Monday, June 4, 2012

A Good Blog?


How would you finish this sentence?

A good blog will....

What are the first words that come to mind?

Educate?

Entertain?

Challenge?

While pondering this, several questions arose.

  • Why do I visit a blog? Does it pertain to writing or another topic of interest?
  • What do I look to take away from a blog? Links? Tips? Encouragement? A little of each?
  • What do I offer in the way of a good blog

The last question, to me, serves as a reminder and challenge to offer thought provoking value, info, encouragement, and fellowship. As a writer, I believe a blog can be an outlet and a tool that aligns with what I feel called to do. What do you think?

I happened across these links recently and thought they tied in nicely. If you have a moment, I'd be interested to see if you agree.

Twelve Things That Will Kill Your Blog

The 12 Dos and Don't of Writing a Blog


What do you think a good blog will do? What steps do you take to ensure your blog is a good one?

Happy writing,
Karen

P.S. Thanks to all for your kind words and prayers regarding my mother in law's recent surgery. She is feeling better, and is resting at home for now.

Photo credit: Stock Exchange



37 comments :

  1. I like to be entertained and informed. I love photos and side trips and information. Most of all I enjoy a good laugh, and Pearl does that for me.

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  3. Nice one!
    When I wanted to start a blog, one of my primary goal was to share my life's experience with other blogger and as being a literature student, I thought I will improve my writing.
    Meanwhile, I got to read other blogger's article. They were really moving and encouraging enough to let me share more of my daily experiences and at the same time, enjoyed reading their blogs.

    All in all, blog is all about writing what you are most interested in.

    Thanks for sharing.
    Blogging is my another pass time.

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  4. This one I think is huge: Engage.

    ~ Wendy

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  5. A good blog is enlightening and entertaining. Thanks for getting us thinking. :-)

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  6. I don't like blogs to be too whiny or heavy either. Sometimes I like blogs because I get great info, sometimes because it makes me laugh and entertains, sometimes because their posts make me think. :)

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  7. Great post! I enjoy sharing my Hutterite life with people and love blogs on writing or who have inspiring stories, beautiful photos, book reviews....

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  8. Linda O.,
    Entertained and informed - yes, I do too. It depends on why I visit too, but an attractive, interesting blog is always a draw.

    Yeesi,
    Nice to meet you! Thanks for adding your thoughts. I do think blogging has improved my writing as well; that's one reason I think it's a good tool.

    Bobbie,
    Thanks for coming over and weighing in. It's nice to meet you! I'm with you, sterile doesn't draw me in as much.

    Wendy,
    Oh yes, you are so right. I think it's important to connect and relate to our readers.

    Jennifer B.,
    Yes to both! I like how we can address writing and other topics in that way. It's a good way to express ourselves.

    Jennifer S.,
    That's another good point. I enjoy hearing about other's lives, but don't need TMI either. Balance and decorum are good guidelines.

    Linda,
    I enjoy those types too, and it's been fun getting to know you a bit better through your blog. :)

    Blessings all,
    Karen

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  9. I like to be engaged in a writer's excitement about their writing or their favorite hobby, and I like blogs that ecourage.

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  10. Agree with Tyrean - a good blog encourages.
    (I also try to amuse. Sometimes unintentionally.)

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  11. Glad your mother-in-law is doing better, Karen.

    I just read Twelve Things That Will Kill Your Blog. While family and other obligations can overtake your blog, the reverse is true as well. It's tough striking a balance.

    His suggestions on linking to other posts within your blog made me think. It's something I rarely do.

    Since my blog is about connecting writers and readers, I try to post about things that will interest both segments of my audience.

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  12. A good blog keeps you there for more seconds or minutes than you anticipated. Basically, it holds your attention, for whatever reason. And there can be a lot of different reasons!

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  13. Great food for thought!
    I came to blogging accidentally, a few years ago, started with one, and managed to develop more. Each has a different focus. Blogs, like people, are all different. Yet, each is the personal point of view/perspective of the writer. Unlike documentaries, or magazine articles, blogs are intimately connected to the writer. It's that intimacy we crave and expect, a way to know people and interact with them on a daily basis.

    Without that "personal" touch, blogs would be websites, platforms to sell something or other.

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  14. A good blog brightens my day and makes me want to come back again.

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  15. Will always make you come back for more. Richard

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  16. A good blog will connect with readers so they wish to return.

    It's also important for the blog writer to respond to comments to show a discussion is taking place, versus comments just hanging there, potentially acknowledged or potentially not.

    Good news about your mother-in-law. Blessings to you and yours.

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  17. I think a good blog inspires and motivates, amd makes us smile sometimes too. I also enjoy reading about a writers journey; both the ups and the downs. Well, this is what I aim to achieve in my blog :-)

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  18. Thanks for this reminder, Karen. I'm always worrying and wondering how I can make my blog better. It's hard to be all things to all readers.

