So, I have a little favor to ask of y’all today.
I am in need of some information but first I will share my thoughts on something very important.
I don’t know that there is a show on television that annoys me more than “CSI: Miami”. Unfortunately, P discovered it comes on at 10:00 every night and now I spend that hour trying to avert my eyes from the television lest I see dead people. It’s like my own private version of “The Sixth Sense”.
The problem is that no matter how much I look away, I can’t block out the bad dialogue. But on the plus side, P and I have both adopted the phrase, “It’s a little thing I like to call…MURDER ONE”, which we use completely out of context and at inappropriate times. It was uttered by David Caruso in a bit of acting that should be shown to acting students everywhere in a class called “How Not To Act”.
That has nothing to do with my favor, but it needed to be said.
In about two months, I’ll find myself standing in front of a group of people who would like to know more about blogs and I probably need to tell them more than “A blog is something that can be found on the internet. It is an online journal for all the world to see on this marvel they call the World Wide Web. People can access this World Wide Web by using a computer, which is an even better invention than the Brother Word Processor that I used in college.”
Because as thrilling as that presentation would be, it’s probably not the most critical piece of information unless I am talking to a group of people that have been cryogenically frozen since 1972.
Here’s where y’all come in. What questions would you ask about blogging if you could ask anything?
What would you want to know? Do you have any blog pet peeves? Did you start out blogging with a goal in mind or just for fun? How do you measure your blog’s success? Is it traffic, comments, or just writing something that you feel good about it?
I mean, I’m not saying that I have the answers. I would just like to be prepared for all the questions that may leave me standing at the front of a room looking like a deer caught in the headlights.
Which, if that happens, I’ll totally resort to my new phrase and say, “It’s a little thing I like to call…MURDER ONE.”
Because it always seems to work out well for David Caruso.
Thanks for letting us be your focus group. You will come back and blog the answers? For those of us unlikely to be in the room when you give your talk?
My Qs are about site stats. When blogging (notforprofit) most people advise to avoid getting caught up in the numbers (comments, hits, etc.,)
So I haven’t. But once in a while I get random comments from all over the world and I wonder who is reading and where’d they come from?
What site stats website would you recommend? Are there freebie services?
Do you have Dos/Donts for monitoring your blog?
Thanks a mil!
This won’t be helpful at all, but we like to make fun of CSI:Miami by mimicking the med. ex. with phrases like, “You were just trying to cross the street, weren’t you Honey.” “You were just trying to tie your shoes, weren’t you Honey.”
Of course, our 5 year old has no idea why we’re talking like this to her, but it makes us smile.
I also had a Brother Word Processor!
I would love to know how to increase my traffic. And how to make money on my blog without completely pimping it out.
My question is VERY basic. I want to start a blog and have no idea how to get started. (I would just want to blog for me and my family and friends, my own personal brain dump!)
For example, your site says powered by WordPress, adapted by …, and Hosting by… I am not even sure what all these terms mean and where to look on the web to get the best help/support!
I am so disappointed that I am unable to attend the conference so that I could soak up all the blogging info.!
Thanks!
I know nothing about blogs except that I heart yours. How do you get a blog on the internet? Can you do it yourself or do you subscribe to a service? How expensive is it? How do you link with other blogs? How fast do people you know realize that you are the blog author? I thought about blogging but worried that my colleagues would soon realize I am blogging about work…and them! Even with disguises! How much time do you have to spend getting it started? How much time do you usually spend once it is up and going? I would be interested in the step-by-step of it all, from getting the yearning to start blogging all the way to where you are now. I bet a bunch of gals want to start blogging but have no clue how to even to know how to begin. If you start with traffic numbers, they are going to feel silly raising their hand and asking how you get your own words on the www. I know I would. There, that’s what I call…QUESTIONS FROM THE CLUELESS. *I took off my sunglasses in a dramatic way as I uttered that phrase, BTW*
I can haz blawg? Can sharz mah thawts on teh innerwebz? Iz litl thing I lik to kal, “BETTER THAN CHEZBURGERZ”.
I was wondering about how you go about getting “advertisments” on your side bar. I am sure this is simple but I have yet to come across instructions (or advice ) on this.
I don’t have anything to say about the bloggy conference, but we constantly make fun of the horrid lines and acting on CSI:Maimi too. My DH has nailed the sunglasses move. I’m going to have to use the ….Murder One line!
This is a comment, rather than a question and since the little form here still says “leave a comment” I’m going to use that as permission…
I like that blogging encompasses all levels of techno-savvy people from the very basic to those who actually know what they are doing! Pretty much anyone can blog! I love how versatile this creative outlet is!
Oh CSI: Miami. How I love to hate you.
I know you’re not a drinker, Big Mama, but did you know there are entire drinking games developed around the bad acting on that show? Something along the lines of taking a drink every time he puts his sunglasses on or off. I read it on the interweb, so it must be true
Questions! Oh, I think you better beware the private emails….I have no idea what these feeds are of which everyone speaks. I just bookmark my favourite blogs and sort them into daily, weekly, and monthly folders. Should I be using feeds? Should I have a feed button on my blog? Also, comments. I try to reply to each comment (I get 10 a week if I’m lucky) by email, but I wonder if I should comment in the comments section for everyone to see? Are there commenting rules? I could go on, but I’m sure you’ll get lots more feedback.
I think it would be interesting to know how you actually “do” your blog — like all the nitty gritty stuff. Do you write ahead? If so, the night before? A week before? Etc. Do you write in Word then transfer or straight in WordPress? So forth….
Also, I think you would be great at giving tips on how to build a blog community.
Ha–my husband won’t let me watch anything like that OR any medical show in his presence, for fear that he will see some guts or a dead person.
As far as blogging–how about if I tell you what I think you do well (which is why you were asked), and that others could emulate?
Find your voice and use it.
Write well.
Write consistently (I don’t think it has to be daily, but if you write every day for 3 weeks and then don’t write at all for 3 weeks, you’ll confuse people).
Another thing I’ve thought about is that each person should figure out what she wants out of blogging–writing practice and exposure? a means to share pictures and daily life (journal)? potential income? to find a platform? community? Once she answers that question, she should keep it in mind when she’s writing each post.
This babygirl just wants to let you know that her blog peeves are blogs with music that starts blaring the moment you open the site (I blog in my bedroom while hubby sleeps and this annoys him no end)and bloggers who write in a variety of different colours, which don’t all show up in my reader.
