I've been noticing an increase in new blogs recently, which can only be a good thing - apart from the fact that it means I need even more time to read them all. And I've been receiving quite a few emails from people just starting out, asking for advice about blogging. Apart from the fact that I'm very flattered that anyone would think I might have any decent advice to offer, I'm also very aware that I'm probably not the person to ask.
I have no idea what makes a good blog. I can tell you what I enjoy in a blog but that's really about it. So I was thinking that it might be a nice idea if you all could chip in and tell me and anyone else interested:
What makes you enjoy a particular blog (not just this one, any one that you read)?
What type of post is your favourite?
How important are the photographs?
Does the design of the blog attract you or even stop you from reading it?
Do you like blogs to be colloquial/regional or fairly generic?
An equal amount of craft and family, or does too much of talking about the kids put you off?
What else? What are the best words of advice you can give a blogger?
I know that there's a lot of people out there that would really appreciate reading what everyone has to say about this. Lots of us have written about why we blog, but not very many write about how to blog successfully. So either leave a comment here, or answer the questions on your own blog (but leave a comment here linking us back to it). And it's not just for the new bloggers out there, it's also for those of us that have been doing this for a while and don't want to become stale and boring.
And as for me? Well, I really like bright, clean looking blogs. I have to admit that if a blog is too yellowy/brown looking then I can be a bit put off. Equally if there aren't many photo's or if they're badly lit or blurred, I struggle with wanting to read it. I like a good balance of words and pictures, and I prefer it to be more craft based generally, rather than family based. That's not to say that I don't love reading about families, I do, but if it's a craft blog, then the actual crafting's important too!
That's about it for me really. I don't mind whether the blog's British, American, Aus etc and it doesn't bother me if there's swearing (in some cases I prefer it!). I like there to be a sense of fun and I'm not hugely keen on people that take themselves too seriously. Oh and I struggle to read blogs that give their readers a collective nickname, but that's just me, I've never liked being part of the crowd!
I really think it would be interesting to find out just what makes us all like some blogs more than others. Oh and that's the only advice that I can really give - go to a blog that you love and work out just what it is you love so much about it and then (without ripping them off) try to recreate that feel, but your own interpretation of it.
As my daughter would say - this a good idea, yes?
What makes you enjoy a particular blog (not just this one, any one that you read)?
**Photos, wit, posting often..but not TOO often
What type of post is your favourite?
Random..."check this out" posts. Or giveaways. ;)
How important are the photographs?
Absolutely positively important..If I wanted to read a book...I'd...read a book.
Does the design of the blog attract you or even stop you from reading it?
I read through Google Reader, so design doesn't usually matter. But I don't read them if full posts don't show up on Reader.
Do you like blogs to be colloquial/regional or fairly generic?
Either, or.
An equal amount of craft and family, or does too much of talking about the kids put you off?
I don't have kids, but I enjoy kids, and don't mind reading about kids.
What else? What are the best words of advice you can give a blogger?
Post at least once a day, but no more than 3. Never talk about how no one is reading, and ALWAYS pretend like you have something interesting to blog about.
Posted by: Tasha | June 20, 2008 at 09:43 PM
I like nice looking pictures of inspiring crafts or vintage collections, along with coherent entertaining writing. If people just post photo captions, that is preferable to lengthy paragraphs with no pictures to break it up. A little bit of personal stuff tossed in is fun and nice to help feel connected to the blogs I read. I don't like to read negative complaining or too much politics or ranting. I like some fun links to off subject videos or creative cuteness.
I don't read any blogs where the writer aggressively ignores the conventions of paragraphs and punctuation. Typos are no problem!
As for layout, I read most blogs in my google reader so layouts don't really show up. I don't like them to have any noisy soundtracks, flash video or too much of a commercial look.
Posted by: IamSusie | June 20, 2008 at 09:47 PM
i agree with you about a clean aesthetic. good photography is important to me, whether i pull it off or not, i appreciate it on others' blogs.
so content is really important to me. and a blogger's voice. you can tell if she's serious or irreverent or whatever. it's nice to identify with someone's point of view. likewise, i appreciate good writing, grammar, correct spelling. i grow weary of bloggers who constantly curse and exclaim.
since i'm pregnant, i love reading about others' pregnancies or labor and deliveries. also like reading about how a person approaches her craft and what inspires her. tutorials are always cool.
