Dust Off Your Old Blog
It’s an old and all too familiar story. At some point, you thought “I know, let’s start a blog. I can write about the things that I enjoy and share my passion for river widening with others”. So you promptly went and opened up a free WordPress or Google Blogger account and jumped in feet first, without any semblance of a plan because who needs a plan, right? Then you quickly discovered that the witty epistles you hoped to write regularly were harder to produce than rocking horse droppings and finding time to write was proving hard; what with all the football on TV and the weekly meetings of the glee club. Plus, it also became apparent that something had gone horribly wrong with the internet and the CIA was obviously blocking your site content, because the army of fans you so righteously deserved had failed to manifest themselves. So you decided to pack it all in and instead try your hand at live streaming, because blogging is as good as dead (because Tobold said so) and you look really good in front of a camera (just remember to move the clothes horse out of shot first).
It’s an old and all too familiar story. At some point, you thought “I know, let’s start a blog. I can write about the things that I enjoy and share my passion for river widening with others”. So you promptly went and opened up a free WordPress or Google Blogger account and jumped in feet first, without any semblance of a plan because who needs a plan, right? Then you quickly discovered that the witty epistles you hoped to write regularly were harder to produce than rocking horse droppings and finding time to write was proving hard; what with all the football on TV and the weekly meetings of the glee club. Plus, it also became apparent that something had gone horribly wrong with the internet and the CIA was obviously blocking your site content, because the army of fans you so righteously deserved had failed to manifest themselves. So you decided to pack it all in and instead try your hand at live streaming, because blogging is as good as dead (because Tobold said so) and you look really good in front of a camera (just remember to move the clothes horse out of shot first).
Blaugust Reborn presents a perfect opportunity for lapsed bloggers to return to the fold and resume writing for the greater glory or humanity. Or at least for their own enjoyment and may be to be part of a wider community who have similar passions. As you are now older and wiser (because you are, aren’t you?) you realise that writing on a regular basis requires a degree of organisation and preparation. But the good news is that if you ensure that a few basic steps are in place, then you can embark of a blogging journey that should prove very enjoyable and rewarding. Now the following advice is mainly aimed at those who have previously blogged and have subsequently abandoned their respective sites. But the guidance here is also applicable to totally new bloggers. However, there is a lot more detailed information currently being collated over at the Blaugust Reborn Discord server that you may want to check out first if you are thinking of blogging, podcasting or creating content for the first time. I’m writing today to try and specifically coax those wayward ex-bloggers back online. Here are some ideas to consider.
Dust off your old blog. It is very tempting for returning bloggers to think to themselves “I don’t want to continue writing on my old site for [insert tortuous reason here]. I’d much rather start a new one”. The problem with this tactic is that you’ll then agonise over a witty, pithy blog name, what platform you should use and designing a slick logo. You’ll get bogged down with potentially unnecessary logistics, rather than applying yourself to writing. Joking aside, some people can sort all the above out really quickly, but for many budding writers (and I include myself in this group), if you provide us with any opportunity to procrastinate, then will take it and revel in it. For a large percentage of returning bloggers, it best not to invest too much time into the aesthetics and administrative aspects of your blog. Remember, you may ultimately not wish to or be able to sustain a writing schedule, so don’t waste time and money on new resources. Log into your old site, give it a bit of a spring clean and then get ready for the next stage.
Have some sort of plan. I like plans. So does Hannibal Smith. Having carried the can for major projects in the past that had substantial budgets, I’m a fully paid up exponent of the belt and braces school of thought. So I always tend to have a list of potential blog post ideas on the go. Some days I read what topics are doing the rounds on the various gaming websites. Other days I’ll just riff off something a fellow blogger has posted. Now everyone is different and not everyone likes or desires that level or organisation. That’s fine. Writing from the hip can be very effective when you’re fired up. But on those slow news days when the blogosphere is quietly turning over you may find your powder dry. So it doesn’t hurt to have a few ideas on standby. If you’re tackling a weightier subject or deciding to drop a major think piece than ensure you have done sufficient research. Some folk like to start with bullet points that they then flesh out into relevant paragraphs. There are lots of options and it’s down to you to find what’s right for you. Just bear in mind that it often helps to have thought about what your going to write before you do so.
Something is better than nothing. It’s your blog, so write as much or as little as you want. More to the point, write what you feel is enough. If you can make your point or collate your thoughts in one paragraph, then fair enough. Don’t feel obliged to bulk out your posts to some nebulous preconceived size. Filler stands out a mile and there’s nothing worse than “people who give vent to their loquacity by extraneous bombastic circumlocution” to quote Monty Python and highlight my point. Microblogging is a thing and it can work well. A quick post about how a boss fight went in an MMO last night can connect just as well with readers as a detailed analysis of the fight mechanics themselves. Don’t feel obliged to try and be Harper Lee, Suetonius or Roger Hargreaves. Your blog is about you and is your presence online. It therefore follows suite that it is done in a manner which pleases you. Readers who like 2,000-word, in-depth think pieces also like screenshots and posts about cosmetic items. It should also be noted that sometimes it is the most trivial and disposable posts that you make which prove to be the most popular. After a decade plus of writing online my most read post (which is no longer available) was a review of Top Cat: The Movie.
Write when you can and because you want to. In the past I have maintained a daily writing schedule and been happy to do so. However, my personal circumstances have changed over time and I’ve finally realised that not posting to my blog every day is not a personal failing or a crime against humanity. Therefore, do not impose an unrealistic writing regime upon yourself. Pick a time which is good for you and affords you the chance to think and martial your thoughts. Do not write because you feel obliged too. This will make you feel resentful about blogging and will often result in inferior work. Yes, there is an element of self-discipline when it comes to writing and there are times when you may have to shut the door and focus on the task in hand, but it should never be an insufferable burden. If you are in a suitably motivated state of mind, and writing in a comfortable environment conducive to writing, then you’re far more likely to produce material that you’re proud of and that will chime with readers. For those who choose to join the Blaugust Reborn Discord server, you’ll find an invaluable source of support and encouragement there to keep you motivated and thus writing.
I could add another half a dozen or so additional points to this list of advice for returning bloggers, but I believe the above are possibly the most essential. To summarise rekindle your old site, plan a few posts or jot down some ideas of where you want to go with your writing. Then write what you can and post whenever it is convenient. A happy and motivated blogger is in prime position to become an established and regular blogger. I should also point out that although the above advice references a gaming related blog, it is just as relevant to those writing about Etruscan pottery or the birds that gather on Mrs Coletart’s roof. The essential principles espoused here are also pertinent to podcasting, You Tubing (is that even a proper phrase? Answers on a postcard please) or any other form of online content creation really. Taking those initial steps back do not have to be as difficult and daunting as some would have you believe.
Thoughts on Blogging Part 4
Spending time in the company of others who have similar interests and passions can be an invaluable shot in the arm and a great source of motivation. For example, I recently joined a Facebook group associated with The Evolution of Horror Podcast. It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to pick over the bones of a movie such as The Wicker Man and explore its finer points. You don’t have to adjust your level of conversation for fear of boring people, or dial back your enthusiasm due to concerns of being labelled a nerd or fanboy. Finding these online havens where you feel comfortable are invaluable, regardless of whether your passion is sport, knitting, Lepidoptery or Phrenology. Remember this point. I shall be returning to it shortly.
Spending time in the company of others who have similar interests and passions can be an invaluable shot in the arm and a great source of motivation. For example, I recently joined a Facebook group associated with The Evolution of Horror Podcast. It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to pick over the bones of a movie such as The Wicker Man and explore its finer points. You don’t have to adjust your level of conversation for fear of boring people, or dial back your enthusiasm due to concerns of being labelled a nerd or fanboy. Finding these online havens where you feel comfortable are invaluable, regardless of whether your passion is sport, knitting, Lepidoptery or Phrenology. Remember this point. I shall be returning to it shortly.
Those who are familiar with my writing, will know that I’m a firm advocate of blogging, podcasting and other forms of online content creation. Such undertakings touch upon so many positive things. Learning new skills, personal improvement, sharing ideas, building communities and making friends. Content creation can also bring a degree of self-discipline, provide a means to navigate the complexities of day-to-day life, as well as help rationalise and collate one thoughts and opinions. However, despite all these advantageous aspects, sometimes just taking the first step on some new project can be a major obstacle. Similarly, it is very common for bloggers, streamers and the like to run out of momentum after an initial burst of spontaneity and motivation. I should know, as I’m really struggling with my writing schedule at present.
We’ll here’s some good news. Returning to my initial point, it appears that someone has grasped the nettle and decided to run an event to help bring together and motivate new and existing online content creators. Belghast from Tales of the Aggronaut will be running Blaugust Reborn throughout the month of August. An event that encompasses all the best aspects of the Newbie Blogger Initiative and his own Blaugust writing festival. The aims of this event are simple; to encourage people to take that first step into online content creation, nurture them, as well as share resources, pass on advice and welcome people in an existing community, thus reinvigorating it. Some veteran bloggers will be acting as mentors. Others (such as myself) will be creating bespoke material and supporting things via this blog. There’s also the obligatory Discord channel which allows participants to stay in touch and access useful links and material. Throughout the month there’ll be creative prompts and activities.
I am very pleased that an event of this kind has returned and am happy to be part of it. I’m hoping I can round up a few folks and may be record a bespoke podcast of some kind. But most of all, I’m looking forward to reading new blog posts and watching new streamers. There’s nothing more catching than enthusiasm and watching someone do something that they thought was going to be so hard, only to find out that it was actually not so bad and even fun. I also think that it is especially important in these troubling times to keep the art of writing alive. Furthermore, this forthcoming Blaugust Reborn event has broadened its scope and isn’t limiting itself to merely encouraging game related content. The skills required to create online material remain the same, irrespective of what you are a fan of. So why not take the plunge and join in with Blaugust Reborn? See you over at the Discord server.
Where Have all the Bloggers Gone?
I’m a creature of habit. I don’t mean “if it’s Wednesday, it’s Pork Chops”, I’m referring to simple routines that help me organise my days. One example is my morning ritual. As soon as I wake, I get straight up, shower and dress. I then sit myself down at my computer with a mug of coffee and catch up with my emails, Twitter and Feedly. I also get a flash news briefing from Alexa. These things appraise me of what is going on in the world and often give me potential writing prompts. Feedly has been invaluable source of inspiration in the past. I subscribed to half a dozen professional gaming and movie news websites and a further thirty of so blogs, written by my peers.
