Are you familiar with the phrase “jumped the shark” or “jumping the shark”? If not, take a few minutes now to watch the youtube clip to see where it originated.
That original television moment occurred in 1977, and during the mid-1980s the term was coined to refer to something that is believed to be past its peak in quality or relevance on TV.
The phrase has since gone onto broadened beyond television, indicating the moment when really anything, a brand, design, franchise, or creative effort’s evolution declines, or when it changes notably in style into something unwelcome.
That’s what I’m focusing on today, how to identify if your blog has jumped the shark.
Warning Signs
I understand that this is a highly subjective topic. Here are some of my warning signs that might mean your blog has jumped the shark.
- All of your post titles start in odd number
- At some point, you’ve hired a head-shot photographer
- You complain about being tired of work, yet you’ve been working full-time for less than ten years, and not doing anything about it.
- Amazon Associates is a keyword you rank for.
- You only reply to comments you deem worthy.
- You’ll post any content as long as it meets your price.
- All of your products are currently on sale and end in a $7 increment.
- Your posts are becoming less informational, thought-provoking and more like a Facebook highlight reel.
- You spend more time on editing pop-ups than content.
I could go on, in fact, there was a recent thread over at Rockstar Finance Forums about this topic, but you get the point.
Course Correction
If you fear your blog has jumped the shark, don’t worry there is help. It seems Bruce Wayne, AKA, Batman, AKA, Adam West had a solution years earlier in 1966. It’s a can of shark repellant.
Here’s how to successful ward off a shark.
In all seriousness, getting back to a core message or defining one might be a good place to start if you feel your blog is off course.
There are times like I have felt like I’ve circled the shark. I don’t believe I’ve ever jumped it, but I’ll let you be the judge of that.
I want to read blogs that share great content. Blogs that make me think. Ones where I take a tidbit of something away that I could use in my own life. A blog that I can relate to in some way.
If I take the time to stop by, and leave a comment, be kind enough to repay the favor.
I don’t believe anyone starts off with intentions of ever jumping the shark it just happens over time for some of us. We get lazy, complacent, other things take priority or lured by page views and money.
Do you feel like your blog or any of your favorites have jumped the shark? Do you consider Debt Discipline shark bait?
Brian is a Dad, husband, and an IT professional by trade. A Personal Finance Blogger since 2013. Who, with his family, has successfully paid off over $100K worth of consumer debt. Now that Brian is debt-free, his mission is to help his three children prepare for their financial lives and educate others to achieved financial success. Brian is involved in his local community. As a Financial Committee Chair with the Board of Education of his local school district, he has helped successfully launch a K-12 financial literacy program in a six thousand student district.