I learned something yesterday that threw me off the track.
I was going to tell you about the reaction I got from my better half, when I presented him with an early Valentine’s gift. What with Valentine’s Day coming up and all.
But what I found out yesterday was absolutely earth shattering. It rattled me deeply. Shook me to the core.
And undoubtedly would be far more interesting to you than my husband’s response to the Blood Orange Tart.
I found that… you can buy followers! Yes! There are companies (or should we call them “operations”) out there that sell followers.
For a certain amount of money, they can provide you with a certain number of followers.
And what’s even more scandalous is that these followers are actually very cheap to be gotten. They cost literally in the pennies.
I was just floored when I found out. I need the whole weekend to recover from this revelation. Seriously, I’m still shaking my head in disbelief.
Did any of you know about this? If you did, you owe it to me to explain why you haven’t told me about it. I think I’ve just lost my innocence and idealism…
“I can’t think about that right now. If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll think about that tomorrow.” (Who said that?)
Anyway, right now it’s time to fiesta!
First, features:
Triple Chocolate Shadow Cake from Lily @ Little Sweet Baker
“Now I know we can’t nominate the co-hosts for the features, but I really think this cake was such a show-stopper that it needs to be nominated. All of that rich, chocolatey cake sandwiched between the smooth buttercream. Oh, this cake made my head reel!” — Julianna
“I have to agree with Julianna. Sometimes we do refrain from selecting a co-host’s link for fear of being called unfair, but this cake truly is exceptional that I have no doubt there wouldn’t be any rumbling for it being featured.” — Angie
Medjool Dates Stuffed with Brownie Curd and Crème Fraîche from Julianna @ Foodie on Board
“I’m not sure if I can select a co-host, but I really liked [this]. I have never heard of brownie curd before, but I can only imagine how delicious it would be. A rich fudgy curd paired with naturally sweet dates, creme fraiche, walnuts and orange zest. It’s like a party in your mouth!” — Lily
“Again, Lily is absolutely on point. These little morsels are so delightful and delicious that they need to be in the spotlight. I’ve never heard of brownie curd, either. And now I’m completely intrigued!” — Angie
Super Bowls with Cornbread and Chili from Juju @ Cooking with Aunt Juju.
“This is such a clever idea for parties! All of those flavours and textures contained in one yummy cornbread bowl. It is so versatile too. I am imagining all kinds of fillings or even a “fill-your-own” bowl!”– Julianna
Cheese and thyme bread from Linda @ La Petite Paniere
“A delicious and simple savory quick bread recipe is always handy to have on hand, and this one takes the cake. It’s filled with herbs, onions and two types of cheese. The best part is the simplicity of the recipe.” — Lily
***
Now, let’s party! Join Fiesta Friday #106 by adding your link. Don’t forget to link your post to FiestaFriday.net and the co-hosts’ blogs. Your co-hosts this week are Steffi @ Ginger & Bread and Andrea @ Cooking With a Wallflower.
If you’re new to Fiesta Friday, please read the guidelines
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I have seen them on twitter and instagram, I can’t understand why anyone would want a purchased follower, I guess for some it’s all about numbers but that seems cheap and trashy and dishonest. Love the blood orange tart, think it’s just gorgeous. Happy Valentines Day,.
I had no idea! And I guess you can also buy Facebook followers, too. I was tempted to do it just to see what will happen. It’d be an interesting experiment. But I chickened out 🙂
I find it very weird. I guess if all you care about is numbers them it works.
I wonder if they’ll give you more views. That’s what I would like to find out. But then again, I don’t even know how Instagram gives you views. The only clickable link is on your bio.
That’s right on Instagram they have to go to the bio to click on the link. I am dumbfounded by all this.
Seriously?! I keep seeing the ads to buy followers on Instagram, but didn’t know you could do that on your actual blog. Super weird. Can’t say I’d do that though… I mean a lot of followers would be nice but ghost followers feels fraudulent lol.
