Gavin Craig of Twin Cities Business Litigation Blog: LexBlog Q & A
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At Minnesota business litigation attorney Gavin Craig's blog, the Twin Cities Business Litigation Blog, he never lacks for inspiration. The Minnesota Senate Election trial? Fair game. A science-related blog post? Why not?
The posts on Gavin's blog are proof of the value of entering into conversations and staying involved in the blogosphere. He says he keeps his own blog posts coming by reading other blogs for inspiration.
"I look at a number of blogs, and there is almost always something interesting to discuss," he says. "If I am really stuck, I wait for another day and there is usually something happening that will get me going."
Not having anything to write about is simply no excuse. There is more news and more commentary out there than ever, and all it takes to tap into that is a viewpoint, a blog and 20 minutes of your time.
"When you realize it is not a chore but fun, it is easy to find fun things to post about," Gavin says.
We caught up with Gavin for this most recent LexBlog Q&A to talk about how he gets inspired.
See our e-mail exchange with Gavin (after the jump).
Lisa Kennelly: Why did you decide to start blogging?
Gavin Craig: I needed a presence on the Web. After talking to a number of attorneys, I found LexBlog. I also read a number of legal blogs, so I thought I understood what would be required. I liked your message and the service. So I started blogging.
Lisa Kennelly: What has been most rewarding about blogging?
Gavin Craig: The most rewarding is when someone sends you a comment or an email about something you posted. Recently an attorney I know called to say he was looking for some information and he found my blog with a post on the very subject he was looking for. That was neat. I also had a new client call to say he checked out my blog and really liked it.
Lisa Kennelly: What has been most challenging?
Gavin Craig: The most challenging is sometimes finding the time to post. While it does not take a great deal of time, sometimes your available time is limited. Lately I have had a number of filings due, and court appearances, plus one trial, so the number of posts has decreased. I hope to get back to speed soon.
Lisa Kennelly: What has been the response to your blog from clients, other lawyers or anyone else?
Gavin Craig: Clients seem to like it – they tell me that they like the information and my "practical" approach to issues. Lawyers are also positive about it. I haven't received any negative comments.
Lisa Kennelly: Many first-time bloggers (and long-time ones as well) can have trouble thinking of blog post topics. What do you use for inspiration when you get stuck?
Gavin Craig: This is a great question and I would like to see the answers you get from others. I look at a number of blogs, and there is almost always something interesting to discuss. I try not to get too far into the political issues of the day – even though I have fairly strong political views (I'm fairly liberal.) Sometimes I see a science blog post that is really interesting and that inspires me to post something. The Minnesota Senate Election trial is full of interesting issues – and one desperate ex-senator that is going to lose. If I am really stuck, I wait for another day and there is usually something happening that will get me going. I don't post on something that doesn't interest me. I'll wait another day if there is nothing going on that I can post about that is of interest.
I think it is important to realize that blogging is fun – and it has some great benefits. (I've gotten work because of the blog from other attorneys.)
When you realize it is not a chore but fun, it is easy to find fun things to post about.
Read through and enter the discussion with the form at the end
