tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post710016835871916783..comments2024-03-28T08:48:51.749-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: How Can We Tell If Our Blog Is Good?Jody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-74964123107772767222010-04-24T11:37:52.980-04:002010-04-24T11:37:52.980-04:00Thank you for this wonderful post. Karen Lange had...Thank you for this wonderful post. Karen Lange had a link on her blog and I followed it here.<br /><br />I have also reached my one year anniversary of blogging, and I admit I didn't know what I was doing when I started. <br /><br />I'm still working on making my blog an interesting one, and I've found that in reading other blogs, I like:<br /><br />1. Blogs about writing, that give helpful advice, good writing exercises, and fun analogies for the writing life.<br /><br />2. Blogs that are beautiful. Mine is plain at this point, so it needs some fixing. <br /><br />3. Blogs that have postings at least 3 times a week, or more. I think I may blog too much some weeks and not enough other week.<br /><br />Just some of my thoughts that I am trying to put together so I can "spiff up" my blog and make it better for my second year of blogging.Tyrean Martinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15356604721537744361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-19936989022000312152010-01-25T13:45:59.205-05:002010-01-25T13:45:59.205-05:00Great post Jody! The blogs I consider must reads a...Great post Jody! The blogs I consider must reads are the ones I find both entertaining and pertinent. I like bloggers that mix a little fun in with their intriguing topics.J.R. Johanssonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02671109654769467131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-16940398860267728072010-01-19T21:04:00.819-05:002010-01-19T21:04:00.819-05:00This is such a great topic Jody. I think the blog...This is such a great topic Jody. I think the blogs I'm most loyal to are the ones written by people who I feel are friends. Great information is a plus too. Yours is on my must read list (as is evidenced by the fact that I'm technically unplugged this week and still reading your blog :)Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00861022355718378425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-83088171655807510072010-01-19T14:59:59.654-05:002010-01-19T14:59:59.654-05:00The intangible, undefinable "voice" is o...The intangible, undefinable "voice" is often what draws me back to a blog. The person writing is someone I want to "talk" to, so I keep coming back to hear what they have to say. <br /><br />You could be writing about writing, or family, or darn near anything else at this point... I don't know you, not really, and yet I want to hear your point of view on things.CKHBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17741681893677604323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-30194627390097260532010-01-19T14:32:39.362-05:002010-01-19T14:32:39.362-05:00I've had to limit myself to blogging twice a w...I've had to limit myself to blogging twice a week. That goes for reading and posting. Otherwise I rush through blogs and don't absorb half of what I read. <br /><br />My must read list tends to be the bloggers I feel a real connection with. It could be because of how long I've known them, if I've met them in real life, my respect for their attitude, accomplishments, or outlooks etc. <br /><br />But you're right. It's all subjective.kahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10789825860272178765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7084829817088171782010-01-19T14:25:57.387-05:002010-01-19T14:25:57.387-05:00Usually most of the blogs I visit are not "ch...Usually most of the blogs I visit are not "charged" and trying to create tension. I guess I would tell the truth on those if I thought the person was close enough to me or could handle it. :O)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-15749715711916948612010-01-19T12:50:27.271-05:002010-01-19T12:50:27.271-05:00Excellent questions.
I can honestly say your blog...Excellent questions.<br /><br />I can honestly say your blog is GREAT. You cover so many different aspects of the writing life, and you do so beautifully. Plus you're honest and inspirational at the same time. In fact, I have something for you at my blog... ;)Dawn Simonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05667675689038435581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-54827715092255589352010-01-19T10:38:56.191-05:002010-01-19T10:38:56.191-05:00I'm sneaking by while I'm unplugged.
