Blog usability is not that popular. It’s been my impression, based on what I see in my blogging travels, that many bloggers aren’t in it for their readers. Those who are, are unique.
Blog usability is as important as web site usability if you expect your blog to be anything other than it being search engine fodder.
When I visit a blog for the first time, I look for information about the blogger. This is found in a statement on the blog homepage, or an About page, or both. If the blog owner cares about you, they’ll let you know. If they care about the AdSense money more than you, they’ll let you know that too. You won’t find hide nor hair of them on their blog, but you’ll see lots and lots of Google Ads.
How do you know if a blog has integrity?
The blog that has reposted your posts, in full, whenever you write one is a copycat. Granted, they say that being copied is a form of acknowledgement that you’re doing something right. But, to get my vote for having a brain, I would prefer an overview, and a link back to my blog, instead. Just because we’re on the Internet doesn’t suddenly mean nobody needs manners anymore.
A blog that does recaps, with humor and additional thoughts on topics, is not only considerate, but adding to the lively conversation.
Blog usability consists of the same things that web site usability does. The parts that require user centered design include everything from the plug-ins, to navigation, to desirability, credibility and requirements gathering. That is, if you want your blog to stand out in the 50 million blogs crowd.
The more you think about what your blog readers want, the more you may find that blog usability is important for long term success.
Related: Usability Isn’t Expensive. It’s Practical. Usability is Useful
Related: SES San Jose: Blog Optimization by Lee Odden
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“The blog that has reposted your posts, in full, whenever you write one is a copycat.”
same thing happened to me, please see here:
http://wordpress.org/support/topic/82726
And for you, here: http://www.nerdfish.com/blog-usability/blog-usability-for-the-considerate-blogger/
Just thought you should know. The article came into me as a trackback. Might want to consider What Do You Do When Someone Steals Your Content. This sucks.
Now that’s a find! The post seems to be removed (good!). But more importantly, your article, “What to Do When….” is a fantastic resource. Thank you!