(Or why you may not be reading my blog.)
We bloggers can be a sensitive lot. We bear our hearts to the world and wonder if anyone’s listening. We like comments and feel insecure when there are none. (Am I alone in feeling this way?)
I’ve been studying blogs of those I read regularly and asking myself “Why do I keep coming back?” Sometimes those qualities are intangible—I simply like the blog.
I am,however, quite in tune with why I don’t read some blogs. Here’s a few of those reasons.
Sloppy writing. If you want me to spend my time…it’s important that you spend your time on improving your writing. Sentences that are sloppy and bloated are agony to read. I urge you to purchase “On Writing Well” by Williams Zinser. It’s brilliant and will make you a better writer if you pay heed to his teaching.
Unfocused message. I read Seth Godin because I know he’s the marketing guru. I read Dan’s blog because he has his finger on the pulse of industry. I read Wayne Jacobsen because he encourages me in my spiritual journey. I read some of my friends’ blogs because they’re my friends and I enjoy hearing about their lives.
I can be guilty of being unfocused. My mission is simple: Humorous straight talk on learning differences and family life. My audience will forgive a few bunny trails (like this commentary on blogging,) but if I’m constantly straying off topic, my point is lost and I become another unrecognizable tinkling chime in the wind.
It’s too long. This fits hand in glove with sloppy writing. Make your point and move along. Or I’ll move along first. I see that hand…you have a lot to say, you say? You’re probably not focused enough. Remember, this is a blog, not a treatise on health care reform.
Sending me off to read someone else’s stuff. Please. It’s your blog. Don’t send me off to someone else’s blog. Distill what you read on the other blog and tell me what the nuggets were. Sure, post the link. But don’t tell me you’ve got something to say and then let someone else say it.
They forget the What’s in it For Me principal. I’m sorry life is hard right now. Sorry your back hurts. Sorry Aunt Martha was miffed that you didn’t enjoy the fruitcake she gave you last Christmas. And I’m sorry….but I’m not going to read your blog anymore.
First and foremost a blogger must consider the reader. They are the reason we write. If you’re going to tell me about Aunt Martha- make me laugh or inspire me with how it resolved happily.
Lighten my load today. Inspire me. Invite me into your kitchen for a cozy cup of coffee. Give me a tip that will help me with my computer glitches. Help me with my weight loss goals.
Compel me to keep reading…
What about you? Why brings you back to a particular blog?
Filed under: 48Days, Misc | Tagged: blogging, On Writing Well, writing | 11 Comments »
