I'm no blogging expert, but there are a few things that I've learned in the last 2 years of blogging. Yes, many others have probably said these things before, but I'd like to pass along the love, so to speak.
- It is easier on the eyes to have a white background with black type. Many people, myself included, will not read a blog that is opposite that, or they'll just read in their reader.
- Traffic is exciting as it grows, but it is not the be-all and end-all. Check it if you must, but don't put too much stock in it.
- Comment moderation is fine, capcha comment verification is unnecessary. I've never done it here and have never had a problem. In 2 years I've maybe had 3 spam comments and since I'm the boss around here they were easily deleted. Unless you're Dooce, you probably don't need them.
- Auto-play music is downright annoying. If you want to have your music widget, set it to play only when the user clicks play. I sometimes read while watching tv and when I click on a website that has music I usually just close the window rather than find a way to turn it off. Just sayin'.
- Long posts are great-occasionally. Learn to edit. Write short paragraphs: they are easier on your eyes, quicker to read, and hold attention longer. If you need to, break a post into two parts-interested parties will come back. Or use the ever-popular bullet list.
- If you want comments, you should leave comments on other blogs. Not every post will make readers want to comment: that's OK. Move on. Keep writing.
- Related: if you comment you should have easy access to your blog on your profile, or an easy way to find your email address. Nothing is more frustrating than wanting to respond to a commenter and searching for a sweet forever, and still not being able to respond because your information is lost in cyberspace. (I know that I use Blogger and being able to respond to comments, or not, is one of it's worst features, but there are ways that you can make it easier for a blogger to respond.)
3 comments:
I seriously can't make it any easier now for you to find me, I'm stalking you FB! :P
Thanks for sharing your opinions. I always like knowing what others are thinking. I know that I always have my sound off because of the music. If it was smooth jazz without words on everyones sites I would most likely leave it on.
emm... strange post.
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