To Fool Or Not To Fool...

Tomorrow is April Fool's Day. Yuck. I'm not a fan of looking like a fool, whether it is following a fake news story or looking at my foot when someone says, "Your shoe is untied."

If you're running a website, the big question become whether or not you're going to give in and post a fake story or simply report the news as you regularly do. To fool or not to fool, that is the question.

Someone in a forum setting posed this question to me earlier this week, and at first, I just laughed. Big deal - April Fool's Day jokes are no big deal.

And most websites who participate get it right. They post absolutely ridiculous stories that are automatically called as jokes. Google, for example, is a fan of April 1st shenanigans. If you ask me, there's no harm in a funny post, something satirical and obviously a joke.

However, I've grown to hate...hate...websites that post what looks like a legitimate news story. Not online is it link bait, driving obscene amounts of undeserved traffic, some people legitimately are interested and end up following the story all day.

Guess what? THAT WASTES MY TIME. To be honest, any site that plays along and posts a story as real, without obvious clues that it is just a joke, will no longer be able to count me as a reader, unless you want to pay me for the time I've sent following your story. Excuse my language, but screw you.

My friend James wrote an excellent story about how a story can spiral out of control. In his example, one of Nintendo's biggest forums announced that they were being closed down. Angry fans sent letters everywhere - even to Nintendo itself. That's not funny for the customer service reps who had to sit through hundreds of emails about the issue.

Tomorrow, if you choose to play a joke, make it obvious. Please. If you post an outrageous but believable story in order to fool your readers and drive traffic, you've lost my respect.

A Great Resource for WordPress 2.5 Users

Here at The Millionaire Blogger, I'm using Blogger (by Google) to get the job done, but all of my other blogs are on WordPress. I suspect that many of your blogs are on WordPress as well.

This weekend, WordPress launched version 2.5, and this is the first time we're seeing significant changes in a long time. You're probably still getting used to the controls, just like I am.

Tech Sailor has an AMAZING post about the changes here. Aaron is really good at explaining what you need to know about this new version of WP.

What We Can Learn As Bloggers From Rock Band

Is anyone else a bit obsessed with Rock Band right now? *raises hand*

Ok, maybe I'm not obsessed...but I do love that game. For those of you who aren't video game people, Rock Band is a game that you play with a plastic guitar and drum set. You can also hook up a mic. Online or just with local friends, you form a band and play rock songs. The mic just works like karaoke, while the guitar and drum have you hitting the right colors in beat with the music.

Bottom line, people love Rock Band.

I thought I'd use that game for a little inspiration today - what can we, as bloggers, take away from Rock Band? The company producing this game, after all, is making a killing. Here's what I cam up with:

• Give people choices.

Rock Band's major competitor is Guitar Hero. To a lesser degree, Karaoke Revolution and SingStar (two karaoke games) are also competitions. Rock Band, however, is the only game that gives users three choices - guitar/bass, mic, or drums. Do you give your readers choices? Your blog doesn't have to have something for absolutely everyone, but you should be conscious of the posts you're writing in regards to your target audience. For example, on this blog, I have posts with advice for beginners, but I also have posts on saving money which reaches a difference audience and posts with jobs which reaches yet a third audience. Give readers choices.

• Kick it back to the legends.

Rock Band is also better than guitar hero because of the songs included. Now, I know that some will debate this, but Rock Band's songs are, in general, more "classic" - songs that everyone knows and loves. Collectively, at least, Rock Band is a salute to the legends of rock with Guitar Hero is just an exploration of fun music. Who are the legends in your field? Are you linking to them? Are you commenting on their blog? Have you considered asking them to do a guest post?

• Make it easy to use.

Recently, Rock Band made their online store available in the game, which means that it is easier for rockers everywhere to buy more music. Take a look at your site's design. How easy is it for readers to find the posts they love best? Even more importantly, how easy is it for an advertiser to contact you? Ease of use is a big deal!

It might be a bit cheesy to me to liken blogging to playing Rock Band, but there are some good take-home messages here!

BUY ROCK BAND HERE.

