What I'd love to know from you today is how you plan your blog posts? Must be that going-back-to-school feeling (new pencils, new paper) making me think about this. That, and a cool comment from Carmen who wanted to know if I was writing my stories down anywhere.
What do you do? Do you type as you think as you write? Or do you sketch out ideas first? I don't plan too far ahead (usually only a couple of days) but I do like to write my post out roughly first. In pencil. In a notebook. I have a friend who is a BBC Broadcast Journalist, and when I told him this he laughed and said that I need to learn how to "compose on the keyboard". But I tried and I can't.
I like to scribble and score things out, slip in a word here or there, pull out another if I don't like the look of one or two - and then I'll often read the whole thing out loud (ok, into myself); just the once. Do you ever do that?
I've been using a scruffy exercise book lately - but look what came in the post for my birthday. A beautiful blogging notebook from Amanda. Thank you. It's almost to nice to use..
So, which is it for you? Speed typing? Or writing out roughly? And while you're here, I'd also love to know your favourite blog reading day of the week. Weekend? or weekdays? I'm interested.
47 comments:
hehe, first comment :-) I have just decided to revamp my blogging, so now I'm planning around a month in advance, and I'm going to blog on regular, specific days, and each day will be on a specific theme...for example, I'm saving Sundays for layouts, cards and mini books. I have a subject in mind for each post, but as for composing the text, I have for years enjoyed my thoughts flowing from my mind through my fingertips on the keyboard, so I type as I go. That doesn't mean I blog quickly though - I'll re-read the post many times before I publish it, tweaking it here and there. As for reading days... um, every weekday :-) x
I compose on the screen - but I've been doing that for other things including paid work for over 15 years and am used to it. If I have ideas that are not fully worked through I write up the bits within livewriter and save as a draft
I'm in the think as I type category, mostly. Some posts are planned ahead, but, if truth be told, I'm in a blogging slump at the moment! I try to read other blogs daily.
I only tend to plan posts in my head, if at all - I just type out my thoughts and often don't even edit or revise them (other than proof-reading). Does it show?! ;-) Many of my posts are set to publish in 'the future' though, and at times I can have a week's worth of autoposts set - but that's usually because I've had so much to say that I need more than one post to fit it into!
I try to keep on top of my blog reading list daily, but I find it easier in the week than at weekends because The Doctor is home at weekends, and then he'd see how much time I spend online....
I always compose as I go along and it is usually governed by the photos that I want on my blog. I think I must be a visual learner as photos and pictures are always the prompt I need to write.
I try to keep up with reading my blog list daily or it runs away with me.
I don't really do either....I never write out in rough.... but 'speed type'????? What's that!! I type with one finger....definately not speedy.
I sometimes just type whatever comes into my head....it probably shows.....sometimes I 'sort of' plan it in my mind first.
I sometimes just blog and press'post'....other times I do the post in advance and save it. I'm all over the place really!!!!
I'm a 'type and go' kind of a gal. Sitting there with fingers on keyboard, watching it all appear on the monitor, forget to spell check, press 'post', view blog, wonder if I've rambled on for too long, get distracted by notification of someone else updating their blog and so on ... kind of how I live my life in general I'm afraid! Acting on impulse and easily distracted. But you probably guessed that already!
I think as I type, but then re-read several times and edit quite a lot. This is a habit I fell into when writing stories and essays at Uni and it works for me still. If I ever write anything out on paper first (eg. journaling) I have to double space my writing so that I can edit it easily!
I read blogs most days, the weekday doesn't effect me unless I'm away for the weekend working. I used to read novels, now I mostly read blogs instead - over cereal, when I go to bed - just not in the bath! xx
Perhaps this is why I don't always post regularly - I'm not organised enough ;o) I'm afraid I write blog posts when I have photos or if I have something I want to say - and it probably shows. Perhaps I should try to be more organised and plan ahead? But then you might never hear anything from me again ;o).
As for when I read other blogs, it tends to be whenever I go on the computer - I'll have a quick look to see if anyone has updated and have a quick read then carry on with what I need to do.
Since I've started using MS Live Writer, I usually type out my thoughts as I go, and then save the post, while I finish up the photographing the layout or other object - I don't like doing posts without pics. But then I will re-read my posts and edit for overused words and phrases (so, by the way, etc.) and for clarity. And I do actually look at the preview function and read the post aloud. Lots of times I find missing or mistyped words that way. I don't plan my posts out ahead, but it is possible I'd have a couple in process - if that distinction makes any sense.
