by Danielle P.
Member since:
March 26, 2007

Out of sheer Curiosity

February 09, 2008 07:04 PM EST (Updated: February 09, 2008 07:05 PM EST)
views: 106 | rating: 10/10 (41 votes) | comments: 52
Hi all my Connections and Future Connections!!

I've got a question: What are your expectations for your connections?

We are all different and see things differently and each one of us has different expectations.  When you connect with someone what do you expect from that connection?
Are you a comment for comment kind of connection?  Do you just want to meet new people and don't mind as long as they comment every great once in a while? 
I' d love to hear your answers so I can get to know you better and so no one is disappointed in the long run.
link to this page
Bookmark this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Delicious
Buzz
More

Comments: 52

Rob Appell Feb 9, 2008, 7:14pm EST
I expect my connections to read the posts I publish they're interested in...and leave a comment if they'd like if they have something to say. Rating the post is cool, too. And I like when they post interesting items that interested me so I can read them and leave a comment and rating back. We all scratch each other's backs that way. There are a few here who I've grown close to, but I don't expect everyone to become my best friend but I'm here to get to know as well as anyone wants.
Ana S. Feb 9, 2008, 7:25pm EST
I don't really have any expectations. I will accept most connections and simply appreciate the abilty to meet new people and learn new things. It would be great if I could comment on everything that every puts out, but I can't do that and don't think anyone I a can either.
I just like to know that I can check different people out and that they have the op to do the same with me.
sheila ~the hapless housewife~ j. Feb 9, 2008, 7:31pm EST
I try to comment on all my connections work/images. I appreciate it if they reciprocate, but if they can't, that's okay too. I am connected to 127 people and I am on the computer several times a day, so I would say I comment on 99% of the articles waiting for me.
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Feb 9, 2008, 7:31pm EST
I hope they enjoy my posts and leave a note to let me know they stopped by. I try to leave at least one comment a day on my connections posts but I have to admit, some days I fall behind. I do comment on every post to my group for all things to do with nature, animals, and pets in appreciation for their postings and helping to make it an interesting place to visit.
Zara Stevens Feb 9, 2008, 7:44pm EST
I'd like to use Connections as a way to meet other writers, readers, and those in the publishing industry. I think sites like gather.com are a wonderful way to share your work, and connect with readers who normally wouldn't find you using the "regular" publishing channels.
Cathy N. Feb 9, 2008, 7:49pm EST
I post comments on article and images I like or if I have a comment I'd like to make on a particlular subject. I love to read the articles from my connections and view their wonderful images. I don't have to comment on everything, but do when I have some extra time. I just hope if my connections like something I post that they will comment too.
Cheryl W. Feb 9, 2008, 7:50pm EST
I can't say that I really have any expectations from my connections. But I will say that the ones who take the time to read and comment on my work get more attention from me. Not because of points, but because I enjoy the give and take. Its nice to build up a kind of online rapport with other writers. I enjoy the critiqes and I have learned so much from so many people on here. That being said, I have 1000 connections, and only about 25 of those regularly comment on my stuff.
Mark D. Feb 9, 2008, 8:00pm EST
Good question.........Let me ponder. :)
Janet H. Feb 9, 2008, 8:00pm EST
I don't put any expectations on my connections. I appreciate it when they comment on what I post and I also try to comment on what they post. When I am short of time, I try to read the articles and look at the images of my connections first, then move on to the others But if I have enough time, I like to read all the articles that interest me and comment on all the images I like, as its a good way to get to know new people and let them know I appreciate them sharing their work with all of us.
I'm easy... I just like to read a variety of stuff so if I see something I like from someone I'm not connected to, I invite a connection so I can read their work without having to look through all articles. If, after a while, I start getting things from them that I realize I'm not really interested in, I delete the connection.

There are certain people I always look for and always read, but I try to read everything. I very seldom have time to do games, etc. but they don't bother me.

And of course I would LIKE for people to read my stuff, and even to give me feedback sometimes, but I don't get offended if they don't.
LeeAnn D. Feb 9, 2008, 8:02pm EST
I wouldn't say that I 'expect' anything, but I do enjoy comments on my articles and try to reciprocate the favor. I'm not on line a whole lot and when I am, my computer is slow, so it's hard to comment on every connections articles. There are a few here that I tend to frequent their stuff and hopefully they will continue to frequent mine.

