#though as both an artist and a researcher--two fields where titling is crucial--you learn the hard way that just because someone is good

[yoursonlucifer]

[ID: a twitter post with a screenshot of a Rutgers article titled, "Autistic adults experience complex emotions, a revelation that could shape better therapy strategies for neurodivergent people, says Rutgers researcher." the tweet is captioned with text reading, "I'm going to become The Joker I stg" and is quote tweeted by @/suchnerve reading, "I love getting talked about like I'm a zoo animal!" /end ID.]

[podcake]

a side of sprinkles: starting your podcast blog!

Even in the early days when I first started PodCake, I’ve been asked about what steps to take when it comes to running a successful podcast blog. If you’re interested in writing critique or just want to spread the word about shows you like, check out this short and hopefully helpful guide on blogging in the podcast sphere.✿

Stay Informed

✓ Being a provider of new information is one of the best parts of running these types of blogs so it’s for the best to openly seek out what will get people talking. Do some research, chat up the creators, and let people in on what could be the next best thing. 

× In a medium as rapidly growing as this, it can be tricky trying to catch up with everything new that may come out so don’t beat yourself up if you miss a title or two. Pace yourself and try to handle just a few topics at a time, especially if you plan to specialize in providing thoughtful commentary.

Write Makes Right

✓ Some of the best blogs are ones that are able to provide new outlooks and thoughts on a subject and being a strong writer has everything to do with it. Much like you would a school essay, try getting a head start on more weighty projects, correct your grammar, and make sure your sentences and structure flow. And if you don’t have a lot of faith in your writing skills, there’s no problem with consulting a beta reader or editor. No one said you had to do this stuff alone.

× Don’t pressure yourself into thinking you need firsthand, personal experience to cover a topic. The first step to being a good journalist/critic/reviewer is the ability to process your thoughts in a way that reflects your views on something you show some level of passion for. Get your words down and the rest will follow. 

Paint a Picture

✓ When it comes to the chaos of online communities, having an established identity can benefit in making you stand out. Focus on certain visuals, adopt a tagline, and soon enough you’ll be an icon in your own right. Even if it’s something as simple as a specific color scheme, a touch of originality can go a long way. 

× Don’t let yourself be reduced to just flashy pictures. Though you do want to be noticeable in a crowd, you’ll need to use some wit and skill to keep your readers coming back. The pretty things are just the packaging but the real content is what defines your reputation.

Know Your Skill Set

✓ Use what you already know to your advantage. If you have a lot of knowledge about fictional writing, audio editing, or networking, try to mesh it into your blog’s identity. Are you an artist? Make your own promotional images like custom graphics and avatars. Your interests and talents will really make you shine.

× Though learning new things for the sake of bettering your blog is always a good idea, don’t feel obligated to be a jack of all trades. And if you think you could be learning and doing more, figure out the best way to go about it and maybe discover a hidden talent along the way. If all else fails and you don’t feel confident in certain areas, there’s no problem with providing funds to independent creators. While you’re in the business of indie artists, you may as well commission some work for both your benefits.  

Follow the Leader

✓ If you’re going to be a blogger, it’s obvious you’ll have to rely on the internet to keep yourself afloat. Luckily for you, other creators have the same ideas in mind and are one step ahead by having their own blogs, original websites, and Twitter accounts filled with information about their show. Follow them, stay notified on what they’re up to, and provide links to fans who may be interested. 

× A common fear I see is that people are afraid they’re being annoying or creepy to be seeking out other ways to access a creator’s work. As someone whose been doing this for over a year, I can promise you that these creators love reaching out to fans and are more than happy to talk, especially if you have plans to give them more publicity. If there’s anything that’s a definite misstep its not respecting these creators as people first. Understand that they’re human beings with lives of their own and they’ll do the same for you.

Stay Social…Media

✓ Much like the first tip, staying up to date on new things is all about communication. Blogging is a pretty social activity and making yourself readily available is part of that. Instead of just sticking to one platform, branch out to other sites like Twitter to keep the conversation going. And for the sake of organization, try setting up a custom email address specifically for your blog.

× If you want to be a well respected blogger, staying aloof and secretive won’t do the trick. And if you are in a situation where you need to go into hiatus or are having difficulties of any kind with staying connected, make sure to inform your readers. Temporarily close your ask box if you need to and make a post about when things will be back to normal. 

Make a Schedule

✓ Stability is crucial and can make expecting your content a lot easier to keep track of. If you have even the vaguest idea of when you want to push out an article or review or want to make some type of event out of it, it’ll only show you’re an active player in the field. Maybe keep up to date with holidays and base some of your work around Halloween or Christmas for some festive fun.

× Your schedule should be shaped around you, not your followers. Set realistic standards for yourself and publish your work at a pace that fits your needs. Even if it’s just once or twice a week or a few times throughout the month, what truly matters is that you’re putting out writing that you’re proud of. And if you do have the stamina to make an original post everyday, be my guest. Just don’t push yourself too hard or be down on yourself if you miss a self imposed deadline.

This is just a quick guide for any of you aspiring podcast bloggers out there but let it also be an outline for anyone pursuing covering topics for any medium that might intrigue you. Video games, film, animation-they’re all equally compelling topics to cover in anyway you please.

If this was of any use to you, you might be interested in these videos that more or less cover ideas of critique, journalism in pop culture, or are generally well written video editorials to get you inspired.

This is also just a general look into some of my favorite names out there and you might enjoy a taste of what I base my own work on. 

In Bob We Trust: THE CUPHEAD CONTROVERSY IS DUMB 

Nostalgia Critic: It it Right to Nitpick? 

Digibro: THERE IS TOO MUCH ANIME

EXTRA CREDITS: Art" Is Not the Opposite of “Fun” - Why Analyzing Games Makes Them Better

Lindsay Ellis: The Complex Feels of Guardians of the Galaxy v.2

Nerdwriter1: The Epidemic of Passable Movies

Jim Sterling: Being Slightly Critical Of Violence In One Particular Way

now, get to blogging.✿