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