Rebuilding Lives: Continuous Support is Needed for Haiti Disaster Relief Operations

UPDATED: It's been more than a week since the terrible Haiti Earthquake. But that doesn't mean the disaster is over... no, not yet.

Bloggers, please help support the continual efforts for the Haiti relief operations. I know many of you have already done your part. But please, thousands of people are still in grave need. More support is needed for rebuilding Port-au-Prince.. or even just for the rehabilitation of the survivors.

There are many ways to continue helping.

If you can,

If you still have something to share,

If you feel how lucky you are,

Please... spread the buzz more about how people can help. As bloggers, we are very good at that.


You Don't Need To Be a Six-Figure Blogger to Help

Remember the words, "Bloggers Unite"? Well this time, it could finally serve a real, humanitarian purpose.

SEE HAITI SUPPORT DISASTER
RELIEF PAGE c/o GOOGLE

I encourage you too to spread the word not just by tweeting (oh please) but by actually writing a post about it. Just one post wouldn't ruin your blog (and it's not even because it's out of topic).

You are a blogger. You can do more than just tweeting. This is one of those cases where 140 characters doesn't give justice.

Offer what you can. Even if you have a mere 5 readers a day, at least that's five other people who might do something too! Now what about if you've got a hundred views a day, or thousands (calling those a-list bloggers)?

The thing is, you've constantly promise to help your readers, now you can actually do something that's even greater. You can hep people... survive.

I Don't Wish To Spark a Movement

If you write a post, you don't even need to link to this article. IN FACT, I DON'T WANT YOU TO LINK TO THIS AT ALL. That's because I don't want other bloggers to consider this as a publicity stunt (because some others could be so shallow thinking that someone's just doing it for link baits or traffic schemes).

Please, an estimated 500,000 people died. This is no time to do tricks.


My Pledge - To Stop Posting For A Month

BECAUSE: I want to keep this post as the most visible in the blog homepage as long as I possibly can. I have reasonable daily traffic to probably reach out to a significant amount of people. This is the only concrete form of commitment I could give to the relief operations. Sorry. I'm just a teenager.

Today (in my case) is January 16. I'll be posting again in February 16.

and please don't think I'm trying to use an excuse to escape posting duties (think of all the product launches happening in January and early February and the income opportunity that I'd have to pass). Sheesh. Why am I always defending my actions?

Rescheduling and Some Plans

Because of this, the things I've promised as on January (especially the release of my great ebook) would have to be moved further. Again, another loss to me.

Meanwhile, I'm not really saying goodbye to blogging for one month (only to posting in this blog). I'll try to be visible through other methods like guest posting (hopefully to drive more people to see this post). And of course, I'll still be in touch through emails and tweets.

You Know, I Felt That Haiti Earthquake

Literally.

I was lying in bed, just reading a book and felt the ground move to and fro like a squigly jelly. It was nowhere near 7.0 magnitude, but I definitely have felt it.

Now it makes me think, since I was in my dormitory at that time, there would be no way I could escape from a quake of that intensity had it occurred on our land.

I am very lucky. You are too.

But what about Haiti?


Yours most truly,

-Liane

p.s. today's (Januray 16) exactly my Dad's birthday and i dedicate this post to him.

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Start Blogging By Making Some Noise: The Jordan Cooper Interview

Oh, I just realized, this is the first ever interview of anyone that I posted! Woo. Didn't realize it would be fun. I should do this more often right?

Did you just start a new blog? I mean a really, really new blog? Well this guy did... but unlike many other bloggers, he easily decoded the secrets to standing out. And sure, he did made some noise. Though even if he calls himself Not A Pro Blog - literally - I think he's got a great blogging waiting for him... and he just barely started.

He's got quite a lot to share. Take it away, Jordan.

Hey everyone! Jordan Cooper here and I run NotAProBlog.com, the least successful blog on the interweb. For those that want to stalk me further, I'm 30-years old and currently live in Lousville, KY. (although I'm originally from New York City, so don't call me a redneck!) Most weekends, you can see me drive inordinate distances for meager cash as a stand-up comedian performing to stupid drunks in comedy clubs across the United States.

