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Heath Port
I just started up my blog a couple months ago and I have been noticing a larger amount of what appear to be "spam" comments. They are worded in such away they could appear to be real comments but then upon further inspection they have links back to sketchy money making sites. Is this a pretty common problem? Is there any way to reduce the amount coming in? Any info on this from other bloggers would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Linda A. Hamilton:
Heath: I've noticed this more and more on my blog site and on guest blogs. I think a spam filter will prevent this. I'm going to start ...MoreHeath: I've noticed this more and more on my blog site and on guest blogs. I think a spam filter will prevent this. I'm going to start researching how to block spam from my blog sites and ensure it works. Meanwhile, I verify the incoming comments to ensure they aren't spam before accepting them. If they are--they are quickly deleted.
65 weeks ago
65 weeks ago
Presh Talwalkar:
I have this same issue and spam filters are not going to solve the problem. I handle the issue by moderating all comments from new users. If the ...MoreI have this same issue and spam filters are not going to solve the problem. I handle the issue by moderating all comments from new users. If the comment is generic or links to a sketchy site, I simply delete it or spam it. I only keep comments that add quality thought to my blog, even if it reduces my comment count (an overrated statistic in my mind).
65 weeks ago
65 weeks ago
Kristine Fetalco
What are your ideas for fun things to do in Chicago in the winter? This is my first winter in Chicago, coming from Los Angeles. Before Los Angeles I lived in a tropical city, so snow is really something new to me. I get asked by people what we all do in Los Angeles with all that sun, and my question is, what can you do in Chicago with all this snow? Looking forward to your suggestions!
Joe Szala:
Wow Kristine - tough weather transition from LA to Chicago. Not everyone hibernates for the winter. Grab some outdoor gear and go for a run. ...MoreWow Kristine - tough weather transition from LA to Chicago. Not everyone hibernates for the winter. Grab some outdoor gear and go for a run. Make your way 10-12 miles out of the city to one of our great forest preserves and do some hiking or cross-country skiing. Wilmott Ski has a few hundred feet of down-hill - about an hour NW of the city. Lincoln Park Zoo is beautiful in the winter (and free), and of course take advantage of the smaller crowds at the Art Institute, Aquarium, Museums, etc.
71 weeks ago
71 weeks ago
Kristine Fetalco:
Great suggestions, everyone! I'll try to do some outdoor winter activities, since these are things I haven't done yet. I'll definitely look for ...MoreGreat suggestions, everyone! I'll try to do some outdoor winter activities, since these are things I haven't done yet. I'll definitely look for bars with a fireplace. Will check out the theater scene-- didn't know about that, but maybe that's because I got tired of it in LA.
A suggestion I have is sit in the apartment with a south facing view of the city-- and notice how the Willis Tower and the Trump Tower disappear on foggy days and nights. It makes the city look a lot different!
71 weeks ago
A suggestion I have is sit in the apartment with a south facing view of the city-- and notice how the Willis Tower and the Trump Tower disappear on foggy days and nights. It makes the city look a lot different!
71 weeks ago
Mag Wolff
How do you answer questions about salary during an interview? Both current and expected salary. Normally I try to tip toe around giving a concrete answer, but sometimes it is unavoidable. Thanks!
Rebecca Thorman, Tanya Veleva and Brittany Thompson recommended this
Mag Wolff:
Charlie, thank you for your insight. Follow-up question - if I am asked straight out what is my current salary or what do I expect to make, is it ...MoreCharlie, thank you for your insight. Follow-up question - if I am asked straight out what is my current salary or what do I expect to make, is it appropriate instead of directly answering the question, for me to ask the recruiter what is the salary range for this position?
Also, is it ever appropriate to ask what was the salary of the person who previously held the position? I probably never would be so bold, but it was something that crossed my mind.
71 weeks ago
Also, is it ever appropriate to ask what was the salary of the person who previously held the position? I probably never would be so bold, but it was something that crossed my mind.
71 weeks ago
Charlie Anderson:
Good questions, Maggie. As usual, my response has to consider what I do vs. what other people do. Because I pay the same regardless, my process ...MoreGood questions, Maggie. As usual, my response has to consider what I do vs. what other people do. Because I pay the same regardless, my process is more straightforward. I don't care for the notion that if you reply with a low salary, the recruiter will lower their offer.
If you're asked to reveal what you're looking for, I'd say the best response is something like "I'm interviewing for a number of positions that range from $50,000 to about $70,000 (insert your own numbers). Where does this position fit?" That gives you plenty of wiggle room, demonstrates that you're an active and serious job searcher, that you have other options, and that other employers are interested in you. (You'd be surprised, but social proof of other employers taking interest is a powerful factor in the interview process.) It should also give you an idea for the position you're interested in.
