About That Feed Train That Just Went By
Regarding that post perhaps more than a few of you joined up for — how many of you actually remembered to subscribe to those feeds? Or perhaps you didn’t forget, but chose not to because their content just wasn’t your cup of tea — or in Mike’s case, cup of milk. 
Keeping track of the subscriptions is tricky because it’s always different everytime I check the numbers. It could be that some have unsubscribed or subscribed, and other times it could simply mean the methods of tracking such activity haven’t been updated, or what not.
I’ve seen a slight boost in my subscribers, but wonder how much more it would be — and how much more your’s would be — if the people who posted our feeds to their blogs actually remembered to subscribe.
Have you seen any activity since hopping aboard the feed train?
[tags]feeds,subscriptions[/tags]
Popularity: 4% [?]
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About the Author: Mark Sierra is an online entrepreneur and web publisher. As the owner of StarFrost Media, he continues to add blogs and products to his online portfolio designed to help inform readers on software and blogging, teach them to be more productive, and even learn how to make money online.
Bush Mackel | Jul 25, 2007 | Reply
You know, this feed and the 8 interesting facts meme is goin’ round and I’ve seen a slight increase in both subscribers and traffic. But of course, that COULD all be due to my staggering good looks. (#):)
Mark | Jul 25, 2007 | Reply
I was thinking the same thing. That, or it could have been the cute little toon you have now for your MBL avatar. Just ask Mike — he’s got Gummy as a girl-magnet.
Kyle Eslick | Jul 25, 2007 | Reply
I haven’t participated in this particular feed train, but back when I started blogging I used to participate in that kind of stuff when possible to try to gain inbound links and traffic. Overall, I never really had any luck with them. People subscribe for a day or two then delete the feed or whatever. Its just about the same with most exchanges and such.
They generally work like a pyramid scheme in that those at the top get a lot of adds (favorites, subscriptions, or wahtever the train is about), but those at the bottom don’t.
So, I guess the moral of the story is to start the meme
Brown Baron | Jul 25, 2007 | Reply
Or as Mark would say, “Be the meme” hehe
Mark | Jul 25, 2007 | Reply
Yes, it helps to get in early for sure. And it most likely is going to be a temporary boost, so nothing to rely on forever, but perhaps getting a few more eyeballs to see your content during that time, may open to a couple of doors.
Mark | Jul 25, 2007 | Reply
You read my mind.
Bush Mackel | Jul 25, 2007 | Reply
If you make sure you welcome those new visitors, you may get lucky and keep a few! (#):D
Mike | Jul 25, 2007 | Reply
When I did the feed train a few weeks back I saw absolutely no results from it. I subscribed to everyone else’s feed but no one subscribed to mine…at least not that I could tell. That’s why I opted to not hop on this time.
My best source for new feed subscriptions has come via widgetbox, but that’s for my comic site. The subscriptions have doubled there though.
Mark | Jul 25, 2007 | Reply
I suspect that a week or two more, and these numbers will be dropping even more. In fact, I may be dropping some of the feeds, but figured it was a good way to see what new content I can feast my eyes on, and then later decide to drop ones that don’t fit my taste.
Christy | Jul 26, 2007 | Reply
I actually subscribed to every single person on the list I published on my blog. Which is actually how I found this article right now….you’re on my Google Home Page!
I definitely think a lot of people didn’t bother subscribing, I have noticed only a teeny increase in subscribers.
Brown Baron | Jul 26, 2007 | Reply
They don’t know what they’re missing. We’ll get those in a different meme haha.
Carol | Jul 26, 2007 | Reply
Too much work for me…I don’t really think these things work,I would rather have a few loyal readers who actually like My Blog then have some just because they are ’supposed’ to. I don’t think it will actually do much for your rankings and could, possibly, cause problems..maybe
Anyway, glad to see you have seen some increase in your subscribers my friend.
Mark | Jul 26, 2007 | Reply
OHMIGOSH! It’s Carol!
Long time no see. Well, it’s my hope that those who did subscribe may decide to stick with me. Granted, it’s not like the old-fashioned way of simply earning it by writing quality content.
Good to see you here!
Mark | Jul 26, 2007 | Reply
Hi Christy, good to know I made somebody’s home page!
Bobby Revell | Jul 27, 2007 | Reply
I gained 37 subscribers so far. The problem is the fact that all these
“trains” come through and they leave. All the statistical-sociology studies I’ve seen show that memes and trains are not effective. If I join a train with 40 people on it and I add 6, I get 6 subscribers because the first 40 do not have me on their list.
I maintain a viral tag matrix and a viral feed list. It is growing. People who aren’t keeping up will be warned, if they don’t comply I will delete them. We’re all missing the boat on this whole idea. I have started a group at spicypage (just a start) where nobody is boss and all are equals. If I could get 100 people to maintain one list then we will see the real power of viral networking.
Viral = give 100% get 100 %
Or it means total greed free networking. Btw I subscribed & faved you. I will also add you with “Onlywire” and you’ll be indexed by me in 21 web-2.0 bookmarking sites. I have a new post on it too. Thanks!
Mark | Jul 27, 2007 | Reply
Hi Bobby, wow, I’m impressed with your ability to keep up with all that. But maybe you can explain how it is you can tell who exactly is subscribing to you? Unless they’re subscribing via email, I haven’t found a way to track to that level of detail. Could you enlighten me?
And thanks for all the link love! I’ve already subscribed to you and I’ll make sure that I’ve faved you because I like your blog.
Bobby Revell | Jul 30, 2007 | Reply
When I first joined the train I immediately went to around 10 other sites who had the same train but did not have me on board. I asked each to add me. I then added around 55 new folks to my train list and I maintain it regularly to ensure I get the maximum benefit. As far as knowing who subscribes I can see in my wordpress dashboard most of them. I tell people to use bloglines to subscribe and use a public profile when they do. When people subscribe to me using Bloglines, it actually raises my technorati authority because of the way they allow backlinks (I am guessing). With google reader there is no technorati help. Basically, I go to each site and tell them I subscribed and ask them to do so in return. I cannot depend on it just happening because they joined the train
Christy | Jul 30, 2007 | Reply
I want Bobby’s brain!!! No need to be frightened Bobby, lol. I just wish I had the technical aspect of blogging down like he does. I think I’d be in top 100!!
Mark | Jul 30, 2007 | Reply
Ahh, Bloglines, didn’t realize the benefit using it the way you do before. I never really took to that service. Too confusing, or at least it was back when I looked at it a couple of years ago. Thanks for clarifying.
Mark | Jul 30, 2007 | Reply
Tell you what: I get it on Mondays and you get it on Tuesdays. That way he still gets to have it most of the week and can still help others.
Christy | Jul 30, 2007 | Reply
Good thinking Mark! And today is Monday so I’m in luck!
Someone better tell Bobby I’m coming to suck out his brain!!! I truly haven’t met a more intelligent blogger on the Internet, he’s got some mega awesome ideas!