L: If I'm not mistaken, you've just started blogging about blogging tips around two months ago? What inspired you to start NotAProBlog?

J: That's right. The blog officially "launched" sometime around Thanksgiving in late November. Am I really blogging about blogging though? I don't know. My three biggest passions in life are to make people laugh, teach and make money. I think I represent that quite well on my blog.

Little do people know about many successful meta-bloggers, it's very rare that they are only making money in that niche alone. Darren Rowse from ProBlogger is a perfect example of this. He adamantly points out he earns more income with Digital Photography School, but he takes what he has learned there to teach others to do the same.

I don't think I'm much different than this. I've been taking part in running two fairly high-trafficked video game fan sites FM-Britain and Gameworld One for about two years, writing a ton of content, releasing eBook guides, engaging with others on forums and playing the "blogging game" like everyone else. Understand that I was doing this purely for the love of it, but after doing research about potentially monetizing my efforts - I came across a sea of blogs that were devoted to blogging and marketing. This was June 2009.

So as you can see, I've been listening to and watching all of you for a good 5-6 months. I've been applying all the advice, seeing what works and formulating my own strategies. Now I'm coming out of the shadows to teach and fulfill all three passions of mine. Humor. Education. Money.

L: I think NotAProBlog got a lot of buzz in a very short time and that's very remarkable for a new blog. What methods did you use? Any advice for someone who'se just starting out two?

J: I appreciate you saying that, Liane... it may look like "buzz" to you, but I'm just a very small blip on the radar. Trust me, I'll show you my stats. :-)

As I've bluntly pointed out on my about page, I'm not a pro, expert, guru or whatever noun you want to throw in there. The methods I'm using are totally based on my past entrepreneurial endeavors as well as the 13+ years experience I have in the comedy industry. If you wanted to pen one reason why I'm supposedly "buzzworthy", it's that I have no preconceived notions of what makes for good marketing.

That is what would sum up my simple advice to others. Don't do what anyone else says just because of who they are or where it's written.

L: You've been featured by David Risley himself in his post series titled "2 Bloggers Doing It Right". What was you're reaction to it and how do you think would it affect your blogging career?

J: Well, I for one, was shocked. I've been reading his blog for a few months, but I don't believe I ever commented or tweeted him. It was quite an honor for David to feature me like he did, but in the grand scheme of things, it's just one small step in a very tall staircase.

I've learned that concept from a ton of comedy buddies of mine. As comedians, our holy grail is an appearance on a late night talk show like Leno, Conan, Letterman, etc. Although I haven't reached that point yet, plenty of those I'm friends with have made multiple appearances. Do you know what it did for their careers? Not all that much. No one came knocking on their door with a 6 figure network development deal.

What it did do was give them more authority and credibility within the industry to position themselves for better opportunities. Maybe the agent they'd like to work actually takes their phone call. Maybe they get the freelance writing gig on a sketch show having a TV credit on their resume. This is all it is... a stepping stone (although I admit it's a big one) for more doors to be open for them.

I hope the next time you think "all I need is a guest post on Copyblogger" or "all I need is for Chris Brogan to retweet my post", you'd reference the analogy I just laid out. This is all just one long journey and no single thing will propel you up the ranks all at once.

L: The unique thing about you is that you're a stand-up comedian and comedy writer. The question is, how and why did you choose to be a part of the blogging tips niche?

J: As I've said previously, I've been watching this niche for a half-year, consuming content and listening to advice... and the biggest tool a comedian has is the power of observation. That is the essence of our job. Observing life from the outside looking in, then offering our unique point of view on the world that escapes others who are entrenched in it. That's why I chose to start a blog based on these discoveries.

L: What's the advantage of your humor-based style in writing? Can you give tips on how to do it?

