Here is a photo journal submitted by Brooke with two good looking people as the topics. I just don't get the title of your blog and couldn't find and explanation anywhere...
Friday
Aunt Jackie's Blog
When I hear the words Aunt Jackie I think of the Rosanne Show for some reason...I guess because there was an aunt Jackie on there. Jackie's blog is one of ranting and raving...everyday observances...and lots of opinion. It reminds me of a fireside blog with lots of flare. Great job and keep it coming!
Grasshopper blog
Philosophical...intriguing...and interesting are some adjectives to describe Zorak's blog. You've got the right idea and I like what you've done with your look back on your 100 posts linking back to them (which Google loves). Your post entitled BLOG FUNK touches on a topic I recently wrote about entitled BLOG BURNOUT. No doubt this blog encompasses alot and is well worth the visit. Check it out.
Thursday
Almost retired guy
Ever want to see the country...travel around? Larry brings us a blog about that with a hint of philosophy thrown in for good measure. There is lots more to this blog than just that...regular observances that we all probably think about are brought to life like this post about passwords that I found funny because I am in complete agreement with him. My cheat sheet is in my wallet with my own little code. Great job and hats off to Larry who, by the way, is only 876 days away from retirement! SO stop by and say hello and enjoy the ride. Great job Larry.
Prize patrol
I've never come across a blog like this one yet...it lists different contests and prizes that are being offered by companies and websites with the link to each one. Like if you want to win the new Blackberry he has an announcement about that on his blog. The idea of getting together a compilation of different prizes and contest is great...go to his site...pick what interests you...click on the link and fill out the entry form or follow the directions of the sponsor. It's a brilliant idea in my opinion and hopefully it becomes a raging success. Well done.
Laurel's Blog
This is like a spa blog. If you've ever walked into a spa with the sound of water trickling and soft music playing then you can imagine what Laurel's blog is like. It's very calming and peaceful feeling and it's a refreshing change. This mother of 3 boys is a christian who writes about life...love...and her beliefs, but not in a stomp on the stage and raise your hands as deadly snakes bite at your toes, kind of way. Instead her style is gentle and inspiring which makes this blog a must read for an escape from the everyday.
French Students!
This blog was submitted from France and although it's the language of love and all that, I can speak or read it. So if there are any French language students out there who'd like to tackle this then send some traffic to France!
The Buzz Queen Blog
Here is a blogger after my own heart. There are folks out there that blog for lots of reasons and their blogs are good and great. Then there are bloggers who fall into the category of "getting it". They just seem to get the concept of blogging...posting...promoting...and maintaining their blog. One good example is Skittles and another is the buzz queen. The blog is not too busy and not dull...the posts are sharp and to the point and she has a revenue aspect to the blog, a sitemeter to track visitors and the understanding of google ranks. One thing is if I followed all the yummy recipes she has sprinkled throughout the blog I'd fall way off my diet. Yummo! (So I watch Rachael Ray...so sue me) I have to give that Sangria one to my wife who loves them. Nice Job and keep the blog rolling.
Once Upon a Time...Blog
I like a blog that gets you thinking and offers the chance to be interactive...that's probably why I like Skittles blog so much. Michelle's blog offers that and more as displayed by her most recent post...Do you remember yours? Already 19 comments and climbing. Aside from this the writing is great...you get the feel of an autobiography that you can put down. It keeps you motivated to read more and makes you feel as if you are a part of the bloggers life. Writing styles obviously come across pretty strongly in blogs and I like your alot. So keep up the good work.
Life is Ducky Blog
One word-refreshing. Clearly written on a white background with good expression. It's good to see your husband is coming into the computer age ;) LOL. Michelle's blog is one that is calming and interesting at the same time and I'll be looking for your husband's blog to come across my desk so we can get a little harmless husband and wife competition going. Well done and keep it up. on
Wednesday
BLOG BURNOUT
There is a topic out there that has affected me not to long ago and I'm sure affects lots of bloggers out there, and that is blogger burnout. I've often written about blogging as a passion for myself and others, how it is an enjoyment and an outlet. It allows us to be creative and express ourselves and keep in touch with people. Blogging can definitely be a lot of things to a lot of people.
So what happens when blogging becomes stressful? Is it something we do to ourselves by not wanting to let anyone down or let our blog get "stale"? I think bloggers get a self perceived notion that it's expected of them to keep their blog fresh no matter what. I think that bloggers are afraid of losing readers and/or adsense revenue or whatever the case might be, so they push themselves to post and stress over what they are going to write next. It's almost like they are trying to keep up with the Jones.
