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I appreciate your support, una01 ...
however, these were (for the most part) merely hypothetical suggestions.
I make no demands.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 13, 2006 at 10:20 PM
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I totally agree with all your comments. I hope the web-hoster will listen. Good work.
posted by
una01
on March 13, 2006 at 5:04 PM
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Yeah, A&B, there would be many obvious exceptions to the rule ...
In fact, it really only becomes any sort of an issue, when it's an unfamiliar member posting the emoticon (thus, making the motive unclear).
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 10, 2006 at 10:52 PM
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Thank you for your clarification regarding your opinion on the use of emoticons. We had some experience with bloggers emailing regarding feedback comments so our common approach is to leave an emoticon instead of commenting anything even slightly disagreeable. Lol.
posted by
A-and-B
on March 10, 2006 at 1:51 PM
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I'm glad I inspired you, FoF.
Oh and, for the last time, these were merely suggestions!
I never even intended to send them in.
The embarrassingly low rankings/earnings do bother some people, though. I know this for a fact.
That it may not bother you, is precisely why I said it should be a voluntary decision. Of all my suggestions, that was the one I really would like to see happen.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 10, 2006 at 7:05 AM
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Well, you know, a year ago I was a newbie myself...
low ranking and all. I can't say that I found it a stigma in any way. And of course my ranking drops like a rock if I don't post often enough.
Mandatory spellchecking would make me stop blogging. It's that simple. I don't like people telling me what to do...which reminds me of something I was going to post....ta!
posted by
FactorFiction
on March 10, 2006 at 6:04 AM
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Bergman's "Cries And Whispers" (along with Bunuel's "The Exterminating Angel") is on my all time "ten best list".
A couple of Fellini's films just miss making the cut.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 10, 2006 at 12:19 AM
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MP,
I am sure I have seen some of Bunuel's films, but I can't remember which. I know I did like his work. I think I saw Los Perdidos, about Mexico City, in a Spanish class at the Community College, but I'm sure I have seen others. Perhaps the Andalusian Dog. I should check on DVDs of some of his work. If you know him you must know the likes of Antonioni, Bergman, and Fellini. Some of my all time favorites.
posted by
Jack_Flash
on March 10, 2006 at 12:11 AM
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It would be like surrealism, Jack ...
if you're a fan of Luis Bunuel (as I am), you might recall how he described writing the screenplay for "Un Chien Andalou" with Salvador Dali:
"We discarded any scene that could possibly have a rational explanation ... then filmed what was left."
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 11:43 PM
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MPO,
I find it really interesting, even in MS Word, to pick wrong alternatives that the spell checker comes up with. You can quickly turn your writing project to madness.
posted by
Jack_Flash
on March 9, 2006 at 11:33 PM
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It was a combination, Jack ...
at any rate, I was delighted to receive your clarification.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 11:30 PM
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The cool thing about the toolbar spellcheck, though, Blanche...
is how it will occasionally offer
dirty "suggestions" as replacements for the proper names it doesn't recognize.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 11:28 PM
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mpo,
Oh my! Was it my comment here that you were wondering about? I was the dodo on this one, that's for sure. I forgot all about the mess I made here.
posted by
Jack_Flash
on March 9, 2006 at 11:04 PM
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MPO,
One point re: spellcheck. The one on the Blogit toolbar isn't especially smart. I use it to catch typos because I'm a very good speller, but a mediocre typist. The toolbar spellcheck will balk at contractions and amazingly common words (such as spellcheck and toolbar, lol), as well as hyphenated words and, of course, Blogit i.d.s.
Interesting comments string. [No emoticons were left in this comment.]
posted by
Blanche.
on March 9, 2006 at 10:41 PM
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In response to FoF
~ You only say it doesn't matter, because you are (presumably) ranked fairly high. You might not feel that way if you were ranked 776th.
While it may be obvious to experienced members that one's ranking is not a reflection on writing ability, it is not as apparent to newcomers (or, for that matter, the outside world).
~ If your spell check picks up 90% of the words that you WANT there, perhaps you're not quite as good a speller as you think.
