9.10.2012

Ask Elle: Blogging Edition

Elle, I've noticed you've not stopped by my blog in awhile. What's up with that?

Get ready for a story, because this one took a week to type--you'll see why very shortly: Ten years ago I had surgery to have my ulnar nerve moved. While never confirmed by doctors, I know it was from constant computer use--having my arms bent. The surgery relieved constant numbness in my ring and pinkie fingers. Unfortunately, the numbness has come back. I believe it is back due to my poor practices of blogging with a computer in a my lap. Not exactly ergonomic. Prior to a few months ago, I was on the computer up to 6 hours a day--just for blogging, commenting, visiting blogs, etc--not for my work. Multiply that by over two years, and the nerve damage is back.

To help circumvent that, I do some physical therapy exercises, have cut down drastically the number of blogs I visit, only leave comments on those that comment back, blog from a desk like a normal person (hehe), and use my phone for comments. My phone has a speech-to-text capability that I use when commenting on your blogs--if you've noticed odd typos on your comments from me, that's why. It's great for Tweets and Instagram, too.

Now, because of using my phone so much, my thumb twitches constantly and I've noticed problems when opening a water bottle, for example. I can't do it. So now I'm really cutting down on my computer and phone usage, as well as trying physical therapy exercises. While I will always respond to every comment, tweet, and email, I just might only visit your blog weekly, instead of daily. I know the obvious solution is to stop blogging, or blog less, but I just can't. I love it too much. You've no idea.

Elle, Why don't you have your email enabled so I can respond to your comment with email? It's simple: just go to Settings....etc....I refuse to respond or visit blogs without it!

I quit moderating my comments via email. I saw no need to get so many "you have a comment" emails. And the replies to my comments via email were just "thanks" with never a visit on my blog. It was killing my hands/wrist to click so much. I choose to respond to every comment on the author's page or via email if it's needed. The author gets a boost in stats because of my visit and the bonus of more comments.

I understand your frustration, but I started this blog because I knew I could help people, be it beauty, hair, diy or outfit ideas. Every single day I get affirmations that prove it. Also, it'd be really awkward for me to share my advice or knowledge to strangers in the beauty aisle at a store. ;)

The second reason I stopped: ask any blogger how to drive traffic to your blog, and her answer is to authentically comment on blogs that you like. I do just that, hoping you'll stop by. This blog isn't my personal diary; I write it so people will read it and maybe learn something they didn't know, or that could help them/others. Back to the story: I began to notice I was getting more email responses to comments I left than actual visits to my blog or comments, so I turned off the email enabled comments. My email is on my blog in several locations for those that want to want to use it. And everyone is always welcome to stop by. I know it isn't as convenient for you, and many of you have been rather adamant you're never stopping by ever but I think you'll like my blog to visit once in a while. Just give it a chance. And read it all the way through. Just like you've done now.

I hope this clears up some things, and as always, 
if you have a question, leave it in the comments or email me.
THANK YOU FOR READING ELLESEES! You are amazing & much love to you. xo

37 comments:

  1. Sorry about your hands, that is scary stuff! Hopefully scaling back a bit will help it heal.

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  2. Sweet Elle. So sorry to hear about your hands and numbness. That's a bummer. I enjoy your blog. I read it for the exact thing you mentioned-I learn something new, not always, but mostly. I have enjoyed a lot. My favorite things so far have been the braid ideas that I not only do for myself but for my daughters and I really enjoy the posts about makeup palettes. Like the one you just did. It helps to steer me in the right direction. Take great care,

    Shauna xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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  3. Sorry about your hand Elle. You make me realize that being at a computer a lot can take its toll.

    I always read and enjoy your blog. It is different and always informative. And I found you because you visited me, so your method worked there. I too think it's a drag when you visit someone's blog and they don't return the favour. I'll usually give someone a couple of tries and if they don't bother reciprocating, I click that unfollow button! Well, unless their blog is so great that I would really miss not reading it! (which is kind of rare, except for the blogging greats out there that we all love to read ).

    Loulou

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  4. Let's rest those pretty hands then! Hope a solution is in sight. :)

    http://mandycrandell.blogspot.com/

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  5. Wow, that hand thing sounds really painful - I hope it rights itself!

    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  6. I've often wondered how all of this computer time will affect my health. I'm so sorry to hear that your hand has gotten so bad. :-( But your well being is way more important that leaving blog comments and I'm sure your readers recognize that. I leave fewer and fewer comments these days too, but I'm still reading!

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  7. So sorry to hear about your hand issues. You be sure to take care of yourself and get back to normal soon.
    Xxoo

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  8. I'm so sorry to hear that about your poor hands! I hope that a little rest does the trick :)

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  9. Remembering you in prayer.

