Comments on: Two blogs or not two blogs? That is my question.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 05 Nov 2005 00:11:42 +0000

Thanks everyone for the advice! And welcome Jennifer; no need to lurk though.

I have decided to keep one blog for now. For the reasons you all gave and a few of my own, which you’ve probably read here already.

I think the 2 things that triggered this thinking, especially after my dissing J. Nielsen, is all those surveys I just did in a row and the fact that I had given my “business” card with my blog URL on it to a prof I respect at the conference last weekend.

I used to really despise all of those silly surveys and then I found a few that were so wrong that I found them humorous. Then I discovered that some people I like and respect really enjoy them so I did a few more.

So, I guess I need to find a balance of the “silly” and the rest of what I’m happy to show of me along with the LIS stuff.

Again, thank you all for the positive comments and letting me know that you like finding “me” here besides the LIS stuff!

Cheers!

By: Angel

Angel — Fri, 04 Nov 2005 21:35:38 +0000

It seems you are getting great advice, so I am not sure I can add more. At the end of the day, you have to do what feels right for you. In my case, for instance, I did not necessarily want to have article notes about lesbian pulp novels and tequila in the same place I put my notes on LIS articles and other LIS items. I guess for me it was a matter of “those other things interest me, but I am not as sure most of the regular LIS folk would be intereted.” The Itinerant Librarian is my play space. It is also a place I write more about my other areas of interest. One thing you may want to consider is the issue of having your name on it. I know bloggers who have a “serious” blog with their name and the second as anonymous. Mine have my name on both, and they have links to each other, so they are not a secret. For me, there are things I need a little extra space. But I certainly see where other bloggers choose to put everything in one basket. Some of those blogs I find very interesting to read, cats and all. I think if a blogger is a good writer, people will come to read their stuff no matter where they put it. I know, I probably was not that helpful, but I hope my experience somehow gives you some insights. As always, best. Keep on blogging.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 04 Nov 2005 13:59:25 +0000

I agree with Em and Jenica; one of the most interesting aspects of your blog is that it isn’t strictly LIS-related. In reading your writings, you get to know the person behind the ideas as well as the ideas themselves, which I feel provides both insight and interest. That’s one of the reasons I regularly lurk here.

By: Em

Em — Fri, 04 Nov 2005 12:09:56 +0000

I agree with Jenica about considering the purpose of your blog. From various posts and conversations (yes, I get to talk to Mark in person as well as through the blog!), I know that your blog is an effort at integrating parts of your life, but also at finding a way to voice your thoughts and feelings. But it really has evolved a lot from the early posts to the current version. Are you still able to do both in one blog? Is there personal stuff you’re not expressing because your blog is now more public?

That said, I have wondered about the title. It seems to me your blog substantiates how truly your thoughts are NOT broken. If you are wanting to invite more conversation and communication, would a different title for the “academic” part of your writing serve that purpose?

By: Jenica

Jenica — Fri, 04 Nov 2005 02:57:22 +0000

My vote is no. But, then, people tend to prefer the model they’ve chosen, and all my expression is in one place. Ruminations on my job, pictures of my cats, conversations with my fiance: One blog. So, you know, caveat etcetera.

That said, I very much enjoy knowing more than one facet of a person. I enjoy reading Dorothea, and you, and Joy, and “Jane”, and ranger more than I would simply because I know the person behind the words. I also enjoy reading your essays on librarianship and the information world MORE because I also have a sense of your politics and personal history (the parts you choose to share). I feel like that additional context is a big bonus, and enhances the quality of the information I take away from your posts.

But if you chose to have two web faces, I would absolutely understand. There are days when I type entire posts and delete them, because they should never be published with my name on them if I ever want to have or keep a job again.

Basically, it depends on why you’re blogging. I’ve chosen an integrated approach because my blogging started as and continues to be a chronicle of my thoughts and life. What’s YOUR purpose? Identify it, and then trust it, and go with it.

Whatever you do, I’ll follow you around and keep reading.