"Subscribing" vs. "Following"

I'm relatively new to the Land of Blogging, and through much laughter, hysteria, frustration, tears, and assistance from friends, I finally figured out the answer to the Age Old Question: To Follow or To Subscribe?

Those of you who are newbies might also appreciate the discovery I have made. However, if you're not so new to blogging (either blogging yourself or reading other peoples'), you probably already know this information and might want to skip to a different entry. ;-)

It turns out that "Following" is about having just that... a following. That is, it is a sort of record of people who have been to your blog, probably read something, and then clicked on a link allowing them to be "Followers." It does not necessarily mean that they read it every day or that they will get automatic updates when you post something new. It's akin to "Like"ing something on Facebook. It shows that you've been there, that you like something about it, and want to show your support. "Following" is another way of saying "I like what you're doing here, I support you. Go You!" This is fine, and does have its place, but not with the sort of blog that I'm attempting to have.

"Subscribing," on the other hand, is about being intimate with the content of the blog. Since this blog is personal and private, I won't be broadcasting when I post something new. The only way my readers (something else entirely which I'll get to in a second) will know if I've posted something new (since, as previously mentioned, I won't be broadcasting that fact via Facebook or the like) is to go check the blog or check their Google Homepage. Both seemed tedious, and since I write things that I want my close people to actually read, I set about finding a way to solve the problem. 

Adding the "Subscription" aspect solves that. It took awhile for me to get all the kinks out (Thanks SW, SS, and JL!!!!), but if you subscribe via the little box to the right --->, the site will automatically send an email to you alerting you that there's new content. That way, you don't have to randomly go check to see if I've added something. It will also give you a preview of the post and you can decide for yourself if you're interested in reading more about it if and when you have the time.

Having "Followers" for my blog doesn't make sense because I'm not trying to track the number of people who support me or trying to gain a fan club of sorts. It also doesn't make sense because my blog requires being a Reader (further info coming soon!). I simply didn't think that having that option was a good fit for me. (Sorry if you'd already signed up and notice that it's now removed!)

Now, becoming a "Reader" is something different entirely. Some peoples' blogs are public. It's a site that everyone can go to. Like Yahoo.com or CNN.com, etc. Anyone with an internet connection and a computer can visit those blogs. Mine is not like that. Mine is set up to only allow a select group of people to view it. Other people can type the name into their address bar, but it won't allow them to view the material because it's blocked. To overcome this (which you already have if you're reading this right now) is to become a "Reader." 

I simply type in your email address to my settings, and once you create a Google account (if you didn't already have one), you are allowed to view it. I am allowed to have up to 100 "Readers" view my blog. I don't think I have nearly that many friends and family that I desire to share my information with, so that's plenty! Another thing I want to make note of is that I haven't automatically added anyone (well, except Seth, I think). I have waited for people (even my best friends) to either make a direct comment about their desire to read it or hint around about it in such a way as to make me think that they want to read it.

I'm not blogging so that I become famous. I'm not doing it because I'm assuming myself to be an expert at some particular topic. I'm not doing it because I think myself "so cool" that people want to read what I have to say. (Even if I do think I'm pretty cool...) I'm blogging because I love to write and this is an easy creative outlet for me: it's free, doesn't take very much time, and is another way for me to share my life with those most closely invested in my life.

If you are reading this, it means you have become a "Reader." But, the question is, Have you become a "Subscriber?" I highly recommend doing it. It's SO much simpler on your end. You won't ever have to wonder if you've missed something.... I wish all blogs I like to read had this option!