When is a Blog no longer a Blog
This is a question I have asked myself many times in the last six months.
A blog by definition is an online diary of one person’s views or ramblings on a subject of their choice which of course could be parenting, cooking, beauty or indeed any subject they wish to choose to write about and share on the Internet.
For myself personally, I write a parenting and DIY blog. The parenting side is all about my family life. It’s there for my children to read today or whenever they want. It’s a history of their childhood and it’s forever there in cyber space long after I have left the planet. It’s my memories and thoughts to be passed on down to them.
I truly don’t care about awards, stats or top 10 lists. I never started blogging for that reason and I don’t blog today for that reason. Yes, I have been lucky to be included in some top 10 lists and ok, yes, it’s a feel good factor, but really is of no consequence to me because to stay in these lists year after year is almost impossible and I simply don’t have the energy or inclination to want to try to achieve that.
Me winning an award? This will never happen, but again I never started blogging to win awards. I know I’m not the right blog that will win awards. That for some reason is reserved for a certain type of blogger.
Now back to my original question.
When is a blog not a blog?
There seems to me to be a lot of blogs , and I use the term blogs very loosely that really don’t have a place there. They have become websites that use contributors, and for that reason alone they will ride high in the charts, have great stats and normally win a lot of awards, but this is false. It’s actually quite easy to achieve this status when you have numerous contributors. In my humble opinion if a blog is being produced by numerous guest posters then it’s not a blog, its a website, a club even, but it’s quite simply not a blog!
My disillusionment at the arrogance of some people in the blogging world has left me wondering where I go now.
Blogging has to be fun, exciting and about the written word, not about how much money can I make doing this. I have heard so many times bloggers saying that they need to monetise their blog. My comparison is how do I become a premiership footballer and of course neither is going to happen! As a genuine blogger which I believe I am, you have to do it because you love it.
When I first decided to get myself a self-hosted blog, I didn’t worry about what other so-called award winning bloggers were using to set their blogs up. I did some research myself on the subject of starting a blog, read a review of this affordable web host, signed up with them, and set my blog up. It was that simple, because I was clear in my mind about what I really wanted to do.
The emphasis nowadays seems to be on labelling bloggers in certain categories. There seems to be a lot of talk about pro-bloggers so forgive me for appearing stupid, but what is that? Somebody that earns a full-time wage from blogging or somebody that maybe only earns a part-time wage, if that. The expression pro -blogger in itself is a myth and completely unnecessary.
On this basis I must be a professional painter and decorator. I never refer to myself as one because I feel by adding the word professional I sound as if I’m completely up myself and have some sort of self importance! I feel it gives the impression that I think I’m better than the next decorator, maybe, maybe not, but I don’t need to make myself better, and the same applies to the blogging world.
Now back to my original question again.
When is a blog no longer a blog?
I feel when a blog is made up of different contributors, it’s a website or an online magazine. A blog? Definitely not!
68 Comments
Sarah Howe
November 11, 2016 at 7:06 am
I prefer blogs with original content…so like you say…a diary or thoughts and opinions etc. I do get fed up of pre written content or sponsored posts as it’s not always interesting. My stats are the worst for reviews and these. People like good content! An actual blog! So you make a really valid point here. Xx
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 9:53 pm
I do get fed as well I love natural posts about people’s lives think I’m a bit nosey thanks for commenting x
Simon (Man vs. Pink)
November 11, 2016 at 7:21 am
Intersting post Nigel, and I’ve had similar thoughts myself about website vs. blog. IMHO a blog is by an individual. At a stretch I guess a parent blog can also be authored by a couple. But when it becomes a contributor driven platform I feel it has moved from a blog to website that carries blogs.
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 9:54 pm
Totally agree that’s exactly how I feel thank you for commenting Simon
Catriona
November 11, 2016 at 7:27 am
I’ve not been on the blogging scene for a long time. Almost a year, so I’m starting to wonder what I’ve missed!
