To blog or not to blog?

[Michele Rushworth]

The only downside I can think of for the idea of using a blog for the "news" section of one's website is that really important events/awards/commissions get buried over time with more recent things, regardless of their importance. It does seem easy to create and maintain, though.

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Michele,

I think you have an excellent point.

I was calling my blog 'what's new' with a link on my homepage to it and I'm not sure that really explained what I was doing - which was blogging. I have another webpage on my site I call "Charity and Events" where I post upcoming charity events where I'm donating a painting/portrait and shows. I have no need for a place to post awards. Not yet anyway.

I decided, for me, that I either need to use the word BLOG to let people know what I'm doing or put my blogging on my homepage. I have put my blog on my homepage, along with photos of my new work. Now we'll see if that gets me more traffic. My theory is that people might like to read a blog, but don't take the time to find it. So now visitors can't miss it.

It does get difficult, doesn't it, to keep everything somewhat streamlined, clear, and easy to navigate.

Joan

[Nancy Bea Miller]

Michele, the News Blog does not cancel out your resume. Like most folks you probably have a resume or c.v. page on your websites. On this, you list (in resume format) all the major shows, events and honors. This is a static page that I personally only bother to update three or four times a year. Because it's a bit of a pain!

On the News Blog you put everything ....like small charity events that may not make it onto the formal resume. Maybe you met an art hero of yours and want to post the photo of the two of you shaking hands. You can also post about any classes or workshops you are teaching. Think of your "News Blog" as what you might reply if an interested friend asked "So, what's happening with your art these days?"People may not bother to read your formal resume, but seem to enjoy reading the News Blog. It's more conversational!

[Enzie Shahmiri]

I agree with Nancy that you end up making a lot of new contacts. Having looked at all three blogger sites and I found them very interesting. They each give a new insight into the artists we all know, but on a much more personal level.

Nancy I like that you have seemless website blog thing going. Mine is a link although I have tried to stay within a similar style of web design. Isn't it funny though as artists how many things we manage to juggle all at once?

[Bianca Berends]

It is so interesting to see that more and more people have a blog. Since a week or two I have totally replaced my website with a blog (did it through blogger.com). I can now update my content myself and I get feedback from people that they really like the active content, news items. Now I post a message when I have seen a great exhibition for example, something I didn't do on my old website. All the content that was on my website is still on my blog, including my portfolio. I must admit, I have a husband who is a webdeveloper and showed my some tricks to do al this in a blog. It is also possible that your get a higher listing in Google (you have to uses labels though!) and use a lot of keywords in your text (portrait, portrait painter ect. especially in your headers).

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Bianca, I love your layout. It clearly communicates that you are a portrait artist. You and your hubby did a great job.

How about us bloggers do a little blog review and point out to each other things that could be better via Email. Anyone who is interested to participate Email me at [email protected] and I will give you my honest opinion in return for yours.

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Hi Enzie,

What a great idea, I will definitely participate in your review exchange. I welcome any other comments/critique of my blog too. It's the homepage on my website.

Joan

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Joan, I just sent you an Email. Thanks for your review!