What’s your angle?
Posted by Josie on Oct 22, 2009 in Writing | 49 comments
Well this is all very exciting – my first post on my spangly new laptop! (yes, I know spangly isn’t a word but it should be and I’m a writer now so can make up new ones whenever I like…)
I NEVER get new toys so this is a bit of a treat. Me and the husband have been having a bit of an issue over laptop usage – since most of my evenings are now spent doing one bit of writing or another, the poor love doesn’t get a look in, looking at movie geek sites or whatever the hell it is he does (most likely playing Football Manager – ahem. Did I mention he was 31 in a couple of weeks?) . Despite the fact that he’s been his usual exceedingly patient and understanding self and not uttered one word of a moan about me forever tap tapping away, it does seem a bit unfair. So when I got some grant money through from the OU we decided to get me a ‘work’ laptop. Partly as a kind of investment in this writing adventure I think. I kind of ’I can do it (because I have a spangly new laptop)’ self-belief present.
In fact, in honour of my new self-belief ‘I can do it’ laptop I am going to make a promise…
I am going to write my first book on this baby. Oh yes I am.
I have no idea what about yet, but that’s a minor point…
Anyway. That’s not what this post is about. Well, it’s kind of what the post is about but only in a very long winded god-are-you-ever-going-to-get-to-the-point kind of way.
I shall get to the point.
The other day sweetie pie Karin at Cafe Bebe wrote about having a blogging confidence crisis – wondering why she was blogging, what did it all mean, whether it was it worth it, worrying that she wasn’t popular, and so on. Now, I think we’ve all been there. In fact, those that know me will know it’s a regular occurrence for me (having had to be dissuaded from deleting half my blog posts just the other day). Blogger’s Wobble is soon going to have to recognised as a certifiable mental affliction amongst the blogging community.
Obviously we all (recognising the symptoms) jumped to Karin’s reassurance that she was doing just fine, to forget the stats and get back to blogging basics – doing it cause you love and it and have something to say.
But some of the (very helpful) comments got me thinking. They echoed what I have heard said time after time about blogging – the importance of voice. Of having a unique personality and selling point for your blog, that ultimately THAT is what makes a blog successful and stand out from it’s ‘competitors’ (and I use that word loosely as that’s SO not what blogging should be about).
Now generally I do OK at keeping the Blogger’s Wobble at bay. I don’t spend TOO much time thinking about stats and ratings, only occasionally stressing over silly things like why I haven’t got many subscribers when I get lots of hits (*sob*). Mostly I’m just so in love with the whole thing that I don’t really stop to think about it.
But this thing about voice, that really struck a cord. You see, the ‘popularity’ thing I can let go, but I do really, really want to stand out from the crowd in terms of most definitely not being ‘just another mummy blog’ and instead having something different and interesting to say. And what I love is that I think I’m finding mine. It’s taken a while to evolve but I’m beginning to get the sense that this blog has a ‘something’ that is mine and unique to me.
So. Here’s my angle.
I am a mummy. I am an aspiring writer. I find motherhood hard and I am honest about that. I blog because I love to connect and to write and play with words and thoughts and ideas.
What’s your angle? Or what would you like it to be?
Or if you don’t know, maybe you should think about it? WHY do you blog? What do you hope to achieve?
I’d really love to know x
Related posts:
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http://www.queeneileen.co.uk
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http://americanmominengland.blogspot.com
Angle? Hmmm, I’m an American Mom in England and I blog for me. . . of course it’s nice when other people read and like what I have to say, but at the end of the day that’s not why I do it. I needed a space to express the me that my toddler doesn’t really get and I like to think I’ve found it. . .
.-= Erin´s last blog ..A tribute to "Love You Forever" =-.[Reply]
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http://notdrowning.wordpress.com
I love the term “Bloggers Wobble”. I get it at least once a week, when I become bogged down in that whole popularity game.
But at the end of the day, I mostly write because when things go wrong – as they so often do when small children are involved – instead of thinking “Poor me!”, I look for the comedy in it and turn it into a blog.
