Self-editing applies to the "assignment desk" as well. Where a pro has a boss – or even a handful of 'em – suggesting and vetting story ideas, bloggers are in DIY territory.
And that can be a cold, cold, lonely place some days...
Since regular posting is so important, following are some tried-and-test ways to jump start your blog's entries.
- The anecdote – a curious thing happened on the way to the Forum...
- The flashback – revisit scenes from earlier times, perhaps triggered by a current event or news story
- The sound-off – commentary on news, issues or some rant-worthy incident
- The rave – saluting others and their achievements
- The meme – a set of questions passed around by bloggers. Answer, then "tag" others to do the same (see below).
- The pundit – drawing together several news stories or events to make an observation about modern culture.
- The curator – cataloguing elements of your life, from purse contents to old ticket stubs. Ideally some conclusion or insight arises from this.
- The cliffhanger – a series of post, generally short, which knit into a larger narrative arc. A kind of essay-on-installment, this breaks off on a suspenseful moment each chapter to bring readers back to the same bat-time, same bat-place...
- The review – try something, from an experience to a product, and report back.
- The debate – comment on another blogger's post, expanding the issue.
- Q&A – conduct a short e-interview with a relevant party.
- The newsflash – reaction to a breaking story, including links.
- The competition – conduct a contest among readers. Offer a small prize, virtual or otherwise.
- The photo break – Post nothing but visuals, perhaps with explanatory captions.
- The video dodge – Embed a YouTube video, if you're too rushed for original content.
What to avoid: blogging about not blogging enough or the stress of posting routinely. Who wants to hear you whine? Not even your parents...
And especially not my parents. Who call and critique my blog unbidden.
O joy!
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