• *SHART* :D
    If you like Blogess, try out Amalah.com and dooce.com, too. they regularly make me shart. ;)

    Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Pick the Brain of Harrison McLeod of Men With Pens
  • I'm the 42nd commenter on this post. I'll comment eight more times if I have to. Damn you deserve it.
  • Your niche is you.

    That gives you pretty much free reign to dip into any sliver of the spectrum of life as you see fit. That's the advantage of a life blog over a theme blog. Good move.

    Life has a certain level of edutainment value, but the cream you add on top is the way you dish it out.

    I like the way you learn and adapt as you continue to flex your mind and find your voice and share your Hallmark moments ... or just stuff that happens.

    J.D. Meiers last blog post..SourcesOfInsight.com is One Month Old
  • I have heard of this amazing blogger for a while and guess what else?

    I just looked over at my reader- saw you had a new post and clicked immediately! Congrats- people will keep coming back Writer Dad!
  • Writer Dad
    Busymma: Thanks. That's very kind. I don't want to compete with her funny. It's like she has a sword and I have a gun, but she's my current favorite read.
  • Thanks for introducing me to Bloggess, I've never heard of her but I will definitely be going back for regular visits! I love a good laugh and am certainly not above potty humor. And I think your blog is very unique in that you write such beautiful prose and can paint a picture with your words, yet your humor shines through to appeal to audiences across the board. Great job!
  • Writer Dad
    Wendi Kelly:
    Thanks so much for all the compliments. You have been very kind to me. I really like your line about the pretzels and then subscribing. It was very funny. I'm going to check out Naomi from IttyBiz (I am unfamiliar) and I'll let you know what I think.
  • Writer Dad,

    She was so salty I got hungry for pretzels. So I went and ate a handful. Then I subscribed. I may not talk like that, but gosh, one of my all time favorite bloggers is Naomi from IttyBiz. She's got nothing on her.

    Thank you for the compliment...it was the truth...you are great.

    Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirationss last blog post..The Power of Your Secret Weapon
  • Writer Dad
    Steph: I retract my earlier statement.

    Wendi Kelly: I hope she's not too salty. I loved your comment so much, I copied it and sent it to Daisy. (Yes, we live together, but I was super lazy).
  • Writer Dad,

    I certianly understand Blog envy, I've been guilty of feeling that way about yours my friend. Six weeks and look what you have done! I think...gee what am I doing wrong....but...you know what? I need to be authentic to LLI and you to your voice and the Bloggess to hers . Wouldn't it be sad if all blogs sounded the same? ( of course, it would save me a LOT of time!)

    You ARE funny, and poinent, and honest , heartfelt, original and someone at the end of the day we can all relate to. That is some powerful stuff Writer Dad...for all that you are looking out YOUR window to see what you can learn to improve, just know that there are a lot of folks looking INTO yours.

    Thanks for the recomendation...checking her out now.

    Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirationss last blog post..The Power of Your Secret Weapon
  • PS. what's that now, 3 or 4 comments today? :)

    stephs last blog post..Making a List and Checking it Twice
  • WD: Now, now. That's not how to think of your site!

    stephs last blog post..Making a List and Checking it Twice
  • Writer Dad
    Ellen Wilson: I love not having a niche. I mentally roll around in it. Your site is special, and I always look forward to your posts.

    Dave Fowler: The posts are mine, the comments are ours. Feel free to spout off down below any time.

    Monika: Just be careful. She's salty. Thanks for your faith. I'm glad I could make you laugh so early in the morning. I'm usually trying to pry my lids apart.

    Steph: If you're skipping commenting on this blog for a second time, then I'm quite sure your priorities are in the right place.

    Luis: I'm really glad you liked it. She's very funny. The post hadn't registered yet, but I'll check over there later.
  • Gees, you weren't kidding.

    First post I read made me fall in love --- seriously, read the comment I left.

    And I meant it too. :)

    Luis Grosss last blog post..Should You Display Your FeedBurner Reader Count?
  • Writer Dad,

    thebloggess.com? Haven't check it out yet; sounds interesting; on my way over there --- she might be hot. :)

    Kidding.

