Archive for » June, 2008 «

Jun

On Monday we discussed the importance of your most current post. It was decided our best work may be buried in our archives.

But, how do we know what is our best work?

Is it the post we spent days constructing, editing and reediting until we had it perfect?

Or was it the post we wrote in ten minutes?

Today’s Lesson

I usually spend a fair amount of time writing and editing my blog posts. I preview them many times before I hit “publish”.

I want them to be “just so”.

Sometimes I write a post and KNOW it will be a hit.

It often bombs.

Other days, I jot down my thoughts, do a few quick edits and hit “publish”.

I know it wasn’t my best work, but for some reason, it’s a HUGE success.

Comments pour in, as do kudos.

What gives?

Are we worrying too much about what we post? Are we wasting our time on research and edits?

Are we our worst critic?

Should we learn to listen to those who respond to our posts?

I’m beginning to think so.

I’ve had this same discussion with other bloggers, they feel the same way, what about you?

Today’s Assignment

Do you find this happening with your posts too?

Are you your worst critic?

Photo Credit: re_birf’s photostream

Category: Archives, Blogging Lessons, Writing Tips Tags: Blogging 27 Comments

Jun

NBOTW Needs No Introduction

Barbara Swafford

If you’re part of the BWAB community, you’ll see her commenting.

If you travel through blogosphere, she’s there too.

She’s small in stature, but has a large presence in social networks, as well

In fact, she’s everywhere.

The name of her blog may produce visions of a “mommy blog”, but she rarely writes stories about her kids. Instead, she writes about issues that affect her as a woman, as a mother, as a blogger and as a caring human being, whose children are an important part of her life.

She calls herself the “Queen of Multitasking”, but in her post titled: “Multitasking Reduces Efficiency” she admits she’s trying to change her ways. She writes:

My own first goal would be to sit down with my kids every day when they get back from school and just listen to them, focusing on what they have to say, without attempting to get anything else done at the same time. Unpacking of lunch boxes and washing dishes can be accomplished after I spend at least half an hour, uninterrupted, listening to my kids.

With blogging and commenting often being about self promotion, in “Blogging – Are People Truly Interested In The Discussion, Or Is It All About Self Promotion?”, she observes:

There is a big difference between a community member promoting herself within her community, and an outsider trying to spam the community.

Where she finds them, I don’t know, but she comes up with the funniest “Wordless Wednesdays”. Check these ones out:

Effects of Inflation – $1 Bras
Your Yucky Mommy Body
It’s Never Too Early For Sugary Drinks

You’ve seen her on this blog, you’ve probably seen her on your blog, but for those who aren’t acquainted with her yet, her name is Vered, and her blog is “Momgrind”. She’s a blogger who started blogging in March (2008), but has already made a huge mark in blogosphere.

Everyone, please join me in re-welcoming Vered to the BWAB community, and don’t forget to check out her blog and the posts I’ve highlighted. She’s genuinely appreciative of all of her visitors and would love to see you there.

Hello again Vered!

Photo Credit: powerbooktrance’s photostream

Category: Archives, New Blog Of The Week Tags: Blogging, self promotion, social networks 25 Comments

Jun

You’re Only As Good As Your Current Post

Barbara Swafford

Have you ever noticed the majority of visitors to your blog only comment on your most recent post? Even your loyal readers aren’t digging to find more of your writings.

If they are, they often don’t comment.

Why is that?

Today’s Lesson

As bloggers we’re continually publishing new posts.

As our new posts are pinged, our RSS feed readers/visitors come on over, may leave us a comment, and leave.

Many may not take time to read more than the current post, leaving our older posts buried in our archives collecting dust.

Much of what may actually be our best writings gets forgotten.

When I look at my blog, I’ve written over 300 posts.

The ones that are most popular (based on comments) are listed in my sidebar under “What Others Are Reading”. I also include my recently written posts, related posts and most recently, random posts (lower left sidebar).

I try to make it easy for my readers to find previous posts, however, it’s rare I get a comment on an older post. When I do, it’s often the result of a search engine “find” or an inbound link (to an older post).

With that being said, I’ve come to the realization if our current post doesn’t hold value, we could lose visitors.

What if your most recent post isn’t your best, or even most popular post?

Might a reader show up, and never come back?

I believe sometimes they do.

Today’s Assignment

If you look at your current blog post from the eyes of a visitor, what do they see? Keep in mind, RSS readers are not necessarily coming in on your home page. Often they are only seeing the “post” page.

How easy would it be for them to find older posts of yours if they chose to “dig around” your blog?

Are you seeing this trend too? Visitors comment on your current posts, but your older posts go untouched?

How do you entice your visitors to “dig”?

Photo Credit: Just Taken Pics’ photostream