Two Blog Stunts That Annoy Me

by Miss Britt on November 21, 2008

Let’s start this post off by saying – yes, this might very well be about you.

And if it is? So what.

Seriously. This is not a condemnation of you as a person or even of your blog. It is not a declaration of my superiority over you and your annoying ways. It is nothing more than me being in a crabby mood and deciding to bitch.

And if you need that disclaimer to smooth your ruffled feathers? Lighten up.

ANYway, now that we’re all friends…

Two Blog Stunts That I Refuse To Participate In Even If I Adore The Blog Stunt Master:

1. The LEAVE ME A COMMENT IF YOU WANT TO BE ON MY BLOGROLL Stunt.

Maybe I’m a purist, but when I go to a blog, I assume that their blogroll is a list of blogs that the blogger actually reads. The only reason I would bother to peruse your blogroll is to see what blogs you recommend I read, based (I assume) on the fact that you actually enjoy them.

Imagine my surprise to find bloggers all over the Internet who have turned their blogrolls into worthless link farms requiring nothing more for admittance than a willingness to self promote. Those aren’t collections of Blogs I Recommend You Read, they’re a listing of Whose Who Among Internet Whores. At least label them properly so I know what I’m in for. Otherwise, you’ve in effect trashed the usefulness of blogrolls (which is why more and more of us don’t have them at all) AND jeopardized your own credibility.

And for what? One post with a bunch of people clamoring for you to include them? Me! Me! Oh! Pick Me! Do you feel loved now? Do you feel like your opinion matters now? Look at all these people who want to be part of your group!

OR… look at all these people who never take the time to comment on your actual content but will gladly use you to get another link back to their own web site!

And if you’ve actually responded to be included in one of those blogging cattle calls? Shame on you.

Seriously. Have you no pride? Have you no interest in producing content that people actually want to read, or are you satisfied with merely creating the appearance that they do?

Which leads me to my next bitch…

2. The WHO WANTS ME TO SEND THEM A CHRISTMAS CARD? Stunt.

I am not emailing you to ask you to send me a greeting card.

Seriously? Do you understand the concept of a holiday card? It’s for YOU to take a moment to tell ME that you were thinking of me. That I matter. That when you were making your List Of People I Want To Connect With This Season, you thought of me.

If you get to my name on that list and realize that you don’t have my address, email me and ask me for it. But if I have to remind you – or worse yet, ask you – to send me a holiday card… uh, thanks but no thanks. Dick.

And again – all of you people who actually respond to that crap – SERIOUSLY?!

How does this scenario play out in your head? Do you wander out to your mailbox one cold December morning and pretend to be surprised that someone sent you a card? Do you turn to your spouse and say “Oh, look honey, Mr. Blogger Who Spelled My Name Wrong sent us a card. Wasn’t that nice?” Do you feel like a big fucking phoney when you do?

Because you should.

That’s not a holiday card you’re taping to your refigerator. That’s YOUR VERY OWN PERSONALIZED POSTCARD! ONE FREE WITH EVERY COMMENT!

You can find something similar stuck between the pages of every magazine.

Of course, some of you will say that you really and truly want to send everyone a card. You love everyone who reads your blog. We’re all just one big happy family!

But some of you are full of shit.

And you know it.

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Posted in Blogging and Bloggers - Tips, Contests and Stuff for Bloggers Tagged: , , , , , ,

95 Comments so far

  1. avitable November 20, 2008 4:28 pm

    Yes, that’s why Christmas card exchanges are so prevalent all over the whole wide Internets – because it’s all about writing each and every person a personal heartfelt greeting on Jeebus’s birthday.

    I want to share my holiday cheer with as many people as possible, and I refuse to see that as a bad thing, crabass.

    Reply

  2. Mrs. Flinger November 21, 2008 12:11 am

    Er, well, I know I read a lot of blogs that aren’t on my ’some of the people we read” list party because I share my blogroll with someone else and party because I am SERIOUSLY fucking lazy.

    And also? I don’t comment enough.

    But. Um. This isn’t about me. NoooOOOOOoo. Not at all.

    Clearly, since I don’t do holiday cards.

    Reply

  3. Cris November 21, 2008 12:12 am

    Holy Crap Brittini! I don’t do either of those things! That con ONLY mean my blog kicks ass!!!

    Right? I’m right, aren’t I? That’s what you were saying, isn’t it?

    And I don’t send Avitable my address because I am NOT pathetic… it’s because my kids get the mail when they get off the school bus and I don’t want them traumatized by photos of tinsel wrapped nut sacks or a Christmas Stocking on his you-know-what.

    Reply

  4. Hilly November 21, 2008 12:12 am

    Hahaha, love. this. post.

    I am feeling a bit feisty and assy tonight so I cheered right along even though (*raises hand like Horshack*) I totally have done the blogroll post. However, I do it because I am so forgetful about putting people in my blogroll once I add them to my feed reader. It’s a curse.

