Hello folks, I know I’ve been taking quite a long blogging break, but it’s not because I haven’t been writing. I actually wrote 17 new articles, but after reading them, I’ve decided to wait for the right moment to publish as most of them were created out of emotion and cynical anger. It got me thinking about what really makes a great blog article – not to you, but what makes a great article to me; after all, anything any of us write is just a matter pf personal taste and opinion.

If a post gets tons of comments, does that mean it’s good? Absolutely not. If a blog has 35,000+ subscribers, it must be really good…right? Hell no. Some of the best articles I’ve ever read have few if any comments at all. Some of the best posts written often go unread. If a person becomes president, they must be really smart as well as a truly great reader…right? Haha…of course not, just look at George W. Bush (I couldn’t resist a jab at George). I’d go as far to say many famous people are undeserving of fame, but that’s another story. Am I saying the highest rated blogs aren’t really that good? In many cases…yes. And here’s my favorite: If a blogger makes a million dollars per month blogging, does that mean they’re good or can help you do the same? Don’t be silly…the answer is almost always no. Then again, I don’t read money blogs very often – they are boring and unoriginal for the most part.

If there is one thing I can say in all honesty, is that my blog is very original and I write from a very opinionated stance; however, it is usually to incite good commentary and to make people think. Many bloggers do what I call re-reporting the news, where they report general stories most of us have already read. If you are doing that, I recommend adding your own personal opinion, particularly if you are emotionally invested. Using news sources like the Associated press, Reuters or many others to get stories is a good idea, but only if you have something to add to it. I approach blogging like this sometimes.

Here are some general points to add zest, fire and passion to your articles:

  • Get mad about something. It’s ok to to passionately express anger, but don’t do it to personally hurt someone.
  • Take a position on an issue and defend it. I’ve often taken a position I disagreed with and argued for it. Why would I do that? To learn. I often find myself changing my entire outlook on a given subject.
  • Don’t be afraid of insulting or offending others (or even yourself)…be brave. I love it even more if someone proves me wrong – that’s when I truly learn something.
  • If a subject seems taboo, tackle it head on. I have a love/hate relationship with religion and politics, so they are my hot button topics. Don’t be afraid to learn about any opposing viewpoints, especially if they really offend you!
  • Reevaluate yourself everyday. Reevaluate your most proudly held opinions…you may learn something new. I do this every day. Change and adaptation are the cornerstones of this technological society.
  • Don’t be afraid to learn and succeed even if it means you change as a person. Take yourself out of your own comfort zone. A meaningful and great article is more likely to happen this way.
  • Above all, try to do something beneficial for humanity and society, not for yourself. This defines true greatness in all areas of life.

The Democratizing Effect of Blogging

Those of you who know me well, know I’ve written much on the effect blogging has on humanity. It is the most powerful form of communication…period. The reason why, is because it is written, rather than seen or heard. It’s amazing how well you get to know people through blogging. When you meet people in everyday life, you usually don’t get to understand a person as well as when you read what they have written. Blogging is a pure expression of freedom. If you are blogging, you are free to write – so take advantage of it. One day, every human being on Earth will be represented on line by a blog or website.

Try Something New

This has to be my number one good idea. Write about something you’ve never tried before. When I started blogging, I really didn’t have any solid political opinions. I wrote about it anyway, and in the process have learned much as well as developed new opinions that seem to change like the wind. I’ve read over fifty political books from differing sides because of my new found interest! I believe if you have an opinion about something and stagnantly stick to it, you don’t learn anything. Right now…go write a post about something you have never attempted or tackle something serious. It will be great…I promise.

I want to thank everyone who has been visiting during my break, it’s amazing how great people can be. I must return the energy to you. Now…excuse me while I go read a ton of blogs and leave a ton of comments.