This is followed closely by blogs where paragraphs, punctuation and coherent thought are absent. I’m part of a blogging support group and I HAVE to read a lot of blogs. Some of them are torture! Worse than CSI Miami!
Ah, CSI Miami.
“What kind of person would do this?”
“A person who has no respect for human life.”
And then all the other cops pantsed him for being a pretentious, speech-ifying dork.
Thank you for asking. I have had a question for a long time, but I don’t know how/where to find an answer. I have had a blog since Oct.’07. Right now I get between 100-150 page views per day. I know that’s not a lot compared to the big dogs of blogging, but at least someone’s reading. Here’s my question: how do I encourage comments without blatantly asking for them. No matter what I write – devos, funny stories, recipes, observations, etc, I get very few comments. I know you can’t tell by my rambling here, but I write ok and don’t do the obnoxious things I’ve been told not to do on a blog such as music and harsh colors. Any advice would be appreciated.
JUMBLED LETTERS.
Letters at the comment section that I have to fill in before I can post my comment.
Letters I have to fill in that make no sense on sites that get barely 10 comments a day that want to be sure not to get computer generated spam comments.
Letters that cause me to have to look down at the type pad because they are so jumbled my mind can’t process typing them without looking.
JUMBLED LETTERS!!!
I hate them all.
(Thanks for not having them by the way.)
Just starting out, I would ask about privacy issues. I know many people want everyone to look at their blogs and comment. But when I started mine I wanted it private as it is pictures of my son and as a first-time mom I was paranoid of all the Internet Pervs out there. So it might be a good idea to review what options are available for privacy. You’ll do fine with this talk. You know what you’re doing as evidenced by your blog and you obviously have a way with words.
Have you been working on your penetrating, David Caruso stare? I haven’t seen someone stare so well since the days when I used to watch soap operas.
Blogging question: How to you get to a place where you can tell people you know that you have a blog without dying in flames of embarrassment? Do you know what I mean?
Since my husband tells everyone he knows about the blog, I should be used to it, but sometimes I think I would rather him announce something like, “Staci has to regularly wax her upper lip,” rather than, “Staci has a blog.”
I think you hit on one of the biggest issues with blogging: Why does one become a blogger? To reach out to other people, to sound out about things you are passionate about, to act as a journal, to keep in touch with family/friends far away, to record personal intentions and thoughts that are really just for the writer and God.
I think many bloggers start off with one intention and see themselves grow and morph into another intent as they join the blogging world. I have heard that with that growth comes ‘blogging blues’. You seem to enjoy your blog immensely without it being the albatross around your neck, and you navigate well between the different voices a blog allows people to exercise. How do you keep it fresh w/o knockin’ yourself out and still loving it?
Is it okay to consider maintaining a blog and stalking other blogs therapy? It offers me a great deal more peace than many of the prime time shows. Here, here on the CSI invasion…must there be a show for every American city? I shudder tho think.- Thank you for your thoughtful entries.
I didn’t read all the comments, so I apologize if I repeat any questions.
How do you start a blog? What blogging site is the easiest, safest, most reliable? How do you read code to change the graphics on your blog? Do you get paid to have a blog?
I hear ya on the CSI Miami. We only watch it because we don’t have cable. We also like the blond from West Wing. However, Horatio gets on our last nerve and the writing is horrible! We stopped watching CSI also since the strike, all our favorite characters are leaving. This strike has really made me think about what i am watching and why. That’s why I tune into Big Brother every week and watch it on-line if I miss, because I am learning what truly is Good TV!
Good luck with the speech.
And how about those SUNGLASSES!!!!
For blogging how to make it a personal thing and to not be discouraged if you don’t have a lot of traffic. The personal benefits of a blog should out weigh the need to have high traffic.
I would ask about privacy settings, and using your Real Names, etc, especially in regards to children.
Also, does blogging every interfere or affect your real job (granted – you’ve decided to stay home at this point, but before you did).
Those would be my two questions. Good luck in your speech!
Good times… my Brother Word Processor was my graduation gift from high school. I think my girls would love that same gift one day, don’t you?
I wish so much I could go to She Speaks… I’m getting back to the states that day from a mission trip and couldn’t swing it. I hope you share with US what you share there!
I think people would love to hear some about YOU… why/how you started, what blessings have come from it, anything you regret/would do over. Why do you think the three of you speaking have such successful blogs, etc.
And if I were sitting there, I’d be interested in hearing how you use blogs or view blogs as ministry tools.
So excited for you!
My first two questions when I started blogging were –
1. How do I attract people to my blog and get them to actually come back and read it?
2. How do you get people to leave comments?
Melanie:
I started blogging to journal my son’s medical history for myself and my in-laws out of town. I was also failing at journaling in my “journals” at home, so this was a great way to get the memories down.
I still blog for that main reason, but have met so many women in my shoes, that I blog for information sharing, daily tid-bits, and FUN! It is something about knowing that there are other women who are living life and thinking the same way … especially halfway around the world .. ok.. the US …
I used to care about the comments, but now realize that doesn’t matter as much, if someone stops by, they stop by, if they have a question, they will ask. There are many who come by, but not many who leave a comment and I used to say huh? BUT then I realized, I am a lurker too at some blogs …. SMILE
I am at the point where I do commment or send an email to someone who has made a comment on my blog, but that is really a part of my southern roots, upbringing, etc … always say THANK YOU!
Best wishes to you and the days ahead as you prepare.
By the way, I don’t think I could leave a seperate thank you everywhere if traffic increased for me, because I don’t want the blog to hang me out to dry. Ya know?
How wonderful that you were honored to ask to speak, and how terrible that I will not be there to hear/meet you. OK, had to get that out.
I would probably ask you the questions that I asked in the beginning. 1) How do I generate readership (is that really a word?), and 2) What is a “carninval”?
I know these answers now, but they are things I would have definitely asked. Other than the “how do I get started…”
It had been my intent long ago to begin blogging. I finally began a couple of weeks ago. My motive? To chroncle my life for my children, and if I minister to others in the process, all the better.
I would discuss the aesthetics of the blog. The length of a entry, split into paragraphs, the title, adding pictures. Stuff that makes the reader actually interested in reading it. I refuse to read a blog entry that is only one paragraph and still a page long. You need to make it easy on the readers eyes.
