I need your feedback.
*exhales*
Well, ‘need’ is too strong a word. I don’t actually ‘need’ anything.
*looks around, realizes nobody has made snarly bite-y sounds [yet]*
*continues*
Anyway… ‘Needs’ aside: I’m not typically accustomed to asking for feedback in a broadview/whole-audience kind of way, but I have a feeling there will be a variety of thoughts/feelings/ideas/responses depending on what kind of reader you are (i.e., Every post is a must-read versus I only read when we’re participating in the same meme versus Oh, I check in once every few months to see what you’ve been up to) and what your motivation is for visiting this site, so I’m going to pose a few questions. If you have thoughts on any of them – even if your thought is “Meh, I’m not really into it” – please let me know. I’m asking for a reason.
- Overall, how important are visuals (meaning: pictures/photos/illustrations) to your enjoyment of this blog space?
- What is your opinion of blog posts that are primarily photo-focused (meaning: there are little to no words because the point of the post is the photo)?
- As a reader, what has been your experience (and by ‘experience’, think: enjoyment/overwhelm/meh as well as interest-level/keeping-up-with-posting-schedule/content-meets-expectations) with reading this blog – or others** – during the month-long picture-a-day event that I’ve done previously during the month of February (February Photo Fest)?***
**Please do not criticize anyone else’s blog, but if you have opinions that can be expressed in generalities, that would be great.
***If you’re new{ish} and haven’t been around for FebPhotoFest, my top five most popular posts from that project — pick a post, any post! — may help you get the gist of what you might see:
photographie érotique ~ a perspective
How To Melt An Ice Cube
Oral Sex
Want To Cum
Love Hurts
Why am I asking for feedback?
The short answer is: I have limited time and energy, and both of those things will become more limited the further into winter we delve. (I have major money to make in a very short time span if I’m to have a stress-free vacation and also be able to pay my federal tax bill.) I want to use my limited time and energy – especially where this blog is concerned – in ways that I enjoy, preferably also combining that enjoyment with support of community memes and projects. Some of those ‘enjoyments’ are easy; others are, quite frankly, a lot of work. And the more work I put into something (and I don’t mean Labor of Love here — I’m talking difficult/challenging/time-consuming work), the more important it is to me that the work I do is worth it.
Of course, worth-it-ness is largely determined by whether I feel it’s worth it to me. But also… Part of what makes something ‘worth it’ is whether you, as a reader, are getting anything out of it.
I have my own feelings about photography and the work that is (or is not, depending on the situation) involved with creating the images I post here. If you’re concerned about it: my personal feelings on the matter will not be affected by whatever feedback you give. But I *will* take your feedback into account in determining my approach to certain upcoming projects. Because, quite frankly, if I’m putting a lot of effort into something that you – as a reader – are getting nothing out of… Well, that’s a thing, right? And if it works for you but I don’t know that (clearly I don’t know — finding out is the purpose of this post), it would help me tremendously – in terms of planning and motivation – to see that in black and white.
Does it really matter what my readers think?
Well…
No?
No, it doesn’t matter what my readers think.
*ducks, hides under desk*
*looks around, makes sure there are no rotten tomatoes being thrown my way*
But also YES, of course. It does matter. (Why would I be asking otherwise?)
I mean… On the one hand: I do what I do here and will continue to do it in a way that works for me, regardless of what you think. But on the other hand: I really appreciate (and try to celebrate) my readers, and your experience here in this blog space matters to me, which means that What You Think matters to me.
If that makes sense. 🙂
A N Y W A Y . . .
Photos: Gimme some feedback, please.
- In general, do photos/visuals work for you?
- What about when the photo is the sole focus of the post?
- Tell me about your February Photo Fest experience as a reader.
Please and thank you. 🙂
I enjoy the visuals as much as the written word. Sometimes the visual is all I need and sometimes a short explanation can be enough.
I love your sexy photos, and I love to hear about others sex lives, and to tell others about our sex lives. I thought my wife wouldn’t like it, but she is the one that pushed me into it.
In general, do photos/visuals work for you? What about when the photo is the sole focus of the post?
I love photos in posts or if they are special in some way as the focal point without too many words attached. I think all posts should contain an image or two even if they have 1000 words of narrative.
Tell me about your February Photo Fest experience as a reader.
I have participated so often have commented on others who are also posting along. I dont think I will be doing the photo-fest this year. Don’t know yet for sure – but as a reader I really like themed phot-fest images. Even if I don’t do the photo-fest I will still be checking out others who are. I think it is a great way of supporting a blog as when it is an image based post – as a reader – u can comment quickly.
