Women Living Well Blog

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Please Help - Music or No Music?

I need some help. I have gotten negative and positive feedback on the "playlist music" that automatically plays when my blog opens. I love it - but I've had enough negative feedback to believe I should ask my readers. So here's the vote.

Music or no music? What do you think? Is it a distraction? Do you turn it off as soon as you arrive on the site? OR are you someone who lets it play and you enjoy it?

If I have more postive than negative feedback - the music stays. If I have more negative than positive feedback - the music goes! So I need your input!

Thanks for the help!

Walk with the King!

102 Comments:

Ashley said...: I actually usually pause it as soon as I open the blog. I don't think it's a bad thing, just not for me :-); February 25, 2010 at 6:56 AM
Unknown said...: I pause it asap. With so many video snipits on your blog, the music that plays automatically is just one more step I have to do before viewing a video. With so much noise in our world (good & bad), I'm becoming an advocate of quiet time whenever I can get it! Thanks for asking.; February 25, 2010 at 7:05 AM
Anonymous said...: I pause it as well! Like ashley said, not a bad thing I just have a hard time reading with it on! Love you blog!!

Lauren; February 25, 2010 at 7:07 AM
Kelly said...: I really like the music and even leave it on when I am reading my bible or working close to my computer. Its very peaceful for me!; February 25, 2010 at 7:12 AM
Stephanie said...: Definitely no music, sorry :); February 25, 2010 at 7:16 AM
livinginbetween said...: I removed music from my blog for a couple of reasons -- faster download for people and because I found I forgot to turn on the speakers when I visit other's sites (so I figure that's the same for others visiting mine). I like music, and I like to share it, but I put faster download as a priority. Hope that helps. :); February 25, 2010 at 7:18 AM
Unknown said...: i love your music..its soothing; February 25, 2010 at 7:21 AM
NJohnson said...: I enjoy the music but would rather not hear it because I like listening to your videos. It's hard to listen to what you have to say because the music competes with it.; February 25, 2010 at 7:26 AM
Kristi Stephens said...: I pause it right away.

If you ever follow the #savvyblogging discussions on twitter, people always resoundingly say no music.; February 25, 2010 at 7:30 AM
Irene Grace said...: The music is great for a few minutes but I like to spend more than just a few minutes on your blog. I end up pausing it.; February 25, 2010 at 7:34 AM
Traci said...: I pause it.; February 25, 2010 at 7:38 AM
Kara said...: I always keep the volume down or off on my computer so I can better hear what the kids are doing.; February 25, 2010 at 7:42 AM
Kori said...: I always pause it as soon as I open the blog. It's nice music, but for some reason it distracts me while I try to read...Appreciate your sensitivity to ask!; February 25, 2010 at 7:59 AM
The Hawk's Nest said...: I listen to it! The first song is very soothing. :-); February 25, 2010 at 8:10 AM
Anonymous said...: No music! I pause it instantly. I personally don't like listening to music as I am reading!; February 25, 2010 at 8:14 AM
Leslie and James said...: Even though it's beautiful, I pause it too:) Mainly for reasons like: I can't hear your videos over it, I am usually in a room with my husband when I am reading the blog, and I can't always concentrate on words when there is any noise in the background!

