Even if blogging is a fad, good writing isn’t and will never be. It’s timeless. Blogs and websites today seem to be optimized for ads and little else. That’s a real shame. That’s one of the reasons I love reading FuelMyBlog. When I venture over here, which is admittedly less often than I should, I read real stuff that gives me a laugh. It always puts me in touch with what real bloggers are up to. I need that.
I get so tired of fake blogs, fake services, “bot” emails, and just plain fake people I run across my quest to make money blogging. In the past few years I have learned the value of being real. My grandpa died recently and I’ve been left with only the memories of the “real” him. What would people remember about your blog? We should write real stuff for human audiences. Instead of just merchandising, we should teach our readers something the same way a teacher develops a concept for students. Even though we may not gain a million clicks in a weekend, our words will outlive us. We should remember that. Like a cosmic Star Trek episode, people will continue to read the words we write. Plus, what’s wrong with assuming “real” posts could one day gain large audiences? One example of an artist that kept it real while breaking the bank is Walt Disney. He’s proof that when the audience is the focus, the money follows.
I hold out a hope of “real” blogging making a comeback. The first blogs were online diaries. I’d like to see more people coming in to read mine through word of mouth or subscription rather than through a search engine. Don’t get me wrong, I hope to be of help and/or service to all my readers. I also would hope my “real” posts that are optimized for readers not search engines would be helpful. So, therein lies the challenge.
As bloggers learning more about how to blog we are tempted every day to use automation to bring us cash. Those who are not in it for the money usually want to see their readership grow in numbers. Either camp will never leave a “real” legacy by chasing dollars or subscribers. I think it’s time I had a “head check” moment on this so sort of “filed” it here. I’ve redeclared my mission statement for blogging:
“I seek to: create and innovate content that has value to real readers.”
The next time you check your daily hits or advertising earnings, remember this post and my advice: Keep it real and for real readers. Blog with vision. Whether or not you make tons of money, you’ll make the blogosphere a better place.
Very nice post and I agree with your sentiment whole-heartedly. I value readers and comments above everything else, so content is king.
Great post. I’ve only been blogging for about a year but it’s totally personal and mostly read by friends and family. I don’t do ads or anything and I feel quite inferior when I see blogs with loads of ads and stuff going on. I’d much rather read someone’s ramblings that gives a true insight into them.
@Smitten by Britain: Yes, indeed it is. It takes a disciplined mind to shut out all the “time wasters” in blogging. Focusing on inspiration is the best job you can do, if you write for humans and not bots. Carry on!
I’m worried Damien – why are your eyes closed? Is it something to do with tantric sex?
Not closed, squinting
The sun was very bright that day. Haven’t tried the other … yet.
I’m told …… oh never mind …… tee hee
I appreciate your plain speaking to maintain quality of blogging!
When traffic and income opportunities are the order of the day, you stand out emphasizing quality of blogs. Kudos!
Watch it, Damien. DP knows all about tantric sex…his image has been recently found on sarcophagi.
@JohnC: I am genuinely afraid to ask what that is
Some am I Damien – and apparently I was there …..
Damien: Do you like gingernuts?
I was discussing with someone the other day why people who have been using Facebook or similar sites for a while seem to be losing interest.
Your post provides the answer. Facebook has no intrinsic value – it offers nothing, other than the opportunity to do something that is generally done far better in person – it is not real.
Blogging, on the other hand, offers an insight into people’s lives – now that’s real.
…BTW, there was one of those sunbed salons near us called TanTrick – I wondered why it was so popular!
@rajoo6: I think the blogosphere began with real people and real posts should make a comeback. Look at Dooce … it started with a 20 something rantin about her job (which seh was fired from). Now she pulls in 40k a month in advertising alone. Be real, it has many benefits.
@Crofty: I happen to like Facebook because its a way I keep in touch with family and friend. I’m just waiting to be dumped though because I pipe in my blog posts as they are published
That’s my “Face” in the book, I say they can take it or leave it.