Thursday 9 August 2007

Verbal diarrhoea

During a discussion in which the readership numbers for this blog were being discussed, it was suggested that my postings may be a little too long. I am a prolific writer and can churn out between 1500 and 2500 words every time I 're-live' my shift for you. The AOL blog started out as a sort of 'highlights of my day', which meant that my postings were shorter (500 to 1,000 words) and therefore more frequent.

If the majority of blog readers are put off by long postings and prefer to 'dip in and out' for shorter entries then it may be beneficial to revert back to my original style; shorter postings written more frequently (daily).

I would, of course, continue to write ALL of my day's work down so that readers would experience it with me but I could publish the full version in a book for a more leisurely read.

I'd like your views on this.

Xf

61 comments:

Sian said...

i like the detail.

but thats a personal oppinion

Anonymous said...

I love it the way it is now. I used to read your blog on aol too and much prefer the longer version. it allows the reader to get a real sense of a typical shift for you. I much prefer the detail and look forward to seeing your new entries.

Stay safe,
Helen

IAmKat said...

As a newish reader to the blog I like the detail you give, it adds variation to the other paramedic blogs I read and it's obviously a good style for you....and that's what matters really. So I vote to keep the posts as they are :o)

Anonymous said...

I've been reading for a while, and I have to say that I love the detail that you put into your blog. Makes me feel like I'm right there and helps me fully appreciate what people in your job have to put up with. Keep the long posts please!

Anonymous said...

Longer the better in my eye's.... If people are put off by long postings then it is their choice not to read it all, or read a little at a time!!!!!
If you could still write between 1500 and 2000 words a day.... EVEN BETTER....
Keep up the fantastic work....
Michelle

Anonymous said...

Long time lurker - first time poster:

I like the long articles, so keep 'em coming!

Anonymous said...

I too like the detail. It's your blog/time/energy - I would say it's up to you. Remember, you can't please all of the people, all of the time.

Anonymous said...

i think its good that your posts are long it helps me get a better insight into your days work than if you were just to right about the good jobs

Anonymous said...

Your posts are excellent, the more the merrier.

Unknown said...

I agree. the detail is what makes this blog so interesting.

Anonymous said...

noooooo don't do that pleeeeaaasseeee.
When I click my feed reader and it highlights your blog, I go and make a cup of tea, click on your blog, and then sit and read. Its the only time I actually take time out for myself lol.
JAE xx

Anonymous said...

I like it too, i enjoy reading your blog, whether its short or long. it makes for a good read either way.

Anonymous said...

I must admit to 'skimming' significantly when I don't have much time. I still often enjoy reading the whole lot tho.

Maybe headings would help (I could skip "Drunk #29940" if I was in a rush :-D)

Anonymous said...

as long as you keep up writing the same amount, I don't mind.
Keep up the good writing and the good work on the job!

Anonymous said...

Hi Stuart,

I like the long blog. I think its the detail that you go into in your days that sets it apart from other excellent blogs like Tom's and Mike Myers.

Anonymous said...

I'm in favor of long as well. You're certainly not belaboring anything; you just have really busy shifts.

Anonymous said...

Personally I love the detail, but at the same time, the thought of more frequent posts sound appealing.
But having a deep interest in your work, I really appreciate the time u spend putting detail into your writing, and I find it both fascinating and educational.
In my training, I found the 'real life stories' taught me more than most of the training we were offered.

David said...

The detail is astounding and sets your blog apart form what is becoming quite a crowded field. The whole shift approach is quite an eye-opener for your many non-ambulance staff readers, and while different from Reynolds' tendency to focus and reflect on single patients in depth, is just as interesting to read. Twelve calls per post please!

Trelea said...

I really do love the detail in your blog, I have no problem with lots of text as I read quite fast...your blog keeps me busy for a lot longer than most blogs.

It's well written, insightful and I love reading about your job. Please keep the posts as they are!

Anonymous said...

love the long posts, but like someone said up there - it's your blog. I enjoy your writing.

Anonymous said...

Definately longer the better. Brilliant writing which has kept me coming back for months!

Give Quiche A Chance said...

Please don't shorten them, I love the detail, it's what makes them stand out from most other blogs and really brings the writing to life.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the majority always enjoy yr blog pls keep it as u do now
take care and chill
joan

Anonymous said...

I see no need to change. I am hooked on your blog and the detail and scope give more of an insight into your workload and day.

Anonymous said...

I think the long blogs are great, if you are happy to keep them how you write them now i would leave it, i personally prefer the more detailed approach...
Take care

Anonymous said...

Keep the long detailed blog!

Anonymous said...

No change needed Its more than good enough as it is.

