I'm with you on making comments easy. I really get frustrated with complex commenting systems.
I think equally important is making your blog encourage comments/conversation. Chris, you do this because it is your nature, and you do it very well. Sometimes, I find I need to be better about that. I'm glad I came across your link in Twitter (I've neglected my Google reader lately).
Thanks for helping me focus!
annie boccio
· 2 years ago
I totally agree about making commenting easier, and let me add that people who use Blogger should set comments to allow anyone, not just Blogger users to comment. I have a Blogger account set up just so I can comment on those blogs but they only link back to my profile, not my site. Archives- I had a link to archives for years. No one ever used it! The only views to my archives have come via searches. I'll probably put an archive link back up one of these days, though, now that my new blog isn't so new anymore.
mdy
· 2 years ago
Thanks for this blog post, Chris!
I've made a few changes to my blog thanks to your post (i.e., enabled search and simplified RSS). I had just added an "About Me" page yesterday (such good timing!).
I, too, am guilty of the whole sidebar clutter thing. It's simply too much fun to add *just one more* widget! ;-P
And while I'm not completely sold on the idea of posting my entire identity (and contact info) online, I can see clearly how it works for you. Perhaps one day I'll be ready to make that leap.
Anyway, like newmediajim, I'm really glad I got the opportunity to learn from and participate in your conversations, all thanks to Twitter. Cheers!
Bryce Moore, A Bite of Sanity
· 2 years ago
You haven't been stalked yet? Apparently I haven't been trying hard enough...
We'll just have to disagree about the whole picture thing. Pictures of me tend to send people running in the opposite direction, quickly. Ask Chapman -- he ran all the way back to Boston after seeing me.
I prefer a very simple design approach to things, and it reflects in my blog layout. Content on the top/middle, nice accommodating spacing, and all the remaining about/contact links on the side/bottom. I take my Wordpress themes and rip all the widget/sidebar stuff out of them before putting them online. I feel it all detracts from the message(s). At worst case I will reroute those widgets off to their own pages with a general link, but usually I end up just throwing them out.
The other thing you didn't mention was advertising. We could debate this endlessly, I'm sure, but I've come to accept a few, minimalistic, non-intrusive ads on sites I visit despite my natural anti-ad bias. However, when you drown your pages in ads (see iLounge for a horrific example), you send a not-so-subtle message to your audience - -your blog is more about ad revenue than it is real content.
Connie Crosby
· 2 years ago
Yeah, the Blogger captcha sucks, especially since it keeps out those with visual challenges who are using readers; Blogger has given no alternatives.
I should go back and check what I have on, since I see you did email me rather than comment. I had a problem with evil comment spam but try to put any measures on only temporarily until it stops.
I especially dislike having to become a member of a blog. I've got enough passwords in my life and so don't play along with that.
The other problem is the design of blogs. I hate my choices on Blogger to be honest, but don't have the CSS skills to make something better. I try to tweak the font coding at least to make it a little more readable. Wordpress definitely wins out in this aspect; all my other blogs (various group blogs I have set up) have used Wordpress instead.
Cheers! Connie
Shaine
· 2 years ago
I changed my WP theme to one that has the comment field open. I had not realized users could not comment as I am always logged in to the blog. Thanks for pointing that out. Later, I was informed by friends about it too.
Mark Forman
· 2 years ago
OK Brogan, right on the money on this one. I fear I was part of your inspiration on our new media group blog(that I have been updating). Love your caring and taking the time to reach out. Your comments then and here all very constructive. Mmm, the kool-aid is tasty! :)
Donna Papacosta
· 2 years ago
Very good points, Chris. You ALWAYS make me think. Ouch, my head hurts. I feel I have to use captcha with my Typepad blog. Otherwise I am inundated with spam. I wish there were a better solution.
Mark
· 2 years ago
Looked at CRN lately? We've made several changes focusing on building upon personalities and community. :)
Clintus McGintus
· 2 years ago
You nailed a lot in the first one for me. There are so many blogs that I subscribe to that require a log in and I will never do it. It's just not necessary. I had to check my sidebar again too once I read your last part. I think I'm cool.
Steve S
· 2 years ago
Just a few quick ones. Use community building plugins like Top Commenters. Place your best posts in your sidebar near the top for easy consumption, and always reply to your community -- two way communication is critical to community building.
Anil Bhusal
· 2 years ago
I was a little lost while blogging. This one Helped me out a lot. Thanks Chris.
Swing Trading
· 2 months ago
Nice one. I have stumbled and twittered this for my friends. Others no doubt will like it like I did.
homecontrol
· 1 month ago
This is a fabulous post. I do many of these things already, but look forward to implementing the others.
All Comments
I think equally important is making your blog encourage comments/conversation. Chris, you do this because it is your nature, and you do it very well. Sometimes, I find I need to be better about that. I'm glad I came across your link in Twitter (I've neglected my Google reader lately).
Thanks for helping me focus!
Archives- I had a link to archives for years. No one ever used it! The only views to my archives have come via searches. I'll probably put an archive link back up one of these days, though, now that my new blog isn't so new anymore.
I've made a few changes to my blog thanks to your post (i.e., enabled search and simplified RSS). I had just added an "About Me" page yesterday (such good timing!).
I, too, am guilty of the whole sidebar clutter thing. It's simply too much fun to add *just one more* widget! ;-P
And while I'm not completely sold on the idea of posting my entire identity (and contact info) online, I can see clearly how it works for you. Perhaps one day I'll be ready to make that leap.
Anyway, like newmediajim, I'm really glad I got the opportunity to learn from and participate in your conversations, all thanks to Twitter. Cheers!
We'll just have to disagree about the whole picture thing. Pictures of me tend to send people running in the opposite direction, quickly. Ask Chapman -- he ran all the way back to Boston after seeing me.
I prefer a very simple design approach to things, and it reflects in my blog layout. Content on the top/middle, nice accommodating spacing, and all the remaining about/contact links on the side/bottom. I take my Wordpress themes and rip all the widget/sidebar stuff out of them before putting them online. I feel it all detracts from the message(s). At worst case I will reroute those widgets off to their own pages with a general link, but usually I end up just throwing them out.
The other thing you didn't mention was advertising. We could debate this endlessly, I'm sure, but I've come to accept a few, minimalistic, non-intrusive ads on sites I visit despite my natural anti-ad bias. However, when you drown your pages in ads (see iLounge for a horrific example), you send a not-so-subtle message to your audience - -your blog is more about ad revenue than it is real content.
I should go back and check what I have on, since I see you did email me rather than comment. I had a problem with evil comment spam but try to put any measures on only temporarily until it stops.
I especially dislike having to become a member of a blog. I've got enough passwords in my life and so don't play along with that.
The other problem is the design of blogs. I hate my choices on Blogger to be honest, but don't have the CSS skills to make something better. I try to tweak the font coding at least to make it a little more readable. Wordpress definitely wins out in this aspect; all my other blogs (various group blogs I have set up) have used Wordpress instead.
Cheers!
Connie