The Art of Blogging
What is blogging?
That seems a valid question for which the answer is never just black and white. Prior to jumping into the world of blogging, I’d not had had any sort of answer. Today we are talking the Art of Blogging. Before I became serious about it, I really wasn’t versed on its ins and outs. In the two years prior, I read perhaps two or three max, and was impressed that they were not “professional” web pages but “merely” writers who shared their fandoms or passions. These writers did not just provide a place where I found helpful information but they were an inspiration to my aspirations of someday writing more “seriously.” Following my nearly three year blogging journey, it seemed like a fun test to share some of the things I’ve learned along the way. Plus I figured the fact that I began this blog post exactly a year ago meant I should either ditch it or hit that intimidating “publish.”
The Art of Blogging #fromthearchives Share on XRELATED DISCUSSION | [Three] Ways I Take on the Task to Clean the Blog
Tips, feedback and your own stories would be most welcome in the comment section. (And thanks to Juju’s comment below, I’ve tweaked some of my thoughts that I didn’t express as clearly as I intend too.)
THE ART OF BLOGGING
Communication
One thing in blogging that keeps cropping up is the importance of being inter-active in the circle you’ve designated as blogs you are inclined to trust or enjoy. I hear this in many social media avenues and think it also applies to blogging. Don’t be afraid to join in conversation. Or to share a differing opinion – so long as it’s respectful of the writers and fellow commenters, there is nothing wrong with that. Introduce yourself as a new reader and/or follower. As a friend recently phrased it, “you talk, I talk.” In other words, my stance on comments and conversation is personal. If you take the time to read these ramblings – and many of you offer lots of conversation, which I enjoy, plus I’ve found many dear bloggers and friends. If you are not willing to be someone who gives feedback to the bloggers who ask it of you, then the expectation to be given the same curtsey is unrealistic.
Consistency
This never used to be something that I thought was necessary to blogging and perhaps I should specify that it’s one thing that works best for my blogging. My motto has become something about blogging being a reflection on each individual writer and that it should be whatever the writer wants of it – and I still believe that 100%. However, for me consistency is something to consider prior to setting up a blog. Are you the sort of person who will have material to post twice a week? That’s not to say that for 52 weeks, you should post twice a week but there does need to be some form of patterns. It proves you’re “serious” about what you share and also informs your readers when and how often there’ll be new material. If there are ideas floating in your mind, find the time when you get the most writing done and get some posts written up; even if they aren’t “exactly” what you want to say at least you’ll have something to work off of. Let the schedule tool be your friend, too.
For example in addition to having review archives from before blogging, I find I do all of my best “new,” most efficient writing late at night. I pop in the earbuds and have no other “daily” distractions.
Design
Here is a subject that will have many different creative conclusions, which is great since we all like something different. I like simple; the simpler a design, the better. In browsing, I’ve seen some that are nothing more than a white background with only their title scrawled at the top in a neat font. Don’t underestimate the “power” of the white. I do love a “welcoming,” personal feel yet whenever I contemplate a background, I go back to that white space. Uncluttered sidebars are best yet should have any pertinent information easy to find. Keep the design classy, uncomplicated and simple. In the end, it makes easier reading.
Flair
Don’t be afraid to try new things. From personal experience this started out as an impersonal web space to post archives of film reviews. Now, I feel like it’s something more. There’s some personal scribblings written (which I would like to expand on if only I could get past my nerves!), and the interaction that the readers show this blog also helps in opening my mind to some new things; and to share a more personal side. It’s been a real pleasure and I thank you all for being a part of that – you inspire me!
Inspiration
If you visit a blog with a neat idea (say a meme) or an idea that you’re curious to expand on, unless the blogger holds a patent, don’t be afraid to ask if the idea is something you can use. When I’ve “stolen” bloggers (after asking) concept, most of them are happy for another blogger to run with their ideas. However I do want to clarify, I don’t in any way think it’s right to use someone’s work as your own. This is simply an idea to consider with permission.
Social Media
I never thought I’d say this but social media is a great asset to any blogger. If you want to drive more traffic to your blog, it’s a huge incentive to be on Twitter or even Pinterest. As a reviewer I appreciate using it to assist authors in any small way in getting word out on their recent novels. Plus so long as you have discipline not to let Twitter become an unhealthy obsession, it’s a wonderful place to interact; or ask questions about certain issues that may have you stumped. Issues related to blogging or various technical snags on favorite websites (like password lock-outs or the like).
