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. Hey what a great post! Thanks for getting me thinking about these digital arenas as communities and adding me to yours. It’s so true, and you’ve validated for me how lovely it is to make new connections with others – whether at the bus stop or on WordPress. I am relatively new to WordPress and find it all pretty overwhelming at times the sheer volume of blogs/people involved. I just didn’t know where to begin in regards to making connections. So it is so nice that you came knocking and brought me a pie and said hello and welcome to the neighbourhood. Looking forward to being the local healer, herbalist and medicine woman on your block. I’ll be happy to wave and say hi when we pass on the street and thanks to you I hope to meet more of the community! Have a wonderful day!

    Like

  2. What a nice surprise to wake up, check my blog for any new neighbors and comments and find YOU there! I am so happy and honored that you found my little blog, neighbor!

    Like

  3. Thanks for following! I love that you address the ‘why’ of it. Any advice on getting more comments? I’m loving the fact that anyone is interested in my stream of consciousness, but am hungry for real conversation!

    Like

  4. Hi Kendall, Thank you for following my blog. I appreciate the interest. I’ve read a few of your posts, and I have a feeling I’m going to spend quite a bit of time here! Thanks for sharing.

    Like

  5. Thanks for visiting and following my blog, Kendall. I am both honored and humbled.

    Like

  6. Well let me say right away that I am new in this neighborhood, and this etherial world for that matter, and have not had much chance to find my way around. So please forgive me if I have put this little note in the wrong post box, as it were. I am used to being an alien however, as I expect you read in my aimless ramblings on my blog (it is my regret that is isn’t called something more attractive, like a cloud, but I understand that name has been bagged by some romantics out there) and I hope to settle in around here after a suitable period of acclimatization. It was a bit unnerving, at first, to find I was being stalked by people I had never encountered before, but I am beginning to realize it is an acceptable component of the social makeup and the fact that some people do it to profit, is in some way more comfortable than if they had mal intent. My word you are all very outspoken, quite refreshing, I will have to sit back and listen a bit before I add any judgmental rantings, always a dangerous thing I have found in a new country. Well I hope you don’t find it a waste of time trailing me and I feel a bit flattered. Thank you.

    Like

  7. “…As a purveyor of peace, it brings the world together in a discussion of civility and respect…” and in that sentence alone, I fell in love. Thank you for welcoming me to the neighborhood. It is with much honor, I now follow “thepublicblogger”.

    Like

  10. I love your blog. You have some great insights and I look forward to visiting your neighborhood to see and read all the new goodies you put out for us. You are an inspiration and hopefully one day, I can be almost as good as you are at writing and getting your message out to the people. 🙂

    Like

    • The beauty of the neighborhood comes in warm, sincere voices like yours. Here, we are happy for one another and learn from each other. Debate is healthy and nourishing, posts are insightful and entertaining and peace is alive and strong. Welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you made it.

      Like

  11. I decided to follow your blog to hear a different voice. I tend to be connected mainly to the “choir” – other movement educators. It’s usually a lovely group. We’re considered a bit of a fringe community, but I’ve come to realize that we’ve created our own “box”. Lovely is, well, lovely, but without much edge. Teeth and fangs have been filed down. While there’s no need to be hostile, there is a need to be challenged and I’m finding that less and less. Thanks for following my blog. Why did you follow MY blog? What I’ve read here so far has invited me to think rather than just file away. Thank you.

    Like

  12. Sawubona Kendall 🙂 .. definately coming back to read more .. oh yes .. “The fear inside” ..love it .. and thanks for the invite to The Neighbourhood .. chhers.

    Like

  14. Hello, thanks for introducing yourself to my little corner of the web, look forward to having a nose round yours.

    Like

  15. Gracias. Very noble what you are doing. Que Dios nos bendiga

    Like

    • Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed, or question where we are going, I receive comments like yours, that inspire me to do more. I could not have received such kind, sincere words at a better time. You are appreciated and welcome to the neighborhood.

      Like

  16. Kendall, as I read through some of the posts and responses here, I was reminded of an old advertising campaign that used the slogan, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste” and I am grateful that you have decided to share your mind with us. Not doing so would indeed be a waste of at least some portion of it. I appreciate the discussions your blog incites.

    Like

  17. I too applaud your your purpose. And say amen to your support of our homeless veterans and the PTSD issue. These are initiatives I support 100%! Thank you for following my blog and being able to connect with a like minded person. I too am new at blogging so a new follower always makes me feel great also (well except for that one spammer)
    !

    Like

  18. There was a time (so I’m told) when a friendly neighbor would stop by your home with some cookies (or gazpacho, I dunno) to welcome you to the neighborhood. As I write an extremely offensive blog that should not be viewed by ANYONE, I was concerned for your mental health when I saw that you chose to follow my blog. After reading some of what you do here, I am still concerned for your sanity, but wish to thank you for the gazpacho.

