Reflections

Words: Being Human

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:33:30 PST

Saru Singal choose one of my pic for her poem ...thanks Saru...read her post

Words: Being Human: Under the roof of winter, Latches of my door open without making a sound. It's cold out there, Someone lost his ground. My soul shivers, Not...

Blogger Interview # 62: Anuradha Khanna Pentapalli

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:33:44 PST

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Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?

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I am a science postgraduate, a copywriter by profession, a photographer by hobby and an active blogger. I am naturally interested in various subjects. I always had too much to talk, so when I discovered blogging I realized I can have way too many listeners… oops readers!

So I started with a personal blog As I Look At Life. It is all about my views, experiences and PJs. But since I used to travel by Mumbai Local Trains every single day, I had too much to share about the little sweet and sour incidents during my commute. This gave birth to the train blog which has now become more of a passion. I also have a photo blog, a recipe blog, a hotels/restaurants blog, a movie blog and a few more blogs you can discover here.

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Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

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I am a 25%-time blogger J. I got into blogging out of my sheer interest in writing and talking. But then, as I continued my professional journey as an online content manager, I realized that blogging can also help in reaching out to many people and be of some help when required. That’s when I started taking blogging really seriously.

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If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

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Write from your heart. Before hitting the Post button, read the post, check for grammatical errors and see if it will interest your readers. Make the title interesting and relevant to the post. If you are using / referring to someone else’s article or photograph, remember to give credit to the person.

Post regularly.

After writing on a particular topic, look for other blogs on similar topic. Interact with those bloggers on what they have to say and share your views in their comments section. However, never comment for the sake of it. Comments like “nice post”, “good one”, “please visit my blog too”, etc. will not get you genuine followers.

If you are active on Facebook / Twitter, share your post links on your wall.

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How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

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Remember Newton’s third law of motion? For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. You want people to read your blogs, read others’ blogs. You want to read interesting stuff, post interesting stuff. You want people to genuinely comment on your blogs, do the same for their posts. Follow good blogs on Facebook, Twitter, etc. and build FB and Twitter pages of your blogs, if you post regularly.

Interact with readers. Ask for opinions, revert on their comments, join blogging communities like IndiBlogger and Blogadda, and participate in blogger meets whenever possible!

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What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?

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My favorite blogs are:

Deepak Amembal’s Mumbai daily: His photo blog inspires me to click photos on a regular basis. Also, I discovered a lot many memes because of his blog!

Suranga Date’s Strewn Ashes: Her take on life and beautiful poems add life to the work of many photographers!

Siddhesh Kabe’s Sidoscope: A wonderful blog to read that also leads us to Holy Cow, his comic blog that is simply hilarious!

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Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

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A single plug-in / widget cannot be ideal for all kinds of blogs. One must identify what would really add value to their blog, what their readers would be interested in and choose the plug-in accordingly.

For instance, the audience of my Mumbai Local Trains blog is quite active on Facebook and they prefer to get updates and stories on their News Feed. Hence a Facebook Like button leading to the FB page of the blog really works. It also leads to greater and faster interaction via the FB page. But the same is no true for the As I Look At Life Blog!

Recent Posts widget however is essential, so that if the first-time visitor likes your latest post, he/she can view the list of earlier ones at one place and read on. Followers / Google Friend Connect gadget helps you expand your reader base and also discover other blogs. I would advise bloggers to try out one plug-in / widget at a time and see how it works for them.

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Blogger Interview # 61: Risha Kalra

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:29:11 PST

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Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?

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I’m a free soul, just like the morning bird you see everyday chirping at your window, probably to wake you up, wake you up and make you welcome the new day with a warm smile on your lovely lips and a bright shine in your breath-taking eyes. An Extrovert, an Art-Lover, A star-Gazer, A writer, A poet, A rapper, A Beach Lover, A Music-Freak, A Die Hard Converse Lover, A Chocoholic, A shopaholic, A Devil, An Angel, A Hopeless Romantic, A crazy-giggly-psychic-mad girl in this mad world which I she secretly loves to even the tiniest bit.

My Blog: It’s my best friend, like a soul mate. I pour my heart out here and it quietly listens to whatever I have in store, making me feel better, alive, and happy like never before. I am kind of addicted to it, you know!

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Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

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Not really. I write when I have something worth sharing and not on daily basis. And I will probably keep it that way only.

However, I have loved Literature from the beginning of time but never thought of e-writing until last year, November. That was when I wrote my first post. Someone had real faith in my words and that was the inspiration actually.

By the way, I started maintaining diaries from, I think, 7^th grade, because that’s when we’re told how to write, “A Diary Entry”, right!a

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If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

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Blogging, well, it’s a great way to let your feelings out.

Personally, I admire straight-from-the-heart posts. No made up and copied stuff please. Be original and say what you really feel like. It’s your space after all and no one but you are responsible for keeping it bright and glowing. And then, you’re bound to rock for sure! Good Luck people!

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How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

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Thanks to all my friends and Gmail for spreading the word.

Facebook, Indiblogger and other generous fellow bloggers were also equally helpful any day!

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What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?

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The list is countless but if you ask to name 3, I’ll go with these:

You Through My Eyes: If you haven’t, go check out his amazing cocoon ASAP. He is one hell of a Writer. No comparison, seriously!

One Life. Many Moments: A design fanatic bound to take you by surprise with every creation of hers. She calls it “Spiffing”, ain’t that awesome in itself already!

Deeviations: The sheer honesty with which she writes is commendable. He words, they leave you mesmerized. A kaleidoscope of colors, that is!

And yeah, my blog, I-Topia, ain’t that bad either. *Winks*

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Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

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Umm, have as many of them as you want.

Cheers,

Have a good one, mates!

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Blogger Interview # 60 : Ashwini C N

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:35:24 PST

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Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?

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I'm a simple person with a zillion thoughts in my mind. I'm a true Aquarian.

My Blog, Just the Way I like is a personal blog. I write about Life in general, things which attract my attention and make me think.

My blog link is http://ash-aqua-girl.blogspot.com/

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Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

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I'm a part time blogger.

