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Author Lada Ray, Blog, Blogger, Blogging, China, content, corruption, Facebook, Feedback, followers, Google, Russia, San Diego, Social Media, subscribers, Twitter, WordPress
A few days ago, I visited the blog by my new friend, a San Diego photographer, Russel Ray (no relation).
I was intrigued by one of his posts, entitled: “Is there a WordPress store where one can buy likes and comments?” It sounded kinda funny, yet kinda disturbing. To make a long story short, Russel stumbled upon more than one blog, which were started as recently as one or two months ago and had very few and very lack-luster posts, yet boasted hundreds and hundreds of likes and comments per post and had over a thousand followers.
Here is the link to this very interesting post: http://russelrayphotos2.com/2012/06/04/is-there-a-wordpress-store-where-one-can-buy-likes-and-comments/
If you blog, you would know that oftentimes a really great post generates just a few likes and comments, especially if you are new to the blogging realm. I’ve been blogging since January, 2012 and can personally attest how much hard work goes into creating great content, and how hard earned each and every like and comment is. It takes a while to generate loyal and interested readership. Getting 600 likes and 800 laudatory comments for a tiny, 2 paragraph entry that hardly says anything at all, if you’ve only started blogging 6 weeks ago and have 6 posts all together, seems more than a little incongruent.
The post on Russel’s blog generated tons of comments, in which people were speculating what could have caused such an anomaly. Suggestions included: this individual had another blog and when he transitioned to the new one, he took his readership with him (highly doubtful with that kind of puny content); he has great following on Twitter/Facebook and these followers come to his blog to comment and like; he has great search engine optimization and gets lots of hits from Google. Interesting suggestions which I’ll analyse and refute below.
Russel mentioned several different blogs and here are the links to two of them:
http://travelagos.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/happy-1050th-follower/#comment-744 (notice: in this post he’s bragging about having 1050 followers, and this is comment number 744)
http://2gallants.wordpress.com/
Now, I want to mention that in the past 6 months I met some wonderful bloggers, who put out a truly awesome content. There is a number of people I could mention here, but suffice it to say, any praise they get is well-deserved.
And then, there are these… I went on both of the above-mentioned blogs and confirmed that indeed Russel was correct: way too many likes, way too little content!
I am usually not the one to complain, lament, or point a finger. I usually look ahead, concentrate on doing my best, and see the silver lining, however slim. But this one hit too close to home. And so, I wrote the following comment:
“Russel, this is a very interesting post and food for thought. I looked at both blogs, and it really is very, very curious.
What someone suggested, that these guys have a huge following on Twitter or Facebook doesn’t hold water. I looked at their stats, and each has 2-3 Twitter/FB mentions per post. Which means that these posts have hardly ever been tweeted/FBied. Which means that Tweeter/Facebook are NOT the driver here at all.
You can trust me on this! I have over 6,600 Twitter followers and if you look at my blog, http://LadaRay.wordpress.com, especially older posts, there are 40-100 tweets each and at least several FB mentions. I get mentioned on Twitter a lot, yet very few of my tweeps have WordPress accounts. Many still use Blogger. And unfortunately, these two blogging platforms don’t talk to each other. So, there goes this idea.
Then, what is behind this situation?
I think it would be useful to compare these two blogs to the Lada Ray Blog.
It is a good comparison, since I started my blog not too long ago, in January, 2012. But I think that’s where the comparison ends. I have written something like 55 posts by now, many very substantial, highly informative posts with tons of really great pics about world cultures and travel, especially Russia and China, 2012 Predictions, feng shui articles, and other unique and great stuff you won’t find anywhere else. As a result, I get tons of search engine viewings. In 6 months I have over 20,000 hits. I noticed that one of the blogs Russel mentioned has something like 22,000 hits with what, 6 short posts?
Every day I get at least hundreds of hits, especially for my posts about Russia and China. Many, as I mentioned, originate from the search engines from all over the world. Someone suggested in a comment that search engine hits may result in likes. This is almost NEVER the case, because people who visit your blog that way are interested in specific info they were searching for. They, most likely, don’t have a WordPress account, therefore can’t just click on like that easily. I think they have to sign in, provide email, possibly answer security question, etc. Very few have time and patience. Even if they really loved your post. I get comments sometimes, often from foreign countries. But these people hardly ever click on likes.
