This is probably going to sound controversial (which is not my intention) but some times I wish I could cherry pick my audience. Do not get me wrong, I am not looking for an 'agreeable' audience. It's not about having people puff me up for everything I say or present here either ... It is about having people in the same 'head space' to understand and exchange (debate!) ideas with ... The sole reason I continue to blog is for that every now and then, there are few sparks of true connections that I happen to make through this medium.
A lot of debates happen via emails (with readers) or texts (with friends and family). However often, I find that it's probably not worth exchanging my point of view with some people because we are not in the same (or even near about) realm of existence. It's like trying to have a conversation is two different languages where neither of the two are understanding a single word.
Having said that I would like to appreciate all the comments I receive. A lot of recent comments on my posts have enriched my world view, taught me something new or stimulated my brain to say the least. I have said it before, and I will repeat myself - commenting & complimenting is a skill - which some of my readers have in spades, and one which I lack direly. Even when I am touched or moved I fail to express my emotions in apt comments/compliments. Le sigh! One day I will learn ...
For now let me try and compliment my photographer for this post: Jess, who took these spectacular shots at the Visionary Art Museum (Baltimore) on a cold morning. I love how the light in the shots. She and her husband, were an absolute delight to shoot with and I cannot wait work with her again! Also, a BIG shoutout to Sassanova boutique for collaborating with me on this post.
Photography via JessBeeCreates
I would view it from the other side. Out of the 1000s of readers reading your opinions, there would be someone in the same plane at some point of time. After all you do need an orchard to pick the cherries from, no? :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are too kind! Thank you for the support over the years! Xx
DeleteI hear you. We don't want to seem ungrateful but some visitors to our blogs seem to be in a different "realm of existence," as you put it. And you're right about giving compliments: sincere, valuable ones take effort and skill.
ReplyDeleteAs always, a delight to hear from you Ralph! Thank you for always lending a patient ear. :)
DeleteI'm with you and it is not about finding an audience that is agreeable but having an audience that gets you. But I'm sure considering the volume of audience that there are several that get where you are coming from :)
ReplyDeletewww.rdsobsessions.com
You can't please everyone!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you! And I love these pictures, they came out great!
ReplyDeleteI can relate. I wish I could find a great balance with my audience that relates to me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating concept to consider. I'm not sure I've ever really thought about it with my readers, but I can completely understand where you're coming from, and I definitely agree that it could be helpful to have that kind of audience. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteGosh! Its hard to please everyone! Love your honesty in this post and that top is amazing!!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about being in the same headspace. I feel like you must get that from your podcast audience though. Our blogs vary from topic to topic. But the podcast audience -- at least in theory -- should be an audience with a specific purpose.
ReplyDeleteAlso, damn -- those earrings are fire!
www.ohtobeamuse.com
First of all that top is hella cute! And as a first time visitor to your blog - finding your audience can be tricky. Especially when in the space of fashion - having in depth discussion can be tough. But I believe that having thought provoking articles like this every second post can really help engage people further. And develop the relationship you want to build :)
ReplyDeleteAicha | The Fashion Heist
Adter you past the numbers game, blogging keeps it pace only because of the intentions n interactions...
ReplyDeleteSometimes I have a hard time expressing myself in comments too. I can sincerely express that I love your top in this comment though! Very cute :)
ReplyDeleteLol, I think part of it is also "Hey, I know you're hiding behind your computer, but be open to being constructive too!" Empathy, listening and a willingness to hear differing opinions are skills I think we're all constantly trying to improve!
ReplyDeleteI don't know where I stand on this one. It's hard to hear the negative comments at times but I guess unfortunately it might be part of this. I'm open to constructive critism but it usually doesn't read that way.
ReplyDeleteAngela
You make some excellent points in this post. Also, Jess is a brilliant photographer and that outfit looks incredible on you!
