The most effective, dynamic systems are those that apply complementary forces moving in seemingly diametrically opposed directions, interacting with each other to form a whole greater than its separate parts. The give and take. Yin and Yang. The blogosphere is no different -- and it’s those bloggers who figure this out that have an opportunity to really maximize their time here.
I’ve spoken many times about the importance of reading other blogs and commenting as frequently as you can. Without the outgoing show of support, the incoming feedback on your own blog cannot reach its full potential. One of the misconceptions newbie bloggers are afflicted with is the impression that they don’t have anything to offer, so they read and remain silent, inhibiting the Yin/Yang and subsequently their own growth. The blogosphere is a vibrant community and one of the things that make it special is that the information flow does not move in one direction. It’s introduced randomly (the origination is never important) and then it passes back and forth between thousands of blogs. The dispersal of knowledge (i.e. facts, tips, best practices, etc.) never follows the same path and is completely dependent on what I consider to be the tide of the blogosphere. Its ebb and flow is in your hands.
This June I will be married 30 years and one of the secrets for marital success -- I believe -- has been our smoothly flowing exchange of concerns and feelings, in both directions. The Yin and Yang. If you've been holding back from taking part in this wonderful writers playground, now's the time to dive in.
Did you know I was holding a contest during the A-Z Challenge? You can read all about it HERE.
When I was 18, in an act of quiet rebellion, I got a very tiny yin and yang tattooed on my ankle. My hope was that it would remind me to keep perspective, to find a balance in my life.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure it worked. But I'm of the belief that despite feeling as though my tattoo did not magically help me, the daily reminder that there are two sides to everything, that there is a balance in the universe (even if I can't find it) helps a great deal.
One of the things I still struggle with as a blogger is commenting on other blogs. I won't comment just to comment, you know? If all I can say is "great post" or something else relatively innocuous or forgettable, then I'd rather just read and move on. I only comment if I actually have something to add to the conversation.
we all need to feel the love and love comes in many forms...
ReplyDeleteYou caught me. I am one of the shy ones. I read many other blogs but perhaps I have been intimidated by the "Comment Rule Police." I believe rule #1 is "Don't comment unless your comment is relevant to the post, shows the writer that you read every single word, and adds value to the comment discussion. Rule #2. Don't ever waste everyone's time by just saying Hi, just here visiting, loved your post."
ReplyDeleteBut for the sake of the bloggy Yin and Yang, and your continued marital success, I think I will break the rules and say, "Just stopping by to say hi.
I am a fan, seriously. :)
I'm more outgoing but at first I was very shy, thinking I was "too stupid" to offer a comment. But I have gotten over it of course. I love how you fit Yin and yang into blogging. Such a true post.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big believer in the whole give and take of blogging. I think a lot of people just put things up then wait for the readers to come. That's not what blogging is though, you have to develop relationships with people if you're really going to get the most out of it.
ReplyDeleteI was one of the ones that was silent for a long time when first reading blogs. I'm glad I've opened up, but there are times I still have to fight the urge not to comment. Bloging is about give and take, and I've learned so much more when I've been giving, meager though my offerings are, then when I'm just taking.
ReplyDeleteAt my age, though new in blogging, I no longer worry so much if my comment not in sync with the tittle or what other commentors are saying, as long I know it is done with good intent. My problem is sometimes I really don't know what to say except "good post and well done". What do I think of yin and yang, so true ... without it there will be a shut down to the flow of energy between bloggers and readers and likewise. With that I wish you continuing happiness in your marriage.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. But Yin and yang also means balance.
ReplyDeleteYet another example of your 'BlogAsphere Wisdom'...this Ying and Yang Theory. As you said, an essential part in many aspects of life...30 years, well done.
ReplyDeleteOn the 'Silent Bloggers' point of view, I applaud 'lyndagrace' (comment above) on her Rules of Commenting.
My Letter'Y'...Confessions of A YarnAholic
Sue CollectInTeXasGal
AtoZ LoneStar Quilting Bee
So true. It's so important to stop by blogs and be a good friend if you want your own to grow. And you learn so much from doing so.
ReplyDeleteI agree! It's important to contribute to other blogs in addition to your own.
ReplyDeleteHappy A to Z-ing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines
It's a give and take. Some expect to just throw something on their blog and people will automatically read and comment.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 30 years. Wednesday will be 22 years for us.
Congrats on the 30 years!!!
ReplyDeleteI've noticed a number of bloggers who are all about your commenting on their blogs, but they never comment back. They aren't interested in being social or anything. One in particular makes me roll my eyes. She's supposedly a social media expert. *snort* No she isn't. There's a reason she doesn't get many comments. She needs to try doing some more Yin and Yanging. :)
Great post. Holding back, keeping silent, feeling like I have nothing to say...Naw, I don't think so.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a free flow of information. I try to get involved in discussions because it's definitely not a one way street.
