Help a Fellow Blogger

[Bill]

We are all here because we have our own blogs. But whilst this community is still small, it is unlikely that we are going to be blogging about the same topics or targeting the same readers. It is more thank likely that we all have different goals, ambitions and styles. So the burning question is: how can we help each other?

I suggest we take what appears to be a problem and turn it on it's head. Use the fact that we have a new and receptive audience to understand how we can improve our blogs. A fresh pair (or several pairs) of eyes are likely to spot even the smallest things that we can do to improve our individual blogs.

How does the idea of peer reviewing each other' blogs sound? We could agree on a list of criteria to focus on and then review each others' blogs and provide feedback and advice. Feedback could be public or private and then it would be over to each of us to act on (or not) the feedback we have received.

Just to give this idea some context, a couple of criteria I'd suggest would be:
- Visual Style
- Navigation
- Clarity of purpose
- Easy of commenting
- Is anything missing

How do others feel about this suggestion? Personally I'm happy for people to be as critical as the like about my blog and my blogging style, but others may feel differently. If anyone has any further criteria they'd like to add I'm happy to put together a template for us to use.

Over to you guys in the comments...

[Buddy]

Hey Bill,

Love this idea. Actually Laurie kick started with some gr8 constructive criticism on my blog n I loved all the suggestions. I'm going to work on them this week. You can view the suggestions on my page. Want to start reviewing all community friend blogs from friday.

True, we are a small community and blog about varied topics. So I was thinking about some topic very general for cross blog conversations or relay blogging. If we could set a meme with a fancy name :) (a particular day for cross blog conversations). Topics could be something like...
* What motivates you to blog,
* what is your success formula,
* reinforcement techniques
This allows us to learn a lot from each other + some external links

Working on enforcing couple more ideas by the end of month. Would love to hear thoughts from every one.

[Appruv]

I love the idea...

http://appruv.com is my blog if anyone is willing to give a review and I will offer some as well!

Thanks for the resource,
Eddie

[Bill]

Appruv said:

I love the idea...

http://appruv.com is my blog if anyone is willing to give a review and I will offer some as well!

Thanks for the resource,
Eddie

Eddie: Great site. I've spent a couple of days looking around and made a couple of notes on my experiences. I've tidied these up and attached them here. I was looking forward to commenting on two iPhone Apps that I have reviewed myself (Things Touch and Wordpress) but you haven't covered these yet. Keep up the good work.

If you disagree with any of the comments I have made, or want me to explain anything, give me a shout.

[Buddy]

That's a damn god job you've done with appruv.com review.

Can I request you to review my blog too? http://smartadvise.info (no hurry. In your spare time, so I don't feel guilty for wasting your time).

Thx in advance

[Bill]

Buddy said:

That's a damn god job you've done with appruv.com review.

Can I request you to review my blog too? http://smartadvise.info (no hurry. In your spare time, so I don't feel guilty for wasting your time).

Thx in advance

Buddy, it's taken a while to get round to it. Hope it isn't too late or rushed. Happy to provide any additional comments on specific areas if you need.

[Buddy]

Thankkkk you so much, Bill. I understand that you've been busy, while i've been busy at blog revamp. Downloaded your peer review pdf, with enthusiasm. Thanks for all the time you spent to review my blog. Really appreciate it.

Buddy :)