Blogging Pet Peeves?

Come on. Be honest.
I know I'm not the only one who loves being a part of the blogging community, but at the same time, gets a little bugged by certain activities, tendencies, and missteps made by fellow bloggers and or fans.

True?

Though my mom always told me growing up, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all," sometimes a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

So...in the spirit of not necessarily being "negative", but attempting to make the blogging experience a little more enjoyable and enlightening for all of us, here's my part.


For the 1st Time ever, (and hopefully the last), I bring you my blogging pet peeves list. Again, if any of you are guilty of these things, let's not lose love over it. Send me a quick message to help me by explaining why, if possible. Deal?

1. Sporadic and Inconsistent Posts---Sure, it's your Blog and your decision. But, in my mind the whole reason for having an "online journal" is to have people to read your stuff. Right? So be conscious and courteous of this fact by either designating and communicating your posting frequency, or sending a message to inform your blog visitors if you are taking a one month hiatus. Also, if you state on your site, or in your comments on other sites, that you post once a week, please note that that means once every 7 days. Not every 10-12 days...

2. Not Leaving or Responding to Comments if the Situation Dictates. Have a heart. Nobody wants to have a one-way conversation. :-) Even if it's brief, it still counts.

3. Folks Who Don't Take the Time to Proof and Edit for Typos, grammar and or spelling in their work. We all make mistakes. That's a given. Nobody's perfect. But, I have routinely read a few folks who time and time again compromise the quality of their content by overlooking this important step. Labor over your work so readers won't have to.

4. Copycats---It's not unusual to be inspired by something we've read on another site. It happens. And there's nothing unethical about piggybacking off of good ideas, but don't steal them! There's a big difference. If you get an idea for something that pretty much totally came from another blogger's site, why not give him or her recognition? It won't cost you nothin'! Are you with me here? :-)

5. "Blog Snobs"---These folks only leave comments on sites with high visibility or those likely to give a good deal of "link juice". Share the love with others who provide quality content, and who are trying to reach greater heights too!

Okay, that's the most important ones.
Any ones you agree with? Any of your own you'd like to share?

"Speak now or forever hold your peace." :-)

Image: Federico Stevanin

How to Handle Constructive Criticism In Your Creative Career

Nobody likes negativity.
Whether it's a critical comment about how we look and our ability to do the "Special K Pinch", feedback on a new "experimental" recipe that we may use others' palates to pursue perfection, or a boss who belittles.

That goes without saying.
In fact, wouldn't it be nice if sweet words of endearment and accolades were the only kind that ever graced our ears?

Truth is, that's unlikely to happen. Stop dreaming.
That kind of reverence is usually reserved for eulogies.
But all criticism isn't bad.
And depending upon how you embrace it, it can be a great motivator as well as a savvy sharpening tool to hone your craft.
How will you use it?

In my capacity as an instructor, editor, and creative coach, I often come across artists who "stunt " their growth due to their inability to take "constructive" criticism regarding their work. Don't be one of them.


Here are a few things to consider.

1. It goes with the territory. To quote a popular expression, "If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen."

2. Entertain the possibility that a professional who has already successfully traveled the path you're pursuing may be more knowledgeable and able to exercise more objectivity about your work.

3. Don't personalize rejection. It's not an affront to your character or a death sentence for your career. Don't react, revise!

4. Keep an open mind. You just might learn something.:-)

5. Don't let your ego get in the way of your excellence!

Inquiring minds wanna' know...how do you handle criticism about your craft?


Image: Simon Howden

25 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Me...

1. My favorite color is Black.
2. Beethoven’s 5th Symphony brings me to tears.
3. My mom "guilted" me into being a writer (my mom’s a smart lady):-)
4. I’m generous to a fault.
5. I’m very selective about my friends and my clients.
6. I love karaoke.
7. In my spare time I enjoy reading, watching game shows and making gift baskets.
8. My zodiac sign is Cancer.
9. If I weren’t a writer I’d probably be an entertainer or a college instructor.
10. I was once chosen (from 100s of women) to audition for a famous basketball cheerleading team.
11. One of the most endearing things that a man can do for me is prepare a home-cooked meal. I love good food and stimulating conversation.
12. I have a fear of flying.
13. I’m a fiercely loyal friend. Most I've had since high school or college.
14. It surprises people that I'm a really good dancer (really).
15. I’m extremely hard working.
16. I have a celebrity crush on Keanu Reeves and Michael Ealy.
17. I drink at least 3 cups of tea a day.
18. I’m a neat freak.
19. Poetry is my first literary love.
20. People underestimate me. (I’m a shrewd strategist.)
21. Watching cooking shows relaxes me.
22. I have a reputation for being brutally honest.
23. One of my long-time goals is to play the guitar.
24. I make a "mean" meat loaf.
25. I'm "geographically challenged". I tend to get lost easily.


I actually got the idea for this list from Andrew from We Build Your Blog, who got it from someone else, and I thought it would be fun to try. He did 50 on his list, but I didn't want to bore you to death. :-)

Any comments? Any surprises?

Image: dj Codrin

Life's Simple Pleasures--What makes you feel "rich"?