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 9:55 pm
Not a lot just my opinion on blogs nowadays the bigger ones thanks for commenting
Martin Lee
November 11, 2016 at 8:11 am
I only tend to read blogs with personal content or take on projects, not those who are sponsored to offer competition or those that rely on guest bloggers to purely do the work for them…with the exception of my #Backtothefeature of course! Thanks great post!
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 9:56 pm
That’s exactly how I feel thanks for commenting Martin
Ashley Beolens
November 11, 2016 at 8:42 am
Two points, in the photographic world you are classed as a professional photographer (at least in competitions eyes) when you earn more than 50% of your money through photography. so earning over 50% of income blogging by that standard would make someone a pro-blogger.
I do slightly disagree though and think blogs can be written by more than one person, but it depends wholly on the subject. as you say parent blogs by two people seems fair, in my own blogging genre (nature/outdoors) again if events are partaken by a couple or friends then there seems no conflict more than one person writing them, also if a blog is about a place or event having more than one view on it is great.
I get your point though, and there are some blogs that are really just glorified adverts now, even if their origins were in single author diaries.
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 9:57 pm
Very interesting view Ashley I still think the larger blogs are not blogs just websites thanks for commenting
Mary
November 11, 2016 at 9:08 am
I absolutely prefer blogs with original, even raw, content 🙂 Those are REAL. No fake lives, not solely relying on guest bloggers, not relying on their sponsors, not trying to win all the blog awards. Thanks for the great post! 😀
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 9:58 pm
That’s exactly what I like thank you for commenting
Heather Keet
November 11, 2016 at 9:15 am
I agree, once you have multiple contributors it isn’t really a blog. It’s a website driving traffic in for the ad dollars. Which is fine, I love a good online magazine, but it isn’t really a blog anymore. #ThatFridayLinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 9:59 pm
Totally right I agree thanks for commenting
Kimberly
November 11, 2016 at 9:19 am
Good content is key I think. No need to overthink the rest. A blog can be what you want it to be. What’s the definition of a blog anyway? It’s a made up word 🙂
My favourite posts are those that make me think and work out what my own opinion is.
Kimberly x #ThatFridayLinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:01 pm
Good content is key but without a audience it doesn’t matter how good it is although my point is some blogs should be websites thanks for commenting
Dave – Dad’s Turn
November 11, 2016 at 9:33 am
Started my blog like you to say a few things and let friends and family know what was happening with my little one, and still don’t plan to go beyond that. I have to agree I rarely read guest posts as I follow blogs for their author
#thatfridaylinky
Cathy
November 11, 2016 at 9:49 am
This is a really interesting post Nigel. I first started blogging when I was living in Italy and it was a way to record my thoughts on living in a foreign country. Like you I feel that my blogs (I now have two) will never make top 10 lists, but that isn’t my motivation. I am trying to work out what sort of posts I want to go forward and write and have neglected my blogs during this year due to other personal commitments. So thank you.
Amy Treasure
November 11, 2016 at 9:52 am
Yes, I totally agree with this, I call my ‘blog’ an online magazine and I say that even though I am the sole contributor but because there is an element of advertising. I’m not sure I would ever call myself a pro-blogger because that’s not what I am. I see myself more as a multi-creative! I do understand why bloggers use the term pro, when it describes that blogging is their full-time job but my income is made up of more than my blog. I don’t think you can really use the term if you only make pocket money from it.
On another note, it is always the posts of mine that are not sponsored that are written straight from the heart, that help or offer a solution to a problem that keep my ‘magazine’ ticking over and retain readership and not the money stuff which is interesting when you think that is what blogging is really about.
