tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post926136752117439773..comments2023-06-06T08:31:42.360-07:00Comments on The SoCal Bowhunter: Tips on Starting an Outdoor BlogAlbert Quackenbushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601926880788750927noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-23851951352516922422018-06-23T12:13:29.574-07:002018-06-23T12:13:29.574-07:00Great post Al. And great comments from everyone!
...Great post Al. And great comments from everyone!<br /><br />Dranapnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-69982776121108175842013-02-08T09:02:42.325-08:002013-02-08T09:02:42.325-08:00Great post and thanks for the great tips. Great post and thanks for the great tips. Benhttp://www.trophywhitetailsupplies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-82696483006901559852013-01-06T19:02:18.627-08:002013-01-06T19:02:18.627-08:00GREAT POST!!!! Having just started a blog not to ...GREAT POST!!!! Having just started a blog not to long ago I really took this info to heart! Appreciate all the advice I can get!!The FlyFishing BowHunterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10926664489857711485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-19049843555198305942012-12-29T08:27:01.571-08:002012-12-29T08:27:01.571-08:00Exactly, Dan. If it starts to feel like work, take...Exactly, Dan. If it starts to feel like work, take a step back from it. I have had to do it from time to time. Right now I just love to share!Albert Quackenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05601926880788750927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-16460775781766101892012-12-29T08:25:42.669-08:002012-12-29T08:25:42.669-08:00Thank you, Bryan. I will check out the site and gi...Thank you, Bryan. I will check out the site and give you some feedback. I am looking forward to checking it out!Albert Quackenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05601926880788750927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-53255114310817130602012-12-29T08:24:37.630-08:002012-12-29T08:24:37.630-08:00Thanks, Scott and same to you and yours!Thanks, Scott and same to you and yours!Albert Quackenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05601926880788750927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-4689775779101573642012-12-29T08:23:54.321-08:002012-12-29T08:23:54.321-08:00Thanks for the comments, Bill. I agree. It doesn&#...Thanks for the comments, Bill. I agree. It doesn't have to be daily, but even a weekly post to stay consistent is great. If writing once a monthly make you happy, then great, but to be a 'successful' blog I think it needs to have some consistency. I appreciate the input!Albert Quackenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05601926880788750927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-3370363138124994192012-12-29T08:21:33.998-08:002012-12-29T08:21:33.998-08:00I agree, Peter. I think that if it is cluttered yo...I agree, Peter. I think that if it is cluttered you lose focus.Albert Quackenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05601926880788750927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-38098364988987859932012-12-29T08:21:11.987-08:002012-12-29T08:21:11.987-08:00Well said, Kevin.Well said, Kevin.Albert Quackenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05601926880788750927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-73865481922280102462012-12-29T08:20:41.412-08:002012-12-29T08:20:41.412-08:00Thanks, Tom. If you are content with it then that ...Thanks, Tom. If you are content with it then that is what matters. I remember when your blog went down. It was a bummer, but I am glad you are back at it!Albert Quackenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05601926880788750927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-34446216649685274502012-12-28T06:46:21.400-08:002012-12-28T06:46:21.400-08:00Al, this is a great article. I'd like to echo ...Al, this is a great article. I'd like to echo the sentiment that you should only start an outdoor/hunting/fishing blog if you're passionate about it. Otherwise it ends up feeling like work and just keeps you out of the field! <br /><br />If you want an outlet for your obsession, though, a blog could be it. Writing lets you share things you've learned over the years and meet other outdoorsmen with similar interests. It helps fill the void when you can't be out doing what you love.Dan Koboldt, In Search of Whitetailshttp://eruditesys.com/huntingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-69480157713324428862012-12-27T16:06:39.034-08:002012-12-27T16:06:39.034-08:00How much time should it take before a blog starts ...How much time should it take before a blog starts getting an audience? I've been blogging for three years and still don't have much of an audience. Its not a huge deal because I just like to share my stories whether there is an audience or not, but I'm just wondering if there is something I can do to increase that audience.Bryan and Katy Krakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07737932768768939943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-3328701685741543592012-12-27T15:34:31.212-08:002012-12-27T15:34:31.212-08:00Wow! What a lot of great advice. I've been b...Wow! What a lot of great advice. I've been blogging along with my brothers and dad for about three years now. It is basically stories of our hunting and fishing adventures with some product reviews. I am having trouble getting followers even though I keep the blog updated quite regularly. Check it out and give me some suggestions if you have them. www.krakeroutdoors.blogspot.com ThanksBryan and Katy Krakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07737932768768939943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-60898417714842084712012-12-25T07:36:35.084-08:002012-12-25T07:36:35.084-08:00Great advice guys, thanks Al and Merry Christmas t...Great advice guys, thanks Al and Merry Christmas to allCamp Doghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09786786407343094241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-81422956653928937872012-12-23T19:13:26.047-08:002012-12-23T19:13:26.047-08:00One key thing is to be yourself. If you are not a...One key thing is to be yourself. If you are not an expert, don't pretend to be for the readers. If you are an expert, don't be afraid to show it. I don't mind reading about something from someone that has the credentials.