Discussions
Get a Blog Review Until Jan. 9th 2009
Posted by rileycentral • 1 year ago • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS]
Topics: better blogging, blog reviews, blogging, damien at the speed of life, damien riley, Networking, reviews
I've been reviewing a few blogs in a private group here at BC and it's been quite cool.
www.blogcatalog.com/group/get-a-blog-review/discuss/entry/ill-look-at-your-...
I'm interested in doing some more reviews over here before I go back to work in January. So between today 12-27-08 and 1-9-09 I'm opening the door for submissions.
When you ask for a review here's what you'll get from me:
1. PRO's
2. CON's
3. Random Post Review
4. My Notes
5. Comments from the BC community. (probably)
It's a positive vibe.
If you'd prefer the review to be emailed privately, let me know. Otherwise it will be posted here.
So what do you say? How about a review? Get some free exposure and maybe some new subscribers!
-Damien Riley
aka rileycentral
User Comments
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Inviting header artwork. Simple theme indicates the content is more important than the appearance. very cool. Simple menu of three links. I like the word "manifesto" instead of the usual "about." RSS feed at top of sidebar making it easy to subscribe : GREAT! Simple sidebar not overladen with widgets.
Cons: As a new visitor, I like to know immediately what the blog is about. This can be done a number of ways but in your case it would great to read in the tagline. Yours doesn't tell me much at all except that it is about humanistic topics possibly? I would recommend a new slogan or tagline. More descriptive/telling.
Random post: gadflyrevolution.com/2008/12/happiness-doesnt-have-a-secret/
I liked the energy of this writing. You have a great way of looking at life and happiness in it. My question is qhy did you quote and link to so many of the articles you seem to poke fun at? maybe a little summary of one or two or just a list of nonlinked titles might have served you better. Remember that Google starts to penalize your rank after too many outbound links. Be sparing at best. I link out only when it benefits me in some way. it sounds really stingy I know but there are a lot of outlinks that do benefit. Take that for what it's worth, some random guy reviewing your site
One last thing: This could be the kind of blog people return to again and again for great inspiring stuff. If you want to respect them (like me for example) don't do the "read more" stuff on your index. It is the most annoying thing in the world to me on blogs. Happy New Year. -
I agree maybe in the sidebar under the rss stuff a brief little "About" - maybe a few sentences and then link to the manifesto page to read more?
Well written content is always a pro and from the little I looked at seemed to be very good quality/easy to read! -
wrong spot
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i would definitely love to get some feedback (positive and negative) for my blog.
here's mine:
lifepsychologyandalotmore.blogspot.com
thanks in advance -
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Great photos of the brain in your post. Picture of yourself. Adds a personal feel. About me section is upbeat and cool. Not too much in the sidebar to distract from the content.
Cons: Title is broad. You can't get more broad than "life." Blogs are "weblogs" about things or they are online diaries. I recommend having a "niche" narrower than an online diary as your main money making venture. I have an online diary but 4 other "niche" blogs that make me money.
Random post: lifepsychologyandalotmore.blogspot.com/2008/11/emotional-hijacking.html
I enjoyed reading your post on "emotional hijacking." I thought it addressed a real thing that many people probably experience: blowing up. I'd recommend you shorten posts like this unless you feel it will be ab "authority post" that many people will go to for reserach reasons. My personal guideline for a post such as this is 300-700 words. Yours is: 1129. Read some psychology blogs and get a feel for how much you want to read that many words on just one.
Notes: You have a likeable voice in your writing. I think your title needs some work to be more precise as to your purpose and a tagline could help that further. Best of luck, I hope to see you around in 2009. -
thanks for the review ...
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Aye pues! Que paso? Este es muy bien
Okay, there's my parent conference Spanish at it's best. I LOVE THE PHOTOS. I am learning more and more that the next step after social media is a personal blog with photos. When I go to someone's house, I love to see their photos out. Your feed sub area kicks ass. I love the look of it. Personally i would wait until my subs were about 80 to show them, but not a big deal. In a way it can be a turnoff to some readers. I also love the way you have your social network button accessible right there at the top. That is the future of blog marketing. Hell it's the present!
Cons: Too many words in the description. Something catchy people can process faster and get your site "branded" como: "Viajes del otro lado de vida?"
Random post: charcotrip.com/?nuestra-boda-civil-our-civil-marriage
These are great photos. It looks like you guys are very happy and living "the life." I might recommend a more advanced "photo blog" type on template. Wordpress.org is one option.
Notes: This is an energetic and exciting blog that should be introduced that way. It's a little too "archive" looking. It could be more inviting to new readers. By getting a better tagline and maybe a more succinct title you might develop a larger following faster.
Que bueno, muchas gracias y mucho gusto! -
Wow thanks a lot for your review !
Hehehe these last posts about our wedding are hehehe out of the topic of the blog actually because the main topic is our travels but well... our wedding is a big important part of our story toghether heheh
Thanks again! -
I took 4 years of Spanish...but sadly don't remember most of it!
The nicest thing I liked about this blog is the way the English/Spanish is integrated in each post - maybe it will help refresh my memory a bit if I start reading this one regularly! -
beautiful photography!
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: I like the instant link at top of a portfolio. Some people just like to get down to business and don't want to hunt. Freebies are huge. That can generate traffic.
Cons: Don't give 2 rss feed links. That area is very bulky. I would just put "subscribe by email." Rename or delete the "uncategorized" category. It reads like an online photo resume at first. If that's the goal, great. For a blog, you wouldn't want that since blogs are written to draw subscribers to ongoing content.
Random post: www.annstorer.com/2008/12/16/tutorial-vector-painting/
Great tutorial. My wife is really into photoshop so she liked it too. Make sure you SEO optimize all your tutorials looking for serach terms that aren't already saturated. Submit them to social media as well.
Notes: Great blog with a lot of helpful content. Try and adriotly get that message across "above the fold" in a few catchy words. You may or may not want to get another blog going as a resume and make this one more inviting as a blog. Just a thought. Yours is a very nice blog. I'll be back!
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Sure- www.achyutktelang.blogspot.com
Thanks a lot in advance!!!-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Cool theme. Nice title though quite vague. A good subtitle could help that. Outstanding photos and sketches (yours?)
Cons: "Please click here to visit the different version of my blog" as a subtitle is big mystery to me. You should have a tagline explaining what your blog is about. You will gain more new readers that way.
Random post: www.achyutktelang.blogspot.com/
You are very talented. I loved the work and what you wrote about it. Make that a "brand" and sell it with words etc.
Notes: Tell people what your blog is about. There are places like Facebook and Myspace to showcase yourself. Writers actors people with reputation can get away with a blog that doesn't explain itself. People like us who are starting out need to "sell the blog." If you think people will stay because of your photo and an about me blurb, then keep it the same. I feel you need to sell the idea of your blog. It is unclear. For example, my friend Gwen Stefani is super-famous. She could post a single html page with an asterisk on it and she'd get a ton of visits. You and I wouldn't. Through trying to brand my blog over 2 years I am now getting over 10,000 visitors a month, so I am speaking from experience. Happy New Year! -
Hey Rileycentral,
Thanks a lot for your review.....I always try to implement the suggestions given by people and it gives me a new perspective.
Thanks once again.
* And by the way , yes they are the portraits I have made. -
Also, you reviewed my post on my portraits right?
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Crisp nice lines on the layout. A photoshop tab. Photoshop is amazing and hugely popular with websurfers. Easy to read.
Cons: Too many ads up top. The blog is not explained. The tagline is more like an "about" section: too long. The title, the tagline and the upper sidebars are good places to declare this to new visitors. I recognize we all want to be paid, but this is a bit excessive when you are starting out. You need to getting well over 10,000 visitors a month to make anything off of click ads.
Random post: jackstcliveblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/youtube-hack-10-secrets-to-hack-youtub...
Lists are like gold to a blog. Don't do them every time but they can shoot yout traffic up in hours if they catch on. Plus the effort and time on your part can be minimal. Again, the ads. I would put them below the first or second paragraph. At least until you get your feet running and you know there is a demand for your stuff.
Notes: Jack, I can tell you have talents with tech stuff. Awesome, I subscribe a a few blogs in that niche. Figure out how you can sell your different and I think you'll find a bunch of readers are subscribing. Happy New Years. -
Thank you rileycentral, your guides are helpful. Going to do some improvements soon.
jackstcliveblog.blogspot.com/
Happy New Year.
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I'd love for my blog All Considering ( www.allconsidering.com/ ) to be reviewed.-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Simple layout accentuates content. Very cool. Pretty good tagline. I'd like to see it a bit more "niche" specific. Better than average though!
Cons: Very broad in scope. Could you narriw your brand to one thing? It doesn't mean you can't discuss all issues in light of your brand. Portrait is vrey nice But do we need to see it as we scroll down? It is a bit aggressive I think. Maybe a smaller square pic and some "about" words instead?
Random post: www.allconsidering.com/2008/divination-spiritual-development/
Really cool post. A bit long for my att. span however. Unless you have a huge following you should remember that blog hoppers don't have time or attention. My suggestion? Keep them to 300-700 words and use emboldened subtitles to keep their attention. FYI, your article is a whopping 1170 words.
Notes: You have a nice platform to share your knwledge here. Remember to tailor it and market it to new people as well as your friends and fans and you could be huge.
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Freebies! Who doesn't lovvem!?! Simple theme indicates focus is probably on content which is cool.
Cons: Can't read the tagline and it is extremely broad in scope. It seems to be a common issue in the blogs in this thread. Be unique yet narrow in "brand." You should pick one concept per blog unless you are a celebrity then everyone will see you as an authority on whatever you say. Remember you can have multiple blogs as well.
Random post: jhangora.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-to-use-social-media-to-promote-your.html
Really cool post. I liked how you called Blog Catalog a blog directory. I have struggled as to what to call it. It is social media but not in the same way as MySpace or FaceBook etc. Smart thinking. This is a well written line by line short post. That is what successful blogs usually consist of. As Seth Godin said: "Short Pithy posts."
Notes: You probably should explore a more "mod" theme. I hate to say it but people value that when checking out blogs. I think your tagline over there on the leaopards is hurting your first impression. After that, just sgorten your tagline and your scope and you'll probably be more accessible to more visitors. Keep up the good work I added you to my Twitter.
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: The Skulllllllllllllllll! Funny tagline. A little broad and long but I don't know if I would change it. I like the dark ambiance.
Cons: Nothing personal but I detest the word "ramblings" in blog titles. It appears more often than you might think. It's like saying, "I'm the bomb and my thoughtless words are worth you reading." I can't explain it. it's just a quirky thing that I've had for years. I may be wrong though. Keep in mind you are a brand. Build the brand and value it higher than a best blog contest, does that make sense? I hope I don't offend. I'd like to see a little more clarity of what makes your blog special. Last count there were over 100 million on Technorati so it's important to set yourself apart and show value for stopping to read.
Random post: groganman.blogspot.com/2008/12/what-is-wrong-with-this-country.html
Great rant, I totally agree. Short powerful thoughts can seed corn a high traffic blog. Once you start establishing a name among friends and then strangers and then people start publishing and linking to your name, then maybe you could go with the "rambling" name, but would you want to then? I'm just being annoying now I will stop. Happy new year.
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Rip her to shreds man, rip her to shreds...
newsday.today.com
No seriously, I need constructive criticism here. Thanks a much.-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Cool narrow theme. Haven't seen many of the Today.com ones. I like news, so that interested me.
Cons: Too many ads above the fold, no description generic title. If you've read the other reviews you see that I am really into branding and using all available resources "above the fold" to tell the reader where they are and what it's about. You have a news title of 2 words. This is probably THE most saturated genre in blogging. How is your blog different? That is the key to improving your traffic.
Random post: newsday.today.com/2008/12/28/no-excuse-for-violence-like-this/
I think it's great you are addressing your readers and keeping the free speech door open. Great job
Notes: I pretty much said my suggestion. I learned about a year ago that "niche" is the deal. Unless you carry great celebrity in your name you need a "hook" or an angle. "News Today" is about as uncliffhanger as it gets so I'd work that out a bit. If you have any questions or want to bounce ideas off someone, let me know. Happy new year. -
Hey awesome man. I didn't put the ads there (today.com does that) so I can't do much about that but I'll definitely take the other advice to heart. This is my first blog and all so it's definitely much appreciated.
Ciao
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i really like someone to review my blog so that i know what are the problems and what i need to improve. pls do review my blog
chosenclick.blogspot.com
thanks alot and God Bless you!-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: I like how you name your niche as "Money Making Steps and Tricks." Alluring, simple.
Cons: Aye mama the pink ... to each his own. Tagline too long. Beat your head against the wall until you get a shorter one. I have More establishing you maybe "Random tip of the day" in the sidebar up top. Less self promotion and more reasons to listen to you. Does that make sense? Hope so.
Random post: chosenclick.blogspot.com/2008/12/what-is-pay-per-lead.html
As you MAY know ... the majority of established bloggers doing this for money know about those services. I use some of them. I'd be more interested in hearing what you have made off them and if your post is the result of experience or just reading the TOS. I think you'd have more interest if you took time to establish your authority on the issue even if it's just a sentence or two at the beginning.
Notes: If you look at the huge ones: John Chow, Shoemoney, Darren Rowse all these guys are known. They can launch right in with anything and people listen because they know how successful they are. You and I need to appeal (now anyway) on a more logic based playing field. We need to establish our own authority and then once we've given reason to listen then we have to share stuff that works. Whe the traffic gets huge, we can write more like you are now. You have to sell yourself and your brand. Have a great 2009, I hope to hear more from you.
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i would love to hear some comments on my blog..i'm a newbie and constructive criticsms is just as appreciated as commendations.
mizdemeanor.net-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Cool theme. I'd rather see the title photoshopped on the tag straight, but I'm OCD about stuff like that. Your domain name is cool. You should have that be the title of your blog.