I’m a creature of habit. I don’t mean “if it’s Wednesday, it’s Pork Chops”, I’m referring to simple routines that help me organise my days. One example is my morning ritual. As soon as I wake, I get straight up, shower and dress. I then sit myself down at my computer with a mug of coffee and catch up with my emails, Twitter and Feedly. I also get a flash news briefing from Alexa. These things appraise me of what is going on in the world and often give me potential writing prompts. Feedly has been invaluable source of inspiration in the past. I subscribed to half a dozen professional gaming and movie news websites and a further thirty of so blogs, written by my peers.
I wrote a post last year for the NBI about the importance of blogging. The sentiment still holds, more so than ever at present. The world is changing and not necessarily for the better. Therefore, it is important for people to build communities, exchange ideas and interact in a civilised capacity. Not only do we need to get along but to tolerate and coexist with those who hold differing views to our own. Sadly, this appears to be “asking the impossible” at present. The world is becoming binary, tribal and aggressively territorial. This is reflected in the blogging world. Opinions are not to be debated but shutdown. There is no rooms for dissent. “You’re either with us or against us” seems to be the prevailing attitude. Facts and intellectual rigour are seen as unfair barriers to having an equal say.
As a result of this cultural shift, I find that the blogging community that I am apart of has greatly diminished in the last eighteen months. The thirty or so blogs, written by my peers that I mentioned are now either updated irregularly or virtually abandoned. The podcasting network that I am a member of still endures but has no aspiration to grow or expand. Apathy, disinclination and a sense of even defeat seems all too common. I should know, all of these things blighted my writing agenda last year. Then of course let us not forget that we are all getting older and people simply change. Life makes many demand on are time and even fandom has to bow before the school run, redecorating the bathroom and getting that promotion. Plus, perceptions of the internet have changed. The Frontier Town community spirit has given way to corporate formalisation. Being connected to other people from all round the world is no longer a big deal. Familiarity does have indeed breed contempt, or at least indifference.
Another thing to consider is the personal nature of writing. It also requires a modicum of skill and effort. A well penned post about EVE Online or the iniquities of pre-order culture can take a surprising amount of time to draft and publish. Maintaining a regular writing schedule requires discipline. Coming up with engaging content needs thought and creativity. Constantly writing takes its toll on the author eventually. For some, it’s too much of a “big ask” to begin with. Hence, you’ll find many people relegate their writing aspirations to forum comments. It easier to be reactive than proactive. It’s a shame. I see some really good ideas among the comments of a site such as Massively OP. Material that would make a good blog post in its own right.
Aaaron from Don't Fight Ducks. An enjoyable LOTRO streamer.
Although I do feel that You Tube and Twitch do provide a useful service and have a role to play within the gaming community, they are still primarily entertainment mediums. Live streams are often about the social interaction between the streamer and their audience. It’s a more ephemeral experience to writing. You Tube let’s play videos are a double edge sword. The pace of the video dictates the dissemination of information. Often, I can read an explanation of a game’s mechanics far faster than the ten-minute video that shows me. Plus, not everyone is a good or engaging narrator. Improving your writing skills is possibly easier than fixing your video presentation skills. However, that is not to say that there isn’t an audio/visual equivalent of long-form writing, because there is. It’s just hard to find among the internet white noise. Overall, the democratisation of online broadcast mediums has fragmented the potential audience. Couple that with the current mindset and each niche seems to stay on its own turf.
I decided in the New Year to return to writing daily and one of my motivations was to try and encourage others. I endeavour to leave comments on blogs and retweet other people’s work. I’ve also persevered with streamers and You Tubers and I’ve found several that meet my expectations. Upon mature reflection, I don’t feel that the community that I enjoy so much, is totally in decline. It’s more of a case of natural ebb and flow. However, I still think that the blogging scene needs a shot in the arm. If the veterans can’t continue to carry the torch, then maybe it’s time to pass it on to others? Which raises the issue of events such as the Newbie Blogger Initiative. People have asked me whether they’ll be another this year. The answer is it’s depends on whether someone wants to run it, because it really is an event that needs a core group or an individual to drive it forward.
I have a lot of demands on my time. I’m a carer with two disabled parents. I write as much as I can and do not have the time to be in the driving seat of a community event such as the NBI. However, I am happy to strike the following bargain. If someone wants to seriously run the NBI this year in an organised fashion and with clear goals, I’ll resurrect the Gaming Blog Nexus. This was a website that indexed gaming blogs, aggregating content and driving traffic back to the source sites. In 2014 it had over one hundred contributors and was an invaluable means of finding new writers. It was and can be again a good community resource. So, it now remains to see whether anyone wishes to seize the day and get the ball rolling. Is there any interest in an NBI 2017? Would people welcome a return of the Gaming Blog Nexus? Or am I spitting in to the wind?
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - The Realities of Blogging
As this year's Newbie Blogger Initiative draws to a close, I would like to take time to reflect on some aspects of blogging that don't always get talked about. I guess that's because some of them can be perceived as negative things, although that may not necessarily be the case. The NBI is all about encouragement, promotion and advice; however it would be remiss of us all if we simply ignored some facts because they weren't "upbeat" enough. So let's grasp the nettle and talk about some of the practical realities of blogging, in the spirit of "forewarned is forearmed".
As this year's Newbie Blogger Initiative draws to a close, I would like to take time to reflect on some aspects of blogging that don't always get talked about. I guess that's because some of them can be perceived as negative things, although that may not necessarily be the case. The NBI is all about encouragement, promotion and advice; however it would be remiss of us all if we simply ignored some facts because they weren't "upbeat" enough. So let's grasp the nettle and talk about some of the practical realities of blogging, in the spirit of "forewarned is forearmed".
Many new Blogs will fail:
After five years of being involved with the NBI, it's hard to ignore the fact that many of new blogs despite being born out of the enthusiasm surrounding the event, will fail and peter out. Writing regularly is hard, takes times and self-discipline. It also has to compete against the practical day to day realities of life such a holding down a job, family life and other social obligations. There will be occasions when a new blogger simply runs out of stamina or time, resulting in a blog that slowly falls into decline and is then sidelined. There is no shame in this. Not everyone who starts a blog can sustain it. The positive side of this situation is that a blog can always be resurrected at a later date or a new one created when the circumstances are better suited. If you only blog about a single topic then it’s only natural that as your passion waxes and wanes, so does your blogging on the subject. A natural rate of attrition is a healthy thing and in my experience; the blogs that survive will do so through their author’s hard work and dedication.
Opportunity knocks?
Blogging is not a fast path to wealth and fame:
I've raised this point in previous NBI posts but it does no harm to reiterate it once again. Despite what many people say to the contrary, it is still quite a common "dream" that blogging, podcasting or becoming some sort of internet personality will lead to fame and fortune. For a few fortunate individuals it does so, however that is usually due to a lot of hard work on their behalf, along with being in the right place at the right time. For the rest of us lesser mortals, creating content is simply a time sink that costs money. I can testify to the fact that as a website grows, the operating costs do so as well.
Since 2011 when I consolidated all my various blogs into Contains Moderate Peril, I think I've spent somewhere in the region of £1,750 on various hosting packages, Word Press templates, design work as well as podcast recording hardware and software. That's a sizeable amount of money for a hobby and doesn't include the competition and giveway budget. Furthermore, although I've enjoyed myself immensely over the years creating content, Contains Moderate Peril has not put a red cent back in my pocket. As for "fame" well I now annoy a few thousands of people on Twitter instead or a few hundred. So if you're looking for a quick buck, then try the race track or writing a self-help book.
The ability to speak does not make you intelligent
Blogging does not make you an expert:
Regularly writing about the things you love does not by default make you an expert on the subject. Blogging can sometimes be a bit of an echo chamber and if too many people tend to agree with you and a small circle of readers always post positive comments, it can somewhat jade your outlook. Therefore always endeavour to research what you write and make sure you quote your data sources. Try to think critically and don't fall into the usual literary and rhetorical traps. If in doubt when writing about a tricky subject or controversial point, sleep on the matter before hitting the publish button. Too many gamers confuse knowledge with wisdom and the two are most definitely not the same.
Also simply having strong convictions does not make your point right. Playing a game does not give you a unique insight that the developers do not have. The internet is sadly awash with armchair experts and bloggers who are legends in their own lunch hour. More often than not they have no practical experience of games development, business management or corporate finance. Therefore a little bit of humility in blogging goes a long way. Recognise that your personal opinion may not be any more informed than others.
Fortune and glory
In some respects the blogging community is still a meritocracy at heart and genuine talent does mainly rise to the top. However not every blog needs to be a literary masterpiece so there’s more than enough room for niche sites and every day writing styles. Simply sharing your enjoyment with others can be enough to find an audience. As long as you're having fun blogging then that's all that really matters. These are ultimately the realities of blogging and for many writers that is enough. So don't get diverted by pipe dreams of fortune and glory; just write for pleasure and enjoy communicating with others.
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - The Importance of Taking a Break
The Newbie Blogger Initiative has a wealth of good advice encouraging people to blog and maintain regular content. However I felt that there was one aspect of writing that wasn't being addressed; specifically the importance of taking a break when it becomes necessary. Writing for all its virtues can be hard to sustain. Real life demands often conflict with our desire to maintain a regular writing schedule. This causes pressure and even anxiety, which if left unchecked can lead to many writers abandoning their blogs.
The Newbie Blogger Initiative has a wealth of good advice encouraging people to blog and maintain regular content. However I felt that there was one aspect of writing that wasn't being addressed; specifically the importance of taking a break when it becomes necessary. Writing for all its virtues can be hard to sustain. Real life demands often conflict with our desire to maintain a regular writing schedule. This causes pressure and even anxiety, which if left unchecked can lead to many writers abandoning their blogs.
Although bloggers all share a love of communicating, our motivations are often quite diverse. Some of us write to highlight moral and social issues, others write to build friendships and social networks. Blogging can also be very therapeutic if you are convalescing or going through a difficult period in your life. The focus and discipline of writing can offer a calming and stabilising influence during times of transition. Then of course there are those who aspire to write professionally and look upon their online endeavours as their portfolio. I should also mention those who like to write and share for the sheer pleasure it brings them.