Blogging Jobs for March 27, 2008

Where is this week going??? Here are today's best blogging jobs! ~Allison

(A new list will be posted every week to help you make your million through blogging too! Good luck to all applicants! And don't forget to check out my Saturday blogging jobs post!)

Financial Blogger: This is actually more like an article-writing job than a blogging job. Topic is finance, investing, and the silver market. You'll be paid $124 for one to two posts per month. Read more about this job here...

Mac Blogger: MacTips.org is looking for a Macintosh blogger. You must have a Mac with Leopard 10.5, and having an iPhone is a bonus. Payments are $5.50 from 200 word post (more for longer posts). Read more about this job here...

Manhattan Real Estate Blogger: Blogger need to write about new condo construction projects. Full and part time opportunities available. Pay is $50 per 1000-word post. Read more about this job here...

Beauty Blogger: You'll be writing about the latest products, as well as makeup and hairstyle tips and trends. Position is paid, but doesn't say how much. Read more about this job here...

You can find more great writer opportunities at Deb Ng's Freelance Writing Gigs!

Please beware of blogging scams and other online dangers. The above-posted blogging jobs are not sponsored by The Millionaire Blogger, so always proceed with caution. If you come across any jobs that are unpaid (and not advertised as such), pyramid schemes, or other scams, please comment here or contact me immediately!

Saving Money around the House

One of my very best friends is graduating in May. Talk about a scary time in your life. I remember my emotions in the month or two leading up to graduation - excited, exhaustion, panic, and sheet terror.

Most of that stems from money worries. Its tough to find a job, and unless you move back in with more and dad, finding a good job - fast - is the only way to pay for your own apartment.

And let's not forget all of the stuff that you have to buy when you move into your own place. Sure, you may have accumulated some items while in college, but an apartment (even a small hole in the wall) needs more than was in your dorm room.

Add to that the fact that you probably aren't really sure about what things cost. Is $5 a good or bad price for toilet paper? Hell if you know - the college kept the bathrooms stocked!

I just wanted to take a moment to highlight some good sales I saw on Amazon. These are items you need around the house anyway, and by buying online, you can save yourself the stress of a shopping trip and, with any luck, save a little money. You blog hard for the money, so spend it wisely!

I bought a portable washer when I moved into my own place and I kid you not - it was the best purchase I made. This Haier version is very close to the one I bought (and still have for sale if anyone lives in the PA area and is interested...). Yes, $200 is a chunk of change. Add it up in your head though. I was doing about three loads of laundry per week. If it costs a dollar to wash and a dollar to dry, that's $6 per week. That's about $25 per month. My washer (and a drying rack) paid for itself in less than a year, PLUS I didn't have to use the dirty laundromat.

Need a computer desk? This one is under $20. Sure, it isn't the BEST out there...but it will do. Unless you want to sit on the floor with your computer, that is.

One of the things I struggled with when I moved was where to put my books. Eventually, my dad built me a bookcase - and it is beautiful. You may not be as lucky as I am. If you dad isn't hand, this is a great option - it is strudy and cheap without looking cheap. If you have some good deals for people moving soon, let us know in a comment below!

Happy Easter!

No blogging jobs today. Happy Easter everyone! Hope this spring gives you the inspiration to renew yourself and be reborn as the best blogger possible!

~ Allison

How to Bomb a Job E-Interview

I know that other bloggers have talked about this subject extensively, but as someone who sees both sides of the coin, I wanted to give my two cents as well.

I'm a freelance writer by profession. I do writing work on my own, and this usually involved long-term project with bigger clients. In addition, I filter work to other writers through my writing company, ABContent. I like serving as project manager as much as I like writing, so this lifestyle is perfect for me. However, it puts me in a unique position, as I can understand the application email as a writer and as an employer.

Yesterday, I posted a job ad online to find another writer for my team, as one of my writers recently had a baby and won't be taking as much work. As I suspected, I got well over 30 responses to the ad on a single site, and the emails are still rolling in. Who made it to my short list and who did I delete right away?

