I think we all agree that there is a personal connection with blogging....for both parties....I enjoy the challenge of finding something to say, something to show you every week...I read and enjoy every comment before I post it on my site and I am so appreciative of the readers who make time to email me directly. Friendships are made and connections run deep....this is not as easy with twitter, tumblir or pinterest. I feel that I know my readers and that you are a part of my daily life... that in itself is an incredible accomplishment on behalf of blogger...
There is room for more social media but we must determine for ourselves what suits our needs. Facebook and Twitter are perhaps more the places we go to gather information and publicise our commercial sides. Tumblir and Pinterest are like image banks that enable us to take a break from reading, allow us to switch off the brain for a moment and indulge in some visual beauty...which is not to say that blogs can't do all that...they can and they do....but these social media distractions are quicker...and with the lives that we lead today, time is often of the essence.
Social media is a lot like cuisine...some like Chinese, some prefer Thai and others only eat Italian...Me, I like to taste it all......xv
my daily click HERE
follow me on twitter HERE
my colour boards on pinterest HERE
image from my ballerina pink board - pinterest
Agree with all your thoughts on blogging...
ReplyDeleteand I really find blogging a way to de-stress myself if there is such a word. And the friends I found in the blogworld are awesome, faceless they may be but awesome just the same, I feel like they are my friends of long standing... blogging I think is a bit personal.
I just love your writing...Being an avid reader, I tend to gravitate towards blog that have substance, a story to tell via words or images. I have learned so much from reading blogs, but one of my most rewarding lesson, being so intrigued and fascinated by the bloggers I follow, was to find the courage to come out of my natural introvert self and reach out by expressing my emotions and even meeting the real person behind the blog. It was a real treat spending a few moments chatting with you and walking with you in New York. Perhaps, we will meet again in Saint Remy?
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I wanted to bring up (as I have on my own blog) is touchy but important. Blogs are a wonderful outlet for creativity--for something that you have made yourself. Please keep in mind that Pinterest is sharing the work of others--and at times, work that others don't wish that you are sharing. As the companion to a professional photographer, I have seen our business take a serious nose dive in large part to the prevelance of sites like Flickr where images are available for free. There is no longer a monetary value placed on the photo and often a credit isn't given. Pinterest only fans the flames of such non-chalance and professional photographers are paying for it dearly. Just to further make the point, my companion's photos can be found on Pinterest despite their being copy-righted, which is illegal and is stealing. Yes, we can have them removed but only after filling out several forms and using, ironically, snail mail.
ReplyDeleteVicki, one of the reasons that your blog has always been so inspiring is that you create the vast majority of the material yourself. I know that isn't always possible in the lifestyle/design blog world but I find it wonderful when it exists (and there are many other blogs, such as Quintessence which shows it can be done). I dearly hope that you don't let us all fall by the way side for other social media pursuits. :)
With all my best from the other side of the Alpilles!
Heather
I agree that blogging connects many of us in a way that I would not have imagined would occur in my lifetime, being a child of the 60s. It boggles my mind sometimes, that here we are, spread from one end of the Earth to the other, sharing dialogue, common interests and passions, and adding friends one by one, post by post. What an amazing time we live in.
ReplyDeletePerfect summation Vicki.
ReplyDeleteHello Vicki
ReplyDeleteFirstly your blog is always enlightening, amusing and pleasant.
I love reading Comments on blogs as they complete the story and bring wonderful opinions, reminds me of a book review group.
Being releatively new to frequently posting to my blog, I am truly amazed and grateful to have such loyal followers and their comments are most fulfilling. I met my first blogger when visiting Ireland this year and that was truly a most memorable event to meet Mise from PRETTY FAR WEST. I did post about and it will remain a highlight of my summer.
You bring wonderful dialogue and your summation of this topic is like I feel.