    Like

    • Title aside, your blog is an expression of you and distills no fear, disdain, disgust or dislike. I am a 47 year old man who has lived through the good life as well as the life of hard knocks. Welcome to the neighborhood. Hope you have a good time.

      Like

        • The world of blogging is brand-new to me now. At this point I’m simply sampling what is out there. I’m not certain exactly what I’m looking for yet. I’ll know it whenever I find it.

          Like

          • Bruce, it sounds as if you’re in a Perfect Place. I find I get into trouble only when I think I know what’s going on; or even worse: when I begin anticipating results. Maintain Beginner’s Mind.

            Like

            • Sounds like good advice. I’m always more humble when I’m in a “beginner’s state if mind”. Never lasts for very long.

              Like

    • I’m not sure why you say no one should ever read your blog. Is it offensive? Well yeah, on some levels, it is definitely offensive. I’m not going to pretend to agree with all your writing but I certainly appreciate the fact that you are (quite obviously) both educated and talented. Thank you for the interesting reads this morning.

      Can’t imagine why the OKCupid person didn’t respond …

      Like

        • That’s okay, it served as a very effective wake me up this morning. I tend to check my email via cell phone before actually starting the day and my sleep addled eyes saw nothing other than ‘thursday dangergirl’. I didn’t even recognize that it was in response to my comment as I get quite a number of messages about this blogpost. I believe I mumbled some expletive, jumped out of the cozy comfort of bed and was girding myself to believe that “imitation IS the sincerest form of flattery”.
          I’m happy that it was merely a jump to a future me. My emotional intellect is still settling into whether it wants to be relieved or strangely let down. Either way – I’m definitely awake.
          My coffee has brewed and I’ve got an article with a deadline so I should get writing. Thank you again (for the interesting morning) and have a great day!

          Like

  20. Dear thepublicblogger, thank you for following my blog. I’m enjoying yours too. The comments are a revelation. I’m happy to be a part of this community.

    Like

  22. Reblogged this on Steven Blaser and commented:
    I recently was liked by Kendall F. Person, who blogs on the site the publicblogger.com. While I am often very interested in the thoughts and ideas of others on the Internet, especially regarding topics around my works, I found this piece below to be particularly interesting. It is emblematic of the greater societal shift to the Internet and more specifically blogs as a new medium for informed discussion. Rather than gathering in public squares or community centers, many people are now taking to the web as the effective medium to voice their concerns. A Twitter or Facebook campaign can garner attention and gain momentum in minutes or days versus months of exhaustive energy to organize an event in person. In addition, thoughts and ideas hidden behind the blogosphere allow people to be candid (perhaps more than they should be) about their opinions regarding certain topics through which they have fervent thoughts. The Neighborhood, as he calls the community related to his site, seems to me to be most likely a reference to Mr. Rodgers and the inclusive environment towards peace he created during his lifetime. Personally, I think his motives in following blogs is more selfish as it creates a reciprocal action and also brings publicity to his thoughts (such as through this post) but I think it also speaks to a greater good. This blog is one of the first examples I have seen of an open environment dedicated to fostering discussion regarding a variety of topics. Everyone is welcome here – regardless of background, thoughts, age. This is the type of community and neighborhood I feel should be around more on the Internet. It is our responsibility to continue the precedent set by older generations to create open dialogue and not think of compromise as a dirty word. Especially in this age of information, it is much easier to shut everything out and not move forward than embrace the all-consuming topics/ideas that could fill our entire days. Give blogs – and especially this one – a chance. They provide an outlet by which you can learn, teach, and be part of a community that could very well make a difference in tomorrow’s world. At the very worst, you will have a chronicle of your thoughts and opinions that will last forever and allow you to look back on your progression as a thinker and a human over the years. Thanks for inviting me to the neighborhood – it is a great place to be.

    Like

    • Your open, honest words are so very much appreciated. It is always a thrill when my words are accepted with the same spirit in which they are written. Thank you for sharing my community with yours and welcome to The Neighborhood. You are needed here.

      Like

  23. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I enjoyed reading this post of yours too. 🙂

    Like

  24. Thank you so much for following my blog. Being a new blogger, I really enjoy seeing the few likes, comments and followers I get it. It makes me feel great being a part of this community. 🙂

    Like

  25. Dear Kendall,

    Thank you for the follow. I know I’m late in sending this message so forgive me. I’m following yours now. The one you now follow is not as active as my other one which might interest you as well.

    Like

    • Why thank you for the heads up. I certainly will head over. And welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you made it. p.s. Both your name and gravatar lead to your gravatar page, which does not contain a link to your new blog, so my visit to your new community will have to wait.