So what do we do to get out of this funk? Allow yourself to let go. Maybe you need to walk away for a while, take the weekend off, go shopping and spend some of that Adsense money. In my case I left for a few months and decided to come back because I missed it. That might be too extreme for you, but I think we need to find a happy medium. The whole point to blogging is to enjoy and inform. When it gets stressful then it is no longer fun. Another good therapy is to go visit other blogs and see what other people are blogging about, or try blogging about your burnout and see if others share your worries. There are some very highly respected bloggers that I read often who have posted on this topic, one being Darren Rowse of Problogger and the other being Duncan Riley at The Blog Herald. Both of these bloggers have been blogging professionally for a long time and I'm sure they have struggles with this very topic to some extent. We might not all blog professionally, but we all blog passionately, and it's because of this passion that we want to keep a healthy attitude about the thing we enjoy so much.
So what happens when blogging becomes stressful? Is it something we do to ourselves by not wanting to let anyone down or let our blog get "stale"? I think bloggers get a self perceived notion that it's expected of them to keep their blog fresh no matter what. I think that bloggers are afraid of losing readers and/or adsense revenue or whatever the case might be, so they push themselves to post and stress over what they are going to write next. It's almost like they are trying to keep up with the Jones.
So what do we do to get out of this funk? Allow yourself to let go. Maybe you need to walk away for a while, take the weekend off, go shopping and spend some of that Adsense money. In my case I left for a few months and decided to come back because I missed it. That might be too extreme for you, but I think we need to find a happy medium. The whole point to blogging is to enjoy and inform. When it gets stressful then it is no longer fun. Another good therapy is to go visit other blogs and see what other people are blogging about, or try blogging about your burnout and see if others share your worries. There are some very highly respected bloggers that I read often who have posted on this topic, one being Darren Rowse of Problogger and the other being Duncan Riley at The Blog Herald. Both of these bloggers have been blogging professionally for a long time and I'm sure they have struggles with this very topic to some extent. We might not all blog professionally, but we all blog passionately, and it's because of this passion that we want to keep a healthy attitude about the thing we enjoy so much.
Pay Per Post
I've been looking at alot of blogs and many have Pay Per Post on them. How does this work out? Is it paying off for people? I'm thinking about signing up for it because that is what I do-review.
I'm looking for ways to generate some revenue for this blog and would appreciate any advice from visitors to Critique My Blog. Place suggestions in the c0comment section and thank you for your advice and help.
I'm looking for ways to generate some revenue for this blog and would appreciate any advice from visitors to Critique My Blog. Place suggestions in the c0comment section and thank you for your advice and help.
Lance
Lance submitted a newer blog that has some direction issues. Planning has alot to offer to a blog if you do it before you write your posts. Long lists like the "Sunday Stupid 33" or the dialog post you have further down makes the blog too overwhelming. Short and simple is a good rule of thumb. I get the feeling that you couldn't think of what to write that day so you threw up the long list. Also you added photos to that list that makes it even longer and makes it harder to load the page. Your writing is good and passionate which is made evident in your letter to your son Aden. So although this critique wasn't the most positive I hope that you take it as constructive criticism and keep the blogging ball rolling!
Long may your Lum tree Reek.
This wee lassie's blog is great for a few reasons. One is that it gives proof that the world of blogging reaches across oceans. Second is because it is an interesting blog with a certain amount of wit. I've known my share of drama queens...in fact I cautiously would say that I'm married to one...but this blog has it's dramatic spots as well as some regular, "this is my daily life", kind of spots in it as well. Very well rounded and nicely done.
Chop,Cut,Slice.
I have a soft spot for cooks and chefs as my brother in law is an executive chef at a restaurant in New Hope, PA. I know that it takes alot of work and long days and dedication. Looks like Mags has a passion for cooking and blogging. I can tell this by the way the blog is written and the pics in the post I just looked at. Great job with the blog and wish we could all have a taste of that cookin! Good luck and keep on blogging!
Tuesday
Skittles!!!
I just wanted to take a minute to thank Barb from Skittles for all her help in getting CMB back up and running. Thanks to all the bloggers who have stopped by my blog to say hello and thanks again to Barb for sending the traffic my way. Such a great group of people. Thanks.
