Mind mapping
Attempt #1:

• Get a piece of paper to write on.
• Draw five circles across the middle of the page.
• In each circle write the titles of the last five posts on your blog.
• Brainstorm on ways that the post could be extended or built on.
  
• For each idea draw a line out from the circle, and write the idea inside of it.
• Let yourself be as creative and outside the box as you want. Any idea is allowed at this point.

Content is king

One of the biggest struggles for me is providing content that will keep people coming back. With all the other blogs out there, blogs that stand out are few and far between.

The blogs I like to read on a daily basis I keep going back to because I like the content they provide. So, how do I come up with new ideas every few days to keep people interested enough to visit on a regular basis?

Our Assignment

Read these helpful links provided for us by our host Kim

• 24 Things to do When Stuck for a Topic to Blog About
• Brainstorming Techniques for Bloggers
• 9 Steps to Better Blog Post Ideas

Given that information, the second task in the Blog Improvement Project has two parts: brainstorming ideas and blogging your ideas.

Part 1 — Brainstorming Ideas:

• Read the articles above and find a technique that you think will help you brainstorm, then spend some quality time brainstorming.

• Keep track of the topic ideas you’ve brainstormed for a time in the future when you need some ideas.

• Come back and comment on this post or sign the Mr. Linky below with a post about brainstorming techniques you found particularly helpful or other brainstorming techniques you use.

Part 2 — Blogging Your Ideas:

• Use your brainstormed ideas to come up with a new, regular feature for your blog. There are a lot of memes and stuff out there to participate in, but I think it’s cool when a blogger has a feature that is unique to them. Think about what makes your voice different, then come up with a feature that reflects that. There aren’t any “rules” about the feature — just be yourself.

• Come back and sign the Mr. Linky with a post about your new feature.

Completion date: February 1
Next assignment: February 2
Last assignment: January 5 — Setting Goals — What Is Your Blog For?

What Is Your Blog For?

It's been nearly a year since I started this blog. In the beginning this space was mostly a spot for personal reflection but as time passed it became more then that. I started using my own photographs and digital art to accompany blog posts but lately, I've been falling short when it comes to writing journal entries. I'm excited to see where this project takes me and looking forward to achieving some, if not all, of the goals I have set for my blog.

1. Journaling - This is the area where I need the most help. I would like to plan ahead, post more frequently, and write about a variety of subjects.
   
2. Connecting with others - I would like to increases reader interaction by offering some projects as a way for other readers to interact and promote themselves as well.
3. Add a tutorial section - A spot where I can post photoshop tutorials, offer textures and brushes for download and possibly have a Q&A section.
4. De clutter - This one is pretty much self explanatory... clean up CSS codes, archives, and improve the all over flow of my blog (hmmm... wonder if there is such thing as blog feng shui?).
   

I would love to hear feedback ... and please feel free comment or add any suggestions you might have for me.

Next assignment date: Monday, January 19

Sophisticated Dorkiness is hosting a Blog Improvement Project which I have decided to participate in. The 2009 Blog Improvement Project is a year-long challenge that will consist of twice-monthly activities to improve my blog. Every first and third Monday of the month there will be an activity on her site that will related in some way to making my blog better. I will then spend the next two weeks focusing on that aspect of my blog. Possible topics include goals setting, writing better content, building community with readers, getting more readers, and blog layout and design.

Because this project is a blog building/strengthening exercise, I have decided to post my progress in a separate area from my main blog. The link is in the menu at Slightly Off-Center if you would like to keep track of my progress.

If you wish to participate, you can check all the details out on Kim's blog... Sophisticated Dorkiness.