Friday, July 14: Chris Muir’s Day By Day online comic strip, which has been syndicated to newspapers, will now be available via cell phone through SmashPhone.com, a comic strip network. Viewers can access strips through Verizon, Cingular, Sprint, T-Mobile, and other carriers.
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Hat tip to Sister Toldjah for the post idea and the advice!
Like many bloggers who’ve been at this for a while, I’m always getting e-mails from potential and new bloggers asking for advice. A Google search on “how to blog,” “why blog,” and similar search terms will yield useful information, but I understand that people ask me because they want my advice. I planned to write a series of “Blogging Basics” posts, but the series is low on the to-do list these days. Besides, I think I’m better at blogging and telling you how much I love blogging than explaining the mechanics of blogging.
I joined the blogosphere on November 5, 2003 (Why? To rant, of course!), at Blogger.com, then moved to WordPress about seven months later.
I LOVE BLOGGING because I love writing. Self-publishing my thoughts and getting instant feedback (even the negative stuff) is thrilling, I must say. I went back and forth on disabling commenting, but I got over it. Open commenting attracts Internet freaks and cowardly anonymous trolls, but reading discussions between thoughtful, mature people who disagree civilly is worth the aggravation. I contemplated turning LBC into a group blog, but I’m too much of a controller. I want my blog to look and “sound” a certain way.
Although I’m not paid to blog per se, I receive advertising revenue through Pajamas Media. I have several long-term blog consulting and editing clients and a newspaper column. I’m working on two paying writing assignments, and I’m trying to snag more. That’s how I pay the bills.
(See the The Language Artist category to read about my business, why I quit my day job, etc. If you don’t see Next Page at the bottom page, click this link for Page 2. My business blog is here. Additionally, I started a third blog in January to satisfy my urge to discuss Harry Potter and Narnia, Fantasy Fiction for Christians.)
Whether or not this blog generated income, I’d still blog. I’ve had a few good laughs, joined a few blog swarms, and met some really cool people. I blogged up a storm during Rathergate (keep clicking on Next Page at the bottom of the category page to read all the posts) and Easongate. I’ve attended conferences like CPAC, BlogNashville, and the GodBlogCon. People have read this blog and invited me on radio and cable news shows. All of these things cancel out the handful of bad experiences.
The first year was good, the second year was even better, and this year? I’ll let you know on November 5, 2006. 
I wrote a couple of how-to-blog and why-blog posts that may be helpful: You Never Know Who’s Reading Your Blog, Blogging Pet Peeves, Blogging: Love or Money?, LBC Retooling, and others.
That’s not much, is it? That’s why you should read Sister Toldjah’s Blogging Tips post from September 2005. Also check out Amazon’s selection of books on blogging.
Great blogging tips blogs and posts: Pro Blogger, Performancing, The Language Artist…
Fellow bloggers, share your tips, advice, and expertise. Trackback to this post, and I’ll link to your how-to-blog posts.
Non-bloggers, why do you read blogs? Have you ever thought of starting your own blog?
As a blog reader, what do you look for in a blog? What keeps you coming back for more?
Update: I’m reluctant to give blogging advice because I rarely follow it myself. As far as what you blog about, how often you blog, and how long or short you should blog, I don’t have any wisdom to dispense. Except this: If you don’t like it, don’t do it, and keep in mind that libel laws apply to bloggers, too.
Blog etiquette is different — linking to a blog post you trackback to, linking to sources and bloggers you reference in the post, etc. I can preach a sermon on blog etiquette.
(shameless self plug) for those bloggers who want to learn basic html, I offer you http://www.fromthepen.com/web/
Put this together many years ago, but it’s still helpful for those who want basic, basic html knowledge.
Comment by bucktowndusty — 07.11.06 @ 12:33 pm
One good possibility that has worked out very well for me is to start local. I blog mainly about things at my university, and while I don’t get as many hits from other blogs as I would like, non-blogger readers appreciate being able to get alternative viewpoint or investigation in areas where few media sources exist. Moreover, when larger stories break about your area, larger audiences will appreciate being able to get info from somebody with experience with the specific area rather than blogospheric echoing. The concept isn’t limited to geography, but it’s a good place to start.
Comment by Garrett O'Hara — 07.11.06 @ 12:50 pm
Comment, comment, comment. Of course, submit your blog to as many (reputable) blog directories you can find, but the best way to drive traffic to your blog is by commenting on others’.
Also, keep it clean. You’ll never drive readers away by *not* swearing.
Comment by Jared — 07.11.06 @ 12:55 pm
It’s fun to create something from nothing.
–To take a blank canvas and see what you can come up with.
However, it’s all about supply and demand.
The demand is for commenters, especially good commenters….not necessarily bloggers.
There are already too many blogs out there.
Some bloggers are failing to thoroughly explore their subject matter, though.
So, sometimes, there is a need to expand upon someone else’s posts; and, it seems rude to extend, or rewrite another blogger’s post, in their own comments section.
That’s why I started my own (fledgling) blog.
I’m trying, very very hard, not to do politics, on mine.
