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jwillis81's review
3.0
This book definitely had some good advice in it, and if it's the first book you've ever read on blogging, it might be great. But for anyone who's been blogging for a while, the information presented is pretty basic, entry-level stuff. Some of the information felt really dated, including references to platforms and practices that have fallen out of favor. Overall, I think it's a good book for entry-level author bloggers, but if you've been doing it a while it probably won't have a whole lot of new revelations for you.
emcbee's review against another edition
5.0
Great advice!
I have blogged off and on for several years. This book provides plenty of no nonsense advice about how an author should use a blog. I can't wait to try out her advice!
I have blogged off and on for several years. This book provides plenty of no nonsense advice about how an author should use a blog. I can't wait to try out her advice!
bartendm's review against another edition
5.0
As an early writer trying to discern what is the best way to think about marketing a book in progress, this book was invaluable to put the method of blogging in the context of book authors and distinguishing that from other types of blogging. Her advice comes from her own experience and is easy to read. It feels personal, like she's a good friend and mentor helping you out. The book helped validate some things I was suspecting, but no one else actually spelled out so plainly. One part outdated in recommending the use of Google Plus, but that is a small part of a great book on blogging focused on writers.
Of course I looked up her blog too and am now enjoying that regularly as well.
Here's a few good points:
Sorry to pop anybody's bubble, but author blogs don't get millions of hits. They may get thousands, but that's not a problem.
Blogging slowly [ie once a week] means it will take you longer to get into the search engines, but most blogs burn out after three years, and you want yours to be a platform to support you for the long haul.
As I've said, I suggest making no restrictions on comments on new posts. Don't make every comment wait for your approval before it goes live. You won't get a discussion going that way. ...
It's best to monitor your blog yourself. I've personally found that 99% of commenters are friendly, and it takes spammers and trollers a while to find your blog. But DO have comments over a week old sent to you for moderation. Old posts are most likely to attract spam (But if you do get spam, make sure to tag it as spam to train your spamblocker to block it.)
Of course I looked up her blog too and am now enjoying that regularly as well.
Here's a few good points:
Sorry to pop anybody's bubble, but author blogs don't get millions of hits. They may get thousands, but that's not a problem.
Blogging slowly [ie once a week] means it will take you longer to get into the search engines, but most blogs burn out after three years, and you want yours to be a platform to support you for the long haul.
As I've said, I suggest making no restrictions on comments on new posts. Don't make every comment wait for your approval before it goes live. You won't get a discussion going that way. ...
It's best to monitor your blog yourself. I've personally found that 99% of commenters are friendly, and it takes spammers and trollers a while to find your blog. But DO have comments over a week old sent to you for moderation. Old posts are most likely to attract spam (But if you do get spam, make sure to tag it as spam to train your spamblocker to block it.)
yolandie_horak's review
5.0
Such a helpful guide with many tips, even for long-time bloggers. Highly recommended.
melfka's review
Got this book as a part of a bundle.
I guess it's ok for someone who never blogged or doesn't know general "blogging rules" (using this term loosely), and just want to get an idea of "what's it all about".
It definitely isn't a step-by-step guide for tech-avoiding people as it provides only very general information that I believe wouldn't be useful for the people who are on the level of a panicked "and where do I click now?!".
For people who know they way around the web applications or already have a blog, there isn't much of groundbreaking advice, though I did like repeating that author blogs and commercial blogs differ, and different stages of author blogs.
I guess it's ok for someone who never blogged or doesn't know general "blogging rules" (using this term loosely), and just want to get an idea of "what's it all about".
It definitely isn't a step-by-step guide for tech-avoiding people as it provides only very general information that I believe wouldn't be useful for the people who are on the level of a panicked "and where do I click now?!".
For people who know they way around the web applications or already have a blog, there isn't much of groundbreaking advice, though I did like repeating that author blogs and commercial blogs differ, and different stages of author blogs.
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