To Conform or Not To Conform? That is the Question
To conform or not to conform,” That is the question …
This is something that I’ve thought long and hard about, and believe that I have finally come to a decision. Well, maybe.
If like me, you read articles on how to be a better blogger, most tend have a common theme in saying that as a writer you need “stay focussed” for your audience.
In general, this here Lonetester HQ blog, is a genealogy blog. Of the 250 or so blog posts I’ve written so far, you’ll find that I write about my family history and the areas my family came from. You’ll occasionally find book reviews. And you’ll also find posts of links that I find useful, and some beautiful quotes and other genealogy funnies. I’ve taken part in geneamemes and blog challenges, and I write about genie events that I’ve been to … and so on. They are all genealogy-related, but there is a whole eclectic mix of posts on my blog, and each one has brought people to my blog.
Now, I have wondered about being “more focussed” and just putting all my research, family history and local history type posts on one blog, with my link posts and genie-funnies on another and so on. But contrary what others might say, I have decided to ‘not conform’. Those who know me personally wouldn’t be surprised, as they’d know that don’t tend to follow rules anyway (but that’s another story)!
So I’ve come to the conclusion that there are different levels of focussed-ness (roll with me here, I know it’s not a not a real word, but it works!).
There’s 1000s of genealogy blogs out there. If you’re not aware of them just check Thomas MacEntee’s GeneaBloggers wesbite, it’ll blow you away.
Focussed Genealogy Blogs
Here’s some examples of very “focussed” genealogy blogs that I totally love! And they work because of their focussed-ness.
Clue Wagon Kerry manages to always write useful topics posts, but adds in a whole lot of humour
Geneapalooza I’m sure most of you have read and avidly follow this one, but if not do yourself a favour and follow this Esto’s genealogy cartoon!
British GENES Chris keeps readers up to date with the latest genealogy news from the British Isles.
Memorabilia House I’m allowed to mention this one aren’t I? This is my own little “online museum” blog in which I record the meaning and stories of family heirlooms.
Non-Focussed Genealogy Blogs
And here’s some examples of “non-conforming” or “non-focussed” ones that also work extremely well.
Geniaus Jill writes about anything genealogy related: events, products, tech tools, finds in her family and so on.
The Legal Genealogist Judy’s shares with readers legal answers to genealogy and etchics-related queries, as well as sharing with readers finds on her family history.
Geneamusings – Randy shares tips on genealogy software, findings on various websites, not to mention his famous Saturday Night Genealogy Fun (SNGF) posts with readers.
So I’ve come to the conclusion that my genealogy blog is just that. It’s still genealogy-related, and I’m happy with it being the mix that it is. Maybe in time I’ll change, and split them up – but for now LonetesterHQ is my little eclectic mix of genealogy life and thoughts.
So there you go, that’s my thought for the day. What kind of blog do you have? And what kind of blogs do you like?
5 Responses to “To Conform or Not To Conform? That is the Question”
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My website is also eclectic. It has a blog that covers everything – details on my family history, resources I’ve found etc, and it also includes my family tree.
I’ve only had the blog for a year now, (although I’ve had my family tree on my site for a number of years now), so I’m still getting the hang of writing a blog. One blog is quite enough for me for now.
Lois, I’ve decided eclectic is for me. A bit of this and that is what you’ll get on my blog, and I’m cool with that. Ans as Chris wrote on my FB page, “you write for you” … which is why I started it in the first place. But it’s always good to be reminded of it.
All the best with your blog. I did find that it can be quite addictive. But better writing than something else.
Good for you. I’m all for not following rules too. My blog Family Tree Blossoms is family based at the moment but I did leave me room to add other things as in the description I talked about stones at the bottom of the tree that would not be related to the tree.
I’m sure I couldn’t keep more than one blog going.
Wander through my first blog…http://thatmomentintime-crissouli.blogspot.com.au/ and you will see a great mix…. that is my gathering of what suits me and what I feel like recording at The Moment In Time… My other blogs, which are listed on the LH side, are slightly more focussed…
Whatever you do, enjoy …
Be yourself. Be unique. Be eclectic!