Cons: If you are branding the name mizdemeanor, which I wholeheartedly recommend over your current title, you might opt for a Wordpress theme that allows you to insert a custin image, either of you or something you want to personalize who you are. I've seen your theme probably 10-20 times around the web. Last mean thing lol The ads just don't work. Take the off or out of the forst thing area until you are having enough visitors to warrant them. In other words, adsense is sending you a check. They detract from your content.
Random post: mizdemeanor.net/2008/12/15/how-to-attract-the-opposite-sex/
I love the "f" word especially when a woman says it Great article. Be wary of how much you link out though. Lists are not as cool as they used to be since Google penalizes for too many outbound links. How many is too many? I have no f-ing idea I just know they do that.
Why not read them and give us the highlights. I mean, we're already here with you ya know? You have a great brand growing here and I have subscribed to your feed. Is it because you used the "f" word? I'm not going to say either way LOL.
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Logo is clean. I like the shadow. The little animated Twitter bird is phenomenal! Your graphics in your theme are clean and cool. I wonder if you want the rss so big on each post since people may think they are subscribing to your blog and instead just that one post. Following you on Twitter ;).
Cons: Tagline unclear as to what I am reading. The Emerson quote is cool but still adds no clarity to the blog purpose. The huge ad better be making you tons of money because it is very distracting from "getting" your blog. That should be the primary goal: introducing yourself.
Random post: coolbusteratyourservice.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-to-become-instant-disc-joc...
Notes: Really cool post. Short is good! You should think of blog posts as billboards. people drive by quickly so you have to hoild their attention. Once in a while you should spend hours writing longer, "pillar" or "authority" posts. These would give a lot of details and references and be SEO optimized to the hilt. Longterm you must have these or your blog will stop getting traffic. But the day to day should be short as this one is. One last thing: I hate the "continue reading" thing. It comes across as very "self-importrant." I hardly ever click to read more in my blog life. I have kind of the same advice for you as I have been giving. Your brand is unclear in purpose and you have too many ads. Too much flash without substance will just leave you sad every time to sit down to look at your traffic numbers. Tell people who you are and you might get a loyal following. Happy New Year!
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yeah, I'd love a review.
createliberty.blogspot.com
If you could link with anchor text: business opportunities
thanks. comment the blog and I'll do the same.-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Interesting theme with three fat columns. Makes me want to read the ads and resources. White background is always easy to read.
Cons: Long Title and Tagline. If we were on a team with this and you submitted as is: "Best Business Opportunities 2009|Top At Home Business Opportunities to Start. Best home business opportunities to start online in 2009.Top online based business start up ideas and home based business opportunities.2008-2009 at home business opportunity" I would counter suggest something like this: Title, "Your Wealth Starts Today" Tagline, "A home business blog" Yours is 34 words, mine is 8. Which is more likely to be understood by a blog surfer? They both say the same thing. Think about it.
Random post: createliberty.blogspot.com/2008/11/profitable-small-business-to-start.html
Notes: It was difficult to tell where one post ended and the next begins. Especially for a business blog like this you need eye-catching titles and clarity in your SHORT posts. There are millions of blogs in this niche and you need to convince your readers at the get go you have something better or at least diffferent. Adsense and popup ads are not better and not different. Dare to be different and people will follow you. Hell, they may even buy your stuff. But don't ever assume they want to. Make them want to. Consult with me further and privately if you want, I think there is much more we could talk about here but I have a deadline! Success in 2009 sir!
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Nice profile photo. You seem like a down-to-earth approachable guy.
Cons: Bandwidth exceeded with Photobucket.
As a result of the graphics issue it is straining my eyes pretty badly to try and read the blog so I'll try and get back to it when the issue is resolved. Sorry! Happy New Year dude.
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Sure! I'd love a review. But I'd like the review to be emailed to me and you can do that through my blog:
myadventuresinhistory.blogspot.com/-
Sent! Great posts! Happy New Year!
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here is mine. vijayanths.blogspot.com-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile:
www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Heart-warming picture in the first post. Pictures draw readers in.
Cons: I don't like the layout. It seems mass-generated. The tagline should be around 10-12 words. Yours is way too long. You can write longer descriptions of yourself and blog in a dedicated "about" section in the sidebar or on another page. You want to snag your reader's attention quickly. Bloggers don't linger unless you hook them.
Random post: vijayanths.blogspot.com/2008/12/love-means-need-to-say-sorry.html
Notes: Can I say that many blogs from foreign ciuntries to mine (USA) are written understandably incorrectly. That's an understatement. Yours conversely is written very well. I really enjoyed the post about saying sorry. Your blog is a very nice collection of your thoughts. If you want it to be bigger in America, you'll need to work on your branding and not just having it appear like "any other blog." Read the reviews in this thread as it is something I have been seeing a lot of. If you have further questions, please drop me a line. Thank you for asking me to review your blog. Well wishes for 2009.
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Me too please:
proxy-heaven.blogspot.com/-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile:
www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Says what it is: a proxy listing. Great! Nothing more needed.
Cons: Not a big demand for this and you can't really add much to boost traffic. Maybe you could have a small area for a quote of the day about proxies or a lesson of the day about why they are in demand? I don't really see any cons though
Random post: n/a
Notes: You're good to go. Maybe reserach the biggest traffic sites like yours and emulate what they are doing? Happy New Year.
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile:
www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Great grey black and white theme. Those are my colors these days. High PageRank, way to go.
Cons: Ambiguous unfocused title. Looks like a band site for the artist playing guitar.
Random post: souldriftmusic.wordpress.com/2008/12/29/best-of-2008/
Notes: Amazing review site. A short "about" section up top in place of the poll would make your site more "sticky." As would a hard thought out marketing tagline saying what the blog is in a catchy way. Lose the dude on the guitar unless you have a random rotation of artists you like. He will limit your readers to only his fans or guitar fans. You don't need a poll as much as you need to examine your analytics. Wordpress.com may not give you the ability to analyze them as well as Wordpress.org integrated with Google Analytics. If you want to know more I will help you anytime free of charge. Great blog, I am now subscribed. Happy New Year! -Damien -
Thank you very much very helpful! I have been struggling with the header... I'm not sure what kind of image to have up really, since the blog is quite varied musically. Something to think more about I suppose!
Happy New Year!
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Title and tagline have niche relevant serach words in them: Health, healthy. Photos in the first post are great. Photos attract readers. You might try some in your theme as well as your posts.
Cons: Theme is highly overused in the blog population. Seen it hundreds of times. Looks spammy. A more colorful and/or unique theme might make your site more sticky to new visitors.
Random post: dratiffarid.today.com/2008/12/29/say-no-to-energy-drinks/
Notes: This has many attributes of what I consider the "ideal post." #1) short! #2) enticing pictures #3) short! LOL Seriously though, great post. Remember though that there are probably a bazillion posts on this topic. What angle can you narrow yours to in order to get it picked up in unique searches: ie; College and energy drinks etc. Narrow your scope and get more readers it's an oxymoron concept of blogging. Happy new year man! -
Thank you.
I'll try and keep my topics more specific
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Love them blondes Seriously, the word appeals to men! The NFL also a good mix. Unique niche, unique personality. Funny cool sexy cute ... lol Love the "about me" postioning: perfect!
Cons: Audience demographic is not 100% clear. If you are pitching to men, I'd recommend an actual photo of you (your avatar would fit great!) or even sort of a "Jessica Rabbit" sexy cartoon. The one you have is pretty frumpy goofy which my 4 year old would love but is she your audience? Don't think me sexist, I am a marketer here. Define your audience and pitch to them.
Random post: Looked at a bunch, they are all great. Some could be shorter imo. I recommend 300-700 words or thereabouts. Blog visitors have a very low attention span. Some of my shortest posts (ie; top ten lists) have gotten the most traffic and subscriber increases.
Notes: It's cool. My wife 7 years ago thought I was gay because I hate football but obviously three kids later I am not Anyway, the subject matter (apart from the blonde part) is not my cup of tea so I really didn't get into the team details. I think the blog is great though and I hope you have a prosperous new year with it! If you have any questions please drop me a line.
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Give www.hear-for-life.org a hard look.-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: The welcome ... awesome. As a new reader I saw what the site was almost right away. You have that nailed! Many do not out there in the blogosphere.
Cons: Apart from your tabs, your header is a waste of important space. I was thinking of a collage of deaf people "doing" things. Maybe something like this blog header:
www.sexyoldbroad.com/
Ignore the content, I just mean for the way the pictures are. That could accentuate the appeal I think. If not, reduce the header to the height of the title and get more space "above the fold" to show your content. A tagline would also be very helpful to give "clickers" info on what your blog is.
Random post: I liked the vlogs, very unique. Maybe you could do a weekly/monthly feature of deaf bloggers? Just a thought.
Notes: It looks good. I would like to see more efficient use of the header area. Remember it is like real estate up there because most visitors down ever scroll past "the fold." Also, I would look for a more modern looking theme. Your site is for such a good cause and yet it lacks the professional theme it deserves, in my opinion ... FWIW. Have a happy new year and keep in touch if you like. -
I think you've got a great site and idea, but the whole overall look just screams "unprofessional" to me - whereas if you changed it to look more professional it would probably do better with traffic and earning potential.
The sidebars and footer could use a lot of attention - way, way, way too much stuff going on them. I see adsense ads there and then completely unrelated stuff like casino ads...so much stuff i don't even want to look at them and can barely focus on the posts in the middle.
Also, I think a logo of somesorts would also add to making the site seem a lot more professional.
Hope that doesn't seem too harsh, just trying to help! You site just has so much potential! Just need to remember the phrase "less is more". Good luck!
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Hey everyone. The response is wonderful so far. I'm a school teacher on break so I have some time to devote to this until Jan. 9th, 2009. I'm also an established blogger so I think I'm qualified. It will be my pleasure to review the blogs submitted here up until January 9th. I am making some Folgers and starting the list officially now so thank you for your patience as I want to give the best reviews possible. Thank you again for entrusting your blog to me, I mean to do right by my contribution!
I encourage new readers to continue submitting blogs for review. I will accept everything and give you my honest opinions. -Damien aka rileycentral -
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The way you've made your request baffles me ... Are you "shift" -ing to a new layout? A new niche? to Wordpress? Why ask me to review a blog that's about to change? Regardless here's the review. Hope it helps you out. If you have further questions, drop me a line. THX!
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Coldplay! Viva la Vida! Cool Green theme.
Cons: Twitter updates front center are not inviting to me, but since it's a personal blogf I can't tell you what is marketable really. I din't really care to see people's friends on Twitter. I just want YOUR words when I go to YOUR site. Smilies band is so 1995.
Random post: insidedoson.blogspot.com/2008/12/exit-from-dusky-dawn.html
Notes: Cool poem. It is not a monetized blog. Instead it reads like a personal blog meant for keeping touch with family and friends. Therefore I really have nothing I can offer other than enjoy your family and friends Happy New Year. -
Thnx for da review... my new blog's here
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Hi there,
First off, thank you so much for the opportunity and would like to have my blog reviewed.
ijunkyworld.co.cc/blog
And if you don't mind, a positive or negative review I would like to feature it on a separate page eventually with reviews and quote you on it.-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: The blues match Easy access RSS subscribe button. Ashtray with no explanation is kind of modernistic, I like. You have an eclectic set of posts that are well written and exciting. I sense your blog has a bright future with many subscribers on the way.
Cons: If you read the reviews above, on down the line this is a common deadly omission bloggers make: explanation of the blog. You would benefit by a "telling" title and a further explanatory tagline. I recommend you look at some of the other reviews I did above and see if you think I am right about it with them. We always have trouble looking at and changing our own art (myself included). But we have to remember that our first time visitors don't read minds. This is fixed with simple marketing and branding. You have none of that apart from the image of a "junky world" and a "blue ashtray." Is that what you are aiming for?
Random post: ijunkyworld.co.cc/blog/?p=214
Notes: Ah! A fellow self-hosted Wordpresser. Do yourself an seo favor and change your permalinks to %postname% only. You'll be pleased with the traffic increase. I like your blog but you need to get a brand and an "about" system in place to attract and keep new readers. That's my 2 cents at this point. Hope to keep in touch and watch your blogging career. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
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Thank you for doing this. My blog is: whattowatchbeforeyoupay.blogspot.com/-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Picture in the post left aligned to text. The film spool in your header is cool. Subscribe button up top: easy access.
Cons: Title too long, unclear. Tagline needs tweaking. Simplistic=dumbed down to me.
Random post: whattowatchbeforeyoupay.blogspot.com/2008/12/seven-pounds.html
Notes: Didn't 7 pounds suck @ss? I hated that movie so much. I liked how your review was short. Maybe that could be you thing: "150 word reviews on movies you're wondering about." You have to play with these things to get them just right. It took me two years of tweaking to get mine:
Title: Postcards from the Funny Farm
Tagline: psychology and inspiration from outside the box
See what I am saying? If these things were easy anyone would do them and make money. Anyone does do them, but not everyone does them well. Good luck branding and marketing your blog. If I can help or if you're just bored, drop me a line.
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: PageRank is a 2/10 ... awesome. I am a 1/10 so who am I to talk? Like the snow effect, it never gets old for me Since this is apparently almost a prayer journal I really don't see anything wrong with it.
Cons: Subscribe area carries off the page. Suggest just the word "Subscribe"
Random post: lordiwanttobewhole.blogspot.com/2008/12/fish-blowing-on-line.html
Notes: This is your private journal and not in need of any criticism. All I can say is that if you ever wanted to try and put your personality out there as a product, which some personal bloggers like dooce.com do, then you would probably want to try a fancier layout and maybe migrate over to Wordpress. It does take a lot of work however and there probably wouldn't be any money for a long time. My point is, you are running a great little journal here that apparently people are visiting and enjoying so power to ya and keep up the good work. If you ever have any questions about blogging, I'll try and help just give me a shout!
