What Should I Do?
I’m looking for feedback from you my readers. You subscribed so really you get to dictate where I go with the blog, because if I go where you don’t want me to go, essentially you’ll unsubscribe. And that, is not the way to run a successful blog.
SO, do you care if I post about photography? I have a passion for photography, and I really enjoy it more and more every day. The thing I like MOST about photography is that it’s LEAST like internet marketing. It’s a great way for me to clear my brain!
Essentially what happens with myself, and I know others too, is that I work work work on the computer and then I get burnt out. The end result is largely unproductivity and laziness. I find that after I go out and take some photos, when I come back I’ve got more energy and get more work done.
But, do you even care to hear about photography? Do you want to see photos? There are 3 things I could do, and I want you to reply with your thoughts. If you could, comment with your preference.. #1, #2, or #3 (include the #) so I can easily scan and tally up the “votes”. Yes I’ll read the comments too but I don’t feel like installing a poll plugin for this LOL
- I could just start posting about photography, because, maybe you enjoy it too! Same setup, same one email per day thing. I could post the photo posts after the business posts so when you get the email it has the title of the business post and that first, and photo stuff second.
- I could re-categorize the blog and only have emails go out to you subscribers from the business end, and setup a separate list for the photography end. The blog itself would have both, so if you went to the home page you’d see both, but you’d only get emails about the ones you care about.
- I could create a totally separate blog for photography. This I like less personally because I originally envisioned the blog being about me and I don’t really feel like starting another blog from scratch.
So what do you think? #2 sounds the best, but if you want to subscribe to multiple categories it could get hairy with how Aweber is setup. I’d rather not have to pay for each subscribe counted multiple times because they are on multiple categories, and it wouldn’t properly put them together and keep the 1 email per day thing.
Anyone know of a plugin or service that lets subscribers choose the categories to receive? If one doesn’t exist, maybe I’ll create one, at least for myself.
November 21st, 2008 at 11:43 am
I think it’s great that you find something to decompress with as should all of us.
I also think that sharing your hobby would be great for us. However I feel you should leave the choice to us whether or not we want to see the photos.
Therefore I recommend that when you send out an email for the news letter that you indicate that the “photo album” has been updated. Then just provide a button in your blog for the “album”. That way we can choose whether or not we want to see the photo’s. It’s simple and should make everyone happy. Those that are not interested in photography can ignore it, and those that are will be able to easily find where to go.
Good Luck,
Ernie
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November 21st, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I love to take photos too, would be neat to see some photos you have taken…..but give the option to those that just want to read, but not see…
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November 21st, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Personally i’d set up a seperate blog since it is such a vastly different topic, and might even affect your seo rankings.
I think aweber is your best bet in terms of email reliability versus using a wordpress plugin.
So i’d go with #1, simply create a category for photography, and mention the new post along with a link in your regular emails, after the marketing section.
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November 21st, 2008 at 12:42 pm
#1
I believe everyone needs to balance work, family, recreation, etc. to be happy. If photography is your “thing” then I say go for it and put anything you want on your blog; after all, it’s yours.
You provide lots of good training and information to your readers. The least they can do is to try to pay you back by not unsubscribing.
Tom
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November 21st, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Hi Tim,
I think the option #1 is the best. Give us the one email per day with the business post first and the photo post second. That way we still get our business info (which you are so good at providing) and we have the option to relax with some great photos and photography info. Also, it creates less work (and stress) for you. :-)
morda111
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November 21st, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I would like BOTH-please, rss feeds can be limited to categorys if a subscriber prefers. I found this; but it would not come up, server busy–
http://www.rss-software.com/rss-to-email.htm
I use flickr to import into squidoo.
I think your photos deserve their own website, but you are right, it takes alot to upkeep– I am also http://arttherapyhealing.com and it it time I upgraded my photos and paintings in there, too little time right now- I keep saying that too.
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November 21st, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Tim,
I think photography is an awesome hobby, and enjoy it myself tremendously. I think you should go with #1. Photography and marketing actually have more in common then you give credit and I believe it will give your blog a new dimension and insight to successful marketing…
Looking forward to seeing more on the subject and images from you.
DA
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November 21st, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I think it’s great to talk about different things. It’s a good way to get to know each other. We all need a break from “work”, lol, sometimes. I relax with woodburning, it’s an art form that uses an electric pen to burn pictures onto wood. It’s really pretty cool.
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November 21st, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Checkout Skribit for “timely topic suggestions for bloggers to end writer’s block and assists bloggers in writing more relevant articles for their readers.”
http://skribit.com/
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November 21st, 2008 at 3:21 pm
#2
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November 21st, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Hi Tim I’ve gone down the route of a separate blog for my digital snapping, but it would not bother me if you talked about photography - I do it to get some time away from the PC too, the dog usually has a walk at the same time. I’ve got too many blogs but since twitter and micro blogging turned up, i am very tempted just to stick a big widget in each one to broadcast updates that way! good luck with your decision i will follow this blog to see what you do - as it might help me decide too :-)
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November 21st, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Hi Tim,
I am a photographer in my spare time..In the service I did this for my country…Loved it. So if you ever want to talk about picture takin” feel free 2 do so I will read and we can share!
Bill
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November 21st, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Hi Tim
#1
Photography is so cool…would love to read about it
Have fun
Bryan
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November 21st, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Since I was a photographer for a number of years, I wouldn’t mind at all.
As for what’s best for other subscribers, I don’t know. Maybe #2 or 3.
Maybe you could set up one of those online surveys for your list? I’ve been told people like to take surveys.
Paul Livingstons lastest blog post..The Internet Marketing Success Formula…can it work?
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November 21st, 2008 at 8:08 pm
I am fine with the Photography posts, as long as I don’t get emails about them. I only read your blog for traffic exchange/internet marketing type of stuff.
I would still check out the photo posts, as I love cool photography and wouldn’t mind learning about it.
Look at it this way… the IM topics are the main course, and the photography topics would be like desert.
Thanks. — Dennis
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November 21st, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I’m also fine with photography posts. So #1 for me. Photography is a great stress release. :) Bring on the pictures.
Cheers,
Jay
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November 21st, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I love photography! I will be getting a digital camera soon, so would really enjoy hearing about your experiences. All my previous photos have been taken with a 35mm camera.
I think #1 would be the best option.
Thanks,
Carole
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November 22nd, 2008 at 7:11 am
Hi Tim,
Option 1 sounds good. Just like you sent two today make one about IM/TE and make the second one about photography.
Rich Morris
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November 22nd, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Like the sound of option1. If the pictures are only half as good as the quality of your blog posts - we are in for a treat!
Keiths lastest blog post..TE News Saturday 22nd November
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