Baking a Blog

Dave Caolo made a great point in his discussion in our class last Monday when he equated those who customize and use technology well to one who bakes his own bread from scratch. Certainly, his own bears witness to the deliciousness of home-baked blogs. However, whether one knows the entire html necessary to completely customize plug-ins and graphics, or uses the “store-bought” features, audience-focused content coupled with appropriate tools create a beautiful product.

Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers and motivational speaker, writes “Leading with a Purpose” for those interested in leadership and writing. His blog covers a range of subjects from Life Balance and fitness to blogging and technology, including one on Twittering that I personally found very helpful as I began venturing into the tweeting world. He also has a laugh-out-loud P. J. O’Rourke quote on “Avoiding Writing.” One can easily look up posts on subjects of interest as well as enjoy his clear, concise, and engaging writing style. His ads, found on the right side of the blog, do not detract from his content. Thus, the layout, graphics, and other features enhance the great writing/reading experience. It is hosted by WordPress, obviously customized for his content and intended audience. He represents a large corporation, and his graphics, layout, and links reflect a high level of professionalism.

Liz Davis is also a professional. She is the Director of Academic Technology at the Belmont Hill School outside of Boston. Her blog, "The Power of Educational Technology,” does not have the slick look or the bells and whistles of Michael Hyatt, but her content is strong and clear. Her intended audience is educators, and she includes gadgets that are helpful and free (or almost)—including her own book in .pdf form—something cash-strapped teachers would love! In a recent post, she offers some timely advice on accepting and adapting to change—particularly as it relates to new educational tools. A previous post on tips for teaching new media to teachers is also excellent. In it she states “It isn't really about the tool it is about how you use it: It isn't the word processing software, it's the skills and usefulness of word processing. It isn't the presentation software; it's how to create a meaningful and effective presentation.” (Davis) Both Hyatt and Davis have blogs successfully marrying features and good writing. The high-end gloss of Hyatt’s is appropriate given his position, but the clean organization of David is equally suitable given her role and audience.

Beyond the consideration of overall structure, a blog’s purpose is central. Thus, a corollary might be what level of technology is appropriate for the content being presented? The professional look of Michael Hyatt would feel ostentatious in the NieNie Dialogues of Stephanie Nielson. Her blog is an annotated album of her life—simple, sweet, and deep. She is not presenting advice or information; rather, her readers are invited to glimpse her journey. Her images are the focus of the blog, and her words are almost secondary. The layout is a bit cluttered, but no less apt than Hyatt or Davis since her audience and purpose is personal rather than professional. Another “life chronicler” is Ree Drummond. Her Pioneer Woman it is readable and makes good use of organizational features. I particularly like the tabs, reminiscent of a recipe card box, that act as categories. Like most other areas of her recorded life, she seems to be a DIY blogger, using the Liquid Web Blogging host which makes her layout precisely appropriate to her content and audience, those interested in home cooking or even homeschooling.

On the other hand, “The Cool Cat Teacher Blog,” one that I found on Davis’s blogroll, is illustrative of a blog’s features superseding content. It is crowded and messy with so many plug-ins and links that one is hard pressed to find the posts. I was also incredibly annoyed by the ad that took over my computer screen as I clicked on Jam Donaldson’s “Conversate is Not a Word.” Her ads definitely detract from her message (though I do like her T-shirt designs).

Listening to Dave’s passion as a master blog baker was inspiring. For a DIY blogger, the tools he described would certainly make one’s life easier and more organized. However, for the more “out of the box” user, features and gadgets already existent on sites like Blogger.com and WordPress can help create excellent products. They would not produce the gourmet taste of a Michael Hyatt or Dave Caolo, but mixed well with audience and purpose driven content, would certainly be delicious and satisfying, nonetheless.