3.15.2009

Thing 3: Explore how Writers are using blogs

--Return to the Writer Thing List

Blogs are easy to create. The writing can be the difficult part. What should I write about? Do I have anything to say that is of interest to anyone? Writers read in their genre to stay in touch with their craft. Reading others blogs is a way to get ideas for your own explorations. Whether for building and maintaining a readership, self exploration, developing voice, or marketing, these are only a few ways you might start your blog writing journey. Check out these blogs for blog craft. Thing 3 gives you a look inside these possibilities as you dive into the rabbit hole...

To complete Thing 3 you must:
A. Review some of the blogs on the list.
B.
Post a comment on this blog
C. Post a comment to another blog of your choice
D. Look at your blog settings
E. Reflect on Thing 3 on your blog

Blogs

Blog Search Engines

Comment on some blogs

Commenting on blogs is critical to a thriving blogosphere. It's also how you draw others to your blog. Make yourself known by your comments and others will check out your blog. People appreciate comments on their blogs as validation of their efforts. Whether posts are positive or arguementative, a dialogue is created and the blogger has ideas to consider based on your response to their thinking. Pick a few blogs to comment on, beginning with this one. Perhaps post on some of the other participants in this Writer 23 Things, and/or other blogs.

Look at your blog settings

There are many things to consider, such as who can post to your blog and under what conditions. High restrictions makes response less likely. Determine what you want and then adjust the settings accordingly. Check out this video for more support.



D. Reflect - Blog Prompts for Thing 3

How might you use your blog for writing or work? How might you use a blog with readers? How might your blog encourage responses? What concerns do you have about blogging?

--Return to the Writer Thing List

6 comments:

Gypsygirl said...

It's been very eye opening to see what other writers are doing with their blogs. Some I liked more than others. Looking at the blogs helped me see what works and what doesn't. I now have a better idea of how I want to present my blog.

JM said...

It's good that the sites have given you a deeper perspective for what you want vs. what you don't want. What a great start for you! :)

Claire said...

This is very interesting. I'm learning a lot. I enjoyed the opportunity to see so many blogs by other people. It gave me more of an idea of what's out there. :)

JM said...

Great. Keep up the journey :)

Taleone said...

After reviewing some of the blogs the first thing that comes to mind is where do people find all of the time to invest in maintaining a good blog. Maybe once I get started with my blog I will find out that just a few minutes a day will suffice.

Sue said...

I tried searching for the same topic (humor writing) on every search engine and it was interesting to see the variety that came up with each search engine. I now have a reference to a book coming out in July featuring humor writers talking about their craft. Cool!