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How to Write a Popular Blog Post

#21
@dhrfz said in #20:
> "Although this low-quality content can be criticized, the evolution of the sites may represent what the majority want"

Yes, but does the majority really want that content? It seems to me that almost anything that appears on the main page gets a few thousand views. Just look at this post, it also has 3406 views and 124 likes right now.

If you check Studer's or Avetik's posts, they get 1 like for 20-30 views, which likely means that the majority of their viewers are not impressed by their stuff.

With only three blog posts on the main page, Lichess has a huge influence on what people read and what they don't, so they also have a huge responsibility. And it is not only about overpriced courses, some of the advertisers simply lie to people. For example, this comes from the Chessmood website:

"Most players look for private coaching to improve – but great coaches can cost $150/hr or more. "

Anyone who has ever checked the coaching prizes must know that this is a blatant lie.
#22
@HGabor said in #18:
> Thanks for this post, it is good to hear that other people also find these low-quality posts on the main page annoying. I wouldn't mind all the Chessmood guys doing their marketing here, but at least they should put a little effort in their writing and give something valuable to people. They are so bad they give me second hand embarrassment, i.e. I feel ashamed for reading their stuff.
>
> I asked Lichess about the selection of the blog posts for the main page. I got the following response:
>
> "Which community blogs are shown on our front page is influenced by different factors as a consistent record of high quality instructive posts, following our blog etiquette and complying to any attribution/copyright requirements for images (determined by our team), their views and likes, the post age and others."
>
> So, as it turns out, we see high quality instructive posts from Studer, Avetik and the rest of the gang, according to Lichess. After seeing this, I stopped being a Lichess patron. I certainly cannot support that.

Thanks for sharing your opinion HGabor.
I have previously shared many games and a lot of analysis of games. My own and by Tigran Petrosian.
But it turns out, people want 'general advice'. Many people prefer general guidelines over specific analysis.
It is only natural though. People who think concretely become masters, those who do not, do not and keep looking.
#23
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#24
@HGabor said in #21:
> Yes, but does the majority really want that content? It seems to me that almost anything that appears on the main page gets a few thousand views. Just look at this post, it also has 3406 views and 124 likes right now.
@HGabor said in #21:
> If you check Studer's or Avetik's posts, they get 1 like for 20-30 views, which likely means that the majority of their viewers are not impressed by their stuff.

Yes, I didn't think about the like/view ratio, but we're back to the same point: Lichess should include in its terms of use that blogs aren't there to advertise, or at least not to feature them on the first page.
#25
I see what you mean @Toadofsky and I respect your opinion, however:
1. It is free! No one is forced, coerced, or required to read any of these blogs. If you read it, that is your choice.
2. While some blogs do get too vague, many, many of these blogs are very helpful and practical! For example, GM Studer's blog on puzzles was very practical, useful, and important. Chessmood's blogs about chess are also extremely helpful!
3. I think that even blogs like this can inspire/motivate, or at least make a point.
:) Thanks however for taking the time for sharing your opinion, on lichess, everyone is listened to!