I noticed I had a new follower when I logged on this morning. Like everyone, I'm always excited to meet new people in the blogosphere and will almost always follow back. I'm not sure what criteria you use when deciding to join another blog. If it's about sheer numbers, then I guess any ol' blog will do.
Some people have very specific interests (like mountain-climbing or stock-car racing) that aren't of interest to me. Can't see myself randomly joining a bowling enthusiast's blog just for the sake of picking up a new Jewel either. Often though, it's more about the feeling or impression I immediately get when I first open their page, than the content. Humour is an important quality that jumps out at me right away. So is love of family, friendship, furry animals ---- and fully-clothed individuals...!!
Imagine my surprise when I tracked back to my new follower's blog. I suppose my first indication should have been the content warning, but I plunged in anyways, silly me. My bad - and oh my eyes!!! Wasn't ready for that. X-rated for sure. And disgusting to boot.
While I don't consider myself a prude, I would like to think a quick glance at my content would be all the information someone with an x-rated blog trolling for new followers would need to determine we're not 'into' the same things.
I'm not sure if it was the kid's books, those ridiculous knitted mitts from a few days ago or perhaps this pic of my first poppy of the season I posted way back in July, but something must have indicated we shared some common interests. Or maybe it's simply that this guy has a complete lack of common sense. Either way, I feel quite insulted. So thanks but no thanks, buddy.
And this is why we can block a follower if we so desire. Just in case they're trying to gain click-throughs by following.
ReplyDeleteNonono. (I love Grumpy Cat)
Hi Em, Yes I blocked him right away, but I'm still annoyed nonetheless.
DeleteI think some people are just collectors. They join tons of blogs in the hopes that those bloggers will follow their blog as well; they collect followers that way. I think you're right: it's all about numbers to some people. Sad.
ReplyDeleteI expect that is part of this. I also wonder if he gets his jollies knowing that people are going to click through to his blog out of curiosity... and surprise!!
DeleteOMG Jane!!!!!! I am very select with the blogs I follow, for a very simple reason that I do follow them for real. I read them, I get to "know" the people who write them and they write about something that interests me. I couldn't possibly read hundreds of blogs every week.
ReplyDeleteThat's why it really bugs me when someone passes by and says "following you, follow me" It is all about numbers. Like having 6,000 friends on facebook you never interact with.
I am sorry that whatever you saw is now burned on your retina ;-)
I feel the same way - for the most part, if I 'follow' you, you are going to see me on a regular basis -- so consider yourself forewarned, lol!
DeleteAnd thanks for the sympathy - after that shock, I definitely need it :)
I always look at my interests, then pick one and check for possible new friends. But Buddhism, knitting, photography, Cairn Terriers don't lead to anything X-rated. However I did have one guy try very hard to get me to convert from Buddhism. I kind of felt funny blocking this extremely religious fella, but it's important, to me, to have some harmony and fun on my blog...
ReplyDeleteThat's why I was surprised - how do you get from what's on my page to the x-rated department?! This is the second time I've had to block someone - not something I do lightly - but I'd hate for someone to check out my followers (which I often do on other blogs) and end up on that guy's blog and his 'Wild Turkey Surprise' in their face, lol!!
DeleteAt the very least, it spiced up this otherwise grey, cold, miserable winter day. A little excitement in your blogging world, no doubt :) LOL...
ReplyDeleteI haven't had that type of excitement yet, but I do receive a lot of spam that blogger has been blocking quite well, so far. And some of that spam is x-rated!
Haha, Martha!! When I emailed you earlier re this, I had no idea I'd eventually blog about it by end of day. But my indignance could not be contained! I do feel better now and I guess stewing on it did help pass the day, lol!
DeleteHi - and oh my. SO sorry you were offended. Such things are possible, sad but true.
ReplyDeleteSending warm hugs,
Lov to you
Gail
peace.....
Thanks Gail, I appreciate your very kind words :)
DeleteOh no! Not the Wild Turkey Surprise, LOL! And you found the perfect Grumpy Cat comment to accompany this post!
ReplyDeleteHehe, finally Grumpy Cat makes his debut here!
DeleteYou can find the strangest folks sometimes.
ReplyDeleteYes, the internet is literally crawling with them.
