DISQUS

Steve · 2 years ago

Not tagging a post ;)

btw, nice list and will make use of it. I'm new to blogging(few months now) and learning everyday :D

I like your post from yesterday
"Visit the Site’s Advertisers".

Arpit · 2 years ago

Came here through DP. I liked the post. Many things to learn from it.

Amanda · 2 years ago

That was a really helpful list. I just started blog carnivals, when I started blogging about 10 years ago they weren't big, so I did it the old fashioned way! But carnivals aren't giving me much help so far however I'm attempting to stick with it! Gives me good content ideas in the meantime!

valet parking · 2 years ago

One thing that I've noticed from lots of bloggers is that they tend to get personal and write about personal things too early in their posts.
Once a blogger has made a connection with me via his writings, then I might be interested to know what he/she had for lunch. But if I do not know you that well or do not have that connection established yet, then I would not care what you ate =)

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Glad you all like the post, guys!
Amanda - Keep up with the carnivals . . . they are great for building backlinks if not for bringing in a little traffic.
Valet - I agree with you on getting too personal, especially early on. There were a few points made on the list about getting personal. It can sometimes even be quite dangerous (especially for kid bloggers)

Alex · 2 years ago

That's a really nice post for those beginning bloggers. But I wanted to ask what are blog carvinals? Are they like social bookmarking sites or something different?

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Hey Alex. Blog carnivals are basically weekly events where different sites host each time. The hosting blog receives submissions from bloggers like you or me and then decides which posts are worth of mention in the carnival. I plan on doing a detailed writeup of how to participate to spread the love for your blog soon. Meanwhile look up "carnival blog" in Google. You'll pull up the main blog carnival site first. Explore there to find out a bit more. Stay tuned for my primer on carnivals.

Melt du Plooy · 2 years ago

#75 - oh no... Guess i have to remove that feature now!!

Very comprehensive post Josh. Question for you, what's "libel" - #47 ?

Fat Aussie · 2 years ago

Hey, thanks for the tips.

Will definitely use em!!

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Hey Melt! I don't think it is a major problem, but I believe that psychologically, people are more likely to subscribe to a site if they see a large number. Saving the chicklet until you have a large amount of subscribers can only help a little.

As for libel, it is making a false statement about someone or something. e.g. Writing a blog post about how your neighbor Joe is a peeping tom would be libel if he's not really one (strange example, I know - too much CSI for me).

Dave · 2 years ago

You nailed it. That is a very comprehensive list. I will be linking to you in a later post on my site of stuff to do and stuff not to do.

Thanks,
Dave

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Thanks Dave! I look forward to seeing your mention.

neil · 2 years ago

I like this article. Good starting point for honing a website. I printed it off and put a check mark beside each point after I implemented it. It is a bit of a to-do list for a blogger.

Paolo Amoroso · 2 years ago

Another "Style, Design, and Basic Blog Ingredients" mistake: providing a poem, or some cryptic quote, as the blog description or information in the About page.

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Nice additional suggestion, Paolo! Thanks to everyone who has been linking to this post!

Court · 2 years ago

This is an absolutely brilliant list! I'm happy to keep showing up in the same blog carnivals as you because your work rocks! Let's take over the blogosphere, lol.

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

I'm with you Court on taking over the blogosphere! Keep up the great work yourself! Glad you like the list.

Kevin · 2 years ago

I'm new to the blogging world and this list looks very useful. Thanks! I'll be checking off some of these items in the days and weeks to come.

One question I have that seems to always come up is the background color. Why do people say to stay away from dark or black backgrounds? I can understand staying away from high contrasting colors (i.e. red on black or yellow on black), but I've seen a few sites that do have darker background colors that look fine... at least IMO. If you have any handy links on the subject I'd love to read them.

Thanks again for the great list!

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Kevin, very dark backgrounds seem to be hard on the eyes for many people. Back in the day, many people had sites that did this, but it realy has faded from acceptance. Look around . . . do you see ANY MAJOR websites that use black or extremely dark backgrounds? Not really. There is a reason for that.

mharke · 2 years ago

Having recently started blogging, your compilation of newbie mistakes makes a great reference for me to check against my blogs. I particularly like the blog carnival idea, having never heard mention of the concept before.

I do have a question about a possible mistake I'd like to avoid that I don't think I see on your list: how and when do you choose the number of post categories to make?

Since my two blogs don't have a whole lot of content yet, my posts are filed under a small number of very broad categories. I noticed that your blog has many categories, though, and was curious if you had planned them from the beginning or if they just sort of multiplied as your blog accumulated posts?

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Hey . . . I haven't seen any consensus about blog categories. Personally, I think I've got a few too many. I wouldn't focus on them too much. I think they are most important as keywords for finding posts. I'm not sure that there are any real mistakes you can make with categories other than using irrelevant ones.

