Obviously, when it comes to blogging, there are no rules. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do! You also don't have to model your blog after others' success. I've been thinking of a post like this but I wasn't sure if it would offend some people. I decided to roll with it but to also make mention that my idea of a perfect blog is towards my own blog - not yours. I'm not in any place to say what the perfect blog is and lower others' self esteems - that's what the media's for. Instead, I talk about the qualities I strive to have in my own blog because the only blog that should be perfect is my own [duhh???]
1. Discussions, discussions, discussions!
Little Baby Blogger Nova was scared shitless of her own opinion at one time. It's kind of funny. I tried to be impartial towards everything in fear that I would start something with bloggers that were higher up. Now that I've been in this biz for a while, I realize that as long as I'm not being a dick [forcing my opinion, acting like my opinion is fact], I can say whatever I want! Because of that, I decided that discussion posts are the thing. When my blog didn't have discussion posts, I felt like I didn't have a voice. Plus, it was boring to read reviews and reviews and the odd meme every once in a while.I have a discussion once a week and if I could, I would do it twice a week. Still working on that, though. I've been recognized for my discussions by some bloggers and seriously, you have no idea how much that means to me. Discussions are the thinggggggg!
2. Designs with a blend of color and professionalism
Obviously, I'm still working on this. Out of Time isn't the most professional site. It actually looks a little childish but I'm childish so why not? I've always thought a design represents the blogger and I'd like to think that I'm a blend of abstract color [and craziness] but still trying [failing?] to remain professional.3. Reviews with voice.
This was meant to be for all posts but it's hard to not have a voice in discussions. No, I mean that I've read reviews that are so dull and boring. I get that you want to write up something nice for the publisher but it's also why I don't like reading Kirkus. I want a review that has personality, humor and gifs! [I'm pretty impartial on the whole "to gif or to not gif" debacle.] I used to write like a detached robot but then decided that I have to do essays in class and I know how much I want to shoot myself when I do that, why do it in blogging?
4. Memes
This is a personal choice. I hate memes. Fine, they're cool to share your top ten or a book from your tbr list. But do you know how annoying it is to skip over a crapload of TTT posts because all the books are the same on each? Obviously, I'm not saying, "don't do memes!" Only that if a blog is ALL memes, there's no way I can comment on anything because I won't have anything to say.If you do memes and you love them, great! I remember loving them when I did them but since I don't do them it's natural for me to not want to read others'.
The only "meme type thing" that I do is my monthly recap/stacking the shelves but that's because I like sharing my books all at once and it's a good way to end the month.
5. Tell me about your day
Not everyone wants to read personal posts. Not everyone gives a crap. Also, not everyone feels comfortable writing them because it's in the title: personal posts. However, I'm a big fan of talking about myself and talking about the things I've learned. This is still a book blog - obviously, but I talk about my other interests all the time.You might've read posts where I share songs I've written, songs I haven't written, poems or even just how my day is going. I like being honest on my blog and sometimes it's hard in real life because we might be judged but let me just say that I give no _ _ _ _s about being judged on my blog [because so many of you have helped my confidence issue.]
6. Authors invading the planet blog
This is one of the ones I'm still working on. I love the idea of author interviews and guest posting on blogs. I don't even care if I haven't heard of the author. Sometimes, I'll click a post and be like... THIS PERSON IS SO COOL! *adds book to TBR*I'm actually afraid of reaching out to authors for some reason. It just feels weird without a reason. Like for an event, I'm like, "oh this is for an event" but when it's just a random thing, I'm afraid they'll be like, "wut?"
7. If you can do tumblr photography, do it
If you'd told me a few months ago that I would be doing photography on an instagram account that has over 700 followers, I'd call you crazy. For some reason, I had a hatred for photography [probably because I was a jealous thirteen year old who took terrible selfies in dim lighting.] It's an experience with trial and error but I'm loving the stuff I can do now and excited to make it even better in the future! For example, I mixed my photoshop and photography [skills?] to create this! You can find more photography here.
8. Get the readers involved
I'm no good at this yet so I'll keep thinking. Some bloggers do quizzes or questionnaires and personally, I love them! Also guessing games are really fun. I know the ladies at Novel Ink used to do trivia and it was awesome! I never answered it quick enough but it helped me discover some new books. I would love to be able to do things like these where it's interactive. Another goal!And that's it! These are just the things that would make my perfect blog. However, I know that most of these aren't feasible, especially if they're all together in one blog which is why I follow so many! Each blog has something to offer to the blogosphere and it wouldn't be the same without that blog.