<br /><br />If you are looking to bring in some readers, invite other bloggers to write a guest post as well. They will often steer traffic your way, and as their readers look over your blog, if they like your material, they'll continue to come back for more.<br /><br />As far as posts, I believe some consistency is needed. Not daily, but even once a week is fine. Like Tom, I write a weekly outdoors column for a couple of newspapers, and my blog reflects those columns. I'll pepper some other material and of course, more photos than the paper will run, in the blog.<br /><br />Great post Al. And great comments from everyone!<br />Bill Howardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07332481397303536599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-86903603319291550792012-12-22T17:14:01.359-08:002012-12-22T17:14:01.359-08:00I think keeping a clean site is important- people ...I think keeping a clean site is important- people see enough gimmicky things everywhere else.Peter Patenaudehttp://www.bootandcanoe.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-56311272334298597052012-12-22T00:07:06.830-08:002012-12-22T00:07:06.830-08:00Thanks, Daniel. That does help as it seemed ambigu...Thanks, Daniel. That does help as it seemed ambiguous in the original. I totally agree with the genuine statement. That's exactly what I mean by being genuine; don't be fake. You hit the nail on the head. Post about the setbacks and unsuccessful outings as well. Nobody is perfect and no one has a perfect hunt every time. <br /><br />Thank you for your input and clarification. Cheers!Albert Quackenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05601926880788750927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-25127387386677750372012-12-21T20:35:47.000-08:002012-12-21T20:35:47.000-08:00I am by no means saying quality is better than qua...I am by no means saying quality is better than quality; however, I have found short term writing goals help feed my creativity and improve content. By looking for things to write about I force myself to try new things and have a great time doing it. I try to spread out posts a bit, I know a few guys who back log a few and tweak them for a while until they are ready to release them, but that is not my style. <br /><br />As for being genuine, I was referring to only posting successful outings (the good hunts,catching a big fish) and not mentioning setbacks is phony. I share my setbacks because it helps me learn what I did wrong, get constructive feedback, and learn form the mistakes. People can relate to the failures, some are comic gold honestly. <br /><br />Post too rarely and people might forget about you, and post too often and annoy folks. It just depends on the writer. Does that make my point a little clearer? <br /><br />Force your self to try new things, challenge yourself to write, but never force yourself to write. Danielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01912231489319247426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-68747238476537937222012-12-21T14:23:41.892-08:002012-12-21T14:23:41.892-08:00Good tips! I will have to make sure I use them. I ...Good tips! I will have to make sure I use them. I am still fairly new at the whole outdoor blog thing, but my only advice to anyone wanting to start is to do it because you want to... If you are starting an outdoor blog for any other reason besides the desire to write and share your experiences/opinions, then you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Yes there are perks that may come your way from having a good blog, but if that is your only desire then your blog will not be the caliber it needs to be. Idaho Pursuithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02204657308265957108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-38795792579541885882012-12-21T14:18:26.909-08:002012-12-21T14:18:26.909-08:00I would echo Phillip's sentiments. I never di...I would echo Phillip's sentiments. I never did get a large readership, but six years ago when I first started (6 years, holy cow!) I watched readership grow steadily till it was a nice stroke to my ego. Then some technical issues put the site down, and after I spent all the energy to get it going again, I found I didn't have the drive to put out frequent content anymore. My readership plummeted - and now I am satisfied to write my weekly column for our local paper, and when something from there seems worth posting to my blog, I'll do it. Outside of that, I will usually take the one lengthy, thought-out, feature article to post about 3 or 4 times a year. Hardly a recipe for success, but it is what I'm content with at the moment.Tom Sorensonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05376762648007983014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-33420465106164264452012-12-21T14:15:24.881-08:002012-12-21T14:15:24.881-08:00Thanks, Mark! Great points on the expectations and...Thanks, Mark! Great points on the expectations and motivation. Along those lines, if you ARE motivated and want to get on a Pro Staff you will have to earn it and it isn't easy. It's going to be work getting to that point.