Sonnie’s Porch

This post is long overdue, but I have 2nd thoughts publishing because I may be misunderstood.

After reading the blog post of an old e-buddy,  will a blog survive without an audience? , I kinda reflect and look at how I started blogging and where it led me. I have to admit, at one point, I lost focus and became conscious of blog metrics, blog income, and blog recognition.

It appears like, most, if not all bloggers, after blogging for a while,  tend to join the race to have more readers and visitors, be the best blog or blogger, or be the most influential, or the blogger with the most  income generated, and so on and so forth.  While these are not necessarily bad, it can rob us  of the simple joys of blogging, the one we have  when we are just starting.

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Sonnie Blogging Ask Sonnie

One of the perks of being a blogger is we get to be invited into different events. Slowly, bloggers are being referred to as new media or online media and are being utilized for online/digital marketing. Our blogs and posts in social media sites serve as the press releases and ad of the sponsors.

When attending such events, what are some ethical considerations that as bloggers, we have to observe.

1. Get permission when bringing a companion– Aside from budgetary constraints, the sponsor may be targeting a specific group, thus, you need to ask if it is ok to bring another blogger.
2. Be courteous to return the investment cost– You were invited for a reason. When invited, ask for the objective(s) of the event. Check  if it will suite your blog objectives. Sponsors expect you to at least write about the event or product and give them back links if applicable. Don’t go to an event if you are not willing to write about the sponsor. Advise the sponsor that you will only write your honest thoughts and not an endorsement.
3. If you are helping co-organize an event, don’t forget to disclose your participation. What’s in it for you? Or at least tell fellow bloggers why you are co-organizing the event.

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Sonnie Blogging Ask Sonnie

I got a little surprise from Rhia, a pro blogger from Davao. She mentioned my blogging experience in an article she wrote in her column for Sun Star Davao. Below is a photo shot of the paper,  you can read the online version here

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Sonnie Blogging Blogging

As a blogger, I normally receive invitation for various events, fora,  product launches, etc. Unfortunately, because of responsibilities on my day time job, I can not attend to all. Just this month, I missed several activities like the PCD concert, breakfast meeting with the MMDA chair, Smart’s My Sandbox launching event, No To CON ASS meet ups, etc..

These (blogger’s) perks, plus the success stories of those who make their living by blogging has lured  a lot of people to pro blogging. While there are success stories, there are also those who failed miserably.  Allow me to discuss then,  2 of the common questions I am receiving from “working bloggers” (blogger with 8 hour job).

Is ProBlogging A Good Reason To Quit My Job?

If  blogging will just be one of the different sources of income, yes Pro blogging  is for everyone. But if blogging will be the “only” source of income, then Pro Blogging may not be for everyone. Allow me to share at least 3 common ways (there’s more though) to earn good $$ by blogging.

1. Paid Reviews– The higher the PR, the better your price. But if Google finds this out, your PR will be reduced to “0″. You’ll still get job assignments though for $ 5.00.
2. Selling Links– Also PR dependent, Google don’t like the idea too, of selling links.
3. Google Ads– your niche of choice should have good commercial value (for the keywords you’ll use) and your blog should have monstrous traffic

If you are one of those who are inclined to quit your job in lieu of blogging, first, evaluate your situation  by looking at your expenses vis-a-vis  your income from blogging, in a monthly basis. If your blog income alone can support your needs and wants, that is great. But is it sustainable in the long run?  Otherwise, you should build other streams of income first, before you quit your job.

Can I Become A Pro Blogger At The Same Time Keep My Day Time Job?

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Sonnie Blogging Ask Sonnie