Art Blogging vs. Conversational Blogging


If you’re not tripping over an autograph line of rabid followers of your blog right now, I think I know the reason(s) why.  I know what you’re thinking, “sounds kind of uppity coming from someone with less than 200 followers”.  Don’t worry, I’ll get around to reading this myself too, eventually.

Despite being a relative newcomer to the whole scene, to my credit, I’m a fast learner and a close observer of people and their habits.  And hot chicks.  Throughout my travels, I’ve noticed a lot of stuff that us bloggers do which I believe is counterintuitive to acquiring and maintaining a fan base — providing that this happens to be one of your goals.  That is what you want, isn’t it?  The debate goes on…

Allow me to break down my Eureka moment for you.

Eureka!

The way I see it is that everything you’ll ever come across on a blogging site – regardless of what platform you use — falls somewhere along a continuum that is anchored by two different stylistic approaches.

At one end of the spectrum  is what I call the Art Blog, which is more or less an exhibit; and the second type is what I call a Conversational Blog, which is used for exactly that — starting conversations.  It’s difficult to distinguish the two from each other at first glance; however, a quick skim of any blog will reveal the author‘s motivation for creating his or her content.

Once you become familiar with this concept (that I invented just now), you’ll not only realize where your blog falls along the continuum, you’ll also understand what areas you may be lacking in.  Hopefully you’ll be able to increase your following by making the necessary adjustments.  Keep in mind that most blogs fall somewhere between these two styles.  Let’s delve deeper.

Dorothy, step forward into the world of Technicolor…

Wait a second, you mean to tell me the “T” in Monet is silent? Did this happen recently?
Source: Wikipedia

The Art Blog

The majority of posts found on an Art Blog are exactly that — works of Art.  Compositions are shared for the sole purpose of being observed and appreciated.  Art Blogs are the poets, stream of consciousness writers, story-tellers, comic-strip artists, etc.  Successful Art Blogs usually have a lot of likes, though they normally lack any significant interaction beyond that.  Sometimes, if it’s a particularly great piece, many will drop an appreciative comment, but the conversation abruptly tails off at “Great job!”  Really, what else can be said?  Again, whatever was posted was meant to be looked at, not hashed up and down.

Art Blogs are like museums.  When visiting one, the guest usually strolls about casually, looks around, stops, stares, maybe sits for a minute, contemplates, wanders off, and eventually leaves with a sense of appreciation for whatever was on display.  It’s rare to happen upon a conversation during a visit.  It’s not the type of setting that really promotes “mingling” with random strangers.  That’s not to say that it doesn’t happen.  Art lovers talk art, but the displays are usually designed to stir the emotions of the observer on a personal level.  Plus, most pieces are open for wide interpretation – like a mangled ball of steel, for instance.

Writers of Art Blogs are probably aware of what they are already.  They’ve constructed this type of setting for exactly the reasons listed.  Most authors are either content with creating pieces to be appreciated, or use their blog strictly as a medium for online-journaling.  There’s nothing wrong with that.  Many will grow large followings based on their commitment to producing high-quality, artful content.

 The Conversational Blog

On the flip side is the Conversational Blog.  Content found on this type of page is constructed with the intention of promoting interaction with and among readers.  The author usually bases his or her posts on topics that are meant to be viewed by a larger audience by comparison.  Topics can often times be controversial in nature, and/or are emotionally-charged.   A crafty author of one always leaves the piece open-ended by the end.  If executed well, the article will continue to be expanded in the comment section by other readers – engaged readers.  Write that down.  I just wrote it down too.  Wait a second, this is confusing now…

Conversational Blogs also incorporate other bloggers into their posts and/or pages.  They’re not only excellent networkers, but also good cultivators of friendly “blog neighborhoods” (bloggerhoods?  Hmm, I like that…) within the bigger sphere. Inviting guest bloggers and contributors, dual-posting, and reblogging are all tools that they use to help solidify and grow their audiences.   By incorporating these tools and techniques into their pages, they’re not only promoting themselves, they’re also practicing good “PR” .  By doing so, they increase the likelihood of future interaction with their fan base.

