What I Have Learnt From Blogging

Image by PlayfulLibrarian via Flickr

Over the months, as I have steadily maintained this blog, there are a few things that have struck me.

- A successful blogger is one who makes his own identity. There are a hundred travel blogs, a hundred photography blogs, a hundred makeup blogs and a hundred blogs like mine that are horribly random. What makes your blog so special?

- It does not matter how many followers you have, what matters is connecting to your readers. Remember, there are scores of people out there who dont follow you and chances are they will never comment either, but they still do read you. Even if that one line in that one post touches a chord with them, you've arrived!

- But it never hurts to get some love! And then some brickbats too! Both keep a sensible blogger going. I will never forget how someone called my blog "stale". It motivates me to get better. It always will. Use criticism in your favour.

- The best blogs out there are sometimes in tiny nooks and crannies. Popularity isn't the yardstick to measure a good blog.

- Content is king. If your blog is shabby, unorganized and all over the place with gigantic, ugly blocks of lettering, chances are people will not look beyond the first two or three posts. A blog with a hundred different colours and flashing images is an eyesore too. Having clean lines, a decent colour scheme and adequate spacing is not only soothing to look at but also inviting.

- Dont drive your readers crazy by saying the same rubbish again and again. Have buttons on the sides that let them know where they can follow you on twitter/Facebook. If they want to, they will. Repetitiveness is irritating!

- Animate! There should be a spring in your writing. I am not talking about flowery language, but a little imagination never killed anyone! A "sinfully rich chocolate cake" is so much more better than a "tasty chocolate cake"! Dont be boring!

- Your blog is a part of your identity. Dont be pretentious! If you aren't true to yourself and only write to please others, then rethink! I once had an utterly unoriginal blog. Every post I wrote was so uninspiring. Reason? I would read my fellow classmates' posts first and then write along similar lines. Of course, I realized my mistake soon after, deleted the crap and came out with this baby of mine. Needless to say, I am extremely proud of it!

- The world of blogs is not only about writing, but reading as well. Whats the point of preaching your butt off if you dont take the time off to see what others have to say? Dont be a "koo-ain ka maindak" (frog in a well)! Look around yourself and know more! It will enrich your personality!

- Be responsible. Dont make callous remarks and dont shoot from the hip. You might regret it later.

- Post at decent intervals of time. Dont make a hundred posts in one day. I used to really enjoy reading this particular blog, until her frequent postings (more than ten per day) cluttered my updates and irritated the hell out of me. Naturally, I developed a dislike for her and her blog.

- On the flip side, dont leave your readers in the lurch by being absent for a long time. If that is going to be the case, mention it in advance or take time out to apologize. More importantly, if you have shifted your blog or have taken the decision to stop writing altogether, let your readers know.

- Add pictures! I rate this very important. Those who know me will know why I say so! There is nothing duller than a text-only post! Of course, always mention your image source. I have been ignorant enough to not do so in the past but I have become very strict about it now. If the owner of the photograph requests for asking for permission first, please do! There is no end to copyright issues.

Well, well, well! I have come up with quite a list! Tell me what you feel about it. Do you agree or disagree? What have you learnt from the world of blogs? Do let me know your experiences!