I also have close to 200 subscribers, but still get VERY few likes. Sometimes, I get more comments than likes. It actually saddens me, because I put all that work into my posts. I put them out so people could learn something, experience things they wouldn’t be able to experience otherwise. In return, I’d like to see at least some response and validation. At the same time, I see other blogs, with posts that are puny, oftentimes not even remotely interesting or even nonsensical, and they somehow get tons and tons of likes and comments. I do realize that perhaps these people have been around for a while. But looking at examples Russel provides, this argument flies out the window.
Yes, it is possible that these people had previous blogs with a large base of followers. It is also possible that they bought following. It’s even conceivable that they are somehow famous or notorious in certain circles, but it would not be FB/Twitter for sure. See my explanation above.
What I think though is that these new bloggers are using one trick. They go from blog to blog and subscribe to lots of blogs, as well as flood them with comments. And people reciprocate. Unfortunately, many people who like as return courtesy, don’t even read the posts. But all these hundreds of likes stroke one’s ego and make one look good, even if there is absolutely no content to back it up. Meanwhile, the really great blogs seem deserted, because their authors actually spend time creating content and have no time left to fleet around randomly.
As a result, a potentially great tool, which is supposed to be used as validation and recognition of someone’s efforts to provide great content, is corrupted. Unfortunately, social media can be a blessing and a curse. And often, it is too easy to manipulate it.”
One of these bloggers, named Lagos, actually responded to Russel’s question, defending his blog by saying that it is beautiful, that TO HIM it is the greatest thing since the sliced bread, that he has lots of friends and relatives who support his blog, and also that different people like different blogs.
Here is the link to the exchange between Russel and Lagos: http://russelrayphotos2.com/2012/06/08/extended-hours-at-the-san-diego-zoo-begin-june-22/#comment-3953
I decided to contribute to this conversation:
“Hi Lagos, I read the exchange between you and Russel and I checked out your blog. Unfortunately, I have to agree with everything Russel said. I started my blog in Jan. 2012 and created 55 great, substantial, unique and beautiful posts since then. I have over 6,600 Twitter followers and close to 200 blog followers. My blog is not only informative, but also beautiful, with lots of great pics, history, etc. I also got 20,000 viewings in 6 months. However, since I don’t have time to randomly go around clicking on likes for people I never met and because I don’t have a family who’d like my posts to death, I get 8-12 likes per post. And these are all hard earned likes.
I am inviting you to visit my blog to see for yourself. So, my friend, I am afraid, the verdict is that you are using some kind of trick(s). This is not real, and that’s sad. Very sad.
The question is, what’s the point in putting out great info? Let’s all create this illusion of being popular, instead of actually doing something worthwhile that justifies these likes. Yes, people are different, but they are not stupid.”
The way I see it, we all have a choice: why bother creating content if you can go around clicking on likes and flooding other blogs with comments. Some will reciprocate. This will provide the illusion that one is popular – a great ego-stroking tool! Let’s forget content, let’s forget beauty, humor, information. Let’s be mindless, indifferent, let’s exist in an illusion.
Tempting? Perhaps.
But I chose another road – in blogging and in life. It may take longer, and it may be a lot of hard work. And perhaps, I’ll never get 800 likes and 900 comments per post, or perhaps I will. But I’ll do my best to make each post unique, entertaining, intelligent and beautiful! And I’ll always make it real.
In the end, I know, my reader will find his/her way to my blog. And if each reader takes away a piece of knowledge they didn’t have, an inspiration they needed, or a chuckle that brightens their day, then my work is done!
A note to my readers: And what’s your opinion? I am thinking about bringing this post to the attention of WordPress admin. Don’t get me wrong, it is marvelous that bloggers talk to each other and visit each other’s blogs. But as Maddy @ 1EarthNow blog has pointed out in her comment, “likes” should represent feedback, not a popularity contest like Facebook likes. Blogs should be more meaningful.”
Great point, Maddy! Worpress seems to be taking a somewhat dubious turn with its overemphasis on likes and underemphasis on genuine blogging. As a result, it becomes gimmicky and discourages great content.
How do we strike the right balance between the two? That is the question!
