You might have noticed that I’ve changed things around a bit. I took the plunge and integrated my static site with my blog. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, I have to tell you it made me a bit nervous to let go of my static site. No particular reason, just habit I guess.
In this world of instant communication via twitter, instant messaging, text messages, etc. a static site seems almost old-fashioned. I could have added a blog page to my original site instead of putting posts front and center. However, after reading and listening to social media experts like Chris Brogan and Liz Strauss , I agree that it’s all about interaction and conversation.
Looking for Ms. Goodwriter
A few days ago I finished reading a book I thoroughly enjoyed. Then I went looking for the author online. I found a static website and that was it. I searched for her on blogs, facebook, linkedin, and twitter to no avail. I had to laugh at myself because her lack of internet presence felt almost unfriendly. Didn’t she want to interact with her readers? The truth is maybe she doesn’t. That certainly doesn’t make her unfriendly. Maybe my reaction just shows how much accessibility or interaction we’re starting to expect from writers.
Don’t Set Yourself Up
The truth is everyone needs to do what’s right for them. In regards to social media my friend Karin said, “Why should someone set themselves up to fail, by taking on something they don’t really want to do?” I thought that was an excellent point.
Blogs, twitter, and facebook aren’t for everyone. I like them because in a solitary occupation like writing, they give you the chance to interact with people. I’ve chosen to be part of the social media stream. Right now it works for me. I like participating in online conversations that span states, countries and age groups.
Ultimately, that’s why I did this site redo. So that I could have a place to invite you to stop by, visit, and have a conversation.
Start Talking
I’d love to know what you think of static sites. After you visit them once do you ever go back? Do you think writers need to have content on their sites that change or should publishing new books be enough? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Photo Credit: Dragunsk
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
The new look is great and I liked your post. I never thought about it before but yeah I guess I don’t go back to static sites a lot. I might try a couple of times but if everything stays the same I stop going. It’s worse when the information is old and no one updates it.
Hi Lucy,
Thanks for your comment. I’m glad you like the new site! I feel the same way about static sites. If I remember I might check back a couple of times but then I stop. Thanks again for taking the time to stop by.
Although I understand that some would prefer a static site, I prefer a dynamic site. First thing I look at a website now is of there’s a link to a blog or twitter. I like getting to know the author (or the website about) more through an interactive site.
Nice new lay-out! Congratulations on your move – I think you’d love it!
A Maui Blog’s last blog post..Photo Hunt: Space
Mary Francis,
First off, you have a beautiful-looking blog. This is my first visit here, and I’m hooked!
Regarding static blogs, I rarely return because they have little to offer me if they don’t change content. Your friend Karin raises a great point. I’m sure there are lots of folks out there who created websites because they thought they should, but either don’t have the time or energy to keep at it. It takes a lot of work, as I’m learning myself.
Just linked to you from Chris Brogan’s tweet complimenting your lovely application of the Thesis theme. Bravo!
Sticking around (just added you to my reader) because you’re friendly tone is so appealing, and much of what you said resonates with thoughts I’ve been sitting on for a while now.
Nice to “meet” you and looking forward to more!
Sending a little love your way ~ looks amazing! Wanna help with mine now???
Hi A Maui Blog, thanks for visiting! I do the same thing. I don’t expect a lot of interaction from authors, but I do like getting a peek into their world. I think blogs and twitter offer a great way to interact.
Cyndy,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you like the new site. It’s true, interaction and new content take time but I think the connections you make are worth it!
Jamie Lee,
Wow, I’m bowled over by your compliments. Thank you so much! I’m so glad to hear that I’m not the only one out there thinking about these kind of issues. It’s great meeting you as well!
Hi Karin,
Ha! Well since I quoted you in this post I owe you one. Thanks for the love.
I agree with your post, Mary-Frances. I kind of relate static web pages to an old-school rotary telephone and blogs/Twitter/SocialApps to the mobile phone.
There’s not much room for mobility & reaching your audience from a static page (like the rotary phone, you can only use it when at home or where you can access one), but with SocialApps (blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc) you’re able to quickly respond, mobilize, and interact with your audience almost instantly. In a society where we thrive on instant gratification, I think it’s the best way to truly engage your audience and keep them coming back.
