Trolls

Have you ever had to deal with a troll or another troublesome blog visitor? In the real world, we are often advised to deal with bullies as well as small annoyances by just ignoring them and therefore taking away their power. This would seem to be particularly relevant online when a rogue commenter could lose interest quickly and never return. Even if they do stick around, what's the worst they can do.

Unfortunately, this has some drawbacks. In the real world, ignoring really isn't that great of an idea if it could escalate, and it could easily escalate online. In the worst case scenario, you could end up with a cyber stalker on your hands. Deleting or flagging the comment  might just give them ammo and cause the problem to quickly escalate.

In my opinion, the best solution is one I have not implemented, mostly because I haven't had the need to: a commenting policy. This way, if you do find yourself needing to delete a comment or block a user, you can direct them to the policy to show them why you are doing it. Consistency will weed out some of the problems and cooperative readers will follow the policy, which will get rid of problems that are only caused by misunderstandings.

Related articles

• The 18 Types of Internet Trolls (gwendolynndedanaan.wordpress.com)
• What to Do About the Dickheads (whatever.scalzi.com)

Crafts

I have a theory that one group of people has benefitted more from Web 2.0 than anyone else: Crafters. Thanks to blogs, crochet and knitting patterns are often only a google search away. Many of these patterns are completely free, and the range of patterns is ridulous. My favorite pattern so far is a peace sign as seen here: http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-peace-sign-detailed/. Its easy to make, but I doubt anyone would think to put something like it in a published book. There are also all kinds of well-known character patterns available such as the angry birds, mario, and even complete tea sets.

The internet is also a great resource for beginners. Many bloggers are willing to post simple tips like stitches as well as reviews of necessary product brands. If you have any trouble, just comment and almost all craft bloggers will answer your questions.

The bloggers benefit as well. They sell finished products and sometimes patterns, and they get the benefit of being seen as an expert. Not everyone has the time to dedicate to getting themselves published or selling through retailers, but thanks to the Internet, they can still make some money with their hobby.

Who do you think has benefitted especially because of Web 2.0?

Blogging and Your New Career

I've talked before about the possibilities of damaging your career by blogging, but is it possible that blogging can advance your career as well? I've read a few articles written by people who think so. I'm not talking about blogging as a career either.

Blogging demonstrates a multitude of skills that employers want to see. It shows that you are comfortable with technology, have good written skills, are dedicated and self-motivated, and can market yourself. As a bonus, if you blog about the field you are interested in, it shows that you have knowledge of it.

If you already have a blog, spice it up a little so that you would be proud to show it to potential employers, and consider an extra blog to write about your chosen industry or market. If you don't have a blog, now might just be the time to start. You might also consider reading and commenting on some companies' blogs that you would like to work for.

Related articles

• Restraints when blogging (moonflowerdragon.blogspot.com)
• Advice on topics for blogs (amandasliepka.wordpress.com)
• To blog or not to blog? (distinctinspirations.wordpress.com)
• Choose a Blogging Niche You Can Expand On for Life (problogger.net)

To do and to Be

Today's post is a guest post from a fellow blogger over at twenty-something bloggers as part of their Blog Carnival. I hope you enjoy this small experiment.

Listen. There is a Guide in each of us, the Voice of Intuition. Listen to it. How many of us end up living the life we want, the life we dream about? Most of us are probably living or pursuing the dream. Hopefully it is your Dream that you are pursuing. Are we all happy when we do reach the desired destination? Sometimes it feels like there is something missing.

I study Hospitality in a school that I wanted to study at. Life couldn’t get any better. Yet there were times when I felt strangely bereft; oddly there was a slight twinge of disappointment. At what!!?? I asked myself this over and over and told myself to just be grateful for the gifts of life. I did thankfulness meditations, wrote lists and thanked the heavens, and even compelled myself to be thankful for the miserable snow! It just wouldn’t go away. It took me awhile to realize that this twinge of disappointment was just ME at MYSELF. Why? I was pursuing my dreams alright finally I seem to have it together doing what I want! The catch was- I wasn’t living it. I was so busy pursuing it that I wasn’t living my dream. I wasn’t creatively active I wasn’t doing any of the things that I want to do because my friends didn’t want to or somehow with all the social and educational obligations I just didn’t have time.

Every time you step away from your true self or purpose your intuition will let you know. Just listen to it. It will unfailingly steer you back on the right path! It’s not only about the destination but also the journey. Make the time to get know yourself and your needs better. Make the time to live it.



Indu Sukumar is a blogger at http://barefeetlove.blogspot.com/ and also at http://foodloveandthesoul.blogspot.com/

Guest Blogging

Everything I've read about blogging says that guest posting and hosting guest bloggers helps gain readership. Since readers are a big part of my blog, I've decided to give it a shot. I have signed up for myguestblog.com, so we'll see how it goes from there. Does anyone have experience with this site? How about stories guest posting? If you have an interest in guest blogging for either this blog, or my other blog, http://studentswhostillhavesouls.blogspot.com/, send me an e-mail at tricia116@juno.com.

Related articles

• 7 Tips to Attract Guest Bloggers to Your Site (blogherald.com)
• Why Rejecting Some Guest Posts is a Good Idea (ereleases.com)
• The Whys and Hows of Guest Blogging (ereleases.com)

Anonymous Blogging

I discussed in another post the negative effects that blogging can have on your personal life and career and the importance of boundaries. One way that some bloggers prevent these dangers and others (such as stalkers, threats, or identity theft) is to remain completely anonymous.

It's certainly easy enough to do. Don't mention your real name, where you live, or too many details about yourself. Create an e-mail that you only use for blogging and uses a nickname. Make sure the anonymous blog is not linked to your other social media that may reveal more about you.

Blogging without revealing who you are has a lot of benefits. You can say just about anything you want (within reason) without damaging your career or personal relationships. This allows you to express views you may have but don't normally share and take on controversial topics. It also means you do not have to share your blogging habit with anyone who might not approve.

On the other hand, people may take you less seriously if you take advantage of the anonymity that the Internet offers you. You will most likely be challenged for it. Also, it makes writing personal blogs more difficult because not only do you have to change names, you will have to omit a lot of information that might reveal your location or identity.

Either way, it is a judgement call of how much you are willing to reveal. Plenty of bloggers do use their full name, but these are mostly professional bloggers. The best thing to do might be a balance of the two. Use a fake name, but for everything else use general information.

Where to Find Help

Readers, today I want to know what everyone's favorite sources for blogging information are. They come in all different forms, from websites to other blogs, to books. Please leave a title and/or URL in your comments to tell me where you go when you need advice on all things blogging.