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Paul Balcerak
Seattle, WA
Assistant editor of New Media, Sound Publishing
Journalism
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Groups (8)

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Erin Lariviere Where do you draw the line between feedback / criticism / venting and downright rudeness or community abuse? I'm a big believer in letting people vent... to a certain extent. People get frustrated and they want to be heard. I think that's ok and it should be allowed. But there are times when it crosses a line. I'm not talking trolls. I mean when there's legitimate feedback, but the delivery goes to far. How do you handle this? Where do you draw the line?

63 weeks ago from Community Managers

Tyna Chua: One thing we have seen in our community is that the community members themselves give these folks the feedback about things like inappropriate ...MoreOne thing we have seen in our community is that the community members themselves give these folks the feedback about things like inappropriate language, so we don't have to step in....what @Stephen mentioned also applies to us--we have guidelines that the community abides by...
49 weeks ago
Noel Rozny: Great question! I think venting really depends on who is talking to who. I try to vent about anything work-related to someone not in the office, ...MoreGreat question! I think venting really depends on who is talking to who. I try to vent about anything work-related to someone not in the office, because you never know when something you say could come back to you.
49 weeks ago
 
Kate Davids So getting back into my blogging/reading/and working cycle, now that I've moved in to London. How do you get back into it after a break/vacation/sickness?

86 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, London Brazen Careerists, Social Media and Young Professional Women (YPW)2 more

Clare Herbert: I think the key is to start with little but important things. Build momentum and confidence by reivigorating your exercise routine, clearing your ...MoreI think the key is to start with little but important things. Build momentum and confidence by reivigorating your exercise routine, clearing your to do list of small to dos, writing a post a day for a week or networking with some people you've been meaning to meet for coffee. Diving right into a big project can be daunting after a break away, which may lead to procrastination. Slow and steady wins the race, in my view.
86 weeks ago
Kate Davids: The general advice seems to be hold your nose and jump right in (though start off at the shallow end of the pool). It's advice I intend to take. ...MoreThe general advice seems to be hold your nose and jump right in (though start off at the shallow end of the pool). It's advice I intend to take. Thank you!
86 weeks ago
 
Mehul Kar Need serious advice: I have a newsletter to teach tennis with a bunch of subscribers in high school. Apparently, these subscribers don't really check their email.. I'm tempted to switch the newsletter into a Facebook page and write the letters as notes. I lose exclusivity and it means I get fans who are not really fans. Which means conversion rate when I want to sell a product (tennis lessons) is lower than with a dedicated mailing list. What should I do?

76 weeks ago from Freelancing, Professional Writers and Editors, Social Media, Social Media Marketers and Brazen Bloggers3 more

Diane L: Not sure if you have decided on a contingent plan to approach this yet, but Jamie et al are right: more tools to get your name out there will not ...MoreNot sure if you have decided on a contingent plan to approach this yet, but Jamie et al are right: more tools to get your name out there will not hurt. I get that you want a "fight-club" feel to your group, that gets known by viral marketing. If you want to do that you have to be a true pro AND have something really hot and fresh to offer. Probably not something you can develop overnight unless you really have that level of expertise.

Your alternative method is to see all sources as your tool than a trip-up. You need to consider the medium and use it accordingly:
1) fb=large masses, frequent contact, less control. Letting your product go 'viral' and more out of control can be a good thing here. Reaches people you never could have otherwise, and it can be the litmus for how well your audience likes your product depending on how many 'like' your page. Check this source frequently to keep pulse of your company.
2) text (maybe)=more real-time notices, more personalized. Kind of like a limited pass to an private party, etc. Nice for some, annoying for others, matter of preference. Also note if they dont have text service.
3) email=where you have your content fully fleshed out and keep your current customers hooked. (fb is where you hook new ones)
Bottom line for u now seems to be, if people are really not reading your emails like you say, examine your content again. Layout is important too, but if you want to build an exclusive club where people are supposed to be clamouring to get in (isnt that the whole idea of exclusivity, demand>supply?), your content needs to be at that level too.