I’m digg’n the layout. I recently started my Blog using WordPress/Thesis, but I’m still trying to figure it all out. I decided to go on ahead and start posting and seeding the content and progressively work on the design.
BTW… I actually heard about your blog from Chris Brogan’s Tweet!
This is terrific, Mary-Frances. It really reflects your generous, thoughtful personality–and the dynamism suits you to a proverbial t!
I update my static site with appearance and promotion news and it has links to my blog, myspace, and facebook pages. Plus, I have a new quarterly newsletter. Sometimes it does feel like I’m awfully spread out over the web, though–so much real estate has to be updated regularly! I often go to static sites to pick up bio info, book excerpts, etc for interviews I do on my blog. Most blog sites aren’t very flexible–it does seem like wordpress has much to offer in that department.
It must have taken a huge amount of work to do all this. Fabulous job! xo
Lewis,
I loved reading your perspective on this topic. I like the comparison between static sites and rotary phones. The point you make about mobility and reach is very interesting. I’m going to be turning those two words around my mind for a bit.
Glad you like the layout! I’m still trying to figure out Thesis too, so I’m right there with you. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to Chris for that tweet!
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it!
Laura,
Hey you, thanks for swinging by! Wow, once again I’m bowled over by someone’s kind words. Thanks!
Actually, and I’m not just saying this, I think you do a great job with both your site and blog. Your blog is well established, fun and respected. I think you really reach out to your readers. Your site is beautiful and you do a great job of keeping it updated.
Actually, I don’t think you have to own a lot of internet real estate, you just have to maintain what you do have. Between your blog, newsletter, site and facebook you give people lots of opportunities to converse with you.
Thanks again for you kind words, they are so very appreciated.
Great site! I’m on Facebook and Twitter, but I don’t use either much. A few times a week, usually. As for static sites, if you’re a published writer, yes, you should keep up. As an unpubbed, I don’t feel the need to lure people to my site by changing things a lot. I have nothing to sell, and I’d rather put time into writing my book. I do write a personal blog once or twice a week. I also blog on Magical Musings every Tuesday, at the ATV blog, Love Conquers every other Monday. And the third Wednesday of every month I’m at Pink Fuzzy Slippers. I’m busy! As you can see, I’m busy.
Your new site is amazing! I’m so inspired and impressed…also a little depressed as I realize that I probably need to do a blog after all. I could just claim Karin’s quote as a good reason not to do it!
Hi Edie,
It’s always great to read your comments. You ARE really busy. I’d say you’ve got an excellent internet presence. I would love to join a group blog some day as well. However, I thought this was a good place to start. Thanks!
Robyn,
HA, if the thought of doing a blog depresses you, don’t do it! Find something you really want to do instead. You’re an amazing artist and I know you’ll find other ways to get your work out there.
I think the Web is moving to this 2.0, social-media platform. Isn’t that what makes the Web different from print media? It’s the ability to interact, explore, talk, share, rant, etc. that makes the Web, well, the Web!
Carmen’s last blog post..Book Signing Update
Hey, Mary Frances. Love what you’ve done with the place. The layout is lovely!
I’m in the middle. I have a static site, updated at need, and a blog, updated at super rare need. I also tweet, as you well know, though for me tweeting is about being silly and having fun, not promo or whatever it is you’re supposed to do according to The Rulez of Social Media.
I admit to being a bit troubled by the attitude of “if it’s static you’re some kind of unapproachable fogey.” Having a static web site is not at all the same as being unapproachable or out of touch. It’s just a sign that the person in question doesn’t have the personal desire (or bandwidth) to maintain a Web-2.0-social-media-buzzword-of-the-week online presence.
As a static site guy, I’m very approachable. Email me, I shall answer you forthwith. I don’t blog much, if ever, because I don’t have much to say and I don’t see any value in larding up the intertubes with yet another rambling discourse “because you gotta” according to some overbearing Law of Social Media. But I still chat with people online all the time.
There is a lot of noise out there. I’d argue the noise is a result of this perceived burden to be “social” online. But can’t one be social and engaged without jumping on every new gizmogadgetron to come out of some web guru’s fever state? Seriously.
