Tag : curahanhati - Asep Haryono | Thank You Caitlin, Megan, and Ellie As My First Follower from Abroad - Powered by Blogger

With heartfelt appreciation,

I thank you for being the very first supporters of Simply Asep Blog – https://simplyasep.blogspot.com.

Your blogs – elliencompany.blogspot.com and caitlinnmegan.blogspot.com 

 have been an inspiration.

Your early encouragement meant the world and helped spark this blogging journey.

Thank you for believing in me from the very beginning.

Presented by:

Asep Haryono

Indonesia

Date: June 3, 2025

Tag : curahanhati, Keseharian - Asep Haryono | When Blogging Feels One-Sided: My Thoughts on Comments, Connections, and Being Ignored - Powered by Blogger

As someone who loves blogging and making connections with people from all over the world, it really hurts when I put in the effort to engage with other bloggers especially from the US, Australia, and Europe  and get little to no response in return.

I’ve visited many blogs, left thoughtful comments, followed their content, and even added them to my blog list. But unfortunately, many of them never return the favor. Not even a single follow back or a quick “thank you” comment.

It makes me wonder: why?

At times, I can’t help but feel invisible or even worse, like I don’t belong. And yes, there’s a part of me that wonders if it's related to where I’m from or how I write. Is it racism? Or is there more to it?

After thinking long and hard about this, here are a few possible reasons why some foreign bloggers don’t return visits or interact with blogs like mine:

A young man with medium brown skin sits at a desk looking disappointed while using a laptop. A large speech bubble above him says "NO COMMENTS" surrounded by smaller empty speech bubbles and icons for LinkedIn and Twitter, symbolizing a lack of interaction on his blog

1. Cultural and Language Differences
Let’s face it not everyone feels comfortable interacting with people from different cultures or writing styles. Even if you’re writing in English, sometimes cultural nuances, phrasing, or even blog layout can feel “unfamiliar” to readers from Western countries. So instead of reaching out, they might just stay silent. It doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike you  maybe they just don’t know how to engage properly.

2. Busy Lives and Different Priorities A lot of bloggers in the West treat blogging more as a side hobby than a community. Many have full-time jobs, families, or packed schedules. That means they might not read or reply to comments regularly, or even check who follows them. It’s not personal  they might just be juggling too much at once.

3. Different Blogging Cultures
In my part of the world, it’s common to return comments, follow back, and build friendships through blogging. But in many Western blogging circles, the focus is often on SEO, monetization, or niche-specific growth. Some bloggers simply don’t pay attention to interaction  especially from outside their target audience.

4. You Might Be Getting Overlooked, Not Rejected
Let’s not forget: algorithms and platforms don’t always make things easy. Some bloggers use automated tools, and your comment might just be sitting in a spam folder or overlooked in a flood of other notifications. It doesn’t mean you were intentionally ignored.

5. Yes, Bias Can Be Real
Still, we have to be honest bias and racism do exist. Some people may not take bloggers from developing countries seriously. They may assume we have nothing valuable to offer, or they might just prefer to stay in their comfort zone. And yes, that hurts.

6. But Don’t Give Upc
Even when it feels like no one’s listening, I remind myself: I blog because I love it. I write to express myself, to connect, and to leave something meaningful behind. Not every blogger will respond, but that doesn’t mean your voice isn’t important. Keep writing. Keep showing up. The right audience will find you.

If you’ve felt this way too  ignored, left out, or disappointed  just know you're not alone. Let’s continue supporting each other and building real connections that go beyond borders and backgrounds.

Let’s keep blogging with heart.

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Tag : curahanhati - Asep Haryono | When Kindness Feels One-Sided: My Journey into Global Blogging - Powered by Blogger

Over the past week, I made a major shift in the direction of my blog, Simply Asep. I transitioned from writing in Bahasa Indonesia to English — aiming to reach out and connect with a broader, international blogging community. The response was beyond what I expected. My blog has received between 600 to 2,000 daily visitors in just one week, with readers coming from various parts of the world. I felt seen. I felt hopeful.

But along with that excitement came an unexpected wave of sadness and disappointment.

Like many bloggers, I believed in the spirit of community. I took time to visit fellow bloggers’ sites, read their posts carefully, and left meaningful comments. I followed their blogs, not just for the sake of following, but because I genuinely enjoyed connecting with their stories and perspectives.

What hurt was this: many of them didn’t follow me back.

Now, I didn’t expect instant fame or a flood of compliments. But I thought maybe  just maybe  the kindness I extended would be reciprocated. It made me question things. Was it something about me? Was it because I’m from Indonesia, a Southeast Asian country not often in the global spotlight?

The thought crossed my mind: Could this be racism?

