Blog Catalog Discussion: Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?

shankha72113 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

shankha72113 — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:26:34 -0500

Thanks again guys & gals to participate in this discussion and now I am using some relevant photos in my posts.

shankha72113 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

shankha72113 — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:25:30 -0500

@timethief : Thanks again. You may now have a look at my blog. I have added some photos of Kolkata & Sector V in my blog.

Just searched the images from goolge and added them.

timethief on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

timethief — Sun, 24 May 2009 10:40:22 -0500

@shanka
Man dont be worried about the copyright.
I'd like to let you know that ignoring copyright is not the way to go. Please bookmark and read the related posts linked to in 100 Essential Legal and Privacy Guides for Bloggers http://www.criminaljusticeusa.com/blog/2009/100-essential-legal-and-privacy-guides-for-bloggers/

I shall try to get some photos from photobucket or such network where people store their photos and use them. To hell with the copyright....

That's a good idea. In addition I have over 100 sources of free images listed on my resources page that you can use to locate appropriate photos for your blog under the subtitle images http://onecoolsite.wordpress.com/resources Some require a link back and some don't so in each case you must read the Terms of Use.

shankha72113 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

shankha72113 — Sun, 24 May 2009 10:28:57 -0500

Well thanks to all your great knowledge sharing with me in this discussion. I could not get photos yet, but have changed the look and feel of my blog a lot.

Added a new theme with a teaser to highlight the story and then only interested persons may start with "More...".

Thanks again!!!

shankha72113 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

shankha72113 — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:19:52 -0500

Thanks JamCan. Will try to add photo or will shorten the posts.

JamCan on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

JamCan — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:59:09 -0500

I don't think its necessary to have them. One of my blogs is a travel blog so its imperative, but my other blog is just a banter blog and I rarely have pictures, but keep those posts a lot shorter.

People on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

People — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:05:18 -0500

Well, it doesn't have to be relevant. It could be an unrelated photo that will just add to the atmosphere. A book cover isn't always related to the book, but it puts you in the right state of mind to read the book.

shankha72113 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

shankha72113 — Tue, 19 May 2009 08:58:40 -0500

Thanks pandanartrepublic and blindcat. Will try to get images from search. Meanwhile ... you may visit my blog once and read. :)

pandanartrepublic on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

pandanartrepublic — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:43:52 -0500

Certainly..images are one of the method to make attraction in the way to read your blog..its more enjoyable if the stories and images blend together.cause if only just a stories in it i better buy a novel book or something...cause blog are for viewers to see and read..i think that much enjoyable!For problems like this..maybe you have to find the ways to link it...just my opinion though.. :)

blindcat on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

blindcat — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:18:18 -0500

you can find in search engine to download photos to your blog which is related to your post

http://librepera.blogspot.com

ranist22 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

ranist22 — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:06:21 -0500

Photos are easy to take and download. They help to break up the text, which can get monotonous to the eye. Do try to use some illustrations or pictures, it will help with traffic also.

shankha72113 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

shankha72113 — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:59:30 -0500

Thanks to rcal4848 and Xight ... I shall try to get some photos from photobucket or such network where people store their photos and use them. To hell with the copyright.... :)

shankha72113 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

shankha72113 — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:58:34 -0500

Thanks Xight .... that's true. Once you look at a photo of the place, it is easy to visualize the actual story.

Also, thanks to rcal4848 and Xight ... I shall try to get some photos from photobucket or such network where people store their photos and use them. To hell with the copyright.... :)

rcal4848 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

rcal4848 — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:48:31 -0500

Man dont be worried about the copyright. You dont have many viewers so just let it be. Write good stuff. Keep posting on discussions and commenting on peoples stuff. Use a picture if you feel it would go well with the writing. Feel it out.

weblogian on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

weblogian — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:43:19 -0500

An image can tell your whole story. Exaggerating!?

Xight on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

Xight — Mon, 18 May 2009 22:18:31 -0500

The first thing that popped into my mind when I took a look at the description of the story wasy, what does kolkata look like?

While you don't have to place images of characters, or what they where and let imagination do that part. A good scene of what the atmosphere is like can really draw in the audience. Its telling me hey the story takes place here, I can image it better or relate to it better. You can always find free stock photography of locations if you need to. Or you may even find a photography blogger in that area that you can ask if you can link their images. I'm sure they'd be glad to get keywords like 'kolkata photo' or something in exchange for using their photos.

That way you help each other out, you get pics to use, the other gets more exposure.

shankha72113 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

shankha72113 — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:57:05 -0500

Thanks timethief for your continuous support. :) Will try to do just that.

timethief on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

timethief — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:55:29 -0500

@shanka
I'm here to tell you that there are no shortcuts when it comes to getting targeted organic traffic ie. traffic you do NOT pay for. You must learn basic SEO and become a skilled blogger with a search engine and reader friendly blog.

