In summation of Ellsworth's perspective, you're wasting time blogging when:- You add little or no value to your audience.
- Your time would be better spent talking to individuals.
- You are mean.
- Your posts are anything but original.
- You plagiarize.
- You over edit before publishing.
You're writing to "thin air" unless your thoughts are authentic and relevant. Don't think for a moment that every word in every post has to be serious to have value. Not true. Much of what I write in blogs, I write playfully, yet thoughtfully.
I'm blatantly guilty of violating at least 2 of Ellsworth's principals. Occasionally, my posts on Title-opoly are mean spirited. The title industry is presently in a frustrating state of flux. At times, I sound more like a political activist than a professional speaker. It's the nature of the beast and sometimes bloggers have a duty to stand their ground.
I'm also guilty of over editing and nervously correcting posts. It may not be such a bad thing since our blogs are essentially our public face. Still, excessive editing could conceivably strip a post of it's passion and is something to consider.
What elements should a post contain if it's not to be a waste of time?
A post should be provocative if nothing else. The word provocative implies that a thing is stimulating or exciting, as in discussion. When searching for your blogging voice, it's imperative that you remain true to yourself without being overly concerned about the feelings of others. A little dose of controversy hurts no one. A post on Active Rain, especially one that's featured, has a potential readership in the hundreds, even thousands. Not everyone is going to like, or agree, with your talking points. Rather than pandering to the mob, it's better to speak your mind and handle comments candidly and gracefully.
For an example of a man who knows how to field questions, visit the comment thread to Jason Sardi's post from yesterday.
Have you noticed that political discussions are generally avoided on Active Rain? That doesn't make sense to me. We're all adults and politics, like sex or religion, are a fact of life.
Business is simply a reflection of societal needs and desires. Why shouldn't a business blog confront every facet of daily life? I'm careful not to pioneer exceedingly new ground on this blog, but political debate will become a part of Title-opoly before long. I've learned, through trial and error, that a planned series of controversial posts attracts a larger, more loyal, and more vocal audience. Notice that the word planned was used intentionally. It's not good form to write a post or comment while angry.
Bloggers have a responsibility to maintain a patently enthusiastic tone in posts. Don't feel inadequate if you're unable to perpetually motivate in the tradition of Tony Robbins. I certainly can't.
Now consider using the words enthusiastic and optimistic interchangeably.
Tom Peter's wrote: Those who exude optimism and self-confidence inspire optimism and self-confidence in others.
Most importantly, a blog should create a bigger and more meaningful world for it's audience. Never underestimate the power of your words and the effect they have on people who trust you.
We write, I believe, to educate, enlighten, and inspire others. Blogging is about engaging readers emotionally and giving them something to think about.
My cyber goal: To make my blog a place where the practical and the impractical become one and the same.
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