Check out and enjoy our class blogs from the summer of 2014.
Picturing the Outdoors
Vape Lounge
Beauty All Things Beautiful
Preview of US Opens
Gabrielle's Wraps
Car Repair for College Kids
Kitchen Skin Care
Fishing Fever
The Millennial Musician
HerbaLife
Business Travel Tips
Half Way to 100
Herbalife
Welcome to my online blog with information and help sheets for class blogging and others interested in blogs.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Monday, May 26, 2014
How to be a Successful Blogger
How to Be a Successful Blogger
Cyndi Allison
Why Blog?
There are many
reasons to start and maintain a blog. You might want to keep a running permanent
electronic log of your activities, reach out to others, make a “difference,” or
maybe your employer has requested that you blog as part of your work duties.
Your specific
approach will vary depending on your purpose for blogging, and “success” will
vary depending on what you hope to accomplish with your blog. A small following
of family and friends may be rewarding for one blogger while a larger, less-intimate
audience may be the goal for another blogger.
Blogging for
fame and money presents a real challenge and would generally be a poor reason
for putting the time and effort into creating and building a blog. While you
may find many books and articles about getting rich and famous blogging, such “bottom
line” intentions usually do not lead to success. Very few blogs gain
substantial audiences and fewer still are financially viable other than perhaps
pocket change. Anyone telling you otherwise is probably simply making money
selling you on an unrealistic game plan and providing tips that only result in
short term audience and income gains. Many of these “get rich and famous quick”
blogs are quickly abandoned and become “lost” in cyberspace.
With that
being said, I can tell you that blogging can be very rewarding and certainly
worthwhile.
I started my
blog, Barbecue Master, in 2006. My goal was to share recipes, tips, and reviews
related to grilling and barbecue which is something I really enjoy. My Dad
taught me how to grill when I was a pre-teen, and I’ve grilled/smoked for many
years. I fielded many questions from family and friends about how to get
started, how to grill specific foods, and recommendations for grills and
barbecue products. It was easier to put the information in one spot online and
send links rather than typing up the answers over and over. So, I began my blog
with a very specific purpose and audience in mind. My blog would help others
while saving time on my end.
Over the
years, my blog has gained recognition and awards. My visitor numbers run over
100,000 per month in season (grilling/smoking is typically a warm weather
sport). Even in the off season, it would be rare that I’d drop below
30,000/month. When you put “Barbecue Master” in a search engine, my blog
typically is the top result, and several online sites have rated my blog among
the top outdoor cooking blogs online. I’ve even made “best of” lists for
general cooking blogs (a much broader category with much more competition).
Success,
beyond my initial goal of helping family/friends, did not occur overnight. My
numbers were very low in the beginning (perhaps 10 visitors per month), and it
took four years to make the Google AdSense minimal payout of $100. Even now, I
only hit the pay threshold during the prime spring/summer months.
Don’t let the
low monetary rewards scare you off if you do hope to make some profit from
blogging. I could certainly monetize Barbecue Master with sponsors and
advertising. Actually I do one text advertisement with a text link at the
bottom of the blog currently to the tune of $40/month. It would certainly be
possible to spend more time on blog placement sales if income ranked high on my
“reasons to blog” list. It’s not that I dislike money; however, the spirit of
my blog was and continues to be to offer honest and sincere help to others. Blasting
readers with advertisements would not be in keeping with my original purpose
and goals.
In my case, I
count my blessings in many other ways with owning a popular blog. And, yes,
some of the blessings include monetary compensation. Barbecue Master
establishes me as an expert in the field and the barbecue community. Going high
profile with the blog has resulted in several good paying magazine assignments
and corporate blogging with Kmart, Sears, and McCormick. In addition, I’m offered
lots of products in exchange for honest blog reviews, and I’ve been hosted to
visit and blog about product lines and barbecue events/competitions. A trip to
New York City covered by Weber to see new product offerings will always be one
of my favorite memories. They flew me out, covered my room in the Doubletree,
and had a chauffeur pick me up and take me to the boathouse in Central Park
with a VIP pass to see the new grills and sample gourmet foods made by company
chefs.
My sister has
young children, and she has a blog about traveling North Carolina with kids. As
a single parent, money is tight. She is not making much profit from her blog,
but she has been given passes and backstage access in some cases for various
attractions across the state. She and the girls to get to do many things that
they likely would not be able to do if not for the blog and free coverage for
companies looking for non-traditional ways to get the word out about travel
options in the Tarheel state.
