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Yesterday, Huffington Post ran an article, "Planning a Book Tour? Think Twice" questioning the effectiveness of time spent promoting books on other blogs.
I've been giving this topic a lot of thought since the beginning of the year. Blogging is a big time investment, and sometimes I question its effectiveness. I have decided, at least for the time being, blogging serves my purposes in several ways:
- It's an opportunity to meet and mingle with other talented writers. I love the camaraderie. However, Facebook can provide that too, but with much less time-investment
- Blogs are a great venue to play and experiment with different kinds of writing and gauge reader reactions and are a good place to develop a discipline of frequent and concise writing.
- Blogging also allows me to learn from other writers, depending on how content-based their blog is.
What do you think? Are blogs overdone? Are there too many with the same topics, repeating the same tours? How are you making your content original and stand out? What are your reasons for maintaining a blog?
Keep writing,
Julie
Considering it's my primary social network (an the success I'm enjoyed with my books) I think it's still very effective. I think what happens is we tend to gravitate toward each other. That's why I'm excited about the Challenge - I'm ready to find new bloggers who aren't writers.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Alex. I write another blog-- one I don't promote on here-- and through that blog, make an effort to search out and find others that aren't about, for, or by people pursuing a writing career.
DeleteI maintain my blog as an outlet. I don't necessarily try to do anything to grow it. It is a place to express myself and exercise my writing. I don't think I follow a particular theme...Perhaps more eclectic would be befitting.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the uplift and ideas and thoughts of other writers. I feel like that reading blogs can enhance my life as long as I don't overdo the reading. In the end, it has become a place to meet new friends. In comparison to Facebook, I far prefer blogging. There is too much drama on Facebook for my liking, though I still have an account.
Just my 2cents... :)
I love your two cents-- it was just what I was hoping to read from other bloggers. I read these two articles and was curious how others view the blogging process.
DeleteI have two FB accounts-- one as a writer and a personal one. The writer FB is much less drama and yes, consequently, more enjoyable. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Even if it's not a way to sell books, it's been a way to save my sanity. Quite frankly, writers who jump from hot spot to hot spot lose me. Quite frankly, as a reader, I feel used. They aren't looking to build relationships, they were using using me for my cash!!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I'm so glad you chimed it because I know you've worked hard as an author to promote your book. Very interesting perspective-- thanks. I love when I read something that makes me go "hmmmm". :) By the way-- lovely new website!
DeleteI've blogged for seven years now and it's changed a lot during that time. It still works for those trying to promote, but the key is putting oneself in front of a book's target audience and building relationships at the same time.
ReplyDeleteVery good insight from a long experience--thanks Diane. The article at Jane Friedman actually suggested the people who have been blogging the longest, before it was so common, probably reaped the largest benefit from it.
DeleteI think the answer is different for every writer. I've been blogging for four years. I cut back once. And I'm going to cut back again after the A-Z. The reason is not because I don't like it - I love meeting and sharing with everyone. That's the problem. I love it so much, it eats into my writing time, which I desperately need more of.
ReplyDeleteGreat feedback Carol, and that's somewhat the point in L.L. Barkat's comments too. He was also suggesting the time involved would be better spent writing. Thanks for throwing your thoughts in the pool. I'm enjoying gleaning the insights-- especially from those of you who have been at it for longer periods.
DeleteI'm not sure I can add anything of value. I'm still finding my way with blogging and social media in general, and I'm not published yet. I do see the need to find a balance. If it's interfering too much with writing time, well...
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa-- sounds like you have about the same thought process with it all as I do. I read those two articles and it triggered my thinking-- I got curious what others in the community thought about it all.
DeleteI'll admit to being a bit burnt out on blogging. I like it and I love the people and new friends I meet, but it is so time consuming and does take away from my goal: writing. But I've learned so much about writing, publishing and editing from these same people. So for now, I'll keep doing it and just try to set boundaries.
