*UPDATED* I’ve added a formal poll at the end. Even if you’ve already read or commented, please cast your vote! It will only take a sec.
I’ve seen Steph at Metropolitan Mama poll her readers from time to time, and I always think it’s interesting to read the responses she gets. I’ve also seen her blog improve as a result of her surveys. So I thought I’d do a little survey of my own as I re-evaluate what I’m doing and where I’m going here at Musings of a Housewife.
So. If you wouldn’t mind answering a few questions, I will know how to proceed from here!
1) I’m a regular contributor to several other blogs, plus I sometimes guest post at other places.
a) Do you like to know when I’m posting in other places? Such as the Philadelphia Moms Blog and Chic Critique. (By the way! I have a new post up at Philly Moms today!) Or when I have interviews or guest posts on other blogs?
b) If so, would you prefer to see a subtle link to those posts at the end of a “regular” post? Or is it helpful to publish a separate post with the first paragraph of the article and a link so you can decide if it’s something you want to continue reading or not?
2) Do you like the occasional informative post such as How To Make A Twitter Profile Page? And what about the posts announcing contests and events happening around the web such as this News Around the Web post from last week? Are they helpful, or are they just clutter? Y’all KNOW how I detest clutter.
3) You may have noticed that I’ve dropped BlogHerAds; it was their contract that prohibited me from posting reviews on this site. Now I have the freedom to combine sites so I have been considering merging Reviewsings into Musings.
a) Would it be better to have everything in one place? Or is it better to keep reviews on a separate site?
b) If they stay separate, do you like me to link to those posts so you can check them out if they interest you? Or would you rather be the one to decide if you want to subscribe to Reviewsings or not.
c) I have been running giveaways both places. (Originally the intent was the BIG weekly giveaway was a Musings thing, and when I review a product that has a giveaway attached to it, I just leave it all over on Reviewsings.) But would it be simpler to put all the giveaways over at Reviewsings?
4) Do you read through a feed reader, or do you come directly to the site?
5) What do you like best about Musings of a Housewife? What keeps you coming back? What could you do without?
I really value your feedback. I look forward to hearing what you have to say. 
I love links. I prefer to see them in stand alone posts,since they grab my attention in feed reader. I’m more likely to click through from a quick teaser post.
Love the merge idea! One stop shopping for my DCRMom goodies!
I keep coming back for the inspiration you give us.
I’m gonna respond to it all (during naps…) but was literally about to ask you about the BlogHer ads vs. the RGM ads. Tell me more!!
In all honesty, my very favorite part of Musings are just your personal posts. I love your sense of humor, your fashion insights, and your spiritual reflections. My first year or two of blogging, I was totally into the giveaways and those kinds of things. It seems like EVERYONE has a review/giveaway blog now, and I guess the novelty has worn off for me.
What keeps me coming back and clicking through is great content – which you provide beautifully. I like seeing links to your other posts because those are places I am not likely to subscribe to, so that’s good. But mostly I just like to hear about YOU.
Hope that helps a bit.
Honestly, I like the regular, this is my life, posts the best. Those are the posts that really tell us about you. Of course I love giveaways and I don’t mind that you do them, but what has me checking everyday is you, not the stuff.
That being said, I think merging your blogs is a good idea, because I never remember to check Reviewsings, and I like knowing what is available. Same with the guest posts–a summary and a link are helpful in determining if I give them a look or not.
I love reading your blog, but I do sometimes feel like the reviews, links, and such take away from the personality of it.
Hope this helps!
Amanda, RGM is another ad network like BlogHerAds. They do not restrict what I post about, which I like. They also require a year’s commitment, so that’s something to consider.
Thanks for the feedback so far. I look forward to hearing more!! Particularly about whether or not to merge the two blogs. I’m really conflicted on that one.
1-
a) Yes, I would love to know when you’re posting elsewhere….girl, I’d follow you wherever you go! ;o)
b) I really like the idea of a “teaser” paragraph and link. I think that if you put the link at the bottom of a regular post it may not be as effective generally speaking.
2-Personally, I think that they are helpful. Especially coming from someone who’s oppinion I value–uh, that would be YOU Jo-Lynne ;o)
3 & 4-
a) I’m not sure…Sorry I’m not more help here.
b) I like the giveaway being here.
5-You! I feel like I know you personally.
I hope this helps some.
