The blogging facts, is nobody listening?
Friends, family, coworkers and generally people who “know me” are well aware that I manage many websites and blogs. They also know that I earn MONEY from these websites. Recently people have come up to me expressing interest in starting their own blog, for the purpose of creating a revenue stream.
My initial response is “Yeah great, go for it - I’ll even help you” and as they get all excited about starting their first website/blog I inform them of the blogging facts … to which nobody seems to listen.
I tell them that a successful blog will take time and patience.
I tell them that a successful blog takes hard work with no reward. (initially)
I tell them that to have a successful blog you must pick a niche topic or if you would like to pick something that’s already been done, think of a way to make it better!
I tell them that to have a successful blog you must post fresh, original and interesting content on a regular basis !
I tell them the last tip a few times but nobody seems to listen! Creating a successful blog really does take time and effort, people don’t realize this and only have their mind set on making a quick buck.
This may sound harsh but from now on if you come up to me with a blog idea, you better be serious and dedicated or else you’ll be turned down with a flick of my wrist ! :P
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POSTED IN: Personal Thoughts
5 opinions for The blogging facts, is nobody listening?
Scrivs
Nov 9, 2005 at 11:43 am
Heh, try running 2 blog networks and listening to everyone’s ideas…
Redd
Nov 9, 2005 at 12:40 pm
It may just be a coincidence, but I hope you are not directing that post toward me. I am still committed to, and waiting patiently for you to tell me:
when & how.
By the way, with that post, you get me more excited to want to work with you and hold on for the long haul!
Paul
Nov 9, 2005 at 2:56 pm
Tell me about me! A successful blog will take FOREVER to succeed, unless you get picked up by someone famous. And almost any possible niche topic you would like had already been written about by someone already. So you must post fresh, original and interesting content on a regular basis (as Jamsi said)!
Ben Strackany
Nov 10, 2005 at 3:16 pm
I think the sentiments are true for not just blogs, but many businesses. People are jumping into real estate, ebay, you name it, b/c they heard other people are making cash. But they soon find out that it takes actual, continued effort to make money. I wouldn’t let it bother you too much, Jamsi … that’s the way it goes. My best advice would be to not become a “if you dont work hard I’ll turn you down” kind of guy. Instead, next time someone comes to you with an idea, say that’s great & send them a bunch of URLs that explain how to start a blog (perhaps using a really easy one like Blogger) & have general tips, etc. Then if they’re willing to work hard, they’ll read through that stuff on their own. And if they insist on you spoon-feeding them how to start a blog, that’s your clue that they probably won’t work at it. Help them help themselves, I say!
Jamsi
Nov 10, 2005 at 7:12 pm
“Help them help themselves, I say”
That’s some great advice right there. :)
Cheers.
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