    I'm glad you're getting close to knowing what you really want out of your blog --- I know the feeling, it's great. I think you've been doing one heck of a job here.

    I really never read anything like what you write before, but I love it. This is my favorite blog, and the only blog I actually enjoy reading.

    I have a case of too-much-make-money-online-blogs syndrome, so coming here's like a breath of fresh air.

    Anyways, thanks for sharing and letting us know about the bloggess.

    I'm bracing myself for a good laugh, so if it sucks or I get bored, I'm coming back to punch your teeth out for that as well --- ;)

    Luis Grosss last blog post..Should You Display Your FeedBurner Reader Count?
  • Thanks for the advice. I think each post should be its own little self-contained story, as well as part of a larger point that the blog is making.

    And Steph is right about not trying too hard to follow the "in" crowd.

    Everyone needs Affirmation Girl.

    Beths last blog post..MonHaibun: Walking from One Chocolatier to Another
  • Sorry for disappearing!! I'm having to set my priorities, and (GASP!) blogging isn't one of them at the moment, as sexy and wonderful as this particular blog is. And no, that wasn't sarcasm.

    I second everyone agreeing with me! :)

    I'm not saying you were going to do it or that you were doing it, I just wanted to, I don't know, give you a heads up or something. It was an embarrassing time for me. You just don't want to go there. Scathing or disappointed emails from friends suck the big one.

    I am a very easily influenced person (shh!) so people's ultra-cool writing style got to me. I like witty, clever, funny, sharp. But you have to admit, there's definitely a fad going around, a certain type of blogging and language that's very cool and popular right now. If that's how you normally talk, great. But if it's not your thing to naturally write stuff like "because I'm ____ like that" and so on, just don't. What brings people to you is your extraordinary way of perfectly combining perfect words. You don't need attitude. And you're already hilarious. In a good way. :)

    stephs last blog post..Making a List and Checking it Twice
  • Hi WD,

    I never heard about the Bloggess before, so thanks for pointing her out. I suppose the popularity thing is also closely tied to the topic of the blog. Some niches just attract more upfront interest than others, regardless of how great your writing is.

    As for Stephs, Dave's and Rita's comment, I agree. I also think you already have what it takes to be on your way to become the male bloggod because of your writing.

    This post made me laugh out loud and it's only 6AM. Thanks for the great start to my day. :-)

    Monika Mundells last blog post..The World Is Still Turning!
  • Writer Dad, Whilst I read Jenny’s posts I was guilty of failing to read the comments properly, and for that I shall eat a big slice of humble pie. In skimming the replies I managed to pick out the ones I was looking for. When I actually took time to read them, the vast majority compliment the tone of the posts nicely. The readership is on the same wavelength as the author. That’s quite something to be able to pull that off. Good catch. Thank you for pulling me up on it.

    I think Blogger Dad puts my point across a bit better than I did. Well he is a professional you know.

    Tara, the more I think about it the more I know your words make sense. Of course you can’t be all things to all people, and just as in life you of pick a persona to show to the world, you probably have to do the same with blogging otherwise it confuses people. Thank you.

    Blogger Dad, Thank you for sharing your own experience. I’ve been to take a look at Taking Up Space. April 11th cracked me up.

    It’s good to know you’ve struggled with this one too, and it’s good to know how you cope with it.

    Steph’s advice is indeed good and valid because it comes from personal experience. Thank you Steph!

    Jenny, I think I picked you right but I picked your readership wrong. Sorry about that. I’m still intrigued to understand how you pull it off though. I think that rather than badger you with questions I’m going to take the time to read your work. I love what I’ve seen so far.

    Back to you Writer Dad – I have enjoyed the hell out of this exchange today. You’ve introduced me to Jenny and I’ve learnt a few things too. This is EXACTLY why I came to blogging in the first place. Thank you.

    - I’ll be the silent one for the next few days. You can have your blog back now –

    Dave
  • No niche is good for a writer. You can say what you want. Which is pretty much what I do, but I try to tie it in to photography, writing or blogging.

