What’s the Appeal?
As you can tell from my weekly Town Crier posts, I try to keep updated on what’s going out there in the big bad blogging world. I also regularly try to make the rounds on some of the “influential” blogs to keep informed about this, that and the other and everything in between.
While I certainly don’t wish to denigrate any other blogs, I do have a sincere question. From my perspective, it seems as though some of the most “popular” blogs have the least content. There are several well-trafficked blogs that feature nothing more than quick updates on what the person is doing that day, what trips they happen to be taking and the like. I’ve discussed in some detail (also see here, here and here) why I personally blog and, for me, part of it really is working through Gospel-related issues which means that there will more often than not be posts of at least some length and thought (I hope).
I often find myself wondering why some blogs receive the traffic they do (I pray that this is not out of jealousy). Is it simply because they are linked by the right people, sort of a “hits by association” relationship? Is it name recognition? Is it because of their other, non-blogging activities that drives people to want to know what they’re doing that day? Is it sorrt of living vicariously through others? Am I the only one who wonders these things? Am I missing the point of blogging? Am I just jealous that I don’t get as many hits (I hope not)? What are your thoughts?
I think that blogging popularity is a lot like prime time television: if it’s interesting to a lot of people, in the right circumstances (ala the right linkage, blog politics etc.), then wala, it is now what we call “popular.”
Depending on your own tastes, you could agree or disagree with it’s popularity, and obviously you do since you’re blogging for different (better!) reasons than the most popular fluff blogs.
We all check blogs for different reasons (though probably not THAT different of reasons, albeit no less polarized), so I guess it boils down to “Do you think what you’re doing, specifically, is worth continuing?” There are a lot of factors going into that, and one of those is feedback, which you don’t get often enough I’m sure. If it’s any consolation or encouragement, I get your RSS feed every hour (if possible). Though your depth prevents me from checking out all you have to say, it does make what I do check out definitely worth it.
Also, how can you have time for Glen Rose, if you’re blogging so much? =)
Jason, good thoughts, thanks. To answer your question, I don’t spend nearly as much time doing this as people seem to think. I hope that’s because things are done well, or maybe they just look fancy? It’s been a standing resolution that blogging only comes after church and family and my wife is VERY good about holding me to it!
It’s a priority issue. To generate huge hits one must spend huge amounts of time online. At lease I believe that is correct…
In my own experience I have noticed that if I have more time in a week to spend online, visiting each of the blogs I like, checking out new ones, leaving plenty of comments, participating in carnivals… my hits for the week go up. If life gets busy and hectic for a week and blogging must take a back seat and I do little more than upload my post, read my 3 or 4 favorite blogs, and sign off. My hits drop off quite a bit. With our priorities arranged differently (in place where they should I think) we won’t spend the kind of time online that would bring in huge amounts of traffic real quick.
However, perhaps over time, one’s readership could grow steadily and slowly just from being who they are? Those readers would be more likely to stick around anyway. And probably coming back because they liked the content and not just because they were trying to check out who left them a comment. :)
But really, why is it that we get so excited about hit counters?? (Ahem. *pride*??)But I’m only pointing fingers at myself. :)
I am ok with personal stuff as long as it allows me to get to know the blogger better…
I like how you distinguish you, “working through gospel issues…”
I resonate. But i guess it depends on the person’s motivation and aim in blogging. Like Adler commented regarding books, people read for information, entertainment and understanding–few ever read understanding.
My blogging aim is to mix all three, with the hope that my more reflective entries promote deeper meditation on God, life, culture, society, etc. However, this does not keep me from putting out information I have found helpful, often information that leads to understanding that I have not developed, but simply embraced.
on a personal note, Jason Kovacs has been pointing me in your direction for a while now. I am planting in Austin with BGC and Acts 29, perhaps we can connect sometime…
I think it’s an attention span issue. People just want quick hits. I was told early on by a very well respected blogger not to post anything that might be more than a couple of paragraphs. I didn’t really follow that advice.
But I’ve noticed that when I post several small things a day, I get way more traffic than when I post a longer blog, or do a series on something.
Being in front of the computer is like having a remote control in your hand. No one stays on a site very long.
Rhett
Your blog is daily-check list. Thanks so much for showing how blogging does not necessetate self-aggrandizement. You’re showing how a blogger can be a servant.
Now as I’m just starting out with my blog, I’m especially amazed that how you can daily write in such a concise effective way. I’m thinking I’ll be lucky to get 2 posts out per week that rise to that level.
My latest post is Tales of Brave Narcissus … ooops, there goes the self promotion thing!
Dear Pastor, I check out your blog before any other. I consider your posts to be well thought out, and of the right length. Great subject matter…and sufficiently diverse to stay interesting. You communicate from a relatively humble point of view. When I look at a blog like Purgatorio(was), although that blog functioned as a good critique, an important critique, it was nonetheless something of a guilty pleasure. Your blog is quite wholesome, spiritually nutritious, and a visit is never a guilty pleasure. There is something to be said for that! My wife never frowns when I mention your blog.
Your Friday Town Crier is one of the highlights of the week. I look forward to the poetry, too.
Brent,
I think once one becomes a blogge (i.e., one who blogs) you automatically take on an extra measure of insecurity.
Will they like my blog? What’s wrong with my blog?
It’s like a trip back to junior high? Does my blog have a spot messing up its complexion? Why can’t my blog be in the popular crowd?
Praise be to God that our blogs are the jocks of the school and they can make fun of all the nerd blogs out there.
Taking their milk money is understandable, but I think your blog was out of line when it gave that computer programmer/hacker blog a swirlie.
I have never activated a counter on my website. I have no idea at all how many people visit my website. This is one way of dealing with this issue of traffic…but, to use Gunny Hartman’s simile, it is like attending Jr. High and eating lunch hidden in the band room, instead of out in the quad area where the popular kids are.
BRILLIANT! Exactly what I was trying to say, BJT.
n+1 had some interesting and stinging remarks on the matter and related issues…see the entry at creation project and consider subscribing to the journal///
Good question Pastor Brent. I’ve wondered about that question too.
I like your blog and I think it’s one of the best out there. So there’s that.