Buzzed Blogging is Drunk Blogging (How to Write a Blog Post That People Will Remember)
I have a confession to make. I have an ice cold Shiner Bohemian Black Lager sitting next to me as I type this. Sure it’s no Shiner Bock, which happens to be my favorite beer in the world, but it’s a pretty solid beer—Shiner’s #2 selling beer, to be exact. But anyway, I’m drinking this beer as I blog in remembrance of a post I read a year ago, “Why You Should Blog Drunk.” It was part of The “Bad Ass” SEO Guest Blogging Contest. In fact, it was posted on this very blog.
If you go back and read the post, it wasn’t actually advocating drunken blogging. Instead, it was a metaphor for how the no B.S. in-your-face-who-cares-what-you-think attitude you get after two too many drinks would serve you well as you blog.
But what can I say? I tend to take things quite literally. Excuse me a minute while I go grab another beer.
An Idea That Sticks with You
However, the fact that I’m actually drinking as I blog about a post based on drinking and blogging isn’t really the main theme here (albeit it is certainly an interesting little side thread).
What I’d really like to focus on here is why I still remember that post a year later. And I bet I’m not the only one that remembers it.
Now I haven’t actually spoken to Gerald about how much traffic that post got, but it did get well over 100 tweets. So I’m going to guess it was pretty successful. The question is—why? What did Jennifer Van Iderstyne, the author of the post, do to make it so memorable?
To be honest with you, I haven’t really thought it out yet. But as soon as I get another beer I’m going to dive into it and figure it all out. Excuse me for a second.
Why “Why You Should Blog Drunk” Was Such an Awesome Post
Okay, where was I? Oh yes, what was so good about that post… okay let’s start from the beginning:
- The Title Caught My Attention There are lots of good titles out there. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the catchier the title, the more people will want to read it. But in this case, the title isn’t just catchy. It’s different. And not only is it different, but the whole “Why You SHOULD Blog Drunk Thing” made me think Wow, how in the world are they going to argue in favor of this?! See, if the title had been “Why You Should NOT Blog Drunk,” then I wouldn’t have been as intrigued. Of course you shouldn’t blog drunk. Any rational human being would agree. Instead, she took the opposite of the obvious answer and made it work. That’s skillzzz.
- The Metaphor Wasn’t Forced or Trite Metaphors are hit or miss. And when it comes to blogging, a field that is flooded with a few really good writers, a lot of decent or average writers, and a BLEEP LOAD of really terrible writers…well let’s just say you get a lot of crappy metaphors. And these crappy metaphors can be broken into two categories. Either they are really forced and try to compare two things that are absolutely not related (I’m trying to write a post comparing the Houston Texans to copywriting on my personal blog but haven’t figured out how to avoid this pitfall yet). Or the metaphor will be so overused that I want to kill myself halfway through the post. Example? Eh, don’t want to call anyone out. You know what I mean. But this post… comparing blogging to drinking. Wow. And not just the act of drinking, but the mindsets you run through as you progress through a drunken night. I’m serious—it’s genius.
- It gave me something I could use that I hadn’t already read or thought about How often do you feel like you’re reading the same old crap over and over and over. Seriously, go to one of those sites like SERPd.com and come back and try and tell me that half the stuff isn’t just the same BLEEP, different BLEEPhole. Hey, even I myself am guilty of this. You are too. After all, it’s difficult to come up with completely original themes every time you blog.
But those posts we all do from time to time that don’t really offer anything new—they don’t resonate with people. They don’t stick with you. They’re just filler to meet a quota. You know, getting that link you want so bad.
Don’t shout me down because I’m telling the truth.
How Would You Grade This Post?
Okay, I’d say that about covers it. Now let’s take what I’ve determined makes a sticky post and apply it to what I just wrote. Did I succeed in creating a memorable post? Or did I feed you the same ol’ BLEEP?
Comment and let me know while I go grab another Shiner.
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23 Comments
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Chris,
I’m so happy that 1 year later someone remembers Jen’s post. “Why You Should Blog Drunk”
sometimes a little personality and originality goes a long way when it comes to blogging, marketing and life.
“I will remember you” – Sarah Mclachlan
…. Que the music!
Yeah. It’s rare that I even remember my own posts that long after! But every now and then, there’s one that just sticks with you, ya know?