After sitting with that painful feeling for a while and observing more closely, I realized something important: it's probably not that personal. In fact, it’s likely not racism at all.

In the global blogging world, people engage in different ways. Many Western bloggers no longer use the “Follow” button on Blogger. They may read your blog through RSS feeds, bookmarks, or social media, without formally “following” you. Some are just more selective, while others simply don’t have the habit of following back.

And yes, many people are just busy. Distracted. Focused on their own lives. Online engagement can be inconsistent, and silence doesn’t always mean rejection.

My friends,

Here’s what I’ve learned — and what I want to share with others who may feel the same way:

• Focus on those who respond. When you’re growing your blog, it’s easy to feel discouraged by those who don’t reply, comment, or follow you back. But instead of focusing on who didn’t respond, shift your attention to those who did.
  
  Even one loyal reader is the start of a real community. These are the people who take the time to read, comment, and engage with your posts. Visit their blogs, build friendships, and show appreciation. Over time, these authentic connections will matter more than hundreds of silent views. Quality engagement fosters trust, and trust is the foundation of long-term blogging success.
  
  

• Keep commenting with purpose. Generic comments like “Nice post” are easy to ignore. If you want to build real connections, leave thoughtful, meaningful comments that reflect what you actually enjoyed about the post.
  
  Mention something specific a sentence, a story, a personal insight. Ask a follow-up question or share your own perspective in return. Bloggers notice genuine engagement, and they’re much more likely to visit your blog when you show that you’ve read theirs with care. It’s not about flattery — it’s about real human connection. Purposeful comments open doors to deeper blogging friendships and encourage reciprocal support over time.
  
  

• Invite engagement openly. Many bloggers hesitate to ask for support, fearing they’ll come across as needy. But a polite, warm invitation goes a long way. If someone enjoys your post, there’s nothing wrong with gently saying,
  
  “If you liked this post, feel free to follow my blog or leave a comment  I’d love to hear your thoughts!” This creates an open, welcoming environment and reminds readers that their interaction is appreciated. Some readers may enjoy your content but need a small nudge to engage more actively. Don’t be afraid to ask  you're inviting a connection, not demanding one.
  
  

• Don’t give up. It’s easy to feel invisible when you put your heart into a blog post and hear nothing back. But trust that your voice is being heard even if it’s quiet at first. Many readers don’t comment, but they are still reading and coming back. Keep going. Consistency builds visibility.
  
  Every post you write adds to your presence online. Over time, the right audience  people who truly connect with your message will find you. Stay passionate. Stay present. Don’t give up, because your journey is just beginning, and someone out there is waiting for your next post.
  
  

Blogging is about more than numbers. It’s about connection, growth, and sharing your voice. And sometimes, it takes a little longer for the world to truly listen.

So, to all my readers thank you. And to fellow bloggers, especially those just starting to reach out internationally: don’t let silence steal your spirit.

You belong here.

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

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Tag : curahanhati - Asep Haryono | What the Death of Russian Influencer Arina Glazunova Can Teach Us - Powered by Blogger

What the Death of Russian Influencer Arina Glazunova Can Teach Us  Arina Glazunova, a 24-year-old Russian influencer and TikTok personality, tragically died in the early hours of September 27, 2024, in Tbilisi, Georgia. While walking through First Republic Square with a friend, she was filming herself singing

"For the Last Time" by the Russian boyband Hunger Boys. Distracted by the recording, she failed to notice the edge of an underground subway passage and tripped over a knee-high wall, falling approximately 5 meters onto concrete stairs below. She suffered severe injuries, including a fractured skull and broken neck, and was pronounced dead at a hospital later that morning

The incident was captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparking public outrage over the lack of safety measures at the site.

The wall she tripped over was only 30 centimeters high, leading many to criticize the inadequate infrastructure. In response, local residents created a memorial at the site and called for improved safety standards. Tbilisi's City Hall stated that the underpass was built according to Soviet-era standards, but the tragedy has prompted discussions about updating safety regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future

"It is best to avoid playing with gadgets while walking. This is very dangerous for yourself and the surrounding environment. Using a cellphone or gadget while walking makes your eyesight more focused on the cellphone screen. This condition makes you neglect your surroundings."

Arina was remembered for her vibrant personality, commitment to animal welfare, and work as a public relations manager after graduating from the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration

Lesson Learned
The internet recently mourned the heartbreaking loss of 24-year-old Russian influencer Arina Glazunova, who tragically fell to her death in Tbilisi, Georgia. While filming a lighthearted video of herself singing and dancing with a friend, she tripped over a low wall and fell down a subway stairwell.