ReplyDeleteI think that's what I'm kind of kicking around too, Gwen-- trying to set some limits and boundaries with time investment and content. Does the same feeling for blogging apply to both of yours? They are so different in intent, just curious.
DeleteI can only echo what others have already said. I love blogging, meeting people who are into the same thing as me. It has given me confidence too, to 'put myself out there.' I don't do FB so can't compare with that but blogging does take time and sometimes that can be difficult to manage. I am not signing up for everything out there as I simply don't have time.
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot out there that to take up our time. I appreciate your thoughts about having to choose and the unique aspect you brought to the conversation about instilling confidence to let people read our stuff-- good point.
DeleteGreat question Julie. For me blogging is like a release valve for creativity (or my sanity!). I can feel so stuck in my writing pursuits and usually if I write a new blog post I feel better. So weird.
ReplyDeleteDo you put less pressure on yourself for what you write in a blog? Or is it because it's more personal? I feel like that with my other blog-- that it's a safe, creative outlet, but I put more pressure on myself for what I write there than here. Hmmm.. interesting.
DeleteHmm, let's talk about it. I really don't think Facebook can do for blogging. Probably it is just my experience but in Facebook I'm really speaking to myself. Very rare I get any answer or even a sign somebody saw a word. Blog is totally different. I do have the certainty I'm not just being read but also have some interaction. Of course, I'm not trying to sell anything.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alex that the community tends to gravitate around each other. That's both good and bad.
I have also wondered about the effectiveness (only two days ago) of posting the same things. The blog tours, the cover reveals, etc. I show you mine, you show me yours but in the end we are showing the exact same thing. It makes me feel we are all standing on the stage but there is no one occupying the seats. How good could that be for the promoted ones? I have no idea.
Blogging can be very absorbing, that's true but that's not blog's fault. Just as it is not videogame's fault if your kid spends all day playing it. If you're gonna lose time, you'll be always able to find ways to do it, even if you stop blogging. And if you're going to write, you'll do it even if you keep blogging periodically. That's not a factor of productivity but a good excuse to make one feel less bad. I think.
Very thoughtful and insightful answer, Dragon Friend. I see being sick hasn't weakened your intellectual muscles any. I'm so glad!
DeleteYou bring up a couple avenues of thought I hadn't really explored. To quote you: It makes me feel we are all standing on the stage but there is no one occupying the seats. That's very interesting, Al. Like you, I haven't had to promote a book. I wonder what the take is from those who have?
I also think your point about time-wasters and productivity is very well taken. Perhaps it's true that if we're seeking ways to procrastinate or avoid, we'll find them whether we blog or not.
I do find FB interactive at some levels, but no, not at the same as blogging. Although sometimes it seems like blog responses are cursory just so we return the favor-- been guilty of that myself but do make sincere efforts to not be that way.
And then I think about people like you I'm so glad I know, which was my first point of why I do blog. :) SHs to you.
I agree blogging is a big time investment, but it also has many benefits as well. I gained a wider audience for my writing than just my family and friends. I met (and still meeting) writers and making friendships with them. I also learn from my writer friends and their experiences. If I hadn't met some awesome writers in the blogosphere, my writing journey wouldn't be so much fun and you've made it a better experience.
ReplyDeleteYes, I sometimes don't blog for a few days on end because it's exhausting - to comment, to read blogs, to keep up with my friends on Facebook, etc. But it's well worth it. The friends I've made are undeniable, so supportive and encouraging! :)
Livia, you and I are in agreement about the benefits of the community. I couldn't have said it better and am so glad you are part of it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on why you blog. Are you happy with the current direction of your writing and blog content? I guess that's the other question I ponder for myself.
DeleteGreat post Julie,
ReplyDeleteI was just having this exact conversation with my friend Pastor Jack this afternoon. His blog was dedicated to document his fight with cancer. He said that since he survived, he felt as if his audience has left him. I replied that if he had died that his audience was going to stop following him anyway, so no big loss.
