Open Discussion: Why Do You Read Remarkablogger? What Do You Get Out of It?

http://40daystochange.wordpress.com/ ami

I have liked your clear writing and valuable tips about what works in blogging and developing traffic. Blog Traffic Fisher has been very helpful. nit: could use slightly less build-up (but I have the attention span of a squirrel, so)

remarkablogger

Thank you. I think I understand what you mean when you say “build-up” and I
have to say, nothing annoys me more when I'm reading or going through other
people's trainings and materials. Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad you feel
my writing is clear and the tips are valuable.
- http://www.gillianpritchett.com/ Gillian
  
  Don't agree with our friend here – Blog Traffic Fisher is worth any build up it gets – it's awesome and whilst I am delighted to get it for fr*e, that quality of info and presentation is worthy of payment.
  - remarkablogger
    
    Gillian, that's why I assigned a dollar value to it. If I were to sell it, I
    really wouldn't do so for less than $49 at least.

http://www.DarrenMonroe.com/ Darren Scott Monroe

Why do you read this one? Answer: Cause the WHY title caught me good one.

What do you get here that you can’t get anywhere else? Answer: A semi professional more personal feedback from an ave Joe type on SEO

In what ways do I help you that no other blog helps you? Answer: Hey don't take this the wrong way I am not being a smart ass but your a non flash guy (boring maybe?) and as a person in the entertainment industry for 15+ years it has been my experience that a non flash person relies substance vs. hype. Plus YOU REPLY to most emails. Many do not.

What has NOT been very helpful to you? I dont have an answer for this one no issues.

remarkablogger

Darren, thanks, man. I'll take substance over hype any day. I'll have to
work on the “boring” part.

I know replying to everyone doesn't scale after a certain point, but I am
nowhere NEAR that point yet, so for now I want everyone to feel personally
welcome and looked after if they choose to be a part of my community here.
- http://www.DarrenMonroe.com/ Darren Scott Monroe
  
  No No KEEP the boring part LOL it is the so called exciting that gets me suspicious LOL.

http://www.blueskyresumes.com/blog louise fletcher

I don't know if my comment might be a little vague, but the reason I like your stuff is that you explain things in a way that just makes sense. Not that other people talk nonsense, but sometimes they're more esoteric and I have to think about how to apply their stuff to what I'm doing. You are more practical somehow.

I value that when, like everyone else, I'm so busy with a million things and don't always have time to think deeply about every single subject.

Your short course on traffic has been such a wonderful help to me. In fact, yesterday I wrote my very first post applying your lessons. I know I have a lot of work to do, but I feel more comfortable about my direction now.

I often tell people about your blog and it's because you are so practical and down to earth. Thanks for all you have shared

remarkablogger

Louise, thanks. Sometimes a person explains things in a way that just clicks
with you, and I understand that. I've spent many years teaching people how
to use software and computers, and writing courseware for the same, and I
think that helps me write clear blog posts.

Thanks for the kind words on the Blog Traffic Fisher course, I hope it gives
you great results!

http://beniaminus.com/ Ben Wilson

I read this blog because you're solid, straight shooting, and relevant. Plus, I feel like you focus on the intersection between business and blogging, which gives me a great perspective.

Sometimes I find the affiliate products you offer aren't the most interesting to me, but I'm sure that some of your readers get value from them. And, ultimately, there is so much meat in the content on this blog, I won't stop reading.

remarkablogger

Ben, thanks for your comment. Straight-shooting and relevant are what I
strive for. I absolutely and intentionally aim for that intersection between
blogging and business, as you say.

Thanks for the feedback on the affiliate offers. I always try to find ones
which are highly relevant. I know that by providing highly relevant offers,
I can help everyone and still earn a living myself, but the relevancy has to
come first or it doesn't work. If I'm off the mark, feel free to let me
know. All feedback, good or bad, is welcome. I have a thick skin, and will
never get defensive or argumentative about any criticism. Without mutual
respect, nobody gets anywhere.

heidifogle

I subscribe to more blogs than I can keep up with. But I find even when I don't really have time, I choose to read at least one post by you every time I go to my reader. I'm still on the beginning of the learning curve, if that specific helps you. You don't waste time being cutesy or clever, although I find your content to be to the point, it's always enlightening and challenging for me. Sometimes I don't know what you're talking about, but that happens less often than when I began 3 months ago. I just thank you for being consistent. I've made a lot of improvements to my blog since your comment that I was leaving money on the table. I found some free help but maybe someday I can hire you to help me. Thank you for being direct, accurate, challenging and consistent. Also thanks for all the free advice and tips in your posts. It's always worth reading your posts.

remarkablogger

Heidi, thanks so much for your comment. The goal of any content marketer is
to be the one feed or email that gets read while the rest are ignored or
deleted, so thank you.

