If you are young and have a bit of the entrepreneur spirit, or if you are old and after years of work and experience, you now have some time, the Internet may open up to all of you as in the spirit of Columbus who gradually saw a new land of fruits, vegetables and gold.

Yes, the Internet calls forth with inviting challenges where, with a variety of stratagems and much persistence, an online career could be developed and enhanced like Columbus. He also found a lot of inhabitants in that new land, but he was not only a skilled explorer, he was of strong and unique vintage. Without a clear map of destinations, but with a thorough knowledge of his sails, Columbus was properly situated to be struck with strong wisps of luck.

For the novice, the Internet can be as new and foreboding as the quests of this explorer, except for one major difference. Though thoroughly inhabited, the Internet is just as thoroughly mapped. Many of the signposts appear to have dollar signs of gold. Go here, go there. Before you believe the route to India is everywhere, you must have a Columbus-type quality, something which luck could stand upon without show. Here are some knowledgeable clues.

Know the sails. In other words, read up on the computer. Spend some good time understanding its history and its expansion. There are reasons why computers immediately brought new value to the commerce world. Understand the development of the CPU, the hard drive, their sister the memory, some basic knowledge of web pages and HTML. This will give you useful tools.

The fact that there is wireless and now mobile will provide you with some realistic impressions, like Columbus, of the direction you want to take. Being able to reach millions with a service you offer, with a product on an eBay store or an advice column dealing with fixing up houses for resale are all enhanced with a basic knowledge of the Internet and its technologies.

This is how Columbus stayed ahead, with knowledge and a backing of useful trade and things. The sheer force of gun power and other natural differences came later with the other explorers. For you, the driver would be your skills and your ambition. Read up on the experiences of other successful Internet explorer-traders, then establish your useful and marketable outline career with valuable skills.

Post from: eWritings - Online Public Relations

Is an Online Career Right For You?

In the quest for “hot topics” we often forget the people who make the dialogue possible… and I am ashamed to say: I am guilty. I forgot to pay more attention to the people and less to the technical part of the web. I blogged a little too much about SEO, dos and don’ts of PR, body language and so on, and not enough about bloggers and their dreams. This blog used to be about “unleashing the power of dreams.” The dreamcatcher had a real value… when did I lose that? Or, if I bring it back today, is it really lost?

Meet Jehzeel Laurente

Jehzeel is a blogger with a powerful voice, and how powerful you can see at Jehzlau Concepts. He comes from the beautiful Philippines and he writes one of the most prominent blogs in this part of the world. A top 100 Philippines blogs classifies his work on position 14. At the middle of 2008 it is hard to still consider accurate a top made in December 2007 – Jehzlau Concepts certainly deserves today a position in the top 5.

Jehzeel started blogging in 2006 and his main topics back then were SEO, Internet marketing and Google related. Today… there’s basically no topic he hasn’t covered, from food to graphic design each entry is a resource. He is one of the few bloggers in the world who turned blogging into a full time job.

In 2006 Jehzeel was not even dreaming about making money with his blog. Today his advice is valued by many who try to expand their ROI. Making money with AdSense is a reality for this blogger, who graciously shares his tips – and from experience I can already tell you that he knows his stuff.

Jehzeel has a few admirable blogger features: sense of humor (see how to increase your number of RSS readers – I am still smiling), an honest approach to internet marketing (all his tips and tutorials are illustrated with screenshots that prove his affirmations), and originality. I think originality is what makes Jehzeel so popular and his voice so strong: he doesn’t pretend to be someone else; his writing style is personal and direct. Frankly, this is the first time I read a blog that is both entertaining and insightful.

What Do We Learn from Jehzeel?

I read an article featuring this 21 years blogger in a printed magazine and the thing that got my attention was his very statement: “Don’t blog just to earn money!”

Jehzeel is the proof that value gets rewarded.

To further illustrate my choosing Jehzeel as a power blogger today, I could make a list… But lists are impersonal. So instead… I give you his words, quoted from the magazine article linked in the previous paragraph:

Copying content is evil. Blog even if you think you are not good in writing. Abstain from copying one’s content and pasting it to your blog. Be unique, be original… Always put in your mind that you’ll never learn if you cannot make a mistake. A lot learned from mistakes, a lot learned from failures. Even great scientists committed thousands of mistakes before perfecting their experiment. Always remember that failure is not the enemy of success, it’s a teacher, a very harsh teacher, but the best.