This is a v interesting problem. Good luck! Keep us updated.

66 weeks ago
Laura Scheppler: I agree with Roshan. Do an FB group. You can invite whomever you want and monitor things more closely. I have one that I have tied into my blog ...MoreI agree with Roshan. Do an FB group. You can invite whomever you want and monitor things more closely. I have one that I have tied into my blog and it makes things SOOOO much easier.
65 weeks ago
 
Charlie Anderson What the general thought on job candidates printing personal business cards? I know some people think it's a great idea and helps a candidate separate herself from both her current employer (if she has one) and the rest of the pack. But others think it's a tacky marketing ploy--perhaps because all that info is on a resume. Or maybe because so many people give themselves cheesy titles like "Digital Leader," "Web 2.0 Guru," or "Executive Professional." What do you guys think? Thumbs-up or down?

68 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Brand Managers, Gen-Y Professional Bloggers and We're Hiring2 more

Kristen Creager: I think the mini business cards from Moo are a great way to stand out.
67 weeks ago
JESS Kalinowsky: Had not seen those before! Thanks for sharing. Here is their link if anyone cares to see what they have to offer:
More
Had not seen those before! Thanks for sharing. Here is their link if anyone cares to see what they have to offer:
http://us.moo.com/uploader/?type=businesscard
Are they any better than VistaPrint? [I think theirs are borderline shabby, personally.] I have a printer that prints two sided, full color, 5k cards for $100. bucks! If anyone wants his contact info let me know. He also does matching post cards which can be used for follow up personal thank you notes.

67 weeks ago
 
Megan Atkinson I want to blog. I have a lot to say. I have NO idea where to start. I can't even seem to pick an area to focus on. Energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy tech, my own professional development journey, etc. I can't even brainstorm for 5 minutes without new tangents popping up. I've RSVPed to the upcoming NR event... but does anyone have any pointers to offer before then? I'd like to have a least a little vision developed before going into the event.

68 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Jake LaCaze: My advice would be just to start blogging. Don't tell all of your friends about it yet, just see what happens and what your naturally gravitate ...MoreMy advice would be just to start blogging. Don't tell all of your friends about it yet, just see what happens and what your naturally gravitate toward. It took me a while to find a style that I was comfortable with, but to be honest, I pretty much blog just because I can. ;)
68 weeks ago
Jake: I don't know a lot about blogging yet, but in general, I'd suggest you write most about what you are passionate about. That is attractive to read ...MoreI don't know a lot about blogging yet, but in general, I'd suggest you write most about what you are passionate about. That is attractive to read whether or not I agree with it. Just the fact that someone speaks their mind with passion is respectable and a joy to experience either way.
67 weeks ago
 
Kristine Fetalco For those who are actively blogging, do you blog about your personal life and professional life on the same blog? I have blogs for each, and I was wondering if it would be a good idea to combine them? If so, what are your thoughts about using your personal blog to talk about professional and industry-related topics, and vice versa?

71 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Cooper: I have one blog that is a combination, but though I reference my personal life I wouldn't say I blog extensively about it in any way, I don't ...MoreI have one blog that is a combination, but though I reference my personal life I wouldn't say I blog extensively about it in any way, I don't think it'd be a great career move to do so.


69 weeks ago
Brittany Stevens: well I guess it is not right to put it all in one blog. Have you heard of Chris Ducker? He actually have his own wesbite, chrisducker.com and he ...Morewell I guess it is not right to put it all in one blog. Have you heard of Chris Ducker? He actually have his own wesbite, chrisducker.com and he has another website http://www.virtualbusinesslifestyle.com/. And yeah, it's been a year he's been doing that. But it's cool! Entrepreneurs are gathering there and share some thoughts.
69 weeks ago
 
Ty Unglebower In one of my recent actor's advice columns on ShowBizRadio.net, I expressed a specific opinion about how to proceed to do something on stage. (That's kind of the point of the column.) I believe there are about 4 trillion legitimate ways to be an actor, and I know not everybody will proceed as I do. But I get steamed when people accuse me of being "irresponsible" with my platform when I give non status-quo advice. It's ADVICE, not an order to an army. It's acting, not medicine.