Hugs…
Anita
So many questions:)(jk)!! I, personally, love to read your personal stuff. If you have a link I think I may be interested in, I go over and check it out, so I enjoy the “hidden” links. So….whether you write just about you and the fam, or a lot of other stuff, I will still be here, ’cause I think you’re funny and you always make me smile:)
1. Honestly I prefer the personal posts on Musings and the busnissy ones elsewhere…the other ones I often skip…so I guess I would prefer an option to click and read if I want or stick around for the real musings of a housewife
2. the occaisional informative posts are helpful to us who are still getting the hang of things…I don’t have much to offer but when I do i put it on my blog too
3. I like reviewsings at its own home, again I like the actual Musings part of Musings best..Reviewsings is in my reader and when I am interested I click, when not I ignore
4. Give aways at Reviewsings
5. I glance at my reader to know there is something new to go see but I always come to the real site to read it!
6. I love the way you write,a dash of humor and a pinch of reality, I love reading about your kids and thinking about my own, I love you bloggy world knowledge and the fact that you are willing to help others.
My own 7: Keep letting us know when you make new designs too because I love seeing those and popping out to a new blog
Terra
I love to know when you are guest posting on another site and what you’re reviewing on Reviewsings. I don’t always read the reviews, but I do if they interest me. I get you through a feed reader…and I LOVE you!!
I like to know when you are posting other places – something quick and a little run down of what you are posting would be helpful.
LOVE the informative posts – very very helpful. Please keep those.
I would not mind seeing you combine Musings and Reviewsings. I think it would be easier on you and not such a big deal to me. Same with giveaways.
I receive all of your blogs through a reader and Musings in my email. I always click to your site, though. I like the colors!
You. Just keep being you – that’s what I like best.
such a great idea.
1 a- I love knowing you are at other blogs. I like to follow the blogs I read, even to other locations.
b- I like the small post about you other blog posts. It makes it easier to leave a note, or to jump on over.
2 a- I like the informanational posts. Learning how to do something is always nice. Plus, when I am behind and can’t check each post, a recap of things makes life just a little easier.
3 a I love the blogs seperate. It makes Musings a bit more of you, and Reviewsings more work (does that makes sense?).
b- I think if you linked back (like a recap post) it would work, or put a little feeder on the side bar. That way someone can check if they want too.
c- I think putting all the giveaways on one blog is more your judgement call. It is fun to have multiple places to go, but if it takes any work and makes it easier I am all for it!
5 – I do both. I use my reader for organization, but still visit 90% of the blogs I subscribe too.
6- I like reading your blog because you are real, and honest. That is something now all blogers can or will be. Hearing the truth about what you deal with makes it easier to relate, which draws me back time and again.
1) I like knowing about it…if we’re gonna stalk you, you need to give us a little info so we can do it right!
b) Maybe mix it up? If you loooove the article, it might be good to post the 1st paragraph. Sometimes just a link is nice, too.
2) Love the INFORMATIVE posts. There’s something about them that make you seem (not that you aren’t, of course) REALLY in the know! And who doesn’t love a linky-love post?!
3) I’m half/half on the reviews. Sometimes THEY get to be clutter-y in my opinion. At the same time a whole ‘nother blog is a chore. Hmmm…I guess it depends on the review…if you were reviewing say, a bottled water, I probably wouldn’t be too excited. But something new and different? I’m all about it!
b) LINK! Shameless PLUGS!!!
c) Again…who doesn’t love a good giveaway?!
5) Usually a feed reader…
6) You are personable. You have established a community. You’re transparent. And b/c you tend to post about the same type things, you’re familiar. And fun. And cute. (Want some more?)
a
1. a. Not so interested in the reviews as usually products not available here in N Ireland.
b. refer to a – not too bothered! (in a nice way
)
2. Oh yes, more please
3. I prefer your personal posts to your review posts, so if merging, hope you make it clear which sort of post it is, as I browse through my reader.
4 – where did 4 go???
5. Reader, but nearly always click to go to your blog.
6. You style, honesty, way you share your faith and keep it real! (and your modesty too, if this is making you blush).
LMAO! Yes, you know me well JanMary. It IS making me blush. Wasn’t looking for accolades. Just trying to figure out what to do with my review blog and make sure my reviews/giveaways/moonlighting doesn’t drive people away.
Hey, I am back in town! I gotta say, I am curious about RGM vs Blogher? I think you have to be invited for RGM? Wondering your thoughts there.
I will be emailing you on Favicons once I get kiddos to nap:P
I like to know when you are going to be at other places posting, via subtle link at the bottom of a “regular post”. I love the informative posts, and I like to come directly here to read. I think you should keep Reviewsings around but feel free to do the reviews & giveaways you are MOST excited about on Musings. But whatever you decide I am sure will be great!
1 – I like when you tell us you are posting somewhere else. The “teaser” paragraphs is good b/c it lets me know if I want to hop over and read or not (I usually do).
2 – I learn from your informative posts but I am also a blogger. Not sure how non-bloggers feel about this.
3- I’m not a fan of sep. reviews sites b/c it is one more place I have to go. But that could just be me. I say do whatever is easiest for you.