If you're asked to reveal what you currently make, tell the truth. Not everyone will give you the same advice, as you've read here. That's just my opinion, but it's because I don't believe your past salary is important relative to the job you propose to do. I do know you can't legally be forced to reveal that information. I'm unsure if your current (or previous) employer would reveal that info, but I know they can't be forced to. The problem is if you said "I'm not comfortable answering that question," things get awkward. Awkward interviews rarely result in job offers. If your current salary is much less than you want in a new role, that's okay to say. "I'm currently making $43,000, which is one of the reasons why I'm looking for a change." Recruiters understand, and they'll respect your honesty. Unfortunately, you'll never know if the offer you receive is lower than it would have been if you didn't tell them your salary. But I still think honesty on your part and an open, comfortable dialog is the fastest road to a job offer.
As for asking about the previous person's salary: I wouldn't. You wouldn't ask that employee directly about their salary, and their employer shouldn't tell you, either. They should, however, tell you the salary range for the position.
71 weeks ago
If you're asked to reveal what you're looking for, I'd say the best response is something like "I'm interviewing for a number of positions that range from $50,000 to about $70,000 (insert your own numbers). Where does this position fit?" That gives you plenty of wiggle room, demonstrates that you're an active and serious job searcher, that you have other options, and that other employers are interested in you. (You'd be surprised, but social proof of other employers taking interest is a powerful factor in the interview process.) It should also give you an idea for the position you're interested in.
If you're asked to reveal what you currently make, tell the truth. Not everyone will give you the same advice, as you've read here. That's just my opinion, but it's because I don't believe your past salary is important relative to the job you propose to do. I do know you can't legally be forced to reveal that information. I'm unsure if your current (or previous) employer would reveal that info, but I know they can't be forced to. The problem is if you said "I'm not comfortable answering that question," things get awkward. Awkward interviews rarely result in job offers. If your current salary is much less than you want in a new role, that's okay to say. "I'm currently making $43,000, which is one of the reasons why I'm looking for a change." Recruiters understand, and they'll respect your honesty. Unfortunately, you'll never know if the offer you receive is lower than it would have been if you didn't tell them your salary. But I still think honesty on your part and an open, comfortable dialog is the fastest road to a job offer.
As for asking about the previous person's salary: I wouldn't. You wouldn't ask that employee directly about their salary, and their employer shouldn't tell you, either. They should, however, tell you the salary range for the position.
71 weeks ago
Eileen Terrien
I'm looking for advice from people who blog about the industry they work in currently. I want to let my higher-ups know about my blog. My field has complex privacy considerations so getting them to understand how seriously I take not disclosing the specifics of my position in my writing is key. My question is this, should i tell them right now and assure them that all future content will be safe or wait until i have a backlog of posts so they can see what my content focus is?
Berrak S. recommended this
Presh Talwalkar:
I agree with everyone that you should figure out what you're writing about first. Blogging is fun in that you can change topics. That said, I ...MoreI agree with everyone that you should figure out what you're writing about first. Blogging is fun in that you can change topics. That said, I believe you should discuss it with your employer beforehand. I think it's always safer to have them learn about your blog from you rather than from someone who found it on the web--they'll be mad at the content and angry you didn't consult them.
72 weeks ago
72 weeks ago
Kim Luu:
Discuss it with your employer beforehand. This is a landmine waiting to explode.
72 weeks ago
72 weeks ago
Presh Talwalkar
Would you give up your blog for an office job? Today I had a phone interview with a finance company and they expressed concern that I blog about money matters. They said I might have to give up the blog if it conflicts with company policy - something to do with disclosure requirements. I don't want to give up blogging since it has improved my career network and overall life satisfaction so much. I'm curious if anyone has been in this situation and what your suggestions are. Thanks!
Becky Benishek recommended this
Ryan Paugh:
Presh, it's good to see your face on Brazen! Knowing you, I'm assuming that you're going into some type of finance role. If that's the case I can ...MorePresh, it's good to see your face on Brazen! Knowing you, I'm assuming that you're going into some type of finance role. If that's the case I can see why the company is trying to say you can't blog. Forrester did this with all of their research analysts. They basically said that if they wanted to blog about their research then they have to do it through the company blogs. I'm sure they're thinking that your knowledge of finance is now part of the company. It's total BS but that's how a lot of companies are starting to think. I don't have any great advice except do some research on whats going on in other companies who are developing these types of policies.
