8 Types of People Who Should Not Be Blogging

By: | March 3, 2015 | Tags: , , |
Blogging Difficulties

Some bloggers should not be blogging.

Many bloggers write about common mistakes bloggers make, which was originally supposed to be the subject of this post.  Based on psychology*, which maintains there are distinct personality types, there are certain types of people who shouldn’t be blogging.  It would be a mistake for them to blog.  Are you one of them?

Welcome to my parody of blogging personalities.

The Procrastinator

The Procrastinator rarely writes.  These bloggers keep procrastinating and

Bloggers think they can be a success at blogging by rarely blogging.

Bloggers think they can be a success at blogging by rarely blogging.

reminding themselves and anyone who will listen that they are going to resume writing eventually.

In the meantime, they may be networking by feverishly visiting other blogs but do not regularly write themselves.  Jason Cushman has over 50,000 followers on his blog Harsh Reality.  In my post ...19 Experts Share Their Secrets, I included him as an expert in my interview about how to have a successful blog.  Even once a week is not enough to post on your blog.  According to Jason, bloggers should write more than once a week.  No one is going to notice you if you are sending a single boat down the river and everyone else are sending down fleets.**

The Grouch

Many use their blogs as a catharsis.  The blogger rants and raves and complains all the time.  It’s cheaper than therapy.  Hey, it’s their blog, they can do what they want.  Many find rants interesting, even entertaining.  I know of one that went viral.  However, if a blogger only rants and raves and complains, it will get old–really fast.

The Introvert

…19 Experts Share Their Secrets was my most successful post to date.  In my follow-up post Secrets of Successful Bloggers, I actually refuted all but four of the experts and explained why they were wrong to hold their theories about successful blogging.  There was only one theory I agreed with–I found the definitive answer to successful blogging!  It is networking.  Introverts, in contrast to the Procrastinators, don’t network.  They are too shy.

Introverts don’t join Facebook groups, they don’t promote their posts on Twitter, and they don’t go to blogging events.  They believe their content is so good they can be reserved about promoting their posts online.

If people want to play for an empty room, they shouldn’t be blogging, and they won’t be if their readership diminishes.  Bloggers are part of a community.  Interact people!

The Hermit

The Hermit is like the Introvert.  However, The Hermit doesn’t leave their own blog.  The Introvert may leave their blog, but when they leave, they don’t promote or network.  For example, they may read other blogs and not interact when there.  In contrast, The Hermit won’t leave their blog.

The Actor

Don’t get me wrong, I love actors.  My passion is musical theater, and I’ve even participated in some community theater myself.

However, actors read from scripts.  Unless they are doing improvisation, they are repeating lines that they don’t genuinely mean.

Bloggers do this.  When they reply to their readers, they comment and just copy-paste.  I may thank my readers for reading what I wrote and for taking their time to write to me, but I always try to add something genuine, something unique.

The Duty Fulfiller*

The Duty Fulfiller is only interested in peace.  Sometimes bloggers need to stir the pot and spark controversy.

When I wrote Ferguson: Right or Wrong?, boy did I spark controversy, and it is my seventh most successful post out of over 100 posts.  (If you want to click the link and see it, go ahead, but know that I have since changed my opinion on the incident.)

The Guardian*

The Guardian likes to keep the status quo.  They are against change.  Bloggers should be flexible and open to new ideas.

As I give blogging advice, sometimes bloggers write me and ask why they should change to trying something new when they are happy with the status quo.  Well, maybe if they tried the new methods my blog suggests, they’d be even happier!  You don’t know until you try.  The Guardian doesn’t want to try.

The Visionary*

The Visionary’s goal is trying to “one up” other bloggers.  However, as my post The Great Blogger Hoax explains, being a competitive blogger is counterproductive.  Use the resources, the other wonderful bloggers out there waiting to help you.  You should help them in return.

Michael Jackson recorded Man in the Mirror.  He sang, If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change.

If you want to make your blog a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.  You can make a change.  The result would be your blog could end up more successful than it already is.

If you share this post with others, maybe they too can make a change!

Readers, are there any types of bloggers I missed?  Any mistakes bloggers make you can comment on in order to help others avoid them?  I look forward to your views.

Sources: *http://www.personalitypage.com/high-level.html

**http://aopinionatedman.com/2015/03/01/why-no-one-reads-your-blog/

  1. balletandboxing

    Does the frequency of posting change depending on the content of the blog?

    I write about silly stories in my life. I find once a week a good pace, or else risk running out of stories! Any suggestions of how to increase posting without writing about inanities?

