Saturday, December 5, 2009

628 Followers!

Check out Eddie Bluelight's terrific feature The Sunday Roast and hear the thoughtful advice on blogging from Grumpy Old Ken. He's not at all grumpy and his advice is terrific.

And don't forget to read Debbie of Suburb Sanity's interview with me below. It includes a GIVEAWAY-- Just in time for the holidays! xo Joanna

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED - Congratulations of CC of If Only I Had Super Powers for winning the $25 Visa Gift Card. Thanks to all who entered!
Meet Debbie at Suburb Sanity. She's graciously agreed to answer a few questions for our A Crazy Little Thing Called Blog "how to" series.

Debbie started posting on Suburb Sanity in August, 2008. Her very first post received eight (8) comments! By October, 2008 Debbie's comments were in the 30s. In November, 2008 she hit 71 comments with a hysterical post about Jim Carrey.

Then in January, 2009 Debbie hit the jackpot with a post about her Internet provider’s customer service with 170 comments! From then on Suburb Sanity pretty much averaged upwards of 100+ comments per post! In September, Debbie had a whopping 241 comments with a SITS recognition.

Oh yeah, and at the time of this interview, Debbie had 628 Followers! (She has
even more now!) One look at her blog and you'll understand why. Suburb Sanity is fabulous!

Q. How did you grow your blog to upwards of 100 (and often more) comments per post?
A. I was reading and commenting on a few blogs for several months before I started my own. I had read the "big" names, tried commenting there, but gave that up. I loved commenting on the smaller blogs because the authors would respond to me. They encouraged me to start my own. And they took the time to answer all of my questions when I was confused, which was all the time. They were my first readers and commenters and they are still around today! I'm very proud of that. It is easy when you only have 20 or so comments on a post to go to your commenters blogs and comment back to them. That is the secret to starting, I think. We all love that personal connection.

Q. Did you read and comment a lot to introduce yourself around Blogland in the beginning?
A. Absolutely. I still do. I love meeting new people and checking out new blogs. You never know who you'll find out there and what information you'll turn up. From recipes to decorating to parenting to humor - I get it all from the blogs I read.

Q. Did you Google Keyword topics to attract readers?
A. I wouldn't even know how to do that now! I write about what I find interesting. I like to keep it light, most days! I like sarcasm and humor. I love observing people and life. And interestingly, some posts I've written that I thought would be big hits have fallen flat while others I was afraid I had just "phoned in" have been huge. You never know what will connect with people but if you're being yourself, you can't go wrong.

Q. You have 628 Followers! How many blogs do you follow and regularly comment on?
A. I appreciate each person that has clicked that "follow" button on my blog. There are so many gazillion blogs out there. It is amazing to me that anyone would chose mine! As of today, I have 884 blogs in my reader. Not posts. Blogs. You don't even want to know how many posts are in there! I'm feeling overwhelmed just looking at that number!

Q. Did you “get a big break” somewhere that boosted your exposure-- Like maybe a mention on Oprah? – kidding, sort of.
A. I wish! No big break - just a lot of clicking away. Now, if anyone wants to introduce me to Oprah, we are from the same state so there is a kindred spirit there I'm sure.

Q. How much time do you spend a week writing blog posts versus reading and commenting on other blogs?
A. Most posts take me from 45 minutes to an hour to polish. I spend waaaay more time than that reading and commenting. I could use an extra 24 hours to read and comment each and every day. As my readership has grown, I can no longer get around to everyone as often as I'd like. I have a bizarre and OCD system set up to get to everyone in their turn! Sooner or later, if you've been by my blog, I'll get to yours, I promise. And, if you are a regular commenter, I'll get around to you on a regular basis. Again, it isn't as frequent as I'd like but it's the best I can do right now.

Q. What would you estimate is the ratio of “commenters” vs “lurkers” on your blog posts?
A. Well, if I have around 630 followers and get 80 to 100 comments a post, I would think a small percentage actually comment. And yes, it is mostly the "old faithful" that comment regularly. But that's OK. I know it is hard to think of a comment sometimes.

