This isn’t my first go round with the A to Z Challenge. 2012 is the only year I’ve actually completed the challenge thus far (though I have to say this year is looking promising at this point), so it’s the only time I’ve made it to X. I actually kind of liked my X post that year, and it seemed to be fairly well received, so I thought I’d re-visit the topic this year.
I have to say that I haven’t been as diligent about visiting as many different blogs lately as I have been before, but most of the X-rated things from before still stand for me.
Too much personal information – yes, we’re all sharing a lot about ourselves with a lot of people, but for me there are limits.
Language – yes, there are times when only a four letter word will do, and I’m no stranger to them, but when the post has more words I wouldn’t be comfortable using in front of my mom or my boss, I’m not inclined to keep reading.
Tone – this is a much more subtle one, but if a blog’s main intent seems to be to educate the illiterate masses (i.e. those of us who aren’t the author of said blog), or to preach a religious doctrine, or to promote a political ideal I tend not to come back.
The only things I can really add this year are blogs that are crammed full of affiliate links. The ones that sort of pose as reviews or just general blogs, but then go on to say how you can’t possibly live without this life-changing dinglehopper (points if you got the reference to The Little Mermaid!). It has improved their life in every way imaginable, and here’s the affiliate link so you can buy your very own with them receiving a small fee, but of course they’d never recommend it just for that reason.
So what is it that makes a blog X-rated for you? What has you clicking the X in the corner to make your exit as quickly as possible?
I look forward to X. Last year I knit a scarf just for it.
ReplyDeleteI skip the religious blogs. I don't mind tidbits now and again, but I have a hard time when it's all there is there.
Liz A. from Laws of Gravity
When political discussions get disrespectful and too partisan I bail. Even though I may be guilty from time to time...
ReplyDeleteThis is a cute topic; I looked back and saw I hadn't commented on your X post from 2012 but I think I was following your blog back then, so not sure what happened. Blogs that drone on about decorating and techniques like that are X-rated for me.
ReplyDeletebetty
I like blogs with a focus, so if the writer posts random thoughts, I don't come back.
ReplyDelete~Visiting from AtoZ
All of things you said Danielle. I remember last year thinking some people had a bit of a cheek calling what they wrote a post. You know. things like A is for Apple and then cutting and pasting something about apples from the web.
ReplyDeleteAs a blogger, I'm not too turned off by affiliate links. I use them in my post and I am incredibly honest with my reviews. Not all of them are positive. I state how I actually feel about a product and provide the affiliate links just in case you want to give it a try anyway.
ReplyDeleteThe things that turn me off of blogs are usually a disinterest in what the blogger/ess has to say, bad writing, and definitely (as you mentioned) bad language.
We are SO with you on all those things, Danielle!
ReplyDeleteLOL well I curse like a sailor on mine and use affiliate links so those I'm fine with. Heh.
ReplyDeleteI close out for difficult commenting systems, political bits, hateful reviewing. (not negative reviews but the ones where you read and go wow you are just not a nice person at all).