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 100% agree with you – ‘following’ blogs is a way to make new friends and connect with fellow bloggers. Thanks for following my blog & your blog is excellent !!

    Like

  4. What interesting timing!? Thank you for following my blog, I had just made the decision yesterday to step away from being a self absorbed, insular blogger (which suited me for a while) to becoming a more neighbourly neighbour! You are the first of my thank yous, of which, I owe a few 🙂
    I view my blog as entertainment for me and my little band of readers, and you see blogging as a performance art!
    Serendipity? Maybe fate, maybe just that my little path has finally intersected with a larger thoroughfare. Cheers mate!

    Like

  6. Thank you for taking the time to read my feeble first attempts this week at writing blogs. I’m blown away by yours! It’s very exciting to find a place where it feels like people are listening to you even when they’re not..lol.

    Like

  7. Dear Kendall, I can only repeat what so many have said before me. Thank you for following me. I really liked your analogy of this as a neighborhood. It gives me courage to come out of my shell and introduce myself (something I have a hard time doing in real life). I can’t wait to meet my neighbors and see what you and everyone else has to say. Thank you for welcoming me into your “home”. Have a wonderful New Year!

    Like

    • My apologies, for the delayed response. I listened to your voice when you first added it to this forum and it must have took me to another place, and neglected to respond. You have all the courage you need here. The Neighborhood has been built with a love of the arts on a foundation of peace. Opinions are respected, rather we disagree or not. All voices are welcomed and all neighbors, visitors and guests are appreciated for who they are and the knowledge or questions they bring. Welcome to the neighborhood, shamainrhallett, you are needed here.

      Like

  9. Hi Kendall, thank you for signing up to follow my blog, this is such an inspiration to a complete newbie blogger who just posted her first post. I’m amazed that you even found me. Iva had a quick look at this site, and I like what I see, so I’ll look in on you from time to time. Thank you once again 🙂

    Like

    • Welcome to the blogosphere. May take a minute to find your way around, but before you know it, you will be a pro. It is a pleasure to watch new communities grow.Thank you for stopping in and welcome to the neighborhood.

      Like

  10. Thanks for following. Not a very good neighbour generally, but then this is no ordinary neighbourhood. Looking forward to being a part of it. Thanks again.

    Like

  11. Fascinating that anyone would want to know how to build a paneled garage door, or make cove siding for a building! More likely you selected The Walnut Diary for the fish stories, as hardly anybody has shown an interest in my various rants on Canadian politics. Of course maybe it’s a strange vindication of the old saw about monkeys and typewriters.

    Like

  12. HI Kendall, I will not ask why, but looking though your community I must say I feel honored and privileged that you did. Your site holds great inspiration and I proud to become part of the community for there is much I can learn from it.

    Like

  13. Thank you for finding me and inviting me into The Neghborhood. It’s good to be here.

    Like

  14. Kendall,
    Thank you for following my blog A Serene Soul…..I read a bit of yours and was inspired to be a better writer. I knew this blog community was big, but never realized it was that big! Please keep up your amazing site and I will continue to follow! Enjoy your day….Lisa V

    Like

  15. Thanks for following me at “Howl to Find Meaning.” I’m still trying to wrap my mind around this blog of yours—thank you for taking the time to read my words…

    Like

  16. Thanks for following my blog, Off the Beaten Path. I hope you found something of interest there and I’m sure I will with your blog as I continue to read.

    Like

  17. TPB, this was an interesting read. You may even promote yourself as a digital guide – seeing that I don’t know half the web tools you mentioned – and I look forward to sitting on your porch and shooting the breeze a while every now and then. Welcome to my world – my jaundiced, opinionated and even subjective world, but hey! that’s why I have a caveat on my blog!

    Like

  18. Hey Kendall,
    So lovely to be followed, and by someone I’m more than happy to follow back, based on the little I’ve read of yours 🙂 ‘TheDigitalTrigger’ put my feelings perfectly, so I won’t try to put it better. God bless you 😉

    Like

  21. Thank you for following my blog. I look forward to checking in on yours, and being inspired as I was today!

    Like

  22. This is my first wordpress comment, and the blog that you followed was my first wordpress blog also. I would like to say thank you, both for deciding to follow what I post, and for writing the blog post that I am commenting on. I frequently feel like the “cynic optimist,” and your words have made me feel a little more proud of my little blog and my efforts. Thank you.

    Like

    • What a delightful hello, Miranda Elizabeth Lee. Thank you for adding your voice to this forum and a very sincere welcome to the neighborhood. p.s. I am quite proud to have become a member of your blogging community too.

      Like

  23. As a lover of words and a writing teacher, I would like to say that your prose is especially interesting to read. I like your style.

    Like

  24. Hello Kendall, Thank you for following my blog. I like that you think of yours a a neighborhood. So, I’m pleased to meet you, Neighbor. I have a low energy level, so I can’t imagine how you can keep up with all you do, but I’m sure you’re having fun trying! Prayers and blessings–Barbara, aka porchsitter and Believer

    Like

  26. Pingback: Proud citizen | Hatboy's Hatstand

  27. Thanks for the follow! It’s cool to get my first follow since I started blogging this month. Especially from such an articulate person. It brings my enthusiasm for this new venture to new heights. It is amazing that such a small voice can join such a big neighborhood. Thanks again.

