• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Baseball ’19
  • Day Zero 3
  • Earl
  • My list
  • Photo Blogging Challenge

A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

blogs

Oh those crazy comments…

April 23, 2013

Every once in a while, I like to have one of these posts where I talk about blog comments.

See, as a personal blog, I don’t get many comments. That’s the nature of the game when you have varied topics or keep it personal or don’t have a massive following. And I’m OK with that because it’s how it goes.

But if I let everything fly, I’d have a ton of comments.

See, with WordPress (and other things, I believe), I have a plugin called Akismet. Basically, it protects the blog from comment and trackback spam. That way, I don’t even have to deal with it.

For example, as of now, I have more than 7,500 comments in my spam folder. I know there have been times real comments have gone in there and I actually caught them. But I have to be honest — I don’t sift through the spam folder too often because 99.9 percent of the time, it’s all crap.

Alas, sometimes these messages slip through and come up for me to moderate and approve. Usually they are ones that seem more like regular comments, so maybe that’s why Akismet misses them. In the end, they usually give me a laugh.

The thing about spam messages is they usually appear on posts that are older. That’s probably in the hopes they slip through and such.

Some are quite funny in that they are so poorly written or don’t have any connection to the post where the comment is. So, with that in mind, I’d like to share a few of these wonderful comments with you. Remember, these comments are unedited — no spell check or grammar or anything. All copied and pasted as I received them.

Then it’s time to empty the spam folder.

This one was from a Snapshot Saturday post in January:

Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found
that it is truly

informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
I’ll be grateful if you continue

this in future. A lot of people will be benefited
from your writing. Cheers!

I’m now watching out for brussels, too. What the hell are brussels?

This next one came from the writing challenge I was involved in this past February. The topic this person comments on? Compulsively.

Hello. I uncovered your current blog site the use of yahoo. It is an highly intelligently authored document. I am going to ensure that you book mark the item and are avalable returning to discover more of your information. Appreciation for a write-up. I will definitely give back.

I’m glad my post was highly intelligent. It’s what I aim for, you see.

How about this one? Somebody needs some help.

Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog.
Is it hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Appreciate it

This one was on a post from the writing challenge I was involved in last summer. I may have fallen for it, if not for the link to something odd (I didn’t click), the fact that the post was so old, and because I’ve received it many times from different people. (I actually once tried to e-mail one of these people to see if I got a response and didn’t get one — another reason knowing these are spam.)

So stop sending me this crap. Appreciate it.

In 2010, I took a trip to Maine. This next comment comes from a post where I spoke about planning for said trip. It definitely seems to capture Maine, no?

The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it’ll do even better in those areas, but for now it’s a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod’s strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.

Yeah, makes total sense.

This next one is more current in that it is a comment from my recent post about the Lay’s potato chip flavors.

I am usually to blogging and i actually appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your website and hold checking for brand new information.

I’m glad it worked — go buy some.

I may have let this one go as it was in my peanut butter owns Nutella post from quite a bit back…

Can I just say what a aid to find someone who really is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You positively know learn how to bring a problem to gentle and make it important. Extra folks must read this and perceive this aspect of the story. I cant consider youre not more well-liked since you definitely have the gift.

I definitely knew what I was talking about in that post!

Finally, I will end with this one. It was a comment to a Soundless Sunday post, one which had a photo of a crisp winter scene.

A tooth (plural teeth) is a undersized, calcified, whitish order start in the jaws (or mouths) of many vertebrates and worn to sever down food. Some animals, particularly carnivores, also take teeth for hunting or instead of defensive purposes. The roots of teeth are covered sooner than gums. Teeth are not made of bone, but fairly of multiple tissues of varying density and hardness.

The community design of teeth is be like across the vertebrates, although there is respectable modulation in their show up and position. The teeth of mammals be struck by deep roots, and this decoration is also create in some fish, and in crocodilians. In most teleost fish, how, the teeth are partial to to the outer surface of the bone, while in lizards they are fond of to the inner interface of the jaw alongside the same side. In cartilaginous fish, such as sharks, the teeth are seconded by means of cold ligaments to the hoops of cartilage that form the jaw.

Fully makes sense, right?

On that note, it’s time to delete on a permanent basis and clean the spam folder out. But, I’m sure, they will be back in full force. I’ll be sure to share the good ones.

