Micropatrons, Welcome!

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A few months back, Jim Kukral (whom I know to be an avid Blog Herald reader) wrote to us about a new ad/tipping system he has developed, ScratchBack, which basically allowed people to send small amounts of money to a publisher in exchange for a text link or image. I thought of it as a mix between text links and tagboards. But the more important question I had was whether micro-tipping systems like these were viable.

So here we are trying it out. As announced by our Marketing guru, David Peralty, on XFEP and as shared by Jim Kukral himself on the ScratchBack blog, we are implementing ScratchBack widgets on several Splashpress Media blogs. We’re initially starting out with a few sites, such as Blogging Pro, Forever Geek, 901am, Blog Search Engine and Gadzooki–actually those sites where it’s easy enough to add the 200px-wide widgets. The Blog Herald is included. You might notice the widget on the middle sidebar of the site, labeled Patrons, right below the News column.

So if you’d like to tip us, please feel free to do so. For $5 you get a Google-friendly (as they say) link from us, and you get that warm fuzzy feeling that you’ve helped us Splashpress Media folks spread the good news about new media.

It’s a bit like advertising with us, but at less expense. Do consider, of course, that direct advertising has its benefits. For one, our current ScratchBack setup is an auto-scroll one. This means that older links are pushed down as new ones come. So you’re not assured of how long your link stays there. Also, we’ve set it up such that there are only five slots, so link space is limited.

This brings me to the question whether to go for fixed duration vs. auto-scroll. And there’s also the issue of whether to stick to five spots or increase to accommodate more tippers. Then there’s also the question of whether $5 is a good price point to start with, or to vary it depending on the popularity of each site. And then there’s the placement of the widget itself. Too high up on the site and it can be too obtrusive. Too low and it would be practically invisible.

The big consideration is to find a balance such that the tipping system doesn’t dilute the value of the direct advertisements (so we don’t piss off our advertisers) but still be valuabe enough for micropatrons to send in tips. Any ideas or suggestions would be welcome.

So again, micropatrons are welcome!

Small Niche Bloggers Gaining Corporate Attention (And Getting Free Stuff)

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Despite the fact that blogs are gaining “respect” within government as well as the media (at least in sports), it looks as if some of the smaller players are attracting the attention of corporations trying to find a way to generate buzz about their product.

While some companies try to bribe blogs to post about their products, it looks as if the smart ones are courting weblogs on the “C-List,” who may be easier to get a review than their A-List friends.
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More Pets Take to the Blogosphere

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My parents love their cats. A LOT. But the day I show up for dinner and they tell me that Jack, Callie or Penny are blogging, is the day I get them some serious professional help.

Just cause animals can’t talk (at least none I have met) doesn’t mean they don’t have a lot to say on the Web, at least according to a growing number of pet owners.

With 120,000 blogs created each day, is should come as no surprise that the medium is already going to the animals. Dogbook and Catbook, extensions of Facebook have also been well received, attracting thousands of two-legged – and four-legged – visitors.

Where’s my chew toy? I have to make poopy. Darn earmites! Riveting stuff.

Maybe I’m just jealous that some mange pooch has more subscribers than me! Perhaps I’ll just roll over.

What do mental health professionals think about the trend? Visit CNN for more.

What Do You Bring to a Blog Conference?

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I’m getting ready to speak at three conferences in a row about blogging and WordPress, and something Rachelle Chase said at a conference we spoke at recently keeps popping up in my head. She spoke about techniques for making yourself memorable that she uses when she meets people who can help her with her business and blog.

Rachelle Chase JewelryShe contracted with a local artist to create autographed unique artwork in the form of a necklace and travel mirror. Decorated with text from her books and quotes about her books and blog, she sells them on her blog, but also gives them away to journalists and interview subjects as “reminders” of who she is and what she does. They are unusual and memorable, and say a lot about her, her work, and her blog.
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