All the stuff you never knew you needed to know about life in rural France.....and all the stuff the books and magazines won't tell you.

Sunday 18 March 2012

A Kindness of Bloggers....and a Fix for Blogger

Image representing Blogger as depicted in Crun...Image via CrunchBase
In the relatively short time I have been blogging, since April 2009, I have noticed that the overwhelming number of bloggers with whom I have come into contact have been distinguished by their kindness and their respect for other peoples' views.

I have learned a great deal from them.
They have given me new interests, have opened my eyes to photography and styles of music I would never have turned on by choice - have even changed my mind, whose nature normally resembles that of a army pack mule.

Ayak, whose blog about her life in Turkey was one of the first I found, has singlehandedly turned me from someone convinced that if I pressed something the entire contents of the computer would disappear down the plughole to someone that can now copy and paste without having a nervous breakdown.

Phil, whose wonderful Blogitandscarper is in abeyance at the moment, opened my eyes to what could be done with images.

Owen, whose Magic Lantern Show made me use my eyes when out and about.

The Diary of Amy Rigby, which opened up worlds of music which had passed me by, not to speak of an introduction to living in the U.S.A.

Mark, at Views from the Bikeshed, who offered sound advice on layout and whose blog continually makes me think and assess.

I am currently indebted to Perpetua, who has not only kindly offered to lead me through the weird world of Wordpress but who has also signalled a fix for the latest Blogger problem.

If you have been affected by the roll out of assigning your blog URL to a country suffix rather than to the old blogspot.com, with subsequent loss of the easy change tools on your dashboard, then she has the answer here.
She has suggested that everyone passes the fix on, as we all have differing circles of readers, to give maximum help to as many as possible.

Steve at Bloggertropolis has been posting recently about the changes in blogging...the growing commercialism...and I'm sure that this change in Blogger is to enable Google to attract more advertisers by using the blogging community to better effect.

He has also noticed that a number of blogs he followed have died off, or even out, and I've noticed the same phenomenon.
Is it because people now don't have the same time for blogging...are too busy running to stand still trying to make a living, so that unless their blog attracts money it's not worth pursuing?

I blog less these days...partly as a consequence of my husband enjoying much better health.
Blogging was something that occupied the long night hours of waiting and watching, pushing worry away by concentrating on something else.
Now, I frequently think
'Oh, I'd like to blog about that...' but find that life is too full to make the time and the moment has passed.

I get rather put off by the 'big' blogs....the product reviews, the puffs for restaurants, fashions, etc...
There doesn't seem to be the contact with the blogger that you find on the smaller ones, which is what I value.
The exception to that being The Slog, imprinted as it is with the character of its author and on its way to be being a monster blog.


It is not to say that everything in the blogging world is lovely.....

Some of the 'living the dreamers' react with virulence to any explicit or implicit criticism of their beloved France, as if they had been poked in the eye with a sharp stick.

Some of the 'mummy bloggers' make you think yourself grateful not to be within reach of their backbiting and eye scratching.

But, in my part of the blogging world at least, things are civilised.

Thank you fellow bloggers!










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38 comments:

  1. Hello:
    We can certainly endorse the kindness of the blogging community which we can say has been a great source of support and strength when we have been in very difficult circumstances. And, as you say, when times are good and life speeds up to an even more frenetic pace than usual, it does not leave the time to blog or to share experiences that one would wish.

    And, you too are a source of inspiration and information. Ever the keen observer of life in all its complexities and absurdities, you write with a conviction and an intelligence that makes the Blogosphere a richer place. We are delighted to read that your husband is enjoying better health. When you have a moment, however, please allow us the benefit of your lively wit!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A lovely compliment...thank you!

      I am delighted at the change in him...from just about moribund to being able to enjoy life again - a wonderful difference thanks to his Costa Rican NHS doctors.

      But I'd forgotten how many cups of tea he likes in the course of a day...

      Delete
  2. You wrote

    Some of the 'mummy bloggers' make you think yourself grateful not to be within reach of their backbiting and eye scratching.

    Yes, I could write a long post that too.

    We all have times when blogging is more central than at others - it's good too, to have life full enough not to want to sit at the keyboard all day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't often dip a toe into the murky mummy waters - usually by accident when chasing something else - but it isn't very welcoming.