Q. Any other advice you would like to offer new bloggers?
A. Be the kind of blogger you want others to be. If you want comments, then comment. If you want followers, then follow. Start by going to blogs similar to yours. But don't be afraid to branch out. I have met the most amazing people on here that are nothing like me at all (goes without saying since they are amazing!). Have fun. And don't expect to make money. I sure can't offer any advice on making money. But, if anyone has advice, I'll take it!
~~~~~~
There you have it folks! A million thanks to Debbie for her insight into blogging. She's one of the good guys out there-- A terrific blogger who appreciates her readers and Followers and makes a point to visit, read and comment on A LOT of blogs!

As a thanks for reading Debbie's interview and to encourage you to VISIT DEBBIE HERE AT SUBURB SANITY AND LEAVE A COMMENT YOU can enter to WIN a $25 Visa Gift Card.

All you have to do is leave TWO comments-- Leave one comment BELOW on my blog, AND one comment HERE Debbie's Blog-- THANKING HER FOR THIS INTERVIEW.

All entries must be received by midnight, Saturday, December 5, 2009 to be eligible. Comments must be made on both blogs at the above specified links/posts. One entry per person. $25 US dollars. Drawing will be random. All results are final.

How do you "Follow" blogs? (Example: Do you thank each new Follower, have an ongoing system to check in with each Follower, etc.??? When someone Follows you do you automatically Follow them? When you are required to Follow a blog for a Giveaway Entry how do you handle future visits to that blog? Any input on "Following" would be helpful to all of us. Thanks!
Welcome to The fifty Factor - Joanna
Photo Credit: © alma_sacra - Fotolia.com

78 comments:

  1. I adore Debbie. It's sto funny to see how often we post about similar topics.

    And I didn't think anyone had me beat with how many blogs were in my Reader!!

    Debbie is awesome.

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  2. I'm not commenting for the gift card; I just wanted to say that I love both your blog and Suburb Sanity! I've been reading both for a while now and think they're both awesome.

    Re: following - I'm sort of in a blah-blogging mood lately, so I'm always surprised when someone new follows me. I haven't followed any new blogs in months, and I've actually chopped my list that I follow in half recently since I just don't have time to spend reading blogs so much these days (pregnant and have a toddler who is non-napping many days.). But I read the ones I follow - like yours and Debbies! I just don't always comment. I'm more of a lurker these days. :)

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  3. Great interview, Jonanna with Debbie.
    I am impressed with the number of followers she has and the number of comments she gets.
    I hope to interview her soon on my Sunday Roast column.
    I'm just switching to her blog.
    Eddie x

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  4. Very interesting post - thanks for the information. The sheer thought of following more than 800 blogs scares me to pieces. I find that I am constantly editing my list. If I follow someone that never acknowledges my existence and I find that their blog just isn't worth the time or effort I stop following. I get scared when I see your blog with so many comments but I have learned that doesn't matter to a good blogger they treat everyone equally.

    One day I hope my blog grows up to be as fabulous as yours (and our Lovely Alix - she is another of my blog heros)

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  5. Great interview. Right now, I start from the last read in my reader and work my way up. It takes time, but I'm learning a lot about people and the writing craft.

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  6. what a cool interview...thanks for the introduction jj...when i get new followers i usually pop over and check out their blog...if it is interesting i follow...i usually always leave a thank you comment, at least...

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  7. Great interview! I had never seen that blog--now I have to follow it. I don't always have time to go back and answer all my commentors. I do it occasionally. I pare down my blog list from time to time when there are blogs that no longer interest me.

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  8. Interesting interview. Good hints and tips for new bloggers. :)

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  9. I love that you are introducing us to these great blogs. Debbie´s advice was so good and down to earth. I will definitely be heading over there to check out her blog.
    Thanks for sharing!

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  10. That is an amazing number of followers!
    Hey my blog is going private soon.. if you would like to continue reading it send me an email address for the invite.

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  11. Great interview, I follow blogs that people recommend or follow I like a variety. A lot of my blog roll has come from you or if I like what some one comments on other blogs I check them out.

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  12. Great interview and it is fun to read about how a blogger has grown from inception to such a huge following.

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  13. This woman is really serious. I'm not. Well, not like that anyway. I'm happy with the amount of followers that I have now, I don't need any more. I know that sounds cuckoo, but I've grown close to most of my followers, and I don't see the point in pursuing more.
    I really like the idea of you interviewing bloggers about blogging. It's cool to see what moves other people. I guess that's what it's all about. xo d

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  14. Debbie's definitely a goodie. So are you!

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  15. What great advice! And it is easy and non-stressful....if you don't count the 800 blogs! LOL! Thanks for sharing the interview!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  16. nice interview, good to know the point of view of a successful blogger.