Great post 🙂
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:17 pm
Thank you Amy for kind words my natural posts always do best for me thank you for commenting
The DADventurer (Dave)
November 11, 2016 at 1:40 pm
Interesting thoughts mate and I agree with a lot of what you say. I obviously do sponsored content on my blog, but because I write it all and come at it from my own angle, I feel this is OK – some may disagree though. Accepting a lot of guest posts or getting others to write your stuff turns it into an ‘online magazine’ or something collaborative. Is that a blog, probably not. I don’t mind the term pro-blogger – it’s a bit twatty, but I think it’s just people who earn through blogging calling themselves something to differentiate. I’m probably a pro-blogger myself, but I don’t use the term – I do though see why people would when they’re marketing themselves. Anyways, an interesting, refreshing read 🙂
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:20 pm
Thanks for commenting I agree it’s the fact the owner of blog just gets masses of people to write for them that irritates me. Like you I do a lot of sponsored work and I would nearly always write it to make it as natural as possible and what I think. I guess I’m a semi pro blogger because it earns well but I have another job thanks dave
Ryan Bickham
November 11, 2016 at 1:54 pm
A great blog and it’s true your blog should be where share your ideas and experiences. It’s difficult as a blogger to always remember that and not be distracted by promotions, giveaways and free/paid opportunities. #ThatFridayLinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:22 pm
Thanks for commenting it’s difficult to find the balance but I believe it can be done thanks for your kind words
Brandi Puga
November 11, 2016 at 4:44 pm
I agree. And it is definitely and easy trap to fall into. Having guest bloggers occasionally is fine, but when you can’t find the original author out posting their contributors…not a blog anymore. #ThatFridayLinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:22 pm
Completely agree occasionally is fine thanks for commenting
One Messy Mama
November 11, 2016 at 4:52 pm
This really resonated with me. I have SO many comments that I would love to write, but I somehow think I should keep them to myself. Guess I am taking the easy way out hey! #thatfridaylinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:24 pm
Go for it would love to read that post thanks for commenting appreciated
becca farrelly
November 11, 2016 at 6:04 pm
Really interesting and something I’m hearing a lot more from bloggers recently, I think the big tots shake-up has stirred some feelings a bit! I completely agree with what you say and that’s why my blog isn’t really monetised bar a few ads and I don’t accept pre-written content because it just wouldn’t be ‘me’! I prefer blogs that are written by the blog owner as they feel more genuine and complete.
I don’t take much notice of rankings and certainly don’t check them every 5 seconds, I also will never win any awards and that’s OK! 🙂
#ThatFridayLinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:25 pm
So agree with you thanks for commenting
five little doves
November 11, 2016 at 6:18 pm
I think a blog is whatever you want it to be. For ME, my blog is a place to share our lives, the things we love, the places we go, and make a bit of money here and there. I blog because I love to write and for as long as I enjoy blogging, I’ll keep at it. #thatfridaylinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:27 pm
That’s exactly the reason I blog thanks for commenting Laura
Helen Gandy
November 11, 2016 at 7:24 pm
A great post Nige and I wholeheartedly agree. Although I feature sponsored content I try and intermingle it with original content because that is what make my blog……my blog. Thanks for hosting #ThatFridayLinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:27 pm
That’s what I try to do as well thanks for commenting Helen
Wave to Mummy
November 11, 2016 at 8:52 pm
This is a really refreshing post! Interesting to read your opinion on this. I also get disappointed when reading blogs that aren’t really written by that blogger – I too write sponsored content but it’s all written by me. I don’t mind a few well chosen guest posts as they can be interesting but mostly I like to read blogs as blog and from a regular individual.
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:28 pm
Exactly that’s why I write my blog it’s me thanks for commenting
Beth
November 11, 2016 at 9:02 pm
Oh gosh I have no clue! I think blogs that feel authentic are more interesting to read but I also think the openness of the internet means that people can pretty much make up their own rules – which is both interesting and terrifying!
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:29 pm
Very likely thanks for commenting
Amie
November 11, 2016 at 9:11 pm
I like to occasionally read a review but I’m far more into life experienced and reading about how people have overcame a struggle (because I’m nosy and because I like to log it in my brain incase I ever go through the same or similar)
Interesting post, It’s nice to actually be made to think when reading a post #ThatFridayLinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:30 pm
Thank you for commenting and your kind words
Jaki
November 11, 2016 at 9:39 pm
I guess it depends on just how much content is your own? While I may have a couple of guest bloggers a month (maximum!) I still feels it’s MY blog as the other 12-15 posts a month are my words, thoughts and opinions. I feature guest posts as a platform for other bloggers and for no other reason.