As I said, I constantly have thoughts running in my mind and more than just talking about it with people I wanted to make sure it stayed put so that I could refer to it at some point in the future. Luckily for me, a friend of mine introduced me to blogging. Though I've been blogging since April 2007, I've been blogging actively and seriously only from 2011. And as my blog's tagline goes, Anything worth talking, is worth writing. That is what my blog is about.

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If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

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If you are interested in blogging, start writing right away. To have a good start, you need to develop an interest towards it. It is this interest which later becomes passion that helps you to write because you want to and not because you have to. Write naturally about what you feel and what you think.

Thoughts which come naturally from the heart have a powerful impact.

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How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

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Read a lot of other blogs. Do not read just because you want someone to notice you. Develop a genuine interest in reading other blogs and in getting to know other bloggers. Every blog is unique. You would learn at least one thing from one blog.

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What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?

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I read many blogs on a regular basis and every blog has something unique to offer. Among those, if I had to specifically point out 3 blogs , they would be

Ahamkaara by Sahana Rao (http://walkofthoughts.blogspot.com/)

Conversations by Sujatha Sathya(http://sujathasathya.blogspot.com/)

Words By Saru Singhal. (http://www.sarusinghal.blogspot.com/)

Each of them have their distinctive style of writing. They write about things which everyone can relate to and that is perhaps why they are able to reach out to lot of people on the Blogosphere. Any day, these 3 blogs I've mentioned would top my list of favorites.

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Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

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Passion to write. If you are passionate about something, Nothing can stop you from it.

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Blogger Interview # 59 : Grace Forde

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:34:04 PST

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Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?

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I am Scottish by birth, but my family emigrated to Central Africa when I was four years old, we lived firstly in Harare (or Rhodesia as it was known then) before moving up to Zambia on the Copperbelt where my father worked on the copper mines. I'm sure anyone who has spent time in Africa will agree that it is a magical place and growing up there was fantastic. However things change, they certainly have in Africa and not for the better unfortunately. When I got married, we left to set up home in England where we stayed for a year before getting itchy feet again and as my husband's brother was in Perth and loving it, we decided to come and have a look for ourselves, best move ever as here we still are many,many years and two children later! We've done a lot of traveling, been to exotic places, but it really is always a joy to arrive home in Perth. My son and his soon to be wife have lived in Sydney for the past five years and love the faster pace of life over there, my daughter still lives at home and I love having her here....!

My blog link is www.perthdailyphoto.blogspot.com

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Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

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The idea for my blog came about as a result of checking out other blogs on the CDP site and thoroughly enjoying reading and seeing images from all over the world. Photography has been a passion for quite a while so I thought it might be a way to show others the fantastic place that Perth is by using words and images. I'm not a 'full time' blogger but admit that it does take up a few hours every day and of course I'm always on the prowl for 'that special' image.....!

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If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

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The only advice I would give someone who is thinking of starting a blog, is to believe in your theme, keep it simple and most of all enjoy it because if you don't it will soon become more of a 'chore' than a passion.....!

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How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

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I think you build the 'community spirit' when you blog by being genuinely interested in the blogs you follow, participating by comments and positive feedback. I've made so many 'blog friendships' in the short time I've been doing PDP and I really look forward to and value their input, that's what it's all about.

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What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?

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I'm sorry but this next question is definitely impossible to answer, there are some blogs that I enjoy because the images are spectacular and it's such a pleasure to be able to see them, and there are others where the words mean such a lot that the image becomes secondary. All of the blogs I follow are really special to me in many different ways.....!

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Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

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For me the most important plug in, if it's the same thing as a gadget.. is the google translator, because a lot of the blogs that I follow are in languages that I don't understand, and I'm really interested to read as well as see images of destinations that I might never get to and hopefully there are people out there interested in what I have to say.....!

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Blogger Interview # 58 : Chintan Gupta

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:32:10 PST

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Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?
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I am a crazy person with more craziness yet to be discovered. I do what I like and I like what I do. I have three blogs, The Blunt Blog, Zero-Fiction and 24x7 Clicks. All blogs have different themes.
The Blunt Blog, is about my life, men, women, sex/relationships, opinion, london and the blogs I like. It's everything about my life and things around me under one roof. I speak my mind and that reflects on this blog.
Zero-Fiction, is a non-fiction blog and thus called 0fiction! I wanted to capture real life stories of people and you will find the same here. I welcome anonymous stories as well, if you would like to submit your stories please feel free to. I will feature your blog on 0fiction!
24x7Clicks, is because of my passion for photography. It's my photoblog. This is where you may see my creative side.

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Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?
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I have been a blogger for years now, however it's only now that I started marketing my blog and taking it to next level. I got in to blogging because I like writing and have been doing since college days. Earlier it was my journal, now it's a blog. Writing is my life, hence I blog. I work for money, I write to live!

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If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?
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Speak your heart, one can read when it's fake! Avoid captcha in your comments, enable emails and follow what you like.

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How do you build a community around a blog and social media?
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Reading different blogs, following what I appreciate and Google Blogs Of Note! Twitter, FB groups are big help too.

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What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?
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You can find what I like here. It would be unfair to name only three, I perhaps like 30 and there are 3 million yet to be explored.

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Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?
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*Join this site*
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Blogger Interview # 57 : Priyanka Dey

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:16:08 PST

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Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?

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I am currently pursuing my M.A in History from the University of Delhi. My blog Priyanka's Neverland mainly consists of my poetry. I loved scribbling my thoughts since childhood.. I thus made the blog. Until recently, my blog had 7 followers. I started actively blogging since January, 2011 and since then, I now have 133 followers and over 15,199 views of my blog. I believe blogging is a passion everyone must have.

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Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

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Not a full-time blogger. I study and have a normal student's life.But when the writer within me, yearns for words, I come to my Neverland. :) I started my blog in 2007 but have been active only in 2011.

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If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

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Having the passion to write is very crucial. Not only for yourself but you should have a want to showcase your work too. People who want and are happy to write for themselves should not really get into blogging.It is more like a public diary.You should be able to flaunt it.Showcase your best talent and aesthetics while choosing a template, the widgets.All you do, reflects tid bits about your personality, so make sure you don't mess it up!

