If you read my blog through a feed reader, then you make the decision to click through to the full post based on my snappy title and compelling first 100 words because I choose to publish partial feeds. Lately, I've been made aware that this really pisses a lot of you off. Actually, I've known this for awhile, but given the continued back and forth between "Partials" and "Fulls," well, I figured I'd address the issue.
Here's what I have to say about that (but you're going to have to click through to see it).
OH WELL.
I never realized partial versus full feeds were such a big deal until Heather Armstrong linked me on her blog after we were on the same Today Show story about mom bloggers and one of her readers emailed me. She said something to the effect of that she liked my blog but she refused to read anyone who didn't publish full feeds so if I didn't change she wouldn't be reading my blog.
"Oh no!" I gasped. "Let me change it for you right away. I wouldn't want to inconvenience you!"
Please. Screw that.
Apparently she's not alone in her disdain for partial feeds. I hear from folks every now and then that they just can't read me anymore because I publish partial feeds.
And I've seen some pretty heated discussions on Twitter about it.
Personally, I don't care about the extra two cents (if that) that I would get from the extra view on my blog if you click over.
The only reason I publish partial feeds is because my work here has been scraped too damn many times.
And I like to piss you lazy full feed snobs off.
(Okay, not really).
It's never ever bothered me to have to click through on my feed reader to see a post. Never. I'm more than happy to give the blogger whose blog I'm reading for free a click. Maybe even a few. If I'm feeling generous, I might even click their google ads, even if I'm not looking for a sexy Asian wife.
Really?! A click is that much of a pain? Obviously so because I'm writing an entire post about it.
As a writer, I value my writing most. I actually use the partial feed as a means to challenge myself to choose better titles and really think about how I'm opening my posts.
But I won't be changing to a full feed anytime soon. No matter how many times you try to tell me you won't read my blog anymore.
Even the lovely and talented Alice of Finslippy who was rallying for full feeds a week or so ago on Twitter can't make me change, damnit.
So since I know this post will incite one heck of an awesome yet pretty trite discussion about feed readers, let's make something good come out of it. I really hesitated to post on something like "feeds" given that my dear friend WhyMommy has been diagnosed with cancer again (that's 4 times in 4 years).
But then I thought, let's channel our strong feelings about feeds into something that's actually worthwhile.
So, I will personally donate $1 for every comment up to 500 comments to Crickett's Answer, one of the many causes that Susan has helped support over the last four years. This charity provides women with free Lymphedema sleeves, something that helps ease the pain of those undergoing chemo treatment but surprise! is not covered by insurance.
If I raise $500 with 500 comments, then 5 women can get these sleeves that they might not otherwise be able to afford very easily if at all.
[Comments will remain open until Tuesday 12am EST. One comment per person per day. Feel free to say whatever you want. You can't insult me but feel free to insult those who hate people who use full feeds! *KIDDING* Better, insult cancer. Because it deserves to be insulted]
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Posted by: Chanel Bags | June 13, 2012 at 03:24 AM
Some of them have beat it. Some of them haven't. One of them wears a lymphadema sleeve. I think it's wonderful that you're doing this.
Posted by: Acid Solvent for Clogs | November 16, 2011 at 07:03 AM
I can't believe people are giving you crap about partial feeds.
Love your stuff, I don't comment much but read often.
Posted by: Jill Sevigney | January 17, 2011 at 07:00 PM
I find it amusing that these people are giving you ultimatums. It almost sounds like a three year old trying to bully you into getting what they want. "If you don't give me my dessert I won't love you anymore!" or "You're not my friend anymore!" Who needs 'em! Keep up the good work, I don't get over to read it everyday but when I do come back to your blog I always am sure to read the posts I missed.
Posted by: Laura | January 16, 2011 at 11:12 PM
Kristen, is this where I have to comment? And am I in time?
I fully support a writer's right to publish a partial feed. If you are too busy to click through and read a post on a blogger's actual site, perhaps you should re-think having so many blogs in your reader and focus in on the ones that are really worth it. Quality over quantity, I always say.
Oh yeah, and also, WhyMommy rocks and is pretty much my personal hero :)
Posted by: Meagan @ The Happiest Mom | January 16, 2011 at 10:02 PM
Just wanted to say that i love your blog even if i do have to click over to read it. If you like someone's writing i dont see how it is possibly that big of an inconvience. I mean seriously it takes 3 seconds and obviously if you are reading blogs you werent that busy to begin with and you should be able to spare the 3 second it takes for the new page to load.
