Dear internet friends:
I want to come clean about something. I don’t automatically follow someone’s blog just because they follow mine, and I don’t expect anyone to follow mine just because I follow theirs. I’m happy when someone finds something in my blog that makes it worthwhile for them to follow it, and I follow quite a few blogs, but I attempt to focus primarily on things and activities (including blogs) which feed my soul.
I believe there is a niche for everyone, but not all niches are for everyone. Some of you may have wonderful blogs that feed the souls of many folks around the world. That’s great! But if it doesn’t feed mine I’m not going to follow your blog.
If I’m not following your blog it may also have more to do with a very limited number of hours in my day and a virtually unlimited and growing number of blogs. A key focus for me is to maintain a healthy balance between life outside the blogosphere and life in it. I’m passing up following some interesting blogs in order to maintain that balance and at some point am even likely to begin trimming some from the ones I follow.
Also, it is my intention to only follow blogs that I intend to read. For me, to do otherwse would be dishonest. That isn’t to say that I will read every post of every blog I follow. I won’t. There will be days and weeks where that won’t even be possible. But I plan to read most of the posts.
There are also quite a few blogs that I will check in on from time to time without following, and if I like something I will say so.
With appreciation and respect,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
I appreciate your candor Russ…I follow most of those people who follow me (which probably speaks to my lack of popularity, and as such find it manageable) – but not all. Certainly time is a factor, and there have been days when I have felt that I’ve accomplished little besides reading and commenting on other peoples’ blogs – not necessarily the most effective use of my waking hours when there are so many other more important things to be done. I would imagine though if my number of followers becomes unwieldy I too would make similar choices to yours.
Thank you for your comments, Mimi.Based on the quality of your blog I’m surprised that you aren’t overwhelmed by followers. I plan to keep spreading the word about how much I enjoy your blog!
I see a lot of evidence of what appears to me to be bloggers burning themselves out at least partially due to trying to keep up with everything. I hope to avoid that fate by pacing myself. I can see how blogging and following the blogs of others can be addictive.
Russ
I too wonder about burning out – and would hate for this to turn into a chore in any way (reading or writing them)..I think your point about pacing is key – and not feeling this is an obligation, for that is never what it was intended to be. I’m thrilled you like my blog – as I do yours – and most wonderfully, the people who read mine with regularity (and yours too I would imagine) are becoming friends and people who share their thoughts so freely and with such generosity of spirit. It’s a gift to be given a part of the lives of such wonderful people..
I completely agree, Mimi. I’ve met some amazing people and have developed close internet friendships with several of them. So close in fact that I miss them if we don’t communicate–sometimes even on a daily basis.
Some of those folks are on vacation for an extended period and I realize how big a hole they make when they are gone. I miss the many wonderful ways they enhance my life.
You used one of my favorite phrases: “generosity of spirit”. Those three words say so much. I love connecting with those whose generosity of spirit is inspiring. Thank you for being one of them!
“It’s a gift to be given a part of the lives of such wonderful people” Indeed it is! Thank you for the gifts you share with me!
Russ
The beauty is the gifts that we give each other – this is when serendipity is truly wonderful.
Indeed it is!
You are writing here exactly what has been going through my thoughts for past weeks. Thanx for such inspiring post and your courage to voice it out. You are so right, we only have limited 24 h, so it is wise to make us of them well. I also, like you, have been thinking to keep my focus on blogs that I have connection with and feel do uplift my spirit. That said, I also feel it is difficult balance, as relatively new blogger. I do wish meet new people, but also keep the quality of WHAT i read in balance. Have also agreed with myself to read the few but “shiny inspiring blogs”.
Thank you! Sounds like a good approach from my biased perspective! ;-D!
Russ
I appreciate this…I have to agree. I get bloggers who follow me and I go and thank them, then they say thanks or the follow and I feel trapped especially when I now follow them and read comment and all but never see them on my blog…lol
Life is too short for dishonest or misleading games. Thank you for choosing a different path, Boomie!
Russ
Cheers to you, Russ, for your honesty! What a breath of fresh air to read this 🙂 Virtual high five to you, my friend!
Thank you for your feedback and support, my friend.
Russ
I do not expect anyone to follow me and I do not just follow ever blog I visit,if your blog doesn’t make ma laugh or touch me in some way then I will pass……..
That makes sense to me.
Russ
Well said!
Thank you!
Russ
Very well put.
Thank you for your kind comment!
Welcome!
Russ