But one of the main reasons that I blog is the fabulous people that I've met through blogging. In particular, the ones who pop in here on a regular basis to say hello, let me know what they're thinking, tell me I need to get over myself, and, on occasion, laugh at my feeble jokes.
It's taken nearly three years, but there are now more than 1000 fabulous folk who've signed up via the Google network to drop into the Fibro regularly. I thought it was a landmark worth celebrating, so I've decided to run a giveaway, just to say thank you.
To win a $100 gift voucher to spend at Booktopia, one of my favourite online booksellers, all you have to do is to leave a comment below.
To make this a game of skill, for that is what it must be, tell me why you read blogs. Or, why you don't read many if that's the case.
Most creative answer, as judged by me, will win. Those who share the love on Facebook or Twitter will be granted extra points for, um, creativity (though, of course, I can never be bought by such things... cough...).
You have until 12 midnight (AEST) next Thursday (6 September) to enter, and winner will be announced here at the Fibro next Friday (7 September).
$100 just to spend on books. Any books. All for you.
Thank you.
[image: from here]
So this is my first visit but glad to find another Aussie blogger to follow.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I read blogs? I read book blogs because I am a book nerd, I read mummy blogs so I don't feel quite so bad about my own parenting decisions and I read cooking blogs because I have 5 fussy eaters and meal inspiration died sometime ago. Now I read Life in a Pink Fibro too.
Thanks for the chance to win
Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out
bookd.out at gmail dot com
A blog gives me an insight to if im going to like the book by liking the person.
ReplyDeleteI read blogs because it's like having a girlfriend over for coffee and her saying, "this is where I'm at today, this is what I'm thinking," and reading the blog and pondering it. Hmmm never thought of it like that before. Then our "chat" is over, and I go back to my life.
ReplyDeleteI like reading blogs as it gives you a peep into someone else's life and who knows......you may find a kindred spirit
ReplyDeleteWhy do I read blogs?
ReplyDeleteTo laugh and to learn
To peek and to ponder
To read and to writhe
To listen and wonder
:)
I read blogs for book reviews, to feel like a good parent, to find crafty crap I can make to fill my house with, because there's nothing on tv, because I should be doing the housework, because they make me laugh or because they make me cry!
ReplyDeleteKellie61910@hotmail.com
I read blogs to get a new perspective on things in my life, Ive learnt so many household tips, parenting advice and just better ways of doing things. Thinking of starting my own too!
ReplyDeleteI read blogs because I want to learn! I also want to hear what is really happening and I love blogs because people are sharing their stories and writing about things, opinions and ideas of what is really happening in the world. I love the way blogs can be recorded as a history of our time. I also read blogs for ideas and inspiration and I love to read blogs to gain an insight into other cultures and people. But mostly I read blogs to learn.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I read blogs,.......ummmmmmmmmmmm good question. It's the voyerism. The chance to have a 'micro' holiday and live in France, Italy, by the beach, back in London, own a chateau,go hiking in Nepal, travel first class overseas etc, etc, etc.
ReplyDeleteWell I just liked and followed you on Facebook and on Twitter respectively but social media aside, I read blogs (and usually female writers' bloog - NO, you're a female writer?!) to balance out the literary imbalance in me coz there is only so much gungho macho BS books one could read before a sensible one done by a female writer can prevail. HEY, I am not knocking the ARCs and the odd morsel of a signed copy or just a free book to fill up an overflowing shelf (no Billh for me) but it is always good to read more and counteract the bigotry out there by arming oneself with more knowledge. Said my piece so I am off to do my #fridayread. See ya!
ReplyDeleteI read blogs to try to figure out why people read blogs. It's truly fascinating to see the interaction on blogs. Some blogs are so specific (eg gardening) and I love to read the Q&As between blogger and bloggee and the exchange of information as well as plants and seedlings. I sometimes wonder why people read my blog too...