Unfortunately, many of the writers that emailed me made the following errors, and those were the ones I've already deleted. Check over this list before you apply to any Internet job, blogging or otherwise. I've included bad examples, with names and other identifying features removed.

• Writer in complete sentences and proper English. If you're writing to a friend or even jotting a quick note to a client, emails don't have to be so structured...but this email is my introduction to your writing skills. Write it as if you were writing a very short cover letter...don't forget to proofread!

Bad real-life example:

Have been writing professionally for over 15 years--sports, news (print and TV), auto, corporate PR, non-profit spins, horses. Haven't met a topic I can't make interesting. Am full-time freelance, flexible schedule, deadline dedicated.

Attached are 3 samples.

Ms. Bad Writer

• Don't tell me why you're not at your last job. Sure, saying "I recently decided to become a stay-at-home mother" is fine, but I don't want to hear about how horrible your last employer/client was or how you're looking for the higher-paying jobs, etc. It makes me think that it might be hard working with you. And if it was a different reason other than a problem with the client? Frankly, I don't care unless it makes a difference in your writing abilities. Talk about your experience, not about your past employers.

Bad real-life example:

I wish to express my interest in your ad for writers. I'm currently dis-abled from my job as a truck driver. In a past life, I was a grant-writer for a non-profit (among other duties). My interests vary and I can research via internet. I have no specialized software and usually write in MSWord  format. I have a lot of life experience and can write either in formal or informal style-I understand punctuation and grammar. As I am currently off-work, I guess you could term me 'full-time freelance'.

Thanks,

Mr. Talks Too Much About Trucking

• Follow directions! I can't encourage this enough. Read the ad completely and follow it completely. I specifically asked for three previously-published writing samples as links or .doc files, a few sentences (no resumes), and the subject of the email to be named something specific. You'd be surprised at how many people can't follow a few simply instructions. I don't care how eloquently your write - if you can't listen to me, you're getting deleted right away.

Bad real-life example:

Subject: Experienced Writer Available

This is regarding your online ad for freelance writers.

I am a writer with over a year’s experience developing content for Web and print media.

I am well versed in SEO techniques, have excellent research skills and the ability to write informative and engaging copy that’s perfectly optimized.

If you need to see samples of my work, please feel free to ask.

Looking forward to hearing from you

Best,

Mrs. What Were The Directions Again?

• Don't apply if you can't speak perfect English. I'm open to international employees. In fact, I encourage people from other countries to apply because that means there are writers working for me around the clock. However, if you don't have a natural flow to your English, you're going to be deleted. I don't want articles that sound like you wrote them in your native language and then used a computer program to change them to English.

Bad real-life example:

Hi There Mr. Allison Good Day To You!

This is in response to your listing on Online Writing Jobs; needless to say I would want to write for you. I am into writing for many years now.

I am based in India (precisely Bangalore city).

I can write about 6 articles of 500 word length in a day or 10 articles of 250 words without sweating too much, because I guess I butcher my keyword.

Your pay suits me fine absoultely. I do have a valid paypal account.
I have ghost written several articles which are published online. Here are a few samples.

I am ready to write a test. I am open to critics and I believe they are done to lift me up. If you like my style, I wish to hear back from you. Until then I remain with

Earnest Regards,

Mr. Non-English Speaker

• Ask questions, but don't make demands. I'm not a client looking for someone to do a project; I made it very clear in my advertisement that I'm the owner of a writing company looking for someone to join my team and willing to write for specific rates. It is fine to ask questions, but some of the emails I got sounded like they were coming from OTHER writing companies - they listed rates or made other demands.

Bad real-life example:

Greetings:

I've been writing feature articles, web content, blog posts and SEO for over 5 years. I have a background in journalism, having worked for a weekly newspaper, and can write on numerous subjects. My rates are as follows *rates deleted*.

I'm attaching a few samples and links to my work for your review. Please contact me if you have any questions about my services or rates.

Thanks,

Mr. Not Getting The Job

In closing I'd just like to mention that if ANYONE here would like me to look at their typical job e-interview application email, let me know. A good initial interview can mean the difference between getting the job and getting deleted.