Fundraiser: I am, again, trying to raise money for the Relay For Life. If you donate to me — a minimum of $5– you will be entered to win a super-sweet quilted lap quilt or pillow. Click here for all the information!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Filed Under: blogging, My world Tagged With: blog, blog comments, blogging, blogs, blooooogs, comments, spam comments

14 Comments

Interaction is key when it comes to personal blogs

April 15, 2013

Work with me here, people.

I’ve seen some things with blogging over the past few months. And not all of it is good. So this is my blogging rant for the day — and hopefully — for the long term. I don’t need to do this again.

I need to start with this — I realize there are several different blog platforms out there. I’ve been through many of them. But they all run differently. For example, I use WordPress. But it’s a self-hosted WordPress site, not one you do on the actually WordPress site. That gives me much more control over the site and how it looks, feels and runs. I also use the normal system for comments.

I’ve debated going to Disqus, and actually did it for a few days a while back, but I thought the WordPress comment system was fine. Name, e-mail (not shown) and website, if you have one. It’s worked fine, but I’ve been told that one person can’t leave comments. I have no idea why, but he’s tried many ways to access my site and can’t do it. That’s the only issue I’ve ever heard, though.

Blogger is a different story.

With Blogger’s comment system, it appears the site owner has the choice to decide how people can comment. Some elect to make it a little tighter — in other words using sign on stuff for other things (such as your own Blogger/Google account). The problem with this is there’s no way to link back to your blog. AND with no place for e-mail, there’s no way for the blog owner to contact you or check your site out. That’s one reason I sometimes decide not to comment on those sites. Choose the name/URL option so anyone can comment. It also seems silly for Blogger to not have a spot or option for somebody commenting to not be able to leave their e-mail.

Disqus is somewhat like that now, too.

I don’t like that people can’t leave their blog address on my blog when they comment. It’s easy for me to click on their name to go check their site out. Why make things harder than needed?

Some of this was brought to my attention recently through a group I am part of. Apparently, when I comment with my Google account, or even with my URL/name on a Blogger blog, there’s no way for the person to e-mail me a response. I don’t know Blogger one big, so I have no clue what that means.

But I saw last night when I commented somewhere that I can have a checkmark in place when I use my Google account to have my e-mail address used for responses. That’s fine. But I don’t see that when I use the URL/name. Um… hello, Blogger? Why make things so hard?

I realize it’s about brand setup and all that, but reality has it that not everybody will use Blogger. I don’t personally like the control or interface. And I am already established elsewhere. It’s time to make it easier for your blog owners. Work on that, Blogger.

Now then, that leads me to something else in blogging.

Visiting people’s blogs.

I do my best to make my rounds to several blogs each week. I try and hit them 2-3 times and read what I can, comment etc. But that’s just in a regular rotation.

I’ve recently found a couple of blog groups and have gotten involved some. They can be fun and there’s some interaction. Many of these groups also have “blog hops,” which is basically where people from the group post links to certain posts, social media sites or whatever. The idea is to get people seeing your things, commenting, following and, well, interacting.

That’s how I see it anyway.

Every blog hop I’ve been apart of I try and visit every person on it. I comment on most. The times I don’t comment are when the “rules” are not followed (ie: only post your blog address and not the link to the direct post, as requested) or if one has to go through leaps and bounds to comment.

I’ve hardly ever seen success in blog hops, though. And I’ve done them for quite a while, not just recently.

Sometimes people will stop by or whatever. Maybe a comment? But not usually. I realize my blog isn’t a cup of tea for everybody. And it’s true when I visit blogs, too. But if there are blogs specifically for a hop, they there should be some sort of interest, no? Instead, nothing.

It’s disappointing, too.

Not because of the commenting (which, I won’t lie, we all like to have comments on our blogs), but rather because people are missing out on the interaction. Blogs are about more than yourself. It’s about finding new people, interests or whatever. I also realize that most blogging groups I am in are female dominated. And many blogs out there have that tone. You want proof? Go to Google and type in “Mommy blog” and see how many results come up.

When it comes to personal blogs (such as this one), females are definitely at the forefront. In one group I am in, I want to say there are fewer than five male bloggers in there.

But no matter who is behind the blog, it’s about content and interacting. When I check out others in blog hops, I can appreciate things that aren’t in my norm. If somebody went to town and created a kid’s room (I don’t have kids, so it’s not something I would usually care about), I can appreciate the work and time put into it. And I can appreciate what somebody has done to it — so I comment.

