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The Importance of Following Hubbers...For the Newbies
Late to the Party...
Damn. I was already arriving late to the (maybe) biggest party of my life but that wasn’t my primary worry. My biggest concern was that I didn’t have an invitation to the event or any idea about what the dress code might entail. After driving for, what seemed years, I succeeded in finding the address. The driveway was filled to capacity with the street clogged by every form of conveyance imaginable. I puttered my red, washed-out, beat-up, 1968 MGB roadster down the street looking in vain for a likely parking spot.
More time lost. Thinking that it was perhaps a sign, I resolved to follow my one working headlight out of the neighborhood and go home. Due to tire issues (four left turns were often necessary over…say…one right turn), I made the first left I could find which turned out to be an alley.
To the right side, about 30 feet up, was the perfect parking spot for my vintage British automobile, which, along with an old PC represented the bulk of my estate. Noting my hesitation, resolve began looking about in panic for an escape route (preferably towards the left) as my car began coughing in contempt at my cowardice. My car always coughs in contempt at my cowardice when that one exhaust hose comes loose. Damn. Cranking the steering wheel to the right, the left front tire shrieking in agony, I pulled alongside a dumpster as the hose finished popping and the engine cut out. I briefly worried about the car’s safety in the alley before noticing how much nicer the paint on the dumpster was than my car.
“Well, I’m here and I found a parking spot so I might as well check out the party.” I bravely announced to the dumpster. The plan was to kind of hang back…see what’s up…scope out the scene...
Walking up to the house, I rechecked the address in my hand…Hubpages.com.
Enormous Party...
Once through the door, my shoulders relaxed as my credentials went unchallenged and the expected cover charge failed to materialize. I wandered about the rooms: poked my head into enchanting stories, peered at perfect prose, marveled at the people’s consistent use of ALL the comma rules…EVERY time! Fancy, that?.
Occasionally, hubs bearing such imposing titles as SEO, SERPS, Links, Hyperlinks, and other technical monikers would lumber, importantly, out of rooms towards me and I would quickly beat a hasty retreat into the nearest bathroom. In my mind’s ear I could hear my car mocking me.
No! If I want to do this right…if I want to make an impact, well...being a wall flower (crouched in a metaphoric bathroom stall, no less), is probably not the best way to do it. I flushed, washed my hands, and proudly walked out of the bathroom, trailing, unbeknownst to me, thirteen-inches of damp toilet paper from my shoe. Would this prove to be the extent of MY following?
The Advantages of Following...
After 12-days of haunting the halls of Hub-Ville, I feel a burning desire to return something back to the community. Therefore; here are some, hopefully, helpful thoughts for the newbies---those who have just found their own parking spaces.
The four advantages of following other Hubbers, according to ThoughtSandwiches...in no particular order except (perhaps) numerical:
1) People who follow...typically don't get lost... Unless they are following me...
2) Pressing the “Follow Button” is the equivalent of making eye contact across a crowded room. A smile is shared, the distance is closed and soon you are having a conversation with a new friend who wants the same things as you…success on Hub pages.
3) Hubbers who interest you are, invariably, following others and serve as an introduction to talent and resources you might otherwise miss in your meanderings about this incredibly diverse site;
4) After following some, and being followed by others, after commenting to your new friends, and having your queries addressed, you will notice that you are not only a part of the party but, also, a contributing member to it!
Final Questions...
So I have two questions for those new Hubbers who have yet to follow the concept of following:
1) What are you waiting for?
And...
2) You didn’t block in a red MGB when you parked did you?
Comments
- Author
bredandagnes,
I'm very glad I was able to motivate! I understand those nefarious time vampires very well! I also have a passing familiarity with those creativity sucking zombie attacks and they too take their toll!
It's very nice to meet you.
Thomas
I am still a newbee and enjoyed this very much.I have great intentions for reading and writing here,but that age old time vampire keeps getting me.You have motivated me again.Thanks
- Author
maggs...
I always wanted an MGA!! Considering how many difficulties I had with the MGB...I don't know why...but I did! They were fun little cars!
I'm so glad you liked this hub and it granted you some giggles! Giggles are very important I have found and I also have to say that Hubpages IS a party, huh?
Thank you for stopping by and saying hi!
Thomas
- Author
GrApEwAtEr,
I'm very glad you liked this and found the information helpful! It was one of the first thing that I noticed upon stumbling on this awesome site! It's a very giving community (mind...if you hang out o=in the political forums they might give it a little hard...but still...)
It's very nice to meet you and I thank you for the follow. I look forward to returning the favor and reading your work as well!
