The Reviewers' Roundtable is a weekly discussion feature hosted by me and Emily from Read Your Bookcase. Each week we discuss a different bookish/blogging topic and hope you guys will share your thoughts too!
Go HERE to find a list of past/future topics.
THE HOSTS:
Emily at Read Your Bookcase
Michelle at Pink Polka Dot Book Blog
Trending: Co-Blogging
Lately Co-Blogging seems to be coming a trend in the blogosphere. Do you like reading blogs run by co-bloggers and would you ever co-blog?
I have noticed that a lot of bloggers are either opening up their blogs to a partner, or more new blogs are opening up with 2 or more people running them. There have always been co-blogs for as long as I've ever read book blogs, but seems like lately it's become a bit of a trend.
So do I like them? Hmmm. Well the short answer is YES!! I think they can be really fun and show a lot more variety of books and perspectives on things. I especially love when co-bloggers do co-posts, where they both take turns talking about a book or topic. And if it's written like the 2 are having a conversation with each other, I like that even better!!
The downsides to some of these new co-blogs is that I maybe only know one of the bloggers previously. And I get confused when the voice on the blog is suddenly different. I also don't like it when it's not clear WHO is posting the content. I want to know which specific blogger wrote the review or discussion post. Most co-blogs clearly state this, but I've seen a few that don't and I wish they did.
I'm also not a big fan of blogs that have 3 or more people on it. There are a few that I love, but I really don't go out of my way to follow any new ones. I have trouble getting to know and keeping that many people straight. It also seems like it would take so much less commitment to be involved in a blog like that. Maybe I'm totally off on that, but if 4 people are writing posts, it seems like there would be way less for each individual person to create.
Would I ever Co-Blog? The short answer: NO. I love my blog and it's MINE!! Plus I don't have any clue about the logistics of trying to keep everything straight over the internet, but it seems like it would be complicated and not fun. I feel like I would be spending more time communicating with the other person on how we were going to run the blog than I would actually creating content. I'm sure once it gets up and rolling it gets easier, but I sort of hate trying to talk to someone about something big over email.
I won't lie, I'm a little jealous at the help that the co-bloggers get and the instant blogging BFF they get out of the situation... but I just don't think I'd ever want to change what I've got.
PS- Here are some links to blogger's experiences with Co-Blogging:
PS- Here are some links to blogger's experiences with Co-Blogging:
- The Starry-Eyed Revue girls talk about their experience
- Oh The Books has a feature they call Adventures in Co-Blogging where they share their experiences and give tips
- And don't forget to check out Emily's post on this topic
So what about you?? Do you Co-Blog, and if so what do you love about it? If not, would you ever consider Co-Blogging? Also do you read a lot of blogs done by Co-Bloggers?
I feel near enough exactly as you do Michelle! I love blogs with 2-3 bloggers on them, but more than that and I can't keep up, it becomes a struggle to connect to them and talk to them really, in the comments; I like to know my bloggers closely and stalk them, whoops. For me personally, I've flirted with the idea of a co-blogger; I like the thought that when I'm not there, someone else is, and I can let go of the reigns a little, but I'm a very bossy person and I like things as perfect as they can be, so letting someone else in on my baby would be highly difficult for me. It's like letting someone have your child when you're not around, it's strange and I couldn't do it without much more thought. Maybe a guest blogger every now and then, but not a full-time one, not any time soon. Greta topic hun! :D
ReplyDeleteI would have a hard time with it... maybe if me and someone else started a completely new blog together, that would work better. But I think I'd only consider it if I didn't have the time. Which right now I'm fine :)
DeleteLOVE having a co-blogger. My friend and I started the blog together, so we do a lot of posts where we both have a piece to write. I think it helps to have someone to share ideas with and also to post different opinions in one topic, review, etc. I think it is very different if a blog starts out with two bloggers, than if it starts out with one and another blogger joins the group. I definitely understand how it makes it awkward to get used to a new presence and voice. If I ran a blog only by myself, I probably wouldn't want to take on a new person and have to share all my stuff. But starting out that way is much easier.
ReplyDeleteI SO wish I had someone to share ideas with and get advice from, etc. That has to be the biggest perk in co-blogging. It's like you are part of a team instead of fending for yourself :)
DeleteGood topic this week Michelle! I would never have thought of it!
ReplyDeleteGrrr... website ate my comment! I like co-bloggers. It's lovely when there are just a few of them and you can see their passion. More than a few and I feel like I don't know who the bloggers are anymore. I would love someone to co-blog with because it would be great to share ideas and know that someone had my back blogging wise.
ReplyDeleteKate @ Fictional Thoughts
It would be so nice to have a partner-in-blogging-crime. That part of it I would personally love.
DeleteI don't co-blog, and I don't really have the idea too. I am like you, my blog is mine LOL
ReplyDeleteAs for following others, I don't read many, if there is a blog I love and a co blogger comes along, it takes me a long time to get in the swing of things and actually read their posts. I know that sounds harsh haha
As for the dual post, I don't mind reading those every once in awhile but always seem long and redundant, especially if it's something that is done all the time. But hey, to each this own, right? :P
When a solo blog takes on a co-blogger it takes me a really long time to get used to it. Especially if the original blogger has a really distinct personality and voice. I think I like it better when blogs start out as co-blogs rather than the other way around.
DeleteI like some co-blogs, but it depends on how they are run. I also think it's really important that the person is writing each post clearly marks who they are, so the reader can know each of the individual bloggers more. In the past, I have tried hosting a co-blog, but I really don't think that's for me!
ReplyDeleteI agree I really need to know who is posting what so I can get to know each blogger's personality. I don't think I co-blogging is for me either, but like Kate said, it would be nice for someone to have my back in the blogging world :)
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