What do you want from me?

The salt pans at Tavira, with an unusual pink tint

Maybe this is a question I should have asked long ago.  But to ask it, you first have to think of it.  Browsing in WordPress Discover I found lots of articles dedicated to improving your blog.  The suggestion that your focus be more on the reader than on yourself was one that made me think.  I tend to think of myself as someone who likes the sound of her own voice, and this is certainly true of my blog.  My scribbles are mostly anecdotal and in diary form, and they help to keep my travels alive for me.  They are my ‘unique voice’.  But is that enough?

The marshes come alive with colour in the summer

Is this really what the readership wants?  Is it too much of me, and not enough about them and what they want to read about?  It’s quiet around the blogs at the moment, and I start to wonder if I’ve become boring.  Have I assumed that my style of writing will carry me through, when people are hoping for more facts/more fantasy/more information?  Do I give enough?

The long view
A fishing boat heads out to sea, passing the jetty at Quatro Aguas

I look at the bloggers I admire and it’s true that many of them have a more factual basis to their blog.  I can protest that I’m an individual and that this is my space, but is that sufficient for you?  I am sometimes approached to work with marketing companies.  Would this result in a loss of identity, or might it benefit the reader?  Am I right to stick to doing things my way?

I love this light over Tavira

So, what do you think?  Now is a good time to ask, because I’m not sure that this blog will continue after I move to Tavira.  Most certainly there will be changes to be made, but I would like to take you along with me.

209 comments

  1. Your blog has to reflect your own character, Jo. Otherwise it is some kind of a different creature. I would still be of the view that it needs to reflect what you, as author, want to be communicating to your readers, rather than the other way around. A blog is a very personal initiative. What it represents is a version of you to the world.

    Over time, I think that folk believe they are communicating with a personal friend, even though never actually met in person. A pen-friend of sorts.

    Of course, I usually only see you through my reader, rather than visiting your front page, so if there is book promotion or the like happening, I woulf tend not to see it unless you actually posted a new item about it.

    Good questions.

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    1. Hi Frank 🙂 🙂 I’ve been moved by so many of the responses to this post. I sometimes think the blog matters more to me than it should, but then, if it didn’t matter, why would i be here? Many thanks for your support. You’re right- it’s whatever I want to make it, and if I had the strength of character to write that book this would take a back seat. 🙂

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  2. I’ve just recently discovered your blog and thoroughly enjoy reading your posts. You give your readers a gift by sharing your experiences, especially those of us who don’t get to travel very often and have a chance to learn about new places by seeing them through your eyes. I hope you continue with your blog. I’ve been thinking about writing posts to link up with your Jo’s Monday Walk posts.

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  3. Honest, I love the walks through your neighborhood, the pictures and your narrative. It helps us – the readers get to know you and I like it (you). I honestly wouldn’t waste time getting sucked into the mindset that your blog should be for your readers – it creates too much pressure – trying to please everyone. It should be for you and you doing what makes you happy. Hope you continue on after the move 😊

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  4. Jo, like many others have expressed here, I think you have to listen to your own voice & write in the way that you find joy in writing. The blogs I enjoy most are ones that are not commercialized but authentic to the individuals writing. I say follow your heart my friend, enjoy the art of writing & we will continue to enjoy reading 😘

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  5. I’m guessing you began your blog as much for yourself as for us your readers (after all, you had none on Day one). And so you wrote about things that interested you, in your own way. And readers came, and felt they liked the person they had ‘met’, and were interested in what you have to say. If you loose that very personal voice, you loose everything that makes your blog special to your readers. Sorry that you’re feeling unsure – we all have ups and downs with our ‘stats’, but as ever, the main person to please is yourself. If you’re enjoying writing and posting your photos, we your readers will enjoy reading! Please keep on …..

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  6. You have such a huge following, Jo, so I can’t believe you would consider giving up blogging. I think writing in your own voice is key, unless you’re trying to commercialize your blog, which I don’t think you’re trying to do unless you’re trying to set up a future time where you lead walks in the Algarve! In that case, you would probably need to make a more commercial blog. Who knows though? What do I know? All I do know is that I enjoy reading personal stories in a unique voice where people reveal something of their personality, their dreams, their challenges. That’s not really catering to a reader, is it? And I think most factual blogs are really boring!!!!!

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    1. Thanks so much, darlin! 🙂 🙂 I sometimes can’t escape the ‘should be doing something more with my life’ feeling. But don’t ask me what! And blogging makes me happy, especially when I get responses like many of these. So long as people are happy to read, I guess I’ll be writing. 🙂 🙂

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      1. You’re like me in that regard, Jo. I always keep feeling like I’m falling short, that I should be doing something more important with my life. I wanted to when I got my Master’s in International Commerce & Policy, but no one wanted to hire me! I wonder in my case if I’ll never figure out what I am supposed to do. I say if blogging gives you satisfaction and happiness, you should keep doing it. If you feel bored by it, then you can always change it up. I know for sure you have a great way with people and are great at building community. I could see you leading walks in the Algarve! I’d like to come along with you!! You’ve certainly laid the groundwork for doing something like that! 🙂

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  7. I love your blog because it is so authentic, down to earth and shows your lovely personality. I have stopped reading blogs that are over commercialised, feel false, artificial. I think you have a lot of fun with the blog and it does shine through 😄

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      1. As I mentioned when we met in Hartlepool I have been following you for several years, I think you may well be my longest follow and I have watched your blog develop over the years. I especially like your latest new direction with more emphasis on words and narrative. You are a really good story teller.

