A couple of days ago on a lazy afternoon, I was busy woolgathering and an intriguing thought happened to cross my mind. What are the things that I wish to do before I die? The things that I would like to accomplish in my lifetime? In other words, what is my Bucket List? Now, it’s not everyday that you think about your death.
So the thought got me quite interested. I jumped out of the couch and got my scribbling pad and started to scribble away.
I jotted down a few things which I would like to do before I die. I cannot post them here for more reasons than one. At least not now! I might just post it in the future. But, that’s just a ‘Maybe’! 
By the way, have you created your bucket list? Think about it! It’s quite interesting.
For those who didn’t know, ‘The Bucket List’ is a list of things that you would like to do before you die. The term became famous when a blockbuster movie of the same name starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman released last year.
What got me even more interested in the subject was, creating a Bucket List for my blog. Now that would be interesting. What would my blog like to do before it died? Not now, not in the next few years, but maybe when I got too bored of blogging and decided to bring down the curtains on it.
Maybe when I jumped on to a different profession. Quite possible.
Or maybe when I left god’s green earth for the unknown that lies beyond.
What would my blog like to do? Here’s what I could conjure up for my blog!
1) Have more than 30,000 subscribers via RSS – That doesn’t seem likely for two years at least.
2) To have two posts everyday – Now that one’s achievable. Hmmm. Did someone mention writer’s block?
3) Generate a 6 figure income for at least one month – You see, my blog loves me and wants to see me filthy rich!
4) To become the holy grail for Freelance writers and Amateur Bloggers – This ‘could’ just work out.
5) To visit the Blog World Expo – I will be there at the Expo in 2011.
6) To win a Web Log Award – Cast thou votes!
7) To have a memorial blog created in my memory when I die – Any volunteers?
You see, he is an emotional fella, my blog! Now is a blog a he or a she? I dunno, but I prefer him being a ‘he’.
Now, most of those things are what my blog would like to do as of today. I will keep adding to the list as and when newer things come into the picture. And I will also keep scoring out each thing as I accomplish it. Maybe, I ought to create a different list for all the things that my blog has accomplished.
That can be a real morale booster on a bad day!
So, what’s the bucket list for your blog? Haven’t create one yet? Do it now and keep me posted! Cheers!
Photo Courtesy Flickr: Bucket List, originally uploaded by er3465
5 easy steps to crispier content
Friday, February 27th, 2009I have been spending a lot more time off late trying to promote my blog. Have started Tweeting and Face booking purely to get the word out and the traffic in. Got some great help from Chris Brogan and his post ‘Using outposts in your media strategy‘. Have to say that I never realized the potential of Twitter until the last week. Thankfully, it’s better late than never and I am happy and tweeting.
I have also started surfing a lot more and as a result, have had the privilege of visiting some real great blogs and witness some of the best copy that I have ever read. Honestly, I must admit that some of those blogs and the writers were the inspiration behind this post.
What turns ordinary copy into great copy? How does that transformation occur if it is indeed a transformation? The aim behind this post is to help you write crisp content. Content that can be read, that can be scanned and that invites people to read through.
Although there is no rocket science (I know its clichéd but can’t help it) involved in writing readable and scannable content, it certainly isn’t the easiest thing next to breathing.
The tips listed below have certainly worked for me and they might work for you too.
• Decide on the title: The title of your article is the reader magnet and it better be good. It is almost like a billboard that screams out 24×7 and on the internet; it will help you stand out. Having a title in mind before you begin writing the article helps you frame the remainder of it. It is easy to go off track while writing and the title will help you stay focused. It’s like an invisible barrier that keeps you within limits. Ever tried doing it in the reverse order? That’s a doozy, I tell you.
• Think content, always: Once you have the title in mind, start thinking content until the article is posted. And not just when you are writing. Think content while exercising, while taking your pet out for a walk and even while having a beer. Some of the best chunks of my articles have surfaced out of nowhere in my mind when I was guzzling on Carlsberg. (I have recently shifted to Carlsberg from Budweiser). Maybe you should drink more Carlsberg then. ? And don’t forget to scribble it down the moment it hits you, no matter what you are doing at that time.
• Keep writing: For me, the most difficult part has always been the start of the article. But I don’t stop writing once I get a go ahead. I think it always helps to get those first 800 to 900 words on the paper. No mater how bad it sounds. Toss those grammar rules aside for sometime and type away. So once you begin, stop only after you have the rough draft with you.
• Take a break and then get back: Always take a break after you have the rough draft. It helps to get your mind off it for a while. Trust me; you will be looking at the article in a different light the next time you lay your eyes on it.
• Additions and deductions, brevity is the key: Lo and behold, what you have in front of you now is the raw material for what can turn into a killer post. But the real work begins now. Read the article again and again. Identify points where you can make additions or deductions. Subtle changes that can make a difference. Using bullet points, quotes, analogies and axioms always makes it more interesting. What you are doing now is polishing the diamond and make sure that you take your time to do it. Cut down the unwanted stuff. Always remember, brevity is the key to great web copy.
And if you really want to know whether this works, go to some of your oldest archived posts and rework on them. You might just come up with a new and updated version of the dusty old post. And if you want to chip in with a thought or two, just drop me a comment down there!
Notes: Image Courtesy Flickr : 14th August 2007 / Day 226, originally uploaded by Mrs Magic.
Tags: additions, billboard, Blogging, bullet points, comments, Content, crisp, easy, posts, quotes, title, writing
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