Brian at Ekonoline asked.
I answered.
An interview, at Ekonoline. Check it out now.
BG: Do you feel writing about a variety of topics has helped your readership grow, or hindered it? Do stats and readership levels matter at all?
CV: It has definitely hurt, without a doubt. I find myself being, to use an old cliché, a “Jack of All Trades, Master of None.” I’ve been categorized primarily as a book blog – but only about 25% of my posts focus on reading or books.
In order to build readership, bloggers need to really hone in on one subject. But because readership is secondary to BMOWP being my own personal sandbox, I’m able to be free. Not that I wouldn’t love to have millions of hits per day and a dedicated fan base – it’s just not how the site was designed. And it doesn’t bother me, really.
Though sometimes I still find myself screaming out into the blogosphere, seeing if anyone’s actually reading.
I agree. If you don’t have focus then your blog ceases to be about a topic, but becomes about you, and people might not find you interesting.
For instance, I find books interesting, so I would read a blog about books. But do I find Corey Vilhauer interesting? Well, actually I do, but only because I’ve met you once and you seem like a stand-up guy, despite being a little confused about politics.
No matter — the fact is that when you post across the board, you’re not a topic anymore, you’re a person. and people have baggage that I may not be interested in.
Completely agree with you. Blogging gets better when you really put yourself into your blog and stay out of it too. Getting the hits is furious marketing…believe me. Content is just the tip of the iceberg.
I think you will love this book portal. Check it out.
Sorry the book portal again:
Book Portal
You guys are making me feel like the most worthless blogger ever!
I HAVE WORTH, DAMN IT!
In a blue state, maybe. :-)