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One Easy Way to Welcome People to Your Blog Community
Blog comment sections are odd. They’re perceived as virtual hangouts. People can drop in, strike up conversation over drinks and move on to the next party. Some commentators bar hop, going from blog to blog for a quick shot.
Comment sections are communities strengthened by people. Commentators come to know their favorite hangouts quickly and often make friends or network contacts. The comment section is a gathering, a wealth of experience, thoughts and knowledge shared by all sorts of participants.
But let’s keep things in perspective, shall we? Truthfully, a comment section is just a place where you can leave your thoughts regarding a post. No mysterious, unspoken code makes you an “in” person or an outsider. You type, you submit, you leave. Simple.
Ah, but the virtual world loves personal connections. Building a blog community creates a festival of people, and everyone loves it.
Or do they?
I’ve seen a few comments on other blogs from people who don’t enjoy blog communities. They see comments go up and they feel like an outsider, a stranger. All those commentators seem to know each other.
Integrating into the group may feel like walking into an auditorium of friends and taking the stage when no one knows you.
Bad experiences at other blog comment sections also tinges perception. Some bloggers don’t get involved with their community. The commentators don’t acknowledge one another. It’s like talking to an empty room. Why bother?
We like to think we’re different. We’ve been told time and again that our community is special. We’ve never been flamed. We’ve never been trolled. We’ve always gotten down right into the thick of the crowd to welcome people and share thoughts.
Our “regulars” do the same. They’re welcoming too, and they acknowledge each other. They notice new faces and often go out of their way to greet those people to make them feel at home.
The comments found on our blog are valuable and insightful. People speak up with great care and attention, sharing thoughts and views while openly accepting differing opinions. No one argues. No one fights. Even debates are intriguingly friendly and calm.
Everyone is interested in everyone.
I know there are many people reading this right now who have never dropped a comment. I know some feel shy. Some feel uncomfortable to join the group.
Some feel they have nothing to say – you do. Trust me, you do.
And we’d like to hear from you. Our bar is open, our doors thrown wide. No matter who you are, where you’re from, how well you write or what you have to say, we welcome you here – and our community does as well.
So, please, feel free to comment. Come on, don’t be shy. If you’re one of the people out there hesitating to join us, please do so now, even if it’s just to say, “Hi,” just this once before slipping back to quiet companionship. Introduce yourself. Shake a hand. We’re pleased to meet you.
Let me get the ball rolling to make things easier.
“Hey, everyone. I’m James, the local French-Canadian Pen Man. I like trees and rivers, loud Kid Rock, good books, fun times and soaking up the sun. I play guitar, ride horses and write for a living. I own Men with Pens with my buddy Harry. Who are you?”
Help spread the word!
Welcome to our community. Kick back, put your feet up and join the discussion.
99 Responses - Leave your comments too!
Go ahead. Leave a Comment!
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Social Hookups
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Wow, no trolls to speak of?
I’m impressed!
What about spam?
I’ve switched comments off for my blog long ago, since the amount of spam, bot-driven or manual ‘I-like-your-site-please-visit-mine-too www.whatever.com’ was annoying me too much.
Pity, actually. Well, nothings perfect.
@ Sam – On a real busy day, we get hit with about 20 spams, but Askimet catches them and it’s a nothing for us. I’ve never found any on my comment section
You know how shy I am, but for you, James, I’ll stop being such an introvert. Just this once.
Seriously, you and Harry do a great job keeping conversations going. You guys are the kings of comments.
Wait – can you have two kings? I’d say “There can only be one,” James, but Harry has all the swords. You’d never see him coming.
Dave Navarro’s last blog post..Fighting Work-Life Balance Stress: Attack Of The 50-Ft. Goals
::waves::
Mark Dykeman’s last blog post..Social Blend co-host Bdog2g2 in his own words
Hellllooo!
I’m Kristen. Writer, Crafter, General Creativity Freak, I guess you could say. In the midst of building up my freelance business, I am also planning a wedding that truly cannot get here soon enough (August 23). Two big Catholic families would have our heads if we eloped, so essentially this big wedding is for everyone else. Ahhhhhh!
Yeah, I’ve already lost it. I think I can pinpoint it to the moment one of my FORMER bridesmaids called and yelled at me about how her dress was too expensive.
Okay. I’ll stop.
Thanks for the open-arms welcome!
Kristen’s last blog post..Creative Triggers are EVERYWHERE: Links to Get Started
I’ve had an Excel web site for about 8 years, written Excel books, and just started blogging. Many articles talk about the importance of engaging the readers, and you just gave the best demonstration of how to do it that I’ve ever seen. Thanks!
And if it’s Canadian, it must be good.
Hi!
I’m otherdeb, and I love commenting, but only when I have something of value to add to the conversation.
I think one reason that a lot of people don’t comment is that they don’t want to clutter the bandwidth with the equivalent of “I had a cat like that once” comments. That said, if a post really gets me going, I am perfectly willing to post about it in my own blog, and link back to the original post, as well as dropping a comment that I have posted about it.