Pot Luck
Scott's blog is one with now real direction other than to advertise or inform you about several different services with a post about blogging thrown in for good measure. I don't see any rhyme or reason to the blog but it's a good resource for information.
Sunny days
Blogging can no doubt be therapeutic and a way to express feelings and creativity. In my eyes this blog encompasses alot of this with it's lighthearted posts sprinkled with comedy with an underlying tragedy that is simmering under the surface. Rebecca's blog is a well written blog with an easy to read style that keeps the reader wanting more. This is how I felt reading the first post...as I read on I found out that Rebecca went through the worst thing that can happen to a parent, and that was the abduction and murder of her 12 year old child. This can throw anyone into an instant despair. Rebecca has become an advocate for this cause and I think that if you are looking for a beautiful blog to visit then I'd stop by and offer some support to Rebecca. Great Job and stay strong!
Marvin
Ok ok...how can I describe this blog that includes stories of wicca...Dungeons and dragons...and pics of hot girls? The best I can do is have you check it out for yourself. Definitely a different blog with some interesting posts by this young blogger, stop over there and say hello.
On the night shift...
I have to say that I'm loving BJ's blog. Her plain and simple approach to blogging and story telling is refreshing and easy to read. I love the stories about her work as a night shift front desk clerk at the hotel where she is employed at. Drunkards...loud sex coming from people rooms...and everything in between. Can you imagine. If I had to offer you any advice it would be to write more about your work stories...great stuff. The overall blog is nicely done and your posts easily engage the reader.
Unique
This is one of the most unique blogs I've come across so far. It tells the story of the blogger's life through the perspective of growly bear and princess kitty-two stuffed animals. No doubt you have to visit this blog to get the full effect but it is really unique and a cool idea as well as a great blog. Keep the blog rolling!
Friday's Child
Here is a real busy and interesting blog in that it has some cool graphics and the template is cool. One cool reoccurring post is the Sunday Seven where you get an excerpt from the Bible and a summary of thought about that topic. There is just so much to look at and read on this blog that you have to take a few minutes and go browse. I'm sure you'll enjoy it and find something that you can take away from this blog. Nice job!
Mad as hell...
How great is this interactive blog who's soul purpose is to offer the working man and women the opportunity to bitch about their job in any way, shape, or form. Get a bad tip...gripe here...hate your boss...gripe here...don't like your hours...let us know. I think this blog has the potential to become very popular in that is gives the worker a chance to complain about the customers instead of the way it usually is where the customer is complaining. Customers can be pretty brutal at times so let us know your story. This is a must read for everyone. Good stuff. Great idea.
Dahlings
Into fashion and all that is trendy? Love Style and the newest in thing? Then you have to check out this...well...diary of a mad fashionista. How can you not at least peak at a blogger who starts most posts with "Dahling"? Truly a cool blog with great commentary on fashion and life.
Also check out the ebay store that is associated with this blog. EBAY STORE. Well done fashionista. Keep up the good work.
Crazy Mom
The mom blogs are way in front of this race making the dads look pitiful. This crazy Mom from Arkansas keeps an interesting blog that's has been around since 2004. I think that anyone who dedicates that much time to a blog and have the passion to keep it up over the years has a real enjoyment of blogging, and it shows in Tish's blog. There is alot to keep you entertained as you read about her life and times on this crazy woman's blog!!! Well done and keep it up.
Monday
Think again
This is a tough one because the blog content is good for what the blogger is trying to achieve but as far as the blog itself I am having trouble with it. Maybe it's me and if it is then comment and let me know. I linked over and the page loaded slowly and with errors....then when it finally loaded the page kept jumping from place to place...it was hard to even read the posts. Check out the blog and see what everyone else thinks.
Scrapper
Scrap booker...blogger...and proud American Callie brings us her blog with her most recent post tackling the problem of blood sugar and it's ups and downs and weight watchers. One great thing about blogging is the true sense that you are not alone in anything you go through because chances are out of the millions of bloggers out there you can find a bunch who are going through it with you. That's the great thing about blogging and it's sense of community. Callie's blog is a fun read and keeps you interested, after all, you can't go wrong with anyone who quotes Dr. Seuss on their sidebar! Nice job and keep on bloggin!