You...I'm sneaking by while I'm unplugged. <br /><br />You hit on some relevant points Jody. I'm refecting alot on blogging right now. I want to be effective and an overall blessing, but only God can determine that. I will probably not play with stat counters, I have enough anal tendencies that drive me. I have found that when I don't comment or visit as much there is a difference in traffic to my blog, but such is life. <br /><br />I plan to really focus on making my posts authentic and relevant to writing, mixing in a nice balance of individuality.<br /><br />Thanks Jody!Tamika:https://www.blogger.com/profile/04874834971492028558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-48269553136139145412010-01-19T07:32:07.076-05:002010-01-19T07:32:07.076-05:00Hey, Jody! I read your post yesterday and have bee...Hey, Jody! I read your post yesterday and have been thinking about it off and on since then. Your blog is definitely a must read for any person trying to make a go of this writing thing. You provide such an insight into the early career of a writer and the publishing industry. And you always make me think about where my priorities are and about writing in general.<br /><br />In terms of measuring success with a blog, I think we must first define why we are blogging before we can determine the level of success. Like our books, if we're trying to make our blogs a success in terms of content, then the content must be excellent, but also like books, it's all relative and subjective.Heather Sunserihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12552506888985553471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-34373446895799178872010-01-19T00:22:47.877-05:002010-01-19T00:22:47.877-05:00I have been posting about this topic of blogging t...I have been posting about this topic of blogging the past many Mondays. I even linked to your posts about getting comments in one of my posts. There is a science to this blogging art and I think you have pinpointed it to a great deal. For me, my must read blogs start with good writing and entertainment value. I want to enjoy what I'm reading. Good information--like this post-- is another essential. I sample many blogs and some I follow, while some I just pass by.<br />I'd like to think I'm writing good stuff in mine, but like you say comments are almost always nice and polite. I like it when I am challenged or constructively criticized, but it rarely seems to happen.<br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-87116915207966431152010-01-18T22:13:12.686-05:002010-01-18T22:13:12.686-05:00hmmmm I started blogging ~a year ago, a whim of s...hmmmm I started blogging ~a year ago, a whim of sorts- never expected to blog for an entire year- now I'm "addicted"<br />Blogging, I think, brings some clarity to my thinking... much better than journaling.<br />Having discovered some excellent blogs along the way is icing on the cake- I learn, I laugh, I see glimpses of how others think and live.<br /><br />Don't know that I trust my "blog counter" or pay much attention- but it is a little thrill when I find a comment<br /><br />What did Mary Tyler Moore say at the end of her show... something like "what is a family- just someone that makes us feel a little less alone in the world. Thanks for being my family" Something like that.. <br /><br />blogging- a big extended family- something that connects us, makes us feel a little less alone...<br />it's all good...Sallyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00257457947894203971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-68210998318937934332010-01-18T21:21:17.246-05:002010-01-18T21:21:17.246-05:00When people read my blog and leave friendly commen...When people read my blog and leave friendly comments on it, I consider my post a success.<br />Sometimes bloggy friends tell me they bought my book and love it and that warms my heart.<br />All in all, I aim for joy and don't take it all too seriously.Terra https://www.blogger.com/profile/04396481049075747940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-10715632541743761702010-01-18T20:54:14.181-05:002010-01-18T20:54:14.181-05:00One way I measure blog success is by the friend co...One way I measure blog success is by the friend connections I've made. I'm consider myself a newer blogger, so don't think of myself as an expert:) I do agree with Susan Reinhardt's comments, among others.<br />Good post, thanks for making me think!<br />Blessings,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-81197344097806239642010-01-18T19:18:05.067-05:002010-01-18T19:18:05.067-05:00I like blogs that give me information or a new loo...I like blogs that give me information or a new look at something or just make me laugh.Southpawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16539290964546504171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-56536684281250520482010-01-18T18:59:31.776-05:002010-01-18T18:59:31.776-05:00For me a must read blog is one where the writing i...For me a must read blog is one where the writing is compelling and the author has a clear purpose. I approach my own blog writing with that in mind. Great questions as always.Deb Shuckahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439395710731341021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-12825809542764579552010-01-18T17:42:37.297-05:002010-01-18T17:42:37.297-05:00While I'm taking a break from posting one of t...While I'm taking a break from posting one of the things I'm re-evaluating is blogging. Your post and the comments have sure helped me in the decisions I want to/need to make regarding blogging.<br /><br />I've been with you since the beginning of your blog and I'm so happy and excited to see the way you've succeeded on your writing journey. Can't wait to read what happens next!Donna M. Kohlstromhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04268172745025677265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-83631717468357374422010-01-18T17:41:32.316-05:002010-01-18T17:41:32.316-05:00Oh, my. My head is spinning, Jody.