I especially LOVE photography on blogs... and memes. Hah. Okay, maybe I am in the minority with that one. But I generally spend waaaaay too much time scrolling through people's Top Ten Tuesday's and Waiting on Wendesday's. ;) But I adore discussions too. Especially when they're about something I'm particularly interested in.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to do photography but right now, I'm posting it more on my Instagram because I don't think it's good enough yet. Also, maybe because I'm new at it, but it's so tiring to do because I can never get a good shot on the same try [haha but you look like you can]
DeleteDefinitely a perfect blog right there :) Although I do love Stacking the Shelves posts and TTT posts. And I love photography as well (Kara up there, and also Cait of course). I also love colourful blogs, and I LOVE hearing about bloggers' personal lives - makes it so much easier to connect :)
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm glad you agree <3 I do Stacking the Shelves but I HATE the ones where the only things are the book and there's absolutely no original writing. It just feels really boring
DeleteI love your design, though! (I'm still with the original Blogger template, because I just can't decide what I should get. Sigh.) My fav TTT posts are when the blogger just rebels a little and sets themselves apart from the rest of the posts that day. And also gifs. Gifs are important. Oh, and photography. I CANNOT DO PHOTOGRAPHY. (I would love to read a post about how to take nice bookish photos *hint hint*)
ReplyDeleteI totally get that. Designing is hard and can be really expensive. Hope you find something that suits you soon!
Delete[And i would definitely do a post for you <3 NOW I HAVE A POST IDEA! THANKS!]
Your template is great! Having no graphic design skills sucks for me because I'm stuck with the original blogger templates :( I recently stopped memes, and I love how I'm more original.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about designs - I can't do them either. I got someone else haha
DeleteI love that your blog has so much personality in it. You be YOU. That is the key to YOUR perfect blog.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Nova! Keep it up.
I actually have a post going up about personality soon so thank you for that <3
DeleteI do like personal posts. A funny story about the blogger's day or something like that. Book blogs and writer blogs are awesome, but sometimes I want to know a little more about the person behind the posts. I want to know that they're human.
ReplyDeleteDiscussions are awesome! Especially your discussions. :) This is something I wish I could do more of, but I tend to stink at it. I should try to work on this a little more.
I love that photo! I shall follow you on Instagram. :)
I've always wanted to do quizzes and blog parties too. Something to involve the readers more. I always love them on other blogs. But I'm not sure how to go about setting them up, and I'm always afraid no one will participate.
I do so many funny stories because a lot of stuff happens to me that I cannot explain. XD I tend to make the same mistake more than once. [And yes! Totally with ya on that.]
DeleteThis is really great! I want to do more discussion posts down the line, but I need things to talk about. I really like doing the TTT because it gives me a chance to talk about books that I normally wouldn't talk about, and something weekly on my blog. I really want to do all the tags but I'm trying to limit myself. And I wish I had the photography skills or photoshop but alas no. Great post!
ReplyDeleteWell let's talk about everything one by one.
ReplyDelete1.I love discussions! I love coming up with ideas for discussion posts, sharing my opinions and of course learning what my readers think of the post and the issue. It also makes me so proud when people say that my ideas are unique and thought provoking. I feel like I've done something right:)
2.I think design plays a huge part in giving a suitable first impression for a reader who visits your blog for a first time. And I like your design, because it's so you!
3.I myself am a critical reviewer, but I do make it a point to tell the readers what I think of a book, and try to make it conversational as possible. Because, let's face it, professional reviews that go on with deep analysis and talk in a monotone are boring:)
4.I do an occasional Top Ten Tuesday post, but only if the topic really interests me, because I want my content to be original and unique, and memes aren't exactly that original.
5.I love personal posts. I love reading and posting them. They build a deep connection between a blog's author and reader, and I think it makes way to a really beautiful relationship.
6.I don't prefer author interviews to tell the truth, but I love guest posts!
7.My photography is gradually developing, thanks to Instagram. I love taking photos now:)
8.I am planing on doing something like this. I've always wanted to do an event or feature that other bloggers can take part in.Let's see!
Loved the post Nova!
I really hate discussing my day because I am so bloody BORING. Go to work, play with the cats, reads, clean house, play fashion games and work out. I'm a very simple person.
ReplyDeleteDiscussion posts are awesome. I feel that it helps grow a blog and reach out to the readers. People love to feel connected to the author, and I agree - I want to see the wizard behind the curtain.
Okay well I like cats so that doesn't sound boring to me. But doesn't funny/weird stuff happen? I'd always assumed it happens to everyone... [seriously, the amount of weird crap that happens is terrifying]
DeleteI'm doing terribly on the photography front, and it's about time I integrate it into the blog somehow. :/ And oh yes, discussions! As much as I would love it if people read my reviews more, I understand that not everybody likes them, and I myself would prefer reading a discussion than a review.
