Share Your Blogging Blunders For My Free Report (and Win a Prize Too!)

I’m working on a blog report right now and I need your help. I will explain about that part later.

The report is about Blogging Blunders. It talks about all possible warning signs you should be aware of and the mistakes that you should avoid in blogging.

I just thought of a principle lately, it goes this way “If you don’t know what’s right, at least don’t do what’s wrong”. It makes perfect sense. Ultimately, you can never readily know the best way to do or accomplish things, but at least know what you shouldn’t do in the first place.

The Report which I’m about to give revolves around this concept.

Care to Answer The Question?

“What’s your personal blogging blunders?”

I already have a compiled list ready for my report. The thing is, I want to make sure that my list (which is based on my long observation of bloggers) is very much reflective to what you guys really think would qualify as major problems.

Especially to the seasoned bloggers, I need you to reflect your whole blogging career right now and focus on those areas where you felt you’ve committed a mistake. Care to also share how you managed to reverse the situation and turn it into an opportunity or learning experience.

Submit the Best Insight Could and You Could Win a Prize!

I’m giving away free copies of the 70 Ideas Poster to bloggers who can share great stories about their blogging mistakes as well as learning experiences. And yes, when I wrote “blogger or bloggers” I mean that more than one could have the prize!

I might be subjective about who wins, but here’s just a tip, make sure it fits perfectly to the theme of my free report “Blogging Blunders”.

I’ll announce the winners during the ebook report launching. This might happen a week or so from now.

So what are you waiting for? Comment below and share your story. You could win a prize and at the same time, help me on my blog report! Win-win situation don't you think?

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Don’t Ask Me For Blog Hosting Questions, Ask the Geeks

I literally groan everytime a ‘techie’ question lands in my inbox. ‘Liane, what this and that do you recommend?’ ‘Liane, how do I make this or that work?’ ‘Liane, can you help me fix this or that?’

See, as much as I want to help you (and I really do!), I’m a bit as technologically challenged as you probably are. Sure I can help you with moving domains and stuff, or surely with designs, but to anything that requires expert opinions about the web, let’s just say I’d rather leave it to the real experts.

So here’s one of the blogger FAQs (frequently asked questions), where should you host your blog?

I do have my recommendations of course, but really, for a person like me who gets easily swayed by good catch phrases, I’d rather have you forwarded to the guys that could really help you decide.

Enter the Web Hosting Geeks!

For The Second Time Around

I’ve already reviewed web hosting geeks months ago. Just last week, an offer landed at me again and it seems the geeks over there wants another shot at the spotlight. Who am I to deny that right? Lesson here fellow bloggers- always love repeat clients :p

I’m trying my best to not be redundant guys, though of course I have to keep opinions as honest as possible even if, yes, they might be redundant.

What is Web Hosting Geeks?

Think of it as a directory, but only listing all the web hosting companies in existence. A web directory is always the best place to go to when you need to find your most ideal web host companies, and might I add is reluctant to ask blogging tips people like me (LOL).

So why should you rather go to Web Hosting Geeks than to me?

Easy. Because these places already lays out in front of you all possible information you need to decide for your web host choice. More than that, their own ranking systems and comparison charts makes it easier for you to fully understand (and recognize right away) the pros and cons of each companies.

Basically it just makes decision easier for you.

They Are The World’s Largest What?

Web Hosting Geeks, which is affiliated with Web Hosting Ratings, is the world's largest independent web hosting directory since 2002. That means 8 years of credible and comprehensive online track record.

I’ve been to a number of web hosting directories, and by far, I really do think they’ve been the biggest and the comprehensive listing available.

Keep Track of the Best Web Hosts of the Year

Web Hosting Geeks keeps an annual track of the best web hosts provider for every year, like companies with dedicated hosting, and domain hosting for example. These are the guys you have to thank for because they make competition tougher for the companies (hence, all the better services for you).

There are various award categories depending on various functionalities that customers are looking for web site hosting. So really, it’s not just about which is the number one company, but rather, which company is number one for your needs.

Just check out their ratings of the year if you still haven’t made up your mind.

So guys, next time you have a hosting question, better ask them alright?

Disclaimer: You bet this is a sponsored review (for the second time around), all opinions are 100% mine. Don’t want these kinds of posts? Then how on earth am I supposed to keep this blog running on a student allowance? Do note:- I review only those that can help you too!

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How I Smashed Frustration – Literally

Liane's note: This is a short miscellaneous rant. You’ve been warned. Let’s have a life lesson for a change!

Approximately 7 hours ago (at the time of writing), I was so frustrated after taking that dreaded political science exam of mine. You know why? Because I didn’t get a perfect score in that subject that I studied every single day for the past 5 months!

