I feel the same way about the “follow me and I’ll follow you” requests I get, very often from seasoned bloggers (who’ve likely had success racking up newbie followers with this tactic). I’ve been blogging for a year and have under 100 followers, but I’ve earned every last one of them, and like to think that the majority of them actually read the feed on a semi-regular basis.

I think these issues are another wrinkle in the “blog with integrity” mantra so popular w/regard to product reviews. Even if it compromises the numbers I can display, I think that we should also use integrity with the way we promote other bloggers. It’s a favor, not a requirement.

Did I mention thank you for this post? You’ve just EARNED a new reader (via recommendation by a fellow blogger I trust)!

Here are a few questions for those of you who do keep a list/blogroll:
1. Do you tell your readers (either in a post or in your sidebar, maybe) how often you update or when you have updated the list?
2. Do you include a synopsis of the site and tell the reader what she can expect when she clicks over? Or, even cooler, do you include the RSS feed so it’s constantly updated with new content? I could see that as really useful.
3. How often do you actually update your list?

RE: blog rolls. I don’t have a traditional one. Instead, I have a “Favorites” page: http://metropolitanmama.net/favorites/ (You’re on it!). I try to keep it updated and regularly add/delete blogs as my interests change.

I have been playing with the idea of a blogroll, but have been putting it off because I don’t want to offend anyone. I have a lot of wonderful readers who have small blogs that I don’t “love”, and would feel awful if I offended them by not linking to them… but don’t feel that their content is link-worthy.

I really like your idea of linking within a post – I have been doing that, but never considered it an alternative to a blogroll.

Thanks for the permission to not make a formal one

While I see that people are using mine, I rarely look at anyone else’s. Love the idea of a Tumblr site. I need to consider that.

My advice in the “go big or go home” realm is to immerse yourself into your blogging community–and not just online. Go to blog conferences, writing conferences, Twitter meet-ups in your area, etc. The key to getting yourself out there is getting out there. If you’re commenting on blogs in your niche or even just on those that you love regardless of niche, that’s a start. Maybe do a guest post at a blog you have a rapport with (that article will be a good showcase of your humor and writing style and link back to your blog). Write something for your local paper (either their online version or their paper version) and include your blog’s URL. Brainstorm your ideas, then put together a calendar with To Do items and then *do* them. If you’re accountable, you’re more likely to follow through (she says from experience).

I wish you best of luck! Blogging is a great hobby/career/community/whatever you want it to be, but you definitely have to put the effort in to get the reward out. You can do this!
Melanie