J: Why do you think having sense of humor is at the top of the list when determining someone's attractiveness? It's universally enjoyable to all - both in receiving it as well as dishing it out. Simply put, humor is highly shareable. Especially since the very nature of blogging is to create content that will get a far reach and impact, there's no bigger advantage than applying it to your work.

Humor is also the hardest forms of writing or performance to pull off well, I won't sugar coat it. But the two keys to incorporating humor into anything comes down to (1) surprise and (2) context.

Jokes are essentially magic tricks in that regard. Leading your audience in one direction and then jerking their heads back when they least expect it. That's the element of surprise that exists in all forms of humor. Without it, you'd have nothing.

Context, on the other hand, is what determines the amount of surprise needed to elicit a response. Many people do not understand this concept, but if you do, I guarantee no matter how unfunny you think you are, you can get people to laugh. All you need to do is write the unexpected for whatever situation you're in. Go against the perceptions people have about you or your niche. Accounting? It will be hilarious. Bungee-jumping? No problem. Art History? Go for it. You'll find that it doesn't take much to get a chuckle when your audience really doesn't assume you're going to do so.

Unfortunately for me... in my profession, the audience absolutely expects this. They've paid for me to do it. This means I can't just get away with a "chuckle" because they'll see it coming from a mile away. This is what separates the "funny guy in the office" from a professional comedian. We can surprise people even when they're 100% expecting for us to surprise them.

L: What's your long term goal when it comes to blogging and how do you plan to achieve it?

I'm not a big fan of making long term goals, because you really never know where things will take you. All I have ever hoped for is that I can have a reasonable lifestyle earning a decent living doing something I'm passionate about. Anything past that is dessert.

Achieving it is the easy part. Put 120% effort into what you do and put out the absolute best you possibly could at all times. Then let the cards fall as they may. The hard part is keeping the same passionate fire burning inside you for the length of the journey. Without it, you'd be nothing.

L: Any monetization plans Jordan? If yes, thru what methods?

J: Absolutely. Remember, money is one of my three passions! (I'm not afraid to admit it)

By the spring, I'm looking to release my first eBook. I know it's not a "radical" method of monetization, but you can't deny that it works if done well. My only saving grace though is that the book will be completely leveraged on my expertise. No, not blogging... but comedy. If there's anything I learned from all the marketing gurus is that clear differentiation is key. This is especially true if others in your field do not have the required authority to pull it off. Basically, I'm looking to exploit this.

The eBook is still in the early planning & outlining phase, but it's geared for bloggers, marketers or anyone looking to be a "personal brand". In a nutshell, it will be a comprehensive guide on how to incorporate humor into your work to stand out and get noticed. This includes actual comedy writing instruction as well as marketing techniques that entertainers use to build a following & network with others. I really don't see anything on the market like this at all, so I'm hoping it can be a home run.

L: I'm curious about your comedy-coaching to bloggers. How does it work exactly and who do you think should avail of it?

J: I've been teaching stand-up comedy and improvisation classes for some time now. Of course, they have been for those who want to make a foray into professional work as a comedian. I understand that bloggers aren't exactly looking for this, so I took all of this instructional material and geared it specifically for them. Consider it as a hybrid comedy writing/marketing and blog consulting service all wrapped into one.

Well, I'd be a horrible marketer if I didn't say "everyone should take up the course!" - but I actually truly believe this. I see so many great bloggers out there that have the passion, work with the tools really well, engage with people often and still seem to be stuck on a treadmill. I'd love to help them get to the next level. Incorporating more of yourself into your blog. injecting just a bit of humor properly, marketing yourself with some pizzazz - anything that can get your already awesome work to stand out in the crowd and get noticed by others. As I've said earlier, humor is highly shareable. Let me be your linkbait!

L: Second to the last question, you can now be regularly seen on your UStream channel. Only very few bloggers utilize that form of communication, what pointers would you give to someone who'd like to conduct his own live-streaming too?

J: Not to sound like a cliche, but just do it. What's the worst thing that could happen? Someone clicks away? Someone maybe doesn't visit your blog again? I mean, really... there's nothing to be afraid of. Be yourself. Do your best. Understand that your viewers probably already give you massive respect for having the guts to do it.

