mhinze.com archive

I just unsubscribed from several feeds in my reader.  Was a lot of fun.

I unsubscribe if I notice unread items and don't care.

This can happen if you:

• Update too frequently. I don't want to slog through hundreds of items.
  Solution: make sure you publicize your tag or category feeds
• Exist only as a node of the echo-net.  I am smart enough to subscribe to the primary sources I want. 
  Solution: check the del.icio.us tag, if your reference is there, you are probably too late.
• Partial-text feeds are the devil.  If you don't think your feed is worth my attention, I agree. 
  Solution: full text feeds.
• Post too much personal stuff. Solution: separate personal and professional feeds.
• Post paid review-type articles and shameless self-promotion.  So tacky. 
  Solution: don't do it.
• Fail to understand your audience's skill level.  Fair enough.  You are writing for any audience you choose.  I just might not be a part of it. 
  Solution: Focus on your existing readership - your audience will grow organically, don't force growth else you'll dilute that audience.
• Post about your your conference schedule or your blog itself. 
  Solution: stay on topic.
• Make announcements before you have something to announce. 
  Solution: save it.
• Write long, boring articles.  Long interesting articles are okay.
  Solution: Make a screencast instead and save the whitepaper for the book.  Use humor and images.
•   Participate in blog memes. 
  Solution: Recognize what your readers are there to receive.  Eliminate everything else.

Things that you might think are bad for your readership numbers but aren't:

• Rare updates or long periods of inactivity. 
  If you simply go away and don't update for awhile you are not in danger.  Only squeaky wheels get the unsubscribe grease.
• Advertisements at the bottom of your feed items. 
  I have learned to adblock them - technically and with my eyes.
• Poor writing skills in a technical blog. 
  I deal with enough bad writing to be used to it.  In RSS I prefer content to great writing. Tip: use screenshots liberally.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 4th, 2007 at 1:29 pm and is filed under Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.