Blogging Jobs for March 20, 2008

Sorry for a very late blogging job list this week. Busy, busy bee! Hope you guys find some great jobs here this week.

(A new list will be posted every week to help you make your million through blogging too! Good luck to all applicants! And don't forget to check out my Saturday blogging jobs post!)

Women's Television Blogger: b5 Media (a company where I work) is looking for someone to cover television about strong women (Lipstick Jungle, Cashmere Mafia, and so forth). You'll be paid a flat fee + CPM. Read more about this job here...

Fashion Blogger: 7 Star Handbag is looking for someone to run their blog with a minimum of 20 posts per month. Preference given to people with fashion industry connections already. This is a paid position. They don't say how much, but they do say that you'll be given bonuses for posts and make the front page of social networking sites. Read more about this job here...

Company Rumor News Blogger: This is a business blogging job that will require your to snoop out the "scoop" at major companies. Payment is $20-30 per scoop. Read more about this job here...

Health and Fitness Blogger: A personal training site is looking for someone to help write some tips on fitness. You'll start with 3 or 4 articles and work from there. Payment is $15 per article. Read more about this job here...

ADHD Blogger: Note: THIS IS NOT A PAID JOB. I'm including it here because they are looking for bloggers who are parents of children with ADHD and want to promote information about this medical condition, and this is something you might feel passionate about. Proceed with caution, however. Read more about this job here...

Snarky Hollywood Gossip Blogger: You'll be responsible for 3 to 5 blog posts per day, and you'll be paid per week. They don't say how much, so proceed with caution. Read more about this job here...

Automotive Blogger: This is an ad by the same company as above. This ad doesn't specify how many posts you'll have to do per week, and again it doesn't say how much you'll be paid, but it might be a great opportunity. Read more about this job here...

You can find more great writer opportunities at Deb Ng's Freelance Writing Gigs!

Please beware of blogging scams and other online dangers. The above-posted blogging jobs are not sponsored by The Millionaire Blogger, so always proceed with caution. If you come across any jobs that are unpaid (and not advertised as such), pyramid schemes, or other scams, please comment here or contact me immediately!

Irish you would comment more...

St. Patty's Day may soon be over, but I couldn't resist that final pun, hehe. Hope you had a great day - here are a few quick tips about dealing with comments:

~ If you want comments, give them out. Earlier this year, I did a little experiment to see if my comments pageviews would increase if I left comments on other sites. They did, a bit. However, what I've learned since then is that you need to consistently leave comments. Make friends with other bloggers and they will visit your site.

~ Respond to your comments. When you get a comment, reply to it if possible and think about questions in terms of new posts. People are encouraged to comment when you actually care.

~ Leave your post open-ended. Close with a question or encourage people to leave their opinions. Like this:

These are my three best tips for getting more comments on your blog, no matter what you subject. There are tons more you can use as well. What are your favorite tips?

Blogging Responsibility

Early this week, I got up on my soapbox a bit and talked about how lucky most of us are to have the freedom to blog about what we want. *opens can of worms and watches my popularity drop*

I got a few comments and a few more emails about how bloggers shouldn't be allowed to say whatever they want.

And I agree. *gasp*

Wait, what? After what I wrote, how can I agree?

Let's break this down: Say that there's something I don't like in this world. For example's sake, let's say that I want to speak out against a corrupt public figure in my community. My argument is that I should be allowed to blog about my disdain for that person, even if a lot of people disagree with me, and even if that person is powerful enough to do some real damage. I'm doing so for, what I believe, is the greater good. I think most people would have a hard time arguing with me about that - if you see someone corrupting the world, you should be a strong enough person to stand up against it, on your blog or otherwise.

But let's turn the table a second - what if I believe that gay people are corrupting the world?

Note that I have no problems with homosexuality, bi-curiosity, transgendered individuals, or anything else related. I'm merely using this as an example. You could ask yourself the same question with any group - what if I believe Jews are corrupting the world? Or Mexicans? Or blacks? Whatever.

