DIGITAL NOMADS

How To Build Free Mobile Websites

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Just like laptops have replaced desktop computers in popularity, mobile devices of all types are the computing devices of the future.

This not only has to do with technology advances, but the fact that younger people all prefer using mobile phones and mobile computers. Future generations are being trained to be the mobile consumers of a new kind of Internet. The Mobile Web!

Building Recurring Online Income

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Sun, 01 May 2011 19:32:00 +0000

It is pretty amazing to often read blog and forum posts that people have not figured out ways to make money online. This is still quite possible, but not always easy at first. If you are not tech savvy or computer savvy, then there are obviously many things you will have to learn.

After trying just about every online money making scheme, most people will discover that they need to find a few techniques that have worked for others, and then model and master a few of those techniques. New micro-task sites like Fiverr are a great place to start and becoming an Adsense publisher, or developing a system for affiliate sales are still things to consider.

These kind of ways to make money online are not very glamorous, and to be honest most of these methods are quite boring and time intensive. Nevertheless, success is in the numbers and if you can manage to build a large network of blogs and websites over a period of time, then you will be glad you invested the time.

Here is another tip. Look into mobile websites and text messaging, as this is where all the future growth is expected.

The best part is that many of these types of online business models involve doing something in a cookie-cutter fashion that can be replicated over-and-over for recurring income for many years to come. If you are smart about it, you can even train someone else to do all the work.

Mobile Web Directory Network

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 13:50:00 +0000

If you are a true digital nomad and working online, you probably know that the mobile web is going to be the next big iteration of the net. Another thought is that if you are involved with web marketing, or build websites, then you better learn about mobile marketing and how to build mobile websites.

SEO is also different for the mobile web versus the traditional web. One good place to start is by submitting sites to mobile directories, and many of these are still free to submit for now. You can submit your site for free in a new directory at MobileWebsiteDirectory.net, which also can be viewed as a lightweight version for mobile at m.mobilewebsitedirectory.net or a dot Mobi version at mobilewebsitedirectory.mobi. This is a true network of related sites that should help with SEO, since the search engines have determined that they will be indexing mobile sites separately from traditional websites to avoid any perceived duplicate content issues. Google also has indicated that they will serve up a scaled-down version of regular websites on mobile devices to make download time more efficient.

The main website directory is equipped with the Google Translator tool, so even a website about "Schrumpfschlauch" can potentially be translated into over 50+ languages.

I was involved in building these directory sites and it is my first large project involving the mobile web. Part of this project also involves a blog that gets updated with news and info. You can read that at The Mobile Web Directory Blog. Leave comments or questions, too.

Thousands of Newspapers Available Online

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 01:02:00 +0000

Are newspapers old school? There is much in all the news media about how everything is becoming digital, and we do like all the options for getting information in a wireless and virtual way.

In fact, that is all part of being digital. However, there is something to be said about reading a newspaper at breakfast with a cup of coffee in a cafe, or spending a few hours reading a Sunday edition in a leisurely fashion.

There may not always be newspapers as we know them today, but you still can still currently read online newspapers by finding your favorite newspaper on the net. You can find your favorite paper online with a search for an index from your computer no matter where you happen to be.

Where Would You Live and Work If You Had A Choice?

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:05:00 +0000

As a digital nomad you can dream of places you might want to make a more permamnet place to hang out. On the top of my list of places to at least visit to consider would be Costa Rica. I have to admit that I have not yet been there, but over the years I have met people from there, or people that liked to go there for vacations, and even as a second home.

I had college students from Costa Rica when I taught, and all they did was rave about their home country. I worked for the owner of an advertising agency in Chicago that used to go there to scuba dive back when it was still relatively undiscovered. I also had a business partner once that had close friends that owned rental property there with plans to become permanent residents.

Costa Rica is known for its beauty, and according to the New Economics Foundation, Costa Rica ranks as the first in a Happy Planet Index as the "greenest" country of the world. It also is supposed to be easy to live there with investment opportunities available. Some people manage to start or buy a business to cater to the tourist industry like Car Rental Costa Rica.

The great thing about being digital is you can take a virtual business with you just about wherever you go. You just need to be sure you have access to the Internet. Costa Rica is credited with having relatively modern telecom infrastructure, and also has the second highest Internet penetration in Latin America.

