Commenting Tips for Bloggers and Blog Readers

I love getting comments on my blog.  It lets me know that someone out there is actually reading what I have to say, and I love getting to know my awesome readers.  I try to reply to every comment although I do miss some here or there.  Because most people aren't going to remember to come back to the blog post and check for a reply, I also email them my response by hitting reply on the email that blogger sends me with the comment.  Unfortunately, some people won't ever receive my email because they don't have an email associated with their blogger account.  When I get a comment from those people, the email from blogger replies back to "noreply-comment@blogger.com."  :(

Here are some tips on blog commenting for both bloggers and blog readers.  Basically, if you're reading this, than it's for you, whether you write a blog or not :)  

Tips for blog readers: 
If you read something you like (here or on any other blog) let the author know!  Comment, like the post on Facebook, etc.  It really means a lot to bloggers.  And I think it goes without saying that if you read something you don't like and feel a need to comment on it, just make sure you're respectful in your comment.  Bloggers are people with feelings too!  And FYI, I have awesome readers because none of the comments I've ever received have ever been anything but positive.  :) 

Check to see if you're a no-reply blogger and if you are, please fix it so I (and other bloggers) can respond to your comments!!  Here's a great tutorial from Story of My Life on how to do that.


Tips for bloggers:
Reply to comments!!!  There are some blogs I love reading and commenting on, but after dozens of comments and not a hint of a reply, I'll give up and stop commenting and sometimes even stop reading the blog because it feels like the blogger really doesn't care about his or her readers.  Let your readers know that they matter.  If you're not sure how to receive email notifications of comments, go to "settings" on your blog dashboard, then go to "Mobile and Email" and then fill out the "Comment Notification Email" box. 

Comment on other blogs frequently.  Not only is that simply a nice thing to do, but it also is a great way to build your blog readership and meet other bloggers.  Make sure that you're not a no-reply blogger!

I have two words for you...word verification (also know as captcha).  People are a lot less likely to comment on your blog if you require them to squint at a little box with nearly indecipherable letters and/or numbers and then translate that into another box.  To disable this feature on your blog, go to "Settings," then "Posts and Comments."  Where is says "Show word verification, click NO.


Make sure you read the comments for more tips and advice!

Do you have any tips to add?  
 
 

How To Make Your Blog Post "Pinnable"

If you're like me, you have a "pin it" button installed on your toolbar and you aren't afraid to use it...liberally (at last check, I had over 4000 pins on my 48 Pinterest boards).  However, not everyone has that button installed or maybe they just need a little nudge to pin something from your blog.

Here's how to make your blog post "pinnable."

First write your blog post, complete with pictures (you can't pin words!), and publish it.  Now before you start promoting it on your Facebook page or Twitter (you do have those, right? Because they're awesome and free ways to promote your blog!) open your blog post like you're going to read it, and then open the Button and Widget Builder page on Pinterest in another tab.  Select the "Pin It Button."  Under Button Type, select "One Image."
Copy and paste the URL of your blog post into the first space.  
Click on the picture in your post that you want readers to pin so it opens up in the window by itself.  Copy and paste the URL of the image into the second space where it says "image."  Finally, add a description of your pin (Examples: Awesome giveaway at Awesome Giveaways Blog, How to host an awesome giveaway on your blog,)  Click on the red button that says "Build It!" and scroll down to copy your html code.
  
Next, open your blog post back up to edit it.  You do not need to be in HTML format to add the code.  Paste the html code right below the image you just built a pin for or wherever you want the button to go in your post.  Publish your post and you're done!

I decided to put the html code right below my picture so the Pin It Button shows up directly below it.

Now, if you want to create a hover button (for an example, hover over any of the pictures in this post!) on the images themselves, go back to the Buttons and Widgets Builder page on Pinterest.  Select the "Pin It Button" and then select the option that says "Image Hover" for the button type and click "Build It."  Copy and paste the html code onto the very bottom of your blog post.  Once again, you do not need to be in HTML format to add the code.  You probably want the description on the pins to be filled in for people which is helpful because sometimes people just hit the period and call it good enough which makes it harder for your pin to be repinned and found on Pinterest.  Click on the image in your post while you're editing and click on "Properties."

Under "Title Text," fill in the description just like you would for a pin.  Hit publish and admire your work!  

Thanks so much for visiting Supermommy!...Or Not.  I'd love for you to like me on facebook" and follow me on Twitter!  

Shocked and Happy!