Helenxx
I agree with you, Vicki, on the benefits of blogging; as I have said before, it is the electronic form of letter writing for me; an exchange of ideas and opinions.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Heather about the other forms of media instant gratification, that is often devastating to those who created the content and no longer have any control over its use. It may have never occurred to many of us, but as a mother of an artist and designer, I have seen how easily this happens with no recourse for the originator. Something to think about.
Best...Victoria
Love your food analogy!! I agree with what both you and your commenters have said. And thank you, Heather, for the mention. Like Francine, I am generally attracted to blogs with a bit more substance. I like seeing beautiful shots just like everyone else but it's the originality and creativity of some bloggers, like you, that stand out for me.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all. And you are right...I have seen comments fall off since Pinterest and others have become so popular. Hadn't really made the connection...other than that life is so busy for most everyone. I enjoy all the inspiration and connections and just wish that I had more hours in my day. Always enjoy visiting you here. I listened to your interview on the Skirted Round Table I guess around a year ago and so I always can just imagine you talking as I read. Have a great day. Mona
ReplyDelete.. what a great post - I think all these mediums can meld well. I feel I have come to "know" you through your posts, and sharing your daily life .. I follow you on Pinterest with interest and see "the rest of the view" ... p.s. I loved the last few violets that you pinned ... and yes, I worry too about "Lost's" concerns ... this internet thing is a big wonderful world though. Thanks for your post - K
ReplyDeleteI've given it a little thought since your post yesterday. I guess for me, Twitter is like "bises". A quick air kiss and you're on your way! Pinterest might be like a peek at someone's wish list or maybe in their closet, while a blog is like being invited to come in their kitchen, studio or garden for a visit. They are personal and after a while I think you get a real sense of that person. I've had friends express dismay (or concern) over the fact that I will jet off to Paris or LA and meet up with or even stay in the homes of "complete strangers you've never met face to face!!!!" Well I certainly have and have yet to meet a blogger that in person wasn't just the way they seemed on their blog.
ReplyDeleteV
Dear Vicki,
ReplyDeleteThis is a brilliant way to conclude all the choices one has. I agree with every word written. Blogging is deeper and connects. The other sites are great for touching in quick but I don't believe a relationship can form about things that matter in ones life. Blogging helps attract those who understand the the writer, near or far. It always amazes me who touches me. It is a beatiful sphere of this time.
xxx's
Good points. I've been blogging for nearly six years and have noticed a marked decrease in visitors, as more and more people turn to Twitter and/or Facebook. I also use Twitter and Tumblr, although I have issues w/ Pinterest and the unauthorised use of other people's work. Yet some bloggers make a living (and have published books) collecting other people's interior design ideas - which is basically the concept of Pinterest! So I don't know what the answer is; I just know blogging is changing and the ones that hang on will be those that are true to the bloggers' originality and unique point of view.
ReplyDeleteP.S. As Virginia said, one of the great things about blogging is the people you meet. While living in Paris, I met at least 75 bloggers, all but one really lovely people. I've also met a few bloggers in Amsterdam; blog reach really does traverse the globe.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are blogging.. so glad you've given us so much wonderful things to read. Blogging has opened up the world... but you are right not as many people are diligent about blogging. But it is a better interactive tool than the other media at the present. I wonder what's in store for us next.xo marlis
ReplyDeleteSounding a large echo here for your comments and conclusions as well as the other visitors. I do feel there is room for each media component for those who choose. As in your food type analogy, it is a matter of preference where we each spend our time. I do feel that most bloggers represent themselves well. For that I grateful. I feel like I have new friends.
ReplyDeleteYes, so true. And the joy of interconnectedness (is that a real word?) is what makes me the most happy. I don't think that Tumblir or Flicker or whatever will ever lure me in. My kids are pushing me to keep my Facebook page up to date, but I do not like the impersonality of it all. Mary
ReplyDeleteI think blogland is wonderful. I get to meet people from all over the world. I'm learning about designers who I would never otherwise get to meet. And I'm grateful for your beautiful blog.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful day.
