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Some will deem the simplest and truest answer to this question plain rude. No blogger wants to hear it–be it a beginner or a pro.
But that’s what makes this issue so interesting. The reason so many blogs get rejected as white noise is “Selfish Motives”.
There’s a caveat though. The motives can be selfish, but not intentional. Let me explain.
Many bloggers begin with that twinkle in their eyes, expectant of an audience which is enthusiastic and supportive about what they have to say. There’s nothing wrong in that, unless of course all they do on the blog is whine, complain, rant, kick, or gloat.
The result: confused readers, bored readers, “checked out” readers.
With a blog entry that just goes on and on about how the writer’s day sucked and how they hate the Democrats and how it’s always a terrible weather on their side of land, what else do you expect?
Again, there is nothing wrong with that if (and that’s a big IF) you indulge keeping your readers in mind.
But some argue that a blog is supposed to be personal. After all, many blogs are named after their owners, no? So how can they not be personal and still succeed?
The answer lies in a sweet spot in the middle: Talk about yourself, gloat, stomp and go wild. But subtly bring it all together as useful information that your niche audience can take away.
I think bloggers are more like babies. You know, how the wee ones wake up their Dada or Mama in the middle of the night without uttering a single consonant or a vowel. They can’t be called selfish for the acts because at the time, it’s completely unintentional. They are innocent and just beginning. So are bloggers.
But imagine if the child reaches adulthood and yet continues to act like a baby. That will be selfish and immature. Same way, bloggers who’ve spent a while hanging around must get it. So let’s stop the selfish acts. Shun the “Me Only” Syndrome–Now!
Always blend your me time with something useful for the readers. Serve them up with freshly brewed words from your intellect. And if you can pull worthwhile information from your rants, all the better! Everyone’s happy. 
I know one blogger who does this especially well. She will write about her day, a particular time in her life, her quirky moments in such a beautiful way that you are enticed to continue reading. Before you know, she will slowly and smoothly relate it all to writing. Since her audience is a bunch of writers, it works superbly. I love her for it! ;)
That’s the way–writing about anything and being able to convert it into an anecdote for the world of writers.
I think one of the common problems people face is not knowing when to shift the focus from themselves to their audience. It can be done while bragging, ranting, complaining too. But, it needs tactics. People should never feel they are being neglected–so there must be something about them in it.
Carol Tice tells it like it is at a recent post here. Derek Halpern explains it with this 20-second-video. Not to be missed folks!
Your turn: What do you think is the biggest mistake bloggers make?
Photo by factoryjoe at PhotoRee.com.
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Tags: blog, blog promotion, blogging, blogging tips, build blog audience, creative inspiration, inspiration, me only blogs, new blogger, new writer, why bloggers fail, Writing
I agree that a no-whine-zone is good for blogs. However, if the blogger can get me to laugh at it, then it doesn’t annoy me as much. There’s enough hatred and anger in the world, I don’t want to read a post saturated in it…but there can never be too much laughter (in my opinion.)
I have to confess that I struggle with the ‘finding something useful for the readers’ part of blogging. Okay, it’s more of a statement than a confession because you’ve read my blog – you know that some days are just silly posts.
I will certainly keep this post in mind as I plan for future posts. As always, thanks for your helpful advice
Janna, this post bars comedy writers because even though they are writing about themselves at times, they are delivering something, anything. In their case, it’s fun. So it works.
I was talking about posts which are only about the blogger, in a manner which does not let the readers derive any pleasure form them.
Your blog is totally different though! It’s always telling me something new, giving me food for thought. It’s also based on writing. I love it! Thanks for writing.
-BrownEyed
Wonderful post, Brown Eyed.
And your comment to Janna is spot on. I appreciate bloggers who make me laugh most of all.
Thank You Nancy.
I love bloggers who make me laugh too!
-BrownEyed
So don’t whine? But what if it’s too haaaaaaaaaaaard?
I think the biggest mistake bloggers make is not to read through whatever they’ve written, after they finish but before they post, and ask, Why should someone who isn’t me care about any of this? I have a whole bunch of drafts just sitting there because I wrote them and then couldn’t answer that question.
Love that comment, Connor!
People should ask the same question before updating their FB status to whine about hangnails, hemorroids, or the haaaaaaaaaard day they’ve had.
Connor, I think your 3-line solution is a short-hand for my longish post. Concise and to the point. Love it!
And Nancy, I agree about FB. It keeps getting weirder by the day
-BrownEyed
Hmm. I suppose you’re right – but then again, some bloggers (and I’m not including myself in this, mind you) write only in order to get their emotions or thoughts out. If so, then either they’re not interested in the audience, or they only want the traffic that enjoys what they post however it is. I think that if people want readers, then you’re definitely right and they should try to amuse or interest their audience as well as write for themselves.
That’s a nice way to look at it.
However, I wonder why someone would want to do this. Perhaps, they want to be their own listeners and don’t expect anyone else to listen? Much better to use a lock and key diary or word document in this case. After all, blogosphere is about everything “people” (unless you make your blog private).
So I am confused: Why would someone choose a blog as a medium to vent or confide but not need an audience?
Thanks for that perspective though; much food for thought.
-BrownEyed
I had the same thought. A private journal seems a better place for private emotions and thoughts.
I know one woman who does this in every one of her blogs as well. You.
Keep it up, I’m so happy for you.
Lol. Thanks Ollin!
So am I, for you.
-BrownEyed
Yeah, I agree. I also have a fiction writer’s blog and though I discuss my work, I regularly post articles on subjects that I hope people will find interesting.
Interesting blog, keep up the good work!