70 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors, Community Theatre, Creatively Inspired and Washington D.C.2 more

Ty Unglebower: Ignoring is best, and tat is usually what I do. Once in a while though, as I said, I mention something. Because while I don't always mind being ...MoreIgnoring is best, and tat is usually what I do. Once in a while though, as I said, I mention something. Because while I don't always mind being told, "you are wrong", I do have a bit of a problem with being told, "you are socially irresponsible for posting such things in a public forum."

You'd think I advocated murder or something.

70 weeks ago
Paul Balcerak: I think what I might do is write a whole post on the topic and just link back to it (dryly) in comment threads when I need to.
70 weeks ago
 
Brett Kunsch "Being a good writer is 3% talent, 97% not being distracted by the internet" >>> What do y'all think? Tweeted by @AdvicetoWriters.

77 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers, Blogging Ideas, Write a Book! and Professional Writers and Editors2 more

Kathy Ver Eecke: Oh man...now 97% of my brain is going to go on-line to see your Twitter feed. drat.
72 weeks ago
Brett Kunsch: Oh boy - Twitter is the ultimate distraction! It's just too fun to resist though.
72 weeks ago
 
Jim Parker Several students have said they would like to start blogging in 2011 but don't know where to start. Since most universities don't effectively include blogging in their curriculum, it's difficult for students to find a role model or guide to start blogging their first dozen posts. Could you recommend any guides, blog posts, or tips for students interested in blogging but apprehensive about getting their first few published? I would welcome your suggestions. Thank you.

75 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Michelle Bizon: I just saw this great post from Grace Boyle (She's a Brazen member!) about starting to blog. It's worth checking out: MoreI just saw this great post from Grace Boyle (She's a Brazen member!) about starting to blog. It's worth checking out: http://smallhandsbigideas.com/blogging/what-i-wish-i-knew-when-i-started...
72 weeks ago
Shana Ross: If you're at all interested in the arts, Createquity is taking applications for their first writing fellows (they have a structured blogging ...MoreIf you're at all interested in the arts, Createquity is taking applications for their first writing fellows (they have a structured blogging fellowship program)
http://createquity.com/

72 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer What music do you listen to when you write? Lately I've been using the Chopin station on Pandora.

74 weeks ago from Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, Blogging Ideas and Brazen Bloggers1 more

Charline Touchard: My musical selection varies with my mood...some days it's classical, others country, sometimes trance...and that's just for starters! :)
74 weeks ago
Charlotte Rains Dixon: I don't usually listen to music while I write, but when I do, I sometimes choose movie soundtracks, ones without a lot of lyrics. I love the ...MoreI don't usually listen to music while I write, but when I do, I sometimes choose movie soundtracks, ones without a lot of lyrics. I love the peaks and valleys of the soundtracks--great to write fiction by.
74 weeks ago
 
Elysa Rice I need 8 more people for a blog series I'm running on my blog (GenPink) for December. Big picture overview of theme: Top 10 / Ten Ways -- lists of tens. ie. Ten Reasons You Need a Hobby Outside of Work. Are you interested? or have a person you think I should contact? --- possible topics I don't have yet, money, food/cooking, relationships, {your idea} etc. I've got a great line up of committed folks so far just need a few more.

79 weeks ago from Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, Wordpress Bloggers, PR & New Media, Young Professional Women (YPW) and Brazen Foodies3 more

Leah Valle: hi, if a slot is still open, would love to join in =)
75 weeks ago
Vickie Elmer: The series is fabulous, so proud to be part of it. My piece is on karma:
More
The series is fabulous, so proud to be part of it. My piece is on karma:
http://www.genpink.com/10-ways-to-create-karma-at-work/

75 weeks ago
 
Vanessa Gallo I'm on the job hunt and torn about whether I should include my own blog in my app (I have been). a) I'm applying for jobs in social media/writing, since I don't have profesh experience, it helps show my skills/interest. b) But it gives many personal details away about my past and present (love life incl.). I wouldn't typically share those details w/ my boss. c) That being said, if an employer reads my blog and still wants to hire me it could be a great fit. Have any of you dealt with this?

