Comments on: The Amazing 5 Minute Blog Review | Mark Hayes – Enough Talk, More Writing

By: Mark Hayes

Mark Hayes — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:41:10 +0000

Up to this point, I only have acting classes under my belt. I went over to L.A after 6 years of “normal” university back here in Ireland, so no experience at all acting wise. Just something I wanted to do. My visa wouldn’t have enabled me to work though if I did get an audition or any of that, so didn’t really have it well planned before I went. I soon realized as well that you can write anywhere you want, and it’s free, so started to head down that route more. Added to that, stand-up is another way in to the acting side of things, so as of now I am focusing on writing and stand-up. Going well so far. My blog has got me a book deal. Also, through writing and DJ’ing, I’ve managed to sort out a 5 year visa for myself, so I’ll be heading back to L.A again in a few weeks for round two.

By: Mark Hayes

Mark Hayes — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:41:00 +0000

By: robert

robert — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:13:28 +0000

Hey Mark,

Yeah the odd ramble is no biggie, just a personal thing for me because I’m usually short on time and want to just get in and get out. As I mentioned previously, I’m an aspiring actor as well, and I’m always looking for tips, advice, opinions and just general discussion on the craft. I do think I should also start a blog as well, and contribute something to the acting community instead of always expecting something. I’m not one with a whole lot of experience, having done only one play, a couple monologues, one technique class, and some stage work but I’d say I’ve read enough, thought long and hard, and spoken to a handful of people with lots of experience. However, I think I’d bring a unique perspective to the game after viewing all the acting blogs that already in circulation. How has your progression as an actor been thus far?

By: robert

robert — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:13:00 +0000

Hey Mark,

By: Matt Cheuvront

Matt Cheuvront — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:16:12 +0000

Good thoughts Robert. Mark, I think it all depends what your goal is with your blog. If it is to be an online ‘journal’ – I don’t see any need in changing your approach and style. However, if your goal is to connect and provide valuable information with your readers, than a little structure and organization can do a body good. It’s ultimately up to you and where you see your blog heading.

By: Matt Cheuvront

Matt Cheuvront — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:16:00 +0000

By: Mark Hayes

Mark Hayes — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:29:16 +0000

Hi Robert,

Cheers for the feedback on the blog, critique on. Being honest, I started the blog as a way of keeping my stories in one place, of what was going on while I went on the journey of cracking acting, writing, stand-up and all that. Also a good way to remember the drunken nights kind of thing. Turned into being a good daily writing exercise then on top. I agree it tends to be all over the place, but it seems I have a habit/enjoy the odd ramble. I’m trying to make small changes at the moment, and will add a section that has categories – acting, writing, stand-up, DJ-ing, rambles etc. Hopefully it’ll be easier to navigate then. The titles are purely whatever pops out of my head at the time as well. When tired “… Hug My Ear” is the best I can muster!

By: Mark Hayes

Mark Hayes — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Hi Robert,

By: robert

robert — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:44:12 +0000

As for the blog “Enough Talk, More Writing”, and I’m just speaking from my experience, when I go over to the site the post titles are just everwhere, and non-specific. By that I’m referring to the “…Hug my Ear” type of titles. Sure they make me curious, but there’s so many of them I start to wonder is it simple just a gimmick to grab my attention because after reading some, I found little value or none at all.With so many different blogs to look at, read and choose from, I only allow so much time to pore over a blog and see if it’s worth reading. I immediately go to the “about this blog” page to see what it’s about, or if the blog is simple to navigate, I hop right in.

Now am an aspiring actor as well, and I was looking over the blog for ideas, tips insight or something about theater and the craft of acting, but I didn’t really find anything, nor did I spend enough time trying seeing as there was too much “extra” stuff if you will. I know blogs are personal and the owner will often write about personal experiences, journeys and lessons learned, but I feel you can only ramble so long before you lose your readers interest. I’m simply offering my experience after visiting the site if it helps any

By: robert

robert — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:44:00 +0000