10 posts you shouldn't publish on your blog
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1. Under construction.
"This blog is currently under construction. I haven't figured out why I started it, I just did it because I can. I don't know how long it'll be before I have time to write some posts. Thanks for visiting!"
Er... yeah. Why did you start a blog again? To talk to yourself? If you don't want other people to read it, why is it a public blog? If you do want other people to read it, don't start the blog until you know what you're doing with it.
2. Off-topic day.
"Hey folks, I'm sick of writing about the stuff you subscribed for, so instead I'm going to write about stuff that's totally unrelated. And who knows, I may get so sick of the normal posts that I only write one off-topic post every week. But it's my blog, and I'll do what I like!"
Look, you've got to write what you know and like, or blogging will become a chore. But if it isn't working out, reassess your priorities. Maybe an occasional off-topic post is acceptable, but when a good blog becomes interspersed with irrelevant posts, it's a major turn-off.
3. I don't know what to write today.
"I have no posts lined up for today, so I'm going to have a big old ramble about nothing. Blogging needs to be raw, original and personal, so I think this is OK."
There's such a thing as too much honesty. You should plan ahead to make sure that you have several post ideas or even entire posts written ahead of time. If you really run out of ideas, perhaps revisit an older post, ask for post suggestions on Twitter, read some other blogs, write a guest post, or take a break!
4. Link love.
"This week I'm going to link to a bunch of posts you've either already read or don't care about. And I'll do the same next week. And the week after. Failing that, I'll just link to some random posts from people I like, not because their posts are relevant to you, dear readers, but because they're my friends. When you're done reading, why not give a little link love of your own?"
No, no, NO. Linking to other sites is good, but you should work it into your existing posts. A post that is nothing more than a bunch of links to other sites is not much use unless you include thoughtful, relevant links and give readers a reason to click them. Linking for the sake of it just isn't a good idea.
5. Round-up posts.
"I wrote 5 posts this week, here are links to all of them. I like this one, but that one could've been better. Next week, I might only have time to write 1 post, but I'll do a round-up post anyway just because it wouldn't be a week at my blog without a round-up post."
I used to do round-up posts, but stopped after a few weeks. They felt like a school assignment, where you have to write "In this essay I will be talking about X. Here are my arguments for and against X. That was my essay about X". Sometimes you don't need quite so much structure and fluff. Some things speak for themselves. Maybe a monthly round-up isn't too bad, but don't just say "I did this, I did that" - make it GOOD.
6. My stats just went up.
"This week, I hit a new high of 50 subscribers and my posts received an average of 5 comments each. Thanks everyone! Let's beat those stats next week!"
I love stats, but most of the time I prefer to keep them to myself. Stats are good to see how you're doing, but they're difficult to influence. For instance, even if you pull out all the stops, you might find it very hard to boost the number of people who subscribe to your site. People tend to set goals they know they can achieve, or that they can't actually control but that they'd probably achieve even if they didn't set any goals. Instead of writing about your stats, spend more time writing on-topic posts that give value to your readers.
7. Just a quick video from YouTube.
"Check out this funny video!"
What does this have to do with anything? If we really wanted to see videos, we'd be ON YouTube already. If you're sharing a video that's relevant, don't write a cop-out post along the lines of, "You really have to watch the video, I'm not going to comment on it - everything that needs to be said is said in the video". If it's your video, give an introduction and possibly provide a text equivalent for those people who can't or won't watch the video right now. If it's not your video, add some of your own views.
8. I found a new cool site.
"WOW. Twitter/Facebook/MySpace (etc) is so COOL. Go sign up now!"
Why write about this cool site if you can't tell me anything about it? Give me a reason to check it out, and I might. Too many sites want me to sign up, I can't sign up at all of them.
9. New version of WordPress.
"(Insert exact copy of official WordPress announcement here)"
My Dashboard tells me there's a new version of WordPress. Do I really need to see this on every blog I visit?
10. Lists of posts you shouldn't write.
Yeah, who needs those silly posts that just moan and groan about everyone else's mistakes without offering any real suggestions for writing a good blog...
At any rate, you might find these posts a bit more constructive:
- 10 tips for writing blog posts that shine
- 10 things I've learned about blogging by actually doing it
- 10 reasons not to post too frequently
- 10 reasons to stay true to your focus
- 10 tips for increasing blog comments
Oops, that was a bit too much link love... Anyway... What do you think?