So, these are some of the things that have helped me – and are my own thoughts on what works. What “the art of blogging” tips do YOU have? Anything you have learned or feel is important to share with fellow bloggers? The comments are all yours!
All written text © Copyright Rissi (RissiWrites.com) January 28th 2014
I echo so many of the same points Rissi! It's interesting though, because just the other day I was reading a couple of different articles on the death of the comment in blogging. I cannot say it's true entirely, and I hope it won't be true, because comments are one of the few ways I can actually get good feedback, and I've adopted the same philosophy that "if you speak, I'll speak."
Commenting is (sadly) more of a lost art than not. The conversations are actually my favorite part of blogging so it is unfortunate (you guys have been SO kind in these comment threads – I've had a lot of fun memories from our chats). It's the readers who keep this blog going and who have taught me so many things through their own blogging. I struggled with exactly HOW to talk about commenting because honestly I don't want it to come across as "if you don't comment on my blog, then I don't care about you" because that's just NOT true nor is it me. If I like a blog, it doesn't matter how interactive you are on mine, I'm still going to like yours. It's just that if we, as bloggers wish for feedback yet are never willing to put ourselves out there and offer it in return, it's unfair to expect it.
Thanks for sharing, Natalie. :)
I've been thinking a lot lately about blogging in general, too. One of my goals this year is to start leaving more comments on the blogs I read. There are some that I comment very regularly on, but others that I don't. Sometimes it's because they have so many readers that I think, what difference will my one little comment make? And others because I just don't know exactly what to say. :) But anyway, I'm trying to change that. (I watch a few BookTube channels on YouTube, and I'm trying to comment more often there, too.)
I've been wanting to give my blog a little makeover. I want to simplify the way it looks, but I find myself afraid of too much white. :) My blog has looked the same for so long that I'm a little nervous about switching it up. I've also been thinking about consistency…I'm not one of those who can plan out every post in advance. I tend to write posts as the ideas come: when I finish a sewing or knitting project and get pictures, after I finish reading a book or watching a film, etc. But I do try to put up 2-3 posts each week.
Occasionally I wish I had a few more readers, but I really love the little bloggy circle that I'm a part of. :)
As I said in the above comment, Kristin, I struggled with talking about commenting since I in no way wanted it to come across as a statement that suggested, "unless you talk here, I don't return the sentiment." If a blogger likes feedback, yet aren't willing to offer it, that expectation is unrealistic. I enjoy conversing with this community of bloggers, no matter where it is though like you, sometimes if it's a subject or blogger I don't know as well, then I will tend to shy away from commenting.
I know what you mean about the design – I was like that at first too. It was like, "wait, this could spell disaster!" Since then, I've had such fun putting together (and I LOVE your chevron look. It's so cute) new looks though I do "worry" sometimes over how unattractive the HTML coding looks in browsers that aren't the same version as mine. As to scheduling, I think you put up a great amount of material! I've lessened mine in the last few months and it's working quite well. :)
Me, too! I love all of my readers – and am always appreciative of the comments you all share. :)
Such great points! I agree with all of them :). The design one is key – especially with so many people reading off of mobile devices, they don't always look the same as on a computer!
Yes, I agree, Jamie! I have just been playing around with my new phone and recently took a peek on my blog on its browser. Fortunately it looks okay though I do wonder sometimes how my blog looks on computers that don't have the same web app version as I do. Ah, well! We do the best, right!? :) That being said, I don't like doing much beyond texting (and of course, phone calls) on a cell since the screen is SO small. ;)
…LOVE your new design. It's awesome. :)
So with you on communication, flair, and design. I love white backgrounds. I find my favorite blogs are the simpler ones.
But I think I disagree on consistency and inspiration. Regarding consistency, I blog when it comes to me. And I'm ok with that in bloggers I follow too. I think most people use some sort of feed reader to visit blogs right? As long as a blogger is blogging every few weeks so I know they haven't abandoned their blog, I'm good.
