Comments on Most Of The Best Writers On Blogit Do Not Know How To Blog

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Good blog, hate bush!

Well said blog, Im on it bro!

When GWs time is up, he's gone forever, and for that I can't wait.

posted by NorthernYankee on May 18, 2005 at 9:35 PM | link to this | reply

Fish Wrappers and Blog Titles

Even those who are talented at composing clever headers and first line lead ins followed by meaty content are still in the low numbers. I am not one of those writers. Writing the attention grabbing header is a craft that like any other requires practice, practice, practice. As I am a part timer and often log in at night when I am fatigued and brain drained, my talent for packaging escapes me.

posted by First_Fig on May 18, 2005 at 8:18 PM | link to this | reply

why did you switch to Everything Else

If there's anyone with an opinion, it's you. :) I had to use my super sleuth abilities. Hey, it's worth having, it's worth working for, right?

Kim

posted by terpgirl30 on May 18, 2005 at 7:56 PM | link to this | reply

Well said MHW...except that your headline said "most...do not know how to blog." but it's really that they don't understand how important the headline aspect of blogging is in gaining readers. Headline writing is a marketing "art form"...the best ones are those that pique curiosity, don't give away TOO much but give someone a reason for wanting to know more. I try to utilize my marketing degree and years of experience in advertising to write headlines that pull people in...sometimes it works and sometimes not.

posted by Julia. on May 18, 2005 at 2:29 PM | link to this | reply

MHW, I've been reading several of your posts for the first time and I just

want to say "GREAT POSTS!"

posted by ksurah on May 18, 2005 at 1:37 PM | link to this | reply

True

I admit one of the hardest things I have is the packaging with the actual writing being a close second. But, I plan on learning. Seeing how others do it help quite a bit.

Thanks for the suggestions,

Mike

posted by mikea18 on May 18, 2005 at 1:36 PM | link to this | reply

I'm one of those to whom pop ranking is of no concern. However...

the first thing to realise is that Blogit is a medium for "selling" your POV.

You are right toa certain extent that headlines are the starting point - they can attract readers. But get too many headlines of the ilk that you describe, and they lose their power to attract.

What really distinguishes the top (ranking-wise) bloggers from the rest is not their headlines but the fact that hey push for attention. They comment all through the range of blogs, especially to the couple of hundred members who post in a particular day.

Yes, there are some great posts once you drop below the 600 point. But the majority of them have had nothing for days.Most of those past the 1000 mark have had no posts for a month or more. And, below that, the time since posting is even longer.

Commenting in Blogit IS advertising. The more you advertise, the more people will give you clicks. The more clicks, the higher you go up the rankings.

Sorry, man, even your ranking is not based on your headlines, but on your commenting. However,once you do start getting up there, headlines do help...

posted by L.E.Gant on May 18, 2005 at 1:20 PM | link to this | reply

Ms. N.

I'm more of that ilk, I think. I tend to go beyond the headlines, especially when I've seen the people comment to other posts. That's a big clue for me. There are people who have that one line of thought. I won't read anything they do on the theory that if you've read one or two, you pretty much have it.

I always feel really annoyed when I click on something, and the actual post is a few lines or has absolutely nothing to do with the headline. It's a bait and switch for me.

For whatever reason, my thing is popular. I'm really trying to figure that out. I don't think about the headline. It's usually what gets me thinking on the subject, so it isn't special to entice people in. I haven't figured the whole rating thing out. It's probably like any other game I've played. The day I think I have the rule book memorized, that's when I start losing.

I always think of the posts/headlines sort of like conversations with my friends and family. You can't be all about one topic or another. We're living, breathing, growing. Hopefully the posts we do reflect that. Otherwise, it's pitiful self validation.

Kim

posted by terpgirl30 on May 18, 2005 at 11:57 AM | link to this | reply

MHW

I understand - but I can tell you right now - if the package photo portrays chocolate chip cookies - and I get cow patties - I am not amused.

posted by Transcendental_Child on May 18, 2005 at 11:16 AM | link to this | reply

mightyholywarrior

I have no illusions of grandeur, but this is the only stumbling block that prevents me from reaching and staying in the upper ranks. I'm not the wimpy type that silently suffers, but I've never been the type to scream for attention either, even when it's in my own best interests. I'm getting a better with my headlines and attracting readers, but I'll never be in the same league with the masters.

posted by Talion on May 18, 2005 at 10:48 AM | link to this | reply

MHW there are a lot of good blogs and writers that get lost here

They either can't express themselves like you say to draw interest or the "hit and run" post sporadically, then give up and leave. I love to read good posts no matter what the content, but I get turned off quick by rambling or to long a post. IMO I think 250 to 500 well written words holds interest. Then post daily with a good headline, but no BS. And you have to vary from time to time, even myself with politics and the war it gets tired after awhile. And the one thing I admitted before many times I have posted on things that I look like I am taking a stand on but I really don't care about but I do it to draw interest. Works for me.