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Your Blog - Is It Worth Reading or Following...and Why

Brooks Garten Hauschild

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March 14th, 2018 - 01:51 PM

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Your Blog - Is It Worth Reading or Following...and Why

Friends, followers, fellow bloggers ~ I had a few minutes and decided to scroll through our FAA member blogs to see what's new! Thoroughly enjoyed those knowing what the heck they're doing & saying, but others, hmm, not so much? A 'blog' is defined as a journal or diary written for public viewing on a website, consisting typically of personal reflections, commentary on current events or self-promotion, sometimes containing imagery, and arranged chronologically. So, I'm not exactly sure 'why' some are posting, other than the site offers us the opportunity? Seeing there's a wealth of information readily available on the subject, 'Blogging Basics 101', for example, there's no good reason not to be in-the-know.

Here's what I see: [1] a handful of members creating insightful blogs w-corresponding images that are fabulous; [2] several who like posting just their on-site contest placement[s] and/or sales updates; [3] a few preferring to promote a new collection or plug an upcoming or on-going exhibit; [4] others sending out 10 posts in a row, for some odd reason, all re different topics, but not a lot of content; [5] a couple members thinking that annoying, strange and obnoxious posts are cool; and, [6] still others choosing to share a link to another of their web blog[s] or an image from their gallery, sometimes w-little-to-no explanation, just a link, that may or may not be active. It's a problem when someone wanting to see more has to, first of all, know to go to our Pixels site and find our 'Blogs' buried under 'Info' in order to access the live link..or not. Unfortunately, we also can no longer share active image links in our Profile blog comment section either. Double trouble. We can, however, post a relevant image in the upper left-hand side and direct traffic to our Profile or Artist Website or, like mine here, add something just for fun, in this case a selfie-selfie.

Interestingly, only fellow members or those w-accounts can leave a comment, so it's difficult to garner an off-site following. Also, we must remember to check on our blogs ourselves to see if someone replies, since we do not receive a notification in our 'Activity' re. Maybe higher-ups could be coaxed into making some welcomed changes for those of us choosing to use this tool...and, perhaps, more members would use it!?

In any event, it's obvious that folks are interested in venturing out into the blogosphere, so maybe I can help w-a little friendly advice? I do have quite a lot of experience under my belt, as a writer, editor, photographer, designer & visual artist of 40+ years. Maybe that means something, maybe it doesn't, lol, but, nonetheless, here we go:

[1] Spell check, everyone! It doesn't look or 'sound' good when the simplest of words are misspelled;
[2] Use the proper punctuation! Seeing that some of you share only a sentence or two, make 'it' work, so we don't have to;
[3] Tell a story, even if it's a short one! Personality & humor go a long way. Most people are attracted to warmth & creativity, as well as something visually stimulating, like pictures to aid the story-line;
[4] Be professional! Prepare a blog that YOU yourself would want to read...and follow;
[5] Pace yourself! Timing [and content!] is everything. Less IS actually more, sometimes. If you want people to take you seriously, posting every so often seems 'healthy', while posting 5 or 10 in a row every other day looks a little OCD;
[6] Tit-for-tat can work. If you want someone to respond to your blog, then respond to theirs! Should you find it helpful, interesting, educational and/or funny, let them know. It keeps a blog circulating;
[7] Think before you post!

That's it for now. Yes, you are welcome to share your thoughts below...and to check out my Profile, as well!

~Brooks

Comments

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Ashland, OR

It's been a while since I checked in on this blog post, too long. So many I see use this onsite perk to simply announce a contest win or group feature or a sale. But, a blog is so much more than that. If you don't believe me, Google it, lol. So much more!!

Ashland, OR

Hi, Jean! Thanks for taking the time to reply. It is what it is here, the blogs...and what you can make of it. There is not much afforded re blog viewership & visibility except that it is a membership perk. If you want it to mean something in a bigger way, you'd need to share and-or promote it via a more visible channel, meaning another blog you pen w-a wider audience & opportunity to share images within your text. Good luck! I look forward to reading your blog.

