If you ask me, there are not one but many possible brilliant guest writers among my loyal readers. I don’t have to go that far to find the high quality posts for my blog by other readers.

Unfortunately, I’ve encountered several prominent blogs whose guest articles left me thinking that their authors hurriedly wrote a quick post with bunch of typical tips or thoughts and perhaps slightly paraphrased to make them sound original.

This got me thinking – too much. :D

You’ve said so much in this statement, I just had to expand upon the “unsaid”.

There are many bloggers I’ve been reading lately that make me think they have forgotten why there were blogging in the first place, as they dash off quick posts – many useless posts – maybe because they think their reader’s won’t notice, won’t care and will love them anyway, or they are lazy.

Since most guest bloggers are bloggers, it’s possible that they are doing the same and “throwing away” a guest blog post for similar reasons.

However, I believe that most people who guest blog take their job seriously – if they are serious folk.

If you risk your blog to bring on a blogger known for “lazy blogging” then you will get “lazy blogging”. If you still want the blogger, then you can set ground rules, and even check and edit the post before its published, to make sure it meets your high standards.

I’ve found that like attracts like, so bloggers who have high standards pick and choose bloggers with similar standards. As I said, I didn’t invite anyone to my blogging party that I wouldn’t want in my home at a private party. I love being surrounded by intellectual, thoughtful, conversationalists, all willing to share and listen equally.

You’ve brought up some fascinating issues and I can tell that you’ve attracted some brilliant readers. One of them might make a brilliant guest blogger, least we forget that like guest blog posts, comments are content and mini-resumes. :D

I can absolutely relate to sometimes jarring difference between the guest’s and author’s posts. Sometimes it feels like you’ve been invited to a party, but instead of the actual host or hostess, the party is lead by someone else, a guest. However, if that guest was really good, I don’t really mind. I might even invite that person to host my parties :-)

When suggesting to differentiate the guest posts on the blog, are you suggesting a similar to your Snippet Posts strategy? I don’t think it’ll be fair to the guest writers to place them on a back seat, what do you think?

You know what? Something came on my mind when reading your comment. How about writing one-two paragraphs to each of the guest posts myself: not only introducing the guest writer, but expressing my own thoughts on the subject matter, and then passing it to the guest blogger to take the stage. This way you were still greated by me and gently switched your attention to another blogger. What do you all think of this idea?

I visit this blog primarily because it’s Vivien’s blog, and I guess I like Vivien; so, when I visit Vivien’s blog and..oh, wait a minute, who’s this?…where’s Vivien? Perhaps somebody stole her theme; perhaps they’ve stolen her entire blog. Therefore, it can be a little disconcerting.

I think we just need to choose carefully/wisely. I would also like to see Guest-writer content somehow differentiated from blog-author content, so that the guest posts are asides (little inspiration bits).
Perhaps I’m not being terribly clear; I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m not a great fan of guest posts “taking the place” of blog-author posts. There is a place for them, but I’d rather see them as add-ons as opposed to having them masquerade as posts. That sounds a lot harsher than it should…I’m going to give this some more thought…

Thanks for the answers and feedback, Joey. Of, course I won’t be having too many guest posts on my blog, though I’m afraid it won’t be always possible to give the heads up on the upcoming guest post, but I’ll do my best.

Now when my first or second tier blogs start having more than the occasional guest posts I find myself skimming the feed like the third tier blogs. Now, if you are going to be on vacation or at a conference and you tell me in advance that you will be having some guest bloggers I am more likely to give the guest posts a better look. I have dropped some feeds because the blog began to have too many guest posts and the blog lost the character and style that I was attracted too.

All that said guest blogging is not bad, but just like cake and icecream it needs to be enjoyed in moderation.

I am also a person that does not read blogs that are written by more than two people. One of the reasons I read a blog is because I can identify and relate to the writer. If the blog has several writers the message has too many different tones and styles and I just can’t relate or identify with it. Too many guest posts can have the same effect.

1. yes but also to read the comments from your regulars
2. No
3. No, you have been a good steward
4. I think some do. I write a weekly column for a website and I spend more time writing for that one article than three articles on my blog. But I do struggle sometimes because I really wanted that post for my blog.
5. Uh, you probably got that from the ‘post’ above.

Tara, I have a very similar to yours position with guest blogging – I’ve asked Lee to write about blog monetization, because I have a very limited knowledge on this subject, that many people are interested in. Lauren’s knowledge of graphic design is amazing and Ronald’s expertise in blogging is masterful. And my motivation for guest blogging is either the opportunity to write in a different niche or promote my skills and knowledge on other blogs and gain a new audience.

Dandellion, thanks for your “double thoughts”. Blame Simonne for finding and writing such thought-provoking posts :-) “choosing the right moment to publish.” – that’s another thought to ponder upon.
I am and will certainly do my best when choosing guest contributions on my blog, and be as wise as possible with it.

Lorelle, it’s encouraging to read that you are not and won’t be allowing second-grade guest articles on your blog. Unfortunately, I’ve encountered several prominent blogs whose guest articles left me thinking that their authors hurriedly wrote a quick post with bunch of typical tips or thoughts and perhaps slightly paraphrased to make them sound original.

Just because a blogger has achieved a reputable name in the blogiverse, s/he shouldn’t think that they’re allowed to write or allow any guest posts just for the sake of filling in.

Lauren, of course I know what you mean and I really appreciate your honesty. And no worries, I won’t be inviting Hells Angels to guest write for Inspiration Bit… hmm… On a second thought, maybe I should – I’m sure everyone would be very curious to find out what “Easy riders” think about blogging :-)

Simone, thanks for your kind words. “guest articles also have your blueprint on them” – this is so true. As I mentioned a few times on this blog – I always try to write articles that I personally would find interesting if I read them later or as a stranger. If I won’t find them exciting and motivational, how can I expect anyone else to like them? So if I honestly find the guest post interesting and useful, I can be pretty certain that my readers would appreciate it as well.

Now your questions:
1. Yes, I come here for your voice and for your thoughts, but guest articles also have your blueprint on them, since you decide what to publish here, so I’d read them with the same interest (not mentioning the fact that they were really interesting)
2. No
3. No
4. Maybe. However, I cannot think this way. When I write for another blog, I read it before, to make sure my article respects its spirit and athmosphere. I also read comments on that blog, to get acquainted with loyal readers. It is like haute couture, rather than pret-a-porter. Blogging is tailor-made fashion, and it is not a question which piece of clothing/writing is better, but which one fits better the one who’s going to wear/read it.
5. It is good. It strenghten connections between us and it offers fresh perspectives to the readers.