Dear thepublicblogger, why did you follow my blog?

  Posted on by Kendall Fredrick Person

  1,009 Comments

Dear thepublicblogger, why did you follow my blog?

dear thepublicblogger

Dear thepublicblogger: First I want to thank you for following my blog. I could be cynical and say maybe you just did it, so that I would follow yours, but hopefully that is not the case. I am one to always believe the best about people first so I’m going to remain optimistic (although, I am glad to follow yours, because I am enjoying it quite a bit). –  cynical optimist

Dear cynical optimist:  I do not think you are being cynical in the least by inquiring the reasons for my joining your community. Cynicism would come into play if you did not ask. ‘Following’ is a common term used throughout social media, but here, we are neighbors. The cynic would be partially correct, but, in this case, a real cynic would not have obtained a season pass. The cynic would have judged my performance at the door, and never read a single post.  Several neighbors and visitors alike have inquired as to why I would follow them, and one very talented blogger, The Curse of Future Tom (2013 mid-season nominee Best Comedy Post/Blog) even wrote a hilarious piece (I hope he was being funny) ‘There’s Some Kind of Blogsphere in Here‘ wondering if I was up to something by following him. A very valid question and you are not alone in being a curious mind.

With a population of 65,000,000, if WordPress were a country, it would be the 22nd largest in the world, wedged right between  the United Kingdom (63,700,000) and France (65,700,000). It is a fascinating, international community, that enables all to build a platform to showcase their talents and/or to have a voice. I enjoy my trips around the WordPress world. The sites, sounds, stories, rants and raves I encounter from my desktop our priceless.

It is my vision that The Neighborhood become an international destination for entertainment, for discussion, for discovery, for intrigue and most importantly, for peace. Developing, designing and building the type of all-inclusive atmosphere, takes planning, promoting, imagination, intensity and sincerity.  But all of those things become moot, without  people to share in this journey, that unveils itself a little each day.

I learn of new communities, by visiting my neighbors’ communities. WordPress is brilliant in its simplicity of meeting new friends. Simply ‘Liking’ a post or ‘commenting’ on a platform, or ‘following’ another blogger, your Gravatar  or Hovercard serves as your ‘I was here signature’ linking back, from wherever you are, to your blog, making meeting new friends as easy as a ‘touch or click’. Freshly Pressed is an in-house promotional device, if you will, where ever changing categories of blogs and posts, appear, running the gamut from ‘Drawing’ to ‘Inspiration’ from ‘Startups’ to ‘Blogging’ with hundreds of stops in between. And the prominence of WordPress bloggers can be felt throughout the world wide web, as it is not uncommon  to read a headline at another online community or media source, clicking the link to follow the story, and finding it has led you to a WordPress blog.

Cyberspace, where billions have established homes, is made up of hundreds of micro communities.  Many people establish residence at one location and maintain ties to several more. WordPress is my home location, but with so many friends, family members, and early supporters at Facebook, I maintain smaller accommodations there, as well as SoundCloud, Twitter and GooglePlus, which are still  relatively new communities to me. I try to demonstrate respect by contributing to the atmosphere at each location, in a give and take. I fall short, but my intentions are good. Many times, I am outfoxed by the number of hours in a day. But at WordPress, my home base, my online resident location, being a good neighbor does not just solve fair, it is the very foundation, in which The Neighborhood is built.

I have visited, read, listened to and commented on thousands of posts from thousands of WordPress bloggers. I cross share works from different communities, and during the blogger awards season, dedicate myself to finding, visiting and reviewing hundreds of new blogs, as well as, blogs that I have bookmarked. In an effort to expand the consideration pool for the 2014 Thepublicblogger Awards,  judging criteria was established, including opening up the process to bloggers outside of WordPress, and international judging panels, and a popular vote via online poll, were installed. Utilizing this platform, the neighborhood has supported causes such as stopping bullying (BULLY) and supporting homeless Veterans and those suffering from ptsd (The Hypocrisy of War), and I am proud to do so, and humbled that my voice can be heard.

Why do I follow you? And you? And you? at WordPress, at Twitter and SoundCloud? Why do I find  ‘Friends’  at Facebook and Goodreads? Why do I make ‘Connections’ at LinkedIn, add ‘Acquaintances’ at GooglePlus, feed to Bloglovin and Tumblr and post at Reddit?