a blog's design/aesthetic will totally turn me off. usually ones with black or fluorescent backgrounds (pink, purple, lime) are too visually busy for me to look at for long. course, you can always read the plain text in bloglines or google reader, so there are ways around that. but sometimes a person's blog aesthetic is indicative of their sense of style/color choices, etc. and that can help me determine whether i'll love their projects or not.
i like a regional blog because there are things i can relate to/that i have knowledge of. but also love seeing photos of Boston, Philly, Alaska, etc.
i'm generally more interested in reading about craft. an occasional story about children is ok. but that may change after i become a mother.
best advice is to seek out likeminded people and cultivate a friendship with them. the most rewarding part of blogging is developing online friends who evolve into realtime friends eventually. but that's more about reading blogs, not blogging per se.
other best advice: don't create your blog to be too narrow or too general. a balance is nice, but it's also great to find a niche within developed blogging communities: mommy bloggers, craft bloggers, knitting bloggers, foody bloggers, etc.
Posted by: rebecca | June 20, 2008 at 09:47 PM
How strange - I wrote a post yesterday about this subject:
http://magpiefiles.blogspot.com/2008/06/advice-for-new-bloggers.html
It is less about design and content which is a personal thing for each blog writer and more about the tools that you can use to help you.
Posted by: Alice C | June 20, 2008 at 09:51 PM
I love blogs with simple, bright layout.....and lots of good pics on a variety of subjects. My blog is kinda boring right now, seeing how all I do is cry.....but I really liked it last year!! :-)
I don't like super-wordy blogs.....I must have a really short attention span.....it's also like I'm on a hunt for inspriration when reading blogs....so show me something pretty and that I could do!
Posted by: Mrs. MK | June 20, 2008 at 10:05 PM
What makes you enjoy a particular blog (not just this one, any one that you read)?
I like it when people are passionate about what they do but also totally accessible. People who explain where there are in their creative world and want to draw you in rather than make you feel they have talent you couldn't possibly replicate. I love it when people are real about their lives too -be it mistakes made in a quilt or difficulties with kids. There's too much superficiality in this world. People need to connect with one another on an honest level.
What type of post is your favourite?
If it's a blog I like, I generally like all posts.
How important are the photographs? Very, very important. I login to bloglines to be entertained visually, not to read a book.
Does the design of the blog attract you or even stop you from reading it?
Nope. I read most of my blogs through bloglines so design doesn't feature. (I rely on links in other people's posts to highlight someone else's blog to me.)
Do you like blogs to be colloquial/regional or fairly generic?
I really don't mind. (Although I would love to find someone who blogged in my area.)
An equal amount of craft and family, or does too much of talking about the kids put you off?
I love talk about the kids. (As long as it's not all "little Johnny was a DARLING today"...)
What else? What are the best words of advice you can give a blogger?
Be honest but not depressing, passionate but not exclusive and show your work as often as possible. I love seeing new things and it helps to motivate me to get my backside into gear. Always let people know where you get your ideas/inspiration/fabric from. It's a really important way in to the work.
Posted by: Sam | June 20, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Funny that you have posted about this...I was half tempted to write a post about blogging pet peeves...My biggest pet peeve are blogs that have music...especially if I happen to open several tabs with more than one that has music...the noise!!!
Posted by: Jane Weston | June 20, 2008 at 10:39 PM
I like crafty topics, but I also love to read about my blog friends' lives in general... children are ok :)
Clear, bright photos are important.
I admire people that have a way with words, some people seem to write without any trouble (this in particular is a focus point of mine since English is not my mother tongue).
I love people that write with a sense of humour (but good humour!).
I don't like it when bloggers have lots of difficult to remember nicknames for their family members.
I don't like black or fluorescent colours on blogs.
Music I hate.
Tutorials are always fun.
I prefer it when blogs are updated regularly. It doesn't have to be every day, but a couple of times per week is nice.
I like side-bars with lots of interesting info; a short bio is also a necessity.
I love reading blogs from all over the world. I'm interested in other cultures, especially the everyday things. I have learned so much over the years, about all kinds of things. Blogging has truly enriched my life!
Posted by: Mirre | June 20, 2008 at 11:50 PM
What makes you enjoy a particular blog (not just this one, any one that you read)?
* I enjoy blogs that are honest and real. What I mean is, let your words go. Let your heart open. Let NOT your worries of judgment by readers halt you from writing what you feel.
What type of post is your favorite?
* Quick posts with meaningful photos are best for me.
How important are the photographs?
* They are helpful but not necessary on every post.
Does the design of the blog attract you or even stop you from reading it?
* Absolutely! If the colors hurt my eyes or the layout is cluttered or advertised, I steer clear.
