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One of my goals this year is to create some sort of system or schedule for my blogging. Right now I spend a lot of time wondering what I’m supposed to be doing and not enough time actually doing it. In order to create a schedule, though, I need to be aware of all the tasks that go with blogging. Here are the tasks that come to mind.
Brainstorming ideas for posts. I try to keep a running list of post ideas in Backpack. I have a page for each of my blogs, and I keep a list called “Post Ideas” on each page. Right now my lists are pretty short, as I haven’t dedicated enough time to thinking of new ideas. Another thing that I’m starting to do is carry around a small notebook, so when an idea hits me, I can write it down. What I really need is some sort of recording device, as most of my ideas come to me when I’m driving.
Researching posts. I honestly don’t spend a lot of time on this task. Both this blog and beingfrugal.net are very much based on my experiences, so that’s what I draw from. But every once in a while I write something that needs a little research. I tend to research as I write my posts.
Writing posts. I like to write my posts at night after the kids are in bed. It’s one of two times during the day when I have uninterrupted time (the other time being at 5:30 in the morning, and my brain doesn’t function well enough to write then).
Editing posts. Confession time. I don’t edit much. I read the post once and call it good.
Finding pictures. I like to put pictures in my posts, because it breaks up the page a little, making it easier to read. I usually find my pictures on Flickr, thanks to a post I read at Skelliewag.org.
Responding to comments. I like this task, because I can just pop on the computer for a couple of minutes to respond to comments. And comments are the best part of blogging, too, don’t you think?
Working on the back end of the blog. I don’t enjoy this very much, but it’s necessary to make sure I’m updated to the latest version of Wordpress, that all of my plugins are up to date, the information in my sidebar is current, and the list goes on. I hope to keep a running to-do list of things that I need to be doing on the backend of my blog, so I can just look at the list and work on it in little chunks of time.
Social Networking and Visiting Other Blogs. I love this part of blogging. Right now my favorite social networking site is Stumbleupon, but I’m active on several other networks, too. My most recent discovery is Twitter, though I’m not sure I completely understand it yet. If you’re active in any social networks, feel free to add me as a friend. Links to all of my profiles are on my About page.
Whew! Those are all the tasks I can think of offhand. Did I miss anything? How do you organize your blogging time? Or don’t you? Feel free to share in the comments!
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LJ says:
It’s funny,you do the same things I do, you right when the kids are in bed or in the wee hours of the morning before every one is up!
I am currently trying to do this exact thing, I need to follow your lead and start keeping notes, I generally just start writing when I sit down at the computer, so whatever is on my mind is what I right about.
I need a system too, if you come up with a good one, please share! I think we all could use some helpful advice and ideas!
Take Care
LJ
January 10th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Lynnae says:
I’ll let you know if I come up with a good system. I’m usually good at coming up with ideas, but horrible about putting them into practice.
January 10th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Carrie says:
Yeah Lynnae COMMENTS are the best part….that’s why you should ALWAYS comment on people’s blogs even if you DO subscribe to them in reader
hehehe…I always relish your comments 
January 10th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Lynnae says:
LOL Caught! Now you must admit, I do make the rounds and comment…just not every day. I do, after all, have 114 blogs in my reader! I need to go through and prune my reader again.
January 10th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Jordan (MamaBlogga) says:
I love that you keep a running list of backend jobs; I never mess around with all that anymore (though I used to do it all the time).
Speaking of which, it’s probably about time to update my WP install…
January 10th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Angie @ Sonflower says:
You showed me some things I need to do. Thanks!
January 10th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Kristi says:
Wow! I am overwhelmed looking at your list. I am just getting started. thanks for the ideas.
January 10th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Jennifer Partin says:
Wow! You put me to shame. I don’t do any thinking for my Blogs. I jus get up and type what is on my heart when I sit at the computer. Except for Birthday posts—-those are eay ideas.
Maybe I should do some planning. Thanks for givivng me specifics.
I have had a hard time fitting in all the reading—-it takes a lot of time when you factor in comments too. I am thinking about splitting my reading time to two different times.
Great post!
January 10th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Liza's Eyeview says:
You’re doing a great job blogging and constantly improving your blog. You’re an inspiration
Thanks for the tips and suggestions.
January 12th, 2008 at 12:04 am