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  9. Well I think we’re all agreed here, Jo – stick to your own lovely voice, and tell us about/show us the things that catch your fancy/make you think/laugh/shed a tear (and not forgetting the cake). Maybe there are ‘cosmetic’ things that all of us can do to freshen the look of a blog, or the way we present things, but all in all, I’m sure those that follow us, like us for what we show them of our lives/interests/particular expertise/the way we see things. Of course when you go to Tavira full-time that will be a chance for some different perspectives i.e. full-time is bound to be different from part-time – so that’s a theme to explore for starters – giving up the homeland. And maybe there will be more getting under the skin of Tavira too – perhaps chances for more of a reportage approach. I bet all sorts of themes will emerge. And have no fear – we’ll be with you!

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    1. What a sweetheart you are, Tish. 🙂 🙂 The support is sometimes overwhelming. How can I think seriously about stopping? I don’t know the cure for the withdrawal symptoms 🙂 Thanks a lot, darlin!

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  10. That’s so “foolish, you should be you and not someone else – it’s you we enjoyed following. You have you eyes and your heart into it – that’s what I enjoy – I wants as a follower to meet something else that I see myself – Moments I have seen it myself (as the Yorkshire Moors) but two never see it the same way. Isn’t it wonderful. 😉

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  11. Just do what you’re doing as long as you’re enjoying it. I know I’m happy with it. I love traveling with you and am packed and ready for Tavira whenever you are. But if you feel pressured by keeping the blog going or with the way it is, change it. Pish to the readers! Unless you don’t have any or are struggling to get some or just want more, don’t worry about us. We’re all still here.

    I think about this sometimes as well. I started out just writing and have gradually gone to mostly photography. I’d like to get back to a bit more writing or maybe a combination, but we’ll see. My biggest “problem” is keeping up on the weekends with the blogs I follow. I work Friday-Sunday virtually every weekend, which is also causes the problem of when do I do anything with my husband), and I struggle to have time to do life things, not to mention reading and commenting on blogs. Something I still have to figure out, I guess, but I do enjoy blogging and I love keeping in contact with everyone. I can’t however, take on any more blogs to follow, much as I might like to.

    Cheers!

    janet

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    1. Making changes takes time too, Janet, and I sometimes wonder if I’m just too lazy. At the end of the day it’s a balancing act but what we put in we usually get back. I always find the support on here tremendous, so thank you for spending precious time with me. It’s appreciated. 🙂 🙂

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  12. I enjoy reading your stuff not some fact spewing machine that has no soul. Your words inspire people to travel and look at the world. We will be going to Portugal next year hopefully. We will be spending some time in the UK so there have been places to think of going to from you. Be yourself. I think my blog is just a few pretty pictures with a couple of words. Maybe I should write more. One day in the future someone will discover your blog and say what a wonderful life Jo has had x

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    1. Brian, what a fantastic thought! Thank you so much 🙂 🙂 I’ve missed you this week. Have you been busy? You keep me right with the challenges and I had to go looking for Paula! (holidays- silly me 🙂 )

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      1. Hi Jo have been busy but also not been in the mood for doing my photos. A general malaise but trying to get back into it. Thanks for missing me ❤❤

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      1. I think it’s pretty difficult to be different, but I am trying my best! For example, I make shorter posts because as I recognized people are lazy to read long posts. Soon my first book will be available. Maybe I will dare to write about something which is not my cup of field as well! And you?

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  14. Dear Jo, I haven’t been very regular on WordPress of late but I do miss reading my favourite blogs and try to catch up whenever I can.Yours is right on top of that list. And that’s because I love the sound of your ‘voice’ as much as you do😄 So hang in there. Take a break and come back with more stories. I look forward to joining you on wonderful strolls around the Algarve😊

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    1. Madhu, that’s so good to hear from you, and a real surprise to have you here tonight. 🙂 🙂 Thanks a lot! I have enough walks to post to take me to late September, so then we’ll see.

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  16. Your blog contains your style and your interests. Having no commercial goal that of course is not only perfectly fine, it perhaps is the main purpose. The question that could be asked is: what is more important, your personal interest or that of the viewers. If I may speak for myself, I sometimes skip your blogpost not because to my taste you don’t give enough but rather because you might be giving a bit to much. Not every picture posted, not every line written I find equally interesting. A bit more trimming things down would up my curiosity. But then, I’m only a viewer, it’s your blog, not mine. I most strongly do hope you keep blogging from what seems the lovely place Tavira.

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  18. Your blog is YOURS and it’s perfect just as it is because you have your own unique and lovely voice! Make changes if and when you want not because you feel pressured to do so. I think that the people that make money from blogging lose their voice because they’re trying to fit in with someone else’s needs and only the really huge ones make any money worth bothering about, making vloggers.

    I hope this blog keeps going in Tavira, or changes as your life changes, anything as long as you don’t stop!

    Love and hugs sweetheart xx

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    1. Bless you, darlin! 🙂 🙂 I really dislike the kind of blog that gives you ‘the best 5…’ etc. but I sometimes think I’m just a load of waffle and no content. But hopefully with the feel good factor! 🙂

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  19. First: I hope that you’ll keep up blogging after moving to Tavira. I’ve always liked your blog and would miss you a lot. As to the style: I think it’s really a very personal expression in one’s blog. It should not be reader-centred. Write/blog in the style that suits you, and there will be readers who like it and follow you. You can never make it right or everybody. So, catering for the wishes of one group will make you lose others.
    Take care, Jo, and keep going,
    Pit

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    1. That’s a good point you make about not being able to please everybody, Pit. I always thought that the thing to do is to write in a way I enjoy. Otherwise, why do it? I’m so grateful for your support and your input over the years. Thank you very much. Love to you and Mary 🙂 🙂

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  20. Oh, goodness Jo, don’t give up your blog! I have no idea what your readership is, but I’m guessing a fair number….you seem too have plenty of likes and comments. We love your blog because of your unique voice, your chatty style, and you take us to some most interesting places.

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