76 weeks ago from Career Changers, Wordpress Bloggers and Personal Branding1 more

Benny Luo: In my opinion, if most of your personal stuff in near the beginning of your blog, I doubt your prospective boss would look that far. I am pretty ...MoreIn my opinion, if most of your personal stuff in near the beginning of your blog, I doubt your prospective boss would look that far. I am pretty certain that he would probably pay more attention to your current blog posts. So my advice to you is, make sure all the blog posts on your front page would somehow make you look good.

But in a nutshell, we live in a generation of transparency, so this is something you will have to get use to ESPECIALLY if you are applying for a position in social media.

In conclusion, definitely include your personal blog, but fix it up a little bit. Your prospective employer needs to see how involved you are in the realm of social media as well as access your writing style.

http://www.twitter.com/bennyluo

76 weeks ago
Vanessa Gallo: @Jonathan - thankfully I don't need a job yesterday so I'm ultimately looking for fit. Again, my real name is not attached to the blog at all, s ...More@Jonathan - thankfully I don't need a job yesterday so I'm ultimately looking for fit. Again, my real name is not attached to the blog at all, s unless they provide the url,I don't think it would come up.
@Benny - I was thinking just that! Making sure the front page articles don't reveal too much information. At the same time, if I posted something about social media it really wouldn't fit into the themes that I've outlined I write about and would be weird to my readers. I'm going to give it some thought to see how I could potentially include social media knowledge. I've just been self teaching the last month or so.

I recently made personal business cards with my blog url and twitter handle on it. So if I give it to potential employers/referrals I'll incorporate some of the suggestions so I don't need to stress out if they access my blog or not give the card out at all.

76 weeks ago
 
Fleire Castro I am to deliver a topic in a seminar. It's quite as simple as an introduction to blogs and how to use blogs for business. But knowing how blogs have evolved over time, what important points should I focus on without getting too wordy or technical? Help!

76 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Paul Balcerak: My wife does a lot of presentations. She always says to send people away with three things to do that they're able to do that day. So if you're ...MoreMy wife does a lot of presentations. She always says to send people away with three things to do that they're able to do that day. So if you're trying to get them into blogging, maybe: (1) sign up with a blogging site; (2) post a blog; (3) post a link to your blog post on a social network.

Just some thoughts :)

76 weeks ago
Fleire Castro: Correct! that's really helpful! :) I will include that.
76 weeks ago
 
Mehul Kar Need serious advice: I have a newsletter to teach tennis with a bunch of subscribers in high school. Apparently, these subscribers don't really check their email.. I'm tempted to switch the newsletter into a Facebook page and write the letters as notes. I lose exclusivity and it means I get fans who are not really fans. Which means conversion rate when I want to sell a product (tennis lessons) is lower than with a dedicated mailing list. What should I do?

76 weeks ago from Brazen Bloggers, Social Media Marketers, Social Media, Professional Writers and Editors and Freelancing3 more

Raquel Elle Bell: @Mehul - I think FB is a great tool. I have a friend who is a dog trainer and has found great success there. He can add notes, images , videos ...More@Mehul - I think FB is a great tool. I have a friend who is a dog trainer and has found great success there. He can add notes, images , videos etc. You have to go where your audience is to obtain the highest degree of impact otherwise you are wasting your time. Go with the flow not against it.
76 weeks ago
Mehul Kar: Raquel, thanks for your input. Could you please copy-paste this comment to the other thread..I don't know why it posted twice :(

More
Raquel, thanks for your input. Could you please copy-paste this comment to the other thread..I don't know why it posted twice :(

http://www.brazencareerist.com/conversation/769205

76 weeks ago
 
Katrina Grant I have been actively looking for full time employment for close to a year now. I am looking in the areas of TV production, journalism, public relations, or web media. I have applied to major companies like E! News, CNN, and NBC, and others, as well as smaller organizations for entry-level positions and have heard nothing. All I get is automated responses to my resume. Does anyone know how to get around this to at least get a person to respond to my resume?

