Thoughts this week:
The 1:9:90 rule
I’m not sure if it applies to all online communities* but I think it applies to blogging communities. And I know that it applies to me – I’m a lurker at heart. I wouldn’t say that I have a fear of commenting but my initial reactions to a post are often, “Right on!” or “Whatever!” and since these ‘comments’ lack any substance I don’t bother with posting them. So what does it take to get me to comment and participate? Ask me a question. I’m more likely to contribute when the interaction has some semblance to a conversation. “Stirring the pot,” as Dreyer and Grant suggest, isn’t always the best method because if it’s out of character or controversial for the sake of being controversial then I’m often turned off and I’ll ditch a blog that seems to be trying too hard. I can’t speak for all users but if 90% of users are lurkers, and I’m a lurker, then…
*Contributions can be made in communities in a more passive way now – click ‘like’ in Facebook and you’ve contributed without having to type a word or compose a semi-coherent thought. Add a page, accept a request – these are ways of contributing through mere clicks.
Blog Success
I’ll be honest – I’ve judged books by their covers, and I still do. The same goes for blogs. If your blog isn’t pretty/cute/tidy then chances are that I won’t be sucked in even if you are charming and witty. Of course content matters (too) but I think that aesthetics shouldn’t be overlooked.
Of the blogs listed as case studies for the week I liked MADreads and Shelf Talk* the most. Both blogs have THE look of the moment (the soft coloured background, simple banner, centred text box, links on the right look). Simply put, they don’t look dated like some of the other blogs did. These blogs also incorporated images into most posts and helped liven up each entry – if they had a few relevant video clips to throw in it’d round out the multimedia experience.
(* Hello! It’s Seattle Public Library’s blog – of course it’s a winner.)
Put On a Happy Face
I hadn’t considered the act of blogging as ‘performance’ until reading Jill Walker’s article. But she has a point, we’re often writing for an audience (or a perceived audience). So what effect does this have on your blog’s “voice?” We’re supposed to be honest but still portray the organization in a positive light; not sound like a corporate robot but still remain professional; have a unique voice but still represent the organization. I’m not sure what sort of relationship this writer is supposed to cultivate with his/her readers but I’d be a little wary of someone who is able to perform so well.
Writing a corporate blog is sounding more and more like a chore and less like a fun and creative outlet. But, hey, it’s a job so I guess it can’t be all fun and candy floss.