Monthly Archives: April 2011

Bloggers add spice to the royal wedding

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Why does a Royal wedding turn an otherwise professional, middle-aged woman into a princess-wannabe? I’m not going to lie. I got weird and weepy-eyed at the wedding this morning.(More on that later.) I wasn’t even one of those folks who set the alarm for 3:00am to watch it.  I woke up early enough to zip through my TiVOed recording of the ceremony before catching the live kisses on the balcony along with 2 billion other people around the world.  Since coming to work, I’ve been reading blogs, tweets and Facebook postings of the event.  I’m absorbing even the most minute of details from people using social media around the world. From Tweeted observations on the scene:

“Harry got louder cheers this morning than William.”

“There’s a reasonable amount of bubbly being consumed here.”

To Facebook posts on Kate’s ”dreamy and daring” dress to Victoria Beckham’s “horrific” one.

To blog posts from Mommy bloggers who now worry they’ll be too tired to handle a day with their kids after rising with the royal chickens this morning.

While the media continually makes comparisons between today’s wedding and that of Charles and Diana, one thing that does not compare is the way in which citizens of the world are PARTICIPATING in this one. 

I remember watching the royal wedding in 1981 with my mom. But that was it. We watched in on television and it was over. Today, normal people watch it, report on it, analyze it and revel in it. We don’t just rely on the media to tell us about it. We tell each other about it. 

I love that!  

My hope, as someone who now works in digital media, is that more citizens of the world will begin to take part in interactive media. In my opinion, getting news from professional journalists will always be necessary. They bring us the meat and potatoes of the news events. But I can’t help but think all of us, add the flavor to the meal. Bloggers, Facebook and Twitter users add the appetizers, side dishes and dessert to the meal.

So back to why I got weird and weepy-eyed this morning. It surprised me that I teared up as I watched William recite his vows. I guess I thought about how we’ve all watched him grow up. I remember the announcement of his birth and seeing him hang in head at his mother’s funeral procession.

It’s nothing new that people around the world unite when they share joy and grief. It’s been that way for years. But what is so encouraging now is that through our use of social media, we can now express that joy and grief with each other. It’s an outlet which, I believe, unites us even more. Careful, I might start getting weepy again.

So if you find yourself still still reveling in the wedding: reading blogs, watching videos, and chatting with the man at the convenience store, you might want to consider joining us in blog world. Anybody can start a blog. It’s fun and easy and it’s great way to share your thoughts with the world.

You know how to reach me if you need help getting started. I’ll be the one weeping and rewinding my TiVO.

Areavoices Digest #29 – SPAM and YUM in the same post?

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I have both good and bad news to start this weeks digest. First the bad news. Apparently, our anti-spam software is still causing some problems. Legitimate blogs are being trapped in the filter. Spam is obviously a big problem.  In its overexuberance to capture spammers, real bloggers are getting blocked. If you are having problems with either your blog or one of your favorite blogs being marked as spam email: support@areavoices.com. Unspamming a blog is a pretty quick and easy thing to do. Again, our apologies as we work through this.
 
Now the good news. I am really excited about this week’s list of recommended blogs. This is where we go from SPAM to YUM! 
 
 
 
YUM. – http://jnhanson.areavoices.com Jenna is a 23-year-old newlywed who says she grew up on the Food Network and has a kitchen stocked with new gadgets that she’s ready to use. This former reporter for the West Central Tribune in Willmar writes with ease and she includes some beautiful photos along with her recipes. This is definitely a YUMMY food blog.

 
An Athiest and a Catholic: Reaching out across the abyss – http://atheistcatholic.areavoices.com  Neece, an Atheist and Roxane, a Catholic became acquainted in the blogosphere. While they have different world views, they share a passion for the written word and thoughtful, compassionate and respectful dialogue. In a world, where we often see intolerance for differing opinions, An Athiest and a Catholic is a refreshing change of pace.
 
Roger Maris: 50th of 61 Maris’ Magical Season – http://maris.areavoices.com   This is the 50th anniversary of Roger Maris’ historical season. In 1961, the Hibbing, Minnesota-born/Fargo, North Dakota-raised ballplayer smacked 61 home runs while playing for the New York Yankees. All season-long, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead will recall that magical season.
 