83 weeks ago from Journalism and Journalists

Mehnaz Thawer: Have you tried to just approach a company and just say, I'd like to write for you/ pitch to you? It might not be exactly what you want to do, but ...MoreHave you tried to just approach a company and just say, I'd like to write for you/ pitch to you? It might not be exactly what you want to do, but it might get you in the door.
79 weeks ago
Caitlin: If you haven't already I would try going to the office in person to give them your resume-especially with the smaller organizations. When I worked ...MoreIf you haven't already I would try going to the office in person to give them your resume-especially with the smaller organizations. When I worked in newspapers we had a staff of seven people at our office (and we were one of the larger offices). You may not meet the person in charge of hiring, but you might get the chance to talk to someone who could make sure your resume gets read.
79 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer In my opinion, it's crucial to be able to convey your blog, business or career intentions in a short, concise and compelling way. In terms of my blog I'm tinkering with this description: "All the stuff Lifehacker missed." Have you found this important to your career, blog or business?

82 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!, Productivity & Time-Management, Blogging Ideas and Brazen Bloggers2 more

Mark Dykeman: Scott Berkun talks about three pitch lengths for ideas in The Myths of Innovation:

5 seconds
30 seconds
5 minutes

I definitely think there's ...More
Scott Berkun talks about three pitch lengths for ideas in The Myths of Innovation:

5 seconds
30 seconds
5 minutes

I definitely think there's value in terseness.

Instead of saying "All the stuff that Lifehacker missed" how about:

"The important stuff no one else is discussing."

82 weeks ago
Cameron Plommer: I'm not using this phrase on my site, it's strictly for conversations.

@Mark: Your suggestion doesn't give the person I'm talking to any idea ...More
I'm not using this phrase on my site, it's strictly for conversations.

@Mark: Your suggestion doesn't give the person I'm talking to any idea what the site is about.

82 weeks ago
 
Kenji Crosland I'm 27, and have prematurely gray hair. I just started working at a web startup where it's not unusual for CEOs to be younger than I am. My parents suggested that I should dye my hair to get rid of all the gray and "look more my age." Not for vanity reasons, but for professional reasons. If I dyed my hair I could look at least five years younger if not more, which could be an advantage in a young industry. Do you think it even matters?

83 weeks ago from Upstarts!, Web Startups, Office Politics, Entry-Level Young Professionals and Company Culture3 more

Aiden Schade: People generally don't make judgments based on things that are out of your control like balding, greying, the shape of your face, etc. If you have ...MorePeople generally don't make judgments based on things that are out of your control like balding, greying, the shape of your face, etc. If you have grey hair and don't want to dye it, then don't.

Once you start dying your hair you have to deal with your roots as the dyed hair grows out. As you get more grey, you'll look funny. Best to just accept it now.

83 weeks ago
L.J. Acker: Two words for hot grayness: Anderson Cooper
83 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Kenji Crosland Oftentimes the comments I see in blogs are along the lines of "good post!", or "Good post, and this is what I think about [the topic]". There seem to be very few instances of "What do you mean by [x]?" or "Could you tell us a little more about [x]?" It as though people were just waiting for their turns to speak their piece. The conversation hardly evolves as it would through normal conversation. It's as though the medium itself discourages the practice of active listening. What do you think?

83 weeks ago from Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, Creatively Inspired and Blogging Ideas1 more

Jenna Langer: I agree with @Linda - if someone leaves a comment saying great post, why not engage them and ask for more commentary?

@Kenji - not sure if this ...More
I agree with @Linda - if someone leaves a comment saying great post, why not engage them and ask for more commentary?