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This is quite the task you've taken on. Not to make it even larger but . .
spotcoolstuff.com
- reviews with a WOW factor-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Great theme. You need the tagline "- reviews with a WOW factor" up top connected to the title. I feel very stringly about that. Cynicism of blog hopperrs is at an all high and you don't want to give them any reason to misjudge your intent. Is it a photo gallery? Is it a resume for a photographer? These are thoughts that will go through their mind. Avoid the confusion. If you need help coding anything, I'm ok at it, just ask.
Cons: The slideshow goes a bit too fast. If it was 1 second, I'd say make it 3 seconds. Remember blog hoppers have a short attention span but they also need to get hooked in and actually "get" the product. When they are moving so fast it's a bit overwhelming. Use your best judgement.
Random post: lordiwanttobewhole.blogspot.com/2008/12/fish-blowing-on-line.html
Notes: I recommend having at least one static article on the front page. Out of 100 visitors, I would say 30-40 will click twice. The rest will leave if you don't provide them content. I feel strongly about this as well but it's all really the individual with this type of stuff. For example, I detest the "more" link in blogs. It is self-assuming. Your whole blog is just a bunch of "more" tags so you probably see why I am recommending the one full article. I really like the layout though and the work you have done and I am subscribed for selfish reasons. (you don't have a rss subscription button?) I think you may make it big with your reviews and I want to say "I knew that blog when" LOL. Sorry I'm relatively bad at reviewing and only do threads like this about twice a year. I hope what I've said helps a little. Happy new year. -
Riley,
Thank you, thank you, for the thoughtful comments! You, sir, are a scholar and a gentleman.
On your suggestion, I'll be slowing down the flash slideshow a little and will try to find a way to include a tag line in the header.
I'm not sure what post you reviewed (your link was to another site) but some are quite long. For example:
web.spotcoolstuff.com/best-online-dating-sites
So I respectfully disagree with your advice about having a whole static article up front. If you look at any of the magazine or review sites, none start with a full article. It seems to me that it is more self-assuming to presume I know what you want to read rather than letting you click on whatever is of must interest to you themselves. The bounce rate on my category homepages is only 23% so most people are finding their way to at least one article of interest. (Unfortunately, relatively few visitors seem to be reading two articles).
Thanks again!
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Give me what you got. www.kushmoney.com-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Pagerank of 3/10. NICE! Link to me please ~ J/K. Great title and tagline. The reader knows you are a MMOL seo type blog from the get go and that is a good thing! The mystery is better for movie trailers and such, not blogs.
Cons: I want to be a billionaire as wel (LOL) so I want to subscribe and I can't because there's no button. Get the point? Wait, I see a link now but an oragnge rss would be more readily visible hence more subscribers hence more readers hence more ads hence more money toward the billions Your menu is way too confusing. I recommend one bar of links and maybe 4-5 tops. The human brain really can't even see more than three options at once. You have 19 choices.
Random post: www.kushmoney.com/2008/12/28/secret-to-getting-stumbleupon-traffic/
Notes: Does that "build strong backlinks" advice really work? Killer. I have a cool tip for you as well regarding social media traffic. socialmarker.com It delivers visitors! I plan to try your technique with SU though. Keep in touch, happy new year.
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i'm lost. i dont know how to reciprocate when other bloggers make me their friend. how do i do that?
thankyou-
You go to their profile page and click "Add as friend"
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Chick blog template, gets the point across that you want to be perceived as such.
Cons: Looks like a myspace page more or less. I'd like to see it more of a blog if you want new readers. A title and tagline that show a niche, a specialty: ie; "a girl talking about fashion ... and other stuff." BUT if all you want is an online diary for your friends, you don't need to change a thing.
Random post: n/a
Notes: Blogging has become very competitive in recent years. You have to set yourself apart from the crowd somehow. Random ramblings and all that are a bunch of boring hogwash to me when I am looking for new blogs. Unless you are Dave Sharp (my fave guitarist) I would love to hear him ramble for hours and he does in concert. But you aren't. So I would say, decide if you want an online diary for friends or if you want to create a niche site that is set apart from the rest that people will go to for a specific reason.
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Hi, I could definitely use a review and some pointers - I'm new at this. Thank you and Happy New Year!!!
shopperdiva.blogspot.com-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: The diva shopping image is cool. Lends itself well to a cartoon? Maybe a photo of you?
Cons: Too much, too long, too confusing. Bloggers need bite size chunks. Say for example Your title is "Shopper Diva" Your tagline is: "Info and deals from the trenches" or something like that ... Keep it simpler and you'll bbe more "sticky" with new readers Plus it's easier to brand a short name.
Random Post: shopperdiva.blogspot.com/2008/12/whew-im-exhausted.html
I loved this short blurb. These are really important to a blog. The long authoritative ones are too but bloggers like an emotion or two neatly put in 150 words or so once in a while. I might suggest a weekly feature of coupons or deals and give the series a title so it's memorable and expected: ie; "Freebie Fridays"
Notes: I subscribed. I would say, work on your brand. Think about a title you can brand. That will be your bread and butter. Write everything based around that brand. Also get some more pics on your blog. Guess that's it for now. Thanks for listening to my review. If you need anything clarified, give me a shout. -
Riley, thank you very much. I appreciate the observations and suggestions which I will definitely implement.
Happy New Year!!
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Nice blog, Shopper!
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thank you!
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I would love to hear you comment Sir:-
passionateaboutblogging.com/-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Simple layout. Header image, nice colors. Resolution could be more crisp with tagline lettering but looks good.
Cons: Loaded realllly slow. I couldn't subscribe for three minutes. It seems to lack continuity on the index page. Are you talking about blogging or rapists in the news? I was a little thrown off by the index choices.
Random Post: passionateaboutblogging.com/general-info/this-is-totally-inhumane
I'm very happy for you that you are a 5/10 pagerank. PageRank offers a lot of paid opportunities for freelance blogging and paid posts.
I am really curious about your journey there however. According to Google you have only 7 backlinks. Take my Postcards blog for example to compare, Google says it has 182 backlinks and yet my blog is a 1/10 Pagerank. I find this quite odd. Maybe I am a bit jealous. I'd love some PageRank pointers if you get a chance to look at my site!
www.postcardsfromthefunnyfarm.com/
Anyway, I don't know what else to suggest. Happy New Year.
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You are a respected member to offer such service.-
What a nice compliment. Thank you very much. I am working my way down the list slowly but surely.
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Hi. Thank you for your advice and comments www.refrigeratorartonline.com
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: I love everything except one thing.
Cons: I feel an index page should have one full article minimum. I am weird that way. But your blog is awesome. I subscribed I wouldn't recommend much of anything else.
Random Post: n/a
Look forward to reading much more of your blog. -
I disagree with the full article on the front page as Damien mentioned here and in another one...could be because I too have a few sites going to the "magazine" layout theme.
My only suggestion for the front page would be to shorten the sidebar or make the content area longer - lots of wasted space because the sidebar is so long! Other than that, everything is pretty good! Really like the header!
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: The title draws the reader in.
Cons: Canned appearance. It's the epitome of a blogger blog theme. I'd like to see you get a custom one. Maybe a secret agent man or something in the upper corner?
Notes: You have a great personality thing going on here and that can fuel a blog's popularity. Who knows about being a con man? Tell us man tell us! Your tagline should be short and "quip" like. Sell it. The you can have all that other stuff in the side bar under "about" maybe under some dark sunglasses or something. Whaddya think? You are a product and that taks some marketing and getting out of our comfort zone sometimes. Happy New Year sir!
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Hey, I see you have been getting a great number of requests. If you get the chance for one more review here's my Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Music Blog:
www.gearsofrock.com-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: PageRank 4/10 Holy sh## man! Great work. The header photo is awesome. I like the color scheme of the overall theme as well. The reviews are short which as you know is good when dealing with blog hoppers.
Cons: As a first time reader it is absolutely impossible to tell what the blog is about by looking at it. You need to tell us. I like Gears of rock but you need a tagline that clarifies. ie; " . . . are what drives heavy metal" or something more or less telling the readers that you are a site dedicated to heavy metal things. Your About page is great but you need something up top that says that in like 7-9 words or less.
Random Post: gearsofrock.wordpress.com/2008/12/27/review-guitar-hero-world-tour-nintendo...
Notes: Freagin cool post and a freagin cool blog. I'm more into top 40 music and classic rock than metal but I am subscribing just the same. THink about really "selling" the blog purpose in the header. I feel that would get more click-through folks to stay a while. -
Riley,
You are The Man for doing this. Thanks for the feedback. It really means a lot to me. Have a very Happy New Year!
Meds
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Your title and tagline are an example of what a header should be like. You have a cool title and then a tagline that explains the purpose of the blog. Excellent job. I like the simplicity of it.
Cons: The RSS area looks a bit rinky-dink. If you could try and artistically craft that better it would be more inviting. Still, at least it's there. Many blogs I reviwed above don't have a way to subscribe.
Random Post: www.eazycheezy.net/2008/12/clean-coding-speed-up-your-blog-and.html
Notes: You are doing all the right stuff but your blog nice is extremely saturated. I don't know if anything I could recommend would help you get SEO rank in your niche. It is literally the fattest niche. The only thing I would say is to maybe be thinking of who you are and how you might offer a new slant on internet resources. ie; "An irish guy finds the internet" I dunno. I think if you post value and keep getting it out there through social media you could get a following. Be thinking about what you offer though, always be thinking about the value of it and whether it does have value. -
Thanks Damien, I really appreciate your feedback. Definitely agree about all points that you made. I'm searching for a new RSS button to use now. Many of my postings consist of lists, but there are also a good percentage of posts that I provide step-by-step instructions, primarily for bloggers. Newer bloggers are my primary audience, but I do have quite a bit of saturation of topics. I'd say though my site is in no way at the same level or even close, it's more of a Mashable concept.
I typically get about 1,000 page views per day & after just 4 months of being in existencce, I'm happy to see the Alexa ranking at 104,000 or so. The 0/10 Google Ranking kills me though. After reading some of you earlier advice as well, I'm thinking that maybe I've posted too many outbound links. I'm curious if by eliminating some of the outbound links, I'll get a Google rating.
Thank you so much for all the time you've taken to review all of our blogs.
Brian -
I know that you are extremely busy with these reviews. Just a quick favor if you get a chance. I added new RSS & Tweeter logos to right hand corner of my site. I really do value your opinion. I also understand if you don't have the time as you've already reviewed my site.
www.eazycheezy.net/ -
Brian: Don't sweat the PR. I run across a lot of sites with high PR that are completely useless. That 1,000 visitors a day is what you need to keep going. I predict (and others have as well) that complete transparency of stats with blogs and sites is the future and crap like PageRank is going to die out.
The new art you have up for your RSS is 100% better than what you had. I might suggest doing a search on Delcious for RSS vector art or RSS buttons etc because those you have are pixelating on the corners. If you look at my blog on the front you'll see my "Follow Me" buttons. They look clean on the corners and I got those on delicious. I think you could find some sweet ones for your widget there. It'll take some time and looking and such but the RSS window is really important. Just a suggestion. Hey, best of luck with all this success you are having. Keep it up man and thanks again for the link today. -
Thanks again! I really appreciate all the effort you put forth and have taken your advice and implemented it. Have a Happy New Year!
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REVIEW UPDATE: Ok, I've managed to do 12 reviews in 3 hours and my neck hurts LOL. I've tried to be positive and comment on the PROS more than the cons. Some people have asked me to dig in though so in some cases that is what I've done. I thought I would summarize a few things that seem common issues to me anyway:
Ads - My advice? Wait until your traffic warrants payment. Generally 15,000 visitors or more per month.
Branding - The name is the thing. Really think before you put up a name or a tagline. It is your currency and it is all you ever have in blogging. Many seem haphazard.
Too broad of scope - How many malls does a town need? Be a STORE not a mall. I am reading so many blogs that have taglines like "a little of this a little of that and everything else." It is YOUR job to tell us who you are and why YOU are worth reading.
Last thing for now: Someone was giving me their anchor text to use: these are not full reviews for my blog. They are just quick pros and cons I see and maybe a little praise or constructive criticism if I think it will enhance your blog's value.
I am not doing reciprocal linking or reciprocal reviews ... yet.
I'm sorry if I wasn't clear the scope of these reviews is this thread only. I'll try and catch up tomorrow. This is more time consuming than I thought but I am enjoying reading all your blogs this way.
I hope my words are helping and not pissing people off I aim to do right by my contribution to your art. If you want to talk about anything I have said please feel free to start a dialog in the comments.
Thanks again for giving me the privilege of reviewing your work.
Damien -
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Your blog looks good. I've covered most the issues I have with your blog in 10-20 of the reviews above so I'm sure if you check a couple out you'll see what I would say to you. It's a coding blog which is cool. If you are using it just as a networking took with your contacts, i wouldn't feel compelled to change a thing. If you want to get a bigger audience and possibly monetize, you'll need to get a brand name and start fitting everything you do into a niche. That's all I really have for you. I would encourage you to go back and read the other reviews I have done in this thread. I think what is up there could help you out in getting more readers. Thanks so much for your submission.
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Hey Riley,
would definitely love to hear a review from you.
Thanks a lot.
Cheers!
Darren Tan
www.indiesurf.com-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: It's about music, which I LOVE. The Indie niche is a good one as well.
Cons: You have too much going on. Specifically, too much text. I thought your ad was the title of the blog until I took a second and third look. Blog hoppers usually don't give you that second look. You have to make it clear and simple who you are. I'd recommend one fat line for your title a thin line for your tagine and then MAYBE an ad if you have at least 6,000 visitors a month or so (if not, you won't profit anyway, dump them).