The incident shocked her fans and sparked intense discussions about safety, distraction, and the role of public infrastructure. But beyond the tragedy, there are powerful lessons we all need to take seriously—whether we’re content creators, city residents, or everyday social media users.

In a world of non-stop notifications and video content, it’s easy to lose focus on where we’re walking. Arina’s accident happened while she was filming herself—a common activity for influencers and everyday people alike. The takeaway? Situational awareness is key. No matter how familiar a place seems, accidents can happen in a split second.

We get it—content is king. But it should never come at the cost of personal safety. This tragedy reminds us that the perfect TikTok or Instagram reel isn’t worth risking serious injury—or worse. Pause. Look around. And film safely.

The spot where Arina fell featured a 30cm (knee-high) wall without a railing—an outdated Soviet-era design. Unfortunately, that’s not uncommon in many cities around the world. Municipalities must rethink infrastructure with modern safety standards. Something as simple as a guardrail could save lives.


"There are lots of video of this tragic of Arina appeared on social media posts.  Just use the keyword like "arina glazunova death", all video lists will comes out.  I will not upload any of the videos here. Its too graphic which some people feel so disturbing"

Have you ever walked by a place and thought, “This seems dangerous”? Speak up. Cities should encourage residents to report hazards, and officials must listen. Transparency and action go a long way in making urban areas safer for everyone. Influencers have massive reach—and responsibility. Imagine if content creators started adding “safety first” messages to their posts or showed how they prep safe filming spots. Those little reminders could have a big impact on impressionable followers.

It’s easy to move on after the headlines fade. But real honor comes through action. Arina’s death should inspire governments to improve infrastructure and creators to prioritize safety. Tragedies are painful—but they don’t have to be pointless.

What Next
The loss of Arina Glazunova is deeply saddening. Yet, from her story, we are reminded of a bigger truth: in our hyper-digital age, mindfulness matters more than ever. Let’s stay alert, advocate for safer spaces, and remind ourselves that no viral moment is worth more than our lives.

If this story moved you, share it to raise awareness.
Remind others that no post, no reel, and no content is worth more than life itself.

Speak up about unsafe public spaces

Join the conversation in the comments:

What steps can we take to make our cities and our content safer?

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Tag : curahanhati, Keseharian - Asep Haryono | Jessica de Broer and Lusanna Dourma From SOMOI - Powered by Blogger

Quite a while ago—when I was working at the Pontianak Post daily newspaper in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, I received two visitors from overseas. They introduced themselves as officers from an organization called SOMOI. Unfortunately, I did not ask for further details about their country of origin.

 The visitors were Jessica de Boer, a physiotherapist, and her partner Lusanne Douma, an occupational therapist. Both ladies came to my office to share information about child care, especially for children with paralysis.

 I received a reply to an email I sent only from one of them, a few months after their visit on August 19th, 2011. Since then, I have not had any further contact or emails from either of them. I also tried to find more information on the official SOMOI website but was unable to locate it. So far, I have found no official site or further details about the organization.

They introduced them selves as officers from SOMOI organization: Jessica de Boer and Lusanne Douma.  I have enclosed a photo of those two young ladies.  Jessica de Boer is a Fisioterapis while her partner Lussane Douma is an Okupasi Therapies.  

Both ladies came to my office to share information about child care, especially for children with paralysis. A few months after their visit on August 19th, 2011, I received a reply from only one of them to an email I had sent. Since then, I have not received any further emails or contact from either of them. I also tried to find more information on the official SOMOI website but was unable to locate it.

So far, no official website or details have been found.

Given that the individuals I met, Jessica de Boer and Lusanne Douma, introduced themselves as officers from SOMOI and were involved in child care, especially for children with paralysis, it's possible that SOMOI is a smaller or less-publicized organization, or perhaps a local initiative. It's also worth noting that "SOMOI" could be an acronym or a name used by a group with a different official designation. I am seeking information about the SOMOI organization, particularly regarding its work with children with disabilities. However, based on available information, there doesn't appear to be a widely recognized organization by that name..

 

I need help from all of you.

If you know where I can find Jessica de Boer and Lusanne Douma from SOMOI, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Could you kindly tell me how to reach them in any way possible? I would be very grateful for your help. You can contact me via Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, or email. I look forward to hearing from you

If you have any information or know how to contact Jessica de Boer or Lusanne Douma from SOMOI, please reach out to me!

Your help would mean a lot. Feel free to message me on Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, or email. Thank you in advance.

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

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Tag : curahanhati - Asep Haryono | When Your Cheapest Earphones Fail: Lessons from a Budget Buy - Powered by Blogger

I’ve always been a bit of an audio scavenger. Give me a bargain bin at the electronics store, and I’ll emerge clutching the cheapest pair of earphones I can find—just to see what kind of bang I can get for my buck. A month ago, I scored exactly that: a basic, under-IDR 50,000 (≈ $5) set that promised decent sound for listening to music, streaming movies, and making phone calls. And for the first couple of weeks, it absolutely delivered.

