How do you build a community

Day #5 of problogger’s better blog challenge is all about connecting with your community. Last week, I wrote a post just for this reason, to give my readers a chance to introduce themselves and for me to get to know everyone better. I had responded to most of the comments, but then the blog malfunctioned and I had to delete the post, and re-post it, losing my comment to my commenter’s. Problogger’s recommendation is to email at least one, if not more, of your readers to acknowledge them for participating. He goes on to say this task can be better extended my commenting on your own blog and responding to them – so everyone can see what you say as well. I have chosen the second method and want to respond to everyone who responded to me on my post about de-lurking.

1. Wine Harlots: I guess you caught me for stalking? Ha! Thanks for following and continuing to read…
2. Joe (ennuipundit): It always amazes and impresses me when someone is able to stay with a firm for that long – and I can understand the desire to become freelance. When you do get those stories out of your head and into a form that the rest of us can see, you know where to share them!
3. DuffRunner: The fact that you were willing to post a comment shows how true your comment is – and I thank you for that!
4. Jeff Shuey: I could not agree more with your question about responding to commenter’s. It is a must. I am only a recent SoCal girl, well 8 years I guess, but I was born and raised in NorCal, where we did have a bit more ‘weather’. Glad that you participated, and keep up the great posts yourself!
5. Umar Ali: Remember, just because you don’t get paid for what you are passionate about doesn’t mean you can’t do it in your spare time. That is how this blog started after all!
6. Kevin: Since I actually have had the pleasure to meet you since this post was created – there isn’t much I need to say. Other than – our new project is going to be awesome!!
7. Edgar: However you found me – I am glad that you did. Hopefully we can meet at one of the #tworco meetups!
8. MarineMajor: At least I know my begging works!
9. Suzanne Broughton: We definitely need to find time to grab coffee and chat in 140+, your comments always make me smile – and the recent post on the ‘telltale toy’ was hysterical. Poe is one of my favorite writers, and while The tell-tale heart is incredible,  The Cask of Amontillado is my favorite of all…
10. Mari: Many of my readers have found me here before following, and I love that. It gives people a chance to get to know me before just seeing my tweets on twitter. I compltely feel you on the whole ‘moving somewhere for the marriage’, that is the reason that I am living in SoCal still (although, I am falling in love with it, shh…don’t tell the hubby!). By the way, I am so impressed by your stiching ability – as I have none!
11. John Buscall: First, I am flattered! Second, I am so jealous that you get to spend so much time with basset hounds – such an incredible dog!
12. Brad: I definitely know that Detroit still exists…my hubby is a gearhead, so he’d never let me forget! Also, remember that blogs are always a work in progress, no matter how long it has been up! Oh, and I love your weekly grab bag of links…there are some great ones in there!
13. Nadia: Thanks again for your help in making my ‘diamond in the rough‘ post. And if you ever make it out to SoCal, let me know…I think we’d have fun!
14. Rebecca: You are officially out of the lurker category, and I am so glad! I definitely don’t feel like you don’t care, and let me know when you get that Kindle.
15. Ari: Last, but certainly not least, thanks for being the inspiration for my post! I am very happy that we have been able to connect over twitter and through the blogs.

Thanks everyone for de-lurking and I look forward to continuing to hear from you (and visiting your blogs!)

How do you thank your readers? Have you done it recently?

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