Any blogger who has posted to their blog for any length of time has built up a sizable archives section. Within those previous postings are some real gems of timeless wisdom and advice.
Unfortunately, once a blog post scrolls off the home page, it's gone from view forever. Literally.
It's time to mine other people's blog archives for the gold they contain. At the same time, you can delve more deeply into the thoughts and ideas of your favourite bloggers. Links to older posts, written by other bloggers, will also be greatly appreciated. While the previous postings may have a long and happy life through the search engines, it's time to take an adventure through some blogging archives.
A blog archive tour should begin with a favourite blog. Go to a blog where the writings and ideas are familiar to you. Hopping through archives can be enjoyed in several ways.
One technique is to travel systematically. Take each month, one at a time, in chronological order in either direction. By starting at the most recent posts, you can find some great writings and thoughts you may have missed. Beginning at the launch of the blog helps you to follow the writer in the blog's development.
Another search technique is the random click. Simply take a peek at any archived month in any order. The joy of discovery is unlimited as you uncover overlooked gems. Many of the posts in the archives will be new to you, but offer insights that can be unlimited in their value and reading enjoyment. Leaping from one month to another, purely by chance, can be fun and rewarding.
Once you have sifted through familiar blogs, and are comfortable with archive surfing, you can add new blogs to your discovery list. Along with reading their most recent postings, you can get to know other bloggers very well. The archives are a great place to learn thoughts and ideas from other great writers.
Blog archive posts can then be turned into your own posts. Simply link to and comment upon the slightly older than this week thesis. I am not suggesting simply using a link and a line, but to add your own thoughts to the discussion. Share your take on their presentation.
The synthesis of the posts can lead to some powerful new conclusions. You may even change your mind about an issue. Better yet, you may make a new blogging buddy.
Surf those archives today. Let the discoveries begin.
