Put Your Blog To Work: Lay Yourself on the Line

February 14th, 2008 by Cristina Favreau

A great way to get people to read and comment on your blog is to actively involve the reader. It’s something I’ve been struggling with (you know, searching for THE perfect idea).

Well, Chris over at GenuineChris.com came up with such an idea. His blog is not for everyone; I like him ’cause his style and personality resonates with me (he talks my language).

Chris uses his blog as a public platform to bare himself completely. He shares very specific goals (with projected completion dates), achievements (posting actual numbers) and is very open about challenges he’s facing. He takes it one step further by stating clear consequences then tapping into his readers to keep him accountable.

Chris has just kicked it up a notch with his latest installment, Project Tranparency: Go to the Gym or $25.00 (check out his post for all the gory details).

Personally, I’m hooked (it’s actually a little more like stalking!). I check his blog numerous times a day, making sure he posts audio proof that he went to the gym. I send him daily emails and/or comment on his blog. I’ve even set a recurring reminder in Outlook so I don’t miss a single chance at getting $25.

Maybe I’m just twisted, but isn’t that the kind of readers you’d like to have on your blog — people cheering you on, keeping tabs on you, and who are hooked, line and sinker?

I want blog stalkers followers too, but I’m not sure I’m ready (willing?) to put myself on the line to the extent Chris has! Maybe that’s what I need to start doing!! Hmmm….

How have blogs drawn you in? What did it for you? How long did it last? What are you doing (or have done) to keep readers coming back for more (PLLEEAASSEE don’t say the obvious — I want some original ideas here).

PS – Want to keep tabs on Chris’ progress too? Subscribe to his blog feed by clicking here.

Category Blogging, Put Your Blog to Work, Resources | 4 Comments »

  • hssiegel

    What a great idea, not only to get people involved in a blog but to keep yourself on track and accountable. That has been one of my struggles since I started working at home by myself. I need someone to be accountable to. Maybe I should try his idea.

    You posed a question a few questions but one that I can answer was what has drawn me into a blog. The blog that I have been drawn into lately is by [JB, entire name removed by moderator]. I’m not sure how I chanced upon it but once I did, I don’t think I have missed a day since.

    Why?

    I think it is because he cuts through the crap sort of speak. He is a very successful internet marketer and yet he does things his way, not the way everyone else is shouting how to do things. Many of his ideas are very contrary to most internet marketing experts advice, and yet he is extremely successful.

    I suppose it’s because with marketing there is so much hype, and with him it doesn’t seem that way.

    He just resonates with me, I don’t know how else to explain it. He posts usually twice a day so there is always some new idea or thought or advice.

    He just does his thing, if you like it great, if you don’t go away.

    I don’t know if that helps at all.

    Thanks for your thoughts, I’ll have to stop back here on a regular basis.

    -Scott

  • http://www.thesavvyevent.blogspot.com Katie

    I love picturs and helpful hints. If it’s something short and sweet that I can involve in my everyday life or that I can use to help my business, I am hooked!

  • http://www.contactcenterphilippines.net/ contact center philippines

    Blogging seems easy if you know what you want to write and just don’t care whoever reads your post. I think this types of people are courageous in terms of expressing themselves because they do not worry about what others think of the content written and the readers might appreciate or some of them might hate it. –Reese

  • http://www.contactcenterphilippines.net/ contact center philippines

    Blogging seems easy if you know what you want to write and just don't care whoever reads your post. I think this types of people are courageous in terms of expressing themselves because they do not worry about what others think of the content written and the readers might appreciate or some of them might hate it. –Reese