This type of approach doesn’t require a particular format or genre.  Conversational blogs incorporate a wide variety of content.  News, politics, random humor, medicine – whatever — the possibilities are endless.  However, the goal is always the same — to pose or imply questions that elicit responses with the intention of opening a dialogue.

******

Speaking of great conversationalists…
Source:  wikia.com,                                           Characters:  Beavis and Butthead

Cultivating a Fan Base

This may come as a surprise to some, but there are a lot of folks out there that want to engage with you.  The challenge is to attract them and build a relationship from there.

When someone takes the time to read through one of your posts, don’t just thank them for the visit, seize the opportunity and speak.  There are some interesting characters out there (like me) that are frothing to spar, share a story, or provide a laugh.  Why pass on an opportunity that you’ve tried so hard to cultivate?  By going into social-phoebe mode, you’re only setting yourself back and creating more work.

A post a day is difficult to do – especially when nobody’s reading.

When you’re hopping around and looking for a conversation, you’ll find that some will oblige, and others will decline.  It’s worth a shot either way.  After all, growing a following is based not only on consistently producing interesting content, it’s also about being likable.   Charming is the word I prefer.

People are smart enough to pick up on sincerity, despite the fact that many operate through a persona.  They also know whether you appreciate them or not, and it’s up to you to convey that.

More Free Tips 

  • Shtick ‘em Up – Most bloggers have a shtick. If you’re one of them, ask yourself if it’s a concept that will limit your writing, long-term.  Personally, I consider this question daily.  I may be limiting myself in the long-run.  Don’t place limitations on your blog.  It’s hard enough as it is.  Variety is the spice of life, or something like that…
  • Good Writing vs. Good Blogging – Being an excellent writer is one thing.  Being an excellent blogger is something different all together.  Consider this article.  Where do you fall within the spectrum?  Have your efforts been fruitful?  Again, ask yourself if what you write about is something that an audience would want to engage in.
  • Brevity is Key – There’s nothing that deters me as a reader more than an extremely lengthy post.  I think I speak for most when I say this, but I don’t want to read a three thousand word submission.  Ever.  I hate books, and three thousand words is getting close to a book.   Succinct and effective is the key.  Get to the point, make it a good one.
  • Quality, Not Quantity – If you’re in a hurry to post something daily, you might want to consider not only how it affects the quality of your content, but also how your audience is reacting to the frequency of your posts.  With so many blogs out there, and with each of us following our fair share of them, it’s likely that most followers aren’t reading your stuff on a daily basis — unless it’s top-shelf, every day.  It takes a lot of time to be a “follower”.  Being mindful of that, it’s safe to assume that most people are selective about what they read.  Also remember, it takes time to produce something high-quality, even if it’s only a thousand words.  Be selective.  Otherwise, you might not only burn yourself out,  you’ll also burn your audience out too.

Hopefully you’ll  find this article useful.  If you’re like myself, you’re always looking for ways to improve your stuff.  Interacting with an audience can be just as fulfilling as the writing part.    So, considering all this begs the question:

Are you the Curator of an Art Blog or the Mediator of a Conversational Blog?

Let’s get this party started…

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638 comments

  1. tokyomike55

    “frothing to spar” — Definitely one of the best descriptions I’ve read in a long time. :) Great post. Super useful food for thought. And thanks for checking out my latest post (see how I so deftly worked your networking tip in here. No flies on me! lol).

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks dude! I got one-liners falling out of my ass. I’m glad you found it insightful. I just checked your post — I’m diggin’ it! You travel for work or play?

      Reply
      • tokyomike55

        Thanks hugely for the kind words. The travel I do is a bit of both. I usually don’t travel due to work, but I work when I travel….if that makes sense. My last trip to Thailand was a month by the beach…but writing a textbook. (I know — sounds like a geek…but I did my best work at a heavy metal live house from about 1-3:30 am nightly.).

      • Adam S

        Oh man, text book writing’s gotta be some tough shit! I have a hard enough time putting a blog post together sometimes.