72 weeks ago
72 weeks ago
Presh Talwalkar:
Wow, thanks all for the quick replies! @Penelope: I will find out the company policy and at least make a case that blogging about board games and ...MoreWow, thanks all for the quick replies! @Penelope: I will find out the company policy and at least make a case that blogging about board games and math is not a big deal. @Lauren: You're right they said this without reading a word of my blog. They simply freaked out about "personal blog" as if I'd be writing an expose on their company secrets. @Ryan: Yes, I need to be on Brazen more ;) Interesting to hear another company had this worry about blogs too. Good to know what the corporate side is thinking. I'm interviewing in person next week: I will see how it all goes. Thanks again!
72 weeks ago
72 weeks ago
Presh Talwalkar
joined the group Ask Penelope Trunk!
72 weeks ago
steve taite
The Chicken and the Egg. My blog has stated getting heavy traffic recently. I should be really thrilled. However heavy traffic means a more stable and powerful host server and higher costs. Although I have google adsense and Amazon associates ads on the site they bring in no revenue at all as no one clicks on the links. I have been told that I need to find a sponsor who will pay to advertise on the site. Do any of you know how to find one or maybe know of a company that would be interested?
92 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers, Blogging Ideas, Brazen Bloggers, Ask Penelope Trunk! and Content Masters3 more
Melissa Breau:
Steve, with humor, you should look for companies that are currently using humor to advertise - the recent Old Spice commercials, for instance. ...MoreSteve, with humor, you should look for companies that are currently using humor to advertise - the recent Old Spice commercials, for instance.
See who is advertising on other comedy websites, or google comedy and see what ads are on the search page. These would be good companies to reach out to.
92 weeks ago
See who is advertising on other comedy websites, or google comedy and see what ads are on the search page. These would be good companies to reach out to.
92 weeks ago
Presh Talwalkar:
Have you tried a leaderboard (728 x 90) ad before? I've noticed they perform well when I get spikes in traffic. Nice site by the way.
92 weeks ago
92 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman
I love when people quote and link to my blog, but I find myself getting frustrated when people take large pieces of my post and include it in their post, even with attribution. I just feel like the blogger is being lazy and can't come up with their own analysis, so they just copy and paste. Instead, I feel like they should say, "go visit this link" instead of reprinting my post into theirs. Am I overreacting? This happens to me often, and I'm getting fairly frustrated. Should I say something?
94 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, Wordpress Bloggers, Professional Writers and Editors and Freelancing3 more
Sid:
Always good to include a little bit of commentary along with the link. When they just list links it can come across lazy and as people just doing SEO
93 weeks ago
93 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman:
Thanks all for these great answers! It was interesting to me how many noted that they'd just be grateful for the exposure. A sign, I think, of ...MoreThanks all for these great answers! It was interesting to me how many noted that they'd just be grateful for the exposure. A sign, I think, of blogging culture, which I don't always find myself comfortable in :) Nevertheless, I greatly appreciated everyone's input.
93 weeks ago
93 weeks ago
Stephen Alred
Interesting start-up Betable (https://www.betable.com/) allows you to place bets on virtually anything. What makes this site so intriguing is that it makes formal bets for casual situations easy to do.
94 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups, Web Startups and Economics and Finance1 more
Presh Talwalkar:
Sounds exciting but I am worried too. The blog is encouraging people to bet on whether trains arrive on time! I guess this should be okay but it ...MoreSounds exciting but I am worried too. The blog is encouraging people to bet on whether trains arrive on time! I guess this should be okay but it will be a large social experiment to see just how addictive gambling is...
94 weeks ago
94 weeks ago
Peter:
We are hoping the more casual, social focus of Betable.com mitigates some of these issues around gaming and addiction. We also allow Self-Control ...MoreWe are hoping the more casual, social focus of Betable.com mitigates some of these issues around gaming and addiction. We also allow Self-Control dashboards to set reminders/limits to help monitor activity as well as offer Responsible Gaming tips. Please ping me at peter@betable.com, I head Customer Development for the team and always enjoy feedback/input!
