Nexus

As part of the 2008 31 Day Comment Challenge, we’ve been asked to consider how we’re inviting conversation on our own blogs. It’s been suggested that we use Michele Martin’s post Six Reasons People Aren’t Commenting On Your Blog as a guide for auditing our blogs. Here are six common traps Michele says bloggers fall into.

1. You sound like a press release.
2. You sound like an info-mercial.
3. You sound like a know-it-all.
4. You haven’t showed them how.
5. You haven’t created the right atmosphere.
6. You just don’t seem that into it.

Ouch! That’s one tough list!

At first glance I think I can easily stroke two items off the list. So let’s revise.

1. You sound like a press release.
2. You sound like an info-mercial.
3. You sound like a know-it-all.
4. You haven’t showed them how.
5. You haven’t created the right atmosphere.
6. You just don’t seem that into it.

Number 6 was easy to eliminate. If I’m not “into it” I don’t write about it. Period.

Number 4 was also pretty easy. Figure it out people! There’s a similar structure to most blog platforms. There’s always some mention of “Comments”. Click on the link and see what happens

The rest are really hard! I suppose at times I may be perceived as sounding like a know-it-all writing press releases about what I’ve been doing and learning, and posting info-mercials that invite teachers to join my projects. That’s not my intention! In reflecting on my work I feel it’s as important to share the lessons I’ve learned as it is to raise questions. I’m trying to do this in a clear, well-thought-out manner. There are project promotions on this blog. I don’t see them as info-mercials; I’m not selling anything. I work for a not-for-profit organization that connects scientists, researchers, engineers and astronauts with classes around the world in an online collaborative learning environment. There is no cost for teachers to enroll in any of our projects and I use every means at my disposal to get the word out so as many classes as possible can get involved. As for number 5 - atmosphere, I hope people find it warm and welcoming.

This is a tough challenge; it’s very difficult to hear your own voice! Here’s how I think it sounds.

1. You sound like a press release. You have clear, well-thought-out reflections.
2. You sound like an info-mercial. You are passionate about the opportunities you are developing for students.
3. You sound like a know-it-all. You are willing to share what you have learned.
4. You haven’t showed them how. You believe in letting people build confidence by discovering things on their own.
5. You haven’t created the right atmosphere. (I really can’t gauge this one.)
6. You just don’t seem that into it. You write about the things that truly engage you.

You tell me - how does my voice sound to you?

Technorati tags: comment08, Comment Challenge, commenting, “blog audit”, “Michele Martin”

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 11th, 2008 at 10:38 pm and is filed under comment08, about blogging. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.