        Two things: 1.) I wish my work sent me on month-long beach vacations, and 2.) I concentrate better when my head is filled with AC/DC. Any day of the week.

        Fist bump. \M/

  2. katiedz

    My bitch – I don’t know which my blog is, somedays art somedays convo what I do know is I really like reading it again and again (weird right?) and others who read it like it too, but hardly anyone reads it. So basically I am writing a blog purely for my own entertainment – does that make it a one way conversation blogging?
    Thanks for the read – you’ve got me thinking and congrats on fp

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Katie:
      Thank you for making me your *bitch*. I’ve always wanted to be someone’s bitch. You’ve fulfilled that dream.

      Thanks a lot for the compliment! If you’re the only one reading, and you’re a little off-tilt (like myself) then yes, I think your assessment is correct. You are a conversational blogger. Keep thinking. It keeps the brain from rotting!

      Reply
    • Adam S

      I’m a painter by trade. A *house* painter. I think we’d have a lot to talk about. Are you into murals? I did a pretty sweet Jimmy Page time lapse mural on Youtube for my work page. I think they flagged it though…Greedy Bastards!

      Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks Rob!
      Same here. I’m thinking about joining a therapy group to talk about my issues. Hopefully I’ll find the source of my angst….FAT CHANCE!

      Reply
  7. IHRR

    You sum up this topic very well. Better than any how-to guide to blogging ever could. And importantly blogging really is still pretty experimental. It’s important to try out new things it seems.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks yo! I’m really thankful that you checked it out! It’s just a wild hypothesis…but it definitely makes good food for thought. I like philosophizing. A lot of those *blogging guides* are kind of stuffy. Do you follow Michelle W’s *Daily Post* ?

      Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks so much Dave! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I did put quite a bit of time and thought into it, so I’m glad that it’s resonating with people. Fist Bump! \M/

      Reply
  9. paulmilnepoetry

    Good post, and it has got me thinking, about a sort of hybrid. My blog is unapologetically an Art blog and I do notice the “more likes than comments” scenario you’ve outlined. But after reading your post, I’m thinking something to try would be to add “liner notes” to any poem, song, etc. that I put up, to give background, context, further reading, etc. and hopefully draw spark off some discussion.

    But I don’t quite agree with you in your response to Combat Babe about good bloggers v. good writers. Some of the best writers out there are art reviewers and critics who make you think more deeply about the work of someone else. It takes good writing to talk effectively about good writing, if you see what I mean.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks Paul! I’m glad that you’re willing to challenge. I hate being right all the time. No wait, yes I do.
      I think what you described as far as incorporating liner notes would be killer. That’s exactly what starts an actual discussion in my mind. Maybe it wouldn’t *start* a convo, but it would definitely create a starting point, and allow you to steer the discussion in the direction you are hoping for.

      As far as your rebuttal goes, we’re on the same page. Someone can be a good writer and a good blogger — many are. I like to use *effective writer*. Someone that reviews art in a blog format is stimulating discussions. Just like you mention, and like I mentioned to combat girl, they’re highlighting conversational pieces to be hashed about. If someone just posted a piece of Art, they’d be likely to get a lot less discussion than if it were mediated. You feel me?

      Reply
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  16. Masala Chica

    I loved this post and found myself wobbling as I tried to determine what kind of blog I had. Great observations! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed – am glad I stopped by.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks for reading Masala! I’m glad I was able to offer a new perspective. I really appreciate the compliment, too. It’s a highly *philosophical* concept, but it’s fun to play around with. Cheers Chica!

      Reply
  17. Katia

    My blog sees itself as bi but whenever it tries to engage in conversation the readers just go ‘great job!’. I will probably have to re-evaluate my writing. Great job by the way! :-)

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks a lot for reading *Katia*! I love the irony here: *Great Job*! I’ll take it all day long. Hope you join the next party. It’ll be a much smaller crowd — guaranteed…

      Reply
  18. georgemills25

    You’ve got it in a nut shell. I have a slightly different sort of blog in that its mostly ‘news’, but it still tends to fall into the art camp.
    The ideal solution for a lot of people is probably to have two blogs and take it from there.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Why bother going through the hassle of trying to keep up two? It’s not really a *black and white* philosophy. There are sooo many shades of grey. We’re all kind of just a fusion of both, you know? It’s hard to deny the art aspect. Art is a broad term. We’re all artists George, aren’t we? Let’s talk Art then! Or, as Jack Nicholson said as the Joker, *Gentleman, let’s broaden our minds!” \M/ Love that movie!