First Impressions

Unboxing felt like a mini celebration: glossy plastic, bright accents on the logo, and surprisingly soft silicone tips. I plugged them in, hit play, and the sound was… well, not studio-quality, but definitely “good enough.” Bass had a slight thump, mids were clear, and the highs didn’t screech. I’d happily binge an episode of my favorite show or knock out a to-do list while jamming to lo-fi beats.

Daily Grind

I wore them everywhere: my morning commute, afternoon video calls, evening movie marathons. Somehow they even survived being stuffed into my backpack alongside chargers, notebooks, and last week’s grocery list. At around two weeks in, I noticed the left earbud felt looser in my ear. No biggie—maybe the tip just needed a better fit.

Then came Week Three, and things went downhill fast. One day I heard a sudden pop, followed by silence in the left earbud. A little twisting of the cable near the Y-junction brought the audio back for a moment… then nothing. The wire seemed frayed inside the connector, so I tried every trick in the book—careful bending, gentle tugging, even a hopeful pat on the housing. But the left side was truly gone.

Inside, I felt that familiar twinge of buyer’s remorse. Sure, it was only IDR 50K, but I’d relied on them every single day. And now: lifeless silence on one side, as if I were trying to listen to a podcast through a tunnel.

Lessons Learned

1. Quality vs. Price: Budget earphones often cut corners on cable strength, strain relief, and internal soldering. Spending a bit more can mean tougher materials and longer lifespan.

2. Handle with Care: Even cheap gear can last longer with proper handling—avoid tight loops, gentle storage, and unplug by gripping the plug (not pulling the cable).

3. Know When to Upgrade: Sometimes it pays to invest. In the IDR 100K–200K ($7–$15) range, you’ll find models with reinforced cables, better strain relief, and noticeably improved sound.

What’s Next?

I’m already eyeing an upgrade—nothing extravagant, but perhaps a set with braided cable and metal housings. I’ll still hunt for deals, but this time I’ll balance cost and durability more carefully. After all, chasing the absolute cheapest option left me with just one working earbud.

Final Thoughts

If you’re like me—always hunting for bargains—remember that “saving” IDR 50K up front can cost you double or triple in replacements and frustration. Personally, I’m ready to spend a little more next time for uninterrupted tunes and peace of mind. Here’s to better sound, sturdier cables, and no more one-eared sorrow—cheers!

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Tag : curahanhati - Asep Haryono | My fabulous foster parent from Canada. Mrs Sandy Clement - Powered by Blogger

Indonesia This time I want to tell you a little about my adoptive parents named Mrs. Sandy Clements in Duncan, Canada. We're both fans of the late Michael Jackson pop star album. Why do you want to be my adoptive parent? Then who is Sandy Clements? Where did I know for the first time?

Throughout my record, I have been friends with him for more than 17 years since 1990. At that time I was a big fan of Michael Jackson's songs, and I started trying to "interact" with several communities or Michael Jackson's fans club, which are widely scattered throughout the Internet. The internet I started using was a bit late, namely in the era of 2001 if I'm not mistaken.

SANDY CLEMENTS: This is the profile of Mrs. Sandy CLements, who has supported me as her adopted son. Sandy Clements Facebook photo

So when I was engrossed in a Michael Jackson forum, there was a forum member named Sandy Clement from Canada. Since I can speak English both spoken and written, I also communicate with Sandy Clements on the forum and eventually continue to introduce me by correspondence or correspondence. At that time I did not understand the name E-mail or E-mail

For years, he has been in contact with Sandy Clements through correspondence. From this communication I know that Sandy Clements has been married for the 3rd time. Her current husband Ross treats her well, and finally produces her children who are now grown up.

I have considered him as a child myself, and our conversations on email are mostly about pop star Michael Jackson (because we are MJ fans), and the rest are casual chats about daily activities, hobbies and also about each other's families.

I actually wanted to be invited to his house in Duncan, Canada, but because of the (financial) condition his family was still unable to make it happen. I myself also want to meet her in person  with Sandy Clements in Canada, but I believe it must be gradual because indeed the cost of going to Canada is not a cheap matter. At the moment I haven't been able to make it happen.

Maybe for now, let us stay in touch by only relying on communication channels via messenger on Facebook. I have offered Sandy Clements for a video call but the problem is on the device or devices he is using. Until when we only communicate via the Internet, and he also doesn't know. When can I meet you in person in Canada, I also don't know and neither Sandy Clements. (Asep Haryono)