Until this week I didn’t know how to move forward with the idea of this post, until I read and commented on Wynne’s blog post The Ultimate Reader, as well as the sister post The Art of the Comment.
Bloggers who don’t have any content on their blogs
I come across some bloggers sometimes who like one of my posts but who don’t have any content of their own to look at.
I know the common thought is just to dismiss them and say they’re a bot, but I’ve been rethinking this lately.
If someone doesn’t have a WordPress account they can follow someone through email and receive notifications in their Inbox, but that doesn’t give them the freedom to just like, comment or even easily go visit other blogs. I have been rethinking the concept that they’re bots, but instead are real people finding a work around WordPress to be able to enjoy blogs more easily, without becoming bloggers themselves.
Sometimes people just need to read and to absorb content without the pressure of being a creator themselves. They may not have the inner urge to write, but being able to read and interact with others is very important, something that simply being an email subscriber doesn’t go far enough.
Then there are the wonderful Ghosts!
Blog ghosts are incredibly wonderful!
I know this goes against popular blogging teachings that say gaining subscribers and followers is the single most important factor in gauging success as a blogger, so I hope you’ll hear me out.
I used to be a blog ghost when I was still working on figuring out how to heal my life and all the damage I had taken on in my lifetime. I’d visit and read, but I didn’t want to leave a trace of my visit, basically out of fear.
I was still too raw from abuse, severe criticism, ostracization and even shunning. I simply couldn’t risk anyone seeing me and having some kind of negative reaction to my being there.
Only after I had worked on my healing, had taken the advice of my children’s book publisher and had “written out my philosophical thoughts”, then self-published (see how I did it here) was I faced with the daunting task of trying to create an online presence to sell those books, that I came out from the shadows and as Wynne so aptly said in the comments of her post “then you healed into solidness and willingness to speak”.
Being invisible or just partly visible serves a great purpose
You wouldn’t think that invisibility or partial invisibility would be a good thing, but it serves the purpose of allowing someone to work through their issues privately, without the need to tell people about what they’re doing, or for anyone to see what they’re doing.
When we’re healing we just barely have the bandwidth to focus on ourselves. We don’t have the space to communicate with anyone else about our efforts, let alone do we have the capacity to risk any negative feedback. Additionally, there are certain domestic situations where it could be dangerous for someone to leave a trail of what they’re doing, so keeping private until they’re ready to take their next step in life can be a crucial safety issue.
I welcome followers who don’t have any blog posts, at this time; I understand you need to have some interaction with others, but have no desire or bandwidth at this time to write!
I respect all my ghosts! Keep going, you’re doing a wonderful job!
If you’re a blogger and see these types of readers on your site, I hop that I may have shed some light for you!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Blessings!
Thank you for sharing this post and for following me!
Tamara
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Tamara Kulish 
Really interesting post! I totally get why some people wouldn’t want to post but rather read especially when they start out.
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Thanks Pooja! Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
Seeking information can feel very scary and intimidating when we’re very raw and trying to change. Being silent and unseen is much easier at that point.
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An interesting perspective, Tamara. In my efforts to understand the other, I’m also a ghost on a number of blog sites.
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Ah, you get this Rosaliene! Yes, this seems to be something that we want to do when we’re not ready to stick out neck too far out, but would prefer to quietly absorb and digest what is being offered.
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So interesting! I’m a ghost on my blog outside WordPress, reading and moving on with out leaving a trace. I like that concept – we don’t necessarily need to interaction to feel the sense of connection we may be seeking.
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I see you understand this concept too! Quiet perusal isn’t unheard of! It’s like going to a store, looking around and when a clerk comes to offer help we say, “No thanks, I’m just looking!”
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I don’t know if you’re aware of it or not but the link on your name goes to your old site with your name[.wordpress.com] instead of your new URL without the dot “WordPress” in the link. The old address gives a message saying the site has been deleted. I was confused the first time I clicked on a like message I saw on my website.
That is interesting about ghosts. I wondered about the motivation. I prefer comments to just “likes”. I think usually “likes” mean “I’ve seen you” and isn’t necessarily a compliment. Sometimes it just means “I’ve seen yours so look at mine” etc. So there’s no real information in a “like”.
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I find your interpretation to be interesting. I hadn’t thought about that.
Also, I wasn’t aware there’s still an issue. I tried to fix it and thought I had, but I guess I just don’t know what to do.
Thanks so much for your input, and welcome!
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What a wonderful way to look at why those lurkers (ghosts) and the quiet readers could easily be a part of blogging. This was insightful and a great reminder! Thank you.
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Thanks Deb! I’m someone who tries to look behind corners and under rocks to discover things, to dig out the truth beneath the truth, and to figure out why’s. By looking at the stats with a different perspective, we can see more into what’s going on.
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I love how you took the idea in your comment and expanded it into a wonderful welcome message. Gracious, accepting and lovely, Tamara!
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Thank you Wynne! Thank you also for providing the opportunity to open with your posts. They really seemed to fit!
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❤ ❤ ❤
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Thanks. It’s been a long, hard road that I wouldn’t wish in anyone, but God is truly good!
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I remember years ago saying out loud to a few people that I wanted to be wise. They shushed me and told me not to wish for such things. I wanted to know what they were talking about, and asked what they meant. They said that God will allow us to go through difficult things if we wish to acquire wisdom, and they didn’t wish that for themselves or anyone they cared for.
You have come through some very dark times. Every difficulty brings a lesson, a flower. Some people collect a small vase of flowers, wile others gather a whole botanical garden. Ultimately, those flowers benefit others, not only ourselves. Kudos for your flowers.
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Thank you! That means so much to me! You, too have a beautiful bouquet!
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*smile!* Thank you!
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I never really thought about it, but what you’re saying makes perfect sense. When I first started I was afraid my ex would find me, but then I was like “Screw it! I’m going to write.” but that isn’t for everyone. I completely understand if you are afraid to share. I know what that feels like. It took me years to start a blog because I was worried he’d find me and the kids. It never occurred to me to just be a ghost! Well…not exactly the most tech savvy person here!
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I think you’re doing pretty well for yourself! Kudos to everything you have done and are in the process of doing!
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