The problem I'm having now is the 'create article' page not loading correctly. It's really hit and miss when it comes to me posting new articles. That's very frustrating because I have several articles saved in Microsoft Word, in hopes to post.
Charlotte K. Feb 9, 2008, 8:03pm EST
I don't really have any expectations as I know people lead busy lives, and if they can only comment every now and then I understand. I try to comment on as many articles as I can, I find it very difficult to keep up with all the images and videos however, but I do try.
vickey w Feb 9, 2008, 8:16pm EST
If you have alot of connections, its time consuming to comment on all of them. I dont expect any of my connections to do this, as I cant always find the time to comment on theirs. I try to scroll through the most interesting articles to me, and I always rate, and I always rate 10. I just love how I rate this way, but some dont even take the time to rate yours at all. I am on the verge, of not rating. I cant tell you how many times, this has happened to me. I will have 15 comment and only 5 votes. I am almost certain that I know one who is doing this, but yet she will email or ping me to stop by her articles.
Kellie S. Feb 9, 2008, 8:49pm EST
No real expectations. I know everyone is busy and I keep up with my connections through the articles they publish and the comments they make on my and other people's work. I enjoy seeing my connections' contributions when I log on, and I appreciate the comments they leave for me. I leave comments as much as possible because it is important to let people know "I see you, you matter to me, you're not just an icon on a computer screen, I know you are a real person out there!" People need to hear that; need to know they are seen and recognized as individuals.
Abby N. Feb 9, 2008, 9:12pm EST
I don't know, I like friends and I like comments and points. If someone wants to comment it's ok and if not and I want points, well I start going around commenting. I know it's hard for people to keep up. I don't like being pressured by people to come and comment when they never come over. Or hardly ever. But I do go there if I feel like it. If that makes sense! :)
necee t. Feb 9, 2008, 9:26pm EST
i'm pretty easy going about my connections.... i really enjoy every one of them and i do not expect a tit-for-tat comment situation... i certainly cannot get to everyone everyday and some days i feel very overwhelmed.... if i cannot get to you individually, i try to do a 'group' thank you for comments or if i'm in one of your articles, i will try to say thank you there... oh well, you get the message i hope... love ya...
i even use PING alot sometimes... Blessings always...

Glitter Graphics

Good Night Glitter Graphics
necee t. Feb 9, 2008, 9:28pm EST
hi Danielle... thank you for all your nice comments...
i appreciate your friendship...
Blessings to you and yours always...
:) (((HUGS))))
donna h. Feb 9, 2008, 9:34pm EST
I have no expectations..but I love when you guys stop by everyday and say hi
Todd .. Feb 9, 2008, 10:22pm EST
"Do you just want to meet new people and don't mind as long as they comment every great once in a while?"

This is pretty much it. I'm always just surprised when someone actually requests to be a connection. *grin*
Cynthia W. Feb 9, 2008, 10:29pm EST
I have to admit that I do prefer the connections that return comment for comment. It can be frustrating to leave lots of comments for someone who doesn't leave any in return. I do read others articles and comment on those if I have any additional time but at the moment, I only receive the articles and pictures from my connections so I make sure that my connections come first.
~*~Nina~*~ R. Feb 9, 2008, 10:52pm EST
Hi Danielle!
This is an excellent question!

I try to comment on everyone who comments on my work. I try really hard because I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. It may take me awhile to get around to everyone, but I think that I have a system to keep track of who I comment on & who comments on me.

Expectations...I've learned that if I expect too much, I'm going to be disappointed, but I would like people to return comments if they can. I know it's hard to do, but when they do I feel so honored! It's like getting a natural high! I really take my work seriously...unless of course I'm joking.(I know I'm a bit complicated!)
What is really difficult is when you try to comment on someone who doesn't have anything to comment on!
debra g. Feb 9, 2008, 10:52pm EST
I hope that some will read what I post and comment and I try to comment back to them,I also try to do 5 or 6 pages of articles and leave a comment to thoses that don't.I try hard most days but I don't get it done everyday.
~*~Nina~*~ R. Feb 9, 2008, 10:53pm EST
Sorry, I got a bit long winded!
~*~Nina~*~ R. Feb 9, 2008, 10:54pm EST
Danielle, this was a really good question. Thanks!
~*~Nina~*~ R. Feb 9, 2008, 11:04pm EST
Wait...I almost forgot.

I do like making new friends, and I am sincere with my comments. I hope that some day I will be able to meet some of my gather friends. I like getting points, and the cash option would be great, but I just wanted to say that I do care about the people!
I like to make friends that have my same interests and also those that have different interests! I can learn from everyone!
Thanks Danielle!
Marianne R. Feb 9, 2008, 11:13pm EST
Hmmm, well overall it's nice when they at least read my stuff or view my images and leave a comment. There are some people that I connect with simply because I like THEIR content and the ease of accessing it - even if they rarely or never comment on my stuff.
Sassy ... the calm and cool Cat Feb 9, 2008, 11:25pm EST
Every night I go through the articles and photos by my connections. I don't have time to comment on all, I try to comment on about half of them. I love looking at pet photos and flowers, reading interesting articles and playing an occasional game.