It's not that difficult to just press pause though if you decide to keep it for those who benefit from it:); February 25, 2010 at 8:18 AM
Kela said...: I pause it as soon as I get here. I'm usually already listening to something else (sermon or my playlist).; February 25, 2010 at 8:18 AM
Katie said...: I always pause it but don't mind doing so! Like others said I prefer to just read without being distracted. But, it doesn't really make a difference to me! You have a wonderful blog!; February 25, 2010 at 8:18 AM
Anonymous said...: If it's possible I would leave it up and have it be a choice. I love the music but I too pause it when I'm trying to read or watch a video. It is nice though when I want some relaxing music to listen to I turn it on. Keep up the good work.; February 25, 2010 at 8:27 AM
Malissa said...: I, too pause it. When I am reading your blog it is part of my quiet time.; February 25, 2010 at 8:34 AM
Tara said...: I keep the volume off on my computer. I guess I'm "easily distracted" by things when I'm reading. I do like the music, and there have been times that I've turned the volume up just to listen to it...but not while I'm reading. Is it possible to have it on the blog, but to where it doesn't come on automatically? That way people that want to listen to it can play it.; February 25, 2010 at 8:36 AM
Anonymous said...: I always pause the music as soon as I open the blog. I do think you should leave it, though, for those who enjoy hearing it. The rest of us who prefer the music off can always pause it.; February 25, 2010 at 8:43 AM
kat said...: i love it! i usually have my speakers muted unless i need them. the other day i went on your blog and happen to have the speakers on. i liked it! i say keep it!; February 25, 2010 at 8:56 AM
kat said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; February 25, 2010 at 8:56 AM
Anonymous said...: I pause it also. It seems to slow down the downloads. Though the music you chose are all wonderful.; February 25, 2010 at 8:57 AM
Michelle said...: I love the music. It is so relaxing.; February 25, 2010 at 9:02 AM
Ashlyn Bailey said...: I enjoy the music while reading. It is really peaceful and actually helps me stay focused. Just have to pause it when watching videos.; February 25, 2010 at 9:03 AM
Karen said...: I like it. :); February 25, 2010 at 9:11 AM
colleen said...: sorry. I love music, but definitely not when I am reading your blog or when I am trying to watch one of your videos. Plus, I also wonder if the music is slowing down the viewing of your videos. It often takes a very long time for them to play; February 25, 2010 at 9:20 AM
Lysa said...: I pause it, it's nice music, but I usually have my own music playing, so two at once isn't good.; February 25, 2010 at 9:23 AM
Lysa said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; February 25, 2010 at 9:24 AM
Meagan Minix said...: This is funny, but I use your playlist for my bubble baths! It doesn't bother me to pause it if I need to focus on reading and I am thankful for it when I need something soothing to listen to.; February 25, 2010 at 9:25 AM
Jennifer said...: I LOVE the songs you have. I play the piano, so I'm partial :) So peaceful and soothing. It's easy to pause it if I want to watch a video since it's right at the top. I moved my music box to the top of my blog as well, so people don't have to scroll down, pause, then scroll back up to watch a video.; February 25, 2010 at 9:26 AM
Anonymous said...: Mark one vote for pausing it... good music, but proves to be a distraction for me.; February 25, 2010 at 9:44 AM
Peter and Kim said...: Thank you for being sensitive to your readers (I almost typed constituents...since we are voting, right?! HA!)
I like the soothing, peaceful music--has a calming effect, but I usually turn my speakers down...but it's not a problem for me. Sometimes I have more than one "blog with music" open and more than one song is playing at a time! Interesting!; February 25, 2010 at 9:47 AM
renewd42 said...: I don't think its a bad thing to have music! I love it myself! :) worship the Lord! People can simply hit pause if they don't want it. No real problems to that, blessings, I love your site! check mine out if ya get a chance, and please, feel free to join! http://faithonthemountains.blogspot.com/
I'm just startin but gotta start somewhere! Keep the music. :); February 25, 2010 at 9:54 AM
Christy said...: I don't like it. I keep my sound off because sometimes I have conflicting music going. But now I use bloglines and you can read the blog without that problem.; February 25, 2010 at 9:54 AM
Valerie said...: I pause it as soon as I get to your blog ... We usually have a sermon playing in the morning and they don't go well together ... sorry; February 25, 2010 at 10:07 AM
April said...: I too pause it.. only because I can not focus on what I'm reading.. and I watch your videos over and over again.. it's hard to hear them with the music on. =); February 25, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Svee said...: I don't mind the music, however, I usually pause it as soon as I open the blog. I have a hard time reading while the music is playing.; February 25, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Rosa said...: I love the music! Please keep it!; February 25, 2010 at 10:24 AM
Christie S.E. Blackwood said...: I have a play list on my blog so it's interesting to hear these comments. It's funny, though I have a playlist, I also pause the music. It's nice music but I agree with "Fasionista" and am also becoming a fan of quiet time. :) Great job on you blog!; February 25, 2010 at 10:27 AM
jawolheter said...: I personally pause it or turn the volume down on my computer when I get to your site.

However, it doesn't bother me to do this, so if you have enough people that like it, go for it!

Thanks for all you do for Jesus! Your site is a blessing and has been helping me in my Walk with the King.

