Life is crazy

For being here such a short time, you've really got it figured out. If you want to really write, join groups that do that, and publish to them. You'll never get the comments you do with the silly articles, but you will find some people who like to read and write.
The silliness is fun sometimes, but it gets a little old.
My suggestion is to forget about points, ratings, and comments. Write.

I bet you'll top 100 with this one...

Yeah, I've noticed.

Yea, My 81 year old dad lives with me. I encourage him to write articles for "Gather". He has written even more than I have (I have to type them for him). I'm jealous becuase his articles get more comments than mine. Surly, he can't be a better writer than me. :)

Good point Julie. Some of the more political articles are read by several people, but most of that is due to the trolls. Maybe we should start trolling thoughtful pieces like yours? :)
Namaste

I'm with you. I wrote one today I think you might like.

I agree, life is crazy.

I think it is easier to comment on the silly articles. It doesn't require much thought, you don't have to be particularly concerned about making your point in a clear and concise fashion, or about saying something that could be perceived as rude or hurtful.

Julie,
You are oh, so right. The silly articles or games, things that people who may be taking a break from writing to do, will probably always get the most comments and ratings, how strange when you think of it, but not really as we "all" need a break now and then and I'm just as guilty as the next person in doing that.
It's almost like... ok, I wrote an article or shared my recipe and the how-to's of it with my aromatherapy group, now I'm going to PLAY. :)
Robin, you are so correct, write for yourself and to heck with what gets the most ratings, comments or whatever.

I think I'm off to do some reading, and if I miss things that I shouldn't have, could you Julie or anyone else send me some mail and let me know? Thanks ;)

I have noticed that too,I think that is why there are so many,little things of nothing...... I have commented on things from all over gather for hours on end and I still haven't read all I could, the glare of the screen really starts to get to you after a while...I hop like a frog from one article, image ,I like to the next...and who ever I land on that day that interests me I rate and comment...I to do not recieve many comments,maybe people feel I just don't comment on there work and they don't comment on mine??? I haven't really spent as much time writing as I have been reading....I have commented on articles a few weeks old..sometimes good articles fall of the front page before you can get to them...

I think there is no rhyme or reason for some things gaining more attention than others. I know I only read articles that are quick reads, and I don't get around to everything I want to read either. I'll have to look up your articles though. They sound interesting!

that is true.I know I posted in the game one myself.I will look at your article .I am sure it is great:)

Thank you all for your words and encouragement. I do really write for myself but it is kinda nice for a change to have other writers to comment on my work. I have always kept my writing pretty much a secret, except for my husband who encourages my writing and loves to read it becase he believes I have true talent. Just one more reason he is "One in a Million"

Yes. I noticed. Much to my chagrin. Sigh. It's human nature. Fun, controversial, innane will always garner more attention than the serious, thought provoking and deep.

I'll read ya tho! That's a promise!

And Bravo to our hubby! Mine too, is one in a million, I'd have never taken this up again if it weren't for him.

It is strange isn't it, i find with my work some of the stuff I really love nobody reads and stuff I don't like as much gets more votes.

silliness is fine and part of life but I love reading from all who write here but I too sometimes get so much I can't read it all and sometimes I get the same things over and over again but I try to read them all if I can good write Julie. maybe it is the silliness that keeps the world from going insane with all that's going on out there. I don't know

16 and counting.

...Just doing my part.

You are right, this does happen. Everyone has really good theories.
For myself, sometimes I have a very hard time concentrating or I'm not feeling goood, or I'm in a hurry but want to try to give some feedback. Sometimes, I'll read a few of the shorter ones and save the longer ones for when I have time.
Some people I think are just here for the points and so they don't care to take the time to read ones heart and soul.
I suppose everyone has their own reasons for the things they do. Sometimes it is hard keeping up with everyone and all they write but I, like you, try my best!
If there is anything in particular you would like read too, just give me a holla!

OMG Julie, I have been thinking the exact same thing for several days...the number of comments received seems to be in inverse proportion to the effort one puts into composing an article...some people just put down the first random thoughts that come to mind, without making the effort to collect and refine them (I've seen "articles" as short as 3 lines)...which is what writing is supposed to be about...and are rewarded with umpteen comments on their non-effort...at the risk of annoying some wonderful people i've intreacted with here on Gather, I do admit it to a sense of disappointment...Gather was supposed to be a writer's forum and that is what set it apart from other blog sites...but it seems to be succumbing to the prevailing trend...I suppose it's all about the number of "hits" yr website gets(which translates into more ad revenue) and let's face it, there are a lot more average people (more power to them) out there than creative ones...it's kinda sad

I've been asking myself that same thing, but I to like the Sunday comics and tend to read that part of the paper before I read the serious stuff.

But when I write an article I would like for it to be read if not commented on.

I do read alot of articles. But I don't comment on everyone I read. Most times someone has already said what I wanted to say. I think it is pointless to get two or three comments that are the same. I do rate articles if i think they are good..even if I don't comment.
So rest ashore,if you don't get a comment from me..You are probably getting a 10 rating.

It says much about human nature, does it not? Have you looked at the programming on TV?
I have to ask a question, do people really want to think?
But I don't let it bother me, I still indulge my fantasies.
I will continue to write if no one else reads, this is my reality.

I know the feeling. I have a few things I put some thought into, and have very few postings on it. But that's not why I'm here. The people that comment are a bonus to me...I love to write. That's it. I try to comment on at least a couple of articles on each person I'm connected to, but don't always have hours to devote. It usually takes me a week to get through everyone. But like Sandy, if I don't comment, rest assured, I will at least rate your article.