ReplyDeleteI read blogs for a number of different reasons. I read some blogs for the brain food. I read some blogs for the 'YES! That has happened to me too!' moments. I read some blogs for the 'YIKES! I hope that never happens to me' moments. I read some blogs to learn about things I don't know about. I read some blogs to learn about things I thought I knew about.
ReplyDeleteAnd now that I've been reading blogs for a while, I read some blogs because it feels like catching up with old friends. If only my computer could make me a hot chocolate.
Thanks for hosting this competition, Allison. (And for the picture frame bookshelf inspiration.) And congratulations on hitting 1000 followers!
Congrats on 1000 followers!! I read heaps of blogs but there are some I keep coming back to, and don't want to miss a single post. These blogs remind me of mags or a really really good book - I connect with the way the blogger writes, what they share and they leave me feeling inspired x
ReplyDeleteChoosing to read blogs is like creating your own perfect dinner party. I seek out the ones I like the most, where I can feel a connection to the author (even though they don't know me and probably never will!). I love to hear what they have to say, I love to see things from their perspective. Sometimes I comment- especially when there's a book voucher on offer! Humour, sadness, navel gazing, decor or fashion, (but never craft) I learn something new every day and never take for granted those who have let me share a corner of their lives. Glad to be one of the 1000 people subscribed to the Fibro. Congratulations Allison.
ReplyDeleteWell, I have been trying to work this out myself lately. I hope it's not that I'm nosey, but I do know I have an absolute fascination for reading about people's lives. I like to know how people think, what they think and why they think that way. My favourite blogs are ones where people just chat about their everyday lives honestly and openly. Though, sometimes it's hard to know whether they're being honest or telling a good yarn! I get pretty amazed at how many good ideas are out there and the vast array of creativity too.
ReplyDeleteI read blogs to connect to the World, to assure myself I am not alone, to laugh out loud, to be inspired and amazed at the strength of others, to offer a shoulder or a round of applause .... I read and read and read.
ReplyDeleteI won't win this competition as I can never think of any creative answers so I'll just give you the boring plain facts. Because I love seeing into other peoples lives and minds. In my next life I want to come back as a fly. You know the one on the wall? But I will need nine lives like a cat and a genetic resistance to mortein ;)
ReplyDeleteCongrats Al. x
ReplyDeleteI read blogs for many reasons, I believe that real normal people give the most honest answers when it comes to books, and I have read so many good books that have been recommended through blog land! It's also a way of meeting lots of new people! I have two blogs of my own that I have written and have met new people through them.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I read blogs? The blogs I tend to read are unmitigated, written from the heart and bypass any agendas. They are fresh, fast and may at times be furious however when it comes from the heart you can feel that energy.
ReplyDeleteI used to be a book reader........until I had children. Now I read blogs for obvious reasons. For 5 minutes I can catch up with a friend, listen to another mum's funny story about her kids, make a quilt, scrapbook a page in my album, take in and admire some lovely photos and see what the new trends are. The only books I read now contain the Cat In The Hat or at least one Disney Princess. I think I need to revisit my old friend the novel is I'm lucky enough to win. ;)
ReplyDeleteI took up blog reading (and writing) the same time I became a Mum.
ReplyDeleteI read them because they provide escapism, entertainment and sometimes you learn a thing or two even if it is "ahhh I'm not alone thinking that".
Each time I read a blog I feel like Alice must have when she fell down the the rabbit hole, immersed in new, unfamiliar worlds and absolutely curious.
I continue to fall deeper and deeper. Some blogs make me smile like a cheshire cat, some bloggers are mad as hatters, and some are so damn addictive they make me late! for very important dates!
Congratulations on 1000 fans!
ReplyDeleteI started reading blogs as it was an easy of connecting with the world while at home with two little ones. I've continued reading for crafty connections, political analysis, feminist viewpoints, optimistic outlooks on life and (of course) the pretty pictures.
I enjoy reading blogs because it's fun to see the minutiae of the daily life of others around the world (as much or as little as they like to share). Blogs make it easier sometimes to impart your thoughts too without it being contentious. And sometimes, you meet and feel as if you've known each other for decades.