First of all, LOL about CSI Miami! I have the same thoughts and fortunately so does my hubby so I am not forced to watch it. But occasionally I will watch bits and pieces from time to time just to hear a few Hortio one-liners. It is like my own personal train wreck.
OK, Here is an attempt to answer some of your questions. I hope it is not too long.
I have two blogs. I started my first in September and write mainly about family updates, post pictures, etc. We move about a bazillion times a decade or at least have in the past decade. OK, so nine is not quite a bazillion, but I think that makes a point. So my posts are intended to keep us connected without me having to send myriad e-mails and the to keep a journal of sorts. Hardly anyone comments on that blog. And honestly at first it irked me. I wanted people to comment. Comments make me feel loved. But unless I post a picture of myself getting a dramatic new hair do, no one is talking. I’ve become OK with that. I keep the blog semi private as well.
I started my second blog, Becoming Me in February. This blog is a ministry of sorts. I use to to hone my writing skills and to write about my journey to become the me Christ intends me to be. It is a journey that will not be completed until heaven. I am very real and open on the blog, yet pray first before sharing. Currently I just started writing about my PPD experiences but have covered topics from me eating too many Thin Mints to dealing with my 4-year-old drama queen. My posts are generally about 500-800 words.
I hope that is helpful. As for what I like to read in blogs…I like a mix. I like to read humorous blogs, but not blogs that try too hard to be funny. I love the natural humor style in your blog. I do have light wit in Becoming Me, but it is not a humorous read. I’m just not that funny. So I like to read blogs that are true to the author’s personality. Real blogs.
That said, I don’t like to read about gross things. Like if your kid throws up on your couch, PLEASE do not take a picture of it and post it on your blog. I will not come back if you do.
I like blogs that have a nice look to them and that are easy to read and also posts that are not too long.
Although I couldn’t make it to SheSpeaks, I would like to hear from all of you how you’ve arrived at the level of privacy protection you’re comfortable with maintaining on your blog, and how that may have changed over time. I’d also like to know how your blog ‘community’ has come together, if it was through intentional actions on your part or if not, what things you think might have contributed to it. Thanks for asking!
I also annoy my husband by watching CSI: Miami. He used to run a theatre company and just about resorts to gouging out his eyes because of the bad acting and cheesy dialogue. Horatio’s one-liners and “side look” are what bug him the most. The thing that bugs me about it the most is that EVERYONE on the show is attractive. Police officers, suspects, victims – they all look good. Highly unlikely.
Anyhoo, my blog questions would be all about how to build up traffic on your blog. And how to use it to build a platform for publishing a book.
At first, I monitored the site meter like a good watch dog, then I realized I wasn’t writing to gain numbers. Since my blog is about a variety of things a middle aged woman deals almost always with a godly point of view, I realized I seek a validation in my writing that others have been there, or are just relating with me–that they get it. This requires a comment, but it isn’t the one with many comments, it’s the one comment that says the deep thing.
My questions:
When is it too much? I wonder sometimes if this is a poor substitute for real living as I can fall in and read for over an hour or write for a long time.
People above hit on my pet peeves. Maybe a segment on blogger etiquette.
Something fun:
You know you’re a blogger when…in the shower you are writing that day’s post in your head as you wash it. when…you can’t wait to get home to write about the woman in Kinko’s…when you measure your life by “blog-worthy” material you are living. That might be a fun opening exercise or opener for you.
Melanie, whatever you say, I know you’ll bring the house down. I love your blog, and will be praying for God to give you just the right words. Love you, Annette
My biggest struggle is not feeling guilty when there is just nothing to post and I’m not feeling particularly inspired. It’s difficult to find things to blog about sometimes. I often find myself reading others’ blogs and getting a spark of an idea from them. Where do you get your inspiration/motivation to blog?
Also the thing I like when I read other blogs is that often times the author is able to bring a post full circle. Like you’ve done with the David Caruso thing. It wraps everything up nicely. Like a comedian does with his schtick.
I have a very modest readership (maybe 12 or 15 — that I am aware of, mostly family and real life friends) and I am torn between feeling a responsibility to be entertaining and being honest with what is really going on in my life.
I decided early on to focus on the joy of each situation and while that has worked for me, now there are days that I just want to rant and rave and I don’t feel like I can do that and still be true to the original intent of my blog. And I’m not sure anyone wants to read my ranting and raving. I know when I read someone else’s non-humorous ranting (on a regular basis) I’m like, “What the heck . . . ?” Though that knowledge hasn’t lessened the desire to do that very thing. I am afraid that would kill interest in my blog.
(You know I have to say it) And that would be “A little thing I like to call . . . Murder One.”
He must have an incredible ego to think that he’s cool, don’t you agree? Didn’t he have the same kind of character with the previous role he played? I think he has zero personality with all that brooding. The red hair and sunglasses move was the only thing he had going for him and that got old real quick.
i guess mine is about security. how much is too much to reveal about your family? job? home? where do you draw the line?
I love CSI:Miami! I have been sucked in by the powerful, non-acting vortex that is David Caruso. The show is so cheesy that I am compelled to watch it at least 400 times a week during one of he many, many CSI marathons that play on any number of cable stations! I’m even beginning to think that Horatio really is sexy.
As far as the blogging, I just think it is important to remember why one blogs in the first place – as a private journal, for public reaction, or both.
i watched csi miami last night b/c there was nothing else on… 1 hour of mind numbing tv. I should have turned the thing off.
Here is for all the Horatio lovers!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sarYH0z948&feature=related
Just for laughs – Your hubby mayget a kick out of it!
Good Luck with the blogging stuff!
You Rock!
Jen in Jacksonville
GAH! CSI Miami! Why is it always so dark in the lab and the room where they question the perps? MAKE USE OF SOME LIGHTING!
I would love to know what you love about the blogs you love. (Feelin’ the love?) I mean what are the elements of your favorite blogs that you think are noteworthy? Then, what are the top few mistakes you think keep a mediocre blog from being great.
Thanks!
Would you address safety? I see a lot of new blogs that list too much information, full names, towns, etc.
I am sure moms out there would like some tips on how to keep some sense of privacy.
One thing is to decide in advance what you want out there. Some of us post names of kids, some not. Some post pictures, some not. Either way, a blogger has to set those boundaries in the beginning and stick to them.