I am in total agreement with everyone who has posted thus far. Maintaining a blog requires a lot of work, energy and effort. It is hard to keep this thing moving and I have found that the shelf life of a post is three days. Afterwards, my hits drop to almost zero. That is why I try to post something every three to four days. I wonder if I am alone or that is what you have found as well?
To me a blog must serve a specific purpose or its value is dramatically decreased. I am not trying to sale anything, I am doing it for the opportunity to allow my future readers a glimpse into my thoughts. I am doing this to connect to a new a different world. I do this to learn, amazingly I have found several writers who actually have something important to say. I do this so that my kids will know what dad was like before he drove the walker. It gives me an opportunity to write, work on my skills and try something new. Finally, I do enjoy it and it keeps me off the streets at 3AM.
I view my blog as a tool. It serves my goals, purpose and helps me complete my missions. When it is no longer an effective tool I will move to something else. And that new tool will not be FB. I don’t want people knowing what I am doing every second of the day, nor do I want the drama. I am not on FB and I have no plans to start.
Rob, that first paragraph made me laugh out loud. I'm sure glad he lived, despite his diminishing blog audience.
DeleteMy hits do start to dribble between posts, but I never let that bother me too much. I figure 2-3 a week for this blog, once a week for my other is plenty. I like your thoughts on using blogging as a tool. I also agree that it's a great venue to work on skills and try something new-- that's been my use of it lately.
I do, however, wonder if your wife is aware you're blogging at 3 am with the alternative activity being on the streets....
Using FB as a writer and using it personally are totally different experiences for me.
I like your blog so I hope you continue. I especially enjoyed today's post about your time in Iraq- I hope others pop over there and read it. That, to me, is real content.
As others have said right now blogging still serves a purpose for me. I enjoy the friendships and I have learned a lot, not only about writing, but about myself and I'm sure it has helped me learn about writing commitments, consistency and deadlines.
ReplyDeleteThat said, it is a time commitment and each person has to work out how much time they can spend on it. And honestly....There are times when people go on blog tours or have reveals and there are a billion blogs that all have the exact same thing. That does get a little old and I wish they could streamline their tours to the places that will give them the coverage they need, spread the posts out so they're not all on the same two or three days, and maybe vary the content to make it worthwhile for people to visit them. Wow, that was a crazy long run-on sentence.
But a run-on full of awesome content, reflecting my sentiments too. I think I'm hearing from folks that blogging is still worthwhile and something they're going to pursue, but I haven't heard much about how that translates into content on blogs. What do you go for when you write a post?
DeleteWell, obviously I try to make the content something other people will find interesting. My blog is writing/reading related so I try to stick to that, but I also throw in a lot about me and my family. Personal connections have been an important part of blogging so I try to not be a generic voice (try being the operative word, I very likely don't succeed). Honestly, I don't give it a whole lot of thought. I just write what I feel I need to say. That may be one reason my blog isn't as big as many of them that have been blogging for less time than I have. But hopefully, my blog is me, my personality.
DeleteI like your blog, so in my opinion, you're doing something right-- that's why I asked. I also asked because I'm hoping to hear how other people process their blog posts and maybe steal a few ideas. Like you, I try to give it a personal touch, keep it short, easy to read and skim, show a little of who I am, talk about writing, but am actually backing off that a bit. I dunno. Playing with it a bit. I appreciate you sharing your ideas and thoughts-- helps me synthesize my own.
DeleteI am in the same spot as you. I've been thinking about this a lot. A whole lot. I love reading other blogs. I've found some great ones during blog hops, mostly. But for me, it's getting traffic, participants, and commitments that is on the "Well, I wonder..." end of keeping my blog.
ReplyDeleteSo, I'm on the fence and the see-saw.
