1. If you have an easy reading font. Not to colourful, small or fancy. This isn't an invitation to a wedding;
2. You post regularly. If I visit a blog that hasn't been posted on for 6 months, I won't come back. It's like picking up a Woman's Day at the Doctors and seeing Lady Di on the front;
3. A great competition. I'll not going to lie, I love a good freebie;
4. I learnt something. I have a lot to learn, so this isn't a difficult one;
5. Great photography. I find this so inspiration;
6. The blogger has engaged their readers. I love to see comments and responses and I like to be rewarded for my comment :);
7. The blog is attractive. Not messy or lots of busy ads;
8. If I can feel the writer in their words and you get a sense of them. I want to know them better. Does that even make sense?
9. If it's not full of obvious spelling mistakes. I have to say obvious, because my blog is riddled with them but it's not so obvious to me;
10. You make me smile. I will come back over and over; and
11. Captcha drive me crazy (I know there should only be ten, but this really needed to be mentioned).
If you have your own blog or a favourite blog, I would love you to write about it in the comments. I'd love to visit.
Great list! I'm a little OCD when it comes to spelling errors. Everyone makes a few mistakes here and there... but there have been blogs that I have started to follow and then I notice that they continually make the same errors and it just makes me cringe and I can't read them anymore! LOL ... please tell me I'm not alone :D
ReplyDeleteYou aren't alone Cassandra, I am the same. I'll forgive little mistakes but if I keep seeing biggies or if they aren't even trying - I'm out of there. :)
DeleteYou are not alone! xx
DeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to a lot of those reasons too and I especially love blogs that have that have a bit of healthy reality about them. I found you via Twitter and have added your blog to my reading list so I can come back :)
Cas x
ps. My blog is at http://peachesandmaple.blogspot.com.au if you want to come have a looksee!
You have a gorgeous blog. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Lovely photos too. Rachel x
DeleteI'm a new blogger, and i'm just still getting myself out there, it's very intimidating!
ReplyDeleteGreat list, I must check my blog, I know I don't make spelling mistakes, and I do have alot of photos on there.. No ads! Um.
I would love if you read a few of my posts and give me some feedback. I can take it, the good, the bad and the ugly. I am a mother of 4 boys.. need I say more?
I have a whopping 1 follower too. Go me!
Hi iSophie, You have another follower now, I love it!! Gorgeous photos. Rachel x
DeleteGreat summary there! I must confess, I've started following a lot of blogs due to competitions, then got hooked. I'm a bit of a blog-a-holic too :)
ReplyDeleteThe comps are addictive - especially after you have won something. Have a great weekend, Rx
DeleteThis is cool. I'm a blog stalker too. I like blogs I learn from or those that entertain me. Good story tellers are a major plus. :P Anyway, here's mine: Scatterbraintures. You might like this too: Hailey's Helpful Hints
ReplyDeleteThanks Rae, I love your post about beauty tips your dad taught you. What a great blog. Rachel x
DeleteI have been racking my brain for a blog to recommend, but my reading is so specific to my interest area I couldn't think of one. I do however follow over 300 different blogs (anything to escape the housework) I must admit I either have blogs that are very well edited or I just don't notice spelling mistakes. I am a culprit at barely updating my blog, too busy reading other peoples I guess.
ReplyDelete300 BLOGS!! Katie you really are an addict. When do you find time to Pin? Rachel x
DeleteActually I enjoy http://www.newwritersden.blogspot.com.au/ but she is very sporadic (and also my cousin)
ReplyDeleteI'll go and check her out now
DeleteGreat list. I follow a huge amount of blogs, though just did a cull (think I'm left with 115!). I'm a bit different - not really into pictures, for me it's more about the words. I did a similar thing in my Debbish blog recently (why I read the blogs I read) sort of thing!
ReplyDeleteI suspect different people also want different things - which is good I guess!
Deb
115 is still a huge amount. I am not going to attach a number to mine but it is always increasing :)
DeleteIt is great that we are all looking for different things in blogs. Have a great weekend, Rachel x
I like yours for all those reasons! X
ReplyDeleteI abhor Captcha and all that other stuff. Especially from newbies with low reader numbers. Not a fan of wedding fonts.
Thanks. You want to encourage comments but captcha scares people away. Sometimes it takes a few goes to crack the code.
DeleteOh and you can find me at www.kimbalikes.com - but you knew that already! X
ReplyDeleteI love your blog for all the right reasons. :) Love your guest post on BB Cool too.
DeletePS I'm a newbie with low reader numbers so feel qualified to comment! ;)
ReplyDeleteI agree on number 10 that is so annoying. I have never used it and I haven't got any spam comments yet.
