Revisiting the Blog…Again
I feel like I do this every year, either in December or January–come around and take another look at what I’m doing with my blog. I just spent an hour or so updating my website (about time!), and–boy–looking around, it was clear that I’m not blogging the way I want to. I’ve heard other people talking about this, from Kelly Fineman to Jen Robinson, both of who’s blogs I read and enjoy. So, once again, I’m trying for a reboot. I’ve got a few questions for you at the end of the post, so read through to the end. Or skip to the end, if you want.
I want to:
- Blog regularly. At a minimum, once a week.
- I’m going to blog shorter. Oh, sure, yes, you’ll get a thoughtful, perceptive, in-depth,
long-windedpost every now and then, but I’m going with the premise that shorter can be better and is definitely faster. - I want to do more reviews. If you look at my Reviews page, you’ll see that this isn’t a request for books. But when I fall in love with a book, I’m going to share that love.
- I’m going to rebuild my blogroll and try to comment more. I have a great reader on my phone (WordPress), so I’ve got no excuse for saying “hi” when I stop by.
- I’ll share more links to good posts at other blogs. It’s about a community, right? Right.
So those are my goals. And now a few questions for you.
- Approximately how many blogs do you check in at each week (blogs, not posts)?
- Do you prefer shorter or longer blog posts?
- Got any favorite blogs? Please share away!
And in the spirit of my actually making the above list of goals happen, here’s a little Louis for your day…
beckylevine.com 
10 Comments
I think blogging has taken a hit from FB. I don’t blog as much any more and I’ve heard it isn’t what it used to be but I’ve also heard it’s coming back. So who knows? And I can’t say exactly where I heard these things. But I do believe that blogging is becoming more visual. And that shorter is better. That’s the route I want to take. I just wish I’d blog more often. My last post was in October.
Personally I’m finding that I don’t read all the blogs I subscribe too. It’s just too overwhelming. Even some of my faves get ignored. So anything you can do to keep it funny, controversial, or visual would be good. And yes, of course introduce books! Readers and writers will love you for that!
LikeLike
Joyce, this is right with what I sense is going on. I know I do more with Facebook than my blog, and that’s okay, but I’m hoping to bring the blog back at least a bit more. I think I’m going to try and focus more on the community part. If I can link to a book or a post I loved on Facebook, I can do it on the blog and then put THAT link up. Two minutes more. 🙂
LikeLike
I prefer shorter; longer ones I skim (to be honest!) I follow about 10-15 blogs. Read them more or less depending on what else is going on in life and writing. I follow YA Muses (good content, but posts too often); Adventures in YA PUblishing; Rosi Hollenbeck’s blog (lots of different links there); Linda PHillips blog Mindful (because she’s my best writing buddy!); The Other Side of the Story–great writing content. When I think of other really good ones I’ll forward them to you. I agree with Joyce’s comments too.
LikeLike
Carol, I’m going to check out the blogs you mention. I have to say it’s a relief to hear someone say “posts too often.” I think we frequently think that all the time, every day, is the best way to manage our blogs. 🙂
LikeLike
Reassessing is certainly something that we all go through. I like your goals! Especially the community aspects; To answer your questions:
Approximately how many blogs do you check in at each week (blogs, not posts)?
— I subscribe to about 200 blogs right now, but not all of them are active. I skim 50- 60 posts a day in a reader, but only respond or take action to maybe a quarter of those. Action could be commenting or sharing.
Do you prefer shorter or longer blog posts? – Depends if it’s a topic I’m interested in. Longer is fine, but I may not read it all.
Got any favorite blogs? Please share away!
– Too hard to say. I like Nerdy Book Club as a solid source of content from a range of people. Beyond that, I think it depends on what you’re looking for. I enjoy the Freakonomics blog, for example, but it’s hardly for everyone…
LikeLike
I agree with you on length. I’m going to check it out, if I’m interested, regardless of length. Sometimes on longer posts, I find myself skimming; sometimes on shorter ones, I find myself wanting a little more. 🙂 I’m checking into Nerdy Book Club.
LikeLike
>>Approximately how many blogs do you check in at each week (blogs, not posts)?
I use feed readers, so even though I probably have some 400 blogs on my list, only a tiny percentage of former bloggers post anything anymore. I usually have about 20-30 posts to read on the typical weekday. People blog much less on weekends, so then it’s about 10 posts a day. I do skim some and read every word of others.
>>Do you prefer shorter or longer blog posts?
I prefer short generally, but there are some people who can do long posts that I will read every word of.
About blogging, I generally think that if you want to do it, you will, and if you don’t, you won’t. I have seen so many people make the “I’m going to blog more, I’m going to be more organized and do these topics on these days, I’m going to blog on a schedule” post, and they might keep it up for a week or two, but then they disappear again.
I’ve always liked your blog and it’s one of the ones that I miss if you don’t post for a while, but I also think people shouldn’t blog out of obligation, only desire.
I’ve never gotten onto Facebook and maybe that’s why I’ve continued to blog regularly and keep up with reading blogs. But people can only spread themselves so thin; I think FB did the most to kill blogs, although some found that they preferred Twitter, Tumblr or Pinterest once those options existed. There used to be fewer alternatives to blogs!
I’ll be happy if you blog more, but most of all I think you have to do what’s right for you. Even if that means blogging less.
LikeLike
Jen, I’m trying to gauge whether I miss not actually DOING the blogging, and I know I do to a certain extent. So I’m trying to find that balance that keeps me enjoying it, but not feeling pressured. Even self-pressured. 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Becky,
I rarely comment here, but I do stop by often. I’m glad to see you plan more posts. I visit Lee Lofland’s blog daily, and yours two or three times a week (more often with more posts, no doubt.)
I do prefer a shorter blog post. In this cyber-world of “click and skim,” I’m more likely to read a shorter post.
My favorite blog? Why … this one, of course!
LikeLike
Thanks, Dave, for letting me know you still stop by. Good to know! I’m working on shooting for shorter, unless I actually have something bigger to say!
LikeLike