We did a special episode of the BoBCast here at Punta Fuego. Will publish it when I’m done uploading the MP3 file.
One of our discussions there was “If you were just a blog reader, would you read your own blog?” While most of us would immediately shout out a resounding “yes!”, I’ve asked several other bloggers and surprisingly some of them replied they probably would not read their own blog. (This question is different from “do you read your own blog”. The question focuses more on the idea that if you were just a blog reader, would you regularly read your blog and subscribe thru its RSS feeds.)
So, why would some blogger not like to read their own blog if they were just a blog reader? Here are some thoughts:
- Your blog is too personal. Unless the blogger is interesting or you know them personally, it’s hard to relate and follow their blog.
- You like writing rants and raves BUT you don’t like reading them.
- You primarily blog for the money. Some bloggers write about stuff not because they like the topic/niche, BUT because it’s a hot one that could bring in traffic.
- Your blog is not exactly relevant to you but your intended audience. This is especially true for blogs used as a marketing tool — you like to sell but you don’t like to be the one buying what your selling.
There might be other reasons out there why a blogger does not automatically become his own blog reader.
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If I were just a blog reader, I would read my own blog. See way back in 2000, there were no personal sites that dealt with recovery or grief journey except for memorial sites.
I think I would like to read my own blog. I read it now, when I’m in the mood to know what I was thinking about at a certain time.
Remember, for some, it is definitely an online diary of your thoughts, the things that interest you, and so on and so forth..
Like rummaging into your personal belongings once in a while, it’s nice to remember the days and months gone past and to reminisce.
So, if you are one of those who write about what truly interests them, I don’t see why you wouldn’t like to read your own blog.
I would. Atleast you would know you won’t get zero hits.
I would read 4 of my 6 blogs – the ones that really reflect my interests. You’re right in that I wouldn’t read the ones I write only as a monetizing experiment but don’t feel personally attached to. In fact, I may not even continue with these experiments. I’m more attuned with doing what I’m passionate about and trusting that it will be profitable in the long run, too. In the meantime, my enjoyment in writing about these passions is enough fulfillment for the moment.
I would, because I make it a point to write only about topics I care about, which I’d be interested in if I were a reader.
Twitter: jhayrocas
replied on Apr 20th, 2007 at 8:49 pm (6)
I read my blog every time I publish a post. Checking and double-checking on the grammar, its style etc.
I’m my own editor.
I agree with Markku. One of the most important criteria for me to write about something on my blog is because I personally find it interesting. That said, I really love to read a blogger who writes like me and who writes about the particular diverse set of topics that I write about. I haven’t found anyone else who comes close enough.
Ditto with Markku and Eugene.
I’m too random. I like it, haha.
If I didn’t know myself, and started reading my blog. Hmm…
I’d probably be number 1-Too personal. Haha.
hi, i have no idea what happened here. Saw your blogs today and thought wow…and then I posted something and whoops, it was gone…see how ephemeral bloggings could be…
may your blogging tips bring real wealth to many Filipinos and for the blogging land, Philippines
If I were just a blog reader, would I read my own blog? Yes. Reading is a habit for me and if by any chance I ended up in my site and get confronted with things that I can relate to, I would definitely be reading it. Although it is a personal blog (anything written by our own hand is “personal” since it reflects the person that we are), the themes are universal. You can be surprised at the profoundness that the act of writing brings out in us. The profound thinker in us always sounds just like someone who we THINK isn’t us at all….