In the last week or so, I have been hearing a lot about tumblelogs. The concept of the tumblelog has been around for quite a long time and I have seen many examples of sites that fit the bill. I have always liked the idea what is now called a tumblelog because the content is easily digestible and content is usually updated much more often. Ironically, this very blog has taken on tumbleblog-esque traits with smaller, daily posts to go along with a longer, more in depth weekly article.
What really interesting here is that there seems to be a trend moving in the short-format direction. In a sense, Twitter is the world’s large public tumblelog. This stream-of-consciousness style of writing is obviously less substantiative, but the format is quite beneficial in its own unique way to both the writer and reader. To the writer, with less time commitment for each post, there is more time to write many more articles during the same span of time. More topics can be covered and current events can be touched on much more quickly. For the readers, they can get the gist of potentially many different topics and then go elsewhere for more in-depth content if they so desire.
The differences in format between blogs and tumblelogs could potentially create a strong symbiotic relationship between the two. Long format, in-depth blog articles are always going to be necessary for readers to get a thorough understanding of a concept or opinion. Still, many people many not be willing to commit to such long articles for various reasons. Tumblelog formats have the potential to whet the appetite of an otherwise unwilling audience. I myself would like to incorporate even more small-format content into this blog – I mean, who has time to read my long, boring articles?
The Discussion
8 Comments on “Am I the Last Person to Hear About Tumblelogs?”Kellie
13.03.2007 5:04 pmTumbleblogs CAN be fun to write and read.
But just like text messaging, and instant messaging, it is a form of instant gratification that often lacks substance. (Unless you are a renounl haiku writer like Basho once was. ;-) )
The craft and talent of writing takes another giant leap backwards. I will not be surprised when Tumbleblog entries start appearing in shorthand or text messaging slang. Welcome to the generation of ADD, laziness, and convenience.
C U L8TR, PJ! LOL.
somerandomdude
13.03.2007 5:14 pmHeh, good point Kellie – I definitely can understand that point of view. I tend to like the format – not as a replacement, but a partner of large-format blogs because it opens up the door for so much more information to be shared. I find it very hard at times to write a full-length article. My options are to: a) Not write anything at all, or b) Write something more brief that covers the topic with less detail, but allows me to get it out within the time I have.
I think if tumbling replaces blogging, that would be sad – however I just do not see that happening (at least, I hope). I guess we’ll see…
kellie
13.03.2007 6:14 pmPJ-
I believe the concept of short/spontaneous articles are fine, as long as that format does not make up the entire content of the blog. You do a thoughtful job of balancing short Daily Delicious posts with long essays, as well as medium length offerings. This is wonderful because it gives the reader the best of everything, not only a bunch of rapid fire posts that ultimately amount to little or abbreviated dialogue.
Many tumbleweed blogs remind me of the current trend in mainstream magazines…short content with many glamorous images to fill up space, giving the reader a fast but unfullfilled read. On the other hand, there are those publications, well respected ones, that give a variety of article types. These kinds of magazines never fail to delight the senses and often involves someone who truly enjoys the written word.
With this being said, there are definitely exceptions to the Tumbleweed blog. My previous critique focused on the many amateur, personal blogs out there that overshadow all of the good examples. (Sorry I didn’t specify earlier!) On the other hand, I’ve seen design and art blogs with the purpose to showcase the visual, not so much the written aspect of blogging. In this case, a tumbleweed format makes sense. There are also blogs written by talented writers who can say A LOT in very few words. These are the exceptions that I really admire and respect.
kellie
13.03.2007 6:16 pmWow, I called it ‘tumbleweed’ instead of ‘tumbleblog’ throughout my last post.
It’s been a long day at work. Sigh.
If I find a few cool tumbleblogs, I will definitely post links!
somerandomdude
13.03.2007 6:29 pmActually, I think that was a beautiful mistake! I was cracking up when I read the ‘tumbleweed’ quote. Once again, I definitely see your point. Choosing your format is all about having an acute idea of what your content is and who your audience is. Short posts are not going to work well for everything, but for other genres, over-elaborating can be just as bad.
By the way, hold onto that tumbleweed name – it’s a classic. ;)
Mini ZuD
19.04.2007 5:12 pmI humbly nominate Mini Zud as a tumblelog of note.
In my Logroll I least other tumblelogs that are worthy.
Please feel free to check ‘em out.
They are the future of blogging, as they are attractive, succinct and addictive!
Z
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