I think part of the “charm” around here is that you’re on of us. You write as if we’re in a small coffee shop sharing war stories. You know we’re here, even if we don’t comment. You write from the heart and it touches us, and the more outgoing amongst us respond.
It doesn’t hurt that you’re a writer writing for writers who also blog. (grin)
@ Dave – Can Harry be Captain of the Guard? Because he just doesn’t look that great in royal robes. Plus he can play with his swords legitimately. I’ll just whack people with my scepter.
@ Mark – *waves back*
@ Kristen – Oy, Catholic weddings. I never realized how big a production they were until I went to a Protestant one. It was over and done in 20 minutes, and I was still waiting for the kneel/stand/kneel/stand to start.
@ Debra – I have never met an Excel writer. That is very, very cool. Because… Excel involves math. Which I am not great at, ha!
@OtherDeb – You always have something valuable to say. Everyone does. Even if it’s about how your cat is on your keyboard, that’s valuable – because if it means something to you, it means something to us. You might start off a whole conversation about cats (knowing this crowd especially).
@ Beyond – If I wasn’t one of you, I’d be someone else, and honestly, I like who I am. I love people. I love coming down into my own comment section to talk. Being a Lord of the Blog isn’t as much fun as King of the Comments
As Debra says above, this post is a perfect example of how to engage your readers. Just look at all the new people commenting!
I wonder if there is a connection between certain blog posts and the plotting structure for writing serials… When writing a series character, the author needs to be sure that the hero’s main, personal issues are not resolved until the final book. Otherwise, the subsequent books loose their reason for being.
If you answer every question in a post, what’s left to say besides “good post” and or the inevitable “you hit the nail on the head” or “shot to the gut”.
By the way, good post.
Jamie Grove – How Not To Write’s last blog post..How I Almost Started Writing: Russian River
@ Jamie – Hm. I think the difference is that I tend to raise questions in my posts rather than answer them. Or I say things no one else dares to say. Or I bring up sensitive topics and bash the hell out of them. Or I go all sappy and write something really emotional.
As for the hero’s personal issues never being resolved… I hear you. I have that problem too
Hi James, it’s me Andreas, i follow your invitation to comment here. I’m very new to this blog, but this welcoming post ist just great. I blog in German right now, but looking forward to blog in english soon, even though my english has to be improved. So the best thing to improve my english is to start writing and thats what i’m going to do soon.
Maybe your blog helps me with that. I’m looking forward to new inspirations.
Andreas Rilinger’s last blog post..4980 Meter
How kind of you to invite us, James. I’m Sharon, a British freelance writer, blogger and mother of a five year old. I am happily freelancing from a Caribbean island. I read this blog every day – in fact, it’s the first one I check, but don’t always feel I have something to add. (I can’t keep saying ‘great post’ every day, even if they are).
Sharon Hurley Hall’s last blog post..Posts On Writing July 2008
Hi James, my name is Ulla and I also follow your invitation to comment here. I am blogging in German and English. I’ve got a job at the University of the Arts in Berlin as kind of webmaster, and I like to take photographs and to blog about them. I came to you via twitter and I look forward to read your blog-entries.
Ulla Hennig’s last blog post..Off-Topic – What I learned from Transportation
Good Morning James…
You know…The Rogue has the pub. For me, you guys are more of my morning coffee house. I wake up, get the coffee brewing, make John’s lunch and pack him up and send him off for the day to work and then sit down for my morning coffee and the daily Pen Men Read. Hmm Wonder what they will talk about today…
Always fresh, interesting and worth my time. A good way to start the day. Can’t say that about a newspaper these days…but I can say it about the Pen Men.
Hi to all the newe posters! * waves*
@Kristen My one year anniversary will be Agust 25th. I think I am finally recovering from planning the wedding. Did it in 4 months. We chose to do the *no little kids under 5 rule* due to large crowds and drinking…the day before the wedding I found out my two sisters from another state were planning to blately disregard our wishes and bring their toddlers anyway. Their reasoning was once they showed up we wouldn’t turn them away. I told them not to come. So my Dad didn’t come either and it caused a ruccus. Not for me, we had more fun without them. But they had a hard time really believing I was going to stick to my decision.
I did.
Planning weddings…grrr. Marriage…nice.
Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..Wanting to Belong
Check out the new faces! Thanks for stopping by and commenting, everyone. I think it’s great that you did!
@ Andreas – We have a *lot* of people with English as a second language. Coming from a French province, I always welcome people from other cultures. I think it’s great that you left a comment!
@ Sharon – Oh, that’s cool, I didn’t know you were British! And yes. You can say great post every day. It flatters my ego
@ Ulla – Very neat about the blogging on the photography. I’m going to have to check that out – and kudos for writing in English even though it’s not your first language. Ich sprechen nicht sehr gut Deutsche…
@ Wendi – Hey. We have beer here too, y’know… But I like having a morning crowd. Means we start people’s day off right, and that’s cool.