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

This post is now available in french. (see post header)

Steve's Tech Blog · 2 years ago

What can you do? When it's good, it's good and multilingual ;)

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Thanks Steve. What I'd really like is for people to give the post a bit of social bookmarking love! It is one of the most popular posts here, yet only has 2 diggs. It hasn't hit Stumble, delicious, or Netscape outside me and maybe one other person.

I've had bad posts do better!

Come on folks . . . If you find this post helpful, bookmark, Digg, Stumble, and pass the word on! :)

Social Bookmark This Post

Steve's Tech Blog · 2 years ago

Can you check how many I send you from my blog. It's my second most viewed. That one way to spread it. :)

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Steve, I'm sorry to say that we've received a grand total of 0 visitors from your site. Interesting that your click through on the article is so low. We still love ya!

Steve's Tech Blog · 2 years ago

Weird? Can't force people. ;)

I should had just copy the article while leaving the link instead.

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Steve, you can't just copy an article from another site. That is conducting copyright infringement. You can paraphrase and quote a paragraph or two, but otherwise duplication is a big no, no.

Steve's Tech Blog · 2 years ago

That's why I would had left the link/source and author(already in my title). It was not a full cut and paste but just the 77 mistakes. I give credit where credit is do. Is it still copyright then?(another post for you on the ethic of doing this like the ReviewMe loophole ;) )

I could always create a "teaser" and they would read the rest on your site if not too lazy to click the link :D

copyright infringement: For me, it's copying and passing it has mine.

I will try the teaser and see if it works.

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Steve -
Copying the list would constitute a copyright violation, even if there were a link or attribution. Some people aren't as hard core as I am, but I work hard to write my posts and unless someone wants to pay me for use of my posts, I don't allow it and I do go after copyright violators.

That said, just do the teaser thing if that's what you want . . . post a few of the numbers and tell people to read the complete post on our site. No problems there.

Thanks!

Steve's Tech Blog · 2 years ago

Point taken, my hard core you :D

I change it for a teaser if people byte

Fay · 2 years ago

Thanks Josh for linking to our translation. Looks great and rewarding. I have just digged your post. Too helpful not to be supported ;)

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Thanks Fay! I hope the translation brings you some traffic.

Susan · 2 years ago

Great post! It will appear in the May 15th (ok 19th) edition of the Blog It and Earn It Carnival hosted on my blog. The post will be live in just a bit but here is the link Blog It and Earn It May 15. Hope you get a chance to stop by and thanks for the submission!

Dusko Savic · 2 years ago

Hi, great post. I have just Dugg it, so you'll know that I like it. I used it to see what am I doing wrong, and I've caught myself being guilty of two or three things! Now I know what to work to improve my blogging skills.

Thanks for the great post, once again!

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Thanks Dusko. I'm glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful for your blogging. I also appreciate the Digg!

Adheeth · 2 years ago

Pretty neat categorised list :) great post..surely will look forward into it while blogging :)

Joshua Dorkin · 2 years ago

Adheeth, good luck out there. Seems like you're on your way already.

Nicholas · 2 years ago

I actually made some mistake that you mention above. Thanks for the write up, I'll try to avoid those mistake. :)

Nicholas

chengsun · 2 years ago

Hi Joshua,

I chance upon this post and find it very useful from new bloggers like me. Wondering if you mind I translate this into chinese and put in in my blog?
Thanks.

hima · 2 years ago

Nice tips ! Thank you
So You advice not to participate in reviewme campaigns?

Honda Accord Guy · 2 years ago

great article. I would say the most important tip would be to come up with original content and not to worry about making money for at least the beginning. good luck!

Forest Parks · 2 years ago

Hey,

So i'm fairly new to blogging like some others! I've committed a fair amount of these listed mistakes and sure I will be for a long while now. I'm still trying to figure a lot of things out. Trying to work out what these link backs are, how to use a blogroll and where to get a decent alternative template. Oh and also after purchasing atlastimfree.com I can't find out how the hell I can make it display my blog!!

So I guess it's a case of dealing with one issue at a time. I'm going to come back and read this post every now and then and try and reduce my mistakes one by one.

Like you said though I bet there are tons more and we will all keep making them no matter how experienced we get.

James Oppenheim · 2 years ago

Great post. I will have to keep coming back to this list to see how I am going. Keep up the good work.

Laura Bergells · 2 years ago

I Digg this list! You had me after the first 3!

pilaes class girl · 2 years ago

What would be the #1 biggest mistake a blogger can make?

Steven Snell · 2 years ago

Excellent list. I like how you broke it down into topics, makes it much easier to grasp.

Lyndon Antcliff · 2 years ago

Great list, in fact all you need to do to be a great blogger is print out the list, stick it on the wall and make sure you follow it.

yaph · 2 years ago

Whatever you mean with "Under-utilizing easily installed plugins", using too many plugins will slow down your site. Moreover security is a concern especially with wordpress. I would'n consider not using plugins a mistake.

digital frame · 2 years ago

Excellent list. I'm newbie, thanks for sharing.

