We’ve had this blog platform for quite a while now and, let’s face it, not much is happening here. Truth is a blog without a blogger is digital dead air.
Most blogs are the creation of one person, creating content driven by their passions and interests on a particular subject, whatever it might be. Yet this blog doesn’t really have a “voice”, and that’s part of the problem. Another part is that we’ve tended to use it as a parking place for material from the magazine instead of engaging the readers and modeling community in a conversation.
In contrast to other magazines, we’ve been slow to develop a vibrant online presence. Joe’s original intent was for us to post ideas, current modeling projects and so on. Some of that has happened, but not with the frequency he intended. We’re all to blame here and I’m not pointing fingers at anyone specifically.
So, Im the magazine’s editor. Am I supposed to be the voice of OST’s blog by default? Joe’s the publisher, is he? You start to see the problem don’t you?
The Internet is here to stay, and we can do much better in utilizing the awesome power of connection it provides. So what do you think? How can we better use this resource? What would you like to see here? How can we engage you more effectively? I’m certain that Ben isn’t the only one out there, so let’s hear from you, the good and the bad. (Hi Ben. Glad you’re around.)
Mike Cougill
Mike, I feel your ‘pain’. I have worked a blog awhile back for our church that was to be used for feedback and extra comments/questions. I found myself alone most of the time, so I would ask various individuals if they had seen what I had posted. Most adults answered my question the same whether they were 25 or 75. They indicated they didn’t have time. I suspect it was just not a priority and also a misconception about how much time was really involved. Overhearing conversations also indicated they had the time for quite non-productive TV.
I’m not sure what the answer is except perhaps more steerage toward the site along with instructions on how to use it. It is not all that intuitive for some and I suspect some help is needed, also a reminder in the mag about it every month. The reminder could say what kind of subjects were covered in the last month vs. what was in the mag. Sort of an inticement to visit. Along with the visit invitation shold be instructions on how to log in. That is not clear or easy and often I jump on in a hurry, only to see my message dumped and then realize I forgot to log in.
I really think that this blog has the potential to serve the O Scale that I love and it should continue.
I for one only read and post replies here because I have no idea how to include a photo like you do. Are there actual instructions somewhere that would guide me?
Ben
Ben,
Good comments. I’m afraid we’ve conditioned folks not to expect a lot of activity here, and it’s going to take a while to rebuild an audience. We can do much better than we have in the past.
Mike Cougill
Ben,
As a follow-up about posting photos, I don’t know if it’s the platform or just the way Joe has it set up. As magazine staff, I have certain author’s privileges so I suspect it is the latter. Others have noted that the lack of being able to post photos may be hurting the response here too. You’re right about the confusing interface, I’ve also blown posts to bits because of not being logged in.
It also might be a generational thing. Blogging is something you commit to doing, and lots of folks just don’t see the value. I don’t think it is a lack of computer skills. Witness the traffic on other forums.
You’re also right about mentioning things across platforms. I for one, would love to see us integrate content from the blog to the magazine and vice-versa. There are lots of things we could do to enhance both, if we just would.
Mike Cougill