Digital Nomad How-To-Hacks

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 03:23:00 +0000

Everybody seems to like How To Links and How To Sites. If you are working online and run into a problem, you can almost always bet that you can find a solution on how to fix just about any problem by searching online.

Sometimes it's just a matter of going to YouTube for a short and to the point video tutorial, and for those that prefer to have written instructions, you can usually find a suitable step-by-step guide by searching the popular how-to-sites. Just find whatever you are looking for by typing a phrase or a couple of keywords related to your problem into Google, Bing, or Yahoo! Think of a couple of ways that other people may be searching for the same information.

The Q&A sites are great for this, too. These are great and free resources for people that work online and on the road. So this naturally includes digital nomads and other road warriors.

How to Avoid Online Work Overload

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:40:00 +0000

Fun Online Games To Play When Bored

We all get our fill of working online. It not only is hard to work alone all day, but working online can lead to depression and overload. You don't have to just work all the time when you are on the net. You can use your computer and high speed network for plenty of entertainment and diversions.

This is another great thing about being technology savvy. You can watch movies, old TV shows, play games, and listen to music. A good rule of thumb is to work in 60 minute increments and then take a break. It really is true that all work and no play makes Jack (or Jill) a dull boy (or girl).

Laptop Insurance for Digital Nomads

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:47:00 +0000

Finding Laptop Insurance

By Lindsay Kizzia

Owning a laptop is now almost essential in many forms of business and even daily life. It might therefore be worthwhile thinking about protecting your laptop through laptop insurance.

Laptops aren't cheap

Although prices have fallen over recent years, even a moderate specification level laptop is still relatively expensive. If you had to replace it at short notice, the hit on your personal finances may be severe and painful - to say the least! That's why spending a little time thinking about laptop insurance, may prove to be in your financial interest.

The dangers of laptops

Laptops themselves aren't inherently dangerous; the dangers arise to your pocket from a variety of possible causes.

- theft - it's a fact of modern life that you may not be the only person that likes your laptop and some of those others may not hesitate to help themselves to it given half the chance;
- accidents - they happen and if they do, your laptop could be instantly reduced to a pile of fairly useless component parts.

Laptop insurance exists to offer you the chance to avoid having to meet all of the replacement cost yourself.

Insurance benefits

It's typically the case that laptops come under what's sometimes called gadget insurance provisions.

What that means is that certain forms of insurance benefit will be provided as standard to all gadgets, including laptops, while some provisions may apply specifically to the type of gadget concerned.

So, with some form of gadget insurance it is typically the case that your laptop will automatically benefit from:

- theft cover (though it's worth noting that you may be obliged to adopt sensible precautions such as not leaving it unattended);
- 48 hour replacement from the time your claim is approved;
- data backup facilities for your critical information (to a specified maximum size);
- accident cover - to deal with those unfortunate accidents that always happen to someone else, right up to the second they happen to you!

Laptop protection insurance typically does not cover breakdowns outside of the manufacturer's warranty period.

It is always wise to read the full terms and conditions of any laptop insurance policy to understand the full features and benefits, as well as the exclusions and limitations.

Playing the odds

It's perfectly true that some people have used laptops for years and never had a single problem of any of the above types.

Nobody can really tell you just how likely or unlikely you may be to encounter any of these problems. The real question boils down to whether or not you'd be willing and able to find the money for a new replacement laptop if you were unlucky with your existing one.

If you don't think you could or would wish to, then laptop insurance may be for you.

Click here for more information on Laptop Insurance

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lindsay_Kizzia

Do Digital Nomads Need Travel Insurance?

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 22:26:00 +0000

Backpackers Travel Insurance Rates
by Backpackers

Backpackers commonly travel on the budget. Every single traveler are at threat of accidents and injuries, right here and abroad. Regardless of whether they're scuba diving in Cairns or trekking the slopes of Thailand, a traveler must have backpackers travel insurance.

They're also prone to illnesses due to the fact they travel overnight or sleep in hostels or dorm rooms. A practical traveler guarantees that he is in great hands by buying backpackers travel insurance. Prior to he leaves he gets a single. Backpackers travel insurance is precisely intended to meet the desires of the traveller.