~ As I noted, the rescind feature would be time sensitive ... thus, by the time someone realized they didn't agree with the point of the post ... it would be too late to take back the click.
~ It's hard to imagine a person needing to post more than 10 times a day. Or, more than twice on the same topic.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 7:39 PM
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If it's any solace, Ben ...
I didn't know she was dead until a couple weeks ago, either.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 7:22 PM
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The last point is a good tip for those who want to do that. Lol.
This counter has increased by 3. Congrats!
(B)
posted by
A-and-B
on March 9, 2006 at 1:41 PM
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opinions, yes I have them...
Hiding rank: Does anyone look before reading? Does it matter? I suppose some might not want it seen, but just because you are ranked low is not a reflection on your writing. Rank is also a function of content and the ability of your blog to reach the correct audience.
Spell check: hmmm. Spell check can be a major pain. Usually my spell check picks up 90% words that I WANT there. VERY annoying if you can type and spell. I have more trouble with reading bad grammar than poor spelling myself.
I do like the ability to rescind my click. But I fear that people would rescind it just because they don't agree with what was written. That would be totally rude, and it would happen.
Two post a day limit? I don't care how many posts you write. If I am not interested in reading most of them I will still only click once in a while.
You are really lucky I had opinions on these or you would have gotten just an emoticon. Probably this one-
Personally, I like ANY comment, including emoticons. I just like to know who my audience is.
posted by
FactorFiction
on March 9, 2006 at 1:30 PM
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Don't bother, Gulliver ...
when you reach a certain level of popularity here, you become a target of petty sniping. I'm certainly not the first person to experience this.
My writing style (which, according to every teacher I've ever had, is wholly unique) speaks for itself on the "plagiarism" charge.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 12:50 PM
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Decshak: That was rude.
Not that MPO needs me to defend her, but come on. You aren't honestly accusing her of plagiarizing, are you? Look at the catagory. "Lists and Information" which she daily supplies.
posted by
Captain_Gulliver
on March 9, 2006 at 12:37 PM
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Why thank you, David.
Oh and, I love your comment marker.
Also, for anyone who has no clue what all this "Emerald Nut stuff" is about:
http://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/LifeBlog/341467
and read the "nut info" carefully, it illustrates my point about the key to nonfiction writing.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 12:19 PM
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Exactly, AC. This is what I wrote in an earlier comment:
"As far as meaningless comments, the only comments that are truly meaningless are those that have no connection to the subject of the post. Even a two word comment can mean
something."
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 12:18 PM
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MPO ~
I'll leave an occasional heart or thumbs up. Not all posts necessarily require comments. It's a matter of being sincere though ya know?
posted by
AC_Allyn
on March 9, 2006 at 12:15 PM
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MPO, you go girl!
I like that last comment you wrote. 
Existentialist Nerds Love Emerald Nuts
posted by
David1Spirit
on March 9, 2006 at 12:04 PM
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Quote:
"The idea of limiting the number of posts because the competition is too MUCH for you to keep up with is ASSININE"
You might want to take another look at my ranking, btw.
Skepticism coupled with laziness is a dreary combination. Even more so when you toss in jealousy.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 11:06 AM
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To finish that thought ...
facts are public domain. It's how you present them that matters. That's what being a nonfiction writer is all about.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 10:55 AM
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Decshak, find ONE example of anything I've ever written ...
being lifted from anywhere else.
Nobody else writes like I do.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 10:53 AM
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M.P.O., I would just like to say that, I find it refreshing that you
recognize when someone is being insulting..... I had begun to wonder! Please, turn this magic mirror around and look into it, I beg of you.
angel 
posted by
anglofinspirtion
on March 9, 2006 at 10:49 AM
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Whatsa matta, MPO? Is the HEAT too much for ya? Are you finding it to
CUMBERSOME to have to go out and rip information off other publications, rather than being ORIGINAL yourself? Other people have a lot of things to say, deary. The idea of limiting the number of posts because the competition is to MUCH for you to keep up with, is ASSININE!
posted by
WindTapper
on March 9, 2006 at 10:47 AM
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Soooo, are you suggesting you suspect that I could (somehow) be possibly building towards another post?
