Blogspot Banter: Post Card A Day

Our final installment of Blogspot Banter (and, I add parenthetically, the final installment of this blog all together) comes from Post Card A Day, a blog that is exactly how it sounds: A site that displays a post card each day. We wanted to get a bit if international flare into the equation, and there really couldn't have been a better blog to center such a thing around. To see what all this is about, we encourage you to click here.

Much like each of our other Blogspot Banter subjects, this particular blog was named a Blog Of Note. And, much like each of our other Blogspot Banter subjects, the blog has hundreds of followers, something we, even on our way out, will never be able to claim. The Los Angeles Times has given the blog coverage, and, more important than any of this, it's simply a neat idea for a blog. Really. It is.

Below, you will find answers to how important a comments section can actually be for a blog that doesn't lend itself to commenters because of its simple nature, the nature of networking and the entire notion of making a career out of blogging (not the best idea, she says). We sincerely hope you've had as much fun reading these things as much as we've had putting them together, and again, if there is one last thing you do before navigating your way away from this particular site forever, be sure to check out Post Card A Day. You won't regret it!

Q: How long have you had the A Post Card A Day blog? Can you explain what the main focus of your blog is and what inspired you to begin this particular blog? We think it's a really neat idea for a blog, but is there a particular audience you are trying to reach with the topics you cover on your blog?

A: I've had the blog since March 2008, or thereabouts, but I can't for the life of me remember my thought processes at the time. Postcards, that's all it is, postcards. Some old, some new. Some from home, some from far away. All I was doing was making a record of the postcards I had, maybe to share them but that was a side issue. Looking back at the earlier entries, it seems to me they're all or almost all ones my father collected. Originally my audience was myself. When I realised other people did appear to be interested, I started to write a bit more and to make some attempt to widen the appeal by covering as many countries as possible, especially beyond Europe. People are on the whole more interested in seeing places they know and those aren't necessarily the ones I'm interested in.

Q: A Post Card A Day was recently named a Blog of Note by Blogspot. How did it feel to be recognized like that? Did you ever know or think it was coming? What can you attribute to obtaining such status within the Blogspot world?

A: It was both an honour and a shock to be named as a Blog of Note. Of course I was very happy about it, then as I watched my stats I was amazed, then stunned. I was nearly overwhelmed with all the comments and related spam. I had no idea it was coming but I can only assume someone read the LA Times coverage of my blog the weekend before. Or maybe it was the Creative Prose article naming A Postcard a Day as "Wacky Website of the Week" (I was less enthusiastic about that!) All that happened within the space of a few days.

Q: Your blog has over 800 followers, and you seem to have a reach that extends all the way around the world. What advice would you give to a blogger starting out in regards to how to gain readership? Were there any struggles you had to begin with, and how did you overcome them?

A: Gaining readership is slow when you're starting out. Networking is the best way to find readers, but it's a long and slow process. You have to read a lot of blogs and join forums, find some that interest you and hope the interest is returned. I've noticed the vast majority of people who've left comments since APAD became a Blog of Note have just started blogging, so that's obviously one way. I will visit their blogs at least once, and follow if they seem interesting. I can't really say that I've had too many struggles. I had no great expectations when I started out. Now though, I feel I have some sort of standard to maintain though I've no idea what that is. My struggles may be about to start.

Q: This blog appears to be something you enjoy doing for fun. What is it you do as a profession (if you don't mind us asking), and how do you balance a career and blogging - especially with the demand of posting a postcard a day can bring? Would you ever consider trying to make blogging an entire career, or just a hobby? If just a hobby - why just a hobby? If a career - what extra steps would you take?

A: I do enjoy blogging and it is for fun. I'm not formally employed now, though I was when I started. It isn't so difficult to appear to post every day because I schedule the posts. I generally do at least a week's worth at a time. Make a career out of it? I don't think so, I don't think it's possible these days.

Q: How important is the comments section/rea-dership numbers to you? Is this something that you only find gratification in when you know other people are reading? That said, have you become discouraged and have you ever considered giving up your blog because you thought no one cared/read? If so, how did you overcome those feelings?