Jo Ann J. A. Jordan said:
I subscribe to your blog, and I read this excellent post. I want to thank you for keeping it real and doing quality work on your blog. Keep writing, you have much to share with the world. You are already reaching more people than I do and I have had a blog since 2005. It moved to WordPress in October 2010 and I have only had a little over 5,000 views since then, and only just over 100 followers. You are doing well. Continue… Thanks for this entry. If you only reach a few you still have made a difference.
Lada Ray said:
Thank you, Jo Ann! This is so sweet! Many thanks for your encouragement. Cheers 🙂
Russel Ray Photos said:
Well, I don’t think I can add much to that.
I’m sometimes tempted to just click a bunch of likes and follows knowing that people will reciprocate, but I have this insatiable thirst for knowledge, and simply clicking on like and follow does nothing to satisfy my thirst.
Different strokes for different folks. I have no problem with what anyone else does, only curiosity to see if I can do something better for my readers.
Lada Ray said:
🙂
jmgoyder said:
Wonderful! I have been following the conversation about this for awhile via Russel’s blog – your input is great.
Lada Ray said:
Thanks 🙂
David C. Cassidy said:
Lada, what a wonderful post. I agree with you 100 percent. For me, if I’m going to write something, I’ll put thought into it. If people read it and like it for what it is, terrific. I’d rather put out something of value and have only a few people read it (or “like” it) than put out drivel and have 800 “bought and paid for” “likes.” What’s the point of writing anything if it’s not worth it? We might as well pack it in, otherwise. My two cents.
Lada Ray said:
So true!
Lada Ray said:
Your two cents are right on, David. Thanks for your input! 🙂
1EarthUnited said:
Reblogged this on 1earthnow and commented:
Very good point, “likes” should represent feedback, not a popularity contest like Facebook Likes. Blogs should be more meaningful.
Lada Ray said:
Excellently put, Maddy!
Lada Ray said:
To my readers: And what’s your opinion? I am thinking about bringing this post to the attention of WordPress admin. Don’t get me wrong, it is marvelous that bloggers talk to each other and visit each other’s blogs. But as Maddy @ 1EathNow blog has pointed out in her comment, “likes” should represent feedback, not a popularity contest like Facebook likes. Blogs should be more meaningful.”
Great point, Maddy!
Worpress seems to be taking a somewhat dubious turn with its overemphasis on likes and underemphasis on genuine blogging. As a result, it becomes gimmicky and discourages great content.
Leave your feedback, get heard!
pranjalbor said:
Lada I am not a writer or author.. But do you know one thing I learn’t from you that which kind of writing I liked? You taught me that I liked always real words not artificial. When I compared your writing and the books which I read all were real and simple language..You have great quality, my Ma and her Ma i.e my grand Ma, read ur blog so many times though both are not good in english than me..You are simple and so are your words,So you are ruling the world of words.. ‘Moi tumak bhaal paun’ its a assamese language. Your friend Pranjal,this is is your first post without pics and took 45mins me to read…
Lada Ray said:
Thanks, Pranjal – very nice 🙂
pranjalbor said:
Meaningful what is the perfect definition..? By point of writer word or through eyes of reader who could not understand writer’s instaneous will and word. Writer only shares its feelings its upon the reader whether he or she can make out meaning or not… ‘its not the fault of mother that she taught to walk, but d child didn’t learn’t it the way she wanted’..
mgedwards said:
Lada, thanks for this great, insightful post. I agree with you. I keep tabs on my stats in terms of reads, followers, comments and likes, but I don’t think in the long run it matters as much as slowly building a loyal following. Quality counts more than quantity when it comes to blogging, I think, although of course the more readers the better. Loyal readers, even better!
Here’s a possible insight. I noticed yesterday that reads of my post a few months ago about my top ten list of things to do in Korea has been my #1 post for days running — more than anything I’ve recently posted or shared on social media sites like Twitter. The culprit (in a good way) is Google’s indexing. Google changed something in its algorithm that now picks up that blog post as a top search result whenever someone searches for “Korea” and “top ten” and “things to do” or a variation of those terms. So now the post is getting dozens of hits per day. Whether that translates into meaningful results such as new readers is debatable, but it does show the power of “search engine optimization.” If you optimize your tags to be picked up on search engines, the post will get hits no matter how good or bad the post is. So I could write a two-word post, “Lada Rocks,” and then use some trending search tags like “explosion rocks (location),” and it will get hits no matter how good it is. Of course, “Lada Rocks” would be an awesome post, but that’s beside the point. 🙂
Keep up the good work, and don’t worry — you’re blogging is superb. If you’re getting a lot of hits and no comments/likes, it probably means that many readers are so content with your posts that they don’t feel the need to comment.
