Comments on: Blogging: Finding Your Voice (or I Am A Fraud)

By: Kim Woodbridge

Kim Woodbridge — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:57:31 +0000

Hi Jason – I was thinking the same thing over the weekend. I was like everything is searchable which is why I’ve toned it down and not used any four letter works. Thanks for reminding me of that.

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 02:07:31 +0000

Hi Kim!
I think most of us tone it down a bit on the blogs. The blog most of the time now, is your web facing personality. A fair bit of people chose to no longer hide behind false names and etc on their blogs. With the risk of Google searches for future jobs, I think most of us do keep it toned down some.

Have a good week!

By: Kim Woodbridge

Kim Woodbridge — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 01:37:54 +0000

@Tara – Thanks so much for visiting and commenting.

You’re funny. I actually knew what you meant the first time. :-) I doubt The Bloggess just sat down one day and instantly started writing like that. She said I was awesome, though, so I’m going to bask in that for awhile.

And I am considering starting another blog – maybe after the beginning of the year.

@malathionman – You might not believe me but after I wrote that comment I went back to your site to find out what Malathionman meant and discovered that information. I also discovered Death Chic because I wanted to find out more about the F-Lists, so thanks for that.

By: malathionman

malathionman — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:13:24 +0000

SEEEEE! Nobody reads the bio. I was the Malationman in a cheesey movie called “Bleak Future”. The trailer is even on the sidebar of my blog and it has the Malationman in it! CHECK IT OUT! :)

By: Tara

Tara — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:59:40 +0000

I of course meant “I think most people have a blogging voice because they don’t want to offend or THEY WANT TO sound ‘professional’ or even to sound like they think readers want them to sound”

What a doofus!

Tara’s last blog post – The truth, the whole truth, about home birth. And poo.

By: Tara

Tara — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:57:51 +0000

Ooo what a good question! I think most people have a blogging voice because they don’t want to offend or sound ‘professional’ or even to sound like they think readers want them to sound.
I had this conversation with another blogger recently who asked me for an honest opinion of their work. I said the writing was OK but I knew it wasn’t them. I had read comments they had left at other blogs which were so witty and fun and made me want to immediately link back to their blog but when you got there it was a totally different tone.
Now they blog without restriction and it’s still rubbish. No no no, only joking. It’s great stuff!

I also think it takes quite a talent to write like The Bloggess. Her writing is really funny but really well put together so it works beautifully. I have seen this done elsewhere and it just doesn’t work. Well not for me anyway!

I guess my very long winded point is, you should write how you are comfortable Kim and if that means starting up another blog to really blow your top in, then go for it!

Tara’s last blog post – The truth, the whole truth, about home birth. And poo.

By: Kim Woodbridge

Kim Woodbridge — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:03:18 +0000

@Sommer – Hi! It’s interesting that you mentioned the article about Stan. That was one of my first articles where I got a little bit more personal. I found people very responsive to knowing me a little better so I have tried to write more personally and to include an article like that at least once a week.

I also “attended” the online b-day party of Liz Strauss’ blog last week and you were supposed to bring a link to one of your articles as a gift. That was the article I selected. :-)

I didn’t ask Stan in advance if I could write about him and when I gave him a printout of the article he was SO happy. He told me felt “honored” to have made such a difference in my life. That reminds me – I haven’t seen him in a couple of weeks and I really need to talk to him.

Hmm … maybe I’ll start swearing for you ;-) Ask Ron Obvious – he’s heard plenty – especially when we worked in tech support together.

@Vered – Thanks! Naomi is a great example. You know I just discovered her site this week and signed up for her Online Business School lessons. I’ve received two emails so far but haven’t opened them yet.

@Wesley – I think that one of the reasons I was drawn to your site is that I felt like the real person was talking to me. That’s great that both voices are the same. And I’m glad that you don’t think I’m boring ;-)

@Malathionman – Hi! Thanks for stopping by too. I don’t even remember how I found your site – you must have commented on another article that I was reading. Honestly, I don’t understand the Malationman thing either but I enjoy your articles :-)

By: Kim Woodbridge

Kim Woodbridge — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 02:49:11 +0000

@Kristi – Thanks. Maybe I’ll have to make a blog of snark. :-)

@Jenny – Thanks for visiting and commenting! I was very surprised to see your comment. It means a lot coming from you. You writing makes me laugh – you have a such a funny way of viewing the world and writing about it. I think you’re awesome too.

@Dee – I think you are funny and I do see your sarcasm – well, one time I didn’t get it in a comment and you had to explain it to me ;-) I often feel that I am not able to clearly express myself in a concise manner and get really long-winded, repeating myself over and over

By: malathionman

malathionman — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:55:56 +0000

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. It is funny you should bring this topic up. I have had simular thoughts lately. I do think that I blog in a voice that is much like my own, but I don’t people get the whole “Malathionman” thing. Maybe I should just be me.

malathionman’s last blog post – The 6th Letter of the Alphabet List

By: Kim Woodbridge

Kim Woodbridge — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:32:10 +0000

@Carla – I think your blog is business oriented and is to promote the products. I suppose you could try mixing it up a little with more personal anecdotes. I think you’re off to a great start.

@Mike – Thanks for your wonderful comment! Your description of your voice is almost exactly like I thought it would sound. Mine is on the deeper side and I tend to talk fast. Not as fast as a lot of people in the NorthEast but pretty fast.

I don’t think the voices have to be the same. I just think sometimes that practicing writing the way that I talk would be a good exercise and that it would be funny.

@Ron/Jim – Oh yeah, there has definitely been an improvement. You know I did go back and read the McCain/Golf Gear article recently and that one really does sound like the real life me. I think it’s because I wrote it quickly in a flurry of annoyance.

Thanks for being so supportive – as always.