Blogging Tips for Bloggers

BLOGGING TIPS FOR BLOGGERS

Five Blogging Tips

By

VIKRAM KARVE

If you really want to benefit from blogging here are five tips for you to follow: 

1. Blog under your Real Identity 

If you are really serious about blogging – you must not hesitate to mention your actual name – make a genuine profile – and upload your proper picture on your blog. 

Yes – you must create a proper profile – and – it is desirable to give your complete contact details too.

Be transparent and truthful about identity.

Is there any point in trying to blog “anonymously” – or by using a “fake” identity...? 

Who are you trying to fool...?

It is best to avoid using fancy “handles” and exotic nom de plumes  

Also – it does not make any sense to blog “anonymously”...? 

For reasons best known to them – many Bloggers hide behind masks of anonymity.

They blog under fictitious identities using fancy nom de plumes or “handles”.  

These anonymous bloggers give chic and swanky titles to their blogs which bear no correlation to the content of their blogs. 

Some use names of great literary persons and works from history as pseudonyms (handles) and others use catchy monikers which bear no resemblance whatsoever to their actual personalities.

Why are some bloggers reluctant to put their own face on their blogs and give their own “personality” to their blogs...?

What was the need to blog “anonymously”...? 

Why hide behind a fake “handle”...?

Why are some bloggers are shy of giving their full details on their blogs...? 

Why do they shy away from asserting ownership of their blogs...?

Are they ashamed of what they are writing on their blogs...? 

Or – is there some other reason...?

All this lack of transparency results in a sort of trust deficit about the blogger and is certainly not beneficial to the blogger in the long run.

2. The Title of your Blog must reflect the Content of the Blog

Before you name your blog – think about the theme or topics you are going to blog about. 

This must be reflected in the title of your blog (and url).

Do not confuse the reader and search engines with vague or fancy titles that have no bearing on the content of your blog. 

If it is your personal blog – it is a good idea to include your name in the title of your blog.

3. Blog Regularly

You must blog regularly – the more frequent the better.

You must aim to write one post daily – yes – a blog post a day. 

If you cannot blog every day – then – be consistent – and – have a regular schedule and stick to your schedule.

Blogging must become a habit.

4. Avoid lengthy Blog Posts

Typically – it is best to keep your blog posts under 500 words due to the limited span of attention of a reader when reading on a digital screen vis-à-vis reading on paper. 

Nowadays – many people read blogs on their smartphones – so avoid long paragraphs – and – write short sentences – this will make your blog easily readable on a digital screen.

5. Ensure Good Quality of Content

Yes – content is the supreme factor that will attract readers to your Blog.

As they say – CONTENT IS KING – good content will attract and retain readers. 

So – whatever you write – be original – be unique – and – be interesting. 

And – NEVER PLAGIARISE – yes – never never never plagiarise from other blogs/websites – because – you will be easily caught – and – once that happens – you will lose credibility forever in the blogosphere.

PS: 

It is easy to preach – but difficult to practice – and – I too struggle daily to adhere to my own suggestions. 

You may ask me – why am I giving unsolicited advice to other bloggers...?

Well – I have been blogging for around 18 years now – and this blog which I started around 9 years ago will soon reach 2.3 Million (23 Lakh) page-views – my blog gets around 1500 to 2000 hits every day – and – I am quite active in the Social Media too.

HAPPY BLOGGING

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Revised and Abridged version of my articles posted online by me earlier at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/02/blogging-tips-for-bloggers.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/04/trust-deficit-and-relationships-are-you.html and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/02/social-media-fake-identity-and-bogus.html

Marriage Bureau

MARRIAGE BUREAU

A Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

36 years ago – in the year 1980 – I went to a “Marriage Bureau” in Pune.

All my attempts at finding a suitable bride through the “love” route had failed – and I decided to go in for an “arranged marriage”.

The Proprietors of the Marriage Bureau were a “made-for-each-other-couple” – who seemed to be in their early 40’s.

The man and the woman sat side by side in the same office as true partners.

