The Trouble with Blogging (Another post):
I've been reading several provocative posts about blogging lately. How about you? Those who've been around the blogs for, like, forever, know how blogging has changed--so much more competition from other social media and it can interfere with our writing life.
Blogging is arguably the most time consuming of the social media, which is possibly why bloggers are becoming more discerning about who they visit, what they post...some bloggers I know are no longer blogging at all, or very infrequently, citing time constraints, boredom with the whole blogging scenario of cover promos, book promos, helicopter raffles etc etc., which is much the same on all social media.
When I started blogging in 2007, it was exciting. I had no idea who I was in the blogging world or what I wanted out of blogging, or what I could give back. I'm none the wiser, thus my ever-changing blog. My blog posts are becoming more sporadic--IWSG and WEP take care of 2 per month, then I just have to find the other two posts. Remember the days when we all blogged at least three times a week?
A few days ago, I read a post by Karen Jones Gowen. She posted her feelings about the current state of blogging, one of the many I have read recently, but Karen's resonated with me. Go to her post to check out the full article for her exact words. My responses to Karen's points are italicized. I hope you will add your responses in the comments.
Karen highlighted:
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I've been reading several provocative posts about blogging lately. How about you? Those who've been around the blogs for, like, forever, know how blogging has changed--so much more competition from other social media and it can interfere with our writing life.
Blogging is arguably the most time consuming of the social media, which is possibly why bloggers are becoming more discerning about who they visit, what they post...some bloggers I know are no longer blogging at all, or very infrequently, citing time constraints, boredom with the whole blogging scenario of cover promos, book promos, helicopter raffles etc etc., which is much the same on all social media.
When I started blogging in 2007, it was exciting. I had no idea who I was in the blogging world or what I wanted out of blogging, or what I could give back. I'm none the wiser, thus my ever-changing blog. My blog posts are becoming more sporadic--IWSG and WEP take care of 2 per month, then I just have to find the other two posts. Remember the days when we all blogged at least three times a week?
A few days ago, I read a post by Karen Jones Gowen. She posted her feelings about the current state of blogging, one of the many I have read recently, but Karen's resonated with me. Go to her post to check out the full article for her exact words. My responses to Karen's points are italicized. I hope you will add your responses in the comments.
Karen highlighted:
- Bloggers not reciprocating visits.
- It is social media, so we should interact.
- She's become more selective over time on who she visits.
- We have to be because of time. Also, if I comment time and again on a blog and they never reciprocate, I might keep visiting, but I rarely comment.
- She sees too many articles on areas she's not interested in, for example, self publishing, thus she often wipes those blogs off her visiting list.
- This would apply to any blog whose posts hammer away at something we ourselves find boring or uninspiring. I love posts on self-publishing as I may do this one day. But we should blog about what we want to--it is our blog after all, and our own fault if no one visits us.
- She's fascinated by life, and loves to know about meals, workplaces, shopping habits, clothes, entertainment.
- I found this fascinating. So, Karen, hold me back! I like gourmet meals, my favourite being baked beans on toast, yum -- my workplace is the Brisbane State Library where I tutor eager International students in English as Aussies are bored with all that education -- I am bored with shopping, but I regularly hit the Op Shops in my suburb and delight in finding a designer jacket for $10 -- I love dressing up as long as it is in torn jeans, a shirt and a vest -- my entertainment is watching all the money I save by not going to live shows grow so I can travel and really be entertained...(I hope you don't take offense Karen. Cultural differences. Aussies are rarely serious, (except when someone blows a plane out of the sky, for example), but there is truth in all my responses).
- Karen doesn't like book reviews on blogs, which she can get on Goodreads or Amazon etc (unless it's a blog set up solely for book reviews).
- Who else notices that their blog comments drop when they review/promote books? But I maintain that if I read 100+ books a year, I must tell you about a few??? Sure, I can do that on Goodreads and Amazon, can't I? But I do like to help selected bloggers promote their books -- it's just one of the ways to spread the word. And it's HARD!
- She's right into blogs that blog about things relative to the stories they write, which keep to their author persona--citing our favourite chick lit author Talli Roland, whose blog posts are life lite (my expression) as are her books. Talli blogged about her latest thoughts on blogging here.
