I have been blogging for some time now and, while I’m no expert, I have learned a few things along the way. I have compiled what I have learned from my experience, and also from reading other various blogs, into a list of what I think are some good rules of blogging, which I try to follow.
Variety- A good blog is one that offers variety to its readers. Let’s face it; people will be much more interested in your blog if you aren’t always talking about the same thing in every post (particularly yourself). The style of posts can also be varied for effect.
95% Lighthearted- Most people can’t handle very much to think about at one time. Especially while reading a post. People like to read about something that is entertaining, not something that makes them think. It is important to make people think, however, so I reserve about 5% of my blogging to do so. If you are going to write something heavy, try to keep it short.
Randomness=Ratings- Generally, the more random the post, the more comments it gets. People love random because they don’t really have to think about it. Random is more entertaining and…lighthearted. It’s also usually funny and people like funny.
Create Community- This is one of the most important aspects of blogging. Blogging is about the readers not the author. If you can create a place that people love to visit, are entertained, and feel valued, they will keep coming back. And they will become valuable contributors to your blog making it much more than you ever could by yourself.
Frequency- The best way to lose readers is to rarely make posts and then do so sporadically. Even if your schedule is incredibly busy, you can still find time to make one post a week. I have posted one liners before while in the grip of finals! If you have to, start a post in Word and work on it whenever you can. Your readers will be grateful.
Length- Another big turn off are extremely lengthy posts usually made to make up for infrequency. It is better to make frequent short posts than long novellas posted few and far between .
Add Ons- Add Ons are like hidden treasure! Shout boxes, links to interesting websites, links to other bloggers (community) are invaluable to a good blog.
Wit and Sarcasm- While writing a post these two things will make the most boring detail sound interesting and funny. Ultimately, if you find what you are writing about interesting and write about it in an interesting way, others will be interested too. No one has a perspective quite like yours, so let them have it!
Pictures- Pictures connect the reader to you and what you are saying. Pictures are like windows into the mind and life of the author. This aspect of blogging should not be underestimated. I also like having a separate picture blog so that my readers can get to know me better.
Integrity- Most importantly your blog should be a true expression of yourself. Find what you love, what you find interesting, and share it with others. Whatever you blog should also be your own creation unless you properly cite who you are borrowing from. Borrowing should probably be kept down to 5% too.
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3 comments:
i only disagree with one thing in this list, where you say that blogging is about the readers. the truth is that great weblogging is done without regard for readers. to quote myself, "Strangely enough, weblog success has nothing to do with popularity." lots of comments and lots of readers isn't a good indicator of a good weblog at all. it all depends on style, really. provocative posts, even if very poor in quality and intellect, will often garner piles of comments as opposed to masterfully written and insightful personal reflective posts that only get one or two "that was nice" comments. remember the axiom that weblogs are inherently egotistical - we're reading your weblog to find out about you. and that's what i like most about yours =) keep up the good work.
thanks for your imput james. you have inspired me on more than one occasion.
hi, stephie!miss you.
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