Be honest! Blog about what you think is right…”

Post from: eWritings - Online Public Relations

Power Blogger: Jehzeel Laurente

• it brought to your attention interesting blogs you were probably not familiar with;
• it recognized quality and excellence, giving more than link love and buzz to these blogs: a genuine proof of appreciation;
• it kept me motivated to search for at least one new blog each day, extending my reading;

I have to say in the past this has always been a rewarding experience and a real tradition at eWritings. Today I revive this tradition with five excellent blog recommendations.

Virtual Impax is a blog I discovered recently, after Kathy left a comment on my controversial entry “MyBlogLog, What’s Wrong with You?” Her blog has an excellent design, but more importantly, the articles are literally taking the pulse of the Web. Kathy focuses on blogging advice and content quality, but also on what new trends might impact your web presence in general. Her most recent entry reveals how Alexa’s algorithm change will affect sites that accept paid reviews and a lot more.

Newmediatype is an online business and marketing blog by Lex G a very talented webtrepreneur from Netherlands. Lex doesn’t post as often as I’d like, but the absence of quantity is compensated through quality. You’ll see that all posts are exceptionally well structured, nothing is left to chance and you’ll really know that the man knows his business. Read for example his first impressions on WordPress 2.5.

A very good resource for PR professionals and for all those interested in online public relations is Naked PR. Jennifern Mattern blogs exclusively about public relations, so don’t expect a “soft touch” and easy readings. There are some fun entries though, like Top Ten Reasons Why Facebook Sucks.

I am sure you are all familiar with Search Engine Journal, but I have to add it to the list, because the site is professional and it publishes interesting, quality articles every day. This is one of the advantages of having a multi-author blog. For example, today we read that Google Likes Working With Yahoo – nothing new for professional SEOs, but interesting news for those less familiar with what happens behind the scenes in the search engines world.

Now relax, take a cup of hot chocolate and follow this link to Mixed Metaphor. Jenn’s blog is one of those oasis where creative writing and graphic beauty intertwine to create harmony – a magic world where you will want to return.

Post from: eWritings - Online Public Relations

The Weekend Entry: Blogs to Read

The People Who Make My Heart Sing

It had to be Lillie this time to remind me what really matters. Somehow she always does. She is warm and genuine, like no other. You can feel her love in her words, you can feel her giving heart, her true spirit. She always inspires, she is always ready to help those who need her, she is and amazing woman and I often consider myself blessed to have friends like her. You need to know her better, you need to visit her blog to fill up your heart with grace divine.

Yes, I am blessed. Ewritings was born in November 2006 and it grew ever since to be an authority in the online public relations field, ranking in the top 150 of the top media and marketing blogs. And this happens only because people like Lillie were there all along.

I remember even my first commentator – Mark Rusworth – and my first successful blog entry: The Stuttering Fish, on SEO Quacks. The responses I got back then for The Stuttering Fish, the amazing traffic this entry received from Stylegala and the follow-ups from my clients made me realize that the blog was more than a place of ramble: my blog had enough potential to become a social bridge, a branding tool and a genuine resource.

Lillie’s award is just one of the confirmations I receive now. And I am happy that my efforts are not in vain. But most importantly, my blogging journey is more valuable due to the people that travel with me. Lillie is one of them! One of the many. So Lillie awarded some of her readers and fellow bloggers with the Nice Matters award. And I think that, the best thing to do with such an award, is to pass it on to other people that deserve it, people that make my heart sing.

And Nice Matters Goes To…

Phil Butler - for giving me his heart.

Alina Popescu - for taking my heart home.

Yvonne Russell – for being a wonderful friend and colleague.

Pearl – for being Pearl.

And Jen – for the goodness and the graciousness.

Thank you all for being a part of my life. You truly make the blgosphere a better place and you all make me want to be a better person each day.

Post from: eWritings - Online Public Relations

Thank You For Being Nice! Nice Matters

I wrote a few entries about the Web, communication, friendship and relationships. I wrote about my friends a few times, I mentioned how proud I was to know Liz Strauss, Alina Popescu, Jen the Thruthdancer, Yvonne Russell, Laura Spencer, Lillie Ammann, and so many others. And what all these people have in common is that… I’ve never met them in the real life. They are all “virtual friends” – yet the connection I feel with each and every one of them is stronger than life. Any of them knows that I will be there whenever they need me. A powerful statement, yet as true as it can get.

Liz wiped my tears, Alina takes my heart home, Jen reminds me to forgive and forget, Yvonne is the perfect colleague and friend, Lillie brings God closer to my heart and Laura is always there when I ask for her help. True friends are made of this. You see, these are not “my readers.” They read my stuff, I read their stuff, but there is a lot more to it and we often don’t need too many words to know that what we have is special and unbreakable.

