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Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Blogging enters middle age.

I've been putting a little thought into blogging recently, particularly around some of the changes I have noticed since I started the caper.

When I first began, I got hardly any traffic at all. That was fine and what I expected. I was in it for my own pottering-around satisfaction, not for popularity. But if I did a battle report I'd put it on TMP, and soon found that I'd perhaps get 300 hits over two days - more if it was on a popular battle or topic - and I started to like it.

I began to post links to my newly-painted figures there to show what particular ranges looked like (there were not so many photos on manufacturers' websites in those days - or that was my excuse anyway), and the odd how-to article, game review, or lighthearted take on something. Again, these would get some hits and over time you'd build up a list of followers and make virtual connections with other bloggers.

After a couple of years of this I noticed there were diminishing returns. People stopped clicking on my links so much from forums. I'd get 200 hits instead of 300, 150 instead of 200, until, eventually I was down to about 50. Sometimes less.

And the chat around a post dropped off, too. Instead of 5-10 other forum members adding comments, you might get one or two if you were lucky.

So with both interest and engagement dropping off, it seemed that posting links was shooting myself (and the forums that hosted the links) in the foot. People had perhaps become tired of blog-hawking and blog-hawkers, and also perhaps resentful of the draining effect the constant outside links had on the vitality of the original forums. Denizens were no longer so impressed by the promise of battle reports, game reviews or painting updates, and there was, I felt, a perceptible undercurrent of hardening passive-aggressive antagonism on both sides (Why are you posting that here? We've all seen it done better before! vs I've put loads of work into this. The least you ungrateful lot could do is have a flamin' look!).

At any rate, the blog honeymoon was over.

I've since adjusted, and now I pretty much don't link to my blog anywhere, unless it's for 'educational' purposes, or I'm particularly excited about something, and want to share that excitement in the relevant forum.

It seems to me that bloggers have naturally congregated into loose circles of like-minded folk. Not necessarily like-minded in era, figure scale or rule set, either; often it seems to be a shared set of ideas about what you like to see in a blog, and so you comment or show your support for those people whose blogs you enjoy, learn from, or are in awe of in some way, regardless of whether you play the same games or not.

These days my hits are a long way down on what they were at their peak, but the peak was actually vastly inflated by bot visitors, anyway. I'm very content to keep pottering along at 100-250 hits per day - hopefully mostly by real people - and enjoying the comments that people leave and the little community that builds up.

It's been good. I'm happier, more relaxed - and hopefully a slightly kinder hobbiest - than I was when I felt a certain amount of pressure to try to spread the word.

Anyway, I'd be interested in other people's observations around blogging and the changes they have noticed.

Thanks for reading (if anyone has got this far!).

36 comments:

  1. I agree with all of your observations, Aaron. In addition to my own blog, I also am fortunate to have membership on several local gaming Facebook groups. The interesting thing is I rarely post links to my blog on those sies. I'll sometimes put an almost duplicate post of my blog entry on it. I notice there are several members who do link their blog updates on the site. So far, it appears there aren't too many "likes" or comments to those posts. Although I know those posters are well-liked by most of the membership. I think a lot of the membership are older and have an aversion to the Internet anyway. LOL!

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    1. Thanks for your thoughts, Dean. I noticed the same thing on FB groups: people don't want to follow links, but an update on the page itself is often well supported. I wonder if social media usage has changed the way we view forums too?

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  2. Aaron, I think today a browser can plonk down in front of a computer for a couple of hours each evening and fill their wellies with good content, without a subscription, magazine purchase or anything else that involves a two way process.

    There is a lot of material out there, plus all the video stuff and I think this just has browsers consuming, going from one post / forum to another, in rapid succession, not necessarily reading a full post, perhaps just looking at a few pictures and not signing on to the forum or viewing platform and therefore unable to comment or simply not for a moment thinking that to comment and say thanks would be a good thing - we are in the 'internet is free' situation and as bloggers, we pretty much feed that.