Jean Evans

5 Years Ago

Moscow, ID

Good post. I am just now looking into the blog on this site to see if it is worth while. I blog on other platforms, so this will be interesting :)

Ashland, OR

Thank you, as well, Aberjhani! Being both writer & artist, I can wear both hats comfortably, as far as creative pursuits go. There are many more I delve into, too! But, I get 'it' re putting more of your energies into a specific project needing your complete & immediate attention. I think some of us are quicker to pen our thoughts into words in a way that works, so in that regard the two can be interchangeable. Good luck!! I look forward to seeing your work.

Savannah, Ga

Thanks for the insights. Your background experience counts for a lot. Most artists may find it too time-consuming to prepare a proper blog post and share whatever comes to mind to attract whatever attention they can. I have more experience as a writer than as a visual artist so try to share something of substance about my work and related subjects. However, it is possible I sometimes fall short in this regard since I have to save my primary literary energies for major projects in progress.

Ashland, OR

Oh my, time is passing by way too quickly since last I posted in my blog! Been in healing mode, working the garden, taking photos to share [soon!] and having a bit of a life outside social media, lol! It's true I haven't been on FAA nearly as much as before, but I intend to return soon & catch you up on my newest work & ideas. Until then, happy summer, everyone!! Say cool.

Ashland, OR

Hi Liesl! Thanks for the kind comment. Great to hear from you. Just enjoyed reading your latest blog as well. And, wow, what a great story-line. I would love to be able to do the same one day, traveling abroad & sharing it in book form! What wonderful moments & memories to last a lifetime...and beyond.

Liesl Walsh

5 Years Ago

Venice, FL

Wonderful blog post, a great read, thank you!

Ashland, OR

Warming temps here in southern OR mean more time spent outside gardening & capturing colorful springtime scenery in the PNW and less time for posting a new blog! But, soon, when the occasional rainy day permits, I will return w-something worthy to celebrate the season. Until then, your comments and helpful tips to encourage others to fine-tune their own blog are welcome! Also, check out my gallery of images full of spring flowers to delight!

Ashland, OR

Teresa, thanks for your comments! One good thing about life in the slow lane, for whatever reason, is that if gives us a chance to 'stop & smell the roses' more often than usual. I've noticed that many of us who were quite active on-site are not so much nowadays for several reasons ~ not generating enough sales over time, life threw us a curve ball, family & work duties called, etc. Like you, I'm using my down time to play a little FAA catch-up. Hope it pays off...and that you heal quickly, too!

Olympia, WA

Thank you for your wise advice on writing and posting blogs. Also, I am sorry that you have not been feeling well and take care to get well. My sitiuation is that I have been so busy that I have not been active on FAA and reading blogs. Now that I had a fall on 3/18th I have been resting my injured tibia and knee, walking on crutches and slowing down and rethinking how to efficiently spend my time as an artist.

Ashland, OR

I have been dealing w-some health issues these last couple of months and have, sadly, not been my former active self on FAA. I miss it...and all of YOU! Thank goodness for the BLOGS! They help me stay current about the latest goings-on & what's new out there in the blogosphere. Keep up the good work. Have a wonderful weekend!

Ashland, OR

A lot has been going on the several months since I shared my 'Blog on Blogs'...and happily so! More members are taking advantage of this FAA membership perk...and it shows. Big 'thanks' to Frank's thread in the 'Community Discussions', which offered an informative dialogue, helping to shed further light on our 'former hidden secret. Some are even becoming savvy bloggers! Check out Dorothy Berry-Lound's blogs for some interesting ideas & insight, as well.

Ashland, OR

Message received, Dorothy, thanks, and we have communicated since. I agree w-what you have to say ; makes a lot of sense. The limited word-count is one limitation that does not bode well for members wanting to leave a wordy comment. But, I wouldn't want it to be unlimited either or I'd be deleting a lot of lengthier replies, lol. I'd like to share some of your helpful ideas & advice privately w-a friend, if that's okay? Thanks for caring. Have a good night, morning and week!