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How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

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It is about interacting with like minded people. I started networking on facebook and I have so many blogger friends and friends who are interested in reading my work. Be it technology, music, fine arts, poetry , cooking or just about opinionated..We must know who our target audience is! Surfing other blogs and commenting is a very good habit, a blogger must keep.

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What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?

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http://jidhusnaps.blogspot.com- Love the photographs

2. http://souravpandey.in - he writes very well

3. http://iamexactlywhereiamsupposedtobe.blogspot.com -doesn't stick to one theme or topic..makes it interesting.

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Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

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I suggest you to have the "Random Posts" plugin because many a times, readers don't have the time to run through the archives.

Blogger Interview # 56: Rose Cottrill

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:55:36 PST

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Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?

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I am a mother of two very active tots, a boy and a girl. A stay-at-home-mom who love to write just about anything. I love singing although music don't like me that much hahaha. Photography is one of my favorite past time. You can pretty much tell what life is like with my family as you can see many photos of our daily event in my blogs. I am managing 7 blogs which urls are listed below:

http://www.meetourclan.com - Nostalgic Marveling

http://www.mycountryroads.com - Etcetera Etcetera

http://www.obstaclesandglories.com - Obstacles & Glories

http://www.spice-up-your-life.net - Spice Up Your Life

http://www.sailorsmusings.com - ClickSensation

http://www.kids-e-connection.com - Kids e-Connection

http://www.theretiredsailor.com - Undershift! Change Colors.

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Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

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Not really a full time blogger because I only squeeze my blogging time when my children are sleeping or doing something or playing with their Dad. A friend of mine invited me to create a blog three years ago when I was bored to death during our first few months of being stationed overseas (South Korea). I was hesitant at first but then I gave it a try, I am glad I did because I love it now.

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If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

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I would suggest that blogging is not only writing what you want to write, you also have to think if it's going to affect other people, or if other people would be interested in reading it.

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How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

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Building a community around the blogland takes time. You have to really find interesting topics that would catch interest of your readers. The more you keep your entries interesting, the bigger chance your community grows.

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What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?

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This one is a little bit tough as I have so many favorite blogs to read. I favored family blogs because I am a Mom so I constantly seek for something that would make me better and responsible parent to my children. I also love food blogs because I want to learn about different kinds of foods. Lastly, I like blogs that caters about gardening as gardening is one of my favorite hobbies.

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Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

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I can't suggest for plugins because I am not that very good when it comes to stuff like this.

Do you need goals in your life?

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:33:29 PST

Jidhu and I were chatting a few days ago and he happened to show his 101 goals in 1001 days post . I was impressed – not just by the list, but the number of “FINISHED”s in the adjoining column.

As I write this post now, I just peeked at that post and found that there were even more “FINISHED”s on the list. I asked Jidhu how he felt about this goals list. He said that ever since he made the list and started working on it, his life felt a lot better.

We got talking about it and he asked if I would write a post about how goals make a big difference in life. I told him I had recently written about it on my own blog – and that he should write one of his own, based on his list. Well – he insisted I should do it – and so here I am.

I am pretty sure most of you do have goals or resolutions or a wish list in life. These could be professional or personal. The joy of achievement is tremendous – do you agree?

“A goal is a dream with a deadline.” Napolean Hill

Depending on our state of mind, mood, and our phase in life – goals can have different meanings for us. It is not very easy to set goals, unless you are absolutely sure about what you want to achieve. This is probably because it is made to sound like a pressure-filled serious life-and-death activity. But it really doesn’t have to be that way. All you need is a dream. (Don’t have one? Create one!) Then take a sheet of paper – write it down. Nobody’s looking, so you can write whatever you want. Then look at what you have to do to achieve it. Number the steps. Add a deadline to each step. You’re done. Almost.

You think the post ends here? No way.

Why should you set goals?

This quote says it all: “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” – Jim Rohn

That is unacceptable, right?

Goals help you decide what you want out of life. They help you filter out what is irrelevant. They motivate you and build your self-confidence.

You’re thinking, “Oh come on! I know what I want. But the painful part is splitting my goal into all those little steps to get to it. If I am yet to achieve my goal, how will I know how to get there?”

Fair enough. What is the use of a compass when you don’t have a map?

So how do you do this? One sure-shot way is to find a role model. Everyone has a role model. If you think you don’t have one – think about it now. There’s someone you admire and want to emulate.

· Who does something you aspire for

· Who has the energy you want to experience

· Who has the kind of relationships and friends you want in your life

· Who is living the career you dream of

This person could be a close relative, a close friend, a famous person and – what the heck – a fictitious character from a book you love. How does this person act, feel, think? What would they do in a particular situation? Imagine.

Once you identify this person, do a little research to find out how he or she got there. What worked for them? What should you not do? What special characteristics does this person represent? Based on this information, where do you stand right now? What is missing? What can you do to get there?

Not saying you should copycat the person, although, if it is do-able, there is nothing wrong with that. It takes work, though. Lots of it. Plenty of planning and a resolve to stick to your plan of action. Lots of commitment. And visualizing your results constantly.

Thoughts and desires are different from goals. If you’ve got a list of goals – ask yourself these questions: (I am quoting from my own post)

Will I be happier?
Will I be healthier?
Will I be wealthier?
Will I keep my friends, make new ones?
Will I enjoy peace of mind?
Will I feel more secure?

When you answer them, think of your family and loved ones. If you did not say yes to at least one of these questions, then it was only a thought or a desire and if you are keen on achieving your goal, you may be better off striking it from your list.

So, now, you have a final list of goals – your dreams. Be specific. Don’t say “I’ll be rich” Say “By December 30, 2012, I am going to make x amount of money through blah blah blah”. Not “I’ll be a fitter person” but “By (date) I’ll lose x kgs by walking for 40 minutes every day from 5 pm”

Are your goals SMART?

