I think there's a real opening in the area between simulation and real world, with most modern sims reaching the level of professional training aids (VBS2, Steel Beasts) and being used by real world soldiers. If someone could spezialize on merging these things in some well-written articles, allow the reader to better mix books, real life knowledge and sims - that would be worthwhile.

Magnum recently posted such a blog here by a German SimHQ member who specializes in Ground Warfare AND has the writing style too.

The trick is to find a niche that isn't already covered by hundred other people, otherwise web users will go to those hundred.

For me, my professional breakthrough came when I went to Russia for the Air Expo and sold the story to a magazine which otherwise wouldn't have had coverage. When you provide value that no one else is offering, you have a sale (or reader, or regular outlet for print articles as in my case).

And once you are there, you have to stay on the ball. I already feel rusty after a slow first half of 2009 with no major articles I could write, or major photo ops. For the good blogs out there (for example the tech blogs), there's a lot more work involved than just sitting down twice a week and typing up a story, they do a lot of testing, seminars, workshops and so on just to stay current.

Please don't be offended - the "who are you" point is pretty valid because obviously you want to attract people. That's how a lot of people started. Famous people have their own audience already. You have to generate it yourself - you have to have some hook that will draw people in. I think this is what most of us mean. We're only talking about traffic, and generating that traffic.

I think everybody here would really like you to succeed. I think many of us would be looking at your first entries just out of sheer interest as a community. But you need to do something to keep us - and others - coming back for more.

re: flyboy's above comment...a community forum is a dialog, a blog is a monologue. big difference between the two.

Hey Flyboy, keep in mind that if everyone here had to ask for permission to post, and for assurance that what they send up as a new topic was going to be received with open arms...and if every new topic was greeted with "who are you and why should we read your stuff" we would have a single page forum.

Post your thoughts. If they are interesting you will see the results, if they end up on page 5 with 86 views and no responses that's a lot less painful than what you are going through. Give it a shot.

I'd read it. Give it a shot.

Cheers,

I would take a look at it, check if it catches my attention. I have done the same thing a year and so ago and don't even know if anyone checks it out. I like home robotics as a side hobbie and really don't mind if anyone does not read it; it is mostly like a log for myself of the next technology revolution after the personal computer and the web.

That's very true. The mark of a good writer is someone who gives the most impact in as few words as possible. Even forum posts that are too wordy I tend to only read part of and skim the rest.

Ive been keeping a blog or more like a journal for 6 years now. I don't have any readers...mostly it is for me to clear my mind and family to catch up to my status. Don't do it for others because you will get bored soon. My 2c

Well after seeing some of the latest comments, I MAY reconsider doing it.

And to RSColonel_131st, I think you are focusing too much on me including tchnical details. I am aware that you weren't happy with the info in my FOW articles, but writing a 'blog' I wouldn't even try to put in that level of info. It would be MY thoughts on a subject, etc. Whether it is technically correct or not, it doesn't matter. It would be a place for me to rant and use theories.

If you are going to do this, do it for you. Who gives a damn what anyone else thinks? That's the attitude you should bring to it.

If I decided to do a blog, it would be me writing for me. Many times I sit down and write something up in word and then delete it. It's a good way for me to figure out my thoughts and what they really mean. I go back and read it the next day before deleting it and it is much more clear to me. For example, I might write about something someone did to piss me off. I go back a read it and realize that I was wrong and being selfish. Not that I am ever wrong, that was just an example.