I was disappo...Oh, my. My head is spinning, Jody. <br /><br />I was disappointed when I added a stat counter, then my sil who is a computer programmer told me the one I'd chosen wasn't accurate! So I trashed it. <br /><br />I don't know the answer to some of your questions but I can say that for me, the must read blogs are those I grow from. They consistently offer content that either challenges me as a Christian or a writer. Or, they make me laugh. <br /><br />My goals for blogging are to treat others as I'd like to be treated: to help them grow as Christians and writers. And to make them laugh.Jeanette Levelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12898750484193832082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-65685565799026636682010-01-18T17:15:15.172-05:002010-01-18T17:15:15.172-05:00I love "real life" blogs - where I feel ...I love "real life" blogs - where I feel I can really get to know a person. And I try so hard to remind myself that blog-worth isn't measured by blog comments!Bekahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08455200539913180050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-77559180227940120162010-01-18T16:56:39.123-05:002010-01-18T16:56:39.123-05:00Great questions! I agree with a lot of the comment...Great questions! I agree with a lot of the commenters here. I think, like publishing, it's all subjective. I have a huge list of blogs I "must" read everyday.<br /><br />Why?<br /><br />Because they offer me something valuable. Whether that's a laugh, a smile, information or a personal relationship doesn't matter. I read because I want to. That's what makes the blog valuable.Elana Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05877856005992028912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76464543868030640302010-01-18T16:50:56.641-05:002010-01-18T16:50:56.641-05:00Hi Jody -
Your blog is a must-read for me. Some o...Hi Jody -<br /><br />Your blog is a must-read for me. Some of the things that draw me back to a blog:<br /><br />1. A friendly, genuine tone.<br />2. Regular posts that not only<br /> speak to the technical/business<br /> aspects of writing but also to <br /> the spiritual.<br />3. Variety. While I enjoy book<br /> reviews, a blog that focuses <br /> solely on them won't be a must<br /> read for me. <br />4. A blog that matures as its<br /> author gains experience. <br />5. One of the first principles we <br /> learn as writers is there must <br /> be a take-away for the reader <br /> or something to encourage<br /> discussion. Blogs that are one<br /> long commercial for the author<br /> land at the bottom of the list. <br />6. Giveaways are attractive, but <br /> I get annoyed if they require<br /> more than a simple comment and<br /> email address. I don't have time<br /> to spend a half hour on a blog.<br /><br />I guess it boils down to respect for the reader and friendly interaction.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-40612367500971442892010-01-18T16:24:13.514-05:002010-01-18T16:24:13.514-05:00I read blogs in which I am learning something inte...I read blogs in which I am learning something interesting or because I am staying in touch with someone that I consider a friend. I love making a little spending money from my blog, but even if I didn't I would still blog...it's my outlet and someday it will be a history of sorts for my children to read:)Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03925811510913201292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-63840793067209826592010-01-18T15:34:03.582-05:002010-01-18T15:34:03.582-05:00Hi Jody,
I'm a new reader of your blog, but I ...Hi Jody,<br />I'm a new reader of your blog, but I am finding a wealth of information here. I just read through nearly all your "Rest Here Awhile" posts -- good stuff! Thank you for helping those of us scrounging around in the dark on this writing/publishing journey. <br /><br />And yes, I just became a follower...because I found so much helpful info here!Michelle DeRushahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07658349105535790020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-20366106023762082362010-01-18T14:43:42.357-05:002010-01-18T14:43:42.357-05:00I haven't checked my blog stats in forever. I ...I haven't checked my blog stats in forever. I really feel God wanting me to concentrate on relationships, praying for people, and being present with my own family and face-to-face friends.<br /><br />On the other hand, if I want my books to sell, I have to care about platform.<br /><br />It's a tough balance.Marla Tavianohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14485117754789717519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-55814456729510493442010-01-18T14:24:59.201-05:002010-01-18T14:24:59.201-05:00What keeps me blogging - although sporadic this la...What keeps me blogging - although sporadic this last year - is my need to express and to write.<br /><br />Congrats on your blogging anniversary - you must be doing something or many things right, because you have way more followers and commenters than I.<br /><br />Keep up the Great Work!4 Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13539632829607456119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-44620814949964744202010-01-18T14:10:12.940-05:002010-01-18T14:10:12.940-05:00Jody, Happy Anniversary! It's been so fun bein...Jody, Happy Anniversary! It's been so fun being connected with you this year. I treasure the connection. These are good points! You've really challenged me to think outside the box I'd set for myself in terms of my own monitor of how well my blog is doing. It's tough to measure it, and I still question its worth at times, and have a lot of other questions surrounding my blogging time and how much I should be devoting to it. I grapple with this all the time and have not come up with any concrete answers just yet. I do know the the blogging world has been a blessing and I would have missed out if I had not entered it. I do the best I can with my posts but my blog hasn't grown anywhere near as fast as yours. That said, I fight the comparisons. You are offering a lot to the writing community right now because of your position as soon-to-be-published writer. That, combined with your effective writing, make it a no-brainer. Being connected to Rachelle doesn't hurt. God has brought all of these elements together and given you a wonderful way to reach people with your words, but you still have it in perspective, and I admire that even more than your beautiful writing. :)Roxane B. Salonenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01459456545891720716noreply@blogger.com