Can You Ever Be Big Enough To Blog About Anything You Want?

by Ken Mueller on June 29, 2012 · 63 comments

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Today’s guest post is from Shakirah Dawud.

“Let’s talk about something else.”

In the year and a half I’ve been blogging, I’ve seen no less than 10 different blogs change direction. They found their true voices. Kudos. They realized their businesses were going in one direction and their blog another. Laudable. They were sick of blogging about one topic and wanted a change. Fine.

But what about when we’ve become old men on the hill?

But what happens when we build enormous communities? Our names become famous in business and social media because we offer useful advice, revolutionary thoughts, and strong opinions about certain aspects of the world around us.

And then Something Big happens, and we speak to it on the blog. We confess to our readers that we’re bare humans, without the trappings of wisdom or professionalism. We become more ourselves. And we like it. So do our readers.

Can we like it too much?

It’s a slippery slope, baring one’s soul. Everything afterward seems trivial. It gets harder and harder to avoid playing Truth or Dare with ourselves every now and again.

It also becomes addicting: the rush and catharsis of revealing ourselves calls to us just as often as the sage business advice and expert opinions on the direction of the industry.

We’ve formed practically an entirely new brand: it centers more tightly around the unique workings of our brains regarding the world at large, backed by the authority we’ve gained from our work in our main platform.

People love authenticity, honesty, and passion–and we’re starved for it in the business sphere. So our readers often welcome our emotions, confessions, and even our tantrums.

What are we building?

We didn’t have to do this. Our businesses are already booming, our networks spreading dense and diverse. We’ve garnered respect–even awards.

So why do many of us feel duty-bound to share so many of our rambling thoughts, chaotic feelings, and ranty frustrations with so many who can never possibly know us–on top of that?

What are your thoughts?

Shakirah Dawud is the writer and editor behind Deliberate Ink. Based in Maryland with roots in New York, she’s been crafting effective marketing copy as a writer and polishing many forms of prose as an editor since 2002. Clients in many fun sizes, industries, and locations reach her through the Web. You can also connect with her on Twitter.

Six Types of Blogging (soulati.com)
Should You Care About Losing Blog Subscribers? (dannybrown.me)
Blog comments are serious business (businessesgrow.com)
Responding (Or Not) to Blog Comments (spinsucks.com)
5 Types of Blog Content That Drive Engagement (v3im.com)

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Tagged as: blog, blogging, Shakirah Dawud

61 comments

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jennwhinnem

1 Like

Late to the conversation...but since you asked, friend Shakirah, you get a response. Ultimately, the blogger can do whatever s/he wants. But we certainly don't have to like it.

You'd never be able to tell from my big crazy laugh, but I value restraint. I don't do emo, sap, romcom, none of that. Gross. There's a reason I never dove into the livejournal community. So, when blogs change into something I don't like, I vote with my feet (or mouse click).

ShakirahDawud

1 Like

@jennwhinnem I can't do sap, either. Just won't go down. What happens when I don't have a true connection with a blogger and then I read a way-too-personal poem--with no context or warning--is it turns into sap on my end and turns me off. But that's just us, who won't stand for it in any case...

jennwhinnem

1 Like

@ShakirahDawud I like to say I have a heart of nickle and scissors.

annedreshfield

1 Like

Hi Shikirah -- great post. One of my favorite beauty bloggers, Temptalia, recently wrote a post about self-defense classes and their importance for women of all ages. Of course, this was quite the departure from her normal topic of makeup and skincare reviews! The community there is quite strong (usually 50-100 comments/post), and their reaction was pretty interesting to watch. Many readers were receptive of the new post and glad to have the information/advice. Some were angry and thought the post was off-topic. I personally didn't mind it, but I can concede that, for a lot of the readers, they were only there for the makeup reviews -- they didn't care about the author's views on self-defense and its importance. If they'd wanted to read about that, they would have gone elsewhere. It seems like a blogger can't win, unless they tell their audience ahead of time or something!

ShakirahDawud

@annedreshfield Yeah, I think it's always best to give the heads-up, but in your blogger's case it seems like it was just a one-off because she was feeling especially passionate about it and felt that other women like her (she's assuming her readers are a lot like her) would appreciate the information. Now she knows some don't, but you can't please everyone. And I'll have to look up Temptalia, too, @KenMueller .

annedreshfield

@ShakirahDawud @KenMueller Absolutely. I was surprised that so many people spoke up against it, actually -- the blog post doesn't harm anything, and honestly, if you don't want to read it, then don't read it! In the end, it's the blogger's choice of what they will publish and what they won't publish.

KenMueller moderator

2 Like

@annedreshfield Um...you follow a beauty blogger named Temptalia?

annedreshfield

1 Like

@KenMueller Yes. She's awesome. http://www.temptalia.com/

annedreshfield

@KenMueller Scaredy cat...

