Creating a Blog Post
As most of you know, Darren Rowse is kind of my go-to guy when it comes to blogging and his recent article regarding blog creation hit home. We talk to people every day here on AG that range from pre-blogger to veteran-blogger and what we all have in common is that we’re interested in perfecting our blogging skills. Problogger suggests that when writing, there are 10 points in which you should pause so you can maximize the success of each article you write (not just your site as a whole which is where many blog advisers focus). We encourage you to read Darren’s entire article for awesome blogging guidance! The 10 Points of Pause are excerpted below:
Man, I’m screwed.
Yeah…what Jonathan said.
Me too, LOL
Once again, I love your creativity Lani!
I count on you to lead me in the right direction. Thanks, once again, for the sign.
Great points, especially if we practice them on each and every post.
I would say though to be careful on the “timing” aspect as that can lead some people to save their best for a time that never comes. A post at CopyBlogger “Are you throwing away your best content ideas?” makes a good point of you gotta get your content out there so people can actually see it.
I see the point of this entry, and I think it can be helpful on a basic level; however, I am not sure that successful writers have a methodology that is as stark as this. These topics are all important, but I think they are all at play under the surface of successful writing. In other words, articulating them out loud is not the answer; you either have it or you don’t. If you’re blogging, you should know how to write well. It’s essential.
I would compare it to teaching someone to play tennis. The pros don’t “step, stretch, swing, keep their on the ball, place their shot, hit, follow-through, etc..” They just play; their mind is higher level strategic thinking, not where their feet are. Their feet know where to go.
All that being said, there is a lot of bad, bad writing out in the blogosphere. So, maybe there is a need for some to learn the basics. Or, maybe they should think about taking up another hobby like sewing or golf.
Laura, let’s not forget, there are numerous ways to blog- photo blogs, video blogs, written blogs, etc. Your personality attracts like personalities regardless of the quality of writing (which 90% of the time in the blogiverse is actually awful). If you love golf, write about golf communities! If you love the arts district, take endless photos of your surroundings. Not everyone needs a literary degree… I have a framed English degree from the University of Texas but I am far from being a better writer than everyone in the blogiverse (one writer that comes to mind is actually an Engineer by degree).
It’s crucial to note that even veteran bloggers get into a certain rhythm and can forget a basic step here and there or are never comfortable with particular steps- mine is the opening line while others struggle with quality control. The biggest mistake anyone can make is to believe they don’t need constant grooming (and re-grooming) of their skills. There is no BA in Blogging because we’re living the crash course live in action.
I realize that your comment was simply reinforcing the idea that great writers are born not made, but I feel extremely passionate about writing being a tertiary skill in blogging with personality and promotion being the primary and secondary skills.
I think these are all good points (although the yellow one is blinding on these tired old eyes, but that is neither here nor there).
Maybe I do some of these sub-consciously, but to be honest, I don’t believe I really think about them. I just write. And usually not very well.
I’m not sure every post needs every step, but it’s a dandy little reminder. Mayhap I’ll pay a little more attention next time I write a post and see which of these I do well, and more likely, which one’s I’m missing completely.
Laura – take up golf? I can’t hit a golf ball straight for anything. Writing is a LOT easier than whacking that little ball around!
Lani, you write: “The biggest mistake anyone can make is to believe they don’t need constant grooming (and re-grooming) of their skills.” This is so true, and to go back to my tennis analogy, even the pros double-fault and find themselves “off their game” now and then. I sometimes cringe when I go back and read something I wrote months ago. The topic seemed so relevant and clever at the time, but in hindsight it seems long and overbearing. No doubt I could have used some pauses.
I agree that writing in the sense of being grammatically correct is a tertiary skill. There is no doubt that personality is the dominant force in writing that succeeds with its audience. Shakespeare could have cared less about comma placement and consistent spelling. But, because good writing is so personality based, that is why I think it can’t be easily taught. But, of course, “grooming” is different. Everybody needs grooming.
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I also read Darren, he has a lot of great advice – thanks for summing it up for us here.
One thing to remember is the foundation is the important piece to any blog/post/article. These steps, while one might not focus on each one every article they write (I agree, Laura) – they are steps that should not be forgotten and we need to be reminded of every once in a while.
I’ve come a long way…. but have a long way to go… these things help – thanks, Lani!
[...] our industry. Ever wonder where she gets it? In a recent post on Agent Genius, she comments that “Darren Rowse is kind of my go-to guy when it comes to blogging”. She’s not alone. During the course of the blogger interviews I did on Blog Fiesta, at least a [...]
I liked this article very much. These are some very good points to keep in mind. I would add to pull at people’s emotion. Entice them in some way to why they have to read your post instead of moving on. I thought this post was really good with steps and points.
Great article! I always enjoy reading articles when the author actually knows what they are talking about. Thanks for the great information!