I write ideas anywhere. In a book, on scraps of paper [on a price tag last night... in very small writing!!] in a notepad doc on my computer, directly into a new post and just draft-save it. I hardly ever get an idea - write it and publish it in one sitting.
Over all I find that the best place for my ideas is on the blog in draft posts though. There I can see them all lined up awaiting editing and redrafting and photos etc.
As for when I read ... everyday. For now, while I'm off work. Ask me again in a few months time!
x
It all starts in my head. I've been drafting there for years so when I sit down to type it usually comes fairly quickly. I always try to take the time to do a careful reread of my posts and frequently edit a few sentences before I hit "publish." Like Rhona I blog when I have something I want to share. I gave some thought to planning posts more carefully after taking Shimelle's class but decided it would end up seeming like a job and being stressful.
Great post Sian and interesting to see what everyone does. I compose on screne, read, adjust,rewrite spellcheck, add photos. I usually have a story already in my head because I am usually telling everyone about the story behind the LO or card. Sometimes an idea strikes me like the feeling blue post. I felt sad....remembered I had welly boot cards not shown yet, it was raining. Normally i ramble more though. Like now. The problem I have is thinking of a decent catchy title. Usually i change it before I post.
I tend to think and type.. I sometimes plan ahead - at least in my head - but usually my posts are determined by whether I have anything creative to share, or particular memories I want to record.. along with pretty pictures of course.
I read my blogs on Google Reader on any day of the week, probably more often on weekdays than weekends, but I can never keep up with the number of new posts on Reader. Not enough hours in the day (or night).
Just want to add...maybe it helps that in my line of work you have to think on your feet. Come up with story starters, plan stories, charecters, write sentences at a drop of a hat.
I am a garbled burbler :) I sit at my computer, empty headed and vague, and just type whatever comes to mind. Quite often it gets all jumbled or I end up using 100 words when possibly 3 would have done *lol*
I used to have another blog where I would tell of things that happened during the day, things that made me smile, and just ordinary stuff. Of course, the posts ended up making our home look like an insane place to live *lol* The website closed the blogs eventually, but luckily I had kept a copy of every single one of my posts, the comments made, and the pictures used. I may redo it all one day - post those old entries and embarrass my children once again *hehehe*
Great topic today Sian! For posts in which I'm trying to tell a story or catch a moment, I usually compose in my head during the day (while driving, waiting for kids, etc.) and then am pretty good at remembering the specials turns of phrases or punctuation I wanted to use. I then type it up straight on blogger but go back over and edit it to try to get the wording just right. My writing style tends to be oral, that is I write things the way I would say them out loud.
For other, more straight forward art or photography posts, I just write as I go along and do a quick edit. I try to blog everyday but will skip a day if I've got nothing to present. I usually post things a day or two in advance but not always. I read blogs everyday, unless I'm out and about and unavailable (which tends to be more on the weekends). Read them on my reader.
Okay, TMI? Hope not! LOL!
rinda
i have to go with the journalist and say i type straight off. i have normally got an idea from something that's happened that day or i've seen on a blog which i want to write about and i just go for it. i do sometimes save and go back before pposting the blog to check whether i want to add anything else.
as to days for reading posts, i normally go through every evening and do a big back check at the weekend for things i might have missed.
Jo xxx
You know how to get a debate going!
I write straight into a blog post, like your journo friend, years of writing on a computer means it comes automatically. However, it means my handwriting has become barely legible which then puts me off writing much by hand because sometimes I can't even read it! Which is a shame because I do love notebooks and have lots (love the one your friend gave you, what a lovely person).
Sometimes I can write a blog post, reread, edit and post it in one sitting. Other times I save a draft and come back to it later.
I work out of home Mon-Wed so my first proper day to catch up on blog reading is Thursday. I use Bloglines so I don't miss posts but it means I often forget to go to the actual website which is daft because posts look so much better on the writer's blog than in a blog reader.
Hi Sian,
Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog today - I'm glad you enjoyed my word collection.
Blogging is still fairly new to me, but I compose my blogs the same way I first compose stories and poems - in my head to begin with. Opening sentences, anecdotes, things I want to say tick through my mind while I wash up, or watch TV, or read, and then I sit down and type it up. It usually changes as I write and trains of thought take me to unexpected places. Then I re-read it, refine it and try to get it back to the point I was trying to make. Then my mind starts ticking away again in search of the next idea or opening sentence.