~Andrea :); February 25, 2010 at 10:29 AM
Anonymous said...: I really like your music. When I first got on your blog and heard it, I really felt at peace. When I watch one of your videos I pause it. I say keep it on there and whoever doesn't want music can pause it. My friend told me about your blog and I have been hooked ever since! I love it! I have been trying harder with my husband,kids, house, etc. Your such an encouragement. Thankyou for obeying the Lord! Keep it up!!; February 25, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Anonymous said...: First step, is wait for the music to load up (which takes some time--though I have great internet speed!) and then hit PAUSE or MUTE. My vote-Please REMOVE the Music!! I would appreciate it. Thanks for taking a poll, I have been meaning to email you and ask you how I can remove it.
Love you Courtney!!!; February 25, 2010 at 10:33 AM
Heather Buen said...: I pause it, but I do like hearing it sometimes depending upon where I'm accessing the site. I'd like a choice though to either have it on or not.; February 25, 2010 at 10:40 AM
Trishia said...: I also pause. Great music choices but a bit distracting when trying to read and learn...

Have a blessed weekend...you're such a blessing to us all!; February 25, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Unknown said...: i love music!! and like others have said... the pause it right up there... easy to find if people want it off :) i love hearing what other people listen too!!; February 25, 2010 at 10:46 AM
Tomi said...: I pause it right away.

Your site is so great! You've done a fantastic job with it!

Thanks for caring about those visiting your site and being sensitive to this.