No, actually I don’t know if you can buy blog followers, but wouldn’t surprise me. And yes, I found out about it first on Instagram and then I investigated and it seems you can buy followers for Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I seriously had NO idea!!
No clue but it doesn’t surprise me. Hopefully doing things the honest way works but in todays world the cheaters usually win!!! Thanks for ruining my weekend. :((- Loved your blood orange tart and Happy Valentine’s Day!!
I know how you feel. I felt the same way yesterday when I found out. Somehow I felt cheated. We work so hard trying to stay engaged and we’re lucky if we can get a new follower a day, and then someone can just gain 1,000 followers just like that. Doesn’t sound right. Sorry to be the one to let you know 🙁
FB Boost is sort of a paid promotion. I have done it a few times but didn’t see that much difference in interaction or new followers. I get my best FB boost from the group pages. Sorry I just read Julie’s comment and was already on my dashboard. :))))
Thanks for the explanation ?
I’ve seen companies offering this too. I’ve never considered going there. If it was a good thing I think you would hear more bloggers saying to do this instead of the people selling them saying do this! I bought my first little boost on FB yesterday. I don’t know if it made much difference but that could be timing too. Prudy said it worked for her once in a while. A great round-up from last weekend! I loved those recipes too. Have a Happy Valentines Day Angie!
What’s FB boost? Is that like a paid ad? I wish there are bloggers out there talking about this openly. Maybe I should do some sleuthing this weekend 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day!
I have a business page for Hostess At Heart that is a separate page from my personal FB page. When I post on it’s timeline it asks me if I want to boost the post for readership. One day is $5.00 so I thought what the heck? Clear as mud?
I don’t think I’ve seen those boost options, or maybe I just don’t pay enough attention. I’d be interested to know how it works out for you.
Just click on boost post and it gives you 3 options for your audience and an option of how many days you want to boost it. Tell them how you want to pay and that’s it.
I love all the features!!Each one is better than the next! As for followers, I totally believe that! This is because Facebook keeps offering me to sell my page and get more followers for as less as $5. I refuse to pay for my blog or for followers! Those who really like my work and appreciate it will definitely follow me. For me, it is not the popularity of my blog that is important but sending the message of healthy eating habits and trying to get people to cook more of their meals! Even if I affect a few lives and change it for the better, my effort is totally worthwhile! Happy FF Angie!!
I totally get you, Su! I started blogging quite accidentally, then it became a hobby, then it became a way for me to connect to others and even now it’s mostly for fun and to find connections. But I also want to learn how to improve, etc. Except I want to do it the honest way! Btw, I hope we’re following each other on FB. Are we?
I am not sure Angie! I am going to check!
Yes, Angie – I can’t tell you how many times I even get pings from these sites which generate useless people to just click on your page to get your views up – the absolute worst!
Those superbowls are calling out to me!!! Happy FF 🙂
I guess I never paid close attention before so it was a little bit of a shock to find out. Thankfully a long weekend is ahead for us here so I’ll be able to get some R&R and clear my head. Thanks, Mandi! Happy FF to you, too! XOXO
hi Angie
I do know that you can buy followers but I have never looked in to it. I am all for organic (ok, a bit slow but ok) growt. There is so much fraud in online re clicks it is quite amazing!
Happy Fiesta Friday, I can;t wait to see all the gorgeous and insprational dishes, saying that I am very hungry as I forgot about a thing called lunch I just realised 🙂 Happy weekend! x
I’m just dumbfounded by it all. Hard to believe what people would do to gain popularity, or at least the appearance of it. But, hey, it’s a long weekend for us here so I’m a happy camper ? Have a Happy Valentine’s Day! XOXO
Hi Angie
I know, it is the artificial factor and I would rather have fewer but real followers. A long weekend?! Enjoy and Happy Valentines 🙂 xx
What?? Buy followers? Firstly, no, I had no idea; and secondly, why would you?? What does it achieve? We know that our followers have chosen to do so based on what we blog, surely ‘bought’ followers just fill their inboxes with stuff they never read? I’d hate that 🙁 what would be the point of posting?