Anonymous said...

dont have to change for me, in fact the moer detail the better..

dont know why? maybe im just nosey.

Anonymous said...

could you explain some of the terms for non medical bods though please!

Anonymous said...

No need to change its more interesting as it it now removing content would only lessen it's value

Anonymous said...

Keep it just as it is, I like it nuff said

Anonymous said...

I definitely agree with keeping the posts long. I'm always glad when I see a nice long post that I can sit down and enjoy, plus I learn a lot from all the details that you put in.

millymollymandy

Responder said...

Keep it as is mate, it makes a good read.

Best of luck from someone who jumped through lots of hoops to get accepted as a Trainee Tech just as they closed the courses. Just my luck.

Anonymous said...

This is the best ambulance blog on the internet. Your writings are fantastic. Keep the detail - it sets you blog apart.

Anonymous said...

I have read your blog for about 6 months and love the detail, I think it is the best blog around.

Keep going as it is, I say.

(Though if you do change it, I'd happily buy the book!)

Anonymous said...

Perhaps I am in the minority here! I do like reading your blog, but I do think some posts can be absolutely huge, like the last one for example, and you really have to have time to read them. I like the detail in your blog, it's just the depth with what seems every job being written about.

I hope your book does well!

Ian Deed said...

Long posts are more entertaining, real "value for money" :P.

i like it the way it is anyway. :)

Anonymous said...

Love it just the way it is. Take care. Gill

Anonymous said...

I like your blog just as it is, there are lots of other blogs that are short and sharp. What makes yours better is the detail, it really brings your writing to life.
Best wishes with the book
Mary

Anonymous said...

Please keep the long postings. A book can be read in a day or two. Long daily postings will keep me happy for ever!!

Anonymous said...

If you've got the time and the energy to keep it up, then please do! I keep checking back far more often than I probably should for the next installment as it is!

Anonymous said...

Personally, I preferred the highlights as some posts can take so long to read, and if they look to long, I tend to skim through them. The detail is great, but perhaps not writing about every job could be better? Although that view seems to disagree with everyone else!

Anonymous said...

I am liking the posts - I am also trying to become a Trainee Tech and this is really helpful for interview prep. Thanks for taking the time

Anonymous said...

I use the blog as reflective practice from an ambo viewpoint- how would I have treated/managed/been professional and human in the situation? Personally, the detail is great- it lays bare the cognitive processes involved in what is an art form. Every job is different.
Be true to yourself.

Anonymous said...

I like it the way it is, the detail and way you write really make me feel I'm there with you.

Anonymous said...

*Delurks* For my part, I rather enjoy the length of the articles. *Resumes Lurking.*

Anonymous said...

I love it the way it is now. Your blog is one of my favorites.

con said...

I like the longer narative style you can skip bits if you want and the tally at the top gives a good summary/idea of what you have written about

Wildcat said...

I see absolutely nothing wrong with the way you're doing things. Longer posts give us a better "feel" for you as a person, not just a uniformed bod. I like the detail, I like the humour and I like the personal touch.

Keep it up!

Anonymous said...

I want the detail - lots and lots of detail.

Anonymous said...

I, too, love the detail, and the description of the general scene.

However, please don't burn out due to writing so much.

Anonymous said...

I really appreciate the length of the posts, the number of times per week you post, and their quality.

Keep it up, but don't wear it out.

Anonymous said...

please keep them long. i read a few blogs and always save yours for last, as i love it so much.

Anonymous said...

Hi xf I think u got yr answer!!
joan

Anonymous said...

Hi, Haven't read the other comments, but I wanted to say that I like to blog as it is. Not everyone who uses the internet has the attention span of a 2 year old and I like the long blog posts. It gives me a real feel for you day and is good to see what you have to put up with compared to me (I'm in the Police).
Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

I much prefer the posts the way they are now (as almost everyone else seems to).

I work in Control, and it's great to read a lucid and descriptive account of how you operate.

Anonymous said...

Hi,

Love your blog and love the detail - please don't cut it down!

Lin said...

Your style of writing works well. You appear to enjoy writing your thoughts and experiences and, from what I see above, we enjoy reading them as they are currently written. Please continue. You have given me the opportunity to learn about your country, customs, culture, and people. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

The longer posts are great, and put your blog above the rest. Please don't dumb down or shorten it just to suit those with poor attention spans. Those people are well catered for by the myriad of "sound byte" blogs already out there. Your blog is different, and all the better for it :)

Anonymous said...

Hi - I love it. And so long as you are enjoying your writing then I can think of no reason to change.

Anonymous said...

looks like, u keep posting regularly. thats really a good job.

juniordoctor.mathew