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Blog Tip for Newbies - Does that 'Followers' Gadget put too Much Pressure on You?

DISCLAIMER: This post is for the sole purpose of helping beginning bloggers to continue blogging without the pressure to compete. If you have no issue with your numbers, this post isn't for you, so please don't take offense. Just realize that there are others starting out here and it helps to not have the pressure of the amount of followers they have yet to gain.

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I've been reading many posts on numerous blogs lately about some of the pressures we have as bloggers. This post is not to rehash any of that, but it is interesting just how many blogs have been having discussions on the topic. The comments are always through the roof whenever it comes up.

Something I see recurring in the comments on a regular basis is how so many of the newer bloggers worry about the number on their followers gadget for one reason or another.

Many of them, although relatively new, are already seeing the pressure to 'grow their numbers'.

I've even seen many seasoned bloggers talk about removing the followers gadget from their blogs to take away the competition aspect of it. Some bloggers already have.

Personally, I keep the gadget on my blog so that I can see who is on it. I often click on their blogs to see who is reading mine and see what they're blogging about.

I've found some fabulous blogs by clicking on the icons in the followers on other people's blogs.

So, to establish my opinion - I like them.

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(EDITED at 9:45pm: I removed what I had previously written in this space regarding what I don't like about the followers gadget. In rereading it, I realized that it sounded rude and unappreciative, and that wasn't how I meant to come across. To those of you that already read that part, I hope I didn't offend you.)
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I blog because I enjoy it. I blog because it allows me to have interaction with others. I blog for me, and if you like me, hop on board - but if I'm not you're cup of tea, well, that's okay, I'll understand.

 If you choose to subscribe to my blog instead of follow me, that's ok with me too. I subscribe to many of you in a reader, so if you don't see my face in your follower gadget, don't assume I'm not following you. I am, but it's more than likely in a reader. I follow many blogs anonymously simply because I started following them before I was a blogger myself and I didn't know to put my name in.

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That number on your followers isn't accurate anymore anyway since the popularity of blog readers.

You may show 100 following you, but you could have 500 more subscribing, which is just like following, only without adding to your numbers for everyone else to see. Please don't let your numbers bother you. Everybody starts at the same spot. They've all been where we've all been or may still be.

One of my favorite blogs has less than 50 followers.

So let me ask you......

Does this little widget intimidate you?

(Image courtesy of  Google Images)

If it does, then let me offer you a temporary solution.

REMOVE THE NUMBERS!

You will still be able to see how many followers you have in your dashboard, but it will not be visible to the readers.

When your numbers get to a level that you're comfortable displaying, turn them back on.

Look at mine. Right there on the right. It should be there right about now if I planned this post length correctly.

See - no numbers. I love that!

I could have 200 or 2000. You'd never know by looking, would you?

Wanna do that on your own blog?

Here's how:

1. Go to your "layout" page

2. Click on the edit button

3. You'll see this box pop up.

If you have a white background, follow the directions I typed in the box.

If you have a colored background, you'll need to know the number of the color you have, and that is the number that you will put in the "Content Headlines" box.

You can find that number in your html code for your blog under "background color".

That's all you have to do!

And again, to reiterate:

This post is for the sole purpose of helping beginning bloggers to continue blogging without the pressure to compete. If you have no issue with your numbers, this post isn't for you, so please don't take offense.

Just realize that there are others starting out here and it helps to not have the pressure of the amount of followers they have yet to gain.

Dreaming up something good.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.  Happy Dreaming, Heidi

Brooks and Falotico

Blissfest for all.  If I was in Oz I would have to say that this one "ticks all the boxes".  Enjoy, Heidi

Wait for it.

POW!  a flat screen in the island.

inhale and now exhale

All images Brooks and Falotico

Notes from My Prayer List

Hello friends. This is going to be a very different kind of post today.

You know how it is here in blogland - it's such a big, big world, and yet so small at the same time. It's amazing how easily, and how quickly we all start making connections with one another.

We start to care deeply about the people we visit, and who visit us, and we truly start to build friendships.

I know I have.

Well, friends come to the aid of those they care about, right?

Of course we do.

When our friends hurt, so do we. We feel their pain because we've come to know them so well, and perhaps we've been in their shoes and can understand where they are.

And when they hurt, we offer them our prayers.

Do you remember to honor the prayers you promised?

I'm sorry to admit that I myself have gotten busy on occassion and forgot until much later. I've given myself a rule to never let that happen again.

