much on her plate to take the time to peer inside of her crazy Aunt's world, daily.

I know some of you read each and every word I've crafted. Some only skim for the highlights. How in-depth someone reads may have to do, again, with the subject matter. If it's not of particular interest, you'll check it out because you like/love me, but not find it all that captivating. You'll move on quickly to the next thing clamoring for your attention and time.

Same when it comes to comments; the topic is the deciding factor on who is most likely to leave a comment. For instance, I know some of you really enjoy the stories of my growing up years. You particularly like my emotional pieces; the softer side of my personality is the part that you respond to. Others find my controversial take on current affairs to be of interest. As Jen said, "You have a way of revealing the absurd for us." Still others resonate with an entry when it's sarcastic or droll. You like the sparky parts of my nature. If I make you laugh or chuckle, you like it very much.

Why? Because readers are all very different in their likes and not-so-muches... Sometimes I write a topic that I'm certain will cause a heap of reaction only to hear not a peep. Michael says, "Well, what can anyone say to that?" I'm always surprised. So, you keep me on my toes because I never know what's going to spark discussion.

And, that's okay.

I'd like to believe that everything I write is of major importance to some reader, but I know that's not always the case. None the less, I work hard to make it worthy of your time. I never take you for granted. And, on more than one occasion, I've reminded you that you and your shared thoughts are very important to me and the success of this blog.

Having said that, let's get something straight...

This blog is mine. I write it because I want to. It wouldn't be as much fun if you weren't part of the process, but in all probability I'd write it if you weren't. I write about what's of interest to me and my views of the world. It is all about me. Good to be Queen, as it were. This blog is more or less a diary...my journal. It's me, laid open on the computer screen for my consideration. And yours. While you might prefer one side of my personality and entries, let's be clear, just like you I have many facets and I'm likely to write from all of them.

This blog is me. It's not edited. Not washed through filters for every one's comfort. It's not homogenized. It's not run through the politically correct gauntlet. It's not ever going to be. It's my thoughts, my views, my life. Shared. I craft it for my growth and personal development. Perhaps for yours as well. Or, at the very least, help build understanding about the trials of being a Human Being. And its joys.

Why am I talking about this today? Because I'm a tad cheesed-off, at the moment, with a reader. Oh, not one of mine...thankfully. But, it wouldn't make a difference if it was one of us. I'd have to call you out on this behavior even more so if it was one of us here at Your Mother Knows...

No...I'm reacting to learning that a fellow blogger, Toni, of Seaweed And Gardenias that I enjoy a great deal, was recently "tsk, tsked" by a visitor for some of the words and image choices she saw there. Are you kidding me? That's way beyond the pale. And, in this particular case, doesn't even warrant that sort of snide reprimand. There was nothing vulgar on the blog.

The writer refers to this individual as "another Blog Nazi." Someone who believes it's their responsibility to keep writers in the gully of polite society or sensitive to all readers out there in blog land. Yeah? Well, here's what I have to say about that...

Dear Reader, please kiss my word-smithing, idea churning, muse tussling, muse inspired, energy investing, openly sharing, always respectful, willingly brave, all inclusive, never hurtful, non- discriminating, totally honest about my inner thoughts, ever loving ass. Please. And, I say that with all the love and respect I can muster.

Here's the thing: There are millions of blogs out there for your enjoyment. If one you like, on a particular day leaves you less than satisfied, chalk it off. It's either, the author as a Human Being is having an off-day, or maybe it's you. But, don't ever criticize what was posted; criticized as though you believe you're Emily Post of the Blogasphere. You're not!

However, if what is regularly posted there is not your cup of tea or coffee, move on and find another. But, don't you dare leave a comment bomb about word choice or images that an artist shares with the world.

That's not your role in this brave new world of communication. With all due respect, unless you're a paid critic who has been asked for your critique, if what you see doesn't float your boat, go find waters that are better suited to your taste.

I'm just sayin'...

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly