Cinderella Syndrome

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   Jacqueline4390posted 9 years ago

   I will admit that I am rather new here, but I have been working extremely hard to create quality information. I know that someone is reading them but it would be nice sometimes to hear something positive.

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      cjaroszposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I agree. Even though we see people reading our hubs. Seldom do we get input on them.

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         Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

         So why is it that some people get "tons" of feedback while the Cinderella are not?

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            Marisa Wrightposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            The Comments capsule is a Comments capsule, not a Feedback capsule.  It's for people to express their opinions or ask questions.   If people have nothing to say, they won't comment.  That's the normal practice on blogs, websites and posts all over the internet.
            
            Ask yourself, when you read an article or blog post on other sites, how often do you leave a comment?  Do you ever leave a comment like "nice article"?   When you write on HubPages, you're not just writing for the community.  The active community is far too small, for a start!  Over time,  most of your readers will have found your Hub on Google or Yahoo or Bing, and they're not going to treat it any differently from any other article they read. 
            
            Having said that, there is a group of Hubbers who treat HubPages as more of a social place.  They're the ones who use the Comments capsule to give feedback.  They follow each other and read and comment on each other's Hubs.  To be part of that group, you need to follow people whose articles interest you, then make an effort to read and comment on their Hubs - then they will reciprocate by reading and commenting on yours. 
            
            It is important to leave a meaningful comment, though, even if it's just a sentence, to show you're genuine.  You may mean it when you reply "nice Hub", but unfortunately (like many things) the unscrupulous have spoiled it for everyone else.   We've had so many spammers leaving brief comments to get attention, that we're all suspicious of them and yes, we have been advised to delete them.

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               Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

               Ya es suficiente!

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         JG11Bravoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         I'll throw in another affirmative, though I think I just don't write things that facilitate much in the way of discussion.

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      SmartAndFunposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Articles about controversial topics, or topics which have a sharply divided audience, tend to get lots of comments. Also, if you don't explain your point of view well or if you publish incorrect information, people will leave comments to correct you or ask what it is you're trying to get across. So, it might be that you are simply doing a nice job and not ruffling any feathers. It's kind of like parents who only get feedback from the school when their kids have done something wrong.

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         Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Now I never thought of that, excellent point!

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            SmartAndFunposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Although I think you will find that the longer you've been here and the more you post on the forums and make friends with other hubbers, the more positive comments you will tend to get.

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               Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

               Sounds like the Law of Probability to me, and I have always been fond of that law. Thanks, I will definitely take your comment under advisement.

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      Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      To repeat my first comment, it would be nice to have someone comment. Thankfully, I have received some very great ones within the past few hours. I completely appreciate all the great positive feedback that some of you have given. On the same note, bring a mother, grandmother, former college instructor and counselor, I really don't need any advice regard how I do things. God bless all those who realize they don't know everything or believe they are the authority on everything!

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         Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

         That should read "being .. Not bring."

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   wildernessposted 9 years ago

   How many thoughtful comments have you left on hubs today, clearly showing you read the hub, found it useful, interesting  and/or thought provoking?
   
   The truth is that few organic readers will leave comments (although those that do are often very motivating to the author) and few hubbers read many hubs.

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      JG11Bravoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, I'd say five or so for me actually.  If a compliment on the content is deserved, I give it.

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         wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Actually, I meant it to the OP. 
         
         Leave a thoughtful comment for a hub and most authors will return the favor.  At least that's been my exerience.

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            JG11Bravoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            My apologies.  This reply layout manages to confound me if I'm responding quickly.

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            Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Actual I have, thanks for you astute observation.

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            Beth37posted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Ditto.

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   Dame Scribeposted 9 years ago

   It takes time to develop a following nothing happens nor do new writers .. become an overnight sensation upon arrival it'd be nice but alas, tis not to be. For now, just interact in the forums, on FB with other Hubbers and promote your Hubs. Comments will slowly trickle in.

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      JG11Bravoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Well-put.  The urge for instant gratification is strong, but sometimes it just doesn't work out that way.

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      Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Actually, I am not after instant gratification. And I do interact on FB regularly. However, sense I understand the anatomy of the situation I won't worry about it. I didn't know that reading something and giving positive feedback was only reserved for experienced contributors.

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         Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

         That should be since, sorry.

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         nArchuletaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Commenting on others' Hubs is the key. Although, funnily enough, people always end up commenting on my Hubs that I think are less... discussion-worthy. But then, I tend to read and comment mostly on cat Hubs, so who am I to talk?

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            Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Your answer does have some merit. It is quite a logical and intelligent answer.

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               wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               Should you choose to read and comment, please make your comment thoughtful and appropriate.  "Nice hub" doesn't make it, and many experienced authors will simply delete such drivel as either spam or someone merely looking for a return comment.  Probably hasn't even read the hub, just flipped to the bottom and left a comment that means nothing and adds nothing to the hub.

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                  Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  How very presumptuous. I would never delete a reply no matter how minute it was. I would appreciate the fact that they made me aware that they even took the time. But then, that's me.

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                     wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                     I suspect you will when you have thousands of comments and the comment section is longer than the hub. 
                     
