I have always made a big effort here at Original Content to remain professional in subject matter if not in tone, style, what have you. As a blog reader, myself, I've never been interested in reading about where other writers have been shopping for clothes, what they made for dinner, their favorite television shows (especially of the reality variety), their favorite musicians, their birth experiences, favorite or otherwise, etcetera, yada yada, you get my drift. I don't have time for that stuff in my reading and have always assumed no one else does, either.
I have been noticing over the last few years, though, that writers who blog in great detail about shoe styles, give critiques of evening serials (Yes, 24 is lame this year, whereas Lost is incredible), and follow a team sport, have serious followings. For instance, look at the number of comments Justine Larbalestier (my stalkee) received for this post about Oscar fashion. Oscar fashion--isn't that like shooting fish in a barrel? And then get the comments for this post about cricket. Who even knows what the hell cricket is?
So, I've been thinking, I have to come up with some fascinating interest to blog about that will engage my readers here and encourage them to become...my followers. It can't be shopping, because I only go out on those mally-type marathon trips every two or three months, and I just refuse to go on about what's on sale at Shaw's. (Though next week's circular came today and was most impressive.) It can't be shoes, because I don't expect to be buying any for a couple of years. (Limited material.) While I cook and bake, it's nothing to write home to mom about. (Seriously. She's not interested. In fact, I'm pretty sure she doesn't like it when I bring her things I've made.)
Better possibilities: Shakers. I used to be really interested in Shakers. That could do it. And curling! I have a cousin who curls! That would take care of the sports fans out there. What about this? I drive a hybrid. I could keep you updated on best mileages. For instance, once last year, when I was coming home from a school appearance in Vermont (a professional connection, too), I was getting thirty-six miles to the gallon. Don't think that sounds like much? I have four-wheel drive. Yeah. Think about that.
That mileage thing could be the way to go because you guys could all post comments about your best milage with your cars.
Yup. That could be the personal interest that makes this blog start humming.
7 comments:
*snickering*
Darn -- no TV, sports nor car stats at my blog, either. I tend to tell stories about random things, and then try, by dint of sheer imaginative segue, to place some writing-related something into them.
You know I want to hear all about Shakers and curling, though. I mean, large rocks, ice, shaking -- what's not to like?
I vote for curling too! I'm planning on starting a pool at work for the world curling competition in April. If you blogged about it, not only would I have an even start with my pro-sports-obsessed co-workers, I would have an advantage.
I will see if I can get in touch with my cousin.
Or how about...Shakers who curl?
With a steady blog following of, er, three, I have to admit that I do occasionally feel blog-envy when I see blogs posts with dozens, even hundreds of comments. I'm with you in that I'm often surprised at what generates that level of interest.
That said, I think you're onto something with Shakers Who Curl. Perhaps an ongoing tally of car mileage of Shakers Who Curl?
Well, I was having fun envisioning a Monty Pythonesque curling match with players (using Shaker brooms, of course) in Shaker garb, and encouraging each other with thees and thous. But then Wikipedia informed me that there are still four living Shakers in Maine, so now I feel as though I need to be more respectful. But who knows, it's Maine, maybe they do like curling.
There were still Shakers living in the Shaker village in Canterbury, New Hampshire when I visited there, maybe in the early
'80s. None were curling, but I was there in the summer.
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