Gentlewood
Candace's submission is a blog about life with a sprinkle of postings like Wordless Wednesdays andThursday Thirteens. Overall I think the blog is good but for me it was not easy to navigate. I went to the "about" section on the top of your blog and it was blank which is one way I summarize what a blog is about when I come to visit. I'd add a sitemeter to keep track of your visitors unless wordpress already does that for you. I didn't get a feel of any particular theme or direction to your blog. Don't take any of this the wrong way. It's your blog and it's your ideas and feeling, I'm only giving my opinion and hope it isn't taken the wrong way.
French fried and Loving It!
What can you do but applaud anyone who is so in love to move across oceans to be with and marry the person you love. With two of the most exotic locations in the world coming together in matrimony (Hawaii and France) is it any wonder this blog would grab your attention? Truly an interesting and inspiring blog and as I said earlier I take my hat off to you and wish you and your husband all the best! Great blog and keep us informed!
Air It Out!
Looking for a blog that has alittle bit of everything from blogging tips to college help...then you have to check out Nik Agarwal's blog call THE AIR. In his article My approach to blogging, Nik outlines his idea of a successful blog, it goes as follows:
Simple and functional layout
Flexibility
Quick loading and not CPU/GPU intensive
Professional yet personal
Fun to use
Flexibility
Quick loading and not CPU/GPU intensive
Professional yet personal
Fun to use
I'll have to say I think Nik has accomplished his outline with this blog as it has grown in 4 short months in popularity according to Technorati when it was ranked 2.6 million at it's inception to the current ranking of 408,321 as of February. Quite a jump. So check out Nik's blog and enjoy scenery.
Sheepish Leo...no way!
Jane's blog is a written journal of some pretty intense medical problems as well as a fun outlet to express thoughts and ideas...Bloggers from the UK have a witty style of writing and a certain clarity when it comes to expressing themselves through writing...Nicely done Jane and keep up the good work!!!
Friday
WHO IS BILLY MAC?
I've gotten alot of questions as to who I am and why I don't have a profile etc..etc...SO I decided to give a little profile here. I will be working on a personal blog in the weeks to come which is one thing I've always wanted to do...not that I'm that interesting but I have some stories.
Some personal information is that I'm a father of 2 boys living in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. I am currently in the sales industry working for a distributor in New Jersey. I am married to my fantastic wife and her fantastic mother lives right next door. Don't worry...be happy. I struggle with weight problems and have recently started to exercise and watch my calorie intake on orders from my doctor. I am down 18 pounds so far and want to get down to 160 pounds. I found a great site called DIET.COM and was reading through it and as I investigated it more started to realize that it was geared more for women...Still a good site to get info. I'll stick to the Mayo Clinic web site for now :)...As far as hobbies I like to spend time with my family and music. I am a classically trained trombonist who loves jazz and played for 10 years in 2 party bands called Full Deck and the Blackjack Brass and the one I left a few years ago when my second son was born was The School Boys. I got to play for the opening of the Philadelphia Convention Center...Former Mayor Rendell's 2nd Tern Staff Party and clubs up and down the east coast. My other hobby and passion is writing and blogging as you can see. I had a famous aunt who worked in the early years of television with Candid Camera and had her own show called Marge and Jeff and through her got to meet some famous authors and people...most notable would be the Rockefeller's where I had lunch at the estate and got a behind the scenes tour of the mansion. I also met Joan Rivers and author's Frank and Malachy McCourt (who come with us to the Rockefeller's).
So that's a quick summery of myself. As I said I will be getting together a personal blog where I have lots of good stories to tell...my opinions of personal finance and the stock market (I even discuss penny stocks) and lots more! Hope that covers everything for those who asked.
Some personal information is that I'm a father of 2 boys living in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. I am currently in the sales industry working for a distributor in New Jersey. I am married to my fantastic wife and her fantastic mother lives right next door. Don't worry...be happy. I struggle with weight problems and have recently started to exercise and watch my calorie intake on orders from my doctor. I am down 18 pounds so far and want to get down to 160 pounds. I found a great site called DIET.COM and was reading through it and as I investigated it more started to realize that it was geared more for women...Still a good site to get info. I'll stick to the Mayo Clinic web site for now :)...As far as hobbies I like to spend time with my family and music. I am a classically trained trombonist who loves jazz and played for 10 years in 2 party bands called Full Deck and the Blackjack Brass and the one I left a few years ago when my second son was born was The School Boys. I got to play for the opening of the Philadelphia Convention Center...Former Mayor Rendell's 2nd Tern Staff Party and clubs up and down the east coast. My other hobby and passion is writing and blogging as you can see. I had a famous aunt who worked in the early years of television with Candid Camera and had her own show called Marge and Jeff and through her got to meet some famous authors and people...most notable would be the Rockefeller's where I had lunch at the estate and got a behind the scenes tour of the mansion. I also met Joan Rivers and author's Frank and Malachy McCourt (who come with us to the Rockefeller's).
