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Finding the right TARGET AUDIENCE

Originally I started this blog just for me, or so that is what I told myself. I wasn't going to write something in hopes that I'd get tons of comments because that really isn't important. OR IS IT?

It's a funny thing about blogging. Some days I will pour my heart out and get nothing ... no feedback. Other days I type down the shortest of notes and that gets noticed more. Maybe what I am writing is just not interesting. Maybe it is not being read ... just completely missed. OR maybe the writing just stinks and people are being kind not to respond with negative input.

Some days I feel like I don't have the right target audience. The titles or labels that I apply to a post may not be the best match for the actual writing that I do. I ABSOLUTELY know that I am scattered in what I write. One moment it can be about my girls, my faith, my photographs, my life, my complaints, etc. My blog is all over the place ... I know that.

I love that when I look at some of those popular blogs (June Cleaver and Pioneer Woman) I see a certain style of writing. The writing execution is expected, but the content is always refreshing ... always new. I'm not sure people really want to read about my childrens accomplishments or how much I love my husband. They are big focus in my life, but to the outsider ... B*O*R*I*N*G!

Just as I don't feel like I have the right target audience reading my stuff, I also think that maybe the people reading what I write don't really KNOW ME. Not that I want to be an open book for all to see, but I would like to project an image that is accurate. My writing doesn't do that.

In my house when something important has to be written, that either is taken on by my husband or it's thoroughly edited by him. When he writes, it is never too wordy, but it always has just the precise wording. Intentions or opinions are backed up, but never stated in a way that is obnoxious or know it all. I read a lot of "good" writing on the web and some poorly written stuff too. My problem is not pointing out or overlooking that, however, it is my inability (so it seems) of taking all I know and see, and making my own writing better.

This blogging thing is tricky. There is still a lot for me to learn!

Comments

Christine said…
Looking for comments....well here is one:)

Your thoughts are my thoughts. I just started this blogging adventure and I don't know what I am doing either.

I do it for the information - great ideas out there - and I read because it is entertaining.

I often wonder why people leave comments on one blog more then the other. Sometimes I think it might be that they know people read a certain blog and someone will read their comment and not because they really know that person. Do we really know blogging people...no. Not like we know our real friends. Does that make sense?
Anonymous said…
I think you do a great job putting into words what many of us are going through. We are stay at home Catholic moms just trying to do what we have been put here in this time and place to do.
I look forward to reading what you have to say everyday.
Thank You!
I love your blog I read it everyday! i have three girls and I am a catholic mom that is just trying to make it. I can really relate to what is going on in your house. I look forward to reading it :)
Shelly said…
you know - i almost wrote something to this effect on my blog the other day:

Why is it when you come up with a great post - so you think - no one, not one, responds with a comment? And the silly, not much thought, and short posts get tons of comments [tons for me is more than 5!!]

Buuuuut...I didn't. Why? b/c i just had a post a couple months ago telling people - begging family - to leave comments!!

So, I'm with ya. *and* [!!!] I'm leaving a comment! Yay!
Unknown said…
You have a great blog, {E}! I think you should just keep writing whatever you want to write about. As a Presbyterian, I don't really feel like I have much to contribute to posts about your church(LOL) but I enjoy reading what you write.

{W}
Anonymous said…
I don't have a blog but I do read some and yours is one I enjoy reading. I don't tend to leave comments but just wanted you to know that there are probably many like me (Catholic stay-at-home mom) who like to read your blog. I find it enjoyable.
Anonymous said…
Hey,

Im not a mom (yet) I'm getting married in August. I find your blog really interesting and its nice when bloggers write form the heart. Sometimes I find the big ones that have a huge audience really boring. I don't think your blog is boring its FUN! I just discoverd the Catholic my blog roll thing this week and its been great. I don't feel alone anymore in the way I want to live my life. Also even if only one person read your blog, but they were touched by what you wrote. That would be great. I dont mean to lecture I just really like your blog and don't think you need to change your style.
Rob said…
yeah i can relate. i staritng doing this on a lark cause Sam kinda dared me too.
No i wonder sometimes why i'm doing it and for you.
but since I'm a guy those thoughts don't last long at all...um what was i trying to say...oh nevermind. i just write it cause it amuses me and hopefully it will be a record of our lives for the kids to look back on...or maybe i just do it for the attention...i don't know. too many deep thoughts for a lovely and sunny thursday afternoon.

i do know that i enjoy reading about you and your family. so keep at it
southernjoy said…
LOL - you sure got some great comments on this one!

I like reading your blog because I feel like I *do* know you, and these things you write about make up who you are.

Blogging can be so weird like that. I have no target audience. I think mine has turned into a journal of sorts.. I don't write things down elsewhere, so it's nice to go back and see my feelings and thoughts from a certain occasion.

Hugs.
Anonymous said…
I love reading your posts. Even though I don't share your faith, I have learned lots about Catholicism that I didn't know before. I like having diverse friends. A benefit of blogging, I think. Sorry I have not commented for a while. We have been busy with the move. But things are slowing down and I'll have time again to read.
Anonymous said…
I think when it comes to blogs like PW hers is obviously more commercial and so it is a bit different. I love her writing, her wit, her recipes but for her it is more I think than just jotting her thoughts, it is like a little business. I think for a lot of Moms who aren't selling advertising on their blog or using it as an income or aren't a professional writer it is a nice way to just write and be creative and share. I like finding those kinds of blogs, the ones by just regular ole people, and seeing what they have to say.
thesixburghmom said…
Well, I just read it to stalk you. That's all. ;)

LOL!

We've "known" each other awhile, but I really enjoy reading your blog just to know you better. I feel like the blogging network we have among our "group" has opened up some deeper friendships and more honest discussion...and I really enjoy that.

I feel like we are kindred spirits at times. We have the same values and priorities in life...and that transcends any catholic/protestant differences we may have.

Thanks for being a friend, (E)!
Philippa said…
I always read your blog but don't always comment. I suppose I enjoy it but I don't always have something worth saying in response. Does that make any sense? Keep it up. It encourages people more than you think even if those you encourage are often silent.
You can see from your comments that you are loved!
Stina said…
You have written what I feel so often. Please know you do a wonderful job!

God bless!

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