There are way too many blogs about blogging. But, I just wanted to make a few observations about blogs and also throw out some thoughts on writing.
The problems with your blog
1. You don’t originate thought
So many blogs just feature other people’s ideas and thoughts. “Blah blah from Company X said this… and I agree… and here are 3 examples that prove my point about this other person’s point.” A bit of this is cool but, seriously, back yourself and put some new ideas out there. And do it in the next week, please.
2. You think your reader rates you
So many blogs feature sprawling long-form content. An interested reader is probably averaging one-and-a-half to two minutes on a typical blog post. Make it easy on them. One thousand words without sub-headings? Don’t do it.
3. You lack opinion
A lot of blogs pretend to have opinion but are really just reporting… and, like I said above, many are just reporting other people’s opinions. Pick a side, make a case, prove your point and make it interesting. It’s good for the soul. Opinions can change. It’s OK. Humans do that.
4. You spend too much time writing for other bloggers
A lot of comments on this and every other blog are from… other bloggers. It’s great. But I get huge kicks when I get a comment from someone that I know who doesn’t blog, who is rarely online. When that happens, I feel like I’ve accomplished something. I’ve stirred someone who finds this world foreign to express their opinion to people they are strangers to.
5. You don’t make it chunky
I’m a big fan of the chunk – you know, an idea, an article, a blog that isn’t some sugary, lite bit of thinking. Something substantial. Something you can chew on. Something you’ll burp up later and smell on your breath. Yes, now you’re with me. Have a go at writing a little less often but making it deeper; feel nervous about pressing ‘publish’… “Do I really want to put that much honesty out there?” It’s a cool feeling.
Making writing
I write to be read. I’m proudly incomplete – and completely flawed. I accept this. It’s very liberating. But, I’m still keen to share 5 things I’m into when it comes to writing with you. Rules? Nah. Rule-like? Now, you’re just being tricky.
1. Make your points before you make your point
As a writing practice, I like getting an idea then writing 5-10 punchy points… Away.From.The.Computer … I’ll write them down in a few minutes of mania and inspiration but I won’t flesh them out until I’m actually typing. I’ll try to find a theme early. Then, when I write, I just… write. No over-thinking here, that’s for sure. Most people are scanning your writing anyway!
2. Make it different or don’t make it at all
It’s such an obvious point but I really find that our society beats the desire to be different out of us so much. We LOVE different. So be it or don’t do it.
3. Make music – not block text
Play with the rhythm. Make a long point. Then a short one. Wack in an image, then a video. Mix it up. All the time.
4. Make it incomplete
Writing and relationships are all about drama. Being incomplete creates drama because it leaves room for other people to add ideas, debate, reduce. Enjoy not knowing.
5. Make it you
So, I’ve written a bit lately about running a magazine… a hip hop magazine… an underground hip hop magazine. I never used to talk about it in the corporate world because some clown would always put up a W sign (“Wesssssyde”). It happened the other day. It makes me curdle. But, if a lot of your blogging is connected to your profession, throw in analogies from your personal life. Just be yourself. It makes it more interesting. Too many career-types who blog… they are way too similar… and you all have the same style of profile photo. Mix it up! The world might just remember you for it.
Got a thought on common blog problems or ideas about writing?
Do share.
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