I remember how Yvonne encouraged me when I was somehow depressed because too much offline work kept me away from my friends and my readers. And each time I chat with Alina I miss my family and friends less – because she is there, true Romanian spirit, a pure heart. I could write so many pages about each and every one.

Ten Reasons Why I love Pearl

I opened this entry with a short note on lists. Obviously my plan was to make a list. And I kept you waiting. Sometimes it feels good to wait for things that are really worth it. Pearl is worth it. She is my friend and she is more than that: she is someone who trusts me above all, although she has never seen me in person. It feels good to be trusted by a genuine human being, a soul so pure and young that many of us should just stop and behold in wonder.

1. I love Pearl because she opened my heart with a key I thought lost. Each time Pearl writes to me I feel her soul. I was afraid I lost the power of feeling friendship from the distance. Pearl reminded me that when true hearts come on the same wavelength anything is possible.
2. She trusts me, as I said. Unconditionally. And I trust her in return. And there is nothing anyone could ever do to make me betray that trust.
3. She is always kind and her advice comes from her heart. Pearl doesn’t judge my choices, but warns me, as any other sweet friend would, to approach life decisions with care. And what I like about her advices is that… Pearl never gives a lecture.She just gives her heart. Truth from a woman who knows human nature and who’s more kind than words could ever say.
4. She makes me smile, she makes me laugh and she makes me cry. And I will not tell you how she does all these things, and when she does them. All you have to do is to read her blog, in depth, not just the latest entries. You see, Interesting Observations is about everything: life, work, people, the Internet. But most importantly, it is about Pearl.
5. As I already told her, Pearl comes from a magic world of fairies and elves, where fantasy creatures run free and the Pearls (her symbol) dominate the scenery with their magic beauty. Pearl’s soul is serene and wild at times. A paradox in every way. Pearl reminds me of a fairy tale. She reminds me how to be a child again.
6. Pearl makes me stronger. We exchange emails often – mostly when we need strength. And Pearl gives without delay. She reminds me of all the things that matter in life.
7. Pearl is a believer – against all odds. We all have drawbacks in life, ups and downs. Destiny hasn’t spared Pearl either. But she keeps on walking with a warm smile on her face, inspiring me to follow.
8. Pearl gives without taking. As true friends do. And after she gives, she forgets the gift. How unique. There are not many people able of such selflessness.
9. Pearl takes with grace. It feels like the breeze blowing softly over the shore. It’s always a pleasure to give Pearl a piece of my heart, even if just virtually.
10. Pearl is a model, a true friend and an inspiration.

Of course, my list is probably a bit redundant. But you see, there are some things I just had to repeat.

Why such a list today? Well, in a world dominated by lists that tell about how to make money online, how to reboot your PC and other such general topics, it feels good to remember that nothing is possible without the people in our lives. And they need to know how much we respect them and how much we value them.

Now take some time to think about it: is there anyone in your life who deserves such a list? Then you know how rich you are.

Thank you, Pearl, for being my friend. This is my homage to you.

Post from: eWritings - Online Public Relations

Notes on Friendship: The Online World

Not long ago, the one and only Liz Strauss has started a new blog at lizstrauss.com. Apparently there is a trend and I hope this will inspire other of the great writers I know start blogging on their own branded domains.

Liz is always an inspiration. I don’t remember seeing such dedication and love for people somewhere else. A true guru, in the real sense of the word, and not a self fabricated product of online marketing and money-making goals.

Liz is THE teacher.

Liz is one of those few people I’d call my mentors. Liz is genuine, honest and true. And you can easily imagine that I am proud to be part of a world touched by this wonderful spirit.

You all know Liz. And if you don’t, don’t miss another second. Not knowing Liz is like missing the sunrise!

No let me go back to Sue and Phil. When I say excellent I mean excellent.

Take for instance Phil’s most recent entry on his new blog: Part I – Beyond Good and Google. I could go on and on analyzing and scrutinizing his arguments, to reach in the end to the same conclusion: I’ve never read a most complete and pertinent analysis on this challenging topic. Yes, I have my share of Google is evil entries, I’m also aware that there is a lot to learn from this company, but this is not the point. The point comes in Phil’s words:

Google “represents a lazy and mediocre evolution of something that could have been fabulous and good for everyone.”

To connect this quote with their real meaning, you have to visit Phil’s blog and have your say. Bookmark it too. I am sure you will have many reasons to come back.

Sue is inviting you in a challenging journey: she writes about blogging, social networking, communications and relationships. Pretty much what Liz does, but in a different style, with a different approach. Yet we see here the same genuineness and dedication.

