Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Blogging Basics (As Told from a 50s Mom)



I thought I’d have a little fun with you this I 8 Wednesday. Many of you are experienced bloggers, but I find I still learn tidbits here and there to improve ~ thoughts that move~ and I tweak my website based on my findings. The following might be review for you, but have fun reading, and ingest it as a review with a twist (thanks Chub). Even if you’ve been around this block, swing around one more time as I flashback to the 50s.


50s Mom says:


A little soap and water never killed anyone
I make mistakes. Commas will be the end of me, that’s for sure. But I invest a concerted effort when it comes to checking my spelling and grammar in my posts. I’m a professional, so I work hard to come across that way, even if I’m churning something out the day after I’ve been up all night with a sick kid (like now). I write all my posts in Word and read them over multiple times before posting. I miss a few snafus here and there, but I work hard to offer clean and shiny content.


Turn down that rock ‘n roll
Automatic playlists: Switch them to optional or get rid of them altogether. This one was difficult for me to adjust. I love music. I kept my playlist (bottom right) because music is most certainly a form of expression, however, I’d read one too many posts discouraging the automatic noise when someone clicks on my site. I sucked it up and made the change. All for professionalism.


Wear clean underwear in case you get in an accident
I’ve seen it and I know you’ve come across it. Bitter Betsy feels the right to spew on her blog about Needling Nancy. Watch it. I’m all for vulnerability and authenticity (you’d know that if you’ve hung around this block) but impulsivity can bite you back. What goes online stays online. No take backs. And I know I don’t need to remind you just how powerful words are.


You’ll poke your eye (or somebody’s eye out)
Minimize flashy or distracting images. Tidy up. Keep a clean room. You know the drill.


As long as you live under my roof, you’ll do as I say (someday you’ll thank me for this)
Don’t forget your audience. It benefits you to write with an interactive approach, asking questions, engaging the people you most want to reach. And for Pete’s sakes, get out there and comment on other blogs.


What are you, Elvis? Quit your gyrating.
Content is king. Go somewhere with your blog posts. Think them through. Don’t just oscillate or ramble with your words.


Your face will freeze that way
Get creative with your blog topics. No one says you have to be stuck writing about one thing. But should you choose a single topic, remember there are hundreds of ways to write about…say flowers (currently reading The Language of Flowers where the author proves this. I also know because in one of my novels, The Flower Girls, I had a blast depicting varying aspects of flowers.) Don’t stay frozen and feel stuck with your content.


Watch your hem (this is the one to rebel against)
Moms want it long, but I suggest shooting for 500 words or less (give or take). If you care about your readers, you care about their attention spans and it’s likely they’re reading many other blogs. Rebel and write those short shorts or classy it up with a hoop skirt.


Can you think of anything else 50s mom might say regarding blogging basics?


*photo by flickr

19 comments:

  1. These are great, Wendy.

    Maybe something like "Live to serve others"? This relates to blogging because you want to write your blog so your readers find it interesting and useful. It's not about you and shouldn't just be a platform for you to talk about your books and how great you are.

    Sorry, that's all I could come up with this early!

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  2. I can just see you, wearing your '50s apron, feather-duster in hand, tidying up all our blogs ;)

    For me, the most critical blogging rule is to keep the posts short. It's a good writing exercise to do so, too.

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  3. Speaking of creativity, this was a super creative way to help us become better bloggers. Very cute post, Wendy!

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  4. Love this!

    My 50's advice: "No one ever died of tired."

    Persevere, even when the follower numbers are small and the comments are few.

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  5. I like all of these, especially the 500 word one. Because I want to read so many blogs and stay in contact with so many, I really do appreciate the ones who keep them short. The occassional long one is often really engrossing, but too many of them and I know I have to scan. And I hate scanning!

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  6. I'm with you on the commas, the writing posts in word, and the double checking grammar - soap and water.

    Very fun post, Wendy.

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  7. These are awesome! I love them all. I was thinking maybe something about wearing a dress and lipstick around the house - though I don't know the blogging lesson behind that one. :)

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  8. Great one! Very clever, Wendy! I also liked Erica's comment about no one ever died tired and persevere.

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  9. I love this - especially the last three - they're so relevant and its where I am right now.

    How about "Go Read a Book" - nothing like good research to enhance your topic.
    ps - we have the same last name in real life it's probably why i like your blog :)

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  10. What a cute post! I totally agree about music.

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  11. What a creative take on blogging tips, Wendy. Fresh and fun. =)

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  12. Great post Wendy! Your face isn't freezing with this kind of creativity :)

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  13. Okay, I swear I commented on this post earlier, but maybe I just tweeted it? I was blog-hopping with Mickey Mouse blasting in my right ear this afternoon, so things are a little fuzzy. :)

    Anyhew, loved this post, Wendy! Clever, creative, and helpful.

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  14. Great piece of writing, Wendy! I chuckled at the familiar sayings. (I think my Mom used most of them.)

    I'll add one more tip. Watch the background colors used on your blog. There are a few blogs I've passed by because they just plain hurt my eyes.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  15. These are great, Wendy! You totally nailed this post! :) I love that you included "wear clean underwear in case you're in an accident." I always wondered how that would actually help because usually people in accidents also have accidents, so how exactly would clean underwear help? And if you're dying, who cares anyway, right? Lol!
    No, but seriously, great points about blogging. These were good for me to read through again.

    Amy

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  16. I love these...thanks.

    GREAT BLOG.

    NEW FOLLOWER

    Elizabeth

    http://silversolara.blogspot.com

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  17. I am constantly surprised by the amount of information accessible on this subject. What you presented was well researched and well written to get your stand on this over to all your readers. Thanks a lot my dear. mommyblogger

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  18. Very informative post! There is a lot of information here that can help any business get started with a successful social networking campaign. how to start a blog in india for free

    ReplyDelete

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