Reality Check...Are You Babysitting Your Blog?

Let's face it: for many of us, our Blogs are like our babies.
Think about it.
We "create" them. Nurture them. Ooh and Ahh over them. Delight in their growth.
And many times like proud parents, we even dote over them; sharing images of celebrations and milestones with our families, co-workers and friends.

...And, if we're lucky, we watch them mature and reach their full potential.
But, If we're not careful, rather than becoming a proud "addition" to our family of creative projects, they become all consuming and confining--leaving us irritable, sleep deprived, and stressed.

Are you guilty?
Take this quick quiz to find out.

•  Do you plan your vacations so that you're not gone away from posting too long, or without adequate coverage?
• When you're on vacation, do you find that you can't fully disengage? In other words, you miss it, and it's constantly on your brain.
• Do you "monitor" your stats and comments several times a day?
• Do you sacrifice time and money to make sure that it is well provided for?

If you answered yes to at least 3 of these questions, you my friend, are babysitting your Blog.

Here are a few things to keep in mind...

• You both need to have your own life with boundaries and limits.
• The fuller and more balanced your life is, the more you'll have to write about.
• Periodic breaks will allow you to regroup and refuel. Increasing the likelihood that you'll go the distance.

They say that confession is good for the soul.
So how about you...are you babysitting your Blog?

The Art of the Rant...How to Get it Right!

"Shout, shout, let it all out. These are the things I can do without!"--Tears for Fears

There's no doubt about it.
Unless you qualify for sainthood, or have had a life that resembles a fairy tale, someone or something somewhere has pissed you off, caused you to say a silent prayer and count to 10...It happens to the best of us. The worst happens.
We start our day off with positive meditations, divine inspirations, then someone has the nerve
to disturb our "nirvana."  Are you feeling me here?

It could be the "jerk" that cuts you off in traffic.
A supervisor who is less than Super!
An opportunistic relative.
A client who is clueless.
A previous partner who gives us the "pink slip."
Someone who is insensitive with their words.
"Don't it make yo' brown eyes blue?"

I've been there. Done that. And I feel your pain.
And like the typical writer, you want to pen your thoughts for others to read, and as a form of release.

But, there's a right and a wrong way to do it, Charlie Brown. And here's why...

A rant that is not properly executed can make the writer look bitter, immature, unprofessional or even silly.
How do I know? Because I've read them!

Still with their ability to unravel our reputation, rants remain a popular read for the following reasons:

•  Others like to know that they are not alone in their misery.
• People can relate.
• Some rants are very entertaining and even enlightening.
• They sometimes express what others wish they had the ability or courage to say.
• It can cause us to appreciate the beauty inherent in our 1st Amendment rights.

I believe that a good rant is like a good bottle of wine: it should be stimulating, tasteful, and allow you to relieve stress.

Accordingly, here are a few dos and don'ts you'll want to observe to make your next rant resonate with readers. 

DOS

• Keep it clean. Rants that are laced with profanity and put-downs rarely appeal to readers.
• In the words of Elvis Presley, "Don't be cruel." Observe tasteful boundaries. Especially when dealing with clients and relatives.
• Remember that once it hits the Internet, it's pretty permanent. So before you "vent" make sure to sleep on your thoughts for a day or two. If you still feel the same way, then it may be worth taking the risk.
• Make rants relevant to your readership.  For example, a blog on writing may "discuss" rejections from editors, or gripes with social media, or a bad experience with a book signing.
• When possible, apply humor. It typically makes folks more receptive.
• Give us some take-away value. What can we learn? Perhaps you decided to "take the high road" despite being ticked off. Or there's a universal lesson we can apply, or a mishap we can avoid.
• Make rants reasonable. In other words, don't complain about the world being overcrowded, or the fact that babies cry too much. Duh?

DON'TS

• Don't forget that your rants can have consequences. To you and to others.  Here's a case in point. Some years ago, a teacher got fired for expressing his views about the "ghetto parents" at the school he taught, through his personal Blog. Some might argue that it was his right to express his opinion; still the people within his school's community didn't take too kindly to it. Their "vents" and complaints caused him to ultimately lose his job. Be forewarned. The hide you save may be your own!  
• Unless your Blog is purposed for rants and controversial commentary, don't overdo it. "All things in moderation." A person who "always" rants is typically perceived as either angry, or limited in his conversational skills. You're better than that.
• Don't post public rants for things that should be dealt with in person.

With the holidays coming along, and family gatherings, I can feel a few rants "brewing" already. :-)
How about you?

There you have it, folks.
Your turn.
Agree or disagree?
Voice your views on the rant...

An Open Letter to Future Writers...

Personal Note:
I recently received an Email from Bob Clary of Webucator, requesting my participation in the "Teach Your Talent" Project.

Flattered of course, I agreed to contribute by penning today's post. I hope you enjoy it.
As I believe it is virtually impossible to teach all the complexities of writing in a singular session, I opted instead to provide "instruction" in the way of a personal letter to future writers.