Random Post: www.indiesurf.com/vampire-weekend/music-review-vampire-weekend-by-vampire-w...
Notes: Post is great, very thorough ... maybe TOO thorough. I occasionally do music and movie reviews for BlogCritics and I always try and keep them long enough to be informative but not so long that they won't be read. I think most people coming to this article will not read it all ... unless they are die-hard fans of the band. I think your blog is very cool. You just need to work on branding and not having "so much" going on everywhere. Remember the human mind can only take in so much. It likes small bites, or chunks at a time. -
Hi Riley,
Thanks so much for the review and feedback on my blog. I really need it. As i'm quite new in blogging, it's always the best to have someone well-experienced in blogging like you to advise me on this matter.
You've been really great and helpful Riley.
Tons of thanks from me to you.
Cheers and regards,
Darren (",)
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Please could you review my blog:
www.exploringthebush.com
exploringthebush@gmail.com
It's a Women's sexual health blog about female masturbation. Thanks.-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
I finally got to you. I know you originally posted at the old thread. Thanks for being patient
Pros: Hey sex and orgasms are universally interesting Should attract a wide audience. Cool Header/Logo. Well done, it looks very pro. The bunny and kitty bush figurines are cute and funny. They remind me of that movie "Chicken Run."
Cons: It turns into an infomercial (to me anyway) once you get to the welcome. You should try and avoid that perception if this is a blog. Just found out it leads to Twitter? Is there an actual blog? The link for "Click Here" to go to the blog is not active.
Notes: There are three very important things going on here for you to consider for your business: 1) Traffic. Where will it come from? One place it can come from is social media. I recommend making accounts at all the major ones. You can check out the "follow me" section of my blogs to see the ones I leverage. 2) The disclaimer. I understand that the graphic nature of sex toys etc that you sell must by law have a disclaimer. I hate that for you because blog hoppers hate disclaimers and usually stop there. I'd recommend a simpler disclaimer. You don't have to go on and on about how it's not porn. Even women like porn. You're under no compulsion to drive readers away by telling them there is no porn. Just do your legal obligation and make it easy to click straight to the blog. Finally 3) the blog and the selling (I am quoting Perry Belcher loosely) www.freetraffictip.com/video-perry-belcher-makes-a-great-explanation-of-soc... Social media is the party (ie; Twitter) Your personal blog is having you over to the house, the BLOG, FINALLY it's the selling point. You start selling way too early. Happy new year. Keep in touch (bad pun huh?) -
Thanks a lot Riley, I really appreciate the review. I made a huge mistake by giving you the address of my website and not my blog. I have now changed the link button on the website so access to the blog is easier.
Would it be possible for you to take a quick look at the blog when you have a spare moment ;-)
exploringthebush.blogspot.com
Thanks again! -
Looks much better as a blog Let me give you a quick "inspiration" moment. I am a musician and I know that most riffs I play on the guitar I "stole" from David Gilmour Dave Sharp or Johnny Marr etc ... Here's the connection to your blog:
Go visit "toys" sites and blogs and look at their layouts. With products, you want to hook them in first and then show them the cash register check out lane if you will. I think looking maybe at Fredericks of Hollywood or maybe sites you know of related to sex toys might give you some ideas. STEAL IDEAS there is no penalty
Having said that, your Blogger templates are very limited. You might want to explore Wordpress or another self-hosted alternative.
Hope that helps you further. Give me a shout anytime. I enjoy mentoring and helping folks in their blogadventures! I've received a lot of help through the years myself. -
Many thanks, really appreciate the extra information, I know your time is precious.
Would be interested to find out about how Wordpress compares with Blogger.
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pls take a look at my blog let know what you think!
livingtheexpectations.blogspot.com/
livingtheexpectations.blogspot.com/-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Fixed width theme. I like those because they look the same in most browsers and on most monitors. Cool 2008 graphic despite the sad stuff in the post! 2009 will be better
Cons: This is a personal blog catered to only you it seems. That is 100% cool. Did you know the first blogs were online diaries? That's what you have here. The difference is now the blogging world has become monetized and you can make money at it. I don't see a personal blog making much money unless it's catered to a specific reader/audience. Also you need a lot of traffic.
Notes: That's it! If you want more input on niche blogging, give me a shout! Happy new year sir!
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Hey, any feedback is greatly appreciated, I'm still new to this so it would be good to hear what you have to say.
a-wonderful-oddity.blogspot.com/
Cheers! -
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Black themes are different and cool in my book. The "Kooks" photo is a good choice. I like the word twaddle, I have to go look it up now
Cons: I wish the Angel of Mercy photo in your BC avatar was enlarged here somewhere, it is a good one. Maybe a status of the hour or day in the upper right with your photo? This may be a music reviews blog, I can't really tell. If you have the time, I recommend reading all my reviews above yours because I touch a little on the difference between online diaries and monetized, niche blogs. That may help I dunno. Maybe you don't need help.
Notes: Best of luck. If you have a particular niche outside of a diary I could help you more. Just give me a shout. Happy new year! I'll be checking in to your blog when I can! You seem cool.
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There is so much you can do with niche poetry blogs. A good friend of mine is exploring that and having some success. His blog is www.wandererthoughts.com/ and his name is Justin. I am sure he would share his experiences with you and give you better input than I could. I think your blog looks great though!
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Hi Damien,
I would love for you to review my blog - Supernatural Fairy Tales www.dorlana.blogspot.com
Thanks,
Dorlana-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Great profile photo. Great layout. Catchy and alluring title. Welcome section up top. Great job! Your visitors get the benefit of "seeing" you right away. many blogs I've looked at have not offered that to their visitors. It's like: "Figure me out if you dare." You are not in that category so you'll get more visitors.
Cons: Already touched on the tagline/about thing. Another thing is just a personal preference. I prefer to see a margin on both sides. The fluid width themes are kind of Geocities 1996 in my opinion. You might look for a fixed length theme. But that's just me.
Notes: I like your blog! I hope something helped you. there isn't much to say to improve, just write your heart out! Happy New Year. -
Thanks for the input. It was a little scary seeing your profile pic show up on my blogcatalog button - lol. I'm always looking for ways to improve my blog, so this really helped. Thanks for taking the time to do this! I hope you have a fabulous new year!
Dorlana
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If you're still up for more reviews, I'd love one to kick off the new year. Thank you - I've already learned a lot from reading your reviews here.
toddlerglasses.wordpress.com-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: PageRank is 4/10. It's not always crystal clear what that means empirically but to advertisers that means you are a hot commodity. Nice photo header and space to alternate it (current one seems more like a family journal pic). This is a support niche and potentially a sales niche for glasses, books, ads, doctors. If you are trying for a business this could be a good idea I think.
Cons: I actually thought it was a family journal the way the tagline read. Those, as you have read above I don't really have anything to improve upon. It looks quite simple and it is a bit in accessible. I would look at the Dr. Spock site and blog, the Mayo Clinic, maybe do a search on glasses for kids, or glasses for toddlers and see how people are presenting this niche MOSTLY IN TERMS OF LAYOUT. I'm seeing one corner with "Misconception of the day about toddlers with vision problems ..." and maybe another listing of recent articles visible above the fold. Maybe a "Ask the doctor ..." section ? I dunno ...
Notes: I've pretty much said it all above as well in the other posts you say you have read. Thank you! I'd be happy to help you go further with your blog in the niche direction, just give me a shout and we can explore it! Happy New Year. -
Thank you! There's a lot of fodder here for me to toss around. It's funny, I had actually changed the tagline after reading your previous reviews to try to make it clearer what the blog was about, but I do see now how it reads as if it were a family journal. I definitely want to move away from looking like a personal site, even though I'm not currently thinking of moving in a business direction. I'm planning on focusing on a new header image and favicon, but I like your suggestion about looking at the layout of some other sites for inspiration - there's only one other site in this specific niche (that I know of), but expanding to other sites like Dr. Spock and Mayo Clinic is a nice thought.
Happy New Year to you, too, and thanks again. -
You bet. What a cute little idea for a blog Whether you make money I know you can help a lot of people in that niche. You seem like the type that likes to help.
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That's kind of you - it's mostly selfishness, I'm trying to figure out how to deal with a 2 year old who runs around wearing fragile equipment worth hundreds of dollars on her face. I figured there had to be others out there who were dealing with the same thing and could share ideas.
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Standard response for personal blogs: Yours is a personal blog and I like most all personal blogs. From here on out though I'm holding off on reviewing personal blogs. I'm looking to help niche blogs and monetized blogs get more circulation, analytics, and net. More on my "CAN" system here:
www.damienriley.com/blog-stats-dec2008/
Feel free to give me a shout if you have questions. Happy New Year.
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Thank you RileyCentral.. your review made my day... (sorry I just read it.. was busy with my new post and i was on tweeter in between).. yeah u are right about that linking thing..actually i was just testing the waters, see what feedback i get.. i think i'll take ur suggestions seriously..thanks again, you're great! May you have a prosperous 2009!
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@Mizdemeanor: You are very welcome. Thanks for taking the time to come back here and say thanks. I hope everyone is taking my advice as positively as you did. Let's keep in touch!
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Folks, I just sat down with the thickest Folgers I could scoop. Translation: Caffeine energy is kickin' in. Currently I have 34 blogs to review and it is taking me 10 minutes to an hour to do each one. Please have patience as I want to give each blog my full attention, wit and candor in the review.
Every blog I have read so far in this thread (current count is 14 reviews) is great in its own way and can be great and making money in 2009. My comments are geared toward making your blog gain readers and make money. Again for those of you waiting I appreciate your patience. I am only trying to add value through my advice so you can look forward to your review. -
Please review my blog. Just make it public so others can read what are your comments. thank you:)-
You gave no url. I checked your profile and saw 2 that looked like personal blogs. Let me know a url if you think I am mistaken.
Standard response for personal blogs: Yours is a personal blog and I like most all personal blogs. From here on out though I'm holding off on reviewing personal blogs. I'm looking to help niche blogs and monetized blogs get more circulation, analytics, and net. More on my "CAN" system here:
www.damienriley.com/blog-stats-dec2008/
Feel free to give me a shout if you have questions. Happy New Year.
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I'd like a review. I just started blogging so I could defintely use advice. -
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Neat magazine theme. I like health topics.
Cons: Health outlook is a very broad title. The surgeon general of the US has a health outlook etc. You should decide a smaller focus and give it a title as your brand. This might take a while to develop or you may know right now what it should be. The more defined your niche, the better chance you have of getting on the front page of a specific search.
Notes: As I have said for the last few reviews: go exploring big sites in your niche and steal their layout ideas. You don't have much value to the reader above the fold and you need that to be "sticky."
Refine and tweak it a bit and then contact me to review again if you like. I enjoy mentoring people, I have a few mentors myself and enjoy giving back.
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I'm in,
I'd love to get a review. There's only one of the three I'd like you to check out:
flatheadenterprises.com
Thank you-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Cool template. I love greys and blacks right now. The first post title shows "how to" something techie and I love that stuff.
Cons: The title shouldn't be one word from many, it's hard to read right away. Separate the words and capitalize each word. The tagline is very vague. Do some sould seraching and figure out exactly what this blog is and make a tagline that says it.
Random Post: www.flatheadenterprises.com/tech/convert-youtube-for-your-ipod/
As I read a few of your tutorial posts I realized you are really short-changing your readers by your bland header. Follow the instructions I gave re: the tagline especially because your blog is so much better than the initial "above the fold" screen represents. These are really well thought out articles that will help people with a lot of great pictures and I know how hard those are to find, crop and put in.
Notes: You might rethink your title. It sounds like a company and a blog is more of a magazine. Work on your tagline as well and your blog could be a great techie how to gadget blog. Remember I say that a bit tongue in cheek because from Boing Boing all the way down to the PR0's this is a highly saturated niche. You have your work cut out for you getting people to come to you for their how-to tech needs. Happy New Year.
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Thanks a lot for taking your time for reviewing my baby and for your valuable suggestions.
Regarding the traffic: This is my very first blog which I started 6 weeks ago and I already have about 500 unique visitors daily (which isn't bad I guess).
However, thanks again for this lovely service and Happy New Year! -
500 a day shows you are definitely doing something right. Thank you for your comment, I'm not sure everyone is receiving my advice as well but I hope I am doing right by everyone.
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I'd love for you to take a look. My blog is pretty niche related so I'm not quite sure how to bump up my traffic. I've recently moved from another platform where I had 24,000 hits over about 6 months. Any and all feedback would be appreciated. aftercancernowwhat.blogspot.com
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You don't give me much to work with. I see a personal blog here. Is your niche cancer recovery? If so, you'll need to gear everything toward that.
If you want traffic, you have to create interest in your url. You could start through social media. Drop me a line when you get it a bit more clear re: niche and I'll review again for now tho ....
Standard response for personal blogs: Yours is a personal blog and I like most all personal blogs. From here on out though I'm holding off on reviewing personal blogs. I'm looking to help niche blogs and monetized blogs get more circulation, analytics, and net. More on my "CAN" system here:
www.damienriley.com/blog-stats-dec2008/
Feel free to give me a shout if you have questions. Happy New Year.
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You're awesome for taking the time to do this!
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Thanks for saying that Melissa. Really nice.
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Hey there, thanks for asking me to "do you." LMAO. Seriously though. You have a personal blog here. That's like reviewing the way someone arranges their socks and underwear drawer. Not really my place. If you want to go a certain niche and/or money making direction, drop me a line. Meanwhile I prepared this copy/paste to hopefully explain why I'm not reviewing any more personal blogs. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Standard response for personal blogs: Yours is a personal blog and I like most all personal blogs. From here on out though I'm holding off on reviewing personal blogs. I'm looking to help niche blogs and monetized blogs get more circulation, analytics, and net. More on my "CAN" system here:
www.damienriley.com/blog-stats-dec2008/
Feel free to give me a shout if you have questions. Happy New Year. -
Hey, thanks for looking anyway! You rock.
