I’ve tried many browsers (if not all the major ones?). And I’ve come to the conclusion I just can’t be without Firefox. Its fast, secure (have had no security breaches with Firefox for now), and efficient as heck.

But what would be Firefox without extensions? I’m pretty sure  that if you use Firefox, you have at least 1 extension installed. Or have tried extensions before.

Well, I have 5 extensions/plugins/addons, or whatever you want to call them, installed.

You guys have no idea how crucial they are for me. So let me list them and talk a little bit about them.

1. Xmarks

This amazing extension does not only synchronize your bookmarks computer to computer. It also syncs your passwords as well. How many times have I formatted my computer, or had to be on my laptop, or even been at another house and needed my bookmarks, and due to my short-memory and password save abuse, my passwords as well? Well, all I need to do is install Firefox with Xmarks wherever I go and it’ll be like browsing the web at home. Seriously, if you don’t have this extension. You have a lot of courage.

2. bit.ly Preview

This is a pretty simple extension. But as an avid user of Twitter, which bit.ly links are popular, this extension allows me to preview what I’m about to surf. So its quite useful to prevent falling into a dangerous or unwanted page. Warning: Its kind of buggy so you may wanna be careful using it for now. Nothing  serious though, just a precaution.

3. Firebug

Possibly the most useful extension for developers. You can edit, debug, and monitor CSS, HTML, and JavaScript live in any web page. Easy to use, efficient and saves a lot of time.

4. Gmail Manager

I consider this extension to be way better than the Gmail Notifier extension. Supports multiple accounts, displays your account details including unread messages, saved drafts, spam messages, labels with new mail, space used, and new mail snippets. Truly a great, time-saving extension.

5. Speed Dial

This is my favorite extension right here.

Just take a gander at this preview: here.

I consider this to be the most direct way of reaching your favorite websites. Instead of searching up and down the address bar list. It supports groups for different kinds of websites. For example, Group 1 will be named “Blogosphere”, because in the “speed dials” you’d have entered all of your favorite blogs. Group 2 has been named “Money”. Here you have all the websites related to marketing and ads. See? Its kind of like “addressmarks”, bookmarks and the address searches combined. Only this is more customizable.

I have a few more, but they are currently disabled so Firefox doesn’t get too slow. I’ll probably start using them again in the near future. They are mostly web developer related. And since I’m not developing any sites soon, I’m not using them. But I’ll probably make a good list of web developer extensions soon. Stay tuned!

PS: If you have a suggestion for an extension I should write in the near future, don’t be afraid to leave a comment doing so.

Today I have decided to run this blog like it should. I mean it under my name, therefore from now on this will be a more personal blog. As you can see, many widgets have been removed for they are not that important since I dont’ expect the blog to get a lot of readership.

I do expect, my upcoming media company to be success if I work on it hard enough. I just know I can manage to pull this off. Its my dream to own a blog network. But if that fails, I’ll be happy to have at least one successful blog.

On another note, what do you think of this theme? I got told about this one by my best friend Tyler Diaz, who is an exper designer and developer (I’ll be writing about his work soon). I find this theme to be so calm and relaxing. Its just the content with a nice eloquent design. I’m loving everything about it.

Onto other news. The ebook? Yes, its coming. I managed to get Adobe Distiller to create the PDF document (in other words the ebook), but to be sincere. I want this ebook to be a hit. I’m working to the point of no sleep (literally). Its not that I want to rush this, but time is money! And its not really about the money. Its the competition. Everyday a new blog pops up, and everyday a reader becomes loyal to a blog that is not on my network. See where I’m going with this?

So things are looking good for now. If anyone is interested in the following please contact me:

• Creating a PDF ebook from a Word document.
• Designing a complicated website (Wordpress-powered, if possible) for my company page.
• Joining the blog network (right from the beginning!).
• Participating in the ebook as a co-author.

All will have pay, contact me so we can work something out.

After much planning, and as I get closer to being “legal” (in other words, in a few months I’ll be 18). I start to think more big. Really big. Actually so big I’m going to start my own official media company. To be more precise, it will be a blog network. The name will be revealed soon, just so I don’t get hit by name-thieves, copycats, etc.. And who will run it? Me, and only young Internet entrepreneurs, designers, bloggers and other experts on different topics such as SEO, social media, and so on. I want to prove that this generation can do just as good or better than the big adults.

But Mr. Ward, do you have the experience? The motivation? The resources?

Well…

Experience

You may see this blog as pretty darn new. But the fact is I’ve been blogging for about 2-3 years on and off. After giving up a couple of times, I now have the maturity enough to start my own blog network and trust me I know its a  big responsability. Yet, I know I can do this. Anything I propose myself to do I can do it. If I work hard enough.

Motivation

Not much to say here. You have no idea how motivated I am. This won’t be a problem in the future. Blogging, writing and Internet is my life. Nothing will ever change that.