If it gets to the point where one in every ten is your own, then I’d say it’s not a blog anymore.
Food for thought! 🙂 #thatfridaylinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:31 pm
I think that’s absolutely ok and mostly it’s yours thanks for commenting
Charlotte Welsh Mummy Blogs
November 12, 2016 at 7:15 am
I have to agree with this post! I blog for fun and enjoyment. I think you are right, a blog is something the kids can look at when they are older x
kristin mccarthy
November 12, 2016 at 1:06 pm
Very interesting thoughts and perspective Nigel!
#thatfridaylinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:31 pm
Thank you for commenting
Lianne harris
November 12, 2016 at 8:13 pm
This is an interesting read. For me I do have a goal of being able to work full time on my blog and monetise from it, however I would not call it professional blogging, to me it’s still blogging. I’d just be fortunate to be able to self host, earn a living at home and collaborate with some brands but I’ve always said it would only be if it was within my area. As a parenting blogger I would not go out of my depths to do say makeup or sport unless it’s something my child is into.
#thatfridaylinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:33 pm
That’s a great goal but I have learnt that it’s important to keep it natural amongst the sponsored posts thanks for commenting
Jade – Raw Childhood
November 12, 2016 at 10:26 pm
I completely agree with you, my blog is my blog and I don’t want any guest posts because I want my content to be solely what I have written otherwise, like you said, it’s just another website. #thatfridaylinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:33 pm
And that’s the reason I read your blog thank you for commenting
Yosh
November 13, 2016 at 7:06 am
Interesting point!
I had never thought of the definition of a blog. I honestly do like reading a diary or a thought blog because I can usually relate to their life. 🙂 Your blog is awesome because it is real!
#thatfridaylinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:34 pm
Thank you for commenting and your kind words happy you like my blog
Rach
November 13, 2016 at 8:40 am
I totally agree with this. It’s spot on. My blog is my blog. I have people contact me asking if they can write guest posts or I could write sponsored content, and while it’s tempting to be offered money, that’s not what I’m about. I make no secret of the fact my absolute dream in life is to be writer, hence why I set up my blog. It’s a place for me to write my thoughts, feelings and opinions. And I love it. #thatfridaylinky
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:36 pm
Fab dream although I love your writing thanks for commenting
ablondeandababy
November 13, 2016 at 8:23 pm
I love your blog. I’m new to blogging myself and like to take part in the linkys, my absolute favourite is the #ThatFridayLinky because I get to read yours and your wife’s blogs. They are always the most interesting to read and have great content about your thoughts and feelings rather than just a review of a product.
Nige
November 13, 2016 at 10:36 pm
Thank you so much for your very kind words and commenting
Anthony
November 14, 2016 at 11:37 am
I only came across your blog in the last month while searching for other dad blogs and have enjoyed working my way through your older posts. You’re a natural, keep on doing what you’re doing !
The Tale of Mummyhood
November 14, 2016 at 1:16 pm
I must admit that I’m not into guests post’s either. I follow my favourites because I’m interested in what they write, not someone else.
#bigpinklink
Kirsty – Winnettes
November 14, 2016 at 1:53 pm
I agree with much of this but I have a different slant on the ‘professional’ and I hope you don’t mind. If people pay you as a painter and decorator and I myself could employ your services I would think of you as a professional painter and decorator. Of course it is entirely your choice if you choose to or not to use that term. My husband occasionally plays football at the weekends, he has never been paid to play, he is not a professional footballer. If someone has been paid, part or full time, I would consider them professional (I’m not saying they deserve that term but there it is). I do agree that some bloggers are ‘stat smart’ and will do things for stats. If thats what they want then thats fine with me, it is always nice to get recognition for your work. I certainly didn’t start blogging for any of that, nor do I have the inclination to put in the work required for such things. I don’t find the term ‘professional blogger’ an issue but I can see why some people would.
