Don’t start a blog if…

Yesterday, I gave you 10 reasons your should start blogging.  Today, it’s the flip side.  There are lots of reasons why people don’t blog.  However, that’s not what I’m talking about.  I’m going to give you reasons why you should not blog, even if you think you should.

9 Reasons you should not blog

1. Don’t blog if you don’t have anything to say.  In the meantime, though, find something to say.  Learn to beautifully communicate the mundane.

2. Don’t start blogging if you know you won’t be able to consistently post.  My goal is, at minimum, 1 blog per week.  I always shoot for 2-3 per week, though.  If you won’t be able to consistently post, don’t start blogging.  Just wait until you have the time.  Blogs that aren’t updated regularly lose readership and influence.

3. Don’t blog just because everybody’s doing it.  Don’t just jump on the bandwagon, especially if #1 and #2 apply to you.  And yes, I know I said the same idea as a reason to blog HERE.  Remember, this is my blog, and I can do what I want.

4. If all you want to do is create an advertisement page.  Blogs are meant to communicate more than just advertisements.  Websites, billboards, and TV commercials do that just fine, thank you.

5. You have no writing skills.  Blogs aren’t terribly difficult to write, especially with the advent of spell check and grammar check.
However, you may need to touch up your writing first.  Or, maybe you should have another person in the organization write the blog for you. Not a bad way to loop one more person into the process.

6. You’ve tried it for 6 months, and still see only negligible benefits.  Maybe your efforts should be focused elsewhere.  What are your goals in writing a blog?  Personal?  Financial?  Organizational?  Evaluate effectiveness by your expressed goals.

7. Your blog is always focused on attacking others.  I’ve seen these blogs.  I don’t read them, so please don’t write them.

8. You can’t handle others attacking you.  A blog is your voice.  The more people that hear your voice, the more likely you will receive criticism.  If you blog consistently, just get ready to be slammed a few times.

9. You only want a one-way conversation.  Blogs, in my opinion, are meant to be a dialog.  I write my blog so that others will comment.  In fact, I completely redid my comments section to enhance debate.  If you want a one-way conversation, go talk to your car.

What do you think?  Are you convinced that blogging is for you?  Or maybe you’ve decided against it?  My goal is to help you think.

Are you blogging?  Will you start?  Will you share your blog address with us?