Comments on: Advice for the Aspiring Role-Playing Blogger

By: Ameron

Ameron — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:50:02 +0000

I’d like to build on Jonothan’s (The Core Mechanic) comment above. I think it’s important to pick a publishing schedule that’s realistic and stick to it. Don’t commit to publishing 4 times a week if you don’t think you can keep up that kind of output. Once or twice a week is plenty. Most blogs start strong and then after a couple of months they run out of stuff to say and they fizzle. If you can’t generate content at a regular pace you’re only going to upset your regular readers and possibly loose them. Pick your topics carefully and make sure you’re not just rehashing what’s already out there.

By: Trask

Trask — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:30:22 +0000

@Dave–The post your link to actually specifies “elite” reviewers as being above the need for these “disclosures” about where they got the item to review. I do not feel that I reached that level of respect yet and it certainly does not apply to a rookie blogger.

As for the ads, yes ad networks do make it difficult to discern when someone has paid advertising from a vendor or it is coming from the network. However, those ads tend to be post-specific and when they always pop-up regardless of the post your reading, it is pretty clear they are “private” advertising sales.

Trask

By: Dave T. Game

Dave T. Game — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:01:17 +0000

I do disagree on your stance about review copies. I recommend reading this: http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/01/30/todays-pet-peeve/
that puts it better than I could.
Additionally, with GoogleAds and similar (I’m in an ad network that controls the purchase of ads, not me personally) it’s difficult to predict what ads you’ll see on my site next to a review, so I can’t really put a disclaimer that they’ve bought ad space… because I couldn’t really tell you. And since it’s a level detached anyway, it seems kind of redundant.

By: David M Jacobs

David M Jacobs — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:47:15 +0000

Very, very good advice.

I’m not surprised that non-bloggers might automatically associate blogging with income. The only bloggers they’re likely to have heard about are the vanishingly few who’ve made it big; it’s a bit like the (equally common) assumption that if you can string two paragraphs together, then you’re well on your way to becoming the next Stephen King.

If it was easy to make money from blogging, then everyone would; the mere fact that almost nobody personally knows a filthy-rich blogging mogul is a good indicator that it isn’t, in the main, a lucrative profession. Which makes passion all that much more important.

By: Stargazer’s World » Good advice for all RPG bloggers

Stargazer’s World » Good advice for all RPG bloggers — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:30:48 +0000

[...] fellow blogger Trask posted an article with advice for aspiring RPG bloggers over at Living Dice. Even if you are already a RPG blogger [...]

By: jonathan

jonathan — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:33:23 +0000

Great points Trask. I would also add that new bloggers should set realistic goals. Goal setting is essential for anything you are going to commit to; and if you are putting your name out there on a blog… achievable goals will help you stay motivated. What’s a good goal for a new RPG blogger? Post one article per week that is at least 1000 words in length and that was inspired from another blogger’s writing. The links will get you trackback traffic, and the content will get people to stay and likely subscribe. Rule #1 for Blogging in any genre: Content is king. Rule #2: Network, Network, Network.

By: Trask

Trask — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:16:38 +0000

You would be amazed. When I mention my blogging habit to non-bloggers it is not uncommon for them to mention making a living at it. As I said, it is a reality check for those with poor information.

Trask

By: Rev. Lazaro

Rev. Lazaro — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:00:39 +0000

Very well written and I must agree with Dyson: Blogging with the idea of getting paid for it is insane. Blogs are opinions, and opinions are like buttholes….everyone has them, most of them stink.

I just got into the RPG bloggins scene and while, yes, I do hope to possibly build up a decent reader base for when the day finally arrives I might actually try to self-publish something for chump change….I’ve decided to tackle it with one thing in mind:

The absolute, pure love of the hobby. Maybe not love, but insane passion. Don’t do it for the profits, do it because you need an outlet for something you thrive about.

By: Dyson Logos

Dyson Logos — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:14:27 +0000

The thought that someone would blog in this industry or just about ANY field and expect to earn money from it boggles my mind.

By: dicemonkey

dicemonkey — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:49:05 +0000

Very good. I wish I had been able to read this back when I was a brand new blogger. Thanks!