    This Bloggess is pretty funny. I like the comment, "your retarded."

    Ellen Wilsons last blog post..My Social Experiment: RSS Numbers
  • Writer Dad
    Jenny: If you're talking about God Mom/Bad Mom, yeah, you can tell it's the same voice, but it's like watching Eddie Murphy in Daddy Day Care. The comments are neat; they're like butter. Like it, don't NEED it, and if I have too much, I'll get really fat (headed). But I know that everything I write is something my kids will one day see, and it'll tell them just a little bit about who their daddy was. So really, nothing's more important than the post itself. Thanks for coming by, your Royal Bloggess.

    Dave: I have to check out Dooce. Never heard of her, but sounds like I might like. I plan on checking out Jenny's archives when I have a minute, like maybe in March.

    Ian: I'm pretty sure you just guaranteed yourself a laugh, a couple times a week.

    Blogger Dad: If I ever want to get all Eminem, I'll do it somewhere else. That's the great thing about being a writer. You can write what you want, then find a market. I plan to publish everything from board books to full novels, but I do believe that a blog needs a consistent voice. Perhaps you can let your id out to play in the comment section though. At least there, it's in direct response to a smaller group.

    Chris: Glad to have you here.

    Rita: Don't worry, Rita. As I told Steph, I have no intention of ever being anyone outside myself.

    Friar: You will shart, I guarantee it. (Never mind. I guarantee you'll laugh, but I can't guarantee the shart).

    SpaceAgeSage: More priceless than gold.

    Beth: You should write the things as stories, not suggestions. Talk about the experience. People love stories, just tell them one.
  • Definitely, what Steph said and what Dave said. I've just started up a blog that I want to focus on Denver, but it would be really easy to write it so that it read like a To Do list. I still haven't quite figured out how to get my views into it without having it be all self-absorbed either. I'm glad to find a place where I can read other people's comments on the same problem.

    Writer Dad, I really like the tone of your post. I like the in-your-face attitude of the Bloggess too. Thanks for the variety!

    Beths last blog post..MonHaibun: Walking from One Chocolatier to Another
  • I have two nieces who think just like her! I will have to direct them to their "separated at birth twin" in the blogosphere and show them that their odd, funny way of seeing the world are valuable!
  • Writer Dad

    Thanks for pointing the Bloggess out to us.

    It's hard enough finding blogs that are really funny. It's great that I now have to add to my list to visit.

    Friars last blog post..How to be a Tortured Intellectual
  • WD,

    What Steph said. I was on my way down to comment on your blog, thinking of how I was gonna say what I wanted to - but Steph said it - and said it better!

    Rita

    Ritas last blog post..Tuesday Tempest
  • It looks like you are on your way to being like Bloggess. You've only been blogging for 7 weeks and you've had over 1000 comments. I'm glad I'm part of the ride.
  • I've struggled with some of the same issues which Dave brings up. Most people in my daily life know me as having a rather cynical and dark sense of humor.

    This inner debate raged in me as my first comic, the cute and whimsical Todd and Penguin comic was gaining a decent following. My dark side (so to speak) was clamoring for release. It NEEDED an outlet. However, I couldn't just turn my comic into something else. Well, I COULD, it's my creation (and I've tested my audience with very serious storylines such as the death of major characters), but I probably shouldn't completely upset the apple cart.

    So the only outlet for my other side was to produce something new. I started Taking Up Space which is way darker, and some would say funnier than my first comic. It's a bit truer to my daily sense of humor. Several people have written me to say they were shocked that the same person does both comics because there is such a difference in content and worldview.

    While there is an instinct to choose which side really represents me, I would say that both do. I imagine many people are a combination of many things, not all of them congruent with one another. However, I've decided to keep the content separate. Someday, I'll figure out a way for one creative entity to include both sides of my humor.

    I think Steph's advice is right, Dave. You don't want to change your style too much or too frequently once you have found an audience. If you feel a need to express another side, you may want to set up a separate blog. Of course, you can also choose to challenge common wisdom, it's your decision.