    Reply

  5. Maria November 21, 2008 12:12 am

    LMAO. That’s why my blogroll header is so diplomatic [I read you, you read me, we read each other]. With no or’s. So people realize without me being a total cunt that it’s reciprocal, and reading me does not mean I read you! Dammit.

    I’m going to send you an Xmas card. And call you Bret on it.

    Reply

  6. Melissa November 21, 2008 12:12 am

    Phew. This blog is not about me.

    Reply

  7. Redneck Mommy November 21, 2008 12:13 am

    Do we have the theme for next week’s radio show?

    Cuz after listening to yesterday’s show, I’m seriously falling in love with Miss. Britt.

    Heh.

    Reply

  8. Maria November 21, 2008 12:13 am

    Ahhh I sounded like such a snobby bitch in that comment. :( I’m really not. Snobby that is.

    Reply

  9. Wendy November 21, 2008 12:14 am

    I get you about the blogroll. I’m very picky about mine. I didn’t have one up for a while, but I caved and put it back. lol. There’s one that I read that openly calls her blogroll a list of commenters for 2008. But she didn’t write a post saying to comment on that post if they wanted on. Because she rox. lol

    Reply

  10. Amanda November 21, 2008 12:14 am

    I agree with Adam… Not everyone’s comfortable giving out their address or whatnot, so I don’t want to go annoy people by asking for it. However, if someone wants to be included in the merriment I have no trouble with them asking for a card. I only have like three blogger’s addresses, everyone else has moved.

    I do agree with you about the blogroll though.

    Reply

  11. RW November 21, 2008 12:15 am

    Seriously Britt, good for you! And I’ll add the “I’m commenting on your blog so you’ll come over and comment on mine hee hee hee” quid pro quo blogger to that list. If you’ve got something to contribute say it – if not, don’t. But more importantly if the OP doesn’t reach you in any way, go on your merry way. There’s no law saying a person has to comment everywhere they go. Sometimes a person may not have anything to say in response. Cool. They should shut up.

    Oh I could go on and on, but when I do I manage to insult everyone I know… so I’ll shut up now myself. :-)

    Reply

  12. Ginger November 21, 2008 12:17 am

    aw, damn…I’m so obedient that I went ahead and sent Avitable and Poppy & Dawg my address for a card! Aaaannnd…I was kinda excited about getting some actual, real mail that wasn’t a f*cking bill from some cool new people this year! Hmph. ;)

    Reply

  13. Heather B. November 21, 2008 12:19 am

    I was thinking of a million other things none of which were on this list. Who’s the internet whore now?!

    Reply

  14. Dave2 November 21, 2008 12:20 am

    I don’t like it when people twat that they have a new blog entry on Twitter. For every single person I follow on Twitter, I already subscribe to their blog feed (if they have one)… so I already know they have a new entry. It’s just wasting my time.

    Reply

  15. Anige November 21, 2008 12:21 am

    Sounds like someone’s got a case of the Mondays.

    And yeah, I’m with you on the blogroll farming.

    Side note: Adam, did you get my email with my address? Great – thanks!

    Reply

  16. Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] November 21, 2008 12:22 am

    I totally spelled my own name wrong up there.

    Reply

  17. Brandon November 21, 2008 12:23 am

    I signed up to get a Christmas card because I really want to see what kind of crazy shit Avitable is going to send my way.

    Reply

  18. Jessica (aka @kikarose) November 21, 2008 12:24 am

    Dude. Avitable. Have some egnog and go look at your cards. Seriously, season of good cheer and all that…

    I totally agree about, well, about all of it. I want a REAL blogroll! Tell me who you love! And the card thing? It’s so sad. Are these people SO scared no one will send them a “real” card?

    Great post!

    Reply

  19. Britt's Mom November 21, 2008 12:25 am

    Jeez you’re a grumpy one today!!

    But it made me laugh and laugh and laugh.

    Hey! When you get home for Christmas can we have hot chocolate and kahlua??

    Reply

  20. Backpacking Dad November 21, 2008 12:26 am

    Send me an e-mail and I’ll add you to my blogroll and consider it a request for a Christmas card all in one.

    One stop pandering. That’s just one of the many services we offer at Backpacking Dad.

    Reply

  21. Sarcastic Mom November 21, 2008 12:29 am

    I only send Christmas cards to people who leave me 52.5 comments a year and link me in at least 3 blog posts, quarterly. And those are blank cards with stamped signature. Full time, free, on-site advertising is required for a real signature and a note in the card.

    And they can forget about it if they don’t get at least 1500 page views daily. *scoff*

    Or buy me shoes. That’s an instant holiday card addition.

    PS: My blogroll is dated as a mofo. It is so not a representation of who I read anymore, though it once was. I haven’t updated it in at least 6 months, and hi? I don’t have time to read dick anymore. But deleting it seems shitty, while updating it requires far more effort than my tired, pregnant asshole of a self can muster.