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Cool template. I love fixed width templates because they look the same on any browser or monitor. Title is great and tagline is totally descriptive and clear. Excellent.
Cons: It's too much like a simple blog to be read when you are selling items. I would recommend stuff in the sidebar and header you are selling right away, above the fold. You are hoever doing that with the artfire widget so maybe not. That's the only thing I see right off.
Notes: I just want to see items all around with either prices or links to descriptions and prices. Do you knwo what I mean? As it is you kind of get lost in the quicksand of all blogs that look that way. Hope that gets you thinking good thoughts, sorry I don't have much more than that. Best wishes with the blog!
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Hi please review my blogs. I would prefer for you to private message me. Thank you in advance!
Blog on Fashion, Art, Natural Medicine, and weird things I occasionally find.
Blog#1 Art
imageofagirl.blogspot.com
Blog#2 Fashion
thestrawberryguts.blogspot.com
Blog# 3 Natural Alternative Medicine
thenatureinmother.blogspot.com
Thank you-
I read your three blogs and sent you a review in a PM. Thanks for asking for one.
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This sounds great! I would love a review of my blog at www.LaneSelfDefense.com/blog-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Tazing pic is GREAT. Tagline is awesome. Try for less words tho. "Make your attacker's day" LOL. I actually like the Commodore 64 font. At first it looked really rinky dink but it grew on me
Cons: The title should be where the address is. Let them find the address in the sidebar somewhere if they care to.
Notes: It's a great small business blog. The design is a little 15 years ago but what do you really need other than pictures of your stuff and blog entries about them right? You might look into a more modern template that showcased more stuff above the fold but other than that I got nothin' but love for it!
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LOL. I read your blog and this is funny stuff dude. Let me tell ya though you need to let us in on the joke right away. Something like: Not a store, but a blog about a store that doesn't exist. I dunno man, this one is almost too far out for me. I feel like I am talking like Randy on Am Idol now so I will stop.
Have a great New Year and I hope the store does millions buddy! -
Many thanks for taking the time to write these reviews. All the best for the new year.
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Thank you very much for your review. I really don't have a blogging guide or mentor so any constructive comments help me in a tremendous way.
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Thanks. You can post your review in public.
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Yours looks familiar didn't already review your blog? Yep think I did.
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Here is my site: www.violet-discussion.blogspot.com I am waiting for your comments and suggestion-
Standard response for personal blogs: Yours is a personal blog and I like most all personal blogs. From here on out though I'm holding off on reviewing personal blogs. I'm looking to help niche blogs and monetized blogs get more circulation, analytics, and net. More on my "CAN" system here:
www.damienriley.com/blog-stats-dec2008/
Feel free to give me a shout if you have questions. Happy New Year.
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I would love a review...
tfav1630frgodbeyjr.blogspot.com/-
Not sure if you have reviewed mt blog or not... let me know if you can, Thanks!
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Sounds great, when you have a chance to review Energybloggers.com we would greatly appreciate it!
Wishing you the very best in the New Year!
Energybloggers.com -
Reviews Update: It's 9:43pm here in California and I am back at doing these reviews. They are a lot of fun. If you do a search of my discussions I've started you'll see I've done this a couple times in the past. It's always beneficial to me. I get to meet new friends and subscribe to some great new blogs. I feel it opens up opportunity to promote those blogs here as well.
This thread is open until January 9th so I may or may not choose to spend hours each day on it. Like an exam I may choose to "cram" with double shots of espresso in fits and starts. This is proving to be such a cool part of my Christmas vacation. I will get to everyone eventually, I just can't promise if it will be sooner or later. I hope to get a snack right now and get through hopefully 5 more before I go to sleep tonight (Monday Dec 29th). Maybe I can get 5 done before Letterman Thank you for your patience. -
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This is very generous of you to review blogs~:)-
Thanks for your gracious comment
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Standard response for personal blogs: Yours is a personal blog and I like most all personal blogs. From here on out though I'm holding off on reviewing personal blogs. I'm looking to help niche blogs and monetized blogs get more circulation, analytics, and net. More on my "CAN" system here:
www.damienriley.com/blog-stats-dec2008/
Feel free to give me a shout if you have questions. Happy New Year.
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Hi Damien-
My blog is about organic gardening, which is not in your niche, but I'd still appreciate your feedback if you are so inspired. URL is askFarmerPhoebe.wordpress.com
FYI, I liked your Defending Psychotherapy post. I have benefited a lot from seeing a C-B therapist and am disappointed to learn that books are being published that discredit the practice.
As for your blog, the banner is great! Very clear what your blog is about. I think, though, that you could improve your credibility by having your posts proofread. (I am, in fact, available at a reasonable rate.) In the very first paragraph of your Defending Psychotherapy article is a rather egregious error: the word "infer" s/b "imply." Easy way to remember: Writers imply; readers infer. OR Speakers imply; listeners infer.
And, after skimming your home page, I noted several typos. Studies show that typographical and grammatical errors in Web pages and blogs can lower the author's credibility, regardless of credentials.
On a positive note, however, the content is great; I will visit your blog again.
Thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Phoebe
(aka FarmerPhoebe)-
LOL. Thanks so much for your post. I will definitely review your blog.
On the proofing. I won't tell you how much I pay a month for my student loan I accrued earning a BA and MA in English as well as a teaching credential. It's no excuse for my errors but it hardly leaves me the cash to hire you to proofread for me ;).
Having said that, I am a TERRIBLE search and plunk typist and I make MANY mistakes. Getting my thesis completed is how I lost most my hair LOL.
Typing and lack of proofreading are the chink in my armor (I know they are plural but the classic aphorism uses a singular "chink" so I am assuming the two that precede it are a compound subject). My intent might be simply incorrect but colorful language.
On the infer question I'm not a perfectionist about certain usage. Sometimes it comes down to something I might use incorrectly because I think it sounds like colorful language. LOL. I know that sounds really odd but it's served me well up to now.
I think "imply" would probably work just as well or maybe better than "infer" in my post though so I'll change it ... thank you so much for the helpful embarrassment LOL. Don't ever expect perfection from my blogs though, you'll be frustrated as hell. Please though, email me if you see something glaring. That's what my friends do all the time.
I look forward to reading your blog and thank you for your heads up on the typos and grammar stuff you found. -
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: K2 is a great theme that isn't used enough. I love the look of the tabs. Nice simple look that works with your custom header.
Cons: I love the title, should tagline be smaller? You have a lot of resources. I understand sidebars are so hard to limit. I'd really look at what's working and what's selling and if it's not, take it off. My eyes don't know where to stop and linger it all looks like endless link after link if you know what I mean. (of course, I have been reading hundreds of blogs today so I may be snowblind :))
Also, I'm not an organic farmer so maybe I am not your intended audience. If you want to get lay-people such as myself into it I would think of a shorter "question" up top with more of a hook for newbies ie; "Why buy expensive organic when you can grow it cheap?"
Random Post: askfarmerphoebe.wordpress.com/2008/10/24/my-first-garden/
I loved this post. I was born in 1969 so I was drawn in by your intro. Very well written, your writing is one of your strong points (which isn't always the case out there in the blogosphere).
Notes: I've been so eager to get over here and read about the gardening since you wrote me a message! I think if you have a flowing traffic stream you are fine "as is." For now, You might want to make the changes I've mentioned just to make your blog "sticky" and get some subscribers frequenting your blog. When you get 100-200 subscribers or 5,000-10,000 visits per month you can pretty much follow your audience as to presentation. I hope that makes sense and I hope you are okay with any fragments, run-ons, and typos I may have committed
Happy New Year! I added you as a friend on BC. -
Bing! a new friend.
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REVIEW UPDATE: Ok ... Letterman is on so I am going to call it quits for tonight. I am really enjoying getting into these blogs you all have submitted. Tomorrow for me is a Tuesday of cleaning for the New Year's party we're having here but that shouldn't take me long. That means I should catch up tomorrow, Dec 30th.
LET ME PLEASE SAY THIS: If you've been following the thread you know the common things I am critquing. I would ask very humbly that from now on if anyone is going request a review to please first read through the previous reviews. Chances are some of it applies because I have been writing many of the same things over and over again. maybe you could even change those common things and THEN submit your blog to "go deeper" if you will.
If I haven't reviewed your blog you've submitted yet, hang in there. I promise to do my best job on your review by tomorrow night. Thank you for your patience.
G'night and thanks for entrusting your blog to me for a review. -
I'm not sure where to go next with my blog so I would appreciate your feedback.
www.thewildeast.net/applications/wordpress-
The Standard "I've covered this ground" Statement ;) Your blog appears to have basic issues that can be easily improved (in my opinion). Because they have been covered in many of the reviews above in this thread, I refer you to read the thread. After that if you still have questions, feel free to contact me directly by sending me a shout. Thank you for understanding and happy new year!
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Could you please take a look at my blog? Newbie, I admit it... and as such, it would be nice to see what should be kept, revamped, or completely thrown out :-)
thepowerofyardsigns.blogspot.com/
Thanks a lot!-
The Standard "I've covered this ground" Statement ;) Your blog appears to have basic issues that can be easily improved (in my opinion). Because they have been covered in many of the reviews above in this thread, I refer you to read the thread. After that if you still have questions, feel free to contact me directly by sending me a shout. Sorry I couldn't give you a more personalized review but the basics I've covered need some work so I think if you read the thread you will find value for your blog. Thank you for understanding and happy new year!
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Any kudos, suggestions, comments, etc you have, please throw em' at me, I'm always looking for feedback:
www.roguedeals.com/reviews-
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Great logo/header. Clean theme.
Cons: Post Titles are too small. Tagline is barely visible. Needs to be enlarged. Subscribe can easily be confused with a search box due to placement.
This is a brand begging to see the light of day. You should develop a better tagline and maybe name the cartoon figure on the left ie; "Cal Worthington and his dog Spot." It is a bit scattered in brand and I'd like to see it tightened up into something memorable and "branded." Other than that, looks real nice! Keep crafting it. -
Thank you for the feedback, I will take everything you've said to heart and really push my branding to the next level.
Cheers,
Eric
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The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: PR2 great job! Nice logo. Great hues and colors.
Cons: Since the title is for a business not an individual, I'd like to see it read "professional photography by ...." or just "professional photography." You are lucky to be a photgrapher. I'd love to spend time on a photoblog. You should have pictures all over the place. If possible "above the fold."
I'd like to see this theme tweaked of another theme that is centered with grey margins. It's too spread out and makes the pictures look small like postage stamps. Have fun doing some testing with photoblog themes. Otherwise, I can live with this one, it's got great potential.
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I'd like a review to make the blog better. The site is pretty much the who, what and why of my life right now as a I struggle through this quarter life crisis.
http:chaoticallycalm.blogspot.com-
Standard Personal Blog Statement: This is a peronal blog/online diary apparently. These are great to read and I also write one of my own. Because of their subjective nature I am not reviewing them in this thread. Best of luck with your blog in 2009, I hope we can network.
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Why not? Pro or Con, you're one more reader!-
No url listed. Sorry the natives have me super busy. Feel free to post your url at the bottom of the list.
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The Standard "I've covered this ground" Statement ;) Your blog appears to have basic issues that can be easily improved (in my opinion). Because they have been covered in many of the reviews above in this thread, I refer you to read the thread. After that if you still have questions, feel free to contact me directly by sending me a shout. Sorry I couldn't give you a more personalized review but the basics I've covered need some work so I think if you read the thread you will find value for your blog. Thank you for understanding and happy new year!
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Riley you're mental for doing this, I think you're the only teacher who actually wants more homework, good on you though.
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It's fun most of the time. I do meet a lot of new people through doing it though and that is good for my traffic. Plus, I like helping people, that's why I like teaching. Take it easy, you rock.
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Riley, you are freaking awesome. First of all, let me tell you, I think you're the most amazing guy I've seen on BC, just for doing this.
Here's my blog, kirat92.blogspot.com-
Well, after an intro like that I have to say your blog deserves a webby award Seriously though it looks like you are still discovering the brand and direction for your blog. You want it to be like a store for one thing. If that is commentary on politics, then tell us that. If you want to talk further drop me a line otherwise I have to paste this for ya bro otherwise I'll never catch up:
The Standard "I've covered this ground" Statement ;) Your blog appears to have basic issues that can be easily improved (in my opinion). Because they have been covered in many of the reviews above in this thread, I refer you to read the thread. After that if you still have questions, feel free to contact me directly by sending me a shout. Sorry I couldn't give you a more personalized review but the basics I've covered need some work so I think if you read the thread you will find value for your blog. Thank you for understanding and happy new year!
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Hey there! I changed so things in case you haven't done my review yet! Thanks again!
melissabxoxo.blogspot.com -
Hello!!!
Please review my Food blog w/ cool videos...
I started 2 months ago and I would like a feedback...
veganricans.blogspot.com/-
I'm going to break with my template on yours and assign you some homework. Do some Google Searches on the kind of blog you want to be ie; "Mexican specialty food" "Sushi cooking" whatever. Take a look at the blogs that are highest in the search and find a layout you like. The one you have is not very inviting or alluring and you seem to have more exuberance about your food blog than your layout conveys. Also, go up and read the stuff I have written about branding Keep in touch I want a plate!!!!!
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Hiya! Great idea! Here's my blog for your viewing, it's relatively new but of a completely different topic to most blogs you've reviewed in this post (so hopefully, you like a little variety in life :P):
rizsmartialartstraining.blogspot.com-
Header photo of guys/gals doing karate and a short "about" blurb widget in the top right hand corner. Then sir it will be better To talk further drop me a line with your questions. Thank you for submitting your blog for my opinion it is pretty darn good as is.
