Desert Rat’s thoughts – On being No.6
Recently, my web-boss Steve released some of our network’s stats over at the main Skinny Moose site. You can peruse them here. Now, you may note that I am listed as Number 6. In some ways, that is good – we’re a big network. In some ways, that’s bad – ’cause truth be known, I do have a competitive streak. As a matter of fact, the more I think about it, the more I don’t like being Number 6. I think drastic measures are needed. Starting next week, every reader that makes a comment gets sent a $100 Cabelas gift card. Every Friday, I will be giving away free beer. Oh – and I’ll have special sections with pictures of Chippendale’s guys, or female volleyball players – whichever floats yer boat.
OK, I’m really not going to do any of that. I am going to try and raise the bar some, though. It would be nice to be mentioned someday, in pieces like this – The best known outdoor bloggers. I don’t admit it to them much, but I do read Steve and Tom’s advice on blogging pretty regularly. I learn from those, and try to figure out the best way to implement those into my blogging, while still being able to keep my “style”, and keep things fun.
I have a bunch of interviews coming up. I’m going to start with some influential Arizona people, organizations, and entities. From there, who knows. I have a few big “guests” in mind. I’m going to try and get out more to events, representing my blog and the network, as a legitimate journalist. Obviously, I will try to link more, make more posts, and do a better job with my headlines.
I have no illusions about being another J.B Absher, nor a David Petzal. I don’t even aspire to catch up to Steve, Tom, or even Kristine.
I think I can do better than Number 6 though. Stay tuned!
Don’t forget the “Write about the Good” challenge as well. Phillip inspired that one, and a lot of outdoor bloggers are picking it up. You can read about it over on the OBS blog.
I think the best way to get read is to read other people’s work. If you got and visit other people’s blogs they will generally return the favor.
I also think you can’t go wrong following Steve’s tips on blogging. Darrell at Alphatrilogy writes a good series on blogging as well. Matt also just put up a great post on finding time to blog on the OBS blog.
So what’s the ultimate goal? Number One?
August 11th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Ultimate Goal? Better than Number 6 LOL
Seriously, I know I’m a good writer, but I also know that I do not have the time to commit to being as good as some of you out there. Concrete, measurable improvement is always nice.
August 11th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Writing about good? I’ve been doing that for ages, but it’s been subtle. I guess I will switch to “overt”.
Since Day 1 I have published news from Arizona Game and Fish. Most of their news is of the “Community Outreach” variety. I also almost always publish information (when available) from organizations such as The Arizona Elk Society, Arizona Deer Association, Arizona Hunters Who Care and other conservation groups.
I am working with Steve to have logos and links to ALL Arizona conservation groups posted on all of the AZ sites. I’ve been at that for awhile, but I also know that he is swamped.
I have been promoting HOAL since the beginning and am also the Arizona Chapter’s PR Person. I played a part in getting Skinny Moose’s support of the National Organization
At least one of my upcoming interviews is with a cool Arizona organization that I think will be interesting to many readers. I’m working on others.
Again, I’m not looking for “attaboys”, I have my own reasons for promoting all of these great groups.
Just sayin’
August 11th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Wow, I didn’t know you were doing all that. I think that’s terrific. I hope all outdoor bloggers follow your example and use their platforms to help publicize worthy groups. As you know, it’s a great thing to do.
August 13th, 2007 at 9:14 am
[...] Recent Comments Kristine Shreve: I sometimes think the biggest enemy thatKristine Shreve: Wow, I didn’t know you were doingDesert Rat: Writing about good? I’ve been doing thatDesert Rat: Ultimate Goal? Better than Number 6 LOL Seriously,Kristine Shreve: I supposed to take my Hunters Ed [...]
August 16th, 2007 at 12:10 am