Wednesday 7 April 2010

Post Frequency

I've just read two excellent articles about blog posting frequency. The first is called What is the Ideal Post Frequency for a Blog? and the second was How Often Should a Blogger Post? Both articles touch on a subject that I have been ruminating on for some time now and I've decided to gather some feedback from you, my readers. You'll notice that a new Poll has just been put up to the right of this column and I'd be interested in your honest opinion. But first let me explain some of my own thoughts on this issue.

I've been struggling to keep up with my self imposed daily posting schedule for several months now. This is partly because work pressures have meant I have less time during the day to write. The knock-on effect of this is that I'm writing more in the evening... when I should be painting or gaming instead. Something has got to give, because I just can't conjure more hours in the day. I have to stress that I have no intention of abandoning the blog - I love it too much - but the prospect of cutting back my posting frequency does have its attractions.

As both the articles mentioned earlier have stated, a lower frequency of posts can mean better quality writing. I have to admit to occasionally throwing in a quickly knocked together 'filler post' in moments of last minute desperation. Personally I don't think that's fair to you and I would much rather write better articles less frequently. I do try to keep several items "in hand" against such moments, but when the schedule demands daily posts its easy to eat through these very quickly.

Interestingly I reviewed all the gaming blogs I subscribe to (nearly 70 at the last count) and found that the vast majority don't update on a daily basis. About 25% post up to once per day but the remaining 75% post about once every two days or less. Over half only updated more than three times a week, and that included some very popular blogs indeed.

You've probably already guessed that I'm trying to justify to myself reducing the number of posts per week. I think the real issue for me is does my current daily schedule impact on my ability to paint miniatures and write games... and the answer is a resounding yes. But before I make any major changes I'd like to know what you think. I'm about to go on holiday so the schedule will slip a little for a short while but I won't make any permanent changes until I have some feedback from you, the readers. Please take a moment to register your opinion and as always feel free to leave your comments below.

8 comments:

  1. I voted 3 posts a week. This is a nice average a week.
    You are not having a news blog but a gaming blog. To me this means you don't have to post at a daily basis. You can blog when you have something interesting to tell. Like when you went to the museum or how painting is going etc.
    When you do such thing it can happen that one week you have about 5 or more post but the next maybe 2 just because not much interesting has happened. Avoid posting posts with little or less quality just to fill your blog on a daily bases. Less posts of good quality is better.
    I know that i don't post much but at the moment my blog is just doing what i created it for in the first place and i am happy with the amount of people visiting it.
    Keep up the good work.

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  2. Down to a lot of factors I think. I missed a week with being in Scotland and am starting to catch up but there is a think about quality / quantity.

    I certainly want to avoid 'fillers' from now on and just focus on quality (finished figures / scenery / battle reports etc.).

    I haven't updated my Napoleonics blog in weeks as I've been completely Ancients focused - but when the FOG Naps rules come out it will probably go the other way.

    But I do find most of your posts are interesting, Lee!

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  3. Hi Lee,

    I can't imagine how anyone can post everyday, I struggle to post once a week, if that.
    Go for quality not quantity.
    Regards,
    Matt

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  4. I really do not think that a blogger should hold onto a set schedule. If you are on a jag about something then post with abandon; but if you are painting/playing/partying then do not worry much about posting until you have time.

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  5. Hello Lee,

    I've only been following your blogg for a short while but it's been a real pleasure. Living just down the road from Dagenham, I particularly enjoy the local flavour. I voted 1-2 per week, not because of what's gone before but because I fear with a greater frequency you may run out of steam. I follow a couple or three dozen sites and you are by far the most prolific.

    Kind regards

    Iain

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  6. Hi Lee,
    I found your blog a while back and thought it was great. Really down to earth, wonderful, informative and fun. You clearly enjoy blogging, but I really can't see any of us who enjoy reading your posts stopping doing so if you dropped won to just once or twice a week. I find blogging even once a week really difficult, so the amount you have blogged so far has been pretty incredible in my book. So, go with the flow, I'd say....try once a week for a month perhaps, and enjoy the evenings for a little gaming and painting.

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  7. Lee,

    I voted for 1 or 2 post a week. Life has a way of getting in the way of gaming and blogging. I settled on trying to do 4 post a month. For the most part I hit that, there are times when it does feel like work instead of a hobby.

    As other folks mention, if I were to blog every day, I would have no time for gaming or hobby stuff. The question you need to ask is this (blogging) part of your hobby (gaming) or a different hobby all together? Good luck...

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  8. Thanks for all the feedback so far, both here and on The Miniatures Page. It's been very flattering. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of the poll when I get back from Holiday. I'm not about to pre judge that, but I think change is inevitable given my time constraints. I feel reassured that If I do make any permanent changes, I'm not going to loose half my readership in the process.

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Thank you for leaving a comment. I always try to reply as soon as I can, so why not pop back later and continue the conversation. In the meantime, keep rolling high!