Which Post Types Make a Valuable Blog?
Someone on Twitter remarked that they were sick of all the “Why blogging is like …” posts. To be honest I like them, and I will continue to write posts like that, but I am not surprised this particular person is sick of them. It is like top ten lists and all the other formula style posts, once they hit some success they get used a lot.
As I say, I will continue writing them. I still do top ten lists. Heck, I am not going to say “never again” for any style of blog post. Why? If I think you will enjoy it and get something out of it then I will write it.
There are two types of blogs out there. One type is written to trick people into visiting. The other type has real worth and will last long term. While initially the former will get a lot of attention and will seem to gain success by using every trick in the book, every fashionable technique and every monetization scheme, at some point they will have to either get real or find an exit.
The latter type is the one people return to because they want to not because they feel they should. You might have guessed from my photographs I don’t really go in for fashion in clothing or blogging 
Real blogs have genuine intentions behind them. They are written with an authentic desire to provide value.
It doesn’t matter if the format of the post is a top ten list, an interview, or a fairy tale. The intention is there to give the reader what they were promised, something the reader will gain from. If your head is in the right place I don’t think any type of post should be off-limits.
Posted on February 04th, 2008 by Chris Garrett in Blogging
I love you saying, “Real blogs have genuine intentions behind them. They are written with an authentic desire to provide value.”
I am tempted to add, “Real blogs don’t have Adsense, banners, etc. taking over the blog design”. Many A-list bloggers are ‘guilty’ in that sense or come really close of being abusive.
You are a notable exception. That’s why I am subscribed to you.
Thanks for your valuable content and keep going.
–John
Agreed. I hope that our own blog lives up to that philosophy. We realized quite a while back that blogging without genuine intent isn’t going to get us far.
Chris, I’m with you on this. I liked your ‘blogger is like a chef’ post because it was a reminder of the value of mixing things up, throwing new stuff in, keeping things fresh for your reader and you as a writer too.
You (I mean that as in ‘we’) need to keep your feet on the ground with the positive intention to create something of value for others, but beyond that, why not?
Joanna
Think it depends on the reader. Some read blogs intermittently throughout the week, as time allows. Others, daily. If you read a lot of blogs, then you’re easily tired of the formulas. But those who dip in and out, probably not. And can quickly scan titles to make the read/no-read decision.
Chris
“Real blogs have genuine intentions behind them. They are written with an authentic desire to provide value.”
i really like that quote.. it comes from the heart.. definitely agree dude!! the authenticity it is, really last long…
“…at some point they will have to either get real or find an exit.”
I like that. Thanks for a wonderful blog. Gems like that are why I’m subscribed.
Post content that make me rethink twice is more valuable!
–blog for dream–
As someone who likes to eat, but can’t really cook, I enjoyed your “Why a good blogger is like a top chef” post. It placed blogging into a different light, one that many of us might not see.
Now if every post was titled “Why blogging…” it would probably get tiresome. But titles like those grab our attention and draw us to the content.
Keep up the good work!