      Like

  27. thank you for the follow. I’m so glad you came across my young blog as I wouldn’t have found yours. I enjoyed this post very much. Will find time to read your many others. 🙂

    Like

  28. I enjoyed this blog post and was entranced by your line “outfoxed by the number of hours in a day”. I look forward to reading more of your work.

    Like

  30. Hello Kendall, I’m also a new baby at blogging. Thank you most sincerely for ‘following’ me and now that I’ve read your first post (on the nitty-gritty reasons behind following blogs) and found it informative, interesting and also light-hearted and funny, guess who will be ‘following’ you? 🙂 I posted my blog late on Wednesday night and woke up to 2 comments and 3 followers. I will confess, being new to blogging, that I had no idea there was such a bonus as a ‘follower.’ I’m still not sure how I’m found in the 65,000,000 (I gasped at the figure) bloggers, but I’m nevertheless, grateful for ‘followers.’ I love your style of writing and look forward to reading more. Bless you.

    Like

    • Your blessings are well received. You will find your way around the blogging community soon enough. Take your time, find your stride and you will do just fine. Thank you for adding your voice and welcome to the neighborhood.

      Like

  31. Thanks for liking my post. By doing so, it gives me the opportunity to visit your site and many others. I’m new to blogging and am finding I like this inter-action very much. Thank for your support.

    Like

  33. Haha, well that certainly answers my first question!! Nicely done… so now for a more specific one:
    What about our adventures caught your eye? That we are (sort of) expats in Hong Kong? The bi-racial marriage? TCKs? Serving the poor? Serving God? Homeschooling? Travel? Cage-homes? Faith? …

    You see, while I’m not new to writing/blogging, I am rather challenged by the number of hours in the day myself!! I don’t write as often as I’d like, in fact – I have 3 posts rolling in my head right now while I get the kids ready for another trip to the veggie market… but I genuinely want to know which of my writings inspire, encourage or intrigue my readers. To be honest, I’m still thrilled every time someone that has never met me happens upon my pictures & ramblings of life… how much more lovely it is to find they enjoyed or where even blessed by what they found in our little site of ‘memories’ !

    Like

  36. Thanks for stopping by and following my blog which opened the door to yours. I look forward to following your blog and spending time in your neighborhood with your cast of characters.

    Like

  37. I’m sure someone has already said this, but it’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood, and I’m happy to have someone as friendly as you as my neighbor, in this mad old internet world.

    Like

    • You belong here a lot a bit more. You belong here, like I belong here and Charly Priest belongs here and Let’s Cut the Crap! belongs here and CarlyV belongs here. The Neighborhood is an all-inclusive, entertainment forum of peace. And welcome to the neighborhood, Nina Crowlace. So very glad you are here.

      Like

  39. Dear Kendall F. Person/thepublicblogger – What a wonderful blog and community you’ve brought together. Love your intention for this site! Thanks for stopping by and following my blog which opened the door to yours. I look forward to following you and spending time in your neighborhood with your cast of characters.

    Like

    • Carly – I absolutely love when new neighbors make a grand entrance into The Neighborhood and act as if they belong, because they do. You do. Thank you for such kind, sincere words and welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you are here.

      Like

  40. Dear Mr. Person,

    I would like to thank you for taking an interest in my blog on WordPress.com. This has me thinking, also, as to how I gained some interest in one or more of my articles. I am simply another independent voice (trying to be a reasonable one at that) in the wilderness we call “society”. The things I talk about, are issues and thoughts that I feel are not given much “air time”, or those things that are simply just ignored in many of our “canned-debates”.

    I also do occasionally pick up the “civil-rights” banner and march with the crowds, as well as speak up when something needs to be addressed. I believe that the best speeches, are the unrehearsed, unscripted ones (much like the spontaneous and “extemporaneous”, on-the-spot speeches). If one KNOWS what’s in his/her heart, there should be no “dress-rehearsals” necessary. This is speaking naturally, as we were intended, the truth in the face of power.

    Once again,

    Thank you for your interest in my little blog. >;=))====

    – Rev. Jim (Dragon’s Eye)

    Like

  41. Thank you so much for following my blog. I am honored. Thank you for the opportunity to see your blog posts, website, etc. I am new at this and only started doing it when I released my memoir, Battered Hope. I hope you get the chance to take a look at it — a story of perseverance and faith of a woman who was victorious over insurmountable odds and determined to be successful in spite of it. It is a story of overcoming cancer, marital abuse, rape, jail, loss of a child, and more than one substantial financial loss as a result of fraud and greed. Thank you again. I will be following you.

