Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Paralegals & Legal Secretaries Blogs -> Practical Paralegalism

Paralegals & Legal Secretaries

: Practical Paralegalism

Reader Questions: Is Blogging Worth It?

By Lynne DeVenny

I occasionally get emails from readers, both legal support staffers and students, asking for advice about starting their own blogs. One reader asked me, "Is it worth it?"

Easy Answer

It is if you have a passion for it.

Otherwise, it would be (for most) an unpaid endeavor that will take a great deal of your time. I call it a "labor of fun" and really enjoy it, but it is time-consuming, no doubt. Practical Paralegalism has led to some awesome - and unanticipated - opportunities, but those didn't come immediately.

As a blogger, you have to demonstrate you're in it for the long haul - that you post regularly, consistently and helpfully. It takes time to build a readership. It helps to have partners and/or contributors.

Another reader asked, "What would I blog about?"

Be Generous

First, blogging requires a commitment to post regularly, whether it's once a month or once a week. I see too many new bloggers enthusiastically post a few times and then disappear from the blawgosphere forever - which is why I generally give new paralegal blogs a few months to show their staying power before adding them to my blog roll.

Second, blogs need an original voice and a theme to generate traffic. Write about what you know and what interests you, from your perspective. Your readers need to connect with you.

Most important, be helpful and generous with resources, including acknowledging other people and information sources.

The same reader asked, "Are there rules for paralegals like there are with state bar associations for what attorneys can and can't say?"

Same Rules Apply

As a paralegal blogger, I have the same ethical constraints as I do in real life. Therefore, I don't give legal advice, don't represent myself as a lawyer, and don't disclose confidential information. Also, from a career standpoint, consider the possibility that everything you publish will be read by employers, co-workers, colleagues, clients - or your mom. Even anonymous bloggers risk exposure.

Always keeping in mind that I'm a gainfully employed paralegal (and would like to stay that way), I try to keep Practical Paralegalism professional, but hopefully, interesting. The best way to learn legal blogging is to study the top blawgs. I think the best ones provide information that makes readers want to visit the site often, have an individual and unique voice, and honestly, demonstrate a good sense of humor.

Bottom line? Blogging is worth it, but you have to make it a part of your life and an extension of your best self.

(Oh, and learning a little HTML code will be the best thing you ever do as a blogger.)

Related Posts: Welcome the New Paralegal Bloggers on the Block; So You're Thinking About Starting a Blog for Paralegals?

Full post as published by Practical Paralegalism on June 15, 2010 (boomark / email).