Houston Blogging Chicks

Check out our new site!

2011-04-06T11:02:00.001-07:00

Move your bookmarks over, we've got our own URL!

Houston Blogging Chicks
http://www.houstonbloggingchicks.com/

Managing Comment Spam

2011-03-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

A roundup of links and resources for managing comment spam.

No one likes spam. Everyone loves to get comments, but spammy comments take up too much time and too many resources. Fortunately, there are some automated ways to deal with it.

Commenting Systems:
Disqus and Intense Debate are two popular commenting platforms that prevent spam. Disqus can be installed on Blogger. Be careful with these. If you decide to uninstall them, you might lose all of your comments.

Plugins:
Akismet spam plugin comes highly recommended for WordPress bloggers, but recently Akismet moved to a paid model ($5-50 a month). It used to be free which is why so many used it. What other tools can a blogger use to block spam?

My personal favorite spam blocker is a WP plug-in, No SpamNX. This blocks robot spammers by creating an invisible field to fill in. Robots using automated programming to view and post on websites see the field, and fill it in- flagging themselves as spammers. Humans can't see the field and their comments go through.

Other plugins add captcha, random questions, or math problems.

Discussion Management:
You can also block certain words, phrases, or IPs in WordPress. For example, I have some profane words blocked plus the worst Spam comment keywords. I had a problem with foreign language spam so I also added a few Russian letters to my "autoblock" list, too.

Other management techniques include flagging comments with more than one link, disabling comments on old blog posts, or making commenters sign up through their Facebook profile or Twitter account.

Captchas
Captcha codes are those wiggly numbers/words/math problems that have to be entered to "prove" you are human. They do cut down on spam but they also reduce the number of actual, quality commenters.

I've only seen one site use captcha to its advantage. The site owner started a meme for "real" commenters to give the definition of their captcha words in the comments, resulting in some hilariously creative responses that were worth reading just for themselves.

For the love of Pete, please don't have captcha AND comment moderation on at the same time. That is a huge turnoff and will kill your comment rates.

Always remember that you do not want to be so aggressive in blocking spam that you make it hard or annoying for your readers to comment.

What do other bloggers have to say about spam?
Best Way To Have Quality Comments Only from Pro Blog Design
Blogger Adds Spam Filters
Do You Spam? Spammy Things to Stop Doing Now!

More WP Plugins:
GrowMap Anti Spam review from Moomette's Magnificance. Phil Hollows of Feedblitz recommends this one, too! Blocks spambots by making commenters click on a check box.

No SpamNX blocks spambots using an invisible-to-humans field.

Block Spam by Math Reloaded

March 2011 Meeting

2011-03-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

The March meeting of Houston Blogging Chicks will be up north.

HEB Cypress Market Community Room
24224 Northwest Fwy
Cypress, TX 77429
March 17, 7 pm

A huge thanks to Heather from Freebie4Mom for helping me arrange a meeting location so I could spend more time with my new baby!

A reminder, nursing babies (and husbands, FWIW) are always welcome at Houston Blogging Chicks meetings.

This venue doesn't have wi-fi, but bring your phones because we're going to talk about our favorite apps (for blogging and for life).

We'll also be talking about how to deal with spam, especially now that Akismet has moved to a paid subscription model. Come prepared to share your solutions!

And of course there should be plenty of time for chatting and networking, too!

See you there!

February 2011 Meeting

2011-02-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

I'm busy with our new baby, but Bobbie Byrd from Clumsy Crafter will be hosting the February meeting so we don't miss a month!

Meeting will be at
La Madeleine
6500 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77057
(Voss and Woodway)
Map!
7:30 pm

Houston Blogging Chicks Meetings and Logistics

2011-02-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

Hey, HBCs!

The Central Market room is booked up until June. In an effort to be more consistent, we'll be meeting on the THIRD THURSDAY of the month from now on. We'll continue rotating the meetings through the city, in an effort to make at least a few meetings convenient for all bloggers.

The meetings will include free discussion/networking time, a beginner's topic, and a more advanced bloggers topic. If you have an idea for a meeting, something you can speak authoritatively on, or sometihng that your blog specializes in (such as giveaways), and you'd like to moderate or lead a discussion, let me know and I'll get you on my list!