They seemed to be a most compatible couple – and the harmony which was visible in their demeanour indicated that they were true “soulmates”.

Seeing this “ideal couple” at the helm of affairs inspired confidence in me.

I knew that I had come to the right place – only a truly happily married couple whose relationship was rocking would know the “compatibility aspects” required for a happy marriage – and they would surely find the right bride for me.

Both of them asked me a number of questions – regarding myself – and also – about my “expectations” as far as the bride was concerned.

Within a week – they had lined up 3 girls for me to “see”.

I liked the very first girl I “saw” – and we both said “yes” to each other.

For the sake of courtesy – I “saw” the other 2 girls too – and I liked both of them – but then – legally – I could have only one wife – so – I got married to the first girl to whom I had said “yes”.

The fact the all the 3 girls the ‘Marriage Bureau’ had suggested were “perfect match” for me was “proof of the pudding” that the ‘made-for-each-other couple’ who ran the ‘marriage bureau’ knew what marriage was all about.

36 Years Later

01 January 2016

It was a grand event – in the best 5 Star Hotel in town – to celebrate the Golden Jubilee (50^th Anniversary) of the ‘Marriage Bureau’.

Yes – the ‘Marriage Bureau’ had been started 50 years ago – was still going strong – in fact – they now had a global presence – and operated online through their website – and – today – they had launched their ‘Mobile Matrimonial App’ too.

It was a huge event – and the crowd must have been at least a thousand strong – maybe even 2000 – and – it seemed that most of the couples whose marriages had been “arranged” by this “marriage bureau” had made it a point to attend.

They had even tracked us down to our present address in New York – and since we were in India for our annual Christmas Vacations – we – my wife and I – made it a point to attend the function.

The proprietors of the ‘marriage bureau’ – who – most probably – were now in their late 70’s – still looked a very “made-for-each-other couple”.

Both of them were in perfect harmony with each other – like “soulmates” – a “perfect” couple – and they acted like perfect hosts.

Dressed in matching colour-coordinated clothes, the two of them stood together at the entrance to welcome us – and – later – after they had cut the magnificent anniversary cake together – both of them moved around to personally greet us and ensure that our glasses were topped up, our plates were full and we were being well looked after.

During the party – many couples expressed their gratitude to the “made-for-each-other couple” proprietors of the ‘marriage bureau’ – and – I too made it a point to meet them and thank them for finding me a most suitable bride.

After the event – we – my wife and I – walked to the foyer of the hotel – and I asked the concierge to get me a taxi to Aundh – when – a male voice suddenly said from behind: “Why Taxi…? I am going towards Aundh – I will drop you in my car…”

I turned around – it was the ‘proprietor’ of the ‘Marriage Bureau’ – our host.

Soon – his chauffeur driven limousine arrived.

“You two sit on the rear seat – I will sit in front with the driver…” he said.

“Sir – but what about ‘madam’…? Isn’t she coming…?” I said.

“…‘Madam’…? Which ‘madam’…?” he asked.

“Sir – your wife…?” I said.

“My ‘wife’…? Well – I don’t have a wife – I am a bachelor…” he said.

I was stunned.

Seeing my bewilderment – he said: “Don’t feel embarrassed – it happens quite often – many people think that my ‘business partner’ is also my ‘life partner’…”

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

 

IS NAVY LOSING THE MEDIA BATTLE?

IS NAVY LOSING THE MEDIA BATTLE?

Ramblings of a Retired Mind

By

VIKRAM KARVE

There are many sides to a story.

For example, take the recent navy submarine mishap, preceded by a number of accidents/incidents in the navy during the trauma-filled recent past, which culminated in the resignation of the navy chief Admiral DK Joshi on moral grounds.

There are many versions of the submarine mishap story, mostly speculative, doing the rounds of the mainstream media (Print and TV), on the social media (Twitter and Facebook) and on the internet.

But the most important version of the story is missing.

The navy version – the credible version – is not available anywhere.

The main protagonist, the navy, is not interacting with the media, print, electronic or social, and the navy is not telling its side of the story.