I guess this wasn’t really a question, but a suggestion. :>)
Have fun!
What would you want to know?
How do you generate an income from blogging? How do you get those giveway gifts!!
Do you have any blog pet peeves?
I dislike the logical, brainy bloggers – I really enjoy the humorous ones – something light to get me through the day!!
Did you start out blogging with a goal in mind or just for fun?
I started out just to journal my life – now I have huge goals! But it is still fun!
How do you measure your blog’s success? Is it traffic, comments, or just writing something that you feel good about it?
I measure it by how I feel about my posts. If it is a great post, I feel proud and accomplished. I do enjoy seeing the increased traffic and I would love to have more comments – it is hard to get people to do that – although people who read it locally, tell me in person their comments.
And he always has to say everything twice! Very annoying!! I started blogging for fun. I enjoy the freedom I get from just writing. I would say I measure by comments, but I don’t get that many. But I love hearing people say, “I was reading your blog the other day…”
I don’t have a blog myself but I read lots of blogs. Yours is and has always been one of my very favorites. I think a big reason is because we have a lot in common but even if we didn’t, I would probably still read yours. It’s funny and makes me laugh everyday.
My pet peeves for blogs are music that plays, hard to read colored font, distracting backgrounds and just overall bad looking sites. It’s hard to get past all of that even if the blog is a pretty good read. My biggest pet peeve though is probably inconsistent posting. Like I said, I don’t have a blog and I can imagine the time it takes to keep up with one and post regularly. There are always some blogs that I lose interest in because the posting is so inconsistent.
I guess the questions I would want to know are how do you come up with fresh material so frequently? Do you have some rough drafts that you work on before you actually post them on the blog? Do you worry about privacy with Caroline? Have you ever posted something that you regret? I guess that’s one big thing that always stops me from starting a blog is I’m afraid that my big mouth would get me in trouble.
I like how you always have Fashion Fridays. I like your favorite things, I can always tell when you get your new catalogs because I usually just got the same ones. Good luck on your seminar! I know you’ll do great.
I like CSI but I cannot stand CSI Miami!!!
Now that I got that out of the way,
I so wish I could attend the conference. I think you should encourage the ladies that they need to be real with their blogs. Sometimes I will come across a blog and I feel like the writer is just trying to be the next Beth Moore. If something has happened in your life and you let God teach you through that event, then please share it but I don’t have time nor enjoy reading a 3 point sermon with no personal application!
I hope that doesn’t sound too preachy!
I’m going to copy this comment and leave it on Bigs and Rocks blogs as well!
I will be praying for y’all!
I mean Boo’s! Duh!
Good Morning,
Let me begin by telling you that I love your blogs. I will be at CBC for your presentation and was the graphic designer for the event, so I’ve gotten to know a little about you without really knowing you at all. I will be coming to hear you speak, and my one question would be about the style of your writing. I love that you use such creative words to describe things you talk about. That in itself is what scares me most about blogging; that I would sound like an idiot. So, yes, my main concern is not sounding like a fool online for all to read (like now!).
Faves: Writing on a focused topic. Ask me to write about just life and the result will be so full of tangents but no integers. And no one wants to read that.
Peeves: My own blog: When my writing feels forced and stale, but since I work full time I put that stuff up there anyway, just for a smallish sense of accomplishment.
Peeves with other blogs: Self righteous boring mom blogs. I love a good mom blog (like yours!) but the ones that are cookie cutter bore the jeepers out of me.
I, too, had the technological wonder that was the Brother Word Processor…and I was the envy of everyone on my hall, until Baylor opened its own Mac Microcomputer store!
And we totally love to make fun of David Caruso. Because, if you can’t make fun of the stars, who can you make fun of?
I think the other commenters have done a good job of covering the gamut. I would say that I think a session on the who-what-why-when-how of blogging would be helpful. Who should blog? What should you blog about? Why should you blog? When (how often) should you blog? How to blog?
I also think a session on blogging wisely would be great. This could cover security issues, like how much to reveal to the interwebs. It could cover copyright/plagiarism issues (which can be very confusing for a new blogger…I still get hung up on this one!). It could also cover boundary issues (how much is too much to say; being aware of your audience, esp. family, friends, and coworkers). It might also cover a reminder that Google never forgets! I think a lot of people who rant about friends/family/coworkers fail to recognize that.
I’m still new at blogging, and I’m not terribly good at it, but I enjoy it as an outlet. I try not to worry about how many visitors/comments I receive. I’m just trying to keep in touch with family and friends, and make some new ones along the way. I think another session that would be helpful to me is one covering how to blog without letting the blog take over your life! How do you make time for blogging without sapping time from your family, chores, life? How do you keep it fresh and interesting? Do you set time limits for yourself? What has made you a better blogger?
Your blog is one of my favorites, and I enjoy the humor, inspiration, and even perspective that you share. I know that will shine through in your speech. And if all else fails, cock your head and give ‘em Caruso!
Amen sister! I can’t stand these CSI shows and I can’t wait until those shows fall out of popularity.
Questions I’ve had people ask me about blogs are:
Does it cost anything to set up?
I’d talk about using templates or if you use a service to set up your blog.
Also, I’d talk about the ways some folks can make money from their blogs using ads. People who are new to blogging don’t always know about that.
I know you joke about the things your write about, but I’d talk about the things that give you inspiration for your blog. You write from the heart and I’d talk about that.
I hope this helps. I’ll try to think of some more.
First of all. I’M GONNA BE IN THAT ROOM!!! I’m so psyched.
Second of all. I honestly don’t know what I want to know. But I just wanted to tell you that yours is one of my top three favorite blogs. And basically, it’s because you are hilarious and kind and very real. ((hug))
What would you want to know?Who do I have to pay to get my blog noticed? Jus kidding – but I would be interested to know how many bloggers who are more popular just became so by “accident” – or was it by design. From my readings, most people tend to say they had no intentions of becoming so big – it “just happened”. I’d also want to know what kind of schedule mom bloggers keep so as not to interfere with family’s everyday life.
Do you have any blog pet peeves?Music. I have an intense dislike for music on blogs. It is way too distracting and also a bit frustrating when I’m reading blogs at 1 am and all of a sudden my speakers are practically blown out, waking up everyone within 2 blocks.