- Basically if you write murder mystery, Karen doesn't relate to blog posts on flowers...well, bloggers, how about poisoned poppies in Amsterdam? Or black roses?
- If you write romantic fiction, for example, Karen suggests your blog posts should be like a romance novel come to life.
- Perhaps I sounded a little light hearted above (gosh, my critiquers say I keep using 'little' more than a little, ugh, but I really relate to this point). Like many bloggers, I'm not quite sure what to blog about when it's not IWSG or when I'm not sharing my flash fiction once a month (which fits my writer persona in my romantic fiction genre and probably bores you silly if you're not into romance). But as I said, once upon a time I blogged about Travel and Paris on separate blogs, but now I've decided to incorporate that type of post here on my writing blog, as I set my stories in places I've visited. At least now my blog header typifies travel and romance. I don't just travel for entertainment, I travel with the intention of writing about it for travel magazines and for enhancing my fiction and my long-term goal of writing a travel narrative. The first novel I will publish...soon...is set in Fiji, so travel posts are quite apt.
- My next visit is most probably going to be to Cuba, which I have romanticised in my mind over the years, and Mexico, likewise. Perhaps I will share with you some stories from those countries as I research them before I hit their shores. Dare I mention that I'm currently reading a great little book on travel in Cuba, Vultures Overhead by blogger Jo Carroll? I'm learning so much as Jo has just returned from Cuba, travelling alone, brave lady, and has already written about it.
So thank you Karen. You've helped me to consolidate my thoughts a little about how to make my blog better--more interesting? less boring? thought provoking? a romance novel come to life...??? Hmmm.
- I hope that you will leave a comment about this topic so we can learn more about the blogging world.
- Speaking of posting, please join me for the Write...Edit...Publish challenge next week, starting on Wednesday 23rd July. The prompt--A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words. Go to WEP for details and to sign up, or you can sign up here in my sidebar. Your post can fit your blog persona quite easily.
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73 comments:
I read her post! And she was nice enough to say I was the only person who posted about movies and stuff that she visited.
I know comments drop off when it's just a promo post. That's why I post three to four subjects in every blog post. Something for everyone that way.
Talking about life is always interesting. Constantly talking about one's books is not.
Most people I visit are friends. I visit to interact with them regardless of what they discuss. But considering that is a long list, I also have to watch my time.
I do intend to adjust what I post about. You're right, too many cover reveals and such. I'll still do Ninja News, letting people know about new releases, but I'd like to shift back to more movies, music, games, and science fiction stuff. And trivia! It's been so long since I did any trivia. Watch for it Monday...
Thanks for sharing, Alex. Yes, you have many things in your posts, so readers always find something that interests them. I'll be by Monday for the trivia.
A fascinating post.
I think there is a bit of a rethinking about blogs at the moment - there was an explosion of blogs a few years ago and now we're wondering how long to keep going, what to write about, and the result is some soul-searching and general angst.
Some bloggers begin by thinking what their readers would like - and then design a blog to meet those needs. My reaction to those blogs - some are wonderful, but it's hard finding something new to say about food, or shoes, or (dare I say it) writing week after week.
Others - and I include myself in his category - write a blog because it's fun. I write about things that matter to me, or entertain me, or feel relevant at that moment. It makes it a big incoherent at times.
However, my first love in travel - and I suppose most of my posts come back to that one way or another. I flirt with it, skip around the edges of it, but am fascinated by difference and by the needs and feelings that we all have in common. If it entertains others, that is a bonus. Of course I love it when people comment and engage with my ideas. But I certainly don't edit what I write because other people suggest I should.
And many, many thanks for referring to my Vultures. Cuba, as you are realising, is a fascinating place.
I read the post, but what she/others find interesting, I don't. I dislike a blog to be the equivalent of a high school chat room. I prefer a blogpost with content that teaches me something or shows me a place I haven't been. Reading reviews on Goodreads (trolls abound) and Amazon should be only one part of that assessment (where many reviewers just want to up their status with flyby reviews). BTW, Denise, I'm not commenting much now (you know why) but your post caught my eye. It's the content and how you spin it that counts.
