Welcome to our Blog Open house....

Yesterday, I started a series of posts concerning a Blog Open House.
Since then, I have received many interested bloggers. This is a wonderful opportunity to increase blog traffic and get constructive assistance about your blog.

Here is how the Blog Open House works.

• You sign up to host an open house on your blog. When you sign up, be sure to include the following information;

1. Your Blog Address.
2. What the nature or theme of your blog is about.
3. What areas of your blog you would like input or constructive input on.
4. A way for visitors to contact you with input.
5. Anything else you would like to add.

• Starting on Sunday, and for the rest of the week, I will post blog addresses along with the note from the blogger indicating what to look for when you visit.

• Visit each of the blogs. This is your opportunity to observe what other bloggers are doing. You can get tips or leads this way. Leave a comment for the blogger mentioning your visit and input that you want to share.
  
  
• Visit this site daily for new blogs to visit. I will also have blogs listed on my Facebook group
  
  Blog Promotion through Social Networking
  

If you are interested in being a listed blog in the open house, please e-mail me at kubrickspick@gmail.com.
I will add your blog to the listing.

Thanks!

Blog Open House

Yes, I have been away for a short time on business. Thanks to my contributors for taking over in my absence- Shakespere, Chocoholic, and IamHarriet.

Today I am going to start a series of posts concerning a Blog Open House.

Normally, we think of an open house as an opportunity to showcase a home, an organization, or maybe an institution to the public. It is an excellent way to promote something in a positive light. The result of an open house is not just a positive presence in the community, but increased sales of something, such as a real estate.


In a blog open house, visitors will be invited to view your blog. Reasons for inviting visitors include;

1. To promote traffic.
2. Get constructive input on aspects of a blog.
3. Observe other blogs.
4. Give feedback to others.
5. To learn with and from others.

I am going to discuss all of these aspects in the related posts to follow. I think that by hosting a blog open house, we can all benefit and learn from one another.

To be part of the blog open house list, I will need to know the following;

• Your Blog Address.
• What the nature or theme of your blog is about.
• What areas of your blog you would like input or constructive input on.
• A way for visitors to contact you with input.
• Anything else you would like to add.

If you are interested in being a listed blog in the open house, please e-mail me at kubrickspick@gmail.com.
I will add your blog to the listing.
Thanks
Ryan

New Applications from LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an online network of more than 30 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries. Members can create a profile that summarizes their professional accomplishments to help find and be found by former colleagues, clients, and partners.

Through the LinkedIn network you can:

* Find potential clients, service providers, subject experts, and partners who come recommended
* Be found for business opportunities
* Search for great jobs
* Discover inside connections that can help you land jobs and close deals
* Post and distribute job listings
* Find high-quality passive candidates
* Get introduced to other professionals through the people you know


Eight external applications debuted this week on LinkedIn.
One of LinkedIn's outside applications is a file-management system from Box.net, business presentation software from Google Inc. and travel itinerary tools from Tripit.
Amazon.com Inc. is offering a program that will let LinkedIn members share book recommendations. There are also blogging tools, including one made by Six Apart Ltd., whose board includes LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman.

The applications on LinkedIn include productivity enhancing applications from Amazon, Box.net, Google, Huddle, Six Apart, SlideShare, Tripit, and WordPress as well a Company Buzz application developed by LinkedIn. Each of these applications will help you stay current and competitive as a professional in today’s rapidly changing business world. Learn more here, and click here to browse through our app directory.

Mommy Bloggers

Jailed publisher blogging for Web site

Does bookmarking really work?

There are a lot of bloggers who believe in the world of bookmarking as a traffic driver. But does it really work? Yes, at least for the big guys who have also most likely been around for awhile.

Bookmarking has now gotten to the point where there are almost too many options of sites to choose from and too many people vying to be marked. In order to be successful with bookmarking, you need time and friends.

Here are some tips to make bookmarking work for you;

• Bookmark others and let them know that you have bookmarked them.
• Get with a group, such as a blog roll, and bookmark one another.
• Limit yourself to no more than four bookmarking sites. Any more than this will take up a lot of your time.
• Concentrate on those four sites and observe what other bookmarkers are doing.
• Add the gadgets, but not too many, to your blog.
• Devote a couple of hours a week to bookmarking sites. Spread your time between checking out the other bookmarks, making friends, and new bookmarks.

In my Facebook group, Promote your blog through social networking, we are putting together a group of bloggers who want to share bookmarks. That is, bookmark one another. What a great idea! Feel free to participate.

Lots to love, hate in Google phone

Blogging the election

Should you allow anonymous comments?

Until yesterday, I had no problem letting anyone comment on my personal blog- iamharriet.

I figured that allowing anonymous comments would make it easier for anyone to participate in my blog and it would increase traffic as a result. With the gift of comment moderation and the ability to delete, I figured it wasn't a big deal.

Yesterday, I wrote a post about the amount of money that was spent on the wardrobe of a certain vice presidential candidate and her family. Most people would agree that the amount spent was a big number.

I received a comment that was threatening to me and to anyone living in my home state- Illinois. Illinois is the home of the Democratic Presidential hopeful and because we the people of Illinois elected him to the Senate, it was our fault that this amount of money was spent by the other party. The comment made no logical sense, however, I took it as being threatening.

As a result, I have limited the ability to comment on my blog to basically anyone whose name isn't anonymous. I still want to encourage readers to comment, especially the mentally stable.

Commenting is important if you want readers to get involved with your site and return regularly. I do have tips for commenting;

Think hard about allowing anonymous commenting. While it opens things up for readers, sometimes you can welcome spam comments or unstable commentors.

Word verification can be a pain in the butt since it can often be difficult to read. You can turn this off in your setting.

You can adjust your moderation to moderating all comments, comments on older posts, or a simple comment notification. Choosing one of these depends on how much time you have and how many readers you get.

Lastly, consider signing up for Feedjit, Sitemeter or Google analytics to get some kind of a grasp on who is visiting you and where they are coming from.

Feel free to comment.

Canned Responses

I was just about to start blogging about one topic when this announcement from the Google blogs popped up. What exactly is a "canned response"?

Google has a way to deal with having to e-mail the same response to others over and over again.


If you're sick of typing out the same reply every time someone emails you with a common question, now you can compose your reply once and save the message text with the "Canned responses" button. Later, you can open that same message and send it again and again.






It couldn't get any easier unless Gmail automatically pushed the Send button. If you're lazy enough to think that would be a good idea, then read on, friend.

Gmail already lets you create filters based on a combination of keywords, sender, recipients, and more in your incoming messages. Turn on Canned Responses in Labs, and you can set a filter to grab one of your saved responses, create an automated reply, and hit the Send button for you.















You can set up different automated messages for different keywords, just like you said you wanted.

This is too great.

Google Android Phone

Google Android is making it's debut to the public today thanks to the folks at T-Mobil.
The first cell-phone based on Google's Android platform went on sale .

T-Mobile USA began offering the G1, made by Taiwan's High-Tech Computer.

What is Android?
According to