If ever you don't know what I'm talking about, feel free to ask me questions
to clarify. I view this as a failure on my part to explain adequately, not
as a failure on your part to understand. The burden of communicating clearly
is on the shoulders of the writer much more than the reader.

http://www.giftedgirls.com.au/ Sue

Hi,

I read this post because you sent an email to my account and have been studying your free course so I felt obliged.

I'd like to say that your course was informative and really, really easy to follow. I appreciated it and think you have great content.

I don't have anything negative to report.

Thanks so much for your course.

Sue

remarkablogger

Sue, thanks for stopping by. When I post new content to remarkablogger, I
will nearly always email the Blog Traffic Fisher list. You will find a
wealth of free content here that compliments what you are learning at Blog
Traffic Fisher, so I really hope you enjoy it.

Thank you for the kind words about the course: I really hope you get great
results from it!

http://nathanhangen.com/blog Nathan Hangen

Because I know you and know that you are a really cool guy and have good intentions. You have something to teach, and I have something to learn…no BS. I like that.

remarkablogger

Nathan, thanks kindly. You know my respect for you is mutual. Rock on.

http://nathanhangen.com/blog Nathan Hangen

Because I know you and know that you are a really cool guy and have good intentions. You have something to teach, and I have something to learn…no BS. I like that.

avilbeckford

Michael,

What I like most about you is your humility. Another blogger had a post with instructions to do something and I didn't understand them so I asked for clarification and he responded that his instructions were clear. His arrogance rubbed me the wrong way and every time he sends me an email peddling his wares I trash his email. My interactions with him are always very negative. He doesn't understand that people often do not remember what you said to them but they remember how you made them feel.

My interaction with you have been honest, humble and respectful. I remember your post about cornerstone products, and that blog post has helped me to focus my blog, The Invisible Mentor. I am sure that if you had a post and your readers commented that they didn't understand your instructions you would try to explain to them in a way that they would understand, and not brush them aside as if they are unimportant.

Thanks you! Avil

remarkablogger

Avil, I'm sorry to hear you're having an unpleasant experience with another
blogger, that's too bad (you can always unsubscribe, heh heh…). But thanks
for kind words. I've learned a lot about humility from Darren Rowse and
Chris Brogan. I learn a lot from their examples.

Every reader and every customer is important to me: without you guys, I have
nothing.

http://www.gillianpritchett.com/ Gillian

I like reading your posts because you are authentic, you don't try to push sales, you don't use attention grabbing headlines and then there's no substabce underneath, you share information – very generously. You put you into everything you do and it shows. I know that I will from you and from many of the people who read you and comment on your posts. Just keep being you.

http://www.gillianpritchett.com/ Gillian

Of course if your blog could check for typos or missed words that would be great ! I meant to say that I LEARN from you and many of the poeple who post comments. As ever I manage to omit the most important word. Doh !
remarkablogger

Gillian, thanks. It's interesting that others feel I may be pushing sales a
bit too much, so thanks for sharing your perspective on that. Nobody is
right or wrong about this: we all have our own personal thresholds for what
we feel is too much. I'm just glad people are willing to share their
opinions with me to make Remarkablogger a better resource.

I will always try to keep being me, and I hope you do the same!

http://www.radicalmarketingsolutions.com/ Bill

I read you blog because we're in similar niches but not exact so it's a good way for me to stay sharp, see what others are saying and keep my mind open.

Michael as you know it's important to be sharp as a tack as to whats going on around you in your space. I think anyone new to blogging and reads my comment should take something from this…its really important to read other blogs, especially from those folks who are kicking butt.

You're one of those guys that's a must read if you're really serious about becoming a better blogger!

