Do You Feel Stupid or Inferior After Reading My Blog?
I had a really great conversation with a good friend of mine who is also a regular reader of my blog. We talked about a lot of things but one of the topics that came up was the articles that I write on my blog. I explained to her that I was puzzled with why I don’t get too much of a reaction from my posts from readers despite knowing the mass numbers of people who read them.
Now, don’t get me wrong, my blog isn’t a comment-less ghost town, I get quite a few comments on each post. But the comment to page view ratio is like 1 comment per 1000 views. It’s really low. Granted, I understand that not everyone who reads my posts will leave a comment, but I am puzzled as to why the ratio isn’t somewhat higher.
What she explained to me next is something that I place a lot of value in. She admitted that she too was one of those types of readers who visits my blog daily and reads everything I write, but explained that the main reason why she doesn’t comment on my posts is because in many cases the post and many of the discussions that take place in the comments are way over her head. In other words, she said that she kind of feels like a dumbass after reading my posts and then feels like even a bigger dumbass when “The Boys” start having their discussions in the comments.
This concerns me. I don’t want to have an environment that makes my readers feel stupid. With that said, I can totally understand where she is coming from. I personally read many different kinds of blogs that talk about hundreds of different things. Some of the things that I read are totally over my head which makes it impossible for me to leave a comment. I want to leave a comment, I want to say something, I want to leave a backlink pointing back to my blog, etc…. but I can’t, because if I do, then I know that the people who read that blog will discover that I have no clue about what they are talking about, thus just like my friend, I’ll end up making myself feeling stupid.
On My Blog, There is No Such Thing As Asking Stupid Questions!
I want to assure you that I believe that there is no such thing as stupid questions. Unfortunately, people don’t feel that way, especially guys! When my wife and I travel and sometimes we get lost, I am NOT the one who goes into the gas station to ask for directions. Guys don’t do that… Anyway, regardless of gender, no one wants to admit that they are lost, need help or need guidance. If they do so, it is then natural to get self-conscious and worried about what others think. The only person who suffers is the individual who needs the help but fails to ask. if it wasn’t for my wife, I would continue to travel aimlessly rather than swallow my pride and ask the clerk in the gas station for directions.
What Can We Do To Fix This?
I know that you read what I write and I want to start hearing from you. I am glued to my stats, I see how much traffic I get to each post. I know that you have questions or have feedback to share, but you may be hesitant to do so because you don’t want to feel stupid. I want you to know that no question is stupid. The only stupid thing is when people have questions but choose not to ask them due to pride. (Just like me when I have my wife ask for directions in the gas station)
Feel confident knowing that when you leave a comment on my blog, in many cases I will welcome it with a personal response back to you. I personally respond to over 95% of the comments published on my blog. In many cases I value my comments on my blog more than I value email or instant messages.
With all that said, I welcome you to leave me a comment with your feedback. What questions can I help answer? What kind of topics would you like for me to cover in future posts? What can I do to help you excel in your journey of making money online? Your comments and questions will be accepted with open arms.
Popularity: unranked [?]
26 comments
I think we are just soaking it all in to be honest, your posts always make me think, in particular I have liked your focus on niche blogs. Maybe everyone is too busy implementing what you are teaching to comment.
Keep up the good work!
Check out John’s Weight Loss Blog’s last blog post..Hiding the Oreos
Hi Garry,
I just started following you on twitter and from there was introduced to your blog. And because I’m guilty of reading posts and not commenting, I appreciate your extra efforts to make us (your readers) feel comfortable enough to do so. For me, it’s more of being a lousy typist and just plain lazy. Although, I hear more and more, if you have time to read a post, leave a comment. The fact that I have a hard enough time consistently posting to my own blog, is another excuse I use to read posts and not leave comments. Now I feel like I’m rambling, so let me just say, Thanks for extending the invitation for all of us to post a comment regardless of our marketing/internet level.
And BTW, I like the look and feel of this blog. Clean, organized, easy to navigate, etc. May I ask, is this a premium theme?
Will be back and will comment!
Always Grateful,
Andrea
http://twitter.com/quickreply
P.S. I can see that “CommentLuv” is a plugin, is “Other Related Posts” a plugin also?
See Garry, this is what I like about you. You go out of your way to show the world that you’re just a regular guy like anyone else.
And I’ll be honest enough to come right out and tell the world that I’m one of those people who don’t feel intelligent enough to leave a comment on every post. Mostly because a lot of the people who do leave comments are so far beyond me that I feel like the picture at the top of this post, a total dunce.
Now, I’m not saying that the smart people need to stop commenting, on the contrary. I value those comments as much as Garry for the mere fact that I learn from them as well. I just don’t feel I have what it takes to add anything of value to the conversation. I’ve learned more from this blog alone, than almost all the other blogs I read put together. And it’s not just from Garry, but from the contributors that add their 2 cents worth.
There, now I feel better. I rambled like a goof ball, but I still feel better. LOL
Check out Christine Senter’s last blog post..National Novel Writing Month
Hi John,
Thanks for taking the time to drop a comment. It great to interact with you and also learn that you enjoy reading what I write and most importantly that you actually implement the things I have been teaching. How has all that been going for you?
