I’ve read a few references recently to so-called “filler posts”. The term seems derogatory and I interpret it to mean those posts which are more fluff than substance. But what’s wrong with a little fluff every now and then? Does every post need to be serious and analytical?
There are several regular features on my blog which could be deemed “filler”. I always compile a list of new releases which I’m particularly looking forward to the following month. I post a reading round-up of books I read throughout the month and the grades I awarded them. I sometimes add favourites lists.
Here are a few types of posts which could be referred to as “filler” and what I think of them:
- Book Watch posts - news on upcoming books – I love these. I’ve often found information on new books which I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.
- Contests – I don’t like a lot of giveaways but I realize I’m in the minority.
- Jokes – If they’re funny, great. Obviously, this is subjective.
- Memes – Not fond of them. I prefer regular interviews.
- Interviews – Love them. I am nosy.
- Personal/Chatty posts – See above.
- Blog Tours - I don’t understand their appeal.
- Man Titty – Not a fan but to each their own.
- Links - I’m always interested in discovering blog posts I might have missed. I compile a links post about once per week. Funnily enough, I’ve noticed very few people actually click on the links I provide. I often do so on links provided on other blogs. Perhaps I’m one of the very few…or my links are totally uninteresting.
What sort of blog posts do you regard as “filler”? Do you think these types of posts should be left off a blog, or do they add a bit of variety?
{ 26 comments }
LOL.. is this a filler post?
I think that certain posts give variety to a blog. What would you call “serious and analytical”? Just reviews? That would be a bit boring wouldn’t it? I totally agree with you that would should shake it up a bit and post other stuff that readers find interesting. I wouldn’t call author interviews or personal chatty posts fillers – I think they are part of a book blog. I love posts that list books forthcoming, even if it does just keep increasing my tbr pile. Blogging isn’t meant to be too serious is it? Even high brow newspapers such as The Times and The independent run humorous and light stories. I love a blog that has variety, it keeps me interested. If it was just review after review, I gets a little dull, but that’s just my opinion. Thanks for the post!
I don’t mind filler posts. It lets people know you’re still out there when you have a slow reading week. I also love author interviews, new release posts, etc. I try to only do memes when I know it will be a week I won’t get to a real review.
I think there are some blogs that for the most part always have something to say, others that are just fluff, and the majority somewhere in-between. I have no problem with filler posts. I’ve been blogging since 1/06 so yeah, it happens. I think I’ve tried to be more discriminating about what I post, and that it’s about something that interests me. I’m not always concerned if it interests others because really, it’s my blog, about me. The books, movies, topics that interest me. Sometimes it might be a pic of a hot guy or it might be a cool cover, but it’s what I like (or don’t like, as the case has sometimes been).
I am a big fan of contests because I like the idea of support an author whose books I enjoy. I want their books to do well. I personally have not won a lot of contests but I like the opportunity they’ve given me to find out about new-to-me authors.
Now if a site such as Dear Author started putting up a bunch of filler posts, I’d probably not visit so much. I expect a different venue from their blog.
Another great post Sarah.
I consider “filler” posts fun once in awhile. I think readers enjoy them for a “break” from book reviews. You get more fun comments and just because they are filler posts doesn’t mean they are not informative.
I’m not sure I consider Book watch posts, contests and interviews “fillers”
@Brian O’Leary Some would think so!
@Book Chick City “Serious and analytical” = reviews, rants/raves, navel-gazing, etc. In other words, the sort of posts I tend to write a lot of!
@Colette For the longest time, I wasn’t sure what was meant by a meme! I think I have one on here somewhere…something about my reading habits, if I recall correctly.
@Stacy ~
I think I’ve tried to be more discriminating about what I post, and that it’s about something that interests me. I’m not always concerned if it interests others because really, it’s my blog, about me. The books, movies, topics that interest me.
And that’s exactly as it should be.
@Mandi Sometimes I just want to have a laugh. If that means posting a link to a clip of Fabio getting decked by a goose, then why not?
Had to come back and say – I totally agree with Stacy’s quote above!
Hi Sarah,
Here’s my view in a nutshell:
1.There is nothing wrong with filler posts.
2.What counts as a filler post will depend on the blog.
3.Anyone can write whatever the hell they want on their blog.
Most bloggers use the term, I think, to refer to a kind of post that they can write without much effort, “on the fly”. Bloggers who use the term think of their *other* posts as perhaps more “content-full” or representative of what their blog is about, or more true to the unique contribution their blog makes.
To me, “filler post” has nothing to do with whether a post is not analytical or serious.
Too many filler posts, relative to other kinds of blog content, is not as much fun for the (or this) reader.
I write filler posts every Monday. I would write more if I had more time.
ha! ALL of my posts are filler posts! Fun post. I agree – it’s my blog, I’ll do what I want. It’s usually in some way book-related so that’s how I get away with calling it a book-blog. (and nice to meet you)
I like a little variety, but not an over abundance. Filler posts are fun every so often, but hopefully it is something that will spice up the blog as opposed to bring it down so you don’t scare off any new readers.