    Also, why the fuck am I still writing this long as comment if I don’t have time to do anything?

    Muah.

    Reply

  22. Sarcastic Mom November 21, 2008 12:31 am

    And I can’t even spell “ass.”

    And yes, I’m so arrogant that I re-read my comments.

    Reply

  23. Danalyn November 21, 2008 12:38 am

    Well, I think Adam is full of shit, anyway. He just wants my address so he can stalk me.

    Reply

  24. SwanShadow November 21, 2008 12:50 am

    I don’t send Christmas cards.

    And I don’t care whose blogroll I’m on or not on. My own blogroll exists only as a set of bookmarks for me, so I don’t forget to read the blogs I like.

    But then, I’m a borderline sociopath. :)

    Reply

  25. whall November 21, 2008 12:56 am

    Heh, I don’t even *have* a blogroll and I don’t send xmas cards.

    I get a pass today! Yay me!

    Reply

  26. Kim November 21, 2008 1:02 am

    OK, now I feel REALLY bad for putting you on my blogroll as a blogeer who inspired me !

    And I agree with Brandon, not only do I want to see what Adam will come up with, but I’d like to shock and awe my mailman !

    Reply

  27. Stephanie November 21, 2008 1:23 am

    Hallelujah and amen.

    Also, I agree with Dave2. So. Annoying.

    Reply

  28. Robin November 21, 2008 1:24 am

    I don’t do either…that’s what google reader and meeting in real life is for. :)

    Reply

  29. Sarah November 21, 2008 1:50 am

    Well there goes the ideas I had for my next two blog posts… Heh

    Reply

  30. Mr Lady November 21, 2008 2:03 am

    Wendy, I am totally stealing your idea about the list of commenters.

    I kept getting emails from people saying “Please add me to your blogroll!” and I thought that was sweet, and flattering, but A) I write a shit blog no one reads and B) it made me slightly incomfortable. So I chickened out and just posted the login to my Blogrolling site, so anyone can add themselves. it’s actually worked out okay for me. But I really love that Commenters idea. Now I have something to do on Christmas Eve.

    Dammit, I guess I can’t mail you a Christmas card now, huh? Shit.

    Reply

  31. Jamie November 21, 2008 2:14 am

    you may be surprised to find out this, but all 100+ blogs that are listed (i think it’s is about 107 or so) are on my blogroll i read…what can i say, i’m an insomniac…and i need something to occupy my mind/time when i’m awake at 4 in the morning doing the online work thing…i have partcipated in the blogroll cattle call thing, i dunno, kind makes me feel like i “belong” a little…i haven’t done one on my blog mind you, but i’ve said “sure add me, why not?” and i don’t send holiday cards to the people i KNOW…i mean, why bother, you SEE them at the holidays anyway, why spend the money on the postage to send them a card?

    Reply

  32. Courtney November 21, 2008 4:44 am

    The Christmas card thing doesn’t bug me as much as other things because I think mail is fun, but DUDE, the whoring for a link is BEYOND ANNOYING. I click links to find new blogs to read and I trust that people I read are linking to blogs that they ENJOY, not just blogs that linked back to them. Which is why I also hate reciprocal linking – I don’t comment on people’s blogs or link to them just so they’ll link back to me. I want them to link back because they like what they read.

    Reply

  33. Blondefabulous November 21, 2008 6:20 am

    Guilty of #2.

    But in my defense, I really do like to send cards to people, it’s just my family is being a complete fucktard lately and I don’t send them cards, so I have adopted the internet as my family. Hell, you read the “Hefty” post, so you know why.

    *sigh* Being needy is sad, huh?

    Reply

  34. Dawn November 21, 2008 6:53 am

    Not having my own blog, I can’t really relate to all that you said but…

    …when I’m bored, sometimes I’ll click on a blog in someone’s blogroll and I wonder, “I really love the person’s blog who linked to this blog, but I’m shocked that they’d actually read THAT blog that’s in their blogroll.”

    So now, if I’m bored, I’ll most likely click on someone’s link from a clever comment that they’ve left on a GOOD blog because I figure (hope) that if they’re clever in comments, they’re clever in their own blog. It’s hit or miss, but it’s better than guessing from a random list of blogs.

    Reply

  35. Greeneyezz November 21, 2008 6:59 am

    When I read your #1 in my reader, I just knew I had to comment.

    I’ve got a rule, epecially if someone’s a member of either BlogCatalog, or Bloglog….

    If you haven’t even bothered to stop by my blog and read something you like, or for that matter…don’t like, Then don’t bother sending me a ‘friend request’.
    I can’t even count how many ‘friend requests’ I’ve received thru blogcatalog that I’ve just deleted, on the sole basis they were just looking to ‘fill up’ their ‘friends’ list.

