As you know, last week I conducted a survey. The reason is because I have been feeling a bit lost regarding my blogging. To be honest I felt a bit stale. I have only been blogging for five months and compared to some of you out there that’s not very long. But I blog everyday, which is my choice, but I want to keep doing this as I think it keeps my blog fresh. However, with it just being me, sometimes it’s tough. I really wanted feedback from you guys about what you liked, what you didn’t like and the easiest and most straight forward way of doing this was a survey. So thank you for taking the time to complete the form, I really appreciate it.
I thought it would be fun to share the results with you:
Q1: What do you like most about Book Chick City?
Your answers were really positive and varied, but the most popular were layout/design and reviews.
What you said…
“The design with the lady banner is what attracted me initially as it yelled fun to me”
“The awesome layout and reviews”
“I love the layout and format of your blog. I love the ‘personality’ it conveys”
“I love the variety of content you post – author interviews, reviews, memes… even when you’re participating in a popular meme your content always strikes me as unique”
“Your interactions with your followers. I know that I will almost always hear back from you when I comment”
“I like that you keep your blog updated regularly and that you write with a sense of humour”
“The reviews and that I always get ideas for new books”
“The pretty design and the honest reviews. The whole professionalism of the site”
“You write about books I read! You have eclectic taste and I’ve bought several based on your reviews and loved them”
“The candid book reviews… but of course”
Q2: What do you like least about Book Chick City?
Luckily, the majority of you didn’t have much to say here, but there were a few negative comments, mostly constructive, but some not.
Constructive Comments:
“Too cluttered”
“Organisation”
“The design is a bit chick-lit for my taste, which almost put me off, but then I saw what books you were reviewing”
“Guys might feel more intimidated by the girliness yet would love the content”
“Too many YA books”
“Not enough YA books”
“Contest for just UK, US and Canada”
My response:
I completely understand that the design is girlie – but I am a girl after all! 
I spent a lot of time thinking about my design and I did try darker colours, but I’m not a fan of light text on dark backgrounds as it strains my eyes. So I decided to keep it light and fun. As I said on my ‘About’ page: who say’s a chick can’t be girlie and love a bit of blood and gore? So, my pink haired brit chick stays – sorry boys ;-D – but I do hope you will stick around!
I spent a lot of time thinking about my design and I did try darker colours, but I’m not a fan of light text on dark backgrounds as it strains my eyes. So I decided to keep it light and fun. As I said on my ‘About’ page: who say’s a chick can’t be girlie and love a bit of blood and gore? So, my pink haired brit chick stays – sorry boys ;-D – but I do hope you will stick around!I have read a total of 11 YA books since I began blogging five months ago, I wouldn’t say this is excessive, unless you really dislike YA of course! YA is a ‘genre’ I am really enjoying and I know I will continue to do so. However, for those that want more, that won’t be happening either, sorry 
I’m not a YA blog, so I don’t want to saturate my blog with YA, but as I love a great story some YA books will definitely weave their way onto my list of books next year.
I’m not a YA blog, so I don’t want to saturate my blog with YA, but as I love a great story some YA books will definitely weave their way onto my list of books next year.I know that some people don’t like a lot of widgets down the sidebars and may call this clutter, and I do see your point. I do like most of my widgets but there were some that were sort of pointless so they have gone already. I still have a few other ideas up my sleeve, so hopefully things will change a little more 
And lastly, regarding contests. If you go back and check all the contests I have held, most are worldwide (and my wallet can vouch for that!). The only reason a contest is limited to a certain country is at the request of the publisher/author and I have no control over that. As I’ve said before, if the book is in my possession then I will send it anywhere, at my own cost. In fact, out of the 21 contests I’ve held, 15 have been worldwide – that’s roughly 71% – I’d say that’s pretty good
Okay, onto the not so constructive comments:
Unconstructive Comments:
“That you act better than everyone else”
“Takes itself too seriously”
My response:
I’m sorry if any of my posts have come across as ‘acting like I’m better than everyone else’ as this isn’t my intention at all. Most of my posts are book related, so I must admit, I am a little baffled by this comment. But I apologise for any offense caused.