DeleteWild Turkey surprise!? Now I'm interested! Oh, these people! I just took the followers thing away Jane, because I hated all those "you follow me, I 'll follow you requests". I think you're right - these people get their kicks from the shock factor of others clicking back to their site.I get some weird things too, from Lithuanians who think that Sulky Kitten really means Sex Kitten!!
ReplyDeleteLol, I made that one up - but you get the mental picture I'm sure! I hadn't noticed you'd removed it. It's a battle - quality over quantity... feels good to gain followers, but in the end, the only ones who really matter are the core ones who regularly visit and comment - love, love those comments :)
Deletefully clothed individuals are a good quality??? Then why are you following my naughty place, sweet sister? :PPP
ReplyDeleteHehe, Very different my dear :) Naughty -- not nasty, lol!
DeleteSounds like that person was just fishing for followers. Sorry you had to deal with that shock!
ReplyDeleteI seem to have lost my first comment . Sorry if this is a repeat. anyway, I've had that happen on twitter but not on blogger. The guy probably gets off on shocking people. No wonder parents worry about their kids on line eh? I'm glad there is a way to block these guys. Wish I could bonk him over the head with a plastic baseball bat a few times for you, Jane.
DeleteThanks Sherry, I appreciate your kind words and thanks for becoming my newest follower :)
DeleteLol! That I'd pay to see :) Thanks and yes, this is a good reminder for all those lazy parents out there... none of whom I'm certain are reading this blog!
DeleteIt was totally the poppy. Very sensual flower.
ReplyDeleteHaha, the thought had crossed my mind when I posted it!
DeleteSo sorry Jane. Your blog is so wholesome! I would never think you would have this kind of problem. I've only had to block one so far, when I picked out my Etsy shop name and blog name, I was not thinking about the weirdos out there. Recently I found some nasty videos that start out with the title crave cute (nasty things). Just so you all know I am NOT involved in those! I think that person thought maybe my blog was associated with those videos. I am sure they were very disappointed!
ReplyDeleteThank you :) "Wholesome" is what I'd like to think was a first impression...
DeleteHow annoying for you that your very sweet blog title has drawn the wrong attention - it's crazy! No worries - no one would ever think that of you once they've visited you :)
Oh dear me, that cat! What a look! Priceless really :)
ReplyDeleteThink you might be correct re collectors of blogs.
Lol, That Grumpy Cat seems to have only one expression - disdain!
DeleteOh Lord, I hope this never happens to me. You still crack me up, Jane. :-)
ReplyDelete(I wondered why you said "fully clothed"!)
Dorothy
Haha, I sure lol'd when I wrote it. I figured that would get everyone thinking :)
DeleteI am so sorry Jane!!! I don't understand people! I am just wondering if it was the same person who commented on my blog? Before I clicked, I really thought about it and then just blocked them. Happy I did ;o) Big Hugs and keep on smiling ;o)
ReplyDeleteThanks Stacy :) I'm with you - I truly don't understand some people either.
DeleteHi Jane..wow..not a fun surprise..hugs..it has nothing to do with you..some people are just out there! I follow most people back..unless something seems odd..cuz i like the idea of genuine connection. I truly love the idea of people following me only if they really like/enjoy what I share..Id rather have 1 follower who is genunine.. than a kazillion who are not. I have seen my blogs/name linked to strange things online..it is no fair how it is.
ReplyDeleteHUgs..thanks for sharing!
Victoria
Hi Victoria, "Out there" is right, lol!! Now I'm wondering if (like yourself) it was my blog name that 'attracted' this person - they seem to be able to put a sick twist on just about everything. Thank you for your encouraging words :)
DeleteI hope my blog of an average University student's life works for you. :P
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does :) Thanks for becoming a follower!
Deletehahahahh the cat. this makes me laugh! you are fantastic! i am lucky enough to not have had any people follow me with x rated content.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachael & I hope that luck continues, lol!!
DeleteYes, that's also happened to me a few times on other blogs when I was checking out their followers!
ReplyDeleteOoh, nasty. That cat really captures one's feelings on this subject! It *is* rather annoying to have people just trying to get sheer numbers; I don't know what's the point of that. I'm glad my Tabbies didn't hurt your eyes lol
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to have to encounter the unexpected in the x-rated world. Blessings.
ReplyDelete