05.14.08
Posted in Free Stuff
at 6:53 am
I need a new WordPress theme.
When I started blogging, I spent hours searching for themes I thought I might like. The theme I currently have was my favorite, but now that I’ve been blogging for a while I feel as though I should have something more professional.
I’d like to start using my blog more often in my marketing, and while I still love the general theme, I feel as though it’s a little plain. The problem? I just can’t seem to find a free theme that I like.
I’ve decided to issue a challenge to all of my readers. Here’s how it will work:
* In the comments section of this post, send links to free or low cost WordPress themes you like and think would work (from a professional point of view) for my “writing and blogging” blog here at The Rhythm of Write.
* On June 1st, 2008. I’ll pick my favorite and announce the winner. That lucky soul will receive one of the following (winner’s choice of one):
The Copywriter’s Handbook, by Robert W. Bly
- or -
Blogging Heroes: Interviews with 30 of the World’s Top Bloggers, by Michael A. Banks
It’ll be up to me and spirit of The Rhythm of Write to determine whether or not the theme will actually be implemented. I hope to have a theme designed specifically for the blog within the next 6 months, but I know it’s time to make a change.
June 1st. That’s it! Start sending suggestions….now!
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05.13.08
Posted in Resources
at 1:23 pm
I have to admit that I’m not always the first to jump on the bandwagon when a new networking tool appears amidst the blogging world. When Entrecard first came out, I was just as aprehensive as I have been about anything else (Blogrush, Pay Per Play, etc.). I waited a while to see what other blogs would do with the widgets and started to see some pretty positive reviews.
Sometime within the past couple of weeks I added my own Entrecard widget to the blog. So far, I find Entrecard to be a valuable networking tool. Even if you aren’t purchasing ad space on another blog, Entrecard gives bloggers a new way to find and network with other bloggers. You simply search the blogs listed on the system, visit their websites, and drop your card (by clicking “Drop” on the widget you find on their blogs) to let them know you’ve stopped by. They’ll be notified when they log on again and can do the same for you as well.
I am surprised at the number of awesome blogs I’ve come across in the past week. I’ll save a list of new finds for later on, but I don’t know if I would have ever found some of these had it not been for my Entrecard experiment/adventure.
If you’re serious about advertising, dropping cards on other blogs earns you credits that you can use towards “purchasing” advertising on other Entrecard widget of other blogs. I haven’t explored this avenue much but will do so in the future, I’m sure.
In the meantime, I encourage you to check out Entrecard if you haven’t already. Simply sign up for a free account, log in, hit the “Campaign” button at the top of the screen, and browse the blogs that are already part of the system. You’re bound to find something interesting anduseful!
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05.12.08
Posted in Link Love
at 3:46 pm
I thought we’d kick off the new week with some well deserved link love!
Monika at The Writer’s Manifesto wrote a great article today about how to invoice clients. She points out that PayPal has a formal invoicing feature aside from the “request money” option. I hadn’t noticed this option before. It looks much more professional than a regular money request. Freelancers should check out Invoicing Clients - Freelance Writing Guide for more info.
After you’ve finished learning the ins and outs of PayPal, head on over to The Freelance Switch where Skellie has identified 20 different types of freelance work, pointing out the pros and cons of each. This isn’t your typical list of job types and I’m sure it’s not what you’re expecting to read. At least, it wasn’t for me. 20 Types of Freelance Work Identified and Explained.
Lastly, check out What’s a Male Mistress? at Daily Writing Tips. The article actually discusses the way words that once meant one thing have evolved with our culture to mean something completely different. It’s important to be careful when expressing ourselves through writing - what we write may not mean what we intend it to!
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05.08.08
Posted in Free Stuff
at 9:11 am
Today I’m back with more FREE stuff for writers. I won’t waste time discussing business cards and why they’re so wonderful for advertising - you can read my previous post on the subject here!
