On visiting a blog for the first time, I frequently click on the “About” page. I have lost count of the number of occasions when I have been greeted with the following words:
“This is an example of a page …”.
It is, of course entirely a matter for each site owner to determine what is displayed on their pages. It is, however disappointing for a potential follower to click on a blog only to find that the “About” page still carries the standard wording provided by WordPress.
I understand that people value their privacy (I do too)! However you don’t have to provide your home address and other personal details. In my opinion just a few sentences about why you started the blog and perhaps a few words about yourself create a much better impression than leaving the WordPress wording quoted above in place.
If, for whatever reason you don’t want an “About” page perhaps consider deleting it (although, in my view this would be a mistake).
In short, keeping the standard WordPress wording can create a poor first impression and may mean the difference between a person clicking on your blog following (or not following) you.
Kevin
K Morris - Poet 
Totally agree Kevin. I usually don’t follow them. Whereabouts in the world they are from/living and some general info isn’t too difficult.
Thanks Kate. Of course, once the page is up and running it can be a bit of a pain to keep it up-to-date. For example, the blogger who kindly published a guest post by you 2 years ago (which is linked to from your About” page) may have deleted their site, meaning the link leads nowhere. I have come across this on my own About page several times. Kevin
For me Kevin where someone is from, what colour they like, or whether they believe in fairies at the bottom of the garden is irrelevant. Whether or not I follow a fellow blogger is purely down to their blog’s content. Nothing more nothing less. 😉
Thanks Jack. Of course I agree with you that the colour of a person’s skin etc is wholly irrelevant, its the content of their site that matters. I have followed sites employing the standard WordPress wording on their “About” pages. I do, however maintain that leaving the standard wording in place can create an initial poor impression, even though the blog in question may contain wonderful content. Best, Kevin
That is annoying, yes. It looks then as though the blog has been put up in a rush and not really checked.
Thanks for your comment Mick. I agree with your comment. Best, Kevin
Since reading this, I have just had a look at a new ‘follow’s’ site, which has exactly that on the about page. No surprise there, but the page has received 7 ‘likes’! What sort of people…?!*!#?
Your mention of 7 people liking the standard wording employed by WordPress made me smile, after all if one didn’t smile one would groan …!
I agree. It’s frustrating when you click the About Page and it’s empty. I don’t usually follow either. I also check the last entry. If they are spare are far between another reason not to subscribe.
Thanks Tess. We are singing from the same hymn sheet you and I. Kevin
Indeed, we are. 🙂