Dustin Boston

My Blog Blueprint: Part 3

June 7, 2008 – 12:23 pm

As if I don’t already overshare enough it’s time to discuss the areas that will make this blog successful and the issues that are holding it back. It’s like I am a glutton for punishment. Yes, everybody, here are more of my shortcomings.

Issues

D. Keith Robinson, of internet fame, once said that a successful blog is

• Well written
• Frequently updated
• Consistent
• Open
• Responsive
• Well designed
• Aware of its audience
• Varied in topic
• Personal
• Thick skinned
• Honest
• Accountable
• Funny

I don’t want to reinvent the wheel so I will use those qualities as a basis for this blog. As Lorelle pointed out there are many other criteria for a successful blog. Due to the now-forming nature of this blog I’ve got to add a couple more:

• Present sound logical cases
• Be well organized and clutter-free

These could both fit into Keith’s list but I thought it would be better to split them out as they fit well with my objectives.

Present Position/SWOT Analysis

Strengths

• The arguments that I present are typically well researched and logically sound
• I’m familiar with the common logical fallacies
• I have an interesting design
• My personality type is good for this type of blog

Weaknesses

• I do not have a solid niche/brand, without which there will be no value to the articles that I post, nor prospects for monetization (if I do choose to go that route).
• I’m not very interesting and writing at a post-graduate level (sometimes) doesn’t help.
• It’s hard to find time to research
• Staying motivated. Oh how my mind wanders. I got bored with this post an hour ago. Just kidding.
• Fostering logical discussion and being nice to commenters
• Posting about relevant universal topics

Opportunities

There is an opportunity to tap a Christian-intellectual niche. If the content is written well it could develop into a book. There is a possibility to further refine the niche to “entry level Christian intellectuals” like myself–those who do not have a background in philosophy or writing.

Threats

• CARM. If I go the Christian-intellectual route CARM has pretty much already done it. And in the print world this area is already pretty saturated (AFAIK) by theologians far greater than I.
• ChangeThis. In their own words, “We’re on a mission to spread important ideas and change minds.” The manifestos on this site are created by a multitude, not one individual. They look pretty. They’re interesting to read. And the idea was conceived by Seth Godin (jeeze). It’s also got a company behind it with more money than me.

It looks like I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me.

Interesting reads

• Where are the Christian Intellectuals?
• Can an Intellectual be a Christian?
• Why blog and what makes a blog successful?
• What makes a successful blog?

Photo by G.Chris Clark