« Good usability is like "water flowing downhill" | Main | Getting someone to decide »
What makes a popular blog?
The "Creating Passionate Users" blog is now in the Technorati Top 100. The big question is... why? We're not the brightest crayons in the box, or the best writers, and we rarely participate in A-Lister topics... so it's got to be something else. More importantly, are there lessons learned that can help someone else with their blog (or other content)? I have my own theories (one of them: this blog tries to practice what it preaches in making it far more about you than about us). The only way to make this top 100 thing useful to anyone is to reverse-engineer the blog and try to make some general principles others can apply (if they're interested in having a lot of readers).
So, there's a lot of brain power among y'all, and if you want to help one another (and me) out, then please please please take a moment to add a comment that answers the question: "What makes this blog popular that OTHERS MIGHT USE?" As much as I appreciate sucking up : ) what I do NOT want in this thread are compliments ("because this blog rocks!") The challenge is for you to come up with an answer in the form of a tip, suggestion, idea, recommendation for others--and without saying anything about me personally.
[To those of you who are just dying to add the snarky-but-uncreative "because blog readers are stupid" or "you must have had sex with an A-lister" kind of answer, don't bother. It's my blog, and I'll consider those unhelpful/off-topic. And besides, I'll just have my new Blog Bouncers Leisa Reichelt (design blog), Rick Turoczy (marketing blog), and James Sherrett (all-around good guy) toss you ; )]
What do you think? Based on anything you've experienced here, what advice would you give others? I'll provide my own speculation, but only after y'all have chimed in. Besides, you're the only ones who can really answer this question, and many of you are coming from very different perspectives.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for taking moments out of your day to read this blog. I consider your time and attention a gift, and I try to give something back by offering something you can use. The reason this blog is in the top 100 (for now, I'm sure it's only temporary) is because of you, and I never forget that.
(I'm heading out now for 24 straight hours of travel to Wellington, but I'll be checking this thread the moment I land. Thank you all in advance!)
Posted by Kathy on May 20, 2006 | Permalink
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/220252/4929947
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference What makes a popular blog?:
» Creating Passionate Users; Q:A-list howto?; A:Natural, Well Balanced from Joy Of Innovation
Kathy Sierra is asking why her blog made it to the A-list. This is the wonder of blogging, bloggers and all thing co-creation:The amature getting really good at it thingy. Like you play a game naturally and suddenly you find that you are winning; You s... [Read More]
Tracked on May 20, 2006 10:28:04 PM
» Women Bloggers and the from act2
Women Bloggers and the A-List [Read More]
Tracked on May 22, 2006 1:12:52 AM
Comments
I like you blog, because information I read here is not same ol same ol, as in many marketing blogs. The ideas you write are actually applicable to everyday business, and not some theoritic stuff you read in over-hyped business best seller. Also a lot of big blogs, already forgetting what is that all about, and they turned off comments which makes them just a regular news read. You keep it social and that is what blogging is all about. So keep it up.
Posted by: Roman | May 20, 2006 12:30:42 PM
The points you make in words are enhanced by the images you provide. Your lessons are filled with common-sense from a user perspective. In a word: Uncomplicated.
Posted by: Mike Sansone | May 20, 2006 1:11:12 PM
Light writing style without giving up depth. Great use of images that actually work with the article. Very indepth posts. I like reading short articles, so somebody writing long posts and keeping my attention is a real skill. I also like that you use full posts in your feed so I only have to come over to the site when I want to post or look at the images.
Posted by: kalbzayn | May 20, 2006 1:12:17 PM
Because it is very useful. It helps me to understand my mind. And the other people's, of course.
Posted by: JoeP | May 20, 2006 1:15:57 PM
Your articles are very comprehensive and thought-provoking. That is the main reason your blog appeals to me. You show intelligence and wit; combined with a simple writing style you are golden. Part of this is that you practice what you preach as you say, but more of it is that the topics you talk about appeal to a very wide variety of people.
When I first saw your site and read the url, I figured that this would be something that wouldn't apply to me. However, when I started reading the articles I realized that you had a lot of great tips and ideas. Even though I'm not in your target audience, I find the things you write to be very helpful and practical.
Like Roman said, there is all original content here and very little of it has been said elsewhere, at least that I know of.
Please keep up the good work.
Posted by: Glen C. | May 20, 2006 1:28:19 PM
I like the way you break down "dry" marketing subjects into enjoyable reading material, using a easy-to-understand writing style and suprising graphics.
Posted by: Wouter | May 20, 2006 1:33:45 PM
I'm constantly sending links to your pages to people I know. Why? Because your insights go the next step beyond "getting it": you provide analyses of how helping users succeed works as marketing, using specific examples that apply to the situations of my clients and colleagues. That's why I read your every post, and I think that's how you made the Technorati Top 100.
Posted by: Sterling Camden | May 20, 2006 1:37:29 PM
because your blog has a pov - and a strong one. too many marketers believe that "not offending anyone" is the goal. keep up the good work!
Posted by: dave | May 20, 2006 1:43:40 PM
Easy .. I have read more relevant wisdom/opinion here than any other blog out there, and its fun to read and not at all preachy
Posted by: Deepak | May 20, 2006 1:55:52 PM
"Me too" - it's the images that connect what you're saying to an emotional/intuitive understanding of your point.
Many times you say things that I've tried to convey, but something about your posts really make for impact. And, many are the times I've forwarded just the link to one of your graphics to someone as a follow-up to a conversation. :-)
(with appropriate link to the blog as well, of course)
Posted by: jh | May 20, 2006 1:56:23 PM
You seem to genuninely like people and find them fascinating. It's always refreshing to find someone who's positive, smart, and generous, in real life and in the blogosphere. Your showing in the Top 100 tells me that snark (the fuel behind many blogs) only goes so far.
Posted by: Asha Dornfest | May 20, 2006 2:13:03 PM
It is definitely the images. The images let me know whether I will enjoy the article (i.e. whether it is relevant to me) within a few seconds. No other blog allows me to sort out what I do and don't want to read as quickly.
P.S. Seeya at Webstock ;-)
Posted by: Lloyd | May 20, 2006 2:24:19 PM
Your blog stands above so many others for several reasons:
1. You see a "bigger picture" and frame it well.
2. You write well, with a style that reflects your personality and humor. I get a sense of you as a real person.
3. You may think you're writing spcifically about the tech world, but so much of what you say transfers to other disciplines--and life itself. People sense this and respond to it.
I can personally vouch for the last one, because I have little to do with the high-tech world--I'm a full-time artist-yet I find your blog thought-provoking and powerful. You're sort of an uber-teacher--something who inspires passion in others because of the passion they themselves have.
Posted by: Luann Udell | May 20, 2006 2:40:13 PM
Kathy,
Great post. I think that blogs which consistently create value (learning, understanding etc.) for their readers will naturally and, more importantly, sustainably rise to the T100.
IMHO writing articles of a readable length (not a book yet neither a post-it) combined with clever, colourful graphics which succinctly get to the point of the matter in a memorable way only goes part of the way (less than half, for that matter) to creating value.
Content matters. Original content rocks. Having a point of view rocks. Practicality rocks.
Rock on!
Shaun
Posted by: Shaun Orpen | May 20, 2006 2:48:23 PM
In addition to what others have already said, I will add broad appeal. I often find your posts to be relevant to my job as a high school teacher. I am not interested in marketing per se, but I believe this blog is mush broader than marketing.
Posted by: Lianne | May 20, 2006 2:52:56 PM
surround your self with greatness, and you will be treated like a great person. Okay so how many great people do you folks hobnob with and how did you get to hobnob with them. If you write about that, then you know what put you in the top 100.
Posted by: Terry Fernandez | May 20, 2006 3:06:25 PM
well, you already said it: you write this blog for the readers, not for T100.
You don't seem to care about the quantity of readers, but to deliver quality to the readers you have. And sometimes, rarely, those who don't care about prices rightly get them :)
Posted by: Sam | May 20, 2006 3:48:09 PM
Your blog is really informative but light at the same time. It's an enjoyable read and still gives insight on how to improve a business (it can be applied to everyday life as well). The pictures are great too because they illustrate the concepts really well.
