Affirmation

My boyfriend was catching up on my blog last weekend, and he mentioned that he read through all the comments.  "Wow," he said, "they were all glowing."  It's true.  If you notice all the comments on knitters' blogs, the vast majority of them are either encouraging or fantastically positive about whatever the lovely knitter had decided to post that day.  I love that.

I've read articles recently about how people are more likely to "flame" others over e-mail or some other electronic means because they don't have to deal with the personal consequences.  It seems like in knitblogland, the opposite effect is true.  I know that when I leave a comment, it will be positive and complimentary.  If I can't think of something like that, I just won't comment that day.  I think I'm also more effusive in the comments than I am in real life.  If I spoke like my comments, with all of the words like "fabulous" and exclamation points and smileys, I probably would not get invited to lunch by my co-workers very much.  But here, it works.  The electronic medium has allowed me to be even more positive than I might have been in real life.

The other thing I've found since I started blogging has been the great sense of inclusiveness. There's always room for one more, and everyone is so friendly when the "one more" shows up.  Each knitter is appreciated, if she's just conquering a new skill or if she's putting out yet another fabulous pattern.  My past experiences with real live people tell me that this probably would not happen so beautifully in real life, but I'm so happy that it works here.  Whatever personality quirks we have, we all love yarn and making beautiful things out of it, and that is enough.

Thanks to all of you who have encouraged, complimented, and included me so far.  I will try my best to contribute to the community by doing the same :)

 

Comments

[Carrie]

I'm sorry, but I cannot condone a post like this! Imagine, leaving us in suspense as to just what is that GORGEOUS yarn! The nerve...

*tee hee*

[Oiyi]

I couldn't have said it better! I think people would think I was weird if I walked around saying "fantastic", "fabulous", "gorgeous"!!! But that is what I love about the online knitting community.

That yarn is beautiful. Do tell!

[Brenda]

I know what that yarn is! Mine arrived yesterday, too. I haven't knit up the Lenten Rose yet, but I will start them today.

Excellent points you make in today's post, and I agree completely. Since starting blogging last summer, I have typed the words fantastic, fabulous, gorgeous and amazing more often than ever before in my life! Ditto on the exclamation points! But complimenting other people's knitting is fun to do, and gives me pleasure. So I will continue to do so! There are a lot of talented knitters out there, and I am glad I am becoming electronically acquainted with them and their wonderful creations.

[Oiyi]

I just got a my February package from Sundara and now I know what that yarn is! It is gorgeous! I love this sock club.

[tiennie]

I feel the same way! A person could get addicted to all the positive vibes in knitblogland.

[jody]

great post. i love that about the knitblog community. from what i've read we're one of the largest primarily-female online communities out there. when i first started blogging (3 years ago this january) there were a few of those stereotypical dramatic events in the community, but it seems like we've matured and i haven't come across that lately at all (or i'm just oblivious to it, and i'd be just fine with that).

my readers make me feel the same way, and i've made several really good IRL and email friends this way -- women i probably never would have met had we not shared our interest in knitting.

ps - sending you an off-blog email as well

[Carol]

Hi Kristi, I got your site over at Fricknits. OK, I was snooping in her comments-I wouldn't want anyone thinking I had time on hands or something;) You hit the nail right on the head with the knit/blog thing and you're pretty darn funny too!

[stacey]

I enjoyed this post as well - I tracked you back from the kind comment you left me on my blog! Thanks so much - the more knitting fellowship the better! Blogland has helped me find my niche as well - good people!:) Take care and good luck getting all of your fabulous socks knit up - btw have you checked out cookiea.com for her sock patterns? In one word...awesome.