Awhile back in tribute to many in the Real Estate industry and outside readers as well to my blogs I observed that I thought I had the smartest readers out there. Mainly I just learned so much from reading what everyone else was telling me. I often forgot myself what the subject was I wrote about initially because I became so engrossed in the lovely, humorous, detailed, and new perspective that the comments provided me.
If nothing else, I am the great observer of life. Outside in the world. Inside in the home. You. Me. Us. Them.
Lately, particularly on what I currently write in blogging, I notice that I seem to
Plant a Blogging Garden.
I have always tried to be helpful to new ones to blogging where they ask where do you get a thought, a picture, or what focus should you have? But I have seen in planting a blogging garden, the tip for newbies as well as veterans if they haven't picked up on it, is to set the stage for discussion. Overall blogging is community conversation. It is between the lead writer and commenters as well as between commenters. If you set the stage properly it is like inviting everyone to a banquet. We all are honored guests to each other. The table is set with a thought to share. And then lo and behold discussion ensues.
I think the key for all of us to get more comments and promote more lively and meaningful discussion is to write blogs that make people think. Hmmmm, I never thought of it that way before. That is a new idea I too need to explore. I feel just like that or I don't feel like that in a dissenting opinion.
There are many forms of blogging from informational to core knowledge. But when we blog from our soul and provide some depth and feeling to the discussion, little seeds are planted and you will be amazed what they blossom into. At that dinner table all of a sudden you have 20 voices all clamoring to get their two cents in. It is fascinating to watch. You feel like you threw a spark out there and now you have a forest fire going.
So, make people think. We all want to know we are important in this world. We all want to share. Respect others and above all enjoy the love we have in us with each other.
I like your title. Your title speaks volumes about blogging and what is suppose to happen. :)
Nurture, Cultivate, Grow...Bloom......Together!
Makes a lot of sense. I am writting a lot about questions that my clients are asking. I figure others do not know either. keeping it simple works a lot. Come to the blog for a visit.
Hi Gary...another great post. I think you need subscribers, that participate too. I've written several hundred Blogs with the idea of sharing, I have only a few serious followers. I think, because I never commented enough to there posts here. I try to participate, when I have the time. I sure enjoy being here and the friends i have met here since joining!
Cheers, thanks for sharing!
You have a gift Gary! They way you can put your thoughts into words, the way you can always relate them with objects, or relateable things, like "Plant a Blogging Garden! See, I am having trouble just writing a comment that makes sense, I don't have the gift!!!
That being said (admitted), I would not want all blogs to be likes yours. We are all different and I appreciate you are here trying to help those of us who need your help and inspiration and are setting a stage for us to comment on and to follow! Again, I still am not expressing exactly what I want to, but I think you get the idea!
Have a great night!
HI GARY!!
You ALWAYS make me think! I never read your post & leave without a spark...
Thank you,
Gary- I think the founders realized the value of AR would be enhanced by setting the stage for discussion. They were ingenious in awarding points for comments, as well as posts, thus promoting continuing dialogue. Eventually, what initially starts out as a method to up one's points, eventually becomes a reward, in itself.
Very nicely said, Gary! By reading your previous posts, you certainly wouldn't have known that you just discovered how to write blogs that promote meaningful discussions! I think you always write from the heart and that is why so many AR members have enjoyed reading your thoughts. ;)
Colleen: Thanks that you liked the title.
Cathy: We are all in this together.
Eric: You have a great blog. I just visited.
Hi Fred: Commenting on others blogs regularly helps people go to your blog.
Terrie: I agree we all have our subjects of interest and styles. But we all can make people think.
Hello Yvette: Another forest fire in the making! : )
Marilyn: A method to the madness of the points. Cool.
Hello Michelle: I'm a slow learner : ) That's why I love reading the comments like yours. I learn so much.
Thanks Gary...so far I'm at 1722 comments, almost the same as my incoming comments. Oh....where do you get your awesome photos for your Blogs? They help tell your post stories!
Cheers, thanks!
Hi Gary, You always do this and consistently. And Fred asks a great question about your photos. I buy mine from istock and need a new source. So, I would love to know the same thing.
I wanted to write a blog all day and tried several things and nothing seemed to work today. I have been seeing a lot of San Diego and tomorrow, I going out east and see what I find for new photos. Maybe I will discover a place I haven't seen.