However, I still need ideas for meeting places! We've had some great places (Central Market) and some real duds (La Madeleine's, Galleria.) Leave any thoughts, ideas, places, etc. in the comments. Where would you like to meet?

The meeting schedule for the next few months is as follows:
March 17, meeting North (CyFair, Cypress, Woodlands area)
April 21, meeting West
May 19, meeting South/SouthEast (Pasadena, Pearland)
June 16, meeting Central (inside 610 loop)
July 21, meeting North

I prefer a location that has a room or a separate area so we can have a great discussion without competing with ambient noise.

Location should accomodate all budgets. A restaurant where each guest must order a meal is not ideal. La Madeleine's, Panera, a cafe, etc. where members can grab a cup of tea, a light dessert, or a full dinner depending on their needs would be a good choice.

You are the expert on your area- so toss out a few ideas! Also if there is anything you'd like to see as a topic soon, throw that in the comments, too. Upcoming topics include a full series on monetization (affiliates, ad networks, media kits, selling products/ebooks); using Facebook to promote your site; goal review and check-in; getting great photos for your blog; graphics, headers, buttons, and more (plus how to DIY); working with PR reps; gaining traffic; evergreen content and SEO; family privacy vs. open blogging; and more.

Do you tweet?
Don't forget to check our hashtag, #houstonbloggers and follow the Houston Blogging Chicks list!

Goal Setting for Bloggers

2011-01-13T13:46:00.000-08:00

A link roundup to jumpstart your thinking and planning!

Embracing What I Am, What I'm Not: knowing yourself is the key to successful goal setting

The Blogger's Guide to Goal Setting John Chow shares words of wisdom.

SMART Goal Setting for Bloggers from Standout Blogger. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time Bound.

Blogging Goals linkup at Savvy Blogging!

Share your favorite site that helps you be a better blogger in the comments!

January 2011 meeting

2011-01-03T08:21:00.001-08:00

Houston Blogging Chicks will be holding their January meeting at Central Market, in the upper meeting room. You can purchase something from the store, deli, or cafe to snack on (no outside food and drinks).

Thursday, Jan. 13
8 pm
Central Market
3815 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX(713) 386-1700 ‎

RSVP on Twitter (@milehimama) or email Lisa. Come join us for a Blogging Girl's Night Out!
Any area female blogger is welcome to attend- if they can make the meeting, they can come even if they don't live in Houston.

We'll be talking about goal setting and plans for the New Year, and I'd also love to hear from anyone who's gone to Blissdom or has tickets for this year!

This is a great time to find someone to mentor, choose a goal partner, or just share your plans for accountability.

Optional "homework":
Before the meeting, please spend a few minutes setting goals for your blog for the next year. Why are you blogging? How do you want to see your blog grow? Do you want to earn an income from your blog, and if so, do you want a little extra, a part time income, or a full time income? Maybe you don't want to monetize, but you want to be an influencer, practice your writing skills, or create a thriving community.

Determine what you want. You can share with the group at the next meeting for accountability, encouragement, and support or just keep your goals private.

If you don't know where you're going, you won't know how to get there!

Check back or subscribe via RSS - I'll be putting up links to great goal setting articles soon!

Map:

View Larger Map

Blogging and Taxes

2010-12-10T11:42:00.000-08:00

I've put together a list of resources. Check with your tax advisor if you have any questions. Please note I am not a professional accountant and I am not giving tax advice.

If you are a sole proprietor, you'll need to fill out a Schedule C with your taxes.

Remember to include ALL compensation - including products you were given in order to write a review (if you kept that product). If you were given a carpet cleaner from Bissell, tickets to a Yankee game which you attended, and a pound of Ghiradelli chocolate you'll need to claim it! But if you didn't keep it - you picked up the tickets but held a giveaway for them on your blog, for example, and the tickets merely passed through in the course of your business, you do not need to claim it as compensation. If you accepted the tickets, couldn't use them, and gave them to your sister, though - you have to claim it. (See, this is why you need to check with your accountant if you have questions!)

