Be A Better Blogger (Some Common Problems with Blogs)
By Sheila on May 9, 2009 in Blogging Tips
Blogs are a portion of the many technological advancements we have seen in recent day, but they have quickly become extremely popular. People can create them to share their thoughts, ideas, and expertise with others around the world. There are vast quantities of blogs out on the internet these days, but not all of them are created equally. Many are excellent, but others are more painful to read. Just what exactly makes a blog less than enjoyable? This can be attributed to any number of reasons.
First of all, it can sometimes be difficult to find a blog that best fits your current need. For example, doing an internet search for a blog on a specific topic could bring up hundreds of sites. Some will be large sites such as Blogger that host lots of smaller blogs, and you will have to weed through to find the one that you need.
Another problem with blogs is the content. A blog is intended to be a forum for expressing yourself to the world. Unfortunately, too many people tend to use it as a chat room between friends. They write all about local events and such and comment back and forth in that way. People also tend to use phrases and/or slang that is only familiar to their friends. This alienates potential readers who might like to gain some knowledge from the blog.
In addition, there are often too many blogs out there that have just not been updated. It seems that people start them up but do not take the time to post after a while. It would be helpful if blog owners realized that people often want the information they can provide and would like to form a readership relationship with the writer. However, this means the writer has to hold up his end of the bargain and furnish valuable, educational content
for the blog.
Speaking of content, if you consider creating a blog, think of an intelligent topic. For example, consider starting a blog that would be more along the lines of a philosophical discussion or spiritual exploration. There are already too many blogs on the web devoted to people’s favorite actors or actresses. Share your knowledge and passion with the world; just choose the less trivial knowledge!
Another common problem with blogs is the commenting feature. It is virtually useless in many cases. A large number of blog owners have a place for comments available, but many do not bother to respond to the comments placed. It is difficult to create a readership if you leave them feeling insignificant or ignored.
The world of blogging can be fresh, interesting, and exciting. However, it takes some work by the blog writers to create relevant blogs that are useful for a wide range of people. Chat rooms were created for small talk and intimate conversations. Blogging is meant to create a community that can share information and passion on various topics. If writers will focus on the readership more than on themselves, blogs would be better for everyone!
Author: Ed Reuben
31 Comment(s)
By Me And Craig on May 9, 2009 | Reply
How often do you recommend updating a blog???
Do you think a specific schedule is important, or just so many posts a week???
By Suburban Survivalism on May 9, 2009 | Reply
I have to agree about the “chat” part. I go to so many blogs, and they lack information, and they are mostly chatting back and forth. Good post!
By Sandi on May 10, 2009 | Reply
You make excellent points…and I know there are areas I need to work on.
By Theresa on May 11, 2009 | Reply
Great information, thank you. I would be interested to know the answer to Me and Craig’s question too, look forward to coming by to find out.
By E-Pera on May 11, 2009 | Reply
I learned a lot from this. Maybe this is what I’m lacking. Thanks!
By Andy on May 11, 2009 | Reply
I’m glad I read this. I rarely reply to peoples comments…not because I don’t like them…but because I thought it was self-serving. Thanks!
By Sheila on May 11, 2009 | Reply
I think it is completely up to the blogger. I try to update mine at least once a week – it takes me a while to research and write the articles I post and I like to leave them
up” for people to see and use. On my personal blog I post whenever I think of something interesting to write. I don’t think bloggers should post just to post I have read way to many blogs that don’t really have anything to say. If I enjoy a blog I would rather wait a few days for a quality post. I would definitely not want to go longer than a week without writing a new post.
By Shakti Singh Dulawat on May 13, 2009 | Reply
This is very nice post and helpful for new blogger
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By Descartes on May 17, 2009 | Reply
Nice post, but I wonder about the general premise that you need a blog to answer some particular question for you. Blogs are still mainly the domain of the private person and their thoughts on this that and the other.
If someone comes along and finds it useful, that’s nice, but if only their friends read it, that’s fine too.
The lack updating is a real problem, as most people start a blog and then realize, what, they want something new, like everyday?
Keep up the good work.
By Harrison on May 19, 2009 | Reply
Hmm… what is her blog about?
By deejay on May 19, 2009 | Reply
i learned from your post. thanks for sharing informative topics on blogging.
By Arlene deWinter on May 20, 2009 | Reply
Nice article! As for comments,if readers would comments more than they would get more interaction. I have no idea how many read my blog, subscribe to updates or whatever because they don’t let me know.
I update at least 4 times a week. Sometimes daily depending on my schedule. I find fresh content gains readers who take your blog seriously.
If you blog your passion, this shouldn’t be difficult.
Thanks,
Arlene
By Jim @ CoolStuffForDads.com on May 20, 2009 | Reply
Cool tips on being a better blogger, thanks!
By Lauren on May 20, 2009 | Reply
Very helpful information. I noticed lately how very important it is to follow up with visitors who comment. This had significantly increased my readership.
By Bram on May 20, 2009 | Reply
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. Thank you for writing this article that I have enjoyed reading.
Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Regard
By iggy on May 20, 2009 | Reply
nice post….reminded me of the things that I needed to do for my blog…
By Sandy on May 21, 2009 | Reply
I’ve read so many blogs telling people how to blog, some telling people how to blog to make money. Everyone says fresh new content; but no one says how often one needs to post in order for it to be considered fresh. I’ve been to your page many times to drop and note your blog posts are up a considerable amount of time…thus going against your note indicating it should be fresh.