4- I come directly to your site 90% of the time. I like to see your layouts etc…
5 – I come back b/c I like your honesty. I like the fashion advice and I have a toddler so I like the parenting stories and advice that you give as well. I eventually want 3 kids so you help me to see what could be in my future. There isn’t much that I don’t like, which is why you are one of my daily reads. You keep it real and I love that b/c I can’t stand fake.
I see we need to install the poll plugin for you…
I like to know where else you are posting – I usually head over to check it out.
I do like your informative posts, but like your personal posts the best!
Not sure about the combining sites – I want to say yes for you to make your life easier, but I don’t always read all the reviews and feel like they might take away from the personality here. Whatever you decide, I will still be around!
I read you from a feed reader, but click over so I can leave comments.
I love your personality that comes through in your posts and getting glimpses of your family life, your faith, your fashion, and your ability to laugh at yourself.
You always do a great job and I enjoy hanging around here!
1) a) Yes b) Separate post with the link (first paragraph optional)
2) Yes (on both counts)
3) a) I like everything in one place. You could have a separate page for reviews on this site and note when you have new reviews on that page. Whichever is easiest for you is fine though.
5) Both. I come directly to the site for the posts that I want to read entirely.
6) Your personality!
Hey Jo-lynne.
My answers stem from the fact that you post a lot (which is not a bad thing) and I now am too busy to read every post from the 100 blogs that I do read. My goal is just to get over and comment on each blog once per week.
I like you to post a separate post for each item. This way, I can see it easily in my feed reader (which is bloglines) and click if I’m interested or move onto the next post if I’m not.
I like the idea of merging reviewsings. I have a hard time keeping track of more than one blog for one person.
I like News around the web! I think informative posts are nice but there is no way I have time for twitter stuff, so maybe that one was just not for me.
Have fun organizing!
a) Yes, I like to read you everywhere!
b) This: it helpful to publish a separate post with the first paragraph of the article and a link so you can decide if it’s something you want to continue reading or not?
2) the occasional informative post such as How To Make A Twitter Profile Page are fine wiht me
3) I have reviewsings on my igoogle page, and then i just check in here daily, so either or doesn’t matter to me
a) see above
b) .
c)
4) Reviewsings thru a reader, I coem directly here
5) What do you like best about Musings of a Housewife? What keeps you coming back? What could you do without? I just like to read your posts- you have great style!
I like to know when you’re posting somewhere else. If you include a little blurb or intro paragraph, I’m more likely to click over — since I’ll have an idea of what I’m clicking over to.
I like the informational posts — particularly the How Tos. Those are really handy!
I like the reviews site separate, but with links over to the giveaways or a particularly relevant or spectacular review. I’ll usually click over to take a peek. And for that, you might as well put all the giveaways in one place and link regularly. Maybe add a few links to current giveaways on your sidebar?
I subscribe to you via GoogleReader, and sometimes I’ll read through there (from my T-Mobile G1) — but usually I’m on my work or laptop computer, in which case I have this handy little button in my toolbar called “ParentBlogs” that, when I click it, takes me to the next unread item in my “ParentBlogs” category in my feed reader. So, I usually end up on the site.
I am so glad I found this site. I don’t always read all the posts thoroughly — if something is long and I don’t have time, I might skip by it after a quick skim. But for the most part I find that your posts are informational or just simply fun to read. your site is incredibly well designed and you do some great reviews and giveaways as well. Also, I enjoy following you on Twitter.
I love your blog. The best part is your personal, day-to-day mom stuff. I’d rather go to the review blog to read occasionally. You didn’t ask – but I’m going to give the input anyways
– I felt like your old layout (blogger?) was more “comfortable” and “welcoming”. The new page (wordpress?) has a “colder”, “business-like” feel to it. Might be just me…I dunno. Your design page has more of the old feel — maybe it’s the extra color framing the blog section.
Interesting!!!! That was Typepad. Maybe it’s b/c it’s so much wider? That’s the only thing I can think. The design is actually the same, but with new colors, because I liked that old design so much I didn’t want to leave it behind.
I love, LOVE my new WordPress page, lol. I think I like it because it seems more minimal, which I like. But maybe that makes it seem colder too. Interesting thoughts, and I always appreciate constructive advice, so thank you!
Yeah, dcrmom, I have to agree with ______ up there (why doesn’t he/she have a name?). I thought the new page looked kind of business-y, too. I do think these colors are pretty, so I am not sure what it is that makes it not as cozy.
I like it best when you just talk about your life and your kids and your boots, as has been echoed by others, here. If sometimes I came on your site and there was a review instead, I’d be fine with that and I’d read it, too. I usually don’t click to the other places because for me, I can’t read blogs at work, so all my reading is done at night and I don’t have a lot of time (I’m home sick today tho. Swallowing razor blades).
Okay, I meant to respond to this but didn’t have time. I answered the poll and here are my answers to the survey:
1.a)Yes
b)Link at the end of a regular post
2.Like it!
