So, in case you haven’t noticed I’ve taken a sort of break from the internet for the past week or so (and that will probably continue for a few more days). However, I felt like finally filling you all in on what’s actually been going on with me and the site.
I’ve, as of recent, been having a crisis of faith (so to speak) in regards to this site. I love the internet and I love providing content for it, however for the past two plus years I’ve been doing so through this blog (and my twitter feed) and I’ve found little people who I actually reach out to. I’ve been pondering for the last sever (or so) days as to what it is I’m doing wrong? What is it that I can do, as a writer and contributor to the rabble that is the internet, to somehow increase my readers (not views, but actual readers) here? And I still haven’t been able to come up with an answer that would seem to work.
So I’m here asking you (the readers) to please tell me, what is that you would like from this website? Would you like more reviews, marathons, discussion pieces or for the articles to be shorter for easier reading (not that you guys can’t read)?
I basically do about 4 posts a week – a podcast (TUMP), a couple reviews (at least), coming out this week and possibly one other miscellaneous post. Is there something else you’d like? Tell me what it is I’m doing wrong or right but not enough of. If you don’t like my content please tell me why, and dont sugar coat it.
Also, if you have friends who haven’t seen my site, send them over so they can respond to this post too. I’d like this site to be a forum of discussion on the many topics of film and I try my best to keep it going, but I can only go so long without losing steam and inevitably faith.
This is Andrew ‘gman’ Robinson signing out… Thanks for reading and let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and feel free to email me here if you would prefer to make your comments private.
I don't think you are doing anything wrong content wise. Maybe you need to find some ways to promote your blog and what it offers more. Guest posting on other blogs? Reviewing new movies quicker? Running naked down Hollywood Boulevard?
Seriously though, don't give up, as a fellow blogger I can kinda relate to what you are feeling, just hang in there, take some more days off, refresh yourself and come back BLAZING!
How about you stop being a little girl…
I know exactly what you're feeling, since I felt it many times over the three years I've been writing my own blog. Hell there are still days where I feel like I'm talking to myself.
I think the best thing I ever did was become active in the film blogging community. The LAMB is a great resource for that. But LAMB or not, find a cluster of bloggers that you like and follow them a bit closer…leave comments…do some crossover posts/events etc.
As you make more friends you'll become friends with their friends, and become part of a wider community.
Contact is the key. It's like when my wife grumbles that she gets very little email from her friends, leading me to ask her "Well, do you email THEM??"
Your stuff is good, keep it coming and don't let up. Hell, I'd even like it if you would do a guest spot on my podcast sometime!
honestly, how about going back to the root of what made your reviews a hit. which led you to the development of the site. Facebook. make notes with your friends tagged. or start a group. message people. Maybe you could find other media sites to apply to. maybe tvj could do with a reivew show and your site could be a tie in. Also I know we have spoken about the integrity of the site , but made a slight reduction in material. the site looks great but as you said, the internet is filled with rabble. maybe shorter reviews and things that are quick and easy reads. i have sent the link to a few people and they start reading it and then say… 'I will finish it later' Other little things like putting a cool image for your ratings out of ten. like here is a corny idea (8 G-men out of 10) and have 8 smiling images. But have something where someone could be at work and then think 'i wonder how much they rated that movie on gman' and they can read the review quickly . Maybe make the site more than about movies.maybe music reviews. book reviews. site name wouldnt have to change either. we can talk more about this on msn. message me when you want.
Hey Andrew! Sorry to hear feeling crisis-y lately :( Sounds like you've got some great comments hear already (woot!) here are a few thoughts.
First – decide what you want. Now, you said you want increase your readers but also asked what people wanted to hear. That's two very different things – 1) getting more readers. 2) providing content to current readers that they want. Finding out what you want to do makes it easier to get it.
Another thing that is sounds like you want is more discussion (by way of comments?). If that's the case, opinion based posts might be the way to go. Or, pose a question. Information based pieces can be less likely to get comments / discussion going than opinion.
You can also look at what you specifically, and uniquely, are offering your readers. There are lots of film sites out there, what sets you apart and/or what brings your readers together?
I hope you find your answers and get the results you are looking for!