Assignment: Choose a blog and analyze
the functions and substance of the blog as a form of writing and information
delivery. In your opinion, what are the “best practices” when creating a blog
to ensure appropriate form, function, and substance?
My roommate introduced me
to a blog called “300 Sandwiches,” which you’ve probably seen featured on The
Today Show’s website. The purpose of her blog is unique – she made her
boyfriend a sandwich one day and he jokingly commented, “You are 300 sandwiches
away from an engagement ring!” His off-hand remark sparked her blog. The
substance of her blog is to keep her readers informed as she embarks on this
journey of making 300 sandwiches in order to get a proposal. It's content is mainstream
enough to appeal to a wide variety of readers (it’s about food!), but offers a
unique twist (she’s making sandwiches in exchange for an engagement ring!),
which is what makes it so popular.
While I am certainly no
blog expert, it seems to me there are some basic best practices that go along
with this trend. I think focus and unique-ness are key.
As I mentioned, this blog
has a really good focus and is clear about the “thesis” of what she is sharing.
Regarding unique-ness,
there are dozens of blogs about food out there, but this one is different
because there is a special story behind it. In addition, there is something at
stake – a proposal. So reading each post is like watching a new episode of your
favorite television show. The reader is on this journey with her!
Of course it helps if you
can be engaging as a writer as well. This blog keeps things interesting by occasionally
posting a sandwich that includes “forbidden foods” of her long-time boyfriend
so we get to see his reaction to her making a sandwich with foods he doesn’t
care for. She also throws in some variety by making sandwiches for breakfast,
for travel, dessert sandwiches, etc.
Obviously this blogger is
doing something right since she and her boyfriend have been featured on the
Rachael Ray show and will have a book coming out in 2015 documenting their 300
sandwich journey.
Read the blog here: http://300sandwiches.com/
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