A: The comments section is an interesting thing. his blog doesn't really lend itself to commenting very much. What can people say? Mostly just "nice card" or variations on that, but just occasionally I get something great and it makes it all worthwhile. I had a comment on one of my early cards, the Mark Twain Clopper, from someone who had been in the picture 23 years ago. That was exceptional but there have been others. Readers are a different matter and I've become accustomed to watching my stats. It's a great boost to see follower and reader numbers climbing.

Q: How important do you think a name can be when beginning one’s own blog? Did you have designed-minded ideas when you came up with the name of your blog or was it something that all fell together in place? That said, how important do you think a blog’s design is? Is the use of things such as videos and photos essentials to the success of a blog, or do you believe good writing is the key?

A: I think the blog's name is a useful indicator of what to expect but not all-important. The design is more so, because I can't tell you the number of blogs I close as soon as I open if they offend my eyes or even my ears. That said, I'm using a very old basic template and I know it could and should be improved. If I ever do earn any money from it, that will be the first thing I do - pay a designer. Obviously a picture per post is inevitable with my subject matter. I try to strike a balance between the writing and the picture. I don't like a string of postcards with little to say about them but at the same time I don't think people want to read huge chunks of text, no matter how fascinating I think it is.

Quick 5:
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: Educating Rita
Q: Favorite food?
A: Chocolate cake
Q: Favorite television show?
A: Masterchef, UK edition
Q: When you are not working or blogging, what do you enjoy doing the most?
A: Walking, photography, reading
Q: What’s your favorite blog?
A: How can I possibly say? I've made some excellent friends over the years and they are all my favourites.

Blogspot Banter: Diary of an Indy Grrrl

This month's Blogspot Banter turns its collective head toward all things indie. That's right, friends. The Diary of an Indy Grrrl blog has been slowly, yet surely, making a splash within the Blogspot world as of late, having been named a "Blog Of Note" and accumulating nearly 1,500 followers. Luckily for us, we were recently able to share a few e-mails with the site's mastermind, Brandy.

In addition to loving "Dexter" (a move that earned her an infinite amount of awesome points in our eyes), she was quick to point out that this particular blog is only an extension of her regular Web site, IndyGrrrl.com, a site that has even more goodies for you wonderful readers to check out, should you enjoy happening across her blog, a blog, which, by the way, you can access here.

Below, you will find the answers to her questions regarding how much she values her blog (quite a bit, like a good blogger should), her desire to bake, and how much of a dream being a "Blog of Note" truly was to her (and having never been selected for such a thing ourselves, we can confidently say that we can totally relate to how excited we would be. Besides, her response, as you will see, is as priceless and cute as a button!). Naturally, we commend her blog to you, and suggest that if you happen to follow us, you ought to follow her as well. Or, at the very least, meander over to find out what she has to offer (if for no other reason, because she likes "Dexter" for goodness gracious' sake!).

So without any further adieu, we present to you Brandy, the wonderfully nice individual behind Diary of an Indy Grrrl. Enjoy.

Q: How long have you had the Diary of an Indy Grrrl blog? Can you explain what the main focus of your blog is and what inspired you to begin this particular blog? It seems to showcase things that interest you, your life, etc., but is there a particular audience you are trying to reach with the topics you cover on your blog?

A: I started my blog in 2007 as an extension of my website: www.indygrrrl.com. I originally planned to keep the focus on the accessories I make, but that was a bit boring. I then decided to make Indy Grrrl like a diary of sorts where you can find various topics to read about. I don’t have a particular audience in mind. I’ve found that all types of people enjoy reading my blog, but it is primarily women that make up my readership.

Q: Diary of an Indy Grrrl was recently named a "Blog of Note" by Blogspot. How did it feel to be recognized like that? Did you ever know or think it was coming? What can you attribute to obtaining such status within the Blogspot world?

A: I was shocked and thrilled to be a "Blog of Note." It felt wonderful to be singled out, and I’m still riding off the buzz. I wanted to be noticed as noteworthy since I joined Blogspot years ago. I dreamt about it, and kept a note on my desk stating it would happen, and it did! Never underestimate the power of thinking.