    • Janice Wald

      Hi, Welcome to Reflections and thanks for your follow!
      After reading your comment, I decided to write a blog post answering your question and advising bloggers how to come up with topics. Thanks for the idea! Look for it to come out later this week.
      Thanks for asking, and once again, Welcome!

      • swajithkas

        Janice;
        First of all congratulation for one more wonderful post;
        I am big admire of your blog as well as yourself; but, by going through some of the comments; I think Anita, Kathy & T.O. Weller also deserves due credit for their very though-provoking comments.
        Wish you as well as all the commentators all the best…………..

    • Janice Wald

      Hi, I wrote a post just for you answering your question about how to never run out of blog topics. Your question inspired it. I hope you’ll read it. Here’s the link: http://wp.me/p5jxvv-zs
      Janice

  2. Anita

    i wholeheartedly disagree with the assertion that introverts are shy, won’t promote their work and refuse to network. Introversion has more to do with the proximity to people and loss of energy in crowds. Most introverts love one on one networking and meeting people online. Some of the blogs o most enjoy reading are written by deep thinking introverts. So is the one I write. I’ll give you the grouch though! Ain’t nobody got time for that! 🙂

    • Janice Wald

      Ouch! I didn’t mean to offend! One of my best friends is very introverted. I was using the label to describe a type of blogger. Besides, many introverts outside of the Blogosphere become extroverts online, which you also wrote. Therefore, they no longer fit the label of the Introvert.

    • swajithkas

      Anita;
      I am absolutely amazed by your clear-cut thinking and very very straight way to express your feelings; bloggers like you are true assets and promising future of blogging world…..
      Wishing you all the best…………….

    • Janice Wald

      Thanks Zarina, and welcome! I don’t think we’ve written each other before.

  3. Kathy

    Good advice Janice but I think I would add another. How about “The Speed Demon” or some similar name implying an expectation that you will build a huge following in a matter of months and make tons of money blogging. I believe it all depends on the “why” you blog in the first place. I know that I am a “speciality ” blogger and that doesn’t appeal to every one. Because of that I’m writing about what I feel is important to write about–all with the intention this will help me as an author. Yes, it has been slow but I’m happy with that. Again, I think it all depends on our personal goals with blogging.

    • T.O. Weller

      Wow Kathy! I just came from your blog and found you here … saying something that I have been grappling with myself.
      When someone tries to make me into a Speed Demon, I get grumpy. Not for me!!
      It’s right in there with anyone who likes to suggest there’s only one way to do this blogging thing. In my weaker moments, I try to follow their lead … and I get grumpy.
      The most successful are those who have forged their own path and stood out for being unique. I’m still working out the details of my own path, but I will stay true in the end. 🙂

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Kathy,
      I love it! The Speed Demon! Too funny! Thanks for writing.
      Janice

  4. T.O. Weller

    Hi Janice,

    Thanks for a great post!

    I’m not too sure about the rule for number of posts per week … I think it depends on what your goals are for your blog. While it’s true that one per week can be too little, it may not be if you’re posting elsewhere or if that one post is really “meaty” with the content provided.

    I see some blogs that post 3 or 4 times a week, but the posts are shorter and less substantial. Others post once a week and the posts are mega-size. In both cases, the blogs can be just as popular.

    As with any rule of thumb, there are always exceptions. 🙂

    • Janice Wald

      I completely agree. Many established bloggers become the exception to the rule. They have a large following, write what they want, and still have a popular blog. I am blessed to have many new bloggers as readers. I write the “rules of thumb” with them in mind. I did appreciate your thoughts though, and I agree with them.
      Janice

  5. Rena McDaniel-Alz Caregiver

    Terrific post and very informative. Pinned and shared!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Rena, You are too kind. Thank you so much. Question. I am always stumped when people “pin”, but I never see any numbers on my Pinterest button. I guess I need to write WordPress. Thank you so much for the support.
      Janice

      • Rena McDaniel-Alz Caregiver

        I don’t either now that you mention it. I have alot of work to do on my Pinterest account. I learned so much more about it at the conference this weekend!

        • Janice Wald

          I’m following you on Twitter. We’re both friends with Carol. I didn’t go–I’m not a lifestyle blogger.

          • Rena McDaniel-Alz Caregiver

            You don’t have to be a lifestyle blogger! Just 40+ there will be another next April!

          • Janice Wald

            OMG. I wonder where I got that impression? Are you in Southern California like me? Keep me apprised.
            Thanks,
            Janice

  6. mrsmuffintop

    Uhoh. I think I’m half of these 😉 I procrastinate less with my writing than I do with other tasks, like laundry (or putting it away). I’m definitely an introvert, hermit, grouch and visionary!! But aren’t we all?

