Purple Wren

It's BlogTipping Day

It's November 1 and Blog Tipping Day. This is something I enjoy and haven't been doing lately. So here goes:

Blog #1: Brenda Friedrich at Enroute 365

1. I like the bright colors and design. It's a cheerful site to visit.
2. The link to 'add your blog to a People list' is convenient. I've never used one before and as a TypePad user it worked well.
3. Having an "about Brenda" and "about Enroute 365" is a great feature that helps us get to know you and your intention for the site.

Blogging Tip:  Remove the "Subscribe to this blog's feed" at the bottom of the left sidebar since you have a FeedBurner link at the top.

Disclaimer: Brenda and I collaborate on many projects and I'm a fan.

Blog #2: Kelly Moore at Des Moines Families

1. Love the site and your writing style.
2. You're including lots of useful tidbits for other families in the metro area.
3. The category titles are creative and encourage me to check them out.
   

Blogging Tip: Consider using tags and mapping your blog to a domain.

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That's all for me this month. Why don't you consider going "blogtipping" - it's not too late.

Blogtipping Day: Last One in '06

A little late - oh well. Don't want to miss Blogtipping Day! Check out these top-notch blogs - a good example of the variety in the blogosphere.

Christine Kane has a wealth of information on her blog.

1) I love reading about Christine's songs - like how she comes up with titles , etc. It's a foreign world to me and fun to visit.
2) Christine has a conversational way of writing that's easy-to-read.
3) The 'Living Consciously' category is great! Really thought-provoking.

Tip:  Think about breaking up long posts into several parts. Some posts are too much to read at one time and it's easy to get interrupted before finishing.  Christine knows her posts are long and back in August posted about setting up a Print My Blogs link. Great idea!

Think Positive Blog by Kirsten Harrell is a great way to start the day.

1) What a great topic. We are what what we think.  (How did I miss this blog all these months?)
2) Love the format - easy to read each morning to start the day off right.
3) The use of photography really enhances the posts.

Tip: Check the font size or line spacing in the left nav. It looks a bit crowded.

Organizing LA by John is a great example of a business blog.

1) Clean, pleasing look with short, easy-to-read posts.
2) There's tons of information about keeping your life organized.
3) Love the new product highlights with photos.

Tip: All I can think of is more, more, more (how-to posts, before and after photos, etc.).

Reminder: Tomorrow is Blogtipping Day

Remember, tomorrow is Blogtipping Day. (November sure went by fast!)

So what is it? Started by Easton Ellsworth of Business Blogwire, Blogtipping Day is officially held the first day of each month. You pick three blogs, give them three compliments and one helpful tip. It's a great way to spread the word about blogs you read and it's a fun way to give and receive constructive feedback on your site. What a cool opportunity to meet other bloggers.

See you there!

Blogtipping Day: My First

I've been blogging on (and off and on) and off and on for several months. I always wanted to participate in Blogtipping Day but never have completed a post - started one though. Seems like there was some excuse or another: too busy, what do I have to say, is it the first of the month already, it's scary to comment on other blogs, what do I know, etc. But I don't like to be left out of anything and this looks fun. Plus I get to post a cool icon.

So what the heck is Blogtipping Day? Started by Easton Ellsworth of Business Blogwire, it's officially held the first day of each month. You pick three blogs, give them three compliments and one helpful tip. What a great way to spread the word about blogs you might have discovered and want to share. And it's a fun way to give and receive constructive feedback on your site and a cool opportunity to meet other bloggers.

So here it is:

Personal Boot Camp by Marjon

1. Your posts are always interesting and transparent (which helps me to know you better). I like that they're geared toward self-improvement.
2. You link to interesting sites that I can follow and that allows me to learn and grow along with you.
3. Love the song of the day. It reminds me to think about music more often and triggers great memories when you pick songs I haven't thought about for years.

Tip: Post more often (isn't that what they all say) because I love to read your stories; link to other bloggers who share similar interests to keep the conversation going.

Drew's Marketing Minute by Drew McLellan

1. I love the passion you show in your writing - about the blogosphere, parenting, community building, charities, etc.
2. The colors and design of your web/blog site are eye-catching and fun. Makes it a nice place to visit. (I still like to visit vs. read in feed readers because I appreciate the experience.)
3. Your posts are insightful, interesting and make me think in a different way. I always learn something new on your site. Glad you are blogging!

Tip: Add monthly archive links on the sidebar to make it easy to find your past posts.

The Broom Wizards by Shawn & Susan Frey

1. Your enthusiasm for your job and for blogging is contagious. Love the stories and want to hear more.
2. As a consumer, I appreciate the cleaning tips you offer. Anything that saves me time or money is great.
3. I like the quotes you add at the end of many of your posts. Gives me something to think about.

Tip: Break the long posts into two posts or use bullets or sub-headings to break up the long spans of text.