I love the connection of all of it. While I've spent a great deal of time in Paris and France, I most likely still would never have found you, your rich 'voice', beautiful books and points of view. It will be interesting to see how things continue to change as we can count most definitely on that!
ReplyDeleteThank you, as always, for your thoughts.
Kirsten
Hello! Blogging for me is like an in-person visit ... over a cup of tea, coffee .. or a glass of wine! I have made friends I respect and enjoy. I am on Facebook, but not often.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is one I always look forward to reading.
Dear Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI think that you and most of your readers would appreciate a fairly recent interview with Dominique Browning (I've gathered that you, also, follow her very-fine "Slow Love Life" blog).
the interview was published in "Talking Writing", and it addresses many of the points/concerns/delights that your commentators have made in reponse to this most recent posting of yours. I have to say that I sTILL find it odd that few or no men enterinto this sort of conversation....but, what's new?
do ytourself a favor and go to:
http://talkingwriting.com/?p=17939
Not entirely by the way?.....anyone with eyes-to-see will find that Dominique mentioned me during the interview. Consequently, I'm to be interviewed by telephone about two days from now (which would be precisely the time when I thought that, after five weeks of travelling in France or having French relatives here, I would be able to walk around the house in my underwear and enjoy being entirely unprofessional).
Wish me luck. the last time this interview bidness happened....I found out 3 hours beforehand that I was to be interviewed on the French version of PBS, supposedly in conjunction with my show at the Festivale de Musique in Tours. For the first ten minutes, I acted like a balky puppy who'd been put on a leash for the first time. Eventually, the very chic and intimidatingly gorgeous TV host realized that I grew up forty miles from Dolly Parton....and we spent thirty minutes trading Dolly Parton anecdotes. She was delighted, but I was fairly appallled. I gather that the audience thought it was very charming and rustique.
In any case, Smart & Savvy Dominique's interview with Judith Ross is wonderful and addresses many of the issues your posting brings up.
I particularly like Dominique's comment about "gatekeepers". She's quite right.
Level Best as Ever,
david Terry
www.davidterryart.com
P.S. should I send you the pictures of Gerard and Apache? You said he'd (presumably, Gerard) be "chuffed" to see them....
I so agree with Cindy Albert..I have blogger friends, like Vicki, from all over the globe. People I would never get to meet otherwise, for that I am truly grateful . As in any medium,take what you want and leave the rest. Grand thought provoking post. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteI love, above all, the interaction with all the other women. My son is a commercial photographer so I completely understand the plight of others on this subject. For me, FB, is a place where I can repost my blog, hear from a distant friend or congratulate someone on their accomplishment, nothing more. I love seeing everyone's original work with their own photography too. However, I never think of showing anyone my home in detail, or a new pair of shoes I just bought...seems like bragging & flaunting, but conversely I love showcasing our handmade artisan jewelry. At my blog I feel completely free to dish the dirt and critique fashion collections or someone's bad taste, though I always try to do it with wit. Love you, V. You make the world brighter X10...
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. And I very much enjoyed reading your post, as it expresses some very important and true aspects regarding blogging.
ReplyDeleteBeside that I also want to say that you have a beautiful blog. We share the love for France, another reason to enjoy reading your blog. And I am pretty sure, we somehow made similar experiences in many ways.
Perhaps I like blogs too much...I really do spend a bit of time and I have to monitor it : )
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely blog! xx
Got to get back to work here but this was a pot stirring subject.. I will keep blogging.. I like it, I Tweet and for now that's all i can keep yp with with clients ect.... Also I believe whenever thay can someone no matter where they use an image they cedit it when it is appropriate....Like on my blog sometimes I use vendor pictures and they WANT me to... No problem. Mostly they are my own shots.... So the feelings you have echo with me..... xo MA
ReplyDeleteCan it be in the three short years we have been blogging and become blog friends, that the demise of the blog is being predicted?
