I subscribe to ProBlogger. I know, who doesn’t? He’s brilliant and his information is valuable, but sometimes I find myself passing over his posts in my Google Reader because they don’t always apply to me. I’m not selling anything, building a business, or educating anyone, and his posts are generally geared to more serious bloggers.
I mostly just write stories about my life and share my thoughts and observations. This is why I almost always delete press releases and PR pitches from my email inbox. I don’t need editorial ideas and writing prompts because my writing is prompted by my personal experience and the feedback I get from my readers. I view my blog as a cross between an online journal and a community of friends.
Which is why, when I came across Darren’s post entitled Community – Principles of Successful Blogging #4, I was instantly intrigued.
Darren claims that “one of the secrets behind growing the readership of a blog is to give people ways to participate in it, ways to belong to it and ways to make it their own.” He goes on to say that out of the 30+ blogs he has started, the 3 that have become popular are the ones where a community developed among his readers. He calls the developing of a blog community “the tipping point of becoming successful.”
Since I believe that the community is the heartbeat of my blog, I found myself nodding along as I read. That’s why I started the WILTW carnival and have decided to keep it going. I love to see my little community growing and you guys making connections. I’m always delighted to see your comments on each others’ posts and your banter on Twitter.
The next part of the article is what inspired this post. Darren cited an example of when he asked his readers at Digital Photography School to list their Twitter accounts. He noticed that as a result, his readers got to know one another on Twitter and the quality of his comments improved.
Color me was inspired! Let’s try it. Leave your Twitter user name in the comments, and then make sure to follow back as many of the other participants as possible.
Wait, I know what you’re going to tell me. You’re not on Twitter. You don’t have time. Or you don’t know how to get started. Or you have a Twitter account but not a clue what to do with it. Read my Twitter for Dummies Beginners post, and then go join the party! It’s painless. I promise!! Of course, I’ll be sure to follow everyone who leaves a comment.
Ready, set, GO!
Sounds fun!
@bittybookworm
How fun! I’m @mistimann
I love Twitter. I don’t participate as much as I should, but it’s fun reading everyone’s updates. I also follow alot of celebrities & enjoy getting a peek into their lives.
I tweet primarily from @YouOtt2Know, but am also sometimes the person behind the tweets at @ChescoMoms and @MontcoMoms.
This is awesome, Jo-Lynne! I love “meeting” new people to follow!
I think I am @hopep619. So sad that I do not know for sure, I know.
Ditto what Emily Kay (#18) said:
I read everyone I follow…which is why I try to keep my follower count under 100.
If I follow someone, I read their tweets. I’ll be sure to check out all of these Musings readers for more good stuff to read. 🙂
If you follow me @TCOYou, thank you. If I don’t follow you back, take heart — it’s me, not you.
(http://sites.tcoyou.com/info/twitter-follow-policy)
Well, crap. I’m bummed I missed this. But just in case:
@Jenny86753oh9
I’ll come back later to get others’ tweets – mine is @kitchenstew
Great idea, Jo-Lynned. I had just opened Problogger’s post when I read yours – funny.
Katie
I’m @KitchenKop, and now seriously thinking about doing this at my blog, too!
Thanks,
Kelly
It’s an interesting idea. I wonder if it’ll work? You’ll have to do a follow up post and let us know.
Nell
I’m @stephsday. I have to admit, though, that I am NOT a Twitter “power user.” That said, I do love the conversations that happen there. I come across some amazing posts (and people) by way of Twitter…
This is a Great Resourceful to gain twitter followers.
Thanks for showing the love.
http://twitter.com/FinePrintNYC
Joseph @ Fine Print
Oh well, I am all about this! I’m a pretty avid Twitter-er.. haha! My name is @mammamania and I would love to meet everyone.
Community is the only reason that I blog. It is my “currency.” 🙂
Jo-Lynne I love how you foster community on your blog – you rock!
I’m @wishwhp and I’m so looking forward to following some of you gals!
Hope I didn’t totally miss out. Great idea! I’m @jenncallinghome (big surprise there).
I am @StacieinAtlanta on Twitter. I have a seriously Twitter addiction.
I meant a serious Twitter addiction. Too early without caffeine for me. 🙂
Twitter rocks. But you know that!
I’m @elainea
@brennbug
Although someone hacked my Twitter account over a week ago and three emails later I still can’t get in. I hope it will be resolved soon. I miss Twitter.
Phew! You are all added to my Twitter MOAH list on Twitter. You can all add the whole list with one click. 🙂 http://twitter.com/dcrmom/moah-peeps
I just set up my twitter account
@andreathebaker
follow me on twitter @nyj_eri_ah