    Regarding blog roll:
    I read every one that’s on mine.
    I have some on there that I know do not have me on theirs.
    I know I’m on a few other sites though I’ve not put them on mine.

    My ego, self-esteem and identity does not depend on if if I am on someone’s blogroll or not. And for anyone’s ego, that does, get over yourself. :)

    And your last two sentences summed that up perfectly.

    ~ZZ

    Reply

  36. Blog Antagonist November 21, 2008 7:32 am

    Okay, since you opened that can of worms I’ll add my own…

    I hate it when someone posts a teaser and then says..”to continue reading, click here…” which takes you to the uber-cool and super cliquey collaborative blog that they write for.

    Now, there are some bloggers whom I adore who do this. That doesn’t mean I dislike the blogger. I just dislike the practice. It irks me.

    And…I just pared down my blog roll to a third of what it was for exactly the reasons you stated. There is no way I could actually read 150 blogs. There’s no way anybody can read 150 blogs.

    I will acknowledge that my refusal to play by all the blogging “rules” is probably why I don’t get 92 comments every day, but, whatev.

    Reply

  37. DeannaBanana November 21, 2008 8:02 am

    I already cook you Thanksgiving dinner, now you want a Christmas card too?!

    ;)

    Reply

  38. ShredderFeeder November 21, 2008 8:18 am

    1. I don’t list every blog I even read in my blogroll, let alone random requests for links.

    2. I don’t usually even send christmas cards to my family, you think I have time to send a card full of empty platitudes to people I don’t even know? ;-)

    Needless to say, this post is not about me. I’m relieved.

    I have many other bad habits.

    Reply

  39. Rachel November 21, 2008 8:45 am

    I just snorted diet coke through my nose. Do you know how badly that burns? Because I’m just rolling now.

    Freaking perfect. hahahahahahah

    Reply

  40. NYCWD November 21, 2008 8:48 am

    On the first item, I absolutely agree that is internet whoring. And for the second time, in like a month, I agree with RW about those commentators who just want comments on their own blog.

    On the second item, well you’ll be happy to know that I had an awesome BM this morning so I’m no longer full of shit. Besides, what does it matter? Obviously if I’m agreeing with RW twice in a month then the end of the world is imminent so no one’s gonna see the card anyway.

    End of times… end of times…

    Reply

  41. Lisa November 21, 2008 8:48 am

    I did away with my blogroll because I didn’t want it to be about having to link to someone out of obligation.

    And Christmas Cards? Oy, I just don’t have the energy for them.

    Reply

  42. hello haha narf November 21, 2008 8:49 am

    i hate the please add me to your blogroll begging. not cool. to me a blogroll is to be filled with folks you actually read. end of story.

    however, i will totally answer the christmas card call because i want to see what hilarious stuff the blogger will come up with. last year, adam’s card made me giggle like a fool and show a bunch of folks the insanity that he came up with. i’ve received some cool items and some funny cards by answering the cattle call. and i am cool with anything that makes me smile during the course of the day.

    Reply

  43. Selma November 21, 2008 9:10 am

    I’ve encountered the first item a few times lately. People who haven’t even read my post but have left a comment along the lines of :’Hey, look at what I just wrote’ with about five links. I don’t get it. Every single blog I read, I read because I like the blogger and what they have to say. That’s it.

    I haven’t done the Christmas card thing, but Christmas cards are nice aren’t they? Aren’t they?

    Hot chocolate and kahlua sounds good to me. I bet your Mum has lots of delicious treats for Christmas!

    Reply

  44. Princess of the Universe November 21, 2008 9:21 am

    I am guilty of # 2- but mostly because I’m reluctant to ask people for their addresses for fear of looking creepy. I would love to send cards to all of my readers…

    And # 1? One of my pet peeves too.

    Reply

  45. ali November 21, 2008 9:22 am

    um. yes. and yes.

    wanna make out?

    Reply

  46. Miss Britt November 21, 2008 9:38 am

    avitable: oh, yes, because you care so much about other people. hahahahahahhahha

    Mrs. Flinger: my old blogroll was sooooo out of date (which is the biggest reason I got rid of it. I felt bad that I’d forget to add people that I WAS reading.)

    Cris: you do, indeed, kick ass. You also leave the best comments.

    Well, it’s tie between you and whall, honestly.

    Hilly: well, Heather1, I think the coven is going to have to have a meeting about this.

    Maria: with an e AND one T? Oooh – you’re hardcore.

    Melissa: congratulations!

    Redneck Mommy: I have to do ANOTHER show?? Dammit.

    Maria: that’s not what I heard…

    Wendy: OOH! I love that idea!! That’s cool. I’m also cool with the “So and So’s Readers” – because it’s calling a spade a spade.