3.a)Separate
b)Yes, link to review posts
c)I like it as it is
4.I use Google reader
5.I love your original posts about you and your family and all your helpful tips. I have no complaints, love your blog!
Hope that helps!
I came back today because I was running short on time yesterday.
1a. I love reminders when my favorite bloggers have a post on another blog because I may not have the other blog in my feed reader.
1b. I prefer a subtle reminder link or quick blurb at the end of a regular post by a very slight margin. Either way is fine.
2. Yes! I love those. You are so much more than just the parenting and mommy issues. Many of us twitter and linky love is always a good thing – in moderation of course.
3. Keep the seperate sites because you post so frequently I’d never keep up if you combined the two. Just leave a little reminder on musings (see answer 1b)
4. I try to read through a feed reader but have to click over because you don’t have the entire post in your feed. Right now it is not a major problem but I do a lot of blog reading at work. And the proxy servers have been blocking more and more of the blogs I read. Since this is done by URL I can get around this little issue by reading in Google Reader. Plus my web usage report only shows the Google Reader URL where I also read tech and work related blogs instead of lots of mommy blogs.
5. What keeps me coming back is how you manage to mix stories on everyday life with parenting tips, fashion advice and a touch of spiritual insight. And the sense of a developing friendship.
I love your sense of humor, your real life, and I always forget to look at your separate website for reviews; that’s why I voted to merge them together. I hardly ever sign up for giveaways. I also hardly ever comment, but I have your blog bookmarked and like to check in
You have great things to say! Inspiring to this mom of 2 little boys!
I’ve been using Google Reader lately and have been rather lazy about clicking over to leave a comment. I enjoy your daily life posts, musings, but I’m always up for a giveaway or to check out an interesting link that I might not otherwise know about. So, maybe combined, with links and teasers near the top.
1.
a) yes
b) doesn’t matter
2. They’re fine. I don’t dislike them but I prefer your posts on everyday life…
3.
a) doesn’t matter
b) Yes, please provide link. I do like to read your reviews but a lot of times I forget to check the other blog.
c) doesn’t matter
4. Come directly to site. I have it bookmarked!
5. I try to limit the number of blogs I read but I always read yours because I can relate to you and you make me laugh. Thanks and keep up the good work!
I’m dealing with this “linking to other posts” thing myself. Sometimes I write a related type post and then link over to the one elsewhere. That makes it seem “relevant” to me. Often times I forget altogether! So I’ve decided to do a weekly post linking to all the post and people can decide to read or not. I do like having a clue to what it’s about — not necessarily a whole paragraph, but a mention. I think you’ve done this before with Philly Moms.
I voted for you to combine, but I don’t really care. I DO like it when you link over to them.
I have a Firefox bookmarklet, so it’s in a feed, but I can’t read it there. I prefer to read live.
Hello! I’m not too helpful because I could go either way on the merging of the sites. I like the giveaways over there and I like the self-deprecating, funny stories over here. I’ll stick around no matter what. And I come to you directly, not via a feed reader. Thanks for actually caring about what your readers think!
Hi there! I prefer the giveaways and such in a separate section or separate blog. Perhaps you can have a large sidebar area that features/highlights your latest and greatest from the other blogs. This is mostly because I seldom participate in giveaways…so many hoops these days.
I also agree with many of the other commenters that I love your personal daily life type blog posts. Sometimes, too many giveaways etc. feels like a business.
I use Google Reader (which is endlessly full). However, I do stop by regularly
YES. One blog please. It’s soo hard to read multiple blogs with all these attachments. I can barely keep track.
I like it all in one place.
Jo-Lynne, Thanks for the shout-out. I love doing surveys and I love compiling data. You’re right that the ones that I have done have made my blog better. I always think its wise to ask readers for their feedback.
On to YOUR survey:
1. I like it when you link to other articles/posts that you’ve written (it’s always fun to see what you’re up to!), but I definitely prefer a “subtle” link in the midst of or at the end of a post as opposed to a full paragraph from the original text.
2. Informative posts are the BEST! Especially when they’re bulleted. Not only are they useful, they are also “link-worthy.” Those are the kind of posts that I bookmark and/or spread the word about.
I also like “News around the Web” type posts because there’s so much great content around the blogosphere. It’s easy to “miss out” on awesome content.
3. I’m all for combining Musings and Reviewsings. It makes sense to have everything in one spot…and the reason that I value your reviews is because of…YOU. Review sites on their own are only of minimal value.
4. I subscribe via RSS.
5. I come back because you are funny and “real” and personable…and you reply to your comments. I particularly love your fashion posts and your informational-type posts. And giveaways are always fun! My only suggestion would be to watch the length of your posts…sometimes I find myself skimming if they’re super long. Just a thought…
Keep up the great work! Your blog is one of my favorites!