S - Specific
M - Meaningful
A - Action-Oriented
R - Rewarding
T - Trackable

Great! Segregate these goals into three parts:

· Short term – achievable in a month

· Medium term – needs a month to a year

· Long term – needs a year or more to reach

Once you do this, you’ll have an idea of what you need to do. Don’t be afraid to set big goals. It is weird how seemingly impossible things are possible when you visualize the results. Big goals let you extend yourself to your full potential. Challenge yourself. Long term goals keep you on track and focused. Short term goals are inspiring because they are easy to achieve and you are motivated to continue doing what you are doing.

Keep your written list of goals in a highly visible place where you can see it every day. Keep at the daily, weekly action to progress towards your dream. If you seem to lag at times, don’t be frustrated. Your future is in your hands.

Clear written goals change your thinking and motivate you into action. They make you feel energetic, creative and productive. Nice eh? Ask Jidhu – he’s already practicing what I just preached.

And if you are still wondering why you should set goals, well, here are some quotes to make you think:

“The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score.” Bill Copeland

“Most people aim at nothing in life, and they hit it with amazing accuracy” Jim Cathcart.

If we don't specify exactly what we want, we have no reason to complain about what we get or where we find ourselves.

Goals are our expectations, hopes and dreams. When we achieve them, we feel successful. Define and establish realistic goals. Besides enjoying a more meaningful life, you will also find your work and personal life more exciting and fulfilling. Go for it!

Live life – your way.

Thank you for reading! I am eager to hear your views on goals in the comments!

And thank you, Jidhu, for having me over.

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About Author

Vidya Sury

Earns and burns calories as a Freelance Writer and Professional Blogger. She’s mom to a teenager who is thinks she looks great, no matter how she looks. When she’s not working, getting a caffeine overload, listening to music, reading or spring cleaning, she blogs at Going A-Musing , Coffee With Mi! and Your MedicalGuide and tweets as @vidyasury

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Vidya Sury

Blogger Interview # 55: Shazia Masood

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:49:00 PST

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Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?
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I am a housewife, I started writing when i first won an all India competition for a direct marketing company. It was a very good experience, and it made me realize that I could also write. I am an explorer, trying to find what else is there in life which I can do!

Matter of fact, this interview is something new and so I am doing it!
My blog is all about my past and my present happenings and thoughts which charge and motivate me.
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Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?
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I am not a full time blogger, but if I want to write I can write more than one post in a day. I just got into it one fine day, no reasons whatsoever! Will continue as long as I like it!

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If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?
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Be honest with yourself and your readers! Honesty attracts
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How do you build a community around a blog and social media?
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I havent really done much about it. I did join indibloggers in the beginning, and then I got added to bloggers on facebook by Subhrashis. Thats all!
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What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?
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I read more of blogs related to stock markets. Here are they

http://tradeinniftyonly.blogspot.com/ very nice technical analysis
I also read some fun blogs like A-musing
http://purba-ray.blogspot.com/ very spicy indeed!
Can I be a bit of a snob and say I read my blog too :P
http://www.shaziawish.blogspot.com/ I find it very relaxing!! :)

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Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?
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As little as you want your life uncluttered. so make your blog also like that..uncluttered!!

Although I have used some plugins, but they just distract me from being honest, honestly speaking!!
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Blogger Interview # 54: Anuradha Sharma

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:47:35 PST

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Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?

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A: My name is anuradha sharma. I belong to Bareilly. I am just a simple person. Love to live in my own dream land. Trustworthy by nature, bubbly by heart, naughty by birth. I am an open heart person. My blog is all about where my mood brings me. It’s all about my dream swings, about the people, our society, my imagination and emotions. Visit http://here-is-anu-for-exploring-her-feeling.blogspot.com/

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Q: Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

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A: Again depends on my mood. All depends where my mood give turn to my thoughts. But yeah I like to write what I look around. And when i am going write depends on my mood only. I can't write if i plan to write! :).I am not a writer or have too much interest in writing poems or stories. Before a year ago I realized I can pen down my stupid feelings. I tried; my friends appreciated my efforts which boosted me up. I just write for my own improvement. I love to read others rather than writing. I got into blogging because being studied in a HINDI medium school I had to improve my language and still I am trying to grow.

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Q: If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

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A: I am also a little baby in this field who has just learnt crawling on her ankles. So would like to your views about my blogpage. he he ;)

Avoid writing too much lengthy article. If your article is too long people will get bored easily and will lose their interest. Keep the length a bit short and then speak out.

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Q: How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

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A: I never tried to build any community. Those who visit my blog and stop by I definitely follow them ;) Jokes apart.

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Q: What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?

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A: Can read stories, poems and a science (or tech) related article anytime.

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Q: Which one plug-in would you suggest all bloggers to have?

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A: I suggest Feed sweep J

Blogger Interview # 53: A N CHITRA

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:04:24 PDT

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1) Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?

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As a little girl I always dreamt to become someone like Charles Dickens, Erich Segal or Sidney Sheldon whose books I loved reading to. I was shy and silent but never un ambitious or non dreamer. Every day my dreams were different and wanted to become something new. At ninth standard I started writing short innocent poems which I now feel stupid and meaningless but I remember my English teacher still who had given assignment to everyone in class to write down a poem and come to class. My dad always boosted my spirit those times to write what I felt. And with time my poems grew up as my passion for writing more and more.

I am an affectionate daughter to my parents (always want to be), amazing wife to my husband (hope so) and a dedicated doctor. Both my parents used to write when they were young and I believe the urge to write from my heart came to me from my blood. The first blog I started was http://chitrayurveda.blogspot.com where in I wanted to pour down my ideas, and simultaneously I created another blog of my poems http://chitrakavana.blogspot.com which contains most of my poems since childhood. Cooking has remained one of my best favorite things I like to do and I have been certified (except my hubby) to cook new and delicious all the time. And few of my friends have said me couple of times that I’m a good cook teacher and thus I had started to write some of my favorite south Indian recipes at http://cookuurway.blogspot.com and gave it a heading as Chitra’s Kitchen Paradise !!! (But u must be really daring to enter the paradise).

