As someone who spent nearly 15 years as an ink-stained newspaper reporter, my passion is writing, which explains why I produce lots of content for this blog, the Sysomos blog and my Globe & Mail “Start” column.
I pound out the words, find an interesting image, and hit “publish”. Done.
I’m starting to think, however, it might not be enough to simply write blog posts. In many ways, I’m starting to feel my content needs to have more variety to engage readers and deliver different types of stories.
It’s one of the reasons why I have been actively exploring the idea of video recently – a hat tip to Marcus Sheridan who contends the only way to get good at making videos is by doing them.
Truth be told, I haven’t done many videos because it’s not part of my “reporting DNA”. I’m a notetaker, not a video guy.But I think that is going to change for a few reasons: Video is sexy content. People like videos, Google likes videos, and it is a different way to tell stories. Video is also easy. I just got a iPhone 4S, dug up my Kodak Zi6, and started mucking around with iMovie.
My interest in exploring the world beyond words was captured by Trevor Young in a blog post for Edelman Australia. He talked about bloggers becoming “micro-publishers”, who deliver content in multiple ways: blogs, videos, newsletters, photos, etc.
Perhaps this represents the evolution of blogging as opposed to Young’s suggestion “it’s the end of blogging as we know it”. As blogging matures, it needs to become a richer, more compelling and engaging experience. Social media has changed how people consume content, while video has become ubiquitous and user-friendly for both consumers and creators.
The challenge for many bloggers is shifting editorial gears. Those of us happy behind the keyboard will have to adopt new tools, embrace the idea that video is as powerful a medium as words, and look to tell stories differently.
For some of us, it may not be an easy transition because we’re so used to creating content in a particular way. For others, having new ways to tell stories will be a positive thing. It will be a refreshing editorial challenge, it will force us to learn new tools, change how to “report”, and provide audiences with new insight and perspective.
Personally, I’m excited about becoming a multi-dimensional storyteller because change is good. While I will continue to be a hard-core blogging advocate, blogs that stand out from the crowd will have different editorial angles. This is not to suggest people who stick to words will be left behind but I do think offering posts and other kinds of content is an attractive option for bloggers and blog readers.
What do you think? Is text enough for bloggers?
Ideally you should pull this post down and replace it with a video of yourself talking about this subject.
Fair comment!
?I really like how +Mark Evans defines the evolution of blogging — *multi-dimensional storyteller.*
I know for a fact that as a blogger you must evolve or die. Not just the topics you cover but the medium you use to convey your story. Telling a story comes in multiple formats — *text, audio, video and pictures.* Is it mandatory that you use each and every platform — no.
You would obviously play to your strengths. With that said you must push beyond your beyond you comfort zone.
In my case, I use all text, video and pictures to tell my stories. +Mark Evans also makes an interesting observation — are we “micro-publishers.” And I say — “absolutely!”
As someone who has mostly used text for my blog, I agree that different types of content have to be part of the mix. The challenge facing many bloggers is how to make the transition in a way that is user-friendly and comfortable. Thanks for the comment.
Hi Mark, I think you (and Marcus) are absolutely correct: A variety of different types of content will keep readers engaged. But, like you, I am most comfortable with writing. Although I’ve toyed with the idea of video, I haven’t made the plunge yet. I hope you will blog about this topic again and let your readers know the challenges of trying new story-telling techniques.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for referencing my blog post re “Is it the end of blogging as we know it”.
I agree we’re talking about an ‘evolution’ of blogging, especially as the blogosphere matures and people become more and more comfortable with – and proficient in using – new media technologies.
I also love your “multi-dimensional storyteller” – that’s exactly what many bloggers are becoming.
I just put up a guest post on PR Warrior last night that illustrates this point exactly: http://prwarrior.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/12/from-blog-to-brand-an-interview-with-the-miscellaneous-mum.html
Cheers Mark!
- Trevor
Trevor; It will be interesting to see where blogging goes over the next few years. What’s encouraging to me is how it seems have become chic again! cheers, Mark