However there are times when life and circumstances take priority over writing, podcasting and live streaming. We all have jobs, families and other factors to consider. All these things have an impact upon our creativity. Also burnout is not just confined to gaming. It can manifest itself in most hobbies and pastimes. Although writing regular material is often very gratifying, it can also be quite demanding and stressful as well. Live steams and podcast especially so, as they often have an extra level of technical requirements that can be complex and time consuming.
So it is perfectly logical that all writers at some point consider the need to take a break and to put the virtual pen and paper down. As with any task, you can only apply yourself to it for so long before you reach a point of fatigue and cannot see the woods for the trees. You may as a result find yourself being a little less even handed in your writing or simply not producing content to the standard you usually maintain. In some instances you may even start to resent the very thing you enjoy doing, as it turns from being fun into a tedious chore. Yet despite all this, many of us will resist taking time out and elect to "soldier on".
As to why do we do this, there is no single answer. Perhaps the most common reason is bound up in some sense of responsibility to our readership. That may sound a little egotistical but let's face it, if you're writing a blog and sharing online, you have already shown a modicum of vanity. But a sense of commitment can be a good thing. I do feel bound to do my best especially with regard to the podcast and like to keep to a fairly regular schedule, so listeners no where they stand. Another reason why we may be a little reticent to take a break is that maybe we fear we'll lose our audience. Blog and podfading are real things and many new sites peter out after a while. Perhaps the most common concern for bloggers is that if we stop, we simply won’t start again.
However in my experience, a lot of these fears and concerns are unfounded. Although readers can be fickle many can be quite loyal. They will wait for new content. It’s not a crime to simply hang up your blogging spurs, temporarily, and hit the beach (other leisure activities are available). In fact not doing so may be bad for your health. Then there are the other reasons that may not be fun but have to be addressed. If some ones sick or you have a personal situation to deal with it, then it naturally takes priority. Readers appreciate this. So my advice to all bloggers both old and new is to take a vacation when necessary. It usually works wonders and you will return refreshed and champing at the bit.
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - The Importance of Blogging
It's a curious thing that in real life, I've always tried to position myself outside of hierarchies and pecking orders. I went into IT during the middle nineties as a way of bypassing office politics and the usual bullshit associated with the work and "climbing the greasy pole". At that time working with technology was still swathed in a mystique and was to a degree outside of established preconceptions. These days I tend to avoid affiliations with monolithic entities and broadly avoid the tribalism that is rife in contemporary western culture. Don't get me wrong, I'm saying I’m some sort of unique free thinker or radical lone wolf. I just tend to run parallel to the pack rather than directly with it. This approach suits me best.
It's a curious thing that in real life, I've always tried to position myself outside of hierarchies and pecking orders. I went into IT during the middle nineties as a way of bypassing office politics and the usual bullshit associated with the work and "climbing the greasy pole". At that time working with technology was still swathed in a mystique and was to a degree outside of established preconceptions. These days I tend to avoid affiliations with monolithic entities and broadly avoid the tribalism that is rife in contemporary western culture. Don't get me wrong, I'm saying I’m some sort of unique free thinker or radical lone wolf. I just tend to run parallel to the pack rather than directly with it. This approach suits me best.
Yet despite my aspirations to remain independent, I still find myself part of a wider gaming community. My ongoing association with the Newbie Blogger Initiative seems to validate this, regardless to my protestations to the contrary. Despite my cynical, non-team playing, I'll do it my way attitude, I do feel strongly, dare I say passionately about blogging and the like. We live in extraordinary times where we have free access to cutting edge communication tools. I was raised during the seventies and if you wanted to write and share any sort of material, these facilities where gated behind specific professional careers paths. Expressing your thoughts and finding an audience is far easier by comparison these days.
Publishing a blog post can now be done quickly and easily, at any time or place. Potentially the world is your Oyster. Furthermore, despite attempted interference by governments and big business, these tools still remain publicly available and have proven instrumental in facilitating change. Okay, let's have a reality check at this point. As a games and movie blogger I am not claiming the ability to alter the course of human history. However I can communicate and engage with likeminded fans from all over the world. I can share information as well as learn from others. I can make new friends and gain a greater understanding of the things that I love. All of this can be done from the comfort of my executive chair. This is possibly one of the greatest examples of human altruism that I can think of. It is also demonstrates a degree of political power. Don't be surprised if certain parties and institutions try to take it away from us in the years to come.
Moving away from such lofty concepts, I think it is fair to say that it is a human imperative to share and exchange ideas. I think this is why so many of us are drawn toward writing and feel compelled to express ourselves. It's why I write and why I seek out others who do so. I like to know what people are thinking and feeling, especially about the things that I like. It doesn't matter if their views are different from mine, I still find their perspective of interest. So this is why someone as jaded and sceptical as myself still sees great virtue and merit in blogging per se.
I think it's important that people take advantage of the democratisation of communication. I think that a lot of the traditional mediums for providing information have lost their way of late, or have simply become too commercial. The public is definitely a lot more cynical about them these days. Gamers for example are more likely to trust and respect the opinions of their peers, rather than those who work in the gaming press. Sure there's a lot of white noise out there and not every fan site is of outstanding merit but do they all need to be? There is an honesty to most fan generated endeavours. Although they sometimes do have an axe to grind it is seldom driven by money.
So you've probably guessed by now that I do consider blogging, podcasting, live streaming to be important. I think that the communities that arise around such practises are of value. They do far more good than ill. Furthermore, there is another aspect that is of equal importance to some of the loftier notions I have mentioned. Getting involved and being part of something outside of your own life can be fun. Be it leaving a comment on a well written post, uploading a video of a successful raid, or just enjoying a joke about a shared experience; these thing bring us pleasure. This is the proverbial glue that binds us together and keeps us from setting about each other with Mattocks. It's what makes us human and helps keeps us sane. Well most of us. So why pass up an opportunity to make a social activity such a gaming, even more social?
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - Fine Tuning Your Blog
There has been a great deal of good, common sense advice shared over the last three weeks of this year’s Newbie Blogger Initiative. What I would like to do in this post is loosely group a few points together under the catch all term of "fine tuning". These are things that you may wish to consider after you've been blogging a while and feel that you are building up a head of steam.
There has been a great deal of good, common sense advice shared over the last three weeks of this year’s Newbie Blogger Initiative. What I would like to do in this post is loosely group a few points together under the catch all term of "fine tuning". These are things that you may wish to consider after you've been blogging a while and feel that you are building up a head of steam.
Advertising:
Okay, let's get this particular Elephant in the room, dealt with. I have no problem with the concept of someone trying to make a few bucks out of their website or blog. If you have bought a domain name and have paid a year’s hosting fees, I can see sense in trying to get some money towards those ongoing costs. Advertising can help with this.
However there is no guarantee that your entire readership will feel that way. Most people accept a degree of advertising as long as it is not overwhelming. Some people hate it and really do get upset by it. You need to consider the impact that carrying advertisement will have on your site. Bloggers build up a readership partly due to their reputation. Some folk see advertising as selling out, or associate it with low rent sites.
So if you do decide to advertise, then think long and hard about its effect on your reputation. Also consider how much it impacts upon your articles, so make informed choices about placement and the types of ads. Contextual advertising will randomly generate content based on keywords in your post. You may not be able to control this. I once wrote a piece about stereotyping girl gamers and the objectification of women in games, only to find that the corresponding ad was for "Mature Dating Online". Hilarity did not ensue in this instance.
Finally with regard to adverting, please re-adjust your expectations when it comes to how much money you will make. 99% of these get rich quick articles you'll find online are bullshit. Most ads run on a CPM model and you need a crap ton of traffic to get a return. Also remember that ad blocker software is increasingly common place these days. You can still generate revenue but advertising is not the cash cow that it was a decade ago.
Donations and sponsorship:
If you have a big site that incurs a substantial operating cost, then you may wish to ask for donations from your readership. This quid pro quo approach really only works if you have a big audience. Again I see nothing wrong with this, if it is done correctly. By correctly I mean the money raised is genuinely used towards running your site. As with advertising, some people won't mind where others will consider it begging. Tread carefully
The moment you take money from people two things happen. Firstly, you immediately have a responsibility be totally transparent about your accounts. You have to credit all donations and show all expenditure to the last penny. Secondly, those who have contributed may feel that they now have a greater stake in your blog. Be aware of this. A reader who doesn’t like something you've done or said may now feel they have some sort of say with regard to your content creation. However services such as Patreon are very useful for raising fund and allowing you to be very clear with regard to where funding will be spent.
The truth about "be yourself":
I think nearly every veteran blogger who’s participated in previous NBIs has said that it’s important to be yourself. I whole heartedly endorse that sentiment. Yet this position does come with some potential pitfalls. With regard to gaming, your readership will get to know your likes and dislikes over a period of time. You may follow common consensus or have unorthodox views. Either way, this can be part of your appeal. However although your readers may enjoy your stance on gaming issues, it doesn’t mean they will reciprocate your views on other subjects. So stay clear of such troublesome areas such as politics, religion and wider social issues unless you have to.
Now this is a lot harder than you may think. Your personal views are the very things that contribute to you as a person. I have written previous posts about sexual stereotypes in games and also same gender romance arcs. These posts, although not overtly political, betray some indication of my views on certain things. As a result I have been accused of being a "purveyor of filth" from some quarters along with other hyperbolic epithets. Gaming may well bring readers to your blog, but anything else may push them away.
The internet provides you with a truly international readership. Its immediacy and the use of common languages such as English can make us feel like we are all each other’s neighbours. But cultural differences can and inevitably become apparent. So be yourself by all means but never assume that the audience from your gaming blog is willing to follow you anywhere else. Oh and never admit to being a brony.
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - Backing Up Your Blog
I'm sure many new bloggers are thinking to themselves, “I’ve only just started blogging, why should I worry about backing it up?" My response is that it's never too early to put in place sound working practices. If you're still blogging in a years’ time, then you may have built up a sizeable amount of content. Why risk losing all your hard work? As for veteran content creators, consider for a moment the prospect of losing hundreds of posts and years of work in one go? It would be crushing. Therefore ensure that you have some sort of backup regime.
