Mar 07 2009
Today’s News at News Today
Today I had a hard time finding a blog to review. I was looking through my comments, sorting through the requests. The first blog I went to was not in English. With so much of the world multi-lingual it is kind of embarrassing to admit, but I only speak English. So that one was out. Then I went to a blog that I have been meaning to review for awhile, but I find they haven’t posted in over a month…so that one is out, at least for today. So I was happy to finally come upon News Today.
News Today is a news blog so it is a good thing that the blogger posts daily. Most of the news seems to be political, but here and there I found a non-political post. Reading the posts, I can’t tell you if the blogger is more of a Republican or a Democrat. I found criticism of both parties.
I have learned that when it comes to politics, for me at least, I mostly keep my opinions to myself. I don’t really like conflict and arguments and that all seems to come about whenever I talk politics. (Apparently not a lot of people agree with me!) So I will refrain from commenting on the blogger’s politics! However, i will say this. Reading the posts, I can’t tell you if the blogger is more of a Republican or a Democrat. I found criticism of both parties. This tells me that the blogger is a fairly intelligent person who likes to think for themselves and isn’t swayed by party allegiance.
Now, for some actual critiquing.
#1. Write your about page! I know it is a pain. I took forever to get to mine. But people like me go straight to the about page. I want to know, Who is writing this blog? I want to know your name. I get tired of writing “the blogger”.
#2. When you upload a video, make sure you write something to go with it. Not everyone is going to watch the video. For the most part the blogger does pretty good here, with most videos having written commentary. I usually don’t watch videos. I don’t want to wait for the player to start, I don’t want to worry about the sound. But if you tell me what the video is about, maybe I’ll watch. Extra points for not having any of the videos auto-start. (I hate that! I put up with it on ABC because I like watching Lost for free… but for the most part don’t do that!)
#3. Keep writing. I think you are still finding your “voice”. But you are on the right track. Political commentary that asks questions we should all be asking…of both political parties.
I like to watch the videos. However, if it loses my interest, you’ve lost me. Don’t just put up any old thing in your blog.
Marilynne
I would appreciate a review of my new blog The Eclectic Witch
Thank you for your consideration.
Thorne
I watch the videos but sometimes I don’t have the time and just feel like watching. I totally recommend writing a little summary or something. Great review!
Thank you so much for the review. I will take this information to heart (starting with the about me page).
Your confusion of my political party of choice is warranted. If I have to call myself anything it’s a libertarian, combining socially liberal policies with strong fiscally conservative values. Seeing as this is a rather radical position to take in our world of democrat-republican politics, i am constantly trying to find my voice. Writing every day certainly helps.
Cheers
Trouble finding a blog? I’ve had a request out to you for almost two months now, I think….
Excellent review. I agree with the point about the videos; I can’t get Internet-based video to work half the time, so a post that is all video is pretty much worthless to me.
SKW is my homie! I think he was the first person to send me a welcome comment within hours of posting my first blog on today.com. He’s one of the few libertarians I’ve come across who is actually rooted in real world reality instead of rigidly dogmatic ideology that only works in the vacuum of theory.
I’d also like to submit my blog for review consideration. It’s http://obamacomics.today.com
Great review on one of my favorite blogs.
Good review! Can I put mine on the list of blogs you’d consider reviewing in the future (I say, shaking a bit in my boots)? Thanks!
Definitely glad I stumbled here. Not glad because I’m asking you to review my site (frankly I’m afraid to see what you would have to say) but I can see that it would be helpful to learn and keep score of how I’m doing.
About me page - check
Say something about the video - check
Not on auto-play - SCORE - I’m on a roll
Not nearly the traffic News Today has - Yeah…working on that.
Good critique!
Please feel free to stop by and review my blog. As for the blog you reviewed today, it is an excellent contribution to Today.com. On a personal note, he is a great guy always willing to help fellow bloggers who have questions about blogging. I have found him to be an invaluable source. His political views are middle of the road and he isnt afraid to slam either party for their antics.
Ravyn, thanks for being patient. Your review will be up soon!
SKW I see you have started your about page, I love it when people listen to me!
Everyone who requested a review… I’ll do my best, I need more hours in the day!