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Hi! I recently started a fashion/whatever crosses my mind blog;) retromus-ik.blogspot.com
I find my layout a bit too cramped, but oh well!
please comment!
Thanks!-
Standard Personal Blog Statement: This is a peronal blog/online diary apparently. These are great to read and I also write one of my own. Because of their subjective nature I am not reviewing them in this thread. Best of luck with your blog in 2009, I hope we can network.
The Standard "I've covered this ground" Statement ;) Your blog appears to have basic issues that can be easily improved (in my opinion). Because they have been covered in many of the reviews above in this thread, I refer you to read the thread. After that if you still have questions, feel free to contact me directly by sending me a shout. Sorry I couldn't give you a more personalized review but the basics I've covered need some work so I think if you read the thread you will find value for your blog. Thank you for understanding and happy new year!
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Riley if you could, much appreciated! i've tried to keep this one simple, easy to follow and go right to the heart of the subject matter. This blog acts as a tool for me but could be a good money maker with the right touches.
lottomagic101.blogspot.com
I also have another called My Paid Survey Experiment which operates on the same principles if you have time to check that out also.
paidsurveyreality.blogspot.com-
I like your energy in your note to me and in your blogs but the layouts look really canned and amateur. I have said SOOOOO much about this and given advice on how to move ahead from these issues in this thread. I do recommend you just read through them. It should help you.
The Standard "I've covered this ground" Statement ;) Your blog appears to have basic issues that can be easily improved (in my opinion). Because they have been covered in many of the reviews above in this thread, I refer you to read the thread. After that if you still have questions, feel free to contact me directly by sending me a shout. Sorry I couldn't give you a more personalized review but the basics I've covered need some work so I think if you read the thread you will find value for your blog. Thank you for understanding and happy new year!
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You're an attractive young lady. Your blog is upbeat and fun.
Standard Personal Blog Statement: This is a peronal blog/online diary apparently. These are great to read and I also write one of my own. Because of their subjective nature I am not reviewing them in this thread. Best of luck with your blog in 2009, I hope we can network.
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REVIEW UPDATE: Ok! Here I am 2:07pm on December 30th, 2008 doing reviews. This is actually good for me because I usually obsess on my own blogs all the time but the number of review requests is forcing me to look at other people's blogs while mine just sit there. You don't have to do reviews to do that and I recommend getting outside your bubble and reading other blogs when you can. I am really seeing a lot of things from "outside the box" and I know it will make my blogs better when I'm finished here.
I need to make an 8th hour disclaimer here. I hope people will read it because if they don't they may get upset at me and think I am ignoring their personal blog review. Here goes:
I've done many reviews so far in this thread and have written the same things over and over again about personal blogs/online diaries: they are virtually uneditable. They are YOU. They are your private thoughts and your personal choices in template etc based on your diary and your community of friends. My online diary is not seo maximized like my niche blogs so I "get it."
I will no longer be posting reviews of personal blogs/online diaries unless they have some niche value, some monetization capacity. As a teacher, I know some things are gradable on a rubric, but rubrics can change teacher to teacher. The grand poobahs at Google have their rubric and I have mine. My rubric for my blogs is described here if you are interested. It's how I rate my own blogs every month. No offense to the sensitive ears, but google pagerank can bite me
www.damienriley.com/blog-stats-dec2008/
I love personal blogs but only your friends and family can rate those. I am here to rate your ability to get 3 things:
Circulation (backlinks)
Analytics (visitors)
and
NET (money)
Thanks for understanding once again I will not be reviewing any more personal blogs Ok, off to brew the Folgers black as night and pick up the reviews again. -
Damien, I have a new blog that I would love for you to review. It's www.YourMinistryHelper.com. I'm still trying to decide on a header design and/or logo.
This is a great idea, thanks for the opportunity.-
Damien, I have another blog that I would like you to look at if you have time. Please look beyond the last six or seven posts. acaregiversjournal.com.
Thanks again. -
The Caregiver's Journal has a great header. I want to see some people doing mission work or something church related in the other blog header. Think about that! Also, read the whole thread above. I think a lot of it could enhance your blogs.
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Damien, Happy New Year and thanks for taking a look at my blogs. Appreciate the compliment on the header for A Caregiver's Journal. I am a little confused about the thread you said read, the one above is your comment on personal blogs.
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Nice strong looking theme. Definitely a good business choice. Way too many ads. Unless they are making you money, get rid of them. Just my opinion. Content is what you need above the fold. And pictures. Your tagline is way too long as well. I think more stuff up top might help you out if you are further interested in my input. Drop me a line.
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Would my blog qualify as a niche one?
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As I recall, yours is not selling any products so it is definitely not a niche blog. An online diary I would say. Sorry this thread is not really suited to online diaries. I liked it though Keep up the good work with your personal blog. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niche_blog
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Hi and thanks, though my blog isn't an online diary. It's a blog on love and relationships, and I write more than Dear Diary type things.
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Not sure how mine qualifies... but it sure isn't personal :-) It's about advertising!
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No url listed. Sorry the natives have me super busy. Feel free to post your url at the bottom of the list.
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REVIEW UPDATE: Okay gang, I have some writing opportunities that pay for my coffee and then some. I have been neglecting them while I write these reviews. Gotta get to those, take a shower, get my kids fed and clean the house for our New Year's party tomorrow. Remember if you are going to submit your blog I'd ask that you go through at least a few of the reviews above. I am repeating myself quite a bit which is fine, I never read any fine print myself. I'm just saying you might save yourself waiting for me to get to your review by reading notes on the same stuff above instantly!
I am committed to reveiwing every blog that is submitted here (provided it's not an online diary) so please continue to submit your urls as I take a siesta from this until probably 9 or 10pm pst tonight December 30 2008.
I hope these are helping you. See you on the other side of my chores!
Here's some interesting reading you might check out on my blogs' progress toward my personal goals last month. Goals are my #1 recommendation for all bloggers:
www.damienriley.com/blog-stats-dec2008/ -
Back doing reviews
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Hey friend...nice idea. I would love to hear from you about my blog:
rajeshhackingarticles.blogspot.com
I have recently updated my blog template...so alongwith other suggestions, pls mention about the look...-
Like it all except I prefer the featured article to be posted in full. Read more links turn me off. That's just me.
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Thanks for taking the time to read and review my Blog, Damien!
Not sure I "got" everything, since I'm a little new to the Blogging world . . . but I'll go back and re-read your comments again, and I'm sure I'll derive some benefit from your review.
Take care.-
I'm a scatterbrain who types faster than his brain and the mistakes show it I do put a lot of thought into reviewing people's blog work though so pleae do read the thread. There is a lot up there that I call value in a blog.
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Unclear in the beginning. Please refer to:
Standard Personal Blog Statement: This is a peronal blog/online diary apparently. These are great to read and I also write one of my own. Because of their subjective nature I am not reviewing them in this thread. Best of luck with your blog in 2009, I hope we can network.
The Standard "I've covered this ground" Statement ;) Your blog appears to have basic issues that can be easily improved (in my opinion). Because they have been covered in many of the reviews above in this thread, I refer you to read the thread. After that if you still have questions, feel free to contact me directly by sending me a shout. Sorry I couldn't give you a more personalized review but the basics I've covered need some work so I think if you read the thread you will find value for your blog. Thank you for understanding and happy new year!
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Is the title catchy: YES!!
Great tagline that explains purpose: YES
Interesting writing with photos: YES
Not too many ad widgets? YES
I'm subscribed! Go man go!
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arsenalians.blogspot.com
thanks-
I reviewed this one already. Sports theme?
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REVIEW UPDATE: 10:33pm pst Calling it a night on reviews due to the need to finish cleaning our house for New Year's party tomorrow. Sorry if I haven't gotten to you yet. As I have said above, I recommend reading the reviews above there is some stuff in those I believe will help any blog. NITE!
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When you get the time I would love for you to take a look.
thepersonalblogofphoenix.blogspot.com/
Thanks!-
Hey, a fellow teach. These blogs are more fun than grading papers aint they?
Anyhow this is from your about me section:
"I intend to use this blog to express my ideas, photos, and other random thoughts ( and there are many of them, so you are warned! )"
Unfortunately I don't have much to say on personal blogs.
Standard Personal Blog Statement: This is a peronal blog/online diary apparently. These are great to read and I also write one of my own. Because of their subjective nature I am not reviewing them in this thread. Best of luck with your blog in 2009, I hope we can network.
Happy New Year!
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New blog-zine. Would love a quick review to give us pointers before our launch date. theblackcritic.com-
It's so weird doing this because I am making the same suggestions over and over. Maybe I bit off more than I could chew! Anyway, if you read through thereviews up top you will find a lot of things tHt I think will benefit you.
I LOVE YOUR BLOG! Even though I'm a white irishman, I will be subscribing to it, it looks that good! A couple things I've said to others that apply here are:
1) RSS feed subscription link must be prominent.
2) Your tagline/quote is too small.
3) I prefer the featured article to be a complete article. I hate clicking "read more"
Other than that, it is destined for traffic, best wishes in 2009.
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New blog-zine. Would love a quick review to give us pointers before our launch date. theblackcritic.com
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I love your theme and custom header. You don't need any advice I haven't already given above Your theme looks a little like my postcards blog right now:
www.postcardsfromthefunnyfarm.com/
Great minds ya know
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Ok, I'm ready. Subscribed. Go with it! If you have specific questions gibe me a shout. Otherwise you got the theme and the 'tude, you don't need much else for what you are trying to do
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cool beans
tanks!
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Thank you for your comment sir. I really appreciate it. I will look into all your comments and advise. Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year.
Ismail N. -
oh thank your rileycentral for the time checking on my blog!!!yeah i know about the blog before,thats what my intention really from the beginning to go back to the basic of blogging,making it look like more of a journal a diary.more personal.
yeah I know I have to improve my traffic so far my traffic have improved from the past months, before i used to only have 20 aday now I think I have a hundreds a day but I know I have to do more than that! -
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Sorry but it is so unclear what your purpose is I have to pass. A lot of stuff that would help you define your purpose is up top in the reviews I have done up to you so I strongly suggest you go ahead and read through them!
Standard Personal Blog Statement: This is a peronal blog/online diary apparently. These are great to read and I also write one of my own. Because of their subjective nature I am not reviewing them in this thread. Best of luck with your blog in 2009, I hope we can network.
The Standard "I've covered this ground" Statement ;) Your blog appears to have basic issues that can be easily improved (in my opinion). Because they have been covered in many of the reviews above in this thread, I refer you to read the thread. After that if you still have questions, feel free to contact me directly by sending me a shout. Sorry I couldn't give you a more personalized review but the basics I've covered need some work so I think if you read the thread you will find value for your blog. Thank you for understanding and happy new year!
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Yes I am relatively new at this and am feeling a bit overwhelmed so would love your input - you can be tough - I have broad shoulders and thank you so much -
I just read your 'no longer doing personal blogs' My blog may look like a personal but I actually initiated it to promote my brand 'Happy Heart Princess'. I probably still need to work on clarification of my niche.
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No url listed. Sorry the natives have me super busy. Feel free to post your url at the bottom of the list.
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What I read here really helped me. If you have any time left, I'd enjoy you visitng my blog too.
www.ana-todor.com-
Thank you for saying you learned from what I've written here. This has sort of become my winter break obsession so it's good to know it's not falling on deaf ears out there. Happy New Year.
"The blog about everything" is not what you want to aim at. Get a smaller target and you might hit it. But if this is a personal blog then ,,,
No url listed. Sorry the natives have me super busy. Feel free to post your url at the bottom of the list. -
thanks, i'll think about it. Though this is a personal blog, so it's hard to narrow my thoughts on life
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I would like if my blog would be reviewed. www.xplorinhom.blogspot.com
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Looks good but you need to work on your tagline, the one you have is unclear. "everlasting?" work on that word a bit. Also, you need a short "about" blurb at the top of the sidebar. Beyond that it;s another tech blog as far as I can tell. You have a hell of a lot of competition. Happy New Year.
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review away....I don't blog for money so it will be cool to know what experts think...
22050hz.blogspot.com
(many thanks and Happy 2009!)-
Hi there. I like the colors and mysteriousness of it all. However, most blog hoppers don't like it. Mysterious is for REM or the Rolling Stones front flash page. You are trying to hook readers and they are usually highly intelligent in your niche (environ, oddities, science). Show them you respect them with the things I have been saying since the forst review:
Catchy title (yours is? huh?)
Explanatory tagline (believe what?)
If it is paranormal wierdness you seek then maybe do it on one side reserving the top of the fold for these items.
You have to state your purpose or you'll be tragically cool all alone.
I'm in a bit of a hurry to be caught up so I have to run, but please consukt me again once you start these changes if you want further opinion.
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I love your site. wow, very impressed. Simple, unique, great photos, great food... you sold me! Bookmarked!
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You write:
"I love food...I love DC...I write about both...Enough said!"
Damn straight!
You have the title, the tagline (above) you tell us and show us great food is why we are here. AWESOME. I am subscribed. I wouldn't change a thing at this point. If you have any questions about expanding to a self-hosted wordpress, let me know. -
Thanks for the positive feedback! I love seeing what other bloggers have to say about my little site! And now that I'm going to be selling food related ads on it, I wanted to make sure it was pleasing to others. Happy New Year!
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Standard Personal Blog Statement: This is a peronal blog/online diary apparently. These are great to read and I also write one of my own. Because of their subjective nature I am not reviewing them in this thread. Best of luck with your blog in 2009, I hope we can network.
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Standard Personal Blog Statement: This is a peronal blog/online diary apparently. These are great to read and I also write one of my own. Because of their subjective nature I am not reviewing them in this thread. Best of luck with your blog in 2009, I hope we can network.
