Comments on: Monday Q&A | 10 Blogging Tips

By: Kate

Kate — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:17:42 +0000

Thanks for the advice, Kristen. I will definitely be applying this to my own blog.

Kate
engLandofOz.wordpress.com

By: Kristen

Kristen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:59:01 +0000

@Sharon You’re right! I forgot about that. Typepad does require money up front. However, like Carrie said, you can blog with WordPress.com for free. You only have to pay if you get your own hosting like I have (so I’m http://www.thefrugalgirl.com instead of http://www.thefrugalgirl.wordpress.com).

However, you can’t have ads on a wordpress.com site, so if you have ads on your Blogger blog, you might not want to switch.

Allie, I’m so sorry that my white background hurts your eyes! I wonder if there’s a way for you to change the way your computer displays it or something.

By: Allie

Allie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:24:47 +0000

I completely agree about #9. I used to read a food blog that I eventually had to stop reading because of the attitude of the author. They always wrote as though they could do no wrong, and if you asked questions regarding their choice of one thing over another (ex: no boil lasagna noodles, boil kind or homemade), they tended to be very aggressive in their defense of choice w/o ever really answering the question.

The one about the black background I agree and disagree about. For me, a white background hurts my eyes. However, a black background with stark white type also hurts my eyes. So I like it best if the black background has an off-white or grey-ish font (which is how my blog is), or if it’s an off-white background with a black or grey font. Anything with bright colours just kills me and I won’t read those blogs, even when the content is good.

By: Carrie

Carrie — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:25:43 +0000

Definitely good tips – if you’re like most bloggers you’re just wanting a space to write about something you are passionate or care about and make some good friends along the way. In this case really just make your blog fit you – use photos that you love or small sayings you remember. I love going to someones blog and finding out what makes them happy or something that we share in common – this is a great perk to an about page.

Sharon – both WordPress.com and WordPress.org are free versions. the .org one gives you the ability to host on your own with your own domain name. I’ve tried both blogger and WordPress and I have to say for ease of use and the ability to customize – WordPress is far superior (only my opinion – blogger lovers please don’t hate me!)

By: Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:06:38 +0000

You suggested Typepad or WordPress. I have a question about them. Do either of them have a free version? I was under the impression that both of them have a cost that is incurred.

Thanks.
Sharon @ UnfinishedMom

By: Gabby

Gabby — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:58:34 +0000

Thank you for posting this! And thanks everyone for the additional advice! These tips are really helpful. Ahh, now I’m excited about getting started on my blog!

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:29:16 +0000

I agree with Lindsay, for a blog like this it is ideal to have a consistent posting schedule – and sticking to it. If you are just journaling to get your thoughts down then a schedule isn’t really necessary, but if you have a readership it is a good idea to maintain one.

I love how a lot of bloggers will also respond to comments left from readers, it shows they care about what we think too and aren’t just blogging to see their words in print.

Kristen, I really enjoy that you have specific topics on specific days as well.

By: The Frugal Girl » Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way

The Frugal Girl » Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:02:11 +0000

[...] For a couple of hours, my server was offline because of a network outage. I did publish a Q&A post before it went out, though, so if you missed it yesterday, just scroll [...]

By: Frugal Liz

Frugal Liz — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:01:00 +0000

I like reading blogs that are really upbeat, so I try to always have my blog be upbeat! I don’t use pictures (no digital camera or scanner!), I just try to make my recipes user friendly without them. Also, I try to not freak out if no one comments on one of my blog posts. I mean, I mainly blog becaus e I like to write, so having readers is just a really nice added bonus. That being said, I do get really happy when people comment and/or e-mail me!

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:53:35 +0000

Excellent tips, especially to have an “about” page and break text into manageable paragraphs. My advice to new bloggers is to post regularly, preferably most days a week. Alternatively, set a schedule (such as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) and stick with it. It keeps readers coming back, and keeps up the momentum of writing. The more you care about your subject matter, the easier it is to post frequently, so be sure to write about what you enjoy the most.