I'm sure many new bloggers are thinking to themselves, “I’ve only just started blogging, why should I worry about backing it up?" My response is that it's never too early to put in place sound working practices. If you're still blogging in a years’ time, then you may have built up a sizeable amount of content. Why risk losing all your hard work? As for veteran content creators, consider for a moment the prospect of losing hundreds of posts and years of work in one go? It would be crushing. Therefore ensure that you have some sort of backup regime.
Free blogging platforms such as Google Blogger and WordPress.com usually have built in functionality that allows you to export your work as an XML file. I used a German blogging platform a few years ago that allowed you to save individual posts or the entire site as a PDF file. If you have a self-hosting WordPress installation then there are numerous plugins that can automate the backing up process. It's just a question of doing some research and finding the right one for you. However, if you prefer low tech solutions, then the simplest thing to do is to create your posts in Microsoft Word or one of the free packages that are available and ensure they're stored somewhere safe.
Once again I would like to point out our reliance on the various free services that are available. Google Blogger and WordPress.com are great services but are subject to the caprices of their owners. Free facilities have been decommissioned and closed in the past and it can certainly happen again. Let us not forget the fate of Google Reader, Labs and Lively. Then there is the thorny issue of ownership when you are using a free service, something that is not a clear cut as you may expect. Therefore I would advise all new bloggers to have an eye on the future and have a plan in place with regard to backing up and preserving their work.
Consensus or Debate?
I’m of the opinion that there’s a little too much consensus within the blogging and podcasting community that I'm part of. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to have something in common with my fellow writers and it helps when advancing ideas to have grass root support. However if everyone pretty much agrees with each other it doesn't always make for an entertaining or rigorous debate. Braxwolf recently wrote a very personal post about his faith and strayed in to territory that most bloggers consciously avoid. As a result it attracted a great deal of comments because religion is a divisive subject and candid articles of this nature are rare.
I’m of the opinion that there’s a little too much consensus within the blogging and podcasting community that I'm part of. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to have something in common with my fellow writers and it helps when advancing ideas to have grass root support. However if everyone pretty much agrees with each other it doesn't always make for an entertaining or rigorous debate. Braxwolf recently wrote a very personal post about his faith and strayed in to territory that most bloggers consciously avoid. As a result it attracted a great deal of comments because religion is a divisive subject and candid articles of this nature are rare.
We live in a world where many people are increasingly reticent to court controversy or publicly nail their colours to the mast. There are legitimate concerns that the moment take any particular stance on religious, political or social issues, your words can be willfully misconstrued, taken out of context and used against you. Political correctness, which is a greatly misunderstood term, has both benefits and pitfalls and sadly one of the negative effects it has is killing the desire to express a view for fear of how it will be received.
As I have mentioned in previous posts, the art of debating and critical thinking are all too often absent from many blogs and podcasts. Many people are either unable to raise their arguments above the binary, or choose to ignore the intellectual requirements a rational debate imposes upon all parties. Too often a person’s right to have an opinion is mistaken for a right to have their opinion respected. Another fallacy is that all opinions are of equal value or merit. They are not. Giving an uninformed view equal airtime as that of an expert can be damaging. It implies that both views are on a par with each other. This is dangerous. Look at the harm the anti-vaccination lobby have done for example.
Another reason why many of us choose to stay away from major and controversial debates is because it takes a lot of hard work to prepare a measured, informed and persuasive argument. An empty sound bite, a glib one liner and scaremongering rants are two a penny and seldom require anything other than bluster and faux conviction. Considering all sides of a discussion and researching a credible, evidence based argument is a far more labour intensive task. Plus we now live in a world where being factually correct may not necessarily be perceived as winning an argument. Style so often trumps substance these days and the slick public speaker with the personality and jokes, may be able to convince audiences that they have won, even when they haven't. Spin is the foundation of modern politics and has subsequently bled out in to the wider culture.
The net result of this reluctance to engage as well as the refusal to acknowledge that one may be wrong, has led to the fragmentation of the gaming community. #GamerGate provided an object lesson on this phenomenon recently and we are still feeling the after effects. A divided community is hardly beneficial, especially if change is being sought. Then of course there are some individuals who do not have any specific sense of conviction and are simply affiliated to a particular side to advance their own ends. Usually this will be about self-promotion, click bait and money. Personally I think there are far too many "false prophets" in the gaming community at present.
With Burton & Scrooge Uncut making a return to podcasting, we have decided that the show is not going to dodge some of the harder and more challenging subjects. However we have no intention of showboating and throwing more fuel on the fire. We intend to grasps the nettle and discuss things in a measured, informed and adult fashion. Furthermore we will agree to disagree on some matters and will not feel the need to fallout with either our guest or listeners as a result. The mentality of the playground has been allowed to taint and derail discussions for too long and I think as a community it is time for us to relegate it to the fringes where it belongs.
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 – Promoting Your Blog
People blog for all manner of reasons but there is one thing that’s common to us all. Let us dispense with the false modesty and be candid about this. We may well write for ourselves but the fact that we post our thoughts publicly on the internet is a fairly big clue that we want others to read them. If we didn't then we'd make our blogs private or simply keep a traditional diary or journal, would we not? Now that we've got that out of the way let me add that there's nothing wrong with this. A desire to communicate is not a bad thing. If you have aspirations beyond that and seek fame, prestige and the esteem of your peers then that's a different matter altogether. However whatever your personal motivation if you want people to read your blog then you have to promote it.
People blog for all manner of reasons but there is one thing that’s common to us all. Let us dispense with the false modesty and be candid about this. We may well write for ourselves but the fact that we post our thoughts publicly on the internet is a fairly big clue that we want others to read them. If we didn't then we'd make our blogs private or simply keep a traditional diary or journal, would we not? Now that we've got that out of the way let me add that there's nothing wrong with this. A desire to communicate is not a bad thing. If you have aspirations beyond that and seek fame, prestige and the esteem of your peers then that's a different matter altogether. However whatever your personal motivation if you want people to read your blog then you have to promote it.
As a blogger it is natural to want to find an audience. You may well be content with a readership that grows organically, or you may wish to pursue a more concerted plan to increase your audience. Blog rolls, twitter and other social media are invaluable tools for bringing your work to a wider audience. However to get the most out of such facilities you do need to be diligent in your use of them. Catchy titles and interesting headlines are essential for attracting passing traffic. Be mindful that the work to result ratio when using social media may not be as equitable as you think. For example my current twitter following is a matter of public record. Yet the most hits I've ever had from a tweet promoting a post in a single day is one hundred and seventeen. As my American colleagues say "Do the math".
Whether you actively strive to attract more readers or not, be prepared to invest a great deal of time before you see any tangible change in your site statistics. If you're hoping that you can start a new blog and achieve over a hundred thousand hits a day within the first three months, then you're on a hiding to nothing. The internet is a very big, noisy place and it's filled with people like yourself. I don't say that to discourage you but to merely provide a reality check. Blogging is driven by a degree of ego which you may need to temper occasionally. If you really want to pro-actively develop your blog audience then you have to treat it like a job, which is exactly what those folk who are trying to monetise their sites are doing. If you want to make a living from your writing, it's a completely different ball game and you have to throw yourself into it 24/7.
One of the best aspects of the Newbie Blogger Initiative is the sense of community that it fosters. This can also be an invaluable source of promotion and support. Riffing off each other’s posts, linking to an article you found interesting or posting a stern rebuttal of something you disagree with can bring a lot of new readers to your site. Pingbacks and comments again feed into this flow of traffic between blogs. As long as it doesn’t violate any TOS why not post links to your work on fan forums or subreddits? If you’re feeling especially bold then why not just send an email to a writer you admire or respects and see if they respond in kind?
I've been blogging since 2008 and I've elected to post daily or as near as damn it. My work and domestic situation allows for this, plus I relish the opportunity to regularly gather my thoughts and place them in some semblance of order. As a result Contains Moderate Peril has a back catalogue of posts. Some of that content is time specific, such as writing about the launch of an MMO expansion or some specific ongoing drama. However the material regarding movies or perennial gaming subjects do not have a shelf life. As a result approximately half of my daily traffic is through random Google searches that have linked back to my site.
Simply put the more you write, the greater your body of work. The greater the body of work, the more chance there is that it will be found. Feel free to indulge in old adages about throwing excrement at vertical brick structures. So whether you’re looking for a cosy fireside audience or hell-bent on global domination with a volcano lair, the fact remains that blogging is a long term enterprise. As one of my colleagues succinctly said, "Be prepared to fail for a long time". In the meantime feel free to woo your readership in whatever fashion you see fit, just don't expect overnight miracles. There are no real substitutes for just hard work and determination.
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - How Often Should You Blog?
“How often should I blog?” is a common question new bloggers ask. It's a very simple enquiry but the answer is quite the opposite. There are multiple factors to consider many of which are unique to the blogger trying to determine a writing schedule. Ultimately there’s no one definitive answer. Bloggers have different aims and interests as well as differing opportunities to produce content. However, despite the complexity of the question, I think it’s important for bloggers to establish a practical publishing schedule and stick to it.
“How often should I blog?” is a common question new bloggers ask. It's a very simple enquiry but the answer is quite the opposite. There are multiple factors to consider many of which are unique to the blogger trying to determine a writing schedule. Ultimately there’s no one definitive answer. Bloggers have different aims and interests as well as differing opportunities to produce content. However, despite the complexity of the question, I think it’s important for bloggers to establish a practical publishing schedule and stick to it.
What type of blog do you write?
The nature of your blog may well determine the amount of content generated. If you are in any way reporting on the news or at least aggregating press releases, then there's a need to blog daily. Furthermore news, controversies and dramas usually have a specific lifespan. Therefore if you write about something a week too late then there's a good chance that you'll have missed the boat. In some instances, you may want to respond to a story immediately, which raises the question of writing several times a day. This is very demanding and therefore impractical for many bloggers, especially those who are trying to maintain a healthy work, family and lifestyle balance.
If you write game specific guides then your timetable may well be driven by the game developers. Reviews of specific titles also need to be prompt if they wish to capitalise on the interest associated around launch dates. For bloggers focusing on their own personal gaming experiences, a far more flexible timetable is available. This can be done weekly, fortnightly or even monthly. It affords the writer time to plan and collate their assets and fine tune their material. Podcasting or video content also benefit from an organised schedule. These mediums often take longer to plan and produce so organisation is paramount.
