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?

Amazon Associates

I've decided to try out Amazon Associates on this blog, because lately I've been lacking ideas. This is why my updates are no longer regular. Who here has tried an associates program? What kind of success did you have?

Pictures

On almost every blogging site I look at, they all tell me that pictures are the best way to attract people to your blog. Most of my blogs do not have pictures, just because they are hard to find and I've been having trouble with my camera. If I do have pictures they all come from Zemanta. Soon though I am going to test this theory and share with you my results.

Do some pictures work better than others? Are some posts better off without a picture? What are your favorite sources to find pictures?

Market Analysis

I've decided to try doing a market and competitiveness analysis of my blogging niche and my other blog, Don't Let Higher Ed Eat Your Soul. Soon I will do another one for this blog. The idea is that I will analyze my own blog, as well as three others that are in a similar market to mine:

College Lifestyles: This blog advertises itself as a guide for "Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Ettiquette for Savy Coeds." Not only is it focused on female college students, it is particularly focused on Sorority girls. The average reader probably is not overly concerned with money (either her parents help her, or she gets enough scholarships) because many of the ideas involve shopping. A college lifestyle reader is likely concerned with her future career.

College Candy: Most the readers of this blog are also female. These readers are closer to what the average college student its: Don't have a lot of money and like to party. Sex is a major topic on this blog. Of course, these readers are also savy and concerned about their future as internships are also a big topic and there are several city guides.

Lovely Undergrad: Again, this blog is aimed at female college students. The main topic, however, seems to be decorating. There are frequently pictures of apartments and suggestions for decorations. Most readers probalbly live in an apartment  off campus rather than in a dorm. Books are also a big topic on this blog because the aothor frequently discusses the Kindle.

Finally, My Blog: My ideal audience is male and female college students, as well as high school seniors who are planning to go to college. While I like to include advice, I'm also trying to discuss current events that affect students so my readers can debate them. So my ideal college student reader is living in a dorm, on a four year track at a school, probably, but not necesarily, public or state school.

So, after reading my blog and the other ones I've analyzed, do you think I've done a good job? Do you think I cater to the audience I want?

Also, I'd like to invite my three readers to do something similar to what I just did and post it in the comments section if you are so inclined.

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