I really appreciate your work. Thanks!

remarkablogger

Bill, I have to say I'm really glad you're here commenting as much as you
do. Your comments have been thought-provoking and valuable, and I hope
you've been getting traffic from here as a response. Your comments are
beneficial to the entire community here. If you ever want to write a guest
post, just send me one. If I can write one for you, please let me know and
I'll be glad to.
- http://www.radicalmarketingsolutions.com/ Bill
  
  Wow Michael, this is really nice of you to say. I really appreciate it. Anyway, I'd love to write a guest post for you one of these days and would love for you to write one for me as well. Anyway, the whole Thursday conversation idea was a brilliant one and I really look forward to each new topic.

http://erica.biz ericabiz

The content is good and that's why I'm here. Also, I intend to eventually get a guest post out to you.

The bad: On my RSS reader, there are like 20+ lines of “share this” after every post, plus some posts that don't have any content except a banner ad. Something is screwy. Definitely check into this!

remarkablogger

Erica, your guest post is welcome any time. Thanks for feedback on the
sharing links in the feed. I thought it would be a good idea to have them so
people could use them, but if they're bothersome, I will rethink that.
- Mike Korner
  
  I think the value of the links depends on how one uses the RSS feed. For example, I use my RSS reader to screen posts. If the post looks useful from what I can see in the feed, I come here to read the full post and to learn from the comments.
  
  Thus, I agree with Erica that the links seem “screwy” since I don't know if I want to share until I get here (and then I would share from here instead of back at the RSS feed, especially since it might be a while before I get back to the RSS reader).
  
  I suppose if someone reads the RSS feed only, without following the link, the share links might be more useful.
- http://erica.biz ericabiz
  
  I have seen some sites that have one little line of text at the end–those are cool. Feedburner lets you do that at the end of the feed, so it might be better to just enable that. Also, what I thought was a post that was just a banner ad is a lot of whitespace at the end of every post, followed by a banner ad. Is this really effective? Do you have metrics? I'm genuinely curious both for my own sake as a blogger and because, as a reader, I have “banner blindness” and don't even know what the banner is–only that it's there!
  
  Hope this feedback is useful to you!
  - remarkablogger
    
    Hmm… that might be some kind of rendering issue with whatever you're using to see the post. They seem find in Google Reader.

http://bootstrapblogger.com/ Karilee

You're authentic, we have similar interests, and I find your content useful. I also use and like the Headway theme, and I learned about it from you. I guess I feel that you're ahead of me in this blogging stuff, but not so far ahead that you've lost sight of the things that helped you get going.

Also, I feel you're “my kind of people”, both from what I know of your interests, and probably because your picture has an uncanny resemblance to one of my best friends.

What else? Hmmm. I like that you're sometimes opinionated. I like that you're helpful. I like that your posts show real emotion at times, and you're willing up and share who you are. I think that's lots of reasons to read your blog. Thanks for writing!

remarkablogger

Karilee, I hope I never lose sight of that, because if I do, I'm finished.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here.
- Mike Korner
  
  @remarkablogger – if you do ever lose site of that, I'm going to be so bold as to say that we will all come there and kick your butt

http://www.bloggingteacher.com/ Paul Cunningham

# Why do you read this one?

Not sure yet, I subscribed only recently though I've known about you a long time. Still sort of working out where we fit in together, if you know what I mean.

# What do you get here that you can’t get anywhere else?

I signed up to Blog Traffic Fisher, partly for some useful tips, and partly cause I always check out what free reports, ebooks, and videos the leading bloggers are putting out there so that I can do some strategic analysis. Have to say, blown away by the amount of content you put in it, I was expecting 5 x bite sized modules. Getting through it all is going to take me a while!

# In what ways do I help you that no other blog helps you?

Not sure yet

# What has NOT been very helpful to you?

Honestly, I feel like you're pitching me a lot already. Not that its unhelpful, but its more than I would have thought would work well for the audience, so I'm fascinated that its working well for you (I assume). Which makes it likely I will stick around to understand your strategies a little more.