    Amanda: I’ll have Adam send you my copy, too then :-)

    RW: “I’m commenting on your blog so you’ll come over and comment on mine hee hee hee” quid pro quo blogger

    HAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE that. Hate. If I comment on someone’s site, I hope they know that it’s genuine, and not because I am hoping to get something out of them because of it.

    Ginger: well, according to The Rules Of The Universe, that clearly means you suck. Lucky for you, you’re adorable. So we’ll let you live. :-P

    Heather B.: hahahahaha – ohhhh, I could add a million other things too. But I’m being NICE today. Can’t you tell?

    Dave2: I follow people I don’t subscribe to and actually click those links. I also know Twitter is my #2 referrer to this site. Soooooo….. I think you’re screwed.

    Anige: Monday? Did you say MONDAY? HOLY FUCK IT’S STILL ONLY MONDAY!?!?!?!?!?

    *sound of explosion*
    *or possibly gunfire*

    Brandon: well you’re in luck – because you KNOW that voyeuristic son of a bitch is going to post whatever he mails out on his blog, too.

    Jessica (aka @kikarose): I’m waiting for the “comment if you want me to send you a present!” post. I’ll be all over that.

    Britt’s Mom: ewwww – I don’t like Kaluha. Why do you always use me as your excuse to get boozed up?

    *sigh* OK. I’ll get you drunk.

    Backpacking Dad: I would also like to be considered as the Blogger You Name Your Next Child After. Is that a separate email?

    Sarcastic Mom: oh wow. This is awkward. Um. Well. Um. I don’t think I meet your traffic threshold. *throws self on bed sobbing* WHYYYY!?!??! WHYYYYY CAN’T I BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU!?!?!?

    Oh – and – HI! :-)

    Danalyn: well yes, there’s that too

    SwanShadow: I send Christmas Cards every single year that I remember to mail them out. Which is – well – it has happened before.

    whall: but you’re a dirty, dirty Republican.

    It’s a good think you’re cute.

    Kim: what!?! Why?? Damn it. Is this not inspiring? RAGING BITCHINESS IS INSPIRING!! REALLY!!

    :-P

    Stephanie: is this why people twitter dump me? Because I send out TWO – one for this blog and one for the photo blog. I AM SUPER AWESOMELY ANNOYING!!

    Robin: if I get my ass around to sending out cards this year, I will absolutely send you one. Because I luff you special.

    Sarah: you’re welcome

    Mr Lady: a) your blog is awesome. Shuddup. b) You can mail me a card if you WANT TO, but not because I ASK YOU to. :-)

    Jamie: that doesn’t surprise me at all. I subscribe to like 300 blogs I think – including techy ones and stuff.

    Courtney: exactly

    Blondefabulous: I get the Internet as family. And if you emailed me and said “I’d like to send you something, would you mind sending me your email address?” I would be HONORED to be part of yours.

    Dawn: that’s the same thing I do, too.

    Greeneyezz: I’m the same – my reading is not based on your reading. At all.

    Blog Antagonist: I do know some of those linkies are contractual and stuff – but yeah, I get it. I hate even having to do it here and I try to only add it to the bottom because I HATE posts that are nothing more than “go read what I wrote here”. How ’bout… no.

    DeannaBanana: do Canadians celebrate Christmas?!?!
    (thanks for this morning, by the way. I love you.)

    ShredderFeeder: noooo – I’m sure you’re perfect. Just like me. heh.

    Rachel: I’ll go ahead and consider that a win. :-)

    NYCWD:

    1. Did you notice my use of the word purist? And how, according to his post, I might be considered MORE of a purist than YOU? Hmmmmmm

    2. One of the most amazing gifts I got last year was from you. Not so much because of what it was, but because it was so entirely unexpected. It hangs in my entryway and reminds me every time I walk in my door that sometimes there is someone out there thinking of you, even if you don’t know it at the time.

    Needless to say, I was SHOCKED to see you PISS ALL OVER CHRISTMAS!!! :-P

    Lisa: I hope to do the cards this year for friends and family – but the people who get them will know they actually mean something.

    hello haha narf: well, I guess that settles it then. You’re a whore. A happy, happy whore. And also – CLEARLY THE COVEN NEEDS STRICTER RULES! Damn you girls.

    Selma: Christmas cards ARE nice. I love them. I love them because they aren’t ASKED for.

    Princess: well, FYI, if anyone I know online emails me and asks me for my address – I won’t think it’s creepy.

    ali: always.

    Reply

  47. Finn November 21, 2008 9:39 am

    So… no holiday card? :D

    Reply

  48. Finn November 21, 2008 9:40 am

    Now why is the smiley all the way over by my avatar? :P

    Reply

  49. hello haha narf November 21, 2008 9:53 am

    i think the coven needs a meeting to discuss. an in person meeting. with booze. SOON.

