Making Web Sites Work

The Reports of Blogging's Death are Greatly Exaggerated!

I recently read a Wired Magazine article by Paul Boutin touting the death of Blogging, Twitter, Flickr, Facebook Make Blogs Look So 2004. Based on the needs and standards mentioned in the article, I agree with the "Blogs are Dead" pronouncement. It's the standards I don't agree with, or should I say, no longer agree with.

The idea that a blog is the best way to publish your personal memoirs is certainly passe, but that's not it's contemporary purpose. As mentioned in the article, Blogs have evolved into a convenient and useful way to publish long form content. I have to laugh at the idea that blog posts are now considered long form. Twitter's 140 char. limit has certainly redefined the meaning of long form.

As a dyed in the wool historic preservationist, I still see blogs as useful. Not as a historic relic, but as a candidate for adaptive reuse. By placing your blog closer to your web site, (similar graphic design, menu placement and such) I see not only a continued usefulness, but a bright future as well. 

The word blog may disappear, but I believe the publishing structure will endure. In fact, I intend to expand my use of blogs to accomplish the following specific goals:

• Newsletter Blog - The greatest benefit? Automated article archiving.

• What's New Blog - When integrated into an existing website, creates a quick and easy way to update your content.

• Individual Topic Blog - Creates a global platform for your favorite topic.

• Event Blog - Used within a limited time-frame, allows you to connect and interact with attendees before, during and after an event.

• Public Relations Blog - Compare the page layout of a blog to an online media room and you'll have a clear reason to use a blog to post and archive your press releases.

I've been involved with mobile telephony since the mid-80s, yet I now use a simple cell phone. I don't see the need to chase the latest technology because I know I'll have to read the manual, buy a different car adapter and reenter my entire phone book.

I can accept Twitter, Facebook and such as a better, more robust platform for online expression, but what happens when they grow up and get replaced with younger, sexier technology? Will we have to start the acquisition, learning curve all over again?

If I were you, I'd keep your blog, but perhaps invest in a face-lift or at least a banner tuck. One of the best ways to extend a blog's usefulness is to connect it to your other online channels. This blog is published using TypePad and allows me to connect to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and any other service I choose.

There are many ways to extend the value of your existing technology. I invite you to add a comment to share your favorite!

Are You Memorable?

It's been said that the late Hennie Youngman was the"King of the One-liners". After returning from assignment in New England I think I've found a new contender.

Samuel Clemens is revered for his memorable chronicles about life on the Mississippi. While touring The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford Connecticut I discovered it was not his books but his mastery of the quick turn of a phrase over a century ago that endeared him to readers around the world.

Carved in the stone and brick walls of the museum are dozens of "Twain-isms" including "Always do right, This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."

Suddenly, halfway through the tour it hit me. Mark Twain's enduring popularity was based on his ability to create memorable phrases.

Creating a Memorable Personal Brand

A century before branding and corporate identity became popular buzzwords, Mark Twain created a unique personal brand by the clothes he wore, the words he wrote and the ideals he cherished. Can you or I say the same?

I invite you to review your blog posts, the articles you write, and marketing phrases you craft for quotable phrases. In a vast sea of web information, readers are desparate for even a single pearl of wisdom. If you are looking for some inspiration visit, Quoteland.com and TwainQuotes.com.

During our visit, Nancy our tourguide showed us the 3rd floor billiard room where Samuel Clemens sat at a desk turned toward the wall. It was the room where he wrote seven of his most memorable books in as many years. I left his home with a keen appreciation for the hard work he invested creating his life work, and with a new favorite quote to hang on my office wall:

"Laughter without a tinge of philosophy is but a sneeze of humor. Genuine humor is replete with wisdom." - Mark Twain

May all your words be memorable,

Jerry Gitchel