The Blog Evolution Tag

Hello everyone! So, it’s time for another tag. But this one is a bit different than usual. Because it was created by none other than the awesome Karandi James and ……me! Yes people we have a new and original tag for you, that we both hope everyone is going to enjoy. It’s also a bit more unique, at least we think so, because as far as we know this is the first collab tag. So how did this tag come about, and what exactly is The Blog Evolution Tag? Karandi and I have been blogging for roughly the same amount of time, and as we so often do, we were exchanging comments on a post and started talking about blogging. More specifically about the fact that over the years our blogs, and writing styles changed (hopefully for the better! 😅). We also said it might be fun to one day revisit some of our old posts and compare them to what we are doing now. And then an idea started forming about how we might turn this into a tag and let a fellow blogger be the judge of what exactly changed. And so, we now proudly present: The Blog Evolution Tag! Let’s dive into the rules, and then of course Karandi and myself are going to present the first post!

The Rules

Better obey these rules….or else……!!!

1. Pick a partner with whom you want to this tag (yes, as mentioned this is going to be a collaboration tag!)

2. Select a post from the early days of your blog (preferably the very first post you ever wrote)

3. Select a post from the current days of your blog

4. Send your selections to your partner and ask him/her the three questions below and also answer them yourself as well.

a. What did you like about each post?

b. What do you think has changed the most?

c. What do you think might change in the future?

5. Both of you then write a post for the two old/new posts of your own blog, but you include the answers your partner gave you

6. Link back to the original post of the creators of this tag: Karandi & Raistlin

7. Try to publish your tag post around the same time your partner does and include The Blog Evolution Logo

8. Select 3 people to also get tagged (only select the person you want to tag not his/her partner).

 

The Questions:

A. The Old Post: What I liked about it

The Old Post, my first one ever written: D-day a Korean Drama Series

Michel’s answer: Well, this is actually the first post that I have written when my blog started. It’s for a Korean drama series call D-Day. At the time I wrote this one, I really did not have a clue what I was doing. I had no real plan for my blog, and I just wrote it purely on my own feelings for this series. And I guess that is pretty much what I like about this post: it is a quite enthusiastic post and at least get’s across the fact that it’s a show that I truly enjoyed watching.

Karandi’s answer: This tag is great, I got to read a post from Raistlin that I’d never seen before. This post has Raistlin’s characteristic review structure already kind of worked out where we get a bit of an overview about the film/show in question and then we get into some more specific aspects. I loved how much enthusiasm Raistlin had for this series, though it makes sense given it is the first thing he decided to review on his blog. It seems unlikely you would start a blog to review something you hated. I really enjoy how Raistlin takes the readers with him through this series and its positives. He doesn’t ignore the fact that there are some issues, but he doesn’t linger on them either. Basically he makes you feel like he really wanted you to enjoy reading about something he enjoyed.

A. The New Post: What I liked about it

The New Post, Tunnel another Korean drama series (you know I like those right?)

Michel’s answer: By pure chance this was also a post for a Korean drama, but one that was written almost two years after the old post. What I liked for this one, was the first paragraph. I usually like to start my posts with a small tale that in some way connects to whatever I am reviewing, and I liked the fact that this one really set a bit of creepy tone. Of course I was totally having fun here, and I thought it turned out quite well.

Karandi’s answer: Another post I actually missed from Raistlin and I’m glad this tag gave me the chance to read it. While I said in the old post that Raistlin’s characteristic review structure was already there, reading the new post immediately after made me realise that while the same outline is there, Raistlin has indeed evolved a lot in the time between these two posts. The overview in the beginning is more open about the genre and themes and works to engage the reader in a general way before narrowing the focus down to the series being reviewed. While there is still a lot of enthusiasm, there’s now a lot more explanation and reasoning for the enthusiasm which helps not just make the reader feel that Raistlin liked something but makes us really want to see it too because it sounds great. There’s a generally more polished tone and confidence in the writing and it was absolutely great to read.

B. What do you think has changed the most?

Changes are….hopefully for the better!

Michel’s answer: When I compare the two posts I think the thing that really changed the most is the structure. The first post kind of went all over the place (not to mention the lack of pictures, and the many typos lol), but the newer one has a starting point, middle and end. And the writing style has pretty much improved too, becoming a little bit more engaging and not only dealing with the series itself.

Karandi’s answer: I think Raistlin has found a balance between being a viewer and being a reviewer. He’s finding ways to share his love of something as a fan but to explain it in a way that is more convincing to the reader that they might also find something to enjoy. I also felt there was a bit more confidence behind his statements in the newer post. That said, what hasn’t changed is Raistlin’s positive and generous nature giving credit to those who worked hard on the series either on screen or behind it. Raistlin is always incredibly respectful to the actors and crew and I find that an incredibly endearing trait of his as a reviewer.

C. What do you think might change in the future?

Okay..of course I totally had to add a time machine from Stein’s Gate…….

Michel’s answer: I want to experiment more with trying out different styles for my posts. Right now I usually have a pretty basic structure that I am happy with, but I also want to try different styles as well and just experiment. So I think that my writing style, just as it did in this last post might change again in the future. Hopefully of course for the better, but I guess I will let my readers be the judge of that!

Karandi’s answer: I’m not sure if anything needs to change. Raistlin’s posts are always on point, full of enthusiasm, and give enough detail to get an idea of what the film, series, anime, whatever is about without giving too much away. He has a great voice and visiting his blog really is like having a conversation with an old friend about something you both enjoy. Though, if these two posts are anything to go by, I think Raistlin will continue to develop confidence as a reviewer and in his opinion and I also feel he might continue to work on ensuring he is giving enough examples and evidence to justify his view without crossing into complete spoiler territory. That said, I really love Raistlin’s blog as it is.

And tagging:

Oh come on, ofcourse I had to include a Pokemon picture for this last section!!

Well, the three people that I want to tag for this one can be found below. As mentioned above, you are free to choose anyone who you would like to be your partner. Of course there is no pressure in doing this one, but as this is a new tag, Karandi and I certainly hope you find this interesting enough to pass this tag on to others as well. And of course thank you in advance if you want to do this. You do know you are all awesome right? So…without further ado, I nominate:

Irina

Ayano

Arthifis

Thank you all for reading. I hope you enjoyed this tag, and don’t forget to check out Karandi’s post for this which you can find here. Let me know what you thought of this one in the comments section below! See you around!