Am I a one-trick pony?

[maninhispyjamas]

Hello,

I would like some feedback on my blog please (gulp). Have only been at it for a couple of months and am enjoying writing it very much. I have a small readership mainly promoted through FB (mostly friends/friends of friends reading).

Obviously I would like more readers and thought some constructive criticism might be the order of the day. I wondered what people's thoughts were on the following....

1. Content - like it? Do I also need other types of writing to keep it interesting? sort of diary/discourse/dialogue etc thats main aim is not to just amuse? (tricky with blogger template though isn't it?
   

Worried that the 'same old same old' might get dull?

1. Layout/design etc
   

1. Ideas for increasing traffic?
   

Take a look if you get a moment and I'd appreciate any good-natured advice. I am a man after all so taking criticism may not be my strong suit, but I'm keen to learn...

Thank you

Sam //www.maninhispyjamas.com

[doradoo]

I like your blog - your style is chatty and witty. Keep it up!

[Folicacid]

Well done on blogging!

I had a quick look at the first few entries and my one comment on how you could improve it is to write a bit more, explore the topics a bit more. It reads a bit like a comedian with some snappy one liners or de dum de dum- punch line jokes. Sometimes, it's better to lead the audience in for a bit, take them on a journey. Means they will get to know you better and you can really explore your thoughts and life.

I can see how your blog works with people who already know you, but strangers may be looking for a bit more. Each entry wraps up so quickly, in a kind of That's all folks! way.

Bearing in mind, I have only clicked in and read a few entries so I could be talking complete and utter shit.

Good luck. Well done for getting off your arse and writing.

[maninhispyjamas]

doradoo,

Thank you - I shall try

Folicacid,

That's a really interesting point. I have been purposely keeping them short and punchy in an aim not to bore people and keep content bit-sized and more accessible.

But maybe it makes it a bit impersonal in the long run.....

Certainly something to think about - thank you.

Any more takers - I'd welcome your thoughts....

Peace

[flubba]

I've had a quick look and I like the idea of it, but found it a bit too rambly in places if I'm honest as if you've tried too hard to make each story as full of as many adjectives as possible. I want you to get to the point.

Sorry that this is a) not very nice (but it is only my (good-natured?:)) opinion and you are of course more than welcome to ignore it) and b) in complete contradiction to Folicacid

I like the design and the picture is funny and gives an immediate idea of what you're about to let yourself in for :o, but personally would like the picture to be a wee bit smaller so that your crotch isn't in the middle of my screen :o before I scroll down to read what you have to say :)

In terms of increasing readership, you could start reading other humour/family blogs and leave comments/like them so that some of their authors will start to look at yours, and if they like what they see, they'll leave comments too, so some of their followers might follow yours etc etc - like-minded blogs are a good way to do this.

I hope this helps and is meant well.

[maninhispyjamas]

Flubba,

I think that's all very reasonable. I think I have been learning as a I go about how to write and obviously I'm writing for humour. There is a theatrical element to the writing (my background) which I am happy with. I recognised recently that the better posts (in my opinion) were the less rambling ones. And More recent posts have been less so (I think), and easier to read, however they are admittedly 'adjectivey' which for me is part of the humour and the joy of words. Which did you look at?

And yes it is a good point about my crotch - but alas it stays. Took me ages to get the width the correct size for the blog. At least it's maninhispyjamas and not pants...could be worse?

Many thanks for taking the time to give me some feedback. Much appreciated

Sam

[flubba]

Well I'm glad you took the advice in the spirit it was meant and your comment about it possibly being maininhispants made me laugh out loud.

Don't get me wrong about adjectives - I'm a Big Fan! (Just not necessarily in such great quantities in such small spaces )

The ones I had a look at were the two most very recent (and one about the non-existent fly- or was that one of the two?), then the pukey cats/kids one and also started to read one but realised it was the third part of the trilogy and despite the links, I'm to say I didn't click back.