If my personal belief is that this group is corrupting all that is good in the world, shouldn't I be allowed to stand up against them? In fact, don't I have a moral obligation to do so?

This is going to make me very unpopular - but yes. Someone who hates the homosexual lifestyle should be allowed to blog about it. That's the thing about freedom of speech - it is freedom for everyone. The good news is that you, in turn, can blog to speak out against the people blogging about things with which you disagree!

But I do agree that we shouldn't have the right to blog about anything. Why? Blogging responsibility.

You have the right to walk around telling people that you hate, for example, Paris Hilton. You can say that you dislike her and her actions and that you think the world would be a better place without her. What you cannot do is say that you want to blow up Paris Hilton. For her safety, you'll be apprehended.

We have a responsibility with this medium. Blogs are so new in the world of press that they are grossly unregulated. But, we have the responsibility to speak out against things we don't like WITH RESPECT. That doesn't mean that you have to use nice language or that you have to cut them some slack. Go ahead and RIP on them...but if you make threats, yes, that is stepping over the line.

So please, people, blog with responsibility. You have that freedom, so use it wisely.

Weekend Blogging Jobs

Here's your weekend bonus - Saturday Blogging Jobs!

Blog Designer: Designer needed for music blog. Reply with your rates. Read more about this job here...

Green Business Blogger: AllBusiness.com is looking for a green business blogger. You'll be responsible for monitoring all of the company's green business blog, as well as posting 3 - 5 times per day. Read more about this job here...

WordPress Expert: Someone needed to help with blog set up and design. This is just a quick job that should take about two hours. Read more about this job here...

Beauty Blogger: Writer/Marketer needed for a beauty blog and website. This is a paying position and you'll get free beauty products to test as well! Read more about this job here...

You can find more great writer opportunities at Deb Ng's Freelance Writing Gigs!

Please beware of blogging scams and other online dangers. The above-posted blogging jobs are not sponsored by The Millionaire Blogger, so always proceed with caution. If you come across any jobs that are unpaid (and not advertised as such), pyramid schemes, or other scams, please comment here or contact me immediately!

Blogging Freedom

I forget, regularly, that I live in the United States.

That may not make sense, when you first read it, but the truth is that bloggers in the United States (and other free countries) forget that our voice stands unchallenged. Sure, we may be challenged by readers that don't agree...but as a whole, no one says "You can't say that on your blog." No matter what your blog topic or who your readers are, a blog is an inner monologue put on the Internet for others to read.

Yet, today, Yahoo! News is reporting that Savva Terentyev, a blogger from Russia, is being charged for "inciting hatred toward authorities. In the post from February 2007, Terentyev wrote,

"It would be good if in the center of every town in Russia ... an oven was built, like at Auschwitz, in which ceremonially, every day, and better yet, twice a day ... the infidel cops were burnt. This would be the first step toward cleaning society of these cop-hoodlum scum."

I don't know if that's true. I think that it probably has a ring of truth, but that it isn't an absolute. However, this blogger, regardless of his nationality, she be able to voice his opinions. Otherwise, how do we grow as humanity?

I forget that there is oppression in the world. I forget, because I live in a free nation, that there are people who have to walk on eggshells or face prison or beatings or death...from their government.

So today, if you're blogging in a free country, I ask you to blog about this. Anyone who does, send me your link, and I'll add it here.

It is a matter of human rights. Our government can control a lot of things in our lives, but they CANNOT control what we think, and it is by belief that we should be allowed to post what we think.

Other Blogs Participating:

BCS Frenzy

Between My Sheets (site is NSFW, but the link to this page is)

Blogging Jobs for March 12, 2008

(A new list will be posted every week to help you make your million through blogging too! Good luck to all applicants! And don't forget to check out my Saturday blogging jobs post!)

Sports Bloggers: b5 Media is looking for some people to fill open spots in their sports channel. I work on this channel, and I highly recommend it if you love sports! Positions are open for covering Sports Betting and Horse Racing. There are also opportunities for co-bloggers for www.dejuiced.com (sports news) and www.jabandgrapple.com (boxing, wrestling, and MMA). Pay is base + CPM. Read more about this job here and apply here...