Nope. Don’t like that at all!
Maybe some people do it so they appear more popular? Who knows! I’ve stopped trying to figure out people I can’t understand. But still it was eye opening when I found out.
I know what you mean! It’s easier not to think about it!!
I guess it goes back to this era of people living for ‘likes’, as if that’s how success or popularity is measured?
Don’t do it! They’re not real followers. It will only you numbers…not the people who truly love you for who you are and what you do.
Stay organic. Let the people come to you… and they will. <3
I might have strayed for a while… it's not pretty out there…but you will never have to pay me to follow you. I'd follow you and all of my friends here to the ends of the earth. xoxo
I’m listening, Prudy, and will follow your advice since I trust you with my life! And I’m convinced there are much better ways to gain followers and grow your blog. Thanks, Prudy! ❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️
I never heard of buying followers – doesn’t surprise me! I don’t have facebook, twitter or instagram. I do have a Pinterest accounts. I just enjoy cooking, gardening and sharing my ideas and recipes with anyone who is interested whether I have 1 follower or a 1,000! Thanks so much for the feature – the cornbread cups were a big hit. Yes Julianna I set out both chilis and different condiments and everyone made their own bowl. Fun 🙂
Are #105 and #106 mixed up together some how? I can’t get any pingbacks on my two posts…
I’m not sure what’s happening. This morning I had a hard time publishing. I mean, I published the post but couldn’t find it. Turned out it was pushed down like it was published a week ago. Maybe that’s why you can’t get any pingbacks? I really can’t give you an explanation, I’m sorry. Maybe just try it again?
No, it just does not work. When I click on the link in my post it takes me to error 404, page not found. I have to scroll down to click on FF 106. There are only 2 pingbacks out of all the posts so far so others are having issues too ???
The permalink was all screwed up, but I think I just fixed it. Give it one more try, please. I’ll be here waiting to make sure everything is ok.
Yay! It worked perfectly Angie – thanks 🙂
What a relief! Thanks for letting me know! XOXO
I’ve heard of “buying” followers through posting adds though it’s not surprising you could buy page hits through other means. You can’t buy a community though, which is what you have built here. Genuine interaction is where it’s at, so thank you for hosting such an awesome meetup! Also, your blood orange tart inspired me to go out and buy some blood oranges. They are such a yummy treat!
You’ve made me feel so much better with your comforting words, thanks so much! And I’m so glad you tried out the oranges. Aren’t they delicious? I’m going to see what else I can make with them. XOXO
Outrageous but I know it happens to drive numbers for commercial gains. You would think advertisers could see through fake numbers though. Great features Angie! Happy Valentine’s Day weekend.
It’s pretty disappointing and discouraging to find out, really, but I’m going to try to focus on the good people who do the right thing. Have a wonderful weekend & Valentine’s Day, Johanne! XOXO
Happy Valentine’s Day to you too Angie!!!
I know you can buy folloton Instagram and Twitter, but I didn’t know you can buy for your blog, too. Maybe there are some account owners that only want huge number of followers than interaction with people… or I really don’t know. Oh well!
Anyways, I have to check your tart. As always, very good choices for the features – well deserved! Happy FF, Angie! x
Huh! *followers on* tsk tsk tsk
It’s all craziness, Jhuls! People are so nuts! Although I would like to know exactly what will happen if you do buy these followers. Just the curious side of me. Anyway, yes please, do check out the tart. It’s quite yummy! ??
Angie, strangely, I encountered a small problem with my Tiramisu Tart post. I had to enter it again. Would it be possible to delete the first one I entered?
Were you able to delete, Jhuls? I don’t see any duplicate entry?