@Kenji - not sure if this is what you're looking for, but have you seen any twitter chats? I regularly participate in #cmgrchat and #journchat. They are great conversations between twitter users. Check out the full schedule of chats here: http://bit.ly/ChatSched

83 weeks ago
Scott Asai: I like blogging, but it's not the same as a conversation. A lot can be determined by how engaging the writer is. I admit I do tend to skim over a ...MoreI like blogging, but it's not the same as a conversation. A lot can be determined by how engaging the writer is. I admit I do tend to skim over a longer article and put my two sense at the end.
83 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer What to you hope to accomplish with your blog? For me I'm trying from just a blog, to a business. What about you?

86 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas and Gen-Y Professional Bloggers

Sabera (Kapasi) Photographer: Honestly, the vision for my blog is for it to be a platform from where people can get interested in, and sign up for my cooking classes. I haven't ...MoreHonestly, the vision for my blog is for it to be a platform from where people can get interested in, and sign up for my cooking classes. I haven't even chalked out the steps to get there yet. Hopefully in a few weeks when one major priority gets a little out of the way.
85 weeks ago
Louise: For me my blog just acts a way for me to process the things that go on in my head. It also gives me a bit more credibility when speaking to other ...MoreFor me my blog just acts a way for me to process the things that go on in my head. It also gives me a bit more credibility when speaking to other professionals and going for jobs etc when they can quickly and easily not only see my writing but things that interest me too. If you can show you have written about something very closely related to the job you are looking to do then it helps convince the company you want to work for them not just find any job.
85 weeks ago
 
William Bryan Man I had an awesome post to write yesterday. I thought about it yesterday when I was with my friends at a bar/lounge and then when I came home, nothing I totally forgot what I was going to write about. Has this happened to you? What do you do when you have an idea to blog about and you are not near a computer? It really made me angry and I don't want it to happen again. thanks in advance.

93 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, Wordpress Bloggers and Brazen Bloggers2 more

John Southee: I know people who carry a small notepad and pen with them everywhere. Luckily though, we have made advancements in the technological world and ...MoreI know people who carry a small notepad and pen with them everywhere. Luckily though, we have made advancements in the technological world and don't have to have anything more than our Smartphones. In my phone, I have a notes section where I jot down all kinds of things when I don't have paper nearby (sometimes even my grocery list). If you don't have a smartphone you could always just text yourself the idea before it gets away.
92 weeks ago
Danielle Albright: I practically live in a post it note book and a writing pad on my phone!
92 weeks ago
 
Danielle Albright So I have barely joined the world of blogging, and I'm loving the idea but yet at a complete standstill with trying to actually produce my own blog. I'm somewhere in between trying to figure out the best viewpoint for me, learning the how to's of HTML, and the other various important factors to it. What advice do you have for a beginner blogger? What were the biggest obstacles for you with blogging? Thanks.

93 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Danielle Albright: @ katie. Thanks for the tip of the Twenty Something Bloggers.. There is so much going on with that website! I have a lot to learn, that's for sure..
92 weeks ago
Katie Colihan: No problem, Danielle. If you ever need anything at all (totally get the new to blogging thing...) just give me a shout and I'll walk you through ...MoreNo problem, Danielle. If you ever need anything at all (totally get the new to blogging thing...) just give me a shout and I'll walk you through it. Also, a good idea is to grab a Twitter account (if you don't already), and I have a list on my Twitter (@katieblogs) of a lot of @20sb members that're great.

Or, if you want some recommended blogs, I can do that for you to.

Welcome Welcome Welcome to blogging!

92 weeks ago
 
Emma Do you use your blog as a way to bolster your career? I'm interested in the way people develop an online presence through blogging to form professional connections, get your name out there or develop an online portfolio. If you do this, please share the link to your blog! I'd love to see how you do it.

93 weeks ago from Young Professional Women (YPW), Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, I am Gen Y, Blogging Ideas and Brazen Bloggers3 more

Emma: Thanks for sharing, everyone! I'm going to include some of this in a blog post, and share the link here. Appreciate it!
93 weeks ago
Emma: And... here it is! MoreAnd... here it is! http://www.janehasajob.com/start-blogging-rev-career/ Thanks everyone for your insight, and I'm sorry I couldn't include everyone!
93 weeks ago
 
Eva Rykr What is your policy for others "republishing" or "reprinting" your content? Do you charge a fee? Do you forbid commercial use? Or... do you not care how others use it at all as long as they provide attribution?