      Reply
  19. umanbn

    Being in the category of Art blogger, (though I try to engage and stimulate thought as well as posting my work), I didn’t get to the end of your post. I did read enough though to understand the gist of it…and of course congrats on fresh pressed…I got fresh pressed myself a couple of weeks ago and was made-up!

    Reply
  21. trailertrashdeluxe

    I realized early on that blogging wasn’t going to bring me money or girlfriends. I’ve written both types and have big fun with both, and receive good, fun feedback from both types. Of course it would be fun to be freshpressed or have a lot of followers, or be recruited by Huffington Post because of one’s greatness and huge following, or have beautiful female blogger-buddies invite me to dinner, but I just enjoy my blogging friends so much as it is, and feel like a few of them are old friends already. Congrats on answering so many of your commenters already, by the way–the main reason I NEVER want to get FP’ed. You claim you hate books, but you read several at a time?–I couldn’t imagine a world without books; it’s so great to let the author take you into another world, and to expand your attention span beyond what can be found in a news story, tweet, or blogpost.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      You and me both. It’s unfortunate, isn’t it? Although, after this experience, I never want to be famous…Holy Shit. If you ever get pressed, which I hope you get the opportunity, make sure your fridge is stocked with beer. You’ll need a few. I feel the exact same way about all the people that I talk to on here — they really are just like my real life friends. The only exception: I have more in common with the majority of people that I talk to on here!

      Let me tell you something about books. (I like books) But, I can’t ever seem to stay focused long enough. I put it down, and never get back to it? I am reading Nikki Sixx’s Autobiography right now *The Heroine Diaries*. It’s awesome! Check it out –

      Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks and Thanks!! I really appreciate that. When this whole thing cools off, I’m going to back through this thread and start checking out everyone’s stuff. You’re on the list. Can’t wait — it’s the best part. I’m starting to feel like one of those court reporter chicks right now with all of the typing…Time to soak the fingers!!

      Reply
  23. tbelcheva

    As an obsessive stalker of myself and my stats, I am confused why it is not working out with the big followers base. You did shed some light, thank you :) Even though, I am struggling now to decide if my blogs are conversational or arty. Or too long :)

    Reply
  24. puravida

    Great post and congrats! Looks like you have another marathon chat ahead after that nap…
    One of my earliest memories is a note on my report card that I “visited too much with neighbors.” Still going down that path with what has morphed into a conversational blog. I like the interaction.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks Pur! Yes, it’s looking that way…I’m ready for another nap! You know what, I don’t think I ever in my young life got a note like that on my report cards. I got *Satisfactory* and *Shy*. I think I outgrew it, kind off…

      Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks Rebecca! I’m glad you found it insightful! Good luck with endeavor. It’s been a blast for me so far, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same once you get rollin’ with it! It’s definitely addictive.

      Reply
  27. Grass Oil by Molly Field

    Great post! ;) – Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!

    I have no formula and thus a few followers, but I am happy to do what I have been doing. I started something that I enjoy a lot that I do only on Tuesdays; the content got to be too much; at times I would be prolific and then other times i wouldn’t have anything fancy to say and so my hits would whither. and die. and turn to dust. I try to be better about it now. I think my loyal followers like what I have to offer, which is basically me. I am a solid writer, I know that, so my posts are usually pretty interesting. (Even if only my parents think so.)

