Blogging Best Practices

As a fun-loving-always-smiling-optimistic-right-brained-creative guru with enduring artistic tendencies in crafting, singing, writing and decorating, I was easily drawn a few years ago to a blog that fancied a variety of greeting cards that fit my eccentric personality. The blog is titled, “Trina Makes Stuff,” but the link reads, “Trina Made This.” 

After frequenting the above mentioned blog, I finally became an official member on my current mission to explore and embrace the concept of blogging. Why follow “Trina Makes Stuff?” Well, join me as I answer this question via an analysis of the form, function and substance of this blog in the areas of writing and information delivery. My opinion is aligned with that of a blogger named only, Martin, who after reviewing a study on communications technology ethics said, “I have come to consider interactivity and the struggle to build human relationships and communities in blogging environments to be core, form-related duties in blogging (Martin, 2005).”

Martin provides several categories in which I believe to be “best practices” for creating and maintaining an effective, ethics-based blog with substance, such is that of “Trina Makes Stuff.” Through her writing, blogger, Trina takes followers on a casual expedition leading to the making of a card. She is very candid in her posts, as if talking to a friend over coffee about the inspiration behind a design or the use of a particular product or source, and at the same time, what happened in her day can also lead to a discussion about a new card design and elements. Trina also has developed a following that shows compassion in her moments of personal despair and challenges. Still, the creativity doesn't miss a beat!

Interactivity
Trina blogs on a regular basis, sometimes weekly or monthly. The year 2012 had the most posts with 126, and already in 2014, she has posted 13 times. However, in her most recent blog, Trina admits that she had not been consistent in updating the blog. It appears that she respects blog etiquette, for instance, by using permalinks to exact blog entries such as titles and labels. And, Trina not only entertains her readers with a conversational writing style and easy-to-follow directions for creating crafty cards, she adds humor and parody in relating images and themes to inspire interest. I failed to mention that “Trina Makes Stuff” also features a list of blogs on which Trina follows and contributes; keeping her trend current, sharing ideas and passing them onto her membership.

Freedom of Expression
The homepage of “Trina Makes Stuff” contains a wall featuring the faces of her member followers representing the ethnicity and ages of primarily women, and the blog appears to not have any record of self-censoring of removing posts or comments once published. Trina welcomes comments, questions and the sharing of information amongst members, and although there is no restriction to access her blog, membership opens engagement with followers via comments.

Transparency
Trina reveals her identity via her complete profile that features an email link to contact her directly, and she conducts YouTube and Google+ demonstrations using her own voice. I did not detect personal affiliations or conflicts of interests listed at “Trina Makes Stuff,” other than being invited to serve in a specifically named challenge or stating the name of a product that could be found via an Internet search. Finally, though not always providing a link, Trina fervently cites all sources referenced in posts, as many of them relate directly to a product or source required for crafting a card. In this sense, she is open and direct in an effort to avoid being mirrored with deception. 


Human Element
“Trina Makes Stuff” is user friendly and considerate of the beginner craftsmen (women) to the most advanced, and posts can be read in a number of international languages, creating a global following. She has established a record of considering the diversity of beliefs and values amongst her membership in order to minimize harm to others when posting. Trina has an entire page dedicated to linking to other blogs, which further assists in holding her accountable for what she posts. Members can always click and check her resources. “Trina Makes Stuff” makes every effort to build relationships with member followers by responding to e-mails and comments as often as possible, even specifically referring to members by name. For instance, a member requested a specific demonstration on “Copic Speed Coloring,” and she responded by actually recording the demonstration on how to color and naming the member in the intro of the post.


I enjoy logging into “Trina Makes Stuff” because this blog teaches me how to experience creativity through the making of life changing cards with character. It has all the fundamentals of a blog adhering to best practices. Take a peek inside; it just might bring out the creativity in you!

Reference

Martin (2005). C.O.B.E. revised: Form-based duties in blog ethics. Blogging ethics. Retrieved from http://blogethics2004.blogspot.com/.