It is your decision and I'll still visit if you leave it up. It's not a tough thing to hit the pause button :); February 25, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Melissa said...: I hit the pause as soon as I open it. I figure you can leave it there and people can turn it on if they want it.; February 25, 2010 at 10:56 AM
Anonymous said...: Lovely music, but, it would be nice if it was optional to turn it on. Often I view it at night when the rest of my family is asleep...I cannot turn it off fast enough so everyone doesnt wake up!!!; February 25, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Stephanie said...: I love the music, it's one of the things I look forward to when I open your site. My daughters love it as well, they always get a look of bliss on their faces as soon as it comes on!; February 25, 2010 at 11:01 AM
Anonymous said...: I prefer blogs without music. I agree with all the other comments that mention slower load times and having to take the time to pause it. Ultimately, it's your blog, and visiting your site is like visiting your home--we would never ask you to change or turn off your music there. I am an advocate of music-free blogs, though. Love what you're doing over here.; February 25, 2010 at 11:04 AM
Unknown said...: I really enjoy the music..it is very peaceful to the ear...please keep it on..; February 25, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Anonymous said...: It is beautiful...but, I pause it. Thanks for everything you do!!!; February 25, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Brandon and Rachael said...: Keep it.; February 25, 2010 at 11:25 AM
Mrs. Kerrie Craig said...: I love the music~ It helps my little girls relax too, sometimes they even dance to it. My oldest daughter thinks it's nice also. 4 votes here to keep. (And for days when I don't want it I can turn off the volume on this page! easy); February 25, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Amanda @ Serenity Now said...: I love beautiful music, but I always always hit pause when I hear music on a blog. I want to focus on reading the words that the blogger has taken time to put together, and music is distracting. The worst is loud peppy pop music. It's a shock to open those blogs and hear Britney blaring in my ears. ;) Just my two cents. :); February 25, 2010 at 11:40 AM
Anonymous said...: Helps my reactive attachment son relax! It's easy to turn off if not wanted. Please keep.; February 25, 2010 at 11:41 AM
Anonymous said...: Deffinatly music, I really enjoy it! I mean this in a very kind way... If you don't like it, why not just turn it off or turn down your speakers?; February 25, 2010 at 11:46 AM
Stacia said...: I always pause it as soon as it pops up; it is pretty but as others have said not for me.; February 25, 2010 at 11:47 AM
kimmerbean said...: I usually pause your music as soon as I open your page. The music is BEAUTIFUL but I am usually multi-tasking while I'm on the computer anyways and the music is just an added distraction for me.; February 25, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Becky said...: Sometimes I can't check your site b/c the music jams my computer (which is older and not much memory). If I am able to access the blog, I pause the music immediately. So sorry! But you wanted to know....giggle! Love you and praying often!!; February 25, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Joy said...: It's half and half for me! Sometimes I pause the music if I'm trying to quickly read your posts, but there are times that I really want to focus on the important things you are saying. The music helps me focus, since it's the same song playing (unless I change it).; February 25, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Amie said...: I love it! I open your blog just to let the music play during our dinner time because it's so peaceful. When I am spending a long time reading at your blog, I just turn it off if it starts to drive me nuts. I do hope you keep it!; February 25, 2010 at 12:08 PM
Susan B said...: Please NO music!! Love your blog but the music gets in the way of your message.. thanks; February 25, 2010 at 12:27 PM
to be made whole said...: I pause it asap as well - lovely music - LOVE your blog! Thank you for all you do!; February 25, 2010 at 12:28 PM
Amie said...: Me again --- the music lover. I wonder if it's possible to keep your playlist, but not have it play when your blog is opened. The tables could be flipped. Those of us who like and feel like listening to music can push 'play' and then people who don't like it don't have to push "stop".; February 25, 2010 at 12:35 PM
Mandi Miller said...: Is there a way to have it on your site but not automatically play? I personally turn it off. *sorry*
But I wouldn't say I am giving "negative" feedback. I check blogs when my daughter is napping so I try to stay pretty quiet. Thanks for asking though!; February 25, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Jennifer said...: I love your music. It is so peaceful. However, I usually pause it because the page loads so much slower. And like someone else said, to watch one of your videos, it has to be turned off anyway. If it was there as an option that didn't automatically start, it might be a good thing. Not sure if I'm being positive or negative! ;-); February 25, 2010 at 12:56 PM
Annie said...: The music is beautiful, but like others I usually pause it because my family it watching TV, or I'm watching one of your videos, etc.; February 25, 2010 at 1:00 PM
Anonymous said...: I always have my cursor at the upper right corner ready to pause it. Sorry! LOVE your playlist, I just can't concentrate on what I'm reading very well with the music on.; February 25, 2010 at 1:12 PM
CJ said...: I either pause it OR I mute my computer sound. I open quite a few blogs at the same time and then go along and read and close. There are a few that have music and with all of them playing at once - WHO CAN READ?? :D; February 25, 2010 at 1:14 PM
Anonymous said...: I love it! People can pause it if they need to! Thanks.; February 25, 2010 at 1:52 PM
Malissa P. said...: Love it...I am amazed that people actually don't like it. I could understand if was 'metal' music or even rock...but it's gentle and calming...ahh maybe that's the prob. It's calming, our bodies do fight against that! :-)
Hope the poz outweighs the neg...but it's not looking good!
Blessings; February 25, 2010 at 1:54 PM
Brooke D said...: I LOVE the music... after hours of a baby fussing, dishwasher, washing machine, telephone... it "prepares" my heart to be open and is very calming... I even leave in on during videos... I will sometimes minimize the screen while checking email and other websites so I can still hear it... my daughter said to me the first day I was on your website "Mom, where is that beautiful music coming from?"
If you do take it off automatic..please leave it so we can have the option to turn it on. :); February 25, 2010 at 2:19 PM
Laura said...: I also pause it right away.; February 25, 2010 at 2:20 PM
