Diva for a Day
Blogging December 17th, 2008
I do frump really well, but today I’m a diva!
I had the honor of being interviewed by Vivienne at the deliciously spicy Diva Cosmos blog. Aside from giving me a really big head, she asked me a lot of great questions about one of the best parts of my blog — the comments!
Vivienne’s interview gave me a chance to reflect on why I think The Junk Drawer gets the number of comments it does, and how important they and my readers are to me.
I’ve always said that half the fun of blogging is reading through the comments after each post. If people stopped talking, I’d close up shop and slink away.
Click here to read the interview. If you have any follow-up questions, drop ‘em here or over at Vivienne’s place. You know comments are welcome!
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Stumble it!
December 17th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Woooo Hoooo!!!!! #1. Loved the interview!
Kara’s last blog post..Circle of Life
December 17th, 2008 at 7:32 am
nice interview your getting so famous that when I win the fridge magnet it will be a collector’s item and I will be able to make thousands on E bay with it..:))))
robert bourne’s last blog post..Christmas Award
December 17th, 2008 at 7:38 am
What a great interview! Whodda thunk my baby sister would be so famous? I’m proud of you, kid.
December 17th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Well, now that you said that comments are NICE, you probably just jinxed the whole thing. I’ll probably be the last person to comment ever.
You better not stop your blog. Seriously. I know where you live. And my mom has a GPS.
December 17th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Hahaha I forgot to change the Kathy thing. Regan thinks the same as her alter ego Kathy.
December 17th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I left a comment on the interview post because it seemed like she needed it more than you.
Prefers Her Fantasy Life’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday on a Tuesday (or How to Occupy Siblings of Different Ages and Genders For Two Hours)
December 17th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Great interview. I think responding to all the comments you receive encourages people to comment. Where you find the time I have no idea!
carol at A Second Cup’s last blog post..It Was Anything But a Quiet Night
December 17th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I like the fact you’re funny and you’re nice about it. I comment because it’s obvious you like to interact with your readers and it’s not self-serving.
Of course, I just want a magnet. I suck at the guesses, so I have to just suck up
Elle’s last blog post..Texas or bust
December 17th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Well thank you for the props over there. You are much too kind, Kathy!
But I do have a question.
When you leave a comment for someone on blogger do you sign in with your Google/Blogger ID which usually shows your icon with your comment? Or do you sign in with Name/URL which allows you to put a direct link to your name?
I like the idea of my brand, if you will, showing up on my comments. However, I really hate that clicking on the name takes you to the blogger ID page which then makes you look for the actual website.
What to do, what to do. I usually use the Name/URL. Why can’t blogger get with the program and allow the best of both worlds? I know, it’s a marketing ploy to direct stuff back to blogger.
Punks.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Congrats on the interview, Kathy! I know what you mean about comments– for my site, half the time the stuff folks write in the comments is funnier than the original post! I love it. You meet some excellent people that way.
Woo-hoo!!
Jenn Thorson’s last blog post..Tapping into Gently Worn Spandex
December 17th, 2008 at 9:12 am
You are so nice, Countess of Comments, to give other blogs interviews with you to bring them more traffic. I liked your interview and try to respond to my commenters too. The interaction is what makes blogging so much fun!
Karen, author of “My Funny Dad, Harry”’s last blog post..Puppets Come To Life With Helping Hands
December 17th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Great interview! You know how I feel about comments and commenters — both yours and mine. I always love coming over here and joining in with the rest of The Junk Drawer community.
I hope Diva Cosmos picks up some new readers. She wrote a great article and has a great blog!
JD at I Do Things’s last blog post..I Faked a Concussion so you don’t have to
December 17th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Diva for the Day?! The Countess of Comments?!
I wonder which one is higher in the pecking order? Does this make Dave the “Count”?
Chris (Casey)’s last blog post..Yep, I stepped in what I thought I did.
December 17th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Diva Cosmos did a great job interviewing you. Normally it’s like pulling teeth to get you to say anything so this is a real breakthrough!
Seriously though… loved the interview – and thanks for the awesome shoutout.
Jeff’s last blog post..Sleeping with one eye open
December 17th, 2008 at 10:33 am
cool interview and congrats. don’t feel too too bad about a post gone wrong. it happens, can’t please everyone. YOU know it was not written to harm…it does thing make you think about next time.
Natural’s last blog post..You’re So Vain You Probably Think This Post Is About You
December 17th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I just came from reading the Diva Cosmos interview and it was great! I only just subscribed to her blog a couple of days ago, and I am glad I did.
