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Rachel

Content Boundaries, a 12-Step Program

Sunday, March 9th at 8:48 p.m. • 1 comment

Heather Armstrong (of Dooce) and Maggie Mason (of Mighty Girl) held a panel this afternoon which discussed the boundaries a blogger sets between their content and audience. My computer died, of course, a few minutes before it started, but I managed to take some notes on the back of a boarding pass.

They were both extremely mellow and funny, and made some excellent points regarding the benefits and disadvantages of publishing your personal life online.

A few things that stuck out:

  • As far as blogging goes, the mood you set in your posts is generally the mood you get back from your audience.
  • It’s important to find the “sweet spot” between author and reader. Over time, a blogger gets a general feel of what types of posts will attract better responses.
  • Set explicit goals regarding your website. This could include readership, money, awards, etc.
  • Something will go wrong. It’s not a huge deal to delete the meaner comments, especially if you feel that they’re attacking your readers. Heather mentioned how she generally leaves up the hateful stuff because she finds it humorous, but if she feels that her readers (i.e., the ones who can relate to her postpartum depression) would be hurt by something, she will absolutely take it down.
  • Let yourself evolve. “Publish for the readers you want, not the ones you have.” Don’t worry about your image changing from, for example, “living single” to “married girl.” People can “smell” that you’re being false.
  • Always do “your thing.” Never be vanilla.

It was a really interesting perspective from the two of them, as Heather is generally extremely open with her writing and Maggie is pretty safe. Heather talked about the day that she found out she had 30 readers, and how that was such a huge deal for her.

The content of their panel was probably the most relatable for me so far. I’ll be writing about my more personal, fan-girl reaction to seeing Heather at thatnight.

Comments

  1. I absolutely adore Dooce. Ran into her about a year ago. I am a mom who can relate to Heather’s honesty about parenthood (good and B-A-D). It’s amazing how as a youngin’ you also fine a strong connection. But, then again, Rachel, your blog takes me back a few years to some fond memories. Keep up the great work. Thanks for the SXSW coverage!

    LynneinGalvestynne • March 10, 2008 at 8:55 a.m.

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