Thomas
PS...thanks for the Up and awesome!
Well said!!!
I loved the party analogy Thomas and the MGB reminded me of an MGA we had in 1967 same colour as yours.
I had such fun reading this hub, so much so, that I read the entire list of comments just to get an extra helping of your wit and humour.
You have a very engaging writing style that is so easy to read and I can't wait to have a look at some of your other hubs.
I have voted this hub up+ and hit all the buttons except beautiful but I suppose the MGB could have warranted that button lol...
This hub contains a valuable advice for new hubbers. The scene created around the advice is great. Choosing to follow is the way to do it on hubpages. It indeed is an equivalent of eye contact situation of two people. Voted up and Awesome.
Keep writing your thoughtful sandwiches.
Agreed Thomas
- Author
34th...
You are absolutely right! It does seem to be a phenomenon with some of the newbies. I have to think that they will eventually figure out really what's going on and act accordingly or leave the scene.
Personally I'd rather have ten followers that like what I write than a hundred that I never see after "So and so is following you" go across the ole feed!
Take care,
Thomas
I just noticed Alastar's comment - how true! I've been around a while and might be following 30 people. Those who want to follow you only to get you to follow them are trolling for exposure (and hits) which makes me question their writing ability.
- Author
Alastar,
Hello my good friend! Your words are wise ones and if I had ANY kind of ambition, I would go in and add that critical detail to this story!! As this one was one of my first...I had yet to understand all the finer nuances of the following game and you are absolutely right...I am unlikely to follow someone after going to their profile page and seeing lines and lines of who they just started to follow!
To my mind the only one who I didn't mind seeing do that was Five One Cows...that was his thing! AND...with a Hubber score of 1...he is no longer with us...lol!
Take care my friend!
Thomas
- Author
34th...
I'm so sorry for your troubles! Writing certainly can be cathartic though, huh? Perhaps a story about the hubris of the medical community is in order?
Stay strong,
Thomas
Diggin' your Advantages of Following again, Thomas! This is a chance to tell the newbies not to get offended if a veteran doesn't follow them back. Makes no sense to follow someone who just followed 20 hubbers in one day obviously fishing for numbers only. Better to bait their hook with genuine interest and a comment. Quality trumps quantity in the long run by far!
Ah, Thomas - check out my "Roswell Park" Hubs. We're having a tough go of it - but at least it gives me something to write about! lol !!
- Author
hi 34th!
It is very good to see you my friend and I hope all is going well! I'm glad you liked this one!
Thomas
VERY good, Thomas! lol!!
- Author
Susan,
I couldn't agree more! As for my followers, I should probably warn them that I stop frequently and make wide right turns...It's only fair...
Thank you for wonderful comment and share the first thing on a Saturday morning!
Thomas
Following is so important and fun. I try to follow those who write topics I enjoy... Like you.
Great advice. Votes and shares!!
- Author
Kelly,
hmmm...perhaps I should have phrased that more diplomatically, huh? lol...as friends go...I'm a double edged sword! Perhaps something new for me..."An Ode to an Exploding Rubber Tree"? I'm picturing condoms raining down throughout the neighborhood.
Hugs!
Thomas
YOU ARE HOPING I have ANOTHER patch??? Why thank you so much Thomas! lmao
- Author
First Colony,
That's an awesome story. I had mine in High School (also in the 80s); however, it was in pretty much the same condition as I have represented it here in this story.
Typically the girls would crowd around in much the same way they would have crowded around a train wreck. Still...I miss that car.
Thanks for stopping by and having a chat. I appreciate it!
Thomas
I'm voting this Hub up if for no other reason than the MGB reference. My brother bought and restored a 67 MGB convertible and drove it in High-school (in the 80's). He bought it for just 1000, and rebuilt it and had it painted fire-engine red. I was always amazed that when I would drive my little Honda some of my female classmates didn't know who I was. If I happened to drive his car. . . they would crowd around and ask for a ride. I really miss that car, and I know he does too.
- Author
Kelly,
I have not gotten my hands dirty messing around with math, however, I am studying for the marijuana portion of a drug test...and that always slows down my writing (yes...that's the secret sauce).
Needless to say, I feel bad because the story that is stalled is COMPLETELY dedicated to you. It's my hope to pass a giggle your way because of the rough patch you have been through. My new hope is that you will have another rough patch soon so we can apply the story to that...yeah...I know...That's just wrong. Still, I DO love you!
Thanks for perusing my mental soup here!