As a marketer, (the cynic will say I told you so) following is a tool used in promotions and attracting new visitors, as well as, introducing thepublicblogger.com to potential new neighbors and friends, Similar to most (if not all) performance artists, I revel in producing a sold-out show. As an author, blogger & writer, It allows me to introduce readers to my novels, series and other works I post.  As a volunteer promoter, it provides a larger audience for the incredible talent  I discover and share within a post. As a purveyor of peace, it brings the world together in a discussion of civility and respect. And as a visionary, I can see The Neighborhood as a destination, bustling with visitors, bursting with neighbors, teeming with life. But the number of followers is a false indicator for reaching set goals, and while a tool, it serves no purpose if the production falls below par and respect for community takes a nosedive. Smoke and mirrors may serve as an initial attraction, but it is beauty, and heart, and soul, and sharing, and caring, and believing, and understanding, and honesty and integrity and creativity and doubt and prayer and you that enables The Neighborhood to grow.

As of August 20, 2013, The Neighborhood has a population of 18,218 {updated: April 24, 2016: 84,678} and I am honored and proud to welcome everyone one of you. But there are so many you out there, that we have yet to meet.

No worries, we know you are there. And on July 4, eleven players will begin a quest to find you. And a voting audience, will eliminate those that don’t (big smile)

 

We know you are out there 

 Category: society, think      Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1,009 Comments on “Dear thepublicblogger, why did you follow my blog?”

  1. I was very happy when I saw that you’d pressed the follow button for my blog…and a little surprised, too, since I’d just published a post that holds the potential for offending certain types of people more than most others things I could ever write about. (I was nervous just to publish it.) I do have a good amount of people reading my stuff, but you are the first ever to hit that follow button. You really brought a smile to my face, plus I got to discover you, too. I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen so far and I am really looking forward to Right To Life. It sounds amazing! Thanks!

    Like

    • Nothing to find offensive thus far. Regardless, it is your blog and you will do it your way. If my all inclusive blog brought a smile to your face, I can only hope the same of yours….thanks for adding your voice to this forum and thank you for your kind words.

      Like

  2. I was so delighted to find this post because I’d JUST been wondering why some people were following me, including you! Great insight into the WordPress community! Your blog looks like an exciting, interactive place.

    Like

  3. As someone very new to this I was delighted to actually have a follower, what ever the motive. Someone noticed me, or Django Dreaming at least! I am even more delighted it is “welcome to my neigbourhood” and not someone lost thinking it was about Jazz.

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  5. Hello! Thank you so much for following me… I’m a relatively new blogger and after reading this post, I am starting to understand more about the blogging community, or as you put it, the neighborhood. I think it’s a great way to view the blogosphere. I love reading and writing (obviously, I’m trying to be a blogger) and I hope that by following you and more expert bloggers, I’ll be able to start constructing my own blogging identity.
    Thanks once again!

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  6. I’m in.

    Thanks for the follow. I am truly flattered you took the time to not only read my post, but to invite me into your community. It is with pleasure, intrigue, anticipation and dare I say, a little trepidation in my legs, that I accept the generous offer. Let our journey begin.

    Thanks and Best Regards,
    Your neighbour.

    Like

  7. lol I guess I should have said, “Yours was” the first blog I followed…but you know, Human is my 2nd language 😀

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  8. What a lovely and perfect post. You were the first blog I ever followed. I am so happy to have made such a good choice. Thank you for welcoming all of us. Woof! Love, Maggie the Pitbull

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  9. Reblogged this on Contrafactual and commented:
    I found this post to be both a succinct and eloquent description of our global WordPress community.

    Like

  10. Kendall,

    Thank you so much for following Contrafactual.com

    As a beginning writer my interest is primarily fiction, with a secondary interest in recent history as I experienced it. I also write about current events and anything else that is on my mind. I hope that you and your readers will find value in my blog.

    I am reblogging this post because you have succinctly and eloquently described the blogging community (and I really like your world data-flow graphic). 🙂

    Be seeing you …

    Like

  11. You were the first blogger to follow mine. And I am glad following you back was not a mistake. The light in which you see the things around you is magnificent, so unique. Also, you know how to word out your thoughts very well, and in a way that is both entertaining and awe-inspiring. It just blends so well with your perspective.

    When I found out that you followed my blog, the same question came into my mind: why? Looks like I found the answer, somehow.

    Anyway, thanks for the follow.

    Like

  12. Kendall, thank you for the follow! I’m so glad it led me here. I’ll look forward to your posts from now on. Based on a comment you made here about the school of hard knocks, may I be so forward to invite you to my Wise Woman, Crone blog. It’s my most recent endeavor and it is right up the alley from SHK.

    http://www.wisewomancrone.wordpress.com

    Like

  13. I followed you because your perspective on life and your ability to put it into words to move and inspire me was evident in the first blog I read. As many of us bloggers are aiming at inspiring and hopefully bringing a broader or at least intriguing perspective to people, your example was an excellent one to follow.