94 weeks ago
94 weeks ago
Presh Talwalkar
Interesting promotion: live a month at the Museum of Science and Industry...and win a prize of $10,000! I think they want bloggers so should be perfect for someone here. Application deadline is Aug 11. http://www.msichicago.org/matm
Presh Talwalkar
Highly recommend: Adler After Dark (http://bit.ly/ZlcAg). It's a once a month 21+ event at the Planetarium. Cool stuff: you get to see Chicago skyline, they have cash bars, and you get to watch their shows. PLUS you can see through their observatory (since event is at night). We got to see the rings of Saturn! They even have a DJ and crackers/hummus. Next event is April 15 from 6-10pm and tickets are like $12 or something. Bonus tip: if you drive, arrive early to get the metered spots
TOP IDEA:
Presh Talwalkar
"They say IQ is a fair representation of a person's intelligence, but a better predictor of real life success is EQ which is emotional quotient. We can make a rough parallel in business. Decision theory can help you plan things well, but to win in the marketplace, you need to use game theory."--an introductory speaker before my 1-hour talk on game theory at an Indian business school NMIMS in Mumbai
TOP IDEA:
Presh Talwalkar
To make smart decisions, you need both ingenuity and flexibility–understanding what others do, but ultimately focusing on a personal best response. I summarize this philosophy by the phrase "mind your decisions." I believe all will be well if you use your mind for your decisions, and mind only your decisions.
Presh Talwalkar
Have you ever wondered how people spend and save their money? There's a new site Bundle http://bundle.com that lets you get detailed spending data all over the U.S. in any city, household type, income level, and age group. The spending data is averages of literally terabytes and terabytes of data, and the site has gathered investments from Microsoft, Citi, and Morningstar. I'm a community editor there and would love your feedback.
Marwa Ayad
I'm currently in the process of writing my second novel (women's fiction with a bit of romance) which I hope will help me get a nice agent as well.
Thankfully, I've already had my debut novel published (and it's become a national bestseller in my country Egypt *grin*).
The problem I'm mainly facing nowadays is lack of time and focus...not really writer's block. Would love to hear from other writers, published and unpublished.
Presh Talwalkar:
As a blogger, I get out of a rut by retracing my initial steps. I try to read, listen, or watch similar works to remember my initial motivation ...MoreAs a blogger, I get out of a rut by retracing my initial steps. I try to read, listen, or watch similar works to remember my initial motivation for writing. Often it's anger that current material is lacking or misguided! That gets me going in a hurry.
121 weeks ago
121 weeks ago
Mehnaz Thawer:
If you've been working on it for a while, perhaps you need to go away for a bit, and then come back to it. That might help. Also I find if you ...MoreIf you've been working on it for a while, perhaps you need to go away for a bit, and then come back to it. That might help. Also I find if you find an optimal block of time in the day (for me It's between 8 and 9 AM) in the morning, then you'll have a better shot at it.
121 weeks ago
121 weeks ago
Presh Talwalkar
Robert, thanks for making this network. I've learned so much by reading the comments already!
Demetra Brown
Do we live in a zero-sum society? Is the size of the economic pie fixed?
Kim N. Campbell:
I always think of Malthus when I see questions that ask about a fixed economic pie. I think our society is more dynamic than originally thought ...MoreI always think of Malthus when I see questions that ask about a fixed economic pie. I think our society is more dynamic than originally thought and that the limitations are not about how fixed physical capital is, but rather how well our innovation is cultivated and implemented so that we may make good use of the resources we have.
127 weeks ago
127 weeks ago
Tyler Durbin
Fidelity Investments is reporting that over 70 percent of Gen-Y's are very concerned about their finances and have set the goal of daily money management and budgeting as their biggest focus.
What type of categories doesn't everyone budget their money into? I have: Auto, Utilities, Entertainment, Food, Health, Home, Personal care, Transfer to savings, credit cards, student loans.
Lucas Ashland:
That is basically how I do it as well. I keep track of all of my fixed costs and put them into one category. That helps give you an idea of the ...MoreThat is basically how I do it as well. I keep track of all of my fixed costs and put them into one category. That helps give you an idea of the bare minimum you need to spend each month. Then I set goals for my variable expenses such as entertainment, groceries, investments, etc.
128 weeks ago
128 weeks ago
Presh Talwalkar:
Good question. I categorize my spending into similar categories: housing, insurance, entertainment, food, transportation, taxes, personal care, ...MoreGood question. I categorize my spending into similar categories: housing, insurance, entertainment, food, transportation, taxes, personal care, and gifts.
On a nit-picky point, I tend to avoid budgeting on the principle that income is regular but spending is lumpy. I feel it is better to focus on pruning daily expenses by simple habits like cooking and wearing out clothes, and then create substantial savings to cover big items like down-payment, computer, car, etc.
128 weeks ago
On a nit-picky point, I tend to avoid budgeting on the principle that income is regular but spending is lumpy. I feel it is better to focus on pruning daily expenses by simple habits like cooking and wearing out clothes, and then create substantial savings to cover big items like down-payment, computer, car, etc.
128 weeks ago
Jay Hepner
Can anyone recommend a good and FREE word to pdf converter? See many ads online, but am skeptical.