By all other accounts, it was a dreary day in the big city.
It rained for a good part of the day, which required a "plan B" for my previously scheduled "Poetry on the Patio" and birthday event that I host (somewhat annually) for my poetry group, writers and friends.

Despite the weather, (much to my surprise), folks showed up in fierce numbers, and I decided to move the get-together to my basement instead of my backyard.
Wow, what a good time!

Wish you were there.:-)
We had fried chicken, hot wings, salads, dips and chips, cookies, candies, assorted drinks, too much stuff to mention, and too many calories to count!
We shared laughter, good music, warm vibes, stimulating conversation, hugs, mutual respect and love. I got some groovy gifts and great cards too.
And did I mention cash?

It doesn't get much better than that!
Which got me to thinking...
As I celebrate another year of existence, I feel so blessed. Or as church folk would say, "highly favored." :-)

I love my writing, my lifestyle, my family and my "inner circle."
And even on days when I'm limited to Ramen Noodles to meet my financial goals, I still feel RICH.
How about you?
What makes you feel rich?
What do you like most about your life as a writer?

Image: Michelle Meiklejohn

Should You Blog For Free?

A few months ago, I was reading a question posted to a popular forum for writers and bloggers.

A young woman, relatively new to the blogging world, but whom had a pretty decent portfolio in publishing work in different genres, was eager to start a "career" in blogging.

On one job that she happened upon, the requirements were realistic and the topics requested were within her range of interests and experience.

She was pleased as punch!
There was just one problem.
The guy (potential employer) told her that she would have to work for 3 months for free, and they would discuss pay after that trial period.

Confused, she asked an "expert" in the field for feedback.
Maybe you've experienced something similar on your path to success.

Should you or shouldn't you blog for free?
Well...the answer is yes and no.

Here are a few factors to consider.

1. It's a new site---Is it a quality publication, but perhaps new? There's nothing wrong with writing or blogging for free, if you are passionate about the subject matter and the publication. Free work is one of the potential down-sides of start-ups. It's your call. I still work for free, even though I have established enough "credits" not to have to. With one publication that I contribute to for free currently, I do so because the blog owner is just so sweet to work with, and she seems to get so excited about everything I write! Not just that, it's a quality site that I'm happy to be associated with.

2. You're a new blogger. Sometimes I'm really amazed at how many folks feel they should be paid for their writing without paying their dues. Huh? Before you seek cash seek to hone your craft. Sometimes the experience can be more valuable than a few bucks from blogging efforts.

3. The cause is worthy! Perhaps you feel strongly about animal rights, or immigration, or education, and there's a site that does a good job highlighting relevant issues that mirror your principles. Go for it! You'll feel that you have made a difference; and that's worth being proud of.

4. Consider that nothing in writing or blogging is really for "free". Sometimes you get paid in exposure. Sometimes the fringe benefits might add up in "new friends" and important networking opportunities. Sometimes you get paid upfront. Sometimes you get paid down the line. You alone have to decide what's most important based upon your goals, your experience, and your lifestyle.

Don't blog for free for long. And never if you feel taken advantage of.

What's your take on the topic? Have you ever blogged for free? Would you?

IMAGE: SALVATORE VUONO

The Joy of June! Stats and Stuff...

It's here!
My favorite time of the year---June.
Well, actually, I kinda' have a love/hate relationship with June.
I love the fact that it's my birthday month, the anniversary of the formation of my poetry group, the ushering in of warmer weather, and summer break from school.

I hate the fact that it's the ushering in of 100 degree days in the big city, too many folks populate the streets, it can get too noisy in the evenings...well you see where I'm going here. Right?

This year, to add to my joy, Pen and Prosper celebrates one year of existence! Yippee!

And what better time than now to thank each and every one of you who grace this site as a "follower"-- some of you since its inception, day one.
On dismal days when I was in the dumps and didn't get many comments, you guys kept me motivated. ;-)

HERE ARE SOME STATS ON PEN AND PROSPER (For those interested)

1. In 12 months I average about 3 new "followers" per month.
2. Pen and Prosper has a "Google Page Rank" of 3 out of 10.
3. My profile has been viewed 442 times to date.
4. Pen and Prosper has had about 12 guest posts from award-winning journalists, authors, financial wizards, and a host of other professions and personal backgrounds. If you're interested in having your work appear here, please see the Guest Post guidelines below.
5. I've also received recognition for my work and my writing here at Biz Chick blogs! (See the award and the link at the trophy area, (at the right side of this message).

On a personal note...

I love writing. Not just at Pen & Prosper, but at other sites as well. Over the last 12 months, I've blogged at BloggingPro, Search Engine Journal, Blog Catalog, Site Sketch101, Live Well For Less, and a host of other sites. Stay tuned for more in the future. If you're interested in having me to guest post at your site, please feel free to connect via the "comments" section, or by email at: Jenniferwriter@yahoo.com

Well, that's it for this morning. It's about 5:30 a.m. and my yard work calls!:-)
Feel free to add anything you wish to this, if the mood hits you.

Thanks again for your support and kindness!

In weeks to come, you'll enjoy more good news, contests, guest posts, and good info! Stay tuned.

Image: Michelle Meiklejohn