    Reply
  28. judyrobbinsart

    Adam, you write a stimulating blog and have some excellent advice to bloggers. That being said, your blog was a bit long until you got to the relevant points. I am glad you have people figured out and you at such a young age! When you said you hated books, you lost me there. They have been an invaluable part of my life – I can actually speak and write coherently. And if you read a lot you know good writing when you see it. All of us on here, to some degree, are saying “look at me” but some more than others know the difference between the number of followers versus the quality of the blog. I must point out to you, because I am in bitch mode (which I rarely am) that unless you are a gregarious, little gray bird you are not a “social-phoebe”. You have, however, accomplished what so few can do: started a stimulating dialogue and engaged people to think about their blogs.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      I’m absolutely perplexed by so much of your comment! I’m not really sure how to respond? First off, thanks. I’m glad you find it stimulating. You’d have to know me a while I guess until you really understand my sense of humor — that would include my thoughts on books. I’ll work on speaking and writing more coherently for the next post, promise!

      Reply
  30. bookpeeps

    Congrats on being FP’d! As to your question as to what type of blog I have well, frankly, whenever I’m asked to choose any one thing over another, I get nervous. I think that’s because I hate labels. It immediately sends the word, “limited” to me. Yup, I’m a 60′s girl and I don’t commit to anything. When I first started my blog I got caught up in the stats and looked every day to see if I was attracting more readership. I then came to my senses and am happily blogging what, when and how I want to. For me, my blog is my “free space”. Great post!

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks! A fellow non-conformist too — Right on! Dude, you and me both. I think you’re definitely right when you say that though — labels can be really limiting. I think about my *label* that I’ve attached to myself. It kind of sucks. I like writing prose poetry too, but it just wouldn’t work on: MY RIGHT TO BITCH. See? Labels = sucks.

      Reply
  32. davesbeachhut

    That’s some pretty solid advice and I love the “Trophies and Stuff” section! When I get more minions I will be sure to make interaction a priority, I think it’s important to show people some love! Well done on a good post, keep ‘em coming (but not too often!) :)

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks man! That takes forever. I hate those awards — they’re like chain mail. But, I have met a lot of really cool people on here, and I like to pass stuff on like that. It’s good for someone looking for exposure. I feel bad when I don’t pass them on. Thanks so much for hopping on board, and for the thoughtful comment. I will, I promise!

      Reply
  33. attemptedblog

    You make a good point — most blogs seem to fall into one of these two models. (Tumblrs are, I think, mostly conversational.) My blog is somewhere between the two — most of my posts are essays about pop culture (Lifetime movies, Degrassi) or pizza box graphic design (really). I think the subject matter is too (intentionally) lowbrow to make a true art blog, but I’m not sure if it totally fits the conversational model either.

    http://attemptedblog.wordpress.com

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Much appreciated. I still don’t know what Tumblr is. I’m hearing more and more about it lately, but I still haven’t bothered to look into it. I’m putting it on my list of things to do. The list is getting longer by the day…

      I’m diggin’ on the pizza box graphic design! I gotta check this out — gimme some time to catch up.

      There’s no model, really. It’s just me *philosophizing* with myself. I’m big into starting conversations. I truly enjoy them, whether in real life or here. I run with it whenever have the opportunity.

      Reply
  34. Richard McCargar

    You need to have an interest that fills a need.
    I started my blog as a way to keep track of my progress re-learning to play guitar after a couple of strokes. I also knew that a quick video of how to play popular licks/solos and songs would be helpful to beginners and intermediates, particularly as I also provide tablature for each part.
    Since my start in mid-January of this year, I’ve had over 600 people decide to follow my very narrow-interest group blog, and had 40,500 hits.

    I don’t know if this is bad or good, but it’s the way it’s worked out, and I’m fine with it. I didn’t start out to create a hit blog, I started out to do something good for myself with the hope it may also help others.
    That, is the real win. Not numbers of hits and followers.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      I couldn’t agree more with your comment! I’m noticing that some folks are interpreting it as a purely Black/White concept. It’s not at all. There are so many different shades of grey.

      I don’t really care about the stats part, myself. I love writing, making people laugh, and having an occasional laugh. I’d prefer to do it with someone other than myself! I think what you’re doing is great. Why even question it. It’s supposed to fill a need — exactly as you say. That’s what I do, but differently — a whole other place in the sphere.