These plans offer you high levels of coverage for lengthy periods of travel. From one week to two many years, a traveler can avail the backpackers travel insurance. One need to also bear in mind that just since it's known as backpackers travel insurance, it does not mean that they will be roughing it.

Backpackers travel insurance serves like a cheaper and efficient option to single trip travel insurance coverage plans. Some plans cover extra-curricular activities like sports.

A single wont know what may perhaps happen while in travel so this might come in handy. When looking for backpackers travel insurance, you'll find the standards that the traveler must appear out for.

Right here are some characteristics that must be included inside backpackers travel insurance. First of all, it must have the Emergency Healthcare Cover.

In any event that wants urgent medical interest, this can include the price. It need to also have Rescue and Repatriation.

This is the insurance plan that the charges will probably be compensated by the insurance coverage provider. Because rescue comes while using package, this involves helicopter rescue as well. Other functions are Personal Liability.

The insurance coverage supplier is legally liable to cover any automobile accident, injury or damage for the traveler. Vacation Cancellation can also be integrated.

In circumstance anything occurs up, the journey is usually minimize brief. The individual will then be compensated for that quantity that was lost.

The Baggage and Possessions Include can be integrated. Just in situation the possessions from the traveler have been stolen or lost, then the insurance provider will cover the administrative expenses that had been incurred. Included within the package may be the alternative of passport that has been stolen.

About the Author

Uncover exactly where to get reasonably priced backpackers travel insurance using the net. Uncover more with regards to backpacker holiday insurance at my internet site.

Critical Thinking for Business Planning

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:55:00 +0000

Starting An Online Journal

Do you do any real critical thinking and business planning when it comes to your online business. I recently started an electronic journal. I have kept journals in the past, most often in spiral notebooks. This is OK for writing down thoughts through the day, but is not a permanent record and can be quite messy for reviewing ideas, and trying to retrieve information. Not optimal for running a business.

Keeping an electronic version of an online journal makes a lot of since for many reasons. It allows you to take a more critical view of daily activities, and will very quickly show you where you are wasting time. I already am finding that I am working more efficiently in less than a week of starting my new journal. I also know that if you do anything in repetition for 30 days that it will become a habit. In this case, I look forward to creating a good habit that will make me more productive and help me in my business planning. I did this by just creating a private blogger blogspot blog.

You can do this and mark the settings so that the blog will not be pinged or listed in blog directories. Another trick is to just name it something that will not be very search friendly (something unique/add numbers and symbols) and only allow viewing by the author (make yourself the only author).

Do You Believe In Miracles?

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 02:46:00 +0000

Who says you can't market anything online? Working via the Internet, I go to great lengths to test just about every type of online sales and marketing. I have close to 40 niche websites of my own, but also perform online marketing services like SEO for other people. I came across this and thought it was a good example of what can be done with an unusual subject and brand.

Holly Hayden, is the creator of H-Miracle. After examining many forms of treatments and remedies for this particular condition, Holly came across a long lost recipe that was passed down in the family by her grandfather. She discovered that the treatment is based on an ancient medicinal from the Far East known as Fargei. Can you guess what this miracle product being marketed via the net could possibly be?

Select Decent Web Hosting for Starting Online

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:10:00 +0000

Aside from choosing an appropriate and keyword rich domain name, the hosting company and service plan you choose is another important consideration when it comes to starting online. Generally speaking, hosting is not that expensive, so there is no reason to go dirt cheap. Also, stay away from free hosting offers. They are not worth it in the long run.

Remember, that premium price offerings do not always relate to premium services. Do some reviews and stick with the most popular and most reliable services. Starting out, you probably need to look for a hosting company that can handle at least one gigabyte of disk space and can run at least three gigabytes of bandwidth.

If you are serious about building lots of websites or blogs, look no further than WordPress as a platform. This means that you want a hosting company with Cpanel, and a program like SimpleScripts to create data bases. It also makes sense to work with a company that is somewhat local should have have any issues. So, if you live in South Africa for instance, then do a search for "Web Hosting South Africa" to see what choices you may have.

Getting your domain name and hosting set up right from the start will save you lots of headaches in the future.

