If you’re reading this, you’ve probably noticed that I have a blog. You’ve probably also noticed that I don’t blog very often. Well, there’s a reason for this and it’s not just because I’m lazy.
I’ve often been told to not say something unless I have something worthwhile to say. I stand by it, and for the most part I try to only say something if it’s worth something to the conversation, or to other people. I know plenty of people who can yack on endlessly for no good reason. I extend this to my blog, and try not to prattle on endlessly about useless, inane topics.
As a major web surfer, I notice blogs fall into three main camps:
- Personal blogs with mostly drivel, but some useful content dropped in from time to time. Usually something technical, like a howto or guide on something, but all the same, they do serve a purpose. Failing that, they might fill it with opinion pieces about relevant things, or have a theme to the blog overall; politics for example.
- Personal blogs with nothing but drivel. I mean the sort of ‘I got up and had a piece of toast, then I brushed my teeth’ kind of thing. Who cares? Not me. Maybe a close friend or relative, but otherwise it’s really not contributing anything. These blogs could disappear, but nobody would really care that much.
- Corporate blogs. I quite like these, especially the technical ones. Microsoft and Novell have some great blogs from developers and ‘real’ people inside their organisations, so it’s not the usual marketing FUD, but real, honest stuff. I’ve gleaned a lot of useful information from these – mostly hints and tips, but things I’d probably not pick up from manuals or the usual sources of info.
The first and last types of blogs I like. I suppose mine falls somewhere between the first two – I started off with the useless drivel, but I’ve moved into more opinion stuff. I want to add more useful content over time though.
Rant over!