Fashion Blog Designer: A NYC Fashion Company is looking for someone to design and set up a blog. Pay is $1200 - $1500. Read more about this job here...

Fashion Bloggers: Looking for 2 bloggers - one from NYC and one from LA - to each write 2 posts per week. Position is paid, but they're asking for bids. Read more about this job here...

NYC Pop Culture Blogger: You'll be responsible for writing one blog post per day and 3-4 articles per week. You must be able to work in-house at least one day per week. Pay is $24,000 annually. Read more about this job here...

Blogging Blogger: Can you do my job? This company is looking for someone to blog about blogging. There are various other topics open as well, possibly. Read more about this job here...

Democratic Bloggers: Two democratic bloggers needed to cover the race for the nomination (so, this might be a short-term job). You'll be responsible for 3-5 posts per day. Pay is $6 per post + rev share. Read more about this job here...

Celebrity Blogger: Client needs someone to post twice weekly on her photography blog. You'll mainly be doing interviews. Sounds like a low-paying job, but with the potential to interview some celebs (A list? I don't know!). Read more about this job here...

You can find more great writer opportunities at Deb Ng's Freelance Writing Gigs!

Please beware of blogging scams and other online dangers. The above-posted blogging jobs are not sponsored by The Millionaire Blogger, so always proceed with caution. If you come across any jobs that are unpaid (and not advertised as such), pyramid schemes, or other scams, please comment here or contact me immediately!

Network Blogging: How You Get Paid

Last week, I posted my monthly blogging totals, and I got a very insightful question:

Ok... so there's some things I'm not understanding. When you say Page Views and Base Pay (from network)... what does that mean? Call me an idiot... I know, but is there an earlier post of yours that you can point me to that explains all that? ~Joy

Don't worry, Joy - not only do I not think you're an idiot...I think I'm a bit of an idiot for not writing a post about this earlier. So today, let's talk a little bit about "base pay" and all the other ways bloggers get paid. If you've just starting out in the world of blogging, this can help you learn exactly how you can make a living from blogging.

First and foremost, there are three different kinds of blogs:

1. Personal
2. Client
3. Network

Personal blogs are those that you start up on your own. The Millionaire Blogger is a personal blog. You can have a blog like this, focused on a specific topic, or a blog that is simply a personal journal. If you want to make money with a personal blog, you do it through one of two ways - affiliate programs and advertisements (advertisements can be pay per click or a base pay to have an ad on your site for a certain amount of time).

Client blogs are like personal blogs in that someone started a single blog on their own. However, instead of writing posts themselves, they hire you to write them. There isn't a lot of freedom here and you may not get a byline. Basically, they tell you a topic and your write it. They pay you a flat amount per post. Sometimes, a client will also hire you to also promote the blog. For a flat fee, you'll be responsible for a set group of tasks (for example, a client might pay you to submit 10 stories to social networking sites, add three blogs to the blogroll, and answer every comment on the blog).

Network blogs are where things get interesting. Networks have certain rules in most cases (such as, you have to post a certain number of times per week or you have to use a picture in a certain percentage of your posts). However, in general, you run a network blog as though it is a personal blog. You write about what you want, how you want, when you want, and you handle most aspects of promotion yourself (although the network may have special help available for your use - for example, they may provide contest prizes).

So, that creates an interesting problem - how do you pay bloggers for a network blog? Some networks pay a percentage of the advertising, which is somewhat fair, depending on their terms. Other blog networks pay a flat fee, which is also somewhat fair, depending on the terms. However, the most fair (for both the bloggers and the owners) is to pay network bloggers a flat fee and a bonus based on how much advertising money they bring in.

The problem here is that computing advertising when you have dozens of blogs in a network is difficult, especially with Google. An easier way is to offer a CPM price. We'll talk more about CPM later this week, but for now, all you have to know is that it is based on your traffic - the better you blog, the more you get paid.

So, this is a round-about way to answer your question, Joy, but I hope that clears things up a little - "base pay" from a network is the flat fee they give me every month on my various blogs for blogging there according to their loose guidelines, while "page views" refers to the pay I get as a traffic bonus on my blogs.