Did you start out blogging with a goal in mind or just for fun?Oh I think I had my aspirations of being the next “big mama” or “boo mama” or “rocks in my dryer”, but then I realized it took so much work that I eventually settled into my own bloggy skin and just became me.
How do you measure your blog’s success? Is it traffic, comments, or just writing something that you feel good about it? Honestly? I’ve never thought of it as a success. It’s just something I do. But, if I were to try to measure, I’d have to go with traffic and comments. Am I attracting people and are they coming back? Are people moved enough by what I write to comment? Am I likeable? (that’s a big one – if people don’t like who you are, they will not comment)
Good luck at the conference – sure wish I could be there – bring us back some really good “stuff”!
Help a sista out. For all of us not lucky enough to go to the conference, can you post your answers to the awesome questions above here too?? I’d love to get some real advice from you considering that your blog is the only one I frequent on a regular basis!
Here are some questions I’d love to have answered:
1) If you are relatively new to blogging, how do you increase traffic to your blog?
2) How do you get started in writing reviews for (free) products (I would particularly be interested in writing reviews for books)?
3) What are some websites for tutorials in creating those cute buttons for memes?
One of my pet peeves is music that automatically comes on a blog and being unable to find a way to turn it off at the reader’s end. Another is a cluttered blog with so much “stuff” that you can’t find actual content.
Thanks, and please consider sharing answers on your blog for those of us who won’t be able to attend your workshop.
Oh my word! Those YouTube/David Caruso one liners were hilarious!
Blogging Question: I believe all of mine have been addressed. I set up a blog about a year ago but every time I logged on to write something I felt silly, had major writer’s block or was nervous about putting anything on it about my kids so I deleted it. I set up another one but it is still sitting empty. I just don’t feel like I know enough about it I suppose. This post of yours is a great idea.
Blogging Pet Peeve: What is this trend of people speaking as if they have had major head trauma?? I haz no wantz to read blawgz lik thatz! Iz making mah eyez bleed! Where did it come from and how can we make it stop??
Thanks!
My question has to do with adding pics to my page. I have a really hard time with the positioning of them in the text, and yet I see all these really great blogs that have great pics in great places.
I NEED YOUR HELP!!! (heeheehee)
Thanks in advance,
Dawn
I can’t stand CSI: Miami. I quit watching after the first season (I had to give him the benefit of the doubt) because of “HIM”. You know who I mean. Ugh. I thought he might have improved, but, NOPE.
Anyway, my question would be along the lines of how to get my blog seen. I’m not talking about for profit reasons, but I’d like to see more visitors and especially more comments.
Emily
http://twodogsrunningsouth.blogspot.com
Hi Melanie,
I love reading your blog mostly for the content but also because I live in S.A. and think it’s fun when you mention places in S.A. that I recognize.
I recently started blogging mostly for my children. I’ve often wished my mother had kept some sort of journal about her thoughts and what not but I’d like to take this a step further and maybe someday put my blog into print, in book form, as a keepsake for my children. I’ve heard there are sites that do this so my questions are: Do you know of such sites? And, do you know of anyone who has done this and if so, how did it turn out?
My question is this: I see that you have advertising on your blog. How does that work? Is there some kind of income for you, or is it all just for fun?
Well – I am most likely going to sound shallow but I am not really about blogging my personal life. However, I have been wanting to blog about random trends, or fashion b/c someone I know started doing that and was able to make a little extra $$ off of it. Do you know how that all works? And how much you can make? Also, how do you get your site out there, like how do you market it?
I know this isn’t the type of blog you have, but I wouldn’t be surprised if people asked this.
If you get up there and talk with the sort of down to earth style and humor you bring to your blog on a daily basis then you’ll be great. Just be your authentic, funny, charming self –by being you–and everyone in that room will be happy to listen to everything you have to say.
I think my questions have been addressed in other comments – creating buttons and how frequently to post. I started blogging as a motivation to write. I try not to focus on stats and the number of comments. I do enjoy comments because they can offer feedback and lead you to other blogs.
I noticed several comments included questions about safety. I post on Saturdays about safety tips for kids, and I did a post on blog safety. Some of the information may be useful for adults also. http://delightfulevidence.blogspot.com/2008/02/safety-saturdays-2-tips-for-keeping.html
I join the ranks of the many others here who have said their biggest pet peeve is music on blogs. It’s like art – it’s subjective. And I can tell you I don’t like being assaulted by someone else’s taste, especially with a style of music I abhor (rap maybe, or country western).
I deleted an old blog I had and started a new one. My life had changed so completely from the time I started the blog (for the better, I should add), and it just wasn’t a place I liked to go any more. Talking about how to transition a blog as life moves us in new directions would be interesting.
My suggestion for your talk would be to don some dark sunglasses, saunter up to the podium, turn sideways, drop your chin to your chest and take a long, protracted pause. Finally, remove said glasses and glance backwardly over your shoulder and say, “I think. . . . . . . . blogging rocks!”
Hope your session is great. Wish I could attend.
My questions would be the start up ones – how do you get started? Why? What is the difference between “powered by”, “adapted by” and “hosting by” How do you get your traffic up? etc.
Then what is your daily routine with your blog? Do you try to outline the week? When do you write it? What do you do when you get writer’s block?
I like to stand around with my hands on my hips.
I use Google Analytics to see traffic. Even though only about 1-5% seem to comment, I like knowing I am reaching more.
I started 2 blogs. One personal and one as an online Bible Study. Keeps my personal one from being to wordy.
I don’t like “ugly” blogs. Messy, if you will. Keep it simple, straight, and clean. It’s easy on the eyes.
You’ll do great, by the way
I have been faithfully reading, but haven’t left a comment in ages. I just wanted you to know I’m still here.
I think the question that sort of “plagues” me is – how do you balance blogging with all the rest of life? I seem to really struggle the most with that.
I have just gotten my email from church and am delighted to see that you will be a special guest there next month. Perhaps we will have a chance to say hello.
I’m so proud of how well you’ve done with this blogging “thing”. You’re doing a great job.
Do y’all know what type of people will be at the conference? People who don’t blog, people who want to blog, people who blog regularly? Because I would think that would have a huge impact on what you’ll want to say.
If you don’t know (or it’s a mixed bag), I would think you need to divide your talk into three pieces. As evidenced by comments here, you need to start at the beginning with the basics of setting up a blog, why blog, a few technical pointers (stats, blog etiquette, etc.) and some thoughts about Web safety.