      Delete
  3. Wondering, in my current state of overload, how the heck I can get a readable blog post out and further wondering if I should be a tad more serious for the moment and talk about the demise of some of the better blogs, I stopped long enough to read this.
    Done and dusted! I shall simply post a link to you, dear Fly, since you've pretty much said what I think.
    Long may you be Mr. Fly's "tea lady." But I hope you'll pop up from time to time.I'd miss you if you quit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're both just of an age to be amused by a query as to
      'Shall I do you now, sir?'
      when clearing a space for his teacup.
      I feel most complimented that you have put a link from your blog...

      Delete
    2. Umm...rain got serious and I have a neighbour's property to see to so I haven't actually posted that link yet! Tomorrow...

      Delete
  4. I echo your thoughts that blogging can fill an emptiness. It is a little poignant when we move beyond that need and don't capture every thought for cyberspace posterity. Good people abound, which is a pretty heartening conclusion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's as well I don't capture every thought for cyberspace posterity...there'd be a few French dream bloggers somewhat miffed!

      But yes, good people abound. Pity they don't run the world.

      Delete
  5. I have found your blog to be one of the most interesting and amusing, if not hilarious. Unfortunately some how or another it fell off my blog roll and I'm just so glad I finally realized it and got you back again!

    I too have found a collection of bloggers that have been truly wonderful to follow -- and also agree that the 'mummy bloggers' are often not very welcoming -- which is a shame because some are very amusing.

    Happy to hear your husband is in recovery and that you are now too busy some of the time to blog!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I feel like having one of those toy engines on a track that runs round the table for serving port...only this one would be on an overhead gantry from the kitchen to the balcony!

    I've had trouble following blogs recently too...but it seems to be righting itself, thankfully. Now I'll have to bring my blog roll up to date...

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your blogs are both interesting, lively and hilariously candid. I've enjoyed meeting you via the blogs and e-mail and wish you and Mr. Fly continued health and zest for living. I'm only sorry my own blogging has fallen off lately.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You have given me such a sense of fortitude in your posts...but I know that blogging is secondary to life.

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a lovely post Fly. And I feel really chuffed to get a mention...we really should do that book together "pc for numpties".

    Seriously, not only have your blogs been an education for me in so many ways, but I am so happy to have "met" you. You are one of the kindest and most understanding people I have ever met. I feel we will be friends for life..I certainly hope so xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are right...we have never met physically...but it is a real meeting of minds.
      And you have helped me so much with problems in your sphere of experience...which I cannot refer to here...just to say that your expertise has been appreciated by the authorities here.

      Delete
  10. Yes, it's not all bad and I can't see myself packing it all in just yet. And not blogging because of a full life is the best reason of all not to blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For goodness' sake don't stop blogging!
      If you stop I shall turn my face to the wall...

      Delete
  11. Gosh I hadn't noticed you'd gone to .fr. I bought my domain name, a massive investment of $10 per year and seem to have been spared that change.

    Blogger does do some weird stuff with blog rolls. Sometimes you think you've added someone but Blogger absolutely refuses to actually add them, and you wonder why these people have stopped blogging only to find out by accident later that they haven't.

    Another one is that you add someone, they are on your blog roll, but Blogger just stops updating you and when you investigate you find the last post on your list was 3 months ago yet you know the person posts once a week at least.

    As it's not consistent, you can never be sure of anything. I find the safest way is to subscribe by email.

    Anyway, I agree with you about the Slog - brilliant posts and so informative. I love the way he de-constructs the bollocks.

    It's pretty much what you do too, Fly, about life in France. Great stuff. You are one of the most intelligent writers out there on life in France even if you've now left.

    I'm glad your husband is in better health. Just goes to show you were right to leave.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right....Mr.Fly was just about moribund in France...thanks to an attempt to use him as a guinea pig without his consent.
      His Costa Rican NHS doctors have given him his life back...not great, not full...but a life worth living!

      I've always enjoyed your blog...life as it is, not 'living the dream'.

      Delete
  12. Perpetua, Blogger has swallowed all your comments...I can only hope that they will resurface.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Fly, I'm trying for a third time to post a comment. I thought at first the problem might be because of this new local blog address problem, but I've just commented on 2 other US based blogs without any difficulty.