I usually don't get around to posting on Sundays, but I checked in to see how many views I had on my blog post from yesterday and almost fell off my chair!

In less than 30 hours, my post on pricing handmade goods has received almost 4500 views, been pinned and repinned dozens of times on Pinterest, and been shared on Facebook numerous times.  It quickly became the #1 post on my blog with #2 only having 1430 views.     

I'm thrilled that so many people are reading it and realizing how underpaid most artisans really are.  Handmade work can be somewhat unappreciated at times, and I think it's great that so many are realizing just how much time and money go into a handmade work of art, be it clothing, photography, jewelry making, or any other art form.

Since I'm here, I might as well mention a few other things too!

First, Tiny Blue Lines interviewed me for a post about being a young mom!  You can read it here.   

Also, did you notice the change in my blog header and Facebook page?  I'm in the process of redesigning my blog and am excited to be getting a new look.  I haven't done much to change my blog since I started it almost 4 years ago, and I think it's time to update!   I decided to go with a blue and yellow theme since those are two of my favorite colors together and were also the colors of my wedding (Coincidence? Probably not, haha).  Oh, and did I mention that there's going to be chevron?  I know I'm not the only chevron addict out here!  I was going to update my blog background and template yesterday, but with so much traffic on the blog, I thought it might be best to wait :) 

My new Facebook profile picture

Thanks so much for visiting Supermommy!...Or Not.  I'd love for you to like me on facebook" and follow me on Twitter!  

2012 In Review

What a year this has been!  I started off 2012 by being incredibly crabby and hormonal and I found out why when I took a pregnancy test on Hubby's birthday although I didn't announce it on the blog until over a month later.  I also shared how I got Hubby a Wii for his birthday for only $20 out of pocket.

In April, I wrote a touching letter to my children which got a lot of attention from Pinterest readers.  I also witnessed a miracle that had me running to the grocery store.  At the end of April, I had my ultrasound that revealed the gender of the baby.

May was a rough month with lots of doctor visits and a brief scare concerning Little Man's heart.

In June, I "waxed eloquent" about the size of our family.  

In July, I answered some often-asked questions about my pregnancy and did so without biting anyone's head off.  It wasn't easy.

I talked about how writing this blog is bringing in the big bucks in August.

September was a busy month with the arrival of the new baby and the surprise of my life!  I also wrote about how the labor and delivery were pretty easy, but a little shot in the leg afterwards took me out.

Right after giving birth, I started the 2012 31 Days blog series about simplifying your life which was a lot of fun.                 

In December, I published my 300th blog post!  

It's been a good year and I can't wait to see what 2013 brings.  I'm planning to redo my blog and come up with a fresh design and I'm also in the process of opening a new shop selling pdf patterns for the clothing I make.

What new and exciting things are you anticipating in 2013? 


Thanks so much for visiting Supermommy!...Or Not.  Please take a moment to "like" me on facebook"! 

The Liebster Award

I've been awarded the Liebster award by Miranda over at Delightfully Sweet!  Thanks so much, Miranda!

These are the rules for the Liebster award:
1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the 11 questions the person giving the award sent you.
3. Create 11 questions for the 11 people you're awarding
4. Pick 11 bloggers with under 200 followers and let them know you're giving them the Liebster award.
5. No tag backs. 

I just participated in the Versatile Blogger award back in July (which I had to nominate 15 bloggers for) so I'm actually going to break the rules and not nominate any bloggers for this.

Ok...so 11 things about me...

I did a 100 Random Things About Me post in June so I could cheat and just copy 11 things from that list, but since I'm already messing this up by not passing on the award, I'll try to come up with 11 new things.

1. I'm amazed everyday by what an sweet, easy baby Star is.  Honestly, this is the first time I've been able to truly enjoy having a baby.  I had postpartum depression after Princess was born, Little Man screamed constantly for the first few months, and both had issues nursing.  I had no idea babies could be this much fun!
2. I did not know I had an issue with anger until after Little Man was born.  This is something moms don't talk about because no one wants to be known as "the bad mom", but I think more people need to talk about it so moms can get the support and help they need.
3. I got to hear Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar speak at the Hearts at Home conference I went to this month!!  She is the ultimate supermom!
4. I'm lost without my day planner.
5. I *may* be slightly addicted to Facebook.
6. Whining may be the most annoying child behavior ever.  I absolutely can't stand whining.  Unless it's coming from me...about chocolate.
7. Pinterest.  If you're not there, you should be.  'Nuff said.
8. I really love sleep.  If I don't get 7-8 hours a night, I'm just not up to par.
9. My van's check engine light came on last week and the motor sounds funny, but I haven't made an appointment to have it checked out because first, I'm afraid of how much it's going to cost to fix it and secondly, I don't know what I'm going to do for transporation with 3 carseats while it's being fixed.
10. My favorite places to shop are Target and Hobby Lobby.
11. My best friends are my sisters and a friend I met at summer camp 13 years ago and still stay in regular contact with.