Also, I’m thinking I’ll do a follow up to this one that deals with “Blog Hangovers” haha
After Jen wrote that post I have to admit I did myself engage in BWI. (blogging while intoxicated) a time or 2. LOL :-p
During the first 10 years of her writing career, my sister insisted on having a beer before she started writing. She insisted that it loosened up her brain and helped her write for longer periods of time. Apparently it worked. She was able to support her family with her writing skills the entire time. Then one day she got off the beer train and got on the caffeine express! Every writer needs a ritual, I guess.
Yeah, typically I write early in the morning, so I’m sucking down coffee. But if I’m writing at night, odds are I’m enjoying a Shiner.
Hi Chris.
Pass over a beer so I can make an equally memorable comment. I agree about forced metaphors. I think I’ve done a few at times, but more often my problem is that mid-way through a natural metaphor, another one crops up. Mixed metaphors don’t work as well as mixed drinks. Of course, it depends on how you mix your metaphors and how you mix your drinks.
And yes, I am one of those who remembers that post (or at least, I remember the title).
Yeah, we’re all guilty of trying to hit that awesome metaphor bu missing the mark. Luckily, I think I’m better at it than I am at darts. (See what I did there?)
Chris,
Awesome post and it is great to see you still remember Jen’s Post. Btw. great title.
Thanks for sharing this awesome post. Have a great weekend.
Thanks, much appreciated. In retrospect, the title should have been something more like “Buzzed Blogging is Drunk Blogging (How to Write a Blog Post People Will Remember EVEN IF YOU DON’T)”
Great post! I’ll certainly attest to the fact that writing while intoxicated or brainstorming while intoxicated can produce some pretty unique ideas. Sure, the next day you might read back through and think – WTF? But all in all I find that some of my best ideas are found under the oddest circumstances. I even keep a notepad next to my bed for those in the middle of the night, after a bad dream (or good one) inspirations.
I should really start doing the notepad-by-the-bed thing. I have some INSANE dreams.
Sometimes beer feeds your creativity.
True..as long as you don’t overdo it
Hi Chris,
Let me first say, Wow. I’m touched by your kind words and high praise. In truth, I’m more shocked than anyone that this post turned out to be so memorable.
But I really want to say that I agree with you 100% on this point:
“But those posts we all do from time to time that don’t really offer anything new—they don’t resonate with people. They don’t stick with you. They’re just filler to meet a quota. You know, getting that link you want so bad.”
Being inspired and original every time you write is a hell of a challenge for anyone. Especially in this space. You come in the morning a post is due, and find yourself mulling over coffee… “WTH am I gonna write about today?” Those obligatory posts may turn out awesome, but most of the time they’re just OK.
But sometimes, when you write something that you want to write, deadlines and critics be damned, you create something that really is a piece of you. “Why You Should Blog Drunk” is one of those for me. The fact is, when I wrote it I wanted it to be funny and informative, sure, but ultimately it was a bit self-indulgent. It was just fun for me and I amused myself.
So part of me thinks that, creating something really memorable is equal parts heart and strategy. Somewhere between the two lies the magic formula for making something that has the ability to stand the test of time.
Thanks again for the reference, there’s no greater compliment for a writer than to inspire someone else, and I am truly honored by your tribute.
No problem!
I agree with the self-indulgent part. I mean, really the best posts are the ones that deal with things you like. That’s why I like to include beer, my favorite TV shows, and all that silly stuff in my blogs whenever possible. Too bad that doesn’t really fly with most business ghost blog clients…
I once caught a quote on Twitter saying the following: ‘Write drunk, edit sober…’ Lol! I myself like a glass of wine and some progressive trance while I work.
Haha… definitely don’t want to make the post live until you’ve had a chance to pick through it the morning after!
Chris,
This is quite far from the norm post, which is what I LOVE about it! This post alone was very eye-catching, but not only that, I drink and blog all the time!
Also, bonus points for drinking Shiner (I’m a Texan).
Seriously, this is the kind of blogging that needs to be seen more often. Cheers!
Thanks,
I actually just did a tour of the Shiner brewery on my way back from SA a few weeks ago. If you haven’t done it, I highly recommend!
You are definitely right about the lack of good writers in the blogging world.
Great post Chris!
Well, I don’t think it’s necessarily a lack of good writers. I think it’s a flood of crappy ones.
The title of this post sure catches my attention, Chris. I should try drinking while writing a blog entry. Seems pretty cool. lol
Melly Lifshitz recently posted..MellyLifshitz: It is in the character of very few men to honor without envy a friend who has prospered.
Catchy titles are imperative in blogging! Thanks!