Thomas
Well I was looking for a new bed time story but I guess you've been messing around with math again or something orange. I knew if I tiptoed through your library I'd find a chuckle or twelve:)
How do you do this shit? You make everything funny! And no I didn't block anything or park on the dance floor. Already a fastidious follower though!
- Author
Ken,
I'm very glad this article proved helpful and welcome to Hubpages! I think you will find this a very receiving community! Thanks for stopping by!
Thomas
I've been looking for a hub that's written similar to this. It has creativity in pointing out facts that are helpful to everyone in hubpage. Great job ThoughtSandwiches
- Author
That Grrl...
Reason #2 is also my personal favorite! (Waving from across the room!) It is very nice to meet you and thank you for taking the time to meander through my ruminations!
Thomas
I follow people for Reason #2. The Internet is massive, it's nice to give a friendly wave from across the room.
- Author
Jamie,
I'm very glad you liked this and thank you for the compliment! Thanks also for blowing some of the dust off this one and showing it love.
Thomas
Another great hub, you are so funny! Love it :)
- Author
CASE1WORKER...
Not only will the beat-up MG get flagged...it will probably get ticketed and towed as well! Sadly...any towing fees would greatly exceed the value of the car. (sigh).
I would like to thank you for stopping by, leaving an awesome comment, and a vote! That said...um...could I get a ride home?
Thanks,
Thomas
I missed this first time around- what a lovely hub though I am not sure now that the beat up MGB would not get flagged for something!
Voted up and funny cos it was
- Author
Hunbbel...
Early or late...all that matters is that you are here now, my friend! Thank you for the read, votes, and share!!
Thomas
Great hub. Very nicely written. I regret being late to this 'party!' ;)
Voted up + Shared!
- Author
It IS a beautiful night for a stalk...um...a walk...
I mean just stopped by on my stalk.
I know about cars that need fixing. I have one in the driveway. You are welcome, just stalked by on my walk.
- Author
snakeslane,
I used to have a car exactly like that back in the 80s. The mechanical problems illustrated here were the same ones that car had every day. I always thought I would "fix-it" up but I have absolutely no mechanical abilities.
I suppose that's why I wasn't even able to repair it in my imagination to have a nice ride for this story.
Blatantly stalking is bold...I appreciate bold.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thomas
This is very clever and funny ThoughtSandwiches, kind of like yourself. The car is nice. I like how you parked. I generally don't follow, I just blatantly stalk, works for me :)
- Author
onlooker...
lol...NO worries my friend. I have done the exact same thing more than once!
Thomas
ThoughtSandwiches, my apologies about the mistake. So stupid of me (arrgghh!)=(
- Author
@ Alecia...Thank you for your kind words and your accurate assessment of the following game. I wrote this a week or two into my Hub career and I would certainly make mention of the "perils" of following. I guess I COULD edited it...I'm kind of lazy tho...
@ Tracy...I am very glad you liked my little intro into the following game. In the end...best call is to follow those you like and those that interest you! Thank you for the Up and awesome votes...they are DEEPLY appreciated!
@ onlooker...(Laughing) yes...yes...people CAN get picky! I'm glad you liked the end!
Thomas
Following is important but people can get picky. You're right following is one way to get noticed. The end bit was funny too, good this is wasn't me. Thank you Alecia.
What a great introduction! I am blown away by your writing. I hadn't given much thought to the benefits of following others other than interest or perhaps increasing your presence on HubPages, but I like your ideas. ~voted up and awesome~
Best, Tracy
I agree that following has its advantages. I just ask that if someone follows me not to expect the same. If I'm interested, I'll make myself known. But you're right when you follow someone it becomes an open window to finding great talent and new friends. Great hub!
- Author
@ Patti...I believe you will find...once you start writing...the self confidence will come because, otherwise, you will stop writing! I apologize for my delay in getting to your latest...there has been life stuff to deal with. Hang in there!
@ Deepak...I'm very glad you liked this and thank you for the Up vote and share! It's a pleasure to meet you!
@ Jeannie...ahhh...our special moment at Wal-mart. Damn security people. I mean if you can't touch yourself inappropriately while watching people in "cereal" while standing in "Breads" that should be a posted policy.
@ WD Curry...I LOVE those phrases...townies and townie tactics. You will need to explain them to me! LOL..yeah..I forgot about the masquerade aspect. Imagine that...subterfuge on the internet? (I like your setting at Rayford State Prison!)
Thank you all for your wonderful comments!