    Like

  42. thx for invite me in community, but if you said
    “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 where ever you are, to your blog, making meeting new friends as easy as a ‘touch or click’”

    so i called it spamming… hope you are not just click, but make sure you want to read it and know about it… 🙂 bye2

    Like

    • Right before my very eyes, you pulled that line out of context and gave it a negative pulse. I’ve read many times other people say the same thing, but first hand experience is something to see. Spamming -your interpretation, your definition, your take-a-away. Nothing wrong with that. But if i were a betting man I’d wager you are quite aware that the ‘Simply” refers to the WordPress platform’s ease of you. I have no dreams of grandeur that all will agree with my thoughts. All I ask is that the disagreement arise from what I actually write. All that being said, I appreciate you adding your voice to this forum and I welcome you to the neighborhood.

      Like

  43. Love this post! Thanks for following our blog as your visit gave me a chance to view your writing. I’m looking forward to reading more…Anita @ No Particular Place To Go

    Like

  44. So, Here I am, and I will steal a quote from you to make my point: “what I know, I know. What I don’t know, I don’t know, but…I will find out.” – Unknown So after seeing that you were following my Acting Blog, I am learning that you are an intriguing individual…..Why do I feel a necessity to learn more about you……….I wonder. James L Eadline, Retired Law Enforcement, 30 years and now an Actor, Model and voice over. I guess time will tell Kendall, one thing for sure you have an amazing site…………..Kudos

    Like

    • Greetings James L. Eadline. Spent 4 years with M.A.D.D. and met many wonderful law enforcement agents during that time. And while I do not remember if any where retired, I do know that no matter what the occasion, they were never really off duty. Always aware of the surroundings. I imagine after 30 years, wanting to know more becomes a basic instinct. There are three clear ways to learn more about me. One is through investigated work or search engines on the web. Another is to read my work, starting way back with Capturing Spring. And the third, not as fun as the first two, but here in the neighborhood, any questions you have…just ask. Welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you made it.

      Like

  45. multifaceted
    is what people think of my blog but you are a genius. Your spirit is good hope people
    realize what a big man you are. many in Sweden will hear about you.
    Anything else would be a waste

    in salute u

    im not write like this to anyone yet finally.
    Hard man am I, but dura necessitas

    Like

    • I am at a total and complete loss for words. Allow me time to absorb your beautiful declaration and host a mini celebration of one, at the thought, that within my 2nd roll of the dice,…I have found my voice. Thank you Raoul for your sincerity, your excitement and your generosity in sharing my work with the wonderful people of Sweden. You are appreciated. And welcome to the neighborhood. Glad you made it.

      Like

  46. Thanks for stopping in! As a new “resident” your follow is way better than a casserole, almost as good as cherry pie.

    Like

  47. hi, thanks for following my blog, the art of life. i do hope you followed my blog for its inspirational content and not so i will follow you. 🙂

    Like

    • Whether you are a passing visitor or obtained a seasonpass, welcome to the neighborhood, Paula Perry. Your serious statement followed by a smiley face leaves me confused on how to respond. Not sure if you are poking fun at cynicism or left wanting by my reasons, in the above post, for becoming a part of your community.

      Like

  49. Thanks for putting out the welcome mat to the new bloggers. I’m glad you are here. I’m new to blogging and I’m attempting to figure out how to process all this information. I have no idea about most of it!

    Like

    • You will do fine. Just take it one post at a time. When you need to step it up, to a new theme or a new style, you will know. As for now, my new neighbor, you are doing just fine. Welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you made it.

      Like

    • Hi and welcome! Glad to learn someone else doesn’t know how to do this blogging thing! My first post ever, and it was really good, got all messed up in the publishing, and now it’s basically due for the trash, only I can’t bear to part with it! Welcome, and hope you have fun here. All the very best, Victoria/vad59

      Like

      • I have not found publishing to be easy. I type my blog in Word and paste it into WordPress. When I find an error, fix it and ‘Save Draft’ or ‘Update’ the change does not always save and publish correctly. I also have not learned how to use different font types, colors or sized; if it is even possible. Also, my first blog posted before I was ready for it to post so learning how to use the ‘Schedule’ time/date has been helpful but not a cure-all. Welcome to blogging!

        Like

  50. Thank you, as well, for visiting and connecting with me. Your perception and vision are appreciated. I look forward to sharing and learning in this ever growing community.

    Like

Trending
NAKED - AN ARTISTS COLLABORATION
'Young Black Men'
BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE: Common Ground was Found, But THE NEIGHBORHOOD was Lost
Dear thepublicblogger, why did you follow my blog?
SING! even when no one is listening
LIKE MAN
WHEN WE WERE ABOUT 4 OR 5...
INSIDE THE MIND OF.... YOU
Like Evel Knievel
A Star is Born RD V: All Around the World & The Neighborhood Award

Enter your email address to never miss a The Neighborhood show

Join 81.6K other subscribers
Full Menu
Support The Neighborhood
Donate to The Neighborhood

You are appreciated. (big smile)

ABOUT ME
Kendall F Person
Kendall F. Person Answers Questions on Quora
Kendall F. Person on Quora