Sue’s been around the blogosphere for 6 years now. That’s a long time, my friends. And that’s a lot of experience. You can welcome the new Sueblimely blog with a comment on her first entry: WordPress on my Own Domain.

Post from: eWritings - Online Public Relations

Three Excellent New Blogs by Power Bloggers

Is Thursday a weekend day? When you are a freelancer you can make your own weekends. So, if you ask me… today is the day to read some very good blog.

We have a Guy Kawasaky first (no, I am not making a top) with How to Change the World. Here you have a potpourri of interesting topics, online marketing strategies that work, cool stuff and even a job board.

Moving to Deborah at Life in the Fast Lane – a blog to read every day. I wonder where does Deborah find all those cool pictures, interesting topics and the time to write such compelling copy. Any tips, Deb? Maybe in one of your next entries?

Changing lanes to a freelancer’s resource: the Freelancing Journey by Denise Kincy Grier. It’s got all you need to become a successful blogger: writing tips, freelancer tools, jobs and paid to blog services.

My personal favorite is Sue’s Sueblimely – Discovering Blogging. This blog has a beautiful, simple design, interesting topics and a heart. No other comments needed. I give you the pleasure of discovering it.

And a bonus: if you want to see beautiful photography and stunning abstract art visit Peripheral Vision by Lynda Lehmann.

If you are not freelancers, consider visiting these blogs over the weekend. Don’t stop at the first entry. Go deeper, browse the archives, take your time. You won’t regret it.

Post from: eWritings - Online Public Relations

Blogs-resource You Probably Don’t Know

Last year I had positive responses from the local politicians in Trier (in German) where I held a short meeting about online safety and the local schools were warned to install good safety measures on shared computers.

One adult content producer from Swiss, who required keeping his name anonym, did put passwords on his sites. There are still free tours, but none with explicit content (yes, I checked).

Suzanne Stanford started the Parents Against Predators Act campaign and she is quite successful and now we get news from Jon Harmon, the cofounder of the Blogger Power movement. He publishes on his blog a response from U.S. Congressman Thaddeus McCotter

All these events do make a difference. A small difference, like a drop in the ocean. No one really cares about that drop, but all the cosmic powers are within it. The drop is the force behind the wave. It’s meaningless alone, but the wave would never be without it.

We have so many lessons to learn from the drop and the most important one is not to give up. One drop can make a difference. Always. One drop, at the right time, and the glass is full. How many drops can change the world?

So I am here to revive the Blogger Power movement. A meme that matters, if you believe in the power of a tiny drop of water.

Write a letter to the adult-content producers and webmasters. Ask them kindly to display their explicit content, free or paid, behind closed doors. Tell them to use password protected login before allowing access to such images. It’s not censure. People should be free to express their sexual preferences as they like, but they should do it without hurting the innocent. Close the door. Just close the door! This is all we are asking for. This is what Blogger Power is all about.

There are new bloggers on the block so I am going to tag them. And I have to shortly explain the rules. Do not link to eWritings. This is not about me, this is not about this blog.

You don’t even need to link to Blogger Power. All you need to do is write a letter to the adult site websmasters. You can use your own words, or post the official Blogger Power letter.

Please require a password-protected login before allowing even free access to explicit adult content. We understand that selling porn is your business and we respect your right to make a legal living. But understand our legitimate concerns and work with us. You already have the “warning adult content” on your websites. Yet kids, who are not legal customers of your product, ignore the warning. So to prevent them from having direct access to explicit images, texts and sounds, the simplest way is to have a password-protected login. No more “free tours” before a visitor supplies basic information.

Come back to me and give me the link to your entry and I will put it on the Blogger Power official blog, on the Bloggers list.

Here are my tags: Pearl, Alina, David, Ian, Sue, Laketrees, and Deborah.

And yes, dear casual reader. If you reached the end of this, it’s maybe because I got your interest. You are tagged too. If you believe in the power of the drop, be the drop. Help make the wave. Be the ocean.

Post from: eWritings - Online Public Relations

Blogger Power Still Echoes in Our Hearts

I wonder what was I doing on Monday? Why wasn’t I aware of the action? It took a visit to Profy to see that people do blog about other things than how to make money online and what hot-gigs appeared to make our entertainment even more entertaining.

Then I stopped for a moment to think. One day blog action? Like, what on Earth are we doing the rest of the year? Yeah! What on Earth!

