4 Blogging Laws I DoFollow

This is not a list of common courtesy rules or a blogging code of conduct, but simply a few rules I use to help me make the best choice whenever there is a big descision to make.

1. When planning to spend money, always sleep on the idea. If you are anything like me you will have an idea, get all exited thinking you are a genious, buy a domain name and then wake the the next day thinking; “actually that idea sucks… why did I like it so much??” This has happened to me a couple of times and using this rule helps me to avoid these frustrating occurrences. Right now there are lot of these sorts of money spending desicions going around my head which means according to this law I get to do a lot of sleeping!

2. When writing a post where your opinion conflicts with many other bloggers, triple check your facts. These sorts of posts can make or break you. If you have a conflicting opinion that is valid and well argued lots of respect and attention (which = money) can be gained. However forming a bad argument with leaks and amateur factual errors does the opposite. One basic way gain credibility when forming an argument is by linking out to blog posts that support your points. These posts should be to respected bloggers, which brings the added benefit of getting their attention and potential ‘brownie points’.

3. Get stressed out when RSS subscriber numbers fall, but not too stressed out. Sometimes it’s good to experiment with different types (not topics) of posts. I saw my recent post where I edited an AGLOCO email as a risky experiment. I’m relieved to say subscriber numbers stayed fairly level. Learning from these experiences is fine. However, sometimes the numbers fall or don’t rise as much as you expected after you wrote what you considered a great pillar post. It is at these times I stats check (like a madman), analyse traffic sources and re-read the article a couple of times to try to find why there was less success than predicted. These occasions clash nicely to when a post you didn’t expect gains popularity. This is the rollercoaster than makes blogging so enjoyable.

4. Value peoples opinions differently. Call me a fachist but in the blogging world there is too much variety to cater for it all. If you tried to follow everyones advice you wouldn’t get anywhere. The blogging learning curve is very steep so take the suggestion of a newbie for what it is. It is only worth as much as the experience of success that they have had.

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