I originally published this topic about a year and a half ago, titled "Who Are You?!" It's still a major issue that needs to be addressed across the blogosphere...
Just this morning I was doing some work on my blog when I noticed a cool title in my Blogrush Widget. I clicked through to check out the blog post, which I really enjoyed. I had every intention of whipping up a post to share it with you here on ClickNewz, but I had no idea who to give credit to or mention as the author of that post.
PLEASE - stop, go visit your own blog, erase your entire memory, and then attempt to view your blog as if you're a total stranger to yourself. Can you answer this one basic question: Who are you?
Ideally you have a photo and a brief bio in the top right or left corner of each page, or perhaps a basic introduction to "who you are and what you do" in the header. But at the very least, you should have a visible hyperlink to an About Me page.
While you're at it, include a name as the author of each post - either in the post data area or as a signature at the end. Those are the first two places I scan for some clue of who wrote the content I am reading.
I cant tell you the number of times I have passed on leaving a comment or on referencing (and linking to) a blog post of interest... simply because I had NO way to address the author.
I'm not asking you to include your full name and social security number. Or pictures of your children. I dont even need to know your real name. I dont mind, as long as I think I know who I’m talking to when I leave a comment. Put something (anything!) on your About Me page, and link to it.
Dear Mystery Blogger,
Please make up an identity if you dont already have one of your own. And post it where I can easily see it, or at least find it.
Thank you,
Technorati Tags: about me, profile, social networking, blog marketing
About Lynn Terry
And if you change your blog template, make sure the new one still adds your name and link to all your posts. I was feeling all proud when I first read this because I was sure my name was all over my blog. I was quite surprised to discover that was no longer the case!
I fixed it now though... thanks for the reminder!
I feel the same way about websites. There have been times when I've changed my mind about buying something or decided against participating in some way because I couldn't figure out who owned the site or how to get in touch with them.
Cool - its one of those things that is important to me as well, and very frustrating when you want to quote a blogger or make a reference!
I completely agree with you, Lynn. It's so frustrating to go to a blog that you have no idea about. Sure, you can read the articles and posts, but who is the operator. When I see blogs like yours I really get interested. There is so much to learn about and you have a better idea where it is all coming from. Great topic and keep up the fantastic work.
I completely agree with you Matt. I only have several blogs I go to right now because of this problem. This is only the second time I have been to this blog and it is very well constructed and taken care of. Blogs do consume some people and that is why they cannot take care of them, but doesn't that tell them they are trying to take on too much? Thanks for everything Lynn and I will definitely bookmark you this time.
Lynn, I know this is an older post. I came across it during a search. You make a great point about most bloggers being a mystery to their readers. You have been around for a long time and you have definitely found your voice as you share/teach others.