Thomas
Everyone has a different experience. I had a group of townies try to run me off with townie tactics. Luckily, I have moved and traveled a lot. This is not my first rodeo. I didn't get thrown by the bull.
You forgot to mention that it is a masquerade. The pretty girl in the bikini on that avitar could be a male inmate at Rayford State Prison in Florida. No telling who you will run into on a full moon around here!
This hub is so much fun. I am always happy to follow you and happy that you follow me, even if there was that creepy Walmart incident when you followed me a little much. ;-)
Voted up and shared!
Great hub.Thanks for sharing.Shared and voted up.
Thanks again Thomas.
I agree with you re: a little nudge. Please share your opinion of them with me - self-confidence isn't one of my strong suits!
Patti
- Author
34th!
Woot! Congrats! I look forward to reading them and the two that follow them! Oftentimes...a gentle nudge is all that is needed!
Thomas
Using your advice - I PUBLISHED TWO HUBS this morning!
I'm sure they're lousy, but I thank you for giving me the gentle nudge that I sorely needed!
THANK YOU!!
- Author
Lilleyth...
Hello and It is very nice to meet you! So that was YOU that has been following me...I thought it was a bill collector. Needless to say...I'm glad it was you!
Thanks,
Thomas
I am soooo following you.
- Author
Justin...
The bastard child of irreverence, huh? I think I know your mom....
lol...an example of irreverence...
Thanks,
Thomas
well, i'm the bastard child of irreverent, I just don't embrace it as much
- Author
Ruchira...
I could not agree more. The key is finding the time to read all the wonderful material that our Hubber friends so prolifically write!
When I wrote this (about a week or so)into my Hub career...I had two followers and was following, perhaps, five...very easy to keep up. Not so much now...But we do keep trying!!
Thanks for the wonderful comment!
Thomas
Hi Thomas,
I have no issues following people 'cause definitely I will get to learn something from their style of writing BUT my main concern is to do justice by reading the hubs published by them and show them that they are being appreciated.
I try to regularly follow the email digest of published followers but, there have been days when I can't...
your hub is good and thought provoking...voted up as useful...Cheers!
- Author
PDX...
Thank you very much my friend...me and irreverent...yeah...we got a thing going...
(Laughing)
Thanks for the stop and chat!
Thomas
Great work, Thomas, and filled with your patented irreverent humor
- Author
grinnin1...
Eye contact is AWESOME! Please note...if you are following: I make wide right turns and frequently back-up.
Thanks for the read!
Thomas
- Author
tsmog...
There is nothing worse than a car with carb problems. As a rule...I am not very car-ish and tend not to look under the hood unless there are legs sticking out...preferably girl's legs. I have been known to let guys legs just dangle as being unimportant.
I am very glad you like my little Tale here and it inspired a chuckle while (perhaps) informing!
Thanks,
Thomas
Here's to eye contact! I'm a follower!
- Author
Cloverleaf...
Eye contact is noted. Slight incline of the head is made. A new friend is added to my list...
Thanks!
Thomas
Awesome. Loved the revealing humor getting a chuckle shared with the garden. The car pic at the end reminds me of a old Nissan I use to tune-up years back. Always had carb problems. I think he did it on purpose to see if I could figure it out. Teachers are amazing, eh?
Hi thoughtsandwiches - consider this eye contact! I'm following and eager to read more :)
- Author
Imkarn23...
(Laughing) ...You DID have a fun ride, huh? I'm certainly glad you found a better garage scenario than you were working with! I will come find you when It's time to move my car. And by move, of course, I mean tow!
Tanks for the great comment!
Thomas
No..i didn't block you in...i followed you in. lol. I'm a rebuilt model that was forced to look for a new garage - even though i was so comfortable there that i could find my way around with my headlights off! Unfortunately, the old garage's infrastructure needed restructuring, but the owners were too cheap to do it. When the sludge and gunk started to suck at my tires, and the acid rain ate through the garage's protective cover and started to damage my shiny paint job - I knew it was time to burn rubber and I was gone in 60 seconds! Now, I am backfiring with doubts, and worried that I might need gas and not be able to find the station! LOL Thanks for this! Loved it and, clearly - I had a fun ride!
- Author
Tammy...
Thank you very much for stopping by and commenting. You make a great point of following in moderation...it is a fact I should add into this Hub if not for how lazy I am. Perhaps tomorrow....
Thomas
- Author
Evankovach...
Thank you my friend for stopping by and giving me a read. I'm glad I was able to impart some information and provide a giggle!
Thanks,
Thomas
- Author
Epi...