So that's a quick summery of myself. As I said I will be getting together a personal blog where I have lots of good stories to tell...my opinions of personal finance and the stock market (I even discuss penny stocks) and lots more! Hope that covers everything for those who asked.
Shaken...not stirred.
This is listed on Bond's profile page:
About Me
Just an old soul who decided he needed a place to express himself and stumbled into blogging.
Just an old soul who decided he needed a place to express himself and stumbled into blogging.
Can you think of any better way to describe blogging? Bond's blog is all about his thoughts...opinions...and ideas. The blog was started around this same time last year and it's funny to look at his American Idol recaps of this year as compared to last year. This is undoubtedly an interesting and busy blog so make yourself comfy on the big leather couch and have some fun. Great job bond! Keep up the good work.
Old timer
I almost feel like starting a competition on most established blogs. I've reviewed a few blogs lately that have been around for a long time...This blog in particular was started in March of 2002, which I think makes it the oldest blog I've critiqued thus far. As can be expected there is alot of content to browse through and mostly the bloggers own thoughts and comments of things from American Idol to Documentary on the finding the Tomb of Jesus. So grab a cup of coffee...settle in...and enjoy.
Verity
Verity asked that I give some constructive criticism as her blog is on the new side. As far as the writing and content goes...I think you are doing great. Keep it natural and write about what you like to write about. I see at the bottom of the blog you have adsense. I'd add some adsense to the sidebar too and I'd add a site meter ( www.sitemeter.com ) so you can see how many visitors are stopping by and reading your blog. Keep up the good work and keep on blogging!!!
Goth
Funny...funny...funny. This is one of the best blogs I've read in regards to wit and an almost sarcastic style of writing that I can't really put my finger on. It's just really interesting. One the more recent posts is called Head Up-You've Been Tagged. This will give you a good look into the mind of this blogger you will no doubt keep you interest and keep a smile on your face. Great job!
"Say goodnight Gracie..."
Wonder how many people can tell me whose quote the title eludes to. Poor Gracie is in the grips of the blogging addiction, which isn't all that bad as addictions go. She's so far gone that she actually has a post called 13 books I haven't read. Gracie, an avid reader and former member of several book clubs is now on the other end of the spectrum where she writes instead of reads. You click on her blog and music begins to play which scared me at first and then I was feeling like I was driving along the coastal highway in a convertible. Great content and fun stuff...Keep the blogging wheel turning!
Thursday
A Rainbow of Fruit Flavors!
One of the best blogs I've come across in regards to entertainment and sheer posting power is Barb from Skittles. Barb's blog has alot of community swirling around her blog with some very stauch supporters who visit and participate in her many interactive questions and posts. Barb keeps you up to date with her life and passions as well as a mish mosh of other fun and fantastic posts that will keep you smiling for more. With over 40,000 visitors since the blogs birth...it is safe to say that the popularity of her blog is no fluke. I especially like her "Just a Quickie" posts that ask a question and you answer via the comment section. This is a blog where the bloggers personality is jumping off the screen at you and it is clear that she has alot of passion and cares alot about the people who become her supporters and friends. Check out Skittles today and give Barb some love!!!
Battle of the Brains
Good Lord...yesterday I reviewed a science blog from a Harvard Grad and now a PHd student from Berkely. My IQ has gone up a few points just by reading these blogs! Matt does a good job with a clear and precise blog about his field of study along with other tid bits tossed in. It is clear his political view is liberal with plenty of fun made at Bush. I liked the blog alot and think it's great you can even find the time to write it while studying for a PHD. Good luck and keep on blogging!
Spot on
Dog lovers unite! This blog about 2 great danes and the family that lives with them is a pretty cool blog and was actually started to keep friends and family up to date about daily life and it's events that fill it. It's clear to see that it morphed into a blog that now includes lots of "extended" friends from around the world. I have to say God bless you for having 2 great danes...I struggle with my son's hermit crab! I will have to say the dogs are beautiful and majestic looking. Keep the talent coming and keep on blogging!
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