Posted by: Courtney@ChaosIsUs | January 16, 2011 at 08:27 AM
Full-feed whiny babies. If you can't be bothered to click, GTFO.
Cancer-GTFO. I hate you. You stole my mother after she beat you TWICE; and because of you I cry thinking about my upcoming mammogram-because I am afraid of leaving my children and making them miss me the way I miss my mother.
So, cancer, f*** off and leave us alone. We don't like you, we don't want you around.
Posted by: amanda | January 16, 2011 at 12:23 AM
Ok I'm late to this party, but While I find partial feeds inconvenient, as a writer, I totally support their use. For me, it comes down to the blog, if it is good enough (yours is), I'll click through. If they ain't worth clicking through for, I delete them from my reader.
CANCER SUCKS GO TEAM WHYMOMMY!!
Posted by: Lee Laughlin | January 15, 2011 at 08:55 PM
My mother survived cancer and it's always there in the back of my mind (and obviously hers). Will it come back and ravage her body again or are we safe for a little while longer?
CANCER CAN SUCK IT!
Posted by: Europa | January 13, 2011 at 10:20 AM
The only reason I prefer full feeds is for when reading on my iPhone, which I sync in the morning so all my blogs are there ready to read. If I get to a partial feed and I'm somewhere without signal I can't click through to read the full post. Of course, it's not that bad because if I want to read it based on the partial I just mark it unread for later.
Posted by: Janet | January 13, 2011 at 06:05 AM
I'm here to help BEAT CANCER!!!!
(And blog scrapers are sonsabeyotches!)
Posted by: Andrea | January 12, 2011 at 10:59 PM
Super cause! I'm happy to comment and help support :)
Posted by: Becki | January 12, 2011 at 09:54 PM
Cancer sucks, good friends rock.
Feeds? Meh. But I do love when people complain about services they get for free.
...unless it is facebook pulling down breastfeeding support pages, in which case, complain away.
Posted by: Candace | January 12, 2011 at 08:57 PM
I have two blogs- one with partial feed and one with a full feed. I don't know how it happened that way but it did. And really, I don't care. If your writing is compelling enough I will click through to the site. (Um, and Heather Armstrong isn't even in my feeds. But you are.)
Posted by: Alli | January 12, 2011 at 06:11 PM
I didn't even know there was a partial feed. I like your blog and your ads. CLICK
Posted by: @MultitaskMumma | January 12, 2011 at 02:19 PM
What Angela at mommy bytes said
Posted by: Amanda Daybyday | January 12, 2011 at 11:39 AM
I hate partial feeds, but I love you. You are one of the precious few partial feeders that I tolerate ;).
But I especially hate cancer, so let's kick it!
Posted by: Angela at mommy bytes | January 12, 2011 at 11:33 AM
Screw cancer. Go Team WhyMommy!
Posted by: IntrplnetSarah | January 12, 2011 at 09:20 AM
Personally I think it's insulting as hell when people say they won't read a post with a partial feed. It is one click for crying out loud. Are people really that lazy? Also it is hard enough to monetize a blog, but you usually need people actually on your site to do that. People want to read free content but one click is too.much effort for it? Plus the scrapers only get a blurb and link instead of entie posts.
And love the good cause aspect of this post!!
Posted by: Kelby Carr | January 12, 2011 at 09:04 AM
Cancer sucks. Great post. Partial or full - writer's preference. End of story.
Posted by: Colleen Pence | January 12, 2011 at 09:03 AM
I don't care either way about feeds, but I loathe cancer. Thx for doing this, K.
Posted by: Kay | January 12, 2011 at 08:00 AM
I personally love full post feeds. But I totally understand why you don't do it. Maybe I should do it myself, but I don't want to deal with nasty people. LOL.
Posted by: Alison | January 12, 2011 at 07:49 AM
I lost my mother to cancer. Cancer sucks.
Posted by: Carol | January 12, 2011 at 07:39 AM
Comment!
(I love Susan)
(hi)
Posted by: Maggie, dammit | January 12, 2011 at 07:35 AM
U rock partially...:)
Cancer blows fully!
Posted by: Erin | January 12, 2011 at 05:48 AM
You did it! Yahoo!
Posted by: RookieMom Whitney | January 12, 2011 at 02:30 AM
I have no clue what a feed is. I just read select blogs & follow some on Twitter. Cancer sucks!