This would be a bit of a classic, huh? Certainly the first one of mine that ever gained any kind of traction. Thank you for bringing it out of mothballs my friend!
Thomas
Great hub Thomas. I am still learning right along with you. I try not to follow more people than I can actually read in a fair amount of time. Well done!
Very clever, definitely one of the most witty written hubs I have seen. Still very informative for a relatively new hubber!
..hot damn man - I'm revisiting a classic and I just have to post it this time to my Facebook groupies and all of their groupies and people who have good taste and will appreciate what you are doing here - so it will be highlighted on the marquee of my page - and I left you an appreciative comment back at the ranch - or as they say on TV - the scene of the crime!
lake erie time 11:27pm with full moon and the late great Warren Zevon singing Werewolves of London
- Author
Daisy...
Humor can be an unwieldy instrument at times...on good days it's a clarinet...on bad days it's a tuba. Thank you for stopping in and leaving an awesome comment!
Thomas
Sometimes the way to get one's point across is by employing humor...not always an easy thing to do. You, Thomas, have succeeded. Well done!
- Author
alocsin...
Thank you for the drop in and comment my friend! It's always good to be reminded of the basics!
Thanks again!
Thomas
I wish this hub was available when I was first starting out here. Voting this Up and Useful.
- Author
moonstruck-fever...
I am always excited when something I write turns helpful! This is a great community of supportive folks...I believe you will like it here. Welcome to Hubsville!
Thomas
Interesting, entertaining and helpful!
Thanks from a newbie. :-)
- Author
dodsy...
I am very pleased that you found this entertaining and a little surprised that it was insightful! I'm glad you liked it and welcome to Hubpages!
Thomas
Entertaining and insightful :)Thankyou from a newbie!
- Author
mljdgulley...
I see that you are the mother of, noted,
Hubber,TLPoague, as such...you are in good stead following her!
I'm very glad you found this enjoyable and helpful!
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Thomas
Great hub. Being new to hub pages it really helped me to know following hubbers can be very informative and helpful
- Author
Hi Mary...
Well Good Morning! It very good to become acquainted and I am very glad you happened upon my little efforts here and enjoyed it. Please come back whenever you want!
Thanks,
Thomas
Good Morning! I'm glad I read this early in the AM when I am waking up and need a laugh to start my day! Voted UP etc.etc. You are so witty. I loved it. My friend gave me a bumper sticker that says: "Don't follow me, I'm lost, too!"
- Author
koffeeklatch...
Your kind words upon first waking are better then the liquid succor that your name implies! Thank you for taking the time to ramble through my readings and being nice enough to leave a comment!
Thanks,
Thomas
Thomas, you are so creative. You he4ld my attention from beginning to end. Thanks for the laugh. Rated up, funny, awesome and shared.
- Author
hi phd...
Thank you very much for your stop by, read, and comment!
I must say that I have learned a lot from the following of Hubbers that have a clue as to what is going on!
Mind...I don't make the claim that people who follow me will have a clue...it's a matter of who you follow and my sense of direction kind of sucks.
Thanks!
Thomas
Good Hub with good reminders for us newbies. And quite cleverly done. :)
- Author
neman...
Remember to take deep breaths and to stay hydrated... I will leave caches of food along the way...look for the Sherpa guide that looks Sherp-ish...he may be carrying a ladder...he may not...you almost never really know with Sherpas...
Thomas
The fifth one - man, I really feel dizzy :)
- Author
Hi missolive! First off...thanks for the get ThoughtSandwiches to 100 followers drive!! I am currently at 99...inching my way... I'm glad you liked my following Hubbers for the newbie hub and congrats on your 104 followers!
Great hub! Love this!
- Author
@ JamaGenee...(First off...Thanks for the great fan mail!) Secondly...lol...sadly...my house analogy is the only way I can actually envision the place. This is due to my complete lack of technical abilities...
"...hubs bearing such imposing titles as SEO, SERPS, Links, Hyperlinks, and other technical monikers would lumber, importantly, out of rooms towards me..."
Never thought of HP as a "house", but of course it is...a mansion with enough rooms and nooks and crannies to accommodate all who enter to attend the party! Wonderful analogy! ;D
I know - if I was gonna be offended I shd change my "name!" its my Dad's outfit.
- Author
@ 34th...Absolutely NO offense intended!! My bad...
P.S. I'm a girl - NO offence taken!r
- Author
@34th Bomb Group...I could not agree with you more! Ghost is in a different category than I , however, He can be witty as hell AND as serious as hell...I don't do serious ALL that well...but I like being silly! Great seeing you good sir!
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