“Blogging is a conversation not a code.” – Mike Butcher
Thanks everyone for all your great feedback on Project Blogger!
Now I have the pleasure of talking to special guest Cheri from popular blog MsCritique. Cheri is dedicated to blogging, and is very good at it! She’s not shy either – here she gives aspiring bloggers some super hot tips:
Mel: What gave you the inspiration to set up your blog?
Cheri: I was at home lamenting the fact that I wasn’t great at anything and SilverFox (my partner in crime) told me I was pretty darn good at giving my opinion. Of course, what was meant as a light-hearted stab, turned into MsCritique.com Who said I never listen?
M: What does your blog mean to you?
C: Honest and (hopefully) entertaining reviews on new and interesting products and people.
M: What do you especially like to post?
C: I’m inspired to write about things that I either absolutely love or hate. Anything that’s just mediocre doesn’t really interest me. Yawn! I love writing about rude service, because that should just, never, ever, happen. I’m looking at you Toko.
M: Are there certain stories or categories you know will get a great reaction?
C: The People love a good honest review. The best reactions have been to negative reviews where people have felt the same way, or when something is new on the market such as my post on Cloud Nine Hair Straighteners. Of course, there’s nothing like a bit o’ celebrity eye candy to get a reaction: The laaaadies likey.
M: What are your top 5 tips for other bloggers?
C:
1) Be honest. Copying and pasting a press release, does not a Blogger make.
2) Don’t write what you think people want to read. It’s b.o.r.i.n.g
3) Have a sense of humour – it’s the internet people.
4) Be generous. If someone takes the time to leave a comment, I always do the same.
5) Make sure you leave time for RL. If you know what that stands for, methinks it’s time you got outta the house a little more.
M: What is your top tip for someone just starting out?
C: This one’s kinda obvious, but steer clear of Comic Sans, it makes Baby Jesus cry.
M: What are some of your favourite blogs?
notcot.org is my daily inspiration, best served with my morning cawfee.
Speaking of coffee: espressomelbourne.com
theselby.com Is like being a Peeping Tom, but on the internet.
Anything that involves double denim gets my vote: thecanadiantuxedo.com
The whole internet on one website. BAM: whatdoestheinternetsaytoday.com
M: How is blogging a creative outlet for you?
C: Absolutely. Let’s just say I’ve sold my tapestry collection on Ebay. No really, it’s been great because it’s given me a voice. That’s the great thing about the internet: it’s democratic. Anyone can have a voice.
M: Has blogging opened up doors for you with new contacts and conversations you may never have otherwise had?
C: It’s been ah-may-zing. I’ve been so lucky to meet some wonderful people on this crazy ride and had, oh, about 65784 opportunities fall into my lap since I started MsCritique.com
M: What’s the thing you like most about your blog?
C: Besides being the boss, I love the conversations, comments, tweets and emails. That someone takes 2mins out of their day to have a chat makes my day!
Thanks Cheri! xx
