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A Question For My Readers

Jan 23, 2018
by Caroline Miller
Abraham Lincoln, how the SEO destroys writingu, Sear Engine Optimization, The Gettysburg Addrss
16 Comments

Not long ago, a blog reader wrote that the titles of my essays often hooked her into reading the text.  But of course!  That is my intention and I especially like it when I can draw a connection between my humble text and the work of a great artist.  

Unfortunately, the new dictates of my computer platform make it difficult for me to continue as in the past.  You may remember, I have already been chided by a robot because my sentences were too long. (Blog 1/28/16).  The new requirements saddle me with a  check list designed to reach new readers.  Unfortunately, the Search Engine Optimization program (SEO ) dumbs down the content. In fact, the new program is so narrow and restrictive, I wondered what it would do to Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address:  Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

According to the SEO, to optimize this text for a broad audience, its first word should appear in the title.  If choosing the first word isn’t feasible, then another can be substituted, but it must appear somewhere in the opening line.  For my experiment, I chose “liberty” as my focus word.  “Four score” is too  unwieldy.  Next, I am instructed to use this focus word 3 times in the first sentence.  I gave it a try:  Liberty was brought to this continent four score and seven years ago by our forefathers, who conceived of a new nation in liberty and dedicated that nation to the proposition that all men should have liberty and equality.

 So far, I have met the requirements of the SEO and kept close to Lincoln’s meaning.  Unfortunately, I have eviscerated the power of his words.  The SEO doesn’t seem to mind.  It rewards me with a little green dot.

To continue with the instructions, I am to sprinkle “Liberty” throughout the rest of the text.  When I do, I receive more  green dots but at the cost of having destroyed one of the most lyrical passages in American political speech.  Again, the SEO doesn’t  mind.  But, what about those citizens standing on the plains at Gettysburg all those years ago? Would they be as moved by my adaptation of Lincoln’s words as they were by his original ones?  I doubt it.

So, here’s my conundrum.  In the hope of gaining more readers, do I bow before a word counting program?  And if I do, will those wanton new readers still love me in the morning?  And what about my current subscribers?  Will they be happy with the matter but not the art?

You must guide me, gentle readers.  Is it better to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous indifference and remain uncounted by the SEO?  Or should I lose myself in a self-destructive program that values repetition above poetry?

Originally posted 3/14/16)

