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?”

  2. Kendall, thank you for introducing me to The Neighborhood and for a thoughtful commentary on how the blogosphere simultaneously expands and shrinks our world. Looking forward to helping the community grow.

    Like

  3. To grab everyone in the palm of your hand~as if you plucked all the worlds dandelion flowers off and blew everyone to their freedom.

    Like

  4. Hi just got your email that you sent via wordpress, it was a couple of weeks ago and I have just picked it up, I’m not used to the way it all works yet, being new to blogging, learning though. Thankyou for following my blog, it looks like you have a huge ”neighbourhood and I aim to read more of your stuff. ashshams

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  6. I still feel new to the blogging world and often wonder if anyone other than my mother and husband read my posts. 🙂 I am always excited when someone new follows me, but admittedly wonder about the sincerity.

    Thanks for pointing out the value in our community and the support and strength we can be TOGETHER. I am honored to be surrounded by good neighbors and have learned a great deal from you in just one post. Thanks for your gift of abundance and your encouragement to continue to share our voices.

    I look forward to following you and am inspired to follow and support others.

    Like

  8. Pingback: the knowledge bowl: Dear thepublicblogger, why did you follow my blog? | Kendall F. Person, thepublicblogger | Moments of Awareness

  9. Your welcome intrigues me and has indeed captivated my attention. Thank you ~ I look forward to learning and growing with new friends here in this place called ‘home’.

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  10. Funny, I had the same question in mind when, two days after launching, I found you were following my blog! (“Cynical optimist” would define me quite well.)
    You are like a Welcoming Committee for new bloggers! That’s very generous. Thanks a lot!

    Like

  11. Hi Kendall,
    Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm and positivity, Kendall. Being new to blogging, I learned a lot from this post. Peace, Premi

    Like

  13. Thank you for visiting my blog! I always wonder, how do people find one another?
    I do like your idea of joining a community of bloggers, and yes, we all have a voice to help one another.

    Like

  15. I just wanted to say thank you for following my blog. You are actually my first follower. Given the sensitive nature of my posts, and well, what future posts will be I was honestly shocked. Anyways, thank you. ❤

    M.

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    • You are quite welcome and it is my pleasure to be the first member of your community. You will find that others share personal and sensitive stories of their lives, including mine (Addiction). It is how we heal. It is how we learn to move on and how we teach others. Welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you are here.

      Like

      • Thank you. I do hope this helps me heal. And I hope that some how, it may help others. Either by knowing they aren’t alone, or what not.

        M.

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  16. Hi There!

    First of all, thanks for dropping by and joining my newbie community. Second of all, I liked and joined yours because, a) I like your voice (not literally, because I haven’t actually heard you speak), and b) I agree with what you have to say—one big community and all that. 🙂

    Look forward to reading more.

    Warmest wishes,
    SD Neeve

    Like

  17. Thank you for following me! It means a lot to me every time someone follows, but to know I am part of a community like this means even more.

    Like

  21. Thank you for following my blog…as a new blogger, i would be curious what you saw that captured your desire to follow it.

    I have chosen to follow your blog because of the point of community which you raised. 65M is a healthy community size – while many or most won’t ever see my posts, my actions cannot be based upon what others will do, but rather the effect my actions can have – thus following your blog only aids in the building of that community – which is my early contribution.

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    • Jamie – Communities of peace always catch my eye. I have to say, that you comment may be of my most enduring, to elect to become a part of The Neighborhood as your early contribution demonstrates the vibrancy, growth and inclusiveness of the community we are trying to build. Welcome to the neighborhood, Jaime. You are needed here.

      Like

  22. I was once talking to someone about ‘what I don’t know,’ – the Israeli Palastinian conflict. Sure I had my vague opinions but I wanted to hear from an Israeli as they seemed to have the upper hand. So there I was talking to someone on a social network who interrupted our chat to say, ‘Oh hang on…there’s a bomb blast!’
    It blew my little mind.
    I have since chatted to soldiers back off the front line of other wars, mothers, writers, animal liberationists, poets, (some good – some not so good), old pals, fans who found me, (I’m a ‘secret’ artist), religious people, religious nuts…
    That’s why I follow. Now I’m in your neighbourhood. Anyone got a bowl of sugar?!

    Like

  23. Kendall: Thank you for sending your positive thoughts out to the world. The world needs positive thoughts, gratitude, love, compassion, and joy. I so strongly believe that it is not what happens to us that makes us who were are. We build character by how we response to what happens. And it is not what happens to us …. it is what happens for us. I am grateful for your presence in the world. Wishing You Best Days. Melody

    Like

  24. Wow!
    Thank you for following me and explaining why – here. This is the first of your post I’ve read and I’m glad you made me find you. This is refreshing. Very!