Do you like blogs to be colloquial/regional or fairly generic?
* I tend to blog as if I were writing in my journal. Its not your voice you should be hearing, should be mine. Or thats the hope! :-)
An equal amount of craft and family, or does too much of talking about the kids put you off?
* A percentage of 40% craft to 60% family. Too much craft puts me off. I do love to browse your esty store!
What else? What are the best words of advice you can give a blogger?
* Be frank but tasteful. You don't need to paint a pretty picture. If you are honest and genuine, your picture will be beautiful.
And don't break the code of blogging: Never put down another blogger.
Posted by: jessie earth momma | June 21, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Completely off topic but... what are those three little containers? in the middle of your first photo with the red, green, and gold lids and where can I find some? I'm in love with them and I don't even know what they are!
Posted by: Jennifer | June 21, 2008 at 01:18 AM
Wow - those are tough questions....I am going to have to think about this for sure *pats self on head*.....
Posted by: Creature of Habit | June 21, 2008 at 01:36 AM
I also get a lot of queries from new bloggers about "how to"...so on Tuesdays I post some tips and tricks to help people out (leniandrose.blogspot.com). Also Meet Me At Mikes (meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com)has posted 4 great how to's as well. Hope it helps!
Posted by: Michelle | June 21, 2008 at 01:37 AM
I read so many blogs I'm obviously easily pleased but my favourites are nice and clean looking with a good balance of pictures and words, I'll admit if there's not a lot of photos but a big novel I just skim. I read for the craft but it's nice to read about family too. I don't like people who take themselves too seriously though, I subscribe to a lot of knitting blogs and love seeing finished objects but it drives me insane when they talk about 'photo shoots' it all sounds so full on (that's probably just me though).
Posted by: Peta | June 21, 2008 at 02:30 AM
As a lot of people have already commented, don't have music on your blog. (I have muted my speakers because of this.)
Allow feed services to showcase ALL of your post. I don't necessarily want to visit your blog from Google Reader every time I see that you've posted something. Many times I'll decide that I don't really want to read it and skip the rest.
Ditto on not having black or a dark color background. It's usually easier to read dark letters on a lighter background. You can't beat black on white for easy reading.
Spend a little time to make a banner that shows what your blog is all about. It's the first impression of how you present yourself to the world.
Please let us know what your first name is. You don't have to mention your last name but it's nice to know that "Doily Maker Delights" is really Betty Lou.
Bottom line, blog about what makes you passionate and it will shine through. Also have fun with it. Cheers!
Posted by: Lemon Tree Tami | June 21, 2008 at 04:37 AM
I am also wondering about this!
For what I like to read, I love learning about how people live and their families. I love to see projects and learn why and how they came about. I love great pictures and words that explain. I hate automatic music (as has been mentioned...!) I get bored with blogs that are only to showcase work for sale. A nice balance and an honest perspective are what I look for, it is just an interesting way to get to know people all around the world!
Posted by: AmandaMay | June 21, 2008 at 05:57 AM
What makes you enjoy a particular blog (not just this one, any one that you read)?
I enjoy a blog that I can relate to. One that comes from someone who likes to create and be inspired. The medium that they use to express this creativity isn't important. I enjoy reading about how people work this creativity into their everyday life and how they find...or struggle to reach a balance.
What type of post is your favourite?
My favourite posts are where I see something inspiring that I have never seen before. A combination of colours I would never have tried but now can't wait to experiment with in my own way...or where I see someones interpretation of a concept that is so familiar and part of our everyday but they have taken it on a completely different and never before seen tangent....like doll makers never ending ideas of 'what a doll can be'.
How important are the photographs?
Photographs are very very important. I still don't think I have got my hand on photographing for my own blog...but I am enjoying finding out what works and what doesn't. I always seem to be struggling for the right light and angle...oh and trying to block out the kids mess in the background of the shots!
Does the design of the blog attract you or even stop you from reading it?
I agree with what so many others have said here. Crisp and clean with a harmonious feel to the whole blog. I find it hard to read blogs that are on coloured backgrounds. I like to see blogs that have almost invisible themes that tie the whole package together...and yeah...no music.
Do you like blogs to be colloquial/regional or fairly generic?
I really enjoy reading blogs from half a world away. As inspired as I am by what I find in my own backyard I love to see what is happening in countries that I could only ever dream of visiting.
An equal amount of craft and family, or does too much of talking about the kids put you off?
I am fine with mixed level of crafting and kids. I have kids and it is always interesting to see how other people juggle the gentle art of child raising.