Cuba would be interesting, I'd prefer Cuba to Mexico.
I find there are heaps of blogs out there now who blog about stuff which doesn't remotely interest me. There is also one blogger I picked up during the A to Z who blogs several times a day. Way too much.
Looks like "the death of blogging" is in danger of becoming its own hot topic. I'm in the middle of drafting a guest post on exactly this topic myself. Hope I can get it done before everyone gets bored with the topic :)
Karen's post is fascinating because it talks about what she does/doesn't want in a blog, which is exactly what I would like to hear more about. I love her thoughts on making posts relevant to the kinds of stories you write. I'll have to explore that.
I tend to ignore book reviews, and notice a distinct lack of interest on those rare occasions I post a review myself, and - oh yes! - I hate captchas and comment moderation. Either of them raise the bar for me to bother commenting, but both together? Come on!
Blogging has certainly changed. I don't feel comfortable posting about my personal life, which is why Karen's post and example of Talli's blog made me start to think I don't have a future in blogging with this particular template anymore.
There's no easy answer is there Jo?
Thanks for taking time out to comment D.G. We all have different expectations for blogs these days.
I think Mexico has many faces. Probably will only see Mexico City. Have always dreamed of Cuba.
Be well, D.G.
I know. It is arrogant to think people have the time to read that many times.
I don't think it's the 'death of blogging' Keith, I think it's the 'refinement of blogging'. A tough market nowadays.
We are all different that's for sure. I do have favorite blogs whose focus is food, or chocolate...but my favorite blog topics are all about writing and travel. I'm sure you have a future...
I think our blogs become stagnant only if our minds become stagnant, too. Yes, it is the ME culture: "Enough about me. What do you think about me?" I write about things that interest me. I did a post today about the current state of Movie Posters and Movie Trailers. Some may not be interested in that subject.
They call it the WORLD wide web for a reason. Someone out there will be interested. And if not, well, I learned something about my interests.
Mother once warned me as a child not to grow up to be like the rooster on the weather vane: shifting with the prevailing winds. I think I will stay me and write what amuses and interests me, hoping to draw like spirits.
Excellent post as always, :-)
I like your refreshing take on the topic Roland. Your posts always reflect your writing style. There'll always be someone who likes what we have to say, but people are allowed their opinions on what they like and don't like and they vote with their 'feet'. I like the 'stagnant' word. As writers, we cannot ever become stagnant, but some do.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply.
Denise, Interesting twist on my post! And thank you for featuring it! I hope people don't think I was saying what they should or shouldn't blog about, because it's as personal as any kind of writing, and I wouldn't presume to do so. I was stating what I like, and what keeps me coming time and time again to blogging, especially to certain ones when I've seen they've written a new post. I really do believe blogging is an art form, and if it is treated as such by the writer, they'll have more success and enjoyment in the pursuit of it.
All very interesting. Why did I start blogging again? As those who know me know, I'm getting "older"--and at 74 am still a caregiver to my disabled daughter. But for the time being, we're both stable, and I feel more energetic than I did in January of year. So I began thinking how I miss some of my blogger friends from the past. So, like everyone else, I'm being selective, visiting those people I want to keep in touch with, that I feel some kind of kinship to, largely because of their support of the book that I had to blog about because I couldn't do promotion any other way. And back in 2010, blogging (as some here have noted) was incredibly lively, especially among the writers who began following me. It was great fun. But life changes, for all of us, and now I'll do what others have said here: write about what I find interesting, and if others find it interesting, they'll stop by. And of course, if someone stops by to visit you, Blogger etiquette requires that you visit them. Isn't this what they used to do in many circles in the "old-fashioned" "real" world? Interaction. I'd love to do it in person, but since that's impossible, blogging is the next best thing. And I love to visit creative blogs, which almost all writers' blogs are!! I intend to enjoy it, and be wise about how much time I stare at a computer screen. This ultimately doesn't satisfy the soul as much as real human interactions do. So come to Harrisonburg, Virginia and see me and Jen LOL
It's wonderful to have a blast from the past, Ann. So you're blogging again? I'll come by and see. I'd love to get to see you in person...one day I will, I'm sure.