Lada Ray said:
You are so cute, Mike – as usual! Thank you for your valuable and insightful post! I don’t worry about me, I know who I am and where I am going. What disappoints me is the turn some of the SM sites I came to love are taking. And I think, our feedback is going to be valuable. That’s why I posted this.
You are right about Google, of course. And on second thought, I like your “Lada Rocks” idea. I certainly wouldn’t oppose such a post. Perhaps we should try it and see what happens 😉
P.S. Hope all’s well with you and the family. Missing you on Twitter, although lately I’ve been mostly MIA myself. All thanks to THE EARTH SHIFTER, which is progressing, but slower than I’d like. Hopefully, that too will SHIFT soon. 😉
Lindsey E Archer said:
I thought it was just me that noticed random, short blog posts which managed to somehow garner huge feedback, while other well-written, insightful posts lacked the same “likes” and “comments.” Glad to know it’s not just me. Oh, and I love your blog!
Lada Ray said:
Yes, it’s becoming really noticeable, isn’t it, as more and more so called “bloggers” use WordPress as an ego-stroking tool. I really do hope WordPress addresses this problem. Thanks so much for stopping by, Lindsey. Visited your blog – love the kitty and the doggie pics. That kitty is gooooorgeous! 🙂 Cheers!
guyportman said:
Perhaps the owner of the blog your friend Russel stumbled upon was an influential person, who forced loads of people to like his/her blog post. Perhaps a CEO or a dictator. You now have 19 comments for this blog, which I think is very impressive. Two is the most I’ve ever had!
Lada Ray said:
Inspired theory, Guy. I like the dictator bit. 😉
Susan Ozmore said:
Thank you for this post. When I started my blog it was just for me to write about things that were important to me which I thought others might be interested in. It is discouraging when no one reads, but I reminded myself that it was not worth sacrificing quality to just get readers. Then I invited a friend to post as well and her posts are far more popular than mine 🙂 at least in number of views. Likes and comments are still rare, but about the same on our posts. But once again I have to remind myself why I write.
It is easy to get caught up in the numbers and “popularity”. Thanks for the encouragement to keep; the quality high. I came to your blog for the first time via twitter, but I will definitely return.
Thanks again!
Lada Ray said:
Thank you for the lovely comment, Susan. Your blog is very nice 🙂 Keep your spirits high and keep blogging! Cheers and talk soon!
Russel Ray Photos said:
I thought of you the other day when I came across a blog that had over 10,000 followers, got something like 1,600 comments on one post, but had only 16 posts in two months. I’m just flabbergasted as to what’s going on.
Lada Ray said:
This is just surreal! You’d think that fraud on such scale only happens when there is a possibility of making lots of money or harnessing some kind of power. This is a blog, for heaven’s sake! Mind boggling!
Russel Ray Photos said:
Check out the last five posts, and the comments, on this one: http://clotildajamcracker.wordpress.com/
I think the comments prove my point that if you only post once a week but spend the rest of the time liking two or three hundred people each day, you’ll get lots of likes and comments on your few posts.
Ike Troost said:
Twitter is of course the king of micro blogging. I continually use twitter to give updates to my family member and friends. Twitter is very indispensable much like facebook. ;:””
glennmagruder said:
I’m new to blogging…actually just started today…pretty pleased that I happened upon this post. I think it’s a case of quality over quantity. I read with keen interest what was what. It is sad that some people are fraudulently accruing likes. I commend you on your stance. Well done.
Lada Ray said:
Thank you for your nice words, Glenn, and welcome to blogging.
I’m sure you’ll find it fun.
Cheers!
Yummygal said:
Lada, don’t worry what others are doing or blogging. Haha. I truly agree with you though. I think the “likes” do remind me of facebook and it is easy to scroll through the blog roll and “like” a post without even reading it. You have a wonderful following. I envy it. Plus, you just started so here’s looking up kid. I also follow Russel’s blog as well. It was nice to read this and to say, “Hey, I follow that guy too.” Both of you are right in matters, but don’t sweat it! Content is key in the end!
Lada Ray said:
You are right, Yummygal!
Thanks for stopping by!
Cheers 🙂