The same goes with arts and crafts and things like that. Or whatever else. I can usually relate — somehow — to what somebody has written. After all, it’s meaningful to them.

I guess, in the end, what I’m trying to say is bloggers should utilize the hops and comments to expand thoughts and interests. There’s a lot of great people out there blogging. There are people I never would have gotten to know if I hadn’t stumbled across their blog, either accidentally, through blog hops or other challenges. Many of these blogs have become favorites and ones I visit as often as possible. You can build some great friendships and get to know people quite well.

Especially with personal blogs as, let’s be honest, major blogs or niche ones, are sometimes more about you visiting and expressing opinions and such. Many of those are big enough where it’s impossible for somebody to respond to each comment or visit your blog.

But with personal blogs, it’s a two-way street.

I won’t lie — if I am commenting and trying to interact and nothing really comes back, I start to lose interest. To me, personal blogs go beyond content. They are about interaction and getting to know somebody. And when it becomes a fully one-way street, people lose interest, me included.

I’ll keep doing things the way I believe is the best way to get to know people and learn about their blogs. It’s just a shame when I know it’s time to cut ties with some.

Such is the life of blogging.

Fundraiser: I am, again, trying to raise money for the Relay For Life. If you donate to me — a minimum of $5– you will be entered to win a super-sweet quilted lap quilt or pillow. Click here for all the information!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Filed Under: blogging, My world Tagged With: blog, blog hop, blog hops, blog interaction, blog linkups, blogging, blogging clubs, blogging groups, blogs, linkups, personal blogs

6 Comments

The mind goes blank … what?

December 17, 2012

I seriously can’t think straight any more.

Maybe it’s the job hunt and all the applications I am working on and sending out. Maybe the creative flow is just kind of being slow lately. But my oh my is it hard to come up with something for the blog.

That may be the reason personal blogs can be so difficult. With a one-topic blog or a niche blog, you know your overall theme or topic. Then you just have to kind of dial it down a little bit and decide on what to write about.

This seems, too, like a broken record. I’m pretty sure I’ve posted about this before. Maybe recently even? Though this one isn’t about searching for ideas — it’s realizing my mind is going!

With a personal blog, it all depends on how much you want to share.

These types of blogs can be quite fun because they allow readers to see about the writer. Maybe some travels. Or some real-life stuff. But, at times, it becomes tedious to the writer.

This blog has always been sort of a potpourri of things. I dabble in personal things and some more in-depth things. Whatever is on my mind.

Lately, my mind is blank!

I have a few writing projects I’m working on. I’ll have one or two of those stories this week and next.

But some of the regular things have become harder because this job thing really has my stress level at an all-time high.

So, for the next few weeks, there may be days where nothing is up here. I know it’s been like that for a few weeks as well, but I need to get my head wrapped around things. Having a blog like this should be fun. It’s something that I should look forward to writing on. And, it can’t — or shouldn’t be — stressful!

I think I need to take an hour sometime this week and do the rounds of some of my favorite blogs. Read some things. Comment on some of them. Get some inspiration. Though I like the in-depth stories, I need some fun things to write about, too. Not just researched things.

Maybe it’s a case of the Mondays?

OK, back to the applications. I’ll find a time to see some blogs, too. Time to make this fun again!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Filed Under: blogging, My world Tagged With: blogging, blogs, ideas

2 Comments

30 Days of Writing: It could have been worse (30/30)

June 30, 2012

It could have been worse — this could have been the soda you have been waiting 30 days to drink!

This post is written in conjunction with the 30 Days of Writing, a blog challenge devised by Nicky and Mike at “We Work For Cheese.” I’ll be participating throughout the month of June. If interested, you can see my post with the details of the challenge. 

Please note that some of these posts will be serious, some will be normal, and some will be an attempt at humor.

Yes, it could have been worse.

Too, it could have been better. But take it as it is.

With this being Day 30 of the writing challenge set up by Nicky and Mike at We Work for Cheese, I figured it would be good to look back at it.

It could have been worse — I could have been told that this was the last Guinness I would ever be able to drink!

After all, when one can sit down and write 30 straight days of a blog with pre-determined themes, I figure that’s a total win. There were times when I had a very hard time with the themes. Sometimes I pressed, but I always seemed to find something. It challenged me as a writer and I appreciate that.

The one thing I thought was great about this was challenging writers. Some of the themes were really out there and one had to think about things a bit. Sometimes I went for humor. Other times it was serious. But I always tried to find a way to do something.