Then you could progress to people who blog some but want advice on taking it up a notch. Finally, you could offer some hard-core thoughts about what it’s like to be as widely-read as the three of you. Do you struggle with privacy? Do you view your blog as a ministry or a hobby or both? Where do you find your material? Stuff like that.
I think my biggest issue with blogging is that I don’t know all the different terms. For example, I tried to get the orange rss (is that right?) button on my blog the other day. I have no problem with getting the image on there, but I couldn’t figure out how to get the rest of it to work. I ended up getting frustrated and I gave up. I want people to be able to subscribe easily. As if someone might actually WANT to read my ramblings!
I tried using the Blogging 101 site, but I just don’t get it.
I started my blog mainly for family, but I have made so many new inter-friends. These are people that I CAN NOT WAIT to meet in San Antonio. I’ve never met them face to face, but I love them just the same. I pray for them and think about them and care about them. I have also made a connection with one friend that was nothing other than a God thing. It’s a great story. This is how I measure my blog success.
Would I like more readers? yes. Am I happy with the traffic I have now? Yes. Even if I had not one more reader, would I still blog? Yes.
So far, It has been nothing but a positive experience for me. I learned so many things from other bloggers. I can’t even list them all, and you’re probably thanking me for that! I’ll put it this way~ It has helped me in my daily life as a homemaker and SAHM all the way to helping my in my spiritual walk with God.
There, I’m done. Thank you and good night!
well…i had questions in mind but i see everyone else has pretty much asked them already. i’ve had a private blog for over a year for family and friends to keep up with the doings of our kids. i just recently started a public blog though – which opens p all those questions about what’s protocol and etiquette for responding to comments, etc…how do i know if people are reading it….does anybody like me….what am i really doing…all the stuff everyone already asked. so i’ll just keep reading for some answers! good luck at your talk!
I want to learn a lot that I just dont understand.
1. How do you find blogs that you would be interested in reading?
2. I want to learn how to write posts that will draw in readers.
3. i would like to learn how to do technical things as well. Decorating my blog.
First, on CSI:Miami- Do you ever notice how…Horatio puts…weird pauses in the…middle of his sentences? It makes…me crazy! I think he’s…trying to sound…thoughtful but…it’s so…annoying. *remove sunglasses* Enough with…the pauses already! *put sunglasses back on.
Anyway, on to blogging. I really think that you should cover Internet safety issues. I see blogs out there that tell the world their addresses, and where their children go to school, and when they’ll be going out of town and the house will be empty so feel free to come by and rob me blind. There’s a lot of psychos out there, and it makes me crazy when people just put everything out there for them. Safety first people!
As for myself, I like to track the numbers to see how much the visitor list grows. I don’t write for the sole purpose of making it grow, but it’s fun to realize it when people come back again. I also like to see where people are from. I was so excited when I had my first international visitor.
Lastly, I write because I can be a little freer, a little crazier, a little sillier, and a little more quirky on the internet than what I am in real life. I’m actually pretty shy when it comes to meeting new people in person, but my internet persona can just let it all hang out and not worry about what people think. It gives me an outlet. So I say be true to yourself. (Just remember that what’s on the internet stays there forever, so don’t write what you would be embarrassed for someone you *really* know to find!)
I have 2 things.
1) How in the heck do I link. Seriously. Am I the only person left on this planet who has a blog with NO linking skillz?? AM I??
2) Is there a way to take a photo in the middle of Wal-Mart, for a blogpost, and not feel like a freak?
I have not been a regular watcher of CSI since I became a mom and all that gore started really getting to me. But I have to confess that I sort of had a crush on Horatio. The one liners totally worked for me. I know you will know who wrote this, so feel free to make fun of me forever.
I don’t have a blog, so I don’t really have anything to say about that.
I just had to join in with the comments on David Caruso……I have NEVER in my life seen another actor as BAD as he is. He takes himself WAY too seriously and thinks he is so cool when he isn’t even close to it. I heard an advertisement on TV the other day saying that CSI Miami ws the number one rated show in the WORLD-can that even be possible? What does that say about the world we live in???
I kind of skimmed over some of the comments and here are my own humble thoughts:
I agree with the music on the blogs. This too is a pet peeve of mine.
I have always wanted to know how to make my blog pretty. Do I have to pay big bucks to have it designed? How much does it cost? I feel like I need some technical lessons in figuring out how to link things up or create things on my sidebar, etc. And how do I create more traffic?
I have also wanted to know about privacy – I have shared with the blog world what my husband’s REAL name is, and yet many bloggers keep this info concealed. I guess I would like to know what is too much and what is okay to put out there.
I was also interested at the amount of commenters so far who left comments in regards to comments or rather the lack of them. I have to admit, I get some kind of bloggers high when I get lots of comments to a particular post. But at the end of the day, I have a blog, and I write because I love to write. I enjoy writing my thoughts whether they be silly, serious, emotional, spiritual, etc. I enjoy being creative in this outlet. And I also enjoy the fact that I have readers – whether they comment or not. Most of my friends read it and choose not to comment since they don’t have a blog. And it seems as if comments define the “success” of a blog and I don’t know if it should. I think bloggers should ask themselves, why they blog.
I also agree with a commenter above who suggested figuring out how to have blogger community. It would be awesome if there was one place we could all go to and link up, check each other out – which I feel you have achieved in some sense with your own blog. I mean, Big Mama is now a household name in my circle of friends.
Those are my meager lil thoughts. I’m glad you asked for input! Eager to hear all about your talk!
My question is…
Can I claim you as my pretend BFF at the conference? I’ll be one of the hundreds who will follow you around all weekend
Ok, my *real* question is do companies approach you to advertise on your blog or do you go seeking companies? I got a very strange email requesting advertising space, but I didn’t trust it since the sender had an email address that led to a very odd internet security site. Naturally, I didn’t jump at the offer, but it did get me thinking.
See you in June!
Sadly, will not be going to the conference…my hubby is taking his dental licensing board exam that weekend.