ReplyDeleteYes it takes more time to read and write, and as you say there's the beauty of it.
A thoughtful post that I put on FB and Tweeted.
xo xo
Well, Vicki cherie, I intend to follow you forever.
ReplyDeleteJust keep on telling and showing us all the beautiful words and pictures you create.
Tishxo
Thanks Vicki for chatting about this because it has really been on my mind lately but like you say it is like home...More life to travel and share and hopefully inspire...Thank you for being an inspiration to us all. cxoxo
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on blogging. I am a relative newcomer to the blogging world and in this short time I have become obsessed. I can hardly walk past my computer without sneaking a look at someones blog to see what's going on in their world. I have learnt a lot from others blogs and made some great contacts. x
ReplyDeleteI must admit I was a little nervous when I read your blog yesterday. Changes happen so quickly these days and I am not ready to see blogging become passe. I enjoy creating my own posts, have a long list of favorites to read, and love to check out new blogs daily. So it was with a sigh of relief that I read your post today. So happy you feel the way you do.
ReplyDeleteI started blogging almost a year ago. I researched and read other blogs for months trying to figure out just what it was that I wanted to focus on for my own blog.
ReplyDeleteI love blogging {except when I get writers block}, I love writing, sharing my pictures and stories. I don't have a lot of 'official' followers, but I recognize from the stats that people do follow quietly. And that's fine with me. I'm having fun and learning more about myself through the process. Blog on!
I love blogging... and I am glad to hear you and many others still do too.... I'd be homesick without connecting to my blogging kindred spirits as I've been doing these past 3 years!
ReplyDeleteMaybe with the 'first love' flurry flickering dim for those who've moved on to the newest thrill, those who remain are those who truly 'love' the art of blogging in all its beautiful and creative faces.
Definitely agree with all you said, for those who are not looking to engage at all and just look at pretty pictures, there are plenty of online albums and storage sites for just that....lovely pictures.
ReplyDeleteBut to make a real connection to get to know someone through a blog and to learn more about each other and have that online friendship evolve and grow and be able to share in the joys, celebations, triumphs and sorrows with that person takes this online thing to a whole other level and its impossible to not feel very connected to this blogging world. I truly consider some of my "blogging friends" to be real friends, and feel as excited for them when something wonderful is happening for them as I do for a friend in my phsyical world.
It is those relationships that have made me feel very lucky to be a part of blogging on both the giving and the receiving end. I am you must receive many emails as do I which so validate what I do. This has added a lot to my life and is often my little au naturel stress reliever at the end of a long day....an escape.
I don't think anything like Pinterest or any other similar site can come close to taking the place or affecting the quality of a commited bloggers' blog, in fact I think it will only make us stonrger. It's comprised of a very special breed of people, and apparently an increasingly powerful group at that.
Hi Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI love reading your posts and whilst I dont always have time to comment, I never miss a visit. I must admit being a long time blogger, I do find facebook and pinterest alot easier and quicker, but no matter how many times I tell myself i'm over blogging I keep coming back to it, I suppose for me its connecting with like minded friends and I love sharing my inspiration and my work. I cant tell you how many times I get stopped in the streets and asked if im that blogger girl or do you have the blog Verandah House? An acquaintance asked me a question the other day that she would have only known by reading my blog, I smile to myself knowing that she must follow it, the nicest part is knowing that you have followers. About five years ago you commented on my blog and I told every customer in my store for about two years, I think I sold over 200 copies of your book, I was ridiculously excited that Vicki Archer read my blog!!! So for me blogging will always be a part of my every day and thank you for all your wonderful posts xxx
Vicki, this is a great conversation to be had. I was hoping to comment on the first post. I have to say I have been feeling the same way. Having a hard time keeping up with it all... blogs, pinterest, twiiter, facebook and the list keeps growing. But like you, I do most appreciate the friendships / community I have made and that are to be had via blogging. I'm hoping I can somehow manage it all but keep my focus on blogging. But as you said even blogging, these days is pretty fancy business. I'm not sure what the future holds but as for now I'm going to keep on keeping on. Always enjoy your writing and though provoking posts.