    Also the overriding energy of your blogs and blog site holds a deep and respectful contemplative asking and answering while instigating peacefulness within the visitor to it. As an advanced energy therapist and spiritual seeker and sharer, this spoke volumes of words to me.

    It is a pleasure and an honour to be part of the neighbourhood.

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    • So very rare I am rendered speechless but have you done so. I am humbled by such a warm and special group of neighbors and proud to have created an all-inclusive forum where every one is welcome and everyone feels comfortable in adding their voice. You inspire me and thank you so much for being such a good neighbor. You are needed here.

      Like

  14. You certainly have a way with words that definitely makes me feel like part of the community (:

    Like

    • You are a part of the community. From the time you made a post to the first comment you made, you contributed to this wonderful wordpress community and the blogosphere as a whole and now you are officially a part of what we call The Neighborhood. Welcome. Glad you are here.

      Like

  16. When you say “The Neighbourhood” what exactly do you mean? But I think I got the gist of what you were saying and it sounds like a good idea. I hope.

    Like

    • To the right of each post, under the caption ‘neighbors’ are gravitars to both bloggers within the wordpress community (followers), as well as, from outside (via email subscription). I am not attempting to reinvent the word ‘followers’ nor do I have issue with its use. In the neighborhood, as thepublicblogger.com has come to be known, we simply prefer the term and see ourselves as neighbors here.

      Like

  17. Thank you for airing this out here. A reminder of why we are here to have that blog family/neighborhood. i rebloggged days ago, hope u don’t mind?

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  18. Funny .. your title to this post caught my attention and I took it that it was asking me why I was following you. Then I realized I wasn’t following you … yet. I like your honesty to the beast of the cyber neighborhood. I will be following you in my reader because I trust God to put writings in my path and use others as a voice that I may be seeking or a voice that I may need or simply because I just need a good laugh. Figure that voice might just be yours someday! God bless! 🙂

    Like

  19. Very interesting read! You have a fascinating perspective. I look forward to reading more from you. Thank you so much for the follow at Down, Set, Life over at WordPress.com! I hope to interact with you soon!

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    • Your kind, sincere words are appreciated. I have not always seen the world as I do now, but I am grateful that I have arrived to where I am. It is a pleasure for me to have become a part of your community and I welcome you to the neighborhood.

      Like

  20. What an enjoyable read 🙂

    I haven’t fully understood the concept of Neighbors (is it the same as followers to your blog?) but certainly I’ll keep my eyes peeled to figure out.

    For one, thanks to your thoughts I finallly went to set up my Gravatar…yeah, didn’t really feel like it and just went for it…it took me a whole 10 seconds!

    Have an awesome day.

    Like

  21. Thanks so much for this post. As a newly arrived immigrant to the Blogsphere, I’ll confess to some confusion in regard to the cultural practices here. And with an enlarged scepticism gene it was difficult not to question motives. However, community is a concept I definitely understand so thanks for the warm welcome. 🙂

    Like

  22. Thank you so much for following me. You were the first person to do so. I have only been blogging since Sunday, but I have always been an avid reader and I have written short stories ever since I was in middle school. Eventually I do plan on posting some of my stories, I just have to find time between my hectic school schedule. I’ve taken a break from studies to skim some of your posts and I am enjoying them. So thanks again for following me and letting me discover your work.

    Like

    • I am proud to be the first member of your community, and I know that many more will follow. Thank you for reading, visiting and adding your voice to this forum. You are appreciated and welcome to the neighborhood.

      Like

  24. I don’t know for sure what your writings are about. I’m all over the place. Mostly very unconventional, especially about the big stuff, i.e., religion, war, race, sex. You’re the first person I’ve given a comment to on the internet. Where do I go from here?

    Like

  25. You didn’t follow me so that I could be another bit of stat on your sheet? Pfft. I’ve never been so offended.

    Like

    • No comment needed. You have been a staunch supporter of The Neighborhood for some time. Without knowing where this was going, you for whatever reason, believed it was something you wanted to be a part of and for that, it is I that am grateful to you. Your contribution to so many platforms,has added to our burgeoning strength. Your own community – Let’s Cut the Crap!’ is both rich in concept and bustling with interaction, so perhaps, this was destined to be a good fit.

