▼

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

You As My Rock

I love to write this blog. I really do. It gives me great pleasure and every time a comment is left, I get excited, like when I was a kid finding presents under the tree with my name on it.

Well under 1% of you leave comments on a regular basis and the rest of you are just readers, and that's ok. I read a lot of blogs that I don't leave comments on. I will, say, however, that I am wondering if I am continuing to interest you, finding interesting topics, keeping it real enough, providing enough soap porn...etc. I would LOVE to get feedback on what you might love, like, would rather see less of, more of, none of....

This blog is not about me. It is about the soap community and bringing us together and there is, of course, some personal ramblings and funny finds that make me giggle. I really just can't help myself with that. It comes with the territory.

Anyway, I would love to address topics that are important, discuss new techniques you may want to share, places you think the community should know about. Send me the name of a great new handmade artisan that you think is awesome. I love to find new soap artists! There are so many things that can be talked about, brought up, shown, shared, done. Open my mind to the world of soap!

Really.

You might be sitting back and lurking and I get it. You don't have to get involved, but I would love it if you could share 3 or 4 words.

Just a comment. ... .. .. ..
at

44 comments:

  1. AmberJuly 28, 2009 at 11:46 PM

    We need more porn!!!

    Just kidding.

    Actually, I don't comment as often as I would like to on most of the blogs I read and I hate it. I always think, Oh I'll do it later and then I never come back to it. But then I get sad when nobody comments on some of my fave posts...

    All this is me saying, I really enjoy your blog and do read it, I am just a crappy blogger I guess.

    Don't change a thing on my account! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. KimJuly 28, 2009 at 11:49 PM

    I like looking at pictures of pretty soaps... ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. robiewankenobieJuly 28, 2009 at 11:52 PM

    i love soap reviews, and the things that you're doing. probably my favorite soap is that grapefruit one that i got from you. it had the best suds of all time. luxuriant. mmmm. oh, could you add some scents to the blog? i'd love to smell some of those wonderful soaps! *grin*

    ReplyDelete
  4. Erin NapierJuly 29, 2009 at 12:38 AM

    I've only been following you a short time but I think you have a lovely blog. I like anything to do with soap - artists, techniques, photos etc.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Erica P.July 29, 2009 at 12:45 AM

    I like the blog as is...it's balanced with a variety of stuff. I like the reviews, the soap pix, news, the links to other cool places. I am addicted to the Bright Side Project thanks to you :) Still need to make a trip to your store, esp. since we live in the same county. Keep up the good work!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. KerriJuly 29, 2009 at 1:08 AM

    Okay, I'll share some words. I need to come out anyway. I have been reading this blog for a long time. I just learned how to make cold process soap in January and I stalked tons of blogs to learn how to do it. I started my business with my soaps in March. I haven't left comments on very many soap blogs, maybe because I felt like no one would be very impressed or that I wasn't as talented. But my confidence has grown since I have seen that people love my soap and I really am good at making it.
    I love your blog and have found it very informative and I get so many ideas from you. So keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
  7. IceJuly 29, 2009 at 1:33 AM

    I am definitely lurking, lurking to see pictures of beautiful soaps and body products :o)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jessica MorelliJuly 29, 2009 at 3:34 AM

    I love your blog, I learn so much and I value new techniques and ideas. I love my products and recipes but I think part of being a great soap artisan is continuing education. I love the porn because I love looking at others creativity and love buying other soapers creations to help support them so thanks for sharing artisans you love. But my favorite posts are always the tutorials whether they are your own or others I just love soap and body care making so seeing the process done in new ways is so fun. Thanks for the continued inspiration and for taking the time to post so often.

    ReplyDelete
  9. ShoshoniJuly 29, 2009 at 3:43 AM

    I'm a lurker as well...interested in soapmaking but it seems complicated.

    ReplyDelete
  10. nikinposJuly 29, 2009 at 5:22 AM

    I haven't commented for a while, but am lazy like that! I love all your reviews and the porn too, but I think its time for an update on your hair. You had it long, you chopped it all off....and? Did you keep it short? Is it manageable or growing out? Do tell! Ooh and a video of the store would be really interesting too.
    (Am I asking too much?)
    baci from Italy xx

    ReplyDelete
  11. madpianoJuly 29, 2009 at 6:30 AM

    I love your blog. Just as it is. I just don't usually leave comments. Sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Patrice-The Soap SeductionJuly 29, 2009 at 7:26 AM

    I agree with amber: MORE PORN!!! It keeps me motivated:-D

    ReplyDelete
  13. JenniferJuly 29, 2009 at 7:43 AM

    As with any art, artists need inspiration and need to be continually be challenged in their work. I enjoy reading about new techniques, looking at beautiful bars of soap and reading about various oil properties. The more educated I make myself, the more help I am to my customer.