What a warm and fuzzy post. You DO have a great community. Even though I don’t add to the comments I subscribe to them and I love how helpful and congenial this group is.
My community can be this way too. Unless we talk about rates than one or two people like to bring everyone down.
I’ll be happy to send my troll over here anytime you want a bit of controversy and heated exchange.
@Wendi – Good for you! I feel the same way. I am one of the most laid back brides you’ll find when it comes to details that, for most, are a big deal. That’s why when family and friends knowingly step all over the few things that actually mean something to me, it is INFURIATING.
The bridesmaid situation – I could not care less about having the dresses match, but when you berate me like I am child, you better believe I’m going to let you know that’s not how to approach me with something. She pulled herself out of the wedding.
Ugh. I’m ready for that “marriage…nice” part. Congrats on one year!!
Kristen’s last blog post..Creative Triggers are EVERYWHERE: Links to Get Started
Hi James,
I found you guys on Twitter and decided to drop in! You are right that integrating into a group can feel like a kid who has to change schools halfway through the year after everyone has already formed friendships. (Been there, done that). I feel that way on Twitter actually.
So to everyone out there — hello, my name is Amrita and I just left my cushied salaried software marketing job to open a contemporary art gallery in Toronto. Looking forward to coming back to this site and seeing what it is all about.
P.S. I was once married to a French-Canadian man so I have a soft spot for them
I’m relatively new over here, having just discovered James and Harry just a short time ago. While I don’t comment often, I must say that I like it over here. The blog feels like a big, comfy couch with a wide-screen TV plopped in front. The stuff on the TV is entertaining.
I’m Karen, a deaf mom to three deaf and hard of hearing kids. I work in early intervention, run a non-profit, and work for a videophone company. I also freelance. When people ask me, “How do you do all of that?” I point them to my house–it’s in shambles most of the time. I occasionally employ the kids to clean it up.
I look forward to becoming a part of the comment community here and getting to know the others as well.
We’ve talked about this before, but I still find comment-conversations to be … different. I originally come from the recreational/knit-blogging world where comments abound but responses come via email, and so, I regularly leave comments on the blogs I read but am not in the habit of coming BACK to look for further input. Sure, you can subscribe to comments so you know when it’s worth coming back, but it still seems odd to me. (grin). But, you know, NICE!
–Deb’s last blog post..MM: Letterquette
Wow. This community has a lot of Debs.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Hi James! I am one of those blog readers that usually has nothing to say in a comment. I am only leaving a comment now because: 1) I never leave them, 2) you said I had something to say, and 3) you mentioned the bar was open. I drive way too fast and the cop that gave me my last ticket can vouch for that. I prefer to write on my personal blog, ususally about nothing much which is just fine with me, and I talk with my hands more than any human being should.
On the serious side – I do follow both you and Harry on Twitter and read your blog to gain a bit more info on how I can be a better writer. I write for a marketing blog, so it can be a bit dry, but it keeps me sharp for my day job.
Oh, bravo! People are coming out of the woodwork. Hi everyone! Seems like only yesterday, but it’s going on month five, that I posted my first tentative comment here. It was a little intimidating, but you all made it relatively painless.
You’re doing something right, because that first testing-the-waters comment wasn’t my last. Before I knew it I was skimming the archives and commenting there too. You’ve got the whole positive reinforcement thing going on and it really works here.
Your analogy about speaking to an empty room is exactly why I don’t comment on several other blogs, though I read them daily. The feeling of community just isn’t there like we’ve got here.
Nicole Brunet’s last blog post..Just Writing
I’m here too … I think I need the equivalent of an elevator speech for this kind of deal. How to introduce myself in 10 apt and amusing words (there’s a competition in there somewhere).
I mostly read you in my feedreader, in the spaces between work. The spaces are getting ever smaller, which is why my comments are getting ever sparser and shorter. Oops, time’s up.
Lucy’s last blog post..Squirrels of Sustainability
Hi!
I don’t much comment on informational blogs, for some reason. I do comment in lots of other places, and I’ve mentioned you several times around “town.”
I agree about the empty room. If I leave a comment somewhere and I’m returned with dead silence, it feels like the blogger is ignoring me, or found me supremely uninteresting. It’s a very weird thing. I understand in really big blogs, but that’s probably why I don’t comment in them, LOL.
spyscribbler’s last blog post..Chocolate and Mosquitoes.
James,
Hi, my name is Kelly. I’m an Experience Designer who writes the Maximum Customer Experience Blog. I love cities and mountains, rain, snow, playing with my daughter, watching old movies, reading non-fiction voraciously, and writing. Heck, I love everything. As an Irish Capricorn, I’m silly and serious in about equal measures. I’m very shy, so I hardly ever click through from my email.