(((hugs))) to you and Jen!
Hey Karen, great to see you here. I think I made it clear that that's not what you were saying, but it is easy to misinterpret words of course. Thanks for your opinions. They helped me. Everyone has the freedom to blog about what they want to, but it doesn't hurt to know what people like to see.
There isn't . Which is why I just carry on enjoying myself. That way I keep at least one person happy!
Hi Denise ... this is long!
1. I only (essentially for now) blog and I do comment back – sometimes eventually and occasionally I don’t bother as I’m not interested in that blog …
2. I will become much more selective as I go on blogging – in fact already started doing that
3. I do get bored with repetitive posts as I move from one blogger to another … blog tours I guess are a necessary evil though .. but I wish people could be creative and just not regurgitate information …
However I don’t do blog tours, only occasionally do a book review – as I don’t want the blog to end up ‘the same as everyone else’ …
4. I don’t like following the fashion – or trends – but I’m happy to read occasionally about food, also films – but again select ones, sometimes shops and clothes …
I wonder what my genre for the blogs I follow would be – it is a mix .. I enjoy intelligent blogs, and where I get good reliable information …
5. I don’t much like book reviews – way too many of similar ones for the same books around … but again bloggers who give us good overviews (personal) without hammering the same books around …
6. It’s creating a blog that others want to read … getting the original thoughts across in some way … Talli is a good example … as too Karen … as too you!!
7. Romantic Travel Fiction … some bloggers are interesting … others not so …
Your blog Denise – I find posts I really enjoy, many I learn from and you’ve loads of experiences to pass on ... and I’m not bored here … just don’t always make it – can’t remember exactly why … writerly wisdom can be too much at times – but only because I’m not in that mode at the moment ..
Alex makes a good point – we visit friends … and the A-Z has allowed those to build and see our persona in a different light to perhaps our blog …
Jo – writes as she wants … I just haven’t got to properly connect with her – but I should and Vultures Overhead about Cuba sounds an interesting read … in fact I will get it and connect!
DG – I agree with her comment and prefer to learn from a post …
Jo – on blogging every day I find too many, but I just don’t comment and then more than that every day .. tough I’d be off!!
Ian and you … it is the refinement of blogging … and being decisive that no interest – means no visits …
Roland – says it well about the stagnancy … I do despair when people say they’ve got nothing to blog about … can’t they think?!
Karen – well I’m grateful if it’s an art form – but that’s the way it should be to my mind … it took me a while to start and I really struggled with the content but am so glad I settled on the blog as is – yes it’s distinctly improved with age! Thankfully I’ve never felt compelled to follow the trend …
Ann – as she says, like Alex, it’s the friends we meet and make along the journey … and it would be great if we could meet up along the way sometime … personal friends and family should be the first on call …
Denise – sorry this is a long comment … and now I’m off to Karen … cheers Hilary
Roland I love your mum's saying about the rooster. If everybody thinks like that they won't worry so much about blogging. Hi Denise!
I went for a walk earlier today and was thinking a very similar thing. Blogs are an interesting identity. I don't care for the cover blitzes, etc but I have noticed bloggers are getting smart. They still do the cover reveals but tack it on to a post that we can read an get into.
I agree with so much of what you said. I try to keep my posts author-themey but that can get boring too. I'm trying to figure out how to be more personable when posting too. But that is a tricky thing.
Blog Tours are weird too. So many of them repeat the same thing over and over. - Ha, so I decided to have one myself. I'm trying really hard to change up the tour idea so that I don't bore people.
I'm going to go and read that post now too!
Phew, Hillary, you are talkative today. Thanks for the thoughtful comment. No one could ever accuse you of being boring on your blog. It is amazing.
Bloggers need to sell books which makes all those promos necessary, but it does make for repetitive reading. A pity so much of it goes on.
Yep, I've cut back... a lot. After blogging for fours years, I've come to realise it's a major time sap with very little return. Yes, I've met some wonderful people through blogging (yourself included), but I can maintain those relationships without blogging everyday or every week. I might change my blogging routine once I have a book out, but it's not something I need to stress about right now. What I need to do is keep writing.
