by Ed Williams
Member since:
September 14, 2008

What It's Like To Get Lots Of Comments And Views!

March 07, 2009 06:51 AM EST (Updated: March 07, 2009 10:45 AM EST)
views: 432 | rating: 9.1/10 (52 votes) | comments: 107

It's pretty damn good!

Well, what did y'all expect me to say, that I hate them? Not me, I enjoy the hell out of both comments and views. Last weekend I was amazed that the article I ran got the most views on Gather.com for the entire day. And let me go ahead and say that in today's article I'm going to openly pander for views and comments - hell, I might even beg y'all for them. And here's why.....

In the past few weeks, I've been fortunate enough to post some articles that seem to have attracted a few readers and commenters, ummm, commentators, ummm, whatever. And for that I'm very, very grateful. All of us who write want people to read our stuff. It's kinda the elixir that validates us as writers, you know. We want to say something to people, therefore we write it down and hope that others read it. It's a pretty basic human need, to express and be heard, if you really think about it for a moment or two.

The problem becomes, when you do start gaining a little attention, that there are some who like it and some who don't. And apparently at Gather there's a lot of attention given to the amount of views and comments that you get for your writings. I really don't fully understand why, as I've read some great articles or passages here that have gotten very little attention, and I've read pure dreck that seems to get lots of attention. I would be the first to say that the quality of the writing vs. the attention it ends up getting doesn't always line up as it should. And, just as frankly, I'm grateful for it but I don't think that I'll ever fully understand the "whys" behind it. It is what it is, I suppose.

That gets me to my point - my article this week is pure literary crapola. I'll say it right out loud and with firm conviction. I know it is. But, I want to make a point with it and hopefully show all those excellent writers out there whose works don't always get the appropriate attention that good writing doesn't always equal good readership here on Gather. Also, I want to use it to needle all those people who seem to have adopted page views and comments as their apparent drug of choice - bottom line, I want this article to get lots of comments and views just so that everyone sees how pointless and ridiculous the whole topic is. Once we take care of that I can go back to writing fun stuff again.

So here we go - I'm begging y'all for views and comments. I'm on my hands and knees and sayin' please! Help me however y'all can and please urge others to do so as well. Please help make some really good writers feel better, and also help those Gatherers who live for views and comments to better understand just what a cluster phluck way of thinking it truly is......

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Comments: 107

Sophie S. Mar 7, 2009, 7:08am EST
I respond well to men who get down on their knees and beg for my attention.
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 7:09am EST
Sophie, I have the knee pads right here......

E3
Donna S. Mar 7, 2009, 7:13am EST
I have to agree with Sophie--there's just something about a man on his knees.......
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 7:13am EST
Y'all are just women after my own heart here.....

E3
Karen F. Mar 7, 2009, 7:18am EST
Good morning Darlin'...you are so right. I don't claim to be the best writer in the world by any stretch, and when I do post on my story, I get a few comments and most are good. Then I have the ones who think it is their job to judge me and put me down. It is when I write that I am thinking about leaving Gather because of the judgemental people and the rudeness that I get the most comments and my friends asking me not to leave. If I post something that was sent to me in an email and forget to put that I received it in an email and I wasn't the writer of the article...then I get blasted again. But when I write something that I feel is pretty good...I get nothing for the most part. I read stuff that I may not agree with or don't really care for and don't leave comments or just say thanks. I do notice that many will just view the post and not comment as well. I never know if my stuff is good enough and with the judges out there, I'm not sure I even want to continue to write. Comments are good and even the negative ones, but mean and rude aren't acceptable. There is always a nice way to say something we don't agree with or we should keep our comments to ourselves. Freedom of speech is one thing...being mean is something else. Have a good day.
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 7:25am EST
Karen, I will tell you a secret, something I discovered in my own literary meanderings. After my two books came out I was fortunate enough to get to go to a lot of book or writing related trade shows. At some of them I was fortunate enough to meet some pretty famous writers, people like Mary Higgins Clark, Stuart Woods, and others. To a "T", they were all extremely nice, kind people. Then, I would occasionally run into authors who I didn't know from Adam, and yet they'd be some of the snottiest, most pretentious people imaginable. In their cases I think they were using "effect" and "air" to make themselves come across as something they were not. In the end, if you're really good or successful you don't have to prove anything, you're there. And I think it's this way at Gather as well, you have some very nice accomplished people here, and you have a few folks whose attitudes and actual literary accomplishments don't match up very well.

Karen, bottom line, they ain't worth the sweat and I sure wouldn't let 'em run me off Gather - you're too good for that!