Suggestions? The only thing I might say is to write at a broader level. By this I mean writing about different types of people and how to connect with them. I'm interested in marketing, but only a high school student. It would be really fun to read about how to appeal to (or interact with) a younger age group.
Posted by: Nis Mohan-Ram | May 20, 2006 3:50:44 PM
I think your point of view is reflected in your name: you are focused not on how to sell 15% more consulting hours next quarter, or 20% more licenses of your app, by how to get over the other side where users LOVE what you are doing and you are really in tune with what your community is waiting for. I think this is the point we are trying to reach by most of the time we are focused on incremental improvements that may entirely miss the point.
--michael
Posted by: michael stein | May 20, 2006 4:23:41 PM
Every time I read this blog, I learn something. The same way you often talk about how a key part of creating passionate users to make sure they're always learning something, your blog continues to educate me. Often you present things from perspectives that I might not have previously considered, or topics that hadn't yet crossed my mind. I often find myself saying to friends "Hey, I learned something about from Creating Passionate Users ... check out this article...".
Posted by: Skrud | May 20, 2006 4:36:58 PM
Kathy,
I'd have to say that CPU is probably the best example of the Generous Web at work. Your willingness to freely share your wisdom and understanding, whilst taking the time to build great graphics never fails to amaze me. We get to metaphorically sit at your feet and learn - with time our only investment.
In light of CPU, a successful blog is one that is passionate about freely teaching what wisdom its author possesses.
Thanks for being a great example to the rest of us plodding along in the land of winkin', blinkin' and blog.
Posted by: Bill Kinnon | May 20, 2006 5:12:02 PM
It's just plain great content. I find a few articles per week that make me think, and that I pass around to other people. I've learned a great deal from you...
Posted by: Arien Malec | May 20, 2006 5:44:50 PM
To add on to the other commenters, here are a few of the reasons I think this blog is popular in no particular order.
1. Insights into how marketing/brands/sales/job/etc work.
2. You acknowledge you don't have all the answers. But comment on what you know and think, leaving the 'understanding' up to the reader. When you do have the answer, you still leave the 'understanding' up to the reader.
3. Because of #2, you make me think in terms of my own marketing/branding/sales/job/etc.
4. You practice what you preach - making the blog an example of what you are talking about.
There are more reasons, I'm sure. Make sure you let us know what you think the reasons are...
Posted by: Michael Vanderdonk | May 20, 2006 6:50:27 PM
It's the content, silly. (Sorry, I can't call someone else "stoopid" without tasting that bar soap from long ago.)
No worries about being PC or some other nonsense...just good info that we can use, no matter what our field.
Posted by: Cyndi L | May 20, 2006 7:01:38 PM
Because you make us feel good about being marketers, and teach us all a thing or two about writing as well. From each post you teach me something about writing, marketing and blogging in on hit.
Posted by: Ben Rowe | May 20, 2006 7:13:24 PM
You put things in context for me. Your post about Scoble's desire to hang out with happy people and avoid negative types was a great example. Instead of jumping on one side or the other, you put the whole issue into the context of what makes us people and why negative emotions are so much more powerful than positive. It was very instructive for me. That's what I like. You make me stop and think.
Posted by: Dave Traynor | May 20, 2006 7:40:28 PM
The images got me hooked, the content kept my attention.
Posted by: Hans | May 20, 2006 7:45:38 PM
Beyond the points already mentioned, I want to point out that the theme of CPU is overwhelmingly positive: everybody wins!
I win by producing what my users want or need.
My users win by getting a better product to assist them with what they do and love.
You (Kathy) win by getting prompt feedback on new ideas.
I don't see any losers here. Even though we often discuss competition, it is not one of Product A vs Product B. It is instead one of us (the collective) against our daily challenges: the task in front of us, becoming better at it and helping others do the same.
Posted by: Kurt Graustein | May 20, 2006 7:49:44 PM
I haven't been reading you for very long (perhaps two months) but there are several reasons I keep you in my feed reader:
1. Your writing style is incredibly down to earth. More importantly, I am left with the feeling that you have this amazing information and you want to share it with people--key word being SHARE. You don't lecture or condescend. You reflect a key word in your blog's title: "passion." Your passion for what you teach is combined with your passion to share it in a way that helps others.
2. You help me focus. You recently had an article on what critics one should listen to, and those we should consider discarding. Your approach to business, the Internet, usability, etc. teaches me to be more efficient and follow the 80/20 rule. You help me think more logically.
Posted by: reese | May 20, 2006 8:18:51 PM
I will echo the comments above (well-written, broadly applicaple, thought provoking) and add that you speak as if you are beside me, not above me. You share the information, you don't preach it. For that, I thank you.
Posted by: cavalaxis | May 20, 2006 8:39:24 PM
I come to this blog because of the newness in many of the things that you suggest. New, not because nobody else thinks of it that way, but because few write about it and make you think. I like this blog also because it articulates ideas that I think about - and does it convincingly. Well, in a nutshell it makes me think. Thanks for that!
Posted by: neelakantan | May 20, 2006 8:57:08 PM
I don't know how I stumbled on this blog, but I'm glad I did. It's one of the few I check regularly. And I don't do marketing or programing work.
So, why do I keep coming back?
I really get a kick out of the images. The graphs and charts kick booty in a way that no others have ever done for me. There's something refreshingly fun, sassy, and even a little tongue in cheek - and all the while they are very very pertinent. The photos from the '50s are just fun.
And then the text is also pointed and useful. As a reader, I appreciate well-edited writing. It leaves me feeling respected.
So I keep coming back.
I'd love it if you'd give tips/pointers about the mechanics of your images. How do you go about creating them? Is it something a moderately techie guy could pull off? Also, can you talk about the inspiration for the images? In other words, how to you think of them and then how do you make them a reality?
Thanks so much!
Posted by: Wayne Martin | May 20, 2006 9:20:10 PM
I like this writing-style.
Althougth i am from asia,sometimes i don't understand
full of post.But i learn it very much.It's very good
for us, thanks.
Posted by: Mike | May 20, 2006 9:31:47 PM
One other point that I think is important for creating a popular blog is being focused. Do one thing and do it well. This blog does a great job of sticking to its "mission statement" of Creating Passionate Users. Kathy does drop in bits about her personal life, but it's not the point of the blog. She doesn't put up pointers to online petitions, get involved in politics, etc. I've been thinking about this a lot recently both because my own blog is way too scatter-brained, and because I think the importance of focus applies to business as well.
Of course, the great pictures and the consistently thought-provoking content has a lot to do with why this is a great blog, too.
Posted by: Eric Nehrlich | May 20, 2006 9:32:27 PM
Transference. That's what makes this blog useful. I read it and apply it to my work in software, but I can take the same article and show it to my wife, who is a nursing home administrator, or my friend, who is a welder, and we all get some useful ideas from it to apply to our work. That's it in a nutshell.
Posted by: Zaine Ridling | May 21, 2006 12:18:41 AM
FUN.
This blog has a unique personality. From the cute titles, to the funny graphics, to the causual writing style. Reading this blog feels like one has been talking to a fun person. Then you discover, you have actually learned something or thought about something in a new way. Both make you feel good and make you want to come back for more... fun.
Posted by: Mary-Anne | May 21, 2006 12:45:00 AM
CONGRATS! :)
Why I love this blog and been faithfully coming back:
1. Passion. I can literally feel your passion in writing and sharing in this blog. The topics covered are diverse, considering the fact that you are a "techie" (if I'm right?)
This leads to Point #2:
2. Great content. Superb stuff. Thought-provoking yet at the same time, not critical. It's not easy to find such a blog nowadays where you do not go on ramble about negative things in life.
3. Interesting and attractive graphics. And they are self-created. Picture speaks a thousand words, I'm sure you are aware of this. And they come in so colorful variations too, that drives the point you are writing on very well. Makes reading your post much more enjoyable. :)
Posted by: Kloudiia | May 21, 2006 1:16:17 AM
You write in an easy going, personal style about stuff that's eye-opening, informative and useful, in a way that makes it easy to understand.
Plus you're very focused and passionate on your niche topic and you serve it very well. I've never thought about creating passionate users before and what it entails, but there's so much in that little sentence that spans marketing, learning theory, etc etc etc.