My angle? I’m always struggling against the tide of Stepford Mothering out there which makes many mothers feel they need to pretend that “It’s fine, it’s all fine!” when really, it very frequently *isn’t* all fine. And the more we pretend, the worse it becomes.
Thank you for *your* blogging voice, my dear porridgebrain…
.-= The NDM´s last blog ..Result =-.[Reply]
Leah Mason Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:19 am@The NDM,
Last night I discovered your blog, it cheered me up so much I was sat feeling poorly laughing Out Load, I am glad it’s not just me! Thank you[Reply]
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http://rosiescribble.typepad.com
Oh I just love this post, in fact I’ve just added your blog to my bloglines. I had Bloggers Wobble a couple of months ago and nearly gave yp. Thankfully I didn’t because I’ve been presented with some wonderful opportunities since then.
I blog because I enjoy the blogging community and it connects me with others. I enjoy writing too and blogging keep the words flowing, and it’s different from my ‘day job.’
Do I have an angle? I don’t know. I try and speak fron the heart and say it as it is, even if I’m not sure that others will agree.
.-= Rosie Scribble´s last blog ..When motherhood isn’t a bed of roses =-.[Reply]
Josie Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm@Rosie Scribble, Thank you Rosie! The community and connection aspect of blogging has been the biggest surprise about this whole enterprise and remains my favourite element. I love to write but like an audience to respond and engage with – makes it so much more satisfying and fun
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http://dadwhowrites.wordpress.com
Why blog? God only knows. On the one hand, it’s a bit like methadone – a substitute for the sort of writing I can’t accommodate in my life currently. On the other, it’s definitely its own kind of addiction. I don’t have an angle other than me. Oh, and to not be a ‘dad’ blog. Or any other kind of blog. It’s a kind of Dogme blogging.
.-= Dad Who Writes´s last blog ..Dudelet, anxiety and the toad work =-.[Reply]
Dad Who Writes Reply:
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:36 pm@Dad Who Writes, P.S. Of course, trying to not have an angle is very definitely an angle. What can you do?
.-= Dad Who Writes´s last blog ..Dudelet, anxiety and the toad work =-.[Reply]
Josie Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:46 pm@Dad Who Writes, Well I’m very much enjoying your not-a-blog blog, angle or no angle
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http://babyrambles.blogspot.com
‘Bloggers Wobble’ – great! I get it all the time. I read Karin’s post too and commented that I’ve no idea from one week to the next what to put on my blog. Ideas just come from little things and I’m happy people want to read them (and yes I worry that suddenly as from tomorrow no one will ever read it again). As for angle, you’ve got me now. I agree every blog should have one and mine will now therefore slip into obscurity without one. I guess my angle is… (hurriedly thinking) ‘an overtired rapidly aging mum who finds motherhood hard work but for some unknown reason wouldn’t want to be doing anything else at the moment and I’m about to inexplicably make life harder for myself by having another baby’. Hmmm.. doesn’t trip off the tongue does it?
.-= Whistlejacket´s last blog ..A big thank you! =-.[Reply]
Josie Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:47 pm@Whistlejacket, An excellent angle! I love that we’re all admitting to the Blogger’s Wobble – we should form a support group or something!
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http://sandycalico.blogspot.com/
You have a strong voice already and it will only get stronger the more you write.
When I started my blog I thought my angle would be having two children so close together, but I’ve hardly touched on that. I hope that with each post I write, whatever it’s about, that I am finding my voice.
As for the competition/readers/stats stuff, I’m trying to put it out of my mind. I write my blog because I enjoy it. I read other blogs because I’m nosey! I enjoy being part of such a supportive community. All the other stuff is gravy.
.-= SandyCalico´s last blog ..Playgroup Etiquette =-.[Reply]
Josie Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:48 pm@SandyCalico, Thank you Sandy
I don’t think your blog’s ‘voice’ is necessarily something you choose actually, I think it’s something that you find and that definitely comes with time and practice. It’s fun finding it out though huh?! x
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http://www.strocel.com
Oh, the crises of confidence, how they afflict me! The worst part is, the more traffic I get, the worse it is. Because now not only do I wonder why I’m doing it, but I’m also convinced that there is no way I can maintain it. Such fun!