    As you may recall, I threw my teddy out of the cot last year and stopped blogging and at that time it was put to me that the truth of blogging is that one should simply do it for oneself and for the pleasure of blogging for its own sake - once you divorce that notion from any sense of resentment of work being taken for granted, it pretty much makes blogging a pleasure again and certainly an outlet for creativity, hence I blog again.

    Being able to consume so freely probably has a downside in that it is a time sink that easily becomes habitual behaviour. I know every now and then, I get into a painting or terrain project, real work gets done and the internet takes a back seat and I feel good about that because I see a real world result.

    I do highlight my posts at a handful of forums, but try to match content with the forum focus, so for example, even though I do a lot of boardgame stuff, I tend not to put links up at say the Lead Adventure Forum for them, though would be happy to link if I were doing a Black Powder game etc.

    There is one major forum that I have stopped participating on and that used to return me around 300 hits plus per post. I thought my blog would bomb after signing out of that forum, but it seems to be holding up fine.

    I do like the blogosphere as there is a great sense of sharing and creativity going on and there is enough there for all my consumptions needs. Where would we be and what would we do without it :-)

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    1. Great points and I agree with them all, Norm. The time-sink aspect is becoming more of a worry for me, actually. I'm finding that if I'm not careful I'll waste a whole evening just browsing when I should be limiting that time a bit more and doing other more productive things.

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  3. Thoughtful reflection, Aaron.

    Like Dean, I agree with all of your observations and thoughts on blogging. I, too, would post an occasional BatRep or painted unit on TMP but not so much anymore. Hits from TMP typically originate from being TANGO01ed but those hits are less now than in the past.

    I do not feel the need to prosthelytize my wargaming hobby outside of the blog. My blog is primarily a record of my hobby activities. If others find it occasionally of interest, that is great. If a reader posts a comment or actively follows the blog, that is TERRIFIC and very much appreciated!

    I have met a number of like-minded individuals through blogging; many I consider friends. Settling down to a cadre of loyal, supportive, and encouraging readers is fine with me and just the way I like it. Quantity is not as important as the quality. I still am often mystified why one post can generate 500 hits while another may only generate 100 when both seem comparable in my eye. I have noticed a marked decrease in the number of Google+ '+1s' on recent posts. No theory on why that may be.

    Very interesting, Aaron, and please keep up the good work!

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    1. Thanks Jonathan. It was a little bit of a quandary for me, because I do like to support games / rules I think are good but underrated, which is why I used to often be seen carrying the flag around the online traps for Lost Battles, etc!

      While on one level I'm happy to blog just for my own self, I also have this habit in whatever I do of wanting to do it well, and one way you can get a sense of that is from the reactions of others, so motivations and reactions do get a bit confused at times.

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    2. I do want to say that I completely agree with you on all aspects here, particularly on the appreciating the community, and everyone who takes the time to subscribe, comment, or read.

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    3. My top hit-count is for a post I did a few years back on my gaming activities over the Christmas holiday. It has nearly 4000 hits and I can't figure why.

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    4. David, that must have been one very entertaining holiday game!

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  4. Thanks for your thoughts, chaps. It's just about bed time for me, but I'll get back to you soon!

    Cheers,
    Aaron

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  5. Great post Aaron. I agree with what you and the others have said. I receive so much from the blogging community, but really use it as a journal for my hobby doings. If others enjoy posts I make, a comment makes me smile. Unfortunately, I don't post comments as often as I should, usually because I have limited time and I've just looked at a host of blogs, but I do try to get a comment out as often as possible, especially when I've found something particularly inspirational.
    I also went through a period of linking to the blog on forums - mostly because I didn't see the point in writing things out twice, but virtually never go to them now - only if a google search has a TMP link will I go near that place.
    Like Dean, I lurk on Facebook groups and occasionally contribute there, but the blogosphere is definitely my favourite medium.

