The Seven Deadly Sins of Blogging
Logging on to check the e-mail account for this blog, the above title caught my eye on the MSN Windows Live page. I decided to check and see how many sins I was committing but I’m happy to say my conscience is pretty much clear…except perhaps for a twinge around no. 2. Sometimes I am guilty of posting multiple times in one day, but that is because I learn so many new and exciting things each day about breast cancer and living well beyond it that I sometimes get carried away in my excitement to convey the news to you!
So, how about you? Are you guilty of any of these seven deadly sins or like me, is your conscience pretty clear?
1. Not blogging
There is no rule when to begin. Put simply, the more often you blog, the better you will become. One thing to remember – Blogging is a commitment, set aside some time each day. It is easier to get into blogging regularly than trying to pick it up after a dry spell.
There is no rule when to begin. Put simply, the more often you blog, the better you will become. One thing to remember – Blogging is a commitment, set aside some time each day. It is easier to get into blogging regularly than trying to pick it up after a dry spell.
2. Blog only when you have something to say
Too many posts are an instant turn-off for most people – this is the blogging equivalent of sending e-mail forwards. Everybody wants to have a lively blog; an absolute maximum should be 4 a day, no more! Nobody wants to fall into this trap.
Too many posts are an instant turn-off for most people – this is the blogging equivalent of sending e-mail forwards. Everybody wants to have a lively blog; an absolute maximum should be 4 a day, no more! Nobody wants to fall into this trap.
3. Having a meaningless post title
People blog for one of two reasons; either they gain enjoyment from doing it or for some monetary, commercial purpose. In the case of the latter – in order to gain the most blog views, people insist on cramming their title with the most vague and nonsensical keywords. Codswallop I say! The same applies for writing purely for fun; don’t use boring and generic headlines, your title should encourage people to read – not send them to sleep.
People blog for one of two reasons; either they gain enjoyment from doing it or for some monetary, commercial purpose. In the case of the latter – in order to gain the most blog views, people insist on cramming their title with the most vague and nonsensical keywords. Codswallop I say! The same applies for writing purely for fun; don’t use boring and generic headlines, your title should encourage people to read – not send them to sleep.
4. Not leaving comments for your friends
Being tight with your comments won’t win you any friends; it may even alienate people from your blog. Blogging should be a lively medium and encourage communication. Don’t be a scrooge and leave your friends comments as appropriate.
Being tight with your comments won’t win you any friends; it may even alienate people from your blog. Blogging should be a lively medium and encourage communication. Don’t be a scrooge and leave your friends comments as appropriate.
5. Don’t delete your comments
Your friends have spent time reading your blog – to delete their comments is just plain rude. Don’t be put off by negative feedback; if you blog often and make great posts – any bad comments you receive will quickly be overshadowed.
Your friends have spent time reading your blog – to delete their comments is just plain rude. Don’t be put off by negative feedback; if you blog often and make great posts – any bad comments you receive will quickly be overshadowed.
6. Don’t strive for perfection
Perfectionism will hold you back and will turn the simple task of writing an entry seem like a chore! It is especially easy to fall into this trap early on. To be a successful blogger you must find your own voice – don’t force it, blog in the style that feels most comfortable to you.
Perfectionism will hold you back and will turn the simple task of writing an entry seem like a chore! It is especially easy to fall into this trap early on. To be a successful blogger you must find your own voice – don’t force it, blog in the style that feels most comfortable to you.
7. Shameless self promotion
Nobody likes an attention seeker and this rule applies for online too! Don’t promote yourself at the expense of others – you shouldn’t have to force your blog down other blogger’s throats, this is the sign of a bad blog.
Nobody likes an attention seeker and this rule applies for online too! Don’t promote yourself at the expense of others – you shouldn’t have to force your blog down other blogger’s throats, this is the sign of a bad blog.
I don’t blog frequently enough. I got out of the habit of daily blogging when my husband, a two time cancer survivor (who has survived two different kinds of blood cancers) went to the hospital for treatment, then had to continue to go very frequently because of complications. At one point he spent about a year in the hospital. Needless to say this really got me out of the habit, bc he continued to go in and out of the hospital, and I never regained a regular schedule. I need to though.
My blog post titles used to be totally meaningless, LOL.
I strive for perfection. It causes me to not even post at times. At other times I’ll post, but will take a long time to complete my post.
Thanks for a great post. BTW, I found you on Twitter!
krissy knox 🙂
follow me on twitter:
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I totally agree with the point about if you don’t blog for a while, it can be difficult to get into the groove again. If I had time, I would blog daily as always seem to have a list of topics but once I stop, writer’s block occurs.
Lorna
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Hi Lorna, I just checked out your blog – it looks fantastic – beautiful photographs – I got lost in my own little fantasy world looking at the House Beautiful image! And so exciting for me to meet another Irish blogger 🙂
I find the opposite problem with my blog. I have too many ideas! I get a lot of inspiration on what to write from conversations that go on with my Twitter followers. I suppose it is also easier for me because there is so much going on in the field of health blogs.
Anyway, so glad you took the time to comment here and introduce us to your gorgeous blog. I will be following you on Twitter from on. All the best for your success in the future.
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