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  17. Thanks for the great interview. I wish I had her gift of organization to visit all of the blogs I have come to enjoy and to visit all who follow me. I try to get around to everyone, but once school starts, I'm pretty limited with time....who isn't? It is such fun (and sooo interesting) to see what others are doing and thinking. Thanks for sharing yourself with us. Come join me for Crock Pot Wednesday whenever you can.

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  18. WOW!!! THAT is a lot to keep up with!!! I'm not sure that even if I had an extra couple of hours per day that I would follow more blogs than the few that I do. I feel badly that at this time I'm not even able to keep up with THOSE handful that I try to keep up with!! I enjoy a blog with humor and one that I can learn from...and yours fits that bill on both counts! You always have interesting things to write about or share with us!

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  19. nice post good info
    I pay attention to commenters but not followers. Maybe I should but while I think the reader feature is great and I use it, I don't like the follow me widget much.
    I know one thing - women follow blogs, comment on blogs and I would say write blogs MUCH better than men. Of course, there are exceptions but it's probably because women are better communicators.
    So do you know if there is a male version of SITS - maybe we could call it BITS??

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  20. Great post and interview, Joanna! I will visit Debbie soon.
    I cannot imagine how much time it would take to visit , read, and comment on such a large following. Or even answer 100 commentors! I admire your energy level, Debbie!

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  21. I can't even imagine that many followers!

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  22. I love Debbies blog! It's enough that she is such a great writer, but she's also a sweetie!

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  23. What a great interview! I love following and finding new blogs but I tend to go through my blog lists rather than my reader to go visiting. It is the first thing I do in the morning, I've got a system. I call blogging my part time job as it takes me a while to get to everyone on my lists. lol I try my best to hit everyone back that leaves a comment on my blog as well. I want to make sure everyone knows how much I value the time they spend with me! :D

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  24. I love your little blogging series! I hope that I never have that many followers. I can't keep up with 240!

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  25. Just visiting from Debbie's place.

    Best interview that I've read in blogland.

    And, yes, when people follow me, I follow them. I respond to all comments.

    I enjoyed what I read here.

    Sweet dreams.

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  26. Oh, I get thirty some comments on my posts, and can't even keep up on reading and commenting back on those.

    I admire these big bloggers (INCLUDING YOU JOANNA) that do so much reading and commenting. I used to a ton, but just haven't been able to balance it with getting any writing done.

    Sigh.

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  27. Great interview. I will definitely check out her blog. I too have met some amazing people through my blog and I still consider myself new to the blogging world.

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  28. I couldn't help but notice that you have 302 followers. You're a bloggy rock star! I guess I'm not the only one who loves you!
    Hugs and love,
    T

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  29. Great interview, Joanna!

    I try to make sure to visit and thank each new follower. Usually I will follow anyone who follows me, but I do have a few followers that don't have blogs. I also try to comment on all of the blogs I follow, but lately I've been away from the computer and I've gotten behind.

    I'm off to check out Suburb Sanity!

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  30. I loved the information in this post, Joanna, even though it made me tired just thinking about that much blogging and blog reading. I will definately drop over to Debbie's blog. Thanks for introducing those of us who are new to her.

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  31. I enjoyed your interview. It's not hard to follow Suburb Sanity or you, because you both have entertaining and interesting blogs. I'm always disappointed if I don't see a post from either of you every day. I like to start my day with a cup of coffee and good reading.

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  32. Great interview! And thanks for the link to Debbie's blog. I'm on my way over right now.

    I love your posts and your unselfish promotion of other blogs for us to check out. I learn something new every time I read!

    liz at noexcuses

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  33. I've never heard of her, but will check it out.

    I love your series and that you reach out to others for their opinions on how they became successful.

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  34. Thanks for the post...I will check her out!!

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  35. Joanna... I love what you're doing! Starting a blog revolution movement. There are so many worthy blogs out there that need recognition. It's so lovely to see you giving such fine credit where credit is due.

    Sop happy to be your friend. XO

    ♥ Alix

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  36. Debbie is a real star AND a real person!!! We ALL love her!!! Thanks for a wonderful interview, Joanna!!! ~Janine XO

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  37. I can't keep up with all the blog etiquette. I can't even keep up with regular etiquette. All the stuff about following and all the communities and stuff confuses me.