ReplyDeleteI've had spam but it goes into limbo land somewhere, so I rarely see it. Rx
DeleteIt is always good to know what other people look for in a blog. I'm fairly similar to you, pictures are huge for me, maybe it is because I'm under 30 and need the visual stimulation I'm so accustom to. It is also pretty fun to practice photography more and get better at it as I go!
ReplyDeletewww.yellowdandy.blogspot.co,
Classic spelling error in the blog link! Ha www.yellowdandy.blogspot.com and visiting from FYBF
DeleteI have been visiting your blog. I love it. Thanks for sharing. Rachel x
DeleteHi Rachel, I shouldn't have been sipping my coffee because #2 made me sputter. Funny! And #7... yep. I agree with you there. Happy reading! (visiting today from FYBF.)
ReplyDeleteGlad I could make you spit. My job is done today :)
DeleteHave a great weekend. Rachel x
I loathe Captcha and Disqus and ... I've had problems with spam comments so I do understand the need for them, but I still don't like them.
ReplyDeleteI've had spam, but it disappears into limbo land. I would rather readers be able to leave comments with as little hurdles as I can manage. Rachel x
DeleteLOL, Rach, this made me giggle. I totally agree with all of your points. The analogy with Women's Weekly was pretty funny. And yes, fancy font kills me every time (but if the blog belongs to a loyal reader or a good friend, I'll still read).
ReplyDeleteRonnie xo
I will break my rules all the time :) If I love someone, I'll forgive almost anything. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Rachel x
DeleteIt's amazing how many old blogs are out there! Ocassionally I stumble across one, and I get all excited about reading it until I notice the last time they posted was 1982.
ReplyDeleteOk well obviously not that long ago, but you get it what I mean ;)
There should be an automatic blog reminder
DeleteBeep Beep - it's been 7 days since your last blog post
Beep beep beep - it's been 14 days etc ......
beep beep beep beep - it's been 30 days, you are officially no longer a blogger.
Haha, great list. If I was a stickler for point #9 I'd never read any blogs! Sooooo many typos out there. But, we're all human! x
ReplyDeleteI'm dyslexic so I always get my hubby to proof read my posts.. but the odd mistake slips though now and then! :-)
DeleteI'm a blogaholic too. Good list. I turned my captcha off the other day as kept getting really annoyed with it on other peoples blogs and suddenly occurred to me that it was probably annoying my readers too! doh.
ReplyDeleteMy blog is mostly about the ups and downs of mothering an energetic toddler and a goowing-up-way-too-fast baby. I try to keep it humorous. Hope you enjoy it x
The lightbub moment. I had that one too. I'm going off to visit your blog now. :)
DeletePretty much the same reasons as me Rachel. I only read blogs if I can learn something from them mainly, but my daily blog count has increased lately because of the lovely friendships I've made in 'Blog world', yourself being one of them.
ReplyDeleteAnne xx
Thanks Anne, I am like you. Due to all the new friends I have to include their blogs and I have discovered so many wonderful blogs. Have a great weekend lovely lady xx
DeleteOh snap same here. Especially the capchta thing. I hate it with a passion.
ReplyDeleteFairy wishes and butterfly kisses
aparentinglife.blogspot.com
I know you hate it. LOL. If so many of us hate it, why do so many people have it? I also don't like the moderation posts. Rx
DeleteLove this list! I also hate catchpa and I find it really hard to read white writing on dark backgrounds because I am an old fart with bad eyes! xx
ReplyDeleteYes, dark backgrounds are terrible even for a semi old fart with good eyes. I end up giving up half the time. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Rachel x
DeleteI like blogs that look fresh and are easy to read and I'm with Mrs Woog, I find it hard to read light writing on dark backgrounds. That's because I'm hitting my mid 40s and all of a sudden my body is starting to let me down. Blah.
ReplyDeleteI love blogs that talk about parenting in a funny way, but real at the same time. I like people to be vulnerable and brave and courageous and who put it out there because that means we can say "well shit, I'm not the only one".
I pretty much like anything funny. You could talk about a wart all day but if your funny I'll keep coming back every day to get an update. Thanks for commenting. Rachel x
DeleteHurrah! I meet all criteria! :D Well, I like to think I meet all criteria anyway...
ReplyDeletewww.samawdsy.blogspot.com
You certainly do. You have a gorgeous blog! Rachel x
DeleteI love this! I think layout is my number one thing - I love a nice, clean, uncluttered layout where I can find everything easily. Followed closely by spelling/grammar!
ReplyDeleteI know you have visited me before (and hopefully I fall into your 'liked blogs' category ;)
http://www.somewherearoundhere.com.au
You layout is great, very easy reading. Thanks for visiting. Rachel xx
DeleteGreat list, I agree whole heartedly with all of them, ESPECIALLY NUMBER 11. OMG capcha be gone.