      I don’t like doing the *shameless blog plug* thing, but I feel compelled in this case. I’m a drummer, myself. I wrote a four part post a little while back titled: “The Conductor of an Aggressive Symphony”. Check it out if you’re ever bored out of your mind. I can promise you’ll relate to it as a musician.

      btw — who are your biggest influences? I’m genuinely curious…

      Reply
      • Richard McCargar

        I’ll check it out later when I’m not using my phone…and I look forward to hearing it.
        Influences, pretty much standard fare: Segovia (not ready to restart classical yet, still getting the hang of rock), Beatles/Stones, Hendrix, Billy Gibbons and his influences naturally, The Kings – BB, Freddie and Albert, Jimmy Page, Dickey Betts and Duane Allman, Coltrane and Davis…etc.
        Thanks for the post and interaction.

      • Adam S

        First off, I think you’re in for a little bit of a treat. I grew up on all that 70′s rock stuff. There is none higher than Bonham. By the way, I think I saw the Allman Brothers at least four times. One of, if not, the best show I’ve ever seen. Endless solos. Endless beer. Warm summer nights. Great sound. Does it get any better?

      • Richard McCargar

        Ah, I misread it. Thought you posted a musical piece. I’ll have to come back later to read the entire post.

        My first guitar was made out of a peach-crate from my father’s store, and I attached rubber-bands for strings. Made me an instant rock star as long as the record player was turned up loud…

      • Adam S

        It’s a long one. E-reader + long trip somewhere in passenger seat of car = Aggressive Symphony Post.

        I can imagine that sounded almost as bad as my bucket drums…

  35. wildstar84

    Based on your description, mine’s mostly art (photography), but I like to write about whatever interests me that week and often include news (that’s usually out of the mainstream and political commentary) and lots of links to other stuff (that I find interesting in my web surfing), check out if you’re bored! haha

    Reply
    • Adam S

      At the moment, I’m anything but bored. I think I need another beer! I love photoblogs! I usually don’t subscribe to many because they tend to fill up my reader, but I do keep track of quite a few. When this settles down, I’m going to be sure to stop in a peep your stuff!

      Reply
  37. J Roycroft

    I quite honestly don’t give a rats ass how my blog is categorized. I write to vent and piss a certain classless group of morons off. Some enjoy reading it, others are offended. Considering the number of followers I have managed to bullshit, I must be doing pretty good. Congrats on winning the FP lottery. Job well done!

    Reply
  39. Wendy Brydge

    Excellent piece brimming with helpful information! I’m so glad to see something deserving being featured on Freshly Pressed. I don’t usually care for the featured blogs but yours was even worth subscribing to! Looking forward to reading more from you. :)

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks Wendy! Man, that’s a huge compliment, and I’ll gladly accept it! I feel the same way as you about the featured articles sometimes *I’m not tooting my horn*.

      Thanks for your followship too! I’m not typically this constructive, but hey, at least it’s funny! I think?

      Reply
      • Wendy Brydge

        Absolutely! You’ve managed to bridge the gap, you’re both a good writer and a good blogger. You wrote a constructive post that was still very engaging and yes, funny — it’s clever funny, which not everyone can do.

        I like constructive posts. Even if you go on a straight up bitchfest the end result, if written well, should still give the reader something to think about. And as long as you do that, it’s constructive too.

        And hey, go right ahead and toot your horn. Today, you have a right to.

      • Adam S

        Man, that’s just awesome to hear. Thanks so much! I really think you’ll enjoy the ride. We have fun around these parts on a normal day. I’ve met a lot of really great people on here — we like to keep it real. When everything settles down, I’ll make sure you find out about them — Talk soon Wendy and thanks!

        *toot*

  41. alexisdeluca

    There are two! Brilliant! I now understand the obsession I have as an artist with my prose, posting only my own photographs, and why I check for feedback that’s never there–especially when I write in a way that doesn’t invite the comments that I want….or at least I think I want. I just need to pick a path, blend the two or at least understand that there are two divisions. It’s a fork in the road–I just have to chose which side of the street I want to stand on, or, better yet, if I want to straddle both :)

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks for reading and following up Alexis! I’m quickly becoming a poetry junky on the side. I love heavy prose. Point me in a direction — drop me a couple links for your personal favorites. I’d like to check it out!