Q: Your blog has over 1,400 followers, and your profile says it has been viewed over 6,000 times. Those are pretty good numbers. What advice would you give to a blogger starting out in regards to how to gain readership? Were there any struggles you had to begin with, and how did you overcome them?

A: You must stay true to your own writing style, and offer something real to your readers. Pictures help, and getting slightly personal is also something that pulls readers in. It’s still a struggle to find topics others are interested in. When I write something, and receive ample feedback, I keep that in mind as I’m thinking of new topics to discuss. You have to test the waters, and grab onto what works.

Q: It also states in your profile that you writer, crafter and baker. How do you find time to blog around your professional career? Would you like to make a career around your blog and/or blogging if you haven’t already, or is Diary of an Indy Grrrl something you plan to make a career out of?

A: I would love to make my blog a career, and I’m working on that each day. I want to write books, and I’m hoping a publishing company will approach me to make The Diary of an Indy Grrrl a book. It may be tricky, but I think it needs to be done. Baking is something I do for fun as a hobby, but writing is what I’ll have my degree in a few months from now, so I’m on the writing path.

Q: How important is the comments section/readership numbers to you? Is this blog up and running for fun, and your own personal enjoyment, or is this something that you only find gratification in when you know other people are reading? That said, have you become discouraged and have you ever considered giving up your blog because you thought no one cared/read? If so, how did you overcome those feelings?

A: I have felt like giving up a bunch of times when comments are low, but I know people are still reading, so I continue. Even though I’ve been discouraged at times, I love to write in a social sphere, so I could never walk away from it. I enjoy it too much.

Q: How important do you think a name can be when beginning one’s own blog? You have done such a good job at designing and playing off the name you chose for your blog. Did you have design-minded ideas when you came up with the name of your blog, or was it something that all fell together in place? That said, how important do you think a blog’s design is? Is the use of things such as videos and photos essential to the success of a blog, or do you believe good writing is the key?

A: Honestly, I play around with ideas as I go. I put my style out there and hope that it translates well. I think the name and design is important, but not crucial to success. The important thing is to make sure your design is clear, eye-catching and unique. I am turned off by awkward pages that are not aligned, and blogs that have too much information to read. Pictures are crucial to posts, but they should be clear and big enough to see. Everyone loves imagery, but good writing is definitely the key to gaining an audience.

QUICK 5:
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: "Dead Poets Society"
Q: Favorite food?
A: Pizza
Q: Favorite television show?
A: "Dexter"
Q: When you are not working or blogging, what do you enjoy doing the most?
A: Shopping, trying new restaurants, watching movies and road trips.
Q: What’s your favorite blog?
A: That is Priceless

Blogspot Banter: Placebo Journal Blog

July's Blogspot Banter takes a look at Dr. Doug Farrago of the Placebo Journal Blog, a blog that is a bit of an extension of a print magazine and newsletter of the same name. In big letters on the top of the blog's homepage, you will find the phrase, "Medical Humor With A Purpose," and that's pretty accurate.

In addition to relaying important information within the medical world (something I admittedly know absolutely nothing about), Farrago sprinkles in bits of wit, comedy and a desire to explain such information in a manner that is easy enough for even idiots such as myself to understand. In other words, even if you don't have much interest in medical issues and health topics, it's still certainly worth your time to check out if you happen to come across an few extra minutes.

Much like our previous subjects, the Placebo Journal Blog was once listed as a Blog of Note on Blogspot's homepage, and, just in case you forgot, this also has an actual magazine attached to it. Yes, friends. This is the real deal. The man behind the blog was nice enough to take a few minutes out of his day to answer some questions regarding how incredibly long his day can be, his patience with breaking through into the television world and, of course, his will to not want to anger his friends.

You can visit Farrago's blog here. We encourage you to look, leave him a nice comment or two, and spread the blogosphere love that we enjoy sharing with each and every one of you fantastically intelligent readers. Now, without any further ado, we present you with Dr. Doug Farrago, the man behind the Placebo Journal Blog. Enjoy.

Q: You’ve had your blog since 2007, I believe. That’s almost three years you have been running now. What gave you the idea to begin a blog mixing humor with medical issues? Did you come across any bit of inspiration for this particular blog?

