Charley's World

Don't try this at home...I'm a professional.

We've all heard that on TV before...usually being said by someone who is about to attempt some dangerous feat. This time it's being said by a blogger. And actually...she doesn't mind if you try it at home...in fact...she encourages it.

Penelope Trunk is a professional blogger. Check out her blog at www.penelopetrunk.com. Wait...not now...read my blog first...then click on that link.

Penelope is an accomplished columnist and author who puts out an informative and entertaining blog six days a week. Expect everything from career advice to life lessons and everything that might include. Trunk was a guest on Your Turn today--I filled in for Kathy Fountain as host--and she is the focus of "Charley's World" tonight at 10:00.

Penelope is passionate about blogging. She loves it....is addicted to it. And her passion is contagious.

I told her about this blogging section of Fox13's website...and about how all on-air people are strongly "encouraged" to blog as often as possible. Okay, so maybe I used the word "forced", I'm not sure. The point is...blogging for blogging sake gets you nowhere. You really need to have something to say...and say it loud and proud and with conviction. That's what Penelope says...and I think she's right.

It's difficult for some of the news anchors and reporters to get excited about blogging...because it really demands an opinion. Most of us have built careers out of being unbiased. Sure, we have opinions...but we learn how to hide them. Blogging requires you to let the world know what your thinking...and most journalists have a problem with that. So you end up with blogs denouncing crime, or glorified teases for things coming up on the news.

I think Mark Wilson does a good job with his blogs. He'll let you know what he's thinking about an issue or two...but doesn't go so far as to damage his credibility. During American Idol season...I tried to give you my honest opinion on the talent coming and going. But it is easier for me--as the feature/entertainment reporter--to give you my opinion on entertainment and feature stories. Don't expect a blog from me regarding the war in Iraq...but I will tell you I think Paris Hilton could use a few days in jail.

Penelope encouraged me to try to fine-tune my blogging. Concentrate on Reality TV...or something so specific that you can build an audience looking for opinions and commentary on that subject. And then build a conversation. After all, that's the true success of a blog: interaction. We can all wax poetic and just have it sit there. But inspiring someone else to get into the conversation...that's when it is rewarding.

So I will try to get better at my blogging. I will give you insight on what I am passionate about...and hopefully inspire you to take part in the conversation...to join the "blog-a-sphere" with me.

So stay tuned....

-Charley

(okay...now you can go back up and click on the link to Penelope's blog! Enjoy!)