I'm an unbelievable supporter of anyone who is webcasting... if you decide to try it out, even just once, let me know and I will do my very best to be there to support you!

L: Last question, if ever, what's the biggest mistake/disspointment in blogging that you've ever encountered. Also, what's the biggest achievement (so far) that you've had?

Truthfully, I don't believe in mistakes... because every one you make teaches you something - and learning isn't a mistake.

I may come across very wishy-washy here, but the biggest achievement I've had thus far is being able to brighten up at least one person's day. I may be a brutally sarcastic, cynical greedy asshole... but making someone smile, that will always be my #1 passion.

Thanks for your answers Jordan. Bloggers, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. I'm sure Jordan would try to reply to them ;)

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Why Joker (of the Dark Night) Can't Be a Blogger

Joker is every Gotham citizen’s worst nightmare. A formidable villain. A soulless, mad, psychopath. An avid pocket knife collector and most of all… a terrible make-up artist.

I’ve been anything but a fan – not until Heath Ledger (may he rest in peace) gave the character it’s long awaited justice thru The Dark Night sequel. Simply an overnight success. Joker from being the ‘Joke’-r became the epitome of what a real villain should be.

But consider this: what if , one day, Joker decides to run a blog (probably titled the Joker Secrets From Lame to Fame or the Joker Guide to Make-up and Knives), do you think he’ll be a hit or he’ll flop down and just return to spreading death, fear and hatred all over Gotham City?

Disclaimer: Bruce Wayne a.k.a Batman did not sponsor this post. (oops. I’m not supposed to reveal his supper secret identity right?)

Because Joker Isn’t a Schemer

While most villains spend their regular evil days plotting on how to make the world a not-so-better place, Joker spends his time by just doing an evil thing that comes to his imagination.

When he calls the Gotham City Police Department that he’ll rob a bank, or sink two cruise ships, or bomb a hospital, or kill the prosecutor… he doesn’t have a plan in his brain (assuming he have a brain). What he does is to find a way, some sort of loophole or a vulnerable victim to blackmail just to get his way.

He simple doesn’t thinks… he only acts.

To be fair, he accomplishes all the evil things that he has promised. But of course that’s what villains are supposed to do in their scripts.

What Exactly is a Schemer

Batman is a schemer (that’s why he’s the hero), the Gotham Police Dept. Chief is a schemer (that’s why he’s still alive) and almost everyone who survives is a schemer (saved for Harvey Dent).

A schemer is basically someone who makes a plan before an action.

…and Joker isn’t one of them. In fact, he despises schemers as what he narrates on the later part of the movie. He thinks that planning is a wasteful activity, something that is ought to be blamed for many of his victim’s terrible faith.

Why a Blogger Must Be a Schemer

Naturally, taking action is a basic survival rule for many bloggers. But that’s not the sole commandment that exists in the blogging rulebook.

Before taking action, the most basic survival rule is to figuring out how you will survive… or in this case… how you will have a successful model.

There are, and will be, endless ways of taking action and being your own Joker. But this is not Marvel Comics, you won’t win every round just because you’re meant to reach the conclusion of the story.

More than that, you’re not given much luck to work on a trial and error basis. Which works? Which doesn’t? What will happen if I do this? Or that? These questions won’t take you anywhere. In the first place, these questions should be out of your blogging vocabulary.

Draw Up Your Plan

Bloggers have this habit of just settling in to routines. Things like “everyday, I’ll open my Twitter, email, RSS aggregator and blog account… and every two days, I’ll write a post… and I will continue doing this for the rest of my life… etcetera etcetera”.

Blogging shouldn’t be a repetitive task. Everyday should always be a case of a one step further. That’s why you need to draw up plans… that’s why you need to be a schemer… and that’s why Joker won’t do well in blogging.

Unless of course he blackmails Gotham City into following his blog.

[Beautiful photo by Jon Secor]

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