Social Media for Digital Nomads

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:18:00 +0000

"Social Media Marketing" should be a big deal for digital nomads, especially if you are involved in marketing online. This could be a matter of marketing your service oriented business online, or developing a network of websites and blogs that produce recurring income as you travel.

My business associate, Vincent Malatrait, has created a website that provides information for the various aspects of social media marketing. Interestingly enough, it also is a good example of a website powered by outside resources that also serves as an income producing platform with information products and services available for immediate download.

Have a look at it, as he seems to be doing everything right, all the way from the start by finding a catchy name that also is keyword rich and should be highly search worthy, AIM Social Media. I think this project could be a winner fro him.

Website Description:
AimSocialMedia.com is an online information resource for Social Media Marketing concepts like Social Media Marketing Strategy, Social Networks, YouTube Marketing, MySpace Marketing, Facebook Marketing, LinkedIn Marketing, Digg Marketing, Video Sharing Networks, Social Bookmarking Networks, Blog Networks, SMM Tools and Guides, SMM Q&A, SMM News.

Article Marketing for Online Success

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 20:26:00 +0000

It's no secret that article marketing is a great way to build links and get noticed online. Many digital nomads can make a full-time income online by simply learning the ropes and becoming a half way decent writer.

You can write content for your own blogs, promote products in product reviews, ghost write for other websites, or contribute to content sites that will pay you to write. Sometimes you will get paid upfront, or you can get paid by how many views your article receives. If you really get good at writing, you can then go full-time as a freelancer.

You do need a strategy for article marketing, or a system to do it right. Otherwise you will waste a lot of time and most likely get frustrated.

Here are some of the top article directories to submit your articles to:

List of Article Directories

1. http://goarticles.com/
GoArticles is a really top article directory with a Google page rank of 6 and Alexa ranking of 2800. This directory has a free registration before you can begin to submit articles.

2. http://www.articledashboard.com/
Another important directory with a large variety of categories, ArticleDashboard has been around for many years. This directory has a Google Page Rank of 5 and a good Alexa ranking. Free registration is required.

3. http://searchwarp.com/
SearchWarp is another preferred directory for submitting articles, and is known for quick approval of submissions. SearchWarp enjoys a Google page rank of 5 and Alexa ranking of around 5500. Registration is required and is free. This site has a user friendly dashboard to view/edit/delete your articles.

4. http://www.articlesbase.com/
ArticlesBase gives authors fast approval of submitted articles and have Google page rank of 5. This directory has a dashboard feature that allows you to manage your submissions along with important traffic statistics. Articles submitted in Articlesbase are easily indexed by Google and Registration is free.

5. http://www.isnare.com/
Another great article directory with a Google Page rank 5 and Alexa rank of of 12K. This site has free registration and a wide range of categories.

Mobile Loans for Mobile Workers

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 01:50:00 +0000

No...these are not loans for mobile homes, or loans for mobile phones and mobile computers. However, if you need money to pay the rent, or get a cell phone, a new laptop, or new netbook, this could be a way to do it.

Mobile workers a/k/a digital nomads may often find that they are stretched thin when it come to finances and need to raise some quick cash. You can always hit up a friend for a short term loan, and you may be creative enough to make some quick money online to make ends meet.

Here we are talking about the tried and true pay-day-loan. Years ago this would mean a trip to a brick and motor outfit to fill out some paperwork. These days through the wonders of the Internet we now are glad to say it looks like you can get Faxless Payday Loans.

Can't say I have had to do this yet, but it's nice to know there is the option. Even if you have bad credit or no credit, you may still be able to get enough cash for an urgent need or other emergency.

Changing Digital Nomad Demographics

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:06:00 +0000

There probably have been studies done on this, and our best guess is that a large percentage of digital nomads are "baby boomers". Most people immediately assume that going digital is for geeky laptop toting youth.

However, it makes sense that Baby Boomers are prime for becoming digital nomads. This is because of staggering unemployment in all walks of life. Just because you have a college education, or a certain amount of life experience, will no longer guarantee gainful employment.

All things considered, babyboomer nomads also need to stay healthy and appearing as youthful as possible. This has to do with being ready for the rigors of working on the road, as well as making good first impressions.