    • Janice Wald

      Hi,
      That’s exactly what my husband said when he read the post–I described everybody on the planet! I decided I am the Gaurdian. I guess we are all in good company! =)

  7. Jessica Denney

    Another great post! I feel like I’ve been a procrastinator these last few days. All I’ve been doing is reading blogs and trying to figure out how to use Twitter and Pinterest for my blog. Time to crack my knuckles and start writing:)

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Jessica,
      Thank you so much for the compliment. My reluctance to switch from Canva to PicMonkey makes me feel like the Gaurdian of the status quo! I have many articles about how to use Pinterest. Check them out; they might help. The only article I’ve written about Twitter is how to use it in conjunction with Hootsuite.
      Write me with questions, if you like. I love to help.
      Janice

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Carol!
      I think I am becoming the Guardian of the status quo. I can’t seem to stop using Canva and trying PicMonkey. LOL Thanks for writing.
      Janice

  8. "Bethie"

    Thanks for sharing, Janice. I will print this out and tack it to my bulletin board over my desk to remind what a blogger personality shouldn’t be. 🙂

  9. Ashley Gulla

    Introverts shouldn’t blog? Being an introvert doesn’t mean your shy. It means to recharge your battery you need time and space alone. Id bet you 90% of writers are introverts. I usually love all your posts, but this one kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I say, if you’re drawn to write on a blog – whoever you are – write!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Ashley!
      How are you doing? We haven’t connected in a long time. Are you still writing for LifeHack? Thanks for checking in. As I explained in my reply to the other comment, I honestly didn’t mean to offend anyone.
      Janice

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  11. Good Woman

    I enjoy your posts and think you share some very good information. But like some other commenters on this post I think you are wrong in stating that introverts should not blog. I actually did a post in which I assert that blogging might be the perfect venue for introverts. In a response to one of the comments you say something to the effect that if they are introverted but comment on the blogosphere then they become extroverts so they are no longer labeled introverts. I think that is playing fast and loose with the terminology. I am not offended and do not mean to offend you, but I don’t think you have an accurate understanding of what an introvert is. I think the other categories you choose to use are quite understandable, but perhaps the reason introverts have reacted is because we are not understood very well in life, and your comments tend to perpetuate the erroneous stereotype.

    • Janice Wald

      Hi!
      After reading your comment, I was so pleased you still decided to follow my blog. I am not offended. Actually, I’m delighted with how engaged the Reflections community has been over the last few days. My friend, that I referenced in the comment you read, follows my blog. I’m seeing her Sunday. I wonder if she’ll mention this. I hadn’t thought to feel self-conscious until reading your comment. Thank you for enlightening me. I’m certainly going to think twice before ever using that label again. =)
      Thanks for writing, and once again, thanks for being open-minded about my blog and following me. Welcome!
      Janice

  12. Good Woman

    Not a problem. I am not someone who would deny myself good content because I disagree with one point. I expect that I will see other valuable information in your blog.

  13. Linda Maye Adams

    I agree with Good Woman — the above definitely doesn’t understand what exactly an introvert is. Introverts are not automatically shy; they get their energy off solitude, rather than off crowds. Extroverts have a really hard time understanding that because their experience is so different, and society tends to make it out that we’re an oddity or broken.

    You made it sound like the introvert is trying to avoid dealing with the world by hoping the world discovers them. Honestly, every blogger hopes the world will discover them, and it becomes frustrating when you can’t find the right voice for the blog. You watch as your numbers go down, get discouraged, and stop posting.

    It’s particularly not easy for fiction writers because most of the advice assumes you should be an expert and that doesn’t work well with fiction. I was on a writing group about blogging for writers. Everyone jumped and eagerly started blogging three times a week and cheered everyone on. I had trouble finding my voice, and I wasn’t posting writing topics, so the writers dropped off me after two weeks. It was discouraging, because I thought something wrong with me. But I kept trying different things, and I blogged two to three times a week. Six months later, almost all the other writers were no longer blogging. Two years later, I hit the topic that was defined my voice.

    I’ve done the A to Z Challenge three times and have also used prompts from The Daily Post. But I also weigh in when something is a good use of my time when maybe I should be writing more stories. One of the reasons the writers above failed at it was because they let blogging take over and cut into their story writing. Blogging gets my name out there, but writing more stories is the true promotion.

