Blog Posts - Worthwhile Or Waffle?
Wealthy Affiliate is predominantly an online business community - yet countless people who have accounts here choose to write blog entries about topics which have nothing whatsoever to do with this aspect.
I personally don't much care for social media sites like Facebook and Twitter at the best of times, because they're generally used by people filling up empty time talking crap about things that nobody actually needs to hear in the first place. It's not my opinion that WA is moving towards that criteria by any means, but it does appear that too much emphasis is put on "Chit Chat" and not enough on business-based focus a lot of the time.
THERE DEFINITELY ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE Hearing about Carson finally no longer having to worry about the health of his young child - although obviously not directly relevant to earning money from your website - is truly worth reading about.
However, it does disappoint me somewhat that quite a lot of members seem to swamp the system with pointless and self-indulgent waffle, which then creates competition for responses from those that are seeking assistance for genuine problems. There's no doubt that it's good to have a less formal and more pleasent environment to learn online supremacy in, but this only applies up to a certain point as far as I'm concerned.
Please share your insight on this topic if you have time to do so.....
Recent Comments
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Hi Simon, you're right. A lot of folks tend to write blogs about things that don't pertain to WA and internet marketing. When you see one of those blogs, it is ok to just pass it by and go to another post. There is no rule that says you have to read blogs that don't interest you.
Having said that, please remember that writing blog posts give folks experience at writing. Many of the new members really haven't written anything before and this is their chance to get used to writing. Personally, I don't write that many posts here on WA but when I do, I like to write short stories that may have a moral to them. Usually they have nothing to do with WA. You can either read them or pass them up. That is your choice. Really it won't hurt my feelings if you chose to pass it by.
Thanks for writing your post. It is always cool to read other's opinions on various subjects.
Having been a writer for quite a few years now, I suppose I was a bit ignorant of the point you make about other members gaining valuable writing experience. Thanks for your reply - it has definitely helped highlight that point for me.
I agree with you about Facebook, Google + and others that they are useless as far as I am concern. Now running ads on FB or others certainly is something to consider. I am really for the articles that answer my questions(sometimes not even in my head yet). I don't submit many articles right now as I am just learning strategy and technical avenues. I would rather wait and produce something worthwhile.
Bill
I deal mainly with business and not to much with the other. We all get to pick and choose where we go in the community so thats what I do.
As a rule, I view and reply to technical issues only. I don't look at the other stuff at all, but yes, it would be nice if there were less of it.
Charlie
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I like that you address this. It is the type of engaging blog that will bring out some very interesting pros and cons... that is called "social engagement" (SE). Kyle emphasises SE a lot in our training. I'm with you in not caring about the SE of FaceBook, et al so I will stay on our SE here in the WA social platform.
I have been a business owner for 40 years (15 years online)... In eCommerce, Internet Marketing, Affiliate Marketing—SE is our winning ticket. Relating to and connecting with as many of our readers as possible through our content and graphics.
The WA blogging feature is a powerful tool. Having been part of dozens of virtual communities, WA's is THE best. What is so great about WA's blogging feature are the things Kyle and Carson have encouraged us to share, e. g., Talk about a typical day - reach out to connect with other members who have a worrisome pet that loves to interrupt your creative content writing by doing things like knocking over your cup of coffee.
It is important to keep in mind... our approaches to BUSINESS are unique—to us. Some business operators are staunch; suit, tie, briefcase, card carrying characters and others are like the WA founders who encourage us to hang loose... "be ourselves". I drive my professional associates bonkers because I never use business cards. At events where someone asks me for a card... I will hand them a Jack of Diamonds or 7 of Hearts (whatever I pull from the deck). I just feel that who I am and what I do cannot be conveyed on a teenie weenie business card... now a blog or a website - now we're talking! (I know I'm being a little self-indulgent here - but hey, I'm still on topic, yo?).
Our blogs here are a way to connect with the WA community and help us build our network by letting people get to know me. I am certain that some may feel that what I say may be self-indulgent but then - who knows, someone else may say... "Hey, I really get this member - I think I will make an encouraging comment." Now that is the person I am adding to my network... the others are entitled to their opinions of me so long as they are not "abusive" in their comments, we can all get along, right?
I think the main thing for us to keep in mind is respect for others and definitely respect for WA's rules Spam is a NO NO! .
Thank you for the very engaging blog. Good stuff!