"Why Authors
Should Blog?"
By John Colanzi
While watching the presidential conventions I
was struck by the fact that blogs had totally revolutionized the
publishing industry. Sitting right alongside the major news agencies
were the bloggers frantically typing on their laptops. Even seasoned
veterans who had covered past conventions mentioned the power
of this new media.
Due to the dynamic nature of blogs, the bloggers
with their laptops could report in real time, thus getting their
stories online long before the morning newspapers would hit the
streets. Commentators even mentioned that many of the breaking
news stories had been reported first by bloggers.
Think about this for a minute. Gutenberg revolutionized
the publishing industry by letting writers mass produce their
work.
The next phase of growth was the Internet. Finally
anyone could publish their work and have it sent around the globe
in seconds. When the digital publishing revolution hit, it seemed
too good to be true.
With the digital revolution anyone and everyone
could now spread their message. Writers could bypass the traditional
publishing industry and save time in getting their work to the
public.
They no longer had to fear that dreaded rejection
slip. They could succeed or fail on their own merit. No one had
control over how or what he or she could write.
The Internet was a writer’s paradise.
It seemed as good as it could get.
Well, we hadn’t seen anything. Web logs,
or blogs as they are called, have propelled publishing to the
next level.
Not only could writers publish in real time,
they could have it online instantly.
As powerful as that may be, the real power lies
in the ability to syndicate your writing by plugging your content
into an RSS feed.
Imagine the possibilities. You can now become
a part of a targeted network of like-minded blogs and have your
content spread through the entire network in the twinkling of
an eye.
You’ve got the ability to tap into the
ultimate in viral marketing and branding. You can build an audience
overnight.
So, how can you get started?
The first thing you’ll need is a blog.
Don’t let the concept of a blog intimidate you. I’ve
got a blog and trust me; I’m not the sharpest axe in the
shed when it comes to technology.
To get started you’ll need a blog. Here
are a few sites you'll find helpful.
FactoSystem Weblog (ASP based)
http://sourceforge.net/projects/facto/
InstaBlog
http://instablog.hit.bg/
OpenJournal
http://www.grohol.com/downloads/oj/
GeekLog - The Ultimate Weblog System
http://sourceforge.net/projects/geeklog
Blogger
http://www.blogger.com/
Your goal when creating content for you blog,
is the same as it would be when creating a website. Your content
will be designed to attract the audience that would be interested
in your books.
The same idea applies when adding your blog to
an RSS feed. You want to have your content syndicated to individuals
that have an interest in your writings and are willing to buy
your books.
Your content gives them a taste of your writing
style and expertise. The feed makes sure you get maximum exposure.
An added benefit is most blogs allow visitors
to post comments about your site. By posting their comments and
having you reply, they get to know you are a real person.
The ability to have a give and take with your
visitors is an extremely powerful tool. Your readers will feel
comfortable doing business with someone they know.
Your next step is to plug into an RSS feed. Your
goal when syndicating your content, is the same goal you would
have when building the traditional ezine list.
The feed will drive targeted traffic to your
blog, but it’s your ability to provide quality content that
will keep them coming back.
So where can you learn more about RSS feeds?
An excellent place to start is RSSTop55 - Best Blog Directory
And RSS Submission Sites.
http://www.johncolanzi.com/feed.html
This site is just what the name implies. The
top 55 blog directory and submission sites. You can find a feed
for any subject.
If you’re serious about you writing, grab
your blog. Plug into an RSS feed and become an expert overnight
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