Do note that
blogging should never be about asking for “free stuff” (and my approach has
been to let others contact me if they want coverage). In fact, there are laws that pertain to abuse
of blogging platforms which I’ll cover later. If, however, you have a passion
for your blog topic/purpose, work hard, and build an audience, there are extra
benefits which may not be initially anticipated.
Every blogging
experience is different, and I’m sure other bloggers could list a whole host of
benefits to blogging ranging from having an artistic outlet and a way to blow
off steam to making new friends with similar interests and networking in a
specific field.
If you are
starting a blog or have a blog and are looking for ways to be more successful,
then I’d suggest that the very first task would be to identify reasons for
spending the time and effort to build a space online. If you’re not sure what
you’re doing and why, then it’s not likely that blog visitors will understand
either. You can’t reach people if you don’t know why you’re reaching out to
them. Your blog will just look like more online spam (a splog), and you’ll
likely get tired of talking to yourself pretty quickly.
Blogging Class Weekly Schedule
Online Publication - COMM 2901 – Summer 2013
Week 1 (short week)
Topics Covered
- Read Syllabus
- Overview of Online Publication Class and Types of Online Writing
- History of Blogging
- Types of Blogs (and how to develop a targeted, marketable blog)
- Starting a Blog
Assignments
- Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB)
- Syllabus Quiz and First Week Readings (required before completing other class work)
- Post idea and URL name for personal blog under Discusssions (which will be viewable online). Do wait for feedback before proceeding. Classmates are invited to offer input, ideas, etc.
Week 2
Topics Covered
- Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB). These will include basic blog set up readings and notes. Please do get in touch if you are having any difficulties.
Assignments
- Create/Design Blog (Be sure to look at all the various options. There are a lot.)
- Put up first blog post by noon on Thursday June 5 (25 post total count with one free day = 24 required – spread out throughout the term with no more than four posts per week)
- List Blog URL under BB to be Included in Class List on Class Blog (for easy access). I’ll link that, so it will be easy to find class blogs.
- Start Peer Comment Log List (fifteen comments on peer blogs required and on different days across the month). Don’t wait until the end, or you will forget where you posted.
- Weekly Test 1 - 20 points (available from 1 pm on Saturday through noon on Monday – ALL tests except the exam are on this schedule giving you both weekend and a week day to work)
Week 3
Topics Covered
- Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB and probably on class blog)
- Widgets – what they are and how to add one
- Monetization (just a note - don’t apply for this option yet)
- Famous Bloggers
- Julie and Julia (watch the film) – This is not due yet, but begin to plan for getting a copy of the film and the research.
Assignments
- Continue to blog on schedule.
- Continue to make comments.
- Add at least one widget that compliments your blog
- Get ready for Julie and Julia (watch the film)
- Do outside research on Julie/Julia and write a two page paper due June 30 (500 words minimum = 2 double spaced pages). Be sure to use in text links for web sources used (or include a MLA citation list at the bottom of the post). Papers should be posted to BB under Assignments (to maintain the links).
- Weekly Test 2 - 20 points
Week 4
Topics Covered
- Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB)
- The value of linking (both in and out)
- Adding “pages” (these help with organization and make your blog look like a web page)
- Prepare for BB discussion.
Assignments
- Complete readings.
- Add at least one external link.
- Add pages (four minimum).
- Take part in class Discussion (50 words minimum – may be split in more than one post)
- Weekly Test 3 – 20 points
- Julie & Julia paper due under Assignments by Monday June 30. This is just an advance reminder.
Week 5
Topics Covered
- Blogging fatigue
Assignments
- Complete readings.
- Continue to keep blog posts going.
- Continue to comment on peer blogs.
- Guest Post (time is flexible but be sure to be scouting out a guest blogger – post due before the end of class)
Week 6
Readings
- Continue to blog and leave comments.
- SEO (and the importance)
Assignments
- Keep up blog and peer comments
- Julie & Julia paper due (June 30 by noon)
- Weekly test 4
Week 7
Readings
- Stats in Blogger
- Legal issues and blogging
- Ethical issues in blogging
Assignments
- BB discussion (50 words minimum – may be split in more than one post)
- Weekly test 5
- Begin to review and correct any issues with your earlier blog posts. You do have an edit option. Feel free to use it.
Week 8
Readings
- Monetization on blogs (do hold off on this)
Assignments
- Begin to finish up blog and comments.
- Exam – 25 points
Week 9 (final week)
Readings
- Making a difference with blogs and your blogging future.