[maninhispyjamas]

Flubba,

No it's a fair point. As I say I'm still working it all out. I shall certainly experiment with maybe 'adjectiving' less. See what happens. Maybe get to the publish point and then think - right cull the waffle. Maybe I call it 'doing a Flubba'. (wink)

Thanks again - food for thought.

sam.x

[maninhispyjamas]

seems I can't do smileys either sigh*

[flubba]

:o

It's all about the square brackets on this site

I'd love it to be called 'doing a Flubba' :o - although I'm very guilty of over-waffle on my own blog, so maybe I need to do a flubba on my own stuff first!

[maninhispyjamas]

LINK! x

[flubba]

I don't imagine it'll be your cuppa - but it's here if you want to see how over indulgent I am with my adjectives. Yes I know, people in glass houses and all that... :)

[maninhispyjamas]

Whilst it might not be my first choice if I have a spare moment, as I don't make things, I think the things that you have made are really lovely. I also like your Christmas countdown.

The above statement contains the only adjectives I am prepared to use. I am a svelt adjectarian nowadays.

Good day.

[flubba]

Well 'first' and 'lovely' will do for now, thanking you kind sir, or should I now call you Svelt Adjectarian?

[Alurkatsoftplay]

I thought the blog was funny but, like FolicAcid I'd like to see some of the funnies developed just a little more. I love the pic (nice chair in the background!) and the title which sets the tone/lays the expectations v well. Liked the various riffs on real-life and the honesty. I have an aversion to white font on colour find it more difficult to read but hey.

As for being a one-trick pony, this is something that concerns me (or worse being a no-trick pony). Like you, my blog posts tend to have a similar feel (only in my case its not 'ha ha', its 'ho hum') I don't know whether its good to be consistent - the reader knows where to go when he/she wants some 'ho hum' or some 'ha ha' - or to deliberately try to alternate tone so the reader gets a surprise.

That wasn't particularly helpful, sorry. As for increasing traffic, I have no idea!

[HeathRobinson]

I've read a few of your blogs - very funny.

I think your later writing is definitely better than the earlier. Also think it's a bit wordy in places. Posts where you've been wordier (!) on the intro and then more succinct as the story progresses, work best, imo. I'm thinking Ninja school-boy here. (Arf at man-berries! )

[HeathRobinson]

Ahem, maybe I meant a few of your blog posts.

[maninhispyjamas]

Alurkatsoftplay,

That's really useful feedback - I appreciate it thank you. I know what you mean about keeping consistent versus changing the tone - still not sure yet. I'm interested by the expanding the posts thoughts - I've been keeping them purposely 'tight' as not to go on to long, but maybe less wordy but more words! I'd love to look at your blog - to read not to critique - can you post a link?

HeathRobinson,

I agree with you on all counts - thank you for taking the time to give me your thoughts. Nice to have some positive feedback and some constructive criticism. Lonely business blogging! Link to yours to have a nosey?

Thanks again guys.

Sam

[Alurkatsoftplay]

Yes, less wordy but more words is a fine motto.

I have two blogs both under six weeks old, Awww, cute.

Grandadcametotea.wordpress.com

(Be astounded at the lack of visuals! I call it 'simple'. You might call it utterly dull.)

The other is not on mumsnet network yet, oops, I'm waiting.

Tabithaflyte.wordpress.com

I'm still not sure what blogging is all about tho' which is why I'm reading lots of blogs to try and boil down what works and what doesn't but also, if it does work, then what?

[Alurkatsoftplay]

grandadcametotea.wordpress.com/

tabithaflyte.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/hello-world-2/

Links, sigh

[HeathRobinson]

maninhispyjamas - glad I helped a bit. Sorry, I don't blog, just read a lot.

Alurkatsoftplay - I've read some of your grandad blog. (I liked it.) I don't know much about blogs and it took me ages to find your follow on link. I kept trying to click on the ellipsis!

[KateMumsnet]

Sidling in to let alurkatsoftplay know that we'll be activating your new blog shortly .

[Alurkatsoftplay]

Thanks KateMumsnet. That's great.

And thank you for reading, HeathRobinson. Much obliged!

[maninhispyjamas]

Alurkatsoftplay,

Sorry for delay - I like your blog also. They are a nice read indeed.

[OhGood]

But they are all exactly the same. A tidal wave of sameness.

[flubba]

Whose are you talking about OhGood?