For those new to CabbieBlog or readers who are slightly forgetful, on Saturdays I’m republishing posts, many going back over a decade. Some will still be very relevant while others have become dated over time. Just think of this post as your weekend paper supplement.
Happy Birthday CabbieBlog (23.02.13)
Today marks an anniversary; it is 4 years since CabbieBlog started, just let me blow out my candles and I’ll be with you in a moment.
After sampling other platforms over the previous six months I started using WordPress under the CabbieBlog banner on 23rd February 2009. Now after 434 posts and over 400,000 hits, I thought it was about time to say a big thank you to everybody who has checked me out and especially my thanks go out to anyone who has posted comments.
During that time I have learned a few things about blogging which I hope to share with you, whether you are a seasoned blogger, in which case please post your opinion of my summation, or if you are just thinking of starting down the rocky road of blogging then hopefully I can point you in the right direction.
Blogging is proper writing: It is not easy writing, well not for me it isn’t, each post has to be researched if necessary and has to be thought out and must be reasonably grammatically accurate.
Blogging is rewarding: It reaches out to regular readers and unlike regular writing or journalism you get responses instantly, the comments on your blog mean a lot, reply to them all.
Blogging is not a guilt trip: You shouldn’t put pressure on yourself to write regular posts if you are uncomfortable with that kind of discipline. One of the best London bloggers posts only two or three times per month.
Don’t mess around with your website: You are just wasting valuable time rather than writing. However, change it when there is a good reason. CabbieBlog was changed last year after over three years with roughly the same design.
Don’t get into blogging to make money: It’s hard to make money just from writing a blog. But sometimes quite unexpected things turn up. I have done work for the BBC and I am paid for running a commercial blog, unless you are prepared to work full-time on it treat it as a hobby.
Don’t write posts just to make money: Focus on integrity. Be happy about what you publish, not what you think will attract readers. Forget the articles you read telling you how to ‘write killer posts’, they don’t exist.
Offer something worthwhile: Will your readers take something from your writing? If they do they are more likely to return or put you on their RSS feed.
It’s not all about you: Share your personality. It should be a bit of you with some context of the blog’s author. Making it personal is more engaging, but your readers don’t want to read the minutia of your life.
Find a routine: I write regularly because I need some kind of discipline in my work, but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t, one good post is worth ten poor ones.
Keep your posts short: I’m sorry to say that dear reader but most of you on the web have short attention spans, it’s just the way it is. 500-2,000 words are sufficient. If you want to go into greater detail make a separate page with a link so readers can check it out if they wish.
Don’t worry about the stats: That again leads to writing ‘killer headlines’ and will reduce the quality of your writing. I check my stats every day and all the search links. Don’t do as I do, do as I say.
Branch out Write guest posts for others: Invite them to write on your site. I plan to start a series entitled London Grill inviting contributors to answer the same 10 questions about – well London.
Collaborate with others: Send out emails inviting them to write something for your site.
Don’t give up easily: Many bogs are lying there redundant. It could be that the authors are dispirited by the lack of readers, but it takes time – to persevere and try different things.
Write for yourself: Don’t write what you think people will want to read.
Be nice to people: Reply to all comments, and write with constructive criticism, there has been enough talk lately of trolls on the internet.
Don’t get jealous: Everyone seems to be bigger and better. Blogging is an ego trip – get real. A few regular engaged readers are better than thousands of casual hits.
Be controversial: Give an opinion, people like to read views based on facts and good research.
Remember real life: Don’t get obsessive, much of what you write about will be from real life, there is still life beyond the internet.
Other opportunities: You might not make much money but in addition to the work already mentioned I have collaborated on two books, one for the 2012 Olympics and a French travel guide to London. Your blog is your window on the world and leads to other projects.
Use your blog: It says a lot about you, remember prospective employers might just check it out, use your blog wisely.
Most important: Enjoy your blog, it is a creative endeavour, so take pride in what you produce and how it is designed.
On 5 April 1968 Flight Lieutenant Alan Pollock became the first pilot to fly a jet aircraft (Hawker Hunter) under the span of Tower Bridge
Bollards near Tate Britain were used to tie up barges alongside Millbank Penitentiary used to house prisoners destined for deportation
When tunnelling for the Jubilee Line extension St. Stephen’s Tower – which houses Big Ben – shifted over an inch it had to be shored up
St. Bartholomew’s Hospital was founded in 1123 and is the oldest hospital in England still on its original site
On 5 April 1967 fans of The Monkees walked from Marble Arch to the US Embassy, Grosvenor Square to protest at Davy Jones’ planned call-up
London street artist or graffiti dauber depending on your view comes from Bristol, famously secretive, he could come from, well — anywhere
Birdcage Walk derives its name from the aviary owned by King Charles I containing exotic species including a crane with a wooden leg
On Shrove Tuesday charity teams race up and down Dray Walk, Spitalfields flipping pancakes. The winning team receives an engraved frying pan
On Tower Hill is an entrance to the 1870 Tower Subway. You could ride under the river in a carriage pulled by cable
Lionel Logue who cured King George of his stammer had his practice at 146 Harley Street from 1926 to 1952 in the film Portman Place was used
Plaque on house by the Globe Theatre which claims that Wren lived there was put up by past owner Malcolm Munthe who made it up!
Trivial Matter: London in 140 characters is taken from the daily Twitter feed @cabbieblog.
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