Anyways, on to your original question. This is my angle:
“I believe that most mothers are desperately in search of some sort of ever-elusive balance. I am, too. I want to share my journey with others. Because I am a total know-it-all, I also want to find a way to help others to find the life they really want. Because everyone needs my help, whether they want it or not.
”
.-= Amber´s last blog ..Money and Dreams =-.[Reply]
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http://www.notsuchayummymummy.wordpress.com
Being a novice, new blooger I wonder why I bother every day. The most number of hits I’ve had in one day is 71. Most of the time it’s less than 10. I don’t understand about RSS feeds and so will never be in even the top 500 blogs but hey ho. I’m enjoying having something for me away from Sam, Craig, work & uni. I’m struggling to find time to do it at the moment but I’m always thinking about what to write at least.
My angle though, hmmm. Talking about being a busy mum? Done? Ok… journeys with a young baby? Done? Ok…I suppose it’s me, talking about me because no one else will listen. I had all intentions of my blog being about Sam and how I was coping (on not) with all the elements of my life now but instead it seems to have turned out to be a kind of autobiography and space to moan. No wonder no one reads the bloody thing….
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Emma @ Not such a yummy mummy Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:13 am@Emma @ Not such a yummy mummy, Of course I meant blogger. Though I quite like the word blooger.
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Josie Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:52 pm@Emma @ Not such a yummy mummy, You are a brilliant blooger my sweet don’t you dare stop. I’m loving getting to know you more through it. In fact, I have a topic request please – can you tell us about your time in China? Please? I’d so love to hear about it x
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http://iknowineedtostoptalking.blogspot.com
Sexy laptop!
In answer to your question, I blog purely, 100%, to entertain myself. My life makes me laugh A LOT – and, well, if it entertains someone else as well, that’s just a bonus! x
.-= Kathryn´s last blog ..You’re Hired … or you would be, if you weren’t so – well – utterly, utterly bizarre =-.[Reply]
Josie Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:54 pm@Kathryn, Well count me as your bonus. I am constantly entertained by your stories – and I love it because it’s like having a mini Kathryn on my google reader and makes the times between seeing you feel not as long! (and while we’re on the subject… it’s been too long!!) xx
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http://youfoundkelshidingplace.blogspot.com
Karin’s post sparked off a lot of thinking didn’t it. I too have been struggling to find what my angle or voice should be. The thing is I have been at this blogging lark for quite a long time (about 4 and a half years I think) although I switched blogs at one point when people found out what I was doing (I liked it being private).
I have ad productive periods and quiet periods over that time because well, real life got in the way. I started again whilst on maternity leave and made such a nice group of blogging and twitter friends that I wanted to keep it up when Piran was born.
So my blog has gone from a single, looking for love twenty something, followed me as I started making great achievements at work, met a wonderful man, planned a wedding and got married and then had a baby. At the risk of sounding like an X factor contestant, it is all about my journey.
So my angle I guess is all about me. What I think I need more now is to develop a ‘voice’, to make my writing more consistent.
I do think about the popularity and the Tots 100 etc but the fact is I do not understand stats and I have no idea how to find out if people are subscribed (other than the google followers) and I do not have the time to work it all out, so I just have to do my best and sit back and let the experts tell me how well I am doing. Takes a lot of pressure off!
Hmm, long comment, perhaps my voice should be ‘rambles and takes an age to get to the point’?
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Josie Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:57 pm@Kelly, I love that you have been blogging for so long Kelly – so great that it’s followed you through all the big changes in your life!
We don’t stay the same though do we so it makes sense that our angle or voice would change and evolve as we do. I hope very much I won’t still be blogging about sleep deprivation in another four years anyway!!
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http://enagreen.com
I blog to remember….Remember the good bits the bad bits, but mostly how lucky I am…
Also when 2 year old is 15 will be great fun embarrassing him with it!!!- there has to be some payback for all this hard work??
.-= Leah Mason´s last blog ..Ena Green =-.[Reply]
Josie Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:00 pm@Leah Mason, I think blogging to remember is a great thing to do. Memories fade so quickly don’t they? I’m glad I’ll always have these posts to read to remind me of this time in my life, however hard it’s been at times.
