Even if you don’t know who is pictured above, you probably have a fair chance of guessing where it was photographed, right? (Click the photo to learn the details.)
The key for blog content is to offer something that can not be seen anywhere else. If I’m writing the same stuff that Mark, Brian, or Adam writes, why would you read anything here other than the title?
It’s one thing if you’re looking for another perspective on the same topic — such as my thoughts on the newest Google application or my reflections on the Olympic speed skating champion. More often than not, though, I’m going to guess you are reading something on one blog and not another because the content is unique.
Stop me if I’m writing too fast for you.
By content being unique, it must be quick and current. Quick content is something you can read inside of five minutes. Current content is based on current events.
Similarly, comments should be unique. Don’t write the same comment you write on every blog, and don’t drone on for more than x number of sentences if your point can be made quicker. Be unique. Be quick. Be current.
The only reason why you shouldn’t listen to my commenting tips is if being quick and current prevents you from being you. If your comment is faked, people can tell. If your comment lacks an edge of transparency of who you are, it will bleed through. So, be yourself — even if that means you can’t be quick and current.
Confused?
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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Great series Ari. Unique in style, quick and current.
I wretch at two things in internet life: long form sales copy and bloggers who go on and on and on and on and on.
Okay, three things – add comments that do the same.
Quick and current works for me!
From Frank Dickinson to you: Am I A Copyright Bully?
There is a value in long copy, whether printed or online, but only if 1) captivating and interspersed with pictures or quotes; or 2) useful research I can bookmark and return to.
But, by the same token, if the choice is between reading something in 6 pages in the New York Times Magazine or reading something in 140 characters in a Twitter message, if the takeaway is the same, then why read that long copy when I can spend that time reading a pleasure book?
Gosh you are quick off the blocks with the Buzz button.
Agree that quality content is a key issue and duplicate content blogs should be filtered out as Google seems to be doing successfully in its SERPs.
Would like to hear your thoughts about Buzz – just another Google fad or real value?
The buzz I’m hearing on Google Buzz is it’s too soon to say anything, and I’m not one to speculate with something like that that could change any day.
Found it odd that they launched it so close to WAVE. Seem to be tripping over themselves.
From Ivan Walsh to you: Clickbank: How to Protect Your Affiliate Links & Ensure You Get Paid in Full
Tell me about it. You’ll enjoy my blog post tomorrow.
I’ve always been one to ramble on and on when I write, and try as I might, I find it really hard to be quick and to the point. There are just so many other things that might pop up in the readers mind that I also want to address, to make everything clear as possible.
Of course, the flip-side to that is that I lose the reader by inundating them with too much information.
Somewhere in between that is a balance that is so elusive to me that I will spend a great amount of time editing. When this happens while commenting, I might simply delete the comment and not leave anything.
From Wayne John @ My Personal Blog to you: Something I learned from the mousy looking girl in accounting
I always read something aloud before I hit the submit button. If I edit my words a lot, I take a break — half a day, even — and then return to it and read aloud again. If no changes, I submit it. Else, I edit.
Moments ago, I emailed something to 200+ residents alerting them to a public forum I am sponsoring in two weeks as a city councilor leading an initiative. Before I hit the send button, I shared the copy with a colleague over Skype and he suggested to chop half of it. Hmm, I mused and he was right. Moments after sending it, someone emailed me back it was an excellent read.
Reading aloud helps to cut down ramble. So does sharing with others.
Ari,
Not sure ‘current’ applies to all sites.
I write about business planning. The material is more educational that capturing the zeitgeist. You could have read it 10 years ago (or in 10 years time) and it would still be relevant.
Agree that if you don’t have something that adds to the conversation – or challenges the writer’s argument – then it’s not worth posting.
For example…
I read Chris Brogan almost every day. Smart puppy, if ever.
But what it’s interesting to see (at least for me) is that almost no-one ever challenges what he says. Like I said, I like the guy, but it’s odd that so many genuflect to this opinions, give a high five and offer nothing else.