FWIW I follow a diverse group of bloggers and IMs to get exposure to all the different strategies and help find the one that resonates best with me and guide my own efforts that way.

remarkablogger

Paul, thanks for the feedback on the course. My intention was to raise the
bar with opt-in incentive free content. The feedback of newer subscribers or
readers is highly valuable to me, so don't hold back! I value your opinion
any time you care to share it.
http://zemalf.com/ Antti Kokkonen

I think I'm on the same boat on remarkablogger as Paul here (thus, the reply in comments, even not fully directed to you Paul)…

I just subscribed, I liked the Blog Traffic Fisher vids (joined for pretty much the same reasons, and found my expectations surpassed by the vids) and I can't give much feedback apart from that.

I follow a whole lot of bloggers too, those that “blog about blogging”, but others as well. Sometimes I feel that I subscribe to way too many blogs, but so far I've managed to live with it. I do like discussions or “call to comments” like this, and blog commenting in general, so I'm sure we'll “meet again”

jlctaggart

Michael,

I've started reducing the number of blogs to which I subscribe since many of them become repetitive. However, I find yours refreshing and succinct. You're very direct and say what's on your mind in few words. Plus you add value. Time is money, as the saying goes. Other prominent bloggers could learn from you.

Mike Korner

Most of my reasons are already covered in other comments, so at the risk of some duplication (and inflating your ego with more compliments , I offer you the following reasons why I read Remarkablogger:

* Awesome content in your posts and articles.
* Awesome content in the comments.
* You respond to comments. I also feel like you enjoy the interaction.
* You are approachable and always helpful.
* You call things the way you see them. No BS. I like that.
* I feel like you genuinely care about your readers and customers.
* I learn a lot from you about blogging, AND a lot about smart ways to conduct business.
* You point out good products in the world via your affiliate offers. This saves me time since I implicitly trust your recommendations.

Bottom line: Reading Remarkablogger is a great use of my time. It is one of the 25 blogs I read regularly. Thank you for all the time you spend making it … remarkable! I GREATLY appreciate it (and apologize for not telling you that more often).

remarkablogger

I try to keep my ego out as much as possible. Thanks for the feedback!

http://www.slymarketing.com Jens P. Berget

I don't read many blogs about blogging, probably about 4 or 5. The reason why I read yours is that it always seems to be a topic that I'd like more information about, and the comments. Yes, when I think about it, it's actually the comments.

You are always replying to the comments, and keeping them alive. Whatever the blog post is, the conversations here always seems to be really helpful, because you're adding to the conversation. Many of the other blogs I read have lots of comments, but they're mostly of many people leaving one comment, not a real conversation.

remarkablogger

Jens, thank you. There aren't that many blogs about blogging that are worth reading, because most of them are copycats.

Thanks for what you say about the comments here. That's a testament to you and all the other readers, because you guys are the ones leaving the comments. But I do my best to make you feel welcomed and acknowledged. I think that's important. More and more, the entire “second half” of a post is the comments.

http://accessibleweb.eu/ Richard

Because over time I have come to trust your honesty and integrity. I don't always agree with everything you say but mostly I do.

remarkablogger

Thanks, Richard. Nobody likes an ass-kisser, so disagree with me all you like.

http://cindyking.biz/ Cindy King

Hi Michael, first I have to say that I've been reading your blog for a long time. But like many people, I don't have the time to read it on a regular basis. I will always read your headlines in the Google reader though and click through when I've got time and it's something of interest.

Why do you read this one?
A couple of months ago, I read one of your articles that truly rocked, much more than the previous ones I'd read. I'm not sure but I think this may have been one of your first posts after becoming a full time blogger. It showed me that you had some really interesting things to say and that I'd probably enjoy a real conversation with you. So I decided to engage a bit more instead of just reading.

What do you get here that you can’t get anywhere else?
It's obvious you know what you're talking about. And as stated in other comments here, there's lots of substance and the style clicks well with me. I know I'm not wasting my time reading fluff and there's a good brain on the other end.

In what ways do I help you that no other blog helps you?
I particularly like your Thursday discussion posts for some reason. I guess they're a coffee break. You have several posts that got me thinking – this is something I don't find quickly elsewhere.

