If you’re a longtime GearPipe reader, you know that I have my periods of suckiness (read: it’s been a month since I’ve posted). I have to admit, keeping up a daily blog takes a lot of work. On days when the real world is really bearing down on me, it’s tough to spend extra time on something I know I don’t “have to” do.
Some people have blogs that really encourage reader interaction, so at least they feel like people are reading what they’re writing. This is not that type of blog. GearPipe has a fair number of subscribers and the site traffic is pretty good, so I know people are reading this, but it doesn’t always feel that way.
So, I’m at a bit of a crossroads. I’d really like to keep this site going. I could just start it back up as is, which would be fine, but I’d really like to turn it into something cool. For once, I’m asking for your comments and your feedback. What would you like to see from GearPipe in 2009? What do you like? What don’t you like?
In addition to general stuff, I have a few ideas I’ll float out there.
- GearPipe Podcasts. This is what I do for my day job, so it kind of makes sense to use these skills for this site. I’m not really sure of the form they would take. I’d probably do some interviews with gear manufacturers, maybe incorporate some sound clips, talk about new gear, etc.
- Local Deals. A while back I did a survey on this site, asking readers where they bought their gear. It was split just about 50/50 between online retailers and local music stores. Personally, I’ve always tried to support local stores, since I started working in a small music store when I was 17. I think it would be great to have some local sections where retailers could post about sales they have going on, list used gear, and stuff like that. Think craigslist-style.
- Audio/Video User Reviews. There are a million websites out there that post user reviews (from anyone). However, I don’t think I’ve seen a site where people can submit audio and video, other than YouTube. What do you think about this? With the ease of recording audio and video these days, it would be really easy for people to produce these. I think it would be really fun for people to put together, too.
I’d love some feedback on these ideas, plus suggestions for other thing I can add to the site.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
Jeremy
- Through midnight, May 27, for each guitar pick sold we will donate one pick to Washington Middle School and the kids of La Habra, CA, through the band Nude.
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To me, there are two things that really kill a blog and make it uninteresting.
(1) Worrying that you aren’t posting enough. We’ve got RSS/Atom. Post when you have something to say. Don’t post when you don’t have something to say.
(2) Worrying whether the readers will be interested in your posts. Just post what you’re interested in. If you find it interesting, chances are some of your readers will to. (And when you write about something you’re interested in, you are going to make it interesting to people who weren’t interested.) Not every reader will enjoy every post, but that’s OK. You may not attract a huge following, but that’s OK too.
So, my advice is just post about things that interest you whenever the spirit moves you to.
I know that’s not a very satisfying response, but that’s all I’ve got. ^_^ I read other people’s blogs because they aren’t just giving me something I’ve asked for. They’re giving me a different perspective that I couldn’t have asked for. They’re surprising me and expanding my POV.
Thanks, Robert. Those are good points to keep in mind.
\”so I know people are reading this, but it doesn’t always feel that way.\”
Then write things that are more engaging and maybe more people will leave replies. Otherwise just keep doing what you\’re doing, or change your site format, or try new ideas… or just close comments all together so that you can\’t feel disappointed? Whatever floats your boat. Just don\’t expect much from deal posts. People looking for deals are here for that, not to leave comments.
Maybe add more content that isn’t explicitly about affiliate ad click-throughs. We know you get a cut if I click on a guitar link and buy a guitar. Maybe some more honest posts?