I read the blogs. But then again, I am a blogger. I guess that is a close title. I think more accurately is digitized short form writer though. In my mind, bloggers do more than I. A blog is a website and requires much more activity, however, it is getting easier and easier. I simply login on, type, and push “Submit.” I am thinking of starting a blog, but I cannot figure out what would be the niche. I love leadership and theology, enjoy small business, reading, and good beer. Another good blogging practice is to find something new, blog about it, and in time master the topic. It could be anything from fishing in the Gulf off Port O-Connor to growing roses in South Texas to building the best model boat.
However, in these days with communication so easily available, your friends, neighbors, clients, consumers, citizenry, members, clubbers, sneezers, viral maniacs, and the rest are reading, creating, writing, youtubing, V-blogging, tweeting, flickring, facebooking, myspacing...er...does anyone myspace anymore? It is getting faster due to mobility with smart phones. Bottom line: people always share.
Ok, so not everyone. A percentage is and they want to be engaged. To say the least, you must read the blogs to understand what is being said. It is free to read. It is like having a big audience freely giving many ideas in a comments box that an owner places near the register. In days gone by, the practice of the consumer comment box yielded little response. In these days, everybody has a comment in the comment box, but now the box is on the blog. In order to know the comments, you must read the blogs. An owner could not have paid or asked for a better system to understand the needs of the consumer.
The scariest part of blogging is what to expect from the comments. There are basically three things to expect: fluff, negativity, and positive remarks. Ok, so occasionally you get the spam but this is seldom. The fluff is just fun times. The negatives and their concerns are now known which is more than what was known before. The positives are your base of sorts. Because you now know the concerns of the negatives, steps can be taken to amend the problems. It may require further explanation of something, more detail, or perhaps a change altogether. The most important thing to consider is that they are people and should be treated as such. Also, every negative comment is not a personal attack. Yes, everything is personal, but just like in face to face conversations, differences are present and this is part of human nature. There is quite the difference between attack and dialogue.
Do you have to blog? No. But you don’t have to engage your client or consumer either which would not be a smart move on any level.
We’re listening.
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LOL...when I saw the title of your blog I immediately thought of someone else.
May 23, 2011 at 9:10 p.m.the comments on a mayor or city council vicad blog would burn up the server !!!
it needs to happen asap !
May 23, 2011 at 2:58 p.m.EA, thanks for the kind words, I am trying my hand at recruiting others to give it a try. From some I hear how bad it is "on the blogs," but seldom does anyone want to try it to give their own voice. I would love to see the mayor, council members, police chief, fire chief, a teacher, mom, neighborhood, club, etc. give the blogging a try. Whether here or outside, I think it would be good for the community.
Consider the mayor and each council member having a blog and being able to contribute their reasons for voting on so and so. Or the fire chief sharing how to shoot fireworks without setting the house ablaze, or a local mom sharing the interesting things to do with kids on a summer break.
Kyle, also thanks for the kind words. I am still waiting for you to blog more often!
Chris, that would be wonderful. My thoughts were as you mentioned, seeking more people to add to the conversation. I do appreciate you allowing me to reside here and I have and continue to enjoy it. I agree with you, the Advocate website, makes blogging much easier because the audience is here already and the Advocate creates much of conversation. It is more like entering into a social coffee house.
May 23, 2011 at 2:43 p.m.Jared,
May 23, 2011 at 2:04 p.m.You have a knack for blogging. We're pleased you've added your thoughtful voice to our site and appreciate all of your advice for others with a similar desire to share.
As we look for a new interactivity editor to replace CJ, we're hoping to find someone who can actively recruit more voices to the community conversation here.
Thanks to you and all of the others before you who have blazed the trail here. A blog out in the wilderness is not quite the same as one that's part of a larger conversation. Each has its place, of course -- it's a matter of the audience that you seek.
Have a great week.
I agree with EA, it would be a good move, Jared. Good luck!
May 23, 2011 at 12:37 p.m.Nice blog, Jared. Why don't you branch out over on Blogspot or Word Press? There is plenty of room for all, and as you have probably noticed, we kind of spread the word about our fellow bloggers so folks will know you are out there.
I'm not so sure you have to find a niche to fill. I think you could do what you're already doing. You cover a variety of topics, and the reader never know what she is going to get, which is a nice surprise sometimes.
You need not worry about the comments--the goofballs are all emboldened on the Advocate, but they are not so brave out of their comfort zone. I stopped worrying about the comments a long time ago, and I'm glad I did.
My suggestion? Try it out for a while. See if it fits for you. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
May 23, 2011 at 12:29 p.m.