Posts Tagged blogging
Yet Another, Dream Job
Posted by Kristin in In the News on March 31, 2010
So, the latest craze seems to involve companies, organizations and entire nations coming up with “dream jobs.” First it was Australia’s Tourism Queensland offering a job which included snorkeling, sunbathing and feeding turtles – or something ridiculous.
Then, a winery in California sought a social media guru and wine enthusiast to promote the company and wine lifestyle for six months. I don’t know about you, but all these jobs just sound like the most horrible positions in the world. Right?
Oh but wait, now The Irish Times are offering a couple the chance to globe trot about the most-romantic, luxurious destinations in the world, while blogging about their experiences for six months. GAH! TORTURE!
For those couples who are interested in applying, here is some more information. More than 1,000 couples have already applied – so buy a lottery ticket while you’re at it.
Best of 09: Soundtrack of my Year
Posted by Kristin in Best of 09 on December 10, 2009
Well, this is my first attempt to capture one of my “bests” of 2009. I’ll admit, it’s harder than I thought – most likely due to my horrible memory. So here goes:
December 10 Album of the year. What’s rocking your world?
For me, this is a rather difficult question, but not because I have too many choices and can’t narrow it down. My problem is just the opposite.
I love music, I really do. Whether in a concert, bar or outside in a park, I absolutely love listening to music. However, I often find myself sticking with the same, tried and true favorites.
Recently, I stumbled across some music from Josh Kelley (I know, I’m way late to the bandwagon) and it really stuck with me. It is something that I can listen to at work, or at home. When I need to concentrate, or relax. Daily music is something that I need more of.
So, if you have never listened to his music (though I seriously doubt that), I recommend you check him out. I’m a big fan of his album “For the Ride Home” – from 2003, shame on me.
What about you? Any recommendations for new (or those who have been around for a while, and I’ve never discovered) artists that I should open my mind to? I promise I’ll listen to at least one of their songs 
Best of 2009 Blog Challenge
Posted by Kristin in Best of 09 on December 5, 2009
Thanks to The Recovering Procrastinator, I stumbled across the Best of 2009 Blog Challenge. This is exactly what I need to jump start my creativity and help fight my writer’s block.
Here’s the breakdown: writing prompts were created for each day of December to help you reflect on this past year. Topics range from best car ride to best moment of peace. Find out more about the blog challenge here.
I have a horrible memory, it’s a curse, so I hope this challenge will help me remember all the wonderful, hilarious, difficult, important things that happened in 2009. It’s definitely been an interesting year, where I’ve learned a lot, grown as an individual and professional and met some great people.
If you decide to join in the #best09 blog challenge, please let me know so I can read what you most enjoyed about this year!
Developing a Perspective
Posted by Kristin in Social Media on December 2, 2009
My blog has been live for exactly one month – and I’m starting to experience writer’s block, already. The challenges of maintaining a blog are obvious, and ones that I knew coming into this endeavor: Finding new, interesting content to update regularly, keeping me relevant to my readers. However, I find myself struggling to come up with those topics that will highlight my knowledge, opinion and endearing levels of sass.
Thus, I am drawing inspiration from a current photography project and creating a personal challenge for my blog.
I am trying to train myself to look at objects, scenes, people with an artistic eye. So, my first challenge I set for myself is to capture every letter of the alphabet somewhere in nature. It is quite the task so far… I don’t naturally look at the underside of a billboard and see Rs or bike racks for the Es. However, I hope that it will help me develop a new, interesting perspective in my photography.
Translating my letter-seeking, camera quest to my blog?
I hereby challenge myself to analyze. A simple reporting of current trends, news stories and events won’t make my blog unique or desirable to readers. I need to be more comfortable developing an opinion (I’m sure many of you don’t anticipate that being hard for me!), articulating said opinion and preparing myself to defend it. I want to inspire conversation, welcome alternative views and learn new things from my readers – all at the same time.
While I don’t promise thoughtful, provoking analysis in every post. It is something that I will strive for on a regular basis. As always, I appreciate and learn from feedback – so please feel comfortable enough to give it!
How have you proficient bloggers tackled your writer’s block? Any tips for a beginner?
Finding my voice
Posted by Kristin in Social Media on November 6, 2009
As I start out on the path to becoming a blogger, I have been reading blog post after blog post… about blogging, desperate to find the post that would turn on the switch in my head, making me into an instant blogger. The switch hasn’t gone off yet, but I did come across a post from copyblogger that got me thinking.
“Get off your Computer and become a better Blogger” in short, emphasizes the importance of discovering your voice and style, which you can’t find sitting behind a computer.
“Start conversations with more people. Find the kind of jokes you like to tell. Listen to the rhythm of your voice as you speak. Pay attention to the way people react when you talk. Notice how they seem more interested when you speak in a certain way or when you discuss certain topics.”
Q: So then, why do I find this so difficult?
A: During the week, I am not writing with my voice.
My question to you, expert bloggers: How do you turn your voice on and off? Do you find that you blog the way you speak?
I’m sure I’ll find my way as time goes on, I just hope those who come across my blog will be patient as stumble along.
To read the entire post from copyblogger, click here.
About Me
Public relations and communications professional. Passionate about sports, photography, travel, friends and family. Minnesota native, looking for where life will take me next."In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary." --aaron rose
Share a Little Love
Posted by Kristin in Social Media on June 2, 2010
I read dozens of blog posts every week and subscribe to more than 50 different blogs on my Feedly account. However, I can say with confidence that I don’t comment on as many posts as I should, and I also know that I’m not the only one.
It’s not enough to be a blogger, you have to also be a commenter. Remember when you first started your blog? How nerve-wracking it can be to put your opinions, experiences and knowledge out for the world to see (and judge)? Now, think back to some of your first commenters.
Too often, we get caught up in our online networks and rarely stray outside of those contacts and engage with others. Comments give the blogger the confidence and encouragement necessary to put up the next post, possibly that extra push to try something new or post about something out of their comfort zone.
Whether it’s a comment about one particular post, a question to ponder or simple words that acknowledge the effort it took to click “submit,” the act of commenting can make all the difference to the author.
I’ve started to make a conscious effort to comment on the blog posts that I read each day. I encourage other bloggers to add “commenter” to their online activity as well.
blogging, comments
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