What Do You Think of Weekly/Monthly Roundups, Themes, and Link Love Posts?

Lillie,

When I do a roundup of posts on my own blog, I do so because certain posts which I believe are especially helpful (i.e., those containing links to online tools and resources) have become buried in my archives and I want to move them up where they can be readily and easily accessed by my readers. I don’t do these on any sort of weekly or monthly schedule, however–only every so often when I feel it would be a good idea.

As for the link love posts I write on the first of each month in recognition of those who’ve commented on my blog during the previous month, I “stole” that idea from Mark at ProBloggers Matrix back in August. It seemed to me a good tradition to carry on, and I’m sure Mark didn’t mind at all.

I think it would be great if every blogger wrote this kind of post recognizing the previous month’s commenters at the beginning of each month. I don’t think anyone should worry about the fact that someone else has used the idea first. After all, isn’t that one of the best things about the blogging community: we pass on so many valuable ideas to one another, and in the process, we all learn so much! I think that process helps to make us better bloggers. Yet every blogger is different, and not every one will feel “called” to write the same kind of posts. (Though, if you’d like to write a link love post, I’d say, “Go for it!”)

A monthly series sounds like a great idea, and I think you’re just the one to write it. You’ve written other excellent series’ before; so I’m sure any new ones you wrote would be wonderful. I’d have to give a bit of thought to what topic I’d like to see a series on. Can’t think of anything right at the moment.

Take care–and thanks for the link to Writer’s Notes!
Jeanne

Lillie, you have such a wicked sense of humour. Wondering aloud about whether to write a link post and doing just that!

I think it all depends on what you enjoy and why you blog. I moved to a themed approach in the summer when I hit a “what’s the point of it all” moment. I worked out the values or ingredients that underpinned my writing philosophy and then decided to write about them month by month. To be honest I do it mainly for my own benefit - to generate a sense of purpose and value, to provide a hook for my writing, to learn more about the things that are important to me.

I often do a round up sometime after the turn of the month to reflect on what I’ve learned, and will try and highlight the contributions from those who commented or wrote guest posts. This inevitably takes me to a monthly ‘link love’ post…

This month I posted the thanks post within a few hours of my ‘why do you invite my comments’ piece - this was totally unplanned on my part, but it meant a lot of readers came over because of the link and then commented on the other piece, which has led to a most interesting conversation.

On links posts in general - I try to write ’slow links’ posts with 5 links, a theme that links them together, and some explanation of why chosen. I do it because I prefer to read this type of link post - but it is most definitely slow not speed-linking… I’m going to experiment with something a little quicker during the week - will see how it goes

Thanks for the thought provoking questions - as ever

Joanna

Well, I actually like the idea of roundups and link love. It shows our readers how much we value their input and it shows our fellow bloggers respect and consideration.
Each blogger is free to choose how to do this, there are no real rules on “how to.” The positive impact is that such techniques increase readership, readers’ response, and even get some link love in return. But their purpose should be more genuine and not focused on a certain “win.”
The win is a fortunate “side-effect.”
For example, every time you post some recommended links in your entries I try to follow as many as I can. I am sure you’ll lead me to something of value - your experience makes me trust any recommendation you give. And you never disappointed me so far.
So linking to valuable resources brings more than rankings. It brings trust and rapport. And for the sites we link to, maybe more readers? A win-win situation for all, despite google!

Nice links post, Lillie Even though I often post long lists of links on my blog, it’s mainly because I’ve been so bad at remembering to post them, and then need to catch up. When I can, I like to do posts with about 3-5 links and a quick summary of why I feel each post is worth reading. With long lists of links, people will probably only stop at the ones that catch their attention, but I still think it’s worth recording that I found some posts interesting.

The popular posts roundup is something I’ve only started recently, and it’s grown out of following advice from Darren Rowse of Problogger, about highlighting existing content for new readers. I always find that sort of list interesting on others’ blogs, too, especially if I haven’t been reading them for long.

In terms of planning blog content, I try to aim for a couple of reasonably well thought out posts a week, as well as posts that fit in with my main themes. For the rest, I’m happy to link to good posts found out there in Blogland. I’d be really interested to read posts in a monthly series on your blog.

Hi Lillie

I think every blogger has to be true to themselves and what works at their blog.

Your series are outstanding. They are a fantastic resource, both when first posted and as a reference.

Professional blogging does have some slightly different elements to consider. I may do a post on that.

Thanks for the inspiration and for getting us thinking, as always.

Lillie, great question. I rarely do link posts, but ironically I’ve done a couple in just the last week. I am more apt to find one post and rave about it when it hits a chord. The key for me is to notice the themes that connect my blogging relationships and my readers at the same time.

Hi Lillie,

Great post. Thanks for including me. I like the way you have summed up the different way bloggers share their knowledge and links…it’s great that we don’t all do it the same way and variety makes for more interesting things to read.

I’ve been doing a weekly ‘5 top blog posts for writers’ since I started my blog over a year ago. I started this for purely selfish reasons - as a place to store links to posts that I found interesting and relevant. I figured by posting them weekly I’d always know where to find them. Along the way, I discovered that many of my readers also liked checking out the weekly list of posts. I used to write a little about each post but time constraints and the fact that the headings speak for themselves has resulted in just providing the posts. And it seems to work…

I have a long, long list of RSS feeds and I have a habit of clicking on anything that catches my eye…it’s amazing what you find that way.

Cheers,
liz

I like the idea of round-ups, theme days, carnivals and such. It’s a fun way to interact with other bloggers. Also, if you do a round-up of posts on your own blog, it helps your readers focus on particular topics…or learn about posts they may have missed.

My round-ups seem to fall at unexpected times, as Lillie and Sharon mention…probably because I’m not so well organized in my long range post planning. Also, I like to take advantage of events that pop up in my life and in the news. Sometimes it simply seems like a fun whim.

I try to respond to each comment on any of my blogs because my readers’ thoughts and willingness to share are important to me.

I’d personally like to know more about editing. Particularly whether it’s better to take a course in editing, or just buy a style book and study it.

Interesting post! You’ve generated quite a conversation here. (Thanks for linking to me.)

I think that regular features help the reader know what to expect. For example, some readers just come by on the weekends to see whose blog I’ve picked to be “of note.”

As a blogger having regular features also sometimes gives me that extra incentive that I need to post. For example, it’s Wednesday and I don’t feel much look posting - but I know it’s time to do a “WAHM Wednesday” post at Writing Thoughts.

Doing any updates or rounding up every week would make a blog more inviting and could bait any visitors to see some interesting resource you’ve got.

Cheers,
Panama

I like the round-ups because I don’t make it to every blog, every day. But, I also like going back into archives to find interesting discussions like this one.

I like round up as well. Its nice having a summary that tells you what you have missed and where you should look further.
Panama Guide´s last blog ..Panama Canal Cruise

I responded to every comment when it was made. However, when I moved my blog, nested comments, which included my replies, disappeared into cyberspace.