Comments on: Travel Blogging vs Travel Writing

By: Zoe Dawes

Zoe Dawes — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:14:48 +0000

Hi Gary – found your article in my Google search – it summed up so much of what I wanted to say in my recent blog post – so simply linked back here! http://www.thequirkytraveller.com/2011/09/the-difference-between-a-travel-writer-and-a-travel-blogger-is/
I had been struggling with calling myself a blogger – by the end of the article it was resolved!

By: Bob Berwyn

Bob Berwyn — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:04:30 +0000

Magazines and newspapers will survive in some form. Many, if not most, “writers” and “bloggers” straddle both sides of the fence. I do. I freelance for newspapers, publish a local news blog … It just seems this debate is getting old and tiresome and that it’s time to move on. Most importantly, I don’t think readers care that much. It’s navel-gazing among insiders.

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 02:38:51 +0000

So.. I used to think a travel writer was just someone who traveled and then wrote about it. I didn’t realize such a divide existed based on the medium in which one would share.

I do agree with a lot of points on each side. One I understand very well is what Gary is saying and I echo his sentiments. I am web designer, seo expert, social networking butterfly, self promoter, marketing coordinator and writer. I’m also crazy on some days.

I’m not great at any of these and each time I fuel my efforts into one, the others suffer. This is especially true when trying to chase after an elusive web presence on a medium that’s constantly changing.

It’s “do this” and you will get 100 followers. I get 2. Then it’s do this and you will be king and then Google slaps you for trying to hard. I hope the 3 years is right because I’m about there.

I also see how a blogger can develop a biased opinion based on the publisher advertiser relationship. I don’t have any experience with free trips but I have been sent hundred dollar products to review for free. How do you form a unbiased opinion on that. I usually disclose this in my review as I thank the company but still.

Either way, it’s the nature of the game your playing and each work and appeal to a very real legitimate audience.

If you are a print journalist I know you worked hard to get there and you deserve respect.

If you are a travel blogger I know you worked hard too. Sure it might be easy to break into travel blogging and say “here’s my blog, here’s my travels, here’s my writing….see, I’m a travel writer” but try finding someone who will listen.

By: Gary

Gary — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 01:46:40 +0000

Except people aren’t reading magazines and newspapers as much as they were before and that is causing massive changes in the business.

By: Bob Berwyn

Bob Berwyn — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 01:36:36 +0000

Yaaaawwwwnnnn! When in doubt, write (another!) story about travel writing v. travel blogging. Talk about a dead horse … I say travel more and write good stories, who cares if they’re in a magazine, newspaper or blog! If they’re good, I’ll read ‘em!

By: Gary

Gary — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:51:06 +0000

This article was written last year. Please note the date.

By: Kara

Kara — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:24:10 +0000

Gary -

You forgot to mention 7 nights on the Princess Cruise — plus drinks/food/tours — comped because you are a blogger. Oh wait, that was because you were a Tweeter — so maybe that doesn’t count in your tally above!

And since you brought it up, did you pay for your stay at the Aria? Just asking, since I’m guessing it’s pricey, and I recall you hunting for budget lodging in NYC for TBEX.

If this is none of my business, feel free to tell me, “This is none of your business.

Kara

By: MadelineJ

MadelineJ — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:21:03 +0000

Gary, great post! I’m a blogger and hadn’t thought about this difference with so much depth. AND I was at TBEX and heard the panel with Jen Leo (which is actually what sparked my interest in this topic and led me to read your take on it.). So thanks.

By: Gary

Gary — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:32:30 +0000

You are looking at things through the lens of a writer. I’ve noticed that many writers tend to evaluate writing for writings sake. The bigger question is if the audience really cares. As I noted before, most writers are totally unknown. People don’t follow writers, they follow brands. There are a few exceptions, but they are exceptions.

Long form narrative is a tool which can be used to engage people but it is only one tool. Photography and video I would assert are more powerful in the 21st Century than the written word. Most travel magazines probably sell more due to the images on the cover than the articles inside. Not too different from Playboy :)

I’ve heard many writers complain about bloggers, and the biggest complaint is that they are not like them. That is correct, they’re not. It is more than just writing.

By: Spud Hilton

Spud Hilton — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:18:03 +0000

I guess my problem is that in the social media world I’m seeing the tons of the little things between the good articles, I’m just not seeing the good articles themselves. Again, a distinction I find important.

By: Doreal

Doreal — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:35:54 +0000

The first time reading your post and I believe it! You have good argue and I think people just look around on income but can’t keep the quality of blog. Writing as a hobby but not for money blogging.