Geez. I’m so frustrated. Do you know what it feels like to want something so bad, so you worked hard for it and eventually didn’t reach the right mark? My friend (who took the same exam and, I could say is more frustrated than I was) vented out at me in our McDonalds dinner, “you know what Liane, it’s worse to get 99% than 95%!” True enough.

What exactly did I do to prepare for that exam:
• I review my notes every single day
• I’ve never been absent, or cut classes
• I’ve never been late (except that one time when I got confused of the room number)
• I’ve read the Philippine Consitution (articles 6, 7 & 9) more than 11 times (because our professor said that it takes that amount for mastery)
• I didn’t check my Facebook and Twitter accounts
• I even slowed down, or kinda went on hiatus, on blogging!

It came to the point where I got sick reviewing because it feels like the information’s getting too redundant in my head.

But seems like it wasn’t enough. I haven’t perfected it! Though of course I’m pretty sure that I’m going to pass that class.

You might think this is way overboard (trying to perfect an exam), but seriously, I just want to prove something, plus I really want this professor to remember me for life. It was so frustrating to do all those things and still fall short. Sigh.

The only good thing I can say perhaps was that I got over it quickly.

See, here’s a life tip (and not just a blogging tip), if you’re frustrated at something, re-channel it to something fun and productive.

Like what I did. After that exam, I headed out to the badminton gym. I won a game (that was fun) and even challenged the guys for a doubles match (which I won again).

It just feels good to release my frustration with a series of ‘smash’ (if you don’t know badminton, it’s the equivalent of ‘spike’ in volleyball. If you don’t know both, well you’re hopeless. Kidding). And oh, sorry to the guys who got hit. I think they were purely ‘accidental’ *wink*

How about you? If ever you’re frustrated about something, find a good way to release it. If you like badminton too, go hit shuttlecocks! Just go hit anything! Unless of course it’s a human being.

p.s. but it’s okay though to hit a person ‘accidentally’ with a shuttlecock. lol

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Are You Being Reasonable?

This is a guest by Mars Dorian, the person who've been brutally honest with me. He rocks (high five Mars!) Want to guest blog here too? You absolutely can. Go here.

Most people are reasonable, that's why they only do reasonably well.

It's human to make the safe decision.
The problem with making safe decisions is that so is everyone else.

You're a lonely drop in the vast ocean of the world wide web.
Millions of other people competing with you, and the numbers are rising.

You will never have a chance to get your piece of the cake, right ?

WRONG!

It's never a bad time to start a blog, unless it's a mediocre one.

In order to create a blog that will make a splash (and earn you a living), you have to make it stand out.

And in order to stand out, you have to start making some unreasonable decisions.

There are over 90 million bloggers in the world, but there's only one:

• • I-Justine. She's dominating video blogging with her silly but highly entertaining style.
• • Seth Godin. He refuses Twitter and Blog comments and offers genuine and provocative idea viruses. His blog is one of the most successful blogs in the world.
• • Gary Vaynerchuk. He built a digital empire around a wine video blog. He's louder than a D1 Double Bass System wired to a Boing 747, but that doesn't seem to bother his millions of fans.

They are all unreasonable, but they're also dominating their niche in the web.

What does this mean for you?

You might say "Yeah, good for them, but I still have a blog that less than 2 people subscribe to."

Stop crying and start creating!

You have a beautiful brain, why not use it?

Be unreasonable in the way you write your content or promote your services.
Instead of comparing yourself to others in the online world, ask yourself „What can I create so remarkably unique that people have no choice but to come to me?“

And I don't mean that you have to reinvent the web here. (Maybe you should)
It simply means that you have to be a little more creative with the way you promote your blog and/or your services.

Maybe you can:

• • Create an ebook that's wickedly designed and mentally mind-blowing
• • Invent a service unlike any other in the known web galaxy
• • Make your blog so personal and whimsical that people have no choice but to subscribe to it

Space is the real limit here. I'm sure you can come up with more creative ways on how to enrich the online world with your unique existence.

Do you know George Bernard Shaw ?

He was a famous playwright from a forgotten century. I've never read any of his books (shame on me), but his quotations never cease to illuminate my mind.

I want to leave you with my favorite one:

The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. 

If you want to make a splash in the online world, you have to differentiate yourself.

Start by making some unreasonable decisions.

It might just be the most reasonable thing to do.

Mars Dorian is the man behind The Creative Crusade. He's in love with the internet and he shares his epic ideas on how to be remarkable online. You can follow Mars on Twitter here @marsdorian 

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The Last Time I’ll Force Myself To Write

The thing about me is that I love writing but then I really hate deadlines. It came to a point wherein I’d finish writing a random three-page-essay first than a term paper that’s due tomorrow. I know, so ironic.