      Reply
      • alexisdeluca

        Your blog was seriously “blog-life” changing. I followed every comment and enjoyed the beautiful noise! I felt a sense of freedom when I wrote my recent post realizing I am an Art Blogger, a lousy conversationalist, and an even worse follow-up-er! It looks rude but it’s really my insecurity and self-consciousness….yes, working on that. If you get a chance take a look at my recent….I’d love to know what you think<3

  43. Love and Lunchmeat

    I do agree that people can sense sincerity. I really think if you’re just starting out, it’s better not to write every day. Most people who’ve been blogging for awhile have a long list of people they follow… and they might not want to add another blog to a very long list, especially if that person blogs every day. Also, for a lot of people, the quality of the post goes up when they blog because they have something to blog about, versus a mandatory daily blog. When I started out, I blogged daily. Then I went to about three days a week, and visited other blogs during my “off days”. Now I visit other blogs almost daily, depending on what else is going on in my life.

    That brings me to the remainder of my comment which is that a big part of being a conversationalist occurs through commenting and responding to comments, because you can’t beg for comments and then ignore them. If you want people to comment on your blog, you have to comment on other blogs. At the same time, you have to make those comments valuable; the like button is already the equivalent of “great post”. As for art blogs versus conversational blogs, I think it’s all about A. subject matter and B. how well people know you. Poetry and pictures tend to get less comments. Humor and/or snark tends to get tons of comments. However, if people feel like they already know you, and you occasionally write poetry, that poetry will still get comments.

    I play around with my blog formats a little, and find humor ALWAYS gets the most comments. I also get a lot more comments when I remember to put a couple of questions at the end. I think the distinction between good writing versus good blogging is valuable, but that if you remember to be brief and put a thoughtful question at the end, the two can be merged. Obviously, that’s just my opinion, but it’s my turn to bitch here so….

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Wow. Thanks for taking the time to read, but more importantly, to leave some solid feedback! I hate the *like* button like you — I think that’s a pretty accurate assessment of what it means. It’s appreciate, yet it’s kind of hollow.

      I usually post once a week myself. I value quality over quantity — too each his own. It takes quite a bit of time for me to get something to sound the way I’d like it to sound, and (if you ask me) it usually turns out pretty good.

      Question: In your opinion, how would you differentiate good blogging and good writing? I think you’d be a great mind to ask. I got grilled for it earlier – undeservedly, I think. The person wasn’t satisfied with my definitions. Maybe they’ll stumble on yours. Just curious on your thoughts!!

      Reply
      • Love and Lunchmeat

        Good blogging requires a lot more socializing. It requires some charm and wit, just as you said, and usually pictures and an interesting title and first paragraph… and that’s just to get people to open the post! Just because you’re in someone’s reader or on their twitter feed does NOT mean they’re reading each post.

        Good blogging requires some writing skills, but you don’t have to be Hemingway (or even Wally Lamb) to write an interesting blog. It has to resonate or no one will read it, but there’s a market for everything on the internet. And a blog post has to be pithy, or just as you said, no one will read it.

        That said, I do know several bloggers who manage to combine very good writing and good blogging. http://rasjacobson.com
        http://deborah-bryan.com
        http://runningfromhellwithel.com

        And that’s just off the top of my head… Like you, none of them are daily bloggers, and I think they blog twice a week. Quality over quantity… Plus, let’s face it, the sheer amount of time.

      • Adam S

        I wish I could highlight and circle your comment. What else really could be said? I think it’s a perfect definition of what I think blogging is about.

      • Love and Lunchmeat

        Oops. Despite the length of my comment, I forgot to answer your question. Good writing is nearly impossible to quantify, but when you see it, you just know. And quite often if stays with you for days, weeks, months, and sometimes even years.

      • Kat

        I think “Love and Lunchmeat” defines it perfectly. I know some quality writers who aren’t the best bloggers and vice versa. I think it’s about putting your personality on to the page. Sure, I want quality writing, but I also want to feel like I’m “hearing” the person’s voice when I read a blog post. There’s some blog posts that, while the content was good, lost me halfway through reading it because I got bored. It was too much like reading a book report. Where’s the spunk? The life? The personality?

