I was talking to a friend the other day during a business trip, and conversation turned to blogging. We talked about the various benefits of blogs, and agreed that a personalized blog was more useful than an impersonal blog.
What does that mean exactly? Well, A personal blog allows you to see who you’re reading, both in words and pictures. After a few articles, you’ll begin to know the blogger through use of personal anecdotes, an author profile, and a photo. The opposite would be a blog with no photo, no name, and no personal effects embedded into the writing.
So what are the benefits? The main point that Ade made (and I agree) is that it allows the reader to do their ‘research’ without the inconvenience of a phone call.
That sounds a little “big brother” but Ade makes a good point. Whether we realize it or not, every day we are researching our surroundings. Before you buy anything, you go online to research the product. Before you shop at a store, your research is usually already completed via past experiences, talking to friends, and other references. Before you decide to take new friends out to dinner, you’re “screening” them thru casual conversation. Do they fit your style? Do you like the same things? Are they compatible for an enjoyable relationship?
The same thing happens with a blog. Usually, the stakes are low. Typical readers are there for information or entertainment, it’s a casual encounter. But it is always a good reason to put your best face forward, because you never know who will be reading.
As Ade and I discussed this topic, a great example developed: as a freelancer, one possible use for a blog is to allow your prospective clients to “interview” you without the phone call. Sure they may like your work, but what kind of person are you? Are you thoughtful and intelligent? Are you confident? A blog can help answer those questions. If a blogger is writing about things that they are passionate about, they some of them will come through within the content.
Just like good design, a blog is a tool to convey meaning on a more subtle level – the level of feelings and impressions. Through use of words and images, exactly like in design, you can take hold of the impressions of a viewer and instill confidence. Knowledge is a good thing, and giving out this knowledge will increase the level of trust.
So now I have to take a decent photo. I vow to break out the camera, lights, and tripod and make this happen. Wish me luck!
Technorati Tags: impressions, blogging, freelance, design, first_impression, personal_blog, photo
February 25th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Great pic! I just noticed it.
February 25th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
I’m going to take another one – a little more dressed up – per the conversation we had about dressing up on your blog a while back.