And I also don't agree on inspiration. It's murky water I think. I like originality and it really bugs me when I see something that was/is so obviously taken from another blogger. Everything you do feels fresh and has your stamp but some folks think it's ok to borrow something, change a few minor things, and call it theirs. I don't like that. Unless it's something that's been floating around blogland in many forms. Ya know? I recently unfollowed a blog that I felt was kinda always copying. It's a pet peeve for me I think.
So regarding getting social, I have a question is your wordpress almost the same as your blogger?
*High Five*
Those are some of the bestest things about the blog-y world, Juju. ;)
I hear you on consistency and inspiration. You bring up some excellent points and I don't disagree. I think for me with the former, I can do it because if ever I don't have a topic post to share or something random I was anticipating, I can fall back on reviews – which is what I do. But I've found that sometimes if a blogger has been missing in action for months, when they do post a new blog, it often gets lost in my dashboard and while I don't disagree that blogs should be written and posted once inspiration strikes and what works best for the blogger, it makes me sad when I finally realize I missed a favorite bloggers update. But then, all those reasons are selfish. ;)
As for inspiration, I don't mind borrowing other's ideas if they are participating in a meme-like thing and have found (after asking) most bloggers are happy to have someone use a similar idea. If you use someone's work as your own, that I don't agree with (and thanks to you, realize I NEED to specify), but if it's more of a meme and as you say, isn't exclusive to the blogger, I don't think it's wrong. You do raise excellent points and I agree that no one should claim something as their own if it isn't.
My WordPress blog is basically just a book archive site. (I post mostly the same book reviews and also do the TTT meme on Tuesdays – same as here.) I did import this blog to WordPress in case Blogger kept changing but so far that one is "private" and not open to readers.
Glad you shared, Juju – I liked several of the points you raised, and in fact think I need to check back over how I phrased some things. It's so hard to come across as one means in written form, plus I wrote the bulk of this over a year ago! ;)
Great points consistency. I hadn't thought of it that way. You've given me something to think about.
Oh ok. That makes on sense on inspiration. The meme thing I'm totally cool with.
Good plan on the backup. I back mine up weekly but I like the idea of having it loaded somewhere else just in case.
Thank you for conversing with me. I love that you brightened my day by making me think and try to articulate myself. :)
*hug*
I think that consistency mindset seemed natural only because I review so much ergo it's "easy" to have a plethora of archived posts whereas not all bloggers have that and I understand that. And it was my mistake in making it seem like that was the "best" way to blog. It's not and with your blog, I love that it's such a fun whimsical place – your last post was so sweet. :)
Thank you for making me realize I didn't properly explain the whole "borrowing" other's ideas. Reading back over that, I totally realized that it could be mistaken for suggesting I thought it was cool to steal other's work – I don't and sympathize with anyone whose work is copied and then passed off as someone else's.
I tend to be a bit nervous about losing everything so I like to have a backup too! I've recently began hitting the blogger "backup" button and feel like we can never be too careful. ;)
No, thank you for making me realize I didn't express my thoughts quite right. I really appreciate your comments and agree with your points. It's always fun to get other's thoughts and perspectives and I respect your opinion on these topics. Thanks!
*Hugs Back* :)
Thank you so much for sharing these tips, Rissi! I will certainly be keeping them in mind.
Thanks for reading, Lady Eowyn! Great to meet you. :)
Out of all these points, I think your first one is indeed the most important. I find it incredibly irritating to comment on someone's blog and never get any kind of a response. I enjoy communicating with people and when that happens, it feels like I'm just a sounding board. Bloggers need to prioritize answering comments — maybe even ahead of planning more material. It not only builds relationships but goodwill as well, since other readers know that if they ever do comment, they'll get a response.
Thanks for joining in the convo, Charity! :)
I agree – I enjoy all of the conversations you readers have offered up here and can only assume that many of my fellow bloggers also find the communication part of blogging a favorite thing. Really, it's because of the readers that I find replying to comments so easy and the fact that I enjoy it doesn't hurt. I can see where you'd find it irritating not to get a response – you always offer an insightful thought/comment and I know that your writing is the same way. Well said. Thank you.
You've got some really good advise here, Rissi! I so agree with you on the communication. I used to be better about writing comments on others blogs, but then between being busy with work and reading blog posts on my iPod I've kinda gotten out of the habit sadly. I really need to work on that. (BTW, I really appreciate every comment you've left on my blog. You're the only reader that comments so regularly and it means a lot. :D )
Ideally I'd like to publish a couple posts a week, but since writing comes so difficult for me I have trouble actually completing posts. Especially reviews. It's something I'm working and pushing myself at, though.
