5 Things I Look For in a Blog - What do You Look For?

March 13th, 2007 • Click to view Related Articles
Filed Under: Random Ramblings

For those who didn’t get a chance to stop by Successful Blog yesterday for the SOBCon Virtual Conference (PS, thanks a million Liz for hosting this great event), I wanted to reprise my presentation here at RFGHF.

Here are the 5 Things I Look For in a Blog:

  1. Fine Style – The look and the “feel” of a site on first glance sets the tone for the reading to come; if the presentation is messy, than the writing probably is too
  2. Good Headline Writing – I like to be “grabbed” by pithy and oftentimes whimsical headlines that pull me into the post
  3. Positivity – Now I couldn’t call myself a “Half-Fuller” if I didn’t prefer a positive take on your subject matter, would I?
  4. Subject Matter Passion – Care about what you are writing about, put that on the page, and I’ll gobble it up
  5. Simplicity and Elegance of Prose – I can’t help it, I paid attention in English class – I love the proper and concise use of the language (including punctuation and spelling)

I had a great conversation with Liz, Chris, Carolyn, Aaron, Francie and Ellen about these 5 - check it out.

Now I turn the tables and ask you this question - what do you look for in a blog? What are the factors that bring you back time and again?

Let me know via comment or blog post and I’d be happy to spread some link love. Inquiring minds want to know!

There Are 8 Responses So Far. »

  1. Comment by Ellen Weber on 13 March 2007:

    Terry and all, it was so fun to see you there and to read these bookmarkable insights! What a cool day! Thanks for being part of it.

  2. Comment by Carolyn Manning on 13 March 2007:

    Terry, if I remember half of what was taught yesterday, I’ll be happy. It was fantastic. Thanks for being there.

  3. Comment by ME Strauss on 13 March 2007:

    Terry,
    What a great idea to share your presentation again! Thank you for being part of one of the most exciting blogging days I’ve ever seen. :)

  4. Comment by michaela carmichael on 14 March 2007:

    Hi Terry,
    I would also add how up to date the blog is - ie when it was last updated and if this is appropriate for the blog’s specific conversation - some blogs need to be updated regularly and daily (e.g. Perezhilton.com - as the celeb news comes in) and some when there is something to comment on.
    best,

  5. Comment by starbucker on 15 March 2007:

    Hi Ellen, Carolyn, Liz and Michaela - thanks for stopping by.

    Ellen, Carolyn and Ellen, you are quite welcome - I had a blast (and I’m it looks like you all did too!)

    Michaela, I like your addition to the list - timeliness can certainly matter on many blogs (like the one you mentioned).

    All the best to you all!

  6. Comment by CA on 27 March 2007:

    Hi Terry,

    I keep away from blogs that are heavy on ads; ads that distract from the post. I can live with succintly placed ads that are not intrusive.
    Cheers

  7. Comment by starbucker on 29 March 2007:

    Hey CA, thanks for dropping by (like your blog, by the way). I agree with you on that one.

    All the best!

  8. Comment by CA on 29 March 2007:

    Thanks for stopping by, starbucker; and for the compliment.

    We aim to please :)

    CA

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