Daisy the Curly Cat’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: “Ho-Ho-Ho!”
December 17th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I enjoyed reading your interview at Diva Cosmos. You know I love your blog. I also love reading your comments almost as much as your post! Very funny!
December 17th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Congratulations on the interview! I love the comments often they are better than the post and I am always impressed that people can get so funny with so few words. Something I am not able to well. I have also met some wonderful people through the comments so it’s a great thing.
Jen’s last blog post..Damn Cat
December 17th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I just recently discovered Diva Comos, and love her work. Like I need another place to comment (after here). The interview was very good, which I’m going to let her know as well over on her blog. Keep up the good work, Kathy. You are my mentor, in the comments department. Of course, too often I fall behind, and don’t see comments until much later, but I try.
unfinishedrambler’s last blog post..Tuesday Afternoon Quarterback at Humor Bloggers Fantasy Football League Blog
December 17th, 2008 at 11:45 am
i love my reader’s comments, too. and i feel the same way. it’s the comments that keep me blogging.
btw, be sure to stop by my new blog. the neurotic mom won’t be around for much longer.
http://babyboogers.blogspot.com
Kelly’s last blog post..My Most Important Post
December 17th, 2008 at 11:56 am
What a great interview, Kathy! You’re one of our favorite daily reads, and most certainly our favorite EC discovery!
December 17th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Very nice, Kathy, and well deserved.
December 17th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
hi Kathy (aka the Countess of Comments),
Congrats on being crowned the Countess of Comments. It stuns me the number of comments you get, but I personally think it is due to two things – your posts are amazing and funny (and regular people can relate to them) and you respond to each and every comment. You are rare, and you deserve to be the Countess!
~ Steve (aka the in-awe-of-the-countess trade show guru)
Trade Show Guru’s last blog post..The Ultimate Christmas Gift
December 17th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Good for you!
Lauren’s last blog post..Gift’s You Should Not Buy For Anyone
December 17th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Kara — Cracks me up that you’re glad you got in first. I think that means I’ve arrived. Or something. Thanks. The interview was great fun for me. Vivienne asked me all the right questions.
robert bourne — You’re killing me. Check your email.
Marlene — Ah, thanks. I wouldn’t go as far as saying I’m famous, but Vivienne did put me in crazy good company. Dooce is a superstar in the blogging world. Makes enough money doing it to quit her day job. I’m workin’ on it.
Kathy (Regan) — I know. And I did invite people to leave idiotic comments when I’m asleep. We’ll see if anyone bites. Don’t worry. I won’t stop blogging unless I get hit by a bus. And even then, the first thing I’ll ask for in the ER is my laptop and whether they have wireless.
Regan (for real) — Stop confusing people.
Prefers Her Fantasy Life — And she’s doing quite well over there. You guys are the best! Anyone who follows the general rule about commenting on other people’s blogs will find the comments at their own place will increase. I promise.
carol at A Second Cup — I agree. I have to admit, I feel a little bummed if I leave a comment somewhere and the blog author doesn’t respond. Knock knock. Anyone home? I find the time mostly in the wee morning hours. I gave up responding on my lunch hour because I’m constantly interrupted by my clients. Couldn’t think straight.
Elle — Thank you. I feel very much like you are guests in my home. You take the time to leave a comment. It’s the least I can do to reply. It helps that I have some of the funniest commenters around. I get so much from the comments, more than you know.
cardiogirl — I admire the way you run your blog. I’ve been with you since almost the beginning. Remember? We won the haiku contest over at JD’s place. It was a very lucky connection, and that’s the beauty of blogging. I’m glad you asked about the Google thing. I mostly use the Google login, but I hate it for the reason you mention. It’s bad for people to do that if they run more than one blog, because the profile page shows all their blogs and no one knows which one was relevant to the discussion. I like to show my picture as well, which is why I do it the Google way. I hope Google gets a bucket of coal for Christmas.
Jenn Thorson — I know! I feel like I do so little for so much in return. I’ve met some of the nicest, funniest people through comments and getting to know them through their blogs and emails. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Karen, author of My Funny Dad, Harry — I love the “Countess of Comments” thing. I feel like somebody! Yes, the interaction is definitely a bonus. It’s really the reason I blog. Yes, I enjoy writing, but getting instant feedback is a writer’s dream.
JD at I Do Things — Damn straight, sister. I laugh my ass off every single time I read the comments here and over at your house. It’s like more fun than is fair to have. Vivienne did a bang up job and I love her blog. I think I found her through Entrecard. Very funny woman.