93 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors, Freelancing, Brazen Bloggers, Wordpress Bloggers and North Carolina Bloggers3 more

Paul Balcerak: Full disclosure: My "content" is my blog and I don't make any money off of it, which may be relevant information in judging my opinion.

I don't ...More
Full disclosure: My "content" is my blog and I don't make any money off of it, which may be relevant information in judging my opinion.

I don't care who republishes my stuff, as long as they link back to me and make it clear that they're republishing a post. Besides that, they're obviously free to quote me/link out under the generally accepted Fair Use rules.

93 weeks ago
 
Paul Balcerak What do you do to drive comments—not necessarily traffic—to your blog? I was having an e-mail exchange with a blogger the other day, this came up and I thought it would be interesting to get some feedback on.

95 weeks ago from Community Managers

Kade Dworkin: Paul,

I think Stephen is spot on regarding writing on controversial subjects to solicit first comments. His point about asking for thoughts and ...More
Paul,

I think Stephen is spot on regarding writing on controversial subjects to solicit first comments. His point about asking for thoughts and feedback is also in line with my experience. There's a clear reason why top bloggers pretty much always end posts with questions.

The one other point I'd like to add is the "comment to get comments" strategy. Yes it's a slow burn and it takes a lot of work but if you comment regularly on a blog it's pretty likely that the author will take a peek at your stuff and if it's good take the time to comment on your posts. Distribute this across several blogs that are 1 or 2 steps above your level of traffic. Top bloggers most the time don't comment on other folks blogs so go for the folks who aren't top bloggers...and there are a ton of them.

Kade
@KadeDworkin

95 weeks ago
Paul Balcerak: @Stephen- I like your first example—take a popular thought, basically, and go against the grain. A lot of [insert industry here] blogs have ...More@Stephen- I like your first example—take a popular thought, basically, and go against the grain. A lot of [insert industry here] blogs have not-unfair reputations as echo chambers anyway.

@Kade- "Comment to get comments" has been one of my bits of advice for a while, but I like your point about commenting on blogs that are "one or two steps above your level of traffic." Definitely a "slow burn," as you say, but a good strategy.

95 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh Do you swear on your blog? Just read an article on NPR (http://n.pr/8Xtpst) about the emotional impact that profanity can have when used by authorities. They mentioned Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz and President Obama as examples. They also mentioned that strategic profanity doesn't work for every personality and that it should be used with discretion. I've dropped an F-bomb or two on my blog. I try not to do it a lot. What about you guys?

97 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas and Brazen Bloggers

Annabel Candy: I will second Thursday! Surely ass isn't a swear word though... it's a bit childish but not profane? Some bloggers have built their careers on ...MoreI will second Thursday! Surely ass isn't a swear word though... it's a bit childish but not profane? Some bloggers have built their careers on cussing and good for them. Got to speak to those readers in the language they use:)
97 weeks ago
Marian Schembari: Alright, y'all, I got really excited yesterday reading all these responses so I wrote a blog post about it. Will be curious to see what you have ...MoreAlright, y'all, I got really excited yesterday reading all these responses so I wrote a blog post about it. Will be curious to see what you have to say: HELL NO I Won't Censor My Blog http://bit.ly/dpG9V8
97 weeks ago

Groups (8)

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Fans (81)

Christine Marsh
Breanne Potter- Harris
Lynn Dessert
Nikki Balcerak
Adriana Llames
Dr. Woody
William E. Stevens
surya luph aida
Keith Moore
shinjazzz

Following (19)

Sara  Gallagher
Cameron Plommer
Ellie Behling
Mae Buzen
Kim Schneider
Meghan Skiff
Rebecca Thorman
Kenji Crosland
Tariq West
Ryan Paugh