On the internet one can find many sites that offer advice on blogging. One little bit of advice is to stick to blogging about one main subject. I have been trying to follow this advice with Brambleberries in the Rain. It has not been all that easy for me to do though as I have many, many interests outside of gardening. Before starting this blog I kept a knitting blog and I would occasionally throw in some gardening bits there. It was beginning to seem awfully eclectic which is why Brambleberries in the Rain was born.
Now I find myself missing my more eclectic blog. (Not to mention it has been darn near impossible for me to keep up with two blogs!) This got me wondering; exactly what type of blogs do people really enjoy reading? Is there a style that people find more appealing? Do people appreciate when the blog author sticks to one subject or are more eclectic blogs more fun to read?
I personally really enjoy blogs that have a wide variety of posts. They can be very interesting and if for some reason you are not interested in the post they provide that day you can always skip it. I have learned a lot of new and interesting things from visiting blogs that are full of various subjects. For example, The Brenda Blog is one blog that I very much enjoy reading and it has a wide range of subjects that make it a fun and interesting read.
I am curious as to how my readers feel about this. I created a poll to help me decide which direction I should go with Brambleberries in the Rain. I truly value my reader’s opinions and would love to hear in your comments how you feel about different blogging styles as well as seeing your participation in the poll. Thank you kindly in advance to all that participate. 
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, subject dear to my heart! I struggle with exactly this. Most recently, I desperately want to write ALL about my recent trip to Newfoundland, but have restrained myself, somewhat, confining myself to stuff related, however distantly, to gardens there. Anyway, I’m going to seek out your poll and vote that you go ahead and branch out. Who knows, maybe I’ll take my own advice.
–Kate
Hi Kate,
Thank you for your comment. This is going to be interesting! -Cynthia
It is nice to hear that I am not the only one that struggles with this issue.
I find that I tend to get a bit bored only writing or reading about one thing. Of course I’m not really your average reader anyway, so maybe my opinions are a bit biased?
Hi Cinj,
Now what exactly do you mean by not being your average reader??
Your comment is exactly what I have been pondering. Does it get boring reading the same thing all the time from a blog? Maybe a lot of it depends on how it is written. If it draws you in then I suppose one would stay interested. -Cynthia
I like blogs with a subject because then I know that I’ll be interested in what is being written. But that being said, I don’t mind if the writer strays off the subject now and again. In fact it is nice. It gives a glimpse into their lives and passions. There is only one blog that I follow that doesn’t stick to the subject at all and I keep reading since their writing is so good and I like where they stray.
Personally I think you ought to do what you feel is right for yourself. If you hate having two blogs, then switch to one. If you want two and keeping up is arduous, don’t post everyday. Switch to every other day, alternating. I have noticed that you are very religious about posting, everyday at the same time. You don’t have to.
I completely agree with what you said at the beginning of your comment Daphne. It is interesting to see a glimpse into other’s lives. I believe that is what makes blogs so fascinating in the first place.
You offer up some good advice and I am blushing that you have noted just how disciplined I try to be with this blog. And you are right. I do not need to be so strict with myself. You have definitely given me some things to consider. -Cynthia
I like gardening so my blog is mainly about gardening, but I’ve strayed off the subject with my pets or other personal stuff. I think a mix is okay, because most people blog about the stuff that matters to them anyhow. Does that make sense?
It makes perfect sense Racquel.
Your posts are always interesting and tied into gardening. If they stray one can barely notice.
I find this all to be so interesting- the comments I mean. I love hearing people’s take on things. I know what I like but that does not mean it is for everyone. This gives me some insight on what others find appealing. -Cynthia
Hi Cindy,
I really find that I might come across a blog that has a lot of posts on one subject matter, but I stick with the blog because of the varying subject matters it will keep me interested.
Ie: sewing, quilting, gardening blog mixed with real life stuff
HTH!
jenn, ps the twirly skirt is roomy!!
Hi Jenn
I am with you; the varying subjects make the blog more interesting to me. Your blog is another perfect example! It is fun when the posts are random in my opinion. It is like picking up a magazine and flipping through it.
Okay, so I need to get my little girl measured and ask you what you think about the size as that skirt is way too cute to pass up! I’m going to need help measuring her though cause when she sees me coming with the measuring tape she runs!
-Cynthia
I don’t care as long as the content is good. True, true. I enjoy reading about gardening, of course, but I also enjoy reading about recipes that incorporate things from the garden or gathered in the wild…pondering…musings… Mix them all with some photos and I’m good to go!
I think you have a nicely written variety of things on your blog, Cindy. But, for example, if you threw in the occasional post on knitting, I’m sure I’d enjoy that, too! I think it’s more the blogger than the blog.
Thank you so much Nancy! Coming from you that means a lot to me. I could say the same about your blog. You could write about anything and I would read it as you have a special way of reaching out to your readers. I find it so interesting how the blogger’s personality really can come out in their writing and that is what can make the blog sometimes. -Cynthia
Interesting question, one I’m pondering heavily myself as we move into the winter months and the my own gardening work/interest wanes. Since I just started in August, I’m curious to see what happens as the months go by and it gets colder in much of the gardening world – are people still thinking about garden stuff every day, writing about it, reading about it? I never even read a blog until I started writing one, and so I mostly read gardening ones to learn from the more experienced folks out there, like yourself. Since I decided to focus on a narrow subject, I feel like I sort of have to stick with it as long as I can think up stuff to write on the subject, since my goal is to provide a reference point for folks interested in street gardens. I guess once I feel like the subject is tapped out, I’ll either branch out or give up! That said, a few recent posts have had little or nothing to do with my actual subject. So in your case, I think you should just go for it and write whatever you think your readers would find interesting!