Resources

My budget only covers the design I want for the network website. Which is coming out really expensive (but oh so worth it). I do not have a budget to start paying expert bloggers to come and write for the network. In contrast, I have a wide network of online friends who love to write and since they are close to me. Money won’t be an issue.

Now, I’m not saying there will never be any money. I have planned several ways to better my current income. So, in the end. I do have the resources.

That’s just one thing. By the time I launch the network. I will have finished writing and editing my ebook. Same as the media company, I won’t be revealing names yet. Can’t tell you much details yet either. But trust me, its a big and juicy ebook you won’t resist.

So those are basically the plans now. Subscribe to the RSS feedcounter to stay tuned.

Hello readers, today I have great news for you.

One of my favorite writers, Darren Rowse from ProBlogger recently ran a 31 Day Project which purpose was basically to kick-start your blog into success. This wasn’t done by cheap amateur tricks, or fancy words, it was not based on a “secret formula”, nor was it through linking you to other content which really had the interesting content. No. This was a 31 day project that was made up of daily practices that really helped improve your blog and also helped improve yourself as a blogger and in the end, as an all around writer.

Sadly, the project is over. But, it was so successful (13,000 people signed up for the project) that Darren decided to create a workbook, with the help of the guys over at Sitepoint.

Now you’re probably wondering, why should I buy the workbook if the 31 Day Project is still posted up at ProBlogger?

Well, that may be true. But let me tell you something, I just bought the workbook. And it is so different from what is on ProBlogger that it is just amazing.

Why is it different? Here’s a couple of reasons:

•  Organized - Its much more organized. If you’re looking to kick-start your blog. You need to be focused. You can’t be searching for this and that all over ProBlogger. You need to have something concrete that is right to the point.
• Content - From what I can see, Darren added a few interesting things. All worth buying the workbook for.
• Updated Content – Some content may vary greatly in the ProBlogger site and in the workbook, and that is because the workbook has a lot more up to date content.

Those are just a few.

Another reason why you should participate in this is because you’re not the only one doing this project. Other people are doing it, and those who participated the whole 31 days got exceptional results. Actually, if you don’t believe me, check out the 31 Day Project forum. Oh yes, Darren even included a forum for this project. And trust me, its a great experience to be able to talk with other members about this exciting challenge.

So I guess its up to you to decide. I’ll leave you with a few links. Hit me back with your feedback on the whole thing.

• Get your own copy of the workbook!
• 31 Day Project Forums
• 31 Days to Build a Better Blog (Archives)

How can I use forums to my blogging advantage you ask? Well, there are a number of things that prove forums a powerful ally in your blogging journey.

1. Network – You can always network in a forum. If you’re on a forum dedicated to blogs you’re bound to find people with the same or similar interest as you. So as you post more on threads (not spam, of course) people will know you better and eventually this will open up the following possibilities.
2. Advertising – Now that you’re known as a pretty active forum member its a good time to edit that signature (if signatures are enabled) and put in your blog. Now this has two effects. One, the forum may count that link as an external link. So if you’re lucky almost if not all your posts will give out an external link (meaning your blog will count them as incoming links) and that’ll be goodies for your blog’s PageRank. Two, which is pretty obvious, is that while you post more people will keep seeing your post and your signature and will eventually want to click on it.
3. Learning – Good forums have diverse topics to talk about. Meaning this will motivate people to post more threads and create more discussion. Study the topics, examine what people talk about, what people’s opinions are and how people react to other peoples opinions, ideas and thoughts. This is important because this will enable you to learn what people are seeking in topics and what people have had enough about. So go ahead, read and learn.
4. Marketing - Most forums have a marketplace. And finding designs, on-sale blogs, and even contests is much better and easier on forums. Why? For example: I want to find a good designer. Sure I can Google anybody. But on a marketplace I have a very wide-range of options available. Also I can have a clear view of what the feedback is on a certain vendor.

I find these are the top reasons why you should use forums more often. And if you’re looking for a forum, I highly recommend the Bloggeries forum. It has a wide-range of topics, good community, the owner is a very nice gentleman, and there is no or almost no spam. Give it a shot and register. My username is Andre Ward there. So if you’re ever around Bloggeries, feel free to send me a PM.

Today I’m going to talk about how to be a better writer, and why you’ve tried so much and you’re still a mediocre writer. Although I don’t like putting it that way. Bear with me so I can give you some words of experience. Few tips here and there and so on. Overall this article is all about teaching you how to be a better writer.

