GFC, Bloglovin and Google Reader Walk Into A Bar...

Google Reader is gone. Whitney did a post about her bloglovin conspiricy theory. Helene did a post about how she still supports GFC. There are about about a bajillion posts from people saying "ZOMG f0ll0w m3 0n b10g10vin!" And I want to put in my 2 cents. Because this is blogland and what's the point of a personal blog if I can't weigh in on every topic I want.

Before I was became a blogger, I was an avid blog reader. Fashion blogs mostly and then I found AP. I'm not sure how I found her, but she is the super mom behind I Love You More Than Carrots. And I loved the idea of doing something like that (except mostly about my dog not babies). The things is, before AP inadvertanly convinced me to have my own lifestyle blog, I needed a way to keep up with my daily reads. At first I joined their GFC clubs, but I didn't have a Blogger account so that didn't do anything. Then I discovered Bloglovin. SO GREAT I could organize and keep up with the blogs I wanted to read regularly!

Then I started blogging and found out how important one's GFC number was. At that point I was already using bloglovin but it seems most people were using Google Reader. Then the dreaded news that google reader was going away. It didn't matter to me really but people we're appalled/ devestated. The thing is GFC stayed.

So, I have been using GFC as a gauge on readers/followers/supporters I have and everytime I find a new blog I like I follow them there! If I want to read them everyday I follow on bloglovin too but GFC, in my mind, is a way to show your support for other bloggers. Helene said similar things in her post. It's almost like a "why not?" it takes 3 seconds and it's gonna make that blogger smile when they see their number go up! Sarah mentioned in a tweet that she follows blogs on her blogger dashboard and not bloglovin, which is awesome too!

So when you go thru your daily reads, and when you find a new blog, join them on their GFC widget, it makes everyone happy and it's a great way to say "hey, I like the shit you say"

To newer bloggers: If you don't already have this widget, google is a bitch and made it more annoying to find so here is a quick tutorial!

Go to Layout in your blogger dashboard and click add a gadget where your sidebar is

When the new window pops up, click "More Gadgets" and then search for "Google Friend Connect"

Click on the "Members" gadget. It should be the first one that comes up

Set the height to whatever you like. You can either change, keep or completely delete the title. Click save and then rearrange the gadget to wherever you'd like by dragging it up or down in Layout



And now I want you to meet someone awesome, Stephanie from Drink On It has an adorable pup (see below) and is definitely the fun chick at the party. She's funny and silly and you're gonna love her!

1. When and why did you start blogging?

I started blogging in November 2012. I had previously blogged but deleted it for whatever reason. I wanted to start again and I'm so glad I did. I just love the blogging community.

2. What's your favorite post you've written and why?

My post about my breakup is one of my favorites...mainly because it's hilarious. And everyone seemed to love it.

3. What's been your favorite part of the summer so far?

My favorite part of summer has been spending a ton of pool time with my family. And of course all the booze we drink while swimming!

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