Critique My Blog ~ ceilydhmama

[fullofgrace]

Her blog is here: http://www.dianeselkirk.com/


Some General Blog Critique Questions to Get Started

1. What do you think of the layout? The number of columns? The colors?
2. Does my profile info read well? Does it help readers 'know' the blogger?
3. Is the content tight and professional?
4. Is the writing interesting to read?
5. Should the writing be strictly educational, or include personal posts to add some personality?
6. Is the content worth coming back for?
7. How can the blogger bring more traffic?
8. How can the blogger generate more comments?
9. Is there something that you feel would take the blog to the next level?

Rules for Those Giving Critiques

• Be specific. Be fair. Be kind.
• Share what works and why.
• Use examples whenever possible.
• If you dislike or don't understand something, please be direct but careful in your wording.

Rules for Those Requesting Critiques

• Please request a critique with the understanding that you will hear both the positives and the negatives of your writing.
• Ask questions if you don't understand a comment, but don't argue or 'defend' your writing.
• Your critiquers are giving you suggestions. Take what works for you and leave the rest.
• Thank your critiquers for their time.

[dearmama22]

Is this a blog? I found it a little confusing to look around and read your stuff. Maybe I missed something.... ?

[fullofgrace]

It looks like she blogs for a magazine, so she can't post the link in her siggy without an ad package. I'll C&P the link for purposes of the critique!

http://www.granvilleonline.ca/gr/blogs/home-economics

[ceilydhmama]

I do blog for a magazine and there server is down today
it's back
http://www.granvilleonline.ca/gr/blogs/home-economics

I have no say over the layout - but I'd appreciate feedback.

[madsommer]

[QUOTE=aoife;13713959]Her blog is here: http://www.dianeselkirk.com/


Some General Blog Critique Questions to Get Started

1. What do you think of the layout? The number of columns? The colors?
   Personally, I like a more simplistic layout. I like my eyes to focus on the words...but that's probably not what your advertisers want Is it possible to remove on of the side columns?
2. Does my profile info read well? Does it help readers 'know' the blogger?
   I liked your profile. It was short, simple, and to the point.
3. Is the content tight and professional?
   IMO, yes.
4. Is the writing interesting to read?
   I like that you weave in personal anecdotes with your stories. I think that always makes it more relatable and more interesting to read.
5. Should the writing be strictly educational, or include personal posts to add some personality?
   See above...
6. Is the content worth coming back for?
   I'm not so sure that I personally would come back because some of what you talk about it location specific (ie the B.C. elections in your most recent post), though you do cover broad themes that most people are interested in. It's hard to say because there are A LOT of blogs and websites out now focusing on being "green".
7. How can the blogger bring more traffic?
8. How can the blogger generate more comments?
9. Is there something that you feel would take the blog to the next level?

I think that's all the ideas I have in my head right now. I will ponder some more and see if I can help you by answering the remaining questions. Good luck!

[HeatherAtHome]

Ok, #1, I read all the posts on the first page and was eager for more. I kept clicking 'next' and the first page kept loading as page #2, #3, etc. What's that about?! I was disappointed.

Does my profile info read well? Does it help readers 'know' the blogger?
Yes

Is the content tight and professional?
Yes, I'm no expert but I thought it was very well written.

Is the writing interesting to read?
Yes, especially from a Canadian perspective.

Should the writing be strictly educational, or include personal posts to add some personality?
In this case, because it's linked with the magazine, I'd say it should lean more towards educational, but throw in some personal posts too!

Is the content worth coming back for?
Yes, especially if you live in the area. I'm always happy to find interesting Canadian blogs.

How can the blogger bring more traffic?
Who is your main audience? Is it promoted as a more local magazine? Or across Canada, around the world? To get things going locally, I'd mention local places of interest that people might search for (online). Link to other local websites.

What about spotlighting local businesses or people who are doing a great job or that could help others? That would bring their friends and family to your blog.

How can the blogger generate more comments?
I think your blog has to be promoted more locally. Is it a new magazine? New online? I'm surprised your blog doesn't get more comments.