I'm a regular reader of a couple of garden blogs, most notably Garden Rant, and C.L. Fornari's site, Whole Life Gardening, and there's a few things I really like about those sites.
The Ranters seem to be in touch with all the really important trends and issues in home gardening and the gardening industry. The readers who leave comments actually seem to want to have a discussion, rather than random incendiary insults, which you find at most sites. I've learned tons about the politics and business of gardening from Garden Rant.
C.L. Fornari, on the other hand, is from Massachusetts, and just writes really practical advice on plants and the joys of gardening.
As I do more gardening and writing, I'm trying to figure out where I fit in, and what sort of blogging I like to do, and I've decided to seek professional advice; I'm attending an actual Garden Writer's Association event at the New England Grows convention.
New England Grows sounds like fun, but I'm really attending because there will be a talk about how to improve your garden blog or web site from Richard Banfield, an internet designer and marketer.
So here's hoping I learn a thing or two! And if any of my readers, all one or two that are not family members, are thinking af attending, there's still time--registration is open until January 28th!
Christmas Cheer with Cassius
20 hours ago
Thanks for your comment about Whole Life Gardening! I have to say that blogging has been a real adventure for me, and has given me gifts that I never expected.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first decided to blog seriously (that is, not every four months like I'd originally done when starting my first blog) I asked a garden writer's listserv for advice. Some of the Garden Rant folks said this: decide what you really want to say. What is the purpose of your blog?
That comment was great advice in that it helped me to focus - I decided that Whole Life Gardening would start in the garden and then move out to the rest of life.
I've found that blogging is a fantastic writing exercise and helps me to keep my eyes and heart open every day. That alone makes it worth doing!
I thought the speaker at the GWA meeting was excellent. He encouraged me to begin a real Blog. Let's hope I persevere like you did!
ReplyDeleteDon't know if I've thanked you enough for listing BostonGardens.com on the "sites you visit" section. It's sincerely appreciated.