I was up early this morning to get my VW serviced. Lately, I’ve begun to read RSS feeds from my cell phone – totally geeky, yet one of the better uses I’ve found for cell phone Internet access.
As I waited at the dealership, I read TravMonkey’s latest post entitled Blogging Awards, Do We Really Need Them in reaction to the Blogger’s Choice Awards. I had a strong reaction (great strategy Paul!), having been nominated myself, so I would like to share my thoughts on why blogging awards are a positive force.
“Now do we really need these awards? I mean surely people vote for your blog by visiting and becoming a regular reader? What other recognition could you need?”
Yes, I consider every new reader, whether a first-timer, or regular, a vote of confidence in my writing and future travels. Still, being nominated for an award is like receiving recognition at work. Sure, I appreciate a pat on the back from my boss for a job well done, however I feel more motivated to work harder when he shares his recognition of me with his boss too. Suddenly, the bar has been raised! Being nominated by, and voted on, by fellow bloggers motivates me to work harder, and produce higher quality posts. It’s a win-win situation, as my competitive desire eggs me on to get more votes, ideally resulting in better content which readers are more likely to enjoy. It is human nature to want to feel appreciated. Being nominated for an award, though cheesy as it may sound, helps fill that need.
“Do the readers of the blogs really care about yet another award? Or is it just a self-gratifying process run by blog writers?”
I think the readers of blogs do care about awards because they help consolidate and categorize the best of the best. By reviewing blogs rated higher than mine, I can learn from both a content and design perspective. I may even find a new blog I start to read regularly (a rarity outside my niche of long term travel). In addition, I receive a new source of exposure. I know at least one Rambling Traveler agrees with me!
About the Author:
Dave is the author of 1529 posts on Go Backpacking.
Dave (Editor-in-Chief) blogged his way around the world from 2007-2009, and then started Travel Blog Success to teach others how to do the same. When not writing, he can be found salsa dancing in Medellin. Follow him on Twitter @rtwdave or look for him on Google+
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Categories: Blogging
10 Comments
Ok, I’ll admit it I nominated my own blog but as far as votes go I really don’t care which is why I haven’t added the badge on my site I just saw it as another small step in better SEO and an oppurtunity to maybe find some more readers.
/Hangs head in shame.
Dan – nice job!
I’ve learned to always check the type of link back from blog directories and sites. So it’s definetly in our best interest to get on the list of nominees, even if we slowly descend into award nominee obscurity (I’ve fallen to the third page as of this morning).
Hi Dave,
I do agree with you. While the recognition I get from each vote is wonderful, that isn’t the main reason I like the awards. I get excited because they are giving me new blogs to read, and new readers for my blog.
Stacy
Hi Dave,
I do agree with you. While the recognition I get from each vote is wonderful, that isn’t the main reason I like the awards. I get excited because they are giving me new blogs to read, and new readers for my blog.
Stacy
Ok, I’ll admit it I nominated my own blog but as far as votes go I really don’t care which is why I haven’t added the badge on my site I just saw it as another small step in better SEO and an oppurtunity to maybe find some more readers.
/Hangs head in shame.
Dan – nice job!
I’ve learned to always check the type of link back from blog directories and sites. So it’s definetly in our best interest to get on the list of nominees, even if we slowly descend into award nominee obscurity (I’ve fallen to the third page as of this morning).
Hi Dave,
I have nothing against good quality blogging awards, it just seems that there are too many around. This in turn dilutes the quality of the awards in general for me.
I agree that feedback for your blog is important in order for the blogger to improve.
The Monkey
TravMonkey –
I agree, though I must say the website and voting interface for The Blogger’s Choice Awards was one of the slicker ones I’ve come across so far. Does that mean they will attract higher quality entries? We’ll find out!
Hi Dave,
I have nothing against good quality blogging awards, it just seems that there are too many around. This in turn dilutes the quality of the awards in general for me.
I agree that feedback for your blog is important in order for the blogger to improve.
The Monkey
TravMonkey –
I agree, though I must say the website and voting interface for The Blogger’s Choice Awards was one of the slicker ones I’ve come across so far. Does that mean they will attract higher quality entries? We’ll find out!