Assignments
Using what you’ve learned
over the semester, go back and make any corrections, additions, and deletions
to your blog before final grades are assigned.
Post under Assignments your
own self-ev aluation of your blogging work.
- Making a Difference with Blogs
- Future of Blogging
Assignments
- Weekly Test - 25 points (available from noon on Friday through noon on Sunday)
Exam
- Blog – 50 points (includes all requirements such as visuals, widgets, guest post etc. as well as progress over the semester).
- Final Self-Evaluation – 15 points (includes an overview of the blog from start to finish with what was learned and what worked well as things that did not work as well – 500 words minimum).
* Class Participation (10
points) – This includes the various assignments that are not specifically
graded.
Blogging Class Summer 2014 Syllabus
COMM 2901 – Online Publications – Wittum
Instructor:
Cyndi Allison - See BB for contact data.
Meeting Times and Room:
Online
May
29 – July 24 (2014 – summer)
Textbook and Study Materials:
- Online materials (BB and online class blog - http://yesyoucanblog.blogspot.com/).
- Fellow peer blogs (list to be posted when all are set up – keep track as you go along).
- Julie & Julia (film). This is the only item that will need to be purchased for class. You can also do a download or rent.
- This is an online class blog (much like the ones you will create). I’m not sure how much I’ll use this, but it could be helpful if the main site is down. I’ll start an index for the class to make finding items easier. https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5501502855899333141#overview/src=dashboard
Course Rationale:
Online Publishing is offered
as an elective in Communication Arts. In a rapidly changing world where
communication is critical, the class offers insight into changes in the
presentation of news, information, and data as well as the impact of new
technology on individuals and society.
Learning Outcomes:
Students completing Online
Publication will:
1. Be able to articulate (verbally, on a quiz
and/or in writing) the history of online content.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the changes
over time in presenting information online and the current standards and
emerging trends in online publication.
3. Reflect a basic understanding of the
underlying technology and the ability to use simple tools for publishing
online.
4. Grasp the safety and moral issues involved
with publishing online and reflect sound judgment in selecting, packaging, and
presenting data and ideas online.
5. Demonstrate an awareness of the power of the medium
on society and the implications of publishing in a global forum now and looking
toward the future.
Methods of Instruction:
1. Online readings, research, and discussions as
well as practical applications.
2. Hands on learning in publishing online including
(but not limited to) posting written materials and/or visuals in various forums
including personal student blogs.
3. Instructor, peer, and
self-evaluations with personal action plans developed by students with faculty
input, feedback, or assistance as needed.
Assignments:
1. Develop a blog concept and implement the idea
including 25 blog posts (one free post for break if needed/wanted) and 1 guest
post (guest post does not count in your 25 total). You’ll need 3 to 4 posts per
week plus the guest post during the second half of the class. Do not post more
than four per week (excluding the guest post), because a blog does better when
written across time on a regular basis.
2. Use social networking tools (FB, Twitter
ect.) on the blog as well as network to coordinate a guest post exchange. This
will also include a widget which may or may not be geared toward social media.
3. Provide appropriate and insightful online
feedback on work produced by peers (twice per week with a log including URL of
each peer post). Be sure to keep a log with the name of the blog and the URL as
you go; it’s easy to forgot where you went and what you did if you wait until
the end of the class.
4. Six weekly tests (covering materials assigned
during that week). You will not have a test every week. See the schedule for
weeks with tests. These are short tests and will run from Saturday through
Monday of the assigned week.
5. Watch Julie & Julia film and write a
2-page research paper (500 words).
6. Mid personal blog review
with instructor feedback as needed. Students are always invited to ask for
extra assistance at any time during the term.
6. Final blog project review
and self-evaluation.
Grading:
Syllabus and First Week Test Required but no
grade (unlimited attempts)
Post blog idea and rationale
(with feedback) 5 points
Peer feedback on class blogs
(2 per week) 20 points
Short Tests – Five tests x 20
points each 100 points
Final exam 25
points
Two discussions (based on
current events) 20 points
Widget (may be social type
media) 10 points
Research Paper (Julie &
Julia) 25 points
Mid self eval on blog and
feedback 10 points
Guest Post (2nd
half of semester) 10
points
Final Blog 50
points
Final Self-Evaluation and
Overview of Project 15 points
Class Participation 10
points
Total Points = 300
The class is on a 10 point
scale once class points are divided by 3. If you earned 230 class points, you
divide the total points by 3 = 76. That’s a C. There is a plus/minus system.
