Dear TAC,
I have a blog and it’s awesome! But how do I generate discussion and get my blog readers to ask and answer questions? Please help!
– Bogged-Down Blogging TA
Dear Bogged:
Good for you! Starting a blog as a busy graduate student is above and beyond the call of duty. It’s a tricky undertaking that requires some thoughtful planning, time and energy and the desire to experiment and see what happens. Let me ask you a few question: Do you read other people’s blogs? What do you like most about your favorite blogs? What motivates you to leave a comment on a blog?
As an avid blog reader myself, I find that I return to blogs and become a regular reader when a few criteria are met. First, the blog needs to frequently post new material. Depending on the type of blog this might mean a weekly post (which I very much look forward to), several times a week with “Theme Days” or, best of all, daily posts. This takes a lot of work! It might be a good idea to generate a list of topics and try to stay ahead of your posting schedule, that way new content is always being published.
Second, my favorite blogs have a consistent point of view. This means they cover the same type of content on a regular basis. This also means that they act as a clearing house for information about a given topic. The authors will link to, comment about, or discuss various articles or topics they find interesting and relevant to the central themes of the blog.
Finally, my favorite blogs mix it up! Contradictory to #2, I know. But it’s always interesting when a guest blogger shows up. It’s also fine if a blog takes a hiatus and comes back with fresh new ideas and posts.
But let me return to your original question: how do you generate discussion on a blog? To be honest, I don’t have the magic answer, but I do have some suggestions. First, your readers will want to feel like they know you (and your fellow blog authors). It’s really easy to lurk on a blog, but it takes some pluck to leave a comment, or ask a question. The point is: your readers need to feel safe!
Your readers also need to have content upon which to comment! Posting frequently provides them with content. However, posting “Reading Group” style questions at the end of your posts-- topics you would like to see discussed--will also generate discussion. It might even initiate conversation about other topics. When the conversations start, make yourself heard, and participate in the conversation in the comments section. Your readers will feel valued and acknowledged if the conversation is respectful, friendly and encouraging. And those lurking might be enticed to join in.
Your blog will serve as an amazing teaching and learning tool! If you want your students to traffic the site you can require a certain number of comments per term, and/or invite them to write guest posts. If you are attempting to reach a wider (global) audience you will need to build a sense of community with your readers through content and by generating a safe space to keep them coming back to learn more.
I hope these suggestions help. If any TAs reading this have their own tips we would all benefit if you left a comment. Tell us what's worked and what hasn't for you when it comes to teaching and blogging.
Keep us posted, Bogged, on how it turns out and good luck!
~ UC Davis TA Consultant
PS. If you’re still feeling stuck, check out these links:
This was a some great advice, Mara! I really liked how you laid out your three criteria for interesting blogs. Very applicable even beyond the scope of TAing. I'll have to keep these in mind as I set up a blog myself!
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