    Reply

  50. Kim November 21, 2008 10:06 am

    Yes Britt !! Raging bitchiness is most inspiring !! As is raging asshole-e-isness!! ( is that a word??, If not, then it should be !!) :)

    Reply

  51. NYCWD November 21, 2008 10:07 am

    1) I absolutely noted your use of the word purist, however a doublecheck with ad blocker off shows that you are still tainted… not that there’s anything wrong with that… but it disqualifies you from purist status. Oh look! A Motrin ad! I <3 Motrin!!!

    2) I don’t think I pissed all over Christmas. I think my 2006 card was a worthy sacrifice so that my peeps could get on the Nice List… and what says Naughty better than strippers and whores?

    See… I do it for you… it’s all for you

    Reply

  52. always home and uncool November 21, 2008 10:31 am

    That does it. I have no choice. You’re on my blogroll whether you like it or not.

    Reply

  53. Shelli November 21, 2008 10:56 am

    I am so with you on both things, but especially the Christmas card thing. It’s why I didn’t play in Brad’s game last year. He still sent me a generic card, but I didn’t ask for it. That’s all I’ll say about that. LOL

    As for the blogroll, I am going back to my place and getting rid of mine. It is so out of date that there are people I don’t read anymore on there and people I read who aren’t on there. I’m too lazy to keep it up to date, so I’m just getting rid of it. Thank you for telling me that I could actually do that.

    Reply

  54. Lee the MWOB Queen November 21, 2008 11:06 am

    Thanks for clarifying the whole blogroll thing! SInce I’m new on the scene, I’m looking at these blogrolls and I’m like what? Can anyone really keep up with like 100 blogs? Or even 50? My approach for now is to follow people/ subscribe to people and figure out who I’m gonna be LOYAL to. And that list will probably end up being no more than 20. But those 20 are gonna be damn good and I will be LOYAL to them.

    Until I drop out of blogworld all together that is.

    Reply

  55. B.E. Earl November 21, 2008 11:16 am

    I don’t like those two blog stunts either. The first because it’s my fucking blogroll and I’ll put you on it if I fucking feel like it! The second…well, I don’t really have anything intrinsically against it. Except that I don’t do Christmas cards. Other than that, I’m ok with it.

    Reply

  56. Faiqa November 21, 2008 11:23 am

    Huh. I didn’t know people did the first one. That *is* kind of a whore like thing to do. As for the second, though I have *no* love lost for Adam, I felt like he could have written, “I really want to send you a card, so will you please e-mail me with your address.” But, then again, if he had done that, he wouldn’t be the Adam we all know and love. :)
    P.S. Please make sure you remember to comment on my blog today since I commented on yours. Muwahahahha.

    Reply

  57. Hilly November 21, 2008 11:26 am

    This may shock most people but I disagree with Dave (and Stephanie) completely. Like you, my number two (and sometimes number one) referral source is Twitter. I’ve also gained about 1/3 of my “must read” blogs by following those links in Twitter. Not everyone on my Twitter list is part of our little chunk of the PRB so uh, it’s actually fruitful. And no, not just in a “hey, comment now now now” way.

    Reply

  58. amy November 21, 2008 11:29 am

    it’s all too much for me! I find the holiday card thing v v strange. xo

    Reply

  59. maman November 21, 2008 11:59 am

    my blogroll are blogs that I read or in some cases, did read so I understand your point. But I WOULD like Christmas cards. it seems so friendly.

    Reply

  60. Fogspinner November 21, 2008 12:39 pm

    Amen sister on both! And this from someone who loves to send cards! To anyone!

    So I guess now would be a bad time to ask about sending a card? ;)

    Reply

  61. Elizabeth November 21, 2008 12:54 pm

    Hahaha, so true. The blogroll thing especially annoys me. I mainly use my blogroll as a feed reader kinda deal, ’cause I’m too lazy to set up a feed reader but still have all my favorite blogs in one place. Mwahahaha.

    Reply

  62. twinkie November 21, 2008 1:20 pm

    OMG! LOL I read Avitable’s and Dawgs Christmas card announcements and was like, “I WANT ONEEEEEE” but then I got all anxious and shit… like, “What if I email them and they say we meant everybody that wants one.. EXCEPT FOR YOU!!!”

    Yes, I know. Pathetic, right?

    Also, the site I blog at doesn’t even have a place for a “blogroll”

    BUT… I do the whole, “click here for more ..” through myspace bulletins and emails. So I guess I’m a little bit whorish.

    OH, on the plus side… my blogsite doesn’t accept comments so I at least y’all know I’m not whoring for comments, right? ;)

    I just like read and occupy my time while I’m client-less at work. Plus I learn new writing styles, etc by readin other’s blog.

    Reply

  63. Kim November 21, 2008 1:20 pm

    Oh, I forgot to add…since no one reads mine anyway, why am I even concerned ?? ;)

    Reply

  64. twinkie November 21, 2008 1:22 pm

    Twinkie again… I just wanted to say (in case anybody actually read my comment) that if it doesn’t make sense it’s because I’m drunk. Late nights partying make for shitty Fridays, don’t they? Damn.