And yes, I do take my blog seriously, but that’s because I love what I do and want to do it well. Publishers and authors send their books to be reviewed and expect some level of professionalism, but I do try to keep things light and fun too. I hope I achieve this most of the time. I don’t want to be a stick in the mud..
Overall
Loves BBC: 92%
Hates BCC: 8%
Q3. Is the site user friendly?
Yes: 96%
No: 4%
Q4. When listing books what do you like to see?
Synopsis: 52%
Goodreads Link: 39%
Amazon Link: 34%
Book Depository Link: 17%
Just a link to Goodreads is fine: 13%
All of the above: 13%
None of the above: 4%
From now on I will try and make sure there is a synopsis and links to Goodreads, Amazon and Book Depository with all the books I list. Sometimes this might not be possible though, depending on the amount of time I have available.
Q5. Do you like the ‘On My Wishlist’ feature?
Love it!: 65%
Hate it!: 8.5%
Not bothered either way: 26.5%
As most of you love it – and sorry to those that don’t, but I can’t please everyone – I think that this feature will be staying for now.
Q6. Do you want to see more reviews?
Yes: 35%
No: 4%
Two is fine: 61%
I’m so pleased that the majority of you are happy with two reviews per week as this is as much as I can read right now. However, I would like to write more, so I will try and review more if I can.
Q7. My reviews are… ?
Just right: 92%
Well written: 87%
Funny: 26%
Too long: 4%
Boring: 4%
Too short: 0%
Q8. Do you enjoy reading my reviews?
Yes: 96%
No: 4%
All I have to say is.. phew *wipes brow* 
Q9. Do you want to see more interviews/guest posts?
Yes: 69.5%
No: 30.5%
I try to have a guest once a week. I think this is about right for me, but there may be the odd one or two more every now and again.
Q10. Do you enjoy reading the interviews/guest posts?
Yes: 83%
No: 17%
Q11. Are there enough contests or too many?
Enough: 74%
Want more: 22%
Too many: 4%
I have, on average, one contest per week. I think I agree with the majority of you that this is enough. The only time that there will be more will be during any events I may run (eg All Hallow’s Eve). So those of you who want more… you will just have to wait
Q12. Would you like to see more personal content?
Yes: 30.5%
No: 69.5%
The suggestions I got from the people who did want to see more personal content was as follows:
“You could put up pictures of your TBR pile/book shelf and other misc things you feel like sharing”
“I’m a nosey git so I do like to read about people’s lives as well. Maybe at least vlogs”
“Feature type articles e.g. a personal overview of a sub-genre like urban fantasy or a personal review of a favourite author”
“Just a little personal stuff to show there is a person behind the blog *wink* even though we know you are there”
In response:
I have posted about my tbr and bookshelves a couple of months ago (HERE), so I can’t really do that again – any suggestions on keeping these kinds of posts easily available to readers other than having to search through archives? Remember, you can always search for things using the search button. I find a lot of interesting posts that way.
I’m a nosey git too, so totally relate I have thought about doing vlogs (for IMM posts) but 1. haven’t got round to it and 2. shy.
I have thought about doing vlogs (for IMM posts) but 1. haven’t got round to it and 2. shy.I would like to write some articles etc but can never think up any ideas/topics. I’m rubbish like that. I go around other blogs and they have thoughts all over the place – how do they do it?? As for reviews.. all my reviews are personal, I may have got the book for review but the thoughts are totally my own, good or bad.
I suppose I don’t add much personal stuff as we are book bloggers and I didn’t think that anyone would be interested. I don’t think that I will be adding much more on a regular basis, but I will add a post here and there, now I know there are a few who would actually want to read it
Just have to add – the person who thought I “acted better than everyone else” ticked ‘YES’ to seeing more personal content… go figure
Q13. Do you like the change of direction to more Speculative Fiction?
