 |
| A now-abandoned lock of the Second Welland Canal in Merritton, Ontario. The photo shows the previous location of one of the two lock gates. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Hello, fellow bloggers and beloved lurkers!
I'm probably going to post a little less in the next while,
(but don't count on it, bwa ha ha),
because I've been busy setting up another blog.
http://slabtowncanada.blogspot.com
But you don't have to rush over there because it is
intended to be a spot where the people who grew up in my
now non-existant hometown of Merritton, Ontario
can post memories and stories.
Has anyone had any experience sharing a blog?
According to blooger up to 100 people can share a site.
Any hints for success
or pitfalls of which I should be wary?
How can I encourage people to write?
(It's pretty hard to put yourself out there the first time.)
I'm going to post advice tomorrow.
What would you say?
To your mind what is the most important thing about blogging?
And what makes a blog post successful?
Thanks,
Francie
8 comments:
oh my Francie, I hope you find bloggers to share memories of your hometown... it is pretty scary to see your home be "swallowed by another city!
It's hard to get yourself out there for sure! Use a lot of keywords, search words, and start a Facebook page! Put up cute signs in your neighbourhood with the link to your blog (old or new) in a way that will entice them to go to the link. Viral marketing. Have business cards made up and leave one wherever you go. These are all my suggestions :)
Email a bunch of your old friends and neighbours about the idea for your blog and engage them that way!
If the people who are going to post on the shared blog already have their own blogs, then things will be easier. But if they don't, you might want to consider editing (in a they might need formatting help kind of role, or they might need help making their writing internet appropriate).
When it comes to success, I think that all you need is a good story to tell in an engaging way. You already know how to do that. If those coming on board are anything like you, well... the reading will be delicious.
I'm looking forward to reading old days stories. They are my favorite.
That's great, Francie! I must check it out!
As for blogging, I don't have any earth shattering words of wisdom. I just think it should be fun. Write about things you know, enjoy, are passionate about. If you put feeling into it, your posts will come alive.
I've never shared a blog so alas, I have no advice. But it sounds like a great idea you've got!
I like the idea of this, and hope it gets some traction with former Merritton folks.
I'm guessing there will be some reluctance on their part to jump in and start writing, although they'll probably love reading what others have to say.
To get the thing rolling, maybe you could reach out to some likely bloggers you know personally.
The easiest thing for people to do is commenting. People like photos, and I'd encourage those.
Most old photos will likely not be digitized, and older folks will not likely have a scanner. Could you handle that for them?
Suggest on the blog the kind of content you'd like to see posted.
How about a contest or two --- What is the origin the name Slabtown? Who was Merritton named after? In what year...? etc.
Go to the local seniors residence and get the oldtimers together to share stories that can be posted.
Oh, great ideas everybody, thanks!!!!
A great idea, Francie! I'm not sure how to connect on this site?
Rosalie (Elliotson)
Post a Comment