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Vicky H
Vicky H explains the role of technology in parenting this way at her site, Remarkable Parents :
Our site will help you make better use of your precious time. We will help you become more organized and productive. This will enable you to be part of the conversation, instead of fighting it.
“Because … technology tools aren’t just for teens. Adults are using them to connect with each other, to learn new things, and to be more productive at home and at work!”
Technology is not going away and the web is not going anywhere. … Our kids, in this era, have never experienced life without computers. We have some catching up to do, and this is where Remarkable Parents comes in.
Vicky H will be talking about
Writing for the Web
- Blogging: It’s More than Writing.
- They Don’t Read, They Skim
- Monitoring the Conversation?
- Why Is the Web different?
- What’s so great about URLs?
Ask this remarkable mom your questions.
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Ask me questions, I’m ready!
Hiya!
You must be tired already!
So what was the biggest thing you learned about having a blog?
To take your time to plan, think of your target audience, and know where your going short term
As far as writing for the web
* to put information in smaller chunks
* use subheadings
* write simply
As far as technically:
* To implement new plugins, add on’s one at a time
* To use WP
* Wait a day or to to upgrade. See how it goes with others.
As far as writing:
To plan ahead and have 2-3 articles on hand at any time.
You don’t always have to post something big or long.
What do you do when you don’t know what to write about?
Vicky, I have a 5 year old and a 9 month old.
My 5 year old has had a computer since he was 2, he can surf the web like a pro and hey types better than he writes.
What limits should I put on the little guy, he never wants to get away from his laptop.
Zaibatsu
I try to keep a small tablet to write ideas on. Or I call @Jott and record it and look later
Vicky,
I’m also a terrible blogger, that’s why I do a video podcast. Aside from hiring writers, any tips for an aspiring blogger?
Zaibatsu
There are some good Parental Control software programs for kids.
You can make a schedule that will only allow him to log on at certain times.
I’d say just pick a topic and start writing. Your probably going to in the beginning edit out 1/3 of what you write, but eventually you will get better.
Ask friends to critique lightly your writing, your trying to improve.
Vicky,
I hate to cut off the little guy at the firewall 🙂
But he’s addicted to Playhouse Disney online.
Z
I also wouldn’t hire writer’s unless you need to and instead hire a writing coach.
If he’s getting exercise out side, he may be able to spend more time with his laptop, which is not exercise.
How many months do you have left before your 5 mos old will need a computer and it’ll start all over again.
Do you think aside from content people might be drawn to a blog because of layout preference or because they like google bloggers vs WP bloggers? I am getting started on both and think with Google when I comment on a blog alert, I find people to be more open because I am on Google also. @DPZRAMON
I agree rinse and repeat. LOl
@Ramon Content is King! If they like your writing, they’ll come back!
So tell me more about productivity.
My wife and I both work from home, and we’ve cut back on expenses so no full time nanny.
Any thoughts?
That depends on what you spend most of your time on?
I would say look for recommendations on Twitter. If your not following any of the geekies, start following a couple.
People will rave about great software, so just favorite the tweet and check it out, see if it would help you.
I know there’s a site that does a Webware 100 awards every year for the best software. Google to find that site.
How do you get technically challenged friends to join facebook? I keep trying to tell them how easy it is and that technology and the Internet are not going anywhere…but some are so resistant.
Vicky, can you talk just a bit about the range of skills that it takes to be a blogger, in your experience? Obviously you and I would likely agree that writing is first and foremost, but it’s just part of the package for a blogger… What’s your take on that?
I think you have to have a technical background or at least be willing to learn. You have to be a mini-marketer of your blog posts and blog itself.
Hiya, Vicky! Looking forward to seeing you again at SOBCon.
If you haven’t already covered it, could you talk about some things that help you to write quickly. Or about how you keep from losing ideas!
I don’t think words and grammar matter so much on blogs, their much less formal
I have a 10 minute timer I sometime use. Whatever I have after 10 minutes get’s posted.
I think you have to be able to write well enough to keep an audience
What do you do when you get a negative comment? Or folks just didn’t “get” what you said?
If I get a negative comment I usually just thank them for sharing their opinion.
If people don’t get what I said, I usually will write in the comments what I ‘meant’ to say. or a clarification
re #27 – I would recommend spell checking and proofreading before hitting publish. To me, seeing errors distracts from the post. Oftentimes I use text-to-speech software to hear my posts – a good way for catching some errors.
What I was refering to more is slang or abbreviations
Look Liz,
I just had to clarify 🙂
Glenda, that is an excellent idea! We all have those text-to-speech tools, but we seldom use them!
Vicky, tell us how you got up the courage to actually start writing.
HI Vicky
what if you are a great writer, but no one seems to be reading? CK is a good writer, and we get hits, but few comments…?
I had a writing coach for the first 5 months. That helped a lot. Someone I had to make goals with and then held me accountable.
Becky, yes, those tools are great for proofreading!
And is there a particular structure you like to use in writing your blog posts, or are you more a free-style kind of writer?
I’d think about promoting the posts more, where your RSS button is on your page, is it right in front.
Make sure it’s easy to read, in smaller chunks with subheadings that are easy to read and skimmable
I do all my writing and editing first on paper, probably until I think the post is about 60 percent done. Then I’ll edit it in WP
I also like to use quotes. I think they add something.
I know content is King but I think design and functionality cause people to stay and read more and return to your blog. Your thoughts?
I find I’m quoting lots of ideas that I find on Twitter. Some weeks, that feels like all I post. 😀
I would say that’s true to some degree. If the reader cannot find what they want they may get frustrated and leave.
If I look at someone’s categories and find non that are of interest then I don’t go any farther on that site
I read your bio, that is why I asked the facebook question for older adults, but it looks like your theme tonight is blogging. Sorry about that!
There are many free templates out now, so I don’t think ‘bad design and layout’ are as much of an issue as it use to be.
True , true, thanks for answering!
I do to and that’s why my favorites folder on twitter is so big. Especially if most of your readers know the individual or have heard of them, that’s a good use.
What was your question about FB?
People are really smart that use Twitter. They are also very creative so they spark a lot of ideas for my posts too
It’s post #23 🙂
Anybody use their voice to write? Like record your articles to be transcribed?
I would think about the person and what their interests are… If they are really interested in finding old friends and classmates, FB is great for that.
If they have a lot of video’s they may not know that you can load your video’s and photo’s to FB
I use @Jott which you use through the phone.
Vicky,
You’ve been brilliant!
Thanks so much!
@Jott now works with Twitter, FB, they have an iPhone app, they voice to text your voicemail messages
Liz,
Thank you for inviting me!