    Reply

  65. Angella November 21, 2008 5:07 pm

    Amen and Hallelujah! My blogroll may need updating, but at least the people on it are people I actually read.

    This post confirms why everyone told me to read you. This was awesome.

    Reply

  66. Kay November 21, 2008 6:57 pm

    On the blogroll, yeah I agree, I add who I like, not a contest to see how many people I can link and vice versa.

    I will admit I have totally done the Xmas card thing and it was really cool for people that like to send and receive Xmas cards. Besides it is easier than sending out 40 emails individually to ask! :)

    This year I am cutting cards to save money but I do love doing it!

    Reply

  67. Sharon - Mom Generations November 21, 2008 11:35 pm

    There will always be people who would sell their mothers’ kidneys for popularity. The blog world is no exception. In fact, the anonymity of this world makes it so much easier…

    My tastes are too eclectic for blogrolls.

    Reply

  68. Mrs. Schmitty November 21, 2008 11:43 pm

    I agree with number 1…that’s totally annoying.

    And number 2…people REALLY do that?!!

    Reply

  69. Rachael November 22, 2008 1:04 am

    I totally agree. I mean, I would love to be on everyone’s blogrolls, but it makes me a lot happier to know that I earned my place there by entertaining them or connecting with them in some way. I read every blog on my blogroll, and want to point them out to other people.

    As for the holiday card thing, beyond what you said, who the heck has time for that? I can barely manage to get the ones out to my family!

    Reply

  70. Kelley November 22, 2008 5:37 am

    Oh yes.

    And don’t forget the whole begging for comments cause I should feel sorry for you.

    Meh.

    I have a blogroll called ‘Stalking my Stalkers’ a list of people that read my blog as a thankyou.

    Reply

  71. Kimberly November 22, 2008 10:16 am

    Thank GOD – I totally thought you were talking about me.

    Oh, btw, do you want em to send you a Christmas card this year?

    Reply

  72. Zandor November 22, 2008 1:13 pm

    I have never heard of the second one before now. That is really odd. I don’t think I would want a card from someone only because I asked for it. I want one from someone who wants to give me one.

    Reply

  73. Mrs. Flinger November 22, 2008 4:28 pm

    Is that your Mom for real? HAHA! I like her!My mom has a blog. Blogging Grandmas are HILARIOUS.

    Your mom reminds me of my mom. Hi Nanna!

    Reply

  74. Poppy November 22, 2008 4:41 pm

    I don’t even remember what #1 is so I won’t comment on it other than I think I agreed with you.

    As for #2, I really need people to regive me their addresses this year because last year my life was in upheaval and I have no idea where I put everyone’s addresses. I guess I could send ecards instead, but… um. And I guess I could use whitepages.com as a sly way or send 50 personal emails saying “what’s your address again?” but that seems jerky. *shrug*

    Reply

  75. Tori November 22, 2008 7:42 pm

    … but… adam’s cards are funny!!

    Reply

  76. ginamonster November 22, 2008 7:42 pm

    People actually do that? The christmas card thing, I mean. I can imagine sending a card to someone I know and have met like Hello HaHa Narf and maybe Hilly (I say maybe, not because I don’t like her but because I was too tipsy and sleeping on the couch to get to know her) But to advertise to the few people who read that aren’t on my card list that I’ll send one? I just can’t afford that many stamps.

    I also can’t imagine asking someone to put me on their blog roll. Not saying I haven’t, because I can’t remember past 5 minutes ago, I’m just still excited when I see myself on someone’s ‘roll. That would be diminished if I asked to be there.

    I do occasionally twit my blog posts. but only when I remember.

    Reply

  77. anna November 22, 2008 9:17 pm

    I don’t have a blogroll because I use an RSS feed and the list is always changing. If you want to approach blogging as a professional, you have to read a huge amount of blogs, some of which you will like, and others not. That’s the name of the game. I wouldn’t post a blogroll because it would be misleading . . . it isn’t a recommendation from me, in all probability, it’s just someone I’m reading to keep up with.

    That said, for new bloggers trying to establish themselves, the giant blogroll, email-me-and-I’ll-add-you approach can feel welcoming. When I started my blog, I added my name to those lists and would do so again. It’s easy to say that you wouldn’t when you’re already established, I think. Same thing with the comment and comment back thing. Kind of like a “first world problem” but in the blogosphere.

    Reply

  78. jennyonthespot November 23, 2008 11:11 am

    I like Sarcastic Mom’s plan. Yeah, because that means I’m not sending any cards… prolly EVER! *feels sorry for unfamous self*

    Reply

  79. Mr Farty November 23, 2008 2:10 pm

    Now I don’t know if I should even leave a comment or not. Probly not.

