Tuesday, June 14, 2005
What I've Learned From Blogging
There are a lot of things to be learned from blogging.
1. The blogosphere is populated by a disproportionate number of idiots.
1a. A lot of other bloggers will think that you're one of the idiots.
1b. A lot of bloggers, including me, are not as smart as they think they are.
2. If you're lucky and persistent, the good stuff you read on other blogs will outweigh the useless garbage you wade through.
3. A lot bloggers are pretty egotistical and believe they are the only sane voices crying out in the wilderness in defense of (fill in the blank).
4. There is a very small percentage of bloggers with something intelligent to say or something valuable to contribute. You will not be one of those until you get over yourself and stop thinking you already are.
5. For the most part, blogs don't persuade or convert the opposition. They preach to the choir. (This is perfectly OK. The choir needs to hear the good news preached just as much as anyone)
6. Since you're not likely to change anyone's mind about an issue there's no point getting into a flame war with a poster or another blogger. (Especially not on their site!)
7. Don't try to blog about what you think will interest other people or get your blog talked about. You'll get the most satisfaction from blogging about things you find interesting, about issues you believe in.
8. Don't blog because you think it's cool. Do it because you have something to say. Do it because you want to try to bring attention to an issue or recognition to something or someone.
9. Don't get discouraged. Not everyone is going to agree with you. In fact, surprisingly, some people will disagree with you. Loudly and vehemently.
10. Don't get discouraged. There is very little "overnight success" in the blogosphere. In his first month, FrankJ at IMAO.us only got about 100 comments. If you're doing it for hits or comments or recognition prepare to be disappointed. ¶ Tuesday, June 14, 2005
1. The blogosphere is populated by a disproportionate number of idiots.
1a. A lot of other bloggers will think that you're one of the idiots.
1b. A lot of bloggers, including me, are not as smart as they think they are.
2. If you're lucky and persistent, the good stuff you read on other blogs will outweigh the useless garbage you wade through.
3. A lot bloggers are pretty egotistical and believe they are the only sane voices crying out in the wilderness in defense of (fill in the blank).
4. There is a very small percentage of bloggers with something intelligent to say or something valuable to contribute. You will not be one of those until you get over yourself and stop thinking you already are.
5. For the most part, blogs don't persuade or convert the opposition. They preach to the choir. (This is perfectly OK. The choir needs to hear the good news preached just as much as anyone)
6. Since you're not likely to change anyone's mind about an issue there's no point getting into a flame war with a poster or another blogger. (Especially not on their site!)
7. Don't try to blog about what you think will interest other people or get your blog talked about. You'll get the most satisfaction from blogging about things you find interesting, about issues you believe in.
8. Don't blog because you think it's cool. Do it because you have something to say. Do it because you want to try to bring attention to an issue or recognition to something or someone.
9. Don't get discouraged. Not everyone is going to agree with you. In fact, surprisingly, some people will disagree with you. Loudly and vehemently.
10. Don't get discouraged. There is very little "overnight success" in the blogosphere. In his first month, FrankJ at IMAO.us only got about 100 comments. If you're doing it for hits or comments or recognition prepare to be disappointed. ¶ Tuesday, June 14, 2005
