What is the best way to interact with bloggers?

Do you engage with drive-by readers?

If not, maybe you should.

Why?

Because others, like myself, may be drive-by readers. drive 01

That means reading on the run. Waiting in line, waiting for to pick up grandkids, or in the dentist/doctors office. And almost always I read on my phone.

phone

The absence of a comment doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the blog post. Simply means I wasn’t in a place to write one. Typing on my cell phone is not easy.

 

And even though we’re all very busy with the holidays, remember to read and click the “like” button. Means a lot to bloggers everywhere.

A post by OPINIONATED MAN encouraged me to do more.

So I’m going to start with an apology.

sorry badI’m sorry if I’ve disappointed any of my readers. I’ve read many posts but sometimes failed to click the “like” button. Just because I’m on the run doesn’t mean I can’t click “like.”

What tips did I garner from his post?

  • The “like” button is an opportunity to connect.
    • Don’t miss it.
  • Drive by readers are important.
    • We all get too busy to talk sometimes.
  • When a reader clicks the “like” button, they read my post!
    • Let them know I appreciate the effort.
  • A reader is an opportunity to expand my network.
    • Don’t squander it.
  • Comments mean the blogger is an active reader.
    • Answer them.

Check out the post below and let me know what you think.

Have you been guilty of reading and not clicking the like button?

Have you missed an opportunity to connect with new readers?

If you have the time, leave me a comment. But please click on the “like” button. Thanks!!

Reactive networking / Blogging BY OPINIONATED MAN

I HOPE YOU’LL TAKE A MINUTE TO FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA, JUST CLICK ON THE BUTTONS BELOW. I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

    

Do you know how to spot Scam Websites?

Spooky time of year, Halloween.

So watch out for goblins. Don’t let them latch on to your computer.

That’s right, Scammers want to trick you into opening the door. Don’t! Be careful and be aware. Keep those buggers out.

If you are unsure what to look for click and read this post by Daniel Nations.

How to Recognize Scam Websites Learn how to protect your identity anywhere online by Daniel Nations

Here is what I learned about how to avoid a Scammers trick. 

  1. Google is my friend…
    • Google an email link before clicking.
    • Google and research any link from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social media.
  2. Even if the website seems legit…
    • check for spelling errors.
    • look for contact information
    • Find a privacy statement?
  3. As seen on…
    • Anyone can make this claim
  4. Trust…
    • Again, anyone can copy a seal of approval or trust security seal.
  5. Fake website address...
    • Is there a weird spelling in the address?
    • Lots of dashes and dots?
    • No dot-org or dot-com? Probably not legit.
  6. Http:// vs Https://…
    • One is secure and encrypted and one is not.
  7. Payment process…
    • No wire transfers is a no-brainer.
    • Refunds, Customer service? A must have.
  8. Where to double-check…

What do you think?

Did this arm you with a little more information?

Did you learn anything new? What?

Have you any tips for avoiding scammers?

Share in the comments. And let’s get only treats this Halloween.

Also, if you can please stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on. 

facebook jeans page   twitter-jeans page icon  pinterest-jeans page  stumble-upon-jeans page   amazon jeans page

 OR CLICK THE “WRITE ME” TAB AND SEND ME AN EMAIL.

 

Do you know the visibility of your website?

Want to know how your blog is doing?

Well, there is an easy, great way to assess, improve and create a better website.

After reading the post from Story Empire Blog below, I followed one of the links provided (WEBSITE GRADER) and here is what I discovered about my blog.

Yay, at last, I managed to get the security part right. But let’s look a little deeper.

First up Performance, grade 22/30.

Hmm, looks like my HTTP requests need to come down. But not bad.

Uh Oh, got an X. I must confess that JavaScript and CSS stuff always leaves me scratching my head. But this weekend I will read up a little on it. After all who wants an X?

Alright, alright! 30/30 on Mobile! Moving on…

To SEO. Another scary, confusing acronym that totally baffles me. No wonder my website scored 15/30 AND received a big fat X in two areas.

Page Titles, I can handle. Meta descriptions, those may take a while to figure out.

Using the website was super easy. But now I’ve more work to do. The WEBSITE GRADER then gave me a list of suggestions to improve my website.

Guess what I’m doing this weekend? 

The article also has a couple of other suggestions and links you may find interesting, especially if you are new to blogging. So you might want to read the entire post.

How to Improve & Assess Your Site Traffic 

Did you try out the Website Grader?
What do you think?
Does your website need help?
Which area did you score highest/lowest on?
Come on, share in the comments.

I’d love it if you’d stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on. 

facebook jeans page   twitter-jeans page icon  pinterest-jeans page  stumble-upon-jeans page   amazon jeans page

 OR CLICK THE “WRITE ME” TAB AND SEND ME AN EMAIL.

Do you think music inspires you when you write?

Or do you feel as to if the sound of music distracts you from your project?

For me, music is a distraction.

However, I’ve read a lot of articles from many writers about how music can set the tone and mood for their story.

Today one such post caught my eye and I thought maybe, just maybe I’m missing out on an important writing tool.

Read and tell me what you think.

8 Styles of Music to Help You Focus While You Write by 

I love music, country music is my favorite, although I’ve been known to listen to all types. From Bach to Jay-Z with lots of Willie Nelson and Jimmy Buffet in the mix. Yeah, my taste run wide. All depends on my mood at the moment, and of course the song.

Oh, one exception might be polka. Meh, not a fan. 

So, after reading this post I began to think maybe, you who enjoy writing to music are on to something.

Writing with Music Issues:

  1. Dance music. Tempted to dance instead of writing. Did I mention I love Country/Western?
  2. Oldies. Drifting down memory, lane not good for writing a murder mystery. Love the Beatles. See, very eclectic.
  3. Soundtrack. Now, this has possibilities. Will have to give this idea consideration.
  4. Folk, Pop. See #1.
  5. Jazz or Classical. Time for a nice glass of Rose on the back porch. So easy to procrastinate.
  6. Electronic. Never considered this type of music. But I’m gonna say it is close to Polka on my scale.
  7. Music in a foreign language. Ooh-la-la. Dim the lights and pour the champagne. No writing tonight.
  8. Video Game or Movie Soundtracks. Yes! This is a keeper and great links.
  9. Ambient Noise. Nope. I’ll be drooling on my laptop. Noise machines are what we use for the grandkids to help them sleep.

Somehow I ended up with one more than Dana but you get the idea.

What I want to know is does music help your writing? Or do you find it another avenue for procrastination? 

Do you write more, or less, when the room is filled with music?

What is your favorite musical style to write by?

Let me know which works for you. I’m really interested.

You can always stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on. 

facebook jeans page   twitter-jeans page icon  pinterest-jeans page  stumble-upon-jeans page   amazon jeans page

 OR CLICK THE “WRITE ME” TAB AND SEND ME AN EMAIL.