How much time do you have?
This is one of the most important factors to consider with regard to your blog. Exactly how much spare time do you have to dedicate to your writing? My domestic and work situation affords me far more time than most people, so for the present I have elected to blog on a daily basis. However this can be hard at times as the creative urges ebb and flow. However you'll find this happens regardless if you're blogging daily or monthly. Therefore planning ahead and keeping material in reserve can be beneficial. Some writers work well with deadlines so setting yourself targets or allotting specific times to write can keep you focused and producing content.
As a blogger you have to take a long hard look at your available leisure time and be realistic about how much of that you can dedicate to your writing. You can either use the time you have to do specific things well, or over extend yourself and fail across a range of projects. One of the hardest lessons we have to learn in life is that we cannot do everything, although I still regularly see people striving to do so. One well written blog post a month will bring people back rather than a dozen, rushed or poorly conceived articles. Blogging is also not a competition and you do not have to match your peers with regard to producing content. Just do what is right for you.
Be consistent.
Once you have established how often you can write it is important to be consistent. If your readership knows that new content will regularly appear then they have a reason to comeback. If you blog in a haphazard fashion following no schedule then you'll find that traffic will vanish. Readers are fickle creatures who crave and consume content voraciously. If you aren't providing it then there are plenty of other sites that will.
Now we're all human (well -pretty much most of us) so naturally real life events can come along that will interrupt your writing schedule. It never does any harm to inform your readers of these. If you are taking a week's vacation the simply post a short note to that effect. Then people will not think you've abandoned your blog. I was recently introduced to the concept of "podfading", where a podcast becomes so irregular, that the listeners slowly drop off and assume the worse. Rather than take a break, or resume with a viable schedule, the show simply fades into oblivion. This is also relevant to blogs and happens a lot. I hate to say it but a percentage of the new blogs that have sprung up around the Newbie Blogger Initiative will fall by the wayside.
The benefits of an organised schedule.
As a writer a well organised schedule will allow you to manage the creation of content for your site and plan each posts. This will hopefully make the act of writing less stressful and your material more engaging. If your readers know that posts will be forthcoming then they'll continue to comeback. Continuously adding new content is also good for your Google ranking if you have aspirations in that direction.
Blogging is supposed to be a fun activity among other things and finding the right posting pattern and publishing schedule will greatly enhance that. Ultimately all you have to do is be honest with yourself and decide on what you can realistically do with the time you have. It can be hard when you wish to do more but real life doesn't allow for it. However contentment lies in embracing what can be done. It's very much a case of cut your coat according to your cloth.
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - Think Before You Blog
The internet has a reputation for being both transient and anonymous. However this is far from true. Blogs and websites may well come and go but sites such as the Wayback Machine contain a wealth of archived information and content. Tools such as Cache View can be extremely useful in finding deleted or amended posts on sites and forums. It is also not especially difficult to discover the true identity of internet personalities and popular bloggers. Don't believe me? Type your own real name in to Google and see what comes up. I think you'll be surprised by the results.
The internet has a reputation for being both transient and anonymous. However this is far from true. Blogs and websites may well come and go but sites such as the Wayback Machine contain a wealth of archived information and content. Tools such as Cache View can be extremely useful in finding deleted or amended posts on sites and forums. It is also not especially difficult to discover the true identity of internet personalities and popular bloggers. Don't believe me? Type your own real name in to Google and see what comes up. I think you'll be surprised by the results.
It is therefore worth remembering that your written content may be available long after you have ceased to care about it. This could work to your advantage in the years to come, when someone discovers your long lost words of wisdom. However there’s also a chance that your prose will return to bite you on the ass, at a time when you least expect. Therefore it does no harm to reiterate to bloggers both old and new, think before you blog. In a world were social media and our individual online footprint have increasing significance, it is wise to pause for thought and consider the impact of our words.
I was recently recommended for a rather niche job and because the position interested me, I decided to pursue it out of curiosity. I was interviewed by someone half my age who ran a startup, who grilled my quite extensively about my employment history. His final question was regarding my online activities, which I explained were predominantly associated around my personal writing. I was surprised by how important this question has become to the recruiting process. In a nutshell, employers want to ensure that there is nothing buried in an employee’s online history that can blow back on them.
I encountered a similar issue last year when trying to find established internet personalities who’d be prepared to endorse the Newbie Blogger Initiative. Sadly many were loath to do so for exactly the same reason employers are. No one want's to run the risk of negative publicity. I’ve written over two thousand blog posts for Contains Moderate Peril over the years. I could easily have something controversial buried in the back catalogue. Mud sticks and no one wants their Google juice to be contaminated by endorsing something seemingly benign that then turns out to be a cesspool.
There's an old rule of thumb that says when you get a snotty email from some douche bag work colleague, sleep on the matter before you respond, or else you'll probably send an equally snotty email in return and then bang goes your moral high ground. It's pretty much the same with blogging. Think about how you respond to criticism or temper your rant about the latest internet outrage. Just because you can say something, doesn't necessarily mean that you should. Time changes everything. Remember all those important issues, TV shows and bands that you gave a shit about twenty years ago? Take a moment to consider your view on them now.
Now I'm not advocating that all new bloggers add another tortuous layer to their current content creation process. I am simply advocating that you take a moment to consider the future when you write. If you blog about your passion for a game or just post screenshots then you're not exactly at too much risk of your words coming back to haunt you. However if you write broader think pieces and stray into the more complex socio-political aspects of gaming (or any other subject), then just be aware that your writing has a greater permanency than you may imagine. Forewarned is forearmed.
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - Your Writing Environment
I wrote last September about my work and gaming environment and its role in my day-to-day life. Nine months on I thought it would be pertinent to revisit the topic with regard to the Newbie Blogger Initiative. As writers it is important to have a suitable space for our creative endeavours. Naturally this environment varies from blogger to blogger. Some of us require a place where we can work unhindered and undisturbed, free from distraction. Others can quite happily write in far more active spaces and focus upon their work irrespective of what is happening in their immediate surroundings. To use an old phrase it’s very much a case of “horses for courses”.
I wrote last September about my work and gaming environment and its role in my day-to-day life. Nine months on I thought it would be pertinent to revisit the topic with regard to the Newbie Blogger Initiative. As writers it is important to have a suitable space for our creative endeavours. Naturally this environment varies from blogger to blogger. Some of us require a place where we can work unhindered and undisturbed, free from distraction. Others can quite happily write in far more active spaces and focus upon their work irrespective of what is happening in their immediate surroundings. To use an old phrase it’s very much a case of “horses for courses”.
Having recently moved I now have access to a spare bedroom that I use as a study. I did initially have plans to create a rather opulent and spacious work place. I considered a large desk with plenty of room for notepads, digital recorders and other writing paraphernalia. I’m also partial to large executive chairs where I can relax and cogitate. However, my grandchildren have put paid to such ideas and I now find myself sharing my office with the twins. The inclusion of two travel cots has made me reconsider my plans and as a result I have built a far more economical workstation.
As a writer, I require a degree of solitude away from noise and people. My new work space provides that. I tend to pull the curtains when working so I’m not tempted to gaze out the window at the rich pageant of life, particularly the wide variety of avian wildlife that alights on Mrs Coltart’s property. My current desk is large enough to accommodate a keyboard, mouse and monitor and not much more. This ensures that I keep things tidy and focus on my work. I still keep a notebook or writing pad close at hand so that any ideas or specific train of thought can be immediately noted down. I tend to plan my blog post in advance and have several in development at one time.
Like most people my productivity waxes and wanes according to the hour of the day. I tend do my writing early in the morning and can sometime find reserves of creativity late at night. I primarily use Microsoft Word to write my blog posts and have a custom template set up for my specific style. Posts are often between 500 and 1000 words and tend to follow a traditional structure of premise, data and conclusion. I tend not to write streams of consciousness and favour a more formal ordering of my thoughts. Again I find that a distraction free environment greatly helps me do this, plan my work and undertake my writing.
Another aspect that is important to my content creation is my chair. Until I recently retired, I worked from home and spent a considerable part of the day working at a desk. Now that I’ve moved, although I will be spending less time desk bound, I will still be writing most days and have therefore purchased a quality office chair. It is one that can be adjusted to provide adequate back support and a suitably healthy posture. Too often this is an aspect of our writing environment that we neglect. Usually our default seat is just whatever is available or most convenient.
Whatever your personal preferences, it is important to find a viable writing environment. It helps in maintaining a regular schedule, allows for more focused and concise content and hopefully makes writing a far easier and enjoyable. Getting it wrong can in extreme circumstances kill your interest in blogging and have an impact upon your health. As ever feel free to leave a comment and share details of your personal writing habits. Do you like the solitude of a den or are you happy to write anywhere you see fit?
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - Blogging and the Law
A few years ago I posted some images on Contains Moderate Peril that had been leaked via the internet. I was not the only one to do this. Screen Rant, Den of Geek and several other big sites did the same. The pictures were from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and we all new that at the time that there was an embargo on such content. But everyone chose to post the material regardless as it was good for traffic. To cut a long story short, I and many other sites received an email from Warner Bros. legal team requesting that the images were removed. To cut a long story short, I and most others complied.
A few years ago I posted some images on Contains Moderate Peril that had been leaked via the internet. I was not the only one to do this. Screen Rant, Den of Geek and several other big sites did the same. The pictures were from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and we all new that at the time that there was an embargo on such content. But everyone chose to post the material regardless as it was good for traffic. To cut a long story short, I and many other sites received an email from Warner Bros. legal team requesting that the images were removed. To cut a long story short, I and most others complied.
Most bloggers never stop to think of the legal issues that can arise from blogging. The subject seldom crosses their minds. However if you are referencing anything that isn't your own intellectual property then there is always scope for legal complications. There are also responsibilities with regard to freedom of speech. Contrary to what a lot of people think you cannot just say anything you like and there are often laws or terms of service to comply with. More often than not a blogger with a low online profile won’t have any problems, if they use their common sense. However I'm a firm believer in forewarned is forearmed, so I thought I'd explore the subject a little further. Please note it does not constitute as legal advice as I am not qualified to provide any. This is just a broad overview and an attempt to raise awareness.
