Tossing It Out is what I consider to be an eclectic blog. I discuss all sorts of topics on this blog and don't limit myself to anything in particular. My topics range from music and entertainment and to cover the gamut of writing, politics, history, religion, food, or whatever I feel like talking about. There is no niche in this blog. This is what I think of as an "eclectic blog". This is a blog with variety.
Many bloggers approach blogging in this way and that can work well for readers and especially be good for the blogger who is less likely to experience blogging burnout or topic block. There's always something to write about and when our blog doesn't have focused expectations then the eclectic approach is a good one to take.
Blogs can be Educating and Entertaining. An entertaining blog doesn't necessarily have to educate, but it probably helps if an education blog is at least somewhat entertaining. Blogs don't have to be fun, but if you're not a expert on a subject then the fun approach is more likely to be appealing to your readers.
Do you think of yourself as someone with eclectic interests? What do you find to be most entertaining on blogs? When you are getting educated do you prefer that the learning process be somewhat fun?
Here are some blogs that are educational as well as entertaining:
Positive Letters...Inspirational Stories
I have learned much through blogging and between your good self and Alex I have much to thank you for. There is much technical know how I don't understand but you both have been on hand if (which is nearly always) I have a problem.
ReplyDeleteHave a good day Lee.
Yvonne.
There are still many technical things that baffle me or sometimes bog me down.
DeleteLee
I do consider myself quite eclectic. :)
ReplyDeleteI do love learning and it is always best when the lessons are entertaining and fun. I love the word "eclectic" -- and I consider myself to be quite eclectic, in many things and for sure my (interior) design taste is eclectic.
ReplyDeleteMichele at Angels Bark
I love humorous blogs. I have learned quite a bit reading the blogs in the A to Z Challenge!
ReplyDeleteI am eclectic in my blog and I enjoy all kinds of blogs. I do prefer that their posts are relatively short. When being "educated" I like the lessons to be to the point, short(ish), and hopefully a little bit funny.
ReplyDeleteI have eclectic followers, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteI am about the entertainment, but it is with a learning angle as people learn about new movies, bands, etc.
I'd like to think my blog is eclectic but who knows. All I know is, I don't like being pigeon-holed. I'm just not an expert in any one particular thing so I like to entertain lots of topics.
ReplyDeleteHi Arlee and thanks, it's a pleasure to be part of the #atozchallenge again.
ReplyDeleteI remember the first time someone told me I had eclectic taste, I was sure it was an insult. It probably was.
As far as being educated goes it depends on what I'm learning. If it's rocket science or a how to, I want details and step by step clear instructions. If it's more human than that I want to know what you know and how you know it - including any mistakes along the way, especially if they're funny.
Reflex Reactions
It's funny my site has changed so many times, I am not sure if it's I want to keep everyone on their toes or me?
ReplyDeleteIf it keeps the blog interesting for you then that's good. Also experimentation can help you understand what's working on your blog.
DeleteLee
If by eclectic you mean "all over the place and posts without any rhyme or reason" then yes I guess you could say that's us. At least we're entertaining?
ReplyDeleteIt's true, though, we're never at a loss of blog topics. I couldn't imagine having to constantly write about one little niche, over and over and over again...
I don't think anyone could accuse you guys of not being entertaining. Now I'm waiting for that really serious topic with no cartoons--that would throw the whole world off-kilter and bloggers would be wandering the streets with blank stares rending their garments.
DeleteLee
I think Journaling Woman is eclectic, but the Ruralhood has more of a theme.
ReplyDeleteProud to be niche-free! ☺ It would be so boring to restrict oneself to a single subject. The word "Eclectic" is part of my site's tagline as well. I enjoy learning new things and it's more likely to stick if the lesson is entertaining.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably get bored discussing the same things all the time. Probably more redundant then I already am as well.
DeleteLee
I think my posts err on the side of being ecletically poetical - and my learning must be energetical, humoretical or not.
ReplyDeleteDonna, that was kind of bloggily philosopitical.
DeleteLee
Hi Lee, taking on the questions you pose.
ReplyDelete1 -Do you think of yourself as someone with eclectic interests? A - Definitely eclectic, as I enjoy different topics, and different writing styles, of late, to convey the topic of interest. In my A-Z I try to leave the readers with a single question, offering them a direction for possible comment. It has proven to be advantageous.
2 -What do you find to be most entertaining on blogs? A- Lately I find an enjoyment in the companionship between humor and serious notes; a "yin and yang" situation, possibly.
3 - When you are getting educated do you prefer that the learning process be somewhat fun? A - It is not necessary, but it aids I think, in retaining information.
I have 'sat' silently, at your knee learning. Such a wonderful theme you have here! This A to Z Challenge has given more than I realized... and many days to go yet... but they travel by so quickly. I think I may be sad when it's over. We'll see.
Dixie, in past years we have seen some go through a sort of A to Z withdrawal phase, but there has always been the A to Z Road Trip to fall back on.
DeleteThanks for the great answers and kind words.
