Since we’ve gotten involved with the blogging world, I’ve picked up on a distinct difference between bloggers and non-bloggers. I think. Tell me if you’ve noticed anything like this:
Blogger: This is fun. I’m reading someone’s blog. I think I’ll leave a comment. Cool.
Non-blogger Type 1: Blog? Huh? (returns to astounding intellectual and athletic pursuits)
Non-blogger Type 2: This is fun. I’m reading someone’s blog. But wait, I probably shouldn’t be reading this, right? I mean, they don’t know I’m reading it, so maybe I should pretend I’m not. Does this make me a stalker?
I used to be a non-blogger Type 2. I admit it. It made me feel like a stalker to read people’s blogs. Starting my own blog with Cool Dad and leaving comments on other blogs has solved the problem for me. I’m no longer ashamed to read people’s blogs. But I must admit that I don’t ever talk about blogs with my non-blogger friends.
Do you have any thoughts on bridging the divide? Do your non-blogger friends know that you have a blog? Any Type 2’s out there?
Related posts:
I guess I am the other type: non-blogger who leaves comments. Don’t know that I have the time to update a blog enough to keep it interesting (nor that I would have anything interesting enough for people to read in the first place), but I am not shy sharing comments on the blogs of others. Now I’m worrying that is rude!
Rowan – not rude at all! very cool, actually. sounds like as a Type 3 you’re able to have a life apart from the computer but also be actively involved in blog discussions. Good idea!
I just make sure everyone I know is aware that I have a blog. I look for any excuse to direct them too it.
I’m hoping some of them will transition from stalker to blogger.
Sometime last year, my dad nonchalantly commented, “I read your blog the other night.” I was startled! I had no idea a previously non-tech savvy guy such as himself would figure such a thing out! (He’s always loved Google, though.) Now he’s up to speed with digital cable, wireless internet and last summer, we even got him into text/pix messaging. Not bad for a grandpa of 3.
I find it hard to explain to a non-blogger (especially type 1) how my “blogger friend” had some experience that I found humorous or interesting. I had an experience like that yesterday with a coworker…but she mostly understood because her daughter blogs.
Someday the world will be as cool as us…or something. =)
Yea, like Rowan said! I clicked the comment link just to say what he did. I like to read and post comments, but don’t blog.
Maybe you could broaden Type 3 to include the less humble, poor time managers who feel like they are always interesting, but can’t make themselves blog for their fear of the time commitment… ’cause know a guy like that…
I would say I am probably a type 2 that transitioned….but all of my non-blogger friends are like “what’s a blog?”, once they are informed, they say, ” you must have too much time on your hands.” For me it’s an outlet, and it’s nice to identify with shared belief or similar place in life.
Hip Mama
I’m an evolving type 2 blogger. Have a blog, love reading others blogs, feel like somewhat of a stalker, yet…leaving that world to enter into the world of “blogger” so I can be cool. Thus this comment. Like your blog!
~Kelli
I’m a Type 2 blogger who is getting over the fear that reading someone else’s blog without commenting makes her a lurker, especially if she doesn’t know them. I tend to blog hop when I’m bored – I’ll be reading a friend’s blog and click on a random link in their blogroll and discover new blogs that way – but never comment. That’s how I stumbled across your blog in some convoluted manner, and never would have commented had this not been the question
I like your blog!
Amanda
This is hilarious. Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting, by the way! I LOVE getting comments, and love leaving comments to people I don’t know. But then I feel like I totally know them. I met a girl who’s blog I had been following for about a month. As soon as I met her, I wanted to hug her and say, “I’m so glad we’re best friends now!” I don’t think she read my blog, or maybe she’s just normal, because I did not get the vibe she felt the same way.
That didn’t answer you’re question at all, but hey, it was about blogging. 
you know i never felt like a stalker when i read other peoples blogs but i didnt like to comment at first.
I felt a little strange telling someone something, when they dont know me. like i should email them first with a picture or something.
CM, this is fun! I think we should stereotype people more often.
I’m a little late on this. But ya know…I have noticed recently that when I talk to my non-blogging friends they look at me weird. I really think they think I’ve lost it. Especially now that we have two different bloggers coming out to see us this summer! We are SO excited – our friends are jaw dropped. Wha?!!! I no longer talk to them about it.
I’m new to your blog…i found it from the secret life of kat and this is a wonderful introduction. i often feel like a type 2 or as some would say, “a lurker”.(my blog isn’t nearly as interesting as most) but you have given me the confidence to dive in head first…so i’m sure you’ll be getting all kinds of strange comments from some lady you’ve never met and probably won’t until heaven…can’t wait!
tam – are these people that you know only online? yes, i can tell that people are rolling their eyes, even just if on the inside, when i talk about our blogging friends (you guys!)
sarah – it’s definitely more fun when you participate! and welcome!
Several years ago, I think before it was completely hip for everyone to blog, there were online diary communities. I was the proud member of one such community. There, you had the option of a note with just your name. Kind of like a wave. I was here, I read this and have nothing substantial to add. Wonder if you could do the same here. Nah…that would probably just look stupid. Like your kid was banging on the keyboard while you were trying to leave a comment. Better to just be a blog lurker.
i used to be a non-blogger type 2. However, i shifted my way to a blogger that acts as a diary in sharing my every day lif. Now that i am working, blogging is mandatory. *not complaining though*
Blogging allows you to explore and discuss with any types of issues from anyone around the world. Sometimes blogging gets addicted. lol
from being a non blogger to an active blogger…. must be something huh!