Hope this helps – and I will tweet the post …
May x
May More recently posted…Personal Complexities of Pain and Intimacy
So I visit the blogs I follow in my reader as they are, it has nothing to with if they following a certain meme or not. Now I do make it a point to go to the memes, if I’m participating, to comment on others but I don’t t always have the time to keep up on it.
In regards to images- I participate in Sinful Sunday and Feb photo fest so the image is expected and that’s what I look for.
Personally I’m drawn to the blogs that incorporate both image and writing. Diversity is key to keep my interest.
However, I do love a good story so taking the time to read something another blogger has clearly worked so hard on is important too.
I feel like I just answered the questions in a big circle.. haha. I tell others the same thing that I hold myself accountable for- do what is important to you and the readers/followers who enjoy it will come back for more.
I personally don’t need visuals to enjoy blogs. Sometimes it’s nice to have pictures but it depends on the post. Though I myself post a lot of pictures and a lot of people have said they enjoy that. When a post is about the image, for sinful sunday for example, I really prefer having only a few short sentences in addition to or none at all.
I visit your (and other blogs) because I have signed up to follow and also you contribute to some of the memes. I don’t always get time to visit everyone all of the time. Sometimes I comment and other times not.
I enjoy photos on blogs and take them myself and put on my blog. February photofest can be difficult to keep up with because there are lots of people posting every day. When I didn’t participate my traffic went down, but that doesn’t have to be a concern. The other consideration is that it is very time consuming for participants, even if you already have 29 photos waiting. I also prefer some of the photos to accompany words and that makes for more work.
I am planning to contribute myself, but can already feel the pressure mounting and I have lots of time.
I hear you on the pressure bit. Normally, I start setting up for FPF at the end of December. This year… Nope. Not happenin’.
Personal images … it’s not something I could or would ever do … artistic, erotic or otherwise. I don’t care or mind that others do it … however, its not something I seek or follow in a blog as I am more interested in what goes on in someone’s head rather than any visual they may give me … with one caveat … some bloggers are distinctively creative … and I love a good piece of art … so if its something I could see hung on a wall in a gallery … that I can and do appreciate. On the other hand, Frank is a very much someone who does appreciate the visual side of things … he loves all the photos that everyone posts … some more than others 😉
One of my favourite posts of yours and the one that started me following your blog is this one …. https://mrsfever.com/2019/04/16/negotiating-no/ … not an image in sight :))
Aren’t you glad you asked … lol! …. I highly doubt you are going to get any type of consensus … so I say go forth and do what works for you … nj … xx
Oh, I will definitely go forth as I please. 😉
I’m actually really glad to know what started you following me; I’m ever interested in people’s visitation motivation. Especially when it’s words, because writing is definitely where my natural proclivities lie.
(And I’m very much of the same mindset as you when it comes to images. I think we are – generally speaking – in the minority though, which is a bit of a sociological curiosity for me.)
A good balance of visuals and words, I think, tell a more complete story although you, my dear, have a way with words that probably doesn’t need a lot of photographic backup.
I do enjoy a photo that meshes with the body of the words written, it certainly gives the post a certain flair.
Now that being said I truly do and have enjoyed reading your blog whether there are photo’s or not. Your use of words is amazing and your wit rapier sharp which I love. Reading your blog not only at times is tinged with humor but oft times makes me think.
Being pulled in numerous directions happens to all of us. Case in point my own blog which has been gathering dust for some time now.
In the end you will have to do what is right for you and the time you have to commit to this space.
What ever you decide to do, I will always be along for the ride.
Thanks, JB. You’ve been reading here for a long time; I appreciate your support.
Gosh, away from my computer for less than 12 hours and already I’m late to the party!
I do like photos, but generally more as an accent than as a focus. (And yes, I am very aware of the hypocrisy of that statement coming out of my mouth when I go through epic stretches where Spock Sundays are the only things that keep me from closing up shop.) But I’m a verbal person… and a not-particularly-visual one at that. I like words, I enjoy a good sense of humor. (And socks…)
From this reader’s perspective, February Photo fest is enjoyable… but rarely a highlight. Of course, I’m over here in my corner doing February Fragments, so I may not be getting excited simply because I’m too danged busy trying to post something every day myself.
I’m with those above – I’ll read you whatever you post.
Jz recently posted…Maquis Tactics 101
Yes, there is much to be said for socks. 😉
Another blogger I follow did something along the same lines as your February Fragments project in February of last year too. Hers was more of a let’s-get-these-drafts-out-of-my-folder type thing… Is this an official thing? Because if not, I’m thinking that maybe it should be. 🙂
That’s how my Fragments started, yes. Just that last year, I had pretty much nothing but memey type things in the “still to use” folder.
Maybe we can just arbitrarily designate it a thing?
