Thursday, March 27, 2014

What an eye opener!

 

Yesterday another blogger, I don’t remember who at the moment, mentioned getting a PEEK review on your blog, by a real person. You just go to the blog and give them you’re blog address and they do a review.

Well, I got the results this morning and the man was not impressed with my blog at all. I changed a couple of things he suggested and am now somewhat depressed. My font Comic Sans is known as a joke font on the internet  (I chose it for it’s roundedness.)

He’s not into flowers. My blog is not cohesive.  I just share my life and what’s going on in it. (This is not a professional blog, I didn’t intend it to be.)

So, there you have it, the approximately 5 minute review in a nutshell.  I’m not a computer geek, or tech savvy by any means, I’m a lady who loves flowers and talks about what is going on in my life.

**Added at 7:24 a.m. est. The guy did say my pictures looked professional and that I must have a good camera, so that was one positive.**

Is this font hard for any of you to read? 

I know I jump around from thought to thought, that’s part of who I am. If Mark was here he would tell you that himself. Smile

Thank you for all of my birthday wishes.  I had a lovely birthday week.

The water leak is fixed, it was a faulty new piece that cracked, so my B-I-L cut out the section and did it differently. No leak. While waiting the 2 hour time before turning water back on, we ate lunch then did my taxes and I e-filed them.

New belt on washing machine Monday afternoon.

I re-strung the weed-wacker myself and used it yesterday, also mowed and got a load of laundry washed and hung out to dry.

Oh dear, all this boring, mundane stuff in my life.

A Daggerwing butterfly landed on a flower on my shirt the other day while I was walking.  That was really neat.

Here is my latest needlework, not perfect by any means and putting it here in my blog is probably another bit of not being cohesive, more like disjointed.  this is still a work in progress.

03-26-trust

***

A man would do nothing

if he waited until he could do it so well

that no one could find fault. 

John Henry Newman

Use what talent you possess:

the woods would be very silent

if no birds sang except those that sang best. 

Author unknown,

quoted in The Ladies Repository: A Monthly Periodical, Devoted to Literature, Arts, and Religion, September 1874

The human story does not always unfold like a mathematical calculation on the principle that two and two make four.  Sometimes in life they make five or minus three; and sometimes the blackboard topples down in the middle of the sum and leaves the class in disorder and the pedagogue with a black eye.  ~Winston Churchill

Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.  ~Salvador Dali

I definitely am not perfect. I am a child of God being perfected. I am still learning new things every day and learning how to make my blog better is part of the process, even if it does bum me out a bit.

Take heart dear folks ~ look for the good and beauteous in each day, and keep learning.

FlowerLady

38 comments:

gld said...

Dear Heart, please do no let anyone do a preview/review again! I love you blog just as it is. I don't enjoy blogs that are professionally written and I feel I am being manipulated by the author.

Have I told you lately that your pictures are just wonderful....certainly qualify as 'professional'. Love the new flower header (what is it?)

Have a wonderful day; sorry I missed your birthday. Hope it was a good one. Once again, bless your dear BIL!

Morning's Minion said...

Never mind the short-sighted 'reviewer'--he is probably a boring person. Those of us who follow your blog know you to be very 'real'--an encouragement in life's ups and downs. Your flowers are an inspiration as is your needlework.
Keep posting for the rest of us 'unprofessionals' who enjoy the tidbits which you share

Sallysmom said...

Put that review out of your mind. I love, love, love your blog. You write as though I am sitting there with you and you are sharing just like friends do. Please do not try to change things to fit what he thinks your blog should be.

Sallysmom said...

And one more thing - I am drawn to blogs that sound like a friend and I are sitting and talking together or walking around in the "yard" (yeah, not garden) and you are sharing what is growing and blooming.

BernieH said...

Well all your regular readers are perfectly happy with your blog. Thanks to the reviewer, but his services are no longer required!

I don't find your font hard to read at all. I love listening to your day and how things are going. I also love your photos and seeing what's happening in your garden. Obviously the reviewer wasn't interested in any of that.

Anonymous said...

I am critical enough of my own blog (having deleted this first one and regretting it time and time again). . . that I can't imagine having someone else criticize it.

I love your blog and its "homey" feel. It's one of the reasons I have followed you for years. I have no desire to read professional blogs that are usually ladden with ads here and there. Your blog is PERFECT as is and I wouldn't change a thing. The fact that you share your life with us via your blog is a gift ~ and not one to be judged by others.

Please don't change a thing, Rainey.

Love and hugs,

eli

Anonymous said...

Ha! - I just realized you've received all these great "PEEK" reviews by real people. I'm thinking you just went to the wrong blog with your original review request. :-)

Jane Westwell said...

