Human nature being what it is, everybody wants to be liked even if they put on a tough front and say they don’t care. So when I posted something on one of my blogs and few “likes” came up I immediately felt disappointed, it was an emotional response. I think that’s what social networking sites feed on and ultimately many, many users are sucked in. The reasons for each are very different. The blogger is rewarded with an increased feeling of self worth, after all so many people “like” them. For the companies behind the host sites though the rewards are purely financial. For the more responsible host sites more bloggers and viewers means more advertising revenue and for dodgy sites at best they simply sell people’s information.
What happened though when I didn’t get the “likes” I hoped for? I could have encouraged more “likes” by the “I’ll scratch your back if you’ll scratch mine” method, this is how so many Facebook users end up with hundreds of “friends” they know absolutely nothing about. I could have written on topics I knew interested heaps of people eg “Pets”. I could have responded to a forum topic and made sure my post was right near the top of the list so more people were likely to look at it. One thing I wouldn’t do is become active on a social networking site but I didn’t do any of those things, I just took off the “Likes” widget, and am happy to write what I want.
You can call me a silly goat if you want, just write it in the Comments box!
Musings of a Retiring Person 
I get what you mean. It’s as if we need the “likes” for validation. I debated wether or not to use them. I decided to keep them, though. I would rather someone be able to give me a thumbs up of sorts rather than clog up my comments with “I like this” if they feel they want to let me know.
Thanks for your comment, it’s good to see someone else’s point of view. I figure if people bother to use the comment box it will be something worth reading. :>)
I’m right there with ya in the disappointed by “what? no likes today?” after a Z2H assignment… okay, I got 3… still I was crushed. I, too, plan to pen my woes in the follow up assignment, I just haven’t had the energy yet… because, you know, “likes” inspire us to do more! do better! do it now!
Haha… Anyway, I miss your like button, but I probably would have commented either way.
:>
Wanedring Voiceless, Thanks for the comment. Keep on blogging!
Sometimes I read a post but have nothing to say about it. Clicking on the like lets someone know that I read their blog and that I appreciated the post. However, like you I do not see any point in looking for “likes” so, I have no plans to link my blog to social networks to pester my friends for “likes”.
Lorimun, Thanks for your comment, it seems there are lots of us who don’t like the social media scene.