And keep saying 'kick ass', cus I think you nail it on the head just right when you say it's about the user kicking ass :)
Posted by: Alvin | May 21, 2006 1:28:28 AM
I read the blog because the "creating passionate users" idea essentially defines what we are trying to achieve in our business. As business development manager I see sustainable revenue as a symptom of passion. We even used the kick ass curve in our business plan. It describes perfectly the empowerment we are trying to deliver to our users.
I can imagine this philosophy "just feels right" to many frusturated develoers, users and marketing gurus. Therefore your success is a symptom of meme who's time has come. Well done.
Posted by: steve | May 21, 2006 1:47:19 AM
As a medium, the blog is essentially a new form of vanity publishing. The really good ones rise above this, and exploit the medium in ways that delight us and extend our understanding of the world. Reading a good blog makes me smarter.
I enjoy your blog, Kathy, and I think it’s great that you’re giving us this space to reflect on what makes a good one.
A good blog ...
- is well written
- has enough original content to make it interesting
- isn’t so original that it’s completely off the planet
- doesn’t take itself too seriously
- avoids making itself the focus of its material
- doesn’t shy away from risky opinions / topics
- has a welcoming design and layout (curse you, black background, curse you!)
- honours its readers by treating them as adults, and valuing their comments
- is licensed under the Creative Commons, which also honours the readers by allowing them to use the content in their own work (with appropriate citation)
- has a focus, but the content is transferable to wider areas beyond its main topic area
- has a clear, upfront policy for comments, which nonetheless encourages readers to thoughtfully debate the issues presented
- provides hyperlinks to relevant sources and related material
- offers readers an appropriate level of predictability in terms of article length, topic, frequency, and tone (without becoming repetitive)
- provides regular postings – fewer than one a week increases the temptation not to come back
- has a reliable RSS feed
- includes the whole article in the RSS feed, so that readers can keep up without visiting the site
- includes the number of comments next to the comments link
- provides intuitive tagging / indexing so that readers can come back and find an older item
CPU does most of these, and I guess you have reasons for the ones you don’t. It’s a great read, and I think it does make me smarter. Thanks.
Posted by: woulfe | May 21, 2006 2:20:33 AM
There were times when I thought that superior success was a result of a background miracle. Your blog, which is simple,direct and infused with a great deal of commonsense and striking examples changed my notion of success.
Your blog is motivational.... it made me a better person.
Posted by: Prasad | May 21, 2006 4:26:33 AM
As I said in a blog post of mine, you put in practice cognitive knowledge the smart way.
Here is why.
Perfect match between vintage pictures and interesting content.
Keep it up !
Posted by: cypher | May 21, 2006 6:04:39 AM
The most important thing you have is your blog title. It communicates to me in three simple words a goal for my life. By having the word "Users" in there it focuses on me and not you. Passionate gives it the extra edge and fire. Creating indicates making something that works out of the chaos of life. PLUS you blog lives up to it's title.
Posted by: J. Patrick Greer | May 21, 2006 6:15:19 AM
Because you kick me in the *ss in a way that makes me feel like 'I can do this!'
Posted by: C | May 21, 2006 8:55:30 AM
Because is:
a. useful
b. knowledgeable
c. enterteaning
d. inspiring
I always come back because I learn new things. You out-teach, I guess :D
Ah, and it's
e. free
Regars!
Posted by: zaxl | May 21, 2006 9:23:41 AM
The CPU is smart and funny. I like the topics you choose. I assume most bloggers are techies and we can all relate to some kind of user whom we'd like to make passionate for the products we develop, sell, or use. It makes us look good to link to a sucessful blog that everyone else is reading.
Keep it up Kathy! We are glad to have you.
Marian
Posted by: Marian Crkon | May 21, 2006 9:51:08 AM
1) A writer with passionate opinions
2) A writer with clarity, energy and self-deprecation
3) A writer for whom size (of blog ranking) does not matter
Posted by: john dodds | May 21, 2006 10:24:18 AM
I find this blog great because it reminds me to make an effort in my tasks. And not just in my job. Not just in this industry but in everything I do. Pay attention and do the best I can possibly do. It inspires me. It reminds me that I can kick ass.
Posted by: Carrie | May 21, 2006 10:31:46 AM
You're doing it right now Kathy, it's about creating a sense of community. I try to do the same thing on my blogs, and like you, I understand that my READERS as a group are smarter than I could ever hope to be, and can teach ME so much more than I could ever hope to give back to them. Something else you touched on was thanking your readers for visiting. You really have to do that, because they literally are taking time away from their own blogs to be here. That's a 'sacrifice' that has to be rewarded.
The bottom line is, the readers understand that you want your posts to ultimately help them, and they appreciate that. They also understand that you want and value their input, and openly encourage it.
That's the power of the community, and sadly, it's something that so many bloggers don't understand.
Posted by: Mack Collier | May 21, 2006 11:28:17 AM
What this blog does right (no order of importance):
1) It covers a general topic everyone can relate to.
2) It contains personal anecdotes, bringing us closer to you, the author.
3) It gets people to think about thinking (metathinking).
4) A lot of heart (aka passion) clearly goes into it.
5) Its articles link to excellent external material.
6) It is current, but not trendy.
7) The images set the tone before having to read a single word.
Posted by: Michel Parisien | May 21, 2006 11:35:36 AM
I come back because there are useful ideas. There are many reasons people go to sites, but that is the bottom line for a site like this, at least for me.
Thanks for the brain power.
Posted by: Conrad | May 21, 2006 1:30:01 PM
Hi Kathy ,
When i come to your blog first time, it was the pictures atract me. They were so unique.After reading some posts i noticed that everything in this blog is unique. This is most important thing for me.
Secondly while reading all this comments i thought that you have a smart readership. This is because you treat them such as they are all smart.
Lastly i m from a very different culture (you can see this on my writing :-) but everything i read here is very familiar for me. I think your writing style and perspective is universal.
Wish you success.
Reşit
Posted by: Kobayashi | May 21, 2006 1:48:45 PM
Simple reasons why your blog is popular:
1. Your books are popular due to their writing style (whether the user has learnt the information elsewhere and using your book to consolidate it or learning it for the first time) therefore anyone who has read one of your books is very likely to seek out your other written work.
2. Also a popular blog is like a popular book. You either get it recommended to you, or you find it yourself and recommend it to others.
3. People can take different meanings out of your articles.
Posted by: Olly | May 21, 2006 2:32:56 PM
The blog's easy to read, and very useful.
A lot of things that are easy to read are the junk food of the mind - some things are more like the light salads of the mind.
And for all that metaphor was beginning to get stretched, this blog is definitely not the former category.
Posted by: Michael Ralston | May 21, 2006 3:31:08 PM
I read this post a couple of days ago and have been thinking about it. I don't know that the same answer applies to every blog. I have my favorites and while they share some traits they are also very different from each other. It's like cooking and creating a great recipe. Many people could be given the same ingredients but they would not come up with the same results. So what makes this blog a great recipe?
I think the material is relevant and the writing is clever and fun to read in a way that makes the reader feel they are part of a conversation. Much like a group of friends standing around chatting about the latest events at a party. I've also noticed that the group of "friends" this site attracts is thinkers and contributors. This needs to be understood and nurtured.
Posted by: Earl Moore | May 21, 2006 5:28:15 PM
Some great things about CPU:
The articles are remarkably free of bullshit. There simply is no attempt to dazzle with obfuscation.
You are not afraid to be wrong. You take a bold stance and stay with it in the context of the post. That creates a stake in the ground to start a discussion.
There is a great balance between content and links. There is a lot of content, but enough links to feel like it's part of the web.
The images work wonderfully with the writing tone.
You read and respond to people's comments. If I put effort into posting a comment it is often rewarded with some attention in return. That makes it really two-way, and other readers respond too, which makes it N-way. Of course, now that you're in the top 100...
:-)
WE LOVE YOU KATHY!!!! CPU ROCKS!!!!