(Well, I amshy. I am!) Love that you can write such a compelling invite and all your friends who’ve been mum drop in to say hi. Welcome to them!
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Inspiration Points: Is Hard Work the Only Way to Get Ahead?
Hey James and Harry!
I’m a new fan of the site, but haven’t been afraid to comment before. You guys do have a valuable site here. I work at a PR company, and want to start my own Media company. I’ve just started a website of my own, designed and modded it to my liking. Like I said I read this site to learn how to make mine better. Thanks for the help! Perhaps someday my blog will have a community around it! Haha, I can only dream
Ryan Ray’s last blog post..A Stem Cell Miracle For Women
Wow – what a facinating group! I’m Kellye (the weird spelling is my parent’s fault), and I’ve been an independent PR writer/consultant for 13 years. I’m a Hurricane Katrina evacuee, back in Atlanta after 8 years in New Orleans. I’m currently working on my first book proposal (eek).
@tinku I know exactly the feeling you’ve so eloquently described. It’s especially hard on Twitter, where many “popular” people aren’t following anyone new (understandably). I also feel intimidated sometimes by how hilarious these folks are, and wonder if I can keep up! This post is a nice chance to say hello.
@Wendi You did the right thing in turning away the kiddies from your wedding. I was in the same situation but lacked the backbone, and I had toddlers talking through my whole ceremony!
One should be lucky to have regular commentators and cherish them. I know the exact feeling occasionally when it feels that you as the poster is getting ignored, but it is all in good spirit and should be welcomed.
Nicole Price’s last blog post..Top Selling Albums of All Time
I am sorry I did not introduce myself to you. While more details about me are available on my blog, which I hope all of you will visit, here is a quote from there:
There is something that I am really passionate about, and that is getting good value for money! What I love best is a good bargain, and if I miss out on a great deal somewhere…….
I hope that gives you an idea about my blog and my posts about my experiences.
Nicole Price’s last blog post..Top Selling Albums of All Time
Hey James, Harry, commenting peeps –
I’m KatFrench, aka coffeecupkat, aka internet bard. I’m a wife, mom, writer and agency social media manager. Been reading for a while now, and dropping the occasional overthought comment.
I love the writing, the web, and coffee. I’m fascinated by spirituality, creativity, relationships, psychology, personality types and the soul. Used to be a huge comic book geek.
Oh, and Jamie’s comment, despite saying “shot to the GUT,” has given me a Bon Jovi earworm… “Shot to the heart, and you’re to blame. Darling, you give love a bad name!” Drat.
KatFrench’s last blog post..Off We Go, Into the Scary World of Doing What I Want.
@ Sam – use the Akismet and Bad Behavior plugins together. The spam will stop.
@ Brunette (Dannie) – welcome to our little community over here in the MwP comment section. Sounds like video blogging is for you!
@ Lucy – time is an issue for me when commenting. I have so much work to do and if I comment on every article I read my job would be commenting LOL. Nice to see you around. I’ve learned a lot about writing here myself.
@ spyscribbler – I hear ya. Out of all the blogs I comment on there’s only a small handful that actually acknowledge me, even if I say “@ author.”
@ Ryan Ray – yeah, I second that. My blog has a lot of echo in it LOL
Oh yeah, “hi” James
John Hoff – eVentureBiz’s last blog post..50+ Wordpress Plugins & Hacks Candy Store
I’m Steph and I found this site (and other great ones) after publicly bitching that there seemed to be no good Canadian blogs. [ducks and runs for cover]. I know! I was totally wrong.
I have a hard time defining myself because I suck at commitment and making decisions and there’s too much that contradicts. I freelance edit for a living, though that lately seems arguable, what with the time I have in between edits these days. In the meantime, I worry about money and write blog posts and work on fiction and agonize over how to revamp my freelance business and read and walk the dog and comment on blog posts thereby fostering incredible friendships and am married and muck around in the garden outside — not always in that order.
I come here for the JamesandHarry factor, the good and provocative writing, and the awesome discussion.
steph’s last blog post..Get Out of Your Own Way
@ John – You’re hired, dude
I’m thrilled that everyone is coming out to say hi, and I’m even more pleased to see that everyone has the same sense of our blogging community.
We built this place for you. It *is* like a living room with the chairs, big screen TV, the coffee and the beer. I love that we have this. And I’m glad that many new faces are experiencing the sense of community today.
Damn. I’m all warm fuzzies now. Pleased as pie
My family moved around a lot when I was growing up, so I guess to a certain extent I feel comfortable walking into “communities” in the comments section of different blogs and adding my two cents. I think commenting is an integral part of the blogging experience (both leaving comments on other blogs and getting and responding to comments on your own). I also agree that some bloggers do a better job than others in welcoming feedback from their readers, obviously the Men with Pens do a great job of this.
Marelisa’s last blog post..Finding Balance through the Four Elements: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air
Hey guys! Found you thanks to Rhodester/Dorian and twitter and stayed due to ER. I’m subscribed to the blogs and while what you guys write isn’t always something I need to hear, it’s always interesting.