Lee
I'm trying to become more eclectic in what I blog about. I need to balance out my posts with more book and album reviews, and still need to work on writing more film-related posts. It's been awhile since I've written a post related to silent film, one of my passions.
ReplyDeleteCarrie-Anne, I think your blog posts are very eclectic. You cover so many topics already, but a post on silent film could be interesting as well.
DeleteLee
Eclectic blogs are always more fun. I tend to lean toward educational with my posts.
ReplyDeleteI think my blog is fairly eclectic b/c I have a lot of interests.
ReplyDeleteYou keep your topics interesting, JoJo.
DeleteLee
Hi Lee, you picked the perfect blog to feature for your E post. Hilary is amazing. She has such entertaining posts, full of so many different things.
ReplyDeleteI consider myself of eclectic tastes. I'm all over the board with music, books, movies… and my wardrobe… and blogs! hahaha
Great E post.
Jenny, Pearson Report
2015 A to Z Challenge Ambassador
@PearsonReport
I meant to add more blog links because there are so many, but you know how that goes.
DeleteLee
My blog has always been mostly about writing, but I'm trying be come more eclectic.
ReplyDeleteOh, I don't know--I think your blog does display a bit of eclecticism from what I've seen.
DeleteLee
I like eclectic blogs. They offer a lot of entertainment and interesting tidbits.
ReplyDeleteC.Lee-- And if you're bored by a topic one day, the next time you come back you might find something of interest.
DeleteArlee.
I'm about as eclectic as you can get, I supposed. You never know what will end up on my blog. At first, it was just humor and cartoons. Then a lot of writers chimed in and I was very interested in that (I'm an obsessed reader and library fixture). Then I did some of the blog hops...then I reviewed a few books. Then I added some art work and crafts and dog stories...I put some of the bloggers in cartoons as paper bag people (since I don't actually know what most of them really look like...).
ReplyDeleteSee? I'm a mess. :-)
Now I'm picturing a bloggers convention with everybody wearing bags over their heads.
DeleteLee
I mostly talk about my writing and related stuff on my blogs, but I do get into other topics that interest me because I don't want to only discuss books and writing. I want people to know me, so that means discussing things I like and myself.
ReplyDelete~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Member of C. Lee's Muffin Commando Squad
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author
I enjoy learning more about the bloggers and not just always hearing what they have to say about writing or something else that is essentially the same as someone else might have to say. Keep giving us more about you and things you do.
DeleteLee
I am somewhat eclectic now. I started off just with my card making but I have expanded and am glad for that. I love entertaining blogs but also blogs that make me think. If the writing is dry as dirt though, I move on:)
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to have writing with personality. Unless the blog is intended for pendantry in which case I might be likely to skip it anyway.
DeleteLee
Yeah, that's me ~ an eclectic! I go with the flow and am not at all deep on any subject on my blog. That requires too much brain power, which I do not have these days. I do a lot of posts that involve music, photography, and memories. I enjoy reading blogs of all types. I filling my reading list with people who I aspire to be like someday. I have much to learn. I tend to jump ship when I come across blogs that are primarily do giveaways. What ever is being offered is usually not enough to entice me to do everything that's required to enter. It's an energy sucker! However, I have been guilty of doing a few of giveaways in the past, but I tried to make them super simple for anyone who's half-way interested in joining the fun. Above everything, I just love the blogging community. The support and encouragement is electric and I feel all the more edified for my small contributions. ! Thanks for hosting the A2Z challenge, Lee.
ReplyDeleteYou do cover a wide range and that's appreciated. I've actually won a few books from giveaways, but I tend not to linger on those posts. Rafflecopter and such things can take a lot of time to mess with!
DeleteLee
No, I don't believe in eclecticism. I say, "Find one thing to talk about and talk about it until you run out of things to say, or until everyone gets bored and stops reading your blog - whichever comes first".
ReplyDeleteWell, seriously, I have over the years encountered some bloggers who seemed, in comment sections of other bloggers' blogs, to be interesting to me for one reason or another (or both). But when I went to explore their own blogs, I found they were just kind of One-Note-Charlies or One-Note-Charlenes.
I actually WANTED to Follow their blogs because they had personality in the comment sections of other bloggers, but they'd write about one thing only (Fiction, WIPs, Current Celebrities, New Movies, Paper Doll Collecting, etc., etc.) and so I'd try for a week or so and then just give up.
If you're only going to blog about ONE topic, that's OK (it's your blog) but you're definitely limiting the size of your audience and possibly not giving your personality a chance to really shine in multiple ways.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
StMcC-- I guess the one-note song is the point of a niche blog. Some people want that sort of thing and that's where they find it. I get bored easily.
DeleteLee
I find the word eclectic entertaining.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I agree, Andrew. It's one of those words that appealed to me from the get go and now I like to not only use the word, but exemplify the word.
DeleteLee
Hi Lee - thanks for the shout out. My posts have been regularly described as educating, entertaining and eclectic and I could add in other things historical, geographical etc etc .. but entertaining is my main concern - I aim to please the audience ... I've been lucky with my followers, who are really dedicated and wonderful commenters ..