Life is chain of unwanted falls and unexpected rise and my blog http://worldsanotherside.blogspot.com contains my vision towards those unexpected twists and turns of life, where in I do write upon some experiences with my patients and their tragedy too. My upcoming blog http://chitranavada.blogspot.com is still under construction.

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2) Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

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I wanted a place to save my poems and thus started blogging initially. It was my brother who had suggested and taught me during my first blog, but as days passed I loved blogging as could express my mind better than any other place. I always dreamt to become a writer and blogging was not intentional. I am not full time blogger but it has become a daily routine and important part of life.

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3) If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

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My suggestions would be write what you feel and keep updating regularly to make a place under this blog umbrella. In order to get maximum visitors and readers advertise your blog in your social networking profiles and give your best to it!

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4) How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

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I consider my blog as my child and I do everything to up bring it, may be in a little simple way or anything big. Face book, Twitter and Indi blogger really helps in getting along with the bloggers. I respect every reader of my blog who check in, or comments. It’s a slow gradual process not at all hurry; we are not any celebrity that soon after we start a blog we get 500 followers and 100 comments. Be a first patient reader to get read your blogs.

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5) What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?

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Every blog has its own beauty, and each one’s writing style is unique and I admire all in some or the other way.

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6) Which one plug in would you suggest all bloggers to have?

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It differs from person to person like how they prefer. And I personally am not that well experienced regarding plug in.

Blogger Interview # 52: PURBA RAY

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:14:00 PDT

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You have been blogging for nearly one and a half years now – how has your journey been so far.

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Oh my gray cells have been in turmoil, I have them working non-stop. Thinking of interesting topics to write on, doing all the spade work, writing and rewriting to get the perfect lines….And I when I finally publish them… waiting with baited breath for the feedback. The entire cycle is addictive. And what’s more I get to read a lot - opinions, thoughts of great minds, literary masterpieces. Of course I come across a lot of sub standard stuff but that’s an experience as well. You know exactly what you don’t want to project to your readers.

I’d like to believe blogging helped me grow as a person and a writer. It is through this medium I discovered my ability to communicate, reach out and also poke a little fun at myself. It has helped me connect with people beyond the realm of my usual relatives-friends-colleagues circle. My canvas of awareness is much wider. I also take interest in other writers’ works in blogosphere and love soaking in perspectives and points of view so different from mine.

My Blog : http://purba-ray.blogspot.com

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Is there a story behind your blog? What made you think, yes I need to write.

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Creative writing was always a long cherished dream of mine. Strangely for a long time it remained just that, a dream. It’s only after I took a hiatus from my job did I find time to muse and pen down my thoughts. It was as if someone had opened the floodgate of my memories, there’s no way I could stop it. I would dredge out memories from long ago and pen them down. Soon I was writing news spoofs, articulating my views on social issues and taking pot shots at our much beloved politicians.

And my blog was born out of desperation. Initially I was writing for other forums – Drishtikone, a Houston based news blog and Desicritics.org. It’s only when Desicritics put the spotlight on me, I realized to my utter horror that I had no record of my published work. A-Musing was born on February 2010 and since then there has been no looking back.

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If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

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· Typos and grammatical errors are major put offs. Please get your language right before you proceed to publish your post. Text lingo is a big NO.

· I find huge blocks of texts without paragraph breaks very intimidating. I can’t make myself read such posts. Please take care of formatting.

· Difficult language does not translate into good English. Keep it simple and sharp.

· Write from your heart, about things you feel strongly about. And please don’t post forwarded jokes with a “thought I would share it with my readers”. Be original.

· Never be afraid to admit you don’t know. I constantly pester my blogger acquaintances for technical tips. I am always on the lookout for helpful widgets. A word of caution though, too many widgets spoil the show.

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How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

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Whenever someone comments on my blog, I try to reciprocate. I may not always comment but I make it a point to visit the blog. I take personal interest in most of my readers. They are more like a family now. They are the first to deride me if I write something objectionable or if my writing has disappointed them.

Have I consciously gone around building a community? Not really. It is a mutual feeling of love and respect.

But after much persuasion, I did build a fan page for A-musing. Of course I was embarrassed as hell to create my own page. I see it more as a platform where I interact with my readers.

What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?

I love too many to be able to name just a few and they all feature in my reading list on my blog.

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Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

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A must have plugin is the talent to express, the rest will follow later.

Boosting Your Creativity

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:18:18 PDT

Francis Bacon once said: "The creative process is a cocktail of instinct, skill, culture and a highly creative feverishness. It is a particular state when everything happens very quickly, a mixture of consciousness and unconsciousness, of fear and pleasure."

Source

According to Apple's Dictionary: Creativity is the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.

It's a mental process involving the generation of new:

Ideas: Which are a thought or suggestion.
Concepts: Which are a plan or intention. Taking an idea one step farther into execution.

Your Creative Background: One person's creativity is not always the same path as the next person.

A person could be innately creative. Meaning that creativity is in their genetics.
The product produced is creative. Meaning that they got lucky with one art piece, song or writing, but other works lack in creativity.
The process is creative. Possibly the technique used is creative. Artistic evolution, which stresses on "classical" rules that move towards breaking them.
Their environment is creative. Meaning that something in ones environment has strongly influenced them to be more creative then what they'd be on their own. Someone or something that inspires the artist to be great at creating. Artistic conversation, which stresses the depth of communication between artists.

Stimulating Creativity: This is a basic checklist of things you can do to push your creativity.

Substitute one thing for another. Example: If I want to create an illustration about love. I could possibly substitute two people with puppies falling in love. This gives the image more of a childlike feel.
Combine elements together. Example: Instead of the foreground being separated from the middle ground and background, they could overlap. Layers that can be seen through one another.
Adapt something for a new use or purpose. Example: Instead of a person pushing a cart, a cart could be pushing a person.
Modify to a different size, scale, shape or color. Example: If a person were to be eating an orange and the person is turning orange in color. Alice and Wonderland plays with the size of Alice to alter the movie.
Eliminate something out of the idea. This is a great way to simplify. Example: If a person were to create a commercial where someone is walking through sand. The footprints in the sand could disappear before the viewers eyes could add another meaning to what's going on.
Reverse the image or order of events. Turning something inside out. Example: A plant going from full size to shrinking down to a little seed would be interesting.

