Bloggers Boot Camp

throughout the chapters. Through my own experience, I have learned that having the commitment and patience to consistently develop quality, timely content and create a two-way conversation with readers who comment is critical to boosting your blog's credibility and viewership. So if you have been thinking about how to take part of a conversation regarding your interests, or your point of view in how you run your business, and want to use a blog as one of the tools to do so, then Bloggers Boot Camp is right place to start."--ABA Banking Journal.com "Over 200 pages that give an insight into building, writing and running a successful blog. Discover the trick to uncovering a niche for your blog, plus how to spread the word and create compelling content."--Web Designer magazine "We all know that every blogger needs a few tools to run a successful blog and surely a fast loading website and tips from professionals like John Biggs and Charlie White who make a living as bloggers will get any blogger on the right track."--BenjaminKerensa.com "Essentially, the book is a beginner's guide, rather than a path to blogging enlightenment or those already blogging. It's pretty well laid out, covering off the basics, such as registering your name, choosing a platform, design and hosting, with screen grabs to help you along your way. There are some things I'm not sure I'd agree with, such as the definition of blogging "journalism on a short deadline" (part of the problem with PRs is treating bloggers as journalists; blogging should be allowed to be much broader) and the "1,000 Words Rule" that targets bloggers with writing a thousands words every day (again, too rigid a rule for many bloggers). There's a few paragraphs on working with PR people, which I think could have been expanded (but then I'm biased) and some tips of writing reviews, plus some ethics guidelines. More useful I'd imagine to newbies are the technical tips, such as adding an RSS feed and explaining about Google Analytics. All of this is written in a non-technical format, so it's easy to follow. So, overall, I'd say it's a useful guide for someone who's new to blogging, as long as they treat it as a guide rather than a bible."--The RedRocket.co.uk "'Bloggers Boot Camp' sets the standards high, but if you are serious about your attempt to become a thought leader in your area of expertise, this book can really help you. Some information is quite basic, but in the end this book will hand you the steps that get you ahead right now. The only thing you need know is device with an internet connection and perseverance."--Anne van den Berg, CustomerTalk.nl This book is geared toward designing a blog that will have thousands or maybe millions of followers. Anyone who hopes to get paid for writing a blog should read the entire book carefully. The fundamentals of equipment, accessories, and the blogging space itself are well covered. Before decisions are made about a platform, though, authors White (senior editor, Mashable, CH, Jul'11, 48-6008) and Biggs (technology writer) push readers to answer some serious questions: What are you going to write about? What are you passionate about? What do you know about? Who are you? To be a successful blogger, one needs to go through this process. Academic professionals should pick and choose which chapters to read. Even those who believe they do not need the chapter titled "What to Write About" should at least browse it, given its valuable perspective on how to write a blog that followers will want to read. The emphasis is on communicating with those who follow what one writes. Readers should not skip the chapter titled "How to Write a Blog Post," which is patiently detailed and well explained, with a show-and-tell emphasis. White and Biggs valuably explain the differences between writing and blogging. Those with the time anddedication to devote to the task can learn from this book what they need to know to become professional bloggers. The appendix offers helpful hints on getting enough sleep, having a healthy diet, and not forgetting to exercise. No matter what one's field of academic expertise, one should be ready first to enjoy this book and then to learn. Anyone who has blogged in the past or is curious about blogging will benefit from reading Bloggers Boot Camp thoroughly." -- L. Lord, University of Kansas