In other words, the better I am at blogging, the more money I make. Keep this in mind when you find a network blog you like. If you want to support the blogger, visit and comment often, because that's the best way to boost their earnings. The more they get paid, the more likely they are to stay around and the more motivated they'll be to write excellent posts often.

Weekend Blogging Jobs: March 8, 2008

Here's your weekend bonus - Saturday Blogging Jobs!

Film Bloggers: Bloggers needed to join the Orble community. Note that this job pays only a revenue share! Read more about this job here...

Apple Blogger: MacHTPC.com is looking for a new blogger for their Apple blog. You will write 2 posts per week with payments ranging from $5 to $8 per post. Read more about this job here...

Technical WordPress/Typepage Help: You must be able to create themes and set up blogs with the best modules and widgets. Compensation is listed as 1000+. Read more about this job here...

Financial Blogger: This job looks pretty well-paying, but I'm not financially-minded, so I wasn't 100% sure of what they are requiring of their blogger. Def. interesting though - check it out. Read more about this job here...

News and Politics Blogger: This is a fellowship working with a news source from Minneapolis about DC politics and news. Compensation is $1500. Read more about this job here...

Self Defense Blogger: Posts needed about security, self defense safety, and other like topics. Pay is $10 per post of 500+ words. Read more about this job here...

Green Blogger: Greenzer.com is looking for a blogger who can give practical green living advice to readers. Pay isn't specified. Read more about this job here...

You can find more great writer opportunities at Deb Ng's Freelance Writing Gigs!

Please beware of blogging scams and other online dangers. The above-posted blogging jobs are not sponsored by The Millionaire Blogger, so always proceed with caution. If you come across any jobs that are unpaid (and not advertised as such), pyramid schemes, or other scams, please comment here or contact me immediately!

How to get 200 Comments on your Blog Post

Comments are what separate blogs from articles. Ok, that not EVERYTHING...but it is a huge part. Blogs are all about interaction with your readers, and comments can be a good indicator of your popularity within an industry.

But if you're like me, then you may feel like getting people to actually comment is like pulling teeth. Stats show that you have a ton of regular lurkers, but people don't comment. Why?

It's something I still have trouble figuring out. We all want those 100+ comments, but rarely do we actually get them. Writing a post that inspires so many comments is tough for anyone who isn't yet established in the blogging world.

Recently, I wrote a post at Binge Gamer called "No, I don't want to have Sex with You." As it stands, there at 223 comments on this post. So, what did I do to get some many comments?

• The post was controversial: I took the unpopular view on a subject and even made fun of the people I knew would be reading it. Whenever you openly disagree with people, they're going to respond to defend themselves.
• I promoted the post on social networking sites. Binge Gamer is a new site, so we didn't have a lot of readers right off the bat. I promoted this post, though, and drew in a ton of viewers from Stumble Upon and Digg.
• I replied to comments. No, with 200 comments in 48 hours, I didn't have time to reply to all of them...but I did reply to some, and this encouraged commenters to reply to one another as well. People returned to reply to the replies.
• I get it short, sweet, and funny. The post wasn't long and hard to read - it was funny and short. I got my point across before I bored the readers.
• I drew attention from other bloggers. My post was original, so people began to link to it. Originality is key if you want other bloggers to like you. If you post the same old story found on other sites, they won't notice you.

Do I get 200 comments on every post? No way. It's special to align the circumstances to get that kind of attention when your blog is new. Over time, however, it is possible to draw 20+ comments on very post - look at Perez Hilton or Pro Blogger. Build your community with posts that have potential and you'll start getting comments on every post.

Blogging Jobs for March 5, 2008

(A new list will be posted every week to help you make your million through blogging too! Good luck to all applicants! And don't forget to check out the brand new Saturday blogging jobs post!)

Small Business Blogger: SmallFuel Marketing is looking for a blogger who has experience with marketing a small business. You'll be responsible for writing two 400-800 word posts per week. Pay is $25 per post plus a traffic incentive. Read more about this job here...