And another one pf your comments about you being a gift and that is also true. I should write my posts from the comments you receive as I never have a shortage of words with your inspirations.
Hi Gary...this thought seems to be running through all of our minds. You are truly an inspiration to so many on here....one of those people who always knows just what to say. Thank you for being here for all of us!
Gary, I like your choice of a carnivorous plant to emphasize the idea of seducing readers and then devouring them. That is what a good blog post does---captures readers:)
True Gary blogging, thoughtful, thought provoking and actually meant to solicit the reader to comment. AND you do. Just can't resist posting when I read these. Nice post.
Gary-You amaze me with your blogs and the way you compare your stories to objects. You are a very talented writer. As for me, I plant, but only God knows what is going to come up from my planting. LOL Somedays I feel serious, somedays I feel comical and there are days when I feel sad and weary. Somedays you might just get a mixture of all of them. LOL Great Blog...
Gary, You have a way with words and are definitely a "new member" great contributer and mentor. Making people "think" is exactly what blogging should be about.
Gary,
Thank you my friend for making me think about my blogging experience.
Great title for the post. I agree when you post thought provoking posts , many readers comment on the posts.
gary - I like the concept, but then you have to care for, water and feed regularly. I am still thinking about the venus flytrap.....
Fred: You have a large number of comments and keep growing. I try to match an image with the story.
William: My photos are searches on the Internet and occasionally from my camera. I need to do more with my camera.
Hi Pat: I love your tremendous memory (I think). You remember EVERYTHING I say. I like that Smoky Bear thought. This kind of forest fire is a good one like our collective Active Rain addiction. Thanks as always for all your depth of comment.
Joan: You're the best!! : )
Charles: You picked up on the carniverous plants. Good.
Terrylynn: Thanks for your thoughts as ALWAYS.
Laura: I plant seeds and don't know what will come up either. I have always been a visual person that's why I come up with objects.
Karen: I like helping new members get going.
Don: You are welcome.
Gita: I like the interactive discussion amongst the commenters.
Mike: It does come down to consistency. "Capture" your readers attention!!!
Gar, I tried so many ways to spark the thought process and not everyone wants everything at the same time. You just got to hit the nail on the head, when the reader is in the mood to read. I myself, past by posts that I usually read on a daily basis if I find its just not what I feel like reading.
So since I started on Active Rain, I have figured out to give my readers a little of everything. The softer side of me, the questions for discussions, and the facts. In time, I just might get the hang of what readers want, until then, I will just continue to enjoy this.
Gary: I still get surprised by how some blogs just get comments rolling in like crazy. Some I write I just don't think will do anything more than allow me to vent. I do like how your blog is an inspirational theme. My blog is like a quilt...venting blogs, informational blogs, and some agent to agent inspirational stuff. Everyone is different and that's what makes this place great.
Hi Gary ... I agree. When we blog from the soul, it is also the most satisfying to write.
Aloha Gary-Based on the discourse above, I am glad to see the fly trap was intentional. I liked the theme and thought that was a great touch.
Gary, Your are a terrific host and provide the best banquet's around!
Gary,
I like your courage - showing your creative mind. Great motivation comes from your posts which stimulate me to keep trucking.
Hi Gary! I love your Venus Fly Trap serving as your 'garden!' Funny that I JUST commented on another of your blogs about your introspection. Your (blogging) power comes from sharing your soul, which makes US reflect upon our own. You are much appreciated here and I do look forward to reading your posts...Keep 'em coming my friend!
Gary—Excellent post. Your "garden" idea works very well. I'm in the midst of personal and professional change and found this idea inspirational. I recently moved from Hawaii and just beginning to find my sense of place here in Flower Mound. I've added you as an associate. I'll be a regular reader of your blogs. Meanwhile, I'm preparing the soil for my new garden. May your garden continue to produce wonderful food for thought on activerain!
You've got a great blogging style which encourages people to comment and join in the conversation...its a more the merrier banquet when reading your blogs.
Gary,You are more than a Blogging Garden. You are a fountain of wisdom and deep thinking. With every post you create a welcome conversation and invite all in your beautiful garden of thoughts. This is so precious:"when we blog from our soul and provide some depth and feeling to the discussion, little seeds are planted and you will be amazed what they blossom into."
I can't tell you how guilty I feel for not blogging more from my heart but more casual, strict to general facts of our profession...