The use of images:
If you blog about games, TV or movies and include images of such content then you are using material that belongs somebody else. Very few of us ever consider such things as permission and attribution. I guess we all make the assumption that using a screenshot from a game is not a big deal and if anything, we are providing free advertising. I'm sure a lot of companies do take that attitude. However you may be able to reduce any potential risk by considering the following. Check to see if there is a press or fan kit available for whatever it is you are writing about. A lot of the big MMOs provide them for setting up fan sites. Many movies have official websites designed for promotion during release. These often have a gallery of images intended for public use. This is why you will often see the same images being used in reviews.
Most of the time, bloggers simply take screen captures direct from the game or the movie. It is the most direct and practical way to illustrate a point. It may be wise to simply add a caption to these images stating "copyright of [insert name here]. It also doesn't do any harm to have general disclaimer on your site that states that the image rights belong to the respective copyright holder. A Google search will provide many generic statements that can be adapted for this use. They may not be as legally bullet proof as you may hope but they at least indicates goodwill. This may prove useful if anything difficult happens.
Another consideration is rather than copy and reposting an image, simply link to the original. Also whenever possible credit the original source of any material. If you are actually posting images that belong to you, such as photographs or artwork, then ensure that they are digitally watermarked. Make sure that there is a statement on your site that clearly reiterates their ownership. You may even want to have details regarding the conditions of their use. This can be either a complex as a licensing arrangement or just a requirement for attribution and a link back to your site.
Protecting your written content:
As with the use of images, if you want to protect your written content then you need to ensure that you have a copyright statement on your site. It does no harm to remind readers that your posts belong to you. Better yet, if you are happy to share and want to reach a wider audience, then why not have a usage policy explaining exactly how much of your blog posts other bloggers can use. This can prevents all sorts of misunderstandings and can be a great way to direct traffic back to your site. Another point to consider is whenever you are using somebody else’s content, make sure you credit their work. It is polite, the right thing to do and makes you look more credible as a writer. Also consider exactly how much you quote or reference. In the US the concept of fair use has no specific detail regarding quantity of words. Quoting a paragraph from another writer seems fair and reasonable to me. Completely reposting an entire article is far more questionable. Let common sense prevail. If in doubt reach out to the owner and ask what you can or cannot do.
Music usage:
Music is a legal minefield. In the past I use to post the Contains Moderate Peril podcast on YouTube which has very strong regulations governing copyright infringement. A small twenty second audio sample from a popular MMO was sufficient for the podcast to be flagged for IP violation. Furthermore YouTube runs a three strikes and out policy. I could have fixed the shows but the amount of work required re-editing the content did not seem worth it, considering the low statistics the shows were generating. So I removed all the episodes and will not use that platform for podcasts in future.
With regard to blogging, music and lyrics are subject to the same copyright protections as any other creative recordings. Many sites do flagrantly breach the rules and seldom face any action. Twitch TV often hosts streams that have music being played in direct violation to copyright law. Because action is seldom taken, we often feel that it is an acceptable risk. Ultimately it is up to you to make a choice. I think the amount of traffic your site gets has an impact upon whether you will face any legal issues. Small sites with low levels of traffic are not a threat. If you are sufficiently big enough to be making money, then you may well find yourself facing the wrath of lawyers. Choose wisely.
Defamation:
Another thing to bear in mind is that blogging does not absolve you from the laws of defamation and such like. If you make false accusations against a person or company then you may well face the full weight of the law. The commonest form of action a blogger may face is to receive a formal complaint that has also been copied to your hosting provider. More often than not, your host will simply suspend your site and then wait for the matter to resolve itself, because they do not wish to face any legal complications themselves. Do not expect support or a fair hearing from them. You are very much on your own. Is this fair or just? No, but that's just the way things go. The one sided nature of this system means that it can be used as an easy way to bully or harass a blogger.
Because many companies like to control the flow of information about their products, not all of them look favourably upon fan sites. You Tube channels and live streamers can find themselves at odds with publishers and copyright holders. Furthermore they often lack the legal resources that corporations have. However there is safety in numbers. Some content creators have formed collaborative channels with shared resources and revenue. If one individual runs into trouble they have recourse of collective bargaining. I'm sure this is not really relevant to most casual bloggers but it may be of use to those who write on social issues and politics; subjects that attract more legal scrutiny.
Disclaimers, small print and compliance:
As I mentioned earlier, it doesn't do any harm to have a disclaimer on your blog, stating what you own, what you don't own and showing your commitment towards working within fair usage. If you are selling anything via your site or running giveways or competitions, then there are a wealth of rules to be aware of. I would urge everyone doing such to research their regional laws and make sure they are not making any obvious mistakes. I recently had to suspend the monthly competitions from Contains Moderate Peril due to a problem relating to posting prizes outside of the UK. On one occasion it ended up incurring import duties for the prize winner, which somewhat spoilt things.
If you have guest posts or third party contributors on your blog, make sure you have negotiated a mutually acceptable set of rules governing the use of content. Remember that guest posts still remain the property of the author. Occasionally relationships can change and you may face a situation when someone wants you to remove their work from your site. You may wish to comply. You may not. Ensure that you have adequate grounds to support whatever position you choose.
Blogging is a fun and worthwhile pursuit. Just remember that you are posting your thoughts and opinions to a public space. Although this may be a virtual environment it is still governed by many of same rules and regulations you find in the real world. It is also worth considering that any content that you produce is accessible globally, therefore it’s not just your own countries legislation that you need to be aware of. For many of us our discussions about gaming or movies will seldom reach beyond a certain audience. However we have all seen content go viral and it is not outside the realms of possibility that you could find yourself with a far larger audience through a caprice of fate. So be aware of the potential issues that can arise though communicating online. Blog responsibly and enjoy writing.
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - Got Nothing to Write About?
How often do you find yourself preparing a blog post when it dawns on you that you have absolutely nothing to write about? All of a sudden the view out of the window becomes incredibly alluring, especially that bird on Mrs. Coltart's roof. So you try to force yourself to concentrate on the matter in hand and dig deep for inspiration. Perhaps you should do some “research”on the internet? Next thing you know you've lost several hours of your life, watching videos of feral cats eating roadkill or Pro-Celebrity indoor Kabbaddi, on You Tube. Finally you give up because your muse has taken the day off. Coincidentally you’ll often find that all this happens just as the pub open. It would appear that the universe has conspired to prevent you from sharing your witty and intelligent prose with your fellow man.
How often do you find yourself preparing a blog post when it dawns on you that you have absolutely nothing to write about? All of a sudden the view out of the window becomes incredibly alluring, especially that bird on Mrs. Coltart's roof. So you try to force yourself to concentrate on the matter in hand and dig deep for inspiration. Perhaps you should do some “research”on the internet? Next thing you know you've lost several hours of your life, watching videos of feral cats eating roadkill or Pro-Celebrity indoor Kabbaddi, on You Tube. Finally you give up because your muse has taken the day off. Coincidentally you’ll often find that all this happens just as the pub open. It would appear that the universe has conspired to prevent you from sharing your witty and intelligent prose with your fellow man.
Of course this is all utter bollocks because there is no such thing as writer’s block per se. The reason you’ve got nothing written is because you didn't want to. It's that simple. Now that's not to say that writing is a walk in the park and as easy as turning on and off a tap, because it’s not. However please name me any other job (because that is what writing really is) where you cannot perform your allotted task for some vague and nebulous reason and everyone is okay with that? Writing is like any other form of work in so far that it can still be carried out even when you’re feeling ill disposed towards it. It just requires focus, discipline and possibly some sort of psychological carrot on a stick (like a bacon sandwich or a pint of stout) that you reward yourself with upon completion.
I don't want to rob writing of its perceived mystique and glamour but it can be a hell of a lot less painful if it’s properly planned. Having maintained a daily writing schedule in the past it really makes thing a lot easier to have posts planned in advance and an ongoing list of ideas to be developed. On the days when writing comes easy why not create some extra material and hold it in reserve for the future. If it’s a slow news day, why not riff off other people blogs and directly respond to one of their posts. Lists, polls, and asking your readers a question are also options to consider. It's also worth remembering that although there is no harm in having standards, not everything that you write has to be a potential magnum opus.
Now if you blog about a single subject then all the above suggestions can be a little harder. However you can always reflect on older material you have written and craft a post about how things may or may not have changed regarding the thing you blog about. A "where are they now" story or an overall retrospective is always a good get out of jail card. If you’re really in a tight spot then posts based around in-game screenshots can be an easy solution to your writing woes. Folk always like a screenshot. Guides, hints and tips will always find an audience as well. You’ll be amazed how some nugget of information that you take for granted may be a real revelation to one of your readers.
Regardless of what we may think when wrestling with so called writer’s block, the reality is that there’s is always something to blog about. Too often as bloggers we confuse not wanting to write with not being able to do so. The realities of writing are completely at odds with the traditional image of the tortured artist, living a Bohemian lifestyle in a Paris garret, swathed in melancholic pathos as they attempt to find their inner muse. Writing is a task, a chore and even a job. It requires focus and discipline. At time it can even be arbitrary like doing the dishes or your laundry. That’s not to say that writing isn’t fun because it often is. It just isn’t as esoterical as some would have you think.
So next time you find yourself drifting while sitting at your computer, stop gazing at that bird on Mrs. Coltart's roof (unless you’re going to write about it), pull the blinds and push on. You Tube is not going anywhere, so you can watch Maru the cat and check out the “pus cannon” later. Pick a subject, set yourself a writing goal and then go achieve it. You’ll feel incredibly self-satisfied when you finish and hit the publish button. Who knows, you sometimes find that it’s the inconsequential posts written on a whim that are the most popular. Remember “It's the job that's never started that takes the longest to finish”.
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - Should You Allow Comments on Your Blog?
Comments have been an integral part of blogging since it became a popular activity in the late nineties. If you have a self-hosted blog or use one of the many free services, then by default the ability to leave comments is often enabled. Whether you want this option is another matter altogether and one that poses a potential headache for all bloggers. Allowing comments on your site has both pros and cons and as ever it comes down to you as a blogger to make a decision that you are comfortable with. If you are currently pondering this issue, then here are a few things to consider.
