Reader survey, July 2009 - Please help!

I love the list format. I'm not as fond as the coding posts, mostly because I don't have much of a clue in that department. And I did start working on a guest post that was previously mentioned, but I'm stuck at 8 right now.

For what I'd like to see - I like the observations, content, design, overcoming blogger's block and various networking posts most.

In the past I have found many of your posts to be of great value to me (far too many to mention). On the blogging front there are still many things that I have not mastered (does anyone know it all?) and I am hoping his will be a helpful resource for me for a long time to come.

What would I like to see, this is tricky. Right now I would be interested in anything that would improve my writing skills. Tips on how to attract more commenters. How to attract more guest posts. I am also currently considering some form of collaborative blogging, is this something to seriously consider or not. Time management is also something that I have always struggled with. These are my concerns right now, tomorrow I will most probably have even more.

I really enjoy each one of your posts and have signed up by rss. I'll fully own up to being a "lurker" but then some of your more caustic comments about "nice post!" comments have made me hesitant to join in. Anyway, I thought I'd answer your questions:

1. What about a post on ten sites or schemes you should not join? That might bring unwelcome attention or flaming to your blog but perhaps you could describe them really well or something. Maybe there are types of sites that you can advise against. Another idea is sites that really can help you make money in a way that your readers will actually appreciate. I imagine there would be two sites on the list, actually, and maybe that would make people choose between making money and quality blogging! (Apologies if you've done either before. I've worked through your archives but am sure I haven't read everything yet).

2. I liked your tips on not blogging on a schedule and on blog design. Mostly, I am just really excited everytime I see one of your posts on Google Reader.

3. Keep posting.

Ack! Feedback! *chuckles* Yours is one of the few blogs where I actually read and attempt to comment on every post. There are many blogs in my feed reader I'll skim but this is not one of them. I love your easy going voice and the way your top ten lists break down each topic to bare basics.

I'd love to see more on effective ways to encourage reader participation, specific writing styles and techniques, what works and what doesn't when it comes to influencing an outcome. (How to get people to subscribe, how to get people to comment, how to get people to want to guest post, etc.) I've also loved your metaphoric posts (eg. James Bond) and would love to see more of those.

I'd also like to second Lyndi's request for 'Time Management'. The many different aspects of running a blog (particularly of creating new content) can be time consuming and there are several top ten lists that could be written on the subject.

Kirsten - I'll bear those categories in mind when looking at future posts. If you do manage to finish the guest post, send it over and I'll publish it. I'd be happy to try and think of the last 2 points for you if it would help.

Lyndi - some interesting thoughts there, I'll see if I can spin a few of them into a top ten list.

Emm - oops, sorry about that, I don't mean to discourage people from commenting. I really don't mind "nice post" if it's sincere. I only object to spammy comments, especially when it sounds like the commenter didn't even read the post and is only looking to get a link from my site. Sites you shouldn't join is a tough one, I don't use enough sites to name ten bad ones, although I did quit quite a lot of sites recently. Maybe if I wrote a post about why I left those sites but state that your mileage may vary (as with most posts). That's actually a really good idea for a post as I have departed a lot of sites for a variety of reasons. As for making money online, that's a possibility, but I haven't made much money so there isn't a lot of point writing about it yet.

Rebecca - again, some good ideas there. I'll add them to my list.

I'm glad I posted this as you've all come up with some ideas that have got me thinking. Thanks for the feedback everyone - if anyone else wants to add their views, feel free. :)

Hi Ben - Love the new design. I like the how to type posts - the ones that tell you what to do and what not to do in blogging. I'd like to see things like ten tips for finding more readers, or the top ten stunts bloggers have pulled to get moreattention.

I come in now and then to see what you have been listing about. :) If I get an idea I send it to you (or write it myself). Your most useful lists for me have been about how to use other sites or services like Twitter. I also like your opinion posts about blogging trends.

Thanks, Cath and Laura. I'll bear those points in mind!