ReplyDeleteI know, it drives me insane and it can't just be me that has trouble cracking the code. Rachel x
DeleteI have to admit, I'm all for punctuation!!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I just want to scream "Sentences should end with a full stop people!"
Spelling is a big one too. I get that people are human, so I don't have a problem with the odd spelling mistake, but when they're everywhere, I won't go back I'm afraid.
Great post! :)
I'm at www.blissamongstchaos.blogspot.com.au if you feel like dropping by.... :)
Spelling can drive me nuts, especially when you don't feel like they are trying to improve it.
DeleteI visited your blog. I love the list about yourself. I love posts like that. Rachel x
Hahaha I have such similar criteria! The regular posting is a must for me, it's such a let down when you find an amazing blog that never puts anything up :( Thanks for such a great list, it had me nodding along and laughing! I actually saw this via Twitter, someone had retweeted it and I came to have a peek :) And as result, I'm your new follower! Can't wait to see more :)
ReplyDelete-Jess
www.iwastakenbysurprise.blogspot.com
xx
Hi Jessica-Anne, We I find a great blog I want to read it all, then if they aren't posting there no reason to come back. I am glad you found me. I visited your blog and it's so cute and congratulations on hitting 10,000 views of your blog. I'm looking forward to your give away. Rachel x
DeleteExactly! Aww thanks, that's so sweet of you :) I just bought the prizes, so lookout for the giveaway soon :)
Deletewww.iwastakenbysurprise.blogspot.com
xx
I read somewhere over the last day or so that at least one speeling error early in the post is recommended. Apparently, once we find one, we read the rest of the post looking for more and are more likely to engage with the blogger. Even if it's just to go all spelling nazi on them. I don't like long posts without enough white space.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm going to have to find a way to sneak the odd spelling misteak (how's that one) in :)
DeleteThanks for visiting. I have really been enjoying your posts lately. I discovered you about a week ago. Rachel x
Definitely #1 #2 and #5.
ReplyDeleteFancy font drives me insane. Give it to me simple and large...or at least space it all out! You always have great giveaways. Love that :)
Fancy font makes me leave immediately. Simple and large - Yes!! Thanks for commenting. I hope you have a great week. Rachel x
DeleteI don't mind ads so much but I cannot stand any moving images, it's eye pollution! SOOOOO distracting when I am trying to read!
ReplyDeletex
I have ads so I don't mind them but not too many and I hate the moving ones. Too distracting. It's too much like a reading obstacle course then. Rachel xx
DeleteAll those reasons sound perfectly fair enough. I am a big one for interesting photo's on blogs.
ReplyDeleteSome blogs have amazing photos, I get lost in them. Thanks for visiting. Rachel x
DeleteBrilliant list Rachel! It's been the topic on Qld bloggers lips the last couple of days. Thanks for bringing another element into our conversation. Very cool!
ReplyDeleteExcellent, I am going to have to go any have a look a few days back and see the conversations. I am glad my post was timely :) Have a great weekend. Rachel x
DeleteNow I love blogging too...hey where can we get a jumper/t-shirt that has those lines on it?
ReplyDelete"I am a blogaholic" T-shirts would be so cool!
I have read many blogs, some I will go back to, others I return to now and then...some I dont go bacl to.
For me its about connecting with like minded people, and sharing a commen interest. As well as supporting each other :)
My blog is personal - its my place and where I share from the heart!
A t-shirt would be good. Only a blogger would understand it.
DeleteWe are so lucky that blogging has made it easy to find like minding people. The support out there is amazing. Rachel x
Yay...this morning here is the comment box large as life!!! Awesome list...warm,friendly, straight forward! Thankyou Rachel :)) Roni from foodthatsings.com xx
ReplyDeleteHi Roni, I'm glad that silly box came back. Thanks for the compliments and comment. Have a great weekend. Rachel x
DeleteYour last blog post made me giggle. Thanks, Rachel x
ReplyDeleteI'm always interested in how easy to read and fun to be around my blog is http://www.embraceordinary.com , Love reading yours, i could almost see you counting through the items on your fingers and getting to number 11 and going oh buggar it.
ReplyDeleteIf someone could take a hit out on captcha i would be deeply grateful, it is the biggest pain in the butt around.
Jenni :)
Hi Jenni, You blog always gets me thinking. We should all put in for the captcha hit :) Rachel x
DeleteGreat content Rachel.
ReplyDeleteIts always good as you say to get some education and inspiration when using valuable time on blogs.
Keep up the good worke (spelling mistake to make the pointe lol)
Ivy
www.inspiredfuture.com.au
Your site is great for inspiration. Rachel x
DeleteVery cool list, thank you x
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeanne
DeleteI'm doing something right, cos you visit me often. Captcha drives me nuts.