ReplyDeleteaggie927(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi! I am completely new to reading blogs. This, I think, is my third one. So why am I reading blogs.... Because I want to learn how to write my new blog. The reason I want to write my new blog is because I want people to notice what I do and know why I do it, but foremost, honestly, it is about marketing my work through myself as an artist. My work is my passion and if I have to learn how to become a writer to be able to continue creating, then I will do what it takes. The only other option around here is to become a supermarket checkout.
ReplyDeleteKind regards, Marleena Pontynen
I read my few favourite blogs to have a laugh, to have a cry and to be inspired to make more of what I have. Tracey at tlcb46@yahoo.com.au
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the 3rd year! Great giveaway idea! Winning that voucher would be so sweet! Good luck to all! XoXo
ReplyDeleteI'm JUST starting to read blogs! I'm overawed that I've sat around reading novels for years, whilst there's a whole underworld of blog writing going on that I never even knew existed, until now. I feel like that archaic-behind-the-times-mum that still launders cloth handkerchiefs, makes her children say "Thank-you for having me" after playdates and has no idea of the names of the boys in 'One Direction!'
ReplyDeleteTimes are moving on......I've got an electronic address book now, my daughter and I googled 'One Direction' and I've finally started a blog and even put a few posts of total mind ramblings on it! It's a start.
I love reading the "Pink Fibro' blog and feel truly inspired..... both as a parent and as a (potential) writer!
Though the hankies and thank yous will still remain with me!
I read blogs to get an insight into other peoples thoughts, opinions and information. Having 4 kids, there is so much help you can get just by posting questions or reading other peoples posts who may have the same issues, it really helps.
ReplyDeleteI read blogs just because I am hungry for more. I love the rawness of them.
ReplyDeleteI guess I read blogs because I am a stickybeak and always have been. I love a glimpse into the lives of others. I mostly read blogs written by females, are they the only ones blogging???
ReplyDeleteI read blogs as a way of putting of the housework...that's why I also read books!
ReplyDeleteI read because I love it. I love to learn, to share, to laugh & cry. Blogs are communities & I love clicking into a community & feeling like it's enriching my life. It doesn't have to be in a huge way but enough so that when I click away I feel good.
ReplyDeleteI like reading blogs that give me an insight into my favourite authors, also recomendations for great new books (or a sneak peak for new releases) also great for finding new craft patters (mainly crocheting) it definately expands your horizons - Bec
ReplyDeleteHi Allison,
ReplyDeleteSibella Court's new book Bowerbird is due out next month and I would love to be able to purchase it. If you haven't already read her other books they are well worth checking out......;o)
Have a great day!!!
Tania xx
I like to read blogs that provide information that is balanced and factual.
ReplyDeleteThat stated, I also like blogs that provide helpful hints, and how to achieve more in a busy day - without any increased stress.
Blogs are great for connecting me with people with similar interest/problems and really help with answers to some pretty tough everyday questions
ReplyDeleteBecause I am nosey and like to know what other people are doing!
ReplyDeleteI don't read many blogs it has to be said,
ReplyDeleteBecause I've mostly got a good book wrapped round my head!
I can't sleep...
ReplyDeleteand maybe a book might help?!
Its a great way of getting to know people, product reviews and generally seeing what others are doing without leaving your own home...and I love the competitions that are on offer :)
ReplyDeleteI find blogs make me realise my life is normal :)
ReplyDeleteDepending on the storyline is what attracts my interest in reading a blog...Could be anything that takes my fancy at that moment!
ReplyDeleteI don't, I merely skim for details on how to enter competitions. I couldn't give a toss for lonely & bored housewives opinions, and that's what most blogs are, a chance for Mummies to vent and feel like they're a part of civilization once more and not a housebound boring breeder.
ReplyDeleteI read blogs because I'm a sticky beak (in the nicest possible way!) and am fascinated by people and their lives. I love coming across someone who is just like me but equally love finding a great blog from someone who is completely opposite to me. Blogs open up my little world beyond the walls of my house and my own family and give me a glimpse into people's hearts and souls.