I am # 46 and 70, Angie. Haha. The first one published in a different date back in 2015. If it can’t be deleted, that’s okay. Anyway, I have entered the post again dated 13th of Feb.
All fixed, Jhuls!
Yay! Thanks a bunch, Angie!! ?
Love the features this week! I see those ads a lot for buying followers, it’s very interesting. Numbers seem to mean a lot to people. Have a great weekend!
I guess numbers can mean pride and power but not fake numbers! Don’t you agree? Have a wonderful weekend, Sarah! 3-day weekend plus Valentine’s Day, woohoo! ??
Well, I too have heard that you can buy followers; but I’m not sure why anyone would bother. I think we sometimes lose site of why we blog anyway. Worrying about how many followers we have would just take away the fun for me.
Thanks to both you and Lily for the feature nomination! It made me chuckle to think that we both nominated each other. And congrats to the other features; there were just so many lovely posts this week!
Happy Fiesta Friday, Angie! 😀
And the two of you were my top choices! We were completely in sync! I don’t know what to think anymore about all this crazy stuff. I blog mainly for fun but I do want to learn how to improve. Sort of a personal challenge. It’s good to know things ?
Hi Angie, thanks for hosting dear, have a fabulous Valentines day.
You’re welcome! Have a happy weekend and Valentine’s Day!
It’s all a bit crazy and disheartening for the rest of the world like us trying to grow honestly, but then I think I’d rather grow because people like what they see rather than because it’s a paid-for like, even if it means there are less people. Love the features – many were my favorites too! Looking forward to seeing this week’s too and forgetting your revelation 😉
It doesn’t sound like a sensible thing to do, but obviously there are people who see some value in doing it or otherwise these companies wouldn’t exist. I wish I can talk to someone who’s done it. But you’re right, in the long run you’ll feel better about yourself knowing that you do what’s right. I’m just going to relax about it and have a nice 3-day weekend. Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️❤️
Indeed enjoy. We’re due some ridiculously cold weather this weekend and then my toddler is off preschool all this coming week so I’m not expecting much relaxing (or blogging time) but hey, hopefully I can keep him entertained!
We have similar weather. Stay warm! ❤️
Paid followers?!! Hearing for first time..!! May be we have to pay them again for liking the posts??!!
By the way I loved your blood orange Tart..very cute and romantic.. Happy Valentine’s day❤️??
I was flabbergasted when I found out. It was really eye opening. But I think I want to concentrate on the good people with good blogging ethics instead, like you! Thanks for the compliments on the tart and Happy Valentine’s Day! XOXO
Thank you for the lovely words:)
I knew, but by then I had spent all my money on these guys who needed to get rid of their millions, temporarily … Lovely features, btw. Better get co-hosting!
Haha…very funny, Steffi! How did everyone know about this and why was I the only one who didn’t? Which proves, actually, that these people don’t have good marketing skills. If they had, they would have tried to sell to me earlier when I truly knew nothing. I would have been stupid enough to actually buy, thinking it was standard practice. Thanks for co-hosting! XOXO
hi angie I actually feel better knowing this piece of info. You see I used to feel a little frustrated why I wasn’t able to attract as many fans as some other blogs that didn’t seem to be doing anything stellar. Now I know! 🙂 And no thanks, I am not willing to buy fans 🙂
Well I’m glad I made you feel better, Indu! I guess we shouldn’t be too worried from now on as long as we keep doing what’s right. I think you have a wonderful blog with many wonderful recipes, most of which, if not all, make me drool! ??
Fake followers? What a waste of time! Sounds like some website I know about that fake their members as well as their recipe reviews, like some things on Amazon with fake reviews. The fakeness and shallowness of the world can be sad sometimes.
It is pretty sad, but I wonder if maybe we’re overlooking something else. The desire to belong? To feel accepted, maybe? Who knows. I’ve long stopped guessing other people’s motivations.