      Like

  27. I knew I was on to something when I followed you, and this proves I am right…and not a stalker 🙂

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  28. AND….OF Course your Following me!! Cause YA LUV ME!…LOL….We are also Tweet Pals on @LUV_Recovery & @kitcatlyon I’m the Recovery Blog that has some *ROUGH* Posts for many important issues like, Addiction and Recovery, Gambling Addiction, Suicide, Mental Health illness and Disorders, and More. THANKS for your Friendship & Recovery Support!!
    Another Great Blog Post! Author, Catherine Lyon 🙂

    Like

    • Catherine – You are incredible. So glad we are on the same team. Looking forward to working you in the future on tackling the issue of addiction, which I know about all to well. Thanks for being here. So glad we are neighbors.

      Like

      • Same to you Kendall! Addiction is sad when we have lived our experience first hand, but….PRAISE the LORD for his 2nd chance at LIFE by the shedding of his blood for us!! True experiences & stories lived are a very POWERFUL TOOL To help others! AND Yes, I got your back my friend! Hugs! Catherine 🙂

        Like

      • You want to tell us more about that road traveled and destination reached? I trust it is not a repeat journey you wish to repeat.

        Like

  29. Thanks for the follow. I’m interested in being authentic and writing from the core. Your blog represents that point of view also. Blog on, my friend!

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    • Authenticy is so very important, both to the writer and the reader and I am sure you will reach your goal in a short period of time. My pleasure to have become a part of your community, and a personal welcome to the neighborhood….my friend.

      Like

  30. Now I know why you followed me! 😉 I’m one to visit every follower as they appear, and many times find something new and exciting to read and follow, myself.

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  31. Your post invited me to look at WordPress in a different way. Thanks.

    Like

  32. I saw in your blog what I’m aspiring to in mine – a way to build an author platform by being “real” with your readers. Your posts are always so unique and reading them ignites the creativity slumbering within me. For these reasons, I followed your blog.

    Like

  35. Just like a lot of creative internet communities, I love the way that people can come together to create mutual spaces that no longer have to depend so entirely on location and resources. This new frontier of communication does really lend itself to people finding people like them and residing with a “neighborhood,” as you call it so aptly, that makes them feel comfortable and safe. And that’s really valuable.

    Like

  36. Excellent response Kendall. 🙂 You have definitely answered my question. I suppose I might not even asked the question had I my blog been around for more than a day. lol And of course this is cyberspace, I was free to not give you a second thought or not follow your blog. I think I was just trying to gather information on how things work in the blogosphere, and I was also thinking, well here is this really creative, talented and thoughtful human being with a very active blog…how did he even know I was there? On the first day even. lol

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    • Swarn – I am a true believer in things happen for a reason. I am true believer that I found you because you are needed here, and you wanted to see passed the perceived smoke and mirrors to get to the truth. And now we have done that, and so I officially welcome you to the neighborhood.

      Like

  37. I read this right through to the end. It was engaging and very interesting. I wanted to write a comment equal in intelligence to the others you have received. I can’t. I will never be up there with you guys. Sometimes we have to know our place and revel in its simplicity.

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    • lol….I love your comment. I don’t know why I it find it so much fun and full of amusement, but I do. I guess its the irony of it all. Your failed attempt to write an intelligent comment has turned out to be one of the most intelligent of them all.

      Like

  39. I too was wondering why you followed me, however this seems to explain it.
    If your intent is to get more followers then I can respect that, and feel I might as well take the opportunity to fish for some more myself.
    Anyway, my blog is just in its infancy and not yet a day old, so I hope you’ll get to see more of it in the future.

    Like

  40. Following, reading and listening to ones blog is gathering knowledge.
    Glad to be one of the 18.218, or maybe already more at this time.
    And, i think again, another amazing trailer by your niece.

    Like

  41. apologies for that unfortunate choice of words, I hadn’t been all through the site and missed the big “right to life” video in the middle of it. I think you should just delete my comment and forget I ever existed. Take care.

    Like

    • I just finished reading your biopic post ‘Go Home You Black Bitch’ and now, even if I wanted to I will never forget you. I grew up after the civil rights movement on the west coast. Racism still very much existed, but almost in a periphery type of way in comparison to older generations and persons of my age who grew up in the deep south. My elementary school was 99% white, my middle school was 80% latino and my high school, as a freshman, was 90% black so I have never understood the concept of racism. Of hating another person for the color of their skin that God made them. I know there are others in the world with similar or more horrific stories in their life, and to them and to you I say you are an incredible human being to have maintained the dignity and the self-esteem to brandish that beautiful smile on your face. The stories of the lost generation of aboriginal children in Australia is well-documented, but it is the first time that I have heard the story of a person of African descent growing up in a land that did not want them there. Your story epitomizes why The Neighborhood is so important, so needed and so overdue. Each of us may have our own opinions, but here we do not judge, we do not throw stones and we certainly do not hate. Welcome to the neighborhood jamborobyn. You are welcomed, appreciated and needed here.