Abraham Lincoln

Courtesy of www.adamsjefferson.com

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16 Comments
  1. Janet March 14, 2016 at 8:18 am Reply
    Taking liberty to express my view that if technology can ruin the Gettysburg address, it should be shunned. Using your example, I would be curious to see what kind of new reader you attract as a result.
    • Caroline Miller March 14, 2016 at 9:36 am Reply
      Janet, we shall see. I've started complying with the search engine demands to the degree I can stand it. I can see it flattens titles and encourage a more journalistic rather than literary style. As I learn to use the format, maybe I can meld the two into something that approaches an artful style. Bit of a challenge so far.
  2. Sydney Stevens March 14, 2016 at 8:35 am Reply
    Fortunately (or so I think after reading this essay), I write my daily blogs and post them directly onto my website -- no optimizing for potential readership. They are what they are. Over the years (five plus, now) hothing has gone viral but my readership has gradually increased. I am inordinately pleased with feedback I get from people who find the blog 'somehow' and with whom I often have meaningful 'conversations.' They say that 'my voice' is important to them. So, dear Caroline, my advice is write in YOUR voice -- that's what your readers appreciate. Don't sacrifice it to sound like something spewed from a robotic translating machine. Whatever readers you would gain are probably not the readers you want. And those of us who follow you do so because we can tell it's YOU!
    • Caroline Miller March 14, 2016 at 9:47 am Reply
      As a reader and admirer of your blogs these many years, I am easily swayed by your advice, Sydney. (sydneyofoysterville) But as you say, the audience grows slowly and time isn't on my side. I would like to reach more readers. But will they return once they've found me. Will the new writing be compelling enough? Unfortunately, the SEO is here to stay. As a writer, I'll try to find a way to live with it. But you are absolutely right, my loyalty belongs to those who have remained with me, some of them for the past 6 years. We'll have to see how the adventure unfolds and my my readers think..
  3. Brenda March 14, 2016 at 8:49 am Reply
    I guess you have to decide your purpose. Are you doing this for you or us? I would guess it is for yourself because it is a great way to reach out to us. If you are concerned about green dots, then its no longer serving its purpose. Quality, not quantity would seem to be your intent--but if more readers is your goal, well......
    • Caroline Miller March 14, 2016 at 9:49 am Reply
      You put the conundrum succinctly. Quality versus quantity. Is it possible to have both and still be proud of the results? We shall see. And I expect you will let me know. I count on it.
  4. Christine Webb March 14, 2016 at 10:29 am Reply
    Your friend, Shakespeare, would say simply, "to thine own self be true." When that happens, everything else seems to fall into place, one way or the other... I do have an idea though which may be something to consider. Continue to write your blogs exactly as you have been doing. But every once in a while, remind your legion of readers to share what you've written, if they're so inclined to do so. If 50 readers shared your blog, you would experience an exponential growth rate without having to answer to even one green dot. Just a thought... and for what it's worth...I love your blogs just the way they are, but then I'm just one person...
    • Caroline Miller March 14, 2016 at 4:58 pm Reply
      A flood starts with a single drop of water. How true.
  5. Susan March 14, 2016 at 10:54 am Reply
    Caroline, I think you should be a scientist and experiment. You should be able to tell fairly quickly if taking direction from the SEO is bringing in new readers or discouraging old ones. Then you can "publish" the results of your study. I really, really think that the world would benefit if more people were reading your wonderful words.
    • Caroline Miller March 14, 2016 at 5:07 pm Reply
      Think your idea of running an experiment is a good idea. A writer simply can't shut out the 21st Century, though I do know a couple of journalists who still write on typewriterd. If I can find a formula that satisfies the bean counters yet allows for creativity, I could share what I learn with others. Surely, I'm not the first blogger to have stumbled into the thorny woods of the SEO. I'll take your advice and start tomorrow. Hope all of you will let me know how I'm doing. This jungle needs more than one pair of eyes.
  6. ALC March 14, 2016 at 11:53 am Reply
    I like you "just the way you are." I understand your dilemma, but would vote for poetry or quality versus quantity. I realize I am showing my age, but I am so tired of the "dumbing down" of our expectations on so many fronts.
    • Caroline Miller March 14, 2016 at 5:11 pm Reply
      Let Mr. Rogers be my guide. Simple is good. Dumbing down not so good. I'll look for the golden mean. But you must let me know how I'm doing. I'll need good neighbors.
  7. MaryBeth Kelly March 14, 2016 at 7:55 pm Reply
    I also like the idea of experimenting.
    • Caroline Miller March 15, 2016 at 8:22 am Reply
      Your part of the experiment, remember. Let me know what you think.
  8. Billi Odegaard February 2, 2018 at 12:52 pm Reply
    From my perspective, of course I would choose poetry and quality. Simplicity is important to me - I can get so bogged down with my technology handicaps, that I would be vulnerable to giving up staying in touch with your inspiring words via technology!
    • Caroline Miller February 2, 2018 at 3:26 pm Reply
      I love the way you think.

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Contact Caroline at

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Portland, Oregon author Caroline Miller had distinguished careers as an educator, union president, elected official and artist/advocate.

Her play, Woman on the Scarlet Beast, was performed at the Post5 Theatre, Portland, OR, January/February 2015

Caroline published a serialized novelette, Marie Eau-Claire, on the website, The Colored Lens.  She also published the story Gustav Pavel,  a parable about ordinary lives, choice and alternate potential, on the website Fixional.co.

Caroline has published four novels

  • Ballet Noir
  • Trompe l’Oeil
  • Gothic Spring
  • Heart Land

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