Both Michelle, and La Shawn are already covering that territory, and there’s nothing more I could possibly say or add.
I frequently find that La Shawn has the final word on those (political) issues.
Originality.
Distinctive.
Unique.
It’s not always easy!
Comment by Glamchild — 07.11.06 @ 1:26 pm
LaShawn, I’m one of those folks that asked you way back in ‘04 and the advice you gave was most helpful. Thanks.
Comment by GM Roper — 07.11.06 @ 1:52 pm
And I forgot to note (but I did on my comments policy) that much of my comment policy is taken from your excellent one. Again, thanks.
Comment by GM Roper — 07.11.06 @ 1:55 pm
And I would be remiss in MY efforts to be a blogger if I didn’t extend a HUGE thank you to La Shawn Barber for the help and advice she gave ME when I was getting started as well…And the link in her side bar was cool too..
I also started on Blogger and have since moved to paid service and personal domain, it’s much more satisfying in my opinion and I don’t have those inopportune Blogger outages either…
I have 3 blog rolls with quite a few members and some of them had NO idea of how to insert code, whether in a side bar or in the body of a message, and my biggest contribution to other bloggers has been to actually teach them HOW to use HTML and how to place it, an on occasion, I have had to rebuild a couple of blogs for friends that ‘blew it’… And don’t laugh, it CAN happen…
That’s been my most enjoyable part of blogging, meeting and helping, and BEING helped by so many generous people…
And La Shawn IS one of those people…
Comment by TexasFred — 07.11.06 @ 2:00 pm
I read blogs because I’m well aware that there are a lot of facts that the regular news media gloss over or omit completely from their stories. Bloggers have been very good at digging up things of which I for one wouldn’t have been aware had I just relied on the regular news media.
I also read blogs for the opinions that rarely get an airing in the regular media (I live in Britain and let me tell you we don’t get many black conservative Christians asked for soundbites on the news!).
I read left-wing as well as right-wing blogs, because I like to see where each side is coming from and try to understand the arguments from either perspective. I’m just as bewildered by far-right viewpoints as I am by far-left ones.
I think it’s important not to just accept something as fact without going and checking it from a number of other sources too (I bet Dan Rather agrees with that now), and bloggers help there because they usually provide a number of links to back up their points (and if they don’t, they’re not worth reading).
Comment by Lizzie — 07.11.06 @ 2:00 pm
Blogging is so much fun! I find it gives me an opportunity to express myself in ways that I normally would not. It’s fun to help other bloggers and I must add that La Shawn was a big help to me last year when I ruffled some feathers in the blogosphere.
I recently switched from Blogger to Wordpress so now I feel like a newbie again. I’m sure I’ll figure out how to get these pop-up comments to work eventually on my own blog.
Comment by Karen of Scottsdale — 07.11.06 @ 3:03 pm
I’m not sure if it is smart to go into blogging with the purpose of making money. I started blogging over a year ago and I post something almost every weekday. I blog on whatever topic crosses my mind at the moment I turn on my computer. One day I blog about my girlfriend’s cat that I’m convinced are trying to kill and next I’m exploring the debate on creation vs. evolution. The point is, write what you love and have fun with it.
Technically speaking, there are some really good bloggers that bring the heat. It would be wise to learn from them. Although LaShawn and I have had a few “exchanges”, she is very good at this and I’ve learned some things from her and a few others.
Comment by james manning — 07.11.06 @ 4:24 pm
I comment because I’m too lazy to blog and I’d much rather come over to LBC and harass you ‘colorblind’ coservatives…LOL!!!!
I have to admit I wouldn’t come here so much if LaShawn weren’t so provocative. So much in fact that I had to take a ‘break’ because I would read a post and the comments and my pressure would rise! But since I think half the people commenting at LBC are ‘keyboard gangsters’ anyway, I’ve learned to take things with a grain of salt.
Keep up the good work!
Comment by Tiffany in Houston — 07.11.06 @ 4:47 pm
I am, therefore I blog. I must.
I got some advice from Hugh Hewitt when I started (Jan 2005), and I ignored some of it. “Be brief,” he said. I can’t.
Tip 1: Don’t sugarcoat your opinions. If you can’t say how you feel in your blog, what’s the point?
Tip 2: Don’t be afraid to blog on politics (this means you, too, Glamchild). Just because La Shawn and Michelle do it so well, that doesn’t mean you don’t have your own perspective of how the political world is doing.
La Shawn, thanks for this post. What fun!
Comment by SkyePuppy — 07.11.06 @ 6:03 pm
I blog because I saw LaShawn on C-Span; She talked about blogging as a labor of love and I wanted to learn what blogging was all about.
I haven’t been able to stop since. Thanks LaShawn.
Jeff
RightFaith.blogspot.com
Comment by Jefferson Reed — 07.11.06 @ 9:25 pm
Gee, I leave comments on plenty of other blogs yet most of the comments left on mine are of the spam variety which I delete (I keep my blog’s comments toggled as “approve before appears” - that way I can keep the spam off). I doubt very many people ever bother to read stuff on my blog (plus I have no way to tell), but it really doesn’t matter because I do it mainly as a creative outlet and my blog doesn’t fit into any easily definable category other than “self expression.” I write about whatever motivates me at the moment and that can be anything from politics to music to professional wrestling to who knows! So if you happen to feel so inclined, visit my humble blog.