Rosie x
I'm glad the little notebook has come in handy :) I usually compose as I go along but I use whatever is to hand be it a notebook or scrap of paper to jot down ideas for future posts or photos which I want to include in a post.
I do always read through several times before I hit publish though and quite often change things.
.....and reading blogs probably every day. I've been wondering if I should publish only on certain days but normally my posts are based around what I've been doing/creating so it's a bit random.
I had to come back to see what other people had said, so thanks for starting such an interesting thread!
But also, it made me realise I forgot to ask about your birthday - have I missed it? Is it today? Or soon? Or have I even not missed it, wished you a happy birthday already and then scattily forgotten?
Happy birthday?! xx
Cute book! I try to be a few days ahead but type it right into post, I like to put in preview mode to read aloud as you said & then go back & edit, seems I catch things easier. I tend to read blogs weekdays - whenever I can get a minute here & there! :)
Great blog post! My blogging starts in my head and then I just put it straight onto paper. Sometimes I then throw it away and start again, but more often than not I am happy with it.
Sian - I have awarded you the cherry on the top blog award. Please see my blog for details.
Becky
x
i came back too to see what other people do - really interesting reading :-)
i usually think about something for awhile and then just sit down and type it out. but, unfortunately, i haven't done much of that lately! i need to get into a routine of posting more often.
i love just hanging out on weekend mornings, drinking tea, and reading blogs. i do check during the week but never have much time to comment adequately or really enjoy.
Thanks for your kind support, Sian! My blog entries are almost always motivated by current events -- sometimes random thoughts, sometimes realizations, or maybe some cool photos we've taken. And I just open up the page and GO! :)
Love that book! I tend to draft out my blog posts online and then save them as drafts until I'm ready to post. Some posts I do on the fly and rarely even think about what comes out of my mouth! I think it seems more natural that way, less contrived. Besides, if I stew over a blog post for too long, it tends to never get posted. LOL
Blogger is really playing up for me at the moment - this post has just appeared now .....
Anyway, blog composition. Well, I do compose on the screen and I do read aloud a few times - just to be sure ;-)
I try to focus my posts on one thing that has happened over the course of the past few days, or around a scrap class or a layout or a photo. Sometimes I respond to comments or something another blogger has written. Sometimes I have a post drafted and it just doesn't feel right - the other day I heard a conversation on the radio and one word that was said gave me an idea for a post.
Mostly I post five days a week but I don't feel obligated to do so and I'm more than happy to take decent sized breaks every so often. Weekends are my quiet time for posting and reading.
Erm ... did I miss a birthday?
Check out my blog Sian, there's an award waiting for you!!!
Well, you and Horsey really, he is of course the star of the blog ;-)
Wow, this is such a thought provoking post sian! because I have a lot of work most of the time with essays etc I tend to think of blog posts, construct them in my head and then write them as they come! a bit of a nice release really! xxx
I have to go with the "compose on the keyboard" method - I suppose cos I like to muse and don't like scribbling or tippexing out LOL!
Favourite day for blogging - probably a Sunday as it's the end of one week and the prospect of a new week starting is exciting. loads to talk about.
I just restarted blogging after 2 year gap, that's thanks to LSN 2010!
I'm a 'write at the keyboard' kind of blogger...I do sort photo's into a Blog file as I upload them & then go to that file when I sit down to blog. But as for scribbling? No...it's all shot from the hip...spelling mistakes, bad grammer and all!!!! For most of the year, I log on daily & check out my blog list for updates each time...time permitting I'll read anything new & comment there & then! More recently I've been playing catch up on my fave blogs & leaving one comment to cover multiple posts...gotta keep up!!!!I did try to make a blurb book of my first years blog posts, but failed miserably, losing photo's from my blog in the process, but I would like to record my blog for posterity somehow...I'm sure something simple will turn up soon!!!
That's a lovely birthday gift you had! USE IT!! Nothing is 'too nice' to be used!! Enjoy!!!
Just popping back to say that there's an award waiting for you over on my blog!!
That is such a cute book Sian, I tend to Compose as I go- like Karen it depends on the pictures. I plan in my head and catch up on reading blogs wherever I can!!!
I've shared before that I try to plan... I don't always write posts beforehand (I, too, like to write them out on paper), and sometimes I'll compose at the keyboard, then let it sit and wait before actually publishing... I find that I may mull over post ideas all day, and then sit to write, and not remember a thing I've thought all day, so scribbling notes or writing in my binder is a must!