Same thing for blogging. Only a lot worse.

Bloggers continually grill themselves to write content after content because it feels so wrong to have the same post in your homepage for over a week. I followed that same unwritten law and tried to keep the regular supply of fresh posts. In 2007 (if you’re reading my blog for that long), I even advised bloggers to ‘have a regular posting frequency’.

Now I decided, I’m taking that advise back. Something’s wrong with this. Forced writing doesn’t do me any good. Nothing good at all.

Regularity Versus Quality – The Maki of Dosh Dosh case study

I learned this valuable lesson from Maki of Dosh Dosh over a year ago. I can’t really locate the exact post, nor the verbatim of the lesson, but it goes something like this:

“I don’t write just because I feel the need to write, it’s because I really have something important or valuable to say”.

If you don’t know Maki (well at least everyone is supposed to know him as the faceless pro blogger who loves anime pictures for his posts), then you’re missing out on one of the best blogging and internet marketing tips blog. He really was my idol. It goes as far as the best posts you can ever find is in Dosh Dosh (my opinion).

What Did People Say About Maki?

People used to compare him with a lot of A-listers. They said, even if Maki posts rarely, you wouldn’t mind it because of the grade A quality of his posts and the length involved in the discussion. His lengths could be really long mind you. Maki’s writing is so flawless and the information he presents are so valuable I’d even pay to read his blog. Seriously.

Sadly though, Maki rarely posts these days. But I don’t mind that either. Why? Because even in that case, every post in his archives are worth the read. Even if they’re ages old.

The Standards of Real, Valuable Posts

Here we have to re-asses what blogging really means. Right now what I’m seeing is that many (especially the newcomers) refer to blogging as regularly updating an opinion-based website. I beg to differ. I think it’s all about extending value that transcends time.

It’s like Maki’s posts. Even if it’s dated back to 2006 or sometime ago, I’d still read it simply because Maki wrote it to be timeless. Not just because his homepage seems stale with posts that he have to think of something to write about, but to the fact that he really discovered or learned something that’s worth sharing.

No More Forced Writing

I have to admit that I almost lost my interest to blogging this year. Sometimes, it’s just felt so pointless to compel yourself to update your blog. Why am I doing this in the first place? Mercifully, I realized that I’m doing it all wrong and something needs to be hammered out in this blog.

So what I’m going to do now is to scarp all my posting rules except one – blog for quality. All the other rules (like blog every 2-4 days, or have a regular post length) will go straight to the drain.

I want to make sure that I don’t end up writing worthless, random, abstract or simply obvious posts that I don’t really need to blog about in the first place. It’s a waste of time and I want to give justice to all of my readers who go here to look for usable, solid information.

After all, that’s the point of why I blog. Usable, solid information. Always that.

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My Take On Chris Brogan’s Social Media 101

Just this 3rd of March, Chris Brogan (shame on you if you don’t know him) officially released his new book called the Social Media 101.

It wouldn’t take a genius to figure out what it’s all about. Social. Media. The basic stuffs. No secrets, no advance stuffs, no Chris Brogan top tricks exposed (for one, it’s almost an organized compilation of posts that you can just read at his blog). No mind blowing things, nothing that would really excite the guy who’s been looking for that missing piece in his social media campaign. In short, it’s just that. Basics.

So why does everyone (everyone in this context means including me) seems to be thrilled about it? Is it because Chris ‘social-media-genius’ Brogan wrote it himself? You bet. But let’s dig deep shall we.

Through An Entrepreneurial Perspective

I want to be clear that I’m approaching this in my entrepreneurial mode (so I’m turning off my blogging perspectives right now). Right now I’m thinking about how to promote my freelance design business through the use of social media (because as we all know, going through the traditional ad campaign can be unrealistic for a small freelance business).

Who Needs Social Media 101?

To some extent, everyone from all niches do. With the current web 2.0 age, experts agree that indeed, social media, have been instrumental for this form of web advancement. In fact, some experts goes beyond that rationale and concludes that come to think of it, web 2.0 is social media.

Given that current case, it’s obvious that I’m biased to shoving social media knowledge into everyone’s brains. Especially if you run a business, sell or promote products in the cases of affiliates, social media is your best friend.

But Why Exactly Buy It?

The thing about Social Media 101 is that ultimately, you can read most of it for free on Chris Brogan’s blog. Similar to Darren Rowse’s 31DBB Workbook or maybe even the Problogger Book - Secrets to a Six Figure Income (which was co-authored by Chris too), most of the contents are actually accessible if you just click at the 31DBB category at the Problogger footer.