Yes: 83%
No: 17%
The people who do not like the change in direction left the following comments:
“Not really my sort of thing”
“Romance, but I know we don’t all like to read the same genre”
“Chick-lit, YA, but that’s not my decision to make, you’re the boss of the lovely blog ”
”In response:
I’m sorry that I have lost you as readers, but I have to go with my heart and read the kind of books I love. If I didn’t then I would probably end up hating my blog and getting annoyed at having to read books I didn’t really want to. Although the majority of my content will be speculative fiction, as a reader I have quite eclectic taste, so the odd romance or crime novel will pop up. I need to shake things up once and a while too, so don’t leave forever, as I may have a great romance book for you
Someone suggested reviewing old classics by the likes of Stephen King, Poe, Agatha Christie, Michael Crichton. I would love to review more of these kinds of books, as I have a zillion books by these authors on my shelves, but I have been so obsessed with reading as many books that were sent for review as I could, I didn’t feel as though I had time. But this is a really good point, so I have decided at least one or two books per month will be of this nature and from my own shelf
Others suggested a movie review or two. As you know I *love* movies so I would be more than happy to do this. So, does this interest most of you? Would it have to be a new release or could it be a DVD? Let me know your thoughts.
So, that’s it – that was the BCC survey. It was actually a lot of fun. I love the fact that you like my reviews. Since I started blogging I’ve worried that my reviews were too short, not written well enough or not funny enough. I visit so many blogs that write reviews which are long and detailed and funny, and wanted to see if my reviews needed a drastic overhaul. So I must say that I am a *very* happy book chick to know that the majority of you like reading my reviews. Some of the things you said were really sweet, so thank you. I will definitely try my best to post more. It’s also nice to know that the majority of you are pretty much happy with the way things are, which is great. But I will think upon all suggestions made… I have a few ideas floating around my head already
Thank you so much for taking the time to give me your thoughts I really appreciate your feedback.
21 Comments
Enjoyed the post! I was certainly curious how your survey would turn out. I am a fairly new blogger as well (about 7 months or so?) and sometimes wonder about the same things. Are people enjoying what I wrote? Do they wish for something more or even less? KUDOS to you for putting the questions out there and getting the feedback you sought!
In regards to the movie reviews, I think that they should be in theater and DVD's, basically whichever one struck your fancy when the post comes around to do. This way you get to share the personal side again and still maintain a level of professionalism that you are striving for….
Thanks for sharing….and happy reading!
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You are brave to do such a thing! I'm not sure I could handle the truth. I must have missed this survey; I've had a crazy schedule lately. But I think you are doing a great job. You have a nice balance of things (interviews, reviews, giveaways, memes)…you are very well-rounded. The genre you have gravitated towards is one that I absolutely do not read, but still I enjoy coming by. It's always good to read about genres that are new to me!
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dont understand the comment about you acting better than other people. That strikes me as such a jealous thing to say. You are honestly one of the nicest bloggers out there, so this upset me a little bit. I dread to think how you felt.
WOW you did get some wicked cool comments and I agree with all the good points. I'm not a girly girl myself, and I do not for a minute feel put off by your banner, to be honest I dont come here to look at your layout, I come to look at your contet which is always perfect.
I wouldn't have the bottle to do a survey on my blog, because I think I don't take it as seriously as I maybe should, and some of my posts are garble and random musings.
Keep up the good work Carolyn, your blog is amazing!
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GMR – thanks for your comments. I think when you put yourself out there in the world at one time or another you are bound to question if what you're saying is good enough or are people liking what you write. So, yes, it's very cool to find out that most of my readers do
Sandy – It doesn't matter that we don't like the same genres but it's so very cool that we remain blogging friends. I love visiting your place too
LovesSam (aka Carla) Thanks for your sweet comments. It's so nice of you to stick up for me
Unfortunately there are people out there that don't like others to succeed and so can't help but be negative. That's the way the world is sometimes. Sad but true.
I'm not really a 'girlie girl' either but I like being feminine. I'm not one for wearing lots of pink etc and I'd rather go and play golf with the guys than the day spa with the girls, but I like my blog. I think my design is my girlie outlet as I'm really not like that in real life (esp not the pink hair)
Thanks guys for stopping by and commenting
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Hey BCC.
I can't remember if I did the survey, but I am glad you gave the result roundup..
In regards to some of the points you mention..
I live on this side of the pond, so I get your sarcastic sense of humour – and your dry wit. Works for me to be honest.