What has NOT been very helpful to you?
When time's tight, I'll often skip the titles obviously aimed at beginners. It's funny reading the other comments on affiliate links. There've been a few links aimed at beginning bloggers that I've clicked through – they were too basic to really be of interest to me. But you've built a strong enough relationship my end to choose your affiliate link if you did have one for more advanced fun stuff.

remarkablogger

Cindy thanks for the feedback. People are at all levels so I try to write stuff for beginners as well as more experienced blog marketers.

I'm glad you like the discussion posts. Seems they're universally liked, which is great! I'm very pleased about that, because it means I've found a better way to help people.
- http://cindyking.biz/ Cindy King
  
  Oh, of course. I understand about having content for all levels. And I agree with Grant. It's ALWAYS good to take time and revisit the beginning stuff on a regular basis… especially when things get hectic and there's danger of losing focus. I was just being honest about my own reading habits.
  
  With regards to the discussions posts, it's well worth analyzing to find out why everyone likes them. Is it simply because your readers trust you, connect with you etc and come out of the wood work? Something tells me there may be more to it. It'd be fun to look back after a couple of months.

http://blogforprofit.com Grant Griffiths

Let me get right to the point. I read you because you know your shit! Seriously Michael. I have taken away so much from your blog. Even the content aimed at the beginner is great to remind us what we need to make sure we are doing.

remarkablogger

Thanks man! Glad you're here.

patriciaugo

I'll keep it short and to the point.I read your blog because it has useful information, explained in a clear way.You take the time to answer peopple's comments (something most people don't do) I've learnt a lot and I thank you for that.This post is a real marketing strategy and I like it.

remarkablogger

Thanks very much! Funny how such a small thing (responding to comments) seems to make such a big difference to people. And yes, this post is also part of my overall marketing strategy. Smart of you to notice.

christinelivingston

Why this? There's something that's both extremely knowledgeable and very individual about you and your site, Michael, which is why I hang out here.

What I get is direct, no bull-shit content about all things blogging and social media.

How do you help that's different to others? It's back to the no bull-shit thing. You have not put yourself on a pedestal like some of the other A class bloggers and, like someone else wrote, you are always responsive. I know you said that that's a scale thing, but I happen to think that if the bigger bloggers are making the money they claim to be making, they could be hiring VAs or “trainee bloggers” to do some customer service leg-work for them. But that's a side issue… What I'm really saying is your customer service is ace.

What's not helpful? I've searched myself and I honestly can't think of anything.

remarkablogger

Christine, thanks! I've noticed the “no bullshit” thing come up a few times, and it's interesting that's the perception.

Some bigger bloggers do employ VAs to approve and monitor comments, but if a VA responded to comments and that was discovered, I don't think readers would like it. Personally, I would hire VAs for other aspects of my business so I can still take the time to answer comments.
- christinelivingston
  
  See, even what you just said is the kind of comment people hang around here for! Have a good weekend.

markpmsg

Your posts are practical and have immediate application unlike those who simply say “stay authentic” and simultaneously break and follow the rules…

remarkablogger

Thanks, man. Practicability and applicability are important, so I'm glad you picked up on that.

http://onecoolsite.wordpress.com timethief

I am not a blogger who blogs for either business proposes or for an income. I read the blogging tips and find they are useful. When it comes to advice on how to use twitter, etc. to promote my non-existent business I just skim over the top of such articles. I spend time everyday removing the bots who become my twitter “followers” every night. I also block anyone who follows me and is obviously preoccupied with trying to befriend me so they can market anything to me.

remarkablogger

Well, if you're not really running a business, then you're not my target audience. Nevertheless I'm glad you're here! Take what you can from the material and enjoy it.

http://www.blogcastfm.com/ Srinivas Rao

Hi Michael,

In addition to the fact that I like your content, I l like your personal touch. You have tons of readers and yet I still see that you respond to almost every single comment. I also found out about you through Sid Savara who is my partner on BlogcastFM so anybody he mentions to me is somebody who's blog I will start reading right after he mentions it.

remarkablogger

Srinivas, thank you. Personal recommendations are very powerful, and I'm grateful to Sid for that. I would not say I have tons of readers. By comparison, I'm only moderately successful in that way. While I want more readers (who doesn't?) I'm much more concerned that the readers I do have benefit greatly from their relationship with me. A thousand dedicated customers are better than ten thousand apathetic readers.