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    1. Hi Nate, thanks for your thoughts. Sounds like we've gone through a similar cycle. Funnily enough, I've actually even dropped out of the (mostly boardgaming) facebook groups I was part of now too, so I'm pretty much just on the blog, a couple of yahoo groups, and the Society of Ancients forum.

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  6. Completely agree. My blog doesn't rack up the number of hits you've been getting (except when the bots come to call) but I'm no longer really bothered. I started blogging as a way of setting down my thoughts and as a bit of a record and it always amazes me when people do actually read and comment. I did go through a phase of checking on the views but now I'm back to not worrying too much.

    I occasionally post a link on TMP or LAF but not very often...I think increasingly blog reading plus Facebook groups are the place to get info and updates

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    1. Thanks Alastair, have now seen and followed your blog, and will look forward to reading more of what you have there. Looks like great stuff to me! I agree that facebook groups are a good place to get updates. Problem is, if you want to keep spending under control, seeing all the updates is not always advisable!

      Cheers,
      Aaron

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  7. Great post Aaron. I can't really add anything else to what you and the other bloggers have already said. Its great when people comment on my blog, I'd like more people too, but in the end I do actually do it for myself, as a log of my own gaming hobby, if like minded readers comment that's great, but it not the end of the world when they don't.
    And as others have said, its a great hobby tool to keep me and everyone else who does it, motivated. At Reject HQ we've been visited by bloggers from all over England, as well as Holland, Canada, Germany and the USA. Which I'm just blown away by. All these gamers want to come and game with us, if it wasn't for the blog, I'd never have met these great friends, or the friends who I'll only meet online.
    I may not blog so much myself nowadays or comment enough on other bloggers blogs. But I'm sure gonna carry on doing it!
    Keep up the great work!
    Ramble over.....

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Ray. You are one of the originals, and one of the great encouragers of newcomers and starter-uppers. Always positive, always friendly, always helpful, and always with great gaming and painting posts. It's no coincidence that wargamers (and people generally!) want to meet you if they get the chance.

      Cheers. Keep on doing what you do, and thanks again for droppping by!

      Aaron

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  8. Been blogging for just over a year, and my anniversary blog touched on some of these things, but not very extensively. I see many points made already that I find myself nodding in agreement over.

    It's certainly nice to receive comments, and I try to leave them when appropriate given how much I appreciate seeing them. At the end of the day, as has been said, it has to be for yourself, at the end of the day. Having said that, it is clearly the case that blogging has linked me to a circle of associates (friends--regulars?) and there is a connection there that is a most rewarding aspect of blogging.

    I also get lots of good information and tools from other bloggers, and blogging myself allows me to join that "conversation" which is stimulating.

    It also keeps me motivated, which is very good. Sharing the occasional work in progress post often gets a supporting comment or two that gives a boost.

    Finally, I have to say that Ray's point about bloggers coming through to meet the Rejects was spot on. It's not uncommon now to see a blogger post about a trip abroad that included a visit with a gamer/blogger. I would love to drop in on the Rejects should I ever make the trip to the UK, for instance.

    I post strategically on TMP and get a real spike when doing so. So still find that is a good spot if I'm feeling in a funk over views.

    Appreciate your blog, and have been doing so, but haven't commented often enough. Always check out your updates.

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    1. Thanks, Ed! I agree with you, and most especially in that the connection we end up making with others is one of the most rewarding things.

      My kids are too young for me to be doing much travelling yet, but I hope that in another ten years or so (assuming we are all still going at that time!) meeting in person with other bloggers may become a possibility :)

      Anyway, thank you for dropping by, and your thoughts are always appreciated!

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    2. Ed, drop me a line if you ever plan a trip to the UK, you'd be very welcome to pop in for a game......as would any other blogger.

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  9. Interesting observations, Aaron, as always.

    I do not promote my blogs very much these days - as with Jon my posts are usually Tango-ed at a certain forum. There is at least one forum that does not like blog-hawking very much; the owner/moderators prefer that one uses the forum for posts vice a blog. In the past I have posted finished figures there but it has been a long time since that has happened.