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Thanks so much for taking the time to look at my blog. I do, however, have to disagree with the assessment that my blog is an online diary. I seek to address various issues regarding the thoroughbred horseracing industry as well as other relevant issues. Perhaps a glance at the archives would have revealed that. But, it is meaningful to me that you stopped by. Thank you.
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Please review my blog and let me know what you think. please be as critical as possible so that I might improve the blog. Thanks in advance.
enterdablogger.com-
Header too big. Think of the screen as real estate. You have to scroll down to get to the content ... not good. Most bloggers will not scroll they will leave.
The Standard "I've covered this ground" Statement ;) Your blog appears to have basic issues that can be easily improved (in my opinion). Because they have been covered in many of the reviews above in this thread, I refer you to read the thread. After that if you still have questions, feel free to contact me directly by sending me a shout. Sorry I couldn't give you a more personalized review but the basics I've covered need some work so I think if you read the thread you will find value for your blog. Thank you for understanding and happy new year! -
Thanks for the review, I appreciate your comments .
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Cool font.
Standard Personal Blog Statement: This is a peronal blog/online diary apparently. These are great to read and I also write one of my own. Because of their subjective nature I am not reviewing them in this thread. Best of luck with your blog in 2009, I hope we can network.
The Standard "I've covered this ground" Statement ;) Your blog appears to have basic issues that can be easily improved (in my opinion). Because they have been covered in many of the reviews above in this thread, I refer you to read the thread. After that if you still have questions, feel free to contact me directly by sending me a shout. Sorry I couldn't give you a more personalized review but the basics I've covered need some work so I think if you read the thread you will find value for your blog. Thank you for understanding and happy new year!
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Wow Damien, so very nice of you! No wonder this thread was on the front page of BC!
I'd ask for one, but as IMBL's #1 fan you might be a little biased So I'll pass so you can review someone else before your winter break is over!
Great idea though - fantastic idea for meeting some new blogs and bloggers! Will definitely check out some of these above and maybe add in my thoughts & suggestions too -
Hey my friend. Happy New Year to you and your family! Indeed I have met some promising new friends through doing this. It's really tough with this volume though. I had to take most of today off to get my eyes to go straight again LOL. But I am still having fun reviewing.
Talk to you later
Damien
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Could you please review mine?
Happy New Year!
Kathryn -
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AWESOME. Make your tagline 9 words or less and it will be perfect Please keep in touch.
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I can hardly believe it, 4 more and I am officially "caught up" with my reviews!!! Woo Hoo! Gonna go grab a snack BRB.
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One of the better blogs I have seen in this thread. Please PM me if you have further concerns. I "get" you and I am ready to look for vectors You'd be astonished how many blogs I've read in the past couple days that just gave no indication of purpose. That's something to avoid. You mark the post where I am 100% caught up. YAYYYYYYYY!
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Thanks rileycentral
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Thanks rileydude. More power and hope to discuss with you more in these threads.
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Thanks Riley...loved your comments. But I think a change of design at this point would stir up things too much, I'm too new (oct. 08) for this...or not?? What do you think??
About the tagline, I do change it daily, you caught the latest one. I see you point and changed it to "Can you handle the UFO truth?" and will keep the purpose clear on all of them.
Thanks a bunch
Claudia-
Change your design as much as you want. I was addicted to changing my all the time for nearly 2 years. I still change mine. The result? I know pretty much every theme available Don't worry about changing it, your readers may or may not like it but it's about what you think will work and that takes time. I like your new tagline !
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Forgot to say Happy New Year!!!!
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Thanks a lot for your reply....
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hello... i would appreciate it very much if you give a review on my blog for improvement. thank you. - bread and coffee
breadandcoffeeunleashed.blogspot.com/-
Standard Personal Blog Statement: This is a peronal blog/online diary apparently. These are great to read and I also write one of my own. Because of their subjective nature I am not reviewing them in this thread. Best of luck with your blog in 2009, I hope we can network.
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sorry - here is my url www.happyheartprincess.blogspot.com - this is so appreciated - i have been reading all your reviews and they are really helpful but still need some input on mine. Thank you for your generosity.
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By the time I got here I'd already responded. Hope all is well.
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hi thanks in advance and do have my blogs reviewed so that i can improve on it for year 2009
Do support my blogs
Own Blog - www.juzus.com/blogzs
Information Technology Blog - www.juzus.com/it
Fengshui & Religious Blog - www.juzus.com/iZen
A Crazy Game Fan Blog - www.juzus.com/gamesiao-
You submitted:
Own Blog - www.juzus.com/blogzs
Information Technology Blog - www.juzus.com/it
Fengshui & Religious Blog - www.juzus.com/iZen
A Crazy Game Fan Blog - www.juzus.com/gamesiao
It is just too much for me to do considering my waiting list. SO, I chose to look at the one I felt I would have the most experience with:
Information Technology Blog - www.juzus.com/it
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: The diagrams are amazing. What program do you use to make them? Also refer to all the reviews in this thread where I have talked about clarity of purpose in Title and/or tagline.
Cons: Personally I don't like this theme. I see it all over and when I am looking for technology information. I like to see innovation and unique design to let me know it's a good state of the art source. I'd go with a simple theme and tweak it with your own images. You have a commin desire with a lot of us to have an archive of helpful technology info. Unfortunately, and I have said this throughout the thread, tech is probably THE single most saturated niche for blogs. You are going to have to convince a LOT of people that you are better at this than what's out there if you want to make money.
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tbh, I'm not much into computer gaming so I don't know your audience. I'd like to see more original imagery the Matrix is so overused. Having said that, I don't feel like I am the best person to review your blog. Sorry you had to wait so long to hear that. Best wishes in 2009.
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Wow, that is so generous of you to offer your time! If you still have energy left to do one more, I would really appreciate your input on my brand new blog (one week old!).
www.malenekaae.typepad.com-
I really like it. It's got that canned blogger template but you work with it nicely through pictures etc. This are the types of theme work I like to see in a designer blog:
www.webdesignerdepot.com/2008/12/100-websites-with-outstanding-artistic-des...
So, if those crazy designs make you want to quit blogging you and I are in the same boat! I would study a little theme creation and blow some people away. Also, you can always try other self-hosted platforms like Wordpress which is what most of those are running on.
Other than that, your blog looks great and better than most I've looked at here in this thread. Good work.
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If you still have time I would like to see what you have to say about my blog.
www.thelightningbugslair.com-
Friggin cool! But somehow please get rid of that blogger navigation bar at the top it cheapens everything you have there. No more advice really, it works for me!
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Classic. But how long can you keep that up with SP? You should be narrow in your comedy focus but the title is a bit limiting don't you think? It also lacks the nuttiness that should be there ie; "Letters to my Serial Killer Lover" etc. I dunno. My wife and I just got in three hour back and forth today about a blog she was starting. It;s so hard narrowing your focus. Yours is actually a bit too narrow I think. But trying new things is how you learn.
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Hi! I hope everyone is having an enjoyable New Year. I'll be doing some reviews today but not too much, I have some other stuff pulling at me. Remember the window is open to get a review until January 9th.
If you are wondering why I am doing this, I am wondering myself. It started out to help people that seemed they had some easy things to solve. Now it's turned into a way to make new bloggy friends and apparently really get some good info out to people. It's just like my teaching job in that I have to remember that my students need a lot of background knowledge filled in. I apologize if I have said some things that were incomprehensible. To me it seems simple, but I know most this stuff is not!
Taking my reviewer's hat off for a minute, I want to let you know that 2009 is the time to follow your vision: of blogging, of your marriage, of your job, of your life. Today is the first day, seize it!
I'm really more of a teacher and writer than a reviewer (no, really???) My primary blog is about inspiration and psychology. I'd highly recommend you read a series of posts I wrote on creating, innovating, and finding vision in your life:
www.postcardsfromthefunnyfarm.com/amazing-things-inspiration-in-life-bloggi...
Now it's time to put the credit cards back in my wallet that my 2 year old has spilled all over the floor and go get some drive-thru lunch for my family (if anyone's open). I'll try and get in some reviews later. Meanwhile, follow your vision.
Damien -
okay - it's me again - guess you can tell that i'm new at this - at the moment i'm trying hard not to cry since I think i just lost my entire blog! so much for reviewing . . . .
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I feel your pain. I have lost databases before and been unable to revive them. That was a long time ago though now. There are still aches and pains that we suffer as online publicists (bloggers). Not only do you have to summon the same wit and candor as traditionally published authors but we have to weave HTML and knowledge of programming in and out as needed. I think you have to learn this stuff a little no matter how easy the free services try and make it.
I'd be happy to discuss back and forth in emails what happened to you blog if you've been unable to get help from support. I probably won't be able to help you but if I can I'll sure try. Hangi in there. Worst case scenario you start again and next time BACKUP! BACKUP! BACKUP! -
Stoney, all may not be lost yet. I thought the same thing a week ago and eventually found a solution. Hang in there.
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this is a great idea for publicity,
if you have time you could review computermusicman.blogspot.com/-
Your tagline could be more precise. I'm a professional guitar player and I do recording sessions from time to time so I am very familiar with the process. Still, I don't know what you mean my "music production." Based on the videos I assume it's a track studio for recording music? I would play with that tagline. ie; "Recording services for your band or solo projects" etc. If it is something else like a DJ then say that. Otherwise it's pretty good.
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Hello,
I just added to this website today, and if you'd like to review it, please feel free.
My blog is about true experiences of a mystic.-
No url listed. Sorry the natives have me super busy. Feel free to post your url and I'll make every attempt to review it.
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It looks really good. As usual, I have to recommend a self-hosted Wordpress blog for a better selection of templates but for mom networking I am sure you will either get to that or not. Thatnks for asking for input, I really like the energy.
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Mysterious looking blog, cool. It's a little unclear in purpose. You might work that solution into your tagline. Read this whole thread above for more ideas that may or may not help make your blog more successful.
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hey riley like the new avatar, happy new year-
Hiya Kat. Yeah, this one is a bit more casual. The one I used to have was my free teacher pic from Lifetouch. Do you get one of those every year like I do? Happy New Year.
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thanks I will take that into consideration.
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Cool. Thanks for the taking the time to reply.
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Looks like it has a clear purpose. I recommend reading this whole thread above for more ideas that might make your blog more successful. Happy New Year and best wishes.
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Thanks! Yeah, I'll look for some nice tips here to get traffic in.
Happy New Year!
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Congratulations. Take it from me, I was a PR4 for almost a year now I am a 2 and my stats are triple what they used to be. PR is on the way out. Still I am glad to be a 2 because it gives me more sponsored opportunity.
Loow at raw stats like:
Daily traffic (Google Analytics)
Backlinks
RSS Subscribers
Comment Counts
And other we are now calling "Transparency" parameters in the industry.
Your blog looks really pro.
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Opinions and reviews of masters are always welcome at lifeartmastery.com
I humbly request your critique....thank you, momo-
It looks like a Blogger blog. I like that it's about performance art! You might check out this thread in whole to get some tips I've offered in the past several days. It's all about helping you find more value.
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I like the graphic! Criticism is the only word that gives me any idea what your blog is about. You might check out this thread in whole to get some tips I've offered in the past several days. It's all about helping you find more value.
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I like that theme. You're doing well there. You might check out this thread in whole to get some tips I've offered in the past several days. It's all about helping you find more value. Happy blogging in 2009!
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I would like mine to be reviewed! Thanks in advance!The url is thevoiceswith.in-
Good layout. Sorry I don't have more time to review be more explicit in what you're about and I think your blog will be stickier. You might check out this thread in whole to get some tips I've offered in the past several days. It's all about helping you find more value. Happy blogging in 2009!
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I really appreciate your stopping by my blog! Thanks!
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I made a video recently that covers three things to avoid. Maybe it will help you out. Fun layout! Happy blogging in 2009.
podcast.damienriley.com/3-tips-for-starting-a-blog/
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Thank you so much Riley! I will go check out that link.
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You are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to reply.
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You are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to reply.
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Hi Damien, I would love to have a review done of my blogs, if you can only do one of my blogs please choose the in-business blog.
Thank you, Russell-
It looks like Cutline. There must be a million Cutlines out there on everything from what a dog did this morning to tech tips. I'd search further. Remember your potential subscribers are quick to leave after their first impression unless they see a unique, relvant "purpose." Not to toot my own horn, but you might go up and read the thread in it's entirety since I've covered this so many times.
Other than that, please understand I am not getting as in depth after all these reviews. It's all there, all I have to offer anyway. Happy New Year.
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Hey remember me? how could you forget - I retrieved my posts!!! so if you still have the patience, time and energy, would love to have you take a look - www.happyheartprincess.blogspot.com Thank you from me and from all of us - i have learned so much in the last 3 days!!
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I love the look and feel of it. Don't change a thing. It tells the reader what and who you are right away and I think it will be a good avenue to market what you do.
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Hi.. Please review my blog too
I'm still a newbie here and still need lots of suggestions
darms88.blogspot.com
Thx a lot!-
Well done. advice? Look for a niche off the beaten path of tech. It's like a Tsunami wave of competition. Maybe ... ? Think outside the box.
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Internet Business and Marketing Blog
www.internetbusinessandmarketing.com/index.php?automodule=blog&blogid=1 -
Have you looked at my blog yet?
tfav1630frgodbeyjr.blogspot.com/-
I'm very sorry I must have accidentally passed over your blog in the flurry of others. I never had any idea there would be so many requests. It has been quite blinding. Let me make it up to you with a more in depth review like I did at the beginning of this thread:
The fine print: This is a brief review of your blog By: Damien Riley Profile: www.blogcatalog.com/user/rileycentral It is based on a cursory overview only.
Pros: Shock graphics (which fits the genre)
Cons: The Title is obscure and the tagline is more than 9 words and off center. These two things alone would be easy fixes to make your site stickier.
Random post: I clicked on one and it took me to a flash page which did not lead back to your site. I can't be clicking around all day sorry.