Dorothy Berry-Lound

6 Years Ago

Umbria, Perugia

Brooks I have sent you a PM with some thoughts. Limited word count in comments here.

Dorothy Berry-Lound

6 Years Ago

Umbria, Perugia

Hi Brooks, the OP is specifically about the FAA blogs which I no longer use other than as a 'business card'. But I did put something in the thread about the writing process which I hope people will find helpful. Incidentally I only saw this comment as I got nervous about missing comments on my own blog - such a shame we don't get notifications when someone writes something.

Ashland, OR

Hey there, Dorothy! My pleasure. I think your blogs are fabulous. Interesting that it took you a while to get going; it seems to come so naturally. Maybe you could comment in Frank's 'Community Discussions' thread re the topic of FAA blogs? I'm sure members would enjoy hearing about your process, plus any ideas you might share to make them more visible & viable.

Ashland, OR

Members & fellow bloggers ~ PLEASE read & comment on Frank's very excellent & thorough 'Community Discussions' thread in which he addresses & heralds the positives about blogging, mainly here on FAA! It's worth your time...and feedback!

Ashland, OR

And my reply ~ Welcome, Annie! So happy to hear you enjoyed my blog-on-blogs! You are not alone in simply posting an image w-link & a few related words. That seems to be the norm around here. Some members get more elaborate [professional], others not so much, just posting a contest win or new sale. It's all good. Keep an eye our for a new thread in the community discussions soon, addressing how we & the site can help the blogs become more visible & vital.

Ashland, OR

Comment from Annie Young removed by mistake ~ "Really enjoyed this posting! Thanks! I'm rather new to this site. I'm a blind artist and had been having a great deal of difficulties getting my sales in the mail. Love FAA! I have 'dabbled' in blogging since 2009 and truly found your observations helpful. I used to write quite a bit (my son would say I went on and on, LOL), but now I tend to just post an image with a corresponding quote zzzz boring. I hope to find peace somewhere in the middle."

Frank J Casella

6 Years Ago

Homewood, IL

"is it possible to form a blog 'discussion' group...and how would that translate to knowing when someone comments in one of our blogs? " You can form a blog discussion group .. it would be a normal group. There's no notification system for when comment are posted on our member blogs, other than when it comes to the top of the feed page, jHave to check the page often (which makes me think Sean did this for that reason). If you want to wait fine, or DM me some bullets and I'll get it rolling.

Ashland, OR

You are more savvy on how things work re the groups & discussions, Frank! Hmm. Bill P.'s recent thread in the blogs subject was interesting. Btw, is it possible to form a blog 'discussion' group...and how would that translate to knowing when someone comments in one of our blogs? See, I don't know as much as you! Sort of overwhelmed w-what I'm already doing here & elsewhere, especially w-the holidays. Maybe a good time to address our blog issues & get some attention would be after the new year?

Frank J Casella

6 Years Ago

Homewood, IL

Thanks Brooks for your encouragement. I think the more you share on SM the more the BOTS cause search to find your blogs, not just for human eyeballs. Yes, the blogs need an overhaul, and I think we all have a great start to spread the word on this powerful little secret. The more we do, the more I think improvements will be made. Just like not too long ago we got some features in groups because many people were looking for it, the one that comes to mind is the 'remove all features' button.

Dorothy Berry-Lound

6 Years Ago

Umbria, Perugia

Hi Brooks, I just saw your lovely comment about my blog. Thank you so much, it is nice to know that someone appreciates my efforts. I really enjoy my blogging - I didn't to start with, I might add, but gradually I got into it and now it is a big part of my weekly activities.

Ashland, OR

Hey Frank! Thanks for stopping by. Appreciate your reply & helpful comments. I, too, have begun sharing my blog on social media. I get a little action re, but not nearly enough. Maybe something could be done to make FAA blogs more 'exciting', some on-site updates that might bring more members into the sphere? I know you're pretty savvy re these issues and, since people know who you are, maybe you could bring it to someone's attention? Just a thought.