Applying the checklist above is called Attribute Listing. Example: One television show has many things in it. Switching things up can be both entertaining and creative. There is the character(s), action(s), location(s), weather and so on that can used in the above list to work with changing the end result.

The Character can be a duck, cow, girl, boy, cartoon, realistic and so on.
Actions could include the act of falling in love, a car wreck, dance move, birth, death and so on.
Location could include the south, inside a tree house, in the city, ally and so on.
Weather can be changed to give the entire show a different feel. Is it cold, warm, snowy, rainy?

You can also create a Word Web or Brain Map to branch from one single idea to many more ideas. This forms a spider web look with words. Example: Take the nursery rhyme Hey Diddle Diddle to another level.

The cow could be white and filling up the moon with milk.
The cow could be jumping over the moon on a pogo sick.
The cow could be jumping on a trampoline.
The cow could be break dancing on the moon.

All the nursery rhyme talked about was the cow jumping over the moon. Here I've taken the writing and added more to make it different or interesting to illustrate.

Role Models can really stimulate ones creativity. This would include being involved in organizations of some kind. You have to be careful with this one because they can also disappoint someone as well.

Thumbnails, which are small drawn out sketches help with the visual field. They demonstrate ideas as well as placement on a page.

Research helps with all art forms. This can include many things. Examples: Real life, colors you like, textures, font choices, styles and much more.

Keeping a Journal or Sketchbook helps record ideas. This does not have to be realistic in nature. You can write and record things that are abstract.

Experiment!!! Take risks!!! This is going to help push the inner artist out.

In Order to Be Creative:

You do not need to create something new. Example: How many songs are there about love? Tons! It's how it's done that sets the song apart from the rest that matters. Use the check-off sheet above to make something that usually seems cliché, interesting.
You know the work is creative when people stop to look. You image, writing and so on should make people feel something. If it doesn't then it's not serving much of a purpose.

Characteristics of Highly Creative People:

Many display a great deal of curiosity about many things.
If you are one that asks a lot of questions about anything and everything.
Have bold interests in unrelated areas.
Diverse collections.
Are often uninhibited in expressions or opinions.
Sometimes radical and spirited in disagreement.
Usually tenacious or persistent.
Fixate on one idea or project.
High risk takers or adventurous!
Able to generated a lot of ideas at once when in the creative mode.
Display a good deal of intellectual playfulness.
Display a keen sense of humor and see humor in situations that may not appear to be humorous to others.
Exhibit heightened emotional sensitivity. Visibly moved by something that appears to be beautiful.

Maya Angelou once said: "You can not use up creativity. The more you use the more you have."

Source

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I'm a guest! My name is Alissa. I work full-time as an college art instructor, a mom of two busy boys ages 3 and 6 and love to blog!

There are 4 blogs that I try and keep going. Two I'm better at updating then the other two. My blogs are Planet of the Apels, Milking the Issue, Finding Me Again and Cookie Art.

Blogger Interview # 51 : Neha Sharma

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:32:00 PDT

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Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?
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Nia Charms. (my real name means love.)

I am basically the result of the battle between my alter egos. I strive to be normal and fit in but it doesnt really last that long. People call me self obsessed all the time but then I have no clue as to why, because some of the time I do ask them 'how are you', (without actually listening to what they say) and yeah I remember someone saying selfish too. But then who cares right? I judge and assume alot. (judge me for all that I care.)

I love making people laugh even if that means looking stupid at times. I keep changing all the time so there arent really adjectives that I could use to describe myself.

My blog. : My blog is my babie. It feels like an asset of mine. An inner satisfaction and joy of owning something. Where I am free to say whatever I want to. The happening of my blog is a great event in my life. It has made me know people with the same interests and some really inspiring persons.

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Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?
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No I aint. Though I try to put all the free time I have into it. And I intend to be one some day.
Blogging wasn't intentional, it just happened. I have always loved to write. Even if that meant downright bullshit. Earlier I tried the ancient way. (paper and pen.) But then it had the mention of a cute guy in school, it came across my mom and you know how moms are, right?
Then I tried writing an online diary but I was always eager that someone would beg me to let them read. That's when I realized I need an audience. And thus blogging happened.

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If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?
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The quote I always live by: Fill whats empty, empty whats full and scratch where it itches.

Translation: Do whatever you want to and stop looking for advises. You are your best adviser.

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How do you build a community around a blog and social media?
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I started with Facebook, but then I didn't have much friends who were interested in reading. They had all these worldly excuses why they shouldn't be reading. So I searched for blog promotion sites. That is a good option. After like begging people to follow my blog, a realization hit me: I do not want followers, I want readers. Since then the response has been overwhelming.
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What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?
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My fav blogs to read:

1. All faces of me: Yes my own blog. I love reading my writings again and again however crappy they are.

2. Red handed: This girl, I dont know her name or anything but its this certain connect I feel to her writings that makes me visit her blog again and again.

3. Welcome to my world: I read her name first: Blahblaholic. and I was like why didnt I think of that. I blah blah all the time and I am addicted to it as well. And yea her writings is too good. Girly and cute.
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Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?
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Plugins are upon personal discretion. I myself was too fond of plugins but out of the blue I just started hating them. But still if I would have to say I recommend the chat box. It is a good plugin for the lazy followers that want to talk without actually reading the whole post.
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Blogger Interview # 50 : Sujatha Sathya

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:14:00 PDT

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?

I am Sujatha from Bangalore, mother, wife, freelance trainer, & now blogger. My blog is a personal one - i write about my life, expediences, my views on different things and occasionally reflect on news/happenings in the world. And I have begun loving every moment of the blogging world - even the obsession part of it :).

2. Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

I came into blogging accidentally. I had quit my job & a year later just like that one day logged onto the net & posted a piece. Technically, I started blogging last year in 2010 but I've been really really active only from July this year. Past one year, i used to open the blog account only to post an occasional article. But since the past one 1month, I have been reading up on a lot of other bloggers, networking, signing up & opening accounts in all kinds of blogging sites & learning some new things along the way.

