Creative-Weblogging needs experienced bloggers to start new blogs on the following topics:

B2B/Tech: AppSecurity, CRM, DataCenter, Data Management, Domino, Exchange, IT Channel, Mobile Computing, Networking, Networking Channel, OpenSource, Oracle, SAP, Security, Security Channel, Server-Virtualization, SMB, SQL Server, VB, VoIP, WebServices, WinComputing, Windows Security, WinIT, Project Management

Financial Services: ETF’s, Mutual Funds, Commodities, Internet Stocks, Other Industry Specific Stocks (Business Software & Services, Communication Equipment, Major Airlines, Semiconductor, Telecom Services, Banks – Financial Services)

We’re also looking to fill the following live blogs:

http://lesboutchous.com (French parenting site)
http://www.on-storage.com
http://www.chinaventurenews.com
http://www.tjacobi.com
http://www.onlineuniversities-weblog.com
http://www.daily-diabetic.com

TIP:  If you want your application to get a positive response, you need to show sample blog posts along with other information: the topic you are applying for and the link to your blog. 

Interested and qualified applicants can mail  ruth@creative-weblogging.com

creative weblogging, the network which houses four of my professional blogs, is looking for bloggers for the following existing blogs, among several others:

• video blogging
• PC games
• Nintendo games
• Xbox gaming
• social networking
• parenting (in french)

basically the deal is: monthly compensation of $225 (US), paid via PayPal or Moneybookers, for 7 to 10 posts per week.

if you’re interested, or if you know someone who might be, send ruth an email: ruthATcreative-weblogging.com.

Important NOTE: Make sure that when you send Ruth an e-mail, you will be able to show her a blog about your topic of interest that’s at least 3 months old.

You cannot imagine the growth of the number of Pinoy bloggers in major networks. I do hope that more will follow, especially those who are based in Pinas.

SXSWi (South by Southwest) Interactive Festival brings together the world’s most creative web developers, designers, bloggers, wireless innovators and new media entrepreneurs.

In addition, the best new websites are uncovered via the SXSW Web Awards.

“Focusing primarily on sites that went active or were redesigned in 2005, this international competition is your premier opportunity to showcase your latest work to the web industry and win. ”

And this year, Bryan Veloso (Avalonstar) took home the Best Blog design of the year.

[shamelessly stolen from Bryan's flickr]

I heard that he had to go up the stage twice since 9rulers (for those who are unaware, Bryan’s soul IS 9rules) were dragged up the stage when Mike and Matt (Scrivs was indisposed) accepted the Best Community site of the year award for 9rules.

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I have been getting emails regarding the authenticity of this Blog sponsorship offer:

I’m interested in finding out whether or not your Blog accepts sponsors. What I am interested in is sending you a list of keywords which I would like linked to certain URLS (all family friendly sites). These links would go into your Blog entries or underneath them, however you see best fit.

Example1: http://www.thegeekchannel.com/2006/02/18/so-what-is-a-day-trader/ which shows a sponsor link with them keyword “Stock Option Investing”.

Example2: http://kimzey.blogspot.com/2005/12/shower-humidity.html where the link is below the post. “Supporter area:” could even be posted above the links to differentiate them from your content.

We are offering $2.50 per link, possibly more if the Blog meets certain criteria. If you’re interested please send a paypal email address that we may send your payments to. If paypal is not available we can arrange for other payment options. Also, the link information is submitted in excel format. It’s fairly simple but you must have some understanding of excel format.

I look forward to supporting your Blog; it’s a good one!

Standard link per blog entry is around 5$ so 2.50$ wouldn’t get those hoax bells ringing. However, there are 2 things which did not sit well with me. First, blogs have to be approved (traffic, etc.) They could be offered but only blog owners with relatively high traffic are approached. Second, those interested in blog sponsorships do not immediately ask for paypal email addresses before the details have been ironed out.

After receiving this in ALL 4 of my email-addresses and after having been asked by several persons of its authenticity, I mailed back a response. I asked for more details, without giving my paypal address. To date, I still have not received an answer. I have, however, received even more inquiries from bloggers regarding this blog sponsorship offer.

Maybe I am jumping the gun but it sure looks a lot like one of those paypal hoaxes you get via email. Although, this time, it sure looks a lot like it is from a Filipino (based on the bloggers who received the same emails).

Maybe I am adding 1 and 1 and coming up with 3. But, then again, I could also be right.

PR is Google’s way of grading pages for its search tool. It uses linking as a vote system. Quality blogs connected to other quality blogs are highly relevant. And links to relevant, quality blogs get a higher page rank.

And what would a higher page rank mean? Well, for those those who monetize (or try to) their blogs, a higher page rank means that your blog will be easily marketable to advertisers.

Read Darren’s blog for the nitty gritty on how PR is computed. Or, go check out what Google Data Center is saying about your blog’s page rank…

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The blog networks b5media and Aboutweblogs are merging. So, what? Well, this should be interesting because this merger will see the rise in number of Filipino ProBloggers.

Most importantly, this merger will see Shai , the Filipino network owner of Aboutweblogs and the first ever Pinoy ProBlogger , take a stake in b5 as a partner to Jeremy, Duncan and Darren.

AND, this merger will also see the inclusion of the Philippine Culture Blog over at b5media.