I agree blog writers should comment back to their readers. I’ve kept track some days how many posts I comment on and the percentage of people I have return to my blog and leave a comment aren’t even close. Everyone wants their blog read, and yet the percentage of people who return the favor of reading and commenting is quite low. Funny thing too, it’s often the people who blog about how to get page rank, get lots of readers, keep them interested and make money; from what I’ve observed.
I disagree that blogs need to be informative or educational or something you look for because you want to learn something. I think most people blog and blog walk for leasure, for interest and fun and if along the way see something they learn thats a bonus.
I also think it’s ok that there are groups/communities of folks who chat back and forth between their blogs, often they’re friends or people connected because of a particular topic/happening/project or whatever. I don’t think they much care if the rest of us read their blogs…we’re probably considered outsiders and they don’t care that we don’t get the little special things they say.
I have 2 additional petpeeves that I think fall in line with your thoughts. People who have blogs with no comment feature at all. They want readership, they want people clicking on their ads, but they obviously have no intention of having any interaction. There are times when I read something of interest, something I know to be inaccurate…due to personal experience or job related experience etc that I’m already to post a comment and find out there isn’t a place to do so. Then I’m irritated I took the time to give them what they want….traffic. I also dislike quick no reply replies…nice blog….errrrrrrr that in my book doesn’t count as someone who read your blog and has a comment to post regarding whatever you posted about. Thats someone playing “the game”. I’m here on your blog and now it’s time for you to come to my blog. AND lastly, I dislike people sending you an email instead of returning the visit, reading and commenting. Once in awhile, maybe they have something personal to say so email might be appropriate; but…once again, you’ve given them traffic, they obviously aren’t taking the time to read your blog at all, merely hitting email from their own blog. And without the context of who they are (their email name most times is different than their blog name/title), you have no idea who they are…or possibly what they’re referring to.
Observation here, then I’m moving on…have lots of comments to make before I hit the road. I’ve noticed your pictures are always intended to be sexy, even though the picture often doesn’t connect to your post…you should add that to your list of things to do in blogging…post sexy pictures. lol
TTFN
Sandy
By Sheila on May 21, 2009 | Reply
Sandy – thanks for the great comments. I am constantly reminded that I also need to work at becoming a better blogger. It may be obnoxious of me, but posting articles once a week is “fresh” as far as I am concerned. A lot of time and research usually goes into the posts I write and I am trully posting them to help other bloggers and keep them in the featured section so as many people will benefit it as possible. I also need to respond more to comments made but it is difficult to wade through the hundreds of spam comments. I also disabled the comment section on one of my blogs because I was recieving 1000s of spam comments a day. I started theadmaster because I wish I had found a blog like it when I first started.
By Blog Angel a.k.a. Joella on May 23, 2009 | Reply
Hi I just stopped by to drop on your Entrecard and wanted to let you know that you have been added to Blog Angel’s All Above the Crease Drop List . I created the list because I was sick of wasting time trying to find people’s Ecards. You and everyone on the list has their Entrecards in an easy to find location. Stop by and check it out.
By Melayu Boleh on May 27, 2009 | Reply
i agree with that update blg point. We should always update our blog. If not, we will not get traffic and cannot become better blogger.
By SmartTeenager on May 27, 2009 | Reply
Hey thanks for the tips. Some of them definitely hit home with me that I need to work on. I’ve just started to seriously blog and need all the help I can get.
-Smart Teenager
By Rick Vaughn on May 30, 2009 | Reply
Not for nothing Ed but I like Angelina Jolle picture blogs. I digress, you make some great points. However, if people want to keep their blogs on a local level that’s there goal so be it.
As you stated searching for blogs is a art in of itself. There is alot of crap out there I don’t think anyone can deny that.
By Hurtownia Tkanin on Jun 19, 2009 | Reply
Finding a blog perfectly suited for your needs through a search engine is almost impossible. I’d advise just asking for recommendations on some boards or through friends. This way you’ll get a lot better results.
By Eddie Garcia on Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
Hey Ed,
You do make some very good points here and I have to agree with them. I can’t understand for the life of me why someone would start a blog but not update on a regular basis. I am here to build relationships and they can’t be build w/o regularity. I also believe it to be common courtesy to leave a comment if you read a post. If you are here just to get ECs, then I think you are missing out on the real purpose of social media. I will be back to read more.
Friends 4 Life!
By eyeman on Jun 26, 2009 | Reply
eh..i guess many people try hard to be a better blogger. Just we need time..
By Wzorki on Jun 30, 2009 | Reply
Sheila, thanks for a very well written post. Your points are valid. The way i see it though, all this could be summed up with one word – consistency. Keep your updates regular, your content on topic, your theme… well, consistent and you have the 3 cornerstones of a successful blog
By Rob on Jul 4, 2009 | Reply
That’s a good point, about finding a blog that just hasn’t been updated in awhile. I’ve found some fantastic blogs in the past, but they just aren’t updated enough, when I want to see fresh material.
By free online games for kids on Jul 27, 2009 | Reply
Some people start blogs, solely as a means of letting off steam. For raving and ranting about problems, issues, etc, that they might not otherwise do in real life. Sanity maintenance, if you will.
For blogs like these, might be a better sign if they were not updated regularly…
*then again, maybe it just means, when the blog isn’t updated, that the bloke decided to end it all… oh well. *
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