A friend once said, "There is nothing worse than indifference."
First and foremost, thanks for the kind words and comments. I hope you believe me when I say, this was not what I was looking for. Actually, many of the comments came from readers who I have never seen comment in the two plus years Burning Wood has been around. Where've you been? It makes me happy to see so many fans of the blog, but this was sincerely not a ploy for attention. I mean that!
To those who shared the sentiment that one "should write for himself," I'd like to say, I agree and I do. But I didn't start Burning Wood for just me and my need to shout out opinions. It was to be a public place, with outside contributions, where music fans and obsessives were to gather and share their loves and hates. Is there anyone out there who doesn't want approval now and then? Can anyone tell me when they had posted a song suggestion in the comments, they weren't secretly hoping for someone to comment back and say, "What a great tune?"
As I said, stats have dropped almost 50%. Steadily. Not 2%. I check the stats to determine what may have been picked up elsewhere, where traffic came from, and what is most popular. If none of this matters, why do this at all? I mean, I could just burn a whole bunch of CDs and mail them out to everyone and call it a day. What fun would that be?
One reader and friend, suggested I was "thin-skinned." Yeah, maybe. But again, I wasn't asking for only positive feedback and some stroking. I love a good debate, just as long as it doesn't turn mean, or into harassment, like the comments from (not-so) Anonymous. As much as I love posting and sharing music, it's only natural to feel a bit let down when a "Weekend Mix" gets 100 downloads and only 2 comments. I know I put it out there, so do what you like with it. But if your fun is grabbing the music, then mine is hearing about it from you. Lately, that isn't happening so much. So I burned out.
"Matt" just asked, "Why kill the blog?" You're absolutely right, Matt. No need to, so I won't.
I am already missing Burning Wood and the thrill of creating a "Weekend Mix."
Let's see what happens.
Thanks again.
37 comments:
See. All you needed was a good night's sleep. Glad you've reconsidered.
I resolve to comment more frequently! Or even once.
George
I've only recently discovered 'Burning Wood', but I love the mix of great music, insightful comment and all-round enthusiasm. Glad you're keeping it going.....further comment to follow!
Wavey
Good!
:-)
Wow now all your whiney dipshit readers can feel important and read more of your opinionated crap. Pussy move asshole, no balls.....just figured I'd get anonymous' comment out of the way for him. Nice to have you back so I have a reason to get out of bed and continue my meaningless life.
"... and lo, there was much rejoicing throughout the land."
Perhaps we'll see a Weekend Mix on the theme of comebacks and second chances?
You better get your ass back to posting - you still owe us that Robyn Hitchcock collection that I submitted a songlist to. Glad you're back... I'll be able to sleep tonight. Randy
Great morning. Burning Wood is back AND there's renewed interest in the Sarah Palin "birth hoax" story. I love the Internet!
Bruce H
Excuse me, is this the Brett Favre blog?
Have a few more good night's sleep, and maybe all will be back to normal. If not, I know where you live!
And, yes you hit the nail on the head (again), most people do sometimes look for approval from their comments. I was actually hoping someone would remember where I got that baseball quote from yesterday, since I can't remember, though, it was stuck in the back of my mind somewhere.
Sal,
I know the feeling, looking at the stats, and the comments (hell, zero comments is my usual), and thinking, "what the hell is the point?" Blogger stats are insidious, honestly.
But I tell you this, I may not comment all that much, but I love reading about the music that turns you off and on. I try to stop by every time you post. I don't download everything, but I've also loved almost everything I have.
If you feel you have to back off, I get it. That said, sometimes I look at my stats and see that someone in Thailand, or Italy, or wherever, stopped in to check out what I wrote, and it reminds me that I am not just pissing into the wind out here.
As Eddie Van Halen said (yeah, I know...bear with me), "I create what interests me, and I'm egotistical enough to believe it'll interest others." That's true of anything creative. If it's not interesting to you, then can it, but if it is...you keep it up.
All my best.
Hi Sal,
I'm one of your many fans/readers/leechers who didn't comment often enough. When I did it was usually in appreciation of one of your reminisences. Must say I never give the weekend mix much attention ... too much music already ... the mixes seem too scattershot to bother with. BUT I will from now on (if you continue) I promise. Thanks for everything.
ps. I'm 'anonymous' cuz my computer skills are too pathetic to be otherwise.
Cool!
YAY!
Sal love the weekend mix, but it has never occurred to me to leave a comment about it. Shame on me for my lack of good manners. It is a big part of my week, but I may not get a chance to listen to it until the following week, such is life these days.
I have discovered some great music in these mixes and I hope you will continue with them. You are a valued part of my music keeps me smiling week, but as I said before I understand if you have had enough.
Good deal Sal. Take it easy and post your music and stories leisurely. You certainly have enough music to keep The Wood going for another ten years. Don't stress. If it still gives you pleasure, do it.
As I've said, I have a vast music collection too. Just wish I had the time to have a blog and post my stuff.
I'll keep in touch and maybe add some suggestions for future Burning Wood posts.
(And I'll be certainly back to commenting again)
Glad to have you back. It's real easy to burn out blogging. Happened to me three or twenty-seven times.
what a difference a day, and an outpouring of love, makes. you're sounding better already.
There is hope.
Good news. That's enough sentiment, I believe you have a Robyn Hitchcock mix to upload.
Nice to have you back,sir.
