Ten Blog Tips
In quantitative terms, blogging is the most important thing I do. I view it as a form of digital discipleship. Not a substitute for one-on-one. But a great supplement. As NCC grows larger, I feel like it's a way that our congregation can know what is going on in my head and my heart at any given moment. Twitter takes that to another level by the way!
Blogging came pretty naturally to me because I've always kept a journal. But over the years I've learned a few do's and don'ts. Here are ten of them. I view them as my personal guidelines for blogging.
1) Stay Positive
Life is too short and the Kingdom Cause is too important for the sideways energy of negativity! In my opinion, too many blogs try to stir up controversy. And it's almost always someone who has a very small readership. A blog is not a license to go negative or take potshots.
2) Include Hyperlinks
Remember the fear that technology would turn us into nameless, faceless autobots? That it would kill community. Again, it's no replacement for face-to-face. But I think it's had the exact opposite effect. It brings people together in amazing ways. And one way that happens is by linking to one another.
3) Keep it Short and Sweet
It's a blog not a book!
4) Don't let commentors hijack your blog
Here is a personal rule of thumb. When people post comments I try to discern the spirit behind the comment. If I feel like someone is trying to bait me or hijack my blog then I resist the temptation to go there. Here's one lesson learned. If someone's comment is longer than your post they might have an agenda! I do think it's healthy to engage in respectful debate. But don't let it cross the line.
5) Tell Your Wife About It Before You Blog About It
Guess how I learned this lesson? If your family has to read your blog to know what is going on in your life something is wrong! One critical decision you have to make is how transparent you're going to be. I try to be emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually transparent. But I do have boundaries. For example, I don't post pictures of my kids.
6) If You Wouldn't Say it to Their Face Don't Blog It
Again, I think we need civility and respect. I think there are ways to rebuke, exhort, and correct via blog. But do it in a gracious and redeeming way. Here's the problem. That takes far more work! Meanness is laziness. Tactfulness is hard work.
7) Know Your Audience
Would you blog if no one read it? I think that's a good litmus test. Obviously, if you are blogging you are doing it so people can read it. But I primarily blog for myself--it's my journal. It's the way I keep track of what God is doing in my life. But you also have to be cognizant of your audience. I have two primary audiences: pastors and NCCers. From a numbers standpoint, pastors are my primary audience. From a personal standpoint, NCC is my primary audience. I also know their is a growing audience amongst those who have read one of my books.
8) Be Yourself
A blog ought to be as unique as you are. It takes a while to find your voice. But don't worry if it's different. Different is good. I ought to be able to figure out your personality type by reading a month of entries!
9) Find Your Rhythm
Part of blogging is finding a way for it to fit your lifestyle. I think it's critical that you be consistent. Consistency is key! But don't revolve your life around your blog. Your blog needs to revolve around you! By the way, I used to think that my blog supplemented my sermons. Not so sure. Now I wonder if my sermons supplement my blog.
10) Stay Positive
I know. I know. I listed it twice!
Blogging came pretty naturally to me because I've always kept a journal. But over the years I've learned a few do's and don'ts. Here are ten of them. I view them as my personal guidelines for blogging.
1) Stay Positive
Life is too short and the Kingdom Cause is too important for the sideways energy of negativity! In my opinion, too many blogs try to stir up controversy. And it's almost always someone who has a very small readership. A blog is not a license to go negative or take potshots.
2) Include Hyperlinks
Remember the fear that technology would turn us into nameless, faceless autobots? That it would kill community. Again, it's no replacement for face-to-face. But I think it's had the exact opposite effect. It brings people together in amazing ways. And one way that happens is by linking to one another.
3) Keep it Short and Sweet
It's a blog not a book!
4) Don't let commentors hijack your blog
Here is a personal rule of thumb. When people post comments I try to discern the spirit behind the comment. If I feel like someone is trying to bait me or hijack my blog then I resist the temptation to go there. Here's one lesson learned. If someone's comment is longer than your post they might have an agenda! I do think it's healthy to engage in respectful debate. But don't let it cross the line.
5) Tell Your Wife About It Before You Blog About It
Guess how I learned this lesson? If your family has to read your blog to know what is going on in your life something is wrong! One critical decision you have to make is how transparent you're going to be. I try to be emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually transparent. But I do have boundaries. For example, I don't post pictures of my kids.
6) If You Wouldn't Say it to Their Face Don't Blog It
Again, I think we need civility and respect. I think there are ways to rebuke, exhort, and correct via blog. But do it in a gracious and redeeming way. Here's the problem. That takes far more work! Meanness is laziness. Tactfulness is hard work.
