You're Away From The Blog For One Day ...

... and all sorts of drama breaks out.

Greg Wyshynski, aka Puck Daddy, has taken exception to the actions of the Rangers.

Wyshy wrote a post today that the Rangers are coming off as "trifling and petty" after Tom Renney floated that idea that an opposing player should be investigated for intentionally attempting to injure another player. For those who didn't see, Mike Smith went at it with Aaron Voros during the third period Thursday, and nearly took out Voros' ACL with a vicious slash.

You can see it here (at the one minute mark) and it is clear that Smith was not just attempting to get Voros away from his crease but to take the Ranger's knee out. For Wyshynski to compare it to the contact that Voros and Sean Avery make with the netminder is absurd. One player plants his rear end at the top of the crease so the goaltender can't play the top of the paint, while the other is chopping wood.

When Brandon Sutter got his clock cleaned, Wyshynski said that "you have to draw the distinction between protection of players and what are, intrinsically, hockey plays." Now a slash like Smith's was a hockey play ... 20, 30 years ago.

It is not one today.

Today there is no instigator rule. Today cross checking is called on the player who finally fights back after three opposing players take turns hitting him (including a punch to the head). Today boarding or charging is called on at least half of the big hits on the boards. The NHL that Ron Hextall and Billy Smith played in was a distinctly different one than the one that Mike Smith plays in. In his NHL, penalties are called tightly (and inconsistently) and intent to injure is a major infraction, not something the coach tells Bobby Clarke to do.

There is nothing trifling or petty for a coach to come to the defense of one of his players and ask for the league's rules to be enforced.

You know, the legal drinking age was 18 years ago decades ago. It's illegal now. So if a high school party gets raided and no one gets hurt, maybe no one gets busted - depends on the cops mood. If one kid gets alcohol poisoning though, the hosts go to jail and the parent of the sick kid have the right to sue and they would win.

Had Voros been crippled by Smith's ax action, would the Rangers be allowed to complain then? Or would they just be trifling and petty?

 "You're Away From the Blog for One Day: What Happens and How to Manage It"

Maintaining a blog, whether it's a personal hobby or a business venture, demands consistency and dedication. Regular posting not only keeps your readers engaged but also boosts your blog's search engine ranking. However, life often throws unexpected challenges, and there may come a time when you have to step away from your blog for a day. In this article, we will explore what happens when you're away from your blog for one day, the potential impacts, and strategies to manage it effectively.

The Importance of Consistency in Blogging

Why Consistency Matters

Consistency is a cornerstone of successful blogging for several reasons:

Audience Expectations: Your readers come to expect regular content updates. Consistency helps you build trust and a loyal readership.

Search Engine Ranking: Search engines favor websites that publish fresh, relevant content consistently. Regular updates improve your blog's visibility in search results.

Content Flow: Consistency helps maintain the flow and continuity of your blog's narrative, making it more enjoyable for readers.

Establishing Authority: By consistently sharing valuable content, you establish yourself as an authority in your niche.

What Happens When You're Away from the Blog for One Day

Taking a day off from your blog can lead to several consequences:

1. Reduced Traffic

A sudden break may result in decreased traffic as readers who expect daily or regular updates find your blog inactive. This can temporarily affect your blog's analytics.

2. Impact on Engagement

Lack of new content can lead to reduced engagement, such as comments and social media interaction, as there is no fresh material to discuss.

3. Search Engine Impact

Search engines may not penalize you for a single missed day, but if the gap in publishing becomes a pattern, it could affect your blog's search engine ranking.

4. Disrupted Momentum

A day off can disrupt the momentum you've built in creating content. It may take time to regain the rhythm and creativity needed for consistent blogging.

5. Missed Opportunities

You might miss opportunities to capitalize on current events, trends, or topics relevant to your niche that emerge during your absence.

Strategies to Manage a Day Away from the Blog

While a day away from your blog can have some impact, there are strategies to minimize the negative effects and maintain a degree of consistency:

1. Pre-Schedule Content

Advance planning is key to managing time away. Create and schedule content in advance so that posts are automatically published on the day you're absent.

2. Use Guest Bloggers

Consider inviting guest bloggers to contribute to your blog while you're away. Guest posts can bring fresh perspectives and maintain activity.

3. Promote Evergreen Content

Share evergreen content on the day you're away. Evergreen posts are timeless and can be recycled periodically without losing relevance.

4. Engage on Social Media

Stay active on social media even when you're not posting on your blog. Share insights, engage with your audience, and promote older blog posts.

5. Inform Your Audience

Let your readers know in advance that you'll be away for a day. Transparency builds trust, and your audience will appreciate the heads-up.

FAQs about Blogging and Time Away

1. How often should I publish on my blog to maintain consistency?

The frequency of blog posting depends on your niche, audience, and available resources. Some blogs publish daily, while others do so weekly or even less frequently. The key is to set a realistic schedule you can consistently adhere to.

2. What are the benefits of using guest bloggers?

Guest bloggers can inject fresh perspectives, expertise, and diversity into your blog. They can also help maintain activity during your absence, attract new audiences, and build relationships within your niche.

3. How can I promote evergreen content effectively?

Promote evergreen content by sharing it on social media periodically, including links to relevant evergreen posts within your new content, and featuring evergreen articles in email newsletters.

4. Can a single day off affect my blog's search engine ranking?

A single day off is unlikely to have a significant impact on your blog's search engine ranking. However, a consistent pattern of irregular posting can potentially lead to lower rankings over time.

5. What should I do if I experience burnout and need an extended break from blogging?

If you're experiencing burnout or need an extended break, it's essential to prioritize your well-being. Inform your audience about the break, consider scheduling some evergreen content, and communicate your return date to maintain transparency and trust.

Maintaining a blog is a rewarding endeavor that requires dedication and consistency. While taking a day off from your blog may lead to some temporary consequences, it's entirely manageable with proper planning and the use of strategies like pre-scheduling content, engaging guest bloggers, and promoting evergreen articles. Remember that your audience values quality over quantity, so maintaining a high standard of content is more important than adhering rigidly to a posting schedule. By effectively managing your time away, you can continue to build your blog's reputation, engage your readers, and enjoy the benefits of consistent blogging in the long run.