Many will even consider their lifestyle habits, diet, and even plastic surgery to stay youthful in appearance. This might be anything from a tummy tuck to nonsurgical procedures. You don't necessarily have to go under the knife. Check out Eye Secrets Review for a way to make your face and eyes appear younger.

Using the Net to Promote Traditional Media

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 23:47:00 +0000

Combine Traditional Media and New Media for Promotions

The Interwebs are used everyday to promote traditional media, and it also works the other way around. Turn on any TV or radio and you will see that most advertisers will display a website address, either in the voice over, in a subtitle, or both. Sports stars, news anchors, and other personalities of all sorts now have websites, Facebook profiles, and Twitter accounts.

AdamWins.com is an example of such hybrid marketing. Adam Meyer appears on more than a dozen current radio shows across the country as well as TV and radio in the UK and China. He also has a weekly TV appearance on the CW Network. The Adam Meyer Show airs Monday through Friday, from Noon to 2:00PM Eastern time on Sporting News Radio. He gives his picks on professional sports and handicaps sporting events for listeners and subscribers.

Insurance for Digital Nomads?

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 23:49:00 +0000

Why Digital Nomads Need Insurance

People that travel a lot have special insurance needs. Certainly emergency medical insurance is something to consider, especially if you are working and living in a foreign country. More than likely if you are a digital nomad, this means the costs will be on you dime unless you are lucky to be working as an expat for a larger company or multinational corporation.

Another consideration is affordable life insurance. Both types of insurance can be tailored to your specific situation. Just remember that when you are planning for an extended stay outside your home country, you need to take the time to plan for things other than your travel and lodging.

Android Chasing iPhone Apps?

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:40:00 +0000

Searching for New Android Apps

As digital nomads we all like our gadgets, not the least being our cellular phones and other great things like Skype for constant contact from a laptop or notebook. Over the years we have also written about Google spinning out the goodies like Google Voice and Google Talk. We also can guess that there is high hope for Android gaining market share from the iPhone. Sorry Apple Fanboys (and Girls), we still love you...but there are other choices out there.

Finding the Best Android Powered Phones that Use GSM

If you going down the Android Apps Download path, then you also will want to consider not only the phones available but the best network. The 3G network from TMobile has to be high on the list for state-side use. You will need a mobile phone that uses a SIM card, too. For international trekkers, look at getting an unlocked quad band phone that also is Skype enabled and can hop over onto Wi-Fi.

The good news is that with all the new apps being offered, Android phones are a nice choice to have. Competition is a good thing and since Android was scaled up and released, the operating system has turned up in a broad spectrum of market segments. Another great option for digital nomads from entry-level cell phones all the way up to high-tech smart phones.

iPhone 4 Case Online Resource

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:12:00 +0000

How To Protect Your iPhone

We don't write that much about the iPhone here on the Digital Nomad site, but that is mostly because Apple gets so much attention from so many other blogs and bloggers.

Let's face it, the iPhone is a fantastic tool and certainly something to be considered by anyone serious about being a Digital Nomad. While browsing online we came across this site that has all kinds of accessories for the iPhone.

Given that you want to take care of your investment, you might want to check out the iPhone 4 Case website. Looks like a pretty good design for an online store, too. Something of interest for anyone involved in e-commerce and selling online to make a virtual living.

Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Planning for a trip world wide? Looking out for an insurance to protect your travel and make your experience a memorable one? The cheapest rate in a policy will hold no meaning if it doesn?t properly cover your overseas travel needs. Choose a company that does not cut on the insurance cover but on the cost of insurance. They should provide you with round the clock emergency assistance as well as cover you for activities and sports you are interested in. Get started with your skiing, snowboarding or bungee jumping, experience the best vacation ever. Do not forget to get an insurance cover of worldwide travel insurance.

Seek provisions for extending your overseas stay. Online option makes it convenient to you if you decide to extend your overseas stay, the holiday insurance should be chosen to protect your holiday. After all every one hopes that we won't need the insurance but it is always best to have it. When you are in a foreign country and something goes wrong whether it is a stolen wallet or lost passport you really do not want to go alone. This is precisely why one opts for worldwide travel insurance for all overseas travel.

