A Little Break
My computer crashed Monday night and it’s now in the hands of the Apple gods, and I wait and cross my fingers. I’m super far behind in my work now, so while I haven’t been doing my usual blogging lately and I’m practically on a break already, I’m going to be even quieter until I can catch up and (hopefully) get everything back in order computer-wise. I feel like I’ve been a bit bad about interacting with you guys lately, I was reading this article about how comments on blogs are going down and there were a lot of comments on the post from people saying how rude it was that bloggers don’t reply to their comments, so they stopped commenting. It worried me a bit thinking that some people might think I’m rude because I’m not the best about replying to comments and even emails lately. But just know that I love you guys and all your awesome comments (particularly on the last post, tear city) and they keep me going in life, even if I don’t have a chance to thank each and every one of you. I’m in need of a priorities check and personal interactions with others should be higher on my to-do list.
Photo by Kate Miss, taken with a Mamiya 645 with Kodak Portra 400 film. I was having a little trouble with the focusing screen on this first roll but I think I have the hang of it now, hopefully. I still like this photo, even if what I wanted to be in focus is not.
May 16th, 2012 at 11:46 am
Oh man, I hope your computer gets fixed, sincerely. And don’t beat yourself up about the comments thing. Sure, it’s nice to get a reply to a comment on the blogs one reads, but it’s not always possible, which I think some people can forget. And besides, I think comments should be left in response to something interesting seen or read in the post – not just to get a reply from the author. Remember it’s our choice if we want to comment somewhere, it doesn’t mean the author is obliged to respond. Blogging should be a positive experience – not a stressy one filled with demands, obligations & grouchy commentators! I hope that makes sense? (it’s been a long day and I feel as though I’m rambling, apologies.) Good luck with the Apple store.
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May 16th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
i try to respond to every comment i get, because i’m truly honoured when someone feels the need to respond to what i’ve put out there…but i also don’t get as many comments as you do! it’s a double-edged sword, and i think if i were you, posting this much, i’d be exhausted trying to think up new ways of saying thankyou to every single person who commented. and alternately, sometimes it feels like a popularity contest, trying to get a response to a comment that you really do mean!
i wish i had an answer for you, but all that keeps going around my head is ‘we do what we can’, and i’m fairly certain that’s exactly what should be done: just what you can. :)
(aaand on a photo-related note, i love all your plants! in the sunshine! in pretty pots! so pretty!)
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May 16th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
I think some people are a bit too sensitive. Even the concept of leaving a comment just to get a reply from the author is wrong… It’s like giving a present only to have another in return. At least to me, it doesn’t make sense.
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May 16th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
If people are thinking you’re rude because you don’t reply to every comment you get, then they’re rude. It would be ridiculous to expect that of you. Please don’t worry about things like that, you’re a busy lady and the last thing you should be worrying about is replying to every comment on every blog post! I personally appreciate your blog because it inspires me every day. That’s more than enough for me. You’re fabulous, keep doing what you’re doing, and I hope you get your computer problems fixed very soon!
Claire x
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May 16th, 2012 at 5:38 pm
I don’t think you should worry about not responding to each comment. It’s obvious to anyone reading your blog that you do interact with your readers and that the support you get from the people who read your blog means a lot to you. There are different ways I suppose for bloggers to interact with comments, and not everyone has to be the same or do the same thing. To me, the way you respond to comments in the body of your posts speaks volumes, and is completely different from a blogger or a blog that completely ignores their readers. Anyway, it’s up to the individual: if some people don’t have time to respond to comments, or don’t feel a need to, it’s their choice – I’m not going to judge them for it.
I have been noticing though that comments have been going down on my blog, while the stats are going way up. While it’s really nice that so many people are now reading my blog, I miss the comments and the conversations I had through them. It’s strange because I do respond to comments and my own commenting behaviour hasn’t changed – I wonder if there’s a general mood swing when it comes to comments on blogs?
Have a good break Kate, fingers crossed about your computer!
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May 17th, 2012 at 12:40 am
being someone who hardly ever, EVER, comments on blog posts (and also hardly ever replies to comments on my own blog – unless they are specific questions or comments i might want to address) i really don’t think it’s something you need to worry about.
as Inês said, you shouldn’t be leaving a comment on a blog post just to get a response (and, worst of all, leave your signature so it drives traffic to your own site) – it should be a genuine in the moment thing, and it shouldn’t have to warrant any kind of response.
all i know is that when i do choose to comment on a blog post it always comes from a spontaneous place to let the author know my appreciation or thoughts, and i wouldn’t ever CHECK BACK to see if they responded with a kindly ‘thank you’. that would be ridiculous.
so, ya know, no worries! just the fact that you talk to your readers in every blog post is enough to know that you care.
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May 17th, 2012 at 12:42 am
oh and PS i forgot to say good luck with the computer!! i think that has to be the biggest fear of a freelancer, huh? except for taxes and stuff…
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May 17th, 2012 at 10:20 am
Girl, please… you know we love you. Don’t you worry. xo.
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May 17th, 2012 at 1:16 pm
Don’t worry about us, just breathe step breathe step breathe.
You are wonderful.
* read first sentence as if I italicized the last ‘breathe’. Whoa. Things just got real.
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May 18th, 2012 at 9:11 am
My Mac computer just crashed as well! It was actually a nice break from blogging. I forget how much time I spend on the Internet. Anyways, I hope it’s not a costly repair!
Jessica
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May 20th, 2012 at 5:10 am
Good luck with your mac and don’t worry about the comments :)
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May 20th, 2012 at 5:54 pm
Kate,
Don’t be so hard on yourself! We all have lives and know that you do too.
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May 6th, 2013 at 4:28 pm
This may not be the best place to ask but, I have been searching for someplace to bring my Mac for repair. Has anyone ever heard of this apple repair service? They’re located in West Los Angeles, which is only 5 minutes from my office. It’s called – Mac Repair Los Angeles, 11322 Santa Monica Blvd, Ste B Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 966-9099.
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