Blogging Is More Than Just Writing
July 19, 2007
In fact… writing is probably what you do the least. So what do you do most of the time when you are a blogger? Depending on the type of blogging you do, whether it be news or recording personal experiences and the knowledge you have acquired over the years, will determine what you spend more time doing. Those types of blogs that look for online resources and up to the minute news in the outdoor world spend more time researching and reading other news stories and content. But let’s break blogging down into all the different things we do besides the writing part.
Brainstorming
Sometimes coming up with ideas is a real challenge. Bloggers have to spend a lot of time brainstorming and developing ideas that will be interesting to write and interesting to read. Sometimes keeping a notebook and jotting down ideas can help you remember them. There are times that you might be in the middle of a walk, out with friends, or watching TV when an idea for a blog will hit you. Be prepared at any moment to record that thought for later use. You can also brainstorm with other bloggers or do it alone. I find sometimes on my way to sleep I will begin thinking of ideas on news stories and blog articles. Don’t laugh… it is my job!
Researching
Someone like J.R. Absher or Tom Remington probably spend more time collecting tidbits of news and facts, and weeding through what might be newsworthy. Sometimes we find out that things are not exactly true and so you have to research the information and find out the origin. From there you determine whether or not your readers will be interested. Tom says:
“I spend the vast majority of my time researching topics… really! Writing the actual article is the culmination of a lot of research. I spend at times hours gathering information and learning as much as I can about a topic before I make the final post. What I have learned through my research has made me a much better and informed writer.”
He told me one time that through his research he has developed a lot of contacts of people he can call on for help, whenever he needs it. This is also important when trying to dig up the facts. Also finding those sites to link to you have to constantly be researching.
Emailing
From time to time you get people who read your content and want to contact you. Maybe they have a news tip or even a question. Maybe they just want to drop you an email and say hi, and let you know they like your stuff. Make sure to email them back and engage them in dialog. A lot of bloggers don’t do this for whatever reason. Some probably have egos the size of Guam and think they are better because they write a blog. Who knows. Don’t be the one who won’t reply. Be personable and spend time as a blogger whether it is throughout the day or putting time aside at the beginning or at the end of the day to return emails. This should be part of your schedule.
Commenting
Whether you reply on your own blog to commenters or actually be a commenter on other blogs in your niche is an important part of blogging. This is something I have always found hard to do but is definitely important. Blogging is about community and sticking together with similar bloggers. When people comment on your blog try to make a note to reply to them. I have a hard time as a blogger to do this as I am real busy throughout the day but I think this is important. Readers want to know they are being acknowledged and that their opinions matter. If you let comments go for too long then your readers will get bored and probably not return.
Also, spend time on other people’s blogs and commenting. If you can’t get to it everyday pick 2 days each week where you can go through your bookmarks, do your rounds by visiting all kinds of blogs in your niche and read through some newer posts. Keep up to date on what others are talking about and comment. Again this is something I have a hard time doing because I have limited time and also I don’t always have an opinion on something. So trying to force myself to comment just to comment isn’t really a good thing.
Reading
Writers will tell you that to become better you must spend time reading. Pick up a book, a magazine, or just spend time reading material online. You need to fill the brain in order to conjure up something to write. Nothing worse than sitting down at the computer ready to blog and there is nothing in your mind to write about. Spend time reading content. It will help stimulate your creative side.
Exercise
Yep that’s right. Take an hour walk in the evenings or spend time doing some sort of activity. Exercise releases those endorphins which stimulates your creativity. There has been so many times I have come up with good ideas while exercising. Walking is a good source of exercise where you can think of ideas and not get hurt if your mind wanders a bit. I find if I do this by myself I also get some down time from reality. Not only is exercise good for creativity but it is just simply good for you. It will help you sleep better at night which will allow you to work better during the day. And of course eat right. Being healthy will help you perform better.
Can you think of any other things bloggers should spend time doing? I would like to hear them.
I spend most of my time brainstorming, commenting and reading. I’m not very good at getting the exercise that I should get, but I’m working on being better about that.
I would say the thing that bloggers need to do most is keep learning. That kind of goes in hand with research and reading, but it goes beyond those two a bit. Learning doesn’t only encompass being educated about the topics you address in your blog, but also just expanding your knowledge in general. I like to think I learn something new every day.
I would like to make a comment about an issue you touched on - answering or acknowledging comments left by readers.
My advice is this: Most comments should be acknowledged if nothing else. Some comments don’t deserve a response, so I won’t but don’t judge a comment by its cover.
Initially, I can get defensive when some jumps into my case about something I have written but take time to respond in a sensible, sane manner. Here’s why.
I had a reader comment on a topic in which they really got mad at me. I took the time and replied, sanely, hoping that I could get the person to better understand how I arrived at the opinion I gave.
Once I was done and the reader read my comment, we began a bit of a dialog. So we both learned we were on the same side of many other issues as well and now he is a regular reader who emails me often with tips and comments.
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