- When I started blogging in April of 2009, it took me eight months to see an active following. Once things got rolling though, it grew and grew. Some mornings, I'd wake up to a handful of new followers. Alas, things have changed. Have you noticed? Bloggers aren't always as polite, and many are only interested in selling their books versus getting to know other bloggers. Often, they don't return follows. My numbers -- which I'm very grateful for, don't get me wrong -- go up and down, very slowly and unpredictably. I'm really glad I started blogging when I did, when the focus was on connecting with other bloggers with an understood give-and-take. That's what I appreciate about all of you, though much of blogland - it seems - isn't like that. It's gotta be tough to have a go at this blogging thing now.
So I bring your attention to a fabulous new blogger and person, Michael D'Agostino. Let's help him out. He'll be an active follower who leaves quality and humorous comments on your blogs. He's like that. In his words, Michael is "an aspiring media personality from Adelaide Australia. I acknowledge that aspiring usually means crap."
Michael voluntarily contributed to my efforts with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, even though I hadn't asked for donations, and he's an Australian. He offered to send me chocolates too. If I had a daughter, I'd send her to Australia to meet him (and marry him). I told him this, minus the marriage part -- that would make me his Mother In Law, and that's just weird. My point is that he's a great young man. And how many men would take a pole dancing class to blog about it? Look at him! I didn't think it was possible to hold yourself up that way. If you go to the second most recent post on his blog, you'll see The Hello Boys move too. Turn on the A/C first; whether you're male or female, there are pole dancing photos and video bites to enjoy.
And now that I've embarrassed Michael D'Agostino, go follow him at A Life Examined here.
Thanks, and have a great one.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Love for A New Blogger Who Pole Dances & Changes in Blogland
Posted by Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com
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Nice to see bloggers supporting each other.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've noticed a change in blogging. A lot of one-way promotion out there. It has affected my enthusiasm. But I appreciate all the connections/friends I've made in the three plus years I've been blogging. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is why we try to go really light on the promo and just focus on the blogging. And if our friends need anything, we always try to help out. Seems like there are too many authors who only want to peddle their own books but have absolutely no interest in supporting the work of others. I hate that.
ReplyDeleteRant aside, I recognize Michael from way back. It's been a long time since I've seen his name, and it's good to see him again. I know him through his pal Rusty. It'll be nice to visit him again.
I second Robyn's motion! I'm one of Michael's followers as well and his posts are hilarious as he gamely tries new things to broaden his horizons. Love the pole dancing one in particular!
ReplyDeleteYou, Robyn, bring a rare note of warmth and grace (not to mention chocolatey belly laughs) to the blogosphere. I'll go check him out... it's so good to see bloggers supporting one another!
ReplyDeleteWe do have a lovely little community here.
ReplyDeleteYes, he's a fine young man! I have no idea how he found my blog, but I'm delighted that he did!
ReplyDeleteNow that's some great upper body strength.
ReplyDeleteThe focus used to be on connection. Not sure where it is now. Sadly, you nailed that part.
What a great introduction. Will definitely visit Michael's blog.
ReplyDeleteBut I don't understand why you need to have a daughter to send. Couldn't you just send yourself?
I love when bloggers support each other! And I especially love the connections I've made with so many great people in different areas of the world. Like you!
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of this man and his pole dancing antics. There is no way NO WAY that I'd ever be able to hold myself up like that. Wow...
I might even pay money to see a guy pole dance.
ReplyDeleteI've been blogging or almost 10 years now and it has gone through some massive changes during that time. When I began, people didn't really follow. Then they did. Now they don't again.
My blog is mostly reviews, promotions, etc., and I know those get a bad rap (not by you, you've never been anything but gracious), but I've been lucky too, that I get some really great people who come and stick around. :)
ReplyDeleteI like bloggers supporting bloggers (people supporting people).
Headed over to give him a follow.
Happy weekend to ya!
Oh, and here I thought you could only find Pole Dancing at Warsaw Gentleman Clubs.
ReplyDeleteYou mean I could use Blogger to sell my book?
Huh.
Who knew?
Yep, when I started people followed and became friends, give and take stuff, now pfffft nadda. Most just want to sell sell sell and they have their head too far up their arse to realize that isn't ever going to work. I just blog about what I want to blog about and throw a book release in once or twice a month, that is that. The cat will never change.
ReplyDeletePole dancing huh lol takes some skill
I will go check out his blog! :)
ReplyDeleteI started blogging later than you and it took me longer to get followers/readers, but I have noticed that not many bloggers return follows, which is disappointing. I've also noticed that some are getting annoyed with posts on writing (writing tips, etc.), which is what I mostly do. I also promote other authors on Fridays. I try not to make all mememe, but try to help others instead.
