I've been giving some thought to what I'd like to accomplish with this blog. As many of you know, it evolved out of an e-mail newsletter that I did for several years, but found that sending out a large e-mail to a large mailing list caused complications -- some on my end, some on yours (depending on the speed of your internet connection). The blog seemed like a natural solution, and it has worked well. However, I ask myself "Who is reading this?"
I do appreciate those who respond, ask questions or tell me what they like or don't like about my postings. However, in an effort to make this more effective, I recently participated in a workshop on blogging, and I learned quite a bit. I learned that I probably write too much at one time. I may be trying to appeal to too large an audience. I am more conscientious about spelling and grammar than most bloggers! It also seems that I have been doing quite a number of things right. Photos and coloured fonts and varied font sizes, etc. all help to keep interest. Hopefully my content is current and relevant (well, maybe not the jokes!)
In an effort to improve, I've also been reading other blogs. Here's an excerpt from one:
Questions to ask while writing:
1) What am I trying to say?
2) What words will express it?
3) What image or idiom will make it clearer?
4) Is this image fresh enough to have an effect?
5) Could I put it more shortly?
6) Have I said anything that is avoidable ugly?
Rules to Follow:1) Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
2) Never use a long word where a short one will do.
3) If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
4) Never use the passive where you can use the active.
5) Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word (like, say, real estate jargon) if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
6) Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.
The above is courtesy of Kasey Everly
So, now I am asking you to let me know what you like about my blog. You can reply at the bottom of the blog posting in "Comments", or you can send me an e-mail, but please, if you're reading this, let me know.
My thought is to make my postings shorter, but post them more frequently. My goal from this point on is to post something each week. Do you want to be notified of new postings? Do you know that you can "subscribe" to a blog, so that you will be automatically notified?
Do You Know A Buyer For This Home?
This is a great family home with a total of 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, on a view lot at the Nasookin subdivision, just a few minutes outside of Nelson on the North Shore. More details are available on our web-site at: North Shore Home Priced at $380,000
Redfish Grill fire
Here's an event that occurred in Nelson at the end of July and got a lot of attention. The Redfish Grill was gutted by fire that started during the dinner hour and was not contained for about 7 1/2 hours. This shot was taken after the roof collapsed, with the fire's glow illuminating the sprays of water that were being poured into it at the rate of 4000 litres a minute!
Earlier this month the Rotary Club of Nelson Daybreak was involved in building a recreational bridge. Here is a link to a more detailed article, and a short video of the project: Cottonwood Bridge
Here's a view of Cottonwood Lake, a delightful spot just a few kilometers south of Nelson. The bridge connects the picnic area parking lot with the recreational trail along the old Burlington Northern rail line on the other side of Cottonwood Creek.
Also happening in Nelson this month is the renovation/restoration of the old C.P. station at the foot of Baker Street. The Nelson Chamber of Commerce is spearheading this work, which will take several years to complete and cost a couple of million dollars. The end result is going to be fabulous!
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So, that's what a shorter blog looks like. If I do get them out every week, they'll be a little shorter than this.
Please take a moment and let me know what you think. Thanks, in advance.
Lorne & Drew