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 10:41 AM
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In other words, you can't be serious.
posted by
WindTapper
on March 9, 2006 at 10:35 AM
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If I didn't know you better, I wouldn't know that you aren't serious, MPO.
posted by
WindTapper
on March 9, 2006 at 10:33 AM
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I appreciate you saying so, Vangelina.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 10:26 AM
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Re how to improve...............
I agree with most of what you have said, especially the automatic spell checker!!!! Also just to let you know I have read your blogs and enjoy them thoroughly.
posted by
Vangelina
on March 9, 2006 at 10:13 AM
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Actually, Gulliver ...
hiding the rankings altogether, might be going a tad overboard.
Not that I would care, or anything.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 9:24 AM
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Yes, David ...
it's like, who has that much to say?
Are they really looking for a way to interact with other writers? Or, simply a "captive audience"?
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 9:22 AM
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DrJPT,
Certainly, not everyone who leaves an emoticon is running some sort of a scam. If you notice, my exact quote was:
"those members who continually insist on leaving 100 single emoticon (no text) comments a day" You were not here at the time, but there once was a member who would leave the exact same "one word comment" over and over. And, that is the sort of behavior I'm referring to.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 9:18 AM
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MPO: Another thought...
# 1) You know, an interesting result of hiding the rankings all together from everyone would be that it would eliminate these "false egos." Interesting.
By the way, if you ever see a false ego swelling in me as the months roll by, feel free to slap me silly until I wake up. *wink*
posted by
Captain_Gulliver
on March 9, 2006 at 9:12 AM
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MPO, LOL!
I know what you mean about having too many blogs. My guess if people found THAT MUCH to write about, they should have written a few books by now! No?
posted by
David1Spirit
on March 9, 2006 at 9:08 AM
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Thanks (for agreeing with me), JanesOpinion.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 9:06 AM
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Don't worry, David ...
these rules don't have a snowball's chance in hell of being implemented. Unless, of course, Ariala demanded it.
Besides, even if they did go into effect, I'm sure there would be some sort of a "grandfather" rule. Such as the one which allows kingmi to continue to maintain 500 separate blogs.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 9:04 AM
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That's very thoughtful of you, Ariala ...
I'm responding to indicate I acknowledge that you have, in fact, been here and read this.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 9:00 AM
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Oh, according to those rules, I may get booted anytime soon!
Not fair! ~sniff~
posted by
David1Spirit
on March 9, 2006 at 8:58 AM
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Thank you, Nanaroo ...
I should mention there are exceptions to the emoticon rule (imo); for instance, interaction between members who know each other well ... or, of course, clicks awarded via contests.
I think it only becomes an "issue" when it's an unfamiliar person.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 8:58 AM
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Stopping by, leaving a comment to say I read it! :-)
posted by
Ariala
on March 9, 2006 at 8:55 AM
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I appreciate the "compliment", AC ...
You'd like to think that the person, at least, glanced at your post before commenting. With a single emoticon, you can't really be sure. It's a little insulting.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 8:54 AM
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Gulliver,
1) However, some people just want to write casually, and not play that "game", so they shouldn't have to. Speaking from personal experience, I know an aspiring sportswriter who was here before, whose exit was hastened by his "false pride".
You seem to agree with 2 and 3 (as well as 5), so ...
4) You mean a maximum of 2 posts per day. And, there wouldn't be one. A person is allowed to maintain up to 5 blogs here, thus the limit of posts per day would actually be 10. (Not to mention that, you could still amend/edit/change headlines as much as you wish.)
That wouldn't be enough?
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 8:49 AM
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M.P.O.
some very good suggestions here!! (And I won't leave an emoticon!)
posted by
Nanaroo
on March 9, 2006 at 8:45 AM
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MPO
Well said! I especially LOVE the last one about the "emoticon comments." Seriously. It's sooo used car salesman-esque.
I've thought the same things. Glad you have the balls to say it. (I had to say "balls" in recognition of your last post. )
posted by
AC_Allyn
on March 9, 2006 at 8:42 AM
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M.P.O.
