Thursday, April 7, 2011

Here-a Blog, There-a Blog, Everywhere a Blog Blog!

A writer with a blog is like a . . . fireman with a hose (I admit, I suck at analogies, though this one is making me giggle)--you often don't see one without the other.  We all have different reasons for starting a blog--some use it as an online journal, others want it to be a resource to other writers, and some use it to brag about showcase their writing.  

Whatever the reason for starting a blog, most writers' blogs have one thing in common--they're usually pretty darn good.  This can be a problem for a busy writer!  Reading blogs can take up A LOT of time.  I've been trying to limit my time on the Internet lately by allowing myself 1/2 hr., 3x/day, to check my social networking sites and blogs.  Uh . . . yeah.  That's not working out too well.  This has forced me to become really picky about which blogs I read.  I thought I'd list a few of my top blog "turn-ons & turn-offs."  Keep in mind, it's all subjective (ahh! query rejection flashback!), and this is just MY opinion (which should ALWAYS be taken with a grain of salt).

Turn-ons:

1) I feel welcome!  I don't want to feel like an unwelcome house guest when I visit a blog.  I'm not saying the blog author needs to respond to every single comment that's written on a post, but it is nice to at least have our comments acknowledged at some point.

2) A good voice!  I hate to sound all agenty, but really, a good voice can pull in the reader--regardless of the topic.  I love to laugh, so if the writer can put a smile on my face, you can bet I'll be coming back for more.

3) Something different!  In all honesty, I get tired of the same ole', same ole'.  I don't always want to read "How to be a successful _______" blog posts.  Sometimes I want the nitty-gritty.  I want to hear about the stuff that's not so pretty.  I love posts where the author comes clean about their insecurities or anxieties, because at the end of the day, we all want to feel like we're not alone. 

Turn-offs:

1) Bitchy blogs.  We all have our moments, but I'm really turned off by blogs where all the author does is complain, complain, complain.  They complain about agents, or about how their favorite book got bad reviews.  Also included in this are those blogs where you feel like you're being talked down on.  It's one thing if someone is trying to be helpful based on THEIR experiences, but it's another thing if they're coming across as a know-it-all, and us readers are just a bunch of idiot minions.

2) Is that a blog post in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?  I don't read REALLY long blog posts.  Period.  Even if all my turn-ons mentioned above are met; if a blog post rivals a home closing agreement, I'm not even going to attempt reading it.  Plain and simple, I just don't have the time.

3) Deleting my comments! I've never left a mean comment on someones blog- never ever.  So, when a (friendly/pleasant) comment of mine got deleted recently, I stopped following them.  I didn't even give it a second thought.  That's just rude and a guaranteed way to lost followers.

9 comments:

  1. ANGELA COOK FOR PRESIDENT!

    Loving this blog post and I totally agree with your turn-ons and offs. (Though, I propose we add a #4 in the "Turn-Ons" list...A picture of Bradley Cooper will keep me coming back to anybody's blog)

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  2. Oh no! I totally deleted your comment yesterday! I'm on your ban list! Sniff.

    LOL! I remember you tweeting about that other delete. Very weird.

    Great blog post, my eloquent and bubbly friend. BTW, your blog has all of the pluses you listed, and an upbeat welcoming voice. I LIKE!

    *waves to Bethany*

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  3. Ohhh...I just noticed your Followers are referred to as PEOPLE WITH IMPECABLE TASTE--we just met and you know me so well!

    (Hey Miss A! You know I'm just following your blogger-trail around the web. You know where all the cool kids are.)

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  4. You guys are cracking me up! Thanks for the follow Bethany- gonna check out your blog in a minute ;o)

    Anita- as usual, you are just too, too kind :o) Your comments always brighten my day :o)

    Thanks to both of you for stopping by!! Ya'll come back now, ya hear? ;o)

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  5. Nice post. I'm liking it here. :) I agree too... sometimes I just want to read about anything BUT how to be successful as a writer. Just sayin'... :)

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  6. Jenn- Totally! All the "how to" blog posts can be a bit overwhelming sometimes. I always get really anxious, like I have to read every single one or I'm going to miss something really important! lol

    Thanks for the follow and for stopping by! I'm looking forward to checking your blog out!

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  7. I have come to visit you and am now a follower with impeccable taste! I find the only time I have to read the blogs of others, which I do so enjoy, is during the work day. (Of course I am JOKING. My job is VERY demanding. I would never have time for such silliness.) Great post!

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  8. PS My Capcha word was "angsbish" which sortof sounded like a mash-up of Angela's Anguish...

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  9. Hi Jenny! You are so funny! Actually, I read it as "ang's bitch". Haha! Anywho, thanks for stopping by ;o)

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