I recycle old blog posts and it is not because I am concerned about global warming, saving the environment or want to support the Sierra Club. I do it because my readership isn’t stagnant- it is growing. I do it because even long time readers sometimes fail to read all of my posts. Â Side note to long time readers: don’t let me catch you slacking off on the reading here or the consequences will be swift and severe. One slip and you’ll be shipped off to Siberia, er cleveland.
For a blogger like me who isn’t part of one community old posts are even more important. They help me introduce myself to the various blog communities I frequent.
I use old posts in a variety of other ways. Old posts help provide ideas and opportunities for new posts. Sometimes I’ll look back at something I wrote five years ago and ask if things have changed. Sometimes I use them to cover moments where  I know that I am not going to have time to blog.
I like old posts. They are trusted companions, friends who have been through the wars and lived to tell the tales. Old posts tell tales worth listening to and remind me of how far I have come or in some case how much growth hasn’t taken place. Old posts are flavor and seasoning for a blog. Just don’t fall into the trap of using them too frequently or your blog will grow stale and moldy and that is never good- unless you are feeding zombies.
Stale and moldy is good for zombies but not much else.
I have been thinking about doing this recently. How timely.
By the way, for me at least your comments section is miles down the page.
There is some sort of conflict with Internet Explorer. I am trying to figure out what it is.
“I recycle old blog posts…”
I didn’t know blog posts could be put in the recycling bin with newspapers. I just checked the list of my recyclable items from my local municipality who picks up recycling and I don’t see blog posts on there. Perhaps it is an oversight. I will contact my local councillor right away about this most important environmental issue.
Thanks Jack for bringing this to my attention.
Michael,
Yep, it is a little known fact. You can stick them in alongside newspapers, igloos, polar bears and melted snow. 😉
Hi Jack. I totally agree and have just started occasionally re-tweet older posts. We’re starting to build up a fair few ‘old favourites’ so it’ll be nice to dust them off to show newer followers in the future. Recycle to get the most from your hard work!
Best regards
Adam
Hi Adam,
Yep, recycle, revisit and reward is how I see it.