Smoochies,

E3
Sandra H. Mar 7, 2009, 7:25am EST
I agree with Sophie and Donna, a man begging for anything is okay with me......hope this helps you! LOL
Vincent di Fondi Mar 7, 2009, 7:36am EST
Ed I love your posts, but you cannot fool me. You are trying to get enough points for a BMW.
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 7:40am EST
Vincent, you've got me, and I was so wanting a black one to boot!

E3
Karen F. Mar 7, 2009, 7:58am EST
Thank you Ed...you are such a kind Southern gentle man...and a gentleman. awwww shucks.
John S. (arizona) Mar 7, 2009, 8:12am EST
Well, OK.... wouldn't want to start cryin' or something, so I'll help out... ;-)
Take care.
Richard Frisbie Mar 7, 2009, 8:16am EST
So, where's the beef?

You rascal, you - drag me through the ether to read "crapola" and then make me like it anyway. There is a certain charm to you even when you are a scoundrel.
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 8:23am EST
Richard, I will admit to it - this whole article is pure crapola, and I'm hoping people will have fun with it and realize the truths within.

You are da man!

E3
Johnice R. Mar 7, 2009, 8:23am EST
Ed, I am going to state an observation of my own, which is, there are writers who write well and writers who believe they write well. The fact that many writers from both groups are read by a broad audience (here or in the REAL world) are the writers, as I have observed, who possess exceptional personality and connectivity to their reading public. That my friend would be writers like you.

I have never before enjoyed satire in print prior to reading your work so there is something endearing about the way you write and hopefully parallels the way you think of the world and of others. You are genuine and authentic, without question a talented man, who gladly, has a comely way about you, which draws folk to every burp, and grunt you may choose to post. Ooops! I think I may just have written something funny!

There is no way to know or to understand what motivates the disgruntled artist of words to retaliate, complain, whine or argue with or about more popular writers. I imagine that the temperament of the ‘artist‘ is license enough to justify their behavior. Therefore, I salute you and those who embrace you. Thank you Ed Williams, thank you.
Joyce S. Mar 7, 2009, 8:25am EST
hope this helps.....and I truly understand......good luck
Robin G. Mar 7, 2009, 8:39am EST
Sometimes grovelling pays ;)
Tracey L. Mar 7, 2009, 8:40am EST
yep ya got me on the hands and knees thing too
phil w. Mar 7, 2009, 8:48am EST
OK ,Ed,
Here's my help for your BMW quest ! I really enjoyed your crapola ,but I don't believe a BMW will fly in Juliette!! LOL!
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 8:56am EST
Listen, I can beg with the best of 'em, and why does it make me want to put on some Barry White background music?

E3
Denise C. Mar 7, 2009, 9:11am EST
I am with you, its a popularity contest, scratch mine, Ill scratch yours. You can't make yourself forgetable thats for sure. I haven't gathered much lately, as I have finally set up my facebook. So. . .
Since you are on your knees....here is a 10 & a comment too
Amy just hangin' out M. Mar 7, 2009, 9:16am EST
doing my part to help you get that BMW!
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 9:17am EST
Y'all know, my knees are already gettin' a bit sore, but it's all worth it for you pretty ladies.....

E3
If you want a lot of comments on Gather all you have to do is post something controversial, get everyone's dander up with negativity. Works every time!

Write a literary piece, and someone is going to low rate it, and ignore it.

Those who get the most attention are those who create chaos and complain. They like the attention and don't care about their reputation.


When will you comment on my articles, Ed? It's a give and take here, usually.
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 9:32am EST
Debra, if you'll check your latest......

E3
You deserved a smooch for that!


Muah!
Elizabeth O. Mar 7, 2009, 10:12am EST
Ed - you are soooooo a man after my own heart!!!! On your knees AND Barry White music? You'll have me on MY knees, GASP, we might not either one of us get out of it alive! What a way to go!!!!

Seriously though, I think I see your point. I'm not a writer by any means, nor do I play one on TV, so I can't understand the need that some people have to get their egos fanned by comments and views. There are people out there in all walks of life who feel the need to raise their own self esteem by putting others down. Its rather pathetic when you think about it, being shallow like that. In the whole scheme of things, it doesn't matter one iota what others think, what's important is that we are satisfied with our own works and know we have done the best we can.

It is sad that some very good writers are being ignored and they do deserve better. Hopefully they won't judge their own merit on low views and comments. Hopefully they can get their work out in a different forum and it will be appreciated accordingly.

