Thursday, January 28, 2016

Are you losing "Followers" in your GOOGLE Blogger?

In December I had 930 "Followers" in my blog . Suddenly, over night in fact, I had gone down to 903. Then it stopped. I was mystified.

In the past two days I have lost many more! Last night I sat looking at my Blogs Dashboard and watched as my Follower numbers dropped dramatically. It totally freaked me out. I thought what sort of mischief is this. I wondered if I would even have a blog when I woke up this morning.

I found the answer in the Google Help Forum. You can read about it here... https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/blogger/7cZFok8dd20;context-place=forum/blogger
I see Josje found the answer there too.

You would think Google could have put a notice on our dashboards so we didn't have to go through angst of trying to figure out what was happening.

It took me nearly six years to get to 930. I was amazed and grateful so many people were interest. Frankly, I am rather hacked off that all those people can no longer visit my blog. 
Someone please tell me how it benefits Google to do that?

63 comments:

  1. So funny, I got your forum post via email and when I looked at the email address you used for the post, I thought it looked familiar...Never realized it was you though;-)
    Yes, changes going on at blogger. It would have been nice if we had known what was going on beforehand. The suggestion to inform those readers we have now lost via a post is of course a silly one, as these people now don't get updates from our blogs. They will have to realize in time they are not getting updates and investigate themselves. I suppose Google wants to ' force' people to register with Google. I don't think that will work. If someone doesn't want to register with Google, they're not going to do so just to read my blog. Plus there are many other ways to follow a blog. Via email, for one.
    Some readers follow me on reading lists like bloglovin or feedly, which is what people who don't want to be on Google now are more or less forced to do (although I also have a ' follow by email' option). Personally, I really don't like bloglovin and feedly as they more or less 'hijack' your entire content without permission. Feedly especially has a complete disregard for the layout of the original blog, just copying text and photos into their own layout. As I spend a lot of time on how my blog looks, I hate my content being hijacked like that. Even more so as I have never given permission for this.

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  2. PS: I noticed you lost around 60 followers at the moment, almost the same amount I have lost so far. Probably the same readers!

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  3. I know that if I wasn't registered with Google I would do it to read your blog Josje. It is one of my favorites!

    I never imagined that all the Followers I have/had were reading my blog. I assume some people who were Followers fell away over time. Most of the time the people who comment here are the same. And I thank them for it!!! I am sure there are also people who visit that have never commented, sadly.

    Anyone who has a blog knows how much time it takes to take photos, write the post and publish it on Blogger. So any sort of feedback is always greatly appreciated. It is nice to know someone read it. ;-)

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  4. Hi Catherine! So sweet of you to hop over to my blog and also follow me. I'll return the compliment. Meanwhile, loads of my followers are up in arms about the whole issue - but we're hamstrung and can't really do much other than stamp around a bit :)

    On a brighter note, I know of a blogger whoe lives on the South coast of England, not too far from where I live although we've never met - and she's really into making dolls houses and miniature work. This is her blog: http://adventureintominiature.blogspot.co.uk/ - and the post that will probably be top of the list has links in to the most amazing miniatures, made by a UK crafter and sold on Etsy. I'm in no way affiliated to either of these 'gals'- I just play with paper really as my hobby - but the detail in miniatures and dolls houses absolutely fascinates me and I wish I had the skill and patience!

    I'll be watching to see what you make with interest!

    Di xx (aka LoobyLou)

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    1. Thank you for your visit Di.
      I did a bit of stamping around and fuming myself.

      Thank you for the dolls house blog link and for following me here. I am off to check out that blog. :-) XXX

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  5. It's Di again - if I don't go to bed shortly I'll find my head hitting the keyboard here - but I just thought of a blog that you truly ought to follow; http://blogging.nitecruzr.net/

    It's written by a guy called Chuck Croll and he's very much on the ball with what's going on with Blogger - even though he loses me at times (and my background is in IT so I'm probably able to keep up reasonably well!). If you only follow one new blog - make it that one :)

    Di xxxZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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    1. Thanks again! I will go there and add him to my list! It is always great to find someone that knows what's going on with all this stuff. I am clueless!!! XXX

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  6. Ah! That explains it! I had wondered if I was just "remembering" the wrong number of followers! I guess not! I have not lost as many as you, but it was more like 20 or so. I have noticed the lack of commenters, and just wondered if my blog was not showing up in other people's feeds! I guess it is an ever changing "scene" and we just need to adjust our expectations.... fickle humans that we are! I just hope they keep blogs going as I have no intention of quitting the blog!

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    1. Well I and glad to hear you are not giving up on your blog! So many have abandoned them. I sure would hate to loose you. ;-)

      I really think we have every right to be ticked off at Google for stealing our followers. It is really nasty!!! I just wish I could figure out the self serving purpose. It sure isn't a thank you for all us loyal users.