I'll drink to that Lynda.
Denise, I always like to hear what others think about blogging as well. I really enjoyed the comments that showed up on my blog with this subject, and have read all of the ones here as well. I've find when I post about--- blogging--- I probably get more comments in response than any other topic!
Me too. As bloggers I guess we want to be the best we can be.
Hi Catherine. I love how comments are popping up.
When I read this yesterday I laughed knowing I had a book promo post today. I don't like to do them too often. By the way I follow a poet who posts a poem every day and reads lots of blogs and has 10000 subscribers. That's one upside to regular blogging if you can keep it up.
Excellent counterpoints, Denise. And my opinion runs much closer to yours. Maybe it is a cultural thing.
I've been blogging since 2005, and WOW has it changed. Back then, blog posts were 3x longer and much more personal. I was one of the few who actually had a theme, which was the funny/weird side of science. Eventually, I got burned out on it after five years.
Micro-blogging is where it's at these days, unfortunately. Now posts are either two or three sentences long or just a picture on Instagram. Short attention spans for sure!
I rethink my blog at least 2x a year. I like to help promote other authors, but prefer tacking it onto a post these days. I don't think the blasts are a waste. The author is trying to be seen and each blog gets readers the author couldn't otherwise reach.
I try to blog about what I like and try to be entertaining. I figure it gives readers a sense of who I am. I did cut down to blogging 1x a week. But what bores one person, excited another. Shopping, clothes, and shoes bore me silly. It would also bore the audience I write for.
Condensing and being smarter seems to be the place blogs are currently at.
It's been a while now since I started only visiting my commenters. As you said, time restraints. But in the back of my mind I know there are blogs out there that I should be reading because of where I am in my career. Sadly, we/I can't do it all. There simply isn't enough time. I think my biggest regret is I don't spend enough time writing any longer. I used to . What happened? Oops, now I'm talking to myself. thanks, Denise. This is a fascinating subject.
I have read this post with interest, it is good to see so many thoughtful comments being left too. I think we are all short of time and attention at times and therefore our blogs need to reflect that. It is sometimes hard to come up with interesting material for posts and I am thinking about the way I want to move my own blog forward. I love blogging and have met some wonderful people all over the world so would hate to lose that.
Thank you for visiting Denise, and yes it is lovely to meet a fellow Queenslander! Although I have moved back to northern Queensland and into the heat trap, I did (in another life) live on the Sunshine Coast (Tewantin area) and it was lovely.
A writer I am not - in any way shape or form, gosh in some of my more wordy posts I recall getting a headache trying to string a descriptive sentence together correctly!
My blog, way back started as a travel blog just for family and friends, as I was about to embark on a road trip that didn't eventuate and somehow, it just evolved from there. I've called it a lucky dip as I have no particular focus and along the way have made some amazing friends in blog land.
In response to your post, in essence I believe that bloggers should apply the same etiquette and courtesy to commenting and visiting as one would in the real world. And I do agree wholeheartedly with many of your response comments.
Have a wonderful week Denise and again it was lovely to meet you.
Rose
I only visit the blogs of people who comment mine--so I don't have to worry about bloggers not reciprocating. I'll read and comment once--maybe another time if I don't realize I've commented before and not been commented in return. But just going through my comments and commenting on those helps. I do wish more people would focus on content rather than book reviews and book blurbs. We all have to support each other, but every post doesn't have to be a book review. I don't even really like book reviews! I try to stick primarily with blogs that have interesting content, but if a book reviewer/book blurb addict comments my blog, I'll always reciprocate, of course.
I could write a lot here, so I'm going to try not to do that.
I've loved blogging since I first started in 2009, but I'm thinking something has to change. To blog in the way I was blogging originally went from a few minutes to 2-3 hours every day. I don't have that luxury. I've cut back to blogging once a week. Now I spend about an hour every day visiting other blogs. It's better.
