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I said I would experiment in 2011, and experiment I did.

Most experiments involved exploring media-like qualities like books reviews, interviews and reverse-engineering storytelling in the media.

I think it’s fair to say these types of posts added a touch of panache to this corner.

I also learned that crafting a proper Q&A from a wide-ranging interview takes serious time.

In the future, I plan to stick with the three-question interview. There’s no getting around that these posts require less time.

Sure, the right questions directed to the right person can make for a fresh take (or two). Personally, I thought one of the more interesting reads last year was the Q&A with the king of slang, Jonathon Green, which came out of this format.

I did think about resurrecting the Iron Reporter (patterned after the Iron Chef) which compares two journalists writing a story on the same topic. Again, it’s a matter of making the time for a type of post that can’t be cranked out in an hour.

As for what didn’t work, the Google analytics say there appears to be a correlation between topics that particularly amuse me and less viewership. This is a tough one. It’s not like I know when the amusement meter hits 90. I suppose greater self-awareness would improve my editorial filter.

I’ll try.

One tweak I will be making this year —

I often come across tidbits that aren’t quite enough fodder for a full-blown post. Instead, I’ll collect these and when I have critical mass write what I’m calling a “Grab-bag” post.

And I recognize the “look and feel” of the blog desperately needs help, another action on the 2012 to-do list.

As always, your comments and insights add to the color.

I have this feeling that 2012 will play out as the Year of the Word.

TIME will tell.


Comments

  • 2012 PR33 – Top PR / Communications Blogs « Paul Roberts on PR

    […] Ishmael’s Corner by Lou Hoffman  Twitter: @LouHoffman Another PR33 alum that never disappoints, Lou Hoffman is the PR33’s official storyteller. Seriously, he never fails to surprise with his unique and uncanny ability to pull out information that others (myself always included) easily miss. This reader for one finds his posts to be quite amusing no matter what Google analytics says. Subtle reference material for that last line can be found here. […]

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