On my own blog I try and let people know that I appreciate both “Nice job.” or “Me too.” posts and the encyclopedic posts. There is no such thing for me as a comment that is too long or too short. In fact on one occasion I memorialized on particular string of really interesting conversation on the Debate section of my blog.
I found a really excellent MT plugin to take care of spam so that’s not an issue.
Since my blog is more of a “cat” blog in the sense that it’s mostly personal, I get a really diverse bunch of folks. I find that if you want comments it helps to a) answer commentors at your place and b) follow commmentors back to their blogs and at least say Hi.
Scott’s last blog post..Archangel Episode 11
James and Harry, I learn from reading your blog. I sometimes laugh from reading your blog. I love the feeling of community that you have and hope to one day have this size community on my blog.
My name is Patricia. I have been blogging for 1 year and 1 month at my blog, Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker. I started blogging after meeting a fellow blogger who I started swapping emails with. He liked my writing and what I had to share and gave me the information, the how-to, to set up a blog and the rest is history. My blog is about my journey through life which started out with me as an incest survivor and has gone so much beyond just surviving to thriving and reaching out to others with joy and hope that others can do the same thing. Not all of my articles are about surviving incest but some are, so be warned if you choose to check out my blog. I don’t write from a victim stance. I have gone from victim to survivor to blossoming into a person who is no longer contained by my story. I am so much more than that story. We all are.
Some of your articles are more technical than I understand with my little bit of computer abilities. I read because of the warmth and knowledge of yourself and other people that you have. I read because of the comment community that you have that shows such wisdom and warmth and friendliness.
We seem to have a thunderstorm brewing here so I need to get off of the computer. I don’t like being on anything electrical when it is lightning. I thoroughly enjoy your blog and your community.
Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker’s last blog post..Independence, Not Just For A Day
Sa-Weet, James, Way, way, Sa- weet…..look at all these wonderful people….I’ll just be over here working on a painting….and listening…oh, here, somebody, have my chair….let me get you a cup of coffee…”Two capucino’s please. ” “Oh , make it three, somebody else just came in.”
Oops, I ‘ll wipe that cobalt blue paint right off the table. No it’ll come right off. Really.
Janice C Cartier’s last blog post..The Paint, The Perfume, and Me
Hello Pen Men,
I have commented here once or twice, but I guess I have felt a bit of the ‘outsider’ thing. Not sure why because I frequent many of the folks in your blog pack. But I’ll suck it up and come out of the woodwork now.
I’m a visual storyteller. I do animation storyboards (so I have a very niche blog) and am now working on doing my own thing with those skills. Canadian as well. On the west coast but from the east (and am flying to Montreal tomorrow for a visit *waves to James*).
So thanks for the kind welcome to everyone that has felt like me once in a while. I’ll be back. Your blog is great.
Karen JL’s last blog post..Dealing With Dialogue: When the Words Don’t Matter
Wow, lots of comments and new faces! *waves to everyone*
I have to say though, this made me laugh:
Wait – can you have two kings? I’d say “There can only be one,†James, but Harry has all the swords. You’d never see him coming.
And James’ response that I can play with them legitimately made me laugh even more.
Captain of the Guard suits me just fine.
Though I just commented the other day, normally I read and don’t comment; but I love this site and recommend it to ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE! I have huge discussions with people about content on this page. This is one of THE BEST writing sites I have ever stumbled upon and I am fickle and hard to please, so you have really outdone yourselves.
Rachael’s last blog post..Like Disneyland for Three Hours Straight…
I only comment on blogs I enjoy reading. The commenting section is the quintessential feature that separates a blog from a magazine article. The blog article is more like a discussion group than a sedentary article.
Also, commenting on blogs can help one sharpen their blogging skills, I suppose. I mean, just as one must think up a good blog entry to write, a comment also requires a bit of contemplation. Ah, blogs make you think. Very good.
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..Bloomin? Onion and Mountain Dew: The Documentary
James,
I liked your comment about how much you like to soak up the sun. I can appreciate this comment as I live in upstate NY and would guess you get about as much sun as we do. So when the sun shines it’s not something to take for granted and a good reason to get outside and soak it up!
Mark
Hi James! Greetings from south of the 49th parallel!
I came here after seeing a Twitter post from Brian Clark, aka @copyblogger. I love leaving comments and have realized that they are a fantastic way to blog without really blogging.
Make it a great day!
Daniel Johnson, Jr.’s last blog post..Managing Multiple Online Identities – Podcamp Ohio Presentation
Hi!
So much new people.
I’m not so envious with blog comments because I don’t have a blog myself and so I don’t know if I fit in in the blogosphere. But if you want more comments I’ll see if I could be more helpful. I also don’t know if I should comment if the blog post is e. g. 3 days old and the conversation is dead.