All sorts of news reports and conjectures are being bandied about in the media and there is no response from the navy. 

There was a similar situation during the so-called Wife Swapping Scandals in the Navy last year when Navy Public Relations (PR) remained conspicuous by its silence resulting in people believing whatever scuttlebutt was projected by the media.

This “Media Shyness” is not helping the navy’s image.

It is baffling as to why Navy Public Relations Officer (PRO) is reluctant to appear before the media to tell the navy’s side of the story, discuss the navy’s point of view and present the true facts pertaining to the mishap before the public.

Due to the woeful lack of navy public relations effort, people are hearing various speculative and opinionated versions of the story.

In the absence of a credible version from the navy, people have no choice but to start believing the scuttlebutt that is presented to them.

Total silence on the part of the navy is creating a widening information gap.

Such information gaps create a scope for confusion, speculation, rumours and wild “kite flying” by all and sundry which can damage the reputation of the navy.

During this entire hullabaloo, the Navy Public Relations (PR) remains conspicuous by its silence.

Since the Navy does not tell its side of the story, in the absence of authentic information, people start believing whatever is reported in the media which is mostly hearsay, gossip, unfounded information and unconfirmed reports.

Most of the media reports are quite unfavorable to the navy and this is adversely affecting the image of the navy.

Perception matters.

It is high time that Navy PR stops running away from the media and takes positive steps to restore the good reputation of the navy in the eyes of all stakeholders.

As far as the current mishaps are concerned, in order to repair the damage done to the good image of the navy by such controversies, there is an urgent need for Navy PROs to interact with the media, appear on TV and, if necessary, take part in debates and discussions and effectively communicate the authentic facts in a credible manner.

We see only retired officers and “expert commentators” appearing on TV debates giving their opinionated views based on half-baked information.

Many commentators seem highly biased and, at times, they tend to run down and vilify the navy.

But the Navy PRO is conspicuous by his absence and there is no one to rebut the fallacious and disparaging remarks made sometimes by various participants during TV discussions.

The saying “Silence is Golden” does not apply to Public Relations (PR).

In Public Relations – SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN

The Navy must tell its side of the story truthfully and it must do this with promptness and accuracy.

Navy PR must engage with the media in order to ensure that the media reports such news in a balanced, fair, credible and transparent manner after hearing all sides of the story.

There is an urgent need for Navy PR to be more visible and articulate.

Navy Public Relations Officers (PRO) must appear on TV Channels promptly without delay the moment any news pertaining to the navy is reported and the PRO must give the Navy version of the incident.

This will help the truth to be established and obviate speculation, gossip, scuttlebutt and rumours.

There is a vital need for Navy PR to optimally utilize the Social Media, especially Twitter, which is highly effective in disseminating news almost instantaneously.

Navy PROs must make their presence actively felt on Twitter.

Alertness in monitoring news of interest and prompt response on Twitter is a highly effective public relations strategy.

This will help project the navy point of view effectively.

In today’s technology driven world, it does not pay dividends for an organization to be media-shy.

Being media-shy, and not telling the navy’s version of events, is damaging the reputation and image of the Navy, as people believe other versions which may be sensationalized, exaggerated, unflattering, misleading, or even untrue.

Today, the media is alert and quick to report any news.

There is a rat race in the media to be the first in reporting sensational “Breaking News”.

In addition to the print and electronic media, social media like Twitter and Facebook, owing to instantaneous speed and tremendous reach, has a huge power to affect your reputation in a split second with devastating effect.

In these modern circumstances, whenever there is negative, scandalous or sensational media coverage, orthodox PR strategies like “being in Denial Mode” or “burying your head in the sand like an ostrich” or “mouthing inane platitudes” may be counterproductive and may result in tarnishing reputation of the navy.

As I have said earlier, there is an imperative need for Navy PR to effectively engage the media and be speedy, visible and articulate.

The media has made rapid strides incorporating the latest in information technology, but Navy PR seems to be rooted in the distant past.

In fact, Navy PR seems to have become defunct.

