Friday, April 15, 2011

The "lurkers"

It happened again last night. I was out at dinner with friends when a couple stopped at the table to visit with my friends. Subsequently I was introduced and they said, "Oh we know you, we read your blog all the time". Of course I replied that I didn't know that since they had never commented. Most of you lurkers don't. That's okay with me because lately I've found myself reading and not commenting.

I didn't do that in the past. If I read it, I commented. Somehow now I don't always feel the need........

There are a LOT of us out there - about 1000 a week lurking at my blog..........it is amazing and fascinating.

So, hello Jim and Susan, fellow lurkers, who don't comment but now I know who you are!

17 comments:

Dan in NC said...

Barbara,
I guess it's a weird phenomenon, but I'm also one of those readers who don't comment - unless something written grabs me or "tickles my fancy" in one of the dozen or so blogs I enjoy daily. I also try not to say something - unless I have something to say on the post of the day, or to remind the blogger (like yourself) of the profound pleasure your prose provides, painting pictures of people and places we plan to pedantically peruse, provided we can "pay the piper" for passage! (WHEW!)
All the Best!
Dan in NC

Unknown said...

I am one too.

Tancho said...

I think that would be the last thing I would want, to be outted so to speak....
And recognized, I like the mystique of being out there, but not really..

Life's a Beach! said...

In 2009 on Isla Mujeres, a guy walked by and said, "Hi Beck." I thought my ears were playing tricks on me and walked on. A block down the street it dawned on me that he probably knew me from the photo on my blog? I have a locater map on my sidebar and I'm fascinated by the location of some of the readers and often use the satellite/ground view to take a look at the countryside. The House of Commons, an outpost in Brazil -- there are plenty of lurkers out there!

Babs said...

Well my goodness Dan, aren't you the most prolific prose provider.......ha

Hi Chris - glad to have you around.

Oh Tancho I can't WAIT to meet you and see if you look like the photo of the Wizard from Oz!

Hey "BECK" that would have unnerved me, maybe. I need one of those locator things. That would be fun.
There are so many things I would like to do on my page, but I'm afraid if I start fooling around with things like consolidating the archives etc. that the whole darn blog would disappear....I'm not good at that kind of stuff........
Thanks for commenting.

Cheryl said...

I am a lurker too!

Babs said...

Oh my goodness, if I had KNOWN that talking about lurking would cause people to comment, I would have done it LONG AGO!
I would love to know (a) how long have you been lurking (b) how did you find the blog (c) and I want to know about YOU!

Anonymous said...

According to studies (how they do that, I do not know), it's only a very tiny percentage of people who leave comments.

Were it not for stat counters, those of us who have blogs would think we were speaking into a vacuum. I try to pipe up whenever I can because it's meaningful to the blog writers, as you well know.

-- Felipe

Steve Cotton said...

And I, of course, am a shrinking violet. Just think. If you did not write this blog, I would never have met you and shared in your adventures. You still kick me in the butt now and then to get out and see this fascinating country.

Babs said...

It's weird Felipe - when I started the blog it was with no thought of anyone reading it. I remember the very first comment I received..I was shocked to realize someone was reading my writings. And now I write not so much for others but still for myself - it still amazes me that anyone reads or cares about it.
Steve - Yes, I DO "kick your butt" to get out and see this amazing country. I've met people in SMA who have NEVER left town in the 15 years they've been here - I find that SO sad.......glad you're getting out more and coming to SMA this summer.......

Mic said...

I too enjoy your blog ....especially your Jardin adventures & photos. You live an interesting life.

Babs said...

Mic - haven't heard from you in a LONG time - glad to know you're still out there stopping by from time to time......

1st Mate said...

I know people who won't comment because they're afraid it'll bring on spam. Or compromise their security, or raise their profile on the Net and invite hackers. Or just never can think of anything to say. I just installed a FeedJit traffic feed gizmo on my blog so I can see now and then some sign of life out there.

Trudy G. said...

I prefer to be called a "blog stalker" rather than a "lurker", but either one works. I think I've been reading for over a year now and I'm not sure how I found you. I like to read blogs and also comments and link into other people's blogs from their comments.

I love your photos and to hear about life in Mexico. I have never been to Mexico but will see if for sure one of these days.

I live in the Seattle area.

Babs said...

Hi Trudy, the "blog stalker"! I just read about you. Very interesting life you have lived. I DO hope you get to Mexico some day.

I love the area you live in now.....

If you were once into interior design, the architecture, colors and artesans of Mexico will make your heart sing.

Thanks for commenting

Susan said...

I have been reading your blog for over 2 years and feel like I know you and your family. I am also from Louisiana (New Orleans) and my husband is from Texas (Wichita Falls, Houston). We have visited San Miguel four times in the past 10 years and are planning our next visit for Day of the Dead. Keep up the great blog, it is greatly appreciated!

Babs said...

Hi Susan - Glad to hear about you! When you come in Oct/Nov lets get together for coffee, at least. Would love to meet you..........