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  7. This is terribly frustrating......I have lost almost 100 followers!!!! I am pleased to read this is not confined to my blog, I was starting to get a complex....(silly grin!). But as you say Catherine, you work hard to build a lovely blog and obtain fantastic followers and then they are whisked away from us. Hope they all find their way back......soon!
    Linda xxx
    P.s......thank you for finding the answer to this....!!!!!!

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    1. I wondered in December what I had done to cause the mass exodus! haha So I understand your thoughts of getting a complex.

      Google might have had more people registering had we been able to tell them that by a certian date if they were not registered they would no longer be able to read Google Blogger. It sort of reminds you of BIG government, don't you think. haha

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  8. Follow the money trail, as I always say. I guess google is trying to corner the market thus getting all the advertising dollars. They are forcing people to set up a google account. Plus ALL the spyware....
    When my followers dropped, I'm like, hey I showered today what the heck? HAHAHA

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    1. Now all I have to do is figure out how those &^%$#@ make money on people reading my blog.

      You said.... "what the heck" hahahahaha Ya, sure you did! haha

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  9. Thank you for your post. I have lost 7 'friends' in the last week. I was assuming it was because I have been a bit absent from my blog lately. It is good to know the reason.

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  10. Thank you for your post about this. I have had the same problem :-( and was wondering what the reason could be. I'm glad that it is not the loooong absence that has caused the number of followers to decrease. But still not happy about it...

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  11. I don't think anyone is happy except Google!

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    1. Exactly! It's no problem when people themselves choose to stop following my blog. But I think it's a pity when people like to see my updates but aren't able anymore. Thanks for your post about this issue, Catherine!

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    2. You're welcome Tessa. It is a pity.

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  12. I thought there was something fishy when I suddenly started losing followers. Thanks, Google! Unfortunately it doesn't look like there is anything we can do.

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    1. No, I am sure there is nothing to do about it. Thank you for your comment!

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  13. Hello Catherine,
    That explains it! I figured Blogger was up to something. I can't see any logic or justification behind their decision, but I will just keep on blogging!
    Thank you for blogging about this!
    Big hug
    Giac

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    1. Hi Giac,

      I am sure they have some self serving purpose for it. No doubt it is money but how we figure into it is beyond me.

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  14. Hola! Yo también he perdido unos 40 seguidores, pero tranquila, nosotros te seguimos!

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    1. Did you mean: Yes I am sure we will all continue and hope your lost followers find their way back.
      Sí estoy seguro de que todos vamos a seguir y espero que nuestros seguidores perdidos a encontrar su camino de regreso.

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  15. So glad you raised this issue. I lost about 40 followers over the last few days too and could not find out what was happening. OK my blog was fairly inactive in 2015 as I grappled with various things in real life, but the sudden plummet in figures really confused me.

    Hope your wrist is on the mend. My stitches are out and physio started. Hope to be back to proper crafting soon!

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    1. I was pretty sure there were other people who read my blog that were wondering what the heck was going on. It was rather a shock wasn't it.

      I am so glad to hear you are healing well. It seems to take forever doesn't it.

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  16. haha, so glad you raised this issue Catherine, I just figured I lost them because of my weird blogging lately, the only thing I found curious was that it was several at once, like you said: overnight..

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  17. You are not the only one who wondered if it was something they did to cause the loss. haha I think that might have been every body's first thought.

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  18. Hello Catherine!
    I am glad you posted this.......because my follower numbers started to decline as well. I thought perhaps people had had enough of me and decided to leave. I have also experienced the new issue of pictures I try to get from my phone & I-pad will not load onto a new post attempt......so I have not posted anything in a long time.
    I miss the early blog days and don't much like the changes.
    Stay Well.....I enjoy seeing your incredible work.
    Ray

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    1. Thank you Ray. I hope you work out your posting problem. I miss seeing your beautiful work.

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  19. Well, I have been so busy lately that I haven't paid any attention to my followers numbers...so I have no idea how many I lost if any.

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    1. Then you won't be too bothered by the changes. I enjoy blogging and love to see others work.

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    2. I do read the blogs I follow and comment from time to time...I guess my biggest reason for not blogging much is that I don't like the app for it on my iPad and very seldom switch on my computer that is quite ancient.

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  20. Yep, me too! Not only have I lost followers but I cannot even post on my blog. It is so frustrating. Now I have been told that I have to change browsers. For someone like me (who is technically challenged and it was a near miracle that I could even blog in the first place) changing browsers is a totally foreign concept. Guess I will not be blogging for a while!