ReplyDeleteHi Dr Bron, I do like your blog. I have linked up today too. Thanks for visiting, Rachel x
DeleteThis list rings pretty true to why I stalk as well. Definitely love a freebie & Captcha certainly is comment hell!
ReplyDeleteI love a fellow stalker. What happens if we stalk each other?
DeleteCouldnt agree more about the captcha! Drives me insane!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete:)
xx
and usually it's only smaller blogs that seem to have it. Why is that?
DeleteLoving your list.
ReplyDeleteFreebies draw me in to.. ;)
I think Captcha needs to just disappear! So frustrating..
I think the more people complain, the less people will use it. Right!? I hope anyway. Rachel x
DeleteFantastic list. Captcha is a nightmare. I would love you to have a look at my little blog any feedback would be more than welcome. www.madamerougemakeup.blogspot.com cheers
ReplyDeleteI am a little makeup crazy so I am glad you brought your blog to my attention. Loving your new logo. Rachel x
DeleteThis list is spot on Rach ... you know what I love ... how you grabbed blogging by the horns last year and have gone with it. You're consistent on your blog and you're a great reader and commenter on other's. In short, you're an asset to the community!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words. I can't tell you how much they mean to me. Rachel x
DeleteLots to agree on! I do read one blog very regularly that has Captcha, it kills me but I struggle on as I like the content. You'd love the current Proskins leggings and top giveaway on my blog I am sure!!
ReplyDeletehttp://themumsdiet.com/proskins-anti-cellulite-leggings-and-top-giveaway-review/
Content beats everything - even captcha. Great giveaway. Proskins are awesome. Rachelx
DeleteIt's certainly love at first site when deciding how much time I will give to a blog and poor spelling or grammar is the worst. I also find that I like a few pics to illustrate the point. If I want to read a lot, I buy a book. Plus a good short post doesn't take too much time and can be enjoyed when I don't have a lot of extra time to give.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of making some changes at my blog I just don't know what might make it more appealing. I've been at it 4 months and have 900 followers and wonder if it needs a facelift...kind of like me! :)
Cheers,
Laura
Too many words do send me packing. I thought it was my short attention span though :) I love books but prefer shortish posts.
Delete900 follows in 4 months is fantastic!! You're doing something right. Rachel x
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI'm an Australian living in the UK and I've just started a fashion blog, it's only a few weeks old! I follow quite a few British blogs, but now it's time to find some fellow Australians.
Please come and check it out, I'd love to have some blogoholics on board ;-)
Blue Belle
http://bluebelle10.blogspot.co.uk/
Hi Blue Belle, really cute blog, thanks for bring it to my attention. I love the colour wheel and suggestions. Rachel x
DeleteJust love your blog! Only just starting out myself, so a timely post. Still working on finding that engaging audience but having lots of fun while trying. Also have a few giveaways at the moment.
ReplyDeleteRaych x
http://www.msmysterycase.com/2012/09/weekly-wind-up.html
Loved this post Rachel!! I think some of the above comes naturally with time. The more you blog (ie. edit, write, take photos) the better you'll become. Of course, there are exclusions but in general, practicing a lot helps. I follow not sure how many blogs actually... but recently I started cleaning up my lists. Blogs that have annoyed me (ie. featuring Chanel bags infront of starving African babies I find that unnacceptable) or are irrelevant left that list. I can tolerate Captcha but not vulgarity or rudeness.
ReplyDeleteI love your list. I am guilty of many a typo but I do enjoy blogging. I hope my (our) readers aren't too annoyed.
ReplyDeleteAwesome list, I think I commented before when you first posted it but just loved the idea of being comment number 101 :) fairy wishes and butterfly kisses lovely
ReplyDeleteOver from Dr Bron's linky and having read the list I am honoured that you already commented on my blog, so thank you very much. In blog terms I am a real novice. Nosing around your blog now, it looks great.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get a chance to comment on this when you first linked it up on Dr. Bron's blog but I've been going back and visiting everyone and returning the love!
ReplyDeleteYou've got a spot on list here. One of the things I hate the most is a hard to read font! I won't even bother going past the first paragraph. I'm also not a huge fan of posts with no photos unless the person is super funny (like say Magneto Bold Too) or it's something that is really serious and having photos would diminish that. Not everyone can take great photos that they want to include,but with google images it's not hard to find at least one image to illustrate your post with. I'm a photography nut so having an image or two is important to me.
I do love your list! I am still learning to write simply and to the point, I get a bit wordy sometimes. I know you already visit my blog on Tuesdays! http://www.averyblendedfamily.com
ReplyDeleteI see I read & commented back in June but enjoyed reading it again today. And hooray, I know that you'll be liking my new blog!!!
ReplyDeleteThankyou for such great tips! I'm always keen to hear whether or not my blog is keeping up with what readers want / would like in a blog. Thanks Rachel!!!
ReplyDelete