It's My Birthday! No Cash. Just Comments.

I launched this blog in July, 2005 which, at 26 months makes me an expert toddler blogger. (Say that 10 times.) In that time, Man-o-pause.com has attracted over 40,000 visitors from nearly every country in the world.

So why no comments? In all that time, this site has registered 38 comments. I don't want to jump to stereotypical conclusions, but I'm curious about whether a blog for mid-life men, specifically, is different than any other blog.

I've developed this poll to determine why this may be so. It's anonymous and once you vote, you can view the results.

I don't comment because I have nothing to add. The content is not engaging. You say it better than I could. I'd rather read than discuss. Registering to comment is a hassle. I prefer to remain anonymous but don't know how. It's a generational thing. (You'll also see how other users have answered.) Poll by PollHead

Comments

[Nicolette Beard]

Hi Wendy,

Now that you've commented your registration is good until you change email addresses.

I'm not fishing for comments. I was just curious why I have received so few. And yes, I've received direct communications from readers around the world, which is gratifying.

The odd thing is that I rarely comment on other people's blogs. (Don't tell anyone;-)

Thanks for subscribing to my feed.

[Nicolette Beard]

Zaine,

Your comment didn't disappear. I have to approve comments before publishing in order to eliminate anything offensive. But once a visitor is approved, they can comment without my approval. So comment away!

I'm glad you like the content and I, too, am curious why some men flip out in midlife. I suspect that they never really expressed themselves in adolescence but rather followed the strictures of parents, teachers, religious teachings, etc.

If you never test your boundaries at an acceptable age, I think people tend to go to extremes when there's no one holding them back.

Eventually, we all have to grow up and accept responsibility for our own life and actions. And some use "midlife crisis" as a convenient excuse for irresponsible behavior.

[Zaine Ridling]

Ah, well, maybe that explains it. I left a comment and it disappeared into the ether.

[Zaine Ridling]

I comment frequently on many blogs and forums, and though this is my first visit, my guess is that 99% of people are "visual listeners" of your words, tend to agree, and then move on. For myself, I don't tend to leave comments on comment-moderated sites, since when I go back, the owner often never gets back and approves the comment. (That doesn't appear to be the case here.)

I love the content here, and though I'm living a well-adjusted 46 years old, I'm deeply curious why men throw their lives away between 43-50.

Great site with good focus.

[Wendy]

Hi -- shame on me, but the only reason I don't comment on a regular basis is that, as a subscriber to your blog, I have to click on the link to the post (that is in my email) in order to make a comment. As a point of reference, I've got over 2000 subscribers and it is rare that a reader comments. More often I'll get a personal email with their thoughts or reactions. Your content is great and I love having the ease of being a subscriber. So, rather than hitting "other" I guess I should have voted in on "Registering to comment is a hassle". 40,000 visitors? You are no toddler! You a veteran expert blogger. Keep up the great work and happy birthday! Wendy from Gen Plus