This Blog Stuff

I’m an avid reader – I don’t think I’ve been without at least one book on the go for the last ten years. And one of the things I most love about being a writer is that I’m sent books to review all the time.

Laptop Entrepreneur arrived a few weeks ago, and it’s one worth reviewing for this blog. I should declare an interest first – I’m mentioned in the book, and the section on blogging is based on interviews with me.  read more »

Surprisingly, yes you can!

I’ve been having some issues with my main PC, which is a very highly specified quad core machine, with lots of RAM and a top class video card in it.  But as so often happens with PCs over time, it’s become slow and prone to crashes and freeze ups.

I tried all the usual cures – a registry cleaner, defragmenting the disc, and anything else I could get advice on through Google, and nothing worked. I resigned myself a couple of weeks ago to getting a new PC, and relegating my machine to the lounge to simply act as our home media player.

But on the day I made that decision, I didn’t want to head into town, so instead of putting up with the problems and wasting more valuable time, I switched to using my Asus Netbook.  read more »

No hype.

No drama.

No free gifts.

No affiliates.

No email funnel.

No time pressure.

 read more »

And here we go with my favourite posts from the last half of 2010. Let me know which ones you like or don't like, and why, in comments.

Business as usual

How do I monetize my blog

11 things what I learned since I became a blogger and professional writer

How Twitter sent the very first Lexus back home

All good things come to an end

Time

A lesson in affiliate marketing  read more »

During 2009 and the early part of 2010, my business was very much focused on The United States. There was even a period where I worked "US hours," getting up at lunchtime and working through until 3 or 4 AM so that I would be around when my clients were.

My Virtual Move to Europe

I took a decision in the middle of this year to shift towards my home market, and so far, so good. I think I have plenty to bring to Europe, and so far businesses have been receptive.  read more »

Blog World Expo is only a few weeks away. Have you got your ticket yet?

In my dream scenario, I'll be enjoying coffee with Clark, brunch with Brogan and lunch is for wimps. So I'll take afternoon tea with Trunk, then share a cocktail with Cashmore, before getting ready for dinner with Darren.

Of course, in reality I'll probably be hangin' with Hangen, munching with Morosky, riling Risley before I go cruising with Cooper.

But shows like these do give you a chance to talk to people who may have been your long distance heroes over the years.  read more »

I was looking in some detail at a couple of local magazines.

Image: Pixomar / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

One has a circulation of 10,000 and is free, the other a circulation of 6,000 and is charged out at €2 an issue. The first supports an impressive overhead, with a full staff, vans and impressive offices. The second is less ostentatious, but obviously provides it's owner and team of workers with a good living.  read more »

Today's discussion is a hypothetical one.

Image: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I'd like you to imagine that you've received a windfall of $1000, which you've decided to invest in your blog.

How are you going to spend it?

Once you've answered, you may enjoy these:

1/ How to launch your first digital product

2/ What is web 2.0?  read more »

Seth Godin posted that Linchpin is the last book he'll publish in the traditional way. And that of course lead to a great deal of debate on other blogs and via Twitter.

Interestingly, I can't see where Seth said he was going digital - I think his focus was on publishing rather than format - but the debate has really become all about the death of the traditional print book and how it will be replaced by the digital book.

I'm somewhat at odds with this conversation. I'm unusual in that I love reading, but I have no interest in books. Does that make sense?  read more »

These are my favourite posts from the second six months of Mike's Life. They are here for no reason other than I like them!

I hope you do too.

Proof that content is the most important aspect of blogging

Road Test - Lexus GS450h

Transglobe Blog- My new project

Interview with a pro blogger, who is also my wife!

Why I'm so disappointed in some A List bloggers

A blogger's day  read more »