Thanks to the incredible proliferation of web logs (blogs) the Internet has become a writer’s paradise. What is blog? It’s essentially an online journal that allows you to publish your thoughts, ideas and opinions or just about anything else that you ‘d like for people to read. Not only is their content varied; blogs themselves are available in numerous styles, formats, and settings, determined by the blogger’s preferences. Furthermore, different types of blogging software offer built-in features including hyperlinks, straight texts, pictures and more. And in some cases videos and mp3's can be added to your blog. Finally, some bloggers are creating their blogs with spoken word entries. This is referred to as “audio blogging.”

   Regardless of the variety of accessories, every blog consists of a:

Title- This enables you to give a descriptive name to your post

Body- Here is where your post’s content resides

Trackback- This feature allows other sites to link back to your blog

Permanent link- Each post that you create is assigned its own URL

Comments- Readers may post comments on your blog after each post

    Because they consist of a couple of templates blogs have a distinct advantage over websites, which are comprised of a series of pages. Thanks to the availability of ready-made templates, bloggers can produce new pages with ease.  This aspect is particularly helpful to those who are new to blogging. Once a template has been chosen, they can start blogging right away.

   There are numerous blogging websites to choose from across the ‘Net. This allows first time users the option of joining a blogging community that appeals to their interests. To start blogging, just choose a blog site and become a member. As a member, you can enjoy several privileges. Upon enrollment, you are immediately a part of the blog site’s blogging community. This allows you to browse through other bloggers pages, which provides an opportunity for you link back to their blogs. You may also include your comments on other members' blogs.

   Although blogs are basically online journals, their content is not just limited to personal commentary. Many blogs have been designed around a particular theme like: sports, politics, philosophy, social commentary and business, just to name a few. All content is geared to reflect a specific theme. Thus blogging also provides a medium for people to share their knowledge and opinions on any number of themes, topics and ideas.

   Blogs have even crossed over into commercial aspects. For example, some bloggers use their blogs as an advertising medium. An author might advertise a book, while others may focus on highlighting current issues, events, news and even disasters.

   Speaking of advertising, entrepreneurs have learned to benefit from blogging by promoting their businesses on their blogs. A business owner may decide to promote his or her products through blogging while others generate a profit through advertisements.

   But for the most part, the preferred blog type is a personal journal, which is usually the choice of first time bloggers. And for those who seek to document the ebb and flow of daily life, blogging offers them a medium in which to express themselves through poems, rants and opinions.

   Just as there is no set design or type of content for blogs, there are no rules when it comes to blogging. Blogs offer individuals the means and the freedom to express themselves as they please. Blogging is fun, simple and easy, and it truly is for everyone. And best of all, most blogging sites are absolutely free.

There’s a well-known but often little-heeded saying that goes something like this: “If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.” Ever wonder what it would like to build a forty-story building without a blueprint?

It would never be completed because no one would know everything that would be necessary to get the job done.

   While there is no comparison between the value of a major construction project and creating a podcast, neither project will succeed unless a plan has been created to guide the process from start to finish. So, although it won’t be as elaborate as a construction blueprint, your podcast will need to follow a plan in order to be successful.

   If you think about a typical broadcast, you can see that it consists of a number of “building blocks.” There is the introduction, the opening comments, perhaps a guest appearance, discussion on one or more topics, maybe a special feature, then closing comments with the broadcast coming to a close. Why should your podcast be any different?

   This is a process commonly referred to as “storyboarding.” You simply “map out” what you want to do, and in the order that you want to do it. This in turn becomes the “frame” or format for your production. Once you’ve determined what your podcast will consist of and the order it will occur, you can go back and include specific details for each segment if you choose.

   Now, once you’ve determined the elements of your show, decide on an intro and outro—and theme music for each—and then use it with each show. This will add both professionalism and familiarity to your podcast. Your favorite radio or TV program has these features; your podcast should too.

   Next, you need to prepare a “clock” for your show. Each segment should be given a specific time frame that will be the same for every show. Talk shows and news programs do this all the time.

   Take the time and thought necessary to assemble these building blocks for your podcast. If you do, you could be well on your way to creating a super successful podcast.

Cashing In With Pop-Ups

It’s the original digital device that everyone loves to hate. The dreaded pop-up. Chances are pretty good that, unless you’ve got a blocker, most sites you’ve visited use one. Like it or not, pop-ups work, which is why you’ll find most well known marketers using them. 

   When it comes to pop-ups, there is not only a variety to choose from, but there’s also several ways to use them. To use them effectively, it’s important to know what you want to use it to accomplish and which kind is best suited to achieve that purpose.

   The most common pop-up is the pop-up box that appears offering a free gift in return for subscribing to the site’s newsletter. Usually you’re asked to include your first name and e-mail address. A variation on this is the “stealth pop-up.” It looks like the gray dialogue box on your computer, and when you click “OK”, it automatically sends a subscription request from your default e-mail client on your behalf.

   A less-annoying version of the standard pop-up is the pop-under. It works just like the pop-up except this kind appears at the bottom of the browser without blocking your view of the site. This could be also be used as a sign-up box, but is often used to draw you to more information about a specific product or service. 

   One of the more recent versions of the pop-up is the “slider.” As its name implies, this kind doesn’t “pop-up”; instead it appears to slide across the screen. These are also very effective for getting new subscribers. Some marketers use them to offer a discount or up sell.

   Many marketers have begun using a timed pop-up. They are created in such a way that you are given a specific time period in which to click on the box before the countdown ends. These are often used to offer a discount on the product or service being offered. 

   Of course, a discussion on pop-ups would not be complete without mentioning the exit pop-up. As its name implies, it appears when you leave the site. More recently these have been used as “ask boxes,” with an audio clip asking you to input why you are leaving the site without signing up or purchasing a product. These are also used to get sign-ups for a free report or e-course with information related the site’s product or service.