Our focus today is on ooprint.com, where you can get up to 100 business cards for FREE. Simply log onto the website and you’ll see their special promotions listed in the upper left hand corner. You can choose from up to 33 different card styles and receive your cards for FREE (plus shipping). The cards are customizable, allowing you to add your personal information and, in a few cases, allowing you to edit some pre-printed text.
Uploading an image, changing the font, and playing with the color will cost you an additional $5, but that low price is still incredibly reasonable for 100 professional business cards. The company does give you options to make other upgrades as well. You can change the type of paper they are printed on for an additional $3 or $4. The back of the card wil be white with the ooprint logo unless you choose another option. A blank or colored back will run you an extra $4 or $5, depending on what you choose.
Some people feel as though being charged for shipping makes the “FREE” offer a scam. It does not. Someone has to pay for postage, and you’re getting the product for free with no string attached. The standard shipping fee is $5.90 and they claim your cards will be delivered within 9 working days. You can also upgrade to Express, with delivery within 2 working days, for $12.24.
The price for upgrades on this promotion is really reasonable and there is no reason to balk over the price of shipping. If you haven’t ordered your first set of business cards, be sure to take advantage of this offer. You won’t be sorry!
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05.07.08
Posted in Earnings Reports
at 9:04 am
Here’s hoping everyone is enjoying the beautiful Spring weather! The month of April turned out to be much better than the month of March. There is still plenty of work to do, but considering my part-time schedule, things worked out quite well. Here’s the breakdown:
- Associated Content Articles: $0 (I didn’t submit to them this month)
- Associated Content Performance Bonus: $17.33
- Individual Projects (5): $785.55
- Advertising Revenue: $40.00
- Gross Earnings: $842.88
- Business Expenses: -$74.81
- Total Net Earnings: $768.07
I was definitely successful this month in bringing my business expenses down. They were limited to web expenses, paypal fees, and help on one personal project.
The month of May might not turn out as well. My week day hours will be spent on projects I already have and my weekend hours will be limited. I already dedicated one full weekend to a continuing education course and there is, of course, Mother’s Day next weekend. I’m also proud to share that my mom is graduating from the local community college with her associates degree the weekend after Mother’s Day! There are lots of family events to attend this time of the year, but my goal is to remain focused and keep plugging away.
How did you do in April? Do you have a game plan for May? Share in the comments!
And on another note:
With the summer months approaching, you may find yourself focused on planning the next family vacation or personal getaway. Unfortunately, the current economy doesn’t exactly support exotic trips or extravagant spending. Thanks to the folks at ShermansTravel, cheap hotels are only a click away! Simply visit the site, tell them where you want to go, and you’ll suddenly find a list of terrific options right at your fingertips. Have a great trip!
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05.06.08
Posted in Free Flowin' Fridays
at 1:52 pm
Pete Dunn tagged me for a meme. Who the hell is Jeff Dunn? I don’t know, but he has a really great blog over at fiddley.com, so go read [...] Continue Reading…
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Posted in Blog Carnival
at 9:26 am
I am pleased to announce that on Tuesday, May 27th, The Rhythm of Write will be hosting Paul Kilduff’s virtual blog tour as he promotes his new book, Ruinair! [...] Continue Reading…
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05.05.08
Posted in Writing In General
at 1:32 pm
9 Steps to Unique Articles
1 Remove your limits
Reduce your subject to a single core word and then brainstorm around it. For example, if you’re trying to write about “Study [...] Continue Reading…
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05.02.08
Posted in Uncategorized
at 1:27 pm
Happy Friday! Special thanks to everyone who visited and participated in RSS Awareness day. I hope you learned more about the benefits of RSS feeds. I myself was able [...] Continue Reading…
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05.01.08
Posted in Resources
at 3:07 pm
RSS readers, or aggregators, can be readily found on the Internet. A simple Google search for “RSS reader” will help you to find a myriad of options. Most can [...] Continue Reading…
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