Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Star Tech

Adding An Extra Dimension To Your Blog

A few days ago, I was asked by a Singapore-based blogger, OzLady, to have a look at her site and give her some feedback. I’ve decided to post an edited version of my reply – because the advice is relevant to many of the good blogs and bloggers out there.

Can you please tell me how to improve my blog?

I reckon you do it right, on many levels. Your posts are always well edited, they’re lucid and they span an interesting variety of subjects. I’ve gone a long way back, into your older posts – and they’re all consistent and well presented.

I’m a journalist, so I’m not going to make this a whitewash. I’d like to see you take this blog up a notch or two. Introduce some more elements on your pages, because you did a terrific job with the graphic that accompanied the drumming posts. It was concise, clean, colourful – and easy to follow.

Try more often to break up your text with more graphics or photographs. Have camera, will travel. I enjoyed the candid picture that you posted when talking about the child experimenting with the self-timer. Carry the camera with you sometimes (or always, if it’s small enough to fit into a handbag) and use your shots with your posts. You will immediately project an extra, crucial element – and it’s so easy to do. Don’t follow what others do. Use your camera in a way that interests you – that’s what makes a blog unique.

You have an interesting site. Use your camera as an extension of a) your keyboard and b) your thought process. I look forward to the results.

14 comments:

  1. How do I improve my blog David? Besides getting a new author. Everyone else has given me that advice. :D

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  2. Anonymous2:00 PM

    Since getting that advice [thank you David - much appreciated], I've worked out some things as well...

    1. Tell people about your blog. I think that most people who read authorblog are a single community, however I occasionally search for blogs on topics that I have posted recently and make comments on them that link back to mine. It also gives me ideas for more content.

    2. Read other people's blogs - it gives you ideas for writing and assists in determining what writing style works and what doesn't. Everyone here is probably familiar with Deb's Uncommon Notions - brilliant writing and a wonderful style. As I work in a foreign [to me] environment, I also think that being aware of how things are written here and what appeals locally is also important.

    That's all - and really, thanks for the advice David. I've a long road ahead of me before I get 20K visitors, but it's helped!

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  3. Hi Chertmeister,

    Wasn't that a Lennon-McCartney song? Lucid in the Sky With Diamonds?

    Hmm, I'll use that as a blogpost title ....

    Cheers

    David

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  4. Hi Bart-Man,

    I wouldn't have thought it was possible to improve your blog! Sack the people who tell you it's time to swap authors.

    But if you pose a serious question, you jester, let me know .... and I'll search for an answer.

    Cheers

    David

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  5. Hi OzLady,

    Absolutely perceptive and to the point. I could not agree with you more.

    Thanks for sharing that with us.

    Cheers

    David

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  6. Anonymous6:37 PM

    Now dat leaves me wondering about mine!!!! :?

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  7. Hi Sam,

    I'm always ready to help. Just let me know if you want me to review your blog ....

    Cheers

    David

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  8. Naw, I wasn't serious, only throwing my self-deprecation at you. Now, if you actually had advice, that'd be different. I'd probably heed any advice if you had actually had some, even if I asked in a joking fashion. No, my only main concern at this point is audience, and that's nothing I can magically change, only have to keep plugging along and getting more people in to the circle.

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  9. always looking for new tips david..thanks for advising ..

    k

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  10. Hi Bart-Man,

    No worries at all. I like your style and that is your greatest attribute.

    You have a terrific site and if I ever find a magic wand, I shall mail it to you!

    Cheers

    David

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  11. Hi Karoline,

    My pleasure. I'm always happy to pass on whatever advice I think is relevant.

    Thank you for your feedback.

    Cheers

    David

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  12. Anonymous7:59 PM

    hi david,

    great idea. it's always good to get reviewed. one gets to know about the quality that's getting reflected on others.

    thanks

    regards
    sam

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  13. Hi Sam,

    Yes, you're right - and the more knowledge we share and the more feedback we give one another, the better we all become.

    Thanks for dropping by.

    Cheers

    David

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