I read over at Melissa’s that Maureen at Trinity Prep was putting togethe lists of what makes Blogging “effective.”  Lots of good ideas over there.   I don’t know how effective I am as a blogger, but I know what I like and don’t like in other blogs, so  I thought I’d add mine to the mix!

1.  If you have comment sections – MANAGE THEM!  Don’t let commenters beat each other up, and don’t let the majority opinion beat up on a dissenter.  If someone is being inappropriate and rude, delete their entries, edit them or  and ban them!  Penni, over at the Martha Martha blog, actually does a very nice job of managing her com boxes.

2.  Don’t keep changing your address.  It’s fine to do it every two years or so if you absolutely have to, but other than that it’s a pain to keep changing the dead links and keeping up with you!

3.  Do change your template!  Everyone likes a surprise and it’s fun to visit an old friend with a new look and feel to the place!

4.  Add interesting stuff.  The Ales Rarus blog always interesting bloggie things to explore and play with. 

5.  Have a sense of humor.  There’s a reason Jeff Miller has 92 blogline subscribers.  He takes the news and finds the humor to it!

6.  Share your struggles!   Hundreds of people are waiting for Cecily’s baby after a devastating pregnancy loss last year.  Lots of us are cheering for Barb Curtis after losing 50 pounds and are happy for Valerie’s new house!  

7. Share about your family and about your accomplishments.  That’s what I love about the Summa Mama’s – Smocks babies, and Mama T-s book lists!

and for good measure…

8.  Have a predictable pattern.  This something I really want to try to get into.  For example, I know every Tuesday, it’s Spanning the Globe Day.  I look forward to it!   And of course Julie at Happy Catholic has her prayer requests and the weekend jokes.  It’s nice to have something to look forward to!