I love what you write and read everything, even the literary crapola as you call it. I've tried to find your books at the library, to no avail, but I'll track them down. I enjoy everything you share with us, I find you hilarious and a breath of fresh air in this buzz-kill world. I also see you as a kind, tender hearted, sweet man, and a fine, upstanding person who's not afraid to stand up for what's right. Your wife and children are very blessed.
Kimberly Ripley Mar 7, 2009, 10:20am EST
I'm game. Here you go. But I want the inside scoop. How'd you do it???
Kimberly Ripley Mar 7, 2009, 10:20am EST
Biting yet again.
Kimberly Ripley Mar 7, 2009, 10:20am EST
On your knees......sounds serious.
Raven Wytch Mar 7, 2009, 10:25am EST
It's good to know you're not letting the trolls get you down. If you do, I'll give you the advice my best friend gave me once: "Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things....unless they're really pretty sweaty things!"
MrsRoad Runner Mar 7, 2009, 10:27am EST
Congratulations!
No need for hands or knees or even a please, I will read your posts anyway ;0)
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 10:31am EST
Raven, that is so profound. And y'all get this - I'm one of the "Men of Gather" today! Check it out:

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?memberId=199797&articleId=281474977616699&nav=Namespace

I wonder how many smoochies I'm gonna have to give Ann for this....

Thanks for all the neat comments everyone!

E3
Elizabeth O. Mar 7, 2009, 10:48am EST
Congratulations to both you and Mark!!! An honour.
I would agree with this. I've had well written articles get 4 comments and articles I'm not proud of get 30. Amount of time and readers is the big thing. I used to spend hours on Gather posting to other people, connecting with my connections etc. I used to get a lot more comments. Once I started teaching and spending less time on Gather a lot of that changed.
I'm not upset about it, that's just the way the system works :) people generally reciprocate attention.
ann c. Mar 7, 2009, 11:03am EST
Better get some chapstick Ed!!!!!!
Vivian P. Mar 7, 2009, 11:05am EST
We all just love you Ed
Vivian P. Mar 7, 2009, 11:06am EST
Sophie is so cute ! LOL
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 11:08am EST
Great thoughts LittleMiss. I don't reciprocate much because I work and I actually don't spend a lot of time on Gather except on weekends when I'm at home. Also, I think people should read what they like and are interested in, rather than due to some sense of duty. I can see reading the occasional friend's posting, but to read nothing but, I don't think so.

Annie, I'm goin' to Freds to buy a case of chapstick!

E3
Tracy Fabre Mar 7, 2009, 11:12am EST
But Ed, this article is much too well-written to qualify as crapola. I'm sorry. You're just going to have to do a lot worse than this. Get to work.
Elizabeth O. Mar 7, 2009, 11:13am EST
I'm waiting for the calendar shots of the "Men of Gather".

Chapstick, knees and Barry White music....hmmmmmm, being a lady, I'm going to leave this alone.
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 11:20am EST
Tracee, I'm sirry aboot da guud writin', I'll smart slackin' sum soon!

E3
ann c. Mar 7, 2009, 11:21am EST
Oh a calendar would be a good idea!!!!
Tracy Fabre Mar 7, 2009, 11:22am EST
That's better. Keep practicing. We have standards, you know.
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 11:23am EST
God, a centerfold shot at age 52 perhaps? Maybe a calendar and call it "The Dangling Men of Gather?"

E3
Tracy Fabre Mar 7, 2009, 11:25am EST
Well, the title Dangling Participles of Gather was already taken, so yeah...
ann c. Mar 7, 2009, 11:26am EST
I bet Ed has a centerfold shot hidden somewhere, of himself, that is!!!!
Johnice R. Mar 7, 2009, 11:27am EST
Ed, I see that my 3 paragraphs are aligned with the “Men of Gather" post extolling some of your many virtues is contagious.
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 11:28am EST
Well, the dangle and the angle matter, I suppose......

E3
Tracy Fabre Mar 7, 2009, 11:28am EST
Uh... you go find out. I'll stay here and wonder.
Elizabeth O. Mar 7, 2009, 11:28am EST
I'll buy the calendar...dangling or otherwise.
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 11:29am EST
Johnice, I really need to ask you to be my manager, then you could help me with my newfound centerfold potential.....