#BigPinkLink
Louise Pink Pear Bear
November 15, 2016 at 8:55 am
I think these are more ‘online magazines’ then, a blog is a personal thing that perhaps takes the odd guest post from a friend blogger, or runs a series of guest posts on a topic but ultimately, their own voice runs through it all. I suppose that it is wonderful for the people that have built their careers out of doing this, but I also think that it can really change the look of a site that is 90% advertising. For a lot of people, this is the only solution to be at home with the kids & pay their mortgage though, and so I do understand that. Thanks for partying! #bigpinklink
Jo (Mother of Teenagers)
November 16, 2016 at 1:09 pm
Nigel as a relative newbie to this whole blogging malarkey I have been interested by the variation in blogs and blog styles etc and would agree with you that those I love reading are individual, personal and heartfelt and those that I click off are poor imitations of online magazines full of artificial content. There is a lot of room in the blogging world so I suppose the variety is the spice of life as they say but there is an argument for a bit of blog rebranding. #bigpinklink
David – Potty Adventures
November 17, 2016 at 9:07 pm
To be honest I’ve never really considered this until now. I have to agree: for me a blog is a personal creation; a personal reflection or collection of ideas and thoughts. So yes, I suppose having contributors does negate this. And yes the term ‘professional’ tickles me. I have a profession but I don’t refer to myself as a professional teacher haha.
#thatfridaylinky
Martyn
November 28, 2016 at 10:09 am
So glad i had to come back to this post. I see quite a few blogs becoming more websitess and although i wont demean their positive impact it does annoy me a little when they are in charts and awards for blogging, especially when sites have clear guidelines that are being broken.
I think once it stops from being an online diary and starts being a main source for guides and help is when the cross over happens. Great post as always!
Thanks for linking up with us on #Blogstorm it is back live again tomorrow if you have any posts!
Lisa Deller
December 27, 2016 at 10:14 am
Ok so I know, I’m a bit late to the party…understatement of the year (which is also almost over), but I just had to comment.
I LOVE THIS POST so much I had to use capital letters.
I am new to all this blogging malarkey, I started back in April then restarted in July and I love it. I love blogging, I love the freedom to write what I want to write, when I want to write it. Yes I’d love for it to be a full time job, will it happen? Well, probably not, I already have a very full time job and a part time job both of which I love as much as my blog.
For me that is the key to blogging, that it is your blog and you enjoy blogging, and those are the blogs that I also enjoy reading. I really don’t enjoy over commercialised ‘blogs’ and don’t bother reading them anymore, they just don’t engage me in the same way personal content does.
Fabulous post with some very valid points, thank you x
Matty Lewis
December 29, 2016 at 5:57 pm
I can see why this one is so popular, a great read and challenges the reader to really think about what it is they are looking to gain from there own blogs.
If you are like me all I want is a strong core following.
The rest is all done for the boy and also to challenge me to write.
Rich
August 2, 2017 at 7:57 pm
I agree nige, I feel a blog needs to be, 95% of the time, written by the creator of that blog. It’s nice to read peoples original thoughts. Thanks for linking up to #oldschoolposts
Tracey Abrahams
August 2, 2017 at 8:09 pm
Hooks and Dragons is definitely more of a website than just a blog as I have deliberately combined my blogging and crochet work in one place. This is a something I do on social media sites too. #oldschoolposts
Mummy of 5 Miracles
August 2, 2017 at 8:13 pm
Interesting post, I am a relatively new blogger but personally feel that if there is a right balance between personal and sponsored post then if people can monetise their site and work from home then why not. I haven’t made any money off my blog yet but have done a fair amount of reviews. I try to space them out so that my blog is more posts and a few reviews than the opposite way round #oldschoolposts
Bec Webb
August 2, 2017 at 10:01 pm
Hi Nige, I do agree with a lot of what you’re saying here. I’ve seen some sites that consist heavily of guest posts, for no real reason other than maybe to bulk out their site, or boost views.
I think if someone can contribute well to the genre or niche of your blog (or maybe a series you’re doing), then the odd guest post can really be of help to your readers.
I’ve yet to monetise my blog, but I do plan to, hopefully. But I’ll do so by still remaining true to myself, to what my blog was and is about, and by my own words.
Great post. #oldschoolposts