A: The Placebo Journal blog came as natural extension to our print magazine, The Placebo Journal. It was a way to keep current (magazines don't really do that) and also comment on medico-political news.

Q: Your blog seems to have a consistent base of commenters. What advice would you give to a blogger starting out in regards to how to gain readership? Were there any struggles you had to begin with, and how did you overcome them?

A: Thanks for the praise, but blogs are always up and down. Only blog if you like writing or it's a release. Persistence and determination and patience will take you the rest of the way.

Q: How do you find time to blog around your professional career? Would you like to make a career around your blog and/or blogging?

A: I am a practicing physician (as well as editor to the Placebo Journal). I get up at 4:45 AM and take care of my dogs. Then I read email, do some work and then write my blog on current medical events. I then go to the gym and then to the office. I do not foresee making a career out of blogging but stranger things in life have happened.

Q: How important is the comments section/readership numbers to you?

A: It is good to know people care enough to have an opinion.

Q: Is this blog up and running for fun, and your own personal enjoyment, or is this something that you only find gratification in when you know other people are reading?

A: Both. It is a stress relief as well to write back about the lunacy going on in the health care profession.

Q: That said, have you become discouraged and have you ever considered giving up your blog because you thought no one cared/read? If so, how did you overcome those feelings?

A: I have a niche and a game plan. No one else competes with me with medical humor and sarcasm. I own this space and though it is small, it is all mine. I would love to grow it and keep going with all my writing. I do an e-newsletter (Placebo Gazette), videos (Placebo Television) and the print journal (Placebo Journal). I also travel the country doing keynote talks on "Humor and the Art of Medicine." All my stuff are spokes that are part of the same wheel or brand. I do get discouraged as opportunities (two possible television series) have come and gone for bigger things, but I am a patient man. It will come.

Q: How important do you think a name can be when beginning one’s own blog? Does it need to be catchy? Is a hook imperative?

A: Forget the name. Create your own brand and everything that goes along with that. The name should follow.

QUICK 5:
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: "Rocky"
Q: Favorite food?
A: Ice cream
Q: Favorite television show?
A: "The Office"
Q: When you are not working or blogging, what do you enjoy doing the most?
A: Taking a nap.
Q: What’s your favorite blog?
A: I don't want to piss any of my friends off, so no comment.

Blogspot Banter: Serendipitous

In this month's Blogspot Banter, we feature Chris H.'s "Seren-dipitous," a blogspot blog that is approaching its five year anniversary, and — it should be noted — has over 2,000 followers. Yes. 2,000 followers. That just seems like so much, doesn't it?

Based in northern New England, the blog features her photos from the often beautiful landscape those northeastern parts of the United States have been known to offer. Though she is an adjunct professor, and, as you will find below, she considers her blog something she likes to "play" with, "Serendipitous" has clearly amassed quite the following in the often fickle blog-filled universe. It was linked on blogspot's homepage, and the constant flow of comments and commenters that appear on her blog is something tiny little blogs like us can only dream of.

She was kind enough to take some time out of her obviously busy schedule to answer a few questions about blogging, photography and, of course, the complicated world of the Inter Webs. Oh, and to say serendipity wasn't in play when we found out what her favorite movie was, well, you'll see. So without anymore blah, blah, blah-ing from us, take some time to get acquainted with "Serendipitous" (which you can visit here, by the way), and spend a few minutes on getting to know the individual behind the blog. Enjoy...

Q: You’ve had your blog since 2006. That’s almost five years you have been running now. What gave you the idea to begin a blog based around pictures you have taken that predominantly feature items from nature (flowers, trees, insects, etc.)? Did you come across any bit of inspiration for this particular blog?

A: A few summers back, I finally broke down and bought the DSL camera I'd been lusting over for too long. I shot a summers-worth of pictures, but then when fall (and school) came, I just stopped. I started blogging later that fall to make myself take the time to shoot at least one thoughtful photograph a day. I love the outdoors, love to take note of small, seemingly insignificant things so that's what I photograph. But serendipitous is not just about nature — it's about the daily things that impress me — for whatever reason.