Posted by: Charlie Evett | May 21, 2006 5:36:25 PM
For me it's really simple. CPU is about what I'm about. Figuring out ways to communicate important ideas about strategy, innovation, change, etc. in a simple, understandable way. Thanks for all the great ideas you pass along!
mark
Posted by: Mark Howell | May 21, 2006 5:48:17 PM
I track your site here regularly, and I love it. The reason is simply because what I LEARN here makes me look smarter every now and again. I'm in sales, and much of what you write here is applicable when a solution is being sought to keep our clients happy, engaged, and evangelistic.
Whenever someone appears to be duly impressed with "my" suggestions, and genuinely want to know more, I unflinchingly direct them to this site. I know that by doing this, someone else might just "get it" and help me get things done. And it doesn't hurt me - people appreciate the fact that I take the effort to keep LEARNING how to do things better. It doesn't matter if what I've LEARNT comes from experience, a textbook, or this site. What matters is that I'm making an effort to keep our clients happy.
Posted by: Stephen Hamilton | May 21, 2006 6:00:59 PM
Why popular? Why not? Your contents are original, creative, provocative, engaging, witty, and applicable across domains. But most of all, you care. You care about learning, you care about software usability, and you care about your readers. Your passion influcences and inspires your reader community in a great extent.
Posted by: Lo Vui Keng | May 21, 2006 7:50:34 PM
I check this blog everday since I stumbled across it by accident. What's it got that others haven't?
- The topic is one that is very dear to me as I work in a large corporation that has several pieces of software that people "must use" to do their jobs. It would be a lot better if they were passionate users and you give some sound ideas on what/what not to do.
- Style. Your writing style conveys the enthusiasm your blog is trying to achieve. It creates passionate readers...
- The images commpliment the text and also make light of some fairly heavy subjects.
And finally, it prods me. There are traps out there (the what colour is your app?) post that I can see myself falling for if I don't watch it.
Thank you for this - we all owe you.
Posted by: Neil Kirby | May 21, 2006 8:23:31 PM
Kathy,
You write from the heart on a subject(s) you are truly passionate about and don't forget you care about those you share your thoughts with. You have a gift for connecting with others who are seeking a better way to communicate "meaningful learning experiences. A spiritual gift is something you cannot quantify, measure or imitate.
enjoy AThe Journey,
Tom Williams
Posted by: tom williams | May 21, 2006 8:41:23 PM
How do I love thee - let me count the ways
- No political BS. It is great to read a blog without flaming political craziness and flaming commenters.I'm burned out on political blogs (OK, after the summer the election will heat up and I will get sucked back in)
- Great graphics with a sense of humor and playfulness - yet clearly illustrating solid points. I dig graphs that explain paragraphs of ideas.
-I think reading CPU makes me smarter - so I can help my users do a better job.
- As a tech sales guy, you've softened my viewpoint of marketers. Its as if you've connected my brain to my heart. NAME ANOTHER BLOG THAT CAN DO THIS!!!
Keep em flyin'
Posted by: coggieguy | May 21, 2006 9:27:35 PM
Why? Well, apart from echoing all the above comments about the quality of the content (which I am more than happy to do!), I would posit that
a) longevity
b) regularity
contribute to the T100 ranking.
You've been posting for a while, you post pretty much every day, you gather a history of links (which tends to snowball all by itself), and you (very) actively encourage a conversation - lots of linklove in all of that!
Posted by: Ric | May 21, 2006 9:57:18 PM
web 2.0 is all about user experience. i am interested in web 2.0 and user experience. and communities/networks. your site tagline says something about 'creating passionate users' - which people who claim to care about communities/networks are supposed to care about. this site could be about emerging trends in the green economy for all i know - i don't know, and i don't care. i come because of the tagline. and then i leave. and then i put stuff on my cat.
Posted by: Peter | May 21, 2006 10:21:57 PM
I am a high school teacher. I found your blog almost by accident as it was in the blog roll of some techie educators that know their stuff. It is amazingly applicable to education. Shouldn't teachers be constantly seeking a way to create passionate users? Also, shouldn't we be driven to have a professional environment that focuses on success and customer service? I say, especially at the high school level, heck yeah! I even used your great blog comments about "group mentality" on my classroom blog and allowed the students to comment on what they thought about group work on the classroom. I think your content is fascinating, humorous, and insightful. In the small amount of time I am not planning, grading, or teaching, I spend time keeping up with three blogs. Yours is number 1.
Posted by: Caldwell | May 21, 2006 10:32:04 PM
Why is the blog popular and how is it helping?
Well, let me put it this way: your body of work in the Java universe has concentrated on "how can we use this new technology to make our work easier". Rather than the widespread and useless Java-head mantra of "we do things this way, the rest of the world will have to change".
THAT's why the blog is so popular: because your work is as well! In ANY language. The large audience here is simply a reflection of your attitude to helping folks understand and properly use a new technology.
Posted by: Noons | May 21, 2006 10:33:02 PM
I think the way you present it. The use of Illustrations/chart/Photos, even the way you highlight the important thing. You ‘always’ use a kind of colors and style to present them.
Most of times you write in bullets and use subtitles that make it easy to read. As many times user doesn't want to read whole contain (time doesn't permit).
Second thing, uncluttered, not too many ads etc. Reader needs white space to breathe. It makes easy to navigate.
And most important- topics that you choose to write that stands out well. Its not monotonous, Not always techie.
Posted by: Paavani | May 21, 2006 11:54:07 PM
Simple: your blog is readable, interesting and contains distinct content.
Posted by: Robert | May 22, 2006 12:25:35 AM
The first post I read (by linking from another blog) was enough to catch my interest, and the blog title struck a chord; combined, these led me to subscribe.
Since then, style (conversational but not too verbose) and content have not led me to unsubscribe.
Posted by: Ian Horwill | May 22, 2006 2:12:38 AM
You nailed and hooked me with your cartoons, especialy the 50's style with your wry captions. Plus: we know very quickly where and what you stand for. A burb and hype's straight shooter, no prisonners.
Posted by: techbee | May 22, 2006 4:00:12 AM
You can explain, in simple words and small sentences exactly what I think about our services and what they should be doing, and your Blog is the best way I have to explain it to my administration.
Instead of loosing LOTS of time making a power point, I just send them links from your Blog.
I believe that power points are for administrations as draws are for blonds, and your blog is the best compromise :)
Posted by: Mª João Nogueira | May 22, 2006 4:03:49 AM
I like your squiggly drawings because they often encapsulate your writing better than 20 minutes of a Powerpoint presentation. I've used your images without your articles as challenge-response for college students. Using the illustration, they constructed the premise of the hidden related essay.
So why read CPU? Because it often prepares a lecture for me. BTW, you get all the credit for the hour the students spend toil away trying to reverse-engineer the companion pieces.
Posted by: Bernie Goldbach | May 22, 2006 4:34:52 AM
Because it's written in English.
And it has nice articles.
Posted by: puls200 | May 22, 2006 5:06:43 AM
At the risk of sounding cryptic, I will say that what makes this blog popular is what makes "Head First Design Patterns" the 20th best-selling English book *overall* (not just tech books) at amazon.de. There is a "magic ingredient" in the book in which you are involved that makes them both informative and fascinating. The same ingredient is present here. I just can't quantify it.
R.
Posted by: Rain Bo | May 22, 2006 5:46:05 AM
It's got broad appeal - it's about communicating ideas effectively, which is just as applicable to education as it is to business.
a single post concentrates on developing one central idea
it's invariably upbeat
doesn't repeat itself
Posted by: Steve Neal | May 22, 2006 5:49:55 AM
This blog rocks because you look at things in a very creative and different way. for example "If Tech Companies Made Sudoku" post...I am sure 99% of bloggers(including me) would have linked to the google video of MS creating a ipod and would have probably blogged about the video. But you guys blogged about the same concept as in the video, but taking the example of a Sudoku and gave the google video as a "bonus" link. That I say is creativity and that's why this blogs is in Technorati top 100 :)
Posted by: Prashant | May 22, 2006 5:56:51 AM
First: You can write. Second: You can write. Third: You or someone can edit. These two skills are the supports under the other main point: Content. You are really passonate about the subject you write about. Not only to get your ideas out but open up the discussion. Your style leaves the ideas open ended which has the readers thinking about how they apply to their own life. These are the things that make it a great blog. What makes it a blog in the Technorati top 100 is the broad appeal of the subject. It is possible that the best blog out there covers a subject that only interests two people. Keep it up.