And now I must resist nitpicking on James German skills
I try to visit regulars once a week and discover a few blogs I haven’t visited. I avoid the “I agree” and “Thank you” types of comments. When I want to let the blogger know I am still here, but can’t make a valuable comment… I resist the urge to leave a meaningless comment. Better to leave it alone.
Like everything in life… balance. Balance between regularly visited blogs and new blogs. So many wonderful blogs exist out there so you expand your horizons outside of the community you know.
Interesting fact… a few years ago, I was more active in design community blogs. Now I just check in, but don’t say much. I’m more active in writing and freelance blogs, which wouldn’t do a freelancer much good in finding new business (unless a fellow writer makes a referral because he’s overloaded or doesn’t do that type of writing) — but I think we educate each other.
Meryl Evans’s last blog post..Lessons Learned from WordPress Upgrade Scare
Hello! I’m not a writer, but I kind-of wish I was. I discovered MwP just before the announcement of the greatest RPG in the world (EscapingReality), and I’ve been hooked to both ever since.
As for being inviting, I have to say that you guys are great. I really appreciate the way that you guys put up with and help those of us who are non-writers and non-RPG-ers on ER, and how you guys are so inviting in terms of blog posting.
Anyway, to all the fans of MwP, hello!
Wow, look at all these people here I have never seen before. Good job on the warm fuzzies, James. This is great! Nice to meet you, everyone!
Michael Martine’s last blog post..Do You Make These 7 Mistakes Setting Up Your Blog?
Oh, PS:
LOVE THE PICTURE!
Michael Martine’s last blog post..Do You Make These 7 Mistakes Setting Up Your Blog?
@Michael: *bows from behind the curtain* I was waiting for someone to notice that.
Oh Harry, I meant to comment on that picture first thing this morning. I just sat and stared at it for the longest time wondering how you did that. Very cool. Not surprised…That’s why you are you.
Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..Searching for the Stars
Hi James – what a great idea. I can imagine a lot of people being shy about commenting. It’s kind of like walking into a bar on your own where everyone else knows each other.
For those who don’t already know me – I’m Cath. I give business advice in my blog, which was designed by Men With Pens. And I’m from the UK but soon, I hope to be propping up a bar in Australia or Canada.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..Is Your Soul Damaged?
@Wendi: It’s amazing what a little photochopping can do
@Harry in the right hands yes…I suppose…I would mangle that something awful though.I have no gift for computer art or computerr anything.
Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..Searching for the Stars
Harry- You know l saw that sign. And you KNOW it made me happy. Loved it a lot. oops now I have naples yellow on the keyboard. Where’s a paint rag… be back for cocktails, later. ;- )
Janice C Cartier’s last blog post..The Paint, The Perfume, and Me
Rock on, everyone. Each time I dip out to work a bit, I come back to a ton of new faces and names. I hope we’ll see more new faces as the day goes on!
@ Harry – Dude. You didn’t introduce yourself. I’m also waiting for my “James is fabulous” personal photochop
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..One Easy Way to Welcome People to Your Blog Community
@ Janice – Quit getting paint on my furniture. *flicks popcorn at her*
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..One Easy Way to Welcome People to Your Blog Community
Hi. I go by Ravyn.
I’m a recent college grad, a writer and a gamer. I write Exchange of Realities; it’s a daily blog that operates on a similar principle to ER, the idea of gaming as a writing aid, but more on the ST’s side. (The initial resemblance is entirely accidental.) I also write the lion’s share of the fluff for Victorious Press, a nascent third party game design company. I’m a musician as well; I know my way around several gamelan instruments, most concert percussion, the tamborim, the flute and the pennywhistle.
I followed a link here from The Writing Journey, discovered ER, and decided this was a good place for someone like me to try to get used to the community, so… here I am.
Ravyn’s last blog post..World-building: The Map Quest
@All: Hi, my name is Harry and I am the other half of the Fabulous Men with Pens. I’m the one who makes everything look pretty. I’m also the one down in the engine room while James is up at the helm with the wind in his hair.
That’s okay, I like it in the Underworld.
@James: it’s all about you, innit? sheesh.
@Ravyn: Good to have you here! I’ll have to go on over and check out your blog now!
Alrighty, I’ll play too.
Hi everyone, I’m Allison, also known as Sushi Girl, Darth Sushi, and Shadow. My blog is all about sushi, and the Pen Men refuse to believe my diet consists of anything other than sushi. I’m also a dancer and a freelance web developer/programmer. I got here from IttyBiz, several months ago.
Welcome to all the new commentators! It’s always nice to see new people join the party here.
@Harry – You know we all adore you too. Awesome image up there!
On a side note, although rare, I have seen comments get completely ignored here before. It’s happened to me a few times, and although I’m willing to forgive you Pen Men for just about anything, others might get discouraged if that happened to them. Nevertheless, I adore the comment community you men have here.
Allison’s last blog post..Taste and Create 9
Hey what a great post!
This couldn’t have come at a better time for me I’m going to print it out and stick it on my fridge, dog and forehead.
