I Need Your Feedback.

As Mommyzabs.com is refining it’s purpose and finding itself (this must be my blogs college years! ), I really could use some feedback from the people that care- YOU!

I received an excellent comment from MoTu that said the following:

Sorry to have commented on this a little late, but here’s my input if you’re interested. I love the cartoon picture of you and the “Mommy Zabs” right next to it. That is well done. You have a lot to say about a lot of different things (not just ‘mommy’ stuff). So I find your title to be limiting (for a new comer they might think it’s simply another mommy blog) and a bit vague as to it’s purpose (after reading “Motherhood is not a cussword” I am left with thinking, what does this mean and how is it relevant to this blog?). In my opinion, it doesn’t encompass and represent what your blog is. Again, this is merely my opinion. I hope it make sense.

I have already explained here the reason for my title. However, I have not fully shared my developing thoughts as to why I will be leaning more toward solely ‘mommy topics’ on this blog. They are by no means final… but thoughts in process. That being the case, I would love to pick your brains on it.

Being a mom is the role I spend most of everyday doing. It is also the role I have enjoyed more than any other in my life. I see “Motherhood is Not a Cussword” as a rebellion against the stereotype of motherhood, and a rebellion of progressive cultures, disdain for it. As a mother I still love following pop-culture, politics, current events, social issues, and of course my faith in Jesus works into everything. I have always seen my blog as a place that contains ALL the things I’m interested in.

Lately I have had to hold back. I hold back because I’m afraid of focusing on one part of me too much and dis-interesting the rest of you. I have an eclectic mix of readers because of the variety of blogs I visit. I know some of you tune out on some of the topics… and that is fine. I also think I have lost many of my old blogger friends possibly due to my political stances. Election 2008 campaigning will be coming in full force soon. I know I will be tempted to post on this. But this is a ‘mommy blog’.

I have been thinking of starting another blog. This would still be written from a mom, family, and Christian perspective but would be a political blog. It would have more than one author, one of which would be me, Mommy Zabs. All the authors would be Christian mothers and it would be written for mother’s (mainly). Hopefully, there will be some varying on opinions of topics in the political realm for the sake of good-hearted debate. All authors would be in agreement on certain fundamentals however, (eg. abortion). But I think a healthy debate on ‘gray areas’ would be constructive.

This is one of the reasons mommyzabs.com was going to move more to a mom focus.

These are all developing thoughts… Like I said, My blog is finding itself, and unfortunately you all are going to witness the growing pains Which may mean a bad masthead or two, a plugin that creates errors on the page, changes in branding, etc.

When I started blogging years ago it was merely a journal, and a way to stay in touch with friends and family far away. It has evolved over these years and I have developed a passion for the blog world. I have made excellent friendships over the years. I’m ready to take my blog more seriously and let it become whatever it is suppose to. I want to promote motherhood, family values, and always Jesus in everything I do and say. If I can recoup a little from having a shop (which will develop a whole lot more as time progresses), and doing a little advertising, that is great. I invest a lot of time on this, but know it will never make me rich, and may make me nothing!

Please give me the honor of your honest feedback. Keep it the way it has been, an eclectic mix of topics? Continue in the mommy direction and start another blog? OR keep this eclectic but still start the political outlet?

On a couple side notes:

1. I’m still figuring out comment format. I installed a plugin that allows me to comment back to you easily and quickly, but I still like the replying in bold on your comment idea.

2. I added some of my network links to my sidebar. There are a couple that if I feel I have enough of a relationship with you I will welcome you as a friend. But those profiles contain personal information that I don’t feel is safe to release to the general public- I hope you understand. The other links are more blog related and will take all the friends we can get! Feel free to click on them if you are members of those networks and would like to add me as your friend

June 28, 2007 | Filed Under Blogging

comments

24 Responses to “I Need Your Feedback.”

meridith on June 28th, 2007

here’s my vote.
keep it eclectic but start the political blog too. i think it will be a great outlet for you and the other moms to not just vent but talk about relevant issues like you said create some healthy debates on gray matters. (did i just really encourage a debate?)
i think if this blog is not left eclectic….it won’t really be you.