Posted by: John | May 22, 2006 7:06:46 AM
Your blog is one of the few that I follow daily. I'm not a marketer or a techie, but I find useful thoughts here on a daily basis. Your writing is respectful to your readers, you don't write down to us nor bowl us over with jargon.
I have learned a lot here from both your articles and other readers comments.
Posted by: Nancy | May 22, 2006 8:22:27 AM
Apparently your blog has passionate users. ;^) These users are greeted with
- Information that is useful, on-topic, and concise
- A wrtiting style that is witty and engaging
- Posts that are consistent in quality and frequency
- Meaningful illustrations and images
and not with
- Endless rambling about your cat
- More linking than thinking
- The same thing they just read at _________
- More questions than answers
Posted by: Brother Maynard | May 22, 2006 8:45:23 AM
You have a writing "voice" - it feels like you are talking right to me. It makes me come back to hear what you have to say.
Posted by: Jennifer Apple | May 22, 2006 9:10:25 AM
Kathy,
You are FUNNY.
You are not encumbered by political correctness... therefore you are FREE to deal in the intuitive, hard-hitting realm of reality.
Thanks for your time and sharing!
Robert.
Posted by: Robert | May 22, 2006 9:15:43 AM
1. Regular posts.
2. Introducing new stuff, or repeating, expanding, inter-relating old stuff.
3. Pictures.
4. Good writing style.
5. Relevant to several situations.
Posted by: Paul Morriss | May 22, 2006 9:27:54 AM
Kathy,
Sorry... I posted my comment before I read your entire article, where you give guidelines for responses.
1. Great use of graphics.. ESPECIALLY the 50's style photos with your own captions... *hilarious*! (but then I grew up on Mad Magazine in the 60's).
2. You obviously put your heart into your writing. 'Passion', correct? (i.e. you practice what you preach 'Creating Passionate Users').
Thanks,
Robert.
Posted by: Robert | May 22, 2006 9:29:55 AM
I read the blog because it is software oriented without the technical information. It provides a different look on how to write software, mainly centered about how and who uses the software. I started reading it because it was quoted by Jonathan Schwartz and I found myself coming back to it regularly. It allows me to look at things from a different angle and to think about other things than code and technics. I enjoy the wide array of things covered. If I wanted to summarize, in few words, it would be 'to learn about things I would not otherwise look at/think about'.
That is why I keep coming back to it.
Thanks for keeping it coming
Yann
Posted by: Yann | May 22, 2006 9:38:02 AM
Your writing is smart, simple, and no nonsense. Very much along the same lines as the Pragmatic Marketing courses many of us have taken. Please keep it up.
Posted by: Katy | May 22, 2006 9:56:21 AM
Your comments cross industries and professions and have personal resonance too, as in your counsel to do something new and frightening every day. You also influenced my decision to take a vacation in Iceland riding Icelandic horses.
Posted by: Anne | May 22, 2006 10:27:52 AM
Content here puts readers first, and follows your own maxim: "how does this help the reader kick ass?".
(But you know this already, and are digging for something else that isn't apparent yet.)
Tim O'Reilly wrote an article in the latest edition of Make Magazine [makezine.com; related post: http://radar.oreilly.com/archives/2006/03/bionic_software_1.html] that discusses how the current trend of tech, especially that on the web is one of IA (intelligence augmentation), the idea that all this Web 2.0 stuff is at its core powered by people, and without its human engine (the whole mechanical turk or bionic idea) the application is irrelevant.
Building these systems and explaining the paradigms they require is what this blog is about.
Developing passionate users to make these kinds of systems work is something that I've only seen studied at a niche-level scope; video game designers do this, but it's usually only on a gaming level. Movie makers and marketers do this, but it's specifically aimed at their product. Teachers (more often those who call themselves 'instructors') do this, but usually strive to just get the students to pass the course.
CPU acts as a melting pot of those research interests, and steps beyond the immediate interests of its individual components and looks into the why and how of passionate users: why O'Reilly's passionate "human engines" are what you want to develop, and discussions on how to do it.
This blog is popular because its content is clear, consistently well written, and relevent. It's successful because it follows its own advice (and recursively popular because of this).
Posted by: Edward Ocampo-Gooding | May 22, 2006 10:29:24 AM
Holistic and diverse.
There's always something new, interesting to discover and 9 out of 10 times it applies to me. Its holistic because you don't limit your content to classic software development. Instead you relate it to other disciplines.
Posted by: Rebecca | May 22, 2006 10:29:27 AM
I think the blog is popular because you talk about problems a lot of people face, why they exist in the first place (help people understand the problem) and talk about practical ways to do something about it. Plus you write in a funny and interesting way, so not only you help us, but you do it in such a way that we are having fun. I guess you practice what you preach...
Posted by: Slava | May 22, 2006 10:29:51 AM
Ok, I got tired of reading all of the comments (hmmm, a vote for brevity I believe) so if I repeat someone, oh well. One of the most important parts for me is the positive attitude, the encouragement, motivational 'you can do it' theme the site uses. Topics that bring up areas of (software, tech writing, life... your choice) that need improvement are followed with suggested solutions or sometimes solicitation for ideas (ahh community). That steps away from the 'such and such is bad, bad, bad' blah, blah, blah thang. The site encourages analysis, discovery, provides hints and suggestions. It challenges a reader to think, not just consume.
Posted by: Dennis S | May 22, 2006 12:06:19 PM
Kathy,
I really enjoy your blog because of the cross-discipline aspect of what you're teaching: it isn't just about code or even users; it's about mentoring, connecting and intimacy with fellow human beings. I see the lessons here as applicable across a number of domains (and I've recommended it to our church's staff because it applies and because you haven't made us spiritual folk the butt of jokes like other technology sites.) I consider the difference between hardware and software to be the difference between brain and thought and I find this site to be very thought-provoking. I admire your transparency, humor, and philosophy and I'm compelled to "see what she's written today!". Awesome job!
Posted by: Frederic B. van West | May 22, 2006 12:20:58 PM
Here's the deal. *Your blog discusses important problems most people can relate to that don't have clear answers.*
It's kind of like the billion-dollar herbal industry. People wear copper bracelets and take St John's Wort and all the other variably reliable, un-FDA-tested remedies because there aren't good solutions that work for a lot of people within the standard medical community. Arthritis and depression are tough nuts to crack so people spend billions to solve this problem.
People don't spend billions on your blog but you've got zillions of eyeballs reading what you have to say. That's because you discuss complex topics. Creating a great product (and making money with it) without running out of money, getting a good workout and still having fun, trying to compromise between the demands of different users, enjoying learning and learning well, challenging yourself without being permanently freaked out (or dead), creating a fun product without overfeaturing it to death, doing something well versus doing it fast (multitasking), etc. are all difficult. They involved judgment calls, compromise, knowing when to do X and when to NOT do X, etc.
You approach difficult, important things most people can relate to. You then give solutions, and through that and your enthusiasm, you get people revved up and feeling good about approaching those things.
That's what it's all about.
And here are a few other things that help, too.
- It provides validation of things that I thought were true all along but nobody with any particular authority talks about. (Stupid bosses are stupid, bad companies are bad, complicated products are unnecessarily complicated.) It provides "proof" that what I believe is true, that my gut steers me right.
- It makes me feel like I can do things that I want to do but hadn't thought about for a while. It gets me excited about my own projects.
- The conversational tone doesn't hurt.
- It provides new stuff, not the same stuff everyone else is blogging about, and important stuff, nothing about Jessica or Britney. It's like the NPR of blogs.
- I think it's appealing to read stuff written by someone with an opinion. Excitement/passion is interesting.
- Eye candy w/the graphics, which are of course chock full of info too, not just appealing to look at. Few blogs have graphics.
Posted by: Solveig Haugland | May 22, 2006 12:43:18 PM
I only read the first dozen or so comments, so excuse any repetition. People want to know how other people think. This blog feels like it's giving its readers a look inside the thoughts of someone who is doing something new and interesting, making it as much about the why as the what. That's a common trait for the Technorati 100.