I agree with all the previous comments: just ignore the negative comments by this (male!) reviewer. It's just one isolated opinion. I see your blog as a lovely patchwork quilt reflecting your life, your beliefs, your past and present struggles and triumphs, and this is exactly what all your followers appreciate :o)
By the way, I've never understood the online animosity to the innocent, friendly Comic Sans... font snobbery!

Southern Lady said...

Please keep your blog just the way it is. It is your personal story...that is why I follow it. It is a way for you to connect with others that are like minded. Professional blogs lack personality. :). -Carla

Connie in Hartwood said...

The idea of professional blogging and branding makes me want to scream. Blogging is personal ... your blog is you, and i love it exactly the way it is. Humbug on the review guy.

lil red hen said...

How arrogant can a man be!! Who is he to judge our blogging? Pay him no mind; we all loving seeing your beautiful flowers; we all feel for you when you're sad; we all fret with you when situations around the house happen. We all love you!

I hope he never sees my blog :)

Nancy J said...

Dear Lorraine, first, did I miss your special day? If so, very many birthday blessing be showered on you with love always. Boring, disjointed, never, I love your font, everyday life, flowers, plumbing, your darling Mark and all else. Our blogs are not meant to be professional, cold, calculated, and in special order. I am going to go to Peek too, just not when I have ambulance photos there. I'll do my blog today, Hugh is home, all going Ok so far, Your thoughts and prayers have been answered. Much love, Jean. p.s. today's quotes, superb specially dear W.C.'s one.

Leanne said...

Happy belated birthday

Who says comic sans is a joke? Never heard of that before I like the font so I suppose its personal taste.

I do wonder what target market Peek is trying to reach - somehow I don't think they thought bloggers would try out their free service.

I wouldn't worry what they say and just keep enjoy writing your blog and interacting with everone from all over the world. For me that is the best part of blogging.
Love Leanne

Gary said...

I think your comment about the guy saying he didn't like flowers says it all Lorraine. We all have our own idea of what a blog needs to be for us personally, including him. We must all just keep working on our own blogs in our own style, and not try to fit into any critics idea of 'perfection', after all, what is that exactly? I think you have chosen an excellent style and subject matter for your blog, and the font matches all to do with you rather nicely, and doesn't need to become someone elses ideal. Keep on doing what you are doing, it's why your followers follow! Have a good weekend.

Mrs. Mac said...

Phooey! I'd rather have a blog read by a few followers than one read by glitzy shallow people. Your font type is perfect.

Ruth Hiebert said...

In my opinion,a blog is a piece of who I am and if someone doesn't like how it is set up or how I write,they are free to stay away.I love reading your blog,it is friendly,open and honest and I love that.Keep on being yourself,because you are the only person who can be that.

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

People do not understand the heart of the blogger so do not let a stranger dictate to you the look of your blog. It’s part of who you are as your own creative person. I love the font, it’s easy on these eyes to read for there are some blogs I just can’t visit for the font not easy for reading.

Yes, I do agree your photography is very professional.

YOUR embroidery is outstanding and such a labor of love.

It does feel good to accomplish something on one’s own to completion as threading your weed whacker. I too was thrilled when I did my own winding and threaded mine and without any instructions as they were missing. And I might add it worked too. Bravo to you dear one for all your accomplishments!

Lona said...

Well I love your blog and your font. If he does not enjoy flowers he cannot give a good review in my opinion. :) I love your latest creation. Gorgeous Lorraine. Have a lovely week.

denimflyz said...

Please DO NOT let anyone critique a blog. They are like food critics, everyone is different, everyone is a free spirit, it is your blog, not his. Tell him to critique his blog in a cesspool, if he wishes.
Stand tall and do not get depressed.
Hugs my friend

Jane said...

Happy belated birthday, Rainey! Goodness! Such a foolish man that reviewed your blog! Yours is so encouraging and I get to enjoy your flowers even when it's snowing here (which it is today). Personally, I don't care for those professional looking blogs and find them rather hard to follow. Just be you! Sending you hugs for your birthday. They're cheap but heartfelt

Maryann said...

Lorraine, please don't let that reviewer influence the way you write your blog. I love it just the way it is. I enjoy reading about your everyday and looking at all your flowers. You have a friendly style that is enjoyable to follow...don't change a thing. Oh and a belated happy birthday

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

I read your blog because of YOU! Your writing and your design choices are a little display of you. Don't worry about what "some expert" thinks. Do what you enjoy and it will all be good. Glad you got the leak fixed and the washer going again.

sweetbay said...

Who is this person giving reviews? He sounds like he doesn't know much. Your blog is wonderful.

Leslie Kimel said...