I totally get feeling like a promotion machine. I've done a lot of cover reveals this year. I'm thinking of going to one post a month and revealing covers for that month all together in one post. I'd like for bloggers to post my covers, too, so I understand how important these are. I don't plan to stop helping writers. I'm trying to do that on my website as well, but so far there's little interest from the writing community.
The stated purpose of my blog is a spot for writers and readers to get together and hang out. That's it. I don't write about writing. I don't review anything on my blog. I write Crime Fiction with a Kiss novels. On my blog, I don't write about crime or romance. Real crime is ugly and sordid. Real romance, on the other hand, is the opposite. Writing about it every week, though, could be boring. We need a thorn here and there to make us appreciate it.
My blog is a two-minute bit of fun. I often post pictures of flowers. I love them. Also shots of my dogs. Of the beach. Of Texas. I write silly top-ten lists. Funny essays about my life. I always aim to post something readers won't find many other places.
If people don't want to visit, that's fine. But it seems many do. I always respond to commenters, plus I have my own list of people I try to visit at least once a month. If I ever miss anyone, it's an oversight on my part. I'm sort of like the loyal dog that you have to kick out of the house and lock the door before he gets the hint.
I'm different. I like being different. I'm interested in a lot of different things. I hope it shows on my blog.
It does Carol. And you seem confident in your blog's focus.
You too Rose. I will visit again.
I'm with you Stephanie.
Me too Suzanne, and obviously many are thinking about blogging and wanting to keep it interesting.
Hi Denise,
Oh yeah, a topic that gets me all fired up. I've been considered a blogging rebel. I really struggle with all those blog hops, blog fests and that, what I consider the most idiotic of the lot, the A to Z Challenge.
Call me cynical, but a number of bloggers make out they are part of a sharing, caring community when all they really want is to accumulate superficial blog follower totals. I find that very sad.
However, I'm very luck to get a lot of interaction on my site. I also, as best I can, give a personal comment back to each person. This causes a dilemma because that can be so time consuming when I could be spending more time commenting on other sites. I do comment on a large number of sites and I will never give a vague comment that may have nothing to do with the post. You know the type, they leave, "Great post!. Thanks for sharing!"
It's all about trying to find the right balance. Not easy to do. I would like to think blogs could move with the times by perhaps doing a bit more variety. Then again, I would say that. I do just about any kind of genre imaginable. If all else fails, I have a certain dog take over.
In conclusion, I do a lot of background work in the blogging world with little fanfare. I like that.
Great post! Thanks for sharing! :)
Gary
Thanks for your thoughtful comment Gary. I'm with you on the A-Z. There are not a lot of permanent 'friends' made. I'd rather do NaNo each November. At least I'm writing my stuff every day.
I love your blog and I love it when Penny takes over too. You are very loyal to your commenters.
I always feel delighted when I discover a new blog! What I do when returning comments is to choose a link to someone I don't know and it usually ends up being a good choice. But I do know if I'd spent my blogging time writing, I'd have several novels published by now, lol!
...and I differ with you on blog hops since I run a permanent monthly blog hop for those who like to write/critique to a prompt. My little contribution to the blogging world. People come and go...
Yes M Pax, your blog is not stagnant, but I think it's yours I have trouble finding at times as it links to google+. I might be mixing you up. But as i'm not at all into sci-fi, it's not one I visit much, sorry.
It's certainly changed since I started blogging. I like long posts. I'll never become a fan of micro blogging.
I've found that I take a lot of "breaks" nowadays, where before I felt the pressure to get on a M-W-F schedule and stick to it. But then I couldn't get any writing done.
I also try to post on Monday and then go through my list and comment on other blogs on Monday. (Because a lot of other people only post on Monday.) It seems to be working for me as I get it all out of the way in one day. The rest of the week is for writing. (If I have time, I'll also scroll through over the weekends to see if I've missed anything interesting.)
I skip posts of cover reveals and reviews. I skip posts that are too personal (some people overshare). I skip posts that don't appeal to me. As I'm sure that's why people skip my posts as well.
It all comes out in the wash. However, the question I've been asking myself lately is....how long am I actually going to do this? It's been 5 years or so. Can I really keep it up for another five?
