I’ve just wrapped up the first topic for LSJ bloggers, and I’ve been thinking about what went well, and what did not.
I was far too optimistic for how many people would get involved. Quite a few (but still few) people emailed their blog addresses and/or followed @LSJbloggers on Twitter.
That did not translate into actually suggesting ideas or writing posts.
Only four people wrote posts, and they were either third-year students, or members of The Linc’s team (or both!). Three of the four are regular bloggers anyway: myself, Shane, and Daniel.
This is not encouraging in the least.
I was a bit concerned that people did not understand the concept. But I think the idea of a blog ring is so simple and relatively commonplace for this not to be a factor.
I was also dumbfounded when one of the two people who actually suggested a topic completely ignored LSJ bloggers’ constituency, and suggested something that had nothing to do with either Lincoln or journalism.
Jesus wept.
I did not help matters with my sloppy handling of the topic. I set no clear end date, and didn’t even respond myself until almost two weeks after it opened (and ten days after the previous post). Not helpful.
Technically, I have no complaints. The main aspect that I was a little worried about was the submission system. Apart from a stunning inability to read very simple written instructions, it worked well. The features for scheduling and managing posts are good enough for my needs.
Summary
It could have been handled much better on my end, and have been very clear about the timeframe for responses. I should have got my shit together, and kept everything very tight.
But I’m not sure what I can do, if anything, to boost the amount of people who got involved. The idea was to have it absolutely student-led and -controlled. The floor was completely open for topic suggestions. And yet it only attracted three, from two people.
My rule regarding journalism students’ effort and enthusiasm definitely applies to this: 10% will put some amount of effort in, whilst 90% are completely bone idle.