It’s no secret because Chris tells so himself. The only catch perhaps is unlike Darren’s 31DBB, there’s no category wherein you can easily access the content. It’s basically splattered everywhere in [chrisbrogan.com] and it would probably take days before you can find and compile everything together.

Though the reason why you should grab a copy is not just for mere convenience.

Actually, I’m secretly hoping that it’s more than what it seems to be.

Basic is Relative

The argument here is that if it’s just basics, then probably you can learn it too from someone else even if that person is just the average social media guy. After all, it’s just basics right?

I have a theory and this might lead to a conclusion that Social Media 101 could offer a little beyond than what it presents it does.

The theory goes like this. Let’s assume social media has 10 levels of expertise (10 being the highest). Since it’s a given than Chris is a genius in this, let’s put him in level 10. Supposing there enters an average social media guy, say he’s on level 5 and you task him to write his version of ‘Social Media 101’.

What would that level 5 guy write about?

Of course he’ll write about all the things he knows about level 1, and probably touching a little on level 2. After all, level 3 is somewhat near his skill so it wouldn’t count as ‘basic’ for him.

Now we look at Chris Brogan’s level 10 case. What would he include when he writes his ‘basic’ book? He would write about level 1 of course, and then level 2…. somewhere near the end, he might probably include things on level 3 and 4.

So, when Chris Brogan talks about his basic social media knowledge, he’s not talking about what you would consider as basic, but what he considers as such.

Very much explains why you’d rather learn it his way than some average social media guy’s way.

Another Bestseller For Chris?

Aside from the fact that I like the book cover (can’t help that I’m such a sucker for book covers), the reason why I think this would top the book charts again is the fact that it’s very much targetive to the demands of the current internet people.

There’s a current influx of people (especially bloggers and entrepreneurs like me) who’re in dire need of a social media bible. I’d say it’s more of a necessity than a fancy read.

I’m just not sure though whether it would outrank Chris’ Trust Agents (about using the web to build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust) . After all, that’s the book that spurred a momentum for genuine change on what it really means to be ‘trusted’.

Of course that’s just my take. What’s yours?

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Let’s Be Brutally Honest

When I comment, I usually raise a contrary point.

Because really, If I where to say you were so perfect, so right, so genius, how much would that really help? It would inspire you of course. But, would it make you do more, think better, or push further?

Rarely does it go beyond feeding one’s ego.

We like people to agree at us. We like people to reinforce what we say. We. Like. People. To. Like. Us. Up to the point where we see people repeatedly saying all the ‘nice’ stuffs again and again.

So what exactly is wrong with that? Nothing really. But that doesn’t mean either that things shouldn’t get any better. Right?

The Blogosphere Cheering Machine!

I liked the fact that most bloggers are… well… a nice bunch of people. We’re all very supportive, we exchange thoughts and ideas, we contribute on each other’s blogs, we help out even if we stay till the wee hours of the morning, we basically form very strong friendships even though it’s based online.

Makes you want to live in a real community of bloggers right?

The Side Effects

I think, at some point, these things have developed a culture of mediocrity. The danger of being average.

The problem is that like a Cheering Squad, we just keep on cheering and cheering even though at some point, we shouldn’t. Or on many instances, we should have acted like the Guidance Counselor and have told someone how some things went wrong, or on how things could be better.

Why I Need You To Be Brutal

Just to clarify. Brutal doesn’t mean to hate. Brutal in this context means to be blunt.

I need you to be brutal because you have to reach that level wherein I’d have to listen. Same goes for others. If you want to disagree with something, don’t say ‘maybe that’s true, but I think…’. Instead, directly say what you have in mind. ‘I think you’re wrong because…’

If you give leeway for someone to be just okay about it, that won’t help. Be brutal.

Command someone to actually take your point.

Why I Need You To Be Honest

Simply because I need it. Simply because bloggers desperately need it.

In my niche where I blog and give blogging tips advice, I need not only to be confident, but to be sure as well of what I’m talking about. In Make Money Online, product reviews might all end up to be fabricated… and many unsuspecting purchasers could be in potential danger or getting their hard-earned money go to waste. The list goes on and on of course.

I need you to be honest because that’s how we should filter out the bad from the good. The scam from the genuine. The lie from the truth. More than that, it’s a way of driving people to push forward. It makes them think of correcting their ways or generating a better idea.

The thing about honesty is that it compels us to make things better.

So let’s make a deal. Let’s be brutally honest. I would, and so will you. Because as my words affects other people’s minds, the same way as your words affect mine too.

After all, if you’re really that perfect, or right, or genius… then I’d be brutally honest about that too.

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