I wrote a post exactly like this once but better.
Did I tell you about my new eBook that will change your life for the better? You’d better get yourself over to MY site.
I’ll definitely be subscribing by RSSSSSS Feed
Can I have all your traffic please? Pleeeeease?
Did somebody say something? Oh! Sushi Girl!
Yes, it’s true, we do miss comments from time to time, but we really do try to answer everyone.
@ Allison – That’s a concern of mine. We work hard to get down in the thick of things and try to answer as many people as we can, but it’s tough to run a business, work full time, maintain a household *and* answer over 100 comments each day on our blog.
I try the best I can to catch who I can, when I can, but I really can’t catch everyone without burning myself out, so I’ll have to apologize.
@ Tim – You’re supposed to send your best posts out for guest posts
@Harry: I love the engine room comment. It’s so true! I work in the “engine room” for a large company, and it’s funny to realize how often people completely forget about the fact that somebody does the technical side of everything too.
Just hope that eventually this little engine-room geek can write as well as you
James,
I know that once in a moon you have not responded here or there, but honestly how could you? I think the two of you are exceptianal in your ability to make everyone feel welcome and responded to. Especially when some of us goofs come back (like me) three or four times in a day…I don’t expect you to drop everything and keep responding just because I keep popping up with one more thing to say.
The fact that it is comfortable enough around here for me to do so is good enough. My goodness man, after awhile people need to feel enough at home to get their own drinks or you will wear yourself out.
( Allison- Hi!!!!! I had sushi last night and thought of you the whole time. If it wasn’t for your site I never would be getting the courage to eat that stuff. Thank Goodness I learned that Sushi does’t mean raw fish!!!! Thank you so MUCH!!! YUMMY!!!)
Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..Searching for the Stars
Wendi,
Speak for yourself. I expect the MWP to drop everything.
Kelly’s last blog post..Inspiration Points: Is Hard Work the Only Way to Get Ahead?
You would, Irish. Slave driver.
Mmm.
Mmm.
Kelly’s last blog post..Inspiration Points: Is Hard Work the Only Way to Get Ahead?
James – You mean you can’t do everything at once? Man. SO disillusioned. Add ER into that list of things that fill your day too.
Wendi – Hi! YAY! *happy dances around the room* It makes me so happy to hear that you loved it. (Hear that James? Sushi != raw, and she loved it!)
Allison’s last blog post..Taste and Create 9
Now I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. LOL.
It’s nice to see new people around who bring more experiences to our collective . . . sorry, that’s the Star Trek guy coming out of me
John Hoff – eVentureBiz’s last blog post..50+ Wordpress Plugins & Hacks Candy Store
Hi, I’m Debbi. I’m a freelance writer and researcher. I also write crime fiction, and I have one novel and short story published. I have three blogs and I’m working on numerous projects, so it seems like I’m constantly writing. (But that’s a good thing, right?) You can read more about my work on my Web site at http://www.debbimack.com/, where I also post a monthly column.
Oh, and today’s my birthday!
Debbi’s last blog post..Web Revolution for Writers of All Stripes
(sings Quebecois version of Happy Birthday)
Ma chère Debbi, c’est à ton tour, de te laisser parler d’amour…
Ma chère Debbi, c’est à ton tour, de te laisser parLER d’aMMMOOOOOUR!
@James
Merci beaucoup.
Debbi’s last blog post..Web Revolution for Writers of All Stripes
@John – resistance to the community is futile
We are borg, er I mean, blog
@Pen Men – I’ll have to say that I’ve visited a lot of blogs, but I feel most comfortable here. You *are* different and this community is one of the best around
r.l.david02 – TKD Happiness’s last blog post..Why can’t I gain belt rank? (part 2)
Talk about rolling out the red carpet! Consider me delurked…
Sara at On Simplicity’s last blog post..Quick and Dirty Pantry Clean-up
DOH! If I’d known the very next post in my reader was this one, I wouldn’t have posted my comment in your previous post, I would have left it here.
Basically I said in my other comment that I’ve only left a coupla comments but I’ve always felt welcomed and actually enjoy the commraderie that seems to exist…I love that someone caught something you didn’t on my shoot out (which here I feel compelled to confess that I agree with all of your suggestions but many I won’t be able to make until I self-host, which will happen within 6 months).
I have lots more thoughts but I should probably just keep moving…
trish’s last blog post..Doomsday – Booking Through Thursday
@ Trish – Heheheh… told ya
Wow… I think I’ll steal this idea one day. Not today, because then it’ll look absolutely like plagiarism. I’ll have to wait a few days so my mind convinces itself that I thought of the idea myself.
By the way… your post did make me feel welcome. I’m almost always intimidated when a post has dozens of responses, especially from people who clearly hang out here. I stop by… what right do I have to participate in the discussion?
Thanks for the invite. I feel special.
Beth from Avenue Z’s last blog post..Five unintentional ramifications from writing this blog
Hi!
