Pavlov’s Blogs: Bloggers’ Self Conditioning
I read an article yesterday by Tyme White (one of the people behind the 9Rules network) on the importance of not getting caught up in reader and hit statistics of your blog. I think, in light of the overabundance of metablogs (blogs about blogs, blogging, SEO, etc.), that this important issue is often overlooked.
I’m going to admit up front that I love checking my reader numbers, knowing that there’s actually a point in writing publically rather than jolting my thoughts down in an offline doc for myself. I write publically to open possibilities of making contributions to the world (amongst other reasons). However, I’ve been curbing my enthusiasm because I’ve come to realize that it inevitably affects my writing and choice of content. Seeing a jump in reader statistics, comments or links to you will give you a feeling of accomplishment. In contrast, a drop will potentially make you feel bad — and so inadvertantly you risk having it mold your choice of content. Let’s face it: no matter how balanced or smart you are, the only way this wouldn’t affect you is if you didn’t care about your readers (and society in general, for that matter). If that were the case, then why would you be checking your stats in the first place?
Constantly checking stats will contribute to a conditioning effect — the risk of falling into a category of Pavlov’s Blogs. That’s not to say you shouldn’t check them at all, simply maintain a balance. Don’t overdo it. I recommend reading Tyme’s article, it provides a good perspective on personal and business choices when it comes to blogging and statistics.
3 Comments, Comment or Ping
John Pozadzides
Stats are great. I find them quite amusing, and I agree that seeing your articles being read is also rewarding.
But I also agree that paying too much attention to them isn’t healthy. Blogging is a fairly individual sport. Personally I do it more for myself than for my readers. It helps me organize the things I find interesting and makes for great conversations with friends and family.
In fact, when it comes to my own blog I really don’t care how many people actually read them. What makes me feel good is when someone posts a response.
John
Feb 23rd, 2007
Sprague Dawley
Of course it isn’t good to obsess about anything, but it depends upon your goal — if you are treating your blog as a way to engage an audience then you should know what they like and don’t. I’ve adjusted some of my thoughts and direction based upon feedback from readers and seeing what they like. It’s a conversation, stats are one way they speak to me.
You have a very nice site, btw. Very thoughtful.
Mar 3rd, 2007
hthth
Yeah, I think everyone modifies their writings to make them fit for an audience. Same way we do when engaging in social interactions in real life.
However, there remains the question of what Tyme White put so elegantly (see article link in entry):
“Sometimes, fascination with stats can cause a writer to lose the style that got them the recognition in the first place when they attempt to get more traffic.”
It isn’t good to obsess about anything, I agree. The main issue here is to remember to explicitly ask yourself this question and realizing that you are sacrificing something when adapting to your audience. I’m not so sure everybody realizes this.
Thanks for the comment and compliments. I like your blog as well.
Mar 3rd, 2007
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