Comment by Carl — 07.11.06 @ 9:36 pm
Ten Reasons Why Blogging is My New Cup of Tea
LaShawn Barber posted today why she enjoys blogging so much. She cites the rush that she gets from being able to see her name in her own byline as the main stimulus that keeps her motivated. It is obviously a good motivational tool for her, because…
Trackback by The Information Junkie — 07.11.06 @ 9:55 pm
La Shawn: I Am; Therefore, I Blog.
Pingback by SmartChristian.com — 07.11.06 @ 10:21 pm
I read blogs because:
- My favorite sections of newspapers and magazines are the editorials, letters to the editor, etc. I want to know what other people think, what other ideas are out there, how do my opinions, thoughts and beliefs compare/contrast. Blogs fulfill this, and so much more considering those that permit comments.
- I can “listen” in on conversations and enter them if I wish. More often, however, I just lurk.
- I get to “meet” people from ALL over the planet.
- It’s just intellectually and emotionally stimulating and fun!
I have thought about starting my own blog, but I have neither the time nor, especially, the talent as the people on whose sites I frequent.
Comment by cardeblu — 07.12.06 @ 2:39 am
The heck with the “I am, therefore” part, just “I blog”!
Comment by Carl — 07.12.06 @ 8:11 am
Darnit, I clicked on the post it by accident. LOL
Anyway, I enjoy reading other blogs as well. My interests are varied so finding a blog with material I am interested in always is a plus and with millions of blogs out there (and some good blog search engines) it’s a pretty good bet I’ll find something out there to interest me. Also if a blog (or a site) is interesting enough to me, I’ll include it in my links section on my blog page. That’s how I found out about La Shawn’s blog and why I have a link to it on my homepage.
Comment by Carl — 07.12.06 @ 8:14 am
The Secrets of Blogging
Sister Toldjah, La Shawn Barber and Simon World share their tips….
Trackback by Pajamas Media — 07.12.06 @ 9:10 am
I don’t think you do it to make money. It’s like keeping a journal.
A diary.
A diary without the lock and key.
Actually, my mother would break into my diary all the time.
So, I don’t see much difference between the whole world reading my blog ……and my mother reading my diary.
If anything, the whole world might be more lenient than my shocked mother, when she read some of the stuff in my diary…without permission!
Comment by Glamchild — 07.12.06 @ 1:29 pm
My blogging advice
La Shawn Barber happens to be one of my blogging heroes, so when La Shawn speaks, I listen. La Shawn is now dispensing some blogging advice, along with the wonderful Sister Toldjah (is that one of the greatest names for a blog, or what?)
Trackback by Notes in the Key of Life — 07.12.06 @ 2:08 pm
We are just having our first anniversary on our group blog, Fine Dry Wit. La Shawn, you mentioned that you didn’t turn the Corner into a group blog because you want to be in control. The way we do it-we are three adults-is each of us writes and edits and is responsible for our own posts-no-one has editorial rights over the others. Each brings special qualities to the blog; as I am not quite the language artist that you are, I know that if it were just me writing, no-one would visit very much.
The one bit of advice I would give would be bloggers is: be the same person on your own blog as you are when visiting others. Phonys and hypocritters lose my respect. Be honest, and if you mess up and get something wrong, don’t bluster or try to cover up. Admit it and move on.
La Shawn, it looks like the first week of November is loaded with good news. May Conservatives win while liberals whine.
Comment by Doug — 07.12.06 @ 3:16 pm
I also love to write and appreciate the opportunity that blogging provides to learn about myself and others. YAWP!
Comment by Ozzie — 07.12.06 @ 6:32 pm
I haven’t had much luck with trackbacks, but linking to other blogs should be done more. New bloggers tend not to do it enough.
Also, I’ve found that some blogs lack any kind of focus, and end up becoming diaries. Nobody wants to read a diary…
Comment by FTM — 07.13.06 @ 10:52 am
La Shawn,
Thanks so much for this thread! What a kick to see the “whys” and “because” of bloggers and commenters.
As for me, I began blogging to get things off my chest, the reason for Dagney’s Rant…to RANT! It never occurred to me that anyone would read it, and it’s never been my motivation. It’s always fun to learn that people actually do read it, but if they didn’t, I’d still be blogging. It’s fun, it’s an outlet, and I love to write even though I’m not terribly great at it, as you are.
Comment by DagneyT — 07.13.06 @ 5:45 pm
La Shawn,
Back when I started a short-lived blog on Blogger, I e-mailed you for advice.
You answered back and told me that a blog needs to include a biographical section about the blogger.
I took your advice. My new blog has a large, detailed biographical section.
By the way, La Shawn, you don’t need to give advice because you are already setting an excellent example for other bloggers to follow.
Comment by Dodo David — 07.13.06 @ 7:02 pm