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  19. Entertain, educate, and challenge, a blog doesn't have to do all three, but they must do at least one of those to keep me coming back.

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  20. I'd say a good blog will connect. What that means for different people is open.

    I'm so happy to hear about your mother.

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  21. Tyrean,
    That's a good point! Encouraging blogs are great too. :)

    Alex,
    Ha - yes, I know, I try and add humor too. Like you said, sometimes not on purpose!

    Susan,
    It can be tough striking that balance. As you know, my recent family obligations have put a dent in blogging time. A balance - always, no matter what is happening, right?

    Lydia,
    Yes, this is true, a good one will hold your attention. There are so many out there!

    Annie,
    Now this makes me smile and think of your blog! Always like to go back (to both, actually). :)

    Richard,
    Exactly! You hit the nail on the head!

    Janette,
    Good point. I think this is one of my favorite aspects of a blog post - generating a conversation. I think it helps us know we put something "discussion worthy" out there, you know?

    Diane,
    I like to read about the journey too! Helps you see that you aren't alone in the adventure, and you can gain so much.

    Joylene,
    It is hard! But we can only be ourselves too. We won't be everyone's cup of tea always all the time. That should be okay; it isn't always with me, but I'm learning!

    Ruth,
    Yes, I hear you. There has to be a reason to draw you in.

    Theresa,
    It really is subjective, isn't it? Variety is nice though, you know?

    Blessings all,
    Karen

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  22. I would add "encourage." I love blogs that encourage. There are many days that I need it. And of course...I love entertainment. :):)

    I'm glad your mother-in-law's feeling better. You're a faithful daughter to her, Karen. I'm proud of you.

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  23. Excellent post. Love the links!

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  24. I think a good blog should serve its readership. By this, I mean a good blog should meet its readers needs. In order to do this, a blog needs to be focused on a particular readership need. What that need is depends on the blogger, her expertise, and her purpose in writing the blog.

    My favorite blogs are those where I feel I'm sitting down chatting to the blogger over a cup of coffee.

    Thanks for thsi post, Karen. ;)

    Blessings,

    MaryAnn

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  25. Thanks for this post and the links. I try to bring giveaways and authors to my blog.

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  26. The blogs I like inspire me. Make me want to write better, live better, love better. Good blogs connect people. I don't re-visit blogs that are full of sarcasm and negativity. I thought the Writer's Digest article was good. :-)

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  27. I enjoy a blog that educates me in the writing craft or educates me about the things of God.

    I, like Rhonda, also like the ones that encourage me.

    For my blog,I try to stay within its scope.

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  28. A good blog is never too long. I do NOT read long posts, that is one of the reasons I love your blog Karen.
    I furthermore like to laugh and to be encouraged. I love links to interesting sites and blogs.

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  29. Rhonda,
    I do too! I think that's one of the top reasons I read blogs. Thanks for your kind words about my mil. :)

    Laura,
    Thanks! Glad you liked the links!

    MaryAnn,
    I agree. And it is like getting to know a friend, isn't it? I like the way you put that! Thanks for your thoughts.

    RBH,
    You are very welcome! Hope they are helpful. :)

    Mare,
    Yes, blogs sure can be mini shots of inspiration, can't they? So glad you enjoyed the article!

    Cecelia,
    You bring up a good point. I think blogs that are all over the place in their focus can sometimes be hard to follow. Thankful we have the option to choose what we read and write!

    Marja,
    I'm with you. I just don't always have the time to read lengthy posts. I try to get to as many as I can, and appreciate brevity! Thanks for the compliment!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  30. In my opinion, a good blog will both educate and challenge. Love the way you incorporate these two elements in your blog, Karen! You've got a 'good blog'! Hugs and blessings!

    *Great to hear that your mother in law is on the mend!

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  31. Maria,
    Thank you for your kind words! I trust the Lord to lead what to share; so glad to hear you like it. :)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  32. Hi Karen .. so pleased your mother-in-law is improving and feeling better - that's good to hear .. being home is the best.

    Re blogs - all of those educate, entertain in an informative manner and inspire perhaps rather than challenge .. asking people to think ..

    Cheers Hilary

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  33. Hilary,
    Thank you. :) Home can be best, that's for sure. Your blog always educates and entertains me and more!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  34. Wow, there are some great responses here!!

    Mine?

    A good blog will make your heart smile. :)

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  35. An excellent blog to read I really enjoyed it. .....and what a response.?

    I would like to thank you for being one of the three who took the time to read my last post.
    Much appreciated.

    Yvonne.

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  36. Jill,
    I know, I love the conversation that's floating around here! Thanks for joining in. :)

    Yvonne,
    You are welcome. It's always nice to come and see you at your blog. :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!