Do NOT Copy

Do NOT Copy

The Followers Gadget

I was reading one of my blogland friend's blogs today. I had noticed a change in the "followers" gadger this morning before I even read Tina's post. She posts on In The Garden if you don't know her.

In her post we discussed the idea of followers. I admit that I was rather reluctant to add the gadget myself because of the title. To me it insinuates a following of people who share the same beliefs. I really don't feel that it's the best name for my gadget. It is nice to see who likes to read blogs though, so it is a handy gadget to have.

After our discussion I was preparing myself to remove the gadget from my blog entirely. I seems to be an advertisement for their friend thing to me too, you know, that new add on line at the bottom?

Before I removed it though, when I clicked the tools I saw that many things on it can now be changed. I think I was able to make it look less objectionable, what do you think? I blended words I didn't like so much into my background and changed the title of my gadget.

I would like to know your opinions. For now I have changed the title to "Fans", but I considered many other titles as well. For other considerations please check out my new poll. I'd like to know what you think about that as well. What would YOU prefer to be called? Do you have more creative names that mean the same general type of thing? Please leave your "other" ideas here in my comments!

Thank you for stopping by. Please leave me a message. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Cindy

9 comments:

Nola said...

I don't really understand the "followers"; I've added myself to some, but some of the people I read regularly, I just added in my Google reader; either way, I can follow them easily.
Not sure what official title sounds best; I guess it's just an individual preference. Same with blogging lists; they are handy, and I often find new blogs by clicking on the sidebars of some of my favs. On the other hand, some people have SO MANY it's just confusing. I try to change mine up from time to time just to keep a good mix and reflect the blogs I read daily. So there's my opinion. I'll pop over and take your survey next.

tina said...

I think it looks fine on your blog. All of them do, but they aren't really fair since not all fans are showing. Plus it got to be too much for me and lots of folks I am thinking, so it came off. I did vote on your poll:) Of course! I love the polls on the blogs. Have a great day. Spring is on its way.

Skeeter said...

I voted on the poll. I dont really pay too much attention to the stats and all. I just enjoy chatting with a few folks now and then about gardening and life. You all seem to bring up great memories for me through your blogs. Like the wonderful book your grandmother gave to you in the posting below. Such a wonderful memory for you and made me think of my grandmother as well....

garden girl said...

I find I don't pay much attention to most sidebar gadgets Cinj. I like your idea to give the followers gadget a new name.

Victoria Williams said...

I think your "followers" widget looks fine. Since none of us invented it, I've never taken offense at the "followers". I think readers sounds better.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

I think it looks fine too. I'm kind of confused about how it works though, it seems to give the same info the other one did. I'v thought about changing the title too, but couldn't think of something clever enough. I'm voting also.

VP said...

Hi Cinj,

I've always changed the heading on the Followers to try and make it a bit more humorous and in keeping with the style of my blog, so I'm glad you've found a way forward that fits with you too.

I've voted for Other because of this as I'd like to change the style of it completely.

For me the most value I've had from Following is 1) finding new blogs from who's decided to follow me and 2) who's written new posts on the blogs I follow when I go into Blogger. It saves having to go into Google Reader to find out.

Linda said...

I tried the gadget out when it was first introduced but decided to get rid of it. I also don't click to be a follower of any blog. I find it easier to keep track of those I like to visit regularly in the blogroll widget (always opens in a new window).

Anna/Flowergardengirl said...

I didn't know what you were talking about at first until I read Crafty's response. I don't depend on any of it. I don't even look at my blogroll. I tried taking my blogroll down but it seems links are associated with it and some weren't getting my post updates. I have no idea how that works. I usually respond through my comments or go to blotanical. I figure we'll be friends forever so you can call me any of your choices and I don't mind.