2 posts tagged “readers”
What do you think is good blog etiquette and what do you want from your readers?
Submitted by April.
oo00OOPlz dOnT TyPe l!Ke ThIS CuZ iT ISnT kEwL. This just shows me that you are an iD!0t. Let us honor the guidlines set before us for effective written communication. These rules can be broken- always- but the complex system of the written language has been considered for centuries, and exists because it makes life easier.
Being passive-aggressive in a blog is baaaaaaad bad etiquette. This is why I quit using Myspace; my blogging neighbors were too involved with each other, too passionate in their writing about one another, and I was afraid to read them, only to find that yet another person was pissed at so-and-so. It is so immature; that's not why I'm here. When you are angry at someone, do not write a blog about it that you know they will read. Do not talk about how hurt you are, hoping that the person responsible will get the hint. DO NOT aim to hurt someone through writing. Oh, what a tangled web we weave through our cutting words and backhanded blogs.
I suppose a web-log is a diary of sorts, a log of events, feelings, writings, musings, thoughts, etc. So, anthing that one feels the need to log is appropriate. For me, it is a place to write. Writing is important; what you write is less important. Saying what you have intended to say is what writing is all about.
From those I read: Two things, really. I want to know what you're all about. You entertain me with your honesty and personality and creativity, and things another person finds interesting in their lives is worth the read. Also, I want purpose. Whining/griping multiple times throghout the day does not make for a good read. If you need to bitch at the end of the day, blogging is fine. I may or may not be interested in reading it, but I hope you write anyway. What I like to see is that someone has something to say, and they have supported what they are trying to convey.
From my readers: There are a couple of the simple exercises that I used to use with my students at The Writing Center when we read beginning essays that I would find particularly helpful in this context. We would read, then write on the following:
"I think you are trying to say..." (complete and elaborate.) This is to explore what you think the writer is really trying to get at, and if they are actually supporting it/saying it at all.
"I want to hear more about..." if there is anything that stands out, what is it, and why? This very well may be the strongest point in the piece, and the writer doesn't know it yet. Or, if they haven't yet explained themselves, this is a chance to give them feedback from the reader's perspective.
And, always ask why.
I think the best way to become a more effective writer is to write often and to share your writing with others (without shame! Without fear!) This is why I find blogging such a useful tool as a writer. So, if any of my readers happens to want to give any kind of feedback, of this or any nature, on my writing, I encourage you. Writing is never complete, and another perspective on the things I say would be much welcomed.
It occurs to me that I spend a good deal of free time composing blogs. I am prompted to question why-- am I writing for myself? Is it entirely for the pure joy of language and composition, the satisfaction of seeing my ideas take a permanent form? Do I make the effort to write becuase it is fulfilling and enjoyable? Possibly. But, it is unlikely that these conclusions are completely true. This is, say, 90% of the reason I blog. The other 10% is because I know someone will read it, and I am an exhibitionist. I like people to see a little bit into who I am, and that I can create a persona here on this Internet. I also want to know that what I am saying is being read and considered, even if it is then tossed aside. I don't care what you make of my words, or if they flee your mind immediately afterward. I just want to be read. Because I am a writer, and this is what we writers like to happen.
It then occurs to me that I have approximately 2.5 readers. I am a Vox noob, so this is reasonably understandable. I have two subscribers, and I am assigning that 0.5 to that occasional browsing stranger who will come across me in passing. Hello Invisible Stranger. This is okay, but that leaves 7.5% of my blogging satisfaction unfulfilled. No girl wants get only get 92.5% of the way satisfied.
What, then, can be done to obtain 100% satisfaction from my Vox blog? I consider passing out my URL to family and friends, but this feels like cheating. They would feel obligated to read, and I would feel obligated to censor, hence, defeating the mother-fucking purpose of writing at all, (see how fun uncensored is?) My two subscribers will likely continue to read, because they probably are notified when I update. What is left is the 0.5 Invisible Reader. Hello, again, Invisible Stranger. I must pimp myself out to the occasional hapenstance reader.
Invisible Stranger, please continue to read my blog. There are many reasons why you should. First of all, I am pretty cool. I like and notice unusual things, and will feel far more compelled to write about these Unusual Things if I know that Strangers are reading about them. My writing will improve (I may even throw in some original fiction) and you will get a minute or two of entertainment on your way to your original destination. Secondly, I will get off on knowing that you have read me (please read blog/please leave occasional comment) and you will have the self-satisfaction knowing that only you can make me cream my pants so. And lastly, I am asking you very kindly to read my blog.
Please read my blog.