They are good suggestions. You'd be surprised how many would agree with you.
The Blogit staff are always open to suggestons!
posted by
RckyMtnActivist
on March 9, 2006 at 8:41 AM
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There's a community blog, RckyMtn?
Seriously, no. Because these are just hypothetical theories. I wouldn't want to even attempt to force them on anyone else.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 8:38 AM
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MPO: I've thought some of the same things.
1) As a newbie, I have mixed feelings about my .25 cent earnings and my rankings being displayed, but I’ve learned the best to get out of the 1,000 spot and back into at least the 100’s is to post something everyday. Almost a guaranteed solution to a respectable ranking.
2) I always write my comments on a Word Doc before copying them to the post field. I only write directly on the field when I’m in a banter mode and doing a rapid fire comment.
3) I totally agree with the rescind option. It’s sad when an author isn’t even worth the fraction of a penny that we just payed them.
4) I don’t know if I totally agree with a minimum of 2 posts per day. Now, I generally only do one good one, but I’ve been tempted to toss a series up in a day, such as I’m working on now. I’ll probably have 3 posts today by the time I’m done, but that’s because I’m working on something special. You know I don’t do that all the time…but to not have that option…hummm
5) I hate emoaticon posts. I find them annoying. I mean, I’m grateful that you stopped by, but at least try to put some thought into a comment. I put a lot of thought into every posting. I kinda feel like its courtesy. Of course, what I hate more is to realize that about 2 dozen people have visited my site, and NO ONE comments. LOL…that annoys me.
Good post!
posted by
Captain_Gulliver
on March 9, 2006 at 8:36 AM
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No, brettnik ...
you'd still be able to view the "top 100 blogs" list (plus the individual category rankings). And, that's assuming that (
for some reason) a "top blogger" had chosen to hide his or her rank ... which I doubt would happen very often.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 8:34 AM
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I make what tough, Ben?
It's just my opinion. Some of these probably aren't even possible, anyway.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 9, 2006 at 8:30 AM
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Very good points, all!
I might add, though, that hiding the popularity ranking may result in harming my own strategy of avoiding top-rated blogs at all costs, except for the ones I love because I love their authors.
posted by
brettnik
on March 9, 2006 at 8:26 AM
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Great thoughts, MPO
An automatic spell checker would help a number of folks.
Rescind-a-click? Works for me!
Posting a bunch of emoticons is such a waste of time for me. One will do, thanks very much.
posted by
JanesOpinion
on March 9, 2006 at 6:08 AM
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Good Points and Disagree Regarding Comments
As an educator, I found many parents would get insulted by comments, positive and negative. I have seen comments left responding to posts with the writer get offended by the smallest point due to points of reference, nit picking, assumptions, etc. A thumbs up can simply mean that the person understood, agrees, and prefers to make no comment. It does not mean that the person wants a return click, or attempts to scam.
As each does things differently in almost every aspect of life, so is it with this. We must accept that everyone has their motive for their behavior and that we can only speak for our preference. If we prefer people to comment, read and respond to those. If one decides to leave an emotion symbol, assume that is their way of responding. The person may not have good writing skills or cannot express self well or may have been belittled previously, do not like confrontation, etc. and it has nothing to do personally. This is just my opinion. Thought provoking post!
posted by
Dr_JPT
on March 9, 2006 at 5:57 AM
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M.P.O.
Good suggestions! Have you considered posting this in the Community blog?
posted by
RckyMtnActivist
on March 9, 2006 at 5:34 AM
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You make it so tough! You have 3 clicks for the H.S. answer.
(B)
posted by
A-and-B
on March 9, 2006 at 1:52 AM
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I hope I have more than one (point), Freelancer...
There is a sense of obligation to reciprocate clicks. But, if I don't feel I have something significant to add (or simply can't relate to the topic, at all), I just quickly click and be done with it.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 8, 2006 at 11:50 PM
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That's funny...
but as funny as it is, I think you have a point there...
I only read blogs of people that read me. That's if I like what they have to say. If I don't, I just kind of glance over the blog, sneak off, and hope they don't catch me before the sun comes up.