    I just read the blogs I like and comment when I feel like it. I like getting comments, but I hate pressure of any sort and I don't like to pressure anyone else, either.

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  38. I was hooked the first time I read her blog... what a funny lady!

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  39. That was such a great interview, Joanna! I also love her blog. Thank you for introducing her blog to me. I can't wait to see who's next!

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  40. I'm hooked now! I'm follower number 649!!! Thanks for introducing me to her blog!!!

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  41. I love Debbie and am one of her regular stalkers, oops - I mean faithful followers.

    I'm on Wordpress and we don't have followers so that it's not often I choose to follow someone... I practise the method of always commenting on blogs of those who have commented on mine...

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  42. Hi J, You've introduced me to yet another fabulous blog that I'd not known about! I'm finding endless enjoyment and information in this feature.

    Would you please find someone who can tell me how to make the field of my blog header bigger? I see some people have made them wider (north to south) and I can't make my header bigger until I can widen the field....

    And, while you're at it, would you please pick me up a dozen extra large eggs at the market?

    Thanks! You're a peach! ;)

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  43. That was a really good interview, I really enjoyed reading it. I love what you are doing with your posts. Keep up the great ideas. Also thanks for your comments on my blog - I really appreciate them.

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  44. I've been following Debbie for a long time - love her!

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  45. This is such a generous thing you're doing, Joanna.
    And of course I'll visit her blog.
    I' m still learning, taking it slow. But I so value all of the information, feedback, and opinions of others.

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  46. Fascinating and interesting interview! I can't even imagine having that many followers!

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  47. Amazing -- and great tips from a seasoned, outstanding blogger. I find it very, very hard to keep up with the bloggy world. When I try, I never get out of my pj's or leave the house! Blogging takes an amazing amount of time to do well and successfully! Thanks for an interesting post, as always.

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  48. Debbie's interview was a great read, thank you. xv

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  49. I think m first 50 posts got zero to two comments each!

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  50. I love reading blogs! My SO says it's because I'm so nosy! I love seeing whats going on with people! I guess that's why I love Twitter so much! Oh well! Thans for the interview!

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  51. Writing Blogs sooths my soul as the winter blanket of snow covers the craptastic year we all have been handed, I look forward to next year to see what will sprout from this time of struggle. I feel clear after I blog ready to take on all the stupids that fall in my way throughout my day~ Love your blog BTW! <3

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  52. I love Debbie and have been reading her blog for awhile. And this is a really great way to share ideas beyond just the posts. Loved Kristina's interview and this one too.

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  53. I've been following Debbie for a long time because she.... reads and comments on my blog!!

    I used to automatically follow people back when then followed me. But then blogger changed it's format and it got much harder to do. :(

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  54. Wonderful INTERVIEW and I must say I need really some incouragement; because right now I am a little uncertain if my blog should continue the way I am doing it!
    Actually I love it and I hope so much to hear a little more comments..!

    I just jump over to Debbie....!
    Dear Joanna....I admire your excellent work!!!!!!!
    ciao elvira

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  55. I'm already a fan!

    Another great interview! I have to say that I am really liking this feature. Well done.

    Okay, I'm off to comment on her blog. Maybe, I'll win.

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  56. I really like Debbie! I mean, like her so much, it is insane! She is funny and kind and MOST IMPORTANTLY, she really does care about people. Don't you think that is the best thing? There are so many self absorbed people in the world today that only care about one thing. Debbie is not like that! She is a blessing! Just like you Joanne : )

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  57. I only started following blogs a couple of months ago, so I am still making up my mind about what I think of them.

    To be honest, like most everybody else I am too busy to spend hours reading blogs every night.

    I have noticed that it is mainly giveways that generate comments on posts but maybe some followers read more than that but just "Lurk" ?

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  58. Great interview! I love Debbie so I actually read her post first before realizing that you had done a post on her!!
    I do try and be polite and follow people who are following me but sometimes I slip up simply coz I forget to do it! i usually rely more heavily on my blogroll to visit blogs I love, like yours!

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  59. Interesting. Thanks for posting this.

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  60. I found Debbie by accident but I love her blog. It's a definite regular for me. I need her humor and lightheartedness to make it through the day. =]

