Not really, but I got your attention, didn’t I? That’s one of the challenges of writing a blog. How do you get people’s attention? What do you have to do so that people will want to keep reading your blog? BlogBloke, in his suggestions for successful blogging, says that keeping your blog interesting and well written will keep people coming back. My problem is that I’m not sure what that means.
One thing that would keep readers coming back is to actually publish nude pictures of favorite bloggers, especially those of the female persuasion. But in order to do that, either they would have to cooperate and send me pictures (what do you think, Dawn?), or I would have to put the telephoto lens on my camera and become a stalker. I don’t think either scenario is very likely. In fact, both could lead to major health problems.
Before I started writing this entry, I read through several of my past posts. What I discovered is that I’ve been boring, boringer, boringest!!! Not always, but a good percentage of the time. I came to that conclusion when I noticed how many posts were about me and my mundane life. I mean really, writing about recording a video I made while walking around the area where my hotel was?!? And then I didn’t even post the video so you could see what I was talking about. Boring!! And complaining about my issues with a co-worker who annoyed me. Did you really care? I will admit that I felt better after venting.
Another blogging tip I read recently said to find a niche and stick to it. What in the world is my niche? I know! I’ll write travelogues for the recovering alcoholic. No, actually I think that has already been done. I would ask my wife to help me identify my niche, but I have a pretty good idea what she would say, “Your niche is all of the grumpy, crusty old codgers looking to have the world conform to your viewpoint.”
I would entertain writing for that audience, but then I would have to change the name of my blog to The Crusty Old Fart Blog. That would mean getting a new WordPress theme, new artwork, registering another domain, etc., etc. I guess it’s fortunate that that topic is already pretty well covered.
Actually, I’m not always a crusty old fart. My wife just pointed out that it’s more a function of aging. I’ve become more set in my ways and more frustrated that ideas that I think are common sense are so ignored by those who make the major decisions. I’m especially irritated by those who consistently feel that the rules don’t apply to them. But that’s a topic for another rant.
I guess the best bet here is to admit that that I don’t really have a niche, and my purpose in life…at least when it comes to this blog…will be to find one. So, faithful readers (both of you), I’m going to ask you to be patient. Keep coming back and we’ll continue to explore life together through the lens of my glasses. In other words, life as I see it. Sometimes it will be boring, but isn’t life like that some times?
When my oldest daughter was a teenager, her most frequent evaluation of
anything that didn’t involve socializing with her friends was, “this is boring!” I told her that when she became an adult and started having kids of her own she would probably find herself praying for times that were boring. Darned if she didn’t find out that I was right.
I make you one promise. When I find my niche I’ll write a post and trumpet the news right here in this blog. In the meantime, we’ll just have fun and try not to be boring all the time. Maybe you’ll even find an occasional reason to smile. That would make me very happy.
when self examining your work you are overly critical..so ixnay on the boring Lee…I don’t find it that way at all…good writing beats a gimmick anytime ..because it has lasting power.. a gimmick is a flash in the pan..your doing it alright from this perspective..and welcome to the grumpy old codger’s club…:):):)
robert bourne’s last blog post..The Gathering of the Unknown
Robert and Jaffer: Thank you both! Actually, you helped me make my point, which is mundane and boring isn’t necessarily a bad thing for a blog to be.
In writing about the routine things that make up my life, and the things that drive me a little crazy, I find ways to be entertaining. Even if it’s just a little bit.
Thank you both for your kind comments.
Aww…man ! I was so looking forward to a picture of you !
Your posts may seem boring to you because you’ve been reading them over and over and over and over and over again.
Reading blogs like yours is different from reading blogs on particular niche – because on niche blogs, as far as I’m concerned, I feel like I’m there to learn !
Think of it like going to school/work at BlogBloke, ProBlogger, Seth Godin etc. and then hitting Lee’s bar for a couple of drinks and talk about life.
But now Lee’s complaining how business is boring just 4 months after opening – and I’m laughing it off.
Don’t worry man you’ll always find something to talk about !
Jaffer’s last blog post..Wish you a successful 1429
I came over here to see if you had posted any naked pics of me. What a disappointment!
I think a “niche” can be fairly general. I’ve only been blogging a couple months and have learned a lot about what directions I don’t want to go in. My path gets narrower, yet remains fairly broad.
I hope this comment doesn’t post twice, I’m having connectivity issues.
Marie’s last blog post..Is there a pill for this?
Marie: Welcome to Tar Heel Ramblings! I agree, as I get more experience at blogging, my path does get a little narrower. At the same time, I’m also exploring new things and new ideas. The neat thing is that as you, my readers, get to know me I get to know myself a little better.
Mimi: Hopefully, my blog rating didn’t suffer too much. I didn’t use any bad words after all. In fact, I think I maintained a Souther Genteel Spirit throughout the whole post!
By the way, as soon as Flickr solves their issues I’ll finish responding to your meme. It may have to be an addendum to tomorrow’s Sunday Scenery.
Kathy: No, I didn’t hit my head. But apparently, I broke my funny bone. I was attempting to take a humorous look at blogging in general and what I’ve learned about blogging in the past three months. Specifically, that not all posts are exciting or particularly revealing. But they all reveal a little something about the author. But thanks for the compliments. That’s what I was really fishing for! :0)
I think your blog rating just went down! You’re probably in the R-rated category now. What will they think of us folks here in the south after this! I haven’t forgotten about your tag. Having difficulty with it. I’ve started it three times and can’t finish. But I do have one for you. It’s painless and quick.,
You’ve been royally tagged by the Queen of Memes. Please pass it on to as many as you’d like.
Long live the dungeon.
No Autographs, Please – The Band Meme
Patiently awaiting your niche……
Mimi Lenox’s last blog post..No Autographs, Please (The Band Meme)
Lee — Did you hit your head or something? I don’t find your posts boring at all. I find this one of the friendliest, most honest, engaging blogs around. You make me think. You make me laugh. And I love getting a weekly dose of your wonderful photography. You’ve got it all!
I missed you while you were on your trip. Does that tell you anything?
Kathy’s last blog post..You Know Your Butt’s Too Big When ….
First of all you had me on the title… came rushing in
Secondly… I spit my coke out with your nude blogger comment… best laugh all day! So hardly boring Lee!
Thirdly… niche? I don’t have one either but in some ways it’s better because then people don’t know what to expect from you and it makes it a little more interesting…
And last but not least… your wife is right… the older we get the more irritated we are by the stupid people
dawn’s last blog post..Porn For Women
So, is that a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’?
Thanks, Dawn. I guess I achieved my goal, which was to generate comments with this post. Like I’ve said a couple of times, even if some posts are boring, that kind of goes along with life. Anyway, thanks for supporting my efforts, and I’m glad you got a chuckle out of the nude blogger comment.
I don’t have a niche either!
Barbara (Xerraire)’s last blog post..Manna?
But you’re close with your photography, Barbara. Actually, I guess that would apply to me as well, as a couple of posters have pointed out.
Totally not boring! Now where’s the nudies?
DrowseyMonkey’s last blog post..Sex and the Canadian Woman
You may not have found your niche yet, but you’ve certainly mastered the art of link baiting.
You’re already halfway there bro. Congratulations!
Blog Bloke’s last blog post..10 Common Podcasting Mistakes
Thanks, Bloke. I guess choosing post titles is half the battle!