Archives for May 2008

7 Blogs You Should be Reading

May 30, 2008 by

In the course of writing a blog, you’ve likely discovered that it helps to have a nice list of fellow bloggers in your niche to read.  You read them to keep up to date on what they are up to (spying) and also as a way to participate in the community (sucking up).  My reading list is a lot longer than 7 blogs, but these seven are an essential 7.  If you aren’t reading them already, you should be.  In no apparent order:

  • 45n5.com – Mark has really risen through the ranks to become one of the better online entrepreneur bloggers around.  He works hard to produce great content, and even though I don’t watch video, he still has plenty of stuff for me to read.  He also seems to be in a very similar place as I am and so it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who isn’t carrying around a 6 figure check.
  • Blogging Experiment – This blog was up in the air not too long ago when it’s founder, Ben Cook, decided to sell it.  The new owner, Max, has exceeded expectations and really has added a whole new dimension to the blog.  Well worth the time to read.
  • CopyBlogger – If you’re going to be successful as a blogger, you’ll most likely have to know how to write good copy.  That’s where Brian comes in.  He’s quickly become a go-to expert on copywriting.  Read CopyBlogger, you’ll learn something.
  • Graywolf’s SEO Blog – Michael Gray might not be a name you’re too familiar with.  He’s a top tier SEO blogger with a great eye for ways to improve your SEO practices.  He doesn’t hold any punches and likes to tell it like it is.  I like that.
  • Problogger – If you aren’t reading Darren, there may not be any hope for you.  Problogger is the resource for anyone who wants to become the best blogger they can be.  You’ll find lots of imitators, but there is no one that I’ve found that comes close to the expertise that Darren has.
  • ShoeMoney – Jeremy is one of the premier affiliate bloggers.  He’s earned his chops as an affiliate webmaster and is kind enough to share with us on his blog.  He’s another blogger that isn’t going to hold any punches.  At the same time, he comes across as a pretty decent guy.
  • The Net Fool – Jim is new to the scene, but already is making big waves.  He’s got a great writing style and is another blogger to keep an eye one.  He’s also another that I see as being close to the same tier as I am, so I read for that purpose as well.

That’s the list.  I’m sure that someone will find a few that they think should be on the list.  I’m always open to suggestions.  As you can see, some of the bloggers are experts and others are getting there.  I read each for a little bit different reason.

Subscribe to their feeds.  I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Filed Under: General News Tagged With: , , ,

Pimp my Favicon

May 28, 2008 by

The folks at pimpmypagerank.com are trying to put together the worlds largest directory of favicons.  There’s only about 40 of them in the list so far, but it is growing each time I visit.  I’ve added mine and a few others.  It’s an interesting concept and it’s fun to go through and see how many of them you can name by just looking at the favicon.  There’s a few that are easily recognizable.  And there are a few that haven’t bothered to change theirs from the default blogger favicon.  (Work on that will’ya?)

P.S. It seems to be giving a followed link back to the root domain as well.  A good way to catch another link to your site.  It uses the domain for anchor text, so a good example of why having your keyphrases in your URL can help.

Filed Under: General News Tagged With:

Posting on Weekends and Holidays

May 27, 2008 by

It seems we see this meme float around about every 6 months or so. “Should you post on the weekends and on holidays?”

Well, here’s the answer. Yes and no. And, it depends.

How’s that for a vague answer?

The problem is that, just like the people writing them, each and every website and blog is different. Some blogs will require posting on a more regular basis. Blogs with topics like news, politics, and sports will need to post much more regularly than those with topics in the Make money online (MMO), tech, relationships, and mommy/daddy realms. That doesn’t mean that the first set needs to write daily or that the second set shouldn’t. What it means is that, on average, their posting needs will be somewhat different.

Some will say that your topic is a pretty weak way to define your writing schedule. I agree somewhat. If you’re passionate about a topic, you might find ways to write about it each and every day. Maybe multiple times.

You might remember that I maintained a post-a-day schedule back in March. You might also have noticed that I don’t do that anymore. I have a few reasons for that.

  • I’d rather not make myself come up with content.  When I do that, I get crap about 50% of the time.  I’d rather you had 100% good content to read 2-3 times a week instead of 50% good content every day.
  • It’s a hectic schedule.  I have other sites and other obligations to attend to.  Sometimes I don’t have the 30 minutes or more that a quality post can take.
  • I need a break.  I have a regular job and I’m not considered a bad employee, or less ambitious, or less productive, if I don’t come in on the weekends and holidays.  I understand that there are times when I will have to, but I’m not expected to every time.  The same should be true of my blog if I really am going to treat it as a job.

Of course, your reasons for posting every day (or not) will most likely be different.  That’s ok.  I won’t look down on you. 😉

Filed Under: General News Tagged With: , ,

Pain at the Pump

May 23, 2008 by

Pretty catchy tune, and the subject is becoming painfully clear…

The artist is Brent Burns and you can check out some of his other songs and such at his website. BrentBurns.com

Filed Under: General News Tagged With:
Next Page »