ReplyDeleteI get what you're saying Tanvi, I often feel the same way even when it comes to people I've been friends with for years in the real, non-blogging world. We're all just going through different phases in our existence and sometimes it's difficult to connect in a like minded way. I see it with my kids all the time. Right now they're all about the image they need to project and probably get super frustrated with their Mom when she just doesn't get how cool they're latest pair of yellow Nikes are. And the last thing they want to do is talk about "weird esoteric stuff". It's all part of how we grow and become us. As long as we're open to learning and trying to connect on different levels it's all okay. I really struggle to find the nice, boring, oh so polite words to express myself because it all just feels so false sometimes. Says she who just written an incredibly long paragraph ;-) Your good Tanvi, stay true to yourself and your cherry picked audience will respond
ReplyDeleteDefinitely cannot please everyone and you definitely make some great points gal! Side note, you look incredible in their photos.
ReplyDeletexo Laura Leigh
www.louellareese.com
I really love your outfit, especially the pair of earrings which matches so well when you bun up. The blue, white and red are really matching well together. By the way, different people will have their own opinons and thoughts so I just have control my own thougths and be positive.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are stunning as always! That is such a boss babe top!
ReplyDeleteI love your top in these photos! This is an interesting topic. I'm grateful for every single person who follows me :)
ReplyDeleteI've gotten so used to ignoring the negative comments that it's something I do on a daily basis almost lol. Obviously there's something they actually like if they took the time to comment in the first place, negative or not. Beautiful look btw!
ReplyDeleteHmm maybe it doesn't matter how you respond or reply, of course manners are important but besides that are compliment not like a gift, I know I don't give compliments out in the hopes to recieve one! I love your outfit in these pictures, the earrings you wore are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI hear you! What wonderful photos. I need to go to this museum in Baltimore. It looks like a cool place!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, complimenting and commenting is a skill, I do lack in phrasing the right words sometimes. I am loving the photo shots, such great job, you look absolutely stunning. The color compositions and the shots came out really well for a cold morning :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, it would be great to have like minded people just to see my post but the more people that isn't in 'your niche' the more you the chance to get an audience.
ReplyDeleteGotta disagree about your complimenting skills, you hyped your girl jess properly. in all seriousness, this post hits home. lots of incredibly different perspectives out there and sometimes they're hard to reconcile with
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say. I start reading your post and you never fail to surprise me with you wise approach and make me reflect! Let me say that's quite rare, because I read a lot of fashion and beauty blogs, but most people remain in a flat conversation (me included!) It is fascinating how you actually succeed to show us some really deep thought in one or two paragraphs! I admire that in you, and I love your blog for that reason. I am not able to do that, I always think that what I would like to say is not interesting for nobody and it takes me a huuuuuuuge effort to open up and say things that matter on my own blog. So I keep it quite hermetic, superficial. It is kind of a paradox, I find it much easier to open up when I comment to an intelligent post like yours. Maybe because I feel with you that connection you would like to hand pick in your followers... whatever.
ReplyDeleteI've already seen your pictures of this look on your IG and I think it's a total jaw-dropper! The quality of the photography is amazing and I confess this is the only time I really like ruffles on a shirt!
I like the concept you are talking about here, it would be really interesting to cherry pick your audience and really know what you are creating is being enjoyed. I also absolutely love your top you are wearing it is so lovely, you always look really great :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you! We cant please everyone! Really loving the top! super cute!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Sarah Lindner
This is so on point! You can't make everyone happy. You just have to write what you want to write and be happy for yourself!
ReplyDeletexo Jessica
www.whatsfordinneresq.com
You look beautiful in your outfit and your top is so chic. I totally agree with we can't please and we can't make everyone or anyone happy.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a pretty top! I enjoyed living near Baltimore as a kid, there's so much culture and things to see there.
ReplyDeleteThat top is so cute! The sleeves are super fun! xo
ReplyDeleteI totally understand you and I couldn't agree more. I just hope that there are people who understand us and who are at the same places as us (talking about headspace level) but they just don't comment!
ReplyDeleteBtw, photography is amazing and I'm crazy over that top!
Complimenting and commenting are true skills. I think, I lack it too. But I make some effort from time to time. By the way, love your outfit in the post and pictures are very well shot.
ReplyDelete