ReplyDeleteIt's a great place to be .. cheers Hilary
Hilary, your eclectic blog posts tend to educate in an entertaining manner. You have the E's covered!
DeleteLee
I am definitely in the eclectic category!
ReplyDeletewww.thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com
Tami, I have seen a variety of topics covered on your site.
DeleteLee
I'm a bit eclectic with my blogging as well. I have something like four topics that I bounce between.
ReplyDeleteI like bloggers who are in the eclectic category. While I am mostly looking for articles on writing and blogging, I enjoy getting to know other things about the bloggers that I like to read. It is good to mix things up a bit, it keeps blogs from being repetitive and boring. I've been wondering, however, about something and hopefully you can answer my question.
ReplyDeleteThere appears to be two conflicting opinions about writers/authors who blog. I am not yet published and I understand the need and importance of having a blog and social media platform, prior to even having a book released, but my confusion is about the blog's topic. Many reputable social media experts claim that writers/authors should not make their blogs about writing. Their opinion is that it limits the potential target audience and, I see how it could. But, if a writer doesn't blog about writing, books etc, then what? Also, if the author is not yet published, so she/he doesn't have a book to promote, doesn't that limit the potential content of the blog? And, do you consider it presumptuous and/or inappropriate for a non-published author to offer writing advice or tips? Just very curious.
I would appreciate any advice and or tips that you or any of your readers have on the subject of what a writer/author's blog should be about.
Although I have eclectic taste personally, I would tend to say my blog is not an eclectic blog, as much because of its style. I entirely agree about your blog Tossing it Out, it is very eclectic and I like it because of that. OK there are bits I am not interested in but I keep an eye on it and every now and again I think Oooooo whats that and I will make a comment.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying your A to Z Mr B
My blog is fairly eclectic, and I agree that it helps to avoid blogger burnout, but I think both eclectic and focused blogs have a value. I think the best kind of blog may be one which finds a happy medium between the two, with posts on a variety of regular topics.
ReplyDeleteI guess my blog could be called eclectic too, I write about whatever topic I think of, not in depth like you do, the only thing which is always there is a recipe.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I never know what I'm going to be talking about on my blog!
ReplyDeleteHeather
Yes, Hilary's blog is wonderful. She never runs out of ideas...and neither do you. Don't know if I'm eclectic, but I think I can keep my personal blog going even by just focusing on my childhood...way back then before computers and blogs. I suspect you might be able to do this also, Lee :)
ReplyDeleteA very informative post. Now I must check out your earlier ones (life got in my way since the 1st and especially today :(
What I was an expert in was teaching school. Other teachers and I would talk teaching into a hole. One friend's husband would not allow teacher talk in his presence. So when I retired, I decided to no longer be a teacher or talk teaching except about experiences that everyone can relate to.
ReplyDeleteSo eclectic is good. It broadens you.
I've always been eclectic in music, books, people, and interests.
ReplyDeleteAs for my blog, Monday Musings is eclectic--I write about whatever takes my fancy. My guest spots are all about the authors/writers behind the stories and what they learned or overcome.
I read a variety of blogs on various topics. I enjoy those more than reading the latest poem or short story or fan fiction written. That's my personal taste.
I agree, Hilary has a very eclectic blog and one that enjoyable to read. I like that she doesn't let someone dictate a blog must only be x amount of words. That's more for those who race through the day reading a ton of stuff and want it short. What we called at the newspaper, fluff stories. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I also like blogs that discuss interesting things and that can't always be done in 300 words or less.
Sia McKye Over Coffee
It's why I enjoy your blog, Lee. I never know what I'll find when I come here!
ReplyDeleteI love the word eclectic as a description for my own blog writing. Though my AtoZ focus is fairly specific, my blogs tend to be all over the place. I've been told I should rein it in a little, but I just can't seem to do it. I'm just going to go with it!
ReplyDeleteI had a commenter say she liked the randomness of my blog - my answer was "Crazy brain = crazy post." In my world eclectic is a good thing :)
ReplyDeleteYou can find me here:
ClarabelleRant
My interests can be somewhat eclectic but my blog is about promoting & reviewing fiction. I do like my educational material to be fun whenever that is possible; I also learn best by 'seeing' the material i.e., a video or something so I can picture it.
ReplyDeleteEclectic is good. I think bloggers who specialise in a particular subject probably need a certain level of expertise in that subject.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely eclectic in my interests, although my blog is mostly focused on personal experiences. I've included a few poems and photography in some of my posts, but I wouldn't mind stirring things up a little more often.
ReplyDeleteI love the things you "toss out", Arlee, even if I don't always comment. I think my blog is kind of "eclectic" too, A to Z being the exception, but even now I'm posting some randomness in addition to trying to keep up with the challenge! I'd say that I follow a lot of "eclectic" blogs because I find new interests that way. If the topic of the day doesn't interest me, I skip it but keep reading!
ReplyDeleteThe use of a theme during A to Z does tend to restrict some of us to some extent, but the theme idea works well I think.
DeleteLee