    Blogger Dads last blog post..Your toddler is full of crap…
  • WD,

    Apparently, I'm late to the party as well. Thanks for the recommendation. She's a hilarious writer and that is a fine blog. Added it to my daily reader list.

    Ian Parkers last blog post..Gartner Says RIM Wins Smartphone War
  • Writer Dad – I just quickly want to say that this is a great little discussion today. I want to add more to it later after I’ve done the housewife bit.

    Tara – I also like Dooce. Just like Jenny, I find her funny and clever. I’ve mentioned about my love of the ridiculous before, and these two bloggy ladies provide that in buckets. Thanks for the feedback, I promise I’ll be modest. Now please design me another award for my Trophies page. :-P

    Jenny – I hate to talk about you like you’re not here, but I have no idea whether you’re coming back. Hope you are. What you’re doing and the way you’re doing it is fascinating. The truth is I need to read more of your work. So that’s what I’ll do.

    I’ll be back!
  • You are awesome and totally made me all blushy.

    I'll let you in on a secret though. I have another blog that I think is quite nice but it gets a tiny fraction of the comments I get on The Bloggess. Why? I have no idea. It's the same sort of stuff but I average about 10 comments a post most of the time and I'm happy with that. It reminds me that blog popularity is flukey and fleeting and that in the end the comments don't really matter so much as the writing you're left with and yours is so strong you shouldn't even think twice about measuring it with number of comments or anything other than your satisfaction with your words...which should be great, because you kick ass.

    Jenny, Bloggesss last blog post..This is the third post I’ve written today and I want a medal (alternate title - How to deal with trolls)
  • Writer Dad
    Sal: I've already wiped myself down.

    Steph: I have no intention of ever being anyone other than myself. Not in the slightest. I just love language, in all its forms. I think few people can string word and thought like Marshall Mathers, but I'd sooner try to emulate him than my neighbor's dog. When I can write as fast as I think, and only use the delete key once an hour, then I'll be where I want to be.

    Hayden: Enjoy, and tell me what you think.
  • Checking her out NOW...

    Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..How to Rock Your Marriage
  • WD: I went through this whole thing a while back. I changed my mind after a while because I felt too much pressure to rock as much as I thought I wanted to. The only thing I will say (and you have to love me for this, because it's relevant to a story you told me recently) is this: no matter what, STAY YOURSELF. That's what originally brought people here and that's what will keep them. In reading other blogs and seeing how popular they are and in admiring the writing, retain your voice. Don't do what I did and change your writing so much your friends leave. I gained lots of people when my writing changed to emulate others but I lost more who were more important to me.

    I don't want to preach. It's just that so many people, including me, have posted about this sort of thing - how they struggled with what they wanted from their blog and ended up for a short while losing themselves in the process. I think I even read about it on ProBlogger.

    Anyway, your goal of getting many readers because your writing is worthwhile is excellent. I love it. As you are, I know you'll succeed. Rather than working to improve your blog, concentrate on your writing. You will accomplish your goal. You've got much talent to go on already!

    stephs last blog post..Making a List and Checking it Twice
  • I've never heard of her either, but will jump over to her blog today. I know I also want to be the blogger who gets fifty comments in the first hour because my posts are worth the time. I also want to incorporate more humor into my posts. Lately I've been feeling my posts may be too serious.

    Stacey / CreateaBalances last blog post..Personal Development Mantra
  • Sal
    Thanks for adding yet another quality blog to my reader, yea, thanks a lot, because of you my reader is now bulging and on the brink of exploding out of its extremely restrictive container.

    Now, to talk about you sharting...hmmm...this could get a little messy!

    Sals last blog post..The "B" Word
  • Writer Dad
    Dave: You are indeed.

    Blogger Dad: The first one up, I think it's just the one that made me snort (though really it's the one that made me shart). I couldn't stop laughing. So, so funny.

    Tara: Her blog felt so refreshing after so much repetition. You're right. It's far more important to have intent readers than throw away comments. I found your honeymoon story very touching.

