Part of the joy of blogging is interacting with readers, sometimes in almost-real time.
If I want to address my readers directly in my posts, how do I address them?
We bloggers have a name. We are bloggers (blog being short for "web log"). But what should blog readers be called? "Bloreaders"? "Bleaders"? No, those terms don't work.
I have no formal training in writing. In fact, high school English was just about my most hated subject. I hated just about everything about it, while, at the same time, I loved to write. I hated tearing novels apart to analyze them. Boring! Writing also involves expressing yourself clearly, and grammar is a hated (to me) part of it.
So if there is a term I should use to address, I don't know about it.
One of my favorite authors, Isaac Asimov, used to address his readers as "Gentle Reader'. I know other authors do, too. But, readers can not be very gentle at all. I've been fortunate not to have been raked over the virtual coals by the Grammar Police (or the Cliché Police), or the "Can't you write better opening lines?" Police, but I know that day will come. And, there are reasons for embracing the "hostile reader". But first, I need to grow a thicker skin.
I could be like Lady Gaga, and call my readers "Little Monsters". However, there is only one Lady Gaga, and I am not her. (or is it "she"? I still hate grammar.)
There is a blogger I enjoy, who calls her readers "my babies". So that is taken, too. Plus, none of you are my babies. I'm not even this blogger's baby. I do look forward to being a grandmother, but not quite yet.
So, I am back to wondering what I should call you, my fans.
Any suggestions?
Monday, September 2, 2013
9 comments:
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"Blog followers" will do, or just plain "readers."
ReplyDeleteMorning,
ReplyDeletewandered over here from the FB UBC Blog Page .. lovely post and definitely something to think about it
I tend to refer to my blog fans as those who belong in 'Bloggerville' (you're welcome to use that term) .. other times I just write as if I'm talking to them with no real reference in terms of addressing them
Although I reckon 'blogeaders' might just catch on :)
Morning,
ReplyDeletewandered over here from the FB UBC Blog Page .. lovely post and definitely something to think about it
I tend to refer to my blog fans as those who belong in 'Bloggerville' (you're welcome to use that term) .. other times I just write as if I'm talking to them with no real reference in terms of addressing them
Although I reckon 'blogeaders' might just catch on :)
When I am writing my blog, I tend to write as if I am recording my life in a “secret” diary which someday will be discovered by my great-great and perhaps great grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I suspect that others are reading my blog, I hesitate to assume that they are.
I know that writing in that manner probably doesn’t do much to encourage “my readers” to want to comment. And that is something that I would like to change.
I know I haven’t helped you with a suggestion, but I like that you asked a question. It made me want to participate. And also made me think about changing my style a little.
Hey, you! always works...
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't call them 'Fans' because, in my case, I think that's a s-t-r-e-t-c-h, and I don't call them 'gentle readers' because most of them are tough broads, and I wouldn't dream of calling them 'babies' because I've already had two. So i guess I'll just stick with 'peeps'. My People. I like that.
ReplyDeleteI also stopped by after seeing your post in the FB group. I think I usually just refer to people as my blog readers or followers - blog friends might work, too. ;-)
ReplyDeleteOf course, Roy (Dr. A) makes a good point, as well: "Hey you - yeah, you, reading this blog..."
Just don't call us late to dinner, as the old joke goes! But seriously, I think "Readers" is just fine.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, yes it should be "I am not SHE!" "She" is the predicate nominative, aka subject complement. I love grammar (can you tell?), but I wouldn't dream of criticizing another blogger for his or her mistakes! You make hardly any, and you have a nice, flowing writing style; that's why I keep coming back! There has been a blog here or there that was written so poorly that I simply could not read it any longer! But not yours! (See, even grammar geeks write sentence fragments!)
"Friends"
ReplyDelete