ReplyDeleteI read blogs because I love hearing real stories from real people. I enter comps because the odds are crap, but I'd still like to win books... boooks.... BOOOOOKS!!!!
ReplyDeleteI like to read blogs because I like to see what other people thinks!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI like to read blogs because they are from everyday people like me. I read a variety that are informative, funny, educational, heartwarming and sometimes sad.
ReplyDeleteI read blogs as I always stumble across something new and exciting. Usually I find the blog by accident through Pinterest or looking up a solution to a problem on Google. I like the fact that there are likeminded everyday people such as myself, often I think to myself 'i can't believe i didn't think of that'
ReplyDeleteI find blogs fascinating - especially mummy blogs. They're like peering into someone's window and taking a sneaky peek at what's inside. Then invariably, one of four things happen:
ReplyDelete* You feel inspired and totally ready to tackle that "Make your own Miniature Castle using only a bedspread, three tin cans and a ball of twine."
* You thank your lucky stars that your life is a hell of a lot less complicated than theirs.
* The green-eyed monster appears, and you start wondering how to justify hiring both a bouncing castle AND an animal farm for your son's next birthday.
* You sit back, have a giggle, and remember that we're all in this crazy thing called Life, together.
Zara Stevens
(ixara_1981@live.com)
If I get the hang of it, this is why blogs may lure me in:
ReplyDeleteI’m always a bit late to the party, so my first reason to begin toodling around the blogosphere right now is novelty along with the hope of finding a few which are well-written. So landing a truly well-crafted blog that offers a new perspective has become my new pursuit, like sport fishing without all the gear. I’m all in for seriousness, flippancy, grit, misadventure, escape, tummy aches from belly laughing – whatever comes along. It doesn’t have to be big ideas, but certainly stories and commentary offered with thought and insight from writers who truly know their craft.
Five years ago I turned my back on the security of being settled for exploring up-close the culture of certain parts of the southern Atlantic US states which have held my attention. Food has usually been my entrée, cooking on several private game preserves and finding other things to keep me solvent – the occasional article, continuing on w/ kitchen design, and then serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Appalachia addressing the long-term effects of generational poverty. I gave up the DC wardrobe, work hours and traffic and ended up with t-shirts with pockets -- among other equally lovely things -- from Tractor Supply, Walmart and Family Dollar. I discarded James Beard’s Outdoor Cookery rough camping on the Appalachian Trail and realized that what Edna Lewis and Scott Peacock have written so wonderfully about doesn’t always represent Southern cooking as I found it. And I’ve adapted well enough to know that if the pocket’s missing, my t-shirt is wrong-side out. Although I don’t mention it in polite company, I did pick up a taste for over easy eggs stirred into a bowl of hot grits.
My itinerant lifestyle has provided wildly varied experiences and satisfied my need for spontaneity but left lacking the continuity of keeping in touch with so many people of all ages across a broad range of social and economic backgrounds. But I have collected a great catch of stories, both my own and gathered, so a finding a great blog is not just a delight, but ripe grounds for considering my own story-telling skills in sharing the absurd nature of life as it throws itself at us face-first from time to time. Someone said this: “Writers never have anything bad happen to them. It's all material.” The most valuable thing I’ve held onto is my sense of humor. I have the title to my memoirs and it’s good, but I’m not telling yet. You’ll have to look for me in a blog of my own once I get the hang of this!
lil
lilmagill (at) hotmail
To get inspirations & eye candy!
ReplyDeleteoh the possibilities of what you'll see
ReplyDeleteof what they know
how they say it so.
The connection
the laughs
the traversing of life's different paths.
It is for these reasons
I concede
many blogs I like to read
To connect with the world again. I distanced myself so much when my first child was stillborn and her twin came along 2 minutes later.... my dad died before her 2nd birthday and I felt very alone after caring for him. I realised that I had to slowly bring myself back. I needed something that would help me understand what the world was like after all this. I didn't do mothers group and have the amazing information that was supplied to mothers under "normal" circumstances. I started looking out there for something... I found it and I continue to find amazing people who share their lives with us. These beautiful people tells us that we are worthy, thank you for listening and wow what an amazing community, that was safe to step quietly into; that didn't ask me questions and just allowed me to be there.