Medical cover: you can be covered for any medical assistance or hospitalization charges. While you are on a world tour then the mounting medical bills might cost you the earth and leave you penniless.

Concerns about your personal baggage, protect it from any kind of stealth or damage to your personal belongings. You, as a globe trotter could possibly be having such worries and may be on the lookout of a way out of this. It could be the fear of theft of cash and other ensuing problems.

You plan your trip and relax let your travel insurance agent do the rest. You are going to be really relieved to have the insurance guy deal with things and see you have the funds etc to carry on with your trip and not have it ruined by some unforeseen problem. Your policy should be flexible enough as well as accommodate for any value that you might add during your holidays while making purchases. Independent insurance companies offer the cheapest source of obtaining cheap worldwide holiday insurance that provide for senior travelers, winter sports and globe trekkers low cost insurance.

Digtal Nomads Can Be Location Independent

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:42:00 +0000

Digital nomads can be location independent. In fact, for many this is the goal. They travel light, and have arranged their affairs so that they either have online income from various virtual businesses, or they freelance as independent contractors and use a virtual office.

Become a Location Independent Professional
By Justin Wright

As a location independent professional, I now know how important time and freedom are to a happy life. It is not the money we are after, but the freedom to do what we choose.

Luckily, technology has allowed more and more people to become location independent and quit their jobs to focus on more important things. Using the power of the web, we now have the ability to work anywhere you choose. We can even work in any way, shape, or form that you choose.

Why would anyone want to be stuck in a cubical starring at nothing but blank walls all day? Not only does time drag on, but you quickly realize your life consists of living on the weekends and that is it. Instead, you could be hanging out anywhere on the planet as long as you have an internet connection.
So what are the main perks to becoming a digital nomad? Here is a look at some of my favorites:

Time

By far the most important thing in our life is time. We cannot buy more of it so we need to utilize what we have the best we can. So instead of spending the majority of it in a cubicle, becoming a digital nomad will let you enjoy somewhere else instead.

Another great thing about working remotely is being able to choose when you work. Not everyone enjoys working from 9 - 5 so this is a great lifestyle, especially for night owls like myself.
Having a time schedule that is flexible is also a huge perk. You no longer have to worry about missing important events because you can plan your work life around those events.

Location

As I mentioned above, having the freedom to work from anywhere is amazing. You can choose to live anywhere you want without being confined to certain cities or job markets. You can even choose to live somewhere with a low cost of living and take advantage of the money you make.

Dress Code

Funny thing is, one of the things I hated most about working a desk job is the dress code. I hate wearing dress slacks and polo shirts and could not wait to quit that job. Ever since then, I have worn t-shirts and shorts almost every day. It even saves you money not having to buy new work clothes all the time.

Are you ready to get started? Head over to the Location Independence website and get the complete guide to becoming a digital nomad.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Justin_Wright

How To Be A Ghostwriter

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:44:00 +0000

Becoming a successful ghostwriter demands two things: discretion and the ability to work quickly based on someone else's outline. Ghostwriting may not be the most creatively satisfying opportunity in the general field of freelance writing. Many writers don't like slapping someone else's name on their words; however, freelance ghostwriting can pay well, and can provide you with some much needed income and networking contacts during lean phases of your writing career.

Being a successful ghostwriter means sacrificing some of your own creative principles and work ethics in favor of the work. A client will sometimes come to you with nothing more than a topic idea and title, or may come to you with full chapter outlines and a directive to mimic the style of a well-known writer. This is where the question of ethics comes in. Ghostwriting is inherently on shaky ethical ground, at least in the publics eye, because the author whose name is on the book or article may not have written a single word. Readers may feel duped if they found out. However you look at it, the essence of ghostwriting is a contract: you're trading your writing ability and your agreement not to claim credit on a work for money, usually a decent amount.

If you're willing to do ghostwriting work, you need to make sure that you're not compromising any of your principles. How would you feel about writing 200 pages "in the style of Hemingway" or working on a project that involves too much research, all with someone else's name on it? If you disagree with any part of a project, then you should pass it up and find projects better suited for you.