Posted by: NMC | January 12, 2011 at 12:24 AM
I had NO IDEA partial feeds were so divisive. I find them mildly irritating (esp. when I follow one person who has two blogs, one of which is full feed and one partial), but it never occurred to me to be OUTRAGED about it.
Also, fuck cancer.
Posted by: Amy! | January 12, 2011 at 12:21 AM
Commenting for a cause!
Posted by: strongrrl | January 11, 2011 at 11:50 PM
The partial feeds kinda annoy me, but really, I have much bigger things to be annoyed about. :)
Posted by: amy | January 11, 2011 at 11:48 PM
You go Kristen. I will read your blog ...full or partial! I consider that extra click "exercise".
Posted by: LuEllen Redding | January 11, 2011 at 11:43 PM
Poeple get pissed off about anything and everything. They either get over it, or they don't. It's not your problem!
Posted by: Kevin Riley | January 11, 2011 at 11:38 PM
posting for cancer....cancer sucks
Posted by: rachel | January 11, 2011 at 11:33 PM
Cancer has no place in this world! Let's kick it's ass!
Posted by: annie | January 11, 2011 at 11:32 PM
Fuck Cancer.
Posted by: Valeta | January 11, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Nearly there! :)
Posted by: Michelle | January 11, 2011 at 11:19 PM
This kind of thing is why I love the blogosphere.
And for the record, partial feeds are slightly annoying but only when I haven't been keeping up and there are 13 feeds from one source. Besides, if you never go to the actual blog you miss out on the overall feel of it.
Keep on truckin' with the partial feeds.
Posted by: Kristin | January 11, 2011 at 11:17 PM
Yeah! Full feed all the way!
Actually, I don't really care. I just want you to reach 500. :)
Posted by: Madiantin | January 11, 2011 at 11:16 PM
People get pissed off about partial feeds....for real?
Anywhoo, I'm a terrible lurker but came out of the woodwork for this wonderful cause. Cancer sucks big time, and what you are doing for WhyMommy is truly awesome.
If I was in the position to do so I would match your offer dollar by dollar. xo
Posted by: Nadia | January 11, 2011 at 11:11 PM
Cancer sucks. That is all.
Posted by: Andrea from Big Blue Momma | January 11, 2011 at 11:09 PM
Cancer bites. Not a huge fan of the partial feed, but a HUGE anti-stealing others work fan.
Posted by: Louise | January 11, 2011 at 11:08 PM
Don't understand feeders and readers and all that but cancer sucks a fat one.
Posted by: Missy | January 11, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Here's a comment!
I have no idea what a partial or full feed is.... But I like you :)
Posted by: Sophie | January 11, 2011 at 11:05 PM
In all honesty, this is the first time I've read your blog (courtesy of NYCityMama's tweet) but I'm here to read and comment. My mother has cancer. If commenting will provide help to someone else's life that has been affected by this sonofabitch disease, then comment I will. Thank you for doing this. You've gained yourself another subscriber and I'll be pleased to give you the clicks you deserve.
Posted by: Joll | January 11, 2011 at 11:01 PM
My only issue with partial feeds comes into play when I use a reader on my iPhone. Then it's a pain to click through because not all blogs are mobile-friendly.
And screw cancer. It sucks whether this feed comment gets read or not!
Posted by: Ashley @ About One | January 11, 2011 at 10:59 PM
Chuck Norris isn't worried about partial feeds. He just reads the rest of posts via ESP. The rest of us don't give a damn and click because your blog is awesome.
Posted by: Christine | January 11, 2011 at 10:59 PM
I like partial feeds because it makes me weirdly happy to have lots of tabs open. Also, I like comparing blog designs and whatnot. Also, cancer sucks.
Posted by: Sally | January 11, 2011 at 10:58 PM
Cancer sucks!
Posted by: Wendy | January 11, 2011 at 10:57 PM
FUCK CANCER
Posted by: Lu | January 11, 2011 at 10:56 PM
Cancer can pretty much go fuck itself.
Posted by: catvoncat | January 11, 2011 at 10:55 PM
I hate partial feeds too, but not as much as I hate cancer.
Posted by: Gina | January 11, 2011 at 10:53 PM
Partial feeds FTW! I do it too.