By the way, I am not sure what blogs you are building, but if they look anything like http://www.johnisfit.com then I’d say that you are totally doing awesome. Very nice blog you have there John.
Hi Andrea,
Welcome to my blog. I am glad that you took a moment to stop by. Twitter has been excellent for me with finding new people to talk to. In fact, I have quite a few new readers such as yourself from Twitter.
I don’t think you are a lousy typist at all. As far as the lazy part goes… hehe, we all have a little bit of a lazy bone in us.
You are very welcome for the invite and thank you for reading my blog and I look forward to seeing you again.
Check this link out:
http://tinyurl.com/6kjhhu
There are quite a few Related Posts Plugins available. This will help you investigate and find one that is best for you. The one I use is very old and I have modified it a lot over the last year. I am stuck with it and there are many better options available for you.
You are an amazing person. When I met you, I believe that you just started blogging, yet I soon discovered too that you had a life long talent in writing and was also very quick to pick up on things.
I remember talking with you about SEO and how to adjust your writing for improved SEM. Soon there after you started filling writing orders for me in addition to doing many JV projects with me.
And today, you have adapted your writing talents into this digital era and have become my #1 Choice when I seek out a freelance content writer for my niche blogs.
It is to the point now where all I have to do is send you a BLANK email with only the subject line reading the keyword phrase I am targeting and in a matter of a day or two, you’ll respond back with a professionally written, keyword optimized and search engine friendly article. Amazing!
To everyone reading this, I have been covering the topic of Micro Niche Blogging for a quite sometime now. If you need a freelance writer to supply you with the content either because you are like me and are simply too lazy to do it yourself, or too busy, etc… Christine Senter is your lady for hire.
Hey Garry,
First- want to say that I am loving the new theme. Out of the 500 or so you’ve tried this week, this is my favorite
Oh man, just realized you might change it again before you read this. Ahem, please note date and time 
I definitely don’t feel your posts, nor the comments, are over my head but I also realize I am a tad more advanced than the average MMO entrepreneur. However… the reason I don’t comment on every one of your posts is usually because the moment I read something helpful (which is often) I’m off checking that out, implementing, or sharing it with others.
Another reason I rarely leave a question is because you’re posts are so freaking thorough, there’s usually few questions not addressed! Seriously- the majority of your how-to’s are very A-Z, step by step, etc., leaving little to be asked. Luv ya for that!
Also want to add that I think it’s great that you’re clarifying that “no question is dumb.” I think it’s pretty easy for those of us experienced, or in your case- a master- in MMO, to assume certain steps are beginner level, when in actuality, they are intermediate or advanced. Keep up the great work Garry!
Check out BrilliantJENI’s last blog post..Underdogblog Charity Challenge
A beginner like me always feels like a bumbass especially after reading the comments and your reply. Though most of the time your posts are easy to understand and useful, your old and experienced readers make comments which only they and you can understand. After realizing this, I just started skipping the comments.
Check out Dritts’s last blog post..Weight Loss Management
Back in my military days I used to have a saying. “There is no such thing as a stupid question. Just stupid people who ask questions.” I don’t say that to tick anyone off just to point out that I was probably wrong. People who ask what we think are stupid questions are probably just inexperienced in the field of blogging. Those folks should probably be applauded for sticking their neck out in an attempt to learn.
Garry, I appreciate your desire to make your readers feel welcome and that they can ask a question without fear of being labeled stupid. There are only a few MMO blogs that I read religiously and yours is one. Like someone mentioned above, I really like how you focus on the niche areas and how you go about deciding on what to start a blog on. Those posts are instant classics. Please keep those coming.
I also like this them better. The last one with all the Gs in the background was way too Matthew Lesko’ish.
Garry,
Let me echo BrillianJENI in part. Some of us immediately go off and try every new tweak you tell us about and then forget to come back and say thanks.
So let me say thanks for all of them and I’ll try to remember to comment more.
On another point, in one of my other lives I do a lot of public speaking. I give lectures to groups on average about two a month and I get lots of good feedback on some of my websites because of it.
I have a phrase that I use a lot in my lectures to cut the ice, “There is no such thing as a dumb question, (but those are the easiest to answer.)” It always get a chuckle and sets the group at ease.
One person that I admire the most in this respect is Leo Laporte of twit.tv. Leo has been doing tech television shows and now tons of podcasts and knows virtually EVERYTHING about technology, or so it seems. He has the greatest knack of putting the dumb questioners at ease that I have ever heard, and he gives each and every one of them a solid answer.
I try to emulate him, in my responses.
Rich Hill
Check out Rich Hill’s last blog post..How To Find Free Photos Online – Select by Color Scheme
Garry,
One way that I learned to increase comments is to ask a question at the end of your post. Make a call to action that your readers leave a comment.
Check out Fred @ MMO Explorer’s last blog post..Fixing Warhammer Open RvR
Thanks Gary. I’m hoping this year to get a logo and redesign done, but I’m trying to focus on content (as well as my weight loss mission) first.
Keep the tips coming!