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  10. Always put your health first! So sorry to hear about your numbness, but I hope your actions have helped. xoxo

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  11. i don't think i've ever even thought to respond to a comment via e-mail unless it's something like a real direct question or needs attention. which has happened like once or twice. anyhow - that really sucks! i have never even heard of that nerve - it must be frustrating - but it's brilliant to use the speech to text capability.

    <3 katherine
    of corgis and cocktails

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  12. I hope that resting your hand helps it recover a bit. Ps - Like the new layout a lot!

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  13. I love you my sweet daughter ! Am saying prayers for my baby's hands .
    Love you , mommy

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  14. I hope your hands are getting better--sometimes a social media rest is important, I've had to do it a few times myself (I used to have terrible carpal tunnel syndrome and the only antidote was to stop typing).

    Love your new layout!
    xo Mary Jo

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  15. Oh my goodness! Man, I hope your hands start feeling better! I'm starting to have more and more blogging boundaries lately. I try to take weekends off, I only use the desktop computer (forcing me to sit at a desk), comment using the ipad in the evenings. You will find the balance that works for you and your health. Feel better! Love your blog! xoxo

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  16. Oh man, I hope you get better soon! Blogging should always be for you and not about comments. Definitely rest up!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  17. Hi Elle, sorry to hear about that, I have the same prob with Carpal Tunnel, its really all due to my bad computer positioning. Hope you feel better!

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  18. Oh no so sad to hear that. Hope you get better soon <3

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  19. Oh lady, I'm sorry about your nerve/arm/finger problem, but you seem pretty resourceful and it's good you are getting therapy and cutting back! your health should be priority and I know we still get your wonderful advice on here :)

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  20. Sorry to hear about your injury. As we age, it's one damn thing after another. Pace yourself and do what you need to do. We care!

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  21. Oh, my gosh...gotta take care of yourself! I hope it resolves in some way. I don't have that feature enabled, either. I know some bloggers use it, but I tend to line up with your view.

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  22. my goodness, I hope you start to feel better soon! That cant be easy to deal with. Sending get well wishes your way!

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  23. You are smart to blog smart! Regardless of what people say. We can't please everybody.

    kristen
    www.beholdthemetatron.com

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  24. sorry to hear about your hands. I've been there too! sucks to be in pain over something you love to do :)

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  25. I am so sorry to hear about your pain. It's truly amazing that you continue to blog and reply to bloggers! If you need a longer break to heal, by all means, take it. We'll miss your postings, but we'd certainly understand! Take care of yourself! HUGS!

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  26. Thanks for sharing these insights with us Elle! I find that overall the blog world is very supportive, but I know there are lots of critics out there too. I think it's vital that you put your health first, even if that means stepping back a little. Although not for health reasons, I'm learning to do that too. I used to think I had to respond in some way to every single comment, but I'm realizing that that's just not always possible. I think you do an awesome job of creating great, original content, and I appreciate you coming by my blog when you can. I hope your health problems get better soon!

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  27. I think it's silly that people won't visit sites that don't have their e-mail enabled! It's fine that you do it and that's what works best for you, especially with your hands being the way that they are! Imagine if you had to respond to those other messages as well?!

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  28. Hi lovey! Sorry I haven't been around in a while. Last week was hellish and I'm trying to carve some time away to do the things I love to do. One of which is stopping by to visit. Hope you're feeling better soon. I've had some nerve issues too from too much typing but nothing diagnosed. I just give myself a break when I can't stand the pain anymore.

    Anyway, you know I'm happy to stop by and visit your site every single chance I get :)

    Take care, lovey! xoxo

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  29. Oh Elle! So sorry to read about your condition. I sincerely hope that it gets better. Just take care of yourself, and don't worry about us. Your loyal readers will understand.

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  30. First of all, you make me laugh. I love how real you are. Second of all, I'm so, so sorry to hear about your nerve issues! I hope your exercises work!
    - Heather

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  31. I know I tweeted u earllier about this. I hope everything works out well for you and your fingers feel better soon.

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  32. feel better soon!!
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    www.MOSAMUSE.com

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  33. That's really too bad about your hands! You've got me thinking... since I'm currently sitting with a laptop in my lap!! Thanks for the continued blog love especially because of your hands!

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  34. Oh my hun, very sad to hear about your hands, well you know of course I still read over here and we all understand. Hope you get better very soon dear. -xo /Madison

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  35. I'm so sorry about your hands! Take care of yourself, that is the most important thing.

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  36. i often think about this as i am on my computer from 8am to 11pm...except for the few hours after work to tend to the minis. i'm sure there will be consequences to pay. hope you feel better.

    [oomph.]

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  37. aww so sorry to hear about the nerve... I'm sure blogging doesn't help. You're wonderful at always commenting on my blog and I definitely appreciate it :) I always learn something when visiting your blog!

    Love the new re-design! xoxo

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