Saturday, July 10, 2010

The Problem with New Blogs: Finding the Best of the Best

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It always seems to happen to me. I find a new blog. I’m excited. Then I see that they have somewhere in the vicinity of a thousand posts. I read five or six of them going back. I feel overwhelmed. I give up on the archives and start to read from this point forward with the new posts and will maybe go back and read the archives when I have time. Yeah, like never…

Sound familiar?

In thinking about this dilemma I always seem to encounter, I wonder if others feel this same thing.

Of course you do…

As a remedy, today I read through my previous 722 posts and picked out what I felt was the best of what I’ve written over the past three years. Then, I created a link below the topbar photo which provides additional links narrowed into categories. The link is titled, ‘The Best of Archive.’

In reality, this is just like a Greatest Hits CD, but without the music.

I present to you the following categories:

Humor – Stuff that I thought was funny (or made me smile) when it happened.

Thoughtful – Things that made me think. Deeper stuff.

Favorites – A collection of those posts I just really enjoy.

Moments with Joey – A link to the boy who makes us all smile.

Summit Valley Memoirs - Stories of growing up in the Pacific Northwest.

Taking Better Photos – A link to all of the lessons in one easy click.


You’re welcome.

And since I posted this new page with all of the links, I’ve decided that I will be taking a week off from the blogging scene. This’ll give you a chance to catch up.

So, until a week or so, happy reading. But don’t feel obligated to do so. After all, why read over the best stuff you’ve already missed out on at least once?

Yeah, that’s what I thought, too.

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

As a new reader of your blog this will be very helpful to me. Thanks!

Jamie said...

Stupendous idea! You'll be missed this week. :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks! How super-easy to enjoy!! :)

Mama-Face said...

WOW. I was already feeling overwhelmed by all the blog reading I need to catch up on!! A good kind of overwhelmed if there is such a thing. This will be a grand opportunity to get to know you as I am a fairly recent follower-so yeah! I think it's cool that you have the ability to categorize your posts so well. ;-)

Cheeseboy said...

That is a terrific idea. However, I never go back into the archives of a blog. I always just start with the first post I read. Given that I really like your blog though, I may have to make an exception.

Enjoy the break!

Kristina P. said...

I have a list of Best Of. Which still suck. But hey, it's there.

Shannon said...

Just when I think to myself "Damn, that Mr. Z is just one of the most clever dudes around," you trek that extra mile of cleverocity (yes, it's a word, because I said so) and amaze me again.

I'm with Cheeseboy, the only way I go back is if the author links to an older post through a new post. Now that you've made it so convenient, however, I may just have to check out your greatest hits. Problem is, your week off of writing is my week off of reading...I'm going on vacation!

Tree said...

Fantastic idea! I love that you have them in categories. I also have TONS of posts, and have a "Favorite Posts" link in my nav bar. It can be overwhelming to try and read EVERYTHING on a blog. Enjoy your week off. LOL

imbeingheldhostage said...

A WEEK? How will you do it? I try to slip quietly out of the blogger world all of the time, but then someone posts something wonderful and I can't keep quiet :-)

Going to check out your list now-- what a great idea, thanks for it.

tammy said...

You seriously read through 722 posts? Thanks for being so helpful. You deserve the week off. And in case you were wondering, my favorite time to catch up on blogs is when I'm at the in-law's. Much more entertaining than listening to my MIL.

Diana said...

Great idea! Now I can focus on the highlights of your best!

Stef said...

Thanks! I am so excited...NOw if I could just find a minute!

Unknown said...

I am SOOO excited that you found my blog so that I can now enjoy yours.

LOVE your style of photography!
LOVE your "Moments with Joey"

I just love your blog and have been enjoying it! Thanks for the archives.

Mindee@ourfrontdoor said...

Well this is convenient. My friend Amy has been urging me to read your blog and so this "greatest hits" will get me caught up. Thank you!

Kathy V said...

Very good idea. You are so smart. You should be a teacher.

mCat said...

Great idea! I usually read through the past several posts until I get a good feel for the writer and then decide if they stay in my reader or not.

You're staying by the way....

Marnie said...

Now that's a great idea. I like it.

Hope you enjoy your break.

Vanessa said...

OK, see you when you get back!

Connie said...

I'm sure I won't be able to get through the day without reading the best of the best!
Makes it simple to find.
Enjoy your week off!

Rachel said...

I used to sit and read all of the archives but I find these days I don't have time to read the current posts of the blogs that I love!! Your's being one of them of course..... ;)

Emmy said...

Great idea! And I am going to have to read some now :)

TisforTonya said...

as if I didn't already spend a few too many hours reading through all the past Joey posts (okay, ALMOST all the Joey posts...)

great idea though - I think I need to few photo tips :)

jayne wells said...

that being asked on a date by a guy post is so awesome. Thanks for giving me a chance to find it.

Linn said...

Fabulous idea--thanks for sharing! And sorry we couldn't pull off a get together this past week. Have a nice break from blogging.

Amy said...

I will always go back to find a story about Joey. He warms my heart!

tiburon said...

Yessssssssssss I can catch up! I am a little behind on account of the 3 week vacation!

I hope all is well :)

tiburon said...

Oh and for the record. Every single post I have ever done on my blog is the best of the best.

Jason, as himself said...

Very helpful! Thank you, because I do want to get to know you better and I certainly couldn't read all 700 something posts.

Serene is my name, not my life! said...

Look at you being all organized and stuff!

I'm not sure I'm willing to go back and organize all 600 of my posts though. :D

VKT said...

Ah my young teaching friend.....what timing I have. I come back and you leave....lol. Enjoy your break while I enjoy reading!

Jenny said...

I am a new reader of your blog. I found you from Connie's Blog. Great idea, you saved me some time!

Unknown said...

AWESOME!!!! You're amazing. Blog stud.

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