ReplyDeletexo Trina
excellent vicki... xo
ReplyDeleteVicki ~
ReplyDeleteYou are always 'on it' when it comes to great topics and stirring some thought-provoking conversation. I love blogging, and I certainly believe it has brought along with it many wonderful friendships. The other 'connection' avenues are good for certain things, and I have grown to love Twitter. Facebook, no thank you. Tumblr and Pinterest offer me an inspiration platform for all the things I don't post on my blog. Hoping blogs stick around for awhile...especially yours!
Bisous,
Melissa
What a great subject. I love blogging, I am on facebook but only to see what grandchildren are up to and a very few friends, certainly dont twitter or any of the others. I watch blogs from all around the world, they show me places I will never see, paintings I wont see either, gardens and gardeners, craft people and so much more. They keep me connected as the older I get the less i am able to be out there doing things (although i still try) as a farmers wife i know what the weather is like in many parts of the world, and the french blogs keep me in touch with a place I would love to explore further and of places I have been.
ReplyDeleteSome dont turn out to be as good as I had hoped, and probably my 2 blogs are in that category but they keep me connected to old friends overseas as nothing else would and are a bit of a diary I use of my own life.
Good bloggers are fantastic and I hope it never dies.
Hi Vicki. I am fairly new to blogging and I have to say it has lured me away from sites like Facebook and others. Bloggers are amazing and such a sharing inspirational community and I have learnt so much from blogging friends that it can not be measured. Also, it has helped me through a difficult time in my life and for that I am immensely grateful! As I have gained more confidence I have started to take my own pictures and still use pinterest to explore colour and other subjects. My few follwers keep me entertained and I adore reading their comments! What a treat that is!
ReplyDeleteVeronica
A very timely reminder from Heather to us all about respecting the work of others by acknowledgement. And I've just read Virginia's comment to MOTH, as he reckons all my gorgeous long-term Bloggie chums around the world who I want to up stumps & visit are actually Serial Killers in disguise!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Vicki for being the catalyst for such interesting dialogue.
Millie xx
I love this post so much, Vicki. In fact, if you don't mind, I would love to link to it over at my place sometime in the near future. I've been thinking a great deal about blogging lately--about why I started to blog in the first place, what I get from it, what I hope to contribute with my blog, etc. While I love Pinterest for ideas and inspiration, and I grudgingly use facebook, blogging provides a much richer and deeper experience. I have a hard time these days giving enough time to it because I am working on a very big writing project with a collaborator, and that project seems to occupy all of my heart and most of my mind, yet I so treasure the friendships and connections I have made through blogging, and I love visiting places like yours--places that inspire me, but that also make me think. I certainly hope that blogging proves to be a much longer-lasting medium than some fear. It has such power and potential. I have always love how it has democratized popular discourse. Now magazines and newspapers look to bloggers rather than the other way around.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vicki, for talking about this. You are a treasure. xo Gigi
The beauty of the blog is the exchange of information. Living in the country can be a bit isolating, reading blogs keeps me in touch with the world. l love reading about what's going on the the northern hemisphere, especially in the garden...don't ever stop!
ReplyDeleteFacebook is a bit tedious, I can understand it for teenagers, but don't really get it for grown-ups, except of course to see what your teenager is up to!
I see the value of Twitter, but find it just another thing I feel I have to read, when I probably should be reading a book. It is hard to keep up with it all.
I love blogging, but never seem to have enough time to do it justice, tidying it up or making it better. I hope bloggers are not giving up...I like the communities it creates.
Thanks for an interesting discussion. x
Oi, você tem razão, como o blog não há nada igual... tenho os outros meios de comunicação sitados acima mas, prefiro o meu bloguinho querido! O seu então... acho muito elegante!
ReplyDelete