Common deductions might include: cost of hardware and software used exclusively for blogging, promoting online, etc.; hosting; domain name; design/graphics; postage and shipping if you mail items to readers from promotions and giveaways; postage if you send your readers notes, cards, etc. via snail mail; cost of conferences, webinars, ebooks, or regular books if used for training. So, if you bought an ebook on SEO, CSS for Dummies from Barnes and Noble, and went to BlogHer, those are deductible expenses.

If you've incorporated this year, the legal costs are deductible. If you are required to have a license or permit by your city, county, or state, the cost is deductible too. PayPal fees may be deductible.

Be careful- don't claim so many deductions that your blog business is unprofitable more than one year in a row!

From Blog to Business - what you need to know to stop treating your blog like a hobby.

Is it a hobby or a business? How the IRS classifies it.

John Chow on Blog Earnings and Income Tax

IRS guide to Business Expenses

101 Deductions from the incomparable Wisebread.

December Meeting at Dot's

2010-11-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

The December meeting of Houston Blogging Chicks will be at:

Dot's Coffee Shop
7006 I-45 South (I-45 and 610 loop, at Gulfgate)
Houston, TX 77087
(713) 644-7669

Click for map

Thursday, Dec. 2
7-9 pm

Our topic will be bloggers and taxes, and we'll be discussing what kind of records you need to keep in the next year. If you have any burning questions, leave it in the comments or start a discussion on BlogFrog!

I was not able to get a CPA to speak, but we will have a bookkeeper (me). If you are qualified to speak or would like to moderate the discussion, please let me know!

Meeting Agenda:
7:00 Meet and greet
7:15 Formal introductions, surveys. Practice your "elevator speech"!
7:30 Roundtable, free discussion - How does your family, spouse, children see your blogging, and finding balance.
8:00 Bloggers, paperwork, and taxes - getting ready for the new year
8:45 Free discussion. Share what's on your mind or heart

Leave a comment to RSVP or send a tweet! We have a hashtag - #houstonbloggers

December Meeting!

2010-11-11T20:47:00.000-08:00

Save the date!

The next Houston Blogging Chicks meeting will be Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010 at 7 - 9 pm
Location to be announced.

Agenda:

7:00 Meet and greet
7:15 Formal introductions, surveys
7:30 Roundtable - How does your family, spouse, children see your blogging, and finding balance.
8:00 Bloggers, paperwork, and taxes - getting ready for the new year
8:45 Free discussion. Share what's on your mind or heart

I had a great time with the free flowing informal discussion at the November meeting. I'm so glad I'm getting to know you all! Many thanks to Michelle Price, Bobbie Byrd, Vickie Powers, and Kristin Holt for sharing their opinions and expertise.

Don't forget we have a Twitter hashtag #houstonbloggers, and a Houston Blogging Chicks Twitter list.

Also please connect with each other through BlogFrog on the right sidebar. Shared joys are increased, shared sorrows decreased. Let's support each other in the discussion forums. Anyone can start a topic.

Blogging Ethics

2010-10-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of Houston Blogging Chicks will be Thursday, Nov. 11 at 7 pm, Panera Bread at FM 1960 and Eldridge (just a tiny bit NE of 290 and FM 1960)

We'll be talking about blogging with integrity, ethical dilemmas, disclosures, and more. This is our second meeting and we won't have a speaker, but we will have a round table where everyone can share their experience and expertise (and of course get to know each other!)

Some links that might be of interest to you:

Actual text of FTC regulations (81 pages, try not to fall asleep)

What it means for you (just disclose your relationships, even if it's just products, not money, changing hands.)

Blog With Integrity (take the pledge, post the badge!)

Copyright Myths (educate yourself so you don't accidentally steal from someone)

November 2010 Meeting!

2010-10-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of Houston Blogging Chicks will be in the N/NW area

Panera Bread

12220 Fm 1960 Rd, Houston, TX 77065-4805(281) 469-5623 ‎

Thursday November 11
7-9 pm

If your blog supports a charity, please bring info to share!

Meeting topic will be blogging with integrity, disclosure, and best practices for transparency in sponsored posts and giveaways.

If you are able to speak authoritatively on the subject, please let me know. We will have a brief overview of the topic, then open it up for a roundtable Q and A.

