I’ll be in Salt Lake City on January 20-21 at “Alt.” That’s the Altitude Design Summit, a conference for design and lifestyle bloggers. I’m actually speaking, hosting a roundtable on creating a niche blog and building a vibrant community around it. After three years, I feel like I’ve learned some things. That said, I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on any of these three questions in preparation for the conference:
- What do you think makes for a good “niche” blog? What do you want or need… what makes you come back?
- What makes a blog feel like “community”? What kinds of things can a blogger do to nurture this feeling?
- Any readers in Salt Lake City wanna get together for a cocktail or latte or thrifting on Friday night the 21st? Tiki time?
Jeff says
As a fairly recent newbie to RR, I have to say, after reading everyone’s comments I’m inclined to agree with the majority that what we have here is special, and works well- my concern would be the added work for Pam!
No problem with niche blogging, but as long as the character of what is working now stays intact, then I’m all for it.
I look forward daily to Pam’s posts, Gavin, Shane, and Eartha’s comments as well.
RR has some really smart, talented people who all seem to have found each other, and who can argue with success like that?
Pam- I sent you last week some photos, including one of me you requested (hope it wasn’t too yucky to post!) LOL!
pam kueber says
Hi Jeff, I have all your photos… i’m just miserably behind all emails…. will try to get to it soon!
Jeff says
Hi Pam, no problem, I know you must be busy!
Leslie says
Pam ~ I think your formula is perfect! The resources are amazing, and you manage to keep the blog fresh and interesting with your variety of mid century topics. Retro Renovation is the only blog I read daily and like so many others who commented before me, something I truly look forward to each day. It is comforting to know there are so many others who want to maintain the integrity of their 1940’s, 50’s, 60’s homes. I also enjoy reading all the comments after your posts, and find myself thinking, ” wonder what Shane and Gavin have to say about that one”. So for me you have created a feeling of a comfortable and fun neighborhood. Ward and June would be proud!
handyandy says
I post only occasionally, but I read every day. Wouldn’t miss it. As an over- the- top 40’s enthusiast, I come for the comprehensive information you provide. The wonderful member responses (your included) is the icing on the cake. My vote is don’t change a thing.
Your hard work is very much appreciated!
Lynn-O-Matic says
Pam, I don’t have to time to post very often, and when I do have anything to say it’s usually already been said by the early birds, just as it has today. Everything you’re doing is just about perfect already. Checking your blog each day is THE highlight of my morning.
What Shane and Gavin said about wishing for a forum area is true for me, as well. I understand how much work that would be, but it would also increase the joy of RR. Is there any possibility of delegating the moderating duties to someone else? I know I just said how busy I am, but I really would volunteer to do that, and I’m sure there’s someone in an earlier time zone who’d be willing, as well.
If we had a forum we could share dorky things, like how yesterday my dad offered to haul some junk to the landfill. I was excited until I found out he was talking about my kidney and amoeba tables with the hairpin legs!!! And he was serious. Who could better understand the pain in my heart than you guys here? Or the time Gavin was talking about the history of 20th-century design and lamenting the fact that no truly original or excellent developments have come along for some time. I chimed in and our comments were deleted. I did not think we were being (excessively) negative or even going on a tangent. It would be great to have the space to have intelligent, respectful discussions on topics like that without hijacking a thread.
But, truly, the only things that could be improved would be to have *more.* More eBay listings, more weekend thrifting finds. Is there a way to do that without putting a huge burden on you to post everyone’s photos?
Mostly, thank you for enriching my life with your blog!
pam kueber says
your comments gave me an idea, lynn. stay tuned. 🙂
dustycrown says
What I like is being able to connect with other people who are passionate about (or at least interested in) the same quirky/obscure/unique thing that I am. It’s a great way to learn, locate resources, and just have someone appreciate the same thing I appreciate! Sometimes it’s nice to find someone else who “gets it.” (Plus you don’t have to inflict it on friends and family who may tolerate it, but don’t love whatever it is the way you do.) We lived in a vintage 1962 house until recently, and I loved the “time capsule” feel of the kitchen and bathrooms–but most of my friends wondered about it, I’m sure!
Leslie says
I agree with you completely!
Heidi Swank says
Are you by any chance coming through Las Vegas? If so and you have a bit of time, I’d love to show you around!
Sara Paul says
Pam I think that you have provided a “safe” place for those of us whose design taste doesn’t stay in the ever-changing mainstream. There is a common respect for each other here and a reinforcement that it’s OK to be a little unique. We can rely on each other for advice as well as encouragement here.
Frank says
I agree with many of the above posts. IMHO, a good part of your success is the den-mother-like way you manage the site and conversations on the boards. You are friendly and supportive to your readers, but step in a motherly-like manner if someone steps out of line or becomes overly critical. Your rule against harsh criticism is key. It is very refreshing to be able to post something on a blog and not worry about someone responding that your ideas or tastes are stupid.
Wendy says
I read this blog daily for two reason: Your enthusiasm for a subject close to my heart (not everyone “gets” retro), and your comprehensive list of obscure links.
If you ever come to Tennessee, I would LOVE to thrift with you!
pam kueber says
thanks, wendy. i like that word: “obscure”. please know that when i travel – i try always to set up a get-together. no TN anytime soon, but it’s possible, as I have family in KY. 🙂
Lora says
Niche: I come here because I know I can’t get the information ANYwhere else, other than through my own research. You work so hard to keep your blog up to date. It’s really an incredible resource (And are you ready to write a book yet?! Ha).
Trust me — I’m a (recovering) librarian. You’re a great niche resource.
Community: Your readers are curious and motivated. I know that I can also rely upon them for thoughtful ideas, advice and suggestions. I like how you respond to readers and encourage participation, rather than presenting yourself as the know-all authority and dismissing outside voices, which can happen on some blogs. You credit other blogs and link to those blogs. Your Facebook page also helps me feel like there’s an ongoing, participative community.
So, thanks! And good luck with your talk.
pam kueber says
Wow, affirmation indeed from a (recovering) librarian. Seriously, it IS like running a library in many respects! thanks, lora!