Other Pinoys over at b5 are/will be:

First round (already live, pre-merger):
Jayvee – Cellphone 9

Second round (shortlisted from 150+ applicants, pre-merger):
Ruth – parenting
Melissa – snowboarding

Result of the merger:
Glo – Philippine Culture blog, from Aboutweblogs
Maricar – the Housekeeping & Homemaking blog, from Aboutweblogs
Stef – Asian Cuisine, from Aboutweblogs
Connie – Online Journalism, from Aboutweblogs
Ruth – Asia Travel, from Aboutweblogs
Melissa – Budget Travel Europe from Aboutweblogs

This is truly exciting. YOU could be the next one, you know.

A network blog war has started.

Jason Calcanis of Weblogsinc has accused Creative-Weblogging to be a bunch of thieves. According to him, CW has been ripping (them) off for over a year. He has also threatened CW with a call from AOL lawyers.

A quick look at the index page of CW and you will immediately see what may seem to be the cause of Calcanis’ wrath. Although, his way of letting off steam and finger-pointing leaves a lot be desired.

What does Torsten Jacobi of CW say about all this? Read his rebuttal here. As of press time, CW is preparing legal action against this accusation.

Do take the time to read both the accusation and the rebuttal, follow the links, read the comments (positive and negative) under Calcanis’ blog and then tell me… what do YOU think?

Disclaimer: I am part of the CW team.

Sudoku is a logic-based placement puzzle. First published in 1979, it became popular in Japan in 1986; it later attained international popularity in 2005.

Flickr, on the other hand, is an online photo management and sharing application.

And here is a marriage of two different errmmm… minds? Check out Flickr Sudoku!

YOUR BLOG NETWORK APPLICATION

Creative Weblogging
$$: Previously, I had a revenue-share type of contract with them. However, I have now switched to their fixed-payment scheme for some 3digit US$/month. Promising future $-wise.
Benefits: To date, CW has offered the most support. I have been provided with all the possible tools (from topic suggestions to keywords and even funds to hold win-a-book contest) needed in order to meet my blogging quota. They have also been very efficient in looking for site sponsors, specifically targetting each bloggers’ niche.
On applying: If you have a blog topic in mind, you can pitch your idea to Torsten Jacobi. But, apart from wanting to blog, you also need to have the relevant background to support your case.

b5media
$$: Their initial report sounds promising. I cannot make a review about this yet as I have only received my “you are shortlisted” email. Will keep you posted.
Benefits: To work with the 3 biggest names (Duncan Riley, Darren Rowse and Jeremy Wright) in the blogosphere. You can learn from the experts.
On applying: they seem to want those who have “unique” angles. If you send in your application, make sure that you (1) do not ask to write for a generic topic; think of something catchy and unique; (2) send a sample post as this would somehow be the basis of judgment.

finefools
$$: I just started the blog so, I may have to post a follow-up later.
Benefits: Working with Paul Scrivs of 9rules. The network has one of the wittiest write-ups I have ever seen. Paul is really nice.
On applying: From what I can see, Paul likes to have topics with a strange twist. If you write a convincing enough pitch, he will let you go loco on your blog.

aboutWeblogs
$$: not that promising; but the changes which will soon happen could change all that.
Benefits: You have a free hand over your topic. If you want to blog about your passions (not really that concerned about the $) then this is the blog for you. Shai, the network owner, is like the mother of all the bloggers in the network. Always very patient to answer all questions, whether relevant or not. And she is really really nice. Oh yea, she is PINOY too!
On applying: She wants you to have the passion for your topic. I suggest you to apply NOW. Believe me, big things will be happening soon.

Basically, most blog networks offer the same benefits to their bloggers. The only (big) difference lies in the $$ and the exposure.

Note that above is based only on my own experience. You should still read each network’s application guideline.

You are not going to believe how many pinoys are currently earning from blogging!

Next: ProBlogging Advice #3
Ano ba talaga ang niche topic na babagay sa ‘yo?

When Darren Rowse went public with his earnings from problogging, many were inspired. It seemed like the perfect game plan for someone who is tech-savvy and who has lots to say about a certain topic. Many dreamed of quitting their day jobs and instead spend the day in their pajamas, buried in rss feeds and blogging to their hearts content.

Some sites suggest that all you need is a blog (which can also be had for FREE), a unique angle (which, ideally, should appeal to a certain niche market and, at the same time, have high cpm rate), sign up for google/yahoo/chitika and voilá, you are on your way to earning your $$ through blogging.

If only it was that easy.

ProBlogging, just like any other job we take on, should be of interest to us. The passion about the topic being discussed should be there. Otherwise, it would be akin to having a job that you ONLY do for the paycheck at the end and not because you love doing it. It would be obvious in your posts.

I have seen great Pinoy blogs (PTB included, of course) which, if given the chance, could soar high in blogging dollars. However, I have also seen those which are too pilit. When a blog is obviously written with only the cpm rates in mind, but the interest isn’t there. It really shows.

There are tons of talented Filipinos out there who are into blogging. Think of what truly interests you and only then should you think of what you can do to earn from this.

My two cents.

Next: ProBlogging Advice #2 – Your BlogNetwork Application (CreativeWeblogging, b5media, finefools and aboutweblogs)

Now, I may not be in the same level as Darren but take it from someone who gets a regular paycheck from ProBlogging about topics which I am truly passionate about and have the knowledge of.