Notes: This is def. a niche site. I think understatement is always better. Don't play "I dare you to guess what I am doing here." Make it so simple a great grandmother could "get it." Maybe not to subscribe but to at least know what the offer is. Happy New Year! Again I am so sorry you waited so long. I didn't start this thread to make people wait. -
Thank you very much for taking the time to review my blog. I appreciate all the time you've taken to look at so many blogs. I'll work on your suggestions. Thanks again! Frank
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Hey Damien, I took your advice and "changed" the title of my blog to give a better explaination of what it is. I also shortend the description of what my blog is about. Thanks again for your review and advice! Frank
tfav1630frgodbeyjr.blogspot.com/
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Hi Riley. I'd love a review if you get a chance. I just switched themes and have been modifying and all is not as I like it...yet (is it ever??). Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!
earthtoholly.com/-
Love the images in the header, but they don;t decribe your niche/purpose.
If you can, get input from Dooce (saw her in your blogroll). As for me? I don't have much to say to personal blogs/online diary other than the fact that I have one and of my three blogs, that one makes me the least money and has the lowest amount of subscribers
Starting out, niche is better. When you get a voice people will line up to read, then revert to the "mystique" of what you have going on. But Dooce will probably help you more LOL.
Seriously though read the whole discussion if you can. I have said a lot in the past week that explains my view on this. Happy New Year! -
Thanks, Damien, for your comments and taking the time to look. I do need to get more of a focus but I've been reading through all your comments here. Really good tips. Thanks and happy New Year!
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I'm a newbie blogger. I need some pointers.
mackinartist.blogspot.com-
Standard Personal Blog Statement: This is a peronal blog/online diary apparently. These are great to read and I also write one of my own. Because of their subjective nature I am not reviewing them in this thread. Best of luck with your blog in 2009, I hope we can network.
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ok ..just want you to know I have only be at this a little over a month.
vegasforblondes.blogspot.com
cosmeticsurgeryforwomen.blogspot.com
sexforblondes.blogspot.com
wanted to give you a choice. -
Sorry I'm just way overspent on this project to choose
I recommend you read the whole discussion or as much as you have time to and get some pointers there. Also, I made a video with a few recommendations for newbies:
podcast.damienriley.com/3-tips-for-starting-a-blog/
Thanks for submitting your blog. Sorry that's the best I can give at this time.
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hi there im a newbie. I'd love to have my blog reviewed
www.myproperty2009.blogspot.com-
Read the discussion, watch the video I made linked above... it looks okay but I'd like to see it more sticky and brandable.
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REVIEW UPDATE: Ok gang ... as some of you know, I'm on Christmas break from teaching (my day job) and it seems like I have done like 400 reviews so far in this thread. I don't know how much more I can say the same typres of things.
Feeling like the basics are established in all posts above so please, I'm going to ask that no one else expect a review from this post fwd.
I myself have three blogs of my own that I have schedule post dates for and that takes time. I will commit to reviewing every post up to this one and then after that I can't promise anything.
Meanwhile, you'll find the basics above in this thread. If you are new and really want to know what I have learned is valuable in blogging, it's there ...
So, in a sense, the deadline to sublit your blog for a free review is passed.
LAST THING: If anyone out there who has some experience can help me out by reviewing these remaining blogs, you might get some traffic and exposure out if it. I could really use some thoughtful help in looking at these good peoples' blogs. Over and out for now. If you have any questions, please Shoutbox me to be sure I get notified. -
Damien, Thanks for your time. It is appreciated.
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Hello Damien...I would love you to review my blog as it is quite new and I'm still floundering. I began it 3 months ago and I truly enjoy doing it but, I desperately need traffic. It's on cruising: information, tips, contests, contests, etc. Please check it out and if you could email me I would truly appreciate it. www.letscruise.typepad.com thank you...Betsy betsypa@aol.com
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Whoops, too late. Many thanks for the useful and informative reviews of others blogs, I'll see how the comments apply to our blog and how we may improve it.
Cheers,
bodc-nerc.blogspot.com -
Review my strange blog if you'd like, I'm always open as to what I could do better or worse whichever the case may be! www.dcstrip.com Thanks! -
i'd love it if you'd review my blog. amesplaza.today.com -
My podcast this week is a video of three things new bloggers should avoid. I got the idea through hosting this thread and doing all these reviews.
Check out the video if you get a chance: podcast.damienriley.com/3-tips-for-starting-a-blog/
Best wishes,
Damien -
Thanks Damien for the great suggestions. I only have one question,...how on earth do you find the time to do all this stuff?
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I'm a teacher on break. But I have a training Jan 8-9 so you'll see a loy less of me around then. I am always available though 24/7 to my mentees. I've already taken on 2 through this thread One way I manage the my time through tech is www.rememberthemilk.com another is Google Calendar
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Follow the ongoing coming-of-age adventure of an ambitious, public ivy, frat manchild. Topics of discussion include: college life, increasing productivity, studying abroad, job market preparation, travel stories, and so much more.
www.thecollegewarrior.com-
Thanks for checking my blog. I visited your site and it looks very interesting. Good Luck and thanks again. betsy www.letscruise.typepad.com
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Hi Riley,
I changed my blog - especially the look - and would love a short review. Thanks!
melissabxoxo.blogspot.com -
I want my blog to review if you have a time
n95pic.blogspot.com -
Sure...I just revamped the layout so it's still needs a little aesthetic cleaning but go for it.
www.thepqnation.com -
Okay, at least I caught up with my announcement Again folks ... I planned on the demand being wayyyyyy smaller for these reviews. I wish I could give you all more attention on your blogs. I do mentor people but that means a commitment on your part. Easy come, easy go right? Let me know if you are interested in discussing that. Otherwise, I'll get to the rest of your requests when I can. Hopefully I won't get too many more requests because eventually I have to go back to my day job teaching my 30 4th grade rugrats and pay attention to my own marketing and blogging work in my time off from that. Wait, forgot to mention my wife and three kids. I would like to remain married after these reviews are done LOL. What's already written up there can help a lot of people, I believe. Thanks for understanding. Make sure to watch the video, esp. if you are a new blogger. podcast.damienriley.com/3-tips-for-starting-a-blog/
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Hey there rileycentral, could you review my blog please?
My blog => cric-online.blogspot.com
Please email me the review
My email => dRavidC@gmail.com
Thanks alot,
David Cloke -
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Hi PLease write review for my website which is full of computer stuff its like treasure to computer world....
Computer treasure is bar of wallpapers, games, software, computer solution,mobile ,reviews, entertainment , technology and other stuff too
computertreasure.com -
my blog is
www.venuela.blogspot.com -
I would like for you to review my blog and possibly give some needed advice. Thanks
mommiesfudgeandcreativecandies.synthasite.com/the-chocolate-mommies-blog.ph... -
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Hi Riley,
I would like a review when you get time. Please email it to me. Thanks in advance, it was nice for you to offer to review our blogs. I know mine needs help, some things I don't know how to fix, but I keep playing with it. I use to be a COBOL programmer, not very good with this code. I'm also interested in being mentored. Thanks again!
bagladyauctionsblog.com -
Thanks for the review. I've taken up on your suggestions. And I've decided also to change the blue colours although you liked them to another theme. Anyway you'll see what I mean at ijunkyworld.co.cc/blog
And I think I've asked this before, but I would ask again it's not possible to add your review to a testimonial page on my website? -
Hello and good day to you Mr. Damien Riley! please review my blog site, i want have some positive and negative reactions and comments from yours. The contents of articles, the design and color of my blog and the navigation area.
I want your comments and suggestions so that I can improve my blog. Thanks a lot in advanced.
This is my blog site address, 4katsuki.blogspot.com/
and you can send me your comments, suggestions and reactions to my email address 4katsuki.pain@gmail.com
Once again thanks a lot Mr. Damien Riley Sir! -
I'll put my head on the chopping block (lol). Thanks in advance.
pensiveblog.com/ -
mm k. sure review me please. The thing is if u tell me my composition sucks, I should use my spell check,and I'll never get anywhere with my attitude then don't give me your reveiw. I am looking for people who listen to my words. Not where I have missed a period. I want to help people that are in my same situation. I am not looking to have a grammar lesson. Don't get me wrong I know that stuff is important to some people,but to me life is too short. I have been beat up by so many blog catalog members that sit on their high hoarse thinking that tearing me down builds them up. The problem with that is they are on the computer 24/7 while I'm out there really trying to make a difference and LIVE LIFE to its fullest. So go ahead and give it to me.
THX HollytheHousewife
hollyb27.blogspot.com -
Hi Riley,
I know you are flooded with all of the requests asking for review.
I just launched a new blog 2 days ago so if you can take the time to review it, that'll be a big bonus to me. Otherwise, it's ok. I understand it's not easy to spend time on each and everyone of our requests.
My brand new blog: www.bloggerstyles.com
Have a nice day! -
ok I just started reading other people's comments to you. I don't get it
your blood is the same color as mine. Why are soooo many people acting like
you walk on water. when we go and meet our maker there is no difference.
We will all be judged just the same. I sure hope I didn't ask some egotistical person to review my blog like he is the GOD OF THE BLOGOSPHERE.
please proove me wrong. -
Lots of good information here. Got time to check out my blog?
tromler.blogspot.com
Thanks for your efforts -
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I hope you would review my blog, thank you.
kupiokawkaw.blogspot.com/
please do not publish here, appreciate if you can email the review to me, thanks
gregchai2002@yahoo.com -
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I would like for you to review my blog and possibly give some needed advice. Thanks
www.swaretesting.blogspot.com
thanks -
Hey, please review my business articles and directory blog. I tried to create something different using wordpress and a review will be good. Thanks
www.businessfoo.com -
What happens January 10th? I know, it's my cousins birthday! Are you attending her party? -
Hey, that would be real cool if you reviewed my blog. It's about 13 days old.
pterodactylpuke.blogspot.com
Mainly political commentary with a humorous edge. Some straight humor and other current events, pop culture, etc. Also, I wouldn't mind a link exchange. -
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It's about real estate in a community called SouthWood in Tallahassee, FL
www.southwood.me -
Sure feel free to write a review about my blog
Teck~Line
"In this blog, i carve out the technological aspects
with random aspects with the variety of topics to add
the spice you need"
teckline.wordpress.com -
I'd love to have my blog reviewed. mastersofseo.com thanks! -
Riley, I have been blogging for 4 years kathyberman.com . I turned off comments years ago as I was born Oct. 26, 1940 and my first priority was to give myself the opportunity to write about my recovery spiritual experience that began Nov. 24, 1976. Needless to say, I had a lot of writing to do. Six months ago, I decided to take all the info and create 6 separate blogs. Each is kind of related but I use 10 separate keywords for each to keep the distinctness of each. I would appreciate any comments and will be glad to add you to a post of your choosing. Thanks, Kathy -
The Form of Sound- Bridging the gap between myth and mundanity.
jimspaulding.com
Thank you for the opportunity.
Sincerely,
Jim Spaulding -
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I would love a review, I'm thinking maybe I should try some new things for 09. The thing is I like the reader to actually read my blog, so in the beginning I left out pictures...basically content driven
dcdatingadventures.blogspot.com/
Happy Dating & Reviewing -
You've been busy. Can you please review: www.joshuamethod.com? -
Hi..
First of all thank god... 2days left so u cud surely review my site...
Its www.thetechnoland.com . I would enjoy listening to some of the pros and cons about the site..
Its just a beginning and I surely want to take it to newer heights,...
Cheers,
Sujan
www.thetechnoland.com -
Riley, I have just now discovered that you asked for an end to the review requests well before I posted my blog for review here. My apologies. You are obviously a very busy man: 30 4th graders, 3 active blogs and a wife and children is enough I think. You are an inspiration to be sure. Carry on with your good work. Jim
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My blog is eachotherskeeper.blogspot.com -
www.xyzmusic.blogspot.com
please comment -
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Riley said 4 days ago: (Look up a little further in the thread.)
"Okay, at least I caught up with my announcement Again folks ... I planned on the demand being wayyyyyy smaller for these reviews. I wish I could give you all more attention on your blogs. I do mentor people but that means a commitment on your part. Easy come, easy go right? Let me know if you are interested in discussing that. Otherwise, I'll get to the rest of your requests when I can. Hopefully I won't get too many more requests because eventually I have to go back to my day job teaching my 30 4th grade rugrats and pay attention to my own marketing and blogging work in my time off from that. Wait, forgot to mention my wife and three kids. I would like to remain married after these reviews are done LOL. What's already written up there can help a lot of people, I believe. Thanks for understanding. Make sure to watch the video, esp. if you are a new blogger. podcast.damienriley.com/3-tips-for-starting-a-blog/" -
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Always it is better to know the opinion of others. I have requested my friends to review my blog and getting positive responses only. I would like to have some negative opinions and suggestions to improve.
blog.firdousi.com -
thanks:www.childnurturingtips.com
www.wwwweesandpoos.blogspot.com -
Damien, I'd love for you to review my blog. Thank you in advance for any helpful review items you can offer.
P.S. It's really two if you don't mind. www.jawboneblue.com and www.trimnasium.com
I'm a headset expert by day and a fitness trainer by night. Any feedback is always welcome from the BC community.
Thanks! -
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Sure, review mine: kiptip.com -
Man you're gonna be busy for the next 8 years... But good luck! -
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If anyone wants to check out the show I was interviewed on last week, here's the video: ping.fm/14yO6
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I love independent shows like that. So unpredictable. lol. Good interview too, and the audience was crazy. lol. And the cameraman sneezing was a riot.
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Thanks man. I hope things are going well for you and your blog.
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hello visit me yah -
are you still reviewing by any chance ?:)))
If you are please please gimme some feedback on mine!
my-bits-n-pieces.blogspot.com/ -
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Read the title and original post, people. You're wasting your time.
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