E3
Ed, certainly it's nice to get views, I suppose, but personally, I prefer a few insightful comments to hundreds of views. Lately the most viewed on Gather is indicative of tabloid headlines with a few exceptions that may actually be interesting articles. If we take a look at today's top 5 most viewed posts, they are as follows:
18 year old Jesse Logan committed suicide after Sexting Affair
Vince Vaughn engaged. Sorry Jennifer Aniston!
Cutting back on grocery costs
Freebies for Friday, March 6
SWAT team member shoots man over water bill

I suppose the money saving types of posts can yield more views in this economy, but the others are just hype, and not at all what I would consider interesting. I won't even click on them. I certainly hope you do more writing here, because I like your writing and I wouldn't mind seeing more of what you do in the most viewed.
Johnice R. Mar 7, 2009, 11:49am EST
May I suggest silhouettes?
Beth - Doing God's work Daily J. Mar 7, 2009, 11:52am EST
Thanks for sharing on Helping out one Another
Vic Needs Coffee Mar 7, 2009, 12:01pm EST
I have seen some great articles ignored as well. Guess that's how the Gather bounces.
DIANE D. Mar 7, 2009, 12:01pm EST
Wonderful~
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 12:03pm EST
Thanks Darlene, And Vic, that's why we should just write what we feel, have fun with it, and not worry too much about whether it gets 10 or a 1000 views....

E3
Thomas Millington Mar 7, 2009, 12:28pm EST
Ed: This is one of the best articles I've read in a long time. You deserve a lot of positive comments. I agree with everything you say and I have the same kind of questions as you. I personally get very few comments on my articles even though I write on quite a variety of subjects addressed to varying intellectual levels. I presume my articles must be 1) too far out, 2) too intellectual, 3) not intellectual enough, 4) too irrelevant, 5) beyond comprehension, 6) uninteresting, 7) too controversial, 8) too pedantic. I wish I knew, not that I would change my style. I don't write for "points". If 2 or 3 people comment I should be satisfied with that.
t b. Mar 7, 2009, 12:55pm EST
I find myself first interested by good writers.
Then there's what I call the "read around" - I read someone, they read me back, eventually we may becomes friends. On and on it goes.
babsie wabsie Mar 7, 2009, 1:28pm EST
smooches to you E3
Gina M. Mar 7, 2009, 1:34pm EST
The beggin' is working. I had to scroll down pretty far to add this comment to your absolute dribble - LOL! Just kidding about the dribble part.

I know what you mean about it not making sense, but then again, I think that's just a reflection of real life. Some idiots get promoted and some brilliant people get stuck in dead end jobs. Life's not fair and that's just the way it is. People do not always get the proper recognition. What are you gonna do?
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 1:44pm EST
Gina, really, there's nothing we can do, but it makes excellent article fodder! Andi'ts always nice to realize the fruits of my begging.....

E3

P.S. Smoochies to you, Babsie, and TB, always a pleasure sein' you in the house!
Heidi Cole Mar 7, 2009, 2:09pm EST
Beg away!

My major complaint with Gather (other than the fact that I have not been able to post since the most recent update over a week ago --- apparently Tom Gerace hates me?) is that there is so much literary FODDER on here, that it is hard to find THE GOOD STUFF. I love to read good writing, but most of my "stream" is one-liners, word games, or people saying good night, good morning or good whatever... Apparently I haven't made connections with many of the "right" people!

And, yes... a man on his knees... makes me feel a little powerful... :) I will leave it at that!
Marsha S. Mar 7, 2009, 2:30pm EST
the other day I was in and out all day and had little time on the computer...some kind soul viewed and commented on 126 of my photos!! I ended up with 369 pts on a day I was barely online.
Karen R. Mar 7, 2009, 2:59pm EST
Here is another view and comment for you. Great post. I have noticed that my posts get many more views than my photos do.
♥ Adair ♥ K. Mar 7, 2009, 3:08pm EST
Leaving you a ten... for the begging on you knees. Never could resist a man on his knees begging.
Ellie !. Mar 7, 2009, 3:49pm EST
Yes, Gather is a strange place. I use it more for social than gaining exposure to my writing. I feel validated as a writer more by money than by readership. ;-)
Amanda "middle of nowhere" C. Mar 7, 2009, 4:27pm EST
Maybe one day I'll get more than 100 views. As for writing, I agree with Ellie.
Barb (Gather Site Ferret) Carlson Mar 7, 2009, 4:32pm EST
Well, I'd say you got a lot of comments, here. :)
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Mar 7, 2009, 5:16pm EST
Heck, I would love for once to see a man on his knees begging for my attention.
Ed Williams Mar 7, 2009, 5:42pm EST
Y'all know, I think there is potential re this being on my knees thing. And Ellie does have a very good point, nothing like the validation of $$$ to bring fulfillment to one's soul.....

