Comments on: Blogging: Stay true to yourself

By: velvet

velvet — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:53:49 +0000

Hello Aye,
Gosh, that’s awful. Your health is the most important thing. Try to get it health back on track and the motivation will gradually return. I bet it’s a temporary thing. Don’t fret. Everyone has their down days. Did you read my interview on the Travelrants’ site? I’ll send it to you. There are some blogging tips there you might find helpful.

Big hugs,
Keith

By: GotPassport

GotPassport — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:26:41 +0000

Hey Keith– For me, at least right now, it is motivation and lack of energy to actually do the writing. I’ve started so many posts — you should see my draft file.. tons of topics and ideas.. sigh…. Just been really bummed lately and feeling ugh… blah, blah and blah! Physically not feeling well either. I’ve got the blues of some kind…… sigh again.

Thanks as usual for sharing your thoughts and ideas! Hopefully, this blockage thing is just temporary!

By: velvet

velvet — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:56:33 +0000

Hi there,
I think a great travel article has an informative aspect as its foundation. It’s the personal touch – relaying your experience – that brings the article to life. For instance, if you’re writing a rather factual article like “Ten sights to see in Paris”, instead of just listing the sights and how to get there, best viewing times, etc.., add personal anecdotes about something you experienced at any of these sights. This will provide your readers with an additional reason to visit these sights; that is, to re-live the same experience you had.

Best regards,
Keith

By: Nomadic Narrative

Nomadic Narrative — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:04:42 +0000

I like what you said about trying “to strike a good balance between the informative aspect and your personal experience.” I often get wrapped up in describing my experience and forget to add useful details that might help another traveler. I don’t want to write an online guidebook, but I do want to add guidebook-ish elements. What does everyone think about the “informative aspect?” How much and what kind of info works?

By: velvet

velvet — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:05:22 +0000

Wow, thanks for the comment and the kind words Andy. Really appreciate it.

Cheers,
Keith

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:00:26 +0000

Great post Keith, and I think we can all identify with your thoughts. As you eloquently put it, “people connect easily with emotions” and for most people a post is made richer by describing not just what you saw or heard, but how you felt at the time, the smells and tastes of the foods you ate, in short transporting us to the place and time of your story.
I have had days where I worry why one post is read so much more or less than another, and yet to survive long-term as a blogger you have to enjoy what you do and believe in what you write.
As Stephanie has already said, you do a great job of it and bring a lot of enjoyment to others; so keep up the good work

By: velvet

velvet — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:15:37 +0000

Thank you for your comments Beck & Stephanie.

Becky, a photo blog is cool too. As long as you’re happy with your own posts and your enthusiasm shines through (in words or pictures). That’s what it’s all about.

Best regards,
Keith

By: traveldesigned.com

traveldesigned.com — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:37:17 +0000

And that, in a nutshell, is why I love reading your writing!

By: becky grant

becky grant — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:25:17 +0000

I think you have a really good point on staying true. For me, I just found it too hard to write a blog. So I ended up trying to conquer birds with one stone. I wanted to make an online presence to help with my self esteem and second, I decided to make a photo blog. I find it much easier to just post pictures than to say any words. Of course I can’t really express what I want sometimes, I think it does allow me to show how I’m feeling.