Chris Anderson of The Long Tail writes about the blogs he subscribes to standing out in a commodity crowd. He also relates blogs to magazines, and how the magazines we subscribe to also must stand out to earn our subscription. It’s a good analogy, and provides some good advice for anyone looking to succeed in blogging or with a magazine or content site.
Anderson uses a list of three things the blogs he subscribes to do, and I’d agree that the blogs I read fit the same requirements:
1. Add value with a unique perspective or analysis.
2. Add value with unique information.
3. Add value by providing a unique filter/lens on content available elsewhere.
What stands out about that is the word unique shows up in each requirement.
People value things they can’t get elsewhere. What kind of unique perspective can you provide on your favorite subjects?