Well, this IS good news! One of the great things about music, aside from actually listening to it, is the discussion--voicing your opinion, turning people on to something you love and they've never heard or even arguing why someone is phenomenal, while another band sucks. So, for you, putting it out there and getting very little back in return has to be frustrating. Music is one of those things that people can become so passionate about; in that regard, it's a bit like sports--not only can you play it, you can watch it, you can hate some teams while you love others and it serves as the perfect milieu for discussion and repartee. So, it can be said about music (and sports), that while we listen or watch it with our own ears and eyes, it can be also be appreciated socially as a framework for anything from mutual admiration to heated debate. I suppose these are the things you found to be missing from your blog. Personally, I'm glad you're back. I hope that your readers will take your suggestion to share some of their own opinions, if that's what it's gonna take to keep you here.
Good news, Sal!
I'll echo George's resolution to comment more... I'd always figured no one needed to hear my opinion, but I get your frustration with a one-way "conversation." If feedback will help you keep writing...
btw, we thought of you immediately last week when Todd Rundgren was introduced on American Idol - didn't think you'd approve!
Now we need to get ASH back up!
Sal, I come to Burning Wood to sit and touch the hem of your garment, as your knowledge astounds. Please keep this venue as a place of my education! If you are interested in hearing about new bands, Truth & Salvage Co. is surely worth it if you're not familiar!!!
Glad to hear you are reconsidering giving it up. I never post comments enough and I know how it gets to me when a bunch of folks download a show and there are no comments. I look forward to more posts...
Welcome back, I was missing you already. I may comment only once a week or so, but I check in everyday, even weekends!
ROTP(lumber)
Sal, I like how you wrote in response. What's wrong with wanting feedback for the good energy you put out into the world? Especially when the world we're talking about is a technological one where there are no visual cues -- we can't see if someone just got the joke or digs the tune -- so heck yes, people should write more if they are visiting here and digging what they read and hear.
So if you do come back, do it on your own terms, and we'll be checking in - with thoughts of our own at the ready! Your blog is a great musical dialogue and I hope you do continue it.
Sal, I'm going to keep checking BW until the crickets and cobwebs take over. Thanks for sharing your music and thoughts. I hope you'll keep doing it.
- Another member of the (mostly) Silent Majority
Yes!!!!!!! Today is my birthday and this is a great present. Looking forward to future posts. Glad to have you back!
Sal, I'm glad I have not deleted the bookmark for Burning Wood yet!
I thought I just lost a best friend whom I never met in person but can share the same feeling towards music - love Todd and hate American Idol!
I know I should have left more comments but I've always checked the comments and see what others think.I'm sure there are others like me out there - checking the comments and finding somebody already said exactly what you think, so not leaving your own comment.
Anyway, welcome back, Sal!
Glad you've decided to keep the blog around in case you get inspired (or pissed off) enough to post something. I always read it, but only comment occasionally. I'll miss my regular fix, but I plan to enjoy whatever you decide to put here.
i'm on my blackberry and laptop (with work) pretty much all day... consequently, i don't check you out every day....(i can't - or i'd really go blind!). but i can tell you that since i've discovered your blog - I do look forward to seeing what you have to say - what cool music you have to offer (and of course - the insane antics/comments of those "pesky" radiohead fans!!!). that in itself (and your "friendliness" towards all things todd) speaks volumes and makes your site more worth visiting than some of the others (which feature music & "feedback").
thanks for hanging on - and i wouldn't comment if i didn't feel it was worth it (and you are!)...
gmb
Sal,
I was bummed after reading the announcement. I`m guilty as charged for reading the blog, downloading the music and not leaving comments. That being said, I enjoy, and echo , your sentiments on most of your postings. Especially the Radiohead and Wildhearts postings.
If you decide to continue I`ll try to be more vocal, but remember, "careful what you ask for".
All the best
Steve Caraway
Huzzah!
(speaking on behalf of Montgomery Burns and myself)
You don't need to print this, but...I've tried to post a couple of things but they don't show up in the comments. I assume the posts need your approval first, so I guess that for whatever reason, I don't make the cut. I don't think I'm the "anonymous" you refer to in YOUR posts, but, just in case, I enjoy your blog immensely, hope I haven't said anything offensive, and I still think you should listen to the Stevens Sisters version of Tuesday's Gone With The Wind.
Anon2,
The comments do have to come to me first, but there are few that don't get posted. If you were the Anonymous I was talking about, you'd be obsessed with me for some reason, have no friends, and still live with your mother.
I will indeed find the Stevens Sisters. Thanks!!
I can understand your thoughts about wanting comments for something, especially when you put good effort into it and walk away from the post going "hey, that's pretty great." While I often comment on posts that I dig, I know that's not the norm for everybody else.
I check my stats occasionally, but that's about it, because statistically, that stuff will drive numbers freaks like me and perhaps you...nuts!
I can see from the traffic that people are indeed absorbing the content so for the comments I get on top of that, it's a bonus. So much of my feedback comes from other sources - Facebook, Twitter, etc....so I know the stuff is getting out there and making impact.
I don't think you're on Twitter, so if you'd like some real time engagement, you ought to give Twitter a look....it's always cool to see what content resonates with who as evidenced by their direct comments, sharing of your content with their friends, etc.
Keep rockin'.
Ok, time to flush another lurker out of the weeds. I've really enjoyed this site for the past couple of years, and I'll even try to join the fray a few times, assuming it does continue. Thanks for some good reading about tunes!
Best,
Dave in Boston
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