What else? What are the best words of advice you can give a blogger?
Be true to yourself. Find inspiration from others who do what you do...but beat your own drum as much as you can. Don't whinge that no one is reading your blog. It is a big turn off. Makes me want to walk away in the same way as a child throwing a tantrum makes me want to walk away. I am a comment junkie and I love getting them...but I don't think that asking for feedback will ever give you a true idea of what people think and feel about what you put out there.
Jen
Posted by: frazzy dazzles | June 21, 2008 at 07:39 AM
What makes you enjoy a particular blog (not just this one, any one that you read)?
- Well written without being verbose, inspiring and bright. I like to be able to hear the author's voice shining through their words.
What type of post is your favourite?
- Finished project posts, or "look what I found" posts
How important are the photographs?
- Hmm. I love photographs but I have sympathy for the ones that don't come out too well since up here we have such appalling light that from October - February it's impossible to get good, natural pictures.
Does the design of the blog attract you or even stop you from reading it?
- It can do. I read most blogs through bloglines so I don't see the designs for the most part unless I decide to comment. One of my favourite blogs to read is one I don't visit too often because it's so very 1980's Laura Ashley in design that I can't concentrate on the words!
Do you like blogs to be colloquial/regional or fairly generic?
- I have a few specific blogs I read which are not of my region but on the whole I prefer UK/Europe-based blogs. Purely because a lot of the stuff mentioned in the US-based blogs is impossible to get over here.
An equal amount of craft and family, or does too much of talking about the kids put you off?
- I talk about mine all the time and I think it's a nice way to learn more about that blogger's life.
What else? What are the best words of advice you can give a blogger?
- Don't start blogging with the intention of having thousands of people reading and commenting. It's nice to aspire to but only the best make it!
Posted by: Vonnie | June 21, 2008 at 09:48 AM
As far as I am a craft-obssessed I love crafty blogs, but I enjoy also a lot those which make me laugh!
Photographs are extremely important to me, if I like the pics on a post, be sure i will be reading this post.
I use to dislike patterned or too dark backgrounds, and sometimes it has stopped me from reading some awesome blogs which later I realised I actually adore!
I read blogs from all over the world as long as they are in spanish or english, if they are in other languages I don't understand, I just look at the photos wishing to learn french or german to know what people say about those beauties!
I don't mind at all to read about families, especially if it's about kinds, I really think we all have a LOT to learn from kids!
Advice for new bloggers? Write your blog as you like it, this is the best way to be proud of it!
Posted by: Camino Uribe | June 21, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Ah! And I forgot! I DON'T like a song appearing laudly when i enter in a blog (maybe because I use to check blogs at work... mmmmmmmm! I'm a bad girl!)
Posted by: Camino Uribe | June 21, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I like bright looking blogs with lots of clear photos. No fussy design or dark colours or too commercial.
I like hearing about other peoples family as well as seeing what they have created and their thrifting, general family life and cooking.
I like when people post at least 3 or 4 times a week.
I like blogs that share recipes, patterns etc.
This is what I like about other people's blogs, I am fairly new to writing a blog, but having been reading them for quite a while so I try to incorporate the things I like into my blog.
Posted by: Thimbleina | June 21, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Thank you for posting this. I just started my own blog, and all the comments are helpful. I like blogs that are bright, with photographs of crafts and family life. I really enjoy when the writer's voice comes through. Thank you Manda for all the enjoyment I get out of reading your blog.
Posted by: Lisa | June 21, 2008 at 03:30 PM
I've blogged my response here
http://sewq.wordpress.com/2008/06/21/blogging/
good questions!
xx
Posted by: QALBALLAH | June 21, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Wow, looks like some good comments, I need to go back up and read them. Just wanted to add that how a blog looks is really important to me, too - bright, neat, easy to find things... And a mix of craft and life is good - I LOVE Posie Gets Cozy, partly because her writing is always so inspiring, even if it's not about crafting. Good questions!
Posted by: Sarah | June 21, 2008 at 06:22 PM
lots of pictures please. i like life and it's randomness - craft, what people see, where they go, whatever. i like to read (and i'm very nosey). i like a good people watching session, and this is a good way to do so without leaving the house.
ps. manda, you heard anything on the comic front yet?
Posted by: hazeljoy | June 21, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Wow, what a great response I'm so glad I asked for your help with looking at my new blog, HUGE thanks MandaXX
Posted by: mbutterfudge | June 21, 2008 at 10:37 PM