This 'N That

Yesterday our brown crunchy grass and fading flowers most gratefully received a long absent precious commodity...rain. It's been weeks since we've had any to speak of. Though not near what we need, it still made me feel like doing my best Gene Kelly routine, sans umbrella.

Rain, glorious rain. Please come back again!

Meanwhile, I don't know about anyone else, but I've been having tons of trouble the last few weeks with spam on Blogger. Nowhere else...just on Blogger. And unfortunately it's not just annoying spam. Some of it is annoying X-rated spam. Let me tell you, there's no greater thrill than having an explicit adult image creep onto the screen as I try to write a blog post or comment. Although the pictures could potentially be a weird sort of conversation piece (judging by some of the photos), they certainly don't do much for my concentration.
I've had my computer checked for viruses (none found) and installed a new security device. Yet a few not-so-nice anonymous comments have still sneaked through Blogger's spam filter, straight on to Critter Alley.

Indy, Bogey and I are appalled and pretty much completely grossed out. Long story short...we are now viewing all comments before posting them. Seriously, don't some people have anything better to do than send porn to critters and old ladies? If there's a presidential candidate who is willing to take on spammers, they will certainly get my vote.

Is anyone else having problems with spam on Blogger?

Our Informal Poll Results

While we can't give any Price and Waterhouse guarantee, our informal poll did provide a few insights regarding the question of commenting on blog comments. The majority (52%) of those who responded say they never comment on comments posted on their blog. Further, they never go back to see if comments they've posted on another blog have been commented on by the blog author. However, if a response is needed, this group chooses to visit the blogs of those who comment and respond there.

Coming in at second (38%) are those who sometimes post a comment to comments on their blog. Usually this happens in cases where a direct question is asked.

Finally, 10% of respondents said they always post comments on their blog in response to comments posted by others.

Thankfully there are no rigid rules regarding comments...except for the &*@# ones, of course. What a blogger does is dictated by what he/she feels compelled to do. All that really matters is that the blog author, readers, and Mr. Blogger are all happy. Take away any one of the three and your blog experience could disappear faster than cheese slices at doggie day care.

Speaking about what makes writers happy, I hope many of you have submitted a story or two (or three) to the Not Your Mother's Book (NYMB) series. Today I learned that my true story, "Going Home" made the first round of cuts for the NYMB On Dogs volume. It's not too late if you haven't submitted. There are at least 30 titles still in need of stories.

Listen to me, people. I've read your work and I know you rock, so sit at that keyboard and just do it!

Check out the Publishing Syndicate for submission details.