It was also a hoot reading the posts from everyone else taking part in the challenge. Unfortunately, not everybody posted each day, but many did. And because of that, I found several new bloggers who I plan on visiting on a regular basis.

In reality, I’m not sure I’ll re-visit everyone. Maybe. Who can tell. I guess it all depends on where the Internet takes me, no?

Not everything was great.

One reason I got into this challenge was to find new cachers. Another reason was I hoped that also meant there would be more new people seeing my work and, hopefully, a few new readers. Though I didn’t succeed in doing so every day of the challenge, I always made an effort to comment on other people’s blogs. There was a pretty good group of bloggers who did the same, but there were some who didn’t. Looking back, I know there are several people I rarely saw comment anywhere else, let alone here.

It could have been worse — I could have been told hot dogs had become illegal!

To me, that’s disappointing.

Not because I just wanted more comments, but because I don’t think one gets the full feel of the challenge if they just post on their blog and let it run. One thing about not visiting and commenting on other people’s blogs is that those people might not visit yours.

I didn’t skip many blog posts. But I didn’t always comment for various reasons. And, I’m sure, there are people who stopped my blog and thought the same thing. I’m fine with that, too.

Such is the life of a blog challenge.

In the end, I hope others got out of it as much as I did. I had the chance to see many different bloggers and styles.

In the end, I’m glad I stumbled upon Nicky and Mike’s blog and discovered this challenge. And, I’m happy I dived in and decided to go for it and do it. I can’t say I’m disappointed it’s coming to an end though!

I look forward to reading several of the bloggers beyond this challenge to see how they shape their blogs beyond this challenge and I hope I’ve made some new blogging pals along the way.

After all, it could have been worse. Much worse.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Filed Under: challenges, My world, We Work For Cheese Challenges Tagged With: 30 days of writing, 30 days of writing challenge, blog challenge, blogging, blogs, it could have been worse, we work for cheese challenge, we work for cheese.

14 Comments

30 Days of Writing: Turning point (28/30)

June 28, 2012

This post is written in conjunction with the 30 Days of Writing, a blog challenge devised by Nicky and Mike at “We Work For Cheese.” I’ll be participating throughout the month of June. If interested, you can see my post with the details of the challenge. 

Please note that some of these posts will be serious, some will be normal, and some will be an attempt at humor.

I have no idea why, but this prompt is really doing me in.

Nothing.

I’ve thought about it since the beginning and I can’t think of anything. Seriously. I’m sure there have been turning points in my life, but they aren’t anything I can get into right now. Mainly because I don’t want to figure things out until the next big turning point happens.

And then there was an attempt at some fiction and to try and be funny, but it didn’t work out so well.

So, I’ll leave you this this photo, which I took in Ireland in 2010.

A lot of turning points right here!

I think of turning points and I realize many happen in life. Maybe as many as on this sign post.

Hopefully most of the turns end up being the right ones.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Filed Under: blogging, challenges, My world, We Work For Cheese Challenges Tagged With: 30 days of writing, 30 days of writing challenge, blog challenge, blogging, blogs, turning point, we work for cheese challenge, we work for cheese.

14 Comments

  • Newer Posts
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to page 4
  • Go to page 5
  • Older Posts

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Welcome to A 'lil HooHaa!

This is a personal website covering many topics! We host a monthly photo blogging challenge, and then every January hold a fun writing challenge.

Thank you for stopping by and hope this becomes a stop for you!

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Follow

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 876 other subscribers

Instagram

hoohaa29

Harper is counting down to Santa Paws! You know, Harper is counting down to Santa Paws! 

You know, of course, Santa Paws travels with Santa Clause, making sure to find treats and toys for all the good little doggies! (We know they are all deserving, right?) So, Harper put out some milk for the big guy, carrots for Rudolph and the reindeer, and special cookies for Santa Paws! She is ready! 

#SantaPaws #Christmas2022 #HarperChristmas #MyDogHarper #GoldenRetriever #DogsofInstagram #PhotoOfTheDay #Photography #Christmas #IPhoneography
One of the best parts about having Harper as my be One of the best parts about having Harper as my best friend… ❤️
Couldn't resist stopping on the way to work to sna Couldn't resist stopping on the way to work to snap this shot. The colors in the sky were fantastic and the scene was nice looking (though, to be fair, I drove by what I think would have been a better scene -- the valley and hills full of snow etc.)