MG
Posted by: Mike G | May 22, 2006 1:14:59 PM
And here they are:
- Try to be close with reality - easy to understand;
- Updated content - always sth new;
- Relevant content - very pratical, useful;
- Lots of content - long time to read, so, more visits<;/li>
- Funny pictures!;
- Blog's name - catches attention.
As said: everything thought here is made by the author, not just theory, more distant words.
Posted by: Ricardo | May 22, 2006 1:37:12 PM
Kathy,
Last night on 60 Minutes, Mike Wallace was asked why he does such great interviews. His (paraphrased)answer: "I ask the same questions the viewers would like to ask."
In addition to many of the answers above, I think this is why I like reading you. You ask a lot of questions I ask (or would have liked to ask). As a bonus, you answer them with easy to read prose and great images.
You remind me of me (except smarter and more energetic :) Dianne
Posted by: Dianne from San Diego | May 22, 2006 2:19:45 PM
I found your blog after reading one of your comments on another blog. You provide original, well written content. The images illustrate well but probably work best to draw me in to a story I might otherwise overlook. In general, I have found images in posts are especially effective when distributed via feed reader — even irrelevant images.
Posted by: Sid Steward | May 22, 2006 3:03:58 PM
In a nutshell: simple vs. simplistic.
And, you don't insult your readers. You assume we're smart. Similarly, even tho we're smart, we don't need to read wordy posts that are more about how clever *you* are but reflect our need to absorb the materially readily and succinctly.
I work in manufacturing, not computer based technology.
Posted by: Kathleen Fasanella | May 22, 2006 3:09:09 PM
The reasons the blog's popular are, IMNSHO, pretty simple:
1. Consistent positive outlook
2. Cheerful irreverence
3. Fantastic use of visuals
4. Treating audience as peers, not consumers
5. Original formulations of cross-disciplinary material
Or, if that's too "bullet-point" oriented, because y'all're the postmodern C.S. Lewis of the workplace (Screwtape's angelic competition). :0)
Posted by: JimDesu | May 22, 2006 4:38:03 PM
I like Creating Passionate Users because I don't feel stupid when I read it. Other tech blogs can be overwhelming with acronyms and technologies that I've never heard of. Here, I feel like I'm learning complex ideas without needing to consult a dictionary or wikipedia.
Posted by: Sean Connolly | May 22, 2006 4:57:05 PM
You write at many levels. When I my thyroid was mal-functioning (at the very low end) - I could still grasp the concepts (although slowly). Now that my meds are adjusted - the concepts are still easy to understand (e.g. the concept easy to get right, hard to get wrong) without seemly tripping over and missing the point.
The concepts are fairly egoless but still have some humanity - not for the infamous 'they' whomever and where ever they are.
Posted by: mary b | May 22, 2006 5:08:30 PM
I'm a teacher nearing the end of the school year so I don't have time to read all the comments-- hopefully mine aren't a major repeat. As a teacher, I appreciate your focus on learning. Doesn't matter that I teach elementary school-- your comments on learning, passionate users, and the like all apply. Not only that, they are far more cutting edge than most of the teaching journals I read, and often more relevant. And of course, I love your kick-ass attitude and that you apply what you teach. I just wish you were writing Head First books for FileMaker Pro, Dreamweaver and the other things I'm trying to learn.
Posted by: Susan S | May 22, 2006 7:09:45 PM
And to add to all of the above -- generous enough to share the secrets of your success and lead by example. I usually feel smarter and more positive after a good read here. Smarts, personality, tone, authority without pretentiousness. It makes for much nodding and the occasional "Wheeee!" or "Eureka!"
Posted by: everysandwich | May 22, 2006 8:42:49 PM
The conversational writing style makes it seem like the blog is speaking to me personally; it engages with me emotionally. My emotional attachment to the blog is enhanced by the humorous images/captions and fun terms, e.g. the principles of Kicking Ass.
Posted by: meg | May 23, 2006 7:19:28 AM
I find that you practice what you preach and present information in a very consumable manner.
You bring insights from other interesting areas (Horse training, brain chemistry/biology) that I have not seen any where else.
You express your opinions well, but are always open to the opinions and views of readers/other blogs
keep up the good work
Chris
Posted by: Chris | May 23, 2006 7:22:28 AM
Kathy,
I think that the thing that makes your blog so successful is your "meta-passion". That is, your passion for things other than yourself. It has been very inspirational to read your blog and to learn from you. It has even inspired me to start my own blog about things I am passionate about.
Thanks for what you do!
Morgan
Posted by: Morgan Goeller | May 23, 2006 11:55:01 AM
My $.02 -- before reading everyone else's comments, too:
1) You say/write provocative things.
2) You say/write original things.
In other words, you make us think. I like to think. :)
I think your look and feel -- your brand, if you will, makes the blog a pleasant place to visit.
I also think you're picking up on some more general trends in technology and product development -- simplification and user-centeredness. (Unfortunately, that's just being in the right place at the right time.)
It also helps that you have credibility -- you've done something (created your line of books). I find that bloggers who have accomplished something (outside of blogging) tend to have better original content.
Posted by: Sara Brumfield | May 23, 2006 3:17:07 PM
I have about 15 blogs referenced in my RSS reader, and most of them are lame. This one is about the only one out of the bunch that I really read regularly. I'm old, I'm cynical, and I'm grouchy, but this blog still gets me fired up. the ideas, and the (er... desperately seeking a better word) "passion" with which they're put forth is inspiring.
The answer to the original question, "Why is this blog popular" is "because it doesn't suck."
Posted by: kelly | May 23, 2006 5:06:39 PM
I would have to agree with the others. I am not particulary interested in your topic, but I do find your content engaging. I enjoy reading intellectual material that is original!
Posted by: Eric | May 23, 2006 8:22:10 PM
When you're good... you're good.
You're just gonna have to accept that. :)
-James Brausch
Posted by: James D. Brausch | May 23, 2006 10:41:34 PM
After reading (and agreeing with)everyone else's comments, I am eager to hear from your comments if we have missed something that is part of your blogging success: in-person relationship building. When I first started reading this blog, you wrote a post about a presentation that you had given to a group of technie college students. When I read the comments that they made on your blog, I got even more excited about you, the "real" Kathy. The students gushed, raved about and were inspired by they way you presented to them in person. If you tend to rub shoulders with smart, connected, enthusiastic and link-love-lathering people, that could have contributed to your T-100 success.
You deserve it all and I am proud of you in a "this sister makes me proud to be a woman" kind of way. Keep it up.
Posted by: Pamela Slim | May 23, 2006 11:47:07 PM
I'd say it's the same things that make the Head First series rock so much - clear ideas & good ones, presented in a way that cuts through the brain's crap filter, with good graphics. It's also fairly universally applicable stuff too - your target "users" could be pretty much anyone anyone does any kind of work for, so it's not just the techie niche market but pretty well anyone that might get some benefit from this.
Posted by: Matt Moran | May 24, 2006 6:03:36 AM
Two things which should always be conected but to often are not connected...passion and users. We often claim to be user oriented...but usually in the guise of focusing our work around ourselves as the "user" not the other "users" that we are really trying to serve. This blog keep those users in our face. Passion is undervalued in the workplace...complacency too often is the goal and we often teach others and our users to be complacent. Yet, my best memories as a trainer were those times when the participants got into the training and came up with new ideas and new approaches and challenged the accepted norms, and followed up with questions and ideas after the training and got me out of my box.
Your blog makes all of that a good thing, you challenge the status quo, make us think and remind us why it's a good thing to be passionate.
Posted by: Geri | May 24, 2006 8:02:43 AM
A blog can be good (subjective) or popular(non-subjective) or both.(I counted out neither).
There are blogs which are popular but not good (for me) like boing-boing. Blogs can be categorised in number of broad categories. I thought of one which I like:
- one which passes on information and are focussed (e.g lifehacker)
- one which makes easy reading passing on interesting, applicable pov (e.g yours)
- one which makes in-depth analysis and pedantic observations to a very narrow subject-area (martin fowler's?)
First 2 can be popular since last one will have not-so-wider appeal.