And yes… great potential for future embarrassment. “Remember that time I blogged about the time you pooped in the bath?” – in fact I may just distribute copies of posts at his 21st, wedding etc. Ahh memories…
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http://fizzylady.blogspot.com
Well I am relatively new to blogging although I have posted on forums for many years.
For me it is a form of expression and, most importantly for me, it helps keep my brain active and helps me recall memories both pleasant and painful.
Recently I had been getting the feeling that my brain was simply shrivelling up..annoying as I no longer drink or smoke and run 2 busineses from home.
Blogging is helping me rekindle my joy of creative writing.
Interestingly my oldest son, 17, is currently studying for his A levels and hopes to go into journalism!
Interesting post Josie x
.-= Sylvie ´s last blog ..Happy Kitchen – Part 1 =-.[Reply]
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http://mwaonline.blogspot.com
I’ve been thinking about that. I think my aim is to find a community of people I get on with. My angle is that I am a woman who is trying to find her way in the world and likes to think things through for herself. A bit vague, but it’s the best I can come up with. I also try to write pur-ty and be funny.
(Thank you for your latest comment over at mine. It was SO sweet.)
.-= Mwa´s last blog ..Fight or flight =-.[Reply]
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http://alybean.wordpress.com
I started blogging because none of my family would join Facebook or Twitter(they have done now) and wanted a way of keeping them in touch.My first few posts were pretty hideous.It wasn’t until I joined Twitter and saw other blogs that I understood how it worked.I love cooking (ex-chef) and like to share recipes and being a Pagan sets me apart from other blogs.I like to use smilebox for showing off photos of my family.I am really getting into Josie’s writing workshop,which has got me mum noggin to think about how I go about writing.If it wasn’t for you Josie, I would have a pretty boring blog.Everyone should get a pat on the back for some really thought provoking and hilarious posts.Happy blogging!
.-= Alybean´s last blog ..Rice Pudding =-.[Reply]
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Pingback: uberVU - social comments
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http://lifeslightlyused.wordpress.com/
That is brilliant
I think my angle is “a life that is not anyone elses” You know – mother who can’t sleep, who is an actor, who has various psychiatric illnesses and has enough absurd stuff happen in my life and brain to make entertaining reading – I have so many words in my mind all the time they need an outlet also blog addict. Love that you are going to write your first book or your new laptop – oh and spangly is SO a word – been using it for years – mainly about dance leotards but still…
.-= april´s last blog ..Break, Break, Broken… =-.[Reply]
april Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:31 am@april, ps – how do I subrcibe to you? the RSS feed just gives me html….
.-= april´s last blog ..Break, Break, Broken… =-.[Reply]
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http://20somethingmum.blogspot.com
I don’t really have sleepless nights over the whole popularity contest element of blogging-don’t get me wrong it’s nice to log into Blogger and find I have a new reader. I feel that makes me prouder than a place on a list, as it means someone likes what you write enough to want to know whenever you post something new for them to read. I do have a stat monitor, but only because I get a kick seeing where in the world my blog is being read, it amazes me when someone from outside the UK has found me and is reading about my kids and their exploits! I haven’t been featured in the Top 100, but I don’t really know what the need or necessity is for that anyway if we’re all amateurs doing it for the fun of it.
.-= Claire´s last blog ..FIGHT!!!! =-.[Reply]
Josie Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:08 pm@Claire, Good for you Claire.
I think the Top 100 is useful and appealing to those of us that would like our blogging to go somewhere, or are using blogging as a platform to getting our voices heard. But you’re right, it’s not the be-all-and-end-all – certainly shouldn’t take away from the fun aspect anyway x
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http://www.knackeredmotherswineclub.blogspot.com
Sleep is for the Weak and A Modern Mother were my inspirations to blog. My angle is wine (see blog for details!) but mostly it is a space to communicate and feel you’re not alone!
Love, love, love your site x
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Josie Reply:
October 24th, 2009 at 11:21 am@Knackered Mother, Oh how lovely! Thank you! Wine is a most excellent angle
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http://insomniacmummy.com
My angle? That’s a good question.