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Comments on 10 posts you shouldn't publish on your blog
2
I've probably violated one or two of those. I know I wrote one about hitting 100 subscribers because I was so happy to reach that milestone after months and months of work. But I used it as a 'thank you' to my readers and to let them know how much I appreciated their visits. It's never about me, it's always about my readers.
One type of post not listed here that I'm uninterested in reading is someone's earnings for the month. How does this help me again?
3
Nice list. I am just wondering where Wordless Wednesday, Thundering Thursday or Freaky Friday type posts fit in here.
4
This is great and I'm actually doing most of them! Unbelievable.
I was never tempted to post about improved stats or small stumble victories for the reasons you set down. It's great to have other forums to share the little successes in though.
5
At the risk of being snooty, I cannot stand Memes. I don't know how to pronounce the word, I don't like reading about the 3rd sentence on the 125th page of the book nearest to you.
And the decal blog awards flitting about feel so smarmy.
Yes, it's nice to be recognized and yes I get a little thrill when someone throws down a decal that says my blog was rated E for Excellent. But it still feels sort of dorky.
Just link to me via words in your post and tell me why you like me, you really like me. You don't have to throw a bag of virtual M&Ms my way. Instead, tell me why you think I'm groovy.
I know, I'm a blogging snob. It's just how I feel.
6
I'm feeling smug because I haven't done any of the things listed! No, really, I can't remember ever being guilty of one of them. Of course, I can't prove it, because all my old blogs have disappeared and the new one has only been going a few weeks.
I'm setting myself up for a big fall, aren't I?
7
When I said I was 'doing most of them' I meant I was not doing most of them. As in I follow Ben's advice in this matter in a most uncanny fashion. Just wanted to clarify. :)
8
Nice list. I sometimes mention every months posts in one post. I think i should stop that.
9
From the list I have done number 8. I did, however, discuss the site, and explain why I thought the site was useful. I also only talk about sites I personally use.
10
I "revisited" (re-posted) some of my favorite posts of 2008 over the holidays...that could be #11
I've done #1, 7 and 8.......and now my own #11
11
LMAO @ # 10.
12
How did you forget "Something I saw on youtube Sunday", "My Top Droppers Monday", "Theme changing soon Tuesday", and Wordless Wednesday". Bloggers love posts that don't require any effort, so it's an easy trap to fall into.
13
Thanks for the comments everyone. :)
cardiogirl, you should read my previous post on reasons why I won't do a meme. Just search for "meme" in the box at the top, you'll find it.
14
Dude. I have written all but #9. This week!
Umm...I have written, "New version of TypePad". Am I like a major commandment breaker or what?
15
LOL I find it amusing that you included #4... I'm pretty sure you wrote posts like that back in the day of benbarden.com :P but its still a great list :P
16
Carol, you've done all but one? (ok, all but 9!)
Fragile, yes I did, then I saw the error of my ways. :) I did a lot of things wrong at benbarden.com.
17
I think you should write a follow up; 10 comments that you should just leave in your head. Or perhaps I'll write it. Ha! It's mine now!
Very true post though, the first one reminds me of sites that are "under construction". Why do they ask you to 'come back soon'? you never will!
18
Under construction is a really bad thing to put up - if the site isn't ready, don't tell people about it - simple! :)
You might find the following post useful: http://www.toptenblogtips.com/10-mistakes-to-avoid-when-posting-a-comment/
19
Great comments and advice. Even when I started reading your teaser comments on Twittley.com I was getting irritated when I started seeing the under construction comments. I then realized it was part of your post. Just a tip, Twittley.com has a Twittley button yo can install on your blog. It will send you more traffic and is easier to retweet messages for twittley right over your blog. I will go back to Twittley.com and retweet this for now. Like the article. Keep em comin!
20
Thanks for the submission Steve.
21
Ha! You've turned up some real classics here.
I really hate the 'this site is under construction' A local group in my area actually asked the local paper to advertise their site and when you went there just that sign. What the heck is the point. It doesn't take long to set it up even its just basic.
And the number of times I've seen 'I don't know what to write about' Boring!
22
Thanks Linda. I write when I have something to say, otherwise I'll just write boring, lifeless posts :)
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Nice list. It's true. I read (well, not completely) too many posts like the ones you mention. I try to never do any off those things. If I have nothing to post. I 'sort of shut up'. Come back some other time for a good post.
It's tough however to keep coming up with good ideas and your suggestion to use twitter (and you!) is a good one. Nevertheless, It's better to be quiet than to ramble about off-topic or simply uninteresting nonsense!.
Thanks