ReplyDeleteAnd ugh, memes. I definitely have a hatred for TTT at this point. It gets so boring looking through all of them, and it's my personal preference, but I would rather if the meme just died. :/ As for getting readers involved, I'm as good as that as I'm good at sports, which is to say I absolutely fail at it.
I LOVE your photography omg. TTT is annoying because it's so long and there's SO MUCH OVERLAP
DeleteI totally agree with you, those are the things I want to do more of on my blog as well! As for the memes, I have tried to do only the ones I actually LIKE to do. Like Top Ten, because I LOVE Top Ten lists! And I do a weekly recap, but it doesn't really fall into any of the memes completely, it's just... I don't know what it is haha. ANd I LOOOOOVE book photography! I wish I could do it more often, but my time, and settings to take books, are SO limited, ugh! Love this post though, I think these are fabulous goals!
ReplyDeleteShannon @ It Starts At Midnight
I also love discussion posts, then again I will also follow blogs who don't do them and some blogs I only visit their discussion posts.
ReplyDeleteI think as logn as your design doesn't detract form your content and isn't too bus I am okay with it I also don't liek too mnay moving gif's or sidebar widgets, but that's my opinion. Moving thigns grab my attention and then I have to keep looking at them. Also I think your design is rgeat and nto childish at all. And I love your banner and colour scheme!
I think with memes it really depends on hwo you do them, not if. I've seen some bloggers participate in memes in an original way and I like it when people do a tope ten teusday and do into depth about their picks and why they picked it.
Also I think most authors are happy to help bloggers and do interviews or guest posts. Although just like you I am hesistant of reaching out towards authors as well. It's a bit scary and I am always afraid they don't have enough time to write something or say no. Great post!
I remember when I first started blogging on my first book blog, all I posted were book reviews and meme's, my layout was horrendous and I didn't know how to tag or categorise posts. From that blog I learnt so much, especially what kind of posts I like to read and write.
ReplyDeleteI too hate meme's! I don't read them, I now never post them and I stay away from blogs that love to post memes all the time.
I love blogs that often post discussions or helpful tips etc, I don't often read reviews even though I love to read books and I find myself only clicking on blog posts to read them if the title sounds interesting. I've found I've become a lot more picky over what posts I read and comment on.
Interesting post! :D
First of all, I am really glad that you decided to write this post! I know you were on the fence about it earlier, but I am happy you decided to share your opinion. Honestly, if no one ever shared there opinions on important (if touchy) subjects like this, the blogosphere would be a pretty boring place.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your list! These are all things that I am aspiring to and currently working on (except for the photography, because I just have no skills with a camera). I really want to have more author and reader interaction on my blog, but I am just too shy and reach out. I mean, how do you write an email to your favorite author in the universe and ask them to come down from their tower in the sky and write something for your blog? I still have to figure that one out.
Also, I believe that designs are important too, regardless of the whole "don't judge a book by its cover" thing. We all know we do it, so stop complaining about it. To be honest, I love your design and I do not think that it is childish at all. Everything matches really well and the colors are professional, but fun at the same time. I still have to work on that for my blog too.
By the way, I think your discussion posts are amazing too! (In case you couldn't tell from my rambling comments that I leave on every one.)
Good luck with all of your goals for the blog!
Tessa @ Crazy for YA
Thanks so much for your input before hand, just saying. It was really helpful!
DeleteI feel like the photography one is surprising because I too thought I had no skills with a camera and then after I tried for awhile, i got the hang of it!
I'm not ashamed of making fun of my own design and claiming that they matter. I would never intentionally put down another blogger but a easily readable design is an important thing. I can't read a blog if there are too many distractions.
Thanks so much Tessa <33
I'm one of those people that loves to see some personal posts too. And I think that because there are SO many of us, it can help me to really remember a blogger, you know? I love learning about the little quirks and the blogger behind the books. And yes times a million to discussion posts! A lot of them really get me thinking and help me see things at a different angle. I'm definitely guilty and not posting many of them, but I'd say it's because a lot of times, I have so much trouble getting my point across. I talk in circles without ever saying what I'm actually trying to say because I don't know HOW to, I guess.
ReplyDeleteBLOG DESIGNS. I know everyone talks about it, but it's the truth. I've seen a few with like, neon green font and all black backgrounds, and I just...IT PAINS ME. And then there's ones with tiny fonts and I just have to click away because I can't do it. I don't have a design that I love by any means, but it's a work in progress. And for the record, I definitely love your design! Easy to read and your header really encompasses your blog and IT'S KIND OF GLOWY. <3
I love seeing photography on book blogs! I love discussion posts and personal posts, as you get more of a feel of the blogger behind the blog. I think you're doing a smashing job with your blog goals, and I think your blog design is beautiful! :)
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with memes being annoying -- we stopped doing memes this year and we're so proud of the original content we're putting out there!