I’m sure he’d like to have an alternative opinion every now and then. Not for the sake of being contrary or obnoxious but to stimulate more discussion.
He’s learning too…
Ever browse the comments on problogger? UGH. You’ll see that on most big boy blogs, totally fake, just hoping for even a hello from the admin.
From Dennis Edell to you: I am Unsubscribing From Your Blog – Again
Quick and current… duly noted! lol. Thanks for the tip.
Hey Ari
I found your blog on twitter. Very, very cool photo for this post by the way. “Quick and current”. I had never thought of things that way before… And your exception to the rule – I like that. Glad I came across your blog. I’ll be checking it out more often! Don’t know if I’m being “quick and current” with this comment. But just saying what I think for now, and saying g’day to another blogger too.
Thanks Ari!
Lina
Great series. I agree that what is very important in commenting is authenticity and sincerity. One’s comments should not be a carbon copy for someone else’s remarks. Often there is the opportunity to build and develop a dialogue.
From Paul C to you: Asking the Right Questions
This is quite a thoughtful series, Ari. Thanks for linking out. I’m a little surprised, but happy, to be mentioned in the same sentence as Brian and Adam, who are pros in their fields, whilst my writing has virtually nothing to do with my day job.
For my part, I’m rarely quick or current, but I certainly acknowledge that it can be a great strategy.
From Mark Dykeman to you: Opting out of FriendFeed
You write, no different than anyone else. Why should the purpose for your writing matter if the fact you write is the same?
Well, fair point.
From Mark Dykeman to you: Opting out of FriendFeed
I’m all for brevity, but the concept of current is fading. I prefer articles and ideas that withstand the test of time. However, I can be suckered into current events from time to time like the saga of Tiger Woods Mistresses which was an amazing story and brings LOADS of visitors to a website
From Richard@How To Videos to you: How To Make Money With AdSense
OK, I’ll concede that. What I call current is a state of NOW, regardless whether the content is read today, tomorrow, or some future date.
reading aloud works. sometimes walking away from the monitor for 20 min or so does wonders as well. when you return you spot things that you would have never seen when you are “in the flow”. funny how the mind works.
nice pic of the flying tomato guy. kidding.
I totally agree…to a point.
Some largely depends on who you’re writing too.
1-2 have said I tend to babble, I call it personalization; for the ever most part, my community eats it up.
I do offer a lot of original content, but I also “rehash” a bunch. My primary target is beginners, sooo…
1. I read a ton of blogs and get lots of ideas…many newbies do not read a ton of blogs yet. If lets say 5 of my readers read “the same thing”, maybe double or triple that haven’t read it at all yet.
2. I take techy and turn it to plain English.
and so on. I never simply copy, I always put my own voice into it; my own views, opinions, etc. So essentially it’s new to almost everyone anyway.
If the idea really did come from another article, I always attribute a backlink also. This promotes cross talk and everyone’s happy.
As you may have noticed, lots of my comments aren’t brief either lol. I always (I hope) add real value though.
From Dennis Edell to you: I am Unsubscribing From Your Blog – Again
Whenever I have the chance to post something quick that is breaking news I love it because the results are always good for me, biggest problem is that lately I don’t have the time or I would be killing the Olypmics posts
From Extreme John @ Blogging CEO to you: A Day in the Life of.. Episode 5 [video]
Oh how I hate people who leave comments like “what a great blog”, “I like this” and little or nothing else. And they do it over and over again – everywhere! What in all of God’s green earth makes these people think their comments will get published or for that matter encourage anyone to visit them?
I am an individual – my blog look is unique and my comments are sometimes controversial, but always original. But I wish in this case I had got here quicker!
From Joella@Blog Angel to you: Blog Plagarism – Discourage, Detect & Respond To Content Theft (Part 2/3)
Thanks for your post. Commenting on popular blogs can bring in tons of visitors. Famous blogs like ProBlogger’s and John Chow’s blogs enjoy high readership. By placing a sensible remark there, their visitors will come streaming to your site.