Mary E. Ulrich

HI Michael,
I liked your comments on another site and followed you to your home. Bottomline: I'm trying to learn and you are a good teacher. It is almost like triangulating the information. If more than one blogger says the same thing, or adds depth, it must be true. Hope that makes sense. Thanks.

remarkablogger

Mary, I like your “triangulation” idea: makes perfect sense to me. Also, what you're saying is proof of the power of commenting the right way.

http://maximumcustomerexperience.com/ Kelly

Michael,

I've been reading Remarkablogger for… a long long time… because I enjoy watching your evolution. I was going to say it's like keeping in touch with a friend. Well, all right, with new readers and old you have an open, friendly manner that folks enjoy, so I guess it is like that.

I'm extremely selective (I'm always subscribed to under 30 blogs and for a new one to get in an old one has to go, that way I can give them all attention). What I can't get anyplace else is *you*—which is the same for all the blogs I'm subscribed to. I don't want cold analysis from the blogs I read. I can get that from books and mags. I want personal stories, hard-fought wisdom, and advice straight from the trenches you're in. I get that here.

You asked, so I'll give you my negative. I do occasionally feel there is too much sales pitching here, though I recognize why (to new folks it's… new, lol… and we oldies are supposed to filter it out or be kicked into awareness again, either of which is fine), and of course I appreciate that it's not usually in-your-face here at Remarkablogger. This is one of those unanswerable blogging dilemmas, but yeah, it does sometimes go too far. For me.

Last—like most of the good folks who've lasted a few years, and continue churning out our thrice-weekly (or more) tips and tricks and advice—you occasionally write something so innovative, so simple, so “dammit I should have known that myself,” that I'm itching to put it to use, and I'm just thrilled to have you in my email inbox. Every blog I've kept long-term has to have that (and ho ho, I hope I manage it, too, now and then)—those occasional flashes of brilliance are why Remarkablogger is still remarkable for me.

Regards,

Kelly

remarkablogger

Kelly, I'm glad I made the cut! Let me ask you a question. You're not the only person who has said there's too much pitching, but I'm going to pick on you. Is it really too much as in “too frequent” or is it really that they're not relevant to you? Because a truly relevant never feels like it's one too many.
- http://maximumcustomerexperience.com/ Kelly
  
  Well, Michael, I picked on you, so it's only fair!
  
  Putting on my professional cap… I did try to think about it from an outsider-looking-in perspective before I mentioned it and yes, I meant too much as in “too frequent.”
  
  Like commercials on t.v. We know they're coming, we accept that sometimes they're relevant and sometimes not—and they even convince us to buy things on occasion that we didn't think we needed before—but if you run into a channel with quite a few more than the usual, you're going to notice it, and probably not in a good way.
  
  Make sense?
  - remarkablogger
    
    Yup, thanks!

http://johnhaydon.com John Haydon

Michael – I read your blog because you always seem to have a fresh perspective on the essentials of business blogging. When I want the essentials, I come to your blog.

remarkablogger

Thanks. Frankly, I'm still surprised there aren't more blogs on this topic (but that's fine with me).
- http://johnhaydon.com John Haydon
  
  There aren't a lot of blogs that write about business blogging in thoughtful
  and insightful ways.

frankdickinson

No way to say this politely so here goes: No Bullshit.

You say it like you mean it and mean it like you say it. No fluff, no embellishment – just straightforward writing that teaches and enlightens.

It is always evident that your focus is to provide value for your readers.

Thanks Michael.

remarkablogger

Frank, you're welcome and thanks for the kind words. If you and other readers find what I do here valuable, then I'm on the right track. Without that, there's no point in continuing.

http://www.PTSDspirituality.com/ John Zemler

CMT Remarkablogger 14 FEB 2010

Why do I read this blog?
Because most of what I read is worth the pain. (Start Violin Noises) I am disabled and have chronic pain. Typing, scrolling, sitting up to read a screen: They all hurt. Even voice software hurts. So interacting on the web increases my use of medications. (Stop Violin Noises)

Is a blog worth it? They get a limited tryout and usually dismissed. I recently cut down the blogs I read b/c of pain, time, and suffering endless pitches for products. I still click into you a couple times a week. Unlike many blogs, your sentences contain a subject, verb, and object. Thank you for that!