Check out John’s Weight Loss Blog’s last blog post..Hiding the Oreos
Hi Garry,
I’m not so concerned that you or your readers thinking I am dumb or stupid for asking a question. It’s a matter of feeling that I am taking up everyone’s time asking about something that’s already been discussed or covered on the blog and having you and your readers think that I am just plain lazy for not finding the answer myself by reading all your past articles and comments. I only found GarryConn.com a few months ago so I have quite a bit left to read.
Being HTML challenged and a novice with blogs and such, I am finding it difficult to put into practice what you have been sharing with the world. I always have questions that I need answered after reading every post. I have been trying to find the answers myself by reading GarryConn.com archives and other sources.
So is it right for me, or would it be selfish of me, to hog comments by posting questions that may only be useful or helpful to me, instead of posting actual comments that provide feedback and maybe useful information that help others? And when is a old post closed for further comments?
I know you can choose to ignore my questions or tell me to f**k-off and never return, but knowing you from reading your blog, I don’t think you would do either. And out of respect for you for what you are sharing on his blog, I choose not to put you in a position where you have to ignore my questions.
On the other hand, maybe I should be a bit more selfish, get what I can from GarryConn.com and your readers, be successful and give back to the community. But I don’t believe the end justify the means.
Best regards,
Eric
Check out Eric’s last blog post..Holmdel Park and Longstreet Farm
The Christine Senter for Writing Office approves this ad.
Check out Christine Senter’s last blog post..National Novel Writing Month
I must be the odd man out, as I don’t care one way or the other what people think. If I have a question or problem, SOMEONE’S gonna hear about it. LOL
Check out Dennis Edell’s last blog post..50 Social Bookmarking Sites. What Are The Top 5-10 Most Popular?
While i certainly dont know for sure what do regular pageviews/comments ratio look like, i know for sure a great number of people just rather lurk around pages without leaving trace. Doing some quick numbers on my blogs i get about 1 or 2 comments per 1k pageviews. Not much i know but thats the usual number unless youre one of the top blogs in your niche.
Check out David’s last blog post..Make money selling links with Backlinks
I am SURE you do. lol
Hi Jeni,
Thanks for the compliments on the theme of the hour. As you know, we are all stuck with it for 30 days. I kind of like it too. It is growing on me and it has been easier than I thought with no having the desire to change it.
I never considered that my articles don’t leave any opening for questions. That is interesting to hear you say that. I guess in other words, I am doing my job too well?
Asking questions in message boards was brought up earlier and if you have had any experience on a message board you’ll know that the “regulars” of most message boards act high and mighty and will shun new people when they ask questions.
I don’t want new people to feel like that will happen here on my blog. I invite and encourage new people to have a voice on my blog and their efforts will be accepted and appreciated. Also, in many cases addressed and answered.
Hi Dritts,
First off, welcome to my blog and thanks for breaking the ice and taking the time to leave a comment sharing your thoughts.
What my friend and I suspected is true then and that concerns me. I want people of all skill levels to feel welcomed to my blog to learn and ask questions. I had a feeling that the perception of my blog is that it caters to the intermediate and more advanced user.
While I do attract these level of users, I must adapt and create an environment that is conducive to the new beginner.
I invite you to express some of the things that you would like to see more on this blog and perhaps I can adjust my writing a little bit to help more new beginners.
LOL,
I do want to thank you for those kind words. That was way cool of you, and I really do appreciate it.
Check out Christine Senter’s last blog post..National Novel Writing Month
Morning G-man.
Im a dumbass and I know it to be true. Does reading your blog make me feel stupid. Actually no it kinda confirms for me some of things that I try and do actually make sense. I personally for a while felt overwhelmed with all the info. You know who is right who is wrong about this and that. So I just started doing my own thing and figuring it out along the way. For instance niche finding, which I feel I am pretty decent at now. Yeah I have loads of questions, but I find that when you post and “cough up a good loogy” about how you go about it,it conforms for me that I am doing the right things, differently mind you but doing it right.
Reading your blog and your ranting sarcasm and insanity has been a great help. Your blog like john chows should be read backwards, which is why I spend time in your archives looking up your dress
Check out shane’s last blog post..Ego Marketing
Try the Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. It’s powerfull and configurable as well as accurate.
Check out Pallab’s last blog post..All About the Blue Screen of Death
I am like a lot of your readers and comletely new to Blogs and like what you say but do not undestand the Definitions to all of the Blog terminology you use – We are taking your Blog because we see how much you like and and how great you come across – My idea is that you may put together a Simple Glossary of Blog Terminology you use which would get us off the Starting Line – You can call it Gary’s Blog Glossary in simple form of the Blog Words you use – Or maybe make a Booklet or small book for Commercial Sale…
Hi Garry,
I think brilliant Jeni hit it on the head. When a post is too through it leaves little room for more commenting and discussion. Hopefully people are just implementing your ideas. I just thought of a new post for you. What if you did a post where you asked for reader feedback on the specific ways that this website has helped them become successful? Not only would it be insightful, it would also give people some fresh ideas to use. What do you think?
Cheers,
Jeremy
Leave a Comment