If You Intend To Blog Seriously
Blogs are not traditional media, and bloggers are not journalists. Unless they are. But it’s not a requirement. A blog is software. It’s something one puts up on the web to capture information, of whatever type one wants to put on there, and thus, if anyone tells you that you’re doing it wrong, that’s just silly. There aren’t very many wrong ways to do it (legal things like stealing from others might be something you could screw up, but otherwise). And yet.
If you’re going to blog seriously, consider the following:
- Consider the goals and value of your posts. Are you adding to a body of work? Are you blogging to educate, inform, deliver some value?
- Facts do matter. If you’re stating opinions, stress that they’re opinions. If you’re claiming a fact, try to cite it. (I tend to state mostly opinions).
- Remember that defamation is still an issue, potentially legal.
- You can always ask questions BEFORE you blog (novel, I know).
- Brevity matters. I know that I blog about this often. I just see several posts where one has to wade through to try and decipher the salient points (often my own).
- Disclosure is key. If you’re doing something to make money, if you have a business relationship with an organization that you’re writing about, if there’s anything that might potential change the way something is perceived were it be to be measured against what you wrote, consider that.
- Link when you’re mentioning other sites or information that has a link. It’s good manners. It’s the way the Web works. It’s more resources. Linking only to yourself says something about you (and it’s not flattering).
- Review the body of your work every 10 or so posts. Are you improving?
- Review the body of your work every 30 or so posts against the most recent. Are you repeating?
- Review the body of your work against 5 other blogs in your space. Are you an echo?
- Ask yourself WHY you’re posting what you’re posting. Pretend you’re the reader. Is this worth their time?
- What else could you be doing with your blog to add value to your core community?
There are lots of reasons to be blogging: capture your thoughts, share moments, build relationships, establish thought leadership, sell electric toothbrushes, whatever. None of them are especially wrong. But if you’re going to blog with the perspective that you are a professional, give it your best. Your audience deserves it.
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The Social Media 100 is a project by Chris Brogan dedicated to writing 100 useful blog posts in a row about the tools, techniques, and strategies behind using social media for your business, your organization, or your own personal interests. Swing by [chrisbrogan.com] for more posts in the series, and if you have topic ideas, feel free to share them, as this is a group project, and your opinion matters.
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Comments
brevity. Facts. All true. Its like we’re all learning a whole new set of conversational skills. Fascinating times!
Another tip that belongs on this list - it was true when Mom said it years ago, and it is still true: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say it at all. Criticism for the sake of criticism is not a blog post, it’s just negativity and why put something like that out into the world. I’d like to think each blog and each post can add something of value, something positive. You know, sort of like yours do! Hey, I’m not saying I get there, just that I try. :)
I’m posting number 100 since my return to blogging less than four months ago. I agree with everything you said. It’s about always trying to get better. There’s a lot of great blogs out there. I’m just trying to return the favor.
It’s also important for people to show their personality in blog posts. We aren’t mindless automatons. We’re people.
Too many bloggers try to write like journalists would write for a newspaper, but blogs can be less formal, fun and interesting when the unique personality of the blogger shows through.
Wow, Chris… it’s like you are writing this 100 posts just for me as I venture out into vlogging. I think most all of the same rules apply, so this will be a great reference for me.
I wish SOBcon08 (http://www.sobevent.com/) was quarterly so I could be in the same room with all of you again!
Thanks for the info, Buddy.
Those are some great tips, Chris. Blogging, unlike print journalism, usually has no one holding you responsible for the quality of your work. Techniques to hold yourself responsible are important.
Great list, thank you! I’m taking a new look at my blogging, and I’m feeling excited–like webconomist said, these are fascinating times!
Great points, Chris. I especially like the suggestions of reviewing every 10 and 30 posts and am going to start doing that. Can’t wait for the next post!
Great points, I know when I blog, my entire goal is to provide useful information, and I check myself with every post to make sure that I am inline with that goal. If I am tired or not in the mood, my posts reflect that and so they don’t go live until they are up to par!
Thanks Chris,
JR
[…] was reading Chris Brogan’s blog on If you intend to blog seriously and I was thinking that even though I think I know my market and my community, maybe I […]
Great post….it’s a great reminder that we constantly need to review our work and not get lost in posting as much as possible.
[…] If You Intend To Blog Seriously | chrisbrogan.com - Great advice on blogging… should you decide to do so. […]
[…] If You Intend To Blog Seriously - Chris Brogan Blogs are not traditional media, and bloggers are not journalists. Unless they are. But it’s not a requirement. A blog is software. It’s something one puts up on the web to capture information, of whatever type one wants to put on there, and thus, if anyone tells you that you’re doing it wrong, that’s just silly. There aren’t very many wrong ways to do it (legal things like stealing from others might be something you could screw up, but otherwise). […]
I would argue that the Internet is unregulated, so defamation may not be a total issue if you keep referring to someone as a pronoun without using their name directly. I’m really tempted to start my own blog soon enough. At this point, I’m fed up with the way everything is going, somehow I need to find an outlet.
Kia ora Chris!
Some good points there. I’m new to blogging but I am also aware of most of the points you raise here. This is mainly due to some expert coaching by Michele Martin and Sue Waters and some blog reading I have been doing.
It is always good to be reminded of these important points and this is a proper time for me to be reminded of what seems to be a list of good points for bloggers.
I haven’t really made up my mind whether I intend to blog seriously or not. I think I do.
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” …successful blogging usually requires that the authors personality can be seen in what is written,…sometimes an internet writer lets his hair down too much….How does an Internet writer show his audience his or her real self while also maintaining a degree of professionalism necessary to developing a good brand?”
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Nice Chris…I like this stuff, as I am personally always trying to improve my blogging! Will be curious to see the comments here, and how self aware people are, when willing to admit that “maybe my blog ain’t so great?” Anyway, taken several of these points on board, and back on the train if continual development!