I DO have a question…
How do you explain to your family and friends (those who are clueless re blogs) what a blog is all about…and answer the question “Why?”, and “What’s the point of it?” without sounding stupid and lazy?
i had breakfast with a successful woman this past summer who asked me what i wanted to do as a career. i told her i eventually wanted to write in some capacity, and she asked why i said “eventually”. she told me that if i was interested in writing, i should start immediately, and not wait for a job title to dictate my career for me.
i started blogging because i moved away and it was a way for friends and family to know what was going on with my roommates and i without talking on the phone or emailing everyday. it’s been really helpful since all of my friends work during the day and live in different time zones.
i have decent traffic on my blog and am working with a web designer to make it more visually appealing, but have no idea how to actually get advertisers interested in it- how do you cross the bridge from casual blogger to successful career blogger?
Where in the world can I find out what search terms people use to find groovy ole me?
What would you want to know?
I’d love privacy advice from someone who has been doing this longer. My blog is nickname only, non-face photos, with only a vague location (huge metro area), but I share lots of stories about my little one. Is it too much? I don’t know.
I’d also love to learn how to create a non-standard blog layout. I’d love for my blog’s appearance to better reflect my personality (NOT my fashion sense). Plus, polka-dots do nothing for my figure.
Do you have any blog pet peeves?
Music on blogs, although I tolerate it on two blogs because I love them so much, despite their annoying music.
Did you start out blogging with a goal in mind or just for fun?
I miss writing. Period. Even if my only reader was the Husband, I would continue to blog. I feel a blogger should be authentic, find her voice, and avoid deviating from that, no matter how little traffic results. Some of us are meant to become THE bloggers, but most of us (like me) aren’t. I’m totally comfortable with that.
How do you measure your blog’s success? Is it traffic, comments, or just writing something that you feel good about it?
We’ve experienced a tough three years, and it shows in my faith walk (and therefore my blog posts). I doubt others grow closer to Christ reading my stuff, but if what I write draws ME closer to Christ, even a bit, then I measure that as a success. As a side benefit, one of my few readers is a neighbor experiencing an exceptionally tough time right now. He never comments on-line, but yesterday he told me my blog often makes him laugh. Can’t argue with that.
OK, I have a question or two…but they are ones I ask myself. I bet you do, too, sometimes. So here they are…
Now why am I doing this again?
How can I exit gracefully?
Seriously, I do ask that sometimes, especially when I think of huge chunks of time spent every week. Am I using my time well?
Anyhow, when you address blogging, you might want to let others know about the time involved and ask them what their purpose is in writing…how long are they in it for?
Praying for you!
holly
PS I, too, despise typing in the letters on the comment page…most times, it takes me 2-3 times to type it in (and wastes time).
Hmmm…assuming these are people interested in blogging (ie – they’ve already signed up at blogspot, and just have no idea what they’re supposed to do next!), I think it would be GREAT to give a sort of pimp my blog class. How to code buttons (or where to find the code), how to make your own header and load it…things like that. Does that help? Good luck!
Hi there
My question is – How do you explain to non-bloggers about blogging? How do you fill that awkward silence that always follow when I tell someone that I have a blog?…or is it just me that happens to?
Thanks, and I am sure you will have a wonderful time at the conference. Wish I could fly over for it but doubt I could fund that from the weekly shopping allowance….unless we stop eating for 5 years!
You may have said this in a previous post (which I can’t fine), but I was wondering which conference you are referring? I’m in San Antonio for a technology conference (NECC) at the end of June/Beg of July. If that is the same – I want to make sure I get to your class – Just to see if you say “It’s a little thing I like to call…MURDER ONE!” I would laugh out loud!! No, seriously, I’m sure it would be very entertaining while being very informative. You seem like one who would keep the attention of a room. I’ve been to my fair share of technology conferences and not many of the presenters are that good. I love your blog and would love to get advice from you in a workshop setting!
Nevermind – I just read BooMama’s blog (BigMama comes before BooMama in ABC order on my Google Reader) – I see you are at the SheSpeaks conference. Well, wish I was going! Have fun – If you speak even half as well as you type, you will be great!
Oh, CSI:Miami. I have nightmares about that show and not because of the dead bodies, let me tell you!!!
My number one blog question: How to get more traffic?
I can’t watch the CSI shows or the Law & Order shows…too much bad stuff right before bed (on top of the news, phew!)
As for blogging pet peeves, I agree with the people who mentioned music that comes on automatically. Honestly, it startles the heck out of me sometimes. I have to turn the sound off just in case if my kids are in bed.
I wouldn’t mind if they had music as an option and if I was interested in one of their song choices I’d give it a listen.
About blogging questions, I’d be interested in finding out more about those weird pingbacks I started getting when I moved my blog from Blogger to WordPress. I got them from some really creepy sites. I don’t know what the best way is to handle it. I also don’t know if there’s any downside to disabling trackbacks and pingbacks.
Another thing is I don’t know if I should be concerned at all about the “business opportunity” types who seem to lurk on my blog and social networking sites. I just ignore them, but I don’t know why they would be interested in my mom blog. Some have come out and invited me to visit their own blog (which is fine) but others just continue to lurk. What’s that about?
I really appreciate you asking for our questions and opinions. Thanks!
I’m back with one more thought on this. I think one of the interesting things is wondering why people read other people’s blogs. For some people, I imagine that it is a sense of “escape” from their life. Or maybe a lack of fellowship with other females their age in real life so they feel closer to people online. You might could mention having these types of things in mind when you’re writing posts IF you’re hoping to build community.
I want to know how to start a blog. Does your blog generate income? If so, how does that work. General info about blog starting. I hope you answer the questions here because we will not be in your audience at the conference.
Just a suggestion- I bought Blogging for Dummies when I started my blog- It is extremely helpful for beginners! Like the Beginner Blogger Bible!
It answered all of my questions.
I haven’t had time to think about “blog related questions” yet, because I’m laughing about the CSI: Miami quotes. My husband and I also HATE that show, because of the bad acting. He is always looking to the side, out in the blue “yonder” and saying things like, “It’s a little thing I like to call (he inserts lots of things here)!” How in the world does he have an acting job making who knows how much money. One of life’s mysteries.
Okay, a blog question…I got nothing right now. I’m still thinking about CSI: Miami.
>What would you want to know?
Comments. Is there a way to not have people register, but still avoid spam? How do you do your comment section?
Privacy issues
>Do you have any blog pet peeves?
People who leave nasty comments.
>Did you start out blogging with a goal in mind or just for fun?
I wanted a way for my family and friends to know what is going on in our lives without me having to send out emails every other day.
>How do you measure your blog’s success? Is it traffic, comments, or just writing something that you feel good about it?
