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Monday, February 14, 2011

What's Your Blogging Style?


Have you ever noticed in your weekly reading, that no matter what the niche, all bloggers typically fall into certain blogging styles?

I have.
Much like Zodiac signs serve to distinguish certain personality traits and practices, blogging styles dictate individual approaches and techniques to this popular medium.

For the record, none is necessarily better comparatively. They each have certain benefits and challenges, based upon my experience as a Blogologist, (I made that term up.) :-)

It should also be noted that some folks fall into more categories than one.

Knowing your type can help you to hone your voice, define your goals, navigate your path, and distinguish yourself from the pack.

So get in where you fit in!

Here are the seven most common blogging styles and categories:

1. Teachers---These bloggers have a knack for providing know-how. They typically pen posts on how to do things, based upon their experience and/or expertise. They love sharing what they know to help others to live better, make better decisions, and to shorten readers' learning curves. I would be an example.
Many years ago, when I worked as a Senior Analyst, (in my former life), my friend Helen told me I should be a teacher. I didn't take her seriously at the time, but now I have found validity in her words. ;-)

2. Humorists/Satirists---Anybody here remember the late Erma Bombeck? She was a favorite of mine. These folks are just plain funny. Even when they're addressing serious topics, they have a tendency to make you laugh and smile. An example would be P.S. Jones of Diaryofamadfreelancer.com/

3. Story Weavers---Some bloggers possess the gift of telling stories that impart important lessons and draw from everyday experiences to which most of us can relate. They are engaging, philosophical and insightful. Bryan Thompson at Elevation Life.Com is a master at it.

4. Sharers---Individuals in this category pride themselves in exposing others to valuable resources, links, and goodies around the Web. They are popular for their generosity of spirit and good karma. Karen Lange over at Write Now.Com fills the bill on this one.

5. Geeks---As the name implies, geeks are good with technical information, gadgets and gizmos. I'm truly impressed with their ability to grasp technical concepts that "go over my head." Any geeks in the house?

6. Thought-Provokers---Many times these individuals will express opinions that are contrary to conventional thinking, or pose a tough question that causes you to do some reflection and self-inventory to arrive at your own personal truths. My blogging buddy Sibyl, at Alternaview.com epitomizes this.

7. Motivators---Consider them the ultimate cheerleaders! They are encouraging, inspiring and uplifting. The perfet example would be Evelyn at Evelynparham.com/

So, I wanna' know. What's your type? Thoughts?

Image Boaz Yiftach

27 comments:

  1. Hey! I heard my name mentioned and had to stop by! :) Thanks for the mention, much appreciated.

    Good info, too. Was looking at this list of styles and you've probably already thought of this, but it gives me ideas for posts. Am writing them down...

    BTW, great article over at Writing for Dollars.
    Thanks again,
    Karen
    karenelange.blogspot.com

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  2. I am a cross between teacher, motivator, and sharer.

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  3. Thanks, Karen.

    B/T/W/Correction, her site is Karenelange.blogspot.com/ folks!

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  4. Jennifer Brown BanksFebruary 14, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Thanks, Wendy. Indeed you are!

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  5. Karen,

    Can you please Email me the link to W.F.D.? For some reason I can't pull it up! :-)

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  6. Jennifer:
    I believe I am a combination of teacher, thought provoker and motivator. I am gifted by God as an encourager.

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  7. Jennifer Brown BanksFebruary 14, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    quietspirit,

    Thanks for sharing this. I appreciate the feedback.

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  8. Sometimes I am a storyteller, sometimes I just whine and other times, I consider myself to be thought provoking. What do you think?

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  9. Jennifer Brown BanksFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    You're a combo--A storyteller and a humorist at times. ;-)

    Thanks much, Yvonne! Happy Valentine's Day

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  10. Okay, I think I forgot a possible category folks! Venters. What do ya' think?

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  11. I aim for the humorists category but don’t know if I always do.

    Venters is a worthy addition, though I doubt there are bloggers who only post rants and raves!

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  12. Hi Jennifer,

    When I saw Story Weaver, my thoughts immediately went to Bryan. He is a great story teller.

    I think I am a combination (teacher, geek and sharer), but, I've never really viewed myself as a motivator. Even though most people tell me that. I'd better listen. :) Funny too, because I often in-vision myself as a motivational speaker. Big dream!

    Love your post because it makes me think about what type of blogger I am and to also notice others blogging styles.

    Thanks for the shout too.

    Evelyn

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  13. gargimehra,

    Indeed there are blogs that are for the purpose of venting. Next time I read one, I'll try to send it to you. :-) Yep, you are a humorist from what I've read. Thanks for the feedback.

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  14. Evelyn,

    I think you do have multiple categories going, girl. Though I never saw you as a geek. Really? That's cool!

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  15. Hi Jennifer! I would like to think I'm a motivator! Actually, I'd like to think I have a little of all the above, though I'm not always sure how useful my information is. :) I would call you a motivator, too, though you definitely have a humor/satire side. :)

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  16. Hi Bryan,

    Yep, you're a motivator too.
    Either way---you Da' man! :-) Funny you should hit me up here just now. I was just about to shoot you a quick Email: I can't get on to your site to post a comment! I've tried 4 the last 2 days. B/T/W/ Loved your article @ Workawesome. You rock!

    I think most of us have more than one category. But as we learned in school, "Dominant" Vs. "Recessive" traits, one is more pronounced.

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  17. Ha ha! I didn't even know WorkAwesome had run it until later this afternoon! Glad I happened to click on the site to see what updates were there. :)

    As for my site, I'm so sorry. Don't know why it won't let you. You might refresh the browser. My server may have gotten stuck one day.

    Hmm, you might try getting to one particular article:
    http://elevationlife.com/2011/02/what-a-towel-salesman-can-teach-you-about-passion/

    Sorry - wasn't trying to give a shameless plug.

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  18. Jennifer Brown BanksFebruary 15, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    Gotcha. Thanks.

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  19. Good post and thread of comments. I'm a storyteller. As I shift and write in parallel universes, stepping from the wagon I get a glimpse of how much larger the writing world has become. Wow!

    Blogging to blog, writing to blog. Being afraid while I hone, hone, hone with both hands and feet.

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  20. Jennifer Brown BanksFebruary 15, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    How's it going, Yvonne?

    Storytellers are among my favorite types. :-)

    I'm looking 4-ward to "Priming the pump."

    Thanks!

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  21. Interesting blog post. I think that most of us are combination of at least two or more. "Geek" definitely doesn't describe my blog style.

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  22. Jennifer Brown BanksFebruary 15, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    Thanks, waningwoman. Would be interesting 2 know which ones you feel you are... :-)???

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  23. I think I am an encourager-motivator-thought-provoker. Interesting post. I am always learning from you. Thank you for your generous spirit in sharing.

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  24. Jennifer Brown BanksFebruary 15, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    You're so welcome, Barb! Keep going. :-)

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  25. Jennifer,
    Thanks for asking how it's going. I'm a bit overwhelmed, but there is evidence of P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S. with my targets, and glad to hear you're looking forward to the first Friday of "Priming the Pump."

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  26. hello jennifer
    how are you?
    you've listed some interesting blogging styles and i'd say i fall under the class of motivators because i delight in encouraging people.
    take care of yourself and enjoy the rest of the day.

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  27. Jennifer Brown BanksFebruary 20, 2011 at 7:49 AM

    Hi Ayo,

    I'd say you're right! Congrats on the anniversary of your Life Skills Magazine.

    Thanks for your words today.

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