Ben Barden · 2 years ago

Hi Josh, I think this is a great list, but I think new bloggers may need a bit more information (especially if they're non-technical). So I've started to dissect your list with some of my own thoughts. You can find part 1 in the URI I've left with this comment.

Ed · 2 years ago

good list, i picked up a couple things. I'll be the first to admit I probably don't link out as much as i should.

Felix Matei · 2 years ago

You have a great list here,very helpful.thanks

Webcam · 2 years ago

Thanks for the recommendations!

James Lee · 2 years ago

A great list, I have to say. I think the best thing I've experienced since I started blogging, in addition to success, is the helpfulness of other bloggers...like this post. thanks for the advice and keep it up!

Aquarium Filter · 1 year ago

That's a lot of useful tips up there. I especially like "Writing about what everyone else is writing about". I really believe if you think hard, you can come up with some original ideas.

Andrew Kelsall · 1 year ago

I'm confused about number 24:Emailing other bloggers and asking them for links, does this mean link exchanges or asking for links 'for free'?

Newton E. · 1 year ago

Some people say that I must be a horrible person, but that's not true. I have the heart of a young boy -- in a jar on my desk.

Matt Keegan · 1 year ago

I wish I had access to this list when I started blogging in 2005 -- it would have saved me from a lot of headaches. Good information too -- I am linking to this article from my blog.

Paul · 1 year ago

There is no way I can contain my blogging mistakes to one list. I'll be lucky if I can contain it to one website. Come read (and learn) about my blogging mistakes.

erp · 1 year ago

i'm new to blogging,thanks for the article,really helps me a lot,i will tke closer to tyhe list to detect where is my weaknesses

Une Boutique Tres Chic · 1 year ago

Thats the second time I have read about blog carnivals in the last 20 mins - I will have to go and research. This is a brilliant article and I think I have avoided a lot of them :)

Anyway, been meaning to do my 'about' page for sometime now! Thanks for the reminder.

Joe Takkle · 1 year ago

Great list put together. It's amazing how many people will start a blog for the sole purpose of putting ads and affiliate programs just to make money and forget about quality content. This is definitely some great content and extensive list of things not to do to have a successful blog.

oyunlar · 1 year ago

yes i think @Joshua Dorkin

giydirme oyunları · 1 year ago

thanks for infos

Dubai Web Design, Development · 1 year ago

WOW what a long list of information. You mention very important points. I am blogging on different blogs and i always try to post some important info or give something on every blog so people will read my comments. I think one mistake they done quite often, didn't user very good graphical header. I can give my example and also my friends example, we always like to visit blog with good graphical header image and spend some time here visit every links, time and time again visit this blog.

Hendrik · 1 year ago

very very thankful of you to put our attention towards top 77 this is the information that every blog writer needed...i just copied out in my notepad and read always to remember it... Thanks

Mathew · 1 year ago

I always try to post some important info or give something on every blog so people will read my comments. I think one mistake they done quite often, didn’t user very good graphical header. I can give my example and also my friends example, we always like to visit blog with good graphical header image... :)

komik · 1 year ago

You nailed it. That is a very comprehensive list. I will be linking to you in a later post on my site of stuff to do and stuff not to do.

Dave · 1 year ago

Very informative article. And how long did you develop you blog to get such useful experience? I have a great wish to make my blog, but is it really necessary to post my words in the huge ocean of blogs and sites. Another rubish box? I like you creation. Thanks!!!

Yura · 11 months ago

The biggest mistake I know is creating a blog on a topic you don't love just to make money. It's not only a time waster, but is not fun, too. You should've added a special "Strategy" or "Focus" section to your list.

Also, it is nice to focus on the positive, not the negative. Thus, a list of 77 right things to do, when starting blogging, would be more useful :)

Vyoma · 11 months ago

Hey Hi, was a little hesitant to write what i am about to write initially. But am a creative writer by profession and am asked for my personal blog, if any, all the time. I want to come up with one. Can you guide me through this. For me, blogging would be an equivalent to "a personal diary". Is this true? wherein your daily experiences find a habitat. Your list is surely something that would assist me on the long run as my check-list. Though i came across a lot of blogger's jargons. Could you please feed me with some info on blogs?

Smart Boy · 3 months ago

What an excellent list you've put together here. I really believe one of the greatest mistakes a blogger can make is not choosing a topic for their blog which they have a great passion and knowledge for. The passion will be the sole thing that allows you to continue writing - well after the initial desire. Don't write about a topic - just because you believe it might start making you money.

Portland Real Estate · 2 months ago

Long list, thanks for the info though. I have been following most of the rules automatically without thinking, though there were a few things that I took note of. The first and foremost thing that I see people miss is having good, quality, well written content before anything else.

-Tyler

komik · 1 month ago

thanks good post

escapeplans · 3 weeks ago

Thanks a lot for this post, man. I have been committing many of these blogging sins for over a year now... :( I do have a decent amount of good content at this point, but it is time to implement some changes. I am leaving this comment to let you know you have inspired me so much that I am using your list as a guide for redeveloping my sites. Thanks again.