ReplyDeleteNot a creative answer, but an honest one. I read blogs because I believe in building relationships. I believe that some of the friendships I've formed online with some blogging people are valuable.
ReplyDeleteI'm ill, I'm housebound and I'm not good socially at the moment. Blogging is a lifeline.
It is just plain nice to be able to choose who and what I want to engage with, when I want to. No propaganda, no one claiming to be experts just opinions and sharing and good stuff. Good job, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI read blogs as a form of escapism from my own life. I also read blogs because I am a creative vampire; I suck ideas from the generous bloggers of the interwebs!
ReplyDeleteBlogs are escapism (and generally written better than any chic lit I've ever come across), a style guide (without the cost), travel (without leaving my desk) and inspiration for what I might make, bake, eat, do, see when I finish work and start my free, happy, creative time.
ReplyDeleteBlogs help me procrastinate on the things I should be doing at the time. I generally have loads of work when I read them
ReplyDeleteI follow a number of blogs, from fashion to mommy to just interesting crafty things (or of people I know)
It is amazing how you can catch up with people half-way around the world and share in their everyday life, even though you have not seen them in ---- well, forever.
I read blogs because I like to engage in a conversation - unlimited- outside of the white noise of daily life. When I read another's words I feel as if I have stepped inside their mind and it is the most private and distilled of thoughts - considered, weighed and polished - which we are exchanging. When I respond I too draw deep from my well - that I can have these exchanges with people i have never met, and may never meet, I think is so exciting and full of possibilities. Blogging I think captures best the concept of "the Net" - an ever evolving creation of many threads coming together to create points of strength to build ideas upon. I respect and admire especially bloggers who aim high - they are the tightrope walkers of writing.And we can all be safety nets for each other - allowing for experiment and risk.
ReplyDeleteI read blogs because I like to engage in a conversation - unlimited- outside of the white noise of daily life. When I read another's words I feel as if I have stepped inside their mind and it is the most private and distilled of thoughts - considered, weighed and polished - which we are exchanging. When I respond I too draw deep from my well - that I can have these exchanges with people i have never met, and may never meet, I think is so exciting and full of possibilities. Blogging I think captures best the concept of "the Net" - an ever evolving creation of many threads coming together to create points of strength to build ideas upon. I respect and admire especially bloggers who aim high - they are the tightrope walkers of writing.And we can all be safety nets for each other - allowing for experiment and risk.
ReplyDeleteWe read to know we are not alone - C.S Lewis
ReplyDeleteI read blogs to interact, chat and mingle with other people from people all over the globe. My favourite blogs to follow are book blogs as reading is my passion, so much that I am a deciated blogger myself. I love blogs because I finally found people who get me and my love for reading. It's enabled me to connect with others who love to read just as much as I do; who understand me and don’t look at me weirdly when I go on and on about books; swoon over fictional characters and am addictive to reading, to the point where I would rather stay in than venture out.
Blogs - whatever your passion or interests - unite and congregate others just like you. And I am so very glad to have found them.
We blog to know we are not alone - Revamped version
A haiku telling you why I love to read blogs. To refresh your memory, a haiku is a Japanese poem of seventeen syllables - three lines of five, seven, and five.
ReplyDeleteBlogging brilliant -
Blogs open our mind,
Ideas, creations, opinions,
Passion inspired
Contact: princess_becca_13@hotmail.com
I started blogging to give myself a creative outlet and some writing discipline, because it was taking me years to write the book I am working on.
ReplyDeleteThe more feedback I got from readers, the more curious I became about them and the more blogs I read, the more I felt a sense of community with other people who have similar life-experiences or similar goals - Or sometimes even just a completely different (refreshing and interesting) perspective on life.