Blogging Challenges
I’ve been struggling lately with my blog – it started out as a suggestion from my boyfriend a few years ago and at the time I thought, “Who would ever want to read anything I wrote?” and since, I’ve come to enjoy sharing my programs, discussing issues and connecting with people around the world.
But now, I’ve taken a new job and feel like my blog has somewhat lost its purpose, so that’s where I’m at. My job now is much more focused on everything from large-scale projects to the mundane paperwork of running an organization… but that’s not as interesting to write about. I’m having more and more difficulty coming up with content for daily posts six days a week that won’t completely put everyone to sleep.
I’m hoping to start working on a calendar of ideas so that I’m not thinking about content everyday and having to write it up, rather I’ll have put some thought into it in advance (which is what I should have been doing all along). With this new position, I’ve had little time to really focus on what I want this blog to become and so that’ s what I’ve been thinking about lately. Library/Librarian blogs have somewhat of a small audience – mainly other libraries/librarians, some teachers and parents who stumble onto programming ideas and others who get here by accident. It’s not like a lifestyle blog or a Disney blog that has the potential for a much larger following. Or does it?
So if you’re a regular reader, comment on what parts of the blog you like and would want me to keep and I’m going to spend much of my summer trying to figure out where I want this project to go. Thanks for the input!
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craftiestories
Blogging is a challenge even when you don’t hold a full time job. How much of your personal life should you include? Or your work life? How focused should a blog be? Sometimes, you just want to write what’s on your mind but is that what your readers want? Yep. It’s a puzzle. I appreciate book reviews because, Laura, as you know, book reviews are my life – so keep that up. But I also like to read about what works in programming with kids. Take an hour and look at blogs you love. Make a list of what appeals to you about them. Then decide what you can do.
Also, making a schedule of when you will post what works, too. Once upon a time, I had the week segmented. One day, I highlighted Kids Book websites; on another I posted what was new; on yet another I posted book trailers. I resisted schedules so that didn’t last. But it’s a good idea.
You can do it, even if you only post once a week. I will be reading and following. Karen Maurer
Josh Funk
I enjoy lots of the lists and groupings of things you share, whether it be the Top Ten Tuesdays or just a bunch of books you’re enjoying lately. The images you put together look great and are fun to help share enthusiasm for reading.
I know you’re not as working with patrons quite as much lately, and I do miss those types of stories you’d shared in the past, but I wonder if some of the things you think are boring might actually be interesting to people who don’t do them on a daily basis? Or is it that you don’t really feel like spending more time writing about that stuff once the day is done? (Note: that’s how I feel about my day job, so I’d get it)
Part of what’s great about your blog is your voice – so if there are types of posts where that can shine through, maybe go in that direction. Only YOU can write with your voice – so that will always make your writing special.
Jenna @ Falling Letters
I personally do enjoy when you write about your day job. But as you mention, may be because I’m in that niche audience. I’m starting an MLIS in the fall and like to read about the practicalities of what I might be getting myself into someday. I also really appreciate your targeted recommendation lists (ex. the modern MG classics you posted the other day).
literacious
Thanks for your kind words, Jenna!