3. If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

Write from your heart. Don't fear what people will think (esp if you write about your own life). If you are not technically good or not computer savvy, it doesn't matter. Don't let that stop you, go ahead & write. Technical things can be learnt.

4. How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

Facebook, Indiblogger, Bloggers World Directory , etc

5. What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?

I love many. Those that I love, I follow!

6. Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

Follower plugin by Google

Blogger Interview # 49: Deepika Vasudeva

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:56:15 PDT

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?
About me, an aspiring architect writes sometimes... Well, about my blog, a place which holds the times when emotions had flown hard into words. I don't blog regularly, it's not all times you can come up with something deep from heart... and I won't write unless I have that inescapable urge.

2. Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?
No, I am not a full time devoted blogger, sometimes its writer’s block, sometimes its laziness. I used to post my work on a public forum for around 2 years, but it lacked the individuality and space, so I decided to move to my own space.

3. If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?
People come in blogging for different reasons, different inspirations.. the only requirement to write is inspiration, nothing else can get you to sit and write and if you have got that required inspiration, nothing can stop you from penning it down too.

4.How do you build a community around a blog and social media?
Idea was never of forming a community. It’s just about exploring others and learning. And in this process we do make friends, acquaintances.

5.What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?
My favorite blogs are :

a. Aesthetic blasphemy(http://aestheticblasphemy.blogspot.com/) of Anshul Thakur(http://www.facebook.com/blasphemous.aesthete)
b. A chronicle of dreams(http://achronicleofdreams.blogspot.com/) of Rekha Seshadri(http://www.facebook.com/reksesh)
c. Freebird(http://alkagurha.blogspot.com/) of Alka Gurha(http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000076981076)
The first two are epitomes of creativity in the words. You can smell, touch and feel the words itself, that’s what writing is.
The third one because Alka ma’am writes about the topics with a point of view, which receives least disagreement… an intellectual blog.

6. Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?
Facebook profile and pages link is must. It makes the blog more approachable and of course more public.

Blogger Interview # 48: Subhrashis Adhikari

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:41:31 PDT

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?
A geologist searching for OIL and a soul searching the meaning of LIFE...
KHOJ is about the later part...it is a journey through our minds and soul...it is a search to know our roots, to understand the meaning of our existence...it helps us understand the present and anticipate the future.

2. Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?
I do not know how regular I have to be to be a full time blogger, I write whenever I feel like writing. Blogging isn't my first love, my wife is!
My second love is reading...about a wide variety of topics. More I read, more I realize that know nothing, the more I realize how stupid I am...it a lovely feeling to know you are stupid...I blog because I want to share that feeling...

3. If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?
- QUALITY: Easy to understand for layman...add a bit of humor...remember, you are not writing a scientific paper.
- COMMENT on OTHERS POSTS: good comments...not just 'superlike', 'beautiful', and 'loved it'
- FREQUENCY of your BLOG: at least 6-8 a month
- Good DESIGN: should not be too heavy...nor too savvy

4. How do you build a community around a blog and social media?
Register to sites like indiblogger, networked blogs, make a page in facebook, promote your blog in all social networking sites...Do not fall in the trap of 'follow me and i will follow you'...try to find quality readers...

5. What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?
A-Musing - "Little sweet, little tangy and very very spicy"
Aesthetic Blasphemy - "Beauty lies in knowing"
Food...thought for - If you belly rules your mind

6. Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?
WIBIYA [default ones like followers & post archives widgets are must]

Blogger Interview # 47: Perfectly Imperfect

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:29:58 PDT

1.Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?

I am a regular teenage girl aged 16 years. The name with which I blog is "Perfectly Imperfect". I have chosen this name because I admit I am not good at everything! I do have my own faults, I do make mistakes and I take the responsibility for them. For me, no one is perfect but beautiful in his/her own way.

My blog is totally random! It is about all those ideas, thoughts that run across my mind. But, I try it to make it inspirational and motivational so that each of my posts try to teach even the slightest of the things to my readers. I try to show them those small things that we often forget in our web of life.

http://iamexactlywhereiamsupposedtobe.blogspot.com/

2. Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

A full time blogger ? Definitely NO! I am still struggling to find time rushing between my high school and coaching centers but whenever I find any spare time, I blog, and I make sure that I do come online atleast once a day and read those awesome comments on my blog and also read those amazing blogs which I am following.

I myself don't know how did I actually came into blogging, it was like once I was searching something on Google and a blog post opened up. The comments, the way of writing style made me feel that I too could write my own blog and express my views on various topics. Yes, when I started blogging I had no idea how to write one, how to promote it but eventually I am getting better each post.

3. If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

I am myself a newbie, my blog is just 2 and a half months old but I would like to suggest that:

(i). Please, just please do not search the topic on Google, and copy paste some other amazing person's content and paste it on your blog. It sucks, really sucks! Your blog is your originality, write from your heart and pour your feelings into it. I am sure, the blog would find its place.

(ii). Social networking sites are a great help! Promote your blog through them and you would surely get traffic and if they liked your blog, they would follow.

(iii). Do not make your blog look untidy. Choose a decent background and the layout should be clutter free. Do not unnecessarily put widgets if it really isn't needed.

(iv). Comment on blogs that you are following. No one likes followers that are just their for the heck of it.

4. How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

As I mentioned above, it is mainly through social networking sites and commenting on other people's blog. I also do not mind people sending me an e-mail unless they do not spam. I love meeting new people :)

5. Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

I don't use any nor I am really qualified to answer this question.

