In acknowledgement

   We don't always stop our internet perambulations to say 'that's nice/fun/informative/useful/entertaining'. We don't always pause to express our thanks when something good catches our eye. We don't always record the fact that what someone has posted has pointed us in a helpful direction, brightened the day a little, or made us think. We move on because we're in a rush, others have already said what we had thought to say, we can't quite fathom the comments system, we expect to come back later ...

    I'd like to acknowledge the worth of so much I read and see online throughout the day: to everyone whose blog I follow (and there are many), to those who take the time to post beautiful photographs, inspiring words, funny things*, interesting links, well crafted pieces into which they have put thought and effort - you may never know just how enriching what you publish is.

    And the flipside of that: all those 'likes' and re-tweets, the simple messages of appreciation, the comments which carry on the conversation or take the topic further, all those things make a difference to the person who has posted the material, and that positive response is far more powerful than you may think.

    Speaking as both a creator and a consumer of words and pictures, to all concerned, thank you.

 

*Lucille's post the other day had me crying with laughter!

Comments

[Mary Ronan Drew]

I think I'm in love with Lucille: I may not stop giggling all day. Your stress is EXTERMINATED!!

[Cornflower]

We've now adopted "CALM!" as a catchphrase!

[Alice C]

Your post strikes a chord - I am always conscious that I don't comment enough on blogs - particularly WordPress blogs which ususally require me to complete a sign-in each time. We must never take blogs for granted - each of them represents an investment of the blogger's creative energy and time and a generous decision to share aspects of their private life online.

[Sam]

Totally agree. I have absolutely loved joining this blogging community - reading fabulous posts, admiring gorgeous photos, laughing at comments, smiling in recognition. And I love the creative process of writing and photographing for my blog. It's a Good Thing All Round.

[Spade & Dagger]

Also agree with all you said - thank you for saying it.

[Freda]

Karen, you once said 'Thank you for being a bright spot in my day' on my blog - you have no idea how many days that comment has brightened for me! Thank you for that and for all the interesting things you find to post about.

[Teresa]

Thank you too Karen for all the times you have liked and commented on posts including mine. I follow what feels like the whole world, and writing a comment takes me an age to compose. I would dearly love some way of acknowledging that I have read and enjoyed a blog post with a 'like' or a heart and leave a comment when I can. Just writing this has taken me ten minutes! Cornflower is one of my daily visits and, even though I don't always comment, I always enjoy reading and getting inspired by your posts, thank you Karen.

[cath]

The list of blogs - and yours is among those from the very beginning of my blogreading - I follow is reasonably constant and not long. Visiting those has the feel of visiting distant friends. I'm always looking forward to that moment in the day. Will what I read make me think, make me pause, touch my heart, nourish my soul, make me smile? It might happen, it often does. And I am very grateful for that.

[Miranda]

What a beautiful post! I so agree with everything you've said. It's so important to acknowledge what we enjoy from other blogs. I'm very grateful for my favourites (yours included!) that always brighten my day. xxx

[Margaret M]

What I feel has been well covered by these comments that have gone before so I'll just say "me too" and thank you again for the "bright spots" in my days, images as well as words.

[Lotta]

This is a lovely post and I totally agree. As a newish blogger I've been surprised and delighted that people have left comments and it's lovely to have those connections with people from all over the world. I'm often touched by what other people are willing to share on their blogs and grateful for the inspiration and creativity and sense of community.

[Kathleen]

I sometimes feel shy of leaving a comment on every posting...I rarely miss reading one though. Thank you.