Ten Ways to Make Blogs Work for You

by Priya Chhaya, Program Associate, Partnerships Office

In the last few years, many preservationists have adapted new tools of technology to help them in their work — Facebook, Twitter, Flickr (to name a few).  This new technology allows them to follow the latest case studies, best practices, and trends in the field. Job seekers, too, find these tools are great ways to keep up with the larger preservation world. But one tool in particular — a blog —  is one of the best ways to stay current with what is happening in preservation.

Let’s start with some basics: What is a blog? The common definition is that a blog (short for weblog) is an online journal where people can share their thoughts and ideas with a virtual audience. More recently, blogs have become more than that — they have become informative tools in their own right, places to respond to, acknowledge, and discuss topics of the day. 

The blogosphere is an important resource for preservationists—whether you are a student, job seeker, rookie, or veteran. Here are ten ways to make blogs work for you:

1.     Local Stories and Information: Blogs written by local and statewide preservationists provide vital information on the pulse of a particular town, community, and state—listing workshops and training, while also sharing great stories about places that matter just around the corner. Here are a few examples:

2.     The Big Picture: If a blog by a local preservationist provides the grassroots perspective, blogs published by national organizations usually offer the broader world view. While fresh ideas often come from the local level, making connections across the country often happens through blogs such as these:

  • PreservationNation Blog (National Trust for Historic Preservation), which communicates our work but also makes connections between the national and local/regional preservationists
  • AIA Archiblog (American Institute of Architects)
  • The Dirt (American Society for Landscape Architects)

3.     Insights into Different Perspectives:  New perspectives add to the conversation and urge preservationists to look at their work anew. One of the best ways to gain these additional viewpoints is to read blogs that aren’t solely dedicated to historic preservation.

The blog by Kaid Benfield at the National Resources Defense Council (an environmental action group) is one such blog. Benfield, who works with sustainable communities and smart growth, brings a different perspective to the table, making connections beyond the typical preservation worldview. Additionally, while preservation is green, keeping an eye on the larger sustainability movement is a must—and those views are articulated on the blog hosted by the United States Green Building Council.

Another thought-provoking blog is Richard Florida’s online magazine Creative Class, which examines how we “live, work, and play.”

4.     A Call to Action: Blogs can also help spread the word, since being “plugged in” lets readers learn and react to urgent issues as they arise. For example, this past March, Landmark West used its blog to educate and spread the word about budget changes affecting the Landmark Preservation Commission in New York City. Advocacy is a critical component of our work and blogs can get the word out fast.

5.     A Look Across the Pond:  Sometimes great work and case studies begin beyond the United States. There are many blogs written about heritage conservation at the international level, and I’ve pulled out a few that provide a global perspective:

The following three blogs document the organizations’ work in heritage conservation:

6.     Off-the-Cuff Ideas: Blogs are also a way for individuals involved with preservation to write from a more personal perspective about their everyday work. Check out:

7.     Partner Organization Perspectives: Preservationists often look to partner organizations to help advocate, understand new issues, and face challenges for saving places that matter.  For example:

8.     Networking Sources: While blogs are a great way to hear what others in the field are saying, they also serve as a networking tool for companies, organizations and individuals. A blog can spread the word about a particular service, or provide a reader with great case studies and examples—and a contact that can describe these lessons learned. At the end of this article is a list of preservation-oriented blogs. While hardly exhaustive, it is a good start to getting plugged into the network (even when you disagree with what is said).

9.     Introduction to New Technology: Understanding the latest technology and how it works can help save a building, advocate for a site, or preserve a landscape. While some of the blogs listed here may not always apply what you are trying to accomplish, they’re a good place to gain an understanding of how make the Internet work for you.

10.   The “Why”: Finally, blogs often serve as a reminder of some of preservation’s losses and gains. Or sometimes they spur on discussions so that we find creative solutions for the future.

Note: Below is a full list of all the blogs recommended to me by Forum members and colleagues via Twitter, Facebook, and email. Please note that these blogs may not necessarily represent our organization’s views and opinions. Plus I’ve only touched on the tip of the iceberg for blogs about historic preservation.  Please feel free to add your suggestions to the discussion on Linked In.

General Preservation Blogs by Individuals

Historic Preservation Consultant/Company Blogs

Blogs by National (Preservation-Related) Organizations

State, Local and Regional Blogs

Blogs by Magazines/Publications

Topical

International Blogs

###

All "10 Ways To ..." Articles