KenMueller moderator

2 Like

@annedreshfield Not gonna do it

annedreshfield

1 Like

@KenMueller Click the link. ;)

KenMueller moderator

2 Like

@annedreshfield do what? click on the link, or say what i'm thinking?

annedreshfield

2 Like

@KenMueller What if I double dog dare you to do it?

KenMueller moderator

2 Like

@annedreshfield I will not click that link. I will not click that link. I will resist the Temptaliation to click it. I could say more, but I shall be nice and proper.

nery_leal

@kmueller62 Great question...

ShakirahDawud

@ericamallison Thanks for sharing and bright morning!

ericamallison

@ShakirahDawud bright morning to you!

Yuricon

@kmueller62 You can be small enough to. I blog about whatever I want to now. I'm not constrained by anyone other than myself.

kmueller62

@Yuricon well, it can be a job, or an important part of marketing your brand.

Yuricon

@kmueller62 If a blogger is human, sometimes personal things leak onto a professional blog and vice versa. I can't see it as a crisis

Yuricon

@kmueller62 I don't see any difference in what the post addresses. We build community, then sometimes pivot, or talk about something else.

kmueller62

@Yuricon that's not the issue addressed in the post. The human aspect should always be there

Yuricon

@kmueller62 The second is still a job, with constraints defined by your industry, perspective, etc. Pivoting is still a business decision

kmueller62

@Yuricon true, but on the other end lies a different problem!

Yuricon

@kmueller62 I suppose, but I don't see it. We don't owe anything to anyone. A blog is not a job - or it is, then the constraints are overt

margieclayman

2 Like

Hi Shakirah!

It is indeed a slippery slope, and I say that as a person who has recently changed direction on my blog. My new "feel could make it easy for me to go down the confessional road, but having watched people "bleed all over the internet" I know that I don't want to go down that path myself. Some things I will share. My colonoscopy results or my digestive system status are not among those things, because really I don't enjoy reading those kinds of posts by other people.

The sad thing is that often it's the revelatory posts that get the most attention - the kinds of posts that make me want to poke my eyes out because I feel I'm learning way more about that person than they realize.

Great stuff!

ShakirahDawud

1 Like

@margieclayman You know, that's the thing--they do get the most attention, don't they? Especially with longer-standing bloggers, I think readers feel more attached emotionally, so they don't mind. When I read things like that, though, I may appreciate the thoughts if they were relevant to me--even comment--but I'll seldom share. Even if I do, I doubt most people in my network would care.

rdopping

1 Like

Interesting topic and awesome comments. First time here Ken. Shakirah, I may be remis in saying this but personally I think the personality of the bloggers is what draws me in but only after time so I have to agree that the message of the blog is what keeps its audience, no? When the blog takes a new direction you may well consider why you were reading it in the first place. For the bloggers personality or their message. That doesn't change the fact that if they go from injecting their personality into their writing to writing solely about themselves that you may change your opinion about whether you still find them interesting. I have always thought there were two sides of blogging; the anecdotal writer and the business bloggers. I am finding the permutations too plentiful to count. Is anyone wrong? Maybe it's just what you prefer to read that matters.

ShakirahDawud

1 Like

@rdopping Yes, I have to say, sometimes I go to a blog that comes highly recommended by peers but it's just not my thing--the personality, the choice of topics, or one of the two. When I get into a blog, it's usually because one or both factors click, too.

Howie Goldfarb

1 Like

@rdopping long time listener first time caller. love it! 8)

KaiConGroup

2 Like

Occassional observations and musings are ok and show your human qualities to your readers. I think a good balance based on the original intent of the blog makes a huge difference.

ShakirahDawud

1 Like

@KaiConGroup Agreed--thanks for weighing in.

ShakirahDawud

@rmnanda Thanks for sharing!

pavelnovel

2 Like

Well if we approach blogging as an extension of human conversation, then the answer becomes a little clearer. Obviously we blog to help others, to offer our advice, and sometimes to even relate. Relating is key - whether relating to our audience or to our own lives. Blogging by itself gives you the opportunity to express yourself and present a whole idea. Blogging can even give you personal insight into your own life. If your directions change because you begin being honest with yourself - then so be it. Ultimately, you're not blogging for the adoration of others, you're blogging because it is your passion, your drive. Let the drive be honest and let your passion live I say. Bloggers - people in general - are complex, multi-dimensional beings. Shutting down many of those characteristics make us less genuine. The audience will have a harder time trusting the advice of someone they view as inauthentic. So from a blogging perspective it also makes sense to change direction.

It's my two cents, I could be wrong though since I'm by no means an active blogger so I may not be able to understand.