Navy PR must ensure that, in addition to the PRO, senior naval officers are visible in the media and articulate the navy’s point of view.

We hope that the Navy PR rejuvenates itself to achieve Synergistic Public Relations.

Proactive Navy PR will help uphold the good image of the Navy.

Responsive Public Relations are imperative to enhance the image, morale, reputation and prestige of the Navy.

There is an urgent need to improve media management by the navy, and other defence services, army and air force too.

In conclusion, here is quote, maybe apocryphal, made by the late General K Sundarji, a distinguished former Army Chief, at a media seminar at Delhi:

“When commanders fail to respond to the media, the field is left open to the critics of the armed forces, then speculation and misleading stories abound”

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

NB:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

HOW TO REMAIN HAPPILY UNMARRIED

HOW TO REMAIN HAPPILY UNMARRIED

Food for Thought

By

VIKRAM KARVE

There is a beautiful and bright young Techie Girl who lives in my neighbourhood. 

She wants to get married but it seems that she just can’t seem to find anyone suitable matching her "stringent" requirements. 

She is surrounded by so many “eligible” boys, colleagues at work, in her friends circle, if she prefers a "love" marriage; and also she has “seen” and “rejected” a large number of boys her parents and well-wishers keep lining up for her, in case she wants to go in for an "arranged" marriage. 

None of the boys seems to come up to her perfect standards and high expectations.

But one thing is sure - she does want to get married.

I wonder whether I should tell her this apocryphal Mulla Nasrudin Teaching story titled

THE PERFECT WIFE

Mulla Nasrudin was sitting in a tea shop when a friend came excitedly to speak with him.

“I am about to get married,” his friend said, “and I am so very excited.”

“Congratulations,” Mulla Nasrudin said, nonchalant,  pokerfaced.

“Tell me, Nasrudin, have you ever thought of marriage yourself?” the about to get married friend asked Mulla Nasrudin who had remained a chronic bachelor.

Nasrudin replied, “Of course I did think of getting married. In my youth, in fact, I very much wanted to get married.”

“So, what happened...?” the friend asked curious.

“I wanted to find for myself the perfect wife,” Nasrudin said, “so I travelled looking for the perfect wife. I first went toDamascus. There I met a beautiful woman who was gracious, kind, and deeply spiritual, but she had no worldly knowledge."

"Oh, how sad...!" said the friend, " then what did you do...?

"Then I travelled further and went to Isphahan. There I met a woman who was both spiritual and worldly, beautiful in many ways, but her social graces were not of the highest standards.”

“What a tragedy...then what did you do...you gave up...?” the friend asked.

“No...No...I don't give up so easily...and I very much wanted  to get married...so I kept on searching for the perfect wife and travelled all over the world meeting so many women..." Nasrudin said.

“And did you find her...? Tell me, did you finally find the perfect wife...?” the friend asked eagerly.

“Yes,” Nasrudin said, “after travelling all over finally I went to Cairo and there after much searching I found her. She was spiritually deep, graceful, and beautiful in every respect, at home in the world and at home in the realms beyond it. I knew I had found the perfect wife.”

“Then why did you not marry her...?” the friend asked excitedly.

“Alas,” said Nasrudin as he shook his head in dismay, “Unfortunately, she was searching for the perfect husband.”

Please close your eyes and introspect. 

Though this story is about marriage (finding the perfect wife), it applies to everyone who is obsessed with "perfection" in any aspect of life.

Do apply the story to yourself, to others, to situations you have observed yourself and others who strive for achieving "perfection" to the point of obsession. They not only want things to be perfect, they also want people to be "perfect".

And if you are young and searching for a "perfect" soulmate or spouse, do remember this story, otherwise you will keep searching for your perfect mate all your life until it is too late and maybe you will remain single all your life ... LOL

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

Did you like this article?

I am sure you will like the stories in my recently published book COCKTAIL comprising twenty seven short stories about relationships. To order the book please click the links below:
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About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and he is currently working on his novel. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts. 


Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com 

       

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.