Blog posts: Does size matter?

As I was writing those last two brain dumps, I kept thinking “Maybe I should be breaking these up into multiple, smaller posts?” I know that often if a post is too long, I find it intimidating to begin reading and put it off until some day that may never come in the future.

I’d love to hear what you think. If it all relates, make it one giant post? Or break it up into bite sized chunks?

19 Comments

Chris Lehmann
7/10/2008

I’m a fan of the big blog post, but that’s probably not a surprise.

joe Brennan
7/10/2008

I’m a fan of bite sized. I TRY to keep myself to 1-2 screens deep. You know anybody who lands on the page can/will read that much (or little).

joe Brennan’s most recent blog post.. NECC, ScreenEd & ScreenNation

Karla Karr
7/10/2008

I think it depends on your audience. I write a blog simply for the purpose of promoting the use of technology integration for teachers I work with at two elementary schools. Sorry but many of the “famous blogs” I read are way to long for the practicing teacher. I read them because they are a great resource and I do not have the same type of demands of a regular classroom teacher. I made a promise to my teachers who read my blog that each entry would only contain 250 words per post! I think this might be something other bloggers may want to adopt… a shorter blog policy… if they want more inservice reg. educators to read their posts.

Karla Karr’s most recent blog post.. Now that You R Rested!

Adina Sullivan
7/10/2008

Good question. To me, it depends on the topic. If it is a well-written/organized post about a topic I’m interested in, then I’ll read it. The problem is that I may not have to time to read it until it is old news.

Cheryl
7/10/2008

I prefer the smaller brain dumps. Just like when training my teachers small doses seem to sink in better than than everything at once. I often scroll to the end of blogs before I decide to read or save for later which as you mentioned may or may not ever come.

MaryAnn Sansonetti
7/10/2008

I like smaller posts. A few paragraphs is fine. Don’t brain studies show that chunking information helps retain the information? Or is it that I really never have that much to say so I write small blog posts?

MaryAnn Sansonetti’s most recent blog post.. NECC 2008…

Savitri
7/10/2008

I like them small. I have my work blog (really new) and a personal crafty blog and the second one I’ve asked my audience what they like and the majority like them small and sweet. Unless I have a tutorial then I keep it short. I intend to do this for my work blog too. A lot of us are busy and even with info I like to take a little bit, try it out, and get more.

That’s my opinion tho

Ric Murry
7/10/2008

Steve,

I’ll leave an analogy.

I use United Streaming. I have the option of viewing the whole video, or segments.

As I prepare, I generally watch the whole video to gain context.

When I use it with a class of middle schoolers, I only show segments. Otherwise the viewer will not stay focused.

In blogging, if you have a lot to say, it might be good for you to write the entire thing, but when publishing for your readers, segments might be more effective.

Ric Murry’s most recent blog post.. From the Dept. of Earth vs. Mankind

Rodney
7/10/2008

I much prefer the small bites. I guess since I have what seems to be Internet Induced (II-ADD) I just can’t stay focused on the topic for long posts. Note, this has carried over into all facets of my life. I wonder, are there any support groups for II-ADD?

sylvia martinez
7/10/2008

I think the content should drive the length. There are some ideas that need the context and details and deserve a longer post. How else can you develop an idea and see it through?

jenwagner
7/10/2008

I honestly believe it has to do with the content provided.

The post about NECC flowed and there was not rambling in it. Each paragraph led easily into the next.

I think if you would have broken it up — it would have lost a bit in translation and also with continuity.

SO in this case, I was just fine with the size allotment.

K Owusu
7/10/2008

I much prefer small blog posts, but sometimes have trouble following my own advice. When reading I prefer small posts, as I like to get information quickly and move on. But when writing, I tend to get a little carried away.

EFL Geek
7/10/2008

up to medium size is good for me (800-900 words) after that I prefer to have multiple articles released 1 each day with links to the previous article in the series and may be a table of contents published in a seperate post.

Of course as has been previously mentioned content is king and if the content warrants it a long single post is the way to go.

Elaine Talbert
7/11/2008

Hi all, I print and read long posts of A List bloggers on the train to work.
I like small chunks best.
Headings to separate so the eye can scan. Bullets also appeal.
I have just found Blog This! and can grab anything for my blog and just write a few points to praise or whatever.
To get teachers to read, keep it quite short and practical.

mrkp
7/12/2008

This is a tricky question indeed. To be honest I get pretty turned off by seeing a whole bunch of text even if I’m interested in the topic. In my own blog for elementary / primary teachers I try to follow a simple rule which is to embed a practical example of the work I’ve done early in the post.

That way if people just want to skim the can see what it’s all about, but if they then want more detail on how to actually do the thing they can continue reading.

So in answer to the question I think an ‘executive summary’ of the post for those whole like it short followed by the detail for the rest is a possible way forward.

Steve

Doug Belshaw
7/16/2008

I’ve found that it doesn’t matter how long the blog post if you use suitable images to break it up.

Doug Belshaw’s most recent blog post.. 5 productivity tips/hacks I’ve come across recently.

Casey Hales
7/16/2008

Breaking (it) up is hard to do, but as A/D/D as I am, I get more from bite-sized amounts…

Jess
7/21/2008

I’m with the bite size crew. So much to read, so little time, which is why the blog posts that aren’t too long are the ones that get my attention most of the time. Plus, if you break it up, you can run it as a series of sorts and get people coming back to read more.

Laura Ann
10/31/2008

I truly believe in the old statement “Quality not quantity.” I can definitely say that I’m more of a keep it short and sweet person when it comes to reading blogs. However, if the information is all relevant, then I say keep it going. So, my advice is…keep it as short as possible while still providing the pertinent information.

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