What I Like About You

Since October of last year I've been a "blogger." I cringe a bit at the word, but I love the activity. I also love reading other people's blogs. At least the good ones where they attempt to drum up new content other than banal self-analysis or angry ranting (which I'm guilty of, to be sure, but I try to keep a reasonable mix going). So, I thought I'd write a little list of what about your blog will make me like you:

1. Show Your Personality in Pictures. I really like pictures on blogs. Not stock photos and not tired images of young things on their supposed-crazy saturday night, glass lifted, chin down, eyes up, "whoo-hoos" spurting forth. I like the honest shots that are like "windows to the soul." A great example is Rebecca Thorman's simple, thought-provoking photography. She can make a pile of papers look interesting. My sister posts images of her favorite places and things on earth, which are so her. While my photos are nowhere near their quality - I try to showcase the things I like. Being crazy is one of them. A blog is such a personal medium, it's hard to connect to an author I can't imagine knowing personally, and photos help.

2. Great Writing. You don't need to be a journalist to write a great story or present your position well. Be as honest as you can and don't worry about being everything to everyone. While I enjoy musings about politics, religion, and metaphysics, I want to feel like I'm in the same galaxy as the person writing, if you get too out there, I start to phone home. Similarly, I find writers who always feel the need to say something precious or profound wear me out with their emotional heft. Also, general attention to sentence structure, spelling, and grammar is important, but unless you are doing something majorly wrong, is not crucial for me.

3. Tell the Truth. If you don't know something, don't posture as if you do. Ryan Paugh writes about blogs needing to gain their reader’s trust. It’s true. Like bugs in a burning haystack, you’ll be smoked out as soon as one person catches on. (Atrocious metaphor, sorry.) I appreciate the moxy and gumption it takes to stick your neck out and fumble around in search of answers. Reading about other people blaze new trails without the answers is interesting and informative if done well.

4. Have a Heart. If you have dedicated your life to a subject, you'll certainly have a lot to offer. But try to be open to opinions and help me learn why I'm wrong. Don’t use your authority against me. You’ve lost a possible ally. I like a good debate, but don't just chastize me and make me feel stupid. I might be coming from a place a fear, and you might have a perfectly good point, let’s meet in between. I appreciate when an author takes the time to listen and sometimes even help me come to new realizations.

5. Rinse, then Repeat. Sometimes I'll love something a blogger wrote, only to find they never bring up the topic again. Perhaps I should comment more to make my opinions known, but I enjoy when a blogger focuses on a topic, expanding, re-visiting, or even rescinding. That's why I've been a huge P-Trunk fan...some things she says over and over, but presents a new angle or twist, and sometimes something that makes my blood boil, and hence, coming back for more.

There you have it. Your own personal market study in what can attract a Milena to your blog’s doorstep. That is, if you want one.