All advice appreciated.
Thanks in advance! Jay
EricHFriedman:
It looks like you've answered this one already, but I usually just hit 'print' and then choose 'PDF.'
128 weeks ago
128 weeks ago
Presh Talwalkar:
I'll add in some thoughts too.
--Google Docs can convert to PDF
--Open Office has this built in
128 weeks ago
128 weeks ago
Presh Talwalkar
This is insane: Chicago police handing out tickets for air fresheners and window-mounted GPS.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-air-freshener-crackdownnov0...
Apparently they catch a lot of uninsured and illegal drivers this way.
Coach Al Johnson:
Sounds like I should stay out of the city. My "cherry tree" and Garmin could cost me!
127 weeks ago
127 weeks ago
Jason Nichols
Presh, great column... I really liked the article about the dice game.
129 weeks ago from Mathematics
Presh Talwalkar:
Thanks Jason. I also enjoy this site full of similar brain teasers: MoreThanks Jason. I also enjoy this site full of similar brain teasers: http://www.techinterview.org/
129 weeks ago
129 weeks ago
Presh Talwalkar
Anyone have a Discover Bank online savings/bank account? They are offering a high 1.75 APY right now--does not look like a teaser rate, only $500 to open
http://www.discoverbank.com/index.html
Rebecca Thorman:
My online savings is with HSBC Direct - do you think it would be worth it to switch over for such a small increase? I do use a Discover credit ...MoreMy online savings is with HSBC Direct - do you think it would be worth it to switch over for such a small increase? I do use a Discover credit card and have been happy with their rewards.
129 weeks ago
129 weeks ago
Presh Talwalkar
Anyone else like the show Numb3rs? I wrote a bit to explain about the game theory mentioned in it http://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2009/12/02/game-theory-in-numb3rs-hide...
129 weeks ago from Mathematics
Jessica Bahr
Has anyone read Flatterland (and I guess by that take Flatland)? I have heard reviews of Flatland but not Flatterland. What do you think of it?
132 weeks ago from Mathematics
Presh Talwalkar:
I feel like I'm the only math-loving person who hated Flatland...I couldn't get over artificial narrative.
On the other hand, I really enjoy PBS ...MoreI feel like I'm the only math-loving person who hated Flatland...I couldn't get over artificial narrative.
On the other hand, I really enjoy PBS Nova documentaries that explain physics in lay terms. A couple of my favorites are:
Elegant Universe
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/program_d.html
The ghost particle (about the neutrino)--unfortunately not online, but I got at my local library
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/neutrino/
129 weeks ago
On the other hand, I really enjoy PBS ...MoreI feel like I'm the only math-loving person who hated Flatland...I couldn't get over artificial narrative.
On the other hand, I really enjoy PBS Nova documentaries that explain physics in lay terms. A couple of my favorites are:
Elegant Universe
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/program_d.html
The ghost particle (about the neutrino)--unfortunately not online, but I got at my local library
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/neutrino/
129 weeks ago
Jason Nichols:
@Presh, I think it all depends on when you read it. I read Flatland, Sphereland, and subsequently Flatterland when I was 12 or 13, so really all I ...More@Presh, I think it all depends on when you read it. I read Flatland, Sphereland, and subsequently Flatterland when I was 12 or 13, so really all I took away from it was the novelty and excitement of expanding my grasp of geometry... And yes, I'm that kind of dork who gets excited by geometry.
But reading it now, I look at it, and all I see is the commentary on Victorian society, and its drier than Dostoevsky... But I do still remember my childhood excitement, just not with the same passion.
129 weeks ago
But reading it now, I look at it, and all I see is the commentary on Victorian society, and its drier than Dostoevsky... But I do still remember my childhood excitement, just not with the same passion.
129 weeks ago
Jung Fitzpatrick
One of my favorite blogs on being money wi$e is www.getrichslowly.org/blog. What are your faves/recommended personal finance blogs?
Stephanie Collins:
Well, there's mine of course! But also, I love Bargaineering - great stuff, posts often, posts on a variety of PF subjects. Check it out: MoreWell, there's mine of course! But also, I love Bargaineering - great stuff, posts often, posts on a variety of PF subjects. Check it out: http://www.bargaineering.com/articles/
133 weeks ago
133 weeks ago
Presh Talwalkar:
I used to follow 50 personal finance blogs. Now I only follow one: MoreI used to follow 50 personal finance blogs. Now I only follow one: http://assetbuilder.com/ It's one of the few sites where I actually learn something new.
133 weeks ago
133 weeks ago
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