For that matter, Seth basically repeats the same 11 posts with new examples and new angles, and Brian does the same. And that's not a bad thing at all. (Partly because their topics are easy to outline but very hard to master.) That constant infusion of a new personal take on the old subject keeps bringing their loyal readers back for more.

@Jack – I think even the big multiple author breaking news type blogs can make a difference by not just reporting but saying why something might be important, what could happen next, how it happened etc – too many just copy press releases

@Patricia – Yup, if you talk about life through your own personal lens then everything will be colored in by your unique take on life

@Adam – Yes the temptation to simply link it in will be reduced but unfortunately so will the chances of cross promotion

@Matt – Even Mr Chow takes a unique way of looking at the world (“evil”), it is one of the things the Chowalikes forget

@Chad – Adding to the conversation is something we talk about a lot but a lot of bloggers seem to think that means just passing the conversation along

@Erica – Particularly in niches where people need support or to know what really works it is powerful to put in your own experiences. It separates out the people who live it from the people who merely want to profit from it.

@Brad – You will find there is a reason why certain posts capture the audiences imagination, perhaps the topic or the headline, how can you do more in your own unique way?

@Sonia – Thanks Sonia! You will see in the latest post I took inspiration from your comment

@James – People want to emulate what was successful yesterday rather than create what will be successful tomorrow. Hmmm, might be a post in that!

@Brian – He is certainly successful at creating a story about himself

@Martin – It’s things like that which put me off reporting news. Now when I do write about something I know others will cover I try to only report stuff I know will have value and if I can try to add a different viewpoint

@Jack – I think even the big multiple author breaking news type blogs can make a difference by not just reporting but saying why something might be important, what could happen next, how it happened etc – too many just copy press releases

@Patricia – Yup, if you talk about life through your own personal lens then everything will be colored in by your unique take on life

@Adam – Yes the temptation to simply link it in will be reduced but unfortunately so will the chances of cross promotion

@Matt – Even Mr Chow takes a unique way of looking at the world (“evil”), it is one of the things the Chowalikes forget

@Chad – Adding to the conversation is something we talk about a lot but a lot of bloggers seem to think that means just passing the conversation along

@Erica – Particularly in niches where people need support or to know what really works it is powerful to put in your own experiences. It separates out the people who live it from the people who merely want to profit from it.

@Brad – You will find there is a reason why certain posts capture the audiences imagination, perhaps the topic or the headline, how can you do more in your own unique way?

@Sonia – Thanks Sonia! You will see in the latest post I took inspiration from your comment

@James – People want to emulate what was successful yesterday rather than create what will be successful tomorrow. Hmmm, might be a post in that!

@Brian – He is certainly successful at creating a story about himself

@Martin – It’s things like that which put me off reporting news. Now when I do write about something I know others will cover I try to only report stuff I know will have value and if I can try to add a different viewpoint

There’s nothing wrong with using other stories or blogs for inspiration, but please, please add something unique or original to your post!

- Martin Reed

There’s nothing wrong with using other stories or blogs for inspiration, but please, please add something unique or original to your post!

- Martin Reed

>>My blog is sort of a mutant love child of Seth Godin and Brian Clark…

Ugh. Your blog is much better-looking than that.

@James

>>What are people seeing in his blog besides the fact he’s uber-successful?

Are you sure he’s even that? Don’t take all evil at face value.

>>My blog is sort of a mutant love child of Seth Godin and Brian Clark…

Ugh. Your blog is much better-looking than that.

@James

>>What are people seeing in his blog besides the fact he’s uber-successful?

Are you sure he’s even that? Don’t take all evil at face value.

@ Brad – If you’ve put yourself into your posts, then all of them are gems. People just haven’t found the buried treasure yet.

@ Erica – Your personal experiences are more interesting to people than any informational piece. Now you just have to tie the two together!

@ Chad – Yes. (And why do you always post such good comments that I can’t add to them? Dammit, man!)

@ Matt – Honestly? I’ve had John Chow in my feed reader for about two months, and each time I look at a new post, I’m thinking, “Man, that’s boring.” What are people seeing in his blog besides the fact he’s uber-successful? The blog is dull as hell, and I’m subscribed only because everyone else is. Am I missing something?

@ Jack – It’s funny as hell to watch an A-lister post something and then see the feed reader start to light up with the domino effect. The thrill wears off after two weeks.

@ Brad – If you’ve put yourself into your posts, then all of them are gems. People just haven’t found the buried treasure yet.

@ Erica – Your personal experiences are more interesting to people than any informational piece. Now you just have to tie the two together!

@ Chad – Yes. (And why do you always post such good comments that I can’t add to them? Dammit, man!)

@ Matt – Honestly? I’ve had John Chow in my feed reader for about two months, and each time I look at a new post, I’m thinking, “Man, that’s boring.” What are people seeing in his blog besides the fact he’s uber-successful? The blog is dull as hell, and I’m subscribed only because everyone else is. Am I missing something?

@ Jack – It’s funny as hell to watch an A-lister post something and then see the feed reader start to light up with the domino effect. The thrill wears off after two weeks.

For that matter, Seth basically repeats the same 11 posts with new examples and new angles, and Brian does the same. And that’s not a bad thing at all. (Partly because their topics are easy to outline but very hard to master.) That constant infusion of a new personal take on the old subject keeps bringing their loyal readers back for more.

Namely, I have to put my spin on things, bring my voice forward, talk about my own experience (say with the Blood Type Diet and Homeopathy after a car accident for instance) and that’s that. I lead, who follows will follow. End of report as my grandma used to say:)

Now I have to copy your post along with what I just wrote here and paste it on my forehead so I don’t forget.

Namely, I have to put my spin on things, bring my voice forward, talk about my own experience (say with the Blood Type Diet and Homeopathy after a car accident for instance) and that’s that. I lead, who follows will follow. End of report as my grandma used to say:)

Now I have to copy your post along with what I just wrote here and paste it on my forehead so I don’t forget.

I think the most honest way to run a blog is to simply talk about what you want to talk about. Sometimes this will be a personal story, sometimes it will be providing insight on something you know better than most, and other times it will be talking about another blog you read just yesterday – rehashing the same ideas but adding a personal twist.

I don’t think it really matters as long as you’re adding something to the conversation of the web.

But I agree…if you’re simply saying the same things in new words…you shouldn’t bother.

I think the most honest way to run a blog is to simply talk about what you want to talk about. Sometimes this will be a personal story, sometimes it will be providing insight on something you know better than most, and other times it will be talking about another blog you read just yesterday – rehashing the same ideas but adding a personal twist.

I don’t think it really matters as long as you’re adding something to the conversation of the web.

But I agree…if you’re simply saying the same things in new words…you shouldn’t bother.

I’ve been guilty of this sort of thing in the past myself, but I’d like to think I’m beginning to break out of it and find my own voice and therefore my own LOYAL audience of return readers / subscribers.

I’ve been guilty of this sort of thing in the past myself, but I’d like to think I’m beginning to break out of it and find my own voice and therefore my own LOYAL audience of return readers / subscribers.