And I like your approach into more speculative fiction – not seen alot of that around. Reviews are time specific for me, if you have a busy week – blog about somethings else, as long as its not too long between post..
It's your blog ultimately and it should reflect your style – when I come over here – I get the sense of a cool chick whose not afriad to get down and dirty if she has to…
Defiantely works for me…
Have a great weekend my dear..
E.H>
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Interesting survey! Thanks for posting the results! I definitely don't think you write in any way that can be perceived "That you act better than everyone else." Keep up the good work! I love your blog!
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Keep doing what you're doing. You have an unique blog, in my opinion, which is why I follow you. Actually, it was the pink hair that caught my attention
I'm not brave enough to do a survey of my blog readers. I think I'd cry. LOL
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What a brave thing to do – but it seems to have been helpful to you overall, so that's good. I'm a new blogger (a little over a month now), so this was interesting to read. I think I'll be adding a link to amazon and goodreads now too.
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E.H. – I'm glad you like my humour – I do think us Brits have a different way of expressing ourselves… And thanks for saying I'm cool *always wanted to be a cool chick* ;D
LilyChild – Ahh thanks – and thanks for stopping by, you are one of my regular commentators and I really appreciate it
Book Vixen – I love my pink hair too
And I love that you think my blog is unique – it's a real compliment 
Christy – I'm glad you found the survey interested and I hope you enjoy blogging as much as I do. There's a ton of fab bloggers out there for you to 'meet'
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I was wondering how your survey would turn out, so thanks for posting the results! Love your blog, including the banner, but mainly because of the content. Keep up the great work Carolyn!
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Hi
This was an interesting read and the poll was fun to fill out. Thank you for sharing the results & your thoughts on them.
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
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really really thanks for caring about i asked
and as lovesam saiddon't care about the acting thing
i care about what u wrote about a book before i read it though i just discovered your blog just month or 2 ago
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loved the survey! Your layout is one of my favorite things! I'm a visual person….
I don't read the kinds of books you do, but I still read your blog! and some of the books are intriguing to me enough that I am thinking about grabbing a new genre to try.Any suggestions for my first speculative fiction???
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I must've missed the survey because I don't think I took it. Its great that you shared your results, and I have to say I love your blog just the way it is.
I gave you an award over at my blog
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thank you for showing us the results! That was interesting! As much as we can try as bloggers to appeal to others you still have to be true to yourself and what you like while doing so. You will never be able to please everybody all the time. I enjoy your blog and think your an awesome and totally sweet person. Don't change a thing g/f! {{huggers}}
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I love your layout and enjoy your posts. I'm more of an YA urban fantasy lover but I follow your blog regularly because of the excellent content in general. Do what you love and your blog will keep being a winner that so many of us love!
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Alexia – thanks so much, I really appreciate that
RK – I thought it only right to show the results of the survey, warts and all
Thanks for your support.
AD – thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Mary – Oh I love trying out new genre's as you never know what you're missing. It could be the best genre you've ever read. I hope my reviews etc tempts you. I will email some books that I think you will really enjoy!
MissCindy – I'm glad you enjoy the blog and thanks for the award, that is so nice of you.
GFDesignz – Aww thanks, you put a smile on my face!
Alyssa – thanks. I'm so pleased you still come by even though our tastes are not always compatible
Thanks so much everyone for all your lovely comments and your encouragement and support. It really means a lot.
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Great post! You know I love your blog and I still read it, even if I don't know much about this genre so I can't really comment, but it's interesting to see what you read.
Oh and I wouldn't worry too much about those very few negative comments – I have a pretty good hunch who's behind those negative 4 % of the answers and you probably do to. Those were all pointless answers so you'd do best to just delete them, heh.
Anyway, keep up the good work!
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All I can say is keep doing what you do and don't let anyone tell you differently. I think first and formost we have to remember that we do our blogs for ourselves as well. That we have to be comfortable with what we do and if there are those who don't like it, there are plenty of blogs out there for them to go to. You are wonderful!
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Glad you got an overwhelming positive response to your survey. I love your writing and you are brave to invite feedback on it. Good luck to you!
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I hope that all of these survey results help you out. I think your blog rocks and love reading it.
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