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What are the pros and cons of blogging from the perspective of a poet? To answer this question one needs to consider matters which touch wholly on poetry, and issues pertaining to blogging more generally. The below should be read baring in mind the caveat that (to state the blatantly obvious) poets are individuals and what works for one will not (necessarily) work for another. With that caveat on the table, here are my pros and cons.
Pros
1. Publishing your poetry on a blog brings it to the attention of a wide audience. The poet gains followers who, in turn spread the word regarding the poet’s work, thereby increasing the blog’s following and enhancing the exposure of the poet’s writing.
2. Having a blog allows the poet to publicise upcoming poetry readings and, of course provide links to their published works (if such exist) on platforms such as Amazon.
3. One of the questions asked when I signed up for an Audio Book Creation Exchange (ACX) account was along the lines of “do you have a blog/website and, if so how many followers do you have?” From the perspective of ACX, they want to know that books published on their platform will sell and a person with an online following has an obvious advantage when it comes to selling books, as (to state the obvious) the more people who are aware of your writing (poetry or otherwise) the greater the number of titles you are (potentially at least) likely to sell.
4. Having a blog enables poets to connect with fellow poets thereby building up a community of like minded individuals.
Cons:
1. Responding to comments can be time consuming (time the poet could be spending writing). One can, of course disable comments on a WordPress blog (WordPress being my platform of choice). However (in my view) a blog without the ability to comment is a dead thing. Comments equal vibrancy and engagement which is why I positively welcome them.
2. Blog followers do not (necessarily) equate to book sales. People follow blogs for many and diverse reasons and some (having subscribed) will forget about your blog and never comment and/or like posts.
3. If all (or significant numbers of your poems) appear online, why should readers buy your books? (they have, after all already read your poems online).
4. Poems published online may (as with any other form of writing) be stolen. One can (and should) include a Copyright Notice on your site. This will, however not prevent the possibility of theft.
Conclusion
If I were not of the view that blogging is not of advantage to me as a poet, I would cease to blog. The fact that I continue to publish and engage online demonstrates that I believe the pros of blogging (from the poets perspective) outweigh the cons.
I agree with you, Kevin, I think blogging is advantageous to all writers. I found your book of poetry through your blog and bought it because I like the poems you publish on your blog.
Thank you for your comment, Robbie and thanks also for buying my book. Kind regards, Kevin
I’m sure the pros outweigh the cons, Kevin. Otherwise…well, I wouldn’t be here!
Thank you for your comment, Mick. We think alike on this one! Best, Kevin
There are always pros and cons. The trick is to decide if the pros outweigh the cons for you.
Thank you for your comment, Tori. I agree with you that there are always pros and cons! Best, Kevin
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
Many thanks for reblogging, Chris.
Welcome, Kevin
I think the pros do outweigh the cons Kevin. but it also is dependent on what you blog. Engagement as you say is vital.
Thanks, Sally. I agree. Virus-free. http://www.avast.com
Many publications will not accept poems that have been blogged, Facebooked, etc.
Thank you for your comment. You make a good point.
Indeed, I vaguely recall reading in the KDP publishing terms on Amazon that they only allow up to 30% of the book to be available elsewhere on line, but l read it in November 2015, when l published mine, so l could be wrong now. Great post, good points and l agree the pro’s outweigh the cons 😉 l also love connecting with fellow bloggers and writers and feel that theres a lovely supportive community here at WordPress too.
I think blogging allows a writer to grow thus the structure and depth of poetry writing will be improved.
Thank you for commenting. You make a good point. Best, Kevin
It is my pleasure.
Kind regards
Sandile Yenge