And cancer can kiss my ass
Posted by: Scott Stratten | January 11, 2011 at 10:53 PM
I have a feed reader, but more often than not I like to go to the source. That is what I want people to do for me, so I don't even think that full vs partial feeds has even crossed my mind!
But whatever, Cancer sucks, you are awesome and why are these sleeves not covered??
Posted by: Natasha | January 11, 2011 at 10:51 PM
I only subscribe to three blogs with partial feeds (this being one) because I am laaaaaazy. But I really hate cancer. A lot.
Posted by: Kristen | January 11, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Awesome that you're doing this!
Posted by: EvilStepMom | January 11, 2011 at 10:49 PM
BEAT cANCER!!!!!!
Posted by: Allison | January 11, 2011 at 10:49 PM
I have no clue what full or partial feeds are..or what the big deal is, but I will comment to raise money.
Posted by: Jami | January 11, 2011 at 10:47 PM
to full feed or not to full feed, that is the question (huh?! I don't car either way - commenting to help further the cause :) )
Posted by: stacy (the aunt with gum) | January 11, 2011 at 10:47 PM
A friend recently realized I don't use a Feeder and was shocked! What can I say? I like clicking on blogs to read them! Thanks for donating!
Posted by: TBA | January 11, 2011 at 10:47 PM
Netvibes... no problem with partial feeds.
Thanks for doing this!
Posted by: Michelle | January 11, 2011 at 10:46 PM
I am really glad this comment can help!
Posted by: Barbara | January 11, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Another day, another comment. GO TEAM WHYMOMMY!
:-)
Thanks, Kristen!
Posted by: Kate @ UpsideBackwards | January 11, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Awesome cause you're rallying for.
Posted by: Vi | January 11, 2011 at 10:45 PM
I've lost many dear people in my life to cancer. My father, my ex mother in law (who was like my second mom) and almost lost my grandson when he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at the age of 11 months. His MRI scans are clear now..he turned 2 in November. Cancer sucks big time
Posted by: britta | January 11, 2011 at 10:44 PM
I don't use a reader so this means nothing to me. Oh except it means a lot to me to leave a comment for your cause. Good for you - what an wonderful thing you are doing!!! :D
Posted by: Elaine | January 11, 2011 at 10:44 PM
My Mom is battling cancer right now and the meds can mean everything. What a great thing for you to do!
Posted by: Mallaidh | January 11, 2011 at 10:44 PM
oh man. screw you cancer.
Posted by: kathleen | January 11, 2011 at 10:43 PM
I can only read blogs at work on my feeder so that just means I have to wait till I get home to see what you've got up your sleeve.
I hope cancer sucks a big fat cock.
Posted by: Keyona | January 11, 2011 at 10:43 PM
I tried commenting this morning but got booted out. Back again to make sure you get to 500. I'm a full feed girl, not that anyone cares. Go WhyMommy!
Posted by: Katherine Stone | January 11, 2011 at 10:43 PM
I don't even know what the fuck a feed reader is, but my dad kicked cancer's ass, so CLICK.
Posted by: Lisa | January 11, 2011 at 10:42 PM
I find the partial feed frustrating when I really don't want to read in a new page, but not enough to miss out on my favorite blogs. It isn't that serious. My mother has battled breast cancer for years and it's wretched, for all of us. Screw cancer.
Posted by: Monique | January 11, 2011 at 10:42 PM
A year ago a dear friend lost her battle with breast cancer. I remember how her lymphedema sleeves helped her during the times she was challenged with that particular symptom. A great cause. Sending lots of love and light for your friend's recovery.
Posted by: Lesley Reid Cross | January 11, 2011 at 10:41 PM
Well, you know how *I* feel. About feeds, that is. You can imagine how I feel about cancer.
Posted by: alice | January 11, 2011 at 10:40 PM
My husband's grandmother was just diagnosed with ovarian cancer. My FIL is devastated by the news, making it all the more awful to watch. Cancer sucks.
Posted by: Catherine | January 11, 2011 at 10:39 PM
I hope I am not too late to comment! Kristin, I adore your blog. And I am so old school, I don't even use a feed reader, I go straight to the source!
Posted by: KAM | January 11, 2011 at 10:35 PM
Posting to help WHYMOMMY.
Posted by: Erin | January 11, 2011 at 10:08 PM
I'm just glad I can comment again today! Go! Go!