    Greg

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    1. Greg, your work has always spoken for itself, and if it wasn't Tango showing it round it would be someone else. I hope that as time goes by you will find that the hobby stuff becomes easier to do again, and that it will bring you some quiet satisfaction, and eventually bring you some joy.

      Very best wishes to you, and you are in my thoughts, as I'm sure you are with many others as well.

      Take care,
      Aaron

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  10. Not surprisingly, I'd agree with you comments as well. For the most part, my blog hits have steadily increased since I started in 2011, and typically average 12,000 a month - but at least half of those have to be bots. The decline of TMP has decreased hits from there as you observe, so I post many fewer links to my posts there. I get a pretty good response to links of the LAF, but again I only do that for more significant posts. In the past year, I get the biggest response by far now to links placed on the facebook pages of the several Wargaming FB groups I belong to. I am no great fan of FB, but evidently a lot of folks are!

    I too blog first and foremost for myself, as a record of my hobby activities. I do also blog for the larger community as well, especially my series on Napoleonic uniforms and flags. My posts on the relatively obscure topics of the Danes in the Napoleonic Wars and the Army of Baden are among the top 5 for all time hits and get a constant steam of traffic, as there isn't much else out there about them.

    I am of course a compulsive commenter. I appreciate the effort my friends in the "blogosphere" put into their hobby and their posts, and I try to say so often.

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    1. I applaud your “compulsive commenter” trait, Peter! It is much appreciated by all.

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    2. Peter, you and a number of others are special cases who fall into the 'service to the hobby' category, deserving of mentions - at the very least - at an annual dinner, and perhaps a trophy, medal or bar every other year!

      A comment from yourself is, as Jon mentions, always much appreciated, and I try to follow your example as much as I can.

      Cheers,
      Aaron

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  11. A most interesting post to read including all the comments. As a more recent entry into blogging (2 years ago) I cannot say much about the changes over the years, but do agree on your comments about the communities which build up to share ideas. As with some of the commentators I view blogging as an on line diary of activity, which has actually resulting in me focusing and getting more projects finished. Less a wargaming butterfly now and more wargaming caterpillar chomping through the lead mountain.

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    1. Well, a chomp at the lead mountain is far better than a flit, so well done sir! I'm surprised your blog has only been around two years - it's certainly found a niche and made a splash. I always enjoy the 'and not always' aspect. You come for the one but never quite know what you'll see when you click on the link!

      Many thanks for your thoughts!
      Aaron

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  12. Interesting post Aaron, I first came across your blog whist searching "Lost Battles with miniatures" and was instrumental for inspiring me to finally give those rules a go! I have also found your blog to be a truly excellent resource on other topics I am interested in such as your posts on campaigning. keep up the great work!

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  13. As usual I am late to the party with little substantive to add to the conversation. I originally started blogging because I was avidly painting 6mm miniatures and could not find many examples of painted figures on-line. Since then I discovered that a blog works exceptionally well as a painting diary and a way to keep up with regular opponents like Jonathon on what they are up to. I used to obsess over things like posts per month, views and comments, but have since settled into a cycle of posting what I am up to and letting it stay there. I still make a point to acknowledge every comment however, as it only seems fair. I assume that only 1 of every 50-60 who view will feel compelled to say anything. That said, Peter is the iron man of commenting and deserves kudos for his efforts.

    I am reticent to use Facebook as I found little interest in using it socially, and don't really like "letting my nerd flag fly" in an open setting.

    Norm has an excellent point on our ability to consume information of late. I find that I rarely purchase hobby magazines anymore, because I have more than ample information available through these blogs. Unlike discussion forums, they provide ready encyclopedias for resources and inspiration. Peter's blog for example if my first stop in finding painting guides for Napoleonics. I have recently started planning a 10mm SYW project and I can say that the various blogs I have found have been far more useful than other resources in allowing me to assess figures and rules systems.