Twenty five steps to increase blog traffic
http://onecoolsite.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/twenty-five-steps-to-increase-blog-traffic/

More traffic promotion advice
http://www.blogcatalog.com/group/new-blog-catalog-users/discuss/entry/more-traffic-promotion-advice

Networking with other fiction writers here at BC is also essential
7 steps to effective networking at Blog Catalog
http://onecoolsite.wordpress.com/2009/01/12/7-steps-for-effective-networking-at-blog-catalog/

I would also advise you to seek out other fiction writers in other social networks and in online groups and forums and build relationships with them.

I hope this helps you and best wishes.

shankha72113 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

shankha72113 — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:48:43 -0500

exit2013 is absolutely right. People view images these days than reading a post. Andalso I liked the way of pinkmonkeychatter, who carries a camera. I am thinkin of doing so, if possible.

shankha72113 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

shankha72113 — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:46:29 -0500

This is absolutely true. But tell me, how are you going to get an image / photo which is relevant to your post (in my case a story) all the time?

shankha72113 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

shankha72113 — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:44:51 -0500

Thanks timethief I got my point and thanks for the links. :) But tell me how come I increase views in a "StoryBook"?

shankha72113 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

shankha72113 — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:43:50 -0500

This conversation was really interesting. :)

pinkmonkeychatter on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

pinkmonkeychatter — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:10:51 -0500

I think photos really help. I carry a camera everywhere with me. If I see anything interesting, I take a picture knowing that I will eventually use it in a post.

nothingprofound on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

nothingprofound — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:06:31 -0500

Puppets should keep their yaps shut. Apes! Monkeys! Who's counting?

exit2013 on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

exit2013 — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:51:25 -0500

People like looking at pictures more than reading. Plus, it can illustrate the words somewhat.

timethief on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

timethief — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:50:12 -0500

If you look on my Resources page on my blog (scroll down to "images") you will find the links to about 100 different sites you can get free images from. Read the Terms of Use on the sites as some require a link back and others do not. http://onecoolsite.wordpress.com

You can use Paint or Photoshop to optimize and re-size the images. If you don't have either one then these are links to free image programs you can use to optimize and re-size the images with:
http://www.irfanview.com/
http://www.picasa.com/
http://www.gimp.org/
http://www.photofiltre.com/
http://www.faststone.org/
http://park18.wakwak.com/~pixia/

Jaybetee on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

Jaybetee — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:40:45 -0500

i wouldn't use a copyrighted image unless you get permission...get an account at a stock image site like istockphoto.com; then you can download royalty free images and they're cheap.

dosox on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

dosox — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:38:40 -0500

Oh yeah it is NOT necessary.
I feel a creative(simple) blog design with everything neatly organized will help you.

MidwestMom on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

MidwestMom — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:58:48 -0500

I wouldn't know... I'm just a puppet.

timethief on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

timethief — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:09:44 -0500

No it's not always necessary. Yes it does add interest and eye appeal and as well as being used for illustrative purposes, images can be used to break up large blogs of texts thereby increasing readability. Images also bring search engine traffic to blogs. Even if readers do not like your posts, image searches can bring your blog hits. And if you do use images be sure you complete the ALT tags.
ALT and title image tags
http://onecoolsite.wordpress.com/2008/04/26/how-to-fix-alt-and-title-image-tags-in-the-new-wordpresscom/

MidwestMom on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

MidwestMom — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:58:04 -0500

There are other ways to make a text-based blog visually interesting. Your use of colored sidebars, font choice, and header can draw a reader's attention. IMO you don't need photos or illustrations with every entry, especially if the rest of your blog layout is doing its job.

cookingasshole on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

cookingasshole — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:56:54 -0500

I think apes are bigger...

MidwestMom on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

MidwestMom — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:56:05 -0500

I'm not an expert, but he's no ape.

People on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

People — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:53:04 -0500

The way your blog looks depends entirely on the limits you set. But it's not a book. Sometimes I use pictures, and sometimes I don't, but I know I have an empty page I can fill with my imagination, and adding pictures is not just a way to add to the blog or to attract readers--it's also a way to express myself.

christibroer on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

christibroer — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:53:22 -0500

This question reminds me of one my granddaughter asked me recently..."Gram, why don't your books have pictures in them like mine do?" Well, personally I like the pictures that the words create in my mind better!

nothingprofound on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

nothingprofound — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:16:13 -0500

No, you don't. You diabolical ape.

cookingasshole on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

cookingasshole — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:13:58 -0500

I turn to my picture Bible

nothingprofound on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

nothingprofound — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:13:20 -0500

Words stay with you in a way no picture or image can. The words of the Bible, the words of Shakespeare, the words of a poem or song. In hard times, in sad times, we turn to those words for comfort and understanding.

cookingasshole on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

cookingasshole — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:08:43 -0500

for mine photos are essential

jtsantos on 'Is it always necessary to add photos / pictures in your blog post?'

jtsantos — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:07:40 -0500

I think it's not necessary but a good practice though. It's part of representing your article. Not all of your visitors would stay to read every post you make, would they? But if you have visual aids for that post that's catchy or intriguing (and related to your article), readers would sometimes want to stay and read. I would.

The point is that photos gives a more descriptive idea of what your post is all about at a glance.