{"id":10953,"date":"2012-10-05T08:30:27","date_gmt":"2012-10-05T00:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mywomenstuff.com\/?p=10953"},"modified":"2012-10-05T08:38:47","modified_gmt":"2012-10-05T00:38:47","slug":"simple-blogging-tips-going-on-hiatus-tell-your-readers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mywomenstuff.com\/2012\/10\/simple-blogging-tips-going-on-hiatus-tell-your-readers\/","title":{"rendered":"Simple Blogging Tips: Going on hiatus? Tell your readers!"},"content":{"rendered":"
A blog hiatus is an idea I’ve been toying about with for a little while. I rarely take blog breaks, mainly because there is a lot to talk about and some personal commitments to adhere to, but there will come a time when I may take a little time off. No plans yet but I’ll be sure to let you all know when I do \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
And that’s something I just wanted to talk about today – keeping your readers up to date.<\/p>\n
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If you have any amount of traffic or readership, or if you blog on a regular schedule, your readers will have a certain expectation. Its all well to say we blog for ourselves and don’t owe anyone but ourselves an explanation for what we do or do not do, but the fact is, we should consider the readers, because what is your blog without your readership base?<\/p>\n
If you blog on alternate days, readers will expect to have your update pop up every other day. If you blog daily, there is a \u00a0reader expectation of having a daily post to read, and skipping a day may puzzle them.<\/p>\n
So, when you unexpectedly disappear for longer than a day or two, imagine the consternation of your loyal group of readers. It could range anywhere from concern to displeasure to being upset. Humans have a wide range of feelings and ways of interpreting things. So, I believe that it is good practice to have an “I’m Away” notice. Am I alone in thinking this?<\/p>\n
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Putting up an “I’m Away” notice or “Short Hiatus” serves as a notice to your readers that you aren’t abandoning them or leaving them in the lurch. It tells them that you are still hanging around, but that life has taken an unexpected turn, and you just need to get back on even keel before continuing with your online exploits.<\/p>\n
There is no need for a lengthy explanation as to why you are on hiatus. It could be a personal matter, you may be away on a long vacation and how much you want to divulge will depend on your style. These days, its so easy to get online from anywhere, to post a short note and I think its just polite to do so.Its the same thing as going to a favourite cafe \u00a0to find it closed but with a note in the window explaining that they are closed for the day and to please come back the next day. It tells you that the cafe isn’t closed for good, but that it is only temporary and it reassures their customers.<\/p>\n
I just think it good practice to say something, because I found that a few blogs I used to follow just dropped off the face of the earth. Their blogs were still there, but updates ceased with no explanations or notice for months on end. A short note saying they were shutting down their blog, or that they were taking an extended hiatus or that they were busy but would return, would be nice, and if you ask me, just polite to all loyal readers.<\/p>\n
I think a blog hiatus is a good idea sometimes. It allows you to take a break, evaluate your position and decide how to move forward. Or if real life starts taking over, the online life will have to give. That said, I suppose if one doesn’t have a set “schedule” then a notice probably isn’t necessary – all depends on the blog and blogger! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
Paris B<\/p>\n
Simple Blogging Tips are some simple tips I have for fellow bloggers, based on my own experiences. I\u2019m no \u2018guru\u2019 but I hope they will help you. You may read up on previous\u00a0Simple Blogging Tips here<\/a>\u00a0or please feel free to ask your question in the comment box or in email.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A blog hiatus is an idea I’ve been toying about with for a little while. I rarely take blog breaks, mainly because there is a lot to talk about and some personal commitments to adhere to, but there will come a time when I may take a little time off. No plans yet but I’ll<\/p>\n