I blog because I enjoy writing. I have so much stuff floating round in my head it keeps me awake so splurging it out all over the interweb gets it out of my brain. Share and share alike and all that?
I’m not entirely sure if I have a definite angle. One thing that I do know shapes my posts is being a motherless mother. I write alot of the things I do because I feel a little blindfolded on this journery without a mother or a mother inlaw. Alot of my more emotional posts stem from that.
I also like the connection stuff like ‘Hot or not?’ creates. It’s a bit of fun that I look forward to every week.
Do I have an angle? I’m not sure. I do know that I enjoy what ever it is I’m doing. It’s reminded me how much I love writing all over again.
.-= Insomniac Mummy´s last blog ..Hot or Not? =-.[Reply]
Josie Reply:
October 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am@Insomniac Mummy, I love “hot or not” – one of my favourite things about Fridays! I think insomniac ramblings are an excellent angle
x[Reply]
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http://www.allgrownup06.blogspot.com
award for you at mine. this post is a perfect example of why you deserve it!
.-= all grown up´s last blog ..Kids Rooms website Review =-.[Reply]
Josie Reply:
October 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am@all grown up, Aww thank you! Very sweet of you xx
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http://www.violetposy.co.uk
First off loving ‘Clive’ very pretty
In answer to your question….I don’t really have an angle other than well just being me.
My first blog which is long since hidden was much more geeky and technical, but after having a mini nervous breakdown at my old job I just couldn’t face anything IT related for about 12 month. it’s literally been in the last 8 months I’ve felt like writing anything technical, so maybe I’ll resurrect it in a different format?
But VP is more me, I have a hugely eclectic interest in Home/Style and all things geeky which I must admit probably makes my blog a little odd.
I tried really hard to be a Mummy Blogger but I’m just really not very good at it and DD didn’t want to be written about anymore. My current post for example had to be run by her first, which does rather limit what you can post. So now I consider myself to be a blogger who happens to have a child. It’s easier because she’s older and therefore is at school most of the time and not around that much, it would be much harder if she was at home.
All I can say is do what makes you happy xx
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Josie Reply:
October 24th, 2009 at 11:26 am@Liz@VioletPosy, Do you know what made me smile about your post Liz? Because I think your blog has probably one of the most visible and definitive ‘voices’ that I know of. It immediately stands out for it’s style and it’s content – you couldn’t mistake it for any other.
If that was unintentional then that is all the more fabulous x x x
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http://Www.slugsontherefrigerator.com
Great post. You know we are going to hold you to the whole writing a book on Clive promise…
Personally, I think the whole stats/ top 100/ popularity issue is the single worst thing about blogging. Personally, I would never want to know my rank as it would only fuel the competitive monster inside me. I do not want to waste my precious time in chasing stats and readers. It’s not why I blog.
So what’s my blog’s angle?? To be a virtual scrapbook of our lfamily. To treasure the beauty and the sorrow and the mundane that add up to our lives as they wrap around the central value of creativity. Oh and to have somewhere to post pretty pictures of food, because I’ll never get my dream job of cookbook photographer.
But then the need for an angle is a bit false, I think. Blogs are popular fora whole range if good and bad reasons having a specific niche is just one. IMHO.
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Josie Reply:
October 24th, 2009 at 11:33 am@Slugs on the Refrigerator, Hello Miss ‘I’ve the best angle in the whole of blogging’ (can you tell I am totally digging your work right now?)
If I wanted to give an example of perfect voice and unique style I would hold you up and go “AHHHH!!” in a kind of light shining from heaven kinda way.
You are right, you don’t NEED an angle, or a niche or anything else. But if you manage to find one and develop it, even unconsciously I can’t help but feel, as a reader, that it adds so much more to the blog reading experience. Might not matter to you – and if it doesn’t then all the more credit to you I think. But personally, in a world of so many similar blogs that tend to blend together, I love it when I find one that stands out… and that makes me want to be one of the standy-outy ones too… x
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Josie Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:36 pm
@queeneileen, No you don’t need one! Like I said I think it depends on your motivations. If you’re blogging for you then it doesn’t matter. But if you want to stand out? Then yes I think gimmicks help
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