Likes are cool, but really, what value do they have if my visuals + words don’t resonate with you?
I had a ‘reader’ come thru and ‘like’ maybe 38 [ok, maybe just fifteen..] of my posts, including some of my more lengthy rants, in a matter of less than two minutes. [I knew because I was logged in at the time.] Now, unless he’s a speed reading super genius, there is NO way he could have thoroughly read what I had to say and formulate a liking for that many posts that quickly. Or maybe there was a major lag in the realtime notifications…
Anyway. This bothered me. A little. I try not to overthink such trivial matters but, as you can read, it did trigger slight annoyance. [But it also triggered this post, so I still kinda win.] I know I can’t control how people interact with me, but I’d much rather a reader also comment their point of view[at least every once in awhile] or give a little more insight on the topic, start a meaningful conversation-whatever! I appreciate those things and they feel so much better than a dozen thoughtless clicks on the like icon. It’s like giving a gift instead of a gift card. A hug instead of a handshake. Lets me know that my late nights and early mornings spent typing away is not done in vain. And who knows, maybe he did thoroughly read what I had to say and really enjoyed every word, yet couldn’t articulate his deep love for my superb writing style. But it still got me thinking about the affect various numbers have on us when blogging + logging into social media accounts. [That’s a whole other post tho..]
My point?: I’m humbled that people tune in. I’m grateful for feedback from actual readers. But as much as I appreciate them, I don’t do it for the likes. I do it because I have to. I have so many thoughts that this here journal of sorts is a means to release and keep them organized. Selfish right? But it’s comparable to doing laundry or cleaning out your garage. A sense of relief and accomplishment. Or when you help your friend move-you participate in making the world better for at least one person, so you both win!
My goal is to enlighten, empower, encourage or at least give a giggle to my readers. If I’m not doing that, then I’m doing it wrong. And if you’re in it just for the likes, you’re doing it wrong, too.
Thanks for READING. End rant. ❤
black|burgundy 
Kelley, I read your post. I think you are doing a good thing so keep doing it. I think you would be surprised how many people feel the same way.
Leslie
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haha! As always, Leslie, thank you for reading 😉
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“But as much as I appreciate them, I don’t do it for the likes. I do it because I have to.” ….I feel the same way. Writing is therapeutic as well as my thoughtful taskmaster. Nonetheless, your writing is clear. I like it
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Many thanks! I appreciate the kind words and yes, writing is definitely therapeutic.
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Lol I have to comment, because I have done this to you before. Maybe not 38 post tho. More like four or five. But I have a real reason as to why. I read all of your post on my phone the night before and liked them when I got home the next day. I do thoroughly read and enjoy your superb writing style. 😉 I like and share to show my appreciation for you queen.
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Lol I have to comment. I have done this to you before. It wasn’t 38 post though, more like 4 or five. But I have a reason as to why; I read all of your post the night before on my phone. Went home the next day and liked them on my computer. I do thoroughly read and enjoy your superb writing style. I like, share and comment to show my aprreciation for you!
(I’m trying to comment on this hotel computer and I can’t tell if it went through. It may come through twice.)
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lol hey “Someone.” I guess I’ll have to continue calling you out to get more comments from you 😉
Thank you for reading + sharing!
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Lol anonymous is me. Let’s see if this works on my phone. Hotel computers are the reason that i just wait until I get home.
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haaahahaa! I’m glad this resonated with you! Do what you gotta do! And thank you for humoring me.
As always, I appreciate you tuning it 😉
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You do enlighten, empower and encourage! Great rant, excuse me while I click my little ‘like’ star lol. Your blog is binge worthy material
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Thank you, Jeanette! You’re one of my favorite readers 😉
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To be honest, you called me out for a second and didn’t even know it. lol I don’t just go down the posts on my reader and like a whole punch of posts but I do sometimes skim and like it without fully engaging in the content, especially if I read many posts prior to that one. However, there are no excuses. I should always invest my full attention to each blog post I come across because I know, as a fellow blogger, I would want the same for my writing so thanks for the reality check and I am digging your blog so far. 🙂
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Haaaaa! Yes! chiggity check
Thank you for reading!
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Good writing.
Keep it up.
God bless.
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Thank you, love! I appreciate the kind words.
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