I'm glad you were strong enough to put this thought out...:)
I love how you try new things with your blog though. You had the workshops and now you've teamed up with other people. You do a lot of things to keep your blog fresh and interesting. But yes, getting the traffic, creating dialogue, that's where the effort vs the payout gets interesting. Thanks for your thoughts-- I appreciate your view.
DeleteI love my blog, but I don' expect it to win me any professional accolades. It's more of an exercise for me - it forces me to write everyday (or at least I try). I've made some awesome connections and learned that I want to write humor essays. So I'm all for them.
ReplyDeleteThat said, time management is key.
Katie-- that's a lot of what I do too-- just enjoy the discipline of writing and try out new styles. I like to play around with what kind of posts get a response. I've put a few duds out there before, so it's always an interesting challenge.
DeleteHi Julie, I started blogging about four years ago, after a writer friend urged me to do so. You know, the whole "platform" building, etc. I'm so glad I did because I've met some incredible people (like you!) and discovered all kinds of writerly websites, that are full of information and advice, etc. and I've learned so much. I've had many blog friends say they want to buy my memoir when it comes out.....and they sure have been patient, since it's been a long time coming! I don't plan on doing any Blog Book Tours, though. I don't know if they are usually successful for writers, but I just don't care too much for them. I'm hoping that by "announcing" on my blog when my book is ready to purchase, word of mouth will help spread it. On the topic of blogging being time-consuming....definitely! And I've slowed down considerably with my posts, and have been hosting Guest Bloggers, which is great for both me and the guest. The only thing I feel about is that I barely get around to other blogs, or leave comments like I used to. The ones I've mentioned it to, though, say they're having the same issues and they understand. I hope that's so!! Have a great weekend, Julie!
ReplyDeleteHi Becky-- I have really enjoyed the time and thought people have put into the responses on this subject. It's given me a lot of good food for thought. Blogging is a way to develop connections and many publishers, as the first article I mentioned pointed out, will insist you start a blog. Other articles I've read say that for fiction writers, a blog isn't all that helpful, but is a necessity for nonfiction writers, I will be interested in watching how or if your blog changes when your book is published.
DeleteOf course, I agree, the connection with other writers is satisfying-- one of the reasons I like writing for She Writes so much too.
Very good questions, makes a person think. I've been so busy that blogging, but mostly my commenting has suffered. There is a real time commitment that doesn't fit well in life or with writing most of the time. Still, I enjoy it. I enjoy writing my angst, I truly love the RFW challenges, but with two books coming out in the next year -- my blogging may suffer. But to be honest it is because of blogging that I found a publisher. Hmm, things change -- we'll see.
ReplyDeleteGood questions!
You bring up a good point, Yolanda. Is our blogging and publishing like a handshake? I appreciate you sharing both sides of the blogging coin for you. Gives me other thoughts to chew on.
Deletei read that post today too.
ReplyDeleteand after three years, i am feeling it. as things get more hectic, i have less time to comment back. and i see posts on repetitive topics.
i think its an awesome tool for beginners, but i can also see the point of the article. it's all about phases...
It is time consuming ---both writing and commenting. I'm glad to read your thoughts on that post. Thanks, Tara, for adding your voice and experience to the discussion.
DeleteInteresting post, Julie. Blogging has served me well in several ways. I've met some good people, I've learned a LOT about the business of writing and putting my goals out in public for other people to see has helped me achieve more. Yes, it does take time to make visits, but that's another good thing about blogging. It's a great way to relax aka take a break from writing.
ReplyDeleteHi Joy, your comment echoes a bit Al's response about time management. I agree ; I scatter writing breaks throughout the day by reading a couple blogs. You certainly are successful both at writing and blogging.
DeleteI guess it depends on the writer. I think blogging provides a great way to meet other writers and share in our triumphs as well as our woes. I'll admit, it can be time consuming on the giving and the receiving end, but it's either that or miss out on the camaraderie. I don't think there's a magic formula for writers--to blog or not to blog. It's whatever works for each individual.
