Yesterday I attended Blogpodium, a panel discussion on blogs and the media. I wasn't sure what I would get out of the morning, other than the opportunity to meet some fellow Canadian bloggers.
Shame and embarassment! When the media mavens* said, 'editing is important', I felt guilt over my poor use of punctuation**. When we heard 'be true to your brand' and 'stay on topic', I started to sweat, thinking 'what is my brand? do I have a brand? was blogging about my new boots offside?' The final blow was 'consider a writing class'... (shame) After Blogpodium I read some old posts and thought: 'Shannon, you sound like an idiot!!!!'
Last week, you may have noticed that I started to reformat the blog. I played with the template and took down the old dark banner. I took the first steps to (hopefully) making the blog better! I need to spend some time sitting at our computer trying to clean up the old, while producing more thoughtful content (do I have extra time?). I will definitely take more care in my photos and writing!
Anyways, here are three other takeaways from Blogpodium:
1- pin your own work: I created a pinterest board called 'at home' to pin my favorite photos
2- 'There are only two types of press: press, and no press' ... I will go for it!
3- 'Put your photo up, write a bit about yourself, show your personality' - ok!
Were you able to attend Blogpodium? Will it change the way you blog?
How do you feel about punctuation, or a lack of it!?
*They were intelligent, funny, and thoughtful women! I was so glad to be able to attend (with the baby) ...the discussion was lively and entertaining...however, I couldn't help but take notice of these comments....did I really need a magazine editor to tell me that re-reading a post before you publish is a good idea? I suppose it was exactly what I needed!
**I blushed the entire time I read 'eats, shoots and leaves'...yet I continue to abuse punctuation.
**I blushed the entire time I read 'eats, shoots and leaves'...yet I continue to abuse punctuation.
I really don't think you have anything to apologize for, since your blog is really great the way it is. Grammar is important, but I think everyone understands the odd typo (in both the text and the comments!), especially on a blog that is produced by a staff of one person.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I recently read a blog post in one of the most widely read design blogs, and in a single post, they had written "starting from scratching" (instead of starting from scratch), and "due" instead of "do". Unbelievable!
Such a pity that I wasn't able to go to the Blogpodium...a rat race on Friday. I've always found your blog enjoyable and your writing style straight to the point, but interesting review and reflection you have from attending those sessions. I've recently changed my blog and I bet I'd need to do over if I was also at the Blogpodium. :-) I actually quite like your old blog header. It goes nicely with the 8foot6 title.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle!! I kept the header in the sidebar....but I needed a change...and more white space!
ReplyDeleteMy husband asked last night, did you meet 'dolce vita?'
:)
I also missed the Canadian blogger get-together tonight. We have blizzard-like weather up here. I am going to try to go to the next Blogpodium in May, and would be so nice to finally meet you in person. :-)
ReplyDeleteShannon it was such a pleasure to meet you yesterday. I thought some of those very same things...but at the same time I was wondering do you really need to blog to 'pitch' or blog for yourself? I think there are those bloggers who have something to sell (service, brand, what have you) and then there are those who just have a point of view and are just in it for the conversation... who knows..maybe its a blend.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that it is actually recommended to pin your own work! I always feel guilty doing it. I wish I lived further east so I could attend all the fantastic events like BlogPodium and IDS12.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I'm glad you attended BlogPodium and took something away from it. Second, I honestly never noticed your poor punctuation! I think discussions about blogging "best practices" are good to have, but take them with a grain of salt... we all find our own way of doing things and I think what you're doing is pretty darn great. I do like the white space though!
ReplyDeleteShannon, your blog is notable for two things: the quality of the photography and the personality that shines through in your writing. Perfect punctuation is a nice thing to strive for, but it's not going to influence which blog I choose to read with my Sunday morning coffee (yours!). If anxiety over punctuation would hinder you from posting, don't give it another thought!
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to meet you and the baby at BlogPodium! I've never noticed bad punctuation here either! Love the new header.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you should let these "guidelines" to keep you from being spontaneous and fun. I think the imperfections and real life are the most precious parts of blogging. When things are too "on topic" they have a chance of becoming predictable. I loved the post about boots. That's why I read your blog, it is always fun and real. And I don't think you should change a thing.
ReplyDeleteHahaha... as I'm reading your takeaways I'm also blushing about my own terrible grammar and spelling... my mom and sister are always pointing out things that I've misspelled on my blog. I've been thinking a lot about staying 'on topic' with my blog too... there are just so many things I feel like talking about in a week... I'm not sure how to narrow it down! Btw... I hope you don't change your writing style... I feel like I've gotten to 'know you' a little bit through your blog. My favourite blogs aren't necessarily grammatically perfect, but they read conversationally (if that makes sense.)
ReplyDeletei see blogging as a creative outlet--i wouldn't worry about conforming to a certain style or topic. and i agree with pinning photos
ReplyDeletealso i pinned your pyrex photo a few weeks ago... http://pinterest.com/pin/280067670546801081/
ReplyDeleteInteresting takeaways. Now I'm thinking about my brand as well. We really do need to think about this is a professional way, and sometimes its easy not to. I wonder if they said anything about picture quality to go along with writing quality? You take such great pictures, and mine are lacking. If you have any tips, I would love to hear them!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I love your new format. Keep up the good work on it!
I think you actually do have a brand and a very distinctive vibe to your blog. You probably don't notice as it happens quite naturally over time. I actually do think, on that note that you are one blog that I think of when I think of bloggers that have a very clear blogging style, and I admire that. I think the editing is more directed towards bloggers that write LONG, LONG posts. I love your writing style and would encourage you actually not to change. ;)
ReplyDeleteDon't sweat it! Your blog is fine the way it is and I love reading it.
ReplyDeleteBut..............loved your old banner................!
Yours is my FAVOURITE blog! Once babe goes down at night and before I start dinner, I take a minute to breathe and relax and take a quick tour of the blogsphere...first stop '8 foot 6'! I guess I feel like I can relate in a lot of ways but I enjoy your personality, your interests and your photography. I really enjoy your writing style as well ;) Don't change a thing!!
ReplyDeletePin away Amy Sue!!!
ReplyDeletemy boots are here! i want to take some photos....so you will hear and see more of them!
ReplyDeletehi Denise!
ReplyDeletethe old banner is still in the sidebar! i didn't want to ditch the old identity, just freshen up a bit!
i hope you will like the new banner when it is ready!
WOW thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was there, too. Shame we didn't get a chance to meet in person. Next time! Scary takeaways, I am guilty of many bad blogging habits. Like, I haven't even blogged about the events, yet. What a dilly-dally-er. But I love your blog, it is honest and aesthetically pleasing.
ReplyDeleteI think it is also important to be true to you. Your new boots are part of you and I for one like seeing them. Your blog is great the way it is. Don't go changing too much :-)
ReplyDeleteShannon! You were the fun momma at Blogpodium! Love your blog - have been out of the loop for awhile and so glad you popped back on my radar. I feel exactly the same way about grammar, punctuation and editing in general. I am a disastrous - my sister told me as much! You take beautiful pictures - my take away from Blogpodium was to improve my photography skills, more like yours!
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Meagan
I totally feel weird pinning my own stuff too. I still think I need more convincing.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't beat yourself up about the grammar and punctuation etc - I enjoy your blog the way it is. You have thoughtful, fun, insightful posts (or not) and I enjoy them all.
ReplyDelete