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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Holiday Break

With the Christmas season coming up, holidays are on every one's minds. How does this affect bloggers? Do you take a day off of posting on special days or stick to your schedule? Maybe you use the time off to post or write extra posts.

How about reading blogs? Have you noticed whether most blogs still post even on the holidays? Do you read your favorite blogs even on days such as Fourth of July or Christmas?

Share your answers in the comments.

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My Goal for Followers

When I first startd blogging, I figured it would be a good idea to set some goals, so that I would know how I was doing. Of course, at the time I didn't really know what realistic goals would be, so I waited until my blogs had been up for some time before making them.

Well, one of my goals was to have a total of 50 followers for my two blogs by the new year. Right now I'm at 31, so I think I have a chance at making it.

Admittedly, I haven't been doing my fair share of gaining followers by neglecting this blog for over a month, but I'll make a deal with you: help me find more followers and I will update my blog regularly. To show my committment to this goal, look for another post tomorrow.

So, to your part of the deal: how can you help me get followers? It's pretty easy, actually. If you read my blog, but do not follow it, go ahead and click the folow button. If you already follow me, then just spread the word about my blog. like it on StumbleUpon, recomend it to others, or just keep coming back for new blog posts to get my stats up and encourage me.

With your help readers, I can acheive my goal.

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Layouts

If I could, I would probably change the layout to my blogs every time I log on. I love playing with them, and wish I had the skill to design my own rather than rely on editing the ones blogger offers. Instead, I update them once every few months. Of course, when each of the blogs first started out, I changed them more frequently since I was still trying to find out what worked best.

Like I said, I get my layouts and backgrounds from blogger, with a few changes. I don't change much about very often because I think consistency works best when trying to create a brand. However, I did let myself get a little out of hand with the widgets.

Do you agree? How often do you change your layout and for what reasons? Where do you get the templates and such? Anyone skilled at designing them themselves? And while we're on the topic, what are your favorite widgets?

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Why Subscribe?

Many of us, being bloggers, read a large number of blogs each day besides our own. Some of these are blogs that we subscribe to, others are blogs that we read once and never think about again. What is the difference?

What makes you willing to go back to a blog more than once, or even every day or whenever there is a new update? Frequency of posting is one factor since there is no point in returning to a blog if there is no new content, but there is more to it than that. So what makes you want to return ?

Finally, do you have a prefence for subscribing? My personal favorite is the "Follower" method on Blogger. It is simple and quick, although does not work with non-blogger blogs. I have not really figured out RSS. Other options include saving the page as a favorite and signing up to get updates e-mailed to you.

Blog fest

I participated in my first blog fest today and would like to invite everyone here to check it out over at Cerebrall Lunchbox. You can read my entry here.

Why You Blog

I explained the history behind my "career" in blogging here and invited all who read this blog to do the same,  but now I'm curious: what are your reasons for blogging? Did you intend to make money from it or was it a way to vent? Perhaps it was just the easiest way to keep up with your family. Either way, please share your inspirations in the comments section.

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Taboo

Are there any topics that you would never, ever blog about? Anything that is completely out of bounds for you? If  so, what are your reasons? It could be as simple as it does not interest you. Please share in the comments section.

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Favorite Topics

What are your favorite things to blog about? Please include links to some of your personal favorite posts.

Favorite Blogs

What is your favorite blog that you like to read? (It cannot be one that you write yourself, with the exception of occaisonal guest posts.)

Flogging (Fake Blogging)

I have always wanted to start a fake blog. You know, one where you blog under a fake identity about fake occurences in your fake life. Sounds just like writing a novel, but more personal and in real time. Of course, I would include a disclaimer on every post to make sure there are no legal issues.

People get very upset when they find out they've been fooled. And if it involves asking for money or false advertising, then that's no surprise. However, people get upset about fake blogs that are just meant to be a joke as well.

Does anyone here write a fake blog or have one that they like to read? Please include a link as well as your thoughts on "flogging."

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Please Advertise

I want to make sure that I've read as many of my readers' blogs as possible, so please post a link to your blog if you have one.

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Daily or Weekly Themes

Do you like doing themes for certain days of the week? For example, every Wednesday posting a picture. The only one I do is my comment of the week. I always feel like having a theme will box me in, even if I don't do one for every day. However, I know lot's of bloggers who have a theme for almost every day. The idea is that it gives you a starting point, and from there it is easier to come up with ideas. What does everyone here think?

Regular Posting?

On both of my blogs, I post pretty regularly, 3 days a week. I feel that this works best since it keeps me motivated and my readers know when to expect updates. Because my blogs are informative, I think keeping them professional in some way works best.

Other blogs and bloggers may be different. For example, if you have a personal blog, you'll want to post when you have something important to mention. If it is a news blog, you will of course blog when something newsworthy occurs which could be at any time, multiple times a day. Finally, if you blog purely as a hobby or blogging is not the number one priority in your life, it makes perfect sense to blog whenever you have time or simply whenever you feel like it.