7) Know Your Audience
Would you blog if no one read it? I think that's a good litmus test. Obviously, if you are blogging you are doing it so people can read it. But I primarily blog for myself--it's my journal. It's the way I keep track of what God is doing in my life. But you also have to be cognizant of your audience. I have two primary audiences: pastors and NCCers. From a numbers standpoint, pastors are my primary audience. From a personal standpoint, NCC is my primary audience. I also know their is a growing audience amongst those who have read one of my books.
8) Be Yourself
A blog ought to be as unique as you are. It takes a while to find your voice. But don't worry if it's different. Different is good. I ought to be able to figure out your personality type by reading a month of entries!
9) Find Your Rhythm
Part of blogging is finding a way for it to fit your lifestyle. I think it's critical that you be consistent. Consistency is key! But don't revolve your life around your blog. Your blog needs to revolve around you! By the way, I used to think that my blog supplemented my sermons. Not so sure. Now I wonder if my sermons supplement my blog.
10) Stay Positive
I know. I know. I listed it twice!
18 Comments:
PM, thanks for the blog. There is some good info there. As a 'just married' I'm wrestling with #5. I think I've done a good job so far, but your advice definitely helps. Thanks!
Hey Mark,
Thanks for the great post. I have been blogging for a few months now and your pointers are a good refresher for me.
I also enjoy watching your podcast when I can and have been encouraged by your messages.
I pastor a Bikers' Church in Ottawa, Canada
blog: www.bikerschurch.wordpress.com
Mark,
Thanks for these tips. I've never been able to stay with my own blog, but as you know I comment from time to time. I have definitely crossed the line on a few of these tips. They are great and make a lot of sense. BTW, some of these are also good for sermons.
Thanks,
Rusty
Mark,
I have several blogs I visit to keep a pulse on what is going on in successful churches and pastors across the country. By far, you are my mosted frequently visited site -- thanks for the encouragement and transparency you bring.
I must echo these other comments. Being new to blogging I feel a little unsure about what to write and not write. I figured it was important to always be positive but your other pointers were very helpful in approaching this new way of connecting with the individuals the Lord is allowing you to pastor. Thanks for the help.
Good reminder Mark on the "how to's" of blogging. I am finding that blogging is becoming almost a "journal" of thoughts. I don't share the intimacy of my journaling time, but I do get to express the thoughts going through my head. I agree that it's a good way for the church to follow where my thoughts are these days.
Ron Edmondson
www.ronedmondson.com
Amen! These 10 are great, Pastor Mark. If they ever have a "blog of blogs" website accentuating "blogography" protocol, I hope they reference you, here.
Thanks for writing this post! You've really encouraged me! Your experience is priceless!
Hey Mark thanks for the post. It remindered me that I need to adopt some kind of blogging do and don'ts. In fact someone today asked me about a word I used in one of my post. At first I blew it off but than I began to think about the person that sent me the message. I personally know the person and know that he is not trying to make trouble. So after his comment and your post I am still going to be myself and keep it positive but I'm going to keep in mind what words I use and how I use them. Sorry about the long comment:)thanks again for the post.
Mark,
Great list from my blogging mentor!
Hope things are going well for you. Can't wait for your next book!
Paul
Good, great, grand, WONDERFUL!
Thanks for the great tips, Pastor Mark!
Pastor Mark,
Since I am struggling with my faith and also with the 40 day spritual experment and I must admit i am failing to fast from soda. I do have a blog and I do warn people that is does contain adult material. I still am puzzled why you consider me a friend and I constantly am grappiling and wrestiling with Jesus.
This was very helpful.
Thanks!
Sabrina
This was very helpful!
Thanks,
Sabrina
Mark, awesome post! I tend to be pretty transparent in my blog and it tends to be like a form of therapy at times. As a therapy I think there is a temptation to unleash some negativity at times. However, I have done my best to not allow negativity into my blog even though I only have a few people that follow it regularly. I appreciate it so much when you pastors such as yourself that do get many readers use this forum for positive things. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on blogging!
Bozz,
Jesus never gives up on anybody! Hang in there :) I think the enemy wants us to throw in the towel when we experience one failure. But God's grace wants us to try again!
Pastor Mark
Thanks for the tips! : )
Great recommendations! I think the idea of finding our rhythm has been huge for me. I have found waking up before my wife with a cup of coffee is the best time to write a post. Great thoughts Mark.
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