 Q: Your blog has over 2,000 followers, and your profile says it has been viewed over 6,000 times. Those are pretty good numbers. What advice would you give to a blogger starting out in regards to how to gain readership? Were there any struggles you had to begin with, and how did you overcome them?

A: I didn't start out looking for an audience. I started blogging for myself. I'd done webpages before but blogging was an easier way to get information online. In the beginning I knew family and a few friends read serendipitous (from my email signature file and stat counter!) but, even now, with so many readers, a lot of what I write is still just for me. I see it, I think it, wonder about it, sometimes even feel it, then take the photograph, write about it, and post. The fact that anyone but me finds any interest in it is astounding to me, even now. 

Q: It also states in your profile that you an adjunct university professor and ICT specialist. How do you find time to blog around your professional career? Would you like to make a career around your blog and/or blogging?

A: I love my jobs, but they're pretty intense and I work long hours. Blogging has become a bit like playing — I search for a picture all day and snap it when I see it. I mull over the posting as I go about my day, writing down words and phrases and emailing them to myself or sticking them on a Post-it in my pocket. By the time I get home, the skeletal post is pretty much ready to post to Blogger. I sit and tweak it, then re-tweak in the morning with coffee. It's great fun - but no, I'd never make it a career. Wouldn't want to take the chance that it might not be fun anymore! 

Q: How important is the comments section/re-adership numbers to you? Is this blog up and running for fun, and your own personal enjoyment, or is this something that you only find gratification in when you know other people are reading? That said, have you become discouraged and have you ever considered giving up your blog because you thought no one cared/read? If so, how did you overcome those feelings?

A: I do love to get comments and so appreciate them. I would love to be able to repsond to all of them, although I'm not even sure that's expected, and I feel a bit guilty that I don't. But even when I didn't get any comments I still loved to blog. No, never considered giving up - not on this blog, anyway! ;-)
 
Q: How did you come about the name “Serendipitous?” Is there a more personal meaning, or was it designed to draw readers in? How important do you think a name can be when beginning one’s own blog?

A: If the name of the blog is the first thing a reader sees - in someone's blogroll, in a web page or email link - it should be intriguing enough that the reader would want to click and find out more. "Serendipitous" was the name of a dear friend's get-away retreat in northern Maine, a beautiful spot on the coast that she just happened upon and subsequently bought. I always liked the word and the concept behind it. That's how most of my photos and ramblings are - not planned, I just find or notice or wonder about them as life goes on. 
 
QUICK 5:
Q: What’s your favorite movie?    
A: The Usual Suspects. Yeah, really. 
Q: Favorite food?          
A: V8 Juice
Q: Favorite television show?        
A: LOST - Now that it's over, I may go into LOST withdrawal and not watch TV ever.
Q: When you are not working or blogging, what do you enjoy doing the most?
A: I'm a huge fan of sleep, I really like to read and study and learn new things - and I love hanging out with my grandgirl.
Q: What’s your favorite blog?      
A: A vlog, actually - The Vlogbrothers, by Hank & John Green. It's funny, clever, unpredictable, and it always makes me laugh and often makes me think. 


For more, check out http://chune123.blogspot.com/.

Blogspot Banter: Running From Camera

One of the main things we wanted to accomplish when starting this blog was an un-paralleled communal vibe that anybody who stumbles upon our tiny part of the blogosphere could feel radiate off their computer screen whenever you manage to find yourself on our page. We do the best we can to always respond to anybody who is nice enough to leave a comment in the comments section, and if you haven't noticed by now, we always urge you wonderful readers to voice any and all opinions when applicable or possible. It's part of the fun. The No. 1 reason why we do what we do is because it's fun.

As part of that vibe, we wanted to reach out to other, much more popular Blogspot bloggers - who, we'd like to add, have been doing this far longer than us and are way, way better at the whole blog thing than we are, considering the enormous amount of edge they have in experience, if nothing else - to ask them how they have begun and maintained popular blogs through Blogspot. In addition, we wanted to get a feel for how to stand out in the crowded world that is called the Internet above the zillions of other people who take a shot at having a successful blog. And with that said, the notion of "success" when it comes to the blogosphere, we've found, has become entirely relative to whomever sits behind the computer. Is it hits? Is it comments? Is it advertising revenue? Is it the simple notion that your thoughts are being broadcasted throughout the entire world to see?