Your's blog is a pretty good one and why I like is:
- you make light-weight, interesting reading - use visuals
- say something original and creative
What I don't like in a blog is when they lose focus and try to tell me what I didn't come for in the first place (like eric raymond's). But then this is subjective and they can still be "popular".
So a blogger has to know where they want to go. They can be Nick Drake or Britney Spears. And yes, there is Dylan too.
Posted by: suba | May 24, 2006 9:16:48 AM
Some blogs just link to another sites. Some blogs just write about news and ephemeral things.
You write about human knowledge, how to interact better with my peers etc. That's what matter.
Regards.
Posted by: Rod | May 24, 2006 11:09:58 AM
For me it comes down to the fact that your site is more than just your thoughts. Much of what you say is bang on, which helps. But you supplement it with phenomenal graphics. Its a well designed blog.
I wish I could time manage better and start providing graphics with character such as the ones on CPU.
Posted by: jt winebrenner | May 24, 2006 11:34:43 AM
I come here because it's passionate and uses plain words. They are words that most people wouldn't dare send to the boss. But my boss IS passionate and uses plain words (unlike most people here), and when I send her selections from here she howls with laughter and appreciation - and USES the ideas.
Posted by: Tim Hicks | May 24, 2006 11:38:01 AM
Images in your blog makes all the difference to me. I know many people till now have mentioned images, but I must mention them again.
The simple language used, makes the blog interesting for me. We can use the information in day to day life as it is applicable to many areas.
Posted by: Tushar Joshi | May 24, 2006 12:06:59 PM
I don't think I can add more to what others have said so well. You teach me something new every day. You make me want to engage the consumer mind. You make me want to create and create and create and roll in the love and benefit of creating well and giving superbly. You shine a light on all the issues many of us face daily (even if some things are out of control).
Your blog, your writers, have taught me so much and continue to do so.
Thanks for being a part of it all.
-a
Posted by: Andy C | May 24, 2006 12:47:47 PM
I think your blog has made the A list for several reasons:
1) You are involved in a conversation -- you read comments, you read the blogs of those who comment and you're there. You are changing others and let others change you. You can tell you didn't make up some canned post two months a go but are in the now.
2) You are an original.
Guy Kawasaki says thre are three kinds of bloggers: Human newsbots, ranters, and essayists.
I think authentic, original essayists will have greater longevity and add more meaning to a person's life.
3) You are reflective of the current state of the blogosphere.
I expect that in 5 years the blogosphere will change greatly. The blogosphere is still largely early adopters and your audience is that of early adopters. As the rest of the world catches up, recipe blogs, health care blogs, and other bloggers will emerge from the foray.
We saw this with websites, e-commerce, and I fully expect that it will happen with blogs.
Recently Leo LaPorte commented on this "audience reflective phenomenon" about being the top podcast in Podzinger and it has stuck with me. He commented that he wouldn't be at the top very long because early adopters were using podzinger. As soon as the masses were using it, he'd drop out of site.
You'll always be on my A list!
Posted by: Vicki Davis | May 24, 2006 3:07:05 PM
I've recently started reading blogs regularly and have (as you mentioned in a previous post) found myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to keep up with. Though I've learned to let go of many of them, this blog is one that I consistently follow. I have one personal reason and a couple pop-culture references that explain its appeal for me:
1. Passionate users
I am a user experience designer, and the name of your blog is right up my alley. It shows that you "get it" and makes me want to learn from you. The name of the blog caught my attention and got me to set the bookmark.
2. Dilbert
The comic strip is popular because it points out all the challenges of day-to-day corporate life in a way that people can relate to and commiserate with. You present very common issues in a way that makes me feel like "we're all in this together." This makes me want to keep reading and come back often.
3. The West Wing
The show explains very complex political issues to me and presents solutions that work (on TV). It may be way more complicated than that in real life, but things work out in the show, and for some reason that makes me feel better about the world.
Similarly, I read this blog hoping for solutions to the Dilbert-like challenges you address. Unfortunately, I don't often have the power to make those decisions or implement those solutions. I apply what I can, and forward the link to the people with the power to make decisions. Even if I can't solve a problem, your positive attitude and approach give me a better frame of reference for dealing with it. It's a little dose of idealism and perspective to get me through the day.
Of course, all of this would not be readible without your clear, engaging writing style and excellent use of imagery.
Thanks!
Posted by: Amy H | May 24, 2006 5:10:17 PM
I think the answer to your question was something that I learned from your blog: Teaching blogs own.
If you take the time to remove the magician's curtain and expose to everyone the tools you use to do what you do so well, then of course your blog is going to be popular. Many blogs talk about news, try to break "exclusive" stories or offer up opinions on the state of the web 2.0 union. All of that is very valuable, but like most people I'm interested in getting better. I want to be a marketing and UI guru like you. And your blog pretty much lays out the concepts behind why you do what you do so well. So here I am, yet again.
Most people are (justifably) hesistant to post their "tricks of the trade" on a blog for all to see. But it seems that the more you give, the more you get. In your case, you "got" yourself into a top 100 listing. I think there are a lot of other bloggers out there who aren't in the top 100 who would do well to follow your example and do more teaching and less talking.
Posted by: Joel Hoard | May 24, 2006 5:15:31 PM
Kathy,
I really enjoy your blog because of originality, structure of the ideas presented and excellent use of images.
Posted by: Nilesh Joglekar | May 25, 2006 2:21:58 AM
I think your writing is very interesting, precise and full of wit! I enjoy reading your posts.
Good luck!
Walker T
Posted by: walker | May 25, 2006 7:28:19 AM
I spend so much time thinking about all the tactics that we have at our disposal, that your blog reminds me to focus on the end user. "How do I help them kick ass?" says it all. I read this blog because I'm trying to help my clients' customers kick ass every day.
Posted by: Joshua | May 25, 2006 9:22:59 AM
"The big question is... why?"
Positivity.
The "passion" thing I can take or leave, as it can be wearing sometimes. But the positive upbeat tone marks you out from most weblogs.
Posted by: Bill de hOra | May 25, 2006 9:56:28 AM
In English Literature, we learned that great writers craft their works so that every reader can identify with the main character. You do that.
I can only speak for myself, but I think your readers are tired of poorly designed products and lame customer service. I hated telling my wife that to shutdown the computer she had to click the Start button.
So we read you and hope and pray that the world catches on. Or if not the world, at least the folks who design our products.
It certainly helps that your articles are well-written and often have very catchy or provocative (and memorable ) titles, such as "Getting Past the Brain's Crap Filter."
Congratulations! All the best!
Posted by: Luddite Geek | May 26, 2006 9:17:42 AM
Transferable content. I'm not in a tech environment (work wise, I mean), but as a creative person the content you deliver always helps me to think about what I do in a new way.
Let's say I'm a novelist (I'm not -- yet). Don't I want my readers to be passionate? Of course! So I take what I learn here and file it away (or use it if appropriate) in what I AM doing now.
Posted by: Mike Ehret | May 26, 2006 9:46:06 AM
Useful, interesting, well-written original content.
Posted by: d | May 26, 2006 5:26:41 PM
The posts on this site give me things that I can use right away, as well as something to think about for weeks after. Even though I'm not developing software or other commercial products, your ideas and suggestions are still readily applicable to a broad range of users. It might be helpful to highlight that broad applicability a little more, since anyone trying to pass on an idea or a skill to others can use this blog extensively. I appreciate that you don't seem driven to post overly frequently, so your usefulness quotient stays high, and this also makes the blog conducive to slow reading (I like saving your blog in my Bloglines for weekend reading). Plus the posts are very well written and even entertaining (the photos and other graphics are great).
Posted by: Tom | May 29, 2006 3:22:06 AM
I'd been here before, "loudthinking" linked me in, by the post about "Emo Programming". But I didn't grabed your feed that time. In fact, I collect your weblog by importing the top100 opml file from "share you opml". Yept, I seemed to be a newcomer here, I still hope to share my view ASAP, at least I pick your weblog up from 100 top blogs of the world. First, the title, which is always being short and direct, I use sage to read RSS, and spent most of the reading on the titles. Maybe less than one second, I make my decision if continute for the content. Second, the images. Yes, you bring great images on your blog. And I come to wanna to find out what this funny picture is talking about. More? Well I think this is enough for a successful blog.
