Value

Implicit to the point of blogging is the idea of value.

There are different kinds of blogs; some are public, others aren't.

The ability to draw eyes is specifically associated with the value provided.

You could simply be journaling your own thoughts.

Value there would be the capture and dissemination of your voice.

You could be reviewing car dealerships.

Value there would generally be found in your offering a distinctive, useful perspective.

Again, it would be the capture and dissemination of your voice.

You could be sharing yarn and knitting patterns.

Value might be in how the patterns fit together and perhaps unique kinds of thread/yarn.

So, too, would value be provided through asserting your unique identity.

It is also true that the absence of voice removes value.

Without a reason to stand out, to identify and provide a unique voice, value is lost.

One could even say that genuine value ceases to exist when voice absent.

Provide value.

Aught

One of the more tempting blog hobbies is to produce aught
 - that is, the intent to provide the absence of value.

It is commonly delivered in the form of a null statement.

The graphic above highlights this nicely:
using the same picture, phrase, or thought to respond to nearly everything.

It is the semantic equivalent to circular reasoning; done well it has the added bonus of being

• entertaining
• of null-value
• an excellent tool to provide the absence of commitment.

It is most tempting when a lackluster attempt is made to provide content.
And is most commonly necessary when there is a misalignment of niche and core audience.

Thus - if you do find yourself saying nearly identical things in successive posts ..
     Please consider ensuring you are still providing genuine value.

Graphic-courtesy note:
When making use of graphics found online please attribute/give full credit to their source.
It provides aforementioned back-linking and broaches the social net in which you exist.

Disclosure:
This graphic comes from the comic xkcd; it is linked there as well.

Inspiration

As this week comes to a close, I wanted to provide a list.

Here are some things I do to help generate content:

1. Read
As mentioned previously, much content is rehashed.
This isn't bad - as long as you're not copying without providing credit.
Likewise, if you read enough, you'll often become newly inspired.

2. Sleep
I believe everyone has experienced the sensation of delayed resolution.
This is when, after some time, the solution just "comes to you".
One of the ways in which this can happen is simply sleeping.
You may also note that being well-rested can help the creative juices too.

3. Dance
Moving about can be a mental lubricant.
The key here is to simply get up and move about without forethought.
As much as you are comfortable and able: dance!

4. Sing
Voice is tied to thought.
This is why one of the most effective ways of improving speech is through improved writing.
The reverse is true as well; learning to speak more effectively can bear fruit in your writing.
And singing can help get the lingual juices flowing.

5. Argue
Another useful tactic is to engage in a mental dialogue with someone.
The easiest and most efficient method is through argument.
Be sure that disagreement does not result in offence.

Have a great weekend!

Declaration

Welcome!

This will be an aggregation of information about blogging; you should find helpful tips, ideation recommendations, and details about becoming known.

In addition, notations on branding and presentation, both for this platform and otherwise, will be raised.

My goal is to provide unique and distinctive value.

Thanks!

Jason