Movies in the Mancave: Just a couple of dudes reviewing movies - http://moviesinthemancave.areavoices.com  The title of this blog just about says it all. But in addition to reviewing movies, these two friends do video movie reviews as well. The “dudes” say they’ll review it all from Hollywood blockbusters to chick flicks.
 

Ronald McDonald House of the Red River Valley:  The house that love built – http://ronaldmcdonaldhouse.areavoices.com The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. This blog includes news and information from Fargo’s Ronald McDonald House.

Are you having issues with your blog?

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In the past couple of days, I’ve had more than my normal amount of email regarding some issues with your areavoices blogs. Most of them pertain to the following problems:

1. Blog being marked as spam
2. Blogs not being listed on your profile page
3. Stats module missing from dashboard

If you’re having any of these problems please let us know. Your best bet is to email support@areavoices.com or go to the support blog at http://support.areavoices.com.

We are currently working on these issues and apologize for the inconvenience. I know it can be really frustrating. But again, don’t hesitate to let us know, so we can make things right!

On another matter, we are aware of people manipulating the comment ratings system on the Topics blog, and at this time there isn’t anything we can do to prevent it from happening. We are looking at ways to stop it from happening and are open to any suggestions you might like to offer.

Finally, for those of you who hold your breath and get all jittery when you hear about updates. WordPress has been updated to Version 3.1.1. It’s basically a security and maintence update. Nothing for you to do. It’s handled. Basically the update from WordPress improves performance and security.

Bloggers tell me “ABOUT” yourself

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Here’s my latest tip for you on how to increase your blog readership. Tell me “ABOUT” yourself. I put quotation marks around the word “about” because I’m specifically talking about the ABOUT sections of your areavoices blog. Is that enough ABOUTS for you?

As I look through the 500 or so featured bloggers on areavoices, I’m finding so much great information. But I’ve been a little frustrated. After I read the blog post, I’ll often want to know more about the person who wrote it. It gives me an idea who they are and what they hope to accomplish with their blog.  But very often I’ve left wondering. Instead of finding a brief biography on the blog, when I click  ABOUT this is what I find:

This is an example of a WordPress page, you could edit this to put information about yourself or your site so readers know where you are coming from. You can create as many pages like this one or sub-pages as you like and manage all of your content inside of WordPress.

In other words, the blog writer hasn’t filled out this section of the areavoices WordPress template. Often times, they just haven’t taken the time. And that’s fine. It’s your blog. I’m not the mommy blog police. I wouldn’t do that to you. You can certainly leave this section blank. But I think you’re missing a great opportunity. This is where you can really sell yourself and your ideas. Make it serious or have some fun. I think you’re more likely to get return readers, if the reader feels like he/she knows you. You become a real personality to them. For example: I like the way Paul Stein, who writes the GOLF BLOG describes himself in his ABOUT section:

I am undoubtedly the worst golfer in the area.  I am also a student of the game.   This blog will bring you all the Twin Ports area news on leagues, course specials, and tips from the Pro’s answering any questions you have about your game or the rules of golf.  Please check often, and check the archives if you’ve been away so you don’t miss our contests and giveaways.

I like this because he paints a picture of who he is AND he describes what he’s going to write about. It defines his blog for us. Well done.

Consider adding to your ABOUT section. It’s easy to do and it could have results in your readership.

In my next blog post: Subheadlines are your friend

Areavoices Digest #28 – Just in time for Easter, a blog for the chicks!

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I’ve been writing these blog recommendations since September of last year and I can safely say, this is a first. I’ve never recommended a blog about raising chickens in your home, but I will today. Happy Easter. And Cluck Cluck.

Backyard Chicken – http://backyardchicken.areavoices.com  Jason Amundsen says of his blog, “This blog chronicles my attempt to raise chickens in Duluth, MN. Follow me along my urban adventure as I learn from books, neighbors and the coop of hard knocks to produce eggs in my yard.” Jason includes pictures and a lot of info about this unusual hobby.