Posted by: BiZwiKi.CN | May 29, 2006 1:42:30 PM
Not much more to add to all that than thanks!! I always look forward to reading Creating Passionate Users and sharing it with people I know. BTW you're in the top 100 twice meaning you're up there with Scobleizer really! And we all love you far more ;)
Posted by: Peter Beaumont | May 29, 2006 3:15:46 PM
I find many of the comments about your graphics interesting - though a life-long artist, I've not paid much attention to the graphics. Sure, I know they're there, and they do illustrate points well, but they're not so overwhelmingly the focus: It's the content! Whether your content applies to my personal life, my art or my eBay business, there's always value for me, whichever hat I'm wearing. Passion is one of life's best gifts & CPU provides inspiration continually!
Posted by: Sally Milo | May 30, 2006 8:31:20 AM
Well, I'm a "computer guy" and although I read this blog often I only now, through the comments, found out it's a "marketing blog". Being readable by a broad audience while keeping some sort of focus may be a quality.
Also, I think many people come here because there's lots of stuff on self improvement. People actually want to be better and feel good about themselves, and there are many things here related to that, without falling for the self-help mumble jumble.
I guess that also turns it into a more personal experience than other blogs because there are advices, not only information/opinion. I particularly like that, and if done with comparable quality, would do good to other blogs perhaps.
Posted by: Helder Ribeiro | May 30, 2006 9:33:12 PM
1. you're an original voice. not many people talk around experience design from experience of doing it.
2. you talk about the subject matter in a light-hearted, easy-to-digest way. analogies help. facts work.
3. you do this reasonably regularly in relatively pithy posts.
Posted by: James B | May 31, 2006 4:50:07 AM
I would imagine that the reason you're in the technorati top 100, is the audience that uses technorati probably overlaps well with the set of people that are building a technology/service/application. Those people are then interested in providing the best experience for their users, and thus your articles provide interesting insight, complete with graphics, about doing just that.
On a personal note, I'm very happy that you don't post miscellaneous information about your personal opinions on some random tidbit that happened to you today. Or a collection of things unrelated to "Creating passionate users". I know its your (the Creating passionate users writers) blog, and you can write what you want to. And there's nothing forcing me to read it either, so I shouldn't complain. But I would be annoyed had you started posting what you ate for breakfast today and how it made you feel.
Posted by: Christopher Lee | Jun 2, 2006 3:09:38 PM
I'd back what others have said about the graphics, parsing, accessible language. It also has a regular posting, consistent neutral tone. It doesn't veer off into "well I'm bored. Let me tell you about my dog/friend/event") There's no reluctance to go because there may be emotional outburst, revelations or quizzes. Follows Grice principles.
Posted by: Pearl | Jun 3, 2006 8:12:37 AM
The more things change, the more they stay the same – or, in fact, go nowhere at all ... Indeed, common sense prevails ;-)
Posted by: jozef Imrich | Jun 5, 2006 4:47:11 AM
Useful, unique, usable content that is not simply rehashing what other blogs have to say. Nice, simple and attractive visuals that are actually relevant and useful as mnemonics both for the lessons of each post and for the style of the blog itself. I can often recognixe a CPU graphic when I see it linked on another blog without even reading the linking text, now.
A tone that establishes authority without being preachy or patronizing. There's a lot to be said for the tone. I can't bring myself to read even truly potentially useful blogs if the writing talks down to me. This blog always has something useful to say, without making me feel that I'm an idiot for not already knowing it. Along those lines, also, not pandering to the in-crowd. I always see terms explained here. I never have to worry that there's an in-joke I've missed, or an assumption that of course "everyone" has been following Issue X or Scandal Y that have gripped the A-list-osphere.
Posted by: Erica | Jun 5, 2006 3:44:32 PM
I think you said it yourself, you make it far more about your readers than about yourselves. That statement really struck me. So many bloggers (and I'm pointing the finger at myself) write about themselves, their opinions, their thoughts. But much of it is motivated by the desire for attention and readership. It's the difference between, "I'm writing this because I hope it might help someone" vs. "I'm writing this so more people will read my blog".
Plus your great writing helps a lot.
Posted by: Matt | Jun 6, 2006 5:05:42 PM
A) another marketing 'blog' might take a more traditional corporate fact based approach, and be more informative or useful. however, user manuals don't garner cults, but rather novels and editorials do aqcuire regular readership.
B)
"why? We're not the brightest crayons in the box, or the best writers, and we rarely participate in A-Lister topics... so it's got to be something else."
B.1) Without saying you are a bad writer (which would be afaux pas) you've used my favorite technique of charm- creating a self-effacing tone (think chuck klosterman). Besides the humor and that whole "reader identifying with the writer" thing, everybody who has the potential to be anybody knows that someone who can laugh at themselves is obviously a healthier person with a better grasp on life. (also note: modesty when popular is taking a normal thing and putting it in a strange context)
B.2) I hope by providing my feedback, I brought to light points unthought of, ergo helping to make this little data collection/user-involvement-encouraging post, well, a better data collector and user involver.
Posted by: Migs "Blog Monkey" | Jun 9, 2006 4:16:20 AM
Well, I actually just ran across this blog, but from my quick glance at it (ever read "The Tipping Point"?) I love it already. My reason? I liked the context article and the passion with which it is written. I'm at this point in my life - age 18 - where I'm trying to suck as much out of it as possible. I believe that this site is successful because it combines passion with innovation with eccentricity with originality. I wish more people would turn away from TV shows like MTV and toward sites like this.
Posted by: Ben Tupper | Jun 11, 2006 2:46:59 AM
(bad Will)
It's because you're a cute chick.
Lemmesplain:
87.5+% of your audience is male. 76% of them don't have girlfriends. 100% have great imaginations + time.
So: ((.875*A)^(.70*Gf))1.618^(2it) = MassivelyParallelDistributedNerdFantasyNetwork = T100+~(Talk show with Tyra Banks)
--Try writing a blog about accounting in the single male voice and make your screen name Merv Dorfman. (**I did, and it Su-uCKS!) -See how many people stop by then!! :(
(good Will)
alrightalrightalright... jeezus!
it's because you're positive, smart, generous and obviously cross-trained in one way or another at some point --> You express in a way that's not offensively wonkish from any one camp. The content is archtected on a few levels up such that people from many disciplines can understand & make good use of it. It's transferrable; --meta, even.
Java runs on any box; your content runs (well) on almost any brainy work discipline.
--
-Ok I said it. I'm going back to being a dick now.
Posted by: Will | Jun 12, 2006 11:53:52 PM
I just stumbled across this blog today, since "Code like a girl" is mentioned on a planet or two that I read. What made me click "Main" from there and read the front page is that it's different: it's interesting, it makes sense, and it's neither an echo of the majority nor a straight, shallow rebuttal of that majority.
Not to mention it's consistent with Brian's Theorem: people are most interested in what's a little outside of their center of knowledge.
Posted by: Sapphire Cat | Jun 15, 2006 6:35:31 PM
Hi,
1) you write about how to improve user's experience on a website to make her/him more engaged with it. Everyone knows today that having engaged users is much more valuable than having a massive traffic coming from search engines. So the subject of your content is already on a good path.
2)youre recipes are directly appliable which is different from many (every ?) other blogs on the same subject that consist in big therories about social stuff, web2.0 and everything.
so i'd say you speak to the long tail of the web, mostly non-professional webmasters, and they are many.
thank you for your blog !
Posted by: julien A | Jun 19, 2006 4:38:25 AM
I own a social / business networking platform with more than 60,000 members now. I really enjoyed your blog, since it summarizes what I observe each day in such a funny and yet clear way..
Posted by: Caglar Erol | Jun 20, 2006 6:46:13 AM
Entertaining, thought provoking, breezy style, nice layout. All these things contribute to making this a great blog.
Congratulations, folks!
Posted by: inactivist | Jul 3, 2006 3:23:47 PM
Cool.
Michael Locker MD
Posted by: Michael Locker | Apr 7, 2007 10:18:35 AM