Chris Casey — I feel like someone today! But tomorrow, I’m back to my frumpy self. Vivienne wrote such nice things about me and my blog. I’m truly grateful.
Jeff — I know. I’m a tough nut to crack. Dude, I meant every word. When I read your comments, I think to myself “Why can’t I write like that?”
Natural — Thank you. I’m glad I learned my lesson fairly early on. It takes a really special writer to make sarcasm understood the way it was intended. That ain’t me.
Daisy the Curly Cat — Thank you, Daisy. I only found Diva recently and it was sweet of her to give me this chance to talk about what’s so important to me. I hope some of the advice works for others. Commenting is such an important component of blogging, I can see why some people give up when they don’t see many. The key is to keep plugging away, build a readership and the comments will come.
Laura Junkfoodaholic — Thank you so much. And I feel the same way. The comments are gold!
Jen — I have said that on more than one occasion (”Why did this post gets so many comments? The post was only so-so!) But you never know what will strike a chord with some readers. And yeah, I’m not always able to be clever or witty in my comments. I’m envious of others who can be.
unfinishedrambler — I do too! Thank you for your compliments. I so appreciate it. The important thing is to reply to comments regularly. Doesn’t matter so much when, just that you do.
Kelly — OMG, I thought that said babybloggers at first, but it’s babyBOOGERS! Too funny. I’ll check it out.
Gandalf and Grayson — Thank you and the feeling is mutual. EC is taking a lot of heat for a recent controversy, but I still think it works for me and many others. My thought is that it’s my job to keep readers interested. It’s EC’s job to send people over and nothing more. As far as junk blogs go over there, I just don’t drop on them. Skip ‘em, the system still works. {gets off soapbox now}
Bernie O’Hare — This from the Count of Comments! You do very well yourself! Hope you feel better soon. p.s. I know the FDA says Airborne is a crock of doo-doo, but I swear by it. I haven’t been sick for over four years.
Trade Show Guru Steve — Thank you so much. I respond to all comments because I’m so grateful for every one. It blows my mind that people feel compelled to say something after reading what I wrote. That instant feedback is what keeps me from writing a book. With a book, even if it gets published (which is a total crap shoot), I would never get instant feedback and I’d miss it. It’s ironic that blogging is keeping me from writing.
Lauren — Yes, good for me and I don’t deserve it.
December 17th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Maybe you should consider changing your name to “The Junk Drawer Diva”!
December 17th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Nice interview! I think the reason you and JD have such active comment sections is because you respond (usually hilariously) to each commenter. Before I discovered I Do Things (and, sometime later, the Junk Drawer), I had never visited a blog where the writer actually answered comments. It’s great to be able to interact with the people who make you laugh. You and JD are my blogging heroes and I have made a commitment to answer every comment at my blog, too!
absepa’s last blog post..Challenging Some of the Conventions of the Holiday Season
December 17th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
I still say you cloned yourself….
Congrats on the great interview!!! Makes me proud to say “I knew her when…”
Maureen’s last blog post..Well THAT Was A Rude Awakening
December 17th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Great interview! I’m all commented out now, after leaving my comment there ;O)
D’you know why I love yours and JD’s blog? It’s because I can say whatever I want and not feel that I HAVE to be clever when I comment. If I just want to say ‘Oh poo’ I can ;O)
Babs – beetle’s last blog post..Would you like to mess up a Christmas Carol?
December 17th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I’m heading over in a minute to read the interview, but wanted to leave a quick comment before I have to spend ten minutes scrolling down far enough to find the input box.
Seriously, you and I have had this discussion a couple of times about the level of participation here. We are in full agreement about how we feel toward those who participate on our blogs. I will always be able to say, “I knew Kathy when…”
December 18th, 2008 at 4:31 am
BIG fun for me today! I’ve so enjoyed reading everyone’s thoughts about the interview. It’s nice to see how blogs can, and do, have that personal touch that brings them to life. Interviewing Kathy was an inspiring and fun project for me that was sweetened even further by visits and comments.
I’m still jazzed by seeing my words on the Internet, let alone reactions to them. I am blogger, hear me roar.
Vivienne’s last blog post..Want to Get More Blog Comments? Check the Junk Drawer.
December 18th, 2008 at 6:05 am
PaulsHealthBlog — It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Of course, I’m not very divalicious. Remember, I do frump.
absepa — Ah, thanks! I feel like something’s missing if I don’t get a response on a particular blog. I think I’d even take a “Thanks for visiting” response than none at all. It’s such a key ingredient to success, I don’t know why some people don’t take the opportunity.