                     Many hubbers, including me, find such comments to be detrimental to the hub as well.  And as far as I'm concerned, if you don't read the hub, don't visit.  And if you DO read it and like it enough to leave a comment, then take the few seconds necessary to write something that will add to the hub, not just a veiled request for a return comment.

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                        Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                        I suspect that I will not. Since I have published books and worked as an Instructional Designer and Consultant on many writing projects; I will always be like a kid, happy for the candy no matter the size.
                        If I find that my comments are deleted because they are brief, then I will forfeit commenting on that writer's offerings. So, I will continue to commit as I see fit. Thank you.

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                           wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                           To each their own; goodness knows there is an absolutely HUGE variation in the thousands of writing styles evidenced on HP.
                           
                           I DO suggest, though, that you research the question before making a final decision as it seems like HP itself has recommended that such comments be deleted if received and I'm thinking it hurts your hubber score to leave it on other hubs as well.  If you look at the "commenter" accolade it indicates that you are leaving "insightful and engaging" comments: "good hub" is neither.
                           
                           I also think you will find that google itself slightly degrades a web page for excessive comments of that type, although what the Big G really wants is impossible to know.  And that would be subject to change at the drop of a hat anyway.

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                              Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                              As you say, to each his own. I retired from federal service because I was tired of all the bureaucracy. So, point being if I experience it here, oh well there are other places to go to write as I believe I have proved that I can write.
                              
                              When it cease to be enjoyable; it's time to go.

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                                 wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                                 Oh I don't mean to indicate that HP requires anything here.  Only that it encourages it in what it believes is the hubbers best interests.  If Google doesn't like those comments, for example, and dings the author a spot or two in the SERP's, it's going to hurt and hurt badly.
                                 
                                 That's all.  Although HP does have certain requirements, they limit those requirements to fewer than I would have imagined on a site open to anyone.  So do as you please there, and good luck to you whatever you decide.

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                                    Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                                    I am thinking that maybe I made a poor choice and investing so much of my time writing hubs. Perhaps I will stop for a while and weigh by options.

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                                    Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                                    I shall think about my options. I have invested a lot of time in writing here but its still early in the game and I can always go in another directions. Thanks for giving me a reason to leave.

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                                       wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                                       This is beginning to sound just a little too familiar to me.
                                       
                                       You delete or not, as you see fit.  Continue to write or not, your choice.  And leave or stay - whatever you choose. 
                                       
                                       I've tried to give you some worthwhile advice and some things to think about.  Do with them as you wish.

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                              moonlakeposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                              Really, I didn't know that. Where does HP recommend that such comments be deleted? I have never seen it.

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                                 wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                                 Sorry, Moon, I cannot quote.  It's just something in the back of my mind that I seem to remember picking up in the forums or somewhere.  I could be quite wrong, too.

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                     moonlakeposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                     agree

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                     relacheposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                     Any Hub visitors who repeatedly leave identical comments like "good job" or "great hub" will be automatically identified as spamming by the HubPage system filters because the larger web world has determined such comments do not add value to a Hub. 
                     
                     If you need a lot of personal feedback, writing on the web is not the way to go.  It's rather thankless, and when you actually do a great job, you can't say anything about it or people rip off your work.  Which they'll do anyway.

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                        wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                        TY.  I'm unable to give hard evidence to back my comments here, but this is one small piece of the puzzle that I had forgotten but still factor in to what I had to say.

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                        Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

                        I have had a lot of great personal interaction on the Net. Thank God I don't share your thoughts on this subject. A lot of my friends are on Social websites and I have made great friends in other states. This is just my second negative experience. But I am an incurable optimist.

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                        Marisa Wrightposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                        +1

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         JG11Bravoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         I didn't mean it in any sort of negative context.  I apologize.

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            Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks, I glad I misunderstood you. Appreciate you clarifying it :-)

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               Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

               Wow, my writing is atrocious tonight- sorry.

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   Dame Scribeposted 9 years ago

   pardon me. It wasn't my intention to pluck feathers either. It's just a situation that WE have ALL gone through. I don't get lots of comments either and really don't worry about it. I get comments usually on my twitter or other places.

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      Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for clarifying. I don't feel like the Lone Ranger any more. I guess it's true that Artist and Writers are temperamental. I'm coming down from Mount Olympus and grabbing my broom and dust bin :-)

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         mgt28posted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Jacqueline,
         
         I started here recently, a little later than you. The comments section is an important feedback for me. I receive very few comments, but those that I receive from very experienced hubbers and not solicited . I am happy that way, few and well meaning comments. I hope I will pick up as time goes.

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            Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

            I suppose I am used to an academic environment where feedback was encouraged as a way of interaction. What I've always loved about online social media is the diversity of people. Being that this is not face to face but a "writing environment" it seems logical that people convey their thoughts by writing. Maybe I look at things too analytically.

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   Dame Scribeposted 9 years ago

   It's good to always have your eggs in more than ONE basket use HP and other sites. After all, the more the merrier. You've got a start so check out how the end goes vs abandonment 

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      Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That is good advice. Who knows what the final outcome is? My eggs are definitely well scattered!

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