ShakirahDawud

1 Like

@pavelnovel Thanks for these thoughts; even if you're not a blogger you're a reader and you count most to bloggers like me. I believe the passion should show, and the many facets of our being, too. It boosts trust, as you say. But specifically in the business sphere, is it any less "businesslike" of a blogger to begin bestowing us with deep thoughts, personal advice anecdotes, and more--after having been established on a more professionally focused platform? Or is that a "take it as you find it" kind of thing, since--as I've heard oft repeated throughout the blogosphere--no one can tell you you're doing it wrong, anyway?

pavelnovel

1 Like

@ShakirahDawud Thank you for replying and appreciating my comment :) I don't think that this question ever had a clear answer, nor will it ever. We must let our personality bleed into our business life as much as our professionalism bleeds into our personal one. I know myself, as a reader, appreciate deep thoughts and personal anecdotes. I like to engage critically and personally, and I expect a blogger to do the same once in a while.I think it may depend on your overall goal of blogging. If it is to give professional advice, you must ask yourself, as blogger, how much does your professional advice stem from personal experience. Would the reader benefit from that added context? Is it relevant? As with all things, moderation is essential.

ShakirahDawud

@pavelnovel "As with all things, moderation is essential." Perfect reminder. Thank you--again.

ShakirahDawud

@shonali Hey, there, thanks for the share--it's your favorite day of the week today! And I'm working on my GP for you today, too.

shonali

@shakirahdawud You're welcome and thank YOU!

bdorman264

3 Like

The way I've handled the fame is through disguises; it's much easier for me to get around town in a Beatles wig and Elvis Costello glasses. It got so bad I could hardly eat a meal in peace.........

When I first jumped in and saw everybody using social as a business platform, I somewhat assumed my blog would eventually go in that direction. However, I just wasn't feeling it going in that direction so I was content to write about a whole lot of nothing. Whereas I still write about 'social' and some of the silliness I see; I usually take it over the top when I do. I found I liked the writing a lot more than I thought I would, as long as I'm writing about what I want to write about.

Sustainable? Who knows; I'm a year and half in too so maybe I have some staying power after all. WHEN I'm big and famous, I can go all guru on social and sell my model, huh?

ShakirahDawud

2 Like

@bdorman264 When we visit your blog we expect you, Bill, and that's enough for us. But as you said, who knows what would happen if you decided to suit up...? Thank you for the comment as always.

TheJackB

2 Like

I have seen this happen a few times. Blogs start out one way and then go a completely different direction. I think it really depends on who you are and what you have built.

Sometimes people can be very forgiving and quite willing to follow wherever you lead, but not always.Once you set a course some will only walk that particular path with you.

ShakirahDawud

1 Like

@TheJackB Agree. And it's always appreciated when a blogger gives a heads-up, surveys the community, or does something like that to signal the change, whether readers stay or go.

girlseeksplace

2 Like

It's hard to find a balance. I rarely share personal things on my blog, but I do wonder if my readers would be interested in reading those kinds of things about me. I usually decide that they wouldn't and keep my blog at its most neutral point.

ShakirahDawud

1 Like

@girlseeksplace I think infusing your personality into your posts is one of the best ways to be memorable. But you don't want to confuse readers as to what your real agenda is. I know I'm precautious, but that's because I'm tiny and I naturally don't want to lose a single subscriber. But when we get large enough that the numbers don't change very drastically because of the draw of our authority in an industry, we may not worry so much anymore. It's the prerogative of every blogger to say whatever they want, really. It's just, what's behind so much of this unburdening, and is it to be expected from business leaders of the future?

girlseeksplace

1 Like

@ShakirahDawud I think my personality comes through in my writing. I just don't share personal topics on my blog. I stick to photography and things in the reading/writing realms.

C_Pappas

2 Like

I am not going to name names but I saw this recently with a blogger that I really admired. The shift in tone has gone so left-field that I unsubscribed. I found value before the shift and now I feel inundated with personal ramblings that dont leave me time to consume other content. There is just too much out there to shift and turn everytime you get an inkling (ha!). Im trying to figure out my own blog right now and one of the things I am assessing is how much I can change my tone and direction.

ShakirahDawud

1 Like

@C_Pappas Yeah, that's happened to me, too. We all get a platform of one size or another when we blog, and it's tempting once we have listeners to let them hear it all. That's a good question, about how much you can change. One thing @adamtoporek did when he changed his blog's direction was let everyone know what he was doing in advance. I still read it because I still find it beneficial, but whether everyone who read it consistently before does or not, I don't know. Either way, I appreciated his head's up, and he's sure to have a more focused following now.

ShakirahDawud

@LizJostes Thanks for the share, Liz. How are you today?

LizJostes

@ShakirahDawud You're quite welcome! I'm happy it's the end of the week; have a lot of catch-up to do!

Trackbacks

Things Bloggers Say During Sex says:

July 2, 2012 at 1:04 pm

[...] Heck, we could tie it into the post that Shakirah wrote. I am not talking about her piece on Writer’s Block but the guest post she wrote for Ken called Can You Ever Be Big Enough To Blog About Anything You Want? [...]

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