I blog, therefore I am? (Rhetorical question)
After the dizzying experience of clearing out my Google Reader, I’ve come to the conclusion that 90% of blog posts suck. Too many blogauthors write just to write, taking us down the boring path of traditional journalism, writing about whats been written about.
If you’re re-reporting whats in the newspaper et al, spare me the noise.
Don’t blog just to blog. I’m looking for an angle, a real novel opinion…not re-digested fodder about what I can read in the Wall Street Journal or USA Today.
What makes a good blogauthor? One who writes the posts that others post about, and link too. What makes a great blogauthor? One who writes the posts that others post about, but don’t link too. In either case, a good blogger inspires, actually provokes thought rather than instills beliefs, and moves other people into action.
Blog when you are moved to do so, not just to ‘improve your SEO’.
Blog with conviction, not political correctness.
Blog like you don’t give a damn what that other idiot thinks.
Blog like no one is going to read you.
Blog what you want to blog about, not what you think others will like to read.
Bloging must maintain a rawness that ought never be tainted by the laws of conventional wisdom.
Blog because you care about the conversation, not traffic results.
Blog under these conditions, and You Shall Be…
This is a Bryant Tutas inspired post :)

Like what you had to say here Jeff. Sometimes we're better at it than others. Also like where the spark for this came from. BB is a pleasure always.
cheers
I think it's sad but true! Here in AR the point system has a lot to do with it.
Good post!
Jeff,
Excellent points. It takes balls to throw yourself out there and post like no one else does, not to mention face the "hate mail" that comes from doing it. It's fun to piss off those lacking knowledge and experience by showing reality and driving the points home.
I am still developing my "blogging personality", but my blogs are becoming more of a "no wimps allowed" type most of the time and I am having more fun with them.
One addition: blogging is an extension of your personality, so to the masses, stop proving you lack personality!!!
Hi Jeff,
Sure glad that Monica put this post into the week in review. It is a well-deserved worth noticing post! Thanks for keeping it real for us. It's a tough line to walk but we should all aspire to walk it this way.
hi There
Ok, was not going to reply but you did get me to thinking, so here it is I disagree with you. A blogger can get different replies from someone even if the reader has seen the same article before, The graphics can make the reader have a diiferent emotion on that same subject..different people responding can make that post come alive in a whole new way, I for one like most of them, why..because I'm a reader not a writer. Yours are usually deep, and on the dark side to me. but I keep coming back.
Thanks for posting, you never know where your next reader will come from. :-)
X...Y...Here...
Can I still put up the crap that I write after reading this?
Please tell me that I am an exception to these rules :)
TLW...ROAR!
The "X" man does it again!! I especially liked the one about "Blog like no one is going to read you."
I took a deep breath after reading this and I thank you. It's funny how we need to be slapped around once in a while.
Oh...
I forgot to ask...
I shall be "What" ?? :)
P.S. They gave me 50 points for this crap :)
TLW...ROAR!
Jeff - You forgot the most important one....
"Blog just to PISS people off!".....
I agree with most of what you've stated. I think there are times when we 'need' to publish certain articles that are necessary to accomplishing our blogging goals. Formatting and personality flavor can make them a little less 'stuffy' or sedate. Blog with conviction....absolutely. When moved and inspired...ideally, yes. Not always practical. Not every post needs to be a masterpiece, but definitely genuine, not forced, faked, or contrived. Provoke a response. Stimulate thought. Challenge the acceptable norm.
Jeff-
Thnx for the nod on my X-inspired rant. Your blessings on my blatant (and obvious, and quoted, and linked) cut and copy of your verbiage will help me sleep nights. :)
I have made you an associate in AR, but more importantly, I am so moved by your blog that I will add a link to your main blog (thexbroker) to my "These are a few of my favorite things" on my main blog outside of AR.
You,my friend, are a KING among blogger simpletons.
-Mimi
Jeff,
I wish you could have handed this blog out personally to all of us at AR for Xmas.
Please come back!
Thanks,
Steve
Jeff:
This post is great! It may be in the wrong blog however. My opinion is that in AR we are bloging to the market place not to novel readers or short story lovers. I would not go to AR to get my deep thinking fix. I have a blog I write too when i need to express myself. Perhaps you do too.
I must say, you do make us all think. While I believe this is not the place, I do believe we could all do a better job at making things a bit more interesting and being more original. Thanks for this post.