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  21. Awwww Sam. Just download Firefox and add a short cut icon to your desk top. If this is beyond what you thing your skills can deal with find yourself a nice twelve year old kid. They seem to have been born with computer genes. I wish I had their seemly natural abilities.

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    1. Soooo True! I was in the supermarket a little while back and a mother was busy browsing the shelves as her 2 year old in the buggy was busy browsing through her phone!

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  22. Ah, so that's the answer. I thought I was just being more boring than normal. Luckily I use Feedreader to read blogs so I won't miss out on others blog posts. I wonder when google will find a way to block rss readers that don't allow the advertising through?
    Happy New Year to you and I hope it's a better year for you.

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  23. Making us advertise is a very scary thought. I am afraid that would be the end for me. I gave up my TV six years ago because I couldn't stand all the commercials. Some lasting for 20 minutes.

    Thank you Susan for your well wishes and your comment.

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  24. Well Im here, and I have a google account, thankfully... Sorry for those who doesnt... :(

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  25. I have the same problem. Now I understand. Thanks.

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  26. Thanks to you I now understand why I have lost some followers. I totally agree with what you say in your post.
    Geneviève

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  27. Espero que todos los seguidores "perdidos" encuentren el camino de regreso a tu blog ya que es fascinante todo lo que haces y como bien dices,es mucho el trabajo que se invierte en hacer fotos,poner el texto.... yo por lo menos tengo cuenta en gooogle y no te he perdido!!!
    Besos.

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    1. Gracias y por tu comentario clase también.
      Besos

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  28. hello, it's a long time that I am not on Blogger because in these months my life has had its ups and downs and I did not have anything interesting to tell inherent thumbnails, that is the purpose of my blog, so I had not noticed have lost many followers .. until now that you said! I noticed the number of my followers, and it seemed much lower than I remember months ago !! I do not understand why all this! I cry because if one is not interested in reading my blog and deletes itself from the list OK, I can understand .... but if Blogger is to delete them, how to regain the lost followers?

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    1. They all found their way to you and hopefully they will find their way back. ;-)

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  29. Hi
    I have the same problem here in Sweden. I am so sorry for this. It is a shame that so many not can see our bloggs.
    Thanks for letting me know the problem
    Hugs Titti

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  30. Hello dear, I also confirm the sudden and dramatic drop of followers. I'm glad you've mentioned it, because I thought that simply, many people had decided one day to no longer follow my blog (and shame I had, of course, to emphasize this fact, I considered it my failing, and I was resigned !).
    The functioning of these mechanisms is still mysterious to me and despite the research that I did, I have not found satisfactory answers to explain (and solve) the problem. But I see that we are many who suffer from the same problem ...
    BTW: days ago I wrote to you an email and I was surprised not to receive any feedback from you ... Have you received?
    Love,

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    1. OH NO! I am so sorry. I have not gotten your email. Are you sending it to my AOL account. It is the only email address I have now.
      I am glad you understand the missing Followers now. I think we all thought at first we had done something to cause it. haha When they number dropped again I new something was wrong, not my fault that is.

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  31. Thank you CATHERINE. I was thinking I had posted too much about my Grandson and had lost followers. Nice to know what this is all about!!!❤️

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    1. Gosh isn't it funny how we all felt that way at the very first. I just think it would have been right for Google to let us know about it. It just seems so dam rude to me.

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  32. Thank you for explaining the reason. I had just started blogging again after no posts for 7 months, and thought that some followers must have decided they didn't like my posts, now that they were seeing new ones! It's very frustrating - I don't know who the followers who have dropped off are, so I have no idea how to let them know. But as you say, hopefully they will find their way back if they are interested - then maybe they'll have to bookmark the blog or something, if they don't get a google account. Very petty of Google.

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    1. Thank you Rebecca. I am glad you took the time to leave a comment. ;-)

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  33. Yes, I only had 204 followers and I have lost 3 which is know is a really small number, but when you only have 204....

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    1. Yes...It is is disappointing. Thank you for leaving me your comment. So many do not take the time.

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  34. I was so pleased to find this post (and thanks for taking the time to highlight this). I was aware that I had lost some followers but like Flora I thought it was me. It's so annoying of Google to dabble with what is a perfectly good system, in my opinion.

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  35. Hi Irene,

    I couldn't agree more. Thank you for your comment.

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  36. Ahh, so that's the reason. Thank you for getting to the bottom of it and posting the answers. I seriously think if Google keep interfering with the blogs, it will push a lot of bloggers to other social media sites. It's really beginning to irrate me >-<

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  37. We don't need to loose anymore to social media sites. On my dashboard I am "following" a whole lot of blogs. I would say 95% of them haven't posted in over a year. Some five years.

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