You actually interact with your comments. The comments themselves are usually worthwhile to read as well. They serve a as mini-forum at times.

The essay by the Maciverse people was very good. The links you had in order to explain the terms used were very good.

You don’t talk down to your readers, you allow disagreement. I recently ditched two blogs b/c one guy couldn’t bear having people question why they would spend money every month on his on-line business club. His pitch was vague and the questions were sincere and reasonable and not snarky. The blog guy was condescending and dismissive. He may know a lot about writing blogs and marketing, but he is a poster child for driving away people who read his comments. I don’t find that here. Thank goodness.

I would like to see easier to use categories in a sidebar. The article links at the bottom of the page are handy, but less useful (for me). Suggested Categories: Beginner, Intermediate, Pro, How to Make an E-Book, How to Monetize, Pitfalls, SEO, Affiliate Offerings, Case Studies, Tax Concerns/Business Expenses.

I’d like to see fewer pitches. I recently cast two blogs adrift b/c of what feels like repetitive posts that really were just pitches.

All in all, your blog is worth the pain. The writing of this comment was worth the pain as I believe it will be read and considered. Semper Pax, Dr. Z

remarkablogger

John, thank you. I'm floored and humbled, and I appreciate the honest feedback.

http://www.followingyourjoy.com/ Michelle

Hey Michael,

First of all, thank you for asking the question…which of course makes me feel valued as a reader! I'm delighted to share my thoughts with you.

I've been blogging for less than a year now, and it is of utmost importance to me to be focused, intentional, and purposeful about my role as a Blogger. So, these last several months I've done research to find people like you–bloggers who are genuine, knowledgeable, eager to share their learnings and expertise, and have fun in the process. In other words, cool people who I can learn from and share in the journey along the way. I'm grateful to have found you recently! You've got a terrific and gentle approach in the way you share your thoughts and expertise with us, and I so appreciate your leadership.

Bottom-line of why I read this blog and what I get out of it: In my work as a Professional Coach, I'm constantly striving to me my best and provide outstanding customer service to my coaching clients and to my blog readers. You help me to stay focused and on-track and excited about my growth as a Blogger…ultimately helping my readers receive tremendous value from my blog. Thank you!

Best wishes to you for a great 2010 and I look forward to continuing to stay in touch.

Peace,
Michelle

remarkablogger

Thanks Michelle. Since you've been doing this for less than a year, let me
ask you a question: What has been your biggest challenge with blogging so
far?
- http://www.followingyourjoy.com/ Michelle
  
  Building my subscriber base. Although I see that as an “opportunity” rather than a challenge. In this initial phase, I have focused mostly on the blog itself–my posts, the design, enhancements, etc. Now I am ready to rock & roll and get the word out big-time! So I'm excited about this next phase. Of course, if you have any specific words of wisdom or advice, I'm all ears!
  - remarkablogger
    
    Thanks, Michelle. Make sure you sign up for Blog Traffic
    Fisher<http://blogtrafficfisher.com>:
    growing your overall traffic will grow subscribers. Stay tuned also for a
    group coaching program to open up soon.
    - http://www.followingyourjoy.com/ Michelle
      
      Just finished Module One. Thanks!!!

http://twtrcoach.com TwtrCoach

Hi Michael.

For me I want to learn all the aspects of blogging this year. I think you found a real cool way to brand yourself and your blog. That is what got me most, to me you have found the perfect branding combination. And I want to learn how you did it. Plus I like your Blogtrafficfisher training..

And it don't hurt that you use Headway Theme..

Cheers.. Are

remarkablogger

How I did it isn't really a big secret: I created a name brand and a logo.
Many people have trouble being authentic, but I don't seem to be one of
them.
- http://twtrcoach.com TwtrCoach
  
  Authentic info is important. And I think you are right that many struggle being authentic.
  
  When I find that the blog provide authentic info, then I very often tend to return back for more information.
  
  Did you create your logo yourself or was this something you chose to outsource? Looks like the inspiration was taken from a Batman movie to flash the bat in the sky for attention..
  
