Survey Says

5 Rounds:
Max Reps Feet Elevated Ring Row
10 Clean and Jerks @ 65%
100m Sprint
Rest 1 Min


In an effort to better improve your blog-reading experience I am interested in your feedback on your preferred genre of blog.  I imagine this varies largely from person to person for folks flock to our community for various reasons.  I personally tend to prefer writing and reading blogs regarding performance and fitness theory.  However, these types of posts tend not to receive the responses that blogs highlighting our members' stories and achievements receive.  Then there are of course the announcement posts that keep you updated on events and relevant changes in our facility.  These are probably the most important posts to read though don't really start any conversations.  It also would appear that we are a community of shit talkers.  See the battle of the classes era if you need evidence.  However, the most celebrated of all post seems to be the undercover crotch shot.  I'll talk to Justin about bringing more of what you, the customer, are looking for.  In all honesty though I'm curious as to what you think.  Are there some posts you skip past while others you read and then check back for comments later?  Post feedback to comments.

Comments

[brother mike]

What we really need is more Crossfit of the future.

[Matt P]

I like the survey blog posts best.

[EricH]

I think you're trying to correlate the number of comments with whether people are reading the post and you shouldn't ... I read all of the blog posts, and can usually guess who wrote them after just a few sentences, but some posts simply lend themselves more to feedback than others. Like, for instance, Justin's sack posts ... lots of feedback there. But Blake, and I think I see where you're going here, if you want to post pics of yourself in something slinky, you don't need to fabricates some excuse -- just do it -- "Me in compression shorts, discuss!" and leave it at that. No judgements around here ... we're supportive.

[Scott]

Well If I had to prioritize, performance and fitness. But sharing individual stories about their performance is important to me as well.

[Scott]

I would also say that individuals can share in each others strength. Communicating that strength, whether in person (as in showing up at the gym) or through the blog posts is important. A huge benefit of community. Just sayin.

[Olga B]

Blake, just keep a good balance of learning (my faves are on technique and body awareness, of course), inspiration and humor on the blog.

I'd also like to know what you think about structuring foundation classes slightly different where a practice on a certain skill for 3-4 weeks is included. Since we aren't elite (who're already very familiar with techniques) I believe we could use more time to focus on acquiring one skill before conditioning wod. Maybe some consistency before constant variation will be helpful??? What I mean is spending 10-15 minutes 3 times a week on a certain lift, or double-unders, pull-ups or push-ups for a months may help some of us reach our goals faster.

[Tashnelson]

I think you define "CF mentality" with this survey post. You already know you are doing a great job, but you want to be doing an awesome job. You are introspective enough to know that while you can accomplish the blog one way, the advise of others may help you go further and do better. You also can admit for yourself and others that it is the competitions that get everyone motivated, and thus you see that with the score/posting number. Blake, all content is welcome. Did like the introduction of the "member profile" posts a lot, but too many of those would be overkill.

[Grandpa John]

Informative but fun,
mad dog CFES competitive but focused functional movement,
demanding expectation of complete compliance but forming skill development,
CrossFit is humbling but for those who can crush a WOD - CFES community celebrates our members' victories,
our stories are heart felt, creating an internal bond.

[Blake]

Well said people. Some very entertaining stuff to read (and good feedback as well). What seems to be the trend is: balance and variety in posts with a priority on technique and performance, sharing in each others' triumphs is important (though too much is overkill), and EricH is in favor of more crotch shots. I can dig it.

@ Olga: Thanks for the feedback. I certainly see where you're coming from in regards to the technique stuff. The difficulty is that there are so many agendas where so want to improve on technique (these people are my favorite) others just want to get in and get out with a good workout. For this reason theres a large burdon on the individual to take the extra time before and after class to develop these skills. I try on Saturdays' to add extra skill based work with the extra time but this is certainly not enough for all. This is also part of the reason Chris is doing the adaptations class for the people who have genuine interest in learning these skills and the same reason Justin did the O-lifting club a few months back... it's just tough to fit it all in during such a limited window.

[Justin Riley]

The other CF blogs I most often look at have the following content. Funny posts, and amazing feats of athleticism or stunts, success stories and good visual content. Sciency stuff is what journals are for but a little of that is good too. The visual aspect of the blog cannot be understated. Pictures are worth 1000 words and videos are worth a million, especially short ones.

Do you guys really think Blake wanted feedback, or did he just want to make you all look at my wang?

[Cherie Nabeta]

Keep it constantly varied just like you have been!

[jessica]

Ok. So I have to confess, I peaked at the crotch shot link. I vote for more like those!!! Informative AND entertaining! Poor Justin : )

Seriously, loved the role of ankle mobility. Tips and information on specific movements, diet/nutrition/rest. And I'm sure the members will continue to spice up whatever is posted!! And member achievements/motivation is always nice to read!