Here’s a question for readers. Why are you reading this right now? Seriously, I’d like to know. What brought you here? Why do you check the site (or have it in your RSS reader)? What kind of content do you expect, or do you simply enjoy whatever’s “good”, regardless of the topic? (Edit: Conversely, what do you hate? That’s usually the first thing I ask a person critiquing one of my stories, and something I openly ask you.) Most importantly, in your opinion, how could I improve?
See, recently I noticed that there are between 130 and 170 readers checking the site out through the RSS feeds. Obviously, the number goes up and down on a daily basis, and while I’ve tried my hardest to spot a pattern, I haven’t seen one. This is probably because I’m not particularly consistent about my topics. One month I’ll be writing about writing, another about health, another about business and finance, and another about personal memories. That’s just the way I am. And that’s why I’m (again) in the 9Rules “Commentary” category. (I was in the “Writing” category for a little while.)
Although I write primarily because I enjoy writing, I also write to entertain, and to inform, and to share. Basically, I write for an audience (you), although I make sure to remember I’m in that audience. That hasn’t always been the case, of course, and many times I’ve written for myself, instead. That’s why at times you see stuff that is completely and utterly off topic (life updates about things I’ve never before talked about), and why at others you see instructional posts on how to do something.
But back to the point: I’d like to know what brought you here, what keeps you reading, and what you’d like to see more of? I’d like to keep that in mind as I move forward in order to… well, in order to not waste your time. Also, I’d like to have the site a bit more focused, since I’m exploring the possibility of branching out into a couple of other sites, some more business-oriented (in style, not necessarily in content), others more community oriented, and another more personal. If you could drop off a comment telling me what you think I’d really appreciate it. And be honest, too. If you think my recent content has been nothing short of deplorable, tell me so and tell me why. On the other hand, if you like what you’ve read, I’d like to know why also. As I said, in the end I’m writing for an audience, though I never forget I’m part of that audience. But the fact remains that I’m writing for an audience. And that audience is you.
I’m going to be brief because it’s been a long day and I need food but:
* I found you via 9rules
* I keep coming back because I love, love, love how you write. Your “voice” amuses and entertains me and never disappoints
* I prefer your more personal stuff, but your guides are cool too
And now, I smell something tasty cooking in the kitchen so I am going to return to lurking in the shadows 😉
I read because you rule. 9rules represent.
I read because it catches my eye on 9rules. I’m the kind of person who likes reading personal stuff. I don’t do anything much with business and finance. But as long as it’s a topic from 9rules that catches my eye, I’ll keep reading.
Just found you today. I Googled “how many calories do I need in a day” and found your article. Luckily it was not blocked by my company’s firewall. I started clicking on the “recent entries” links and I agree with CAS – your writing style is superb, engaging, witty. I am sure your verbal skills are as good. I appreciate good writing, I am constantly irritated by even national publications and their lack of editing (misspellings, etc.). Not having much experience with your site, I will have to get back to you on whether the variety of topics is useful or irritating. I would bet, however, it will be the former and not the latter. 🙂
First of all, thanks to everyone who commented here. I’m both honored and humbled that you would find my writing style so entertaining. While I still haven’t gotten a response to the “What do you hate” question, I’m happy to know what it is that keeps you reading. I guess I’ll forgo any planned pre-frontal lobotomies and keep that up.
Second, @Lauren, glad to hear you’ve found the site (both through Google and so interesting). I will warn you, however, that while I’m generally big about editing, I’m somehow more lax with my own work. Frankly, I think it’s because by the time I’m done with it I’m sick of looking at it, though it may be, as Neil Gaiman wrote, that “typos will lurk and creep and scuttle on the edges of the text and, despite my best efforts, jump out and wave furiously at everyone as soon as I’m done”. I only ask that you forgive the many mistakes you’re bound to find, some so obvious that you’ll wonder whether I was drunk when I wrote it.
I searched google for “goal-oriented” and “process-oriented” and, here i am. Your writings are so heavy in content, but light to (I dont know how to say it in english) read, so people like me (English is not my first languange) could understand it easily.
Thank you for your writing 🙂