Taking the B range on a 10 point scale, 80 to 82 would be B-, 83 to 86 would be
a B, and 87 to 89 would be B+.
Summer Schedule
Online Publication - COMM 2901 – Summer 2013
Week 1 (short week)
Topics Covered
- Read Syllabus
- Overview of Online Publication Class and Types of Online Writing
- History of Blogging
- Types of Blogs (and how to develop a targeted, marketable blog)
- Starting a Blog
Assignments
- Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB)
- Syllabus Quiz and First Week Readings (required before completing other class work)
- Post idea and URL name for personal blog under Discusssions (which will be viewable online). Do wait for feedback before proceeding. Classmates are invited to offer input, ideas, etc.
Week 2
Topics Covered
- Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB). These will include basic blog set up readings and notes. Please do get in touch if you are having any difficulties.
Assignments
- Create/Design Blog (Be sure to look at all the various options. There are a lot.)
- Put up first blog post by noon on Thursday June 5 (25 post total count with one free day = 24 required – spread out throughout the term with no more than four posts per week)
- List Blog URL under BB to be Included in Class List on Class Blog (for easy access). I’ll link that, so it will be easy to find class blogs.
- Start Peer Comment Log List (fifteen comments on peer blogs required and on different days across the month). Don’t wait until the end, or you will forget where you posted.
- Weekly Test 1 - 20 points (available from 1 pm on Saturday through noon on Monday – ALL tests except the exam are on this schedule giving you both weekend and a week day to work)
Week 3
Topics Covered
- Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB and probably on class blog)
- Widgets – what they are and how to add one
- Monetization (just a note - don’t apply for this option yet)
- Famous Bloggers
- Julie and Julia (watch the film) – This is not due yet, but begin to plan for getting a copy of the film and the research.
Assignments
- Continue to blog on schedule.
- Continue to make comments.
- Add at least one widget that compliments your blog
- Get ready for Julie and Julia (watch the film)
- Do outside research on Julie/Julia and write a two page paper due June 30 (500 words minimum = 2 double spaced pages). Be sure to use in text links for web sources used (or include a MLA citation list at the bottom of the post). Papers should be posted to BB under Assignments (to maintain the links).
- Weekly Test 2 - 20 points
Week 4
Topics Covered
- Complete Weekly Readings (posted on BB)
- The value of linking (both in and out)
- Adding “pages” (these help with organization and make your blog look like a web page)
- Prepare for BB discussion.
Assignments
- Complete readings.
- Add at least one external link.
- Add pages (four minimum).
- Take part in class Discussion (50 words minimum – may be split in more than one post)
- Weekly Test 3 – 20 points
- Julie & Julia paper due under Assignments by Monday June 30. This is just an advance reminder.
Week 5
Topics Covered
- Blogging fatigue
Assignments
- Complete readings.
- Continue to keep blog posts going.
- Continue to comment on peer blogs.
- Guest Post (time is flexible but be sure to be scouting out a guest blogger – post due before the end of class)
Week 6
Readings
- Continue to blog and leave comments.
- SEO (and the importance)
Assignments
- Keep up blog and peer comments
- Julie & Julia paper due (June 30 by noon)
- Weekly test 4
Week 7
Readings
- Stats in Blogger
- Legal issues and blogging
- Ethical issues in blogging
Assignments
- BB discussion (50 words minimum – may be split in more than one post)
- Weekly test 5
- Begin to review and correct any issues with your earlier blog posts. You do have an edit option. Feel free to use it.
Week 8
Readings
- Monetization on blogs (do hold off on this)
Assignments
- Begin to finish up blog and comments.
- Exam – 25 points
Week 9 (final week)
Readings
- Making a difference with blogs and your blogging future.
Assignments
Using what you’ve learned
over the semester, go back and make any corrections, additions, and deletions
to your blog before final grades are assigned.
Post under Assignments your
own self-ev aluation of your blogging work.
- Making a Difference with Blogs
- Future of Blogging
Assignments
- Weekly Test - 25 points (available from noon on Friday through noon on Sunday)
Exam
- Blog – 50 points (includes all requirements such as visuals, widgets, guest post etc. as well as progress over the semester).
- Final Self-Evaluation – 15 points (includes an overview of the blog from start to finish with what was learned and what worked well as things that did not work as well – 500 words minimum).
* Class Participation (10
points) – This includes the various assignments that are not specifically
graded.
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