Ashland, OR

Bill, so glad you came to visit & were able to glean something useful re starting up a blog here and-or elsewhere out there where you will get more air-time & viewership. Good luck! I'll check back in w-your 'Community Discussions' thread.

Frank J Casella

6 Years Ago

Homewood, IL

One more thing .. the limited word count can be challenging for these comments ... Presently I share a link to my blog in my email campaigns, and find that some people after reading the blogs start to click on tabs. So these blogs are a brilliant hidden secret. And if we spend time with it enough, as you and I do, they start to show up in search engines too. For this reason I've held back posting often, as the evergreen starts to work .. especially when we share our blogs to Social Media.

Frank J Casella

6 Years Ago

Homewood, IL

Its good to see that you are investing in the blog system here Brooks. And sharing about others who are too. The RSS feed link under our avatar I don't think many use that much these days, with new technology and all. It would be nice if there was also a link to subscribe to our email list, but I digress. Your article is spot on. I started by posting my group features until I figured out how I wanted to use the blog platform. Thank and enjoy your day. Frank J Casella, Photographer.

Bill Posner

6 Years Ago

Newport, OR

This was excellent read. Just what I needed to the direction to start formulating one. Look forward to more.

Ashland, OR

Blogs are a great way to announce Limited Time Promotions or Special Discounts you're offering on FAA...during the holidays & more! In fact, I just posted one myself, touting 10 ready-to-hang 30 x 40 canvas giclees remaining of my beautiful 'Serenity' rose ready-to-hang! Less than 4 days to get this special image at this special prince, a perfect git for loved ones or yourself!

Ashland, OR

Want a little extra attention in order to attract new fans & clients? Create a blog! Promoting our work on FAA is all up to us, and one membership perk that can actually help bring in potential buyers is a well-crafted blog. More members should take advantage of this savvy too. It's worth our while...if done well!

Ashland, OR

Humbled by the following from my friend JC ~ "Brooks, I have long admired your work, as you know, and now I get to enjoy reading your blog, as well! The wonderful & creative ways you share both yourself & your process make readers, like me, want to see & know more. My family & I are honored to own one of your original paintings, which inspires us on a daily basis."

Ashland, OR

Hi Shelli! Great reply. So true about the initial 'getting started' part, as well as choosing a topic or theme that is interesting and/or entertaining. I will have to take a look at your blog! Yes, definitely best to elaborate on a subject matter you're either familiar with...or want to be, lol. Like you say, research goes a long way re the latter. Of course, simply sharing our images, creative process & views works, too. Enjoy your Wednesday!

Shelli Fitzpatrick

6 Years Ago

El Reno, OK

Thanks Brook, great post with helpful info! Getting started is often the hardest part for me. Once I get going and I read what I have written I think, "wow, where did all that come from?" lol Some of the best advice I have heard, is to try to write what you know about and if you can't then try to do good research so that it at least seems like you know about it. Well cheers, and have a good week! Shelli

Ashland, OR

SO important to make a good first impression, especially when it comes to sharing ourselves and showcasing our art and/or photography! Blogs, avatars & bios are a big part of that initial reaction. Potential buyers are either turned on or turned off by our introduction ~ what we say, who we are & how we represent our talent & work. See my 'Your FAA Bio...What does it say about you?' blog for more.

Ashland, OR

Unfortunately, the 'Subscribe to Brooks blog' invite you see under my avatar does not amount to much, as far as leaving a comment below or actually subscribing, unless you are an FAA member or have an account here! Wonder if it's accessible to those using our Pixels site? In any event, it's time that FAA updates the 'Blogs' to make it easier to navigate for non-members, as well! The latter can contact me via my Profile or Artist Website...or message me on Fb.

Ashland, OR

If you didn't already know, Dorothy Berry-Lound is a savvy blogger ~ entertaining, educational, insightful & visually stimulating! You can find her in the FAA 'Blogs' roster, currently on page one, w-her latest on the subject of bicycles as art. Click on the link she offers to her main site once there...and enjoy!