Also, before the meeting, why not set some goals for your blog?

Why are you blogging?
How do you want to see your blog grow?
Do you want to earn an income from your blog, and if so, do you want a little extra, a part time income, or a full time income?
Maybe you don't want to monetize, but you want to be an influencer, practice your writing skills, or create a thriving community.

Determine what you want. You can share with the group at the next meeting for accountability, encouragement, and support or just keep your goals private.

If you don't know where you're going, you won't know how to get there!

Don't forget, this group is open to all women bloggers in the area so please forward the link and pass along the invitation!

About Houston Blogging Chicks

2010-10-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

What is the purpose of Houston Blogging Chicks? To foster personal relationships and provide a safe place to ask questions and share knowledge and experience.

What will Houston Blogging Chicks do?

Provide Support

Talk with like minded women who share your online frustrations.
Meet real people trying to balance blog and family.
Have a group of friends who will understand and lift you up when you are down from negative comments, a campaign that bombed, or other things that non-bloggers just don’t get.

Foster Personal Relationships

Get to know each other through face to face interaction as well as Twitter parties, BlogFrog discussions, and digital chatting.
Create a trusted circle who “gets” what you do

Share Knowledge Education, and Experiences

Share knowledge and experiences with each other.
Pass on great tips, ideas, and recommendations.
Discuss a theme/topic at each meeting, like a mini-conference class.
Provide a forum for round table discussions, where everyone gets to speak and share.

Network

Meet other bloggers
Pass along leads, tips, and contacts
Bounce ideas off each other
Team up for events, carnivals, guest posting

What this group is not:

A spot simply to market products or services to other bloggers or to fill out your email list
A captive audience for something you are trying to sell
A place to brag about your stats without adding to the discussion

Blog Frog and Nov/Dec meeting information

2010-10-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

We had a great first meeting and I have some great ideas for future topics.

For the November meeting we're going to tackle the big question in everyone's mind with an overview of blog monetization. UPDATE the meeting topic has changed. This meeting will focus on the pros and pitfalls of sponsored and review posts. If you are an expert and would like to speak/moderate the debate, please let me know! Meeting will be Thursday, November 11 7-9pm and location TBA - subscribe so you don't miss the announcement.

December's meeting will continue with the money theme, this time about how to keep tax records, handling finances, a discussion of PayPal and its features (and alternatives), and how to get your blog house in order for the new tax year. Make sure you are getting all your deductions! I'd love to have an accountant speak. If you have experience or know of someone who can come give a short session on tax deductions, please get in touch!

As we discussed, I've added BlogFrog to this site. It's a forum, based on this blog. ANY of you can start a topic and reply at will - it's our own little community.

Don't forget that we have a Twitter hashtag - #houstonbloggers and I also made a list for Houston Blogging Chicks. If you follow my list, you'll follow all the Blogging Chicks that have Twitter accounts. You can see my lists on my Twitter homepage.

This group is passing by word of mouth (or, word of Twitter?) Please feel free to pass along the link and invite any local women bloggers you know.

As always, my email is open so please let me know if you have any questions!

Houston Blogging Chicks FIRST Meet and Greet!

2010-09-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

Lisa Stauber of Mama Says and Nicki Woo of The Home Guru have started a social media club for Houston area women, and we want you to be a part of it!

Houston Blogging Chicks

Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010 7-9pm

La Madeleine's

5015 Westheimer Rd.

Houston, TX 77056

(713) 993-0287

All women bloggers in the Houston/Harris County/Fort Bend area welcome - if you can make the meetings and you have a blog, come on down! We'd love to meet you.

Inaugural meeting will be a social event, for chatting, networking, and meeting other area bloggers in person. Future meetings will feature round table discussions on topics to help us grow and manage our blogs.

Bring your business cards!

At this time, networking is limited to passing out cards and contact information so that we can focus on building personal relationships. Please do not bring any sponsored "swag", items for review or items for sale.

La Madeleine's offers coffee, pastries, and cafe-style food, if you wish to eat dinner or enjoy a snack or cup of tea during the meeting. Take a look at the menu but don't forget they have a full pastry case, too!

See you there! Leave a comment, send an email, or tweet Lisa @milehimama to RSVP.