After all, who’s better than us? ;-p
Jz recently posted…Maquis Tactics 101
Hello
I like photos but also words. A photo by itself is ok too. I have difficulty with really long posts because I have limited time to read and if I follow you I try to read your every post. I’m at the tipping point now though. I blink and I’m 3 days behind. You have published some delectable pics over the years. I’m blessed to have seen them. Case in point the pic you posted with this post!!
I know the Feb photo fest is supposed to be a daily image, but in reality, couldn’t you just post one a week or 4-6 for the month?
Do what works for you. I find your posts engaging and often very clever. I’m sure to be around to read whatever you post—eventually!!
Collaredmichael recently posted…The Chastity / Denial Matrix
Well, FebPhotoFest is a hosted project — and the host has rules. So no, I can’t just post a few photos throughout the month and call it good. (I mean, I can do that on my own of course; I just can’t “do” FPF that way.)
I appreciate the time and effort you put into reading here, Michael. And I totally get what you’re saying about post length. That’s helpful feedback and it’s one of the things I’ve always tried to give consideration to. Generally speaking, if I write something long(ish), I try to provide enough time before the next post for readers to catch up if they wish. 🙂
Hey, I’ve never seen a Feve post I didn’t like.
As to your questions 1 & 2,
I’m primarily a visual person –
music turns to visuals in my head-
colors and words are so much
sensory cues for the others.
So, to me visuals are my thing.
That said, a stand alone picture
rarely conveys the perspective
the poster intends ; without a
caption, a reader never really
gets it – and that perspective is
a part of what I read a particular
person’s blog for.
Whatever you’re doing,
keep doing it, please.
Here is where I comment but am of no help to you. For me, if it’s a visual it really depends on what the visual is for it to catch my attention. If it’s beautiful and well thought out and has an elegance to it then it captures me. Otherwise, I prefer some, doesn’t have to be many, words with it.
Photo memes are hard for me. I want to support others, and I notice that my numbers are often highest on those posts. Usually men comment most on these posts, and I have followers who only seem to comment on these (I think it is partially because it takes less time and partially because it’s the more viscerally sexual part of my blog). I give in and post a few here and there just to entice new followers. I’m not necessarily proud of that.
I personally avoid blogs that are mainly photo based. I prefer words. So the occasional photo is cool, to give me a visual and put things in context, but just photos? I’m out. I’ve done FPF in the past, twice. It’s a lot of work to contribute and comment. I’m not sure if I will do it this year or not.
As for you and your blog? I come here for the words. You could never post another photo and it would make no difference to my enjoyment of what you offer here.
I’ve done FPF twice — once as a body love project; the second time as an improve-my-skills adventure. I don’t really have a reason to do it again.
I get a lot of comments on Sinful Sunday posts, but that’s mainly because other people who participate seem to feel obligated(?) to say something. FPF does not drive engagement though, except on my wordy posts. Which is pretty telling. (And kind of a relief, honestly. Because I’m not a particularly good photographer, but I can write. 🙂 )
Thanks for your feedback, Brigit. I appreciate it. 😊
Okay, seriously. If I want pictures, I go to Tumblr.
That sounded harsh, but that’s because *personally*, I’m a reader. I’m here because I like your writing, and I like what you write about. The pictures are cute, but since I read via RSS, they are just a little bit of icing on a smooth, moist, full-bodied, multi-layered cake.
Tom Allen recently posted…The Chastity / Denial Matrix
In general, do photos/visuals work for you?
Not always. It depends on the content of the post. Sometimes the image supports the content, and sometimes the image takes the attention away from the content. There was a time when I had an image IN every blog post, but now I have a lot more blog posts which are only words, because it’s the words I want the reader to see, and I don’t want them to be distracted by an image. When I visit your site (or anyone else’s site for that matter), and your words draw me in, I tend to ignore the image.
What about when the photo is the sole focus of the post?
Just as I like when words are the sole focus of a post, I like it when an image is the sole focus of a post. Maybe with a couple of words to ‘support’ it, but simply an image with a post title I enjoy too.
Tell me about your February Photo Fest experience as a reader.
I love seeing the creativity of everyone, whether it’s just sharing random posts, or doing a theme for the month, or a theme a week. I love it.
Rebel xox
Marie Rebelle recently posted…Intimacy doesn’t mean sex
I prefer words over photos, always.
I can certainly appreciate the work that goes into taking/editing/posting photos and support anyone who shares images for whatever reason, but it’s not the reason I will take an interest in a blog or post.
Frens
Ferns recently posted…Femdom for bushfire relief
I like all types of posts, and think you should do what you want with your blog – sorry I am not much help 🙂
Sweetgirl x
Sweetgirl recently posted…I hit the wall