ReplyDeleteRight Mel-- and I think some of it kind of comes down to if you enjoy it and have the time, g'head. But maybe the point of the articles is the idea of using blogging as an effective platform is fading.
DeleteHad I met all you guys and learned as much as I have when I first published, and even before hand, I wouldn't have made wiser decisions and less mistakes! So blogging is truly a great place to learn from people who have the same goals and dreams as you.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Nancy. I've learned a lot by hanging out with other writers. I think that was kind of the point from my list of why I blog as well. But I'm not sure I check out the numbers and following as much as I used to. That seems to have taken a back seat.
DeleteBlogging is my get away from the editing and writing. Honestly :) I don't have to worry about characterization, etc. I've met some wonderful people. Found quite a few different viewpoints to think about.
ReplyDeleteI think blogging IS taking a backseat to other forms of social media, but that is okay :)
I think it is too, Tonya, and as you said, that's okay. And the point in the first article was that blogging, for experienced writers, may not be necessary anymore. I think that's an important distinction. If you're established and have a fan base, it probably isn't the best use of your writing time.
DeleteBarkat's advice makes complete sense to me. The blogosphere is a fantastic learning and social environment, but I doubt its capacity to sell. I think the mantra should not be so much, 'Build a Platform,' as it should be, 'Write good material.'
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you read the article, Erica-- I've been wondering what others think about Barkat's advice, and I think you nailed it with "I doubt it's a capacity to sell".
DeleteI posed a question to James Scott Bell on the Kill Zone about advice he would give his unpublished self if he could, and he said exactly that: don't worry about building a platform. Focus on writing.
Maintaining a blog is a lot of work, but it has its rewards as well. I've met a lot of cool people through my blog. I blog to "think aloud" and also to give something back to the community. I've learned about a lot of new authors from visiting their blogs.
ReplyDeleteI love the sense of community and people aspect of blogging as well. Cynthia. And yes, it is a fertile learning ground.
DeleteI come from a long line of story tellers around the camp fire. Blogging is a tool for me. I'm just learning the craft of writing and sharing some of my adventures, pictures and insights learned along the way. In that way my story telling takes on a long lived form. I am amazed at the great people out there writing and sharing. Thanks for your sharing as well Julie
ReplyDeleteHi Gary-- thanks for your input and thoughts on the subject. I have two blogs and yes, my other blog is definitely more as you suggest, a tool to hone my story-telling skills and practice different forms of writing. Although it has far fewer followers and commenters, I use it to gauge reader reaction and learn. Speaking of blogs and stories, off to visit your blog now!
DeleteI love my blog, and I love other people's blogs. I've developed greater friendships through my blog than I think I would have on FB or Twitter alone.
ReplyDeleteI think blog tours, cover reveals and even blogfests are losing their impact - but probably because they were once new and effective that everyone started organising them. The next big thing would probably only make an impact for a while.
I love your blog, too! And I agree about tours, fests, awards and cover reveal. Someone will break the trend, be successful until that gets overdone too. Maybe it's just the inevitable cycle.
DeleteI mostly blog to make friends around the world and to offer authors a venue for promoting their books in return for offering original content about the writing life. I love the authors and bloggers I've met this way (and the good reads I've discovered along the way), and I've learned a lot in the process.
ReplyDeleteIt is an amazing way to make connections around the world! And yes, the satisfaction of friendships and contacts makes the time well-spent.
DeleteGreat topic, Julie. Our discussion about reader-focused blogs a few months ago gave me a lot to think about, and was the impetus for me to move away from a writer-focused blog to one that focuses on readers. I will maintain an author blog, but I approached fellow authors with my publisher about starting a group blog focused on readers instead. There is strength and variety in numbers.
ReplyDeleteI've been debating a blog tour and cover reveal, so I look forward to reading the articles mentioned above.