    Like

  28. Hi my name is David I just started my blog a few months ago and am not so sure of myself or my writing I am not a well educated person but have a lot to say. You started following my blog to, and I was wondering also did you or is anybody reading it thanks for following though

    Like

  29. Well at least I understand why you are now following my blog. Thank You! As someone who is new to this only 2 months in I am always intrigued to know the reason why I already have several followers, but I must admit, I’m not bold enough to ask. Now that I read your post, it does give more insight as to the reasons we all have. I am going to follow your blog as well. Not because of anything besides the fact that at first glance you appear to have a lot that may interest me. I look forward to reading more. God Bless!

    Like

  30. Hi Kendall, thanks for the follow you fascinating fellow! i’m glad to have been introduced to your blog, you seem like a particularly unique individual, I look forward to your future posts.

    Like

  31. Thanks Kendall for stopping by and following my blog! From what I have seen of yours, it is full of character that I will definitely enjoy keeping up with!

    Like

  33. Very interesting blog you have here. Thanks for introducing yourself, stopping by Wisdom from God’s Word and the follow. My main blog is below. I have been writing it for 3 years for people living with lupus and other autoimmune diseases. I look forward to reading more of your writings.

    Like

  34. Pingback: the knowledge bowl: Dear thepublicblogger, why did you follow my blog? | Kendall F. Person, thepublicblogger | BLURBNSTUFF

  35. Kendall, thank you for following my blog. You seem to be a creative guy. Just a suggestion, and with all due respect: I find white type on a black background extremely difficult to read, and a bit off-putting. During my career as a graphic designer, I learned that a little of this is striking and attention-getting, but a little goes a long way. I tend to ignore most blogs that use this color scheme. It has an oppressive feel to me, which doesn’t seem to fit your brand. Your content is probably pretty good, but I’m having difficulty reading very much of it. Not that you would change it just for me! 🙂 All the best to you.

    Like

  36. Thank you for following! I hope my posts add some value to your Neighborhood, and I am humbled by the openness of your ideals. 🙂 Also, a piece of feedback – this post is valuable to us proto-cynics…any way to make it sticky on your page somewhere? 🙂

    Like

  38. Hi Kendall,
    I’m you’re newest neighbor! Glad you sent the welcome wagon… Errr Peace train!
    I look forward to reading more & glad you’re leading a thoughtful Entwined Life.
    Joy!

    Jayme A. Bednarczyk

    Like

  39. Good morning, Kendall. Thank you for following my blog. My techie son, who does not blog but is the reason I began my blog, tells me it isn’t etiquette or even suave to thank someone for following one’s blog. But there it is. It’s all I can do to hold it all back! It’s just that I have this courtesy burned into my brain. Neurologically speaking, I just can’t help it. Someone somewhere taught me to say the magic words, PLEASE and THANK YOU. So forgive me if I am following along the path of these other sheep who have also sent you their appreciation for doing the same in their worlds. PS I DID teach this wayward boy to say the magic words during his time under may care! Rebel!

    Like

    • Thank you for adding your voice to this forum. Your techie son is right and wrong. Saying thank you for the follow is not necessary, so deliver that point first and let him have his fun in the sun. But saying thank you is an expression of the person. Rather it is with sincerity, or mechanical. And since there are no set rules on how or why or when to respond, and since ‘thank you’ are always welcomed words, tell him you will go your own way on this tidbit of advice. Welcome to the neighborhood. And thank you for the follow {big smile}

      Like

  42. Hi Kendall, first off thank you for following my blog! This is great motivation for me and I hope you continue to do what you do. :]

    Like

  44. Pingback: my first steps on WP | Alles Wat Is

  45. Thanks so much for following my blog and introducing me to this inspiring project you are building here. I am honored to be a part of your community.

    Like

  46. As the first person to follow my blog, and someone I don’t know, I was immediately suspicious of some ulterior motive. Regardless I checked out your blog, and I think it’s fair to say my cynicism was justified. And yet reading your reasons, I find myself not only forgiving, but following back and supporting. I suppose that means you did your job really well! So for the follow I say thank you, and keep doing what your doing – it obviously works.

    Like

  48. What a great post! Thank you for taking action on your ideals—it’s inspiring to read about your take on this. And yes, thank you for your recent follow of Heart of Life Music.

    Like

    • Your voice serves as motivation for me to do more and inspiration in times when I need strength to draw upon. It is my pleasure to become a part of your community and i wholeheartedly welcome you to the neighborhood.

      Like

      • Thanks Kendall, that’s so kind of you to say! I’m headed back into the recording studio later today, so your words are great encouragement. Thanks for welcoming me to the neighborhood! I look forward to some block parties!

        Like

  49. So honoured that you followed my new blog despite it having only 3 posts (will be 4 in an hour ;D) btw am reading your posts & loving them. following back~

    Like

Trending
SING! even when no one is listening
'Young Black Men'
NAKED - AN ARTISTS COLLABORATION
'My Heart' first song produced entirely in The Neighborhood
INSIDE THE MIND OF.... YOU
The Five Reasons Why: We Are Our Brother's Keeper
BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE: Common Ground was Found, But THE NEIGHBORHOOD was Lost
'The Lives We Live' A Reality Show - episode two
Culture Clash: Beastie Boys, Eminem, Vanilla Ice and... a History of the White Rappers
Life on Every Level

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