Far Side of Fifty – http://farside.areavoices.com  This Minnesota mom and grandma has been blogging since December of 2007. As I read her writings, she just seems to be someone who might live down the block from many of us. She writes about whatever is on her mind that day whether it’s looking back to Easter’s past, the lousy cold spring, or how being a Lutheran is working for her. 

Golf – http://golf.areavoices.com  Paul Stein writes about golf in the Twin Ports area. In his words, “I am undoubtedly the worst golfer in the area.  I am also a student of the game.  Every day the short bus picks me up.  This blog will bring you all the Twin Ports area news on leagues, course specials, and tips from the Pro’s answering any questions you have about your game or the rules of golf.  Please check often, and check the archives if you’ve been away so you don’t miss our contests and giveaways.” 

 
Parventing – http://parventing.areavoices.com
“The Jamestown Sun’s (Jamestown, N.D.) mommy blog is basically an online, first-person account of parenting and all its ups and downs. Sun reporter and new mom Katie Ryan-Anderson writes both personal stories and feature articles geared to parents. The goal is to provide first-person accounts, news stories and information straight from the sources mouths’, via guest bloggers like law enforcement officials, educators and medical professionals.” I like that Katie will address an issue and not just give her opinion.  She’ll find an expert to help her with whatever her issue is.
 
Fargo-Moorhead Vegetarians and Vegans – http://fmveg.areavoices.com While we have many food blogs, I believe this is our first that specifically talks about vegetarian and vegan dishes. The blog will include recipes but also tell us about the happenings in this Fargo-Moorhead area club.

You never know who might be reading your blog

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Often times when I’ve spoken with people about starting a blog on areavoices, we tend to concentrate on the vast readership they’ll get from our 4-state region. That’s because many areavoices blogs are featured in Forum Communications newspapers in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. But it’s important to note that areavoices blogs are being read all over the world. Here’s an example:

This week I received an email from Sue Lindlauf who writes the NIE Rocks blog. NIE stands for Newspapers in Education. Sue is the Marketing Coordinator for NIE in Grand Forks. She told me about a recent blog post where she detailed how a group of Roseau high school students completes the Jumble puzzle every day, then they post it on the wall. Check out the picture in her blog.

Sue says she was surprised to see a comment she received.

Now those are some VERY smart students!!
LAL HET SEBT,
Jeff Knurek
Jumble co-creator and cartoonist

Not bad! Sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged that your posts aren’t reaching everyone you’d like. But obviously, you never know who might be clicking on you! Happy blogging!

Areavoices Digest #27 – From Conquering Bulldogs to Sharing Mommas

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It’s been a big week for the University of Minnesota Duluth – First the victory in the NCAA Men’s Hockey Championship. Now they’re part of areavoices. Okay, I admit, the first thing might be a little more exciting for them. But we here at areavoices are pretty excited to get the UMD news blog up and running. It’s just one of the new blogs featured this week on our news websites.

University of Minnesota-Duluth – http://umdnews.areavoices.com   In my opinion college and university blogs have been among our most successful on areavoices. Given that most universities employ communications professionals, their blogs are usually full of news and information and they tend to post pretty frequently. I’m excited to see that UMD has now joined UMC, MSUM, UND, NDSU and the other college and university blogs. For a complete list of university blogs now being featured in our papers just go to www.areavoices.com and look under College/University.
 
I Got it from my Momma – Mothers and daughters sharing memories, talents, passions and heirlooms – http://igotitfrommymomma.areavoices.com. I’ve never seen a blog like this on areavoices. It’s written by a college student who is seeking to highlight mothers and daughters and their traditions. That might include how they share a common hobby, or how mom passed down a recipe to her daughter (recipe included).She’s also done book reviews and shares information about breast cancer and it’s genetic links. I really like this one.

 Dive95.9 – http://dive95.areavoices.com – this rock radio blog takes a look a community happenings and events in Fargo-Moorhead. They also review music, entertainment and  restaurants.

 MATBUS Blog: http://matbus.areavoices.com. News and information from Metro Area Transit in Fargo-Moorhead.
 