So I went browsing some of the entries I could find. And I read stories that “commemorate” the day (was there nothing to celebrate?), stories that praise the “first blog based companies that join the event” (So it was not about the Earth, was it? It was about you!), stories that instead of celebrating life and the Earth were really all marketing bluff. Great! Another campaign that allowed the so-called authority blogs display their glory and their coolness. Heck, one even asks “What If Akismet Could Save Our Trees?” Yet another link-bait in disguise, but what do you expect?

But these are just the big players. Those “cool” gurus we all look up to, those people who never really bother to answer your comments and never really care. And I will not name them, because you already know who they are.

I prefer to thank the little people for their small actions that made this day truly great.

Missy teaches you how to recycle your computer over at the groovy vegetarian. She doesn’t need to pretend. It is pretty clear from the contents of her blog that she cares about the environment, that her life is not about a one day blog action, but about a year, and another, and another. Sure, if you don’t have blogs focused on this theme it is more difficult to show that you care. But even a business blog could do better than just link baiting.

There is no entry at the Goodness Graciousness on October the 15^th, but Jen is dedicated to the Earth and the environment for as long as I can remember her. Jen designs environmental friendly bags – her way to make a difference.

Then we have Cindy who wrote Blog Action Day – Crafting with Recycled Materials – but then again Cindy’s blog is about Recycled bags!

And we also have my personal favorite: The Simple Secret to Making a Greener World. Chris really put effort into this entry. Beautiful pictures illustrate the main ideas; the story flows smooth, but passionately. The whole blog is focused on environment and living a better, healthier life. Why am I not surprised that the best entries come from people dedicated to the environment?

Now, I am no environmentalist. I do my recycling all right, and I try my best not to pollute (I bet smoking counts, so I’ll have to quit). But I am not hypocrite either. So we have the Blog Action Day, and instead of writing about something that really matters we go on rambling about Akismet and what cool companies we have. Perfect. That really makes a difference.

So let’s finish this entry in perfect glory, shall we? It’s clear, there is an end for all forms of life, and the Earth is one of them. The sad part is that we contribute to its death. But in the meanwhile, we get news about ‘Second Earth’ found, 20 light years away. So the ones that always say: “so the Earth is dying and it is not my fault”, have a reason to breathe.

Post from: eWritings - Online Public Relations

Heal the World: Blog Action Day

And these are blogs I like, discovered during my blogging to fame journey, blogs with various topics, blogs that trigger various feelings, but above all blogs that inspire and come to complete the blogosphere with their value.

Pearl’s style is one of random questions and answers, of fresh perspectives indeed. She’s got really good entries, analyzing random topics she finds online, sharing her own experiences, questioning their value, dissecting their meanings and triggering controversial reactions. To find Pearl’s best entries you’ll need to browse the site and discover them. I lead you to one I really enjoyed reading Communication, Learning the Basics! and let you discover the rest.

If you like art and the visual expressions of the heart, you will enjoy each and every artwork posted on Cosmic Photo Art. This blog is truly amazing. Each image unleashes another dream, each color gives birth to worlds of wonder.

Then Lisa Lorenz invites us to take a peek into her studio. A visit you will not regret: she writes and paints with the same passion. A true artist, inspiring and fresh like a breath of spring. Her art is so joyful, so full of color! And when you see her smile you understand that the art is the pure expression of her spirit.

Catherine Morgan authors many blogs, but the one I like the most is titled Be the change you want to see in yourself! I think this title is enough to make you click, go there and meet an incredible woman, who can show you How To Leave Anger and Loneliness Behind.

Discover the heart of Lynda Walldez! Her blog reveals two passions: writing and photography. And she is good at both. If you are anything like me, you will not only enjoy her poetry, you will love every little word she writes!

At Jeremy Jacob’s Corporate Presenter I have a problem with the purple-violet color he uses for his texts, but not with the content of the site, although I’d like to see more of his heart and less links…

Writers, readers, I urge you to visit Great books. Here you can listen to classic books, a chapter each day. Right now you can play The Man Who Knew Too Much by G. K. Chesterton.

A very good resource for designers is Sera’s Cultivated by Design. Her posts are witty and fun. One example? The most recent: Kerning IS important. Go check it out and come back to tell me whether you had a good laugh. Hint? Take a good look at the picture.

Now, these are the blog recommendations for this weekend. Enjoy your journey and don’t forget about my call for writers: Writers Wanted: A Long-term Job Opportunity.

Prose from the Pros:

With the advent of at&t wifi and at&t wireless, getting wifi connections has become easier than ever. We now have a multitude of wireless internet providers like cingular wireless and rogers wireless and this does not end here. There is wireless internet booster to spped up our wireless connections as well.

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Gems From Blogging to Fame