Hi Karen,
Your comments echo my thoughts exactly! What does a garden blogger blog about when the cold winter months settle in? For me those months also usually mean some days of snow. And of course the relentless rain that we share living in the Northwest.
Your blog is very interesting and I do believe a lot of it has to do with your writing. What I mentioned in Nancy’s comment rings true with your blog. Your writing style and personality is what keeps me coming back for more. You said it may be hard for you to stray off topic with the subject you started your blog with but your recent post on the crows was very good and interesting. I think your writing alone will carry you through the winter months as the gardening season slows down. -Cynthia
Hmmmm — if you have “x” people who read your gardening blog, and “y” people who read your knitting blog, what are the chances of “x+y” people wanting to read both? Are you able to tell how many readers you have who follow both blogs? If the objective is to maximize the total number of people who read one’s posts, I have to reconsider and say that keeping a blog on a single topic with possible occasional diversions to keep things interesting might be the best way to go.
To be honest with you Krys, I am more wondering if the readers of this blog would be turned off it I ventured off topic now and again. I am curious as to how readers feel about a blog that has a wide range of subjects. I think I am agreeing with your last statement though that occasional diversions might be an interesting route to take. It sort of shakes things up now and then too.
I am getting some great comments that are really getting the gears turning in my head! This is wonderful stuff and I am finding it all so interesting. -Cynthia
I’ve done both and now I have a variety. Some of my most viewed post were about the home I just built. Your regular viewers–like me—like a glimpse in to your world and not just your garden.
Pioneer Woman is a huge success and she puts everything in there. It’s your style of writing that draws people in. My blog is mostly gardening and the preservation of old houses and gardens.
I don’t think a blog should be an opinionated like–politics and gardening. I’ve tried to stay away from subjects that may be very controversial.
Good post! We are all wondering about this subject matter as someone said above. The winter is coming and we still desire to connect and write. So I say—-go for it!
Another great point taken Anna. I contemplated even publishing this post and now I am so glad I did as I love the feedback I am getting. It really has been interesting reading everyone’s comments. Maybe a lot of it has to do with what type of mix you put into the blog. Take for example your posts on the old homes. That can go well with gardening because gardening has a lot to do with caring for our homes. The two can mesh together nicely. Plus I agree with you, getting a glimpse into another’s world makes the whole blog more personal. -Cynthia
So I love your blog, as you probably well know, so left you an award over at my blog. If you aren’t a meme type of person, feel free to ignore it.
Thank you so much Daphne! I am honored and pleased to hear that you love my blog.
You have made my Saturday afternoon all the more pleasant! -Cynthia
What did I mean about not being average? Well I guess I mean that I say and do unusual things without much thought of what everyone else thinks. Does that make sense? I mean how many people put curtains up in their shed for petes sake!
Hi again Cinj!
-Cynthia
I admire people that can follow their own path and not worry about what other people think! As far as your curtains go, I remember my grandparents always having curtains up in their garage so maybe having them in your new shed isn’t all that unusual!
I love reading blogs that deal with a lot of subjects too … I mostly like feeling like I know a person and what that person is interested in and what his or her family is doing. I just really like to share in people’s lives and see what they’re doing or how they’re feeling.
I was thinking about this subject too as winter is coming and I won’t have as much to say about my garden and will be moving more to inside topics. It always feels like a fine line to walk on, keeping everyone happy, but remember that your blog should make YOU happy first and foremost, otherwise what’s the point?
Hi Lacey,
It seems all us garden bloggers are thinking the same thing as winter is approaching. I will be able to garden a little bit longer as we progress into fall but then my garden will cease here soon as winter creeps in. We are slighly East of Portland and that makes a BIG difference in the weather department. My garden will be hibernating here soon sadly.
You are so right about the blog making the blogger happy. Sure it is fun having people read our blogs but what is the point if we are not enjoying it ourselves?
Thank you for this comment. It has helped shed some more light on all that I have been pondering. -Cynthia
As a fairly new garden blogger who is wondering what I’m going to write about now that the main gardening season is over, i was glad to see your poll results and read the other comments! I’m mostly interested in gardening, but I find that I gravitate to blogs that talk about cooking, gardening with kids, crafts and a sprinkling of other things – so it’s not just about the garden, but about how you are interacting with it.
Hi jgh,
It is nice to hear that everyone is finding this poll as interesting and helpful as I am. I am with you all the way. I too, am mostly interested in gardening- it will always be my first love- but I find blogs that cover a lot of bases very interesting and fun to read. Thank you for your comment. I am getting a nice picture as to what everyone likes and does not like.
This is turning out to me one of my most interesting posts! -Cynthia
I like blogs with a subject because then I know that I’ll be interested in what is being written. But that being said, I don’t mind if the writer strays off the subject now and again. In fact it is nice. It gives a glimpse into their lives and passions.
My thoughts exactly. I don’t read any personal/diary style blogs for exactly this reason. I’m not really interested in reading about trips to Legoland or a gardener’s opinions about the candidates for president.
Hi Fern,
This is what I was thinking as well. I look at gardening blogs because I like to read about gardening but I do feel extra little topics thrown in every now and again make for a more interesting blog. Thanks for commenting. I have really enjoyed reading everyone’s take on this. -Cynthia