Sub-Blogs, Cross-posting, and format stuff
So there has been a good discussion of the purpose of sub-blogs, the frequency which sub-bloggers should cross-post, etc. in the last thread.
I think sub-bloggers should use their good judgment, cross-posting their more substantive material to the front page. Also, sub-bloggers should keep an eye on the front page and try to fill in on slow days, and especially weekends.
Even better, if a sub-blogger is responding to someone on the front page or on one of the other sub-blogs a cross post couldn’t hurt.
Beyond this, I will see if I can put together a Super Feed that brings all the blogs together into one subscription, and maybe a page that aggregates excerpts of all the posts, making it easier to scroll through everything on the site at once.
There is also always the option of transforming the entire site into something that weaves all these blogs together more seamlessly, though we would lose the front-page altogether and move to a web of solo-blogs. Not sure how I feel about that, or how it would work in practice.
A shared RSS feed itself would be great. I also like the single-page idea, too, but…
There is also always the option of transforming the entire site into something that weaves all these blogs together more seamlessly, though we would lose the front-page altogether and move to a web of solo-blogs. Not sure how I feel about that, or how it would work in practice.
That’s probably a step too far. I think having certain posts “promoted” to the main site, and the relatively small league of main-site posters is the way to go. It’s a tough balance between having too much front-page content so that it’s hard for busy people to keep on top of, and forcing people to go to 9 different sites when you can streamline it. I think TLOOG is *this close* to having the perfect medium between the two.Report
I would strongly vote against losing the front-page. I think it’s a great place for discussions to start and it’s wise to have an area for the material posters think deserves a higher profile. An RSS feed would be brilliant. The running catalog on the right of the sub-blog activity is pretty good, I think. Maybe it somehow could be made more easily noticed — but it really would be fine left alone, too.Report
I think we should have more cross-posting, but I do think it should be reserved for:
A) When you have a really good post.
B) When you see that the main site is slow.
C) When the mood strikes you to run an open-thread.
Also, I am looking into finding a plugin to do the “Gifts of Gab” across all sites so that comments from all sites showed up on all sites.Report
Since it seems that some of the side-bloggers don’t know which of their stuff should be cross-posted, would it be workable to have a thumbs-up nomination process/gadget?Report
When you move a sub-blog the main page you might try to find a way to bring the replies along.Report
It occurs to me that if you could simply have Gifts of Gab show comments on the sub-blogs, too, that would probably dramatically raise their profile.Report
I’ve only cross-posted once, on a topic that seemed a bit more general interest than my usual musings. I’m glad enough to have the sub-blog, so I try to avoid cluttering up the main page. I like having it at the discretion of the sub-bloggers, and also would hate to see the main page go.Report
I really think you should do more c-p’ing, FWIW. It’s great to have someone with your level of experience and knowledge focusing in on a specific and often very complicated field.Report
I agree. Given our intermittent output of late, I think you should err on the side of over-sharing.Report
The current format is fine for me for the most part. I have added all of the sub-blogs to my reader as they have popped up and deleted a few if they didn’t keep my interest. I appreciate the span of subjects covered and the writing, they just aren’t all my cup of tea. My only complaint is that there seems to be a bit less material on the main League page these days.
And of course I always miss the cross-League conversations that marked the League’s early days when you guys were blowing up all over the blogosphere. I am not embarrassed to admit that I was green with envy back then and my first guest post was a real badge of honor to be in such company.Report
I should add, the fact that we’re even having this conversation is one of the things I love about this site. Even though I’m not a contributor apart from a couple guest-posts and non-prolific commenting, I feel like a part of this site. Most sites, I feel mostly like a consumer (not a bad thing, to be sure, but different).Report
I concur with Trumwill. The League is the only blog I know of that elevates the commenters to basically the same status as the posters and treats them accordingly. Very cool.Report
This is really good to hear, guys. A big focus for me has been making the comments section aesthetically pleasing. A lot of times comments feel like posts to me when I read them – and they also *look* like posts.
Anyways, I’m glad it feels like a community.Report
You all have definitely set the gold standard for me when it comes to developing a commentariat E.D. The level of debate is unmatched and with occassional exceptions the civility is always first class. That latter one is a big deal for me as a veteran of the political chat board wars during the Bush years.Report
Baby killer!
(joke)Report
Not to sound like a Palestinian motivational speaker but all of you are the bomb.Report
I keel youReport
I’m thinking of starting a sideblog devoted to menswear. Is this a terrible idea?Report
I don’t think it’s a bad idea at all. I wanted to do something about fashion a while ago but basically decided against it because I know what looks good on women, but my knowledge of menswear is limited to “Make sure it smells clean before you put it on if you’re going out.” My wife and I pretty much pick out clothes for each other.Report
“Make sure it smells clean before you put it on if you’re going out.”
Clean? What are you? Some kind of priss? 🙂Report
Hmmm. I’m not thinking of anything very fashion-y – just a venue to post ebay/thrift store finds, compare notes on tailoring/fits, and generally shoot the breeze about ties, tweed, and the finer things in life.
It may also involve headless shots of yours truly posing in ridiculous get-ups . . .
You’re right, this is a terrible idea.Report
I’m actually thinking it’s a great idea. Seriously, I have no idea what looks good beyond jeans and a tee shirt and generally attempt to wear that all year long. So, I’d definitely read it.
Trumwell: Well, like most married men, that rule is followed in my head by, “Do that or my wife will make fun of me.”Report
No, Will, I think it has great potential–but it MUST have many oddities.
Menswear. Hmm, let’s see now. Why don’t you take it to men’s military uniforms going way, way, back right up to the present?Maybe even digging up what terrorists wear, you know, suicide vests, hats, gloves, shoes.
I love it. I’d be glad to help you if you need anything. And German battlefield apparel in the 20th century would absolutely be The Bomb! Nuts? No way! The Nazis went through several changes right up into their fall in 1945.
Viel Gluck!Report
Beethoven offers protest.Report
Time for you to stop trolling.Report
I’m afraid I prefer silk knit ties to breeches, swastika armbands, and goose-stepping, but I’ll take that all under advisement.Report
Mr Kain, I recently sent you an e-mail about starting a sideblog here at ordinary gentlemen. Just checking to see if you received it. It might have gotten stuck in your filters.
On that note I just want to feel out how many of the readers here would like a side-blog by yours truly dedicated to more abstract moral and political philosophy?Report
You have an excellent approach and unique perspective, Mr. Murali. You never fail to shed fresh light on our assumptions here in the states. I would find it enjoyable. Cheers.Report
ThanksReport
I’m totally starting to get this sub-blog idea because there really are some current events things that I feel the pull to scream out about in a public forum, and yet without the full public exposure one gets here because, well, you open yourself up to getting slammed by drive-by commenters. So it’s a push/pull thing between “let ‘er rip” and “watch your mouth”. Not to fear though- I’m already slacking off on this page and have no desire to take up more real estate. You guys like Jason and Eric are blogging machines.Report
Fully seconded. Every single word.Report
E.D.
Overall, how are the sub-blogs doing? Are casual League visitors finding them? Are they generating interest? Comment counts?Report
They seem to be going well. lots of good posts and good discussions.Report
Glad to hear that. I think that’s a good sign then that the sub-blogs aren’t suffering from inattention and are serving as a valid compliment to the main League page.Report
I think we have yet to unleash thru full potential.Report
I would only caution to not go too far. I belong to the Outdoor Blogger Network. It’s a great resource for consumers but it’s gotten so huge that it’s really hard to navigate the volume of product. It’s a more loose concept than the League affiliate blogs but I see how things can go too far if all aren’t linked by a common page.Report