BLOGGING for Fun and Profit
Blogging was completely new to me 18 months ago, but Masterclass students are told to set up a blog on day one of the course. Apart from learning all the website technology, I hadn’t ever kept a personal paper diary, so I wasn’t sure I could write.
First Rule of Blogging
Post something regularly. Google loves fresh content and writing new posts will improve your page ranking.
Write regularly? What about?
My solution was to turn my blog into a PERSONAL diary, so I write about anything I’m interested in.
The last book I read, a film I enjoyed, a concert worth mentioning, oh yeah, and also what I’m up to with Internet Marketing. 
Second Rule of Blogging
Leave comments on other blogs with a back-link on your signature. Google regards sites with loads of back-links as having quality content, and will rank your blog accordingly.
Blog hopping can take longer than writing posts. Unfortunately many blogs are dead ends – there hasn’t been a new post for months, so visiting was a waste of time. Also some blog owners don’t bother to reply to your comment and you may as well talk to a brick wall.
I use my own blog roll as a visiting list. To save myself time and the frustration of visiting dead blogs, I have only listed the sites which are live and reply to comments.
However after reading Barry Wells blog I’ve realised this isn’t fair to the struggling Masterclass students, so I will also list random Masterclass Blogs.
Next blogging post will be about getting traffic, with 10 sites that will improve your Google page ranking.
Marathon Runner, Drinker and Artist, Blogging for Pleasure and Profit.
Hi John,
Blogging seems to be the no.1 topic at the moment! It is frustrating when comments go unanswered (some from experienced bloggers)and like you I don’t re-visit.
I do feel that the MC course should cover the etiquette of blogging as the newcomers perhaps don’t realise the unwritten code of conduct.
I like the images by the way, the second one just about sums me up, must show it to my wife.
Regards,
Bill
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John McNally
Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:55 am
It was your post Bill, that made me think about Blogging. Then Barry must also have read your Blog, and made me realise I had been rather ruthless cutting out the struggling Masterclass students.
The Masterclass Course does cover A LOT, so I suppose there isn’t room for blogging etiquette.
I’m glad you like the cartoons. My tip for finding them is to click on Google “images” and put the post subject in the search box. Then sit back and wait to be sued for copyright infringement.
John
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Okay John, its time for us to get off our hineys and invent some new words that have to do with blogging.
For example:
Blognobbing – visiting blogs with the intent of rubbing shoulders with people who know how to blog.
blogitus – the dis-ease we catch which keeps us from posting regularly.
blogophile – a later night surfer whose intent is to steal the words from other blogiphants (newbie bloggers).
The way I figure it is: if we produce a couple of new words every day within a few months no one will be able to understand us and we will then be able to sell translation services to all the unannointed.
Of course, I haven’t taken my medication yet today, either …
Love the cartoons and use of color on your blog, John.
Thanks mister, have a grand day.
Barry
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John McNally
Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:04 am
“Blognobbing” is a good word Barry, it should be in the dictionary.
With all those new words invented you could start up a cult, get plenty of sex AND make loads of money.
Keep taking the pills Barry, you don’t want those nice men in white coats coming around again.
John
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Hi John
I’m loving the colour scheme.
I too am guilty of not getting around enough blogs…something I am changing as of today.
See you soon
cheers
Steve
[Reply]
John McNally
Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:33 pm
You must like yellow if you like the colour scheme Steve.
It’s good to have you back, I wondered where you had been?
John
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Cheers for this post. Managing a blog can be difficult and that is why you should take care and try to post regularly to keep visitors coming back. Allowing your users to comment on your blog is also a good thing, as it gets them more involved.
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John McNally
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August 31st, 2010 at 5:52 am
I must admit I get frustrated with blogs that have disabled their comments. I don’t see the point of a blog where you can’t comment? After the Bank Holiday I have fallen behind with my regular posts – I aim to upload a post every 3 days, and I’ll be back on the case today.
John
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This was extremely hard to stumble upon, there was a lot of useless entries on this, I am excited I finally stumbled upon a post worthy of being under this search. Good stuff bookmarked cause I have a feeling several posts on your site will benefit other questions I have faster then looking yahoo.
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John McNally
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August 31st, 2010 at 5:54 am
Wow – If I beat Yahoo I’ll be a happy man.
I hope you do bookmark my blog and come back regularly. 
John
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Also, i’d like to add that in posting something regularly, you have to make sure that you’re writing quality content and valuable information to your readers. This is one effective way to drive traffic to your site as readers would tend to go back to your site if they find it helpful.
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John McNally
Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:14 pm
I quite agree with you Mitch, content should provide valuable information and be of high standard. Worrying about quality is one reason I have stopped posting for a couple of months now. I seem to have lost my mojo, and won’t post again until I have something worthwhile to say.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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