<br /><br />The 'content is king' point is so very true. Excellent point, Mark. I feel the other items are also relevant. If you throw any old garbage up there people may not respect you or your blog. There needs to be a balance, too. What I mean is that you can have the best content, but if you throw giant ads up there that are as wide as your screen it's cumbersome to read. If you take care and put up some visual content you have take care with it will help.<br /><br />The social media follows once you have written your article and you want to reach more readers. If you don't care about who it reaches then ignore this response, but if you DO want to reach the masses then social media is one of the best avenues.<br /><br />Great stuff and I appreciate the comment!Albert Quackenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05601926880788750927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-1494017852608981942012-12-21T13:38:15.528-08:002012-12-21T13:38:15.528-08:00Thanks for the info, Daniel. I appreciate your tho...Thanks for the info, Daniel. I appreciate your thought provoking comments. You got me thinking, well done! I value your opinion and thank you for writing. <br /><br />I am a bit confused by your comment on writing frequency though. Writing frequently has nothing to do with being genuine. In my opinion, you should always be genuine. In my response to Phillip I mentioned it doesn't 'seem quite so genuine' when someone writes everyday. From my experience, people that write an outdoor blog every single day have a difficult time coming up with interesting content over time. I am not lumping everyone in that category, but many have fallen into that. I mean no insult to anyone, but if you write about the same thing over, and over, and over... it loses value in my opinion. If you change it up, take your time to gather your thoughts and put together something interesting people will appreciate it more. I feel that if people are anything like me, they read plenty of blog entries during the week. Having a gap in between posts allows me to appreciate the different writing styles of each blogger. For me personally, I am far more inclined to read a blog that has new posts every few days or even every other day vs. one every single day. I appreciate it more when a blogger takes the time to condense their thoughts. (I am also not immune to all of these things, but I do try.)<br /><br />You mention 'Perfect' in your comment. 99% of my posts aren't perfect by any means. While they may not be perfect, I do review them and read them out loud to be sure they sound good. Much is changed and rewritten before I post my final version. Even then, they are not perfect. On the flip side, ramblings will get you nowhere, unless that is your intention on your blog. Even if you ramble, good grammar, punctuation and spelling will help immensely. By all means, you should be true to yourself when writing a personal blog.<br /><br />I do believe each blogger should have a purpose. Mine was to document my adventures, but also share what is going on in my own way. I wanted to reach out to the masses of hunters and share experiences and give back to the hunting community. It was a personal goal and still is, so that is why I answered the way I did. Some people just want to keep a blog as a diary. That is also great, if that is your goal. I am not knocking it and I encourage each blogger to write and write often, but take care in what you post. Albert Quackenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05601926880788750927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-31215350777293053952012-12-21T12:51:39.962-08:002012-12-21T12:51:39.962-08:00For me taking pictures of things I want on my outi...For me taking pictures of things I want on my outings really helps me remember the details when I am sitting on my couch writing at the end of the day. <br /><br />I am going to disagree with Al on writing frequency. While writing a story just to write it without having a lot of thought or passion is not a good way to stay genuine, not writing because it does not seem "Perfect" is a bigger mistake and even less genuine. I have suprised myself several times when I thought I was writing a dud, and people really responded to it, or it inspires something I didn't know I had in me. <br /><br />I am also going to add this; Be you. People are going to read what you write because you are passionate about it. If you are honest in your writing it will show. Post about your failures as well as your sucesses, people can tell when you are editing.<br /><br />Don't be afraid to change things up, ask for feedback and have fun. Thanks for the tips fellas, I am going to have to watch this post for a while adn see what else ends up in the comments. <br /><br />Dan The Impractable Fishermen Danielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01912231489319247426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-18347907846008904862012-12-21T12:36:08.463-08:002012-12-21T12:36:08.463-08:00Great points.
Great points. <br />Danielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01912231489319247426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-646025171886008830.post-42362228220591700422012-12-21T09:01:36.240-08:002012-12-21T09:01:36.240-08:00Great comments guys! Phillip, you reminded me of a...Great comments guys! Phillip, you reminded me of a point you mentioned a couple years ago, too. The point was this (I am paraphrasing here); Don't write just to write. If there are gaps in your postings, and they are good, people will want to come back for more. <br /><br />That's one of the things that draws me to certain blogs. They are posted every few days or once a week. Gives me time to read other blogs, too. If someone posts every single day it gets old and doesn't seem quite so genuine. It seems forced.<br /><br />I appreciate the excellent tips here gentlemen.Albert Quackenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05601926880788750927noreply@blogger.com