Nobody knows, but that's the fun, really. These Q&A's are designed to help get a glimpse into the complicated and extensive world of blogging. Why? Because we love you. Expect one of these on the last Friday of each month - a good way to go into the weekend, and a good way to get ready for, well, a new start with a new month ahead. Consider it a present for all the hard work you've done, reading our ramblings as much as you do.

First up is the individual behind a blog called "Running From Camera." Blogspot recently named it a "Blog of Note," and, as you will read below, the blog was also featured on The 9 over where the big boys play at Yahoo. The premise of the page is easy. As it says at the top of blog's page - The rules are simple: I put the self-timer on 2 seconds, push the button and try to get as far from the camera as I can.

That idea has provided a great deal of awfully interesting photos that has garnered the person behind it a tremendous amount of popularity within the Interwebs. Still not sold? Well, take one look here, and shutter as you find yourself dropping 30 minutes of your day, trying to figure out what's going on in the picture.

Yep. That's what we thought.

So, without any further ado, we hope you enjoy taking a look into the person behind "Running From Camera."

Note: Through e-mail exchange, the individual behind this did not want to be named. Because we would never want to offend anybody - like, ever - the name has been omitted, and the identity of the person at hand will be kept secret.

Q: You’ve had your blog since 2006. That’s almost five years you have been running now. What gave you the idea to begin a blog based around taking a picture of yourself in such a manner? Did you come across any bit of inspiration for this particular blog?

A: I started out taking these pictures in May 2006. I had bought a small digital camera (Canon Powershot A520), and I was playing around with it. The series grew, and in June, I put the pictures on a blog, mainly because I was experimenting with Blogger and the way it connects to Flickr. I had not seen the idea of these pictures being used before, but later I found some similar pictures from others. The one that came closest was John Divola (although the pictures look quite different). I put a link to his series on the blog (under "Prior Art").

Q: Your blog has a consistent base of commenters. What advice would you give to a blogger starting out in regards to how to gain readership? Were there any struggles you had to begin with, and how did you overcome them?

A: I make the pictures/blog mainly for my own amusement. I have never tried to promote it, or tried to get views. The first few months, I had hardly any pageviews at all ,as far as I can tell. Then it got picked up by some other bloggers, which led to it being featured on something called "The 9" at Yahoo, which led to a period with more visitors and commenters. Since then, it has been like that: Sometimes it gets picked up, there is a peak, then it slows down again. There have also been some publications in magazines and newspapers in different places, the biggest one of these was a full page of photos in the Guardian newspaper (in the UK). I have noticed that publications in print media hardly lead to an increase in visitors, while being mentioned on a high profile website can bring you a lot.

Q: Is there a job you have working aside from your blog? How do you find time to blog around your professional career? Would you like to make a career around your blog and/or blogging?

A: I don't spend too much time on the blog, I try to post at least a picture a month, but it is not a big thing really. I have to moderate the posts, because I get a lot of spam comments, and I found this is the easiest way to control it, but that does not take more than a few minutes every few days. I do have a job - I make my money as a web developer. I don't want to make a career out of this blog. I think it is a fun thing to do, but I don't want it to be any more than it is.

Q: How important is the comments section or readership numbers to you? Is this blog up and running for fun, and your own personal enjoyment, or is this something that you only find gratification in when you know other people are reading? That said, have you become discouraged and have you ever considered giving up your blog because you thought no one cared/read? If so, how did you overcome those feelings?

A: I am flattered by nice comments, of course, and sometimes amused by strange ones, but it is not really that important to me, as I am not trying to do anything in particular with this blog. If there had been no visitors, I might not have continued this long, I guess, but who knows.

QUICK 5:
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie
Q: Favorite food?
A: Herring (raw, the Dutch way)
Q: Favorite television show?
A: I have not watched television in years...
Q: When you are not working or blogging, what do you enjoy doing the most?
A: Reading (books)
Q: What’s your favorite blog?
A: It is embarrassing to admit, but I don't really read blogs on a regular basis.

For more, check out http://runningfromcamera.blogspot.com/