That said, I think if you have the inclination and desire, why not? You’ve got a lovely space here, and I certainly enjoy reading your posts. I visit and comment on plenty of blogs, and engage with plenty of people online just about every day. My static personal website is not a measure of my accessibility. It’s a reflection of the respect I have for myself and my time, and for my potential visitors.
All that said, I have contemplated moving to a more dynamic approach to my online presence. I’m not set in stone on this matter. It’s more a case of me feeling the whole mindset of social media seeks to impose obligation without ever addressing the idea of worth. After (if) I move to a more dynamic web presence, I’ll still be a guy who answers his emails and twitters and rarely but occasionally blogs. In other words, I’m as accessible now as I will be then; the veneer of my web presence, the gadgets and gizmos that get all the breathless attention, are the least important part of that accessibility.
Carmen, thanks for stopping by I appreciate hearing what you have to say!
Hi Bill,
Well I think you know that I’m in agreement with you when it comes to social media, the time it takes, obligation and results.
I didn’t meant to imply that people who only have static sites are unapproachable. It was more about my own reaction to not being able to find this writer any place else on the internet. I could have emailed them through their site. I was more amused by the fact that I couldn’t believe there was no way for an immediate peek into their world via twitter, a blog or facebook. It just made me wonder what expectations readers have about authors these days.
I hope too that I’ve made it abundantly clear that I firmly believe people need to do what’s right for them. I certainly don’t think you need to do anything as a writer other than write great books!
I was speaking in general terms. And, of course, I admit to being a bit of a curmudgeon about social networking. Sometimes I feel we’re being bludgeoned with it for no good reason than it’s the latest shiny thing, and implicit in the social media mindset is a “this is how it must be done, lest we find you lacking” attitude.
So when I see analogies like Lewis’ above, I feel rather put out, as if a negative value judgment is being made about me as a person because I happen to be someone who isn’t interested in jumping on the social media bandwagon. We’re still accessible, we still engage. We’re not luddites. I’m not chasing them damn kids off my lawn.
I just find the ever-increasing demands of social media aren’t worth the costs in time to me. But I still answer emails.
I like the layout. The background graphics is great.
I have both a static site and a blog. I definitely update the blog more often – every day with posts and multiple times a day with comments. My site only gets updated once a week. I feel like the site tells more about me, my editing services, workshops, bio, etc. than my blog could since it changes so often. Plus, I put up stuff that writers can use as resources, like articles, and pages of contests and events for writers.
So, I use both and will probably keep both.
Helen
http://straightfromhel.blogspot.com
Hi There! This is my first visit to your site, it looks great. Your discussion is an interesting one. I am new to both websites and blogs, only having started both of my own in October ‘08. I enjoy having both–the static website is one where I can update material as I need to. I mainly have it to showcase my books and to let people order my books from me rather than online stores if that’s what they would prefer. The blog is great for all the things I want to share about my writing or the books I am reading. In many ways it’s much more fun. My website is linked to the blog and vice versa. What I am having some trouble with is getting enthused about things like Facebook. I had a profile there for a week and had to leave, it just got too crazy. And it took A LOT of my time. Way too much. Anyway, I’m impressed with this site and the conversation. Good job!
Hi Valerie,
Welcome, I’m so glad you found me. I just checked out your site and blog. Kudos to you! That’s great that you’ve taken the plunge. I’m a firm believer that we all have to do what works for us. We all have only so much time and attention to put into things. I think it’s so much better to know what we can do and prioritize. Otherwise, I think we end up feeling overwhelmed and burned out. It’s always great to connect with another writer. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Helen,
I’m glad you came by! I think everyone needs to find a system that works for them and it sounds like you definitely have. I know you’ve gathered together a lot of great information for writers. I look forward to your next post.
I’ve got to enliven my static author’s site, too. It’s a ways down my to-do list, though. Helping keep urgency out of it is that my first novel is still in the works.
RhondaL’s last blog post..From the Mouth of the Horse
Hey Rhonda,
Glad you found me! Author Jan Burke said once on her blog, (I’m paraphrasing) you’re book isn’t completely finished and polished. . .then why are you worried about marketing? That always stuck with me as such good, solid, advice. So sounds to me you’ve got your priorities exactly where they should be!