funkadelic man

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Dr. Kurt Hochenauer, an English professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, spoke to Dr. Terry Clark’s class, Blogging for Journalists, last Thursday. Hochenauer is the creator/author of the political blog Okie Funk: Notes from the Outback and creator/operator of the liberal open blog Blue Oklahoma.

He began Okie Funk in 2004 because of “a deep need for liberal political commentary in Oklahoma.” His blog has had over one million hits and over 1000 posts. However, Hochenauer will not accept advertising of any kind. He believes in more of “a separation of opinions and journalism.”

His typical audience is made of Oklahomans and people who previously lived in Oklahoma. He has positions at the Kansas City Star, The Oklahoman, Tulsa Tribute, and UCO (for 21 years). His political credentials are mainly based on experience as a journalist for 30+ years in the political spectrum of Oklahoma.

Hochenauer admits that it is difficult to find new material. “I mean, how many times can you write about the same thing over and over? This is a problem in the blog world.”

Hochenauer has some great advice for novice bloggers. His first tip is the most important: be a good writer. He also notes, that to become a good writer, one must practice the craft. Even though it seems inconvenient, I try to practice as much as possible. Practice, practice, practice. Write about anything, anywhere, all the time! Write about everything, everywhere, every day! The more you write, the more comfortable you will be in doing so. Plain and simple.

Hochenauer admits that the blogging world has become an increasingly tough market to work your way into. However, he suggests finding a your niche in something people would actually be interested in reading.

Last but not least, read other blogs! See what is going on in the world (the blogging world or otherwise). Hochenauer says he subscribes to liberal and democratic blogs, but also regularly reads right-wing, conservative blogs to “see what’s going on on the other side.”

Overall, it was great to hear from a real successful blogger in the flesh. It was nice to listen to Hochenauer tell his story about seeing a need for something in his community, and actually doing something about it. The world, the blogosphere in particular, needs more people like him!