Thanks for reading, Sereina. I appreciate that. :)
Oh, yes! I totally get not commenting when you read a blog on a phone/iPod or device other than a computer. I was just checking how my blog looked (as far as coding) on a phone over the weekend and saw comments I wanted to reply to but just couldn't manage it with that tiny keyboard. I'm just too spoiled by my laptop. ;)
(Thank you for all of your feedback/opinions here – I've enjoyed all your comments, and am really glad to discover your blog. It's a lovely place that I'm always glad to visit.)
Writing doesn't always come easy for me either. When I'm writing a review if I'm in a rut, I find "forcing" myself to finish it, no matter how awful, helps because then I have something to work off of and the editing is easier than the writing in those instances. By looking over the review, sometimes new thoughts will be inspired by what I did manage to get down. No matter what, we all have a different process and hopefully can find what works best. :)
Yes, Rissi is WONDERFUL about commenting and responding! It does mean a lot!
A really great post and very helpful to me as I'm a very new blogger myself. I definitely agree with everything you wrote. Like Kristin was saying, I struggle with posting on other blogs too. Mostly because I feel like its so large a blog, they'll never notice my comment or I just don't get on other blogs a lot, lol. Sometimes its hard trying to balance the social media world. I feel like there's just so much to do and someone could spend forever on just one site (like tumblr, hehe). I definitely need to work more on consistency. And I'm glad you said that about simplicity. I like simplicity but my blog is so white and basic I sometimes feel its kinda plain. I guess I don't need to worry so much about that. Thanks for all the great advice!
Hi, Fayehope! Thanks for reading. :)
Well, I can say that I notice all of my comments/commenters. On the occasion that one may slip past me, it's surely not intentional – I really enjoy conversing with all of you no matter if it's here or on your blogs. :)
Social media, I totally understand! We do have to be disciplined enough to not spend hours on them and believe me, I have on certain times/days. I usually feel guilty afterwards but normally something good comes from that browsing. (Tumblr IS crazy – how many AWESOME photo sets do they have!?)
Not everyone will think "white space" is good but honestly, I LOVE simplicity. I've visited blogs that are plain albeit attractive and blogs that are bold and colorful that also look pretty. It just depends on the person and that's just as it should be. :)
Hi Rissi,
I feel like I haven't "checked in" in a while, and wanted to say hello. You can tell you put a lot of time into your blog, and I appreciate being able to stop by and see what you are enjoying in media and books lately. Your layout is always cheerful and I enjoy that you mix it up once in a while.
I must give you my "Castle" update (since you started me on that crazy fun journey).
Just finished season 3 and ….. Wuh!!? I felt something might be coming, but I wasn't really expecting the plot twist of one of the beloved characters actually being connected (or rather, aware) of what happened to Kate's mother. I felt left him with dignity though, which was really important as I hate it when screenwriters do last minute changes without regard to a whole season (or 2-3 in this case) of character development. I know Castle isn't THAT deep, it's more just fun, but I have enjoyed seeing a little bit more of what makes Kate vulnerable, or Castle more mature (in the sense that he is patiently waiting for her to come around). Season 1, I didn't care if they never became a couple, in fact, it sounded absurd. Now, I'm like, awwwww, come on, it would be so sweet!
And I watched Carrie Underwood's "Sound of Music" (which I'm glad I didn't rashly swear I would never watch, as I am prone to outbursts of that nature when precious ground is recovered by new directors, actors, and artists). It was better than I anticipated, and I enjoyed it.
Hope this winter blast isn't getting you too cold. It's pretty chilly here in Michigan (it's been that way for a while, and looks to continue to be so for a while). But, someday, I guess I'll get to tell my grandkids about the "winter of 2014," haha!"
Have a blessed week!
Camille – HELLO! Glad you decided to check in. :) I love mixing up my layout every now and then and in fact, am again looking for a new template – sometimes I wonder how it looks in others browsers if we have different versions and such because I like to think it's easily compatible, but well, sometimes that just happens.