    Business tips would also be cool. How to run a business from home. How to balance work, kids, home life. Scheduling your time. Knowing when to drop a market if it doesn't seem profitable.

    Etc etc etc.

    ReplyDelete
  14. HollyJuly 29, 2009 at 8:46 AM

    I love your blog too. I really like seeing lots of soap and I especially like reading about and seeing pictures of the soap you are making.

    ReplyDelete
  15. TammyJuly 29, 2009 at 10:05 AM

    Im a reader!
    I love reading.
    I also LOVE your blog.
    Everything and anything-I found you when you did the historical soap making pictures post and since then, I scrool through my reader, hoping for more-more of anything.
    Keep up the good work. I dont make CP soap-but I use it and I adore it. Just seeing it makes me happy :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnnieJuly 29, 2009 at 10:23 AM

    I really like your blog even if I don't usually comment. I like the balance of articles, tutorials and porn. Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Morgan StreetJuly 29, 2009 at 11:00 AM

    OK I'm guilty of never leaving comments but I'm just naturally a lurker. Dirty habit I know!

    Your blog is my fave and I love it!

    Going forward I shall make an effort to let you know I've been here :-)

    ReplyDelete
  18. LinersJuly 29, 2009 at 11:39 AM

    I love your blog. You're doing good.

    ReplyDelete
  19. ChelseaJuly 29, 2009 at 12:42 PM

    I can completely understand the need to get comments! Keeping a blog going takes a lot of work and it's hard not to get feedback on it, even if you know a lot of people are just lurking.

    You are doing a great job - keep it up! I love seeing all the soap pics you put up and your reviews.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Burnt Mill Candles and SoapJuly 29, 2009 at 12:45 PM

    I think I have been following you from around the time you started give or take.

    I would vote for a contest from time to time. I do have to say winning your Yummiest Soap Bar contest years ago is what really helped my business take off when I was first starting out. So maybe a contest could help others push their businesses.

    More reviews, porn and tutorials would be great as well.

    I find you do a pretty good job of balancing your content if you ask me! So keep up the good work! :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Ruth at The Nova StudioJuly 29, 2009 at 1:19 PM

    I'm always excited to see that you have a new post, so I guess I like reading whatever you write. :) You have a knack for finding beautiful soap; it must take you hours of searching!

    ReplyDelete
  22. AnonymousJuly 29, 2009 at 1:25 PM

    Funny, but as a regular commenter, I actually struggle with the other side of the coin: am I a good fan, or do I comment so much that I have turned into a stalker. :}

    Anyway, I love 2 features the best: the soaps that you find for a particular theme just by searching online (Soap Porn, etc), and also the tutorials you have had other soapers share.

    ReplyDelete
  23. nansouJuly 29, 2009 at 1:51 PM

    You are right : I read your blog regarlarly and never share a comment !
    I enjoy your blog, it helps me discover the international soap community !
    Keep going !

    ReplyDelete
  24. DörteJuly 29, 2009 at 2:02 PM

    gern schaue ich auf Deinem Blog die schönen Fotos Deiner noch schöneren Seifen an! Bitte mehr davon, lach.
    liebe Grüße Dörte

    ReplyDelete
  25. FooFooBerryJuly 29, 2009 at 2:44 PM

    I've been following your blog for awhile now and love anything to do with soaping (love photos, reviews, techniques etc.)

    I sell my products at a market 6 months a year (and do lots of Christmas shows). Customers love my soaps, products etc. and I consider them to be great too.

    http://splurgesisters.webs.com
    http://www.splurgesisters.blogspot.com

    It's hard when no one comments on your blog because you wonder if anyone is reading it. I feel that way about my blog when I don't get comments.

    Keep up the great work.

    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  26. soap divaJuly 29, 2009 at 3:55 PM

    Hi from the Bahamas,
    I love reading your blog as much as you like writing.

    ReplyDelete
  27. SarahJuly 29, 2009 at 5:07 PM

    Right now I'm really digging La Bella Donna Della Mia Mente Soapworks. The colors! Amazing.

    BellaDonnaDellaMente.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. MicheleJuly 29, 2009 at 5:29 PM

    I would love to see more reviewing of soaps. I love to see what's out there. kwim.

    Love your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  29. The Dirty Business Bath Co.July 29, 2009 at 5:50 PM

    I read your blog everyday. You crack me up and expose me to the wonderful world of soap. The only thing I could ask of you is more soap reviews. I LOVE your reviews. Someday, I might even send you a bar. When I grow some balls.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Joanna SchmidtJuly 29, 2009 at 8:35 PM

    Thank you for all of your comments now. Every one of them are important to me.

    Keep them coming. I will do my best to work on all of them!!