    People ask you to send them Xmas cards? That is just wrong.

    Oh. Is it ok that I used your photo and Avi’s in my last post? If not, my bad. I can send you an Xmas card if that’ll help.

    Reply

  80. 12ontheinside November 23, 2008 7:22 pm

    Hahaha – this really made me laugh. (Hopefully it is still ok to comment just to say ‘i related to this?’ heh.)

    Reply

  81. kapgar November 23, 2008 11:14 pm

    After thinking that this was a direct jab at the guy that signs your paycheck, I must admit that I loved reading his comment.

    Crabass. ;-)

    Reply

  82. myka November 24, 2008 12:27 am

    You remind me of one of my sisters lol….hmm anyway, I just started reading your blog and don’t think this is about me as I don’t have anything to promote really and am new to this blogging world, but were all entitled to have our ‘bitching’ entries :) ~

    Reply

  83. Donna November 24, 2008 4:43 pm

    I just have to say that I feel the same way. The sites on my blog roll are the ones that I read each day that I’m able to or sites that mean something to me. Goodness knows that mine isn’t that popular but why should it have to be shameless promotion? Why can’t it really be what’s important to you? As for #2 My Christmas list is my friends and family. Those that I love that I want to say hello to during the Christmas Season. Wow. I’m glad you brought those out!

    Reply

  84. martymankins November 24, 2008 6:17 pm

    I started off building my blog roll by using the 1. on your list above. But as I started adding blogs that I read to the list, I found that not everyone had left a comment. My blog roll now matches my feed reader pretty close, give or take a few blogs.

    Reply

  85. Shamelessly Sassy November 25, 2008 12:16 am

    The blog stunt I hate the worst is this one, “Um, leave me a comment, because I comment back on my top commenters. So I will religiously read your blog if you give me comments. Give ‘em to me. Give ‘em to me.” Yeah, big motherfucking deal. I want people to read me because they want to read me, not because they want me to be part of some quasi incestuous comment orgy that will undoubtedly end in three pregnancies and an STD.
    PS. I have PMS right now. please ignore. But this blog stunt has gotten on my nerves for what seems like an eternity.

    Reply

  86. Anissa@Hope4Peyton November 25, 2008 2:15 pm

    Forget your blogroll, Britt, I’m sneaking in and stealing your header…just wait and see…with no warning.

    and who the hell sends christmas cards to blog readers? I barely get mine sent out to family. More holiday obligations? GAG

    Reply

  87. avitable November 25, 2008 2:17 pm

    Anissa, some of us genius IB students do, thank you very much.

    Reply

  88. People in the Sun November 26, 2008 1:30 am

    See, I find new blogs by looking at the blogrolls of blogs I already like. But then I go to a blog I like and they have hundreds of links. What’s the point?

    Reply

  89. Shawna November 26, 2008 12:26 pm

    I, too am GROSSLY annoyed by blogs trying to increase their numbers by whoring out their blogrolls. But some of us are just not as funny as you and need all the help we can get when it comes to internet traffic…which is why I comment on so many posts.
    Oh and e-Christmas cards. From people you don’t know? Blah. Bah humbug. Seriously?

    Reply

  90. Sarcastica November 30, 2008 6:08 pm

    I agree with you on both points; I add people to my blogroll that I read. I don’t do the Christmas card thing right now because I barely have enough dough to buy cards for my family…but even if someone wanted to send out Christmas cards, they’d have to ask me directly so I feel important :) not generic.

    Reply

  91. Robina December 2, 2008 2:23 pm

    Okay, I don’t evne know what #1 means. That’s how “not in the know” I am.

    #2? I LOVE sending Christmas cards, but there are only about 10 people I send them to, cause I have no family really, and no “real friends” and I’m too embarrassed to asked people for their addresses when I should already have them!

    Reply

  92. Robina December 2, 2008 2:27 pm

    Okay, I MIGHT get #1 now, after reading some of your comments. My blogroll is for me, so I can remember who I read! Yes, I have a bad memory. I tried the google reader, but when I get behind and then have 200 posts to read, it’s too overwhelming, so I just go down my blogroll and read them in alphabetical order.

    Reply

  93. Sarcastic Mom December 5, 2008 4:31 pm

    Just stopping by to let you know I gave you a pass cause yer boobs are hawt.

    <3

    Reply

  94. Lynda January 5, 2009 3:08 pm

    I’m not sure that I agree with you on the whole Christmas card thing. I mean, said person could send you a mass email asking for your address too.

    Unless I misunderstand what you mean….

    Then again, I only got two Christmas cards this year, and they were from people who asked for my address. I didn’t solicit any cards. They just get thrown out anyway.

    Reply

  95. Lynda January 5, 2009 3:09 pm

    I totally commented on a older post from a link at Shelli’s. hehe. That’s what I get for moving.

    Reply

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