Comments on: Blog posts: Does size matter?

By: Laura Ann

Laura Ann — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:27:57 +0000

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.

By: Jess

Jess — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:04:24 +0000

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.

By: Casey Hales

Casey Hales — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:47:14 +0000

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

By: Doug Belshaw

Doug Belshaw — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:27:51 +0000

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.

By: mrkp

mrkp — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 18:46:01 +0000

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

By: Elaine Talbert

Elaine Talbert — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 05:36:39 +0000

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.

By: EFL Geek

EFL Geek — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:33:46 +0000

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.

By: K Owusu

K Owusu — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:41:15 +0000

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.

By: jenwagner

jenwagner — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:50:47 +0000

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.

By: sylvia martinez

sylvia martinez — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:40:30 +0000

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?

By: Rodney

Rodney — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:53:04 +0000

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?

By: Ric Murry

Ric Murry — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:25:13 +0000

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

By: Savitri

Savitri — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:24:32 +0000

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

By: MaryAnn Sansonetti

MaryAnn Sansonetti — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:23:53 +0000

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…

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:20:04 +0000

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.