Whatever your level, I hope that it inspires you and moves you to "the head of the class."

Dear Future Writers:

Many moons ago, a Chinese quote stated: “May you live in interesting times.”

It seems prophetic in a way, when we consider the exciting dynamics that shape today’s culture.

It’s the 21^st Century and these are indeed “exciting” times. Like Star Trek travelers, “we have dared to boldly go where no man has gone before.”

 

Think about it. The Internet and social media have revolutionized the way we communicate and connect. We are privileged to be able to learn from and interact with people across the globe through new technology, interactive mediums, and even “Tweets” from your “Peeps.”

We’ve witnessed a Black man in the White House, traditional marriage is being redefined, and we’ve embraced many “firsts” in the way of education and health reform.

What a wonderful time to be a writer! Everything is changing and evolving.

What does this mean for you? As a writer, this amazing era provides a smorgasbord in the way of food for thought. There are endless opportunities to "sample," experiment, examine... to create, to grow.

To chronicle what you see, what you hope for, and what you would like others to see through your life’s “lenses.”

 

Though each writer has to chart his own course, I’d like to share a few tips to provide fewer detours as you travel.

• Keep a journal and keep it with you. You never know when or where inspiration may hit you.
• Remember what your English teacher taught you; but don’t be afraid to break a few rules. e.e. Cummings did.
• Study the “old greats” (Twain, Shakespeare, Tolstoy), as well as your contemporaries. The wedding tradition of “something old, something new” definitely applies in writing.
• Believe in yourself. Writers have to deal with criticism on an ongoing basis--from readers, editors, reviewers; self-confidence is a must, if you are to go the distance.
•  Read. How are you to know how to engage an audience, spin a phrase, or evoke emotion, if you have not experienced it first-hand? Reading sparks the imagination and feeds the soul.
• Pay it forward. When you make it, (and no doubt you will), take the time to nurture the talent and dreams of others who seek to follow in your footsteps.

And last but not least, create with care. Your words are as much a part of your legacy as your Sunday dinners. They have the potential of impacting thousands of people for many years to come. Future generations may indeed be studying your work in a classroom--along with other literary greats. You just never know…

Sincerely,

Jennifer Brown Banks 


This post is dedicated to Bonita Bennett, of Harbon Publishing; for taking the time to make a difference in my career many moons ago.
　

　

4 Benefits of a "Well-Branded" Blog

Today's savvy writer recognizes the importance of creating and launching a blog as a promotional tool, to help build their platform and their bottom line.
And the evidence is overwhelming.

According to WPvirtuoso.com, there are over 152 million blogs on the Internet. Additionally, it is reported that a new blog is created somewhere in the world every half a second!
Representing an array of topics, themes, niches, causes, genres, and life experiences.
But, here's where things begin to get sticky.
A considerable amount of bloggers' efforts end there.

In other words, many fail to publicize their sites through guest posts, article marketing, social media forums, or even something as simple as including it in the signature line for outgoing emails.
Word to the wise: it defeats the very purpose of having one.
It's like being "all dressed up with nowhere to go."
Perhaps it's even you.

With this in mind, let's explore some of the benefits of a well-branded blog in enhancing your writing career and your online image. Shall we?

1. It helps you to work smarter, not harder.
That's right. A well-branded blog makes you as hot as "Bieber fever." What does that mean and how does that translate? Instead of "pounding the virtual pavement" for work, ad opportunities, speaking engagements, and creative collaborations, many times people will come to you. Here's an example from a recent Email:
"Jennifer, I just love your blog. I'm wondering if there might be some interest in presenting at one of our upcoming workshops?"---Cynthia Clampitt, President of Midwest Writers Association.

2. It helps to establish and enhance your expertise.
Wendy Burt, author and P.R. executive, formerly gave her blog the clever title "Ask the Query Queen." Simple, effective, and easy association here. If you had to describe your brand, what would it be?
A good place to establish it is with your blog's slogan or tagline.

3. It serves to distinguish your writers "voice" above all the online "chatter."
Think about this for a minute. I'm sure you'll agree that the blogggers you read and follow on a regular basis are those that are unique in their style of expression, their approach, and their delivery. They stand out above the crowd. They're memorable. Something we should all strive for.

4. It helps to create brand loyalty.
Similar to the favorite products that you add to your shopping list each week, simply because certain products have earned your trust and your hard-earned dollars.
(Which consequently, adds to your bottom line).

Now that you know why branding your blog is essential, here are a few timely tips on how to make it happen. 

1. Remember that "repetition reinforces."
You'll need to cleverly and consistently work on getting your site out into the blogosphere and associated with quality content and usefulness. Not just when the mood hits you. Devise a marketing plan; start there.

2. Guest post at both small sites and the big, influential ones as well.
From my personal experience they both have advantages, depending upon your strategic goals.

3. Keep your site updated regularly.
Doing so helps to maintain momentum, establish credibility, and ensures you'll be taken seriously within the blogging community.


Thoughts?
How would you describe your "brand?"
...OR, how would you describe mine? :-)