With all the traffic from the Campaign, I thought this might be a good time to start a discussion about writer's blogs (or is that writers' blogs?). I'm a blog newbie, but--visiting as many as I have--I'm quickly discovering what I like and don't like about them.
I want to hear what my fellow writers and writing blog visitors have to say on the subject. What do you like? What don't you like? What turns you off, and what keeps you coming back? And my blog is fair game, so don't pull any punches on my account. ; )
I want to hear what my fellow writers and writing blog visitors have to say on the subject. What do you like? What don't you like? What turns you off, and what keeps you coming back? And my blog is fair game, so don't pull any punches on my account. ; )
Hmm...
ReplyDeleteMy eyes glaze over when posts are too long. :)
Um... posts, or comments. *narrows eyes*
Delete= P
Good point. So, how long is too long?
Posts, of course! *grins*
DeleteI would say keep posts under 500 words. 300-400 is a good range. :)
Interesting post. I struggle with this for my own blog, especially since I cowrote my first novel with my mother, so our blog is a mother daughter writing journey (and thus ends up having family moments).
ReplyDeleteBut, that being said, I want to know the author (as an avid reader and fellow writer) and not just hear about their book over and over again. If it's a constant marketing piece, I'll pass.
I agree with Carrie about posts that are too long (but obviously not comments that are too long *wink*). We all have limited time, so give it to me in short bursts so I can skim if I need to. I don't mind long posts if they are well organized, but long paragraphs like the one I'm writing right now are too much. :-)
I also don't like dark (colors) blogs. Personal preference.
Thanks for making me think about this. I'm also in your Group #3. Sorry I'm so late getting around to everyone. I'm off to read your challenge next!
Good point about heavy handed on marketing. And I didn't mean to imply I disliked all personal stuff--just saying some seemed to have a surprising amount. ; )
DeleteI completely agree with Carrie on the word count range.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I like blog series or two-parters. If it's extremely long, break it into multiple posts. Keep the reader coming back for more! But Lord knows I'm no blog guru. ;-)
ReplyDeletehahaha - neither am I
DeleteThanks. Good tip. ; )
I agree with Tia! Series or two-parters are the way to go. :)
DeleteI look for blogs that have an interesting point of view, whether it be for writing or anything else. I'll read a 3,000 word blog if its interesting and I'll pass over a 300 word post if its boring. Perspective and personality are everything! :-)
ReplyDeleteI have three big pet peeves:
1) I tend to avoid blogs that make it difficult to comment. Word verification drives me nuts.
2) Super busy backgrounds and sidebars that make posts difficult to read or distract from the content. Sometimes I wonder if the blog is so busy because the writer has no faith in their work. If they don't believe in it, why should I?
3) Blogs that post more than once a day on a regular basis. I hate having my e-mail or subscription listing clogged by a blogger that posts multiple times a day (I once subscribed to someone who would post upwards of 10 times a day!). It's a blog, not Twitter!
Agree on all 3.
DeleteI'm obviously posting a little more often because of the campaign, but I'll probably settle into a once to twice a week pattern.
Does it help if the posts for particular blogs occur on set days of the week? Or does it matter?
that question is for anyone)
Sorry, Tia. Our posts crossed in cyber space. Just now seeing yours.
DeleteMultiple posts a week don't bother me. I'm actually more inclined to visit bloggers who post several times a week. I tend to work on a set schedule for the most part, although I've been posting a bit more of late (my muse is going crazy right now!). My readers know that there will be a new post on M,W,F, and Sun without fail. I think that helps to keep my stats stable.
DeleteWhat kinds of posts do you prefer, CB?
DeleteIt depends. I follow a pretty eclectic group of bloggers over a wide range of topics. I like to find inspiration and see what inspires others. I read everything from poetry, fiction, informational articles, crafts, photography . . . the list goes on and on! I'm looking for bloggers who are honest and have a unique voice. In addition, I look for blogs with a positive atmosphere. :-)
DeleteWouldn't this conversation be even more fun with wine and desserts? But I digress... I'm wondering about posting, too. I've been posting daily since 10/1/11, never missed a day. I am part of several challenges, and can't help myself. But it's exhausting.
ReplyDeleteWhat # is good? I've heard 3-4 times a week, but short and sweet.
RE: Word verification... This may help:
ReplyDeletehttp://66squarefeet.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-turn-off-word-verification-from.html
Melissa, It worked. Word verification off. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat! hahaha. We cross-posted again.
Delete(see below)
or this...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hktnge5LS5g
I'm no expert, but this looks like what Carrie led me through when I was setting up the blog.
I'm loving this discussion! I'm really interested to hear what you guys think about this stuff.
ReplyDeleteSo, with the frequent posts, what kinds of things do you like? Opinions? writing helps? Hot topic discussion starters? What?
I don't like blogs that are too busy and make me search for the posting. I do like them when they have something new to say, whether it be an article or book review or just musings on craft. I don't like super long posts, however.
ReplyDeleteMichelle :)
WWW.michelle-pickett.com/blog
feel free to critique my blog. I'm new at this so I'm still trying to find my footing. :)
I like yours, Michelle. It's clean, neat, and well-organized. And I LOVE the cover art for PODS! Makes me want to read it. Too bad it's not coming out for another year. *pouts* My only suggestion would be to add a little color at the top, behind the header, even if it's a translucent, single shade. It would cut the bright and draw more attention to your posts. ; ) (...says the light-sensitive woman with bifocal-clad eyes. LOL)
DeleteMost of the blogs I read are writers' blogs, but they're not all about just writing. I like to get to know people as well. TI'm afraid the only thing I can say about my own with any certainty is that there will be music on Fridays :-)
ReplyDeleteMusic is good. = ) Thanks for the comment.
DeleteI'm glad you commented about these things. I didn't realize about the blogger page limit.
ReplyDeleteAs to the background icon, I'm not sure it will let me change it. I had to do some fancy footwork as it was, so it wouldn't overlay my 'about me' gadget. Hmmm.
From now on, my posts will probably be shorter. I had done the separate, linked pages because I wanted them to be visible and available long after the posts had scrolled down into past post never never land. But I may have to rethink even that.
Most important: blog posts that aren't too long!
ReplyDeleteUm... On some blogs it's difficult to find the comments button because the link is really small and "hidden" amongst other words, like tags and dates and who posted the post.
I fairly new to blogging also. I keep trying different types of articles to see what is best received. My pet peeves include 1) having to search all over to find how to sign up. Sometimes I give up. 2) Captcha verification 3) Not being able to find a link to twitter or FB if the person is on it. All contact info should be clear and on top.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to vent. I better go check my blog to make sure I'm not doing the things I said.
Richard
LOL, Richard. I'm checking mine, too. Thanks for stopping by. = )
DeleteGreat discussion here. Now I'm going to have to run check my blog for all these pet peeves.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been slow in making my rounds, but I’m saying howdy from the YA campaign group.