« Ask Amway About Dyson | Main | IBO: Help Stop Rumor »
October 1, 2004
Blogging 101 - Blog Competition
By QBlog in Blogging 101
Blogging ain't easy. It looks easy but it isn't. Sure, it's not exactly rocket science but it's not as easy as falling of a log either. Veteran bloggers often experience blogger burnout and limit, or altogether end, their blog activity.
So, how can one avoid blogger burnout? Well, one way that works for me is to nurture some healthy blog competition. Of course there probably won't be any prize for your efforts but those with competitive natures know that the true reward is in the contest itself.
How Does This Work?
The first thing you should do is find a blog you admire and actually read. You don't have to personally know the author(s) but just be sure you know the blog and that it's similar to your blogging style.
Secondly you need to evaluate how your blog compares to the "competition." Does the other blog have a better design? Is it updated more frequently than yours? Are the posts shorter, longer or funnier? Do people seem to like the other blog more than yours (as measured by stats, comments or a general perception)?
Next determine how you can improve your blog. Should you post more frequently? Should you redesign your site? Should you add more links? Should your posts be more personal?
Finally you must work to improve your blog by using the competition as a kind of barometer. Competing can keep you focussed and motivated to continue publishing quality material (whatever that may mean to you).
It's All In Fun
I've been using this competition strategy for a couple of years and it's purely in fun. And while it's been effective for me, it may just be a waste of time for your blog. Everyone has their own way of doing things, I'm simply sharing my way. Hope it helps someone out there. It's helped me.
Blogging 101 publishes every Friday and the archives can be found by typing "Blogging 101" into the blog search. Tune in next Friday when Blogging 101 deals with Modifying Posts!
Comments
I have a time machine.
This blogging bug is hard to get rid off. Once you are addicted, you are addicted.
QBlog,
Thanks for the post on this topic and your other suggestions.
Does the time machine work to cure receeding hairlines?
Dave S
QBlog wrote:
"I have a time machine."
You should patent that thing. You could make a fortune.
But you might not want to sign a contract with Amway to market it. ;)
Ambivalent
QBlog,
I must admit that I'm amazed that you've kept this up for as long as you have. At first, I thought you'd run out of topics or interest. But now I just wonder, how do you find the time?
Ambivalent
Posted by: Ambivalent | October 1, 2004 11:31 PM