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. Hi Jo, it’s true that the blogosphere is quiet at the moment and I must admit I feel a bit thesame way, strangely introspective. As for your blog, I’ve akways loved your unique voice, the fun that I find here and the heart that in your words. I often think I’d like to contribute more to your Monday Walks but then the weeks fly by and I haven’t! Anyway, as far as I’m concerned, keep doing what you’re doing. You’ll always have a travel buddy in me. xx 🙂💕

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    1. Bless you, darlin- those are the nicest words. I so appreciate everybody’s time and effort in coming here. It’s a major commitment but there is so much love and support that it’s all worthwhile. Thank you! 🙂 🙂

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  2. Good for you for asking Jo! Didn’t read the responses but I’m guessing others, like me, said simply keep doing what you’re doing!!! It’s all good as we say here!

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  4. Pingback: Six word Saturday | restlessjo

  5. My goodness, but I do hope you’ll take us along with you when you move.Your time for blogging may be less available, but just share when you can and that will be lovely! 🙂 I must admit that I’m a little confused by the WP suggestion that a blog be more about the readers! I think the way we form community is by sharing who we are, what we enjoy, what is on our mind, or just sharing our lives. It will either resonate and people will come back for more, or if not, it just means the connection wasn’t there. That’s how friendships are made in our daily experiences. The “chemistry” is there, or it isn’t. I read your blog because I have come to know something about you through the way you share your travels and I’ve enjoyed the walks and getting to know you through the little things you share about your life! I can’t honestly imagine what you would do to share that would be more for me! LOL! I would repeat that this WP suggestion mystifies me. I would encourage you to just continue to be you. It’s really you I stop by to chat with when I read your blog. I think I’d really like to go along with you when you move and to hear about your adjustments, the challenges, and the joys of a dream fulfilled! 🙂

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    1. I have to admit, my response was ‘it has to be about me- that’s what I know’, Debbie, but I think the suggestion was to research what people were interested in and write about that. I agree fully with what you’re saying and I have loved building friendships on here. It opened up a whole new world for me, and gave me the freedom to create whatever I wish. Thank you so much for being a part of that. 🙂 🙂

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      1. Just to add to that comment if I may – it’s all very well WP and others suggesting that you ‘research what people are interested in and write about that’ but what if YOU’RE not interested? Surely it would be impossible to write properly about something you personally have no interest in, and engage your readers, no matter how much research you do. For instance, I’m not remotely interested in football so I couldn’t manage to write even half a page about it, whereas ask me to write about Anglesey and I could produce a decent book. You write your blog the way you do because that’s how you are, it’s a little part of you, and I think all the comments on here have said pretty much the same – we love it as it is! 🙂

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  6. Jo, I’d say you have a highly successful and interesting blog, taking me along to
    places I probably I wouldn’t see otherwise.
    You really connect with your readers, always making time to respond with a good word. I’ve just started my 10th year of blogging. Trying to keep it “fresh” is a challenge. It seems many readers give a cursory glance and don’t always read the details, though. Your move sounds exciting. Hope I get to join you there.

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    1. 10 years is a long time, Ruth, and it becomes part of your life. I’m only a year or so behind you and I know I would miss the friendships and the pure freedom to write what I like. Those are the important things to me and it’s been great to have you along on the journey. Thanks a lot! 🙂 🙂

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  7. I love following you on your walks Jo, they provide a nice balance of photographs and information about places I may never get to explore 🙂 If you change blogs I’d be more than happy to follow you on that journey but don’t feel that you have to change your style. Have a wonderful weekend x

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      1. Great to hear Jo, it is a very supportive community 🙂 Life is OK, still not sure what to do next but am enjoying the lack of plans and time to fluff around. It is nice to be able to do a little more volunteering at the shelter as well, it is good for the soul 🙂

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  10. Hecky thump young Jo – you rattled a few cages here didn’t you? I haven’t read all the comments yet, but feel it is fair to say that no-one wants you to stop posting when you move to Tavira. How can you possibly think that? We are all so jealous of your new adventure you cannot seriously leave us behind! I suppose the flip-side of this question is what do you want from blogging? I love your easy flow of words, feels like we are alongside you discovering the sights and the sites, your photos are carefully chosen to set the scene and usually excellent (!!). Maybe you feel that the walks have had their day, though I do like Sue’s idea of 10 easy walks in Portugal (or 10 moderate walks / difficult / cultural / historical) you could work on those for a while, linking up old posts and/or creating new ones. I wouldn’t like it to become a marketing site. I have lost interest in several bloggers who have done that because they no longer write in their voice, but one to entice people to a place or a product. Not my call, but this isn’t what I read blogs for. I like personal blogs. I like dipping into people’s lives and seeing what they are up to and having a moan or a chat or a laugh.
    And I am sure you didn’t really expect me to tell you to shove off. Though I might tell you to shut up and get on with it 😛
    A new Portuguese site maybe? Life of an Ex-pat? I am sure there are lots of things you can write about in your new place. Just don’t forget us. Me.
    xx

