I always feel rather sad when I log onto my blog and see that I have lost a follower. Usually it is after I have posted a controversial post, such as the one I posted yesterday. It is my belief that folks can discuss issues -- politics, religion, current events, and more, without getting personal. It's not about the individual, it's about the issue. I sometimes read the blogs on CNN, and I am gobsmacked at the names people call each other, simply because they happen to disagree with each other regarding any particular subject.On my boring-little-blog, I like to mix things up occasionally and discuss current issues that interest me. I do try, however, to be as courteous and inoffensive as possible, while stating my views. If folks disagree with me, I welcome it. What a boring world this would be if we all agreed with each other. I have often thought that, if I lived in another age, I would own a great salon -- no, not a hair salon, but a place where folks could attend soirées, and we would discuss all sorts of wonderful topics -- literature, art, science, religion, politics... more... These are the things that make the world go around, don't you think?
I always welcome your comments, and I often read them more than once. I try to respond, and I always visit and read your blogs, but unfortunately our computers at work are blocked from commenting on blogs, so my time is sometimes limited. But, one thing I have found is that there are some very interesting, talented, intelligent people out there. Yes, you...!
Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone.
Ah the salon. I imagine hosting one with smart ordinary people attending disussing every thing and fomenting ideas about art, literature, politics, history. Something like Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Tokas in the early 20th Century Paris. I'd not want to be a lesbian to do it but I don't think that's important do you?
ReplyDeleteI'm surrounded by people who disagree with most of my political/spiritual beliefs, but that just makes me apperciate what I belive that much more.
ReplyDeleteYou're right how borring life woul be if we just all went around with mindless approval.
My grandmother, not the most internet friendly person in the world, once commented that no amount of hate anybody vomits on the internet can ever match the deeds of a few violent men hell bent on destruction.
ReplyDeleteThe stupid things people say online are child's play compared to the real violence of our world.
Was yesterday's post controversial? I thought you were just speaking the truth. I didn't have time to comment when I read it, but now I'll have to go see what people had to say :)
ReplyDeleteWell said, Jo!
ReplyDeleteAnd about the last entry of yours, you do not have to step back from your views, just because someone religious does not like them!
Would we have wine at this Salon? :-D I think your salon would be a place I would frequent often.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting though to read all the comments on yesterdays post Jo. You do mix things up! That's why I love your blog.
Everyone has opinions, I certainly do. You should feel free to express your opinion on your own blog. You are not insisting that everyone embrace your opinion, after all. But, I know what you mean about losing a follower.
ReplyDelete(comment published by mistake on your previous post):
ReplyDeleteI might stop following a blog only if the blogger and/or his guests choose to attack me personally instead of debating with my views.
As for your yesterday's post:
I felt you were a bit too hard on that guy Camping, and I didn"t like some expressions used by commenters.
I think Socrates shouldn"t have said "I'm quite ashamed of anyone on this thread" and call your site "this dark corner of the internet" - but he looks young and has yet to learn some manners.
I missed yesterday's post so naturally I went straight to it to see the controversy. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI thought you expressed yourself beautifully, as always. If you lost a follower over it, it's their loss.
Margaret
I believe that if somebody wants to unfollow over something, g'ahead! But all the ranting and raving about it...!
ReplyDeleteJust go.
Close the door on your way out.
I see no point in writing a blog if one can't express opinions and discuss them with others, especially if they disagree. In that manner, we all reconsider and learn more, even if we end up more confirmed in our own views. I would not mourn the loss of a follower who resorts to insulting and demeaning others.
ReplyDeleteWell, I know I read yesterday's post, but my mind doesn't retain things for too long, so now I'll have to go back and reread it.
ReplyDeleteJo, It is your blog, and too bad if someone get offended. I guess they don't need to read it. There are plenty of different ones out there, so go for it!
I know exactly what you mean about losing a follower. Of course, I have only a small fraction of the number you have, so I don't lose them very often, but once in a while I'll lose two in one day. I grieve over their loss, too.
ReplyDeleteBut your posts are always well thought out and I myself would NEVER stop following you because I disagreed with one of your posts. But that's just me. I cherish you and your viewpoints so very much...
I would like to be your guest at that salon.
ReplyDeleteI only have a fraction of the number of followers that you do, as well. (I'm an even humbler little blog?) But i am sad when i lose a follower, tho i know that this is usually because i "don't fit" them somehow.
ReplyDeleteI learned fairly quickly after coming to the blog world that i feel safest being an "anonymous" follower. I will start following a blog sometimes and then eventually learn that it doesn't fit me as i thought it might. I don't want to be a noticeable "non-follower," so i usually feel best if i'm anonymous. That way it is not such a big deal if i don't follow any more.
I would gues that 80% of the people listed as followers at my blog rarely if ever come read any more.
Hugs to you Jo! I love how genteel you are and how kind in your encouraging folks to meet and discuss here.
I would only unfollow you if your blog really were as boring as you think it is.
ReplyDeleteStop saying your "boring little blog" - I always look forward to whatever you have to say (even if I don't always have anything to add in a comment)
-chuckle- Oh the woes of Blogger Followers List! And woes of *being punished* for posting something WE THINK. When it doesn't "fit" with the mind set, of our usual readers. -chuckle-
ReplyDeleteIf you are going to do such posting, once in a while... Which is how I do it.... You have to be immune to those who don't wish to allow you, this right. :-) Just post away and don't shed-a-tear over the ones who disagree enough to Un-Follow you.
I very much dislike a list of Blog Followers and a list of the Blogs I Read. Who I read and who I don't read, is my business only. That's why I use and love Google Reader.
Btw, this issue of Followers is a hot-button with me. It has so many different aspects and some are so-called-good and some are so-called-bad. Like everything has, I guess.
~♥~
Oh yes, the concept of a salon! And being the special kind of a woman, who hosted one! -happy sighs- This has intrigued me also.
ReplyDelete~♥~
" It's not about the individual, it's about the issue." I totally agree! I've had the experience of losing a follower for stating my opinion on my own blog. *sigh* It's sad but true that some individuals simply don't know how to handle disagreement.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've seen the horrible comments people write on other blogs and news stories. Terrible! Funny thing is, these same people would NEVER say those things to someone in person. Huh.
" Gobsmacked." I like it! :D
It is YOUR blog. Do as you want!
ReplyDeleteI lost a follower last week and spent some time trying to figure out who it was. When I found out, I felt sad. I wished I'd been more engaging so they would have stayed. As if I have that much control!
ReplyDeleteHow about if I join to make up for your loss?
ReplyDeleteHello there!
ReplyDeleteI did not post this comment in your last blog post because of the theme of it & in respect to Lantz Hare!
So... I tagged you in a game & would like to invite you to be part of it at my post Staffetta dell'amicizia! Whatever your choice, thank you in advance & have a great Weekend.