Of course, there's always a balancing act: if you stick to your principles and refuse too many ghostwriting contracts, you may not be able to succeed financially as a ghostwriter. You could also miss some good writing contacts. If your "writing partner" is established in the literary field, or he has worked with other ghostwriters in the past, he can possibly connect you with some future assignments or throw well-paying work your way. It's up to you to think about what you will and will not do, and accept or reject offers accordingly.

Whatever the project, though, under no circumstances should you work for free (or for promises of "future royalties"). This is true for freelance writing in general, but doubly true with ghostwriting. If you're doing magazine articles under your own name for free (or for "spec," as it's called), then you have at least some leverage for collecting promised future payments if the magazine turns a profit. Your byline is on the material -- and you own it.

If you're not writing under your own name -- if you are, in fact, selling the copyright to your own work, which ghostwriting often amounts to -- you need to ask the client to pay you in advance, anywhere between 25 and 50% of the total project. Asking for payment in advance is a good sign to many clients that you're serious about your work, and a warning to anyone who's considering ripping you off. If a prospective client isn't willing to pay you a percentage up front, ask why. If you don't like the answer, then dont take the project.

If you decide not to collect an advanced payment, then you stand almost no chance of getting paid for work you've done if the client fleeces you. There are many shady businesses and individuals who use online freelancing services or post classified ads asking young, inexperienced writers to write them a book for free. These bogus classified ads promise payment somewhere down the road (as well as promises of a published background, valuable experience, and the like). It's never a good idea to ghostwrite for free. Use your valuable time to ghostwrite for money and always collect an advanced payment before you begin any ghostwriting assignment.

After you have collected an advanced payment for a ghostwriting assignment, you need to adhere to all deadlines and get the work done. Ghostwriting often has short deadlines and strict requirements about content and voice, plus the veto power of the "writing partner" (whose name is going on it, after all.) If you want to avoid rewrites, be scrupulous about sticking to whatever materials the client gives you. If the client doesn't give you anything more than a general directive, you'll have to do a bit more work, but you also have more creative freedom to put more of yourself into the writing.

At its best, ghostwriting is not only one of the more potentially lucrative fields of freelance writing, but one with an unusual degree of freedom, and a chance to get out of your own writing "skin" and experiment. If you keep your head about you, choose your clients carefully, write creatively and professionally, and follow close directions, then you can succeed as a freelance ghostwriter.

Meditation and the Mobile Worker

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 00:38:00 +0000

Meditation and Self Identity

Lost in front of the computer again? Here is a suggestion. Get comfortable in a quiet place. Close your eyes, relax and take several deep breaths, breathing through your nose. Let your breathing fall into a natural pattern. Allow tension to drain from your body.

Now begin by asking: Where am I? What am I? Who am I? Let these questions sink in for a moment in your mind. Be aware of your entire body as you meditate on your self awareness.

Close your eyes and say your name. Do you feel a sense of identity? What if you had no name? Ask "Am I really here"? What's the honest answer? Your name-identity is a collection of ideas... something seen differently by you and others.

Your feelings are not you - they just pass through you. Your clothes, your body, your reputation - none of it is your true self-identity.

Do this meditation for twenty minutes, then take another deep breath before you get up. Notice if you feel different - less worried or less attached to things, feelings and thoughts. Do the meditation as often as necessary, to remind you of what you are not.

For more on self-awareness from a male perspective, click on over to Alphamaledom @ http://www.alphamaledom.com.

Niche Marketing Online

noreply@blogger.com (Digital Nomad) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 00:22:00 +0000

Just How Niche Is Niche?

Is part of your online marketing plan to target niche markets? It should be.

Whether you are following the advice of top Internet Gurus, or if you just happen to have a business that caters to a very specific target audience, you must be able to find them online, and they must be able to find you via the web.

One of the joys of niche marketing is the luxury of tapping into a favorite hobby, occupation or expertise and building a business around it. Viable niche markets are everywhere online.

As an example, this can be almost anything, and it could be something as simple as "stroller blankets" (see www.butterscotchblankees.com).

If you are expanding an existing off-line business by setting up a website, you may find your most valuable contacts right in your store. Make some brochures or cards that announce your online presence, or ask customers if they'd like to sign up for your online newsletter. Some people are finding it easier to just start their business from scratch via the net.