You see, writing is all about the following (in my opinion, at least):

Motivation

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You definitely need this one. If you’re not motivated to write an article, speech, poem, and so on. You won’t be able to pull off a good quality product. Now you may think, “But its not my fault I don’t feel motivated. I’m just waiting for it to come”. Well, you’re right on one part but let me tell you about the other. Motivation sometimes comes out of nowhere. You’re just sitting on your chair, and bam. It hits you, but here’s the thing I’ve learned from experience. Motivation can come by itself, but what if it takes say.. 3 weeks. You’re going to make your readers wait (if they wait) 3 weeks until you provide them something worth reading? Don’t think so. You need to seek that motivation. Its simple. You know what motivates me? Here’s a few things I find useful for motivation:

• Reading Other Things - This one is pretty obvious. There are blogs out there dedicated only to inspire writers to write. They provide inspirational quotes, strong juicy articles that make you want to get up on your feet and then sit down again so you can write one heckuva article.
• Music - Some may differ with me here, but I’m not talking about hardcore Metallica music here. At least in my case, when I listen to a little Beethoven or a little Mozart. It calms me and greatly inspires to write. Just try finding your tranquil music side. Download some ambient music, or sounds. Trust me, once the smooth sounds start to set in you’ll start feeling more relaxed and therefore your mind will be more open to write something of interest.
• Going Out – “What?! But my computer is inside!” Easy there fella! Trust me on this one. Going out can relax your mind greatly. Alright true, what nightclub do you suggest? Err.. no. Let me be more specific. Got a park? Well that. Try taking a stroll through a park. Preferably sometime early in the morning or when its more calmer where you live. Point is, going out can relieve the stress at home, and if you’re at work go out instead of going to the cafeteria to get one of the sandwiches you’re pretty sure the cafeteria lady puts something in.

So those are just some things I can show you. But you yourself have to find what is important in your life and what things relax you and open your mind more. Try following my tips, some may look silly but they work. And that’s the beauty of the whole thing.

Now there’s this other thing called.

Distractions. Oh yes. We hate ‘em when they get in the way but still pay attention to them.

First, let me tell you what I suffered for months and didn’t realize it impeded my writing until now.

Okay so, clothes were all over the floor. The bed wasn’t done, the closet was a mess, there were plates and cups all over. Well, the typical teenager room. So I corrected this, I woke up one morning and decided to just clean everything.

Now that I have a clean room it all feels way more comfortable here now, so if you have this type of distraction. Get rid of it. In the end, you’ll feel more relaxed that you have a nice, orderly room and the ideas will flow better.

I shouldn’t even mention the other distractions like IM clients, cellphone and so on.

But the distraction we all really need to get rid of is.

The Internet browser.

You must be kidding, how the heck will I write on my blog if I can’t use the browser!?

Sorry my friend, but the browser possesses way to many opportunities to just drop what you’re writing and speed off to Facebook to see what comments on your photos your friends have made.

Solution? Windows Live Writer. Google and download it. Its a blog publisher that really saves the day. Try it, and drop the browser when you write. You won’t regret it. This is possibly the strongest tip I can give you. Write on Windows Live Writer. I don’t know about you guys but when I open up this baby I just can’t stop writing. And bottom line is, it contains no distractions.

So there you have it guys. Those are my 2 cents on how to be a better writer. Let me know what you think and what other things could help one become a better writer and maybe I’ll make a How To Be a Better Writer Pt.2?

Until the next blog post right here at ObedWard.com

So if you’ve been here before. You’ll probably know 2 things.

1. When I write, I can write some interesting content.

2. Sadly, I’m a teen. And I’m one of those typical teenagers (almost adult in a matter of months) that are, well, lazy.

I love writing. I feel it in the genes. My grandfather was a journalist, my dad was a journalist, a lot of my cousins write poems, and one of my aunt’s writes and sings.

Its amazing really, I know I have the ability to write. But I just tend to give it up when I’m looking great. And that doesn’t please readers. But to be honest, even if some readers get mad at me and never come back, it’s ok. I don’t blame them, but I won’t give up writing. That’s for sure.

Now the plan. I’m back into writing, right? But I’ve been out of the Web circle so long I have no clue what’s up in the Internet lately.

This is where Darren Rowse, author of ProBlogger saves my life. See, Darren created something called a “31 Days to Build a Better Blog” challenge some time ago. You probably may think that’s over and serves no purpose anymore…

But, it does!

See, nothing comes to my mind about what to write lately. But if I manage to pull this off it’ll be like a snowball rolling down a mountain.

The challenge is set up in some many diverse ways that basically its like a boost (at least for me) for writers to launch themselves into blogging seriously.

So that’s the plan, for now. I’ll be starting the 31 Day challenge on Monday 15th. Just so I can better organize myself by starting on a fresh week start, and to try and simulate the real thing.

In the meantime, while I prepare myself for the challenge. I’ll probably practice my writing, read some blogs I haven’t read in a while, surf the net for new or updated software, and blog a thing or two. (Yeah, I’ve been gone for a pretty long time!).

Also, I should mention that I’m planning on holding a contest once I finish the challenge. I’m also very excited about this as well. Currently, my plan involves 2 types of rewards: 1. Some money (err’body lov’s money!) 2. Entrecard credits, 2,000 to be exact. It’s not too much but I’m sure I can pull it off.

Well that’s about it. Expect many great articles in the future right here at my personal blog! And thanks for reading.