Life is How You Make it

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 15:42:04 PDT

There comes a moment in everyones life when u feel shattered, the mood of despondency takes the toll over u,,u feel miserable inside, feel like yelling n telling to the world that ur one saddest soul out there,gloominess has wrapped u frm all everywhere, but have u ever thought for how long u wud continue torturing ur self like this, ultimately u wud end up becoming victim of depression, other psychological problems n physical ailments

All we need to do is alter our attitude n way of thinking,, there are such fine examples of courage n self determination for instance,, john milton a great poet,, who lost his dhe sight at the age of forty but still continued writing till his last breath, hence we got the magnificent poetry,, he altered his way of thinking n channelised it towards positivity,,, problems do come in everyones life but how we over come them thats what matter the most,, as it is said tough times never last but tough people do,, with nerves of steel n muscles of iron go ahead n face the challenges of life with courage, if times r tough be tougher than times,, be strong like an oak not like delicate primroses,,, change ur thought process n it will significantly change ur life n soon inner peace wud be attained,,, after all life is what u make it

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About Author

Im Ambica Sharma I like to read n write,,, my passion is writing, apart from that I like painting n photography,,, I believe in living each moment to the fullest,, who knows tomorrow u may not live

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Blogger Interview # 46 : Saru Singhal

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 07:03:00 PDT

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?

With my blog - Words, I am trying to bring the other side of me to people. I am a Finance and Law professional and generally these people are perceived as less romantic and boring. For my romantic and fun side, I am blogging. As I always say, with my Words, I want to touch people’s heart. For record - my blog has poems, articles and short stories.

2. Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

These days I am a full time blogger, though I do it for my passion for writing. I started my blog a month ago. Actually, my friends are responsible for my blog. Whenever, they have to write something, they approach me for ideas. So, one odd day, I thought to share my writings online. So, that’s how blogging started.

3. If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

I would suggest only one thing- Passion. Publish anything about which you are passionate. People like to hear honest views. Also, if you are not passionate, you will get bored of it and run out of ideas. However, planning is required. With planning you make fewer mistakes.

4. How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

I am still working on that as I am new in blogosphere. But, I guess lot of social networking websites and blogging websites are handy for building a community. It’s more of a reciprocal exercise.

5. What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?

1 My streets and My eyes – I love this blog as it has pictures from day to day life and few words capturing the essence of life.

2 Discovering Myself- It’s a nice, honest and simple blog, with words touching you deep inside.

3 Joshi Daniel - Though it’s a complete website but I admire his work; especially the rawness in the images.

6. Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

It’s the best thing for a blogger- Follower.

Blogger Interview # 45 : Mary Cromer

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:56:29 PDT

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?

I am married, have 3 grown daughters, 4 grandsons and have been taking photographs since I received my first camera back in 1968. I have enjoyed all wildlife and the Red-Shouldered Hawks that live on and near our land are spectacular. I began my blog to share images of them as well as all nature as it sings it's song to me~

2. Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

Yes, I am a full time blogger. I had "googled" to see if anyone else loved the Red-shouldered Hawks as I do and a name came up Vickie Henderson. She had just recently done a blog post about them and I contacted her. She encouraged me to begin my own blog, now 2 years ago this week~

3. If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

To go at it first because you enjoy it, have no expectations, just enjoy. Then relax and meet the people that become part of your life because of a mutual interest shared~

4. How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

One person at a time and one must take the time to make comments, to share thoughts not only about the images, but about what the other person is sharing with their summaries. I always try to comment, or reply to any comments I receive, kind of like a world happy family~

5. What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?

Oh, I could never choose just 3, for each of the blogs that I follow are filled with such diversity in nature, so many interesting and thoughtful people, superb images shared and great people~

6. Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

Got me on this, for I am not sure what that means;)

Morning Fire

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:08:49 PDT

As usual I went to hotel for my breakfast and got a good company with a doctor who came from India last week. After finishing the breakfast, we just chit while drinking our Tea. That time one person come quickly to the hotel and everyone come outside ,Fire Fire ...........I ran out from the hotel quickly without checking whats happening there. The petrol pump is the biggest petrol pump in that area and if there is a fire spark, the entire area will be destroyed. But the fire only in the Vehicle and I think it happens after filling the petrol. Thank God.

All happened within 5 minutes and I returned back to the hotel and washed my hands. That time I saw the hotel Manager was outside and passport of all employees were in his hand.

Cheating

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:17:47 PDT

Last day My boss cancel one Employee who made mistakes always. Several times he got warning from boss, but all are for simple matters. Last time he catch him with the proof. He was accountant in our company and he adjust the stock and put money in his pocket. He had the password for the software to edit and modify , and deleted all proofs. My boss told me to take ticket for him. Then I ask him, why you just send back him without punishment. He told me, If he will be here for more time, he make more problems.

If you are the boss of the company, how you react in this case?

Blogger Interview # 44 : Preethika S Padiyar

noreply@blogger.com (Jidhu Jose) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:51:00 PDT

1.Can you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?

I am Preethika S Padiyar. I completed my engineering, worked as a software developer for an year. Now I'm married and can't wait to start working again. I'm an always smiling gal, living my life to the fullest and doing only what I wanna do. I love writing a lot. I used to write poems as a kid and gradually I started developing a liking for writing articles.

About my blog, till now I have written either in general, my poems or from my personal experience. I am planning to write fiction soon. I hope that my readers will like that too.

2. Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

I cannot say I am a full time blogger. I am planning to update at least once in a week. My husband had suggested me into blogging after he read my poems. That is how i got into blogging. When I saw the reaction from my dearest ones, I felt they were definitely better than the reaction for my poems. Thus I started taking blogging a little more seriously.

3. If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

Good content and good presentation. If one of them is missing then it will spoil the whole post. Content is the heart of the post. Good presentation is needed to explain the content in the most effective way. It is important to devote time not only on blogging but also on what others have blogged. If you appreciate other blogs, they will check your blog too.

4. How do you build a community around a blog and social media?

Social networking sites make a great source to promote your blog. You can create pages based on your blog and encourage people to join them. But to make the readers read your blog again, you should have a good content.

5. What are your three favorite blogs to read? What makes those blogs special?

http://1000awesomethings.com/ is my favorite. It is all about the little happiness in life such as little kids giving you their artwork, old couple holding hands etc. Other blogs which I like are http://www.chetanbhagat.com/blog/ and http://stupidusmaximus.wordpress.com/ .

6. Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

Reactions and star rating are the most effective ways for the readers to express what they feel without wasting their precious time. They are just a click away.