Comments have been an integral part of blogging since it became a popular activity in the late nineties. If you have a self-hosted blog or use one of the many free services, then by default the ability to leave comments is often enabled. Whether you want this option is another matter altogether and one that poses a potential headache for all bloggers. Allowing comments on your site has both pros and cons and as ever it comes down to you as a blogger to make a decision that you are comfortable with. If you are currently pondering this issue, then here are a few things to consider.
Reader feedback:
Bloggers do not thrive in a vacuum and crave feedback. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Monitoring your website traffic and statistical data can be of use but comments offer the promise of tangible feedback. Comments can potentially shed light upon whether your writing is being well received or not. Plus everyone likes to have their ego stroked to a varying degree. However the reality can be potentially quite different. Several years ago I posted an article that over a period of a month got read 35,000 times. Yet despite the relatively high level of traffic, it only garnered four comments. Feel free to work that out as a percentage. Plus you often find that a lot of the comments you receive on your site, may not be the kind that you want. I'm not talking about trolling but well-intentioned but ultimately meaningless platitudes. For example a simple "awesome", although complimentary offers no real value or insight.
Starting a dialogue with your readers:
A lot of gaming blogs are centred on discussing ideas and sharing common experiences. Posting an article based around a single question is a great way to start a debate going and attract comments. It presents an opportunity to see alternative points of view, to learn and even make new friends. If you write about MMOs for example, the comments system can act as an extension of the in-game chat. I can think of several well-known fan sites that over a period of time have become the de facto source of information for the games the support. They often play a pivotal role in their particular community. So if you have aspirations to achieve something similar or simply want to have some semblance of a dialogue with your readers then comments are essential.
"Your hide would make a fine Poncho..."
Stating, not debating:
You can write a perfectly effective blog without openly engaging in discussion. Your blog may be a source of data or provide "how to" guides. Or you may want to write a blog where you write an editorial as you see in the newspapers, where you simply state your point of view. Both these approaches don’t necessarily need reader comments and as a writer you may not consider everything you type as being open to or worthy of debate (although there are plenty of people out there who will happily do so). If that is the case, then comments are not essential and your readers will return because they enjoy the benefits of your guides or identify with your persona and particular outlook.
Sticking your head above the parapet:
The moment you write your own thoughts and put them in the public domain, then you are inviting criticism. Some folk just delight in leaving the most poisonous comments for no good reason. Let us not bother cataloguing every sort of comment than may occur. Let it suffice to say that there is plenty of scope for unpleasantness. Plus there is the separate issue of automated spam comments that can plague a website. If you decide to allow comments on your blog then you need to have thick skin. That's actually a lot harder than what you think. Every now and then there'll be one negative comment that really gets under your skin. Remember that you are dealing with gamers and they are not known as being the embodiment of reason or decorum. Also ensure you have some sort of anti-spam plugin that automatically detects bogus comments and deletes them.
Work, work, work:
If you find yourself in the fortunate position of running a blog with a healthy readership, then you may on occasions write a post that provokes a substantial amount of comments. If they are good, then it is wise to respond to them and engage with your readership. If they are bad then you may wish to crush such stupidity with a witty reposte or simply delete them. If you have elected to moderate all comments then you'll have to trawl through them one by one and see if they are suitable. All of these processes require a degree of work and time. As any blogger will tell you, the latter is a finite commodity. Choose wisely.
The esoteric art of generating more comments:
If you do elect to enable comments then you may wish to specifically write material to solicit them. This is fine if done in a sensible and measured fashion. However, like the pursuit of web traffic, this can easily descend into an unhealthy compulsion. The post that tackles a difficult issue and poses a question can be a good thing. The post that just aims to shock, offend or troll for no reason are of no real value. Plus writing like that just paints you into a corner. I find that the best way to encourage comments is to regularly do so yourself on other people’s blogs. Another tip is not to cover every angle of a debate in your post. Always allow scope for further discussion. Give your readers a reason to comment.
With regard to comments, I’m personally happy to allow them. Sure I'd like more but most of those that are left are a positive contribution. Those that aren't I’m still happy to leave. The rude, crass and malicious posts often say far more about the person that left them than anything else. It is also good to remember that your blog is not the same as a forum. Forums are created as specific platforms for public debate. I have always felt that a blog is more like running an open house. Although you have invited people in, there is still an expectation that they will conduct themselves in a civilized fashion. IE wipe their feet and flush the toilet if they use it. Therefore police your blog comments with that in mind, if you see fit to allow them.
Finally, whatever choice you make there is always scope to change it at a later date. It usually just involves checking a tick box in the blog's control panel. So if you have just started out blogging and have just made this decision, I'm very curious to know what choice you made. Feel free to leave a comment.
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 – Statistics and Metrics
One of the first subjects to come up when discussing blogging is that of statistics and web traffic. All bloggers have a varying degree of curiosity about their readership and exactly how many people are visiting their site. There is nothing wrong with this and it is perfectly reasonable to want to know about your audience. Blogging is after all a two way process. However, in my experience this thirst for statistical knowledge can be a double edge sword. It is therefore important to ensure that it doesn’t become the focal point of your writing endeavours or your primary inspiration.
One of the first subjects to come up when discussing blogging is that of statistics and web traffic. All bloggers have a varying degree of curiosity about their readership and exactly how many people are visiting their site. There is nothing wrong with this and it is perfectly reasonable to want to know about your audience. Blogging is after all a two way process. However, in my experience this thirst for statistical knowledge can be a double edge sword. It is therefore important to ensure that it doesn’t become the focal point of your writing endeavours or your primary inspiration.
Unless you already have an established online presence, all newbie bloggers have to work at building up an audience. Despite what a lot of questionable websites may tell you, there are no real shortcuts with regard to this. The best approach is to write as often as you can, so that you create up a body of work and ensure that you promote it via social media. Engage with your readers and respond to any comments that are left. It is also prudent to comment on other blogs. If possible write guest posts for other established sites. Although all these tasks are a bit of a grind at times, they will pay off in the long run. Furthermore Google likes this approach. The site that is healthy and regularly posts content is more likely to show up in search enquiries.
Resign yourself to the fact that as a new blogger you are not likely to be commanding an audience of millions two weeks after you launch your site. However, keeping an eye on your metrics can help you determine which posts are generating the most traffic. You may also wish to determine if certain times and days of the weeks are more beneficial for publishing articles. Stats packages can be useful in this respect and provide you with some answers. Just remember that statistics are just data and not a judgement of your work. Low numbers do not say anything about you or the quality of your writing. They simply show how many people found your site and read your posts.
As writers we crave an audience and if the statistics show that our expectations have not been met, then it can be disheartening. There’s a fine line between stats being a useful tool and a burden. If you obsess about them too much you’ll find that they will impinge upon your work. This can lead to writing out of character in an attempt to get more traffic. It’s very tempting to post some click bait, although it does more harm than good in the long term. Ultimately the pursuit of traffic and a fixation upon stats will undermine your writing. Too many bloggers have fallen into the trap of constantly monitoring their metrics and the have lost the desire to write due to their misplaced sense of disappointment.
So my advice to anyone starting a new blog is to consider the following. If you feel you can keep your need to know in check, then use a stats package to monitor your progress. Check them in a measured way and try and remain dispassionate about them. They can be used positively, such as setting yourself growth targets or for determining which posts are popular (very useful if you have a featured posts section on your site). If you feel that the reality of your stats will upset you or be a distraction, then uninstall the package from your blog or simply make it a policy not to consult them.
I recently had an epiphany with regards to my own web traffic. As a result I changed the way I used my statistical data and stopped using several external tracking services. Firstly because they were inaccurate (internal stats packages are far more comprehensive) and secondly because I no longer feel the need to chase an audience. I now write for the pleasure of writing and to engage with others. It also keeps me from over indulging my other vices. If you are writing for commercial reasons then naturally stats have a different connotation altogether. Traffic is often directly linked to financial remuneration, so data of this kind is of far more importance
These are just some of the issues that can arise with regard to your blog’s statistics. As usual, there is no universal rule of thumb and ultimately you have to do what is right for you. However you will find that obsessing over stats is quite common place and that many bloggers have flirted with it to some degree. The universal consensus is not to do it and to put your heart and soul into your writing instead. There’s a good chance that by the time the numbers reach a significant level, you won’t really be concerned by such things anymore.
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - Mind Your Language
In the UK, the prevailing attitudes towards profanity have radically changed over the last two decades, especially with regard to the media. That's not to say that its casual inclusion in common parlance is now de rigeur, but it has permeated the culture to such an extent, that it no longer has the potential to shock as much as it used to. Several years ago a member of the public had a conviction for swearing at a Police Officer overturned by a Judge on the grounds that "swearing at police is not a crime because they hear four letter words too frequently to be offended". Although a separate issue and a potential blog post in itself, I referenced this case to demonstrate the ongoing changes in public sensibilities.
In the UK, the prevailing attitudes towards profanity have radically changed over the last two decades, especially with regard to the media. That's not to say that its casual inclusion in common parlance is now de rigeur, but it has permeated the culture to such an extent, that it no longer has the potential to shock as much as it used to. Several years ago a member of the public had a conviction for swearing at a Police Officer overturned by a Judge on the grounds that "swearing at police is not a crime because they hear four letter words too frequently to be offended". Although a separate issue and a potential blog post in itself, I referenced this case to demonstrate the ongoing changes in public sensibilities.
Blogging it is by its very nature a very personal and at times emotive activity. There may well be occasions when you wish to express yourself quite forcefully or feel such intense emotion, that you wish to use profanity. As the master of your own destiny, you have to make that decision yourself, but it does inevitably come with consequences. Because some people really do take offence at it and still consider the use of profanity as inexcusable. In extreme cases it may lead to you losing readers. Even if you have written the most illuminating of posts, the inclusion of some colloquial Anglo-Saxon terms will upset some people and they will not be able to see beyond it. In fact you may be judged and found wanting. I am not saying if this is right or wrong. It's a people issue and it needs to be considered and then offset against the old adage that you cannot please everyone.
I personally am not especially bothered by strong language; having worked in environments where it was extremely prevalent and to protest about it would have been utterly redundant. However, I do not think that it is something that needs to be employed continuously, either in conversation or writing. I take the view that swearing, like any other literary of semantic device, can be very effective if used sparingly; a view that is held by such diverse writers as Stephen Fry to the late Harold Pinter. I also believe that we should not fear words or demonise them. There is a popular consensus at present that one particular word is the most offensive you can use (I’ll leave you to work out which one it is). Yet this response is driven by a form of social conditioning which borders on the Pavlovian. Why should this one slang term be deemed more upsetting than any of the other dozen equivalents?