I really don’t care how successful my blog is. I know how happy my family and friends are to read it. This is going to sound so silly, but when you commented on my post about the Fashion Fiesta, it made my day.
I also wanted to say that I think it is wonderful to see so many blogs that are written by Christian women.
Regarding CSI Miami, I love watching CSI and CSI:NY, but CSI Miami drives me nuts. I want to grab Horatio’s sunglasses and throw them away.
What would you want to know?
How much does a cute background, design etc… cost? What kind of software is required to make your own banner/title/header whatever… If you’re not planning on it being a big thing, is all that really worth it? Should I just stick with what blogger has? I’m a scrapbooker and a visual arts type person, so I’m real into what it looks like.
Do you have any blog pet peeves?
I hate to say this because an online friend of mine does this… typing ver-batim a devotional they’ve done that day. Absolutely share what God taught you, but do so in your own words. I’m not into reading someone else’s devo.
Also, the side bars and everything being so busy w/ads and all kinds of stuff… maybe I’m just a.d.d., but it’s distracting to me.
Did you start out blogging with a goal in mind or just for fun?
I started as a way to keep in touch with my parents who are literally half-way around the world for 2 years. I want them to easily see what’s going on in our daily life. It is definitely that, but it’s also a way for me to feel like I am sharing the bits of truth that God is giving me in BSF which has been repeated a lot in our study of Matthew this year.
How do you measure your blog’s success?
Is it traffic, comments, or just writing something that you feel good about it?
I do like to see traffic & hits… but sometimes it’s just knowing that I’ve put myself out there a little bit. I’ve laid it on the line something that God has shown me. Somehow it makes me feel more accountable.
BTW – dh and I could hardly pick ourselves up off the floor for laughing so hard at Quirky’s comment. We watched Miami at first, but got sick of it. I have always liked Las Vegas, though. I got to get me a fix of that home-grown Texas boy every now and again. – oh, did I say that out loud?
Completely forgot! I always wanted to ask you:
You’ve said before you blog to keep a record for Caroline once she is older. What guarantee that the posts/blog will remain live, online? And in doubt, what maintenance can be done…ie., can you/Blogger/Typepad burn a CD of your blog? that would be handy to know how to do–burn a CD of a blog. Possible?
thx again!
I was lying in bed last night thinking of your question. I think what gets someone on my favorite blog daily read list is the way the author writes. If someone can take the daily drudgery of what can be the SAHM life and make me laugh about it I will love them forever and read them every day. So, how do you do that??
I am thinking on this and will be back.
In the meantime, I gave you a Bloggy BFF award over at my site for all the fun you have provided me this past week…….
Check it out and share the love if you wish. I was given to me from one of my friends–and started with McMommy.
I love you, Big Mama.
Another fan.
I want to come hear you speak! Where is it?
My hubby, too , loves CSI: Miami. And I, too, have visual images from that show that are permanently burned into my retinas.
And that blond chick, is it just me or isn’t her voice just a little grating?
How do you increase traffic? & How do you monitor that?
How do you transition from a few friends to an income generating site?
How do you find other blogs that interest you?
How do you transition from Blogger to a more customized site & what is involved in that?
This is my first time on your blog and I really like it, just thought you would like to know!! Thanks!
Funny. Caruso’s character is his “act,” and not “bad acting.” If he weren’t acting, then he wouldn’t have gotten your attention, so kudos to you for noticing, and kudos to him for ACTING.
So interesting that people think he’s a bad actor, when he’s actually an exceptional one; got you all fooled, doesn’t he?
I do not even know how I ended up at your blog today, but please know I am now a regular reader! Your writing is wonderful! My husband is home during a long recovery from cancer and he watches EVERY CSI, Law and Order etc. I refer to them as his “autopsy shows”. DEAD BODY PARTS EVERYWHERE!!! I usually escape into another room to watch HGTV or Jon and Kate Plus 8. I can not watch David Caruso since I discovered that he is a one trick pony actor: he tucks his head down, tilts his head over and narrows his eyes whenever he utters one of his lines. I am now ruined to ever watch him because I burst out laughing everytime he does that.
I, alas, have no ideas about how to talk about writing blogs. I don’t have a blog. But I just discovered an entire subset of people who dislike CSI at least as much as I do. It’s like the heavens opened over me and and the angels sang. Thanks, Big Mama, you made my day. (PS: My daughter always said, “I want to do it by my bigself” when she was little. We called her Bigself.”)
Comments, comments, comments, comments. I want more comments. My stats say WAY more people read my blog everyday than who comment. I try to comment frequently to those blogs that I read, so why don’t people do it more?!
HI BM,
I’m so sorry to be late on leaving a comment on this post, we have been at Disney with ten million of our best friends. BUT…I HAD to comment on CSI MIAMI….this show bugs me like no other….
1. My husband and I call Horatio (stupidist name EVER) SIDE LOOKER, because he always has that stupid stupid side look….tilt head, try to look cook….YUCK
2. WHY WHY WHY does he not change his clothes EVER????? He is always in that outfit. He needs to read Big Mama
3. APPARANTLY only rich people murder in Miami….they are always at some hoity toity mansion of a house, and the suspect drives fast expensive cars and has tons of money.
4. I’m pretty sure the medical examiner is a transvestite (sp??)
5. I’M ALSO PRETTY SURE all CSI people where tight and revealing shirts and high heels on their jobs of looking for blood.
6. THAT SHOW BUGS ME, but my husband enjoys making fun of it, so I must watch to be a good help meet to my husband.
I HATE SIDE LOOKER
Kelly S. (Michigan)
If I had one thing to say, it would be “I envy all of you out there in blog land. I am totally clueless as to how to do it, and have wanted to post a blog for so many years.” How does one go about writing a blog? How do you come up with the wonderful style of your blog? I have no idea what the things are you’re talking about – HTML, linkies, stats, whatever. Somebody needs to give us a very, very easy dummies book.
my roommates and i’s favorite line:
“I have a new obsession for you…it’s called Row. of Steel Bars.”
*hands on hips, looking to the ceiling, like he’s a superhero or something (no sunglasses, they were inside)*
An extremely late comment as I have had to catch up on the blog…..but just had to comment on CSI Miami….oh I love Horacio….that hotty….y’all seem to know a lot of one liners considering how much you hate the show!!!!!