        I’m often sarcastic and a bit snarky on my blog, Writes and Bites. It started out as a writing blog, a writer writing all about writing…bored me to tears. Now it incorporates my observations on life, politics, food (predominantly), and more. It’s created some arguments at times, but then it wouldn’t be a good blog if it didn’t, huh?

        Love the post and congrats on Freshly Pressed!

        http://www.writesandbites.com/

      • Adam S

        @Kat That’s exactly how I feel about it too. I think you hit the nail on the head with your description. I like to hear people talk, not read their writing. I get EXTREMELY bored with someone that’s just yammering on throughout an *essay*. I wanna hear something real — a person. If I wanted to be educated, I’d go take a class on Tues. and Thurs. nights at the community college. This whole thing is about connected with people. When someone is *cold*, they usually don’t have a whole lot of interaction with other people on their blog. If that’s what they want, more power to you I guess. But, why not take advantage of the *reach*? This whole thing gives us the opportunity to talk to people across the world. People like you and myself take advantage of the opportunity. Thanks so much for droppin’ by, and I hope you signed up for the madness!

  44. winfielder

    i consider my blog a historical blog with a specific niche topic and audience…i’ll never have a huge following and i don’t care…i have my regulars and its all good….i suppose its closest to the art blog with a bit of conversation and subtle local politcal commentary thrown in for good measure

    Reply
  45. artsifrtsy

    I think I fall between the two ends of your spectrum. I’m a photographer, but I don’t typically throw up some photos and press publish. I try to look at a set and find something to say about them, it could be a story or just a rant that ties them together. I rarely have a blog post in mind when I shoot – I hope I find something thoughtful to say.

    Congrats on being Freshly Pressed – this was a really smart post.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks so much!! I put a lot of thought into it, to be honest. I’m glad that it worked out so well.

      I think music, visuals, words — are all intertwined. Each inspires the other. I really dig the fact that you draw inspiration from your photos. I think it’s easily an instant hit — every time. I’ve stumbled across some really great photo blogs, yours looks to be of the same high-caliber. I appreciate when people put time, effort, passion into what they do.

      Reply
  46. Jean

    I’m probably in-between : I curate stuff that I’ve seen/experienced that might be interesting to others. My chats with other visitors are short. That’s ok!

    Reply
    • Adam S

      You’re damn righ it’s ok. Sometimes carrying on an overly-lengthy conversation becomes a drag. I like to exchange meaningful stuff — the rest of it I’d rather save for FB or Twitter, you know?

      Reply
  47. araznoom

    Wow, what a long and interesting conversation! I’m an art blogger, using the platform as an informal gallery and to show process and progress. It’s friendlier and more down to earth than a website, which can be quite distanced. I don’t know why so many people dislike the like button! I usually read and look at blogs whilst at my day job and don’t have the time for lengthly engagement, so i appreciate the option to like, and like sincerely!

    Reply
    • Adam S

      It turned out to be an Arena Rock Show –> not the *party* I originally thought it would be.

      I like the *like* button because I’m a closet-approval whore haha. I do the same thing a lot of the times. Sometimes though, like I said, what more can be said? Sometimes acknowledgment is the only thing you can add?! Thanks for taking the time to read this, honestly. It warms my belly — hope you shtick around!

      Reply
  48. hunt4thought

    Great post! You really put a lot of good information out there and I believe that reading this post helped me to better understand the Blogosphere. You definately convinced me to create a second page for my more artsy stuff and leave my current blog for my rants, rages, spitfire satires. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      No prob Dude, and Thanks You! I’m really glad that you enjoyed reading, and were able to find some inspiration from it. That’s what I do. That, and my day job. My day job sucks though — this is much more fun! \M/

      Reply
  50. Jae

    This is a good one. I’d like to think mine falls under the Conversational category. Thanks for sharing this, and congratulations on being Freshly Pressed!

    Reply

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