    All that said, I found that commenting can be difficult sometimes as it seems redundant to reaffirm what others have said. I only have so many permutations of "excellent work" before I am afraid I sound disingenuous.

    Finally, on the topic of TMP and other similar forums, I think they are stuck in a niche between immediate social media (Twitter and Facebook) and more enduring information like these blogs. I rarely use TMP beyond the marketplace anymore, and only look at the 6mm manufacturer forums infrequently.

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    1. Nerd flag flying in public... LOL! Good one, Jake!

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    2. "All that said, I found that commenting can be difficult sometimes as it seems redundant to reaffirm what others have said. I only have so many permutations of "excellent work" before I am afraid I sound disingenuous. "

      Jake, a comment (however terse) can simply be a show of support for a colleague. It can be just as difficult to come up with creative ways to say thank you too.

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    3. Sounds like you've settled into a comfortable blogging middle age as well, Dartfrog! I think you have something on forums, too. They are not quite one thing or the other now, and that's possibly affecting their popularity and user-friendliness.

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  14. I started the blog to note progress on projects. Ibused to pay attention to views but have other things to worry about now.

    I've also stopped blogging as much because I can't do it from my phone as easily. They stoped supporting the blogger app and since I take most of my photos on the phone, it was easier for me to post that way.

    But I still check my Feedly reader and read blogs regularly.

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    1. Oh, stuck in phone purgatory. I find it hard enough to blog on the tablet, and gave it up. I couldn't do it without a computer, so I'm not surprised blogging is not your first choice of activities these days! Hope you are back up and running soon though.

      Cheers,
      Aaron

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  15. Hello Aaron,

    An interesting perspective on blogging. I started blogging just over 7 years ago. I did this not knowing much aboiut blogging or the blogging community. It started with one focus - to document replaying ancient battles with different rules. It has since expanded but still is almost entirely filled with battle reports. It doesn't really document my wargaming life, other than reports of the (mostly) miniature games i actually play. I do sometimes consider that I should post when I acquire an interesting set of rules, or read a great book or come across something very interesting; but the roots of the blog were in documenting battles reports rather that my wargaming life and i seem to be mentally stuck with that! Maybe one day it will change, or do something like John is doing at John's Wargaming Page and do a weekly wrap up of gaming stuff in my life.

    But having said all that, I never really paid much attention to blog hits or followers in the early days - I was just happy blogging and happy that other people took interest. After a few years I did start to become very interested in hits and would check several times a day. I post about once a fortnight on average, and until this year did post my battle report links to TMP. While interested in the hits, i never promoted the blog other than TMP links, just more fascination on the number of in hits. About two years ago, I also started posting the links on TWW and it was also about that time I lost interest in tracking hits. For the last 3 years or so, the daily traffic is about the same (150 hits) with spikes up to 300 for the few days after I post. To me, it has always been about the blogging community - i love reading other blogs and people comments. The hits aren;t changing much and I am getting enjoyment out of blogging, so I am not bothering to look at them anymore. I have also never been a big forum poster - more of a lurker and so the gaming blogosphere is my primary online gaming experience.

    Re: Comments, I like comments on my blog but as I do not comment much on others I do not expect comments. For this year I have been hard pressed to keep up with my blog roll and my commenting is less than it has ever been. So with that, I will resolve to attempt to comment more in the future on other blogs!

    My blog has strayed a lot from it original purpose (wargaming butterfly is an oxymoron) but i still enjoy posting and I still get the hits, so I expect to be doing it forever!

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    1. Hi Shaun, thanks for dropping by. Yes, your blog is remarkably focused compared to, say, my own! I completely agree that the community that builds up becomes a rewarding thing in its own right, and it's nice to be able to play a small part in keeping it going.

      Always enjoy my visits to your blog, and, like Norm, the detailed insight into games your posts provide are very rewarding reads.

      Cheers,
      Aaron

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