First, don’t get discouraged. It took me what seemed like forever to “catch-on”, and since it seems like you’re just starting, you’re in an awesome position!

Tip #1 - You really do need to give in order to get…do you comment on other blogs in your niche?

Nope, your comments regarding absent owners were not a bit harsh. I personally do not care how *busy* someone gets. Everyone is busy, we’re all in this together after all. If people can take the time to acknowledge what is written, the owner can take some time to acknowledge them.

Period.

Now I’m not saying he/she has to reply to 50 or more comments one by one, that’s too much for most. Just do what others do (like Caroline for example)…..skip down every 4-5 and do a multiple response:

@Bill
@Tom
@Alice
etc etc., nothing wrong with that and everyones satisfied.

As for your guru “friend”, it’s good to see you have such a good outlook on it as most wouldn’t, including myself…what he did is just wrong, you know what they say about being nice to the people you meet on the way up….

Without going into to much detail, the same thing happened to another online friend of mine…she even helped this woman become a guru by introducing her to people she wanted to meet…..ugh.

My fingers are crossed and hoping for the best. When you are somewhat squared away and moved to WP, I’d be happy to help anyway I can devising any *plans* for ya

Yes, you can absolutely contact me anytime you wish…I may not be able to chat at any specific time but always feel free to contact me. One thing you can be sure of, is i will never just “blow you off” like others may

All of my info is listed on my Contact Page - 3 messengers and email. I prefer Yahoo, but use all 3, so pick which ever is easiest for you.

If you use email, you should also put your subject title in CAPITALS

Ahh my “elementary blog network” idea is dead. But DON’T DESPAIR! As I wrote here due to a HUGE outpouring of feedback, it has been decided that we will discuss everything right here.

An all-in-one elementary written web marketing blog (check out the new tagline lol).

Funny you should menti0on what you did, as I have decided to bring my Free Marketing Membership Site back to life (Nothing to see yet, but the about page is still mostly accurate.)

We can discuss some of your stuff for it also, ya never know

“QUESTION for ‘one and all’! - thus - what do you (or anyone else?) think it is about your posts that triggers the comments? I know you are interactive, ask questions, etc. But do you have a specific strategy - or idea that would also help me and others to draw more comments to our articles??”

I saved this for last as I think it’s a very important (and much debated) question.

You made a good point about being interactive and asking questions, as an ACTION trigger at the end of a post is an excellent and must do way to “auto engage you readers.

The 2 keys for me are Hitting Your Target and proper Promotion…

My “target” is direct sales professionals who may be newbies in the online marketing world…needing all the info they can get, in a clear and concise manner.

Promotion - this is where my “comparison” to Darren may come into play. Do you think he still needs to *actively* promote? I’m thinkin’ probably not lol. He receives tons of comments per post largely due to the fact that he already has thousands of subscribers that receive each post on a daily basis.

The rest of us however have to pound the virtual pavement and do it correctly - again hitting the target…

Taking Darren as an example again…i highly doubt he would promote his photography blog to those looking for blogging tips and vice-verse; at least not in the beginning.

Hit your target, promote, and engage

Perhaps others will come by and give their piece on it also.

I will be doing a post on this in the near future, so be on the lookout for that. of course I’ll give credit where it’s due so look for a sweet backlink

Me again! Yes, you certainly do write for your readers - and you are very interactive - this really helps! I feel uncomfortable going to blogs, where sometimes the blogger seems to be ‘vacant’ and only writes articles (never responds to comments), or has ‘become too important’ to respond.

I think one should always monitor/respond to comments, as blogs are interactive communities of a sort. I know you do, and I do (when I do receive a comment! great feeling!!).

It helps readers feel like they ‘belong’ and can contribute, mean something, and they are acknowledged in the effort they make to comment (most readers don’t make this effort - so it certainly says something about your site, when you do receive comments - and of course the subscribers!)

But then again, my point above about the ‘absent or vacant’ blogger may be a little harsh - because obviously, the more readers one gets, the more comments/emails - and the less time available to respond. Its a hard balance I guess.

I used to be in contact with a great new online friend a couple of years ago (before he became ‘famous’ - what you would call a ‘guru’ now in the multi-millions), and we had quite a bit of email exchange. But now that he is ‘up there with the big guys’, I can’t get a ‘peep’! Even with direct phonecalls to NY from australia. I did get to meet his assistant though - lovely person

but I hold no harsh feelings and do hope he is enjoying his success - it must be wonderful!

Anyway - thank you so much for your encouraging words. I am re-inspired! I do get worried about my infrequent postings, especially from illness (but this will change, as I have made it onto a special listing for a new medication, which will put me into remission this year - so keep fingers crossed!!).
:0)

So - patience! When I am ready - and have my proper posting ‘plan’ in place (and moved to wp) - then I can really start promoting and know that the value/content will be there for people. I always feel better after I have written something, so - need to develop a more systematic routine/schedule/editorial calendar.

I take great comfort in your words: ‘your business wont fold up over night or even over a few days.’ (although its often more than a few days! - but again, this will change and I will get the subscribers too - I WILL, I can and I will!)

And I am going to have a look at your article about reaching a ‘plataeu’ too.

I also understand what you are saying about ‘modelling’ others. I won’t directly ‘copy’ - I am just looking at how different bloggers write, styles, structures, formats, etc. And what type of postings readers seem to like. I always write in my own ‘voice’ - I can’t help it! I tend to ‘wear my heart on my sleeve’ and write too much at times (gee, I wouldn’t have guessed it, Dennis thinks!) hee hee

Actually - my blog is older than yours (although not that many more postings, and less subscribers, less promotion) - but I have only had a few comments. ….

QUESTION for ‘one and all’! - thus - what do you (or anyone else?) think it is about your posts that triggers the comments? I know you are interactive, ask questions, etc. But do you have a specific strategy - or idea that would also help me and others to draw more comments to our articles??

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

BTW - You mentioned in one of your other responses, that you would be ok if I contacted you - we can talk about what we are doing - and perhaps some advice on wp? Is this still ok? If so - this would be fantastico!!

If not, I understand - esp. if time constraints. I need to find your email address again - I think you put it on another comment response - but just in case, if you would like to touch base, my email is:
meganmccarthy2ATbigpond.com (put your subject title in CAPITALS so I don’t miss it, if you do)

I would love to know more about what you are doing in the ‘elementary series’ - a much-needed area, as said in another post/comment/response - many blogs miss the step in-between, with some assumptions. And a series would be great. I would also be happy to contribute in anyway if you need - perhaps we can ‘grab’ some of the info/goodies and free memberships, relating to your sites, from my other blog (Resellers Delight and web2.0 - I have a huge rolodex of free downloads and memberships if you are interested (eg your free marketing memberships posts coming?)

I am thinking of turning that blog more into a ‘resource’ type blog anyway.

BTW - I heard about caroline - I hope she is ok - will try to post on her blog to find out (and also wanted to ask her some questions about my planned ‘online journey’ blog too (and what’s even better - the domain name is free!!!)

oh dear - yes I am doing it again - digressing. Find a comment from me - trademark - rambler!! hee hee

Well, I do hope to hear from you if you would like? Or I will try and find your contact details again.

All the bestest Dennis
Megan (meg)
Adelaide, South Australia

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Monica x

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Thanks for your all your info, encouragement, and hard work.

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