ReplyDeleteI am applauding Micheal.
you are generous, Robyn. I'll check out his blog. And Australia is fun -you should definitely go for a visit. Have a super weekend.
ReplyDeleteRosey, you are very sweet and personable, and you don't mind that I never enter your contests/giveaways. Theresa's the same. That's why I appreciate you; you aren't like the others.
ReplyDeleteChrys, I will go so far as to say that I think it's rude to not return follows. Unless someone's blog is outright offensive (which isn't at all common), there's no excuse for this.
Joanne, Australia is my dream destination...Ah, some day.
Mitchell, sadly, I am too old for such a gem like Michael. He's 25. I'm 48. Cougardom intrigues me, but not with someone so much younger than my baby brother. Smiles.
I appreciate you all. You've made more of a difference in my life than I can say. I'm glad you get that I'm not expressing this to you. If we weren't on the same page, we wouldn't have continued our blogland friendships.
PS Can't wait til Michael sees this post and sees his following start to take off.
xoRobyn
Yay! Yes, we do have to support one another. Thanks for sharing about him.
ReplyDeleteRobyn, you're amazing. Like The Beer for the Shower boys mentioned, I used to have a blog from way back. My friend Rusty was the person who convinced me to start one and we sort of ran our blogs in tandem, always mentioning each other and doing projects together...
ReplyDeleteWe had a really nice little community going, but then my circumstances changed and I disappeared. By the time I got back into it, all the bloggers I'd made friends with were also gone. Even Rusty.
Anyway, I might go into more detail about it in a post. I'm very glad I made a friend like you and you're right - that's the main reason I do this :)
I'm much too clumsy to do any kind of dance. I shall follow your potential son-in-law.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
On your recommendation, I'm off to check out his blog.
ReplyDeleteThe people I've met blogging really feel like my friends. I'm also glad I started with I did. Going to meet your pole dancing friend.
ReplyDeleteHello there pole dancing Michael! I am very impressed.
ReplyDelete(And I have been such a bag blogger lately...have there been any marine stud updates? If so, inbox me!)
I can hear it now, "and this is my son in law, he is a pole dancer . . ."
ReplyDeleteI agree things aren't quite the same in blogland. A few months ago, someone was kind enough to follow me, so I happily returned the favor. A few days later that same person unfollowed me. This brought back memories of what I thought were great first dates that never turned into second dates. Maybe I was a sloppy commenter. I look forward to meeting Michael!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Elizabeth, you're such a good girlfriend. I was thinking that I didn't update anyone on the merchant marine. There are NO updates. Dude hasn't even texted to say "hey". So it goes.
ReplyDeleteRhonda, I love it. That would be a fun way to introduce myself - if only for the reactions.
Julie, it does make you second and third and...yourself. I try to figure out who unfollowed me. I never can. Plus I try to figure out what I did wrong. There are too many possibilities. But hey, it's their loss. Right? Yeah, I could never convince myself of that either.
Hugs all around.
xoRobyn
I totally agree with about the state of blogging. There are still plenty of great people out there (such as yourself) though. Thanks for the tip on this blog, I'll check it.
ReplyDeleteYou couldn't have said it better - about the changes in blogging. It certainly had dampened my enthusiasm toward the whole thing. But, I still like to get out and about every so often and see what everybody is up to.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great introduction to a blogger who sounds interesting and imaginative. That's really nice for a change. Thanks!
Wow! Lovely to meet a new blogger, thanks for the intro.
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate Michael and the effort he puts into his posts. Everybody go appreciate him.
ReplyDeleteRobyn, you are a sweetheart. I'm off to say hello to Michael. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy the way the blogging world has changed. Makes me glad I found a few friends when I did.
ReplyDeleteA pole dancing Aussie man. If I weren't already married... I think you should be taking a little overseas trip though, no?
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the friendships I've made through blogging. You are right though. I have noticed many are only takers and look out for themselves. When I started blogging, I was so excited about the connection I was going to make with others. Thankfully, I have met some fabulous friends, so it wasn't a bust lol. Though, I used to love doing Wordless Wednesday with a link up, it was irritating taking the time to comment on tons of blogs, but most would just leave a link and leave. RUDE! Now, I don't include a linky on my posts, but can still share with those that care enough to stop by and return the blog love on those days.
Rant over. I'll go stop by the hunky Aussie man's blog and give a hello ;)