CASTLE, yes! You know I always love reading your updates. I had to refresh my memory of where you are at and yes, my reaction was the same as yours – what? That was a CRAZY season-ender. Castle goes back and forth between serious and lighthearted while always maintaining more of the latter. This last season on DVD was definitely more happy-go-lucky and it was nice.
In regards to putting Castle and Beckett in a relationship – I agree! S1 was always about an attraction between them but he was different than he is now – although I saw underneath his playboy exterior because of Alexis. I remember the first few episodes I watched them together and being so impressed by what a close relationship they had – it's rare in TV today for that sort of "good" parent-child relationship.
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed Sound of Music, Live! in spite of your skepticism. :) It had its flaws of that I have no problem admitting but the crew was awesome (putting that on LIVE was no small feat) and for the most part, the cast was good as were the vocals – plus of course, I just love getting new recordings of these beautiful songs. (And ever since then, you wouldn't believe all the musical songs that have been floating through my head – lots of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.)
In years past, my parents say to me, "you don't remember how cold winters were!" so naturally this year, I'm getting a crash course. We've had wind chills down -30 below and temps. close to -20 below. Brr…! Way too cold for my liking.
Great chatting with you, Camille.
First off, I'd like to apologize that my responses are always delayed. When I comment on some blogs I get emails whenever a comment is made, but for some reason I haven't been able to figure out "Blogger" completely and haven't been able to get that for following up on you. And I'm slow. Mostly it's fact that I'm slow :/ :)
Yes, I loved Castle's relationship with his daughter, especially at the beginning. It probably was one of the major factors in keeping me watching at the start. Don't think I saw through him like you did though. I imagined the writers didn't know how to write him, (playboy by day, perfect father by night . . huh?), but as I go on, I don't think that's necessarily the case, especially when I realize how often dysfunctional family relationships are the norm in standard television (as you reminded me).
"Chitty, Chitty" . . I watched that whenever I was home sick from school in elementary school. A few years ago my little sister (who, incidentally, is also my half sister who lives with my Dad and stepmom and gets almost zero musical exposure due to the lack of interest over there), got sick. I brought over "Chitty" while I babysat. She rolled her eyes, then enjoyed every minute with me. Special memories. I love "Hush-a-bye Mountain."
Cheers and lovely Wednesday to you!
No apologies necessary, Camille. Whenever you have the time, you are always welcome.
Castle and Alexis are just… wonderful together. It's really rare that they cannot work through their disagreements though on occasion Alexis does (uncharacteristically) go against her father. I have no problem with Castle being thought of as a playboy because really, well, he can be.
Aw, that's cute your sister was against the movie and ended up liking 'Chitty Chitty.' I've not seen it for years but it's one of those I watched DOZENS of times growing up. As an adult I have to be in the "right mood" for musicals just because I can only take so many scenes of characters bursting into song – plus musicals are insanely long. Still, all of the good ones have special memories and on the right day, they are JUST what I need. :)
Happy Wednesday to you as well. Hope it's warmer than mine. :)
Thank you for posting this, Rissi–I always enjoy it when bloggers post tips! :)
I loved all of your points–they do always say that responding to comments is one of the best ways to get more views, and I've certainly found that true. Beyond that, carrying on conversations inside the comments has helped me get to "know" at least one of my faithful followers much better, which is a blessing because she and I share so many interests!
I also agree that consistency is very important; however, I would far rather that a blog would post something worthwhile to me only a few times a month than post random tidbits every other day.
And design–oh yeah! White backgrounds are definitely the best, in my opinion–they're just so much more open and welcoming! I remember when I had a dark blue background to my blog, and it just felt so wintry and isolated. When I switched to white, I almost felt as if I could breathe again.
On my WordPress blog I recently tried out something new–pairing a fashion post with some thoughtfulness. I loved doing it, and it made me feel like an actual blogger–like I had something to say other than just shallow fashion talk. (Not that shallow fashion talk is bad! I like to do that, too :)) Trying things other than usual is good for writers in general.
I don't mind sharing another blogger's ideas, but I prefer to have my own, because it makes me feel less a copycat and more, as I said before, that my ideas matter. I think originality is a very important concept in blogging.