E3

P.S. I'm just hoping my knees don't get those damn crop circles on them on account of this...
Angela A. Mar 7, 2009, 5:55pm EST
I'm very happy for all your views.
But, you openly admit that this is not true writing?
Uh, oh.
I thought this was a humorous journal.
Te he!
Thanks for posting to my group, Anythingwriting
Timothy V. Mar 7, 2009, 11:05pm EST
This site is going down the toilet at the speed of light. It seems that a lot of folks are here just to get points. That's why you see them post 10 to 20 articles( and I use that word lightly) per day. They could care less whether they receive views or comments.I'm all for doing away with the point system. If someone really really needs 50 bucks, then go mow a couple of lawns or do one of those work from home projects. A lot of great material gets buried beneath all of the points whoring junk.
Ed Williams Mar 8, 2009, 7:40am EDT
Timothy, I agree with you. Wholeheartedly. Every day I get links to two sentence posts, enough recipes to feed China, and enough short tales of monetary woes that people need Gather points in order to fix to choke a horse! I actually believe Gather could be better if they did away with points, or set some kind of more stringent criteria as to what qualifies for them.

Other than that, I'm perky today. Y'all have a great Sunday!

E3
Jennifer aka Jenn B. Mar 8, 2009, 9:57am EDT
I'm reaching out to help you up...thought you might need a hand
Ed Williams Mar 8, 2009, 9:58am EDT
Jenn, I think this "being on my knees" thing must have some kind of appeal.....

E3
Where's my diamond ring?
☀ Aunt Shanny Mar 8, 2009, 10:12am EDT
I love getting a lot of views. Even when they come from my trolls, who hit every once in a while. Especially after I've made some remark they take exception to.

*yawn*
Candice Z Mar 8, 2009, 12:44pm EDT
Here ya go, a comment, a 10 and of course the page view. I agree with you about alot of writers on here not getting the credit they deserve and trolls come and ruin it as well.
APE 131313 Mar 8, 2009, 1:06pm EDT
I still don't GET the cross posting that is done.................most days it is like an emotional roller coaster around here. Going from PMS stories to major health probs, from potty training to photographs, from hungry families to poetry, from politics to recipes, from cute babies to world domination, from Apocalypse to snotty teenagers, from weather reports to cheating husbands/ cold wives, from job losses to extravagant vacations, from uber serious policy wonkism to Revolution NOW..........it is almost like............like..........real life.
Where does the line form just for mindless fun and escapism?

Swingin' by to help you reach your Gather goals!
chelsie t. Mar 8, 2009, 1:22pm EDT
~Thanks for sharing with WFYB!~
Ed Williams Mar 8, 2009, 1:39pm EDT
Or APE, the posts where people just recount routine day's events:

"I ate lunch, washed clothes, and Jerry Springer was on TV. His episode was about..."

AUGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!

E3
Melanie B. Mar 8, 2009, 2:52pm EDT
Hi Ed~ Good luck on the BMW.. lol ;-)
Have a fantastic day~
Amy just hangin' out M. Mar 8, 2009, 3:37pm EDT
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least 50 page views, and so it has been removed from the group Views R Us. Congratulations, and thanks for posting to the group!
charity kimball ツ Mar 8, 2009, 4:42pm EDT

glitter-graphics.comFor posting to the surprise monthly prize group
Misty chandler Mar 8, 2009, 4:52pm EDT
here ED a cupcake for you and a hand up from your knees . I love your posts your post about your pc kindnapping you I still chuckle about .
Kris P. Mar 8, 2009, 4:53pm EDT
Ed, since you are on your hands and knees begging how could I ever resist you! Its too bad so many writer are all about there posts and limit their comments on others. I try to focus on those who need encouragement too. But as always Ed, you are too hard to resist!
Janell R. Mar 8, 2009, 5:16pm EDT
Since you're begging, Ed, I'll throw in a comment as well.
Ed Williams Mar 8, 2009, 5:48pm EDT
Misty, I still bear the scars from that kidnapping, but I'm trying to hold up well as I can under the circumstances.

If I'd known it worked, I'd have begged people to buy my first two books, I could be laying up on a beach somewhere!

E3
Courtney C. Mar 8, 2009, 7:12pm EDT
Oh, Ed!
Austin Cushing Mar 9, 2009, 12:53am EDT
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations, and check out this week's Help These Articles!
Nikki S. Mar 9, 2009, 11:18am EDT
Thanks for posting ~ Paying it forward
Meagan M. Mar 9, 2009, 12:38pm EDT
This is just a friendly comment to tell you that your content has reached 50 views and will now be removed from 50 Views Per Content Congrats.