Pros and cons for being a London blogger

Posted by Ben on August 24, 2009 | Permalink | Hits: 926 
Tags: london, regional blogging, commuting, travelling, socialising, meeting up, promotion

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Today's post is a bit different from how we usually do things around here. Instead of a simple 10-item list, it's split into 5 pros and 5 cons. This fits quite nicely with the domino theme on the site. Let me know what you think of this format - there may be further posts like this in the future.

For the last six weeks, I've been working for a web development agency in Central London. This is a far cry from my previous job, working for a software company in Australia, especially as I worked from home. Commuting into London, working in the city, and socialising in the area has effectively transformed me into a "London blogger". What are the pros and cons of being a London blogger?

(The image in today's post is by Navona.)

Pro #1: I can blog about things that happen in London.

Working in a big city, there's a lot going on around you. People, places, events, conversations - plenty of things to inspire new posts.

Pro #2: There are opportunities to meet other bloggers.

I haven't done much of this yet, but I may just look into The London Bloggers Meetup Group in the near future. I know there are bloggers in Australia, but I couldn't find any in the area where I lived. Meeting other bloggers usually involved a 5 hour drive (each way - so at least 10 hours overall) so it wasn't something I did often.

Pro #3: Web discussions often spill into the offline world.

Whether you've made an effort to meet other bloggers or not, I've had several chats about the web and blogging when going out with friends. This discussions can become much more interesting when you don't have to type out all your thoughts. I do like posting my thoughts online too, but talking is so much faster. There's definitely a place for both.

Pro #4: I can write blog posts on the train.

This is a definite plus, although I haven't done much of it yet. On a few occasions, I've opened my notebook and listed as many new post titles as I can think of. I haven't written anything more than that while commuting. All in good time...

Pro #5: It's easier to promote face to face than via email or Twitter.

If there's always something you want to promote, such as a new blog, a new post, or a new project, you have to be careful not to come across as a spammer. I think it's a lot easier to promote your stuff by talking to people than sending links to people via Twitter, forums, blogs or email. It's very quick to tell if the other person is interested, and if they are, I think it's easier to pitch your product or post to them.

Con #1: Too much of a London focus could cut out non-London readers.

Regional blogs are tricky. If your blog attracts a relatively small audience and you can't seem to get readers who don't live in the area you write about, it can be quite difficult to grow your blog. However, London is a big place, and even those who don't live in London might read a London-focused blog if it interests them. The trick is to not make it feel like a private club, and instead, to write in such a way that people from outside the area might still find the content interesting.

Con #2: Despite its size, London is sometimes forgotten by US-centric sites.

Big social media sites such as Mashable contain plenty of content that's universal and not location-specific. But some of the sites they feature are not much use outside the US. Many of the biggest social media sites seem to be based in the US. Occasionally, you do get a story relating to the UK, but not often. And a lot of the social media events seem to take place in the US. Living elsewhere can make a blogger feel a bit left out. To counter this, you need to make the most of what's in your area.

Con #3: A lot of time is spent travelling.

This point is more to do with travelling to work than blogging itself - but as a result of commuting, it can be hard to find the time for blogging activities through the week.

The London Underground (the Tube) is easy and mostly reliable. The train network seems to experience more problems. Blogging on the train is doable, but the Tube isn't ideal for that.

Even when your journey into work is smooth, I think most people have to do a certain amount of travelling (how many people can find a place to live in the very centre, let alone somewhere they can afford?). The travelling time soon adds up.

Con #4: Lack of physical and mental energy due to the "work hard, play hard" attitude.

London is a fast-paced lifestyle. I really enjoy it, but it can leave you feeling drained, especially through the week. Making the most of the weekend is essential - and so is making the most of your time.

Con #5: What if you decide to move away?

This is a problem with location-specific blogging in general. What if you start writing about London and you build up quite a loyal following, but then you move? Would you change your blog? Would you just stop writing? Or would you sell up and start a new blog? Whichever you choose to do, perhaps location-specific blogging is a risky approach due to its limited lifespan. Why start a blog if you know it won't last forever? But then how many blogs can say they really will last forever, especially when the blog is first set up? Do you ever really know? Can you prepare for the unknown? And have I asked enough questions for you to leave an insightful comment?

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Comments on Pros and cons for being a London blogger

4

Ben | August 27, 2009 | 207 comments

Hi Nathan, good to see your first comment here. And thanks for the congrats! I like London a lot. I haven't changed any of my blogs to focus purely on London - I mention it at benbarden.com - not so much at Top Ten. I can keep blogging no matter where I live. Right now though, I don't plan to move for quite a while.

Kirsten - I guess there isn't much you can do when you drive. With a shorter commute, you may have more time at home than I do. Perhaps you could write stuff when you go for lunch?

Emm - I will let you know if I get around to it.

6

Ben | August 27, 2009 | 207 comments

No need to apologise - I'm always happy when people subscribe to comments and post a reply shortly after mine! :) (I assume you did subscribe?)