And agree with you on the “man titty.”
I like filler posts. I think it is good to have a variety of posts, and not all are going to appeal to everybody. But if you have enough of a variety then you can eventually appease the majority. Plus, everyonce in a while it’s nice to have a quick post to read through and not have to think too hard
Pretty much what Jessica already said. The posts I tend to deem as “filler” are the ones I do on the fly. Or I realize I’ve been in a wee bit of a blogging slump and I want to put up “something” to show that I’m still alive and kickin’.
One person’s filler is another person’s treasure. I do a link posts, mostly when I can’t put together a post on one subject, and also to maybe drive traffic to some blog posts/sites I found interesting (especially since I don’t do the whole blog roll thing). Filler posts I tend to ignore? Nekkid menz and contests. Lordy, some blogs seem to have a new contest up every other day.
Thank you for covers I can post. Perfect for when I am too lazy to come up with a thought provoking post.
Always up for mantitty filler! LOL
Like ‘em … and I don’t think they’re “filler” … I feel incredibly lucky that experts are sifting through content that they find through their channels and I’m the beneficiary. Reviews are just a part of why I come to book blogs: more than anything, it’s the voice, personality and quirks of the blogger.
I think Filler Posts as a derogatory concept is one of the most dangerous things to happen to a community of bloggers. I’ve seen it crop up before and destroy other communities as people are basically told they’re doing it wrong when hey, they’re actually doing something fun and doing it “right” makes it not fun. Then, they leave. I am not a fan of one blogger telling another blogger what is acceptable to post. For crying out loud, are we adults or what?
It comes down, to me, what I’ve feared as book blogs attempt to be “professional” and “appeal to the masses”. They forget why they started, and forget their love of blogging, and then there’s a huge drive to conform, and it kills the heart of a community. Every time I watch it go down I hope that this time it doesn’t mean a community is actually trying to tell people they’re not acceptable because they’re not creative enough…but usually I’m disappointed.
I don’t mind filler posts, but the filler posts I do are most just silly stuff from my own head (the last post I did, for example, I would definitely consider “filler”). Sometimes I’ll do memes, if they involve a topic that interests me. Or if it happens to be Thursday and I’m drinking tea.
Ironically, some “filler posts,” like interviews, are A LOT of work.
When I’m reading other people’s blogs, I don’t mind filler posts, but I usually won’t comment on non-discursive memes (Teaser Tuesday, etc.). I just have too many blogs to get through. One thing I don’t get is why people do entire posts on who won a contest. Seems like a waste of time and energy to me, personally, but there it is.
@Jessica I like your view in a nutshell.
@Care Nice to meet you, too!
@Denise I also like a bit of variety, particularly something amusing.
@Jill D. Trying to please everyone is futile. Ultimately, I please myself and hope what I write appeals to others.
@Wendy “One person’s filler is another person’s treasure.” – So true.
@katiebabs I’m a sucker for a pretty book cover.
@Janet W Like you, it’s the blogger’s voice which keeps me coming back for more.
@Renay
I think Filler Posts as a derogatory concept is one of the most dangerous things to happen to a community of bloggers. I’ve seen it crop up before and destroy other communities as people are basically told they’re doing it wrong when hey, they’re actually doing something fun and doing it “right” makes it not fun. Then, they leave.
That is so sad.
@heidenkind
Depending on the number of books involved, my ‘Upcoming Books’ posts often take longer than writing reviews.
Agree with Jessica. Most of the posts I do are on the fly and surprisingly, they generate the most comments. Go figure. Just a heads up, I do have a filler post for Friday.
@Keishon I don’t find that surprising. The posts I spend the least time preparing are often the most popular.
Sometimes filler posts are the best ones to read. Not sure if my WTFckery posts would be that, but I have fun posting it. And most importantly, having fun with whatever you blog about is all that matters.
I love filler posts! I really don’t consider ‘em fluff, I think I would be quite bored if I only read book reviews on every single blog…I love the creativity, contests, new releases etc.
I don’t get the whole blog etiquette thingies.. But hey..
That said I must admit to finding “fillers” more entertaining at the moment, I am not buying too many new books so the reviews are kinda pointless, though I will read anything, as blogs are one of my main procrastination tools.
I hadn’t heard of this filler post thing. But it looks like most people share my view of them which is: it’s fine to post whatever you want on your blog! I enjoy having a switch up from reviewing from time to time.
bbbwwwwwwaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh I have never heard the term but I haven’t been bloghopping much
I pretty much agree with Jessica. Decide what you (that is the general you) want to do with your blog and do it. From what I get you are saying ‘filler posts’ are uh, normal everyday blog posts.
which sort of makes me haz a sad… Did people forget how to blog for the hell of it? To talk about a book because…