Thanks Mer. I’m shocked on the debate thing But I debate better with women than men:) HA! I appreciate the encouragement especially as you know me better than almost anyone.
MoTu on June 28th, 2007

Until you have the time and energy to launch the other blogs may I suggest this. I would keep your existing blog eclectic and your title to be “MommyZabs”. I don’t think its weird or self consuming at all. On the contrary, I think it’s catchy and fun. Since I come from television, it also makes perfect sense. Think of it as having your own talkshow. The host stays the same, but the topics constantly change. It’s like your blog, isn’t it? Then look at all the talkshow titles, what are they? Oprah, Ellen, Martha… they all use their name. Your personality comes out in your writing and I think you are strong enough to carry the title “MommyZabs”, and you should not shy away from it. As you said in your post, your writing is a reflection of who you are, so why not use your name to carry the blog?

As far as the different topics goes, I think this is where categories should come into use. I notice that you there are no categories in your sidebar. Why not consider using categories such as: political, mommy stuff, etc? That way, your readers are able to read post that are of interest to them. It’s similar to what I do on my blog, because I do talk about different topics. And there is no way I can keep up with more than one blog currently. But do keep your categories to a minimum. That way it keep your blog nice and tidy and well organized.

Well I hope this makes sense. Again, this is all my opinion. You are obligated to none of my suggestions.

As I said earlier via email- thank you so much for your honesty and starting this. If you hadn’t said something I probably would not have asked for feedback- and in doing that I would probably be making different decisions. This process is really helping me. THANKS!
Julie on June 29th, 2007

Well my opinion is by moving your political or religious views to another blog are you somehow feeling or portraying that mommy’s don’t have other views or thoughts outside of kids, cooking, cleaning and marriage?
No, of course you don’t feel that way. I don’t think those that read your blog feel that way either, I know I don’t.
I LOVE the eclectic mix of topics. I love hearing about your mommy woes with your sons, your family, and friends. I most definitely enjoy your views pertaining to religion, current events and politics.
In fact, I love your blog because of all the topics you discuss.
I think that if it was only about your being a mommy, it would only be directed towards close friends and family. (which is the reason you said you started blogging in the first place.)
So ultimately I guess you can go back to your beginning reasoning for blogging or embrace the changes and direction your path has taken you with being more than a mom in the blogging world.
Oh and I love the ‘mommy zabs, motherhood is not a cussword’ and all that it implies, to me, it sums up your blog, views, and topics perfectly.
Julie

Very good feedback Julie- I appreciate it. I will take this into much consideration.
sparklejensen on June 29th, 2007

My vote is that you keep it eclectic and start a political blog. i really like your blog as it is. i am not a mother but i find your thoughts about life very interesting and informative. although i know we may differ politically that sounds interesting as well.

Thanks R, Starting the political thing… I want it to vary more than just my opinion which is why I would want to bring other women authors into the debate So long as all of us love Jesus and our end goal is making decisions that honor him. I think that is important. I hope you are doing okay. Are you in England now? I’m seeing London all over the news.
John Kaiser on June 29th, 2007

I love blogs that cover a wide range of topics- like yours.

Thanks TT!
matt on June 29th, 2007

my ideas are that your readers will appreciate your comments even if it is not something they want to write back on. that is ok since we can please everyone all the time.

personally, the blog should be an ecclectic mix because that is your character. you have a variety of interests and this is a very good thing.

as far as the comment format, i bet your dad has the time to spend on his message board that you would not on yours. plus, the forum is different, so to try to mimmic his might not be the best solution for you. whatever you choose, it will not prevent me from commenting and reading

Hey M, Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate the compliments too. As far as my dad’s way of commenting- it actually is the best time managed way I have tried so far So far it is my favorite, but I have one more plugin to try.
Jessica on June 29th, 2007

Zabs,

I actually like the new title! Very cute design and catchy phrase. I like the fact that your blog includes some of your political views and your boys! I think it shows that your not “just” a mommy. For some reason in today’s world people think we are stay at home moms, because we can’t do anything else. The perception that all we do is stay at home and change diapers, watch Oprah and daytime tv, is changed by your blog! You bring relevant information to the table and I often get new information from you. At the same time I love to see how Owen and Luke are doing. I like you just the way you are!

GEE, I’m blushing Thanks for the sweet words.
tieki rae on June 29th, 2007

MZ - I love everything about your blog, including all of the random subjects you post about! Even when your topic isn’t exactly relevant to my life right now (motherhood, marriage, etc, haha) I still enjoy reading what you write! A lot of times you post little bits of wisdom that are really encouraging to me. Your life, in general, as a young, hip Christian wife and mother is an encouragement to me!