Ask Eric – Helpful Hints to Life’s Conundrum – http://ericmcclellan.areavoices.com Eric McClellan is a licensed family and marriage counselor in Woodbury, Minnesota. He’s fairly new to blogging, but I think his first few posts show a lot of potential as a resource for child-rearing and more.

And one final note: Would you like to write about home improvement, gardening, golfing, fishing or any other summer-related topic? I’m trying to get a jump start on great blog content for readers this summer. If you have something you’d like to share, please consider writing a blog on areavoices. There is a ton of information right on this blog. Watch our videos, or look at our frequently asked questions. Let me know if you have any questions.

Looking for a few good Bob Vilas (or even Tim “The Toolman” Taylors)

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So you’ve spent all winter sitting in your house, staring at your four walls thinking, “Man, once summer comes I need to fix that, or build that, or paint that!”

It’s time to start thinking about those home improvement projects. People are craving information on how to get those projects done efficiently, easily and with as little expense as possible. That’s why we’re looking for some home improvement bloggers on areavoices. Maybe, you manage a home improvement business or maybe you’re just the neighborhood handyman (or woman). Either way, we’d love to hear what you have to say and so would the thousands of people who could be reading your blog.

A reminder: areavoices is part of the FCC network with reaches now 1.7 million people every month. They are people across Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas and all around the world.

Share your home improvment thoughts with them for FREE through areavoices blogging. Just go to www.areavoices.com to get started or watch the video tutorials on my blog. They’ll take you through the process.

I promise your blog will be a heck of a lot easier than any home improvement project you’re cooking up! Uh, uh, uh!

Areavoices Digest #26 – A whole lot of hockey and more!

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Most weeks in this look at recommended areavoices blogs I suggest 5 or 6, but this week (as Regis Philbin might say) “I’M OUTTA CONTROL!”

Much of that has to do with the topics around the water cooler this week. For some it’s spring flooding for others it’s the Frozen Four. So many of my recommendations this week revolve around that.

 
First, with the University of Minnesota Duluth and University of North Dakota both in the Frozen Four this week, I expect blogs on the teams would be pretty popular. If you’ve never read blogs about the Bulldogs or the Sioux on areavoices, you might want to check out these blogs:
 
UND Hockey: http://undhockey.areavoices.com
News and notes from Grand Forks Herald writer Brad Elliot Schlossman
 
UND Sports: http://undsports.areavoices.com
The official blog from the University of North Dakota
 
Minnesota Duluth Bulldog Hockey – http://umdhockey.areavoices.com
College, pro and amatuer hockey news from Zack Friedl of Insidehockey.com
 
Rink and run: http://rinkandrun.areavoices.com
Minnesota Duluth hockey and endurance sports from Kevin Pates of the Duluth News Tribune.

For those looking to follow flooding in the Red River Valley – two new flood blogs:
 
City of Fargo – http://cityoffargo.areavoices.com
West Fargo Public Works – http://wfpublicworks.areavoices.com
 

 Now to the rest of the recommended blogs:
 
University of Minnesota Crookston – http://umcrookston.areavoices.com 
I’m really excited to see UMC get up and running with this news and events blog.
 
Home and Away – http://homeandaway.areavoices.com – A travelogue from places near and far
Suzzanne Kelley is an editor and historian who has spent the last 20 years in the Great Plains. She writes about that and about her travels to New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
 
Sundog – http://sundog.areavoices.com
In 2011, Sundog was voted as “the best place to work in North Dakota.”  Their areavoices blog is written by their team of marketing and technology experts who plan to examine innovations in the industry.
 
The Scene- http://thescene.areavoices.com
“The Scene,” is written by Amy Martz of the Grand Forks Herald. It’s aimed at young Grand Forks area adults. The idea is to put a spotlight on conventional and not-so-conventional events, activities and even community service endeavors. The Scene’s motto: “You’re making plans. We’ve got ideas.”
 
Understory- http://understoryrfpl.areavoices.com
Current scoop on the gallery exhibits and community programming at the River Falls Public Library.

Check out these blogs and many more in our areavoices directory. www.areavoices.com. As of today we  have about 480 areavoices blogs featured on Forum Communication Properties. We’d love to have more!

Enjoy!