    Emily: I have no idea what I'd do with two-hundred posts either, but I don't think I'd mind too terribly, trying to figure it out.

    Lance: When your "About" page makes me laugh, you're funny.

    Dave: As much as I enjoy Jenny's content, I would never want to import it to Writer Dad. What appeals to me, isn't the saltiness, it's the assembly of her words. They're perfect. They look like random, flying bits of verbiage, but they're not. Her posts are PERFECTLY articulated pieces of writing. She could write about sitting, and I'm sure I'd want to keep reading.

    Also, I'd have to disagree that she appeals to the lowest common denominator. Sure, the jokes are rude, but the writing is intelligent, and the lowest common denominator wouldn't get what she was delivering. She's not reality TV, she's HBO.

    Tara: I think that's a good point. I've felt freer lately while leaving comments on other's site to not be so dry. There's a certain tone that I feel is important to maintain at Writer Dad, but there are other sides of my personality that it's perfectly acceptable to let shine. Comments are a good place for this to happen.
  • I'm with you Dave. I think you have to fit into one category or the other. Dooce is also a very good writer who puts together some really thoughtprovoking pieces, but you have to accept that she is very very raw indeed! Don't let it go to your head now, but I think you have struck a really good balance in that your blog is very thoughtful and intriguing and the comments you leave on other sites are funny and engaging which only serves to make people want to come visit.

    Tara@From Dawn Till Rusks last blog post..Am I the only one with fond memories of 9/11?
  • I clicked straight onto the link which made you pee just a little. 8-O

    Can I ask whether you feel a conflict at all between your interest in, and your enjoyment of Jenny’s work, and the ‘flavour’ you’re trying to create on your own blog?

    I only ask because I find a similar conflict. I laugh hard at what Jenny writes, but I also like to read moving and touching articles about personal experiences, and I don’t want to disqualify myself from being included in either extreme.

    I spilled my guts about it on Tim Brownson’s blog this morning and it struck me there’s a connection here.

    If I’m reading Tara right, then Jenny, (who is clever and talented and funny), appeals mostly to the lowest common denominator. I don’t know her well enough to know whether she writes with gravitas on other issues.

    What I’m asking is how will you balance writing about poop (which is funny and will get my attention every time, yet isn’t to everyone’s tastes), and writing the about the wondrous things of this world which captivate the heart and the imagination?

    Your answer might help me to resolve my own dilemma.

    Cheers
    Dave
  • I hadn't heard of her either but I've now got a new daily read.

    I am wishy-washy about comments. I love them. I am not sure what I'd do with 200 on one post though. And when I read blogs, if there are more than 30, I don't even chime in usually simply because I am certain there is nothing I can add that is more relevant or important or not redundant than what has already been said.

    Maybe I need to change my tune. I mean, I would love to feel like a rock star and have so many people swarming to tell me how fabulous I am with every word I write.

    Emilys last blog post..Fall Nesting
  • Maybe I'm late to the party, but I've never heard of the bloggess. She is on the fringe, and it is funny stuff!

    Lances last blog post..What We Learn From Winning
  • There are a couple of blogs like this out there in the blogosphere, compulsive reading, slightly risque and flooded with comments the minute they put a post up.
    They have become minor celebrities in the blogging world, but when when you mention the name Heather Armstrong to anyone who doesn't spend their life on the internet their reaction is always 'who?'
    Personally I couldn't care less how many people comment. I do care that they enjoy what they read and that they want to come back and when they do comment I am very grateful.
    To me it's all about creating debate, sharing and having fun at the same time.

    Tara@From Dawn Till Rusks last blog post..Am I the only one with fond memories of 9/11?
  • You're right, she's hilarious! Thanks for another blog to add to my list of must-reads. And if poo will help get you 50 posts within an hour, I'm set for today!

    BloggerDads last blog post..A long way to go for an inside joke
  • All I saw was - Punch You In The Teeth - Am I first in the queue?

    Now I'm going to read the rest of your post.

    Dave Fowlers last blog post..Playing Tag
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