    I concur with every word you write about the sheer niceness of almost all the bloggers we encounter. When I began I just didn't expect the friendships that develop via this medium and the sheer enjoyment of being allowed to share others' lives a little.

    I've said before that it was your blog above all others that fired me with the desire to start my own. I enjoy every post you write, revel in your insight and caustic wit and your unerring ability to prick pomposity and expose the underbelly of French life.

    That said, I rejoice with you over the reason that you don't post as often nowadays. Real life with a healthier and happy Mr Fly comes before blogging every time and long may it continue.

    Presses the button with fingers crossed.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are always a few with an odd kick in their gallop....so I generally leave them alone - except on the odd occasion that I think something is really misleading and could put people on the wrong track...and then only when I'm really sure.

      I think the wish to poke bravado comes from my father...always one to mistrust and mock the 'high heided yins'.

      Yes, it's wonderful to have Mr. Fly back again...for so long it felt as if he was withdrawn into another place...just concentrating on staying alive.

      Delete
  14. fly I posted a comment -- have I inadvertently upset you or did blogger swallow it??

    ReplyDelete
  15. No, it appeared in the 'comments' section...and then just as with Perpetua...disappeared!
    I'll try to retrieve the comments....much too flattering to allow to disappear into the ether!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry about the delay in replying...I've been trecking along with Mr. Fly for his three monthly medicals...everything from brain scans to blood tests with electric shocks to test speed of nerve reaction in between.

      We are both bushed after two solid days, but there is a real chance of a treatment that looks promising, so fingers crossed!

      You first comment appeared on the comments to be moderated...as did Perpetua's.
      I was going to notify you too but had to run to get the bus to San Jose having left less leeway than I had thought.
      It has now disappeared and I can't find it.

      This has happened in the past...and the comment has reappeared in a few days...but recently one disappeared and has never surfaced - I'm at a loss.

      Delete
  16. I've always loved your blog Fly, and I'm glad that the reason you blog less is that Mr Fly is so much better. I don't blog much anymore myself (probably something to do with the fact that *my* health is also so much better!) but I still read other blogs, especially ones that turn up on your blogroll, and agree that the blogs/bloggers you've surrounded yourself with are a really nice bunch.

    Made all the more obvious to me recently by some forays into professional forums online. Having had such nice experiences with blogs, it's been an eyeopener to find how downright unpleasant people can be on forums.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, the forum dwellers!
      They must live on a diet of tamarind and vinegar!

      I'm always glad to see a post from you...always interesting...but I can see the reasons for a greater gap between posts.

      Delete
  17. My comment, too, appears to have vanished. I don't even remember what I wrote. Guess it wasn't too important :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are right..I saw you had posted a comment just before I went out yesterday...

      I wonder if I can retrieve them through Yahoo...

      Delete
    2. No, I can't.
      I've tried the recycle bin and I've tried history...but so far no joy.

      Delete
  18. Pleased to read that Mr Fly is in better health.

    I struggle to find time for my blog when my husband is at home. Now that he is back working I am hoping that I can do more with it but Spring has arrived here,and the garden beckons and I just love to be out in it.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yes, it is great to have him back again...though, like most men, he is high maintenance in the time sense....

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lovely post Fly. I identify with a lot of what you say. Blogging is a wonderful thing and sometimes you get to read, which is always a joy, and sometimes you get to write, which for me is a good feeling. I go in and out but I never go too far away so that I feel disconnected. Your posts are always interesting and thoughtful and we read more or less the same blogs so we have that in common too.
    Good news about your other half.
    :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Clippy Mat...the comments thingy is playing up - I might have known it would!
      Yes, it is good news, isn't it. He could still have an attack - nothing they can do about that - but at least he is far better form to withstand the effects.

      Delete
  21. Great to hear your hubby is making such good progress - long may it continue! I hear a bit of rhino horn ground into shark fin soup cures most ills... ;-) With regards to your comments; not sure if it is the same problems others are encountering, but I often find that Blogger or Blogspot or whatever it is now called does not like the 'prove you are human' code I type in, even when I am sure it matches the one they give. Curiouser and curiouser...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had suspected this....perhaps I am a robot...

      Delete