And social media–hmm. I could either say "ugh" or "totally!" to this one. In my early days of blogging, I was so obsessed with getting new followers and more pageviews that I utilized every single social media outlet that I was allowed to have. I shared on Google+, pinned my posts on Pinterest, got on Bloglovin', and beyond that posted constantly, responded to comments, linked up to other sites, and commented on other sites . . . oh, and put my blog address in my email signature. After a while of that I decided I had my share of blogging + social media, but recently, because I've once again fallen into the trap of "more followers! more followers!" for my WordPress blog, I started sharing my posts on Pinterest. Once I get a Facebook I'll likely attach my blog posts on there somehow too. It can be useful, and other times it can drive you stark raving mad :P
Thank you again for writing all this up!
Thank you for reading it, Hannah – I enjoyed getting your perspective on these topics very much!
Conversation (or commenting) is the best thing about blogging. I really enjoy it and as you have experienced a new friendship so have I “met” some great people this way and feel like as a result, some of these people I’ve enjoyed getting to know via emails or even jut through these conversations. It’s fun and is encouraging to know there are other young people out there who were raised similar to your own upbringing and share some of the same interests.
Good point! I agree. Just posting a photo or random “quote of the day” type thing just to post isn’t necessary either. Consistency is something I’ve been able to work at because I had so many things written prior to blogging so it may be something that I’m in the minority in that which is okay, too. Whatever works best for the blogger is what they should do – partially the consistency thing is selfish. ;)
Design – *HIGH FIVE*
Trying new things is fun – and if a person likes to write, it’s good for us to try new ways of writing or blogging. Way back when I wrote a couple fashion-like posts and it was fun though it never stuck around here. Your latest WP post sounds interesting. I’ll have to check my WP reader in the next few days to play “catch up.”
Well said on originality. :)
I’m not so worried over pageviews or having a “more followers” mentality (though I always am glad to welcome new readers) – I just wanted to enjoy the experience and am very happy with the circle of people I “blog with.” This community is really great, however because I review I like to share on social media those book reviews (which I was able to review thanks to publishers, etc.) – or on the rare occasion I see a screener of a Hallmark movie, on as many places as possible to help spread the word. You are spot on – I love this about social media: “it can be useful and drive you stark raving mad.” How right you are.
Thanks for commenting! :)
This is a great post with some important topics to consider. I struggle with consistency on my personal blog, but I post on my book blog very often. I think it just depends on what is easier to talk and think about.
Hi, Julie! So great to meet you. Thank you a bunch for all the follows today and tweets, too – looking forward to following your blog. :)
I agree. It does depend on the topic. Much as I want to veer into some blog posts about "hot topic" issues usually I put them aside for a while because a.) I'm either not happy with how they turned out (i.e., it's really hard to come across exactly as we mean in written form, mostly in conversational posts) or b.) it's recently popped up in your dashboard as someone else's thoughts. It's probably why – like you – I fall back on reviewing so often. It's "easy" and keeps up constancy. :)
I believe I agree with every single thing you said! The two biggest things for me, when it comes to blogging, have been consistency and communication. Just about a year ago, I buckled down on my blog and decided to make it a serious thing. Before, I was posting when I felt like it, a review here and there mostly with some Teaser Tuesday and mailbox posts thrown in for good measure, but I went to posting 6 days a week. With that, not only did my page views shoot up, but so did my comments and acceptances into blog tours, for review copies, etc. I was also kind of lax about commenting back–commenting in general actually–which I've also buckled down on.
This also has led to more interaction via Twitter and Facebook, and really trying to cultivate a space for discussion of books. I'm still not there yet, but I've found that blogging feels like less work and is way more fun now!
I love this post! :) Great job!
Rachel @ Paper Cuts
Thanks for reading, Rachel – and for the blog follow. Glad to have you as a follower. :)
I agree. Commenting and consistency is important – particularly with review blogs as we run. There are some days when I don't get to replies in a timely manner and that's okay. It's just fun to interact with readers who are like-minded – how fun is it to gush over shared fandoms, right!? ;) Mixing in with reviews, those memes are a great way to step away from the more "rigid" review posting. Personally, I've added in a few WOW and more regularly participate in Top Ten Tuesday both of which are an "easy" alternative if there aren't any reviews to post.
Blogging should always be fun I think so I'm glad you've found a schedule that words well and that now, it's all fun for you. That's one of the best things about this world. :)
Again, thank *you* for reading. :)
PS: I love your blog name. So cute.