who do you write your blog for?

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The question has been buzzing around my brain because I wonder if I am writing too many words? Should I edit my posts more for length? These folks say maybe.

Editing is not a bad thing.

Are readers put off by long posts? Is just the shape and the length of the post enough to make somebody want to click off (and is “click off” a new kind of social media vulgarity that I just ignorantly/innocently spewed forth? Hope not, if yes, sorry.)

I have a short attention span sometimes, so does that mean that all content has to be boiled down to 10-20 words to be read, let alone understood by most readers?

Is there too much rambling in my posts? Am I writing with the voice inside my head, a voice which many readers (regardless of my demos) have never heard when maybe I should be writing with a more informational style, like a journalist?

Blogs serve a myriad of purposes: creative and emotional outlet, search engine optimization tool, community builder, credibility enhancer and on and on.

I want to build the on-line presence for audio’connell Voice Over Talent and SEO-wise, this blog is one tool that helps that happen. It’s also good that I have a great deal of experience and a great many contacts in the fields of voiceover, marketing and advertising so that I have many resources and topics about which I can write and podcast about.

And I think the posts are interesting (including the posts that have nothing to do with the above).

So while I write about topics that I think will be of interest to my friends (known and unknown) in those industries, I guess if I am honest, I am writing for me.

Well, and you, because you and I are really the only two people who read this stuff. And thanks for that πŸ™‚

Let me know what you think (and I am not fishing for compliments either, just taking the reader’s “pulse”, if you will).

11 Responses to “who do you write your blog for?”

  1. Ok, Peter, this post was kinda long, but your style is breezy, so it’s easy to read.

    Here’s my opinion: Keep on doin’ what you’re doin’. Your blog is on target and fun to read.

  2. OK, well I try a little tightening up (sad to say I did edit some of the post out before I posted πŸ™‚ but I’ll keep pluggin!

    Thanks Donna.

  3. I really enjoyed reading your blog actually! Very nice information, even if you did ramble a bit πŸ™‚

    Sameera Daas
    Assistant to Julie Williams at Julie Williams Voice Overs

  4. Oh Sameera!

    Let me tell you about the Irish and our ability to really ramble!!!! The stuff in this blog post is simply amateurish compared to professional Irish ramblings.

    For example, in Ireland, did ya know that by kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, it is claimed that one can receive the “Gift of the Gab” (eloquence, or skill at flattery or persuasion).

    The legend has its roots in the response of the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth I to Cormac Teige McCarthy’s attempt to blandish his way out of a difficult situation, during negotiations of the takeover of the Blarney Castle by the occupying English forces. Cormac himself was the King of Munster, living in the Blarney Castle around the 14th century. The stone itself is rumoured to have been created by a witch during the Middle Ages.

    But wait there’s more!

    Blarney village is a major tourist attraction in County Cork. Mostly people come to see the castle, kiss the stone, and go shopping.

    The centre of the village is dominated by The Square – a grass field where Blarney locals and the townpeople from Cork City journey to during the summer. Activities include soccer, sunbathing and other recreational activities.

    THAT’S Rambling! πŸ˜‰

    Thanks for visiting.

    Best always,
    – Peter

  5. Peter-

    What I like best about your blog is you’re always on topic. I think I need to learn from that. So, I’m thinking about adding two new blogs. One about my “day in the life” and the other about Condiments. So this will make five different blogs. Broadcast This!, Kasbah Radio, He Said, She Said, and two names to be added later. In fact, I’m going to blog about it right now!

  6. Hi Peter,
    Your posts are fun and informational and because we are part of a “cool community” (1: voiceover; 2: also marketing), it’s a great way to stay connected and encourage eachother creatively…now, “about the Irish and our ability to really ramble”…why is Notre Dame losing so many football games?:) …no need to ramble about the Sabres – or is there?
    Cheers!
    –Ralph

  7. Peter,

    It’s always good to take the pulse of your readers. I know I did several months ago and received a few suggestions which I have implemented in my own way.

    One was to shorten the posts. I had been writing a lot of “pillar” articles of irregular length just before I asked for the feedback (my bad!) and had it suggested to me that I aim for 500 words, possibly less.

    I like to read your rambling (some Irish blood in here) and appreciated the lesson on the Blarney stone. I’m also a great fan of Elizabeth I so you’ve made my afternoon πŸ™‚

    Hope you’re having a good one too!

    Best,

    Stephanie

  8. My goodness what a treat to have three of my favs visit today. Welcome all!

    Chris, if you have the strength to manage five blogs, God bless ya! I’m so lazy I just smash everything into one location πŸ™‚

    Ralph at this point I much rather chat about ND than our beloved Sabres. Getting shut out is bad. Getting shut out by the Leafs is a disgrace! (Ooo, shhhhh, here comes Stephanie….I think she’s a Leafs fan…maybe she didn’t see the newspaper today πŸ˜‰

    Steph, you are one of the most dedicated bloggers I know…seriously!! That you come up with all topics you do is terrific. Certainly something for everyone. And then the topical blogs with Dan and Mark and Pat et al is terrific (Pat was just in town last week). I’m glad to know you’ve wrestled with the length issue too.

    I’m not promising EVERY blog will be short but I promise I will be a bit more focused on editing.

    Your rambling pal,
    – Peter

  9. Peter,

    Your blog is one of my regular stops. I wouldn’t change a thing. But, that’s just me. And I have no Irish that I know of in my family background.

    Be well,
    Bob

  10. Peter,
    No, your blogs are not too long. Like those who’ve already commented…it matters that you’re a good writer, and you keep up interest by choosing timely topics.
    My blogs tend to be on the wordy side. I don’t intend that to be the case, but then as I write, I get more ideas, and want to throw more ideas into the mix.
    So you know…I’m here because Bob mentioned you in HIS blog…and yes, Bob…sometimes I think your Blogs are too short, but where you find time in YOUR day, I’ll never know.
    Dave Courvoisier (courvo) in Vegas

  11. Hey Bob!

    Thanks for the kudos and the promotion on your blog. I think you say just enough and always have a nugget of really valuable stuff in each post. Perfect!

    Dave:

    You’re blog is just getting started (and linked on this site as you may note) but you have the added advantage of being in the news business so you’re writing skills are a bit more honed. Plus, as you’re usually writing for television, you’re often hemmed in by time constraints. So a blog is likely very freeing….well it’s your blog darn it, enjoy it! Write as much as you please.

    Thanks for stopping!

    Best always,
    – Peter