I’ve heard about paid followers for twitter and instagram, but I’ve never really understood why someone would buy followers. I’d rather have followers that enjoy what I’m writing and that I can actually “chat” with. Thanks for hosting, Angie!
I think most people feel that way, Natalie. Normal people, that is. But there are abnormal people out there, lol! Although maybe they think we’re the abnormal ones, haha… Have a great weekend! ❤️❤️
Judging from all the debate in the comments, this was definitely a topical discussion point Angie! I think it was just last year where the Canadian embassy(?) on twitter had gotten an unrequested “gift” of several thousand followers from some company. I didn’t realize it went for blogs too, though I maybe I should have guessed! It’s a bit strange as it doesn’t actually increase the impact (after all, you’re not exactly reaching actual people).
I suppose, if we’re to look at follower count as a measure of a blog’s success, this only cements the fact that no one “rating” system is singularly valid.
Lovely features this week! I gave Linda’s bread a try last weekend. It was quick and so delicious! 🙂
I guess it all depends on how you measure success. If you’re satisfied with the way your blog turns out, no matter the numbers, then who’s to say it’s not successful, right? For me at the moment it’s more of a personal challenge trying to improve. Take better photos, write better, cook better, etc. And as long as I’m still having fun doing it, I’m okay with it. Numbers do represent some measure of success, but only a small part of it, for me personally. ??
Oh this is true Angie! If I didn’t enjoy blogging I wouldn’t be blogging. Particularly, it was finding FF and starting to interact with other bloggers has made me more enthusiastic–blogging is made so much fun when you had others to talk to 🙂 As far as motivation goes, it seems actual people are more motivating than robot followers! 🙂
Happy FF to all. I can see a lovely spread already ???
And to you, too, Trupti! Can’t wait to dig in myself! ???
Thanks a ton for featuring my bread recipe. I’m feel really honored, thank you so much again. About fake followers Angie, I don’t know what to say, this is just regrettable to hear about that. Unfortunately it is very common and at all levels. The most important, have a wonderful weekend, enjoy and relax and Happy FF! 🙂 xx
I’m saving your bread recipe, Linda. Sounds delicious and easy, my favorite kind of recipes. People continue to shock me on a daily basis. These are strange times we live in. But, at least we have FF ??
😀 Have a nice week!
I did know you could buy followers, I think I remember seeing something about politicians buying them for twitter! Never really understood the point of it though!
Awesome features, as always! Happy FF Angie!
Can’t believe I was in the dark all this time. That’s a good thing, though, since I might have been swindled to buy ?? Have a great weekend and Valentine’s Day! ❤️❤️
Hahaha!
Thank you Angie, you too!
I confess to knowing about the being able to buy followers thing now for ages, not that I’ve used it, as is obvious by the amount of followers I have LOL. You can buy them for all kinds of social media, very empty though really, you wouldn’t get the feedback, it’s just stats to try and I suppose perhaps look good to attract people to market with them? That’s the only reason I can think of that people use it for but am sure organisations find out. Glad to be back! xxx
Hey Justine, great to have you back!! Just in time for Valentine’s. I think you started around this time of year? I somehow remember talking to you about chocolate and flowers back then. The good ol days, hehe…
It’s always a good day with either chocolate or flowers. Should be a daily occurrence hehe, that would be nice ? glad to be back! Xxx
You can buy followers??? Yikes. I don’t know how much more I want to know.
I can’t decide if it’s better to know or not. Best to not know TOO much, I suppose ?
Far out your food blog is amazing!! Your photos are making me super hungry!
Thanks, Millie! I share your love of coffee, chocolate, and writing ?
My dear Angie, how weird. But I absolutely hate it when some followers follow without comment. I will never know what made them follow in the first place, and they don’t visit or comment ever after. I’d rather have a handful of people who come regularly to sit a spell and chat. Despite your outcry, I suspect that you do too. 🙂
Yes, I do. That’s the whole reason I continue blogging. The connections and interactions are priceless! 🙂