Archive for the Category »Archives «

Feb

Let’s face it, most people don’t even know what a blog is.

They go online seeking information and if the site (website or blog) they land on gives them what they’re looking for, they’re happy.

But, what happens if the site (blog) gives the wrong information?

Today’s Lesson

Like many of you, I do a lot of research online. Not just for my online endeavors, but for business and personal purposes, too.

Because I know what a blog looks like, I make a mental note each time I land on one. I know what I’m reading is usually the blogger’s opinion only and even though they make a claim, if they’re not citing a reliable source or aren’t a blogger I know I can trust, I assume the information is probably based on their experience.

Unfortunately, I see comments on some blogs which state, “That didn’t work for me”, “You didn’t warn me not to….”, “I damaged, broke, scratched, ruined my __(fill in the blank)__after following your advice.”, or “I purchased the item based on your recommendations and am totally disappointed.”

Sometimes the blog author responds with an apology. Sometimes not.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that as bloggers we can share our hints, tips and reviews, but as I blogger, I also know if a product is being reviewed and an affiliate link is attached, there may be some bias.

But, what about our readers? What if they don’t realize they’ve landed on a blog?

Because we publish information online, a lot of our readers will believe it, will follow instructions exactly as we post them, will copy what we did in a specific situation or will spend money on a product we recommend. If we neglect to list each step (in the instructions), don’t disclose we may be compensated for the purchase they make or don’t post necessary warnings, people or their belongings could suffer damage – physically or financially.

So, should blogs post a disclosure (not just in the terms of use) which states, “reader beware”?

What say you?

Today’s Assignment

How much responsibility should a blogger take for what they publish?

If you posted something that harmed a person or ruined an item, how would you handle the situation?

Care to share?

Category: Archives, Blogging, Blogging Lessons 75 Comments

Feb

Start With a Question

Barbara Swafford

image of a question mark In an earlier lesson we discussed how asking questions at the end of a blog post can possibly help us to gain more comments.

By asking questions, we not only open the topic up for discussion, but we let our readers know we’re interested in their thoughts.

And, if we answer the comments, our blog becomes even more interactive.

Today’s Lesson

When we sit down to write a blog post, the question we often ask ourselves is “What do I want to write about today?”. Oftentimes, we’ll just stare at our computer screen and our mind is blank.

Good ideas elude us and we’re left with a feeling of emptiness – an emptiness which can either lead to us not publishing a post, or throwing something up we’re not proud of.

In instances like that, I’ll often write backwards.

What I mean by “writing backwards” is, I’ll use the question(s) I want to end a post with and then write the copy which leads up to it.

This method creates what I see as a win-win. It gives me an idea for a blog post, plus furnishes a question to end on.

I used this technique today and my question was…

Today’s Assignment

If you’re stuck on a topic for a blog post, what method(s) do you use to spark your creativity?

Care to share?

Category: Archives, Blogging, Blogging Lessons, Writing Tips 78 Comments

Feb

Can You Do It All, and Do It All Good?

Barbara Swafford

Distractions are all around us.

At this very moment while we’re reading this blog post and thinking of what we’ll say in our comment, little ones may be pulling at our shirt tails, ~~begging~~ asking for food or attention. The phone is ringing. Texts are coming in. Our email is full of unanswered messages. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and our blog are open in different tabs of our browser as we try to manage them all. Add to that, dinner time is near and we haven’t planned a thing.

Where, or where is the number for our favorite pizza joint?

Today’s Lesson

I don’t know about you, but I have a lot on my plate.

I’m not complaining though, as most of what is on my plate is by choice.

In an effort to become more efficient, I try to prioritize what needs to be done each day. As great as that sounds, my plans often fail.

Distractions happen and what I had planned to do, either gets moved to my “to do” list for the next day, or doesn’t get done. (I guess it wasn’t that important after all.)

For my blogs I use plugins to streamline some of the processes, cut back on the time I spend on Facebook and unsubscribed to most automatic email notifications.

Those little tweaks help, but I feel I could do more.

I know many of you bloggers are super efficient. I admire that trait.

But, how do you do it?

Today’s Assignment

How do you do it all – blog amidst life’s distractions?

Do you have a set schedule and/or do you use other tools which aid in your efficiency?

Care to share?

Photo credit: MMChicago