The purpose of today's post is to spread the word about those we've come to know through our blogs who are hurting and need prayer.

I'm personally asking you to say a prayer for these friends and maybe even stop by their blogs to show your support and let them know you are thinking of them.

I firmly believe in the power of prayer, as I've seen what's it's done in my own life.

The lovely Country Lady from At Home with a Country Lady has requested prayer for her daughter-in-law. She is a young beautiful woman who just had a stroke, and the family is understandably beside themselves.

Please, stop and say a prayer for her recovery right now. With a stroke, every minute counts.

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My very dear friend Brenda from Cozy Little House is going through numerous trials right now. She shares candidly on her own blog, so there's no need for me to reiterate here.

I will tell you this though. Brenda is mommy to several little fur babies. If you read her blog, you know how much a part of her life they are. A few days ago, one of her cats got out of the yard and has not returned home. She has looked daily for her, to no avail thus far.

Here's her little Bonnie:

All of the other animals have started reacting to Bonnie's absense and they are sensing Brenda's pain as well.

For those of you who have your own fur babies, I know you understand. This kitty has been part of her life for many, many years. Please pray for her safe return.

I wish I could tell you Brenda's story ended there, but sadly, it doesn't. There are much more serious things happening in her life, and I'm sure she won't mind me asking for you to pray for wisdom and direction for her to make some very though decisions.

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And then there's Jane over at Mamie Jane's. She's such a lovely person with a wonderful spirit. She's a lover of all things vintage and thrifty and you'll find her attending many parties around blogland. She sent me the best gift EVER, and I'll be sharing it with you all soon.

A few months ago, Jane's husband was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. Although she doesn't mention it much, she and her husband remain on my prayer list, and I'm asking that you put them on yours too.

This is her husband with his new scooter!

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Next is Laura Gunn at Decor to Adore. I'm linking you to the page where I'd like you to start reading if you aren't already a follower of hers. This is the most inspirational story of triumph over tradgedy that I believe I personally have ever heard.

This is Laura AND her daughter, both graduating on the SAME day!

A few months ago Laura had a car accident in which she broke a few bones and hurt her neck. She is continuing to heal from the injuries, but it never hurts to keep up with the prayers.

And if that wasn't enough to deal with while trying to finish her classes, she also lost her 'mother' around the same time. Once you read her story, you will understand who 'mother' is.

The loss of a loved one is never an easy thing at any time.

Which brings me to the next person on my list.

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If you know Donna from Funky Junk, you already know this.

But just incase you don't, Donna recently lost her own mother very suddenly.

I'll let you read about it on her personal blog because no words I can say here would even compare to the eloquent sentiments she has spoken herself.

It is hard to lose someone you love so dearly, and sometimes after everything is said and done, and the hectic days turn into silent nights, we forget to continue praying for healing and restoration of heart for those who have been hurting.

 I lost my own dad, who I was very close to, 14 years ago, and I still hurt over it today as if it just happened. I know that the pain is very real. Time will ease the pain, but it won't take it away.

I'm asking you to please remember to pray for these people as they continue to heal and find the new 'normal' in their lives.

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If you have someone you know that needs to be lifted up in prayer, please tell us about it in the comments and we'll add them to our lists.

My own list has grown to over 300 people, and I assure you, if you're on my list, you're receiving daily prayer.

Blessings to each of you.

Julie Charbonneau and de Poitiers

Creamy whites, polished nickle, sparkling crystal, herringbone limestone, ambient lighting = perfection.  Just thought that I would share something absolutely gorgeous to start off the week.  I will meet you all back here later this evening to stare at it longer over a bottle of wine.  Enjoy, Heidi

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Let me Explain - About My Facebook

I've had numerous people from blogland, mostly followers, send me a friend request on Facebook. I haven't answered those, and here's the reason why. First of all, you have a choice to accept or ignore. I think ignore sounds so ugly, so I don't press that button.

As far as accepting you as a friend, Here is why I haven't done that yet.

My Facebook account using my personal name is one I only use for family and the friends we just left back in Denver when we moved to KY. When I set it up, I hadn't even discovered blogging yet. I set it up to keep up with my niece and nephews, grandkids, and my hubby's kids.

I don't have any business or blog content on it.

So, because I'm getting requests more often, I've decided to set up a page for my blog friends. It will be about another week before I have time to do that and put content on it, but I'll be sure to let you know when I do.

I hope I haven't offended anyone by not accepting your friend request thus far, but now you know the reason why.

Thanks for understanding.