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    1. You! Could I ever? 🙂 🙂 Was this just a plea for attention all along, I ask myself. Aren’t people lovely? I appreciate everyone’s thoughts on this but at the end of the day I can only be myself. Otherwise I’d write fiction, wouldn’t I? My site fees need renewing in September, which is one reason why I’ll probably go for a new blog. I suppose I’m hoping to have such a full and busy outdoorsy life that I won’t need to blog. But there will still be Winter nights. And what would I do without the applause? 🙂 Thanks, Jude!

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  11. Jo I am reading your post and the comments with fascination. As you know our blog began with story telling only. After a few years I became a bit bored with that alone and so have moved into some work with companies. I think the most important thing of all is to do what you want to do. As many have said you won’t be able to please everyone. I know that when I changed format to present a variety of articles I lost some loyal WordPress followers. However I also know that presenting a variety of articles our readership grew far beyond the WordPress circle. For me it is finding balance between the types of writing. You have an incredible writing style so please carry on. I would personally love to see some posts like ’10 Easy walks in the Algarve’ so if I was heading in a destination I could reference that. You could link to your more detailed posts on each one. Just a thought where you would keep your familiar voice but the format becomes very useful to a traveller.

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    1. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, Sue. I know of only a handful of blogs that have transitioned successfully without losing themselves. and yours is one of them. I think your quirky humour and lifestyle has a range far beyond WP. The reason why you made the change is significant. Cathy (currently Wander.essence) got bored with her format and needed to shake things up a bit, which she’s done very successfully. For myself, the jury’s still out, but thank you very much for the suggestion. 🙂 🙂

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      1. Always happy to chat Jo. I agree that it is a challenge to keep your genuine voice. I remain clear with those we partner with that our blog is a storytelling one. Frankly I don’t know how else to write. The other thing I did change was going to once a week publishing. For me it took the pressure off and gave me some time to explore other ideas.
        Best wishes my friend. xo

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  14. I’ve had all these existential blog wonderings myself and have concluded that it depends on what you want out of your blog. You indicate that yours is diary style and a way to keep a memory for yourself, so in that case, it should be exactly what YOU want it to be! (I came to the same conclusion about my own.) Yes, I love readers and followers, and it would be a wonderful miracle if someone discovered me and paid me to write things! But I just can’t sell out and shill for companies in exchange for content that would likely change, and I can’t make my posts all full of stats and facts when I started it (and like it!) to explore my own reactions to the places I travel.

    I think it’s partly quiet around “here” because it’s summer, but I also think there’s kind of a life expectancy for bloggers and unless they adjust their expectations for both writing and reading, they burn out. I’ve had to do that and as a result, I comment a little less often (or I’d have to do it all day long!) and I post less often for the same reason (but mine was never a diary – more of a scrap book over time anyway). Like friendships in the real world, some stick and some fade away, and that’s natural.

    Long story short: please keep going! I prefer the focus on YOU, just as it is. I can go buy a guidebook if I want more straight info. And c’mon, you can’t leave us just as you go somewhere like Tavira!

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    1. Lexie, thanks a lot for your thoughts. They pretty much echo mine. 🙂 🙂 Just occasionally I wonder am I boring everyone rigid and they’re just being polite. But the responses here are so very thoughtful and kind. Not a soul said ‘push off, Bradley- we’re sick of you!’ (waiting for Jude to come along and put me in my place 🙂 ) I think there will be a bit of a hiccup/rethink when I eventually make the Algarve, but I don’t really plan to ride off into the sun (but I just might! 🙂 ).

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  15. Jo, I love your blog the way you are and your lovely voice. I think there are way too many generic blogs out there with the facts. I too have struggled with changing mine and my readership has really plummeted over the past few years perhaps related to this struggle. I hope you continue to blog when you are in Portugal because I would really truly miss your voice. Keep it up! We all love you as you can see! 🙂

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  16. Jo, PLEASE continue and be the same as you have been. A charming host who writes beautifully.

    I’d love your blog to let me join you as you settle into life in Tavira.

    As for marketing, I’d just say pick carefully. And be clear what posts are marketing and what are yours. I’ve also cgot nauseated it and not found any that Ive been willing to accept in the end. And read the contract carefully!