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      • wow! I am honored and grateful for your understanding, your kind feedback and to be a part of the community. That particular post showed me the power of sharing a story and that my experience is not representative of a global stance on Africans, so don’t give up on those humans just yet. You are a trailblazer my friend, keep on shining!

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  42. This is great to read. As a “marketer” by career, I’m trying to build a writing discipline on WordPress. I had no idea when I started my blog a few months ago there was such a thing called a “community” here, or that part of being in this community meant exploring what others write, and being an active member of the community, but once i realized how it worked, I do love the reciprocity of it. And enjoy and find inspiration in so many posts I now read regularly on my reader each day. it’s great what you are doing, you are reaching out to new folks, ones who do not have 18k followerers and being a great cheerleader for them, as well as expanding your reach. It’s all good!

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    • Robin – Thank you so much for adding your voice to this forum. My posts serve as a catalyst, but the real wisdom occurs during the discussion that follows. I wish you the best in your writing and I welcome you to the neighborhood. So glad you are here.

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  43. Did you know, Kendall F Person…?! Part of my mind was starting to suspect there was only computer-generated content out there on the internet, regurgitated mix and match memes or something, kinda “matrix-like” with no real people involved except in my imagination and I was writing purely for my own entertainment….ok that last part is still true. Anyway thanks for remembering what it’s all about and letting us all in on the secret, plus I want to mention that upon reading this post I was heartened by the fact that no sacrifices appear to have been made in the creation of your post. Give me a hoy if you ever need a cup of sugar.

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    • Ladies & Gentlemen, of Bordeaux, France….Jane Dougherty, Winner of the mid-season award for Best Use of All Mediums blog. I will be working with Jane in the nomination process for Best Mixed Media Blog for the season ending award show. With all that is going on in your own world, thank you so very much for your contribution to the neighborhood. You are appreciated.

      Like

  45. This is cool. You have are seriously talented with words, this blog post really makes me feel like part of a community.

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    • Courtney – You are a part of a community. In the neighborhood all comments, beliefs, faiths colors of people are welcomed here. We have only one rule which we will never bend, each person carries the responsibility to use their words in uplifting their own opinions and beliefs without throwing stones or tearing someone else’s down. Welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you are here.

      Like

  46. This blog encapsulates the purpose for being here, for me. Great blog sir, and thanks for the stats and painting some wonderful mind paintings with your words.

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    • Your blog, your pictures serve as a source of inspiration. Healthy body is so important to a healthy life. I will take notes from you, sir. So glad we are neighbors and may I officially welcome you to the neighborhood.

      Like

      • Thank you for your support, and ecouragement. I hope to be able to give something back, to the blogging community, and inspire people to be the physically best version of themself that they can be, through diet and exercise. Your blog brings people together, and makes me feel like i am a citizen of the neighbourhood, so i thank you sincerely, and wish you the best wishes. Please don’t hesitate to knock on, neighbour, if you have any questions. B

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    • Chris – You are the epitome of what The Neighborhood is about. We live on separate continents, have never met, speak different native languages and yet I could not ask for a better friend. Thank you for such kind, sincere, and words that I will take to the heart. i wish you all the best in your endeavors, and if I have not told you before, I am so glad you are here.

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      • Kendall – thank you too, you just made me smile happily. Thank you 🙂 I am very glad you are here, too. Talk to you soon 🙂

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  49. I followed you as you looked interesting from a blogging perspective, and must have missed that you didn’t follow me as well. I’ll run through my list n see… Oh WAIT! My intent was not to flippantly follow for another incremental stat number. Keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t worry. If you falter repeatedly, I’ll simply look to another neighbor. 😀 I don;t do the show me yours n I’ll show you mine blog following M.O. Time’s too valuable for that hoopey hullaballoo horseshit. All the Best, Jordan

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    • Jordan – The Land of Mystereum. I am a member of your community. Perhaps I have not shown my face there quite enough, and I do apologize for that. You are appreciated for adding your voice and becoming a neighbor in the ‘hood. Oh, I was glad to see the smiley face, your humor was hidden and I thought you had left us for good. Glad you are here.

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      • Hail the emoticon to parse 2nd run-throughs for tenor of humor. [with-holding ; – ) here simply for emoticon discretion] Glad to be here, and thanks for being part of my community. ~ Jordan & The Land of Mystereum.

        Like

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