Here are the 11 questions given to me by Miranda:
1. Do you believe in soul mates, you know, one right person for everyone?
    Honestly, I have no idea.  

2. What is your ideal place to vacation (you can pick a place you've never gone)?
     Italy!!  I would LOVE to go there someday.  The history and beauty of that country would make it a great place to vacation.

3. Where would you like to be in your life next year?
     In a home of my own.  I would also love for my Etsy to be my main income.

4. How did you and your partner get together?
    We grew up in church together.  When I was 17, he asked me to his work's Christmas party.  The rest is history.

5. What is your favorite childhood memory?
     I don't have one single favorite memory.  I had a pretty good childhood so there are lots of good memories.  

6. What is your dream career, if you wanted a career?
    From the time I was little, I wanted to be a mommy.

7. What is your top pet peeve?
    Inconsiderate people.

8. How do you feel about the outcome of the election?
    I don't really like getting into politics on my blog, but let's just say I wasn't thrilled.

9. Do you enjoy these surveys?
    Depends on the questions.  This one has been pretty easy to answer so far.

10. What is the nicest, unexpected thing ever done for you?
      The first thing that comes to mind is when Hubby proposed.  

11. What is the most appalling social situation you've ever witnessed?
      A guy peeing (openly) in the middle of a busy intersection.  Actually, my sister was the one who saw it happen since I was driving, but still!


Thanks so much for visiting Supermommy!...Or Not.  Please take a moment to "like" me on facebook"!
 

Versatile Blogger Award

I was catching up on my blog reading the other day when I realized that my blog was in the list of blogs nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award at Blessings and Beyond!  Awesome!  Thanks so much to Shellie for nominating me!  I've been following Shellie's blog for close to a year now and always enjoy reading her newest posts (Check out her recipe for 7-up cake...it looks so yummy!).

Since I've been nominated, I'm supposed to tell you 7 random facts about myself.  Seeing how I just did a "100 Random Things About Me" post, this might be a little tricky, but here goes!

1. I've loved matreshka/Russian nesting dolls since I was a kid.  I have two that I purchased and two that I painted myself from a DIY kit from Hearthsong back when I was a teenager.  The first one turned out...interesting, the second one turned out good enough that I display it with the two purchased dolls.

2. I play a guitar, fiddle, flute, piano, and mandolin.  None proficiently, each just enough to keep myself entertained and have a little fun.

3. I'm an introvert.  There is nothing better to me than being at home.  I could never have lived with roommates because I tend to start panicking when there are other people in my space.  I did live with my sister for a while before we each got married, but she's an introvert too so there weren't any parties or very many guests at all. 

4. I've always thought it would be neat to learn karate. 

5. *Warning-shameless promotion*  I'm super excited to be releasing my first clothing collection in my boutique next month!  I had so much fun designing the outfits for it! 

6. Hubby got me a Wii fit shortly after we found out we were expecting again (no, it wasn't a hint, I asked him for it :)  I used it a few times, but now I'm afraid to get on it again because I'm pretty sure it's going to make fun of me for gaining so much weight so quickly and make my avatar huge.  I am looking forward to using it after the baby is born though!

7. I could eat pizza five times a week and not get tired of it.

There's my seven random facts!  Now I get to nominate some of my favorite blogs!

Ostrom's Odyssey

Crappy Pictures

Not Super...Just Mom

Serving Joyfully

So Not Organized

My Thrifty Friend

Growing Up Geeky

A Cup of Tea and a Blog

In This Wonderful Life

Bits and Pieces From My Life

Another Day Stronger

Indietutes

Make It and Love It

Under the Big Oak Tree

The Shafer Family

For those of you nominated, here are the rules:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.

2. Include a link to their site.

3. Include the award image in your post. 

4. Give 7 random facts about yourself.

5. Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award.

6. When nominating include a link to their site.

7. Let the bloggers know they have been nominated.

Thanks for visiting Supermommy!...Or Not.  Please take a moment to like me on Facebook!