Janet Collins
Billy M5 Habits of Highly Effective Bloggers
December 28th 2006 07:24
A bloggers' convention ?
You've had your all-expenses-paid '.com' set up for over a month and you've raked in all of $4 U.S. They didn't tell you this was going to be 'work'. But now that you're in, you may as well get it right.
Be original and NEW: It's a fast-paced industry and your prose has to get out there fast enough to satisfy demand. No-one wants to read old news. You have to be fresh, out-there and quick with your mouse.
Determination - The X Factor: As 50-Cent once said: "This is Vietnam, boy!". There are landmines - obstacles you will need to overcome. No, it won't cost you your life, but the 50-odd hours per month you spend on your blog won't justify lunchmoney blogging. Do you give up? Are you a quitter?
I saw you reaching for that ESC key. Back it up, playboy. You've just left an open construction site unmanned. See that hard-hat? That's your thinking cap now.
Troubleshooting - You're the editor!: If you're not pulling the votes, your strategy could be all wrong. Do you have a specific topic? For example; If you blog about news, take the most important item of the day, and make it fun and easy to understand. You could also narrow the topic to "entertainment news". Be flexible with the content, but keep it consistent.
Support the system that supports you: You might not be getting paid, but this isn't your occupation, either. This is a community based on support and Karma - what you give is what you get returned. Don't believe me? Believe Moses. What do you think he meant by "love thy neighbour"? When you read a blog, there's a Vote button and an "add comment" button. Remember that - that's how you make friends. You need them for advice, constructive criticism and to help you through when no-one else reads your work.
To be perfectly honest, I've only been blogging for a month, and I don't have all the answers. In fact, I struggle to find the time to practise what I preach. But that's the final and most important lesson.
This is a place to make friends, speak your mind and have fun. You won't find time to comment on every post, and you might not be able to blog every day. But take it in your stride and enjoy the process 'cause this is one hell of a ride !
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Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
What a great post,
and great tips...
a comment for you...
and a point or two.. too,
.. maybe even 10...
but then...
it was great Advice
thank you,
...again!
Lilla...
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Some good tips there AnthonyB.
Hope you had a great xmas!
KylieW
Comment by Nina
TV Babble
Comment by AnthonyB
Yes, I know, postmodern critic! I was lucky enough to get $4 USD in my first month. It's great ! I brag about it non-stop. People look at me weird and ask why I bother, but it's so rewarding. I would never have thought it could be so interesting.
Well, Kylie, I hope you are on your way. You put in a lot of effort. You deserve a healthy income off this; but you're absolutely correct. The money is far beside the point.
Nina; Thank you. I thought it would be a great little post for beginners like myself, who need that extra push to keep going. One of the reasons I'll keep blogging is for the readership. It's great to have the same people coming back to the blog !
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
I'm going to start listening to you. $4 is a lot man. You are my inspiration
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by AnthonyB
Thanks for your wonderful comments ! I hope all of your blogs prosper !! Happy New Year's ALL !!!
Comment by Bhumika
Political Minds
Comment by Manjula
I have to give your tips a try - Nice tips - thanks !
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
Health Focus
Poetry Lighthouse
MS Paint Art
You mean others don't care about the money? How quaint, how cool.
I do, but then again I'm Hot, hot, hot, for that I need a lot.
katyzzz....just counting the cents....what's the minimum deposit a bank will accept?
Sorry, I break some of your rules, but I'm in it for the dough, Jo, and not the ordinary kind of bread, something special......Oh, well, ....we all make mistakes.
Comment by AnthonyB
Keep it up, Manjula. I'm sure your pennies are in the mail. I'm glad your frugally happy ! I have much respect for frugality? frugalism? I don't know.. Thanks for commenting !
Katyzz; how can people care about the money? Blog for a year and you'll end up with a nice dinner bar the appetisers. I think banks need a dollar at the minimum. You can scrape that together !! I have faith. And don't worry about the rules, you have your own unique system. Works well ! Thanks for your comments !!!
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Comment by AnthonyB
Happy Blogging !
Season's Greetings;
Love, The Critic.
Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
Love it! Brilliant stuff & presented so well that readers just want to keep reading.
But, with all the $$ you've already made off your blog, you'll probably be retiring soon, I imagine.
Peg
Comment by AnthonyB
Thank you for your kind comments, Peg ! I see your blog is coming along swimmingly. Great work ! It's very popular. You've had the top blog a few times !
Comment by Questionable Content
I post my bullshit for two reasons; one of which I only realised recently.
When I first signed up, I was convinced posting my stories was the only chance I'd ever have my works published. I have a journalism degree I'm not using, and may never use unless someone picks up my blog as a column (edited of course).
Now, I look back on the chronology of my stories and realise the level at which I've changed as a person since I began posting.
Although the stories were pre-written a long time before I joined Orble, posting them and witnessing how far I've come in 4 years or so of drinking has been quite therapeutic for me.
And yes, that will be the most philosophical post I'll ever make.
Comment by AnthonyB
Sorry to hear you haven't had great success with it. I hope things begin to look up for you. I've also noticed a dramatic change in the texture of my prose. It's a great feeling.
Thanks for the visit !!
Comment by dswhite
Age is Just a Number
Have a Happy New Year!
Dee
Comment by AnthonyB
Happy new Years, Dee !!
- Anthony
Comment by The Daily Sonnet
The Daily Sonnet
Lots of Sonnets
I haven't seen a cent from Orble yet, but I have only been posting consistently for about 3 weeks.
Comment by AnthonyB
Thanks for stopping by !!! and keep up the consistent blogging !!
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
Best wishes,
Jeanne
Comment by AnthonyB
I'll have to check out your Notes. Your Writer's Notes. They may be of use to me. It's great to hear, or read, what other writers think and feel.
Thanks for the visit !!
- Anthony
Comment by jadamo76
Being new to blogging sure was valuable insight.
Feel more confident about expressing my views now.
Comment by AnthonyB
It's a great place to put your views out. This community is very supportive and you can really sustain a regular audience, if you just keep replying to comments, visiting everyone else's blogs and such. Good for the soul, too.
Thanks man, and good luck with your Politics blog!
- Anthony
Comment by chayne de cairns
Comment by Joanne Fedler
Secret Writers Business
Jo