    Like

  25. Thanks for the follow and it was fantastic to learn about the Neighbourhood a fantastic concept. I am so excited to learn about all of the amazing things that are shared on this wonderful platform.

    Like

  28. Great post! After reading I can not just like or comment – clicking the follow button. I look forward to more linguistic masterpieces featuring in my reader Mr Person 🙂

    Like

  29. It is an honor to be added to your neighborhood. This blog was refreshing to read as it gave an answer, of course, to the question on my mind and many others. I too believe in being optimistic, but that does not stop the cynicism from setting in. I am proud to know you have followed my blog knowing your outlook on electronic communities. I look forward to hearing more insightful thoughts from you and adding my own voice to The Neighborhood. Thank you 🙂

    Like

    • Thank you for adding your voice to this forum, and what a beautiful splash you have already made. I often say, that while the posts may highlight a topic, that real wisdom, knowledge and communication takes places down here, in the forum for discussion. Welcome to the neighborhood, Heather. So glad you made it.

      Like

  32. Glad to connect with you, and thanks for following FIGHTER FAITH. If you would like to receive regular updates by email and receive a free gift, come on back and join my email subscriber list.

    Like

  36. Great way to welcome a friend in this world of blogs. Thankyou. Wish this country you speak of becomes true in some reality that contributes to a better earth.

    Like

  37. Hi Kendall! Thank you so much for the follow and inviting me to The Neighborhood! I love the vision. If you have time you should check out my other blog indygirlpoetry.wordpress.com about the role of poetry in contemporary society. I think it may strike your interest! Thanks again!

    Like

  38. The Knowldege Bowl: Thank you SO much for teaching me about blogging. I really didn’t know anything about it. This was my first time trying it seriously, and I’m so happy to discover why I’m doing it. The person who sets up my websites pushed me into it, and I’m glad I’m here. Leigh

    Like

  39. Greetings Kendall, Thanks for dropping by my corner of the WordPress World. It is always uplifting to connect with like minded folks. I see you are an author as well, excellent. I will be back here as often as time allows. Namaste.

    Like

  40. Thank you for being the first to follow my blog “Ramblings of a Wickerman” Kendall. I will try to make the posts as interesting and thought-worthy as I can…

    May your roots dig deep for wisdom and your branches reach high for inspiration.

    Regards,

    The Wickerman

    Like

  41. @Kendall, I also wondered why you followed me, as I am -as darling 18-year-old knows everything son said- “Mom, you are just low-hanging fruit.” That sounds like a title for a blog, if I ever started another one. It would be interesting to examine the neuro-demographics (I think I am making up words here) of WordPressNation. Surely in relation to I.Q., education, creativity and perhaps civility we blow Facebook out of the water. Plus, AFAIK, Mullenweg doesn’t practice censorship or make covert trips to the White House.

    I think I waste too much time and creative/intellectual energy commenting on other blogs I find interesting, although it stirs my own juices. Did you know that WordPress is mentioned in the bible? Psalm 68:11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it. Ok, this is the KJV, and I am playing with the meaning a bit. The Hebrew “tsaba,” can mean host, army, combat, and similar terms.

    Like

  42. Reblogged this on Everyday Woman and commented:
    Being new to the world of blogging, I cam across this refreshing answer to the question “Why did you follow my blog?”
    The answer inspired me to choose to be a romantic optimist over bitter critic of humanity for Today. Kendal’s eloquent musings remind me that not everyone is out to…use me, sell me something, promise me the moon and deliver nada.
    So thank you Kendall Person.
    Sincerely,
    Laura

    Like

    • Thank you Laura for adding such a beautiful, sound and sincere voice to this forum. It is always good when our words are received in the same spirit in which they were written. Welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you are here.

      Like

  43. Hello Kendall,

    How eloquently put.
    I also have had the same question, as I am new to the blogging world. So Today, I am choosing romantic optimist over bitter critic of humanity, because I am inspired by your perspective. Thank you for reminding me that not everyone is out to… use me, sell me something, or promise me the moon and deliver nadda.

    Sincerely,
    Laura

    Like

  45. I really enjoyed this post. Especially since it answered my question about why you followed me. I was hoping its because you’re a Community fan.

    Like

    • You have a very interesting blog. Not a big fan of community, but I did enjoy reading the Anchorman 2 post. But rather I am a fan or not, rather I agree or not is secondary to entertaining writing which can be found at jagiantonio.wordpress.com. Thank you for adding your voice and welcome to the neighborhood.

      Like

  46. You made a compelling argument and drew a beautiful vision. Thank you!

    Like

  48. What a wonderful way to view this crazy world of blogging! Thanks for the follow – very much looking forward to being part of the neighborhood

    Like

  49. Pingback: Welcome to the Neighbourhood | Hatboy's Hatstand

  50. Thanks for following my blog. You’ve got an interesting take and a nice voice in your writing. I’ll be reading more here.

    Like

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