    In the meantime, have a good weekend. (And this would have been a perfect Jo’s 6WS 😀)

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    1. I almost started by saying this is a six word Thursday, Debs, but it’s many more. For a change -ha! ha! Thanks for your great support and good company and yes, I’m mindful of the pitfalls xxx

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  17. Like the others have said,I absolutely love your blog, Jo. I’ve always seen your blog around but never made the hope over for a serious read and follow up until about a year or so ago. And I wished I’d done so much sooner. Your blog does have a unique voice, and you’ve made walking out-and-about a central theme here. Your photos are always ace. I’d be sad if you decide not to continue your blog. You do post quite often, always lovely to see your presence. I’m not one to comment on every post, but I wish I could; sometimes it really is lovely to see a post from you halfway through my day when I am on a quick lunch at work and can only manage a like 🙂

    It’s Friday night here in Oz. Wishing you a wonderful weekend 🙂 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much for this, Mabel! I know that there’s far too much to keep up with sometimes and I always appreciate your visits here. I’ve spent the morning cleaning and trying to present our home in its best light as we have viewers this weekend. Hope you have a nice relaxing time planned xx

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      1. It is amazing how some bloggers like you can post frequently and keep up the content as well. Sounds like the house is being dolled up and shown around. Good luck with finding someone who will find a home in within it 🙂

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  18. I’m sure that all of your followers just want you to continue being yourself and writing from your own perspective. Trying to please all your readers or second-guess what they might like to read is just a recipe for failure I think. i follow a few blogs and its so obvious when they’re writing just to get more hits and make more money. Not interesting at all. Love your blog and will continue tagging along.

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    1. Good to know, Jonno. 🙂 🙂 Yes, you have to be very good indeed to make money and retain your individuality. I can think of only a handful, and it’s more perks than cash. I should have tried that route a long time ago. I’ll just have to be happy being me and having lovely people like yourself pop over here. 🙂 Thank you!

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  19. I’m a firm believer in the saying ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ and as far as I can see this blog ain’t broke! – I love your writing style and your photos are fabulous. I’d love to be able to visit Portugal but time and finances mean I’ll probably never have the chance so I’m doing my travelling through you, although I may not always comment on every post you write.

    There’s another saying which no doubt you’re familiar with – ‘You can’t please everyone so just please yourself’ and that’s what I think you should do. I’ve always liked to write, been into photography from the age of 12 (and still learning!) and love camping, so when I started my camping blog on Blogger eight years ago it was a way of combining all three – I did it for mostly for my own enjoyment and satisfaction and as a sort of record of where I’ve been and when, so any readers and/or followers were a bonus. I could never achieve the number of actual followers you have but I know I have readers in many countries although not many of them comment, but I’m happy with that – anyway, I just don’t have the time to reply to the same number of comments you get! Yes, I’ve read the ‘how to improve your blog’ blogs (a couple of minor points which I’ve noted for future reference) and I’ve also been approached by a few firms asking me to advertise/endorse their products, mainly camping-related, but I’d decided right from the start that my blog wouldn’t be a money-making one based on advertising and neither will I write a feature about, or endorse, something I haven’t personally tried, so the blog stays the same as when I first started it and I’m happy with it.

    A couple of years ago though I did get to thinking that writing a camping blog, even with photos of the places I visit, may only be of interest to people who camp so to diversify, and also to give myself something to do during my winter non-camping months, I started my ‘mouse house’ blog on WordPress – a blog which is based on my life in general and the (sometimes daft) things which happen in it, with camping only very rarely being mentioned. I aim to write two posts per week – any more would be overkill and with my working life I don’t have the time to write more anyway. Also through your Monday Walk feature I’ve been encouraged to go out, discover, research, and write about places which are often only on my doorstep or which I knew were there but hadn’t really thought much about – my recent Hall i’ th’ Wood visit being one of them. I know you have very busy times coming up but maybe when things settle down, and if you have the time and/or inclination, you could start a second blog – keep this one as it is but write a totally different one in a different style.

    Sorry if I’ve gone on a bit but it’s just my opinion and thoughts for what it’s worth. You’ve got a great blog here and personally I see no reason to change it, but mainly all that matters is that it’s YOUR blog and you write it how YOU want – but whatever you do please don’t give it up, I would hate to see you go 😦 😦

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    1. Thanks so much, Eunice. 🙂 🙂 I do appreciate the time people spend with me and I know everyone hasn’t time to comment. I’d never get away from the laptop if all of them did! 🙂 Life is a little strange for me right now, but almost all in a good way, so I have no complaints. It’s a wonderful space to share our thoughts.

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