    Jo

    ReplyDelete
  31. HeidiJuly 29, 2009 at 10:39 PM

    I pretty much can ditto everything Amber said. I'm a crappy blogger lately :( I love all the goodies you find though!

    One of the things I love to see is soap packaging. That always trips me up a bit, so its inspiring to see what others do.

    keep up the good work...we love you!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Suds to LoveJuly 29, 2009 at 11:22 PM

    I'm with Heidi and Amber... been crappy at blogging regularly, but I really enjoy your point of view, even if I forget to comment all the time.

    ReplyDelete
  33. twinbuzzleJuly 30, 2009 at 12:04 AM

    I never thought I'd say these words....MORE PORN PLEASE:P
    I am a lurker too, but I love your blog and check it daily for inspiration and ideas. I love reading your reviews too! Contests sound nice....

    ReplyDelete
  34. Shauna HouseJuly 30, 2009 at 12:24 AM

    Thanks for this blog. I am new to the soap community and just starting my own business. I can not wait to learn what I can from you.

    Shauna

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm JulieJuly 30, 2009 at 1:17 AM

    I love and adore your blog, especially the reviews. Many times after you review a product or do a mess of soap - porn, I head over and buy products from those makers. So not only are you promoting your own good work, but the work of others.

    And every time I read your blog, I think, "I should totally take up that hobby! It looks so fun! And I could TOTALLY do that..."

    Then I remember I am totally lame and would probably kill myself with the lye or whatever that poison is that you all use. So I pour myself a nice glass of wine and order more handmade soaps from you talented folks.

    Keep up the good work, luv, your blog is great.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Lomond SoapJuly 30, 2009 at 4:39 AM

    I'm still here and reading :D I do try to comment now and again, I applaud that you can keep the blog fresh and interesting. I know mine is the first thing to suffer when I'm busy or not making things :-/
    I love the balance of porn, reviews, tutorials.
    I would like to see more than soap, as I move on to making other products inspirating, techniques, packaging for creams, potions and lotions would be great!
    Keep on blogging Jo :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Amy WJuly 30, 2009 at 4:12 PM

    Wow! You asked for feedback, and you're getting it! I know you haven't had time for reviews lately, but those are always great. And yes, anything that's new and cool and inspiring for the soap artists. Keep up the great work!

    ReplyDelete
  38. LeannJuly 30, 2009 at 10:02 PM

    Be careful what you wish for. Ha! You are going to have an absolute TON of comments to wade through! I keep your blog on My Yahoo home page so it's the first thing I see when I open my browser. You can never have too much soap porn and it's absolutely fantastic the way you can dig up new finds for us to drool over and be inspired by. Thanks for giving us your "gift of blog" and keep it coming!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. victoriaJuly 30, 2009 at 10:57 PM

    Hi! I like your reviews, it helps me decide the next purchase on etsy =)
    i also like your entusiasm and the way you write, i always come by to see if you have any new posts, so please keep the blog alive =D

    greetings from brazil!

    ReplyDelete
  40. FuturePrimitive Soap Co.July 31, 2009 at 1:57 PM

    keep on keepin' on..don'tcha ever stop. love love love your blog(s)
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  41. ShonnabellaJuly 31, 2009 at 6:16 PM

    I love this blog! I look at it while I'm at work and it always inspires me A) to start making soap and B) to create a blog.

    The way in which you write is witty and playful and I love reading what you have to say about this that and the other thing. From pretty soaps to environmental soap tips, etc., it's so dynamic and always a good read.

    Thank you for taking precious time out of your day to share here with us! I for one, really do appreciate the effort!

    ReplyDelete
  42. MichelleJuly 31, 2009 at 10:40 PM

    Hey Joanna,

    First off I'll say this... I lurk more than comment. I hate myself for it. It is a miracle if I manage to make my own blog posts and then I try to catch up on all my favorite blogs (yours is a fav). I tend to read and run. Not proud of that :( I love your posts and don't think you need to change a think. Your soap porn definitely inspires me. I love that you you have tutorials. I adore your humor. You do a great job and keeping your blog interesting and I will try to post more but please know I'm always reading :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. KimAugust 1, 2009 at 12:51 PM

    How on earth did I miss this post?

    I read your blog nearly every day (this week was very busy, though, I must admit).

    I so appreciate everything you post. You have a great sense of humor and I have really enjoyed watching you blossom into a fab soap maker! I love the soap porn and I am so grateful to you for giving me a shout out every now and then.

    I would be very into business tips and balancing work and life. I don't really have days off anymore!

    Keep up the awesome work, you!

    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  44. MaryAugust 2, 2009 at 10:46 PM

    I read daily as well. I love to read what you write, but I am also interested in all of the gorgeous soap. I love to see the creativity. If you do make changes, I hope they are subtle.

    Blogs are a lot of work! And I appreciate yours.

    ReplyDelete