I know I’m two days late for this but I just discovered your blog yesterday and this was a nice welcome so I thought I’d comment.
I’m Julie and I recently quit my full-time job to switch careers and follow my dream of becoming a writer. I’m eager to learn about freelancing. Currently, I work on my blog on personal development.
Julie’s last blog post..Are You a Victim of “Should?â€
@ Beth – You *are* welcome! Even if we can’t always answer, we read, we listen and we do try to participate. Everyone else does the same, our community interacts. You’ll enjoy it.
@ Julie – and the same goes for you!
I’m late to the party…again.
I’m April, marketing consultant for small businesses and professionals, “known” in my relaxed persona as the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer. I’ve been only been blogging for a couple of months – but I figure start them all – I’ve got two business blogs and one hangout. I’ve been reading here (and commenting every now and then) for a couple of months — transported via Rogue Ink.
I came because of comments about knitting and pictures of biceps and stuck around for the great posts and conversation. Thanks for the welcome!
April, the Chief Cook & Bottle Washer’s last blog post..The Day I Got Censored on the Blog That Must Not Be Named
Oh, hi. I came here from Deb Ng’s blog and, um, somehow kind of never noticed the comments section before… Am I the only one who remembers the old days when blogs were things you read and messageboards were where you had on-line communities?
So, well, thanks for this post!
Wombat,
You mean the days when the stereotypical “world wide web” user wore eyeglasses and a pocket protector…and lived in his parents’ basement? Yeah, I remember those days — back before geeks and nerds were cool and they had to get revenge instead of being everybody’s boss and ruling the tech world.
April, the Chief Cook & Bottle Washer’s last blog post..The Day I Got Censored on the Blog That Must Not Be Named
@ April – Wait, can I be cool, have revenge, be everyone’s boss AND rule the world?
James, of course you can. You have a computer…and a Pen.
April, the Chief Cook & Bottle Washer’s last blog post..The Day I Got Censored on the Blog That Must Not Be Named
Never been flamed, eh? Need I mention “PLR?”
Just giving you a hard time. I’m very impressed with (and jealous of) the comments section at MwP. People get very engaged and have a good time here.
lornadoone’s last blog post..Will Working on Holidays Tear the Berry-Brewer Team Apart?
@ Lorna – Hush now. That was… a really odd situation, but I made great friends from it.
(Man, do I dislike PLR.)
To all the new faces that came out to comment here, welcome and welcome again. I’m seriously very pleased to have people come comment, and I’ve noticed a good many of you now commenting on other posts, which is great.
That’s how it all gets started
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Ethics, Paid Reviews and Affiliate Programs
Nice invite!
I am known as the Ark Lady. My career path has been that of an animal expert turned writer (published author) and so I am in transition and taking the step to moving to writing full-time.
I have you in my feed but seldom make time to comment unless moved to but today you asked and I have time. It is rainy and the phone has been quiet so I am catching up on reading and commenting.
On a personal level, I like kayaking and hiking. Since I live on the edge of the forest and above a lake I have time to do both.
Sadly, the last two months have been spent recovering from adrenal fatigue–hoping to be back up to speed soon. Having no energy really sucks!
This post turned out to be a good example of why I rarely comment. My reader gets backed up so by the time I read a post it is a few days old. And when I go to comment there are already like 90 comments.
I am not going to read all 90 comments. So I think that if I make comment #91 it is probably something that has been said a few times.
But as a blogger I can understand how important comments can be. My blogs are small so even one comment gives me a lot of energy and will to write the next post.
My name is Daryle (please don’t forget the “e”) and I to am a writer. Art and people are my passion. I live in Colorado. When I am not writing about art I am usually making art. Either painting, photography, or writing fiction.
Thanks for Men With Pens. It continues to survive in my reader even after many cleanings.
Daryle Dickens’s last blog post..Dear Fort Collins Reader
@ Daryle – I understand that feeling. I’ve seen a few blogs like that myself. Rest assured that even if you have comment 395, we will always read your comment and we *do* think about comments a great deal. We often answer when we can as well, no matter how far down the list you are.
And you know what? Your thoughts may have been said a few times, but never from your personal perspective – and that makes a huge difference.
Cheers, and thanks for the kind words.
What? No comments?!
Just read your other entry on how old posts are new for new readers. Applies right now. What’s your opinion on blogging without datestamps?
-Brett
Brett´s last blog ..How an Indian Barber Will Make You a Sinner
You write for a living that really is a dream come true I would love to write for a living. I enjoyed reading your blog.
Simon
Simon´s last blog ..The big blog Saturday 5th December 2009
I have just recently stumbled on MWP and am loving it. The recent post in Nov on Fiction writing was a nice touch. I am not exactly freelance, but I am a novice writer looking for all the help I can find…for free. Keep it up. Thanks.
@Thomas – Good to have you here, and we’ll look forward to seeing you in the new year!