Posted by: Janine (@twincident) | January 11, 2011 at 09:56 PM
I've just changed to google reader but dont mind havign to click through to read full posts - I have to wear a lymphodema sleeve and want to help give to those who cant afford their own in the US
Posted by: Jenny | January 11, 2011 at 09:51 PM
WhyMommy sent me here from Twitter.
I don't have any preference between full feed and partial. Just keep writing! :)
This is a wonderful thing you're doing. Glad to be a part.
Posted by: Leslie | January 11, 2011 at 09:38 PM
Cancer sucks that blue whale's father!
Posted by: Dland_Grandma | January 11, 2011 at 09:29 PM
What a wonderful way to raise money for people who have cancer and need help with what insurance doesn't cover. You rock, Kristen!
Posted by: Eatmisery | January 11, 2011 at 09:28 PM
Comment Comment Comment $$$!!!
Posted by: Allisone | January 11, 2011 at 08:38 PM
I have a full feed, but after today's picture debacle you and I just experienced, I have to wonder if going to partial feed would be better. I've been scraped many times before, too. Crap.
By the way? This? This is awesome. Cancer sucks a big fat one, but you? You are amazing to help her cause like this.
Posted by: Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting | January 11, 2011 at 08:37 PM
Cancer killed my mom and my dog, so it can fuck off and die.
When my mom was dying from multiple forms of cancer in the hospital (after having been in remission for 10 years), she told me, "If you ever get cancer, don't go through the treatment. It's not worth it. It hurts so bad. Just go die. I wish I could just die."
That's when I realized that she probably wouldn't come out of the hospital. I wasn't with her when she died, but I saw her hours earlier and she was delirious and on the "cancer cocktail."
Anything that can make that process less painful is wonderful.
Also, I just have the post titles in my RSS and I like it. Those whiners can deal with having to click a link. I remember when accessing the internet required having your computer take up your phone line and dial multiple numbers (some long distance!) just so you could chat with middle-aged-men pretending to be teenaged girls. Amateurs.
Posted by: Amanda | January 11, 2011 at 08:30 PM
literally sent a card today to a friend that says, "chemo sucks!" so yay for this post!
Posted by: cs w | January 11, 2011 at 08:29 PM
Yeah for kicking Cancer's butt. If anyone can it's WhyMommy!
Posted by: parenting BY dummies | January 11, 2011 at 08:11 PM
screw cancer. go, whymommy.
Posted by: Diana Funk | January 11, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Are we there yet?
Posted by: Karen Chatters | January 11, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Just in case you're not quite at 500!
Posted by: Katie | January 11, 2011 at 08:07 PM
well done.
fuck cancer.
hard.
Posted by: nic @mybottlesup | January 11, 2011 at 08:06 PM
Another comment for dear WhyMommy. Well, really, for lymphedema sleeves...but in honor of WhyMommy!!
Posted by: Wife and Mommy | January 11, 2011 at 08:06 PM
How many are you up to?? Full feed or partial doesn't matter to me, I get all my links from twitter... :)
Let us know how many more you need! (Sorry, WAY too lazy to count...)
Posted by: 0402sgrl | January 11, 2011 at 08:03 PM
OMG, Cancer still blows. I freaking hate it.
Posted by: Kristen | January 11, 2011 at 08:01 PM
No opinion on the partial vs. full debate. Just want to support a great cause!
Posted by: Karen | January 11, 2011 at 08:00 PM
Ok, I'm commenting again! My you look pretty today! :-)
Posted by: Sue @ Laundry for Six | January 11, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Too bad you can't choke cancer with one of those sleeves.
Posted by: moosh in indy. | January 11, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Supporting!
Posted by: Danna | January 11, 2011 at 07:47 PM
I don't care about feeds because I don't use a feedreader. But I do care about cancer. Several lovely women in my life have struggled with cancer. Some of them have beat it. Some of them haven't. One of them wears a lymphadema sleeve. I think it's wonderful that you're doing this.
Posted by: Life of a Doctor's Wife | January 11, 2011 at 07:45 PM
I don't know what a reader is, so I don't care whether you do a partial or full post. I just read what my bride finds interesting enough to show me.
In any event, F cancer. And way to go for your charity!
Posted by: Todd | January 11, 2011 at 07:44 PM
I can't argue with your position on feed publishing so I'll just have to give you a virtual pat on the back for your donation/comment plot to dominate the world *insert mwahhhaaahaaa here*
Posted by: She | January 11, 2011 at 07:35 PM