Maureen — Here’s my secret…I don’t have kids. I have at least 4 more hours a day of “me time” than parents do. Honestly, I don’t know how parents of small children find the time to blog at all, much less answer comments.
Babs beetle — I’m so glad you said that. I’ve succeeded if people feel like they can say anything here. I love the free-for-all vibe in the comments section. Thank you for adding to it!
Lee — Absolutely. It’s such an important element to blogging. I think we are successful because we welcome readers with open arms and don’t take them for granted. People are fickle in an online world. If you don’t appreciate your readers, they can so easily go somewhere else. Thank you for your kind words.
Vivienne — You done good, diva! I loved reading the comments here and at your place. I’m so thankful you asked to interview me and I hope the take-away is that to find a community, you have to seek it out. Comments don’t always come easy, but it’s worth the effort many times over when you get them.
December 18th, 2008 at 7:41 am
I checked my email..:))))) and I am for ever grateful…
robert bourne’s last blog post..To You
December 18th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
What a great interview. I’m a very new reader of your blog, but I always enjoy your posts. It’s good to know how you approach blogging, your readers and those that comment on your site. Congratulations.
Have a terrific diva day.
Comedy Plus’s last blog post..Why AARP Sells Insurance
December 18th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
You get the comments because your blog is way cool and fun to read. And speaking of fun, (is that a segue or what?)what happened to that cool person who “doctored up” your picture for the holiday? I’ve been waiting for the “you in an elf hat” or Santa and his sleigh circling your head but nothing to date! Somebody’s slacking off here girlfriend.
Preston’s last blog post..Say Thanks to Our Troops at Christmas Time and All Year Long!
December 18th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Very nice interview, I just found your blog (funny, I also love I Do Things–the current post about faking the concussion has had me laughing inside for 2 days. I think I may have bruised my ribs keeping it in). I’ve just recently started a tech-oriented blog, and I get very few comments, but there’s definitely some good advice here for any blogger.
Steve’s last blog post..Now it may be time to panic…
December 18th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Bravo Bravo! I give you congrats on this wonderful blog and hope it never ever dies out.
December 18th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
The Interview was EXCELLENT.
And I too live for comments. (who doesn’t?) I also make sure to check back where I have left comments because I like the interactive type of blogs!
meleah rebeccah’s last blog post..How Do You Do Christmas?
December 18th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Large numbers of comments come by leaving them, and responding to them – that simple. I don’t know how many times I have come across a post that asks the question, “How can I get more comments?”
I leave a comment explaining this, and then never get one in return.
That’s why!
Going over to read the interview
Eric “Speedcat Hollydale”’s last blog post..Duet with MsQ!!
December 18th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Great interview! I’m so happy you got some recognition, Kathy, and I’m sure there’s only more great things to come.
Stephanie C.’s last blog post..amy poehler says goodbye
December 18th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
robert bourne — It’s the most special magnet ever to cross international territory. Promise, I’ll get it out by Saturday. Those crazy post office people scared me tonight.
Comedy Plus — Thank you so much! I’m glad you stuck around. I have to admit I played the diva card today. I almost wagged my finger in someone’s face. They had it comin’.
Preston — Thanks, bud! Oh, man, you totally caught me on the Santa Kathy thing. I’ll get it up tomorrow. I’m so tired right now, I’m afraid I’ll blow up my blog if I change it now. But you can see me in my cute hat on Twitter for now. Is that enough?
Steve — OMG. JD’s faked concussion post went immediately into my Top 10 list. I re-read it twice since I first saw it. You’re right. The comment techniques I use work for anyone. p.s. I didn’t know there was a Buffy the Vampire Slayer book out. Tres cool!
brooke — Thank you, my dear. I’ll keep doin’ it as long as you guys keep showin’ up at my doorstep.
meleah rebeccah — I’m glad you said you checked back. I sometimes wonder how many people do that. I know I do when I comment on other people’s blogs. I love your interaction with your readers as well. I feel very welcome over at your place.
Eric “Speedcat Hollydale” — Doesn’t make any sense, does it? Blogging really is a two-way street. I just recently found a blog I liked (and I’m still hanging onto it), but the author does not acknowledge her commenters. I get the sense she’s only writing the blog like a diary. Lost opportunity there.
Stephanie C — Oh, thank you so much. I’m so happy you’ve been with me for so long. Love to see your little pretzely self!