:-)
posted by
FreelancerX
on March 8, 2006 at 11:38 PM
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I tend to be aware of my (overall) ranking ...
but, I don't obsess over it. In fact, when I first came back, I didn't look at it at all ... until several weeks ago, when my mother mentioned noticing I was in the Top Ten.
As far as meaningless comments, the only comments that are truly meaningless are those that have no connection to the subject of the post. Even a two word comment can mean something.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 8, 2006 at 11:35 PM
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MPO,
Yes, I never read the rankings, I never change the default on the category listings from "most recent" to "most popular", and I'm lying through my teeth, because I refuse to click on anyone who has a higher ranking than I do (that's only partially true, depending on how badly I want that reciprocal click). Leaving meaningless comments, nope, never done that...(stuffing hands into pockets and whistling).
posted by
Blanche.
on March 8, 2006 at 11:17 PM
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correction:
"ms bradrock".
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 8, 2006 at 10:49 PM
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Thank you, ms bradock ...
personally, I try to be as conscientious a blogger as possible ... however, it's certainly not my "life's work" and I refuse to treat it as such. It's merely a fun diversion.
I don't know if you were here when Misty left, but she essentially became so burdened by blogging, that it actually crept into her personal life.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 8, 2006 at 10:48 PM
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Yeah, Aaron ...
I think people feel pressured to just put something down. And, I assume that urge is driven by a thirst for "reciprocal clicks".
Whatever. I hope I never get to that point.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 8, 2006 at 10:43 PM
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M.P.O.
What diverse perspectives we all have about this place called Blogit! That's what makes being here so interesting. Each blogger has the freedom to choose how time will be spent here. My time is well spent. I do not "camp out" at Blogit. I have another life. I read a wide variety of posts. I don't necessarily comment on each post that I read, but if I have something to say I'll make a comment. I like your straighforward, honest approach. Thank you for sharing!
posted by
ms_bradrock
on March 8, 2006 at 10:35 PM
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Yes, if your comment doesn't add anything to the discussion, don't put anything.
posted by
AaronB
on March 8, 2006 at 10:32 PM
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Thank you, fourfive...
I appreciate that.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 8, 2006 at 10:17 PM
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I absolutely agree, lilane.
Obviously, this isn't to suggest every single comment a person leaves should be three paragraphs long. However, putting a little thought into them seems like simple decency. Comments shouldn't be treated as "necessary evils".
As one of my teachers told me a while back, "If you have nothing to say, then say nothing."
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 8, 2006 at 10:16 PM
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you are a writer who is not afraid to challenge, i like, i'll be back for more
posted by
fourfive
on March 8, 2006 at 10:07 PM
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clicks
I just enjoy the comments to get peoples advise and tell me what they think
as long as its constructive criticism
posted by
Lanetay
on March 8, 2006 at 10:05 PM
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No need to apologize, Jack ...
it was a lovely gesture. After all, that was way more than just one emoticon.
Plus, I know it was from the heart.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 8, 2006 at 9:46 PM
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MP,
Sorry about that. I got out of control. I think I better quit for the night.
posted by
Jack_Flash
on March 8, 2006 at 9:38 PM
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mpo,
Hey, baby......
------
-- -- -- -- --
-- - - --
posted by
Jack_Flash
on March 8, 2006 at 9:28 PM
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Constructive heartfelt comments are wonderful.
Single emoticons from people who most likely didn't even bother to actually read the post are meaningless.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 8, 2006 at 9:25 PM
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Yeah, Billy, that's my point...
people shouldn't have to concern themselves with rankings, if they don't want to.
And, this wouldn't spoil it for those who do.
posted by
Mademoiselle
on March 8, 2006 at 9:22 PM
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I like the comments, they make the whole thing fun....
posted by
anglofinspirtion
on March 8, 2006 at 9:14 PM
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I think we should be paid 25 cents per click, financed thru big oil. But
really, this click stuff and the fact that people count them freaks me out. I value opinions much more than clicks or...as you said (heaven forbid) - emoticons.
posted by
FreeManWalking
on March 8, 2006 at 9:13 PM
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