Good points Anne. Sounds like we're all getting weary of cover reveals and such, yet I understand authors have to sell books, but they shouldn't be so selfish by just promoting their own. :( I've found out some author sites are really a sham and they only pop up (maybe using a paid person) to promote their latest! That's not the sort of blogger I like.
Love the conversation here! I like your thinking, that it's the refinement or transition of blogging. I'm a weak blogger and commenter at this moment so no criticism from me, but I did enjoy blogging and the few challenges I participated in, but it is a time zapper. I've had to change my habits big time, as you know, but I love the posts that make me think, teach me something, and yes, when time allows - I love getting in on the discussion. I'll have to check out the other posts on blogging - change is sometimes good! I just hope I can eventually catch up and keep up!
I do notice that comments really drop off for book promos. But I think this is often because people's excerpts are really long, and even I am more likely to skim a post like that and leave a brief, not particularly in depth comment, than take all that time out to read something lengthy so I can make a meaningful comment. It's a matter of lack of time!
I definitely am trying to reply to all people who comment on my blog - not only on the blog, now, but then reciprocate on their blog as well.
Great to see you here Yolanda. You will catch up.
Like your thinking on book promos. Maybe it'd help to have the genre in the title. Then I save my time not opening a sci~fi book review.
Hi, Denise,
Too true that the blogging world has changed as have my habits I used to blog about writing and self-publishing, but nowadays I don't post as much. Also, I have lots of visitors but no comments, so of course, I don't know whether people are shy or just not interested in the subject matter. Admittedly, I'm not visiting people as regularly as I used to due to time constraints, and I do notice that some folks never return visits. I guess I'll just continue to do what I like and visit the blogs that appeal to me.
I manage 4-5 posts a month and get a good response. I don't think it's helping my sales, but I haven't found anything (free) that does. So I'll just continue to plug along. Plus, I like visiting other blogs to see what they're thinking about and how they're progressing. It makes me feel less alone.
Your posts are always interesting Lexa. Blogging is a great way to feel part of something. I consider many bloggers friends and it is great to meet them when it's possible.
Yes, Joy, I wonder about that 250 views and 20 comments. But I visit, read, and don't comment on blogs who don't reciprocate.
I think many things can lose their novelty. Twitter was very exciting for me when it first came out, but now I only tweet a few times a day. Same with Facebook. I deleted my last account because I got tired of it.
I'm having a harder time reciprocating comments, but by the end of the week I'm caught up. When I visit blogs I prefer short posts. If a post is long, it needs to be very interesting to hold my attention. I've stopped visiting some blogs because of excessive wordiness. With social media I like to be in and out, even with blogging, which is the most time consuming.
Thanks for your comment Medeia. Yes, we like our new shiny toys but do lose interest. I only retweet, rather than tweeting. It bores me silly. Facebook is more about my family and friends. But I differ in that I'd rather read a long blog post about something interesting than a short post about the latest blogger book cover or some such. I've learnt so much from wordy bloggers like Anne R Allen and Karen Woodward. I admire them, even though they project an elitest persona, but I might be wrong about that. Neither would ever dream of returning a comment, but they do reply on their blogs...but who goes back to read them?
Wow...and wow...
Hi Denise. Love your post. Yes I can relate to some of the points raised. I actually find social media a little tedious compared with blogging, though I have joined to keep in touch with relatives in other parts of UK and overseas, mainly. I'm not blogging much because of life's demands, otherwise I enjoy the interaction as well as the poems, flash etc.
Definitely food for thought. It's definitely true that the blogging world is changing, but such is the name of the game, and true, if a blog is all about book promotion or reviews, I might stop in once in a blue moon--but I do notice those blogs get tweeted out like mad.
Good to see you here Maddy. Hope all is well.
Yes they do Crystal. Interesting.
SURPRISE!!!! TIS, I. I resurfaced from under my boulder....
I must say, as a blogger for almost four years, I see how our world has changed. I remember the days when acquiring a new follower put an extra beat in my heart, It took me MONTHS to acquire my first 100 followers, posting DAILY for the first year. Imagine a post EVERY DAY for a full year?!!!