December 18th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Very way so cool!!! You are a blog celebrity!! : D
There are a lot of reasons for your comment popularity. You know I’ve thought about this before. I truly believe that the main reason is that not only are you an open book, but that book is truly a likable and lovable one. You could be anyone’s best friend. I’m glad to count you as one of mine!
Happy Holidays!!!
December 18th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I tried to comment on the interview page, and the damned thing wouldn’t work (or I couldn’t figure out how to make it work). Irony.
Good interview and good tips…thanks for sharing!
Father Muskrat’s last blog post..secret santa
December 18th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Kathy:
I read the interview and, personally, I think you deserve all the kudos you get. You write a great blog and hilarious little articles. I always love stopping by your site.
Happy trails.
Swubird’s last blog post..THE ZEN MASTER AUTO MECHANIC
December 18th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Thanks for stopping by! Yes, indeed, Buffy lives–as a lasting icon of a successful and accomplished young woman who fights evil, and in book form!
December 18th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
You can’t stop my commenting even when you bring the hate.
Now, I have to go look at myself in the mirror and rub my perfect skin.
Momo Fali’s last blog post..Oprah Cliffs Notes VII
December 19th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I so agree with Speedy. I hate it when I take the trouble to comment on a blog post, and it just gets ignored. You don’t even know if it’s been read by the blog owner.
It took me quite a while to learn to relax when answering comments on my posts (Us Brits you know) but I’m slowly getting there :O)
Babs – beetle’s last blog post..A Special Fairy!
December 19th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Merry Christmas!
Swubird’s last blog post..A CHRISTMAS MYSTERY
December 19th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Thank you so much for sharing, I am fairly new to your blog. I have gotten quite a few laughs from your posts. Please feel free to stop over at my blog, I like you am just trying to write my thoughts down, most are funny and crazy and if I can make someone else laugh then I think my blog job is done
)
I did add you link and will be doing a feature post about your blog so my readers can enjoy also.
Take Care, laugh with you soon
The Mind of a Mom’s last blog post..It’s a Snowy Snow Day
December 19th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Aw. I am so glad you feel welcome over on my blog. That makes me smile. Yes, I think interaction and forming connections with other people is the Best part of blogging.
meleah rebeccah’s last blog post..Friday Funnies: The Silent Treatment
December 20th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Ferd! — I’m blushing! Thank you so much. What a high honor. I’m all verklempt!
Father Muskrat — Oh, darnit! What would blogging be without bugs and hiccups? Thank you. I’m so glad Vivienne invited me to do the interview. One thing I really wanted people to know was that comments didn’t come for me overnight. Blood, sweat and tears, baby!
Swubird — Thank you so much, bud. The feeling is mutual. So when you writin’ that book already? And Merry Christmas to you as well. Not long now!
Steve — My husband is the big Buffy fan and I know tons of people who were Buffy addicts. The book is a nice follow-up to a show missed by many.
Momo Fali — Oh, what women would do for your milky, clear skin! I’m still getting zits into my 40s. No one ever told me that would happen. Dammit.
Babs beetle — I can understand on some blogs that get a zillion comments, but if you only get a few, they should be responded to. I hate feeling left out in the cold. Your comments section is like a party, too! I like going back to read what others have to say, and you answer them quickly, which is a bonus. Good show!
The Mind of a Mom — You’re absolutely right. That’s what I always say. If I can make someone laugh for a few minutes, my job is done. Oh wow! I just saw you wrote up a piece about my blog. So nice of you, thanks! Pop Goes the Weasel is one of my all-time favorites. Glad you liked it!
meleah rebeccah — You do what you do very well and your recent good fortune is fun to follow!
December 20th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Fun interview! You are my comment idol!
Musing’s last blog post..Secret Santa Can Suck It!
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:16 am
I read the interview yesterday. I found it from the blog, Behind the Bit. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts. It’s really remarkable to see how many comments you get and it sure must make you feel great. Thanks for sharing your blogging secrets.
Mountain Woman’s last blog post..Goodbye For The Holidays
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Musing — Thank you! Some days I can’t believe it myself how many people leave comments here. Warms my heart.
Mountain Woman — Glad you made it over! I love Behind the Bit. Stacey’s an amazing writer, and I don’t know how she holds down a demanding job, takes care of her horses, rides and trains, and writes a blog! Yes, I feel great every time I check in and see what readers have to say. They always make me laugh and I feel like I get more from blogging than is fair.