I try to read some blogs each day - I read too many to read them all each day, but now I've figured out how to put them into folders that make sense to me, I can read whatever bunch of posts is inspiring me!
Wow ~ I'm behind on this one, eh? I've loved reading the comments here, and this is a great idea for a blog post question, Sian. :o)
I'll just add that my blog posts are about half planned and have spontaneous. The usually take full form as I'm typing them and moving pictures around. I must say, it's one of the most fun hobbies I've ever had. I've always loved taking pictures and telling stories, and this seems to be the perfect medium (along side scrapbooking and minibooks) for just that thing. The bonus with blogging has been "meeting" people and making friends from all over the world. Who would have thought, eh?
Hi Sian,
Sorry, I'm late again. Seems like I can only get to read blog posts at weekends lately. So my answer to your second question has to be 'Weekends'!
As for composing my own blog posts (thin on the ground lately) I type as I go along and edit before posting. It probably shows that I don't think too much about them beforehand, but advance planning is not me I'm afraid.
Great questions and thought-provoking post by the way.
How nice of you to ask, Sian! I do plan my posts, to a point... but mostly I just decide what subject and photos I want, then make the rest up as I go along. I'm afraid I do type and edit on the screen - it comes of having to do this as my job for such a long time, I suppose. I type as fast as I think (almost), whereas my handwriting is illegible if I write that quickly! I love to just waffle on... then I take out any bits I don't really want after all. So what you get is the "edited version of Lizzie", I'm afraid!
I love the idea that you use a notebook and pencil though - a Real Writer!
I don't usually plan ahead at all. I blog when the spirit moves me AND I have time (which lately haven't coincided much). When I'm ready to blog, I may have a number of ideas swirling around in my head. I just sit down, open blogger, and start typing. I usually edit before I hit publish and try to avoid grammar errors and make the post read cleanly. The most I ever do with pen & paper is keep a list of things I want to blog about if it is swirling in my head so much as to be distracting me from other things that take precedence.
Hmmm... late to the party but wanted to respond. I do one of two things...I sit down to blogger and type away, most of the time with a thought already in my head from earlier in the day. When I do it this way, I inevitably go back 4-5 times to fix typos I find later or rewrite sentences that don't read as I intended them to. The second way is when I have an idea in my head during the day (at work), I usually take a few minutes out of my day (at lunch or an afternoon break) and type it out in Word to get it all out while I'm thinking/feeling it. Then I copy and paste to my blog in the evening when I'm home and add photos or links then. I ususally edit it several times in Word before I copy and paste it to blogger.
I read blogs every day, just not the same ones. Well, that's not true, I touch a few every day but after those ones I have to split it out across the week every few days for the others. I probably read more on weeknights than I do on weekends even though you'd think I'd have more time on the weekends. :)
I'd love to be able to say I draft things out in book form and then edit it all before it hits the screen.
I'm afraid the truth of it is I just blether through my figer tips. I waffle out a post, sling in a few piccies and then read it through. Do a spell check, read it through again. Hit post, read it through again and see loads of mistakes, edit, click post again, read through - see more mistakes... edit... and so it goes on.
I do wonder if my posts are too long and rambly but even when I try to do short ones they end up really long after I've explained that I'm doing a short post. *sigh*
See if I'd read that back properly I'd have spotted the spellings. Doh!
I don't preplan.. don't edit either.. probably why my blog reads like an 8th grader's rough draft half the time :)
Glad to see you :)
I'm one of those who writes straight to my blog. I chop and change it until I'm happy, but I don't faff around writing it elsewhere first. Same as my comments like this. I type, delete, change, correct .... With blogging, you can see a preview before you post, enabling you to change what you're not happy with.
Looking forward to getting help from Shimelle's class next week xx
I always write straight to my blog! I worry that I dont make sense sometimes as Im very concious of my geordie accent now I live down south!
I wish I had time to plan ahead and write drafts...
Great thread :)
Hey - great question!
As my blog comments tend to be prompted by a photo (especially since I started mobile blogging from i-phone)I usually just write straight from the keyboard. However I find that I do tend to wander (and similarly in emails) off topic. Maybe this is how I 'think' and would speak in real life...or at least that's what I like to think. At work however, I very often draft something up on paper before writing it up as a report (I do quite a bit of technical writing...not interesting stuff!).
I think that if I planned my blog posts out on paper they would be more 'to the point' but I might miss out on some of the thoughts that come to mind. Another thing that might be interesting is that I can type very quickly, and so I don't lose my train of thought while typing...which might happen if you were a slower typist...
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