When Did Guest Posts become a Blogger Out of Office?

by Emily Jasper on May 11, 2010

Something has just come to my attention: there are a number of bloggers either filling in their time off with guest posts or taking posts for future vacation dates. One could assume it’s a good idea to give people some extra exposure and keep the blog rolling while you’re off. It makes sense, and mazel tov for breaking free from the internet for a while.

I’m not sure how I feel about all the guesting, though.

To me, guest posts are more than just giving a reach around. It’s a balance between having a new face and voice on your blog and an opportunity for you to promote this writer. It’s essentially the modern day referral. I also know it can work the other way around: someone higher on the food chain brings attention to your blog when they guest.

If you’re not there to hold up your end of the bargain, how does it work?

I assume that you’re relying on the machine of blogging and level of influence your guests have to keep things going.  If you have a strong following, the tweeting and commenting will naturally happen. Sure, you could schedule tweets to go out from your account, and hey, you might even use your mobile apps to keep things going real time.

My real issue is that having guest posts as an out of office takes away the partnership. I like to work with people, and I love collaborating on topics and posts. When I guest or have someone guest, you get the conversation part of blogging. There’s also a level of support: I want to be present to forward comments, help with technical issues, and do my part to create a successful experience for the guest.

Perhaps I’m thinking about this too much. Every blogger who has guests filling in is probably going to be fine, and the posts will most likely be great.

It’s just not for me.

When it’s time for a break, it’s time for a break.

What do you think? Is guesting a great solution for extended blogging breaks? Does you think it might deceive the reader? Do you still get partnership and collaboration when one party isn’t there?

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