Joshlin said...: I always pause it as soon as it loads. Sorry! I do it to all the blogs that have music.; February 25, 2010 at 2:22 PM
Julie@comehaveapeace said...: I turn my sound down right away. I've also found that when I'm reading a blog and my kids are hanging out nearby, they don't like to have sudden music interrupt what they're listening to. With so much "noise" in our days, I actually crave the quiet moments to think and absorb what I read.; February 25, 2010 at 2:43 PM
Anonymous said...: Courtney, dear Courtney, your blog is one of my favorite things!!!! But, I must admit I pause the music ASAP. I actually love the music, but am not always in the mood (plus it always starts with the same song). I used to let it play and my family would even comment (even hubby) if they were around that I was reading your blog because they recognized the song!!!!! Whatever you decide, I'll still love your blog and be grateful to the Lord for directing me to it! Love, Jenny C.; February 25, 2010 at 3:17 PM
Anonymous said...: Absolutley love your playlist! BUT. .don't have it start automatically. I pause it because the same song is always in que and I kinda get tired of it, and most days I just need the quite while taking the good news in.
Thanks for asking us.; February 25, 2010 at 3:46 PM
Michelle said...: I like that it introduced me to David Nevue- very relaxing music...but now I pause the music.; February 25, 2010 at 4:06 PM
Amanda said...: Oh my goodness, I just love the music. So relaxing, and I especially love the instrumentals. For those that don't like it, is it really that hard to turn the volume down or pause it? Just a thought. Keep up the good work pointing women to the Lord and encouraging them to become more Christ-like.; February 25, 2010 at 4:11 PM
Emily said...: I have to admit that I pause it as soon as I get to your page. I have listened to it, and I agree that it is nice, calming music, but I enjoy my quiet time more. I think a good compromise would be if it was still there but did not automatically start when you go to your page. Also, would be nice if it was randomized...as it is now, the songs all play in the same order and it can get repetitive.; February 25, 2010 at 4:13 PM
born2worship said...: Please, Please DO NOT take the music off. When I get the kids off to school and then open your blog, I know my day has started when the music pours out! It has become such a comfort to be on your blog (with the music-especially the opening song- THE GIFT) I leave your page open while I am on other sites just for the music and what it reminds me of. I am not trying to sound uncaring toward the ones who pause it- but...they can pause it, but if you take away the music there is no way for those who like it to hear it. So, by leaving the music on your blog, some can pause it and others can listen- best of both worlds:) I do pause it when I listen to your videos but it quickly gets unpaused.; February 25, 2010 at 4:35 PM
Alyssa said...: I say no music.; February 25, 2010 at 4:53 PM
Anonymous said...: I love the music and hope you keep it! Everyone has the option to listen to it or not- just push the pause button. But it's nice to be able to have that option.; February 25, 2010 at 4:59 PM
Anonymous said...: no music; February 25, 2010 at 5:51 PM
becky said...: I love your blog...but honestly pause the music as soon as I open the page...just so I can concentrate on what you have to share :); February 25, 2010 at 7:31 PM
jen said...: After reading all of these comments, I'm wondering if it would be possible to have the music be an option that someone could click on if they wanted it, but not have it start immediately. (John always makes a face, when we're watching TV together, and I open your blog on my laptop and the music starts! I'm one of the "pause asap" people.) Interesting comments!! Some people really seem to enjoy the music, so it would be a shame to remove it completely. Love you!!!; February 25, 2010 at 7:44 PM
Susan said...: I pause the music, mainly because I'm usually in the same room with my husband and/or my homeschooling daughter, and the music distracts them. Your music is beautiful, but when I listen to music on my computer, I usually have my own playlist playing, too, so the two interfere with each other.; February 25, 2010 at 8:57 PM
Tammy G said...: I love the music and I often play it while I work in the kitchen, so please don't remove it. However, I usually can't listen and read at the same time so I turn it off to read.; February 25, 2010 at 9:42 PM
Maria said...: Love,love,love,love the music. It's soothing and encourages a mood of worship. Your site is such a blessing and the music is an additional treat!!!; February 25, 2010 at 9:50 PM
jlm said...: I prefer no music. thanks; February 25, 2010 at 10:17 PM
Denise said...: I always pause sites/blogs that have their own music. I often have my own background music already going on, or I'm in a place where there needs to be no sound. :); February 25, 2010 at 10:28 PM
Lil said...: i like it!; February 25, 2010 at 10:50 PM
Rebecca.Alburn said...: I do Google Reader and when I click over to a blog I prefer the music is off.
Thanks for requesting input!; February 25, 2010 at 10:58 PM
Lowbudget said...: I love your music. As a matter of fact I went to Amazon.com to search the artist and purchase a CD for myself. Soft, relaxing music is what I love to hear. Thanks for asking and whatever decision you make, I have the artist already written down for future reference.; February 25, 2010 at 11:29 PM
Anonymous said...: I pause as soon as I get to your page.; February 26, 2010 at 1:27 AM
Anonymous said...: I would say no music on. I do not like sites where the music starts right away. Having a playlist available is a great thing though!!! I would IDEALLY have a playlist, and then turn it on when you get on the website, so those who like it can have it.

I am abroad so your playlist won't play for me. But I do enjoy to have the list, so I can go to youtube and discover new artists..

My answer in short: no automatically starting music.; February 26, 2010 at 6:08 AM
Becky said...: I have listened to it several times, but usually I pause it as soon as I arrive because the rest of my family is usually in the room talking or watching TV and it's distracting for them.; February 26, 2010 at 1:49 PM
Juniper said...: I pause it or mute my volume.; February 27, 2010 at 2:29 PM

Women Living Well Blog

: Name: Courtney (Women Living Well); Location: Ohio, United States

I am a stay-at-home home schooling mom of 2, a son (age 8) and a daughter (6). I have been married to Keith, my high school sweet heart, for 13 years. My passion to know God and share him with others led me to the Moody Bible Institute where I graduated with a degree in Evangelism and Discipleship. Last year, I appeared on the Rachael Ray Show as a 1950's Housewife. To learn more about me visit my "About Me" page.

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Thursday, February 25, 2010

Please Help - Music or No Music?

102 Comments:

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