I do appreciate all comments I get back on my photos/articles. If I don't hear from a connection for a month, I'll assume they are inactive, have left gather, aren't interested in me anymore or something like that and I'll delete the connection. I have a lot of pages of articles/photos to go through every night and if someone is never commenting on my stuff, I'd just as soon keep the stuff 'for me' to a minimum. And I guess I'm a neat freak that way.
David The Nighthawk B. Feb 10, 2008, 2:14am EST
I don't expect many comments, but as long as they write good stuff- I'm in :)
I dont' really have any expectations of my connections. It's nice to get comments, but we're all busy with our "real" lives as well as Gather, so it can be very hard to get to everyone. Personally, I just can't do it, though I do my best.
Monica H. Feb 10, 2008, 2:29am EST
I don't have any expectations of any of my connections. I just hope to make new friends, and read some great articles, and I love anyone that wants to drop by to read mine. It's just alot of fun for me on Gather, and a nice break from the monotony of housework, and taking care of kids, and job and all that stuff!
Heather W. Feb 10, 2008, 11:11am EST
I like it when my connections at least occasionally comment on my articles and images.
Jaime R. Feb 10, 2008, 12:53pm EST
I don't expect anything. But when I connect with someone it makes me want to check out their stuff & hopefully they will check out mine. I usually try to comment on something of "yours" if you comment on something of mine - connected or no. But I do find some great stuff that I might not have noticed because of my connections.
Jo C. Feb 10, 2008, 1:13pm EST
I like to learn about different viewpoints but I do like to maintain communication. I tend to comment on the pieces or images of people who do the same for me. This allows us to keep up with one another, a difficult thing for online connections.
I do read the features and other articles that I find interesting, try to learn new things, etc. So my connections are for continued learning and also just for the fun of it.
CyberGwen ! Feb 10, 2008, 3:31pm EST
I really don't think that I have any expectations of my connections. I just enjoy what comes my way. I tend to be hit and miss with my moods. There are days that I get all into commenting and interacting and days that I don't. I do my best to keep up and hope for the best:)
Angela P. Feb 10, 2008, 5:39pm EST
I don't have any expectations. I'm easy going. I hope that my connections and non
don't expect me to comment on everything. I just can't do it, not enough time in a
day or lifetime. Still love ya, though!
Inez Laurie-Douglas Feb 10, 2008, 6:42pm EST
No you scratch my back...I scratch yours...I guess people will respond to what interest them. And the good neighbor policy can always be adhered to...sometimes I'll stop over and then another time it's up to you...
Pepsie J. Feb 10, 2008, 8:51pm EST
I think that my connections are free entities and I'm not at all concerned with their actions. I have my favorites, (you are one of them) you always try to comment and you are always kind in your words.
Christopher K. Feb 11, 2008, 8:14am EST
i gave up on my expectation of my connections and any new ones i may get...if i expect something anymore,i will get disappointed again
Tiffany G. Feb 11, 2008, 1:22pm EST
I like my connections to comment and I comment back! No fun when you comment alot of 1 persons stuff and they dont comment much back.. I move onto them who does! Of course its hard for some but when you see the same person commenting alot then you become familkiar and it makes it easier to stay connected!
Terry Collett Feb 11, 2008, 3:02pm EST
What are your expectations for your connections? None in particular. I have placed poems and stories on other sites where my articles are read by 100s of people yet receive hardly any feedback. That is all right because I know that at least people have read them and have moved on to something else. But on Gather, I recieve feedback, but have no idea how many other than those who comment have read my artilces. I read other people's articles when I have time( Time being a factor as I shared my PC with six others) and not busy writing my work. I have people I have grown close to more than others, and some who I have more in common than others. Other than that I have no expectations. No expectations, no disappointments, as an old friend once told me.
Amanda C. Feb 11, 2008, 9:40pm EST
Just to meet and get to know people.
Amanda C. Feb 11, 2008, 9:41pm EST
I do agree with Tiffany also. By reading and commenting and commenting back is the best, and only way to get to know each other... win-win!
Michelle P. Feb 11, 2008, 9:53pm EST
I also don't have any expectations from my connections. As has been mentioned above though, the ones who read & converse w/ me do get more of my attention too.
DiAnA D. Feb 12, 2008, 1:06pm EST
honest answers if I pose a question, comment to those articles I post that are thought provoking and most of all.. new friendships!
Text Painter Feb 12, 2008, 11:54pm EST
I never really thought of having expectations for my connections. I just do what I can, and I assume that others do the same.
Chelsea R. Feb 13, 2008, 10:26am EST
i just like to connect to friendly people who are positive and caring!
Chelsea R. Feb 13, 2008, 10:27am EST
ps. you completely fit the description! :D
Ellie !. Feb 17, 2008, 2:21pm EST
I like a variety of connections. I love the beautiful pictures and the interesting stories. I like having connections who I can relate to...and those way different than me. Some I have really connected with. The ones that puzzle me are the ones who just want to collect connections. I have people request to connect, but have never commented on any of my stuff. Then, they never do...and some connection requests have never posted anything or made comments on anything. HMMMMMMMM...a list of connections is not a status thing to me. Some people post great things but don't spend much time on Gather, that's okay...
I do always try to return comments...it gets difficult when people comment like crazy, but never post anything...

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Make New Friends | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Health | Moms | Money | News | Politics | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Writing
Version 16836, "Oz"; Copyright © 2009 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.