I have been struggling lately with the idea of starting a second blog to focus on design and business issues in Vietnam. Conventional blog management wisdom says that one should focus on a niche market and build up brand identity. Noodlepie was the prime example of this type, focusing almost solely on Sai Gon street food and drink. Pieman rarely if ever posted personal information on his blog. Of course his success rode largely, in my opinion, on his lively writing style, which is its own niche.
Many expat blogs in Viet Nam are personal chronicles or observations of life in Viet Nam, which is another niche market. Those looking for information on expat life in Ho Chi Minh City will surely find it in blogs like Charvey in Vietnam and It's the Final Word.
I have tried to make my own blog my means of communication about life in HCMC to my relatives and friends back in the USA, and I would like to continue towards that goal. Along the way, I hope I also contribute some different perspectives on Vietnamese culture and society.
At this point in my expat life though, I have much more to say about design and business in Vietnam. But I cannot find the time and energy to feed two beasts at the same time. So I am going to start breaking the rules by mixing business and design issues with Vietnamese cultural and societal issues. Hang in with me while I sort out how to please two constituencies in one blog.
