.
Halil: How old is your blog and why did you start it?

Ray Dotson: I was originally blogging from a blogger account that I created in January of 2006. This blog was primarily a means to encourage myself to write every day. At the time I was mostly interested in writing fiction. I had a number of short stories in the works as well as a couple of novels. As time went by, though, I became more interested in the idea of not only making money directly from blogging, but also exploring ways of simply making life better. This is when I decided to get my own domain name and hosting. In August of 2006 I created FreshBlogger.com where I've been blogging from ever since.


Halil: Would you like to share your first post with us? URL please.

Ray Dotson: This is my first post on FreshBlogger.com and it explains fairly well the reason why I

blog: first post here


Halil: What kind of people read your blog and who should read it? How are their reactions?

Ray Dotson: I'm surprised by the variety of people who read my blog. I've heard from people all over the world and from many different cultures, ages, and occupations. I think the topics that I write about appeal to many different people. Since I'm not just talking about making money, but also writing skills, productivity, and personal development, it draws a number of readers who come for different reasons.

The reactions to my writing tend to be pretty positive. I've gotten some critical comments from time to time, but nothing insulting or attacking. Most readers who contact me are very appreciative of the work I've put into the blog and also of the information that I'm providing. Many have thanked me for helping them get started with blogging. I'm really happy to be able to help people out in this way.


Halil: Is there anything you ever wanted to post but didn´t post for some reason?

Ray Dotson: There have been times when I've had an urge to talk about some current events, but decided not to because I didn't think I could add much to the conversation already ongoing. I also try to keep posts related to the main topics of my blog. If I can't tie something in to what FreshBlogger.com is all about, I usually don't write about it.


Halil: Are there any topics you wouldn´t write about?

Ray Dotson: I generally wouldn't write about religion or politics. There's enough of that on the web and elsewhere already and I don't think adding another voice to the chaos will help much.


Halil: What do you like most on blogging? Communication, participation on
different projects, ...

Ray Dotson: My most favorite aspect of blogging is definitely the communication with readers. I really love talking to new people and also the friends I've made in the time I've been blogging. I've learned a lot and benefited immensely from my contacts with all of those who visit and read my blog.


Halil: How many blogs do you have currently in your reader? Which blogs?

Ray Dotson: Oh, I'm not sure how many blogs are in my reader at the moment. There are probably 40-50, but I can't get to them all every day. Some of the top blogs I read on a regular basis are ProBlogger.net, StevePavlina.com, CopyBlogger.com, Entrepreneurs-Journey.com, EmomsatHome.com, and many others. I can't list them all here.
 

Halil: If you could choose one blogger who writes about you who would it be?

Ray Dotson: Who else? Darren Rowse of ProBlogger.net. I think just about every blogger salivates at the idea of getting a mention by Darren on the preeminent blog about blogging.
 

Halil: What do you think is the difference between bloggers and journalists?

Ray Dotson: Journalists think they know a lot more than they do, while bloggers know much more than they think.


Halil: Do you use any toolbars? Which ones and why?

Ray Dotson: I've used the Google Toolbar with IE as well as Web Development Toolbar and Firebug with FireFox. I used the Google Toolbar for its handy search function and popup blocking. The others I use for web development, of course, both for work and my site.


Halil: Do you want to say something to other blogger?

Ray Dotson: My message to other bloggers is one my readers have heard a lot from me: Don't give up! Keep writing, keep searching, keep networking, and keep trying. You will eventually get what you want out of blogging if you're persistent.



Ray Dotson´s page: http://freshblogger.com

2008 powered by Peopleized!