Atlanta Sports Blogger: Bloggers needed to passionately cover Atlanta sports. If you actively follow any of the teams based in the city, you may enjoy this gig. NOTE: This is a NON PAYING job. I'm listing it here only because sports writing can be a hard field to break into, so a bit of experience may be worth it to you. Read more about this job here...

NY Fashion/Retail Blogger: Curbed Media is looking for an experienced fashion writer to blog about the New York scene. Precede with caution - pay was not specified! Read more about this job here...

Expert Bloggers/Writers: Topics listed: Apartment Ratings, Real Estate and Loans, Auto Loans, Auto Finance, Mortgages, Home Improvement, Lifestyles. Compensation is negotiate. Read more about this job here...

You can find more great writer opportunities at Deb Ng's Freelance Writing Gigs!

Please beware of blogging scams and other online dangers. The above-posted blogging jobs are not sponsored by The Millionaire Blogger, so always proceed with caution. If you come across any jobs that are unpaid (and not advertised as such), pyramid schemes, or other scams, please comment here or contact me immediately!

Laptop Bags

Last month, I recommended that you get a laptop if you're a serious blogger. Now, I know that not everyone can afford a laptop right away, in part because the "extras" kill you.

What do I mean about "extras"? Well, even if you go for a $600 computer (which definitely is doable), you'll still have to pay for things like virus protection, a longer lasting battery, MS Office and other software, and peripherals if you want to hook it up and work at a desk as thought it were a desktop.

Oh, and the laptop bag.

If you value your lappy at all, you'll want to invest in a bag to use while you travel that looks cute but still protects your best friend. Is it sad that lappy is my BFF?

I got lucky - when I was in the process of purchasing my laptop, someone gave my an Amazon gift certificate and I ended up only paying a few bucks on a back that was originally almost $50.

But there are other options. Here are a few laptop bags that cost under $20! (Click on the picture to learn more.)

February 2008 Blogging Total

I'm a few days late with this blogging total, which has been kind of par for the course during February in regards to being late with everything. Grumble.

Grand Total: $354.23

• from PageViews (paid by networks): $102.73
• from Base Pay (paid by networks): $75
• from Ads: $0
• from Affiliate Programs: not enough for a pay out this month
• from Blogging Admin Duties: $0
• from "flat" fees for writing blog posts: $160
• from donations/other: $16.50

To Go: $998,683.13

At my current rate, it will take me...er...100+ more years (give or take a few months) to reach the million. Time to boost my earnings! Here are some of the things I plan to do in March:

• Apply for more "pay per post" blogging jobs through my business, ABContent.
• Look into getting another network blogging job.
• Join at least 5 different blog carnivals.
• Promote advertising options on my site.

What are you doing to increase your blogging earnings?

Weekend Blogging Jobs: March 1, 2008

Here's your weekend bonus - Saturday Blogging Jobs!

Business Blogger: There weren't a lot of details with this one, but they're offering an hourly rate. Read more about this job here...

WordPress Expert: You must be able to create and edit themes, make plugins, and so forth. Read more about this job here...

Relationship Blogger: It looks like they want to you to post about something on YOUR blog, but if you have a relationship blog already, you might want to contact them for more information. Pay is $5 per post. Read more about this job here...

Blogger and Designer: Again, short on details, but you must be able to blog on a regular basis, as well as know a bit about CSS, PHP, and other design tools. Read more about this job here...

Photographer for Blog about NYC: This is a photographer opportunity, for someone who can take pictures in NYC for a transportation blog/website. Pay DOE. Read more about this job here...

WordPress Design Help: This is ongoing work, for someone who knows how to design a WP blog. Read more about this job here...

You can find more great writer opportunities at Deb Ng's Freelance Writing Gigs!

Please beware of blogging scams and other online dangers. The above-posted blogging jobs are not sponsored by The Millionaire Blogger, so always proceed with caution. If you come across any jobs that are unpaid (and not advertised as such), pyramid schemes, or other scams, please comment here or contact me immediately!