The Blog Review Connection

[Michele Martin]

I know that a lot of members of the community would love to get feedback on their blogs. I also know that a lot of people here would be willing to give that feedback. I'm setting up this forum to help people connect with one another specifically for a blog audit/review session.

If you're interested in offering your services as a blog reviewer, I'm going to suggest that you leave your name and an email link, along with the time period for when you're willing to do a review.

If you want someone to review your blog, leave your name, a link to your blog and the time frame for doing the review.

Hopefully we can start facilitating the connection process this way.

[Christine Martell]

I actually used Techsmith Camtasia, which is not free ($299). However, the same company does make a free product that does something similar. You are limited to 5 minutes, and you can't edit, but I use it for quick stuff. It is called the Jing project

There was one point in the 31day challenge where all we did was whine about how overwhelmed we all were. Except for Michele and Sue Waters, who I think must be superhuman. I have to let myself off the hook with it all the time, there are only so many hours in the day. I only posted three times last month, yet somehow the audience kept growing slowly. I think blogs just start to have a life of their own (and no I have nowhere near 500 subscribers yet).

[Sue Waters]

There is a few choices for free screencast software - here are my reviews -- Quick Tips For Improving Screencasts! and Further Investigations Into Free Screencast Software. Sorry you can't download the Free version of Camtasia Studio any more.

PS I believe both Michele and I both felt overwhelmed -- we just wouldn't admit it :)

[Simon Thomas]

Oh, and if you're on a Mac you can use the free Display Eater or the excellent (but not free) Snapz Pro X and edit them in iMovie.

[Claudia]

Hey Christine,
I finally got to view your comments. Very helpful! I really appreciate it. And I am SO excited about our common interests. I will definitely be out at your blog this week to check out what you're saying, especially on the visual problem-solving stuff.

[Claudia]

OH, and I meant to say that I'm in Northern VA, right outside of DC.

[Claudia]

Thanks for your comments, Danielle. I really appreciate it!

[bmtrnavsky]

I have just started a new blog / Ning community called Sales Management 2.0 my url is http://salesmanagement20.com
I am looking for advice about layout, features etc... I am also very interested in learning some new ways to build membership.

[Talia Carbis]

If someone wants to review my blog it's taliacarbis.com. Would love some creative feedback.

Thanks,
talia

And if anyone would like me to review their blog I'm more then happy to. I've been blogging for about 2 years now.

[Allison]

Hey everyone,

My blog is about life as a recent college graduate.

http://entrylevelliving.wordpress.com/

I just started it late December. I am struggling with finding my voice in this area and attracting readers, in particular those in my age group. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[bmtrnavsky]

Allison,

You have a great blog! You are a talented and intelligent writer, and over time that will help you increase readership. The biggest problem I have had as a blogger is getting other people to find your blog for the first time to figure that out!

A few tips... More links out to other blogs... most bloggers watch who is linking to them, and I read the people who link to me and usually link back! In bound links is the other key. a great resource I have found to build inbound links is blog carnival this is a regular post bloggers make that lets their readers know about other blogs or blog posts they think their readers may be interested in. you can see a example of a blog carnival post on my blog here sites like blog carnival act as sort of a middle man between bloggers to help these connections happen.

I hope this helps.

-Brad

[Allison]

Hey Brad,

Thanks for the advice! I have included more links to other bloggers in my blog and have noticed an increase in people hitting my page. I have also added more tags to my blog entries since I notice people search tags for blogs to read.

Thanks!
Allison

[Talia Carbis]

Allison,
I've had a look at your blog, and I really like it! We definitely don't see eye to eye on a few things, but your writing styles never makes me feel wrong for thinking differently to you, which is really good.

Your writing is really professional, as is your site. Well done.

I kind of feel like there's no where to go on your blog, which makes me just... leave. Apart from your about page there is no link to here, or to a myspace or facebook or twitter account. Or flickr, or another blog... I personally like to see those things.

Who is your target audience? Is it young people similar to you, or is it young people who are in different situations?? Either way sometimes it's nice to have something a bit fun and personal. I feel like your posts are so well written that they're really serious.

But I definitely am continuing to read your blog and am really interested in what you have to say!!