Personally, no matter what you do I’ll still have your blog(s) on my reader and blog roll. I do think that the mixture of topics you post about right now keeps everything interesting, but if you were to split your blogs into one for mommy stuff and the other for political, that would be great too. Wow, I guess this has not been very helpful feedback, if you’re looking for a definitive suggestion. No matter what you decide, I’m sure your loyal readers will stick with you and you’ll pick up new readers as always!

Seriously I’m going to get a big head now. Like the girl in my header I’m so glad you come by and your feedback IS helpful.
Jordan (MamaBlogga) on June 29th, 2007

I honestly don’t think that a title of “MommyZabs” is going to make fewer people think that this is a mommy blog. Also, I don’t think that by putting political thoughts on another blog means that all moms do is cook, clean and care for kids.

I do like MoTu’s suggestion of categories. I also recommend the Ultimate Tag Warrior plugin, unless you have tagging in your WP. (Allegedly I’m supposed to, but I don’t.)

I will check out Ultimate tag for sure. Maybe I’ll have to re-do my tagging system. Ah more to do
Heidi Jo on June 29th, 2007

okay, first…whatever you do- i’m sure it will be spectacular.

but…another blog, oh lordy- i can hardly keep up with your posts on this one! my house is gonna suffer big time:-)

HAHA You always make me laugh Heidi I’ll try to post less for you
misi on June 29th, 2007

Hey E,
O.k. I think your blog is great just the way it is, starting a new blog just for politics? I guess if you have the time and energy go ahead, but I like how you have different topics everytime I stop by. Like the others have said it shows that you have a brain and your not just changing diapers all day:)
Also, I like your title,it seems as if the majority of the blogs I read have titles that really only make sense to the author- and that’s o.k.

Thanks for your feedback Misi, I really appreciate it.
Almostgotit on June 29th, 2007

Hey there! I just followed you here via your recent comment on problogger.com. I’m in the midst of a move from wordpress to my own domain as well. I’m still mulling whether or not to fix my own title. I’ve never been any good at titles.

“How to (almost) get the job and other (nearly) perfect stories” ?

“How to (almost) get the job: surviving unemployment, pretty much” ??

“Surviving (relative) unemployment, (nearly) parenting correctly,
and other not-quite victories” ????

(Oi. See what I mean?)

Also, on problogger you mentioned missing the stats and technorati on wordpress.com. Just want to reassure you on both counts: wordpress just killed their feedstats (creating quite a firestorm and a central reason I’m jumping ship at this time myself!) and while they still have the basic stats counter in place, they never did allow all the *much better* stats counters you are now free to use on your own site.

Second, you (anyone) can “ping” technorati yourself (that is how it is alerted of a new post) and do it better probably… what I do regularly after each new post is quickly submit a summary and link to both digg and technorati (on the latter, look for the “WTF” tab to do this)… and while on technorati, you can choose the “ping” option manually (which wordpress.com did for you, before). Wordpress documentation can give more details, esp. on how to “digg” (which would work for anyone’s blog, no matter what bloggin platform they use)

AGI- Thanks for visiting!
As far as your name. If it is just about job hunting… how about something like
The Almost and Nearly of Job Hunting
or
The Almost and Not Quite of Landing a Job.
I’m not sure if that is all you cover because one of your title said something about parenting… but I would try to keep words to the minimum and try focusing on the power words, determining words.

As far as Technorati and Digg. I’m fine with the pings on them, i just wish i could have brought my authority #s over instead of starting from scratch.
Missy on June 29th, 2007

I totally agree with Julie up there. Mom’s have political opinions, too! There are many issues out there that effect us and the world we are raising our children to be a part of!! Not to mention that too many people assume once you have kids, they’re all your brain can process now–especially if you decide to stay at home with them!! You can prove to the blogging world that we ARE capable of a conversation about the ins and outs of the presidental candidates and the issues–even if it follows a post about potty training!!

That being said, I also love the idea of a blog devoted to politics that would have posters of various political backgrounds and opinions. Sounds like fun to me. Maybe there’s a way to do both?

Thanks so much for you feedback Missy. I think you are right. Though we do like talking about Potty training don’t we
nicole fortunato on June 29th, 2007

i think you should keep it eclectic and then start a political blog. i think the main name should be ‘mommy zabs’ and ‘motherhood is not a cussword’ should be the subtitle. but i’ll love it either way. i definitely like the pics of the boys and you in the header.

Thanks Nicoley, As always, your opinion is greatly appreciated!
misi on June 29th, 2007

Hmmm I responded right after Heido Jo and I saw my comment go up and now it’s not there?