ReplyDeleteAnother exceptional post! It is so true on all area of our life. I enjoyed the examples you used. The blogosphere is an excellent example.
ReplyDeleteIt's like any other area of life - you get out of it what you put into it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulation on thirty years!
Thirty years. That is incredible. And I agree with you on the give and take. I've learned some amazing things blogging and hopefully have passed some on.
ReplyDeleteIt's always wise to remember there are two sides to every story so that you keep an open mind. I'm a little shy at commenting, but I do like to encourage people who have done their job well. Congratulations on 30 years of marriage!
ReplyDeleteThe Yin and Yang of communication - that give and take - is so important. I love how you tied in marriage to this. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteI think being aware of and appreciating this give and take is the key to so many aspects in our lives--marriage being a major one. Congratulations on those wonderful years of marriage and making it work. I hope your wife continues to do well with her treatments. I think of her when I'm sending positive energy out to others I know who are in chemo.
ReplyDeleteCommunication is so important. I know that I'm close with some bloggers and not with others because I have that back and forth communication with them. Great post! And congrats on 30!
ReplyDeleteExactly. You get what you give.
ReplyDeleteI'm new to blogging and you hear so much info and not all is good, this seems good advice and I try to comment, a lot. Personally I love any and all comments that come my way, thanks to all, feel free to just say hi on my site and leaving details of your blog so I can come visiting.:)
ReplyDelete#atozchallenge
maggie at expat brazil
Found you on the A to Z from your post there this morning. What I found with the challenge this year as compared to last year is that I concentrated on a few blogs that I found really hit me and kept me intrigued. I hopped around but not as much as last year and I enjoyed the challenge more because I wasn't stressed about trying to read 1400+ blogs! I also liked the optional categories. I found I had much more of a yin/yang experience with the blogs I followed the whole way through. I didn't get as many blog hits as others did, but I'll worry about how to fix that next year! I hope your winner enjoyed your blog as much as they will the prize!
ReplyDeleteVery, very true! I'm trying to free up more of my schedule so I can comment on others' blogs more often. It's a sacrifice, but I'm finding that it's worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention, I'll be celebrating my 30th in July this year! Truly yin and yang are important. It takes two to make a relationship work. One person can't do it alone... Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteI love how you explained this. You not only get what you give, but you can also follow a path from blog to blog. Each turn you take will give you something different, and what you receive will change depending on the path you choose. Either way, you get back what you give. :)
ReplyDelete#atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com
I'm not really into the whole yin & yang thing. It's only living slightly out of balance that we ever accomplish anything.
ReplyDeleteBuilding blogging relationships should be like any other relationship in the 'real'world - give and take, rough with the smooth and being there though the good times and the harder times.
ReplyDeleteEloquently put! The new bloggers i've been exposed to during this challenge has undoubtedly been the best part of it!
ReplyDeleteI am pretty new to frequent blogging and commenting and have to say I am guilty of exactly what you expressed here. I always figure that bloggers with few followers need blog love more than seasoned bloggers, but that's just not the case. The more blog love, the better!
ReplyDeleteCheers from Brandy at http://brandysbustlings.blogspot.ca/
Excellent post. I agree that open communication is vital. I was quiet as a newbie too, but I soon started talking. It's one of the best things I've done for my writing and for myself. We have such an awesome blogging community. I'm honored to be a part of it.
ReplyDeleteOne of the coolest blogs I've followed during A to Z has hundreds of followers... but less than four comments each day. I think this is because of the very reason you've listed. I never seen him/her out and about on the sphere. Just because [blogger] has something awesome to say won't keep people coming back. It's the relationship that will... the give and take.
ReplyDeleteI was so nervous when I started my blog, but there are a lot of friendly bloggers out there that helped me feel less intimidated (hello Blog Blitz team) and I've recently made a lot of new connections. I like how you describe the blogging community as having a certain ebb and flow to it. Very well put!
ReplyDeleteYes. What he said!
ReplyDeleteHeather
Plus, every blogger LOVES receiving comments! I wish I had more time to visit more blogs regularly.
ReplyDeleteAllison (Geek Banter)
Congratulations! 40 here!
ReplyDeleteThe concept of Yin and Yang is in keeping with my Input=Output philosophy...
ReplyDeleteWhat you put in, is what you'll get out... and this applies to anything you do...
Thirty years of marriage is something to be proud of...
Writer In Transit
I'm guilty of not visiting as much or as often as I should. I have several valid excuses (HA) but at least when I get out there I do try to leave some trace of my existence behind. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Don .. congratulations on your 30 years in June - that's a wonderful landmark .. long may this continue - It sounds as though the two of you have worked life out ... definitely for the better - and if only we could all do our Yin and Yang on our lives ... we'd all be happier ..
ReplyDeleteCheers for now - Hilary