  14. adam bujons

    Nice list, I procrastinate for England and also suffer perfectionism – which is ironic given the fallibility of lots of my work!
    Also, is there something I’m missing about why there’s not a lot of men commenting on this..? Doesn’t matter, just struck me.
    Finally, I don’t think you should be apologising about offending some comment monkeys – it’s your blog right? Readers have the freedom to not read. Right?
    Thanks. Keep it up.

  15. mummascribbles

    I definitely get the grouch one! It’s not even just on blogging though – I have someone on my facebook that is just so bloody miserable, every post of his is negative and it really pees me off! I can’t imagine him writing a blog! As usual, a great post from you – I don’t think I slip into any of those categories; I hope not anyway!! Thanks for linking up with #twinklytuesday

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Lisa,
      I saw your comments on Lysa’s site just today. I always plan on linking up with you. Is there an Email list you can put me on so I don’t forget?
      janicegreenfield123@gmail.com
      Thanks for the compliments about my post.

  16. adrianscrazylife

    I LOVE this post! I know people in every category and a few others besides. The Mother Superior – I live a fantastic life with a spotless house and fabulously well behaved children, and here’s how YOU should too, you poor slob! The Train Wreck/Drama Queen – who has a constant string of disasters, mostly self-imposed. You can’t look away sometimes. And saw one comment about the Oversharer – there have been some posts that are so personal or so gross (diaper blowouts – ugh!) that I just shake my head and close the tab. And I think a gentle nudge to the introverts that they would do well to engage more (and the interwebs is probably a less painful way to do it) is great advice. I wouldn’t know though – extrovert to the core, that’s me!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Adrian,
      I love all your ideas. You, and many others here, are far more creative than I was. I meant it tongue-in-cheek, and I can tell you and many had fun with these ideas like I tried to do.
      Thank you so much for commenting.
      Janice

  17. awesomeausterity

    I loved it! You missed out the scatterbrain- a blogger who keeps missing out opportunities to interact on social media because they are just too dammed disorganised!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi (is it Morna?)
      I woke up the next morning after we were writing, and I read your comment. I had a big smile on my face and started laughing. I’m not sure if it was relief because you liked it or your funny addition to the list.
      If you read the comments, I’m sure you saw I offended some people, but as Abraham Lincoln said, “you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”
      I had a good chuckle the night we were writing and then again the next morning. Thank you for that.
      You sound funny and nice. I’m already looking forward to future correspondence with you.
      Janice

      • awesomeausterity

        Hi Janice, yes it’s Morna. I’m glad I’m not the only person who worries about what people will say or think about our posts. Rest assured you have yet to offend me and looking through the comments I think people were a little over sensitive. I also think you handled their comments well without becoming defensive. I’m really enjoying your blog and learning a lot from it although there don’t seem to be enough hours in the day to implement all your tips!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi, LOL!
      We were at each other’s sites at the same time which I thought was funny. As you can see, there was a mixed reaction to my post. I’m glad you liked it.
      Janice

  18. piratesnation412

    Haha I loved all of this! I can admit I was the hermit when I first started! I was so encompassed on focusing on what I wrote and posted instead of sharing with the world.

    Eventually I snapped out of it and started engaging with others like a normal human being. And it has been tremendous! I hope some of the shy bloggers out there stumble upon this and break out of that little shell they are in.

    Great work!

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  20. Joy Healey

    Hi Janice

    Well, I had to pop over and check this out and…. well…. yes I’m an introvert LOL

    But fear not, I’m NOT offended, just agree with what many other people have already said. In fact, while I’m a “real-life” introvert, I sometimes think I share too much on my blog. Hmmmm??

    I only post once a week, but it’s usually 1000+ words. More than once a week wouldn’t fit into the rest of my life and I suspect I’d crumble.

    Grouches…. I’ve done one or two, but usually regret them and revise. Memorably there was one I left as draft and intended to tone down, but WordPress beat me to it and faithfully published it.

    I dislike copy/paste commenters. I’d rather they didn’t bother – all they want is a link, and then I sort of feel duty-bound to “Thank them for thanking me for my post”. Sigh.

    I think my favorite was Adrian’s Mother Superior blogger 🙂 Neither my house nor my blog are perfect, so that’s one category I definitely don’t fall into. PHEW!

    Great read. Thanks

    Joy – Blogging After Dark

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Joy,
      Oops, you mean you read the post and we’re still friends? Color me relieved! =) I’m happy to hear it’s not a deal breaker.
      I was trying to be funny, you know, tongue-in-cheek, and I was attacked. For a new blogger, I was intimidated. It was a cold “Welcome to the Internet.” All is well now as I realize the bright side– controversy breeds engagement and page views.
      Janice

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