  Cheers.. Are
  - remarkablogger
    
    My first logo was professionally designed. I designed this newer one with
    the speech balloon and the exclamation point. Some folks have said it
    reminds them of the Wu-Tang Clan, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
    - http://twtrcoach.com TwtrCoach
      
      Had never heard about the Wu-Tang Clan. But when I looked them up, yeah I could see the similarities.
      
      Great logo. Something I have to work on myself.
      
      Cheers.. Are

Tim Holmes

hey this is really good! you have made it clear how reviews are of prime importance. i found this review extremely helpful!http://www.aceaffiliates.com/affiliate-education/how-to-find-valid-affiliate-programs.html

Archan Mehta

Michael:

Just to answer your question(s)….what's NOT to like about your blog? Can't think of anything off the top of my head. I think you are doing an excellent job. Congratulations.

I like the fact that, like John Wayne, you shoot straight from the hip like a true cowboy.
You have a no-nonsense, down-to-earth style. I appreciate your individual “voice” too.

You don't sound like a corporate drone: your tone is healthy and to-the-point. You don't beat around the bush and cut to the chase. Your ideas are wise and practical. Your way of writing is simple and functional. You care about your readers, which is why you take the time to interact with us. You even invite some of us to join your club (social networks). You seem like a friendly and approachable kind of guy. Somebody one can trust and have a beer with at the local sports bar–at least I get that feeling from reading your posts. Despite negative feedback, you don't lose your cool, and are ready and willing to make changes. However, I feel you have your work cut out for you, because you still have a long way to go. With your talent, you have so much to contribute. Cheers to you.

remarkablogger

Thanks, Archan. Yes, there is a long way to go!

janepope

I am a total newbie. I am the US director of a very small non-profit. For some months I have been reading blogs and websites, looking for a way to bring our website to life. Right now it looks like a nice scrapbook, but not like what I am seeing on other sites. I finally decided on WordPress and bought Headway because it appears to be something I can learn intuitively. THEN I began searching for tutorials so that I can learn the software. I found your site, which is so much more than just Headway tutorials. I think you will be a huge help, once I get started.

I created a test page on our website, installed WordPress 2.9.1 and then installed Headway 1.5.6. BUT I find that I cannot upload images to WordPress, not even with the default theme. I've tried everything I can find on the forums with no luck. I was hoping that you might be able to point me in a helpful direction. I would certainly be willing to pay for such help.

Thank you for the gracious way that you answer comments, even if you can't help me.

remarkablogger

Jane, thanks for reading, I really appreciate that you're here. If you have
problems with uploading images, it may be folder permissions issue on your
web server, not a WordPress problem specifically (and definitely not a
Headway problem). I'm not sure what you mean by “created a test page.”
WordPress installs into a folder. If you wanted the blog to be in a folder
called “blog” then you'd create a folder on your web server called “blog”
and install WordPress into that folder.

If you want my help to solve the problem, you buy consulting time here:
http://remarkablogger.com/blog-consulting

Although it says on the page that it's phone consulting, it can also be used
for situations like this.
- janepope
  
  For sure I want to sign up for your help. How much time will we need? Thank you so much!
  - remarkablogger
    
    I'm under the weather today so I'm not in any shape to tackle this right now
    (so sorry! ). Go check out Chris at http://flatratewebjobs.com, he
    should be able to take care of you.

http://www.gillianpritchett.com/ Gillian

Great article but your guest poster should have referred to your blog post Open Discussion: How Do You Come Up with Ideas for Blog Posts? – there were enough ideas there to ensure that no-one ever suffers froom writers block.

Hope all is well down there.
Gillian

http://www.gillianpritchett.com/ Gillian

Great article but your guest poster should have referred to your blog post Open Discussion: How Do You Come Up with Ideas for Blog Posts? – there were enough ideas there to ensure that no-one ever suffers froom writers block.

Hope all is well down there.
Gillian

http://www.gillianpritchett.com/ Gillian

Don't agree with our friend here – Blog Traffic Fisher is worth any build up it gets – it's awesome and whilst I am delighted to get it for fr*e, that quality of info and presentation is worthy of payment.

remarkablogger

Gillian, that's why I assigned a dollar value to it. If I were to sell it, I
really wouldn't do so for less than $49 at least.

http://stormywriter.com/default.aspx Robert Medak

In one word “knowledge.”