I know, I know. Some might say that it is a silly question since you rarely seek to become a blogger - you just become one.
However, I got a few emails from my readers asking me something along these line, thus this post. For example, I got asked "Should I focus more on targeting security professionals or general IT users?", "Any pitfalls I should be aware of?" as well as general questions about how to start, what content is best, etc all the way to "How did I profit from my blog?"
Q: Who should I blog to?
A: Blog to colleagues first i.e. infosecurity pros. Blogging to IT or general public is - in some sense - harder or - gasp! - will turn you into a journalist (someone who knows nothing about everything BUT writes about it as an "expert" :-)) Maybe you can broaden it later. Even better, write for YOU (!)
Q: What area of security I should focus my blogging on?
A: Focus on the area of security that you like the most or know them most: IDS? Patching? PIX administration? Linux? AD esoterica? Logs, maybe? :-) Then broaden if you feel like it or as you learn new areas
Q: Any advice on site design, themes, etc?
A: Site design, themes, etc will all come later; just pick something basic and FOCUS on content, not on SEO, design, etc. MUST have RSS feed; make it highly visible (HTML is out, RSS is IN :-))
Q: Any security blogging pitfalls that I should avoid? Any other tips?
A:
- Don't stick to only long, deep posts? Unbelievably, people often prefer shorter posts or a mix of short/shallow and longer/deep posts (that came as a shock to me early on!)
- Tips on how to do whatever useful work well; comments on hot issues (that you understand) works too for a shorter post.
- Definitely comment on other bloggers posts (more often early on, later - as you wish...)
- Avoid long breaks in blogging (>7 days); it will lead to reader loss (you should only care about it later - focus on fun content first!)
- Join Security Bloggers Network (drop an email to Alan Shimel for it)
Q: Has blogging in this niche generated any income for you? If so, how much?
A: Exactly $0. The reason is that I never wanted to "monetize" my blog; I don't have banners, etc. This is by design.
Q: How did it help your professional career in a significant way?
Yes, I think it helped my career and connected me to a lot of fun people! I sure hope I am not "known only as as blogger", but blog can definitely make one much more known professionally, especially if you create fun and/or useful content.
Overall, blog is a time commitment, but it is also a passion. It does help your career, but "forcing " yourself to do it just for "career benefits" is, IMHO, a wrong approach.
Yo, my fellow bloggers; help the newbies out, will ya?! Let's start a series of posts on "how to be a good security blogger!"
UPDATE: really good post "Why Blog?" from Richard.
8 comments:
Dr Anton, I think many of us have received this or similar emails recently. I have responded privately to those who asked me. I think your advice is right on though. Ultimately blog for yourself, not for others is my motto.
will turn you into a journalist (someone who knows nothing about everything BUT writes about it as an "expert" :-)).... khe khe khe me ROFL .. i say the same thing every morning i read newspaper :)
Very true - the most annoying part is that many will take you for an expert if you are a lot of drivel.... Sad indeed.
First I would like to say great blog. I have been following for a few years. I recently started up a blog targeted for students in my Network Security courses. I focus on the fundamentals but I also try to include important issues related to changes in the InfoSec field. I think your spot on with your tips. Content is king everything else is second. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for the comments and for the praise!
Great post. I would also add that for every blog I write, I spend at least twice that long commenting on other blogs, reading other posts and keeping up with the latest trends and news. But that will come in time. I agree that starting with what you know best, and enjoy, is the first step.
-Kristen Romonovich
Security Provoked www.GoCSIBlog.com
I have been blogging about computer security for a few months, and following your advice I joined the Security Bloggers Network. Thanks for the wise suggestion!
D0R - http://d0rblog.wordpress.com/
Welcome to security blogging!!!
Also, thanks for finding my post useful.
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