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Can anyone share their experiences with blogging? I have set up a blog, but find myself unsure of what the content should be. Is a blog primarily to 'think aloud' about various topics?
Thanks,
Nicola
Comments
http://talkback.writers-online.co.uk/comments.php?DiscussionID=175622&page=3#Item_1
I run a weekly flash fiction challenge that means I get regular visitors to the blog, and have built up a great little community there. In February I ran a fiction/poetry showcase 'February Femmes Fatales' where I invited female writers of dark fiction to contribute work. My hits increased by over ten thousand during that month!
I'm principally a horror writer so my writing may not be your bag but if you did want to take a look, my blog is at http://lilychildsfeardom.blogspot.com I'm also a web manager/editor by profession so if you needed any guidance in that direction I'm happy to help. Just whisper...
What is your blog address by the way?
I have 2 blogs - one about writing and then there is my original blog that was supposed to be about writing but quickly descended in to me talking about any random thing that was in my head at the time!
Hence I started a second blog...
We also have a blog update thread where the bloggers amongst us post when we have blogged.
http://talkback.writers-online.co.uk/comments.php?DiscussionID=125562&page=29#Item_29
Wow, what a great job, LilyC. How long did it take you to build up this blog? It is fantastic and I could definitely learn from it - not just in content, but presentation and getting hits. My blog can be found at http://healthpsychologyconsultancy.wordpress.com/ and as you will see it is very basic at the moment. The first thing I know I need to do is write more regularly in order to create some kind of 'haven' of information, thoughts, and musings. Until then, it will be of no interest to anyone and I won't have a chance of creating the kind of community you have achieved. If you have any advice, based on looking at my blog, please do let me know. Be as critical as you want - I know there is a great deal wrong with its current format! I didn't even know about 'tags' until someone on this forum kindly advised me. It all helps.
Thanks again, LilyC, and great blog.
Chippy, that could be dangerous - I have an active mind :0) That is what blogging is about thought, I suppose - letting your mind free, so to speak.
I will visit the other thread and take a look at your blogs, Chippy.
Also are you on Twitter so we can all pimp your blog for Follow Friday?
www.fromthetopofthehouse.blogspot.com
If you just type it in it won't make the link. :)
Excellent :) We can learn together, bertiebear. I will be sure to follow your blog. Good luck with it.
Carol, thanks for that. Hope it works.
As for the difference between Wordpress and Blogger, I think it's purely a matter of taste. I find Wordpress's templates are better and more varied than Blogger's (in fact I'll probably use Wordpress for my husband's online art gallery). But there a few things I find clunky, like if you want to subscribe by email to comments there's a faff registration process. With Blogger it recognises you.
I think your blog is calming and clean. The header image you've chosen is inviting, and the bridge is a lovely visual metaphor for psychology.
Your posts are just the right length though you might want to add a few extra 'false' paragraph breaks in as shorter blocks of text are easier on the eye and help the reader to scan better. The font you've chosen makes for ease of reading but could perhaps be very slightly larger. Perhaps an odd photo might make the posts more appealing? Your choice of dark green for the Heading/Title text works well.
I notice you don't have a menu, visitors can only choose by (tagged) category?
Overall, I think it's a very nice-looking blog and you should be proud of yourself!