If you do a tour, count me in please. We'll brainstorm to make it effective and original. And yes, I'll be curious to see how you and other authors do things differently to reach out to readers. I'd forgotten we had that conversation months ago. Obviously this subject has been tickling my thought process for a while now.
DeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteOn blogging: The Peak of Disillusionment came when I believed that blogging was a good way to market and sell books. On the way down, I learned that blogging was a viable way to hone the craft, as long as I capitalize, and "write good material." (Erica)
As for FB. Ho hum and bleh. I would much rather read from my fellow bloggarts on their respective sites than FB. Any day.
And Joseph has spoken. I'm glad you maintain a blog. If you read the articles above, let me know your thoughts too.
DeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteGreat topic to discuss. I find myself blogging mainly for me--an outlet to release the thoughts that are unwilling to stop pestering me until I put them somewhere, anywhere! I journal too, which helps for the more private thoughts that I'm just too embarrassed to put out there for the public to read. I blog because it's a great break away from my editing. I blog because, I want to remember good times and bad times, and because a very hopeful and shy part of me feels someone might appreciate it. :)
~Anna
I struggle with journaling sometimes-- wish it came a bit more easily to me. Your blog is among my favorite, Anna because it's original, thought-provoking, nicely written and heart- felt. Well, you know how excited I get when it's an Anna post!
DeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing those links debating the ROI for blogging. As newbie-bloggers, we're still trying to budget how much time to spend on writing projects versus social media promotion.
Our real goal is to promote and sell books, but we're realizing that it's also about branding, which is a long-term investment in building networks. And developing writer friends outside our usual geographic water holes seems valuable.
At the same time, we're trying to sensibly diversify our time -- some FB, some tweeting, some Goodtimes, some face time.
But the temptation to default to support groups thru blogging doesn't necessarily translate into capturing new reader markets.
That's something we're grappling with now -- Is social media essentially a promotional strategy or networking venue? W/ a book to currently promote, another out soon, and yet another one halfway done and promised by year's end, we're feel the weight of deciding how best to use our time, and your thoughtful post reminds us that we need to decide what our goals are with blogging and who our posts are really for.
Thanks for bringing this up.
Hi Mark and Kym-- this is something, as you know, I keep going back and forth with. It seems like the majority who have commented here are less concerned about specific marketing content and acknowledge the community benefits of blogging and the writing practice blogs provide.
DeleteIf you read the articles, I'd be curious how you synthesize their information with the feedback you received from the publisher who quoted you very big numbers on building your platform. My friend Sunny from Oak Tree Press, very much advocates the virtues of an online presence, from a standpoint of name recognition, and as you mentioned, branding-- but all in the name of marketing books.
As you wrote, it does make you consider the balance of time investment, doesn't it?
If the primary motive for blogging is marketing, then I question the benefits. But if the motivation is community and a safe way to practice writing styles, then maybe it's worth balanced time investment. I don't know the answer.
I LOVE blogging! I wish I could do it every day, but it's not humanly possible for me at the moment. I'm really bummed when I can't blog more often, and I would never consider giving it up! Since I don't do it for the "platform", but because it's fun and it's totally flexing my writer muscles, it's no burden at all. At least not for me. :)
ReplyDeleteVeronica, your answer resonates with me and many other people who have commented. I blog for the same reasons. Since I'm not a published book author and don't have any WIP or goals for one in the immediate future, I'm not as platform motivated, although do admit I get out there for name recognition and to increase my publication.
DeleteSpeaking of blogs, nice post this morning. http://www.veronicasicoe.com/blog/
Julie, I've been wondering the effectiveness of blogging lately, too, so sharing these articles on it was so timely for me. I read them both and appreciate their take on the matter. Good stuff. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteYeah-- I think in terms of a platform or book promotion, it's probably not all that effective or worth the time investment. But for making connections (like your newsletter) and camaraderie within the community and just the fun of blogging, it's probably a good thing. At least that's what I've gathered from others and am processing myself.
Delete