I love every bit of your blog, including the font. Please don't change a thing.

Your needlework project is just so gorgeous--I love the butterfly and the pearls and the creamy colors.

I've finally settled into my new job enough to start reading my favorite blogs again. I missed doing that so much.

shirley said...

Who does that hair brained idiot think he is. Does he think his opinion matters to us ladies who just want to share our lives and what we do with our friends. Your blog is so nice to be a part of. We are all friends here and that is what your blog is about.

A big raspberry to the so called review who it is obvious knows nothing about human nature, real friendships and how they happen.
People are drawn to you for your kindness and sincerity so you just be you.
Better get off the gravy train. Just be ytou and do not change a thing.

shirley said...

by the way Lorraine, I love your little lace creation. You are very creative and artistic.

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

I have been enjoying your writing and photographs since I discovered your blog. The font that you use is very easy for me to read. Hopefully you will not let that critic (What are his credentials?) discourage you or cause you to think and rethink everything you post until it takes all of the joy out of it for you.

Your writing is always interesting and thoughtful and your photographs of your yard, garden, creative projects, and home are always excellent. (I am sure there is more to your excellent photography than having a "good camera"). You write from real life, not some slick, pre-packaged, advertising-centered strategy.

Pay no attention to that critic...please. Your followers, friends, and fans enjoy your blog just the way you have been doing it, from your heart. What if Mark Twain would have been critiqued to change his writing to use only very formal language and to leave "all of that Mississippi river stuff" out of it; and what if Mark Twain would have changed his writing because of that critic? Critics can be wrong.

Please continue to write from your heart.

sharon said...

lets face it..we are only doing this for ourselves..and maybe a little for those who follow us on our same wavelength..many time ive wanted to quit doing itbut then i see something I want to share...its therapudic..a amdn is not a good reviewer unless he understands gardening and women....bottom line...

Julie said...

Love the new look of your blog! Is it a lilac color? Gorgeous!!!! Your latest stitchery is very pretty! Would be a gorgeous Bible cover!!!!!

His Sparrow said...

Please, please, please do not let this get you down. Your blog is awesome - I enjoy it and you!

Annie said...

Don't let that critic get you down...happy Bithday btw...we love you for who you are and are following your journal of life because we are interested in you. End of story...keep doing what you always do and lots of love from me

Balisha said...

Love your blog the way it is. I enjoy the flowers when snow is on the ground here. You always say the most uplifting things that help people get through situations that are hard for them.
Poo on that critic...I say,
Balisha

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi there, We are back from ANOTHER trip. This time we were in Georgia checking out yet another waterfall... Check my blog today when you get a chance.

I would never want anyone to review my blog--since it's just my journal and I enjoy doing it, no matter what others think about it.. Oh Well.

I do like your font --and think it is GREAT.

Sorry I missed your birthday. Hope you had a great one.. Glad also that you got your leak and washing machine fixed...

Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy

Rebecca said...

I strongly disagree with that person's review and shudder to think what he might say about mine!

When I think about the blogs I personally enjoy and read regularly, they (like yours) are unique and personal--a combination and reflection of the lives and interests of their creators.

I DO agree with him on ONE thing -- your photos! They are spectacular.

Rose ~ from Oz said...

"comic" sans font title is very misleading - I find nothing humourous about the font at all. Rather than comic sans being in any way a 'joke' font as this fellow suggests, I believe it marries with your personality beautifully. Your blog is personal, sharing, faithful, floral, honest. Your font choice represents all of that. Anyhow I reckon this 'joker' was a reviewer for business websites perhaps?!
Hugs
Rose
Haha, I must do it myself - I'm sure I'd roar laughing at his review of mine!! oh yeah.....

Sunray Gardens said...

I do things to please me and really why would I care what someone out there thought that I don't know and for all I know has bad taste. I might critique his garden and home as bad. Ignore other people's negativity and do what makes you happy.
Cher Sunray Gardens

Deb said...

Your blog is just perfect the way you write it, I love Comic Sans for the simple reason as I age I can read the print and I find it lively almost a reflection of the writer using it. My blog too is just my everyday life which is another reason I return to your blog often, I find your post interesting, often funny, always inspiring and profoundly uplifting. I never held much in regard for any reviews be they for a book, movie or play more times then not the reviews are bad and the book, play, movie and blog is great, so dear please keep on posting your wonderful words, stunning photos and often shine on, by the list of comments you and your blog are well loved.

camp and cottage living said...

Oh, for heavens sake! Don't give the geek another thought.
He is probably supposed to advise people who want to monetise their blogs. Which is not what yours is all about!
I enjoy it just the way it is.
And I thing your handiwork turned out lovely, Lorraine.