Bloggy Business

I'm trying to set my new computer up so that I can blog from anywhere...my office, the deck, or poolside.

Don't let that last one fool you. My life is not glamourous. Its just that swimming season started this week and I know I will be by the pool. A lot.

This post will be my first official post with my new BlogPress app. Which means I can draft to the blog without copy/pasting from the notepad, which proved to be very difficult in the last two posts.

While we are talking of boring topics such as my typing skills, or lack thereof, let's also talk about blog readers - the ones that help organize the blogs you read such a Google Reader or Bloglines, not you the actual reader.

I had recently been convinced to switch my blog settings so that if you read posts in a reader, or on Facebook (hello Facebook friends!) you wouldn't have to click over to read the full post; you could just read it in its entirety right on your reader.

Although I was skeptical, I tried it for two weeks.

If you were happy about my switch, I have bad news, I'm switching back.

I'm doing this for two reasons, one is that I have a Sitemeter that tells me who is visiting, and second, I like to "hear" from those who read (in the comments section.)

I was hesitant to switch because what I had predicted would happen, happened: my visitors and comments went down exponentially.

When readers read from feed-readers (say that ten times fast) I don't get a record of who is really visiting my blog. If you talk to bloggers they will tell you that the numbers aren't important, but lets be honest, bloggers write so people will read.

I don't put faith in numbers, but when the comments are low, it helps to know people still visited.

Do I hear an amen?

I will confess that if you have a blog that can be fully read in the reader, I am less apt to click over to your site, and consequently les apt to comment. Or sometimes it's because I get sidetracked by a bright shiny object. However if I am forced to go to your site to read the full post, I'm probably going to comment, since I am already there.

On a side note, and since we are talking about commenting, it's not that I don't want to comment on your blog, it's just that sometimes, if I don't feel that my comment will add anything of value, or if your are reviewing a product, I probably won't leave a comment.

Not that I mind if you review products, its just that you can find a blogger reviewing product under every URL, so its hard to come up with something original to put in the comment box. I'm just sayin'.

On to the next thing on the agenda....

You may be asking yourself why I don't advertise, or do product reviews? (I have an email box full of companies that want to send me everything from jewelry to luggage to review on my blog)

It's actually a matter of personal conviction. I don't often do reviews, or have advertisements in my side bar, or solicit sponsors. I have always chosen to keep my blog free of these kinds of things.

I can see the value of blogger product reviews (not to mention the great swag that I could gain), but I have always kept an arms distance because when I have opportunities to write to about things that are important to me and to ministry, for example TrueCampaign, you know that I am sharing my heart.

These opportunities may never come (again), and I'm OK with that, I would rather have a very few opportunities when I my voice can be distinct, than to speak in a time when I have to shout to be heard.

On the flip side, you may not care one iota why I don't review, blah, blah, blah...but now you know.

In the meantime, I blog because I enjoy it, and I've met some amazing people along the way.

So that is the bloggy business. Meeting adjourned.

But before you go, tell me: do your prefer reading blogs in the reader, or going to the blog? What makes you comment more? What makes you want to run screaming, taking your comments with you?

I know this post may have hit below the bloggy belt, and you might unsubscribe. Before you do, at least say goodbye!

Happy weekend!

Buttons, Buddies, and Backpacking

Happy Friday!

First, I was happy to receive an email from Travis Stewart, the co-founder of the True Campaign. Last month when I met with him and Constance I had mentioned that I would love a True Campaign button to go on my side bar.  

Not only did he make one, he made two! I think they are beautiful. 

If you are a True Campaigner and you would like to use these on your blog, you are welcome to download them. 

Also, if you haven't signed up to be a part of the True Campaign I'd encourage you to do so. Signing up gives The True Campaign Team the opportunity to occasionally send you updates on what's going on and where things are headed in the future! It's going to be exciting so come on and join us! 

Second, I am so happy that this week is over! This was the  l-o-n-g-e-s-t  w-e-e-k because The Mister has been on an eight day backpacking trip to Snowmass Peak in Colorado. 

He needed this trip in the worst way. Work has been stressful for quite some time and he enjoys putting a whole weeks worth of food, water and clothing on his back and walking uphill. He calls it "getting perspective". I'm thinking I could find other ways to "get perspective" but I love him just the same. 

I don't think it is quite possible to have missed him more than I have missed him this week. As a matter of fact on Wednesday I prayed all day long for God's protection over him. 

Ever since I read the stories about the guy who got pinned under a boulder and had to cut off his own arm, (and this guy who was pinned by a boulder and lost his life) it's been difficult to keep my thoughts and fears under control when The Mister goes on these trips. The Lord must get some good chuckles over me sometimes; Obsessively  consistently praying that boulders or bears won't get my man. I hadn't heard from him in almost a week, which I knew would happen, but in the middle of the nights (and into the day!) I would worry.

God was merciful to me and opened up the cell coverage so The Mister had five seconds of good cell phone reception on top of that mountain this morning. Most times cell phones don't work in the areas The Mister hikes; not to mention taking a phone defeats the purpose of going into the wild. He called and let me know that all is well, and that he hadn't been eaten by a bear, and that he still has both arms. 

Of course I was volunteering at the school so I missed the phone call, but hearing his strong and familiar voice over the machine was enough to assuage my fears. He sounded good, for a man who has just hiked 40 miles of mountain. He sounded like he has grown quite a beard, needs a good shower, and can't wait to get home to see his family.  ;)

Hurry home honey! We can't wait to see you. Oh, and stay clear of boulders.

As a last hurrah before The Mister returns, my buddies are coming over for dinner. It will be an Olympic theme as we dine on foods from across the world: Eggrolls (representing China), Taquitos (representing Mexico), Stuffed mushrooms (representing Italy), and chocolate (representing Belgium).

It's the four basic food groups. The dinner of champions!

La Vida Dulce!