Sorry girl, You were in the spam folder for some reason. weird.
momlovesbeingathome on June 29th, 2007

I agree with MoTu’s comment above. I don’t dislike your new look or title but I really liked the MommyZabs look and title. I also think it’s great that you have a lot of different things that you talk about on here and I don’t think you need to have different blogs for different topics. You are who you are and this blog reflects you. There’s nothing wrong with that. It shows you are a very well rounded person with lots of tastes and interests and that you are interested in what’s going on in the world. Hope that helps!

Thanks for calling me well-rounded Also thanks for the feedback! I’m getting a lot figured out.
Carmen@littlecooksinthekitchen.com on June 29th, 2007

I think that you should do whatever YOU want to do. You spend a lot of time and thought on your blog and it should evolve to the place that you want it to be. I like your range of topics. I like your light, Mommy stories and the deeper ones. I like the topics of faith. I like the political stuff (of course I think I see eye to eye with you on a lot of that). I think that another blog would be too much for me to keep up with, but it might be fine for you. I have my hands full with one!

Thanks for the vote of confidence Carmen And I’m glad you like my range of topics. You are right another blog may be too much.
Mommy Zabs on June 29th, 2007

WOW EVERYONE, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this feedback. I’m so glad MoTu started this or I may have never shared and therefore not had such great feedback. Keep it coming, I replied specifically to everyone within the comments for the sake of time I’m leaning that way in my replies anyway
wytammic on June 29th, 2007

Hi MZ,

I realize I’m weighing in late, but I, too, enjoy your variety. When I first started blogging last year, I had no idea what direction to go. Granted, my blog is mostly political, but it’s mine and if I want to throw in a recipe, sports, family, etc … I can.

I’m with Tieki - whatever you’re writing, I’m reading.

Thanks Tammi- I will read whatever you choose to write too.
Defiant_Infidel on June 30th, 2007

Hi MZ… I come here for the family life stories you so enjoyably relate. I like your style and personality just the way they are, because they are obviously unadulterated “you”. I think what attracts your readers is the author… whatever you write about, it is always pleasant to find.

You keep referencing the eclectic nature of your blog… It’s true, and why can’t that include politics, too? If you are up for the duties of trying to maintain two blogs, more power to ya’… I know I couldn’t do it. I find just trying to keep up with one very daunting. (But I’m not very normal, you seem much nearer the mark! HA!)

Bottom line, you are going to bring readers whatever you choose to write about. Who wants readers due to a certain title, color or image? That would not be me and it doesn’t seem like it would be you either. I notice the one common thing in all the comments above is their interest in what you have to say. I bet we all will stop in periodically to see what you have done, whether you have one blog or five. (Please don’t create five though, OK?)

And hey, does any of this sound “trippy” to you?

Thanks for the great encouragement DI. And no this is not near as trippy as that one post you did
Kristy C on June 30th, 2007

I tend to agree with several above. Keep it eclectic. Being a mom is teaching our children all aspects of life. Your views and opinions inspire and challenge other moms to be more politically active and thoughtful. I can understand if you want another outlet for political debate, but please keep yours eclectic. If you find that some aren’t interested in your political opinions, they will probably just not read them, but for those of us who are we enjoy it!

Wow thanks for somehow finding time to comment on my blog from your hospital bed. I know you are going to make a fantastic mother. We are praying for you!
Karen on July 1st, 2007

Ok, I think I’m going insane! I’m 85% sure I commented on this post, but it’s not here. ARGH! I hate when that happens. Maybe I’m going crazy!

Anyway, my points were (if I remember correctly) that I haven’t been here long enough to comment on the content.

As for the comments, I started doing the “commenting on comments” a few weeks ago and it seems to be working well.

Awful strange because I thought i had seen a comment from you on it too.
the Grit on July 1st, 2007

Hi MZ,

The Brit and I are at the point where we are thinking of spinning off a few extra blogs, just so people can have the option of only following what they are interested in. Of course, now that you have your own domain, your host should allow you to add a few under it, called subdomains. These would show up like mommyzabs.com/politics/ best I can tell.

When you get ready to add ads, email me and I will share our secrets

the Grit

I would love to hear what your spin-offs would be….
theobromophile on July 3rd, 2007

I think a conservative Mom blog would be cool - especially as you’re the mom of two sons.

Whatever you write, I shall read.

Thanks sweetie!

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