Therefore I choose to use profanity in my writing if it suits me and when I deem it relevant to the post. I hope that readers will accept this decision. As a concession to common sense, acquired through being a parent, I on occasion provide advance warning in some cases. I believe that informing people about content is a sensible and polite policy to pursue. For the new blogger it is a matter of time. Eventually your audience will get a feel for the style and pitch of your blog and whether it is family or office friendly.
If you do not feel that the use of strong language is appropriate on your blog or you do not feel comfortable with it in general, then simply avoid it. This is one of the few occasions where I feel a black or white response is appropriate. Personally I would never advocate a compromise approach. There is a tendency in contemporary US blogging to try and use alternative terms. A whole new lexicon of neutered phrases has sprung up. Ass-hat, Freakin' and other PG-13 rated words reek of the worst sort of hypocrisy. Even the term titbit (referring to a nugget of information) has been altered to tidbit, to remove the breast reference contained therein.
As well as profanity, it is important to consider other terms that can be problematic. Faith is extremely important to many and is stronger in certain geographical regions that others. I try to avoid phrases that some would traditionally label blasphemous. I won't even use OMG. It can still upset some and because of its ubiquity in popular culture is somewhat trite. Although it is not likely to happen to the average blogger it is prudent to reflect on what happened to Salman Rushdie in the late eighties after the publication of his book, The Satanic Verses.
Also, never lose sight of the fact that the perceived anonymity of the internet is not as bullet proof as some would have you think. You still have to be sensible about what you write and can still be subject to libel, sex discrimination and race/religious hate laws. The internet has a very long memory and once a blog post is out there in the public domain, it remains so. Deleting a rogue post or one written in the heat of the moment is not a definitive way to cover your tracks. As ever with blogging, think before you type and consider before you publish. Editing oneself is a strength and not a weakness.
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - What's in a Name?
When I started my first gaming blog Misadventure in LOTRO back in 2008, I wrote under my in-game character name. Several blogs later I now use my real name Roger Edwards. Because the current site is not purely about gaming (why limit the scope of conversation?) I felt that dropping the gaming related name was prudent. My real name also has the advantage of being somewhat bland and common place on the internet, which is advantageous in this age of crazy, gaming savant, stalkers. Sometimes standing out in a crowd can be problematic. Yet it is my genuine identity which is ideal should I see fit to develop the business side of the blog, such as advertising, sponsorship or e-begging at a later date.
When I started my first gaming blog Misadventure in LOTRO back in 2008, I wrote under my in-game character name. Several blogs later I now use my real name Roger Edwards. Because the current site is not purely about gaming (why limit the scope of conversation?) I felt that dropping the gaming related name was prudent. My real name also has the advantage of being somewhat bland and common place on the internet, which is advantageous in this age of crazy, gaming savant, stalkers. Sometimes standing out in a crowd can be problematic. Yet it is my genuine identity, which is ideal should I see fit to develop the business side of the blog, such as advertising, sponsorship or e-begging at a later date.
Having worked in IT for nearly two decades, I am aware of the importance of keeping personal data online to a minimum. So although I use Facebook, Twitter and such like, they’re purely for the promotion of Contains Moderate Peril and therefore not my own accounts as such. I monitor the amount of personal data that is in the public domain and I tend to watch what I say on social media. I never talk about my own views on politics, religion or anything that is an obvious invitation for an internet trolls. That's not to say you can't touch upon those subject in regard to your blogging. But referencing them is different kettle of fish to lecturing your readership about your own beliefs.
Blogging is a great social experience but you will occasionally run into some problems. Often these are due to people. So if you do use your real name make sure that address details or any other means of contact such as your home phone number etc. are not splattered across the net for any Tom, Dick or Harry to find. You may also wish to keep your writing activities about your hobbies and pastimes away from work colleagues, family or even friends. It’s not a case of "being ashamed" of your blogging or anything like that. It’s simply just another form of compartmentalizing your life. It is not always necessary to inform everyone about what you do in your spare time.
However it's not all doom and gloom. Using your real name can have positive benefits such as creating a rapport with your readers. Your audience will have a natural curiosity about you as blogging is about connecting with others. Therefore the odd nugget of personal information can help with this process. For example, talking about balancing your work and leisure time is something most of your readers can relate to. Briefly alluding to your job, studies or relationship can also help your audience empathize with you. Your name contributes to this process as it is an integral part of your identity. So share some information but as ever take a measured approach. Don’t write pages and pages about how your heart was broken by [insert name of ex-partner here] and how you still hold a grudge to this day.
Using your real name is an option but it is not the only one. It is certainly not essential to your blogging endeavours. Many bloggers to this day do so under curious and interesting pseudonyms. Tobold's Blog (formerly Tobold's MMO Blog) enjoys an extremely high readership and certainly has not been impeded by his esoteric online identity. Braxwolf, Syl and Wihelm Arcturus have also made a similar choice. So as far as using your real name when blogging, let common sense steer your decision. If it feels right for you and serves your purpose, then go ahead and blog as Xavier St John Balustrade or whatever your name is. If not then publish under Polyphemus, Squeezer of Sheep or whatever nom de plume takes your fancy.
Newbie Blogger Initiative 2016 - Some General Guidance
Blogging is a broad church that offers many talking points. In this, my first post for the 2016 Newbie Blogger Initiative, I want to explore motivation, aspirations and style. I also want to touch upon some of the inevitable problems that may come up when writing online. Forewarned is forearmed. But before we proceed, don't forget that the advice you’ll both here and via the other sites contributing to this year’s event is purely subjective. We're all individuals and what works for one may not for another. There is no definitive way to blog and each blogger has to find their style.
Blogging is a broad church that offers many talking points. In this, my first post for the 2016 Newbie Blogger Initiative, I want to explore motivation, aspirations and style. I also want to touch upon some of the inevitable problems that may come up when writing online. Forewarned is forearmed. But before we proceed, don't forget that the advice you’ll both here and via the other sites contributing to this year’s event is purely subjective. We're all individuals and what works for one may not for another. There is no definitive way to blog and each blogger has to find their style.
Why blog?
It may sound like an obvious question but it’s worth pondering. People are motivated for different reasons. Some want to build communities, and share common experiences while others may have more commercial goals. Some folk just want to be "internet famous" which should not be scoffed at. It's a lot more common than you would think although many people won't necessarily admit it. However writing publicly is quite an extroverted thing to do and ego certainly does play a part in it or else surely you'd keep your writing private and not share your work. The reason I’ve raised this is because it impacts greatly upon my next point.
Who are you writing for?
If you are looking for commercial success, want to chase an audience or harbour dreams of fame and glory, then you will more than likely find yourself writing for others. This means you'll usually have to write about what you think others want to read, rather than simply pleasing yourself. It can be done, but it's demonstrably harder and will come with a lot more heartache and frustration. If you choose to please yourself then there's a good chance you'll have a more comfortable experience. I’ve always found that if you write something because you feel passionate about it, it often comes across much better than an article that was done out of obligation. So make your choice accordingly.
Get a plan.
Time is a luxury, so you should manage it wisely. Don't jump into blogging feet first without making some sort of plan. Figure out what you are going to write about and then stick with it. However this can be a double edged sword because you may find yourself hemmed in by your choice at a later date. As ever flexibility is the key. A blog with a broad remit has more room to manoeuvre and gives a writer more creative freedom.
Once you’ve decided what you’re going to do you can set about establishing your online identity, so readers know broadly what to expect. Contains Moderate Peril covers games, movies and other facets of popular culture. If I started do pieces on Etruscan pottery and crop rotation in the seventeenth century then it may wrong foot the audience, or even alienate them. Readers often like consistency and known quantities.
For many years I’ve maintained a daily blogging schedule. It was a personal decision and my circumstances have allowed me to do so. Yet not every blogger will be able or wish to do this. Therefore figure out when you can blog and try and create a viable schedule that you stick to. It doesn't matter if it's once a week or month or a quarter, just be consistent. Remember that your readers will often jump to conclusions. If you post specific content on a certain day of the week more than twice, it’s highly likely that your audience will assume that this is now a “thing”. So box clever and don't set yourself up for a fall. Stick to your plan, be consistent and give the readers a reason to come back to your blog.
Let your readers get to know you.
Whatever you write, whatever your style, don't be afraid to make your writing somewhat personal. Readers often like to get to know the authors of the blogs they frequent. It’s part of their appeal. I'm not advocating that you use the medium of your blog to lay bare your soul and share every intimate detail of your life. However letting people get to know you, will help build a rapport. Also do not be afraid to have opinions. There's nothing more tedious than consensus. Just bear in mind that it helps if you can back up opinions with data, facts and substance. There's a huge gulf between valid opinion and unsubstantiated crazy talk.
The Slings and Arrows of outrageous Fortune.
When you elect to write publicly and post your work on the internet for the edification of your peers, you are implicitly soliciting public comment. So think long and hard about whether to allow reader feedback on your blog. If you are a sensitive person and don't take criticism well, then you may wish to disable comments on your site. The internet doesn't work like real life and people will often be blunt, outspoken and even hostile online. Also remember that internet conversations lack the visual cues of real world discussions. Be careful not to misconstrue comments; if in doubt ask for clarification. On the other side of the coin, don't be heartbroken if no body leaves you any feedback. This is a universal problem that all bloggers can encounter.
Don't be an idiot.
The internet is still by and large a great place. It is filled with wonderful human beings, a wealth of knowledge and free entertainment. But it also has a lot of idiots. What the internet doesn't need is for you to join their ranks. So don't be a troll, go out of your way to be unpleasant or break the law. If you are mad at something or someone, don't write a post in the heat of the moment. Take time out and sleep on it. Remember the internet never forgets. Once something you regret writing is out there, it can potentially come back to haunt you at any time.
I hope the points raised in this post will prove useful and offer new bloggers some food for thought. However no matter how well you plan and organise your blog, there eventually comes a point where you just have to seize the day and start writing. And because writing can be a very reactive and fluid process you may be surprised by where it takes you. I’m certainly looking forward to reading many of the new blogs that emerge from this year’s NBI. So get writing and happy blogging.