#Snow #Winter #Sky #Color #InstaLove #photooftheday #picoftheday #iPhoneography #nature #love #instalove #photography #happy #smile #photo
The best of times??? 🤪🤪🤪 The best of times??? 🤪🤪🤪
Just a break on our morning walk … #goldenretri Just a break on our morning walk …

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #mydogharper
Tired. Tired.
Harper is ready for tonight! Let’s go Phillies! Harper is ready for tonight! Let’s go Phillies! 

#phillies #ringthebell #baseball #dog #goldenretriever
I look at her and sometimes still can’t believe I look at her and sometimes still can’t believe I have her. It’s been a year and four months and she makes me smile and laugh more each day. It’s amazing how much a dog changes your look on life, and how much joy they can bring. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta
I’ve recently realized how many photos I have to I’ve recently realized how many photos I have to post here, as well as on Harper’s (@harper_dublin) account). So, as I start to transfer photos, I’ll try and catch up. So photos coming could be from all seasons and who knows when. 🤣

This one is recent from the courthouse square in Delhi. We had some pretty good fall colors this year. 

#fall #delhiny #seasons #iphoneonly #love #photography #photooftheday #instagood #happy #picoftheday
From a few weeks ago. I was trying to get Harper t From a few weeks ago. I was trying to get Harper to put her paws on the bridge and looked out, but she was more content jumping on me and looking up. I do love the way she seems to be looking at me.
Instagram post 17992900117561614 Instagram post 17992900117561614
Couldn’t resist a quick stop this morning with t Couldn’t resist a quick stop this morning with the fog and frost settled in. 

Hamden Covered Bridge 

#coveredbridge #coveredbridges #bridge #fog #frost #nature #upstatenewyork
Harper’s friend Lucy is around this weekend! #g Harper’s friend Lucy is around this weekend!

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta #outside #sunshine #friends
So… @harper_dublin wants to know why she can’t So… @harper_dublin wants to know why she can’t have @mallons_homemade_sticky_buns.
This is why we can’t have nice things. Saw this This is why we can’t have nice things. Saw this on me morning walk Friday with Harper. Likely some college kids, but also as chance at local hooligans. I had Harper so not a lot I could do, but I managed to get the cart off the chair. (See second photo) This was in a local park.
Harper is ready for #nationalfetchday on October 1 Harper is ready for #nationalfetchday on October 15! @chuckitfetchgames 

Should be fun! @discgolfdarren @harmm23
Starting to feel like fall! #fall #nature #autum Starting to feel like fall! 

#fall #nature #autumn #colors #foliage #instagood #seasonchange #leaves #leaves🍁
Street lights hidden in a tree. #life #light #wa Street lights hidden in a tree. 

#life #light #walk #explore ##instagood #photooftheday #photography #happy
Finally learning this Canon M6 MarkII before my tr Finally learning this Canon M6 MarkII before my trip starts this weekend. Really like it now that I took the time to set it up and learn the differences between this and my 7D MarkII. This and the iPhone will do most of the work on the trip. 

Photo is inside on a dark and dreary day. Transferred to phone and edited with #snapseed. 

#canon #m6markii #dog #dogsofinstagram #goldenretriever
Life is good. Life is good.
Load More Follow on Instagram

YouTube

P.J. Harmer

P.J. Harmer
A video looking at my first year and a half of owning a golden retriever, my first dog. It's had its ups and downs, but I've truly loved the ride and look forward to the future. 

Music: Happy before we get old by Michael Shynes via Artlist. 

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow Harper on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harper_dublin/
► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooHaaBlog

Thank you for watching. :)
When these boxes come, there usually some excitement. But this one ... is the ultimate unboxing! 

#cielovideo52 #52weekchallenge #week5 #weeklychallenge

Music: Happy to be Happy (Dapun)

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/softball29
► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooHaaBlog
I hate being in front of the camera, but also realize sometimes it's not the worst thing in the world. So, I'm getting better with it. Week 4's theme was all about us and having us in front of the camera, so I tried to come up with a creative way to do it. 

#cielovideo52 #52weekchallenge #week4 #weeklychallenge

Music: Infinite Wonder (Ben Fox)

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/softball29
► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooHaaBlog
Load More... Subscribe

Archives

Categories

Calendar

February 2023
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728  
« Jan    

Search The Site

Site Information

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

A 'lil HooHaa © 2023 · Created By Coded Creative

Copyright © 2023 · Ava Mae on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in