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  61. I always enjoy reading Debbie's take on things - great interview!! I left a comment on her blog as well..

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  62. I love Debbie!

    So nice to meet you too :)

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  63. Thanks Debbie and Joanna, another great interview. I think the blogosphere is amazing for all of us, whether we get many visitors or just a few; and I like what Debbie said, it's the personal connection which matters most.

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  64. Great interview!

    I'm gonna have to go check her out! :)

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  65. I would freak out if I had that many blogs in my reader. I don't know how she does it.
    PS I return follows. If I know that they are following. I don't always catch it on my dashboard.

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  66. Hi Joanna, I'm visiting from Deb's Talk at the Table (bopped over from a comment you left there). Thanks for this interview -- I do read Debbie's Suburban Sanity blog. A while back I emailed her to ask her many of the same questions you did --- basically, how she created such a successful blog? With a mere 50 followers, I was interested to know!! Well, as it turns out, there is no big secret or fancy trick. It's just time, time, time -- I wish I had many extra hours in the day, as Debbie said, to comment and explore other people's blogs -- like yours. Glad I stopped by here. Thanks for this great and informative interview!

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  67. i'm not sure that google did all of us any favors with this messianic follower thing. someone recently commented on my blog that they made it sound rather cult-like. and although i have over 1000 followers (thank you blog of note), i've been thinking of taking the follower widget off my blog. because i'm not sure it's good for me or for any of us. we're out here, writing, being real, connecting (or not) and that's really all we can do. i don't think commenting should be a matter of routine or etiquette, it should be because you have something say in response to what you've read.

    and i guess that's my two cents' worth. i love blogging and finding new blogs and when new people find me and i'm grateful to them for following, but i still wonder if it's healthy.

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  68. What a fascinating 'interview' - I'll be sure to stop by Debbie's place right after work hehe

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  69. Great interview! I love learning how other bloggers got their start and advanced to where they are today. I stopped over to her site and am now a follower.

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  70. EXCELLENT! I have lots of work to do on mine...and some more hours in the day to find. In the meantime I am plodding along...Great advice, very interesting.

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  71. Well, I've been following Debbie for awhile and love her blog. I follow blogs that I enjoy reading. I have the Google Reader that keeps me posted although it does back up sometimes. It is a great way to keep me up to date. I usually do follow who follows me, if I can and at this point that is fairly easy as I have so few followers. I won't enter into a contest unless I enjoy a blog so the following thing is not an issue for future visits. My ONLY issue is that sometimes I want to clean up my Reader and quit following some that I just don't read much like I thought I would but it won't cooperate with me so the Reader just gets fuller and fuller...LOL..Happy blogging and reading to all.

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  72. I really enjoyed reading that interview.
    The mind boggles at getting so many comments and followers.
    I am so grateful for my regulars and I try to get round to those very quickly. I also try to visit everyone who is new to me.
    I don't automatically follow someone just because they follow me. I sort of test the water to see if we have anything in common. Mostly I have and its also good to attract very different personalities sometimes too.

    I love blogging!

    Nuts in May

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  73. Fabulous feature and advice! I've visited her several times and am always thoroughly entertained by what I find!

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  74. contests...gifts...no matter...I have everything I need...I am simply amazed at the talent I find online...I am from a family of readers and have never been let down at the wonderful insight I find with the blogs I follow...frankly, I feel blessed.smiles.

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  75. Thanks for hosting this series. As a new blogger, I have learned so much.

    I always enjoy your blog!
    :-)

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  76. I have been reading Debbie for about a year now, and I do love her blog. And, with all those blogs she visits, when she leaves comments you feel that she remembers you andknows you. She is funny and personable.

    I wish I had a system. I work at least 50 hours a week at my job, plus a family, plus trying to write my book. I'm haphazard at best, but I do try and get around and read as many of the commenters and followers as I can.

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  77. Debbie is the best! And she does make it around it seems ... I don't know how she does it ... I struggle constantly and I have nowhere near her numbers. The irony is that the "bigger" you get, the harder it is to maintain that personal touch but she manages to do it. Yay Debbie!

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  78. great post. i've been reading debbie for a while and when she was the sits fb i went thru her blog to see when she went 'viral' with the comments, but i guess it was a gradual thing! merry christmas!

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Thanks for stopping by and commenting, I really appreciate it.