Now I'm lucky to do two a three a week. Now I average two. But it certainly is enough. With SO MUCH ACTIVITY in the blogosphere, WHO has time.
Ebook publishing has changed our world DRAMATICALLY... Now authors are publishing two-twenty books a year. It's overwhelming. Who can possibly keep up.
When we all hoped and prayed to find an agent and publisher, most posts were of the WORK, the JOURNEY, the HARDSHIPS, the JOYS of FINALLY hitting pay dirt.
Now, to me, those joys are not as rewarding. I am thrilled that our blogger friends are publishing their works, but why SO MANY. I am still trying to get my first two novels published. The second ready. It took me THREE years to perfect it. And now the query battle is taking it toll. But I still keep at it because I believe we have to keep on fighting.
I can easily slap it on Amazon, but I still feel it deserves a better home. Their are so FEW self published success. I only know of two author's who have really MADE IT. Those are really slim odds compared to the THOUSANDS of self published books each year.
I don't know how Alex Cavanaugh keeps up with all of them. He features five to ten new books a post. Just Crazy!
Plus I don't really the need for COVER REVEALS...Yes, I know they are the Craze, and God only knows how many I have featured, BUT I put some creativity into the event and if Bloggers only chose THREE MAX bloggers to feature their cover that would be MORE than enough to get the word out. Being select would give so much more meaning to this event.
AND to do them months before the release day, to me, is crazy. Why? If you want to do a reveal do it a week before, or even a few days, Get the community excited about it, then when your book launches we will be their celebrating with you.
Well, that's my quarters worth. LOL.
Blogging was/is a very important part of my life, but my time is becoming more and more limited and I'd like to enjoy every second of it in the blogosphere. So let's post with interesting and exciting topics, not just the same ol, same ol....
Michael, you have joined the ranks of the Switched~On Commenters. So it's not just me...thank you. I always enjoy visiting your blogs as you can turn a cover reveal into a work of art.
Hi Denise, it's just me coming back to read your post properly. I am not sure I am qualified to comment. Not much past to my blog, and probably very little future. :) I started it to polish up my writing skills, and to be able to participate in writing contests, both goals met but it's an ongoing process. I keep at it because it's fun. I was not comfortable with putting my personal life out there, so stuck to just poetry and fiction. That does not invite interaction, poetry is not a general interest thing. However, I always reciprocate comments when they are left, not much issue as there are few. I did participate in the A-Z this year, and I loved the work involved and grew as a poet and blogger, but as far as community building goes I don't think much happened. Blogging communities are pretty much established by now and tend to be tightly knit, and newcomers can feel out of place. I usually avoid bloghops (except WEP of course to which I am addicted :). There is also a level of insincerity in social media/blogging/networking and that is a little off-putting. I agree with some of klahanie's points. And that's a lot of talk from someone who started off saying she isn't qualified, so I'll shut up now :)
It is special to hear your point of view Nila. I used to do the A~Z, such a lot of work for little gain as far as I can see. As you say, blogging communities are quite tight, but i've seen newbies break through with a lot of work. Thanks for your WEP support.
Hi Denise and Gary - it's interesting .. the A-Z is the most fun part for me - I get to be extra creative, and I do meet great blogging buddies ...... I'd hate for the A-Z not to happen!
Cheers H
It's difficult to keep up with a lot of blogs, but when I find a blogger I like I try to keep following. You make many excellent points. Thank you for writing about an important topic.
Mary Montague Sikes
Thanks for coming by Mary.
I've been working on changing my blog because of the very things you've discussed here today, Denise. I'm tired of the repetition of the blogs I visit, and I'd like mine to contribute something different.
What I've decided is that my purpose in blogging may well have shifted or at least be on the way to shifting. I started it because my publisher told me to. Well, that's not a very good reason anymore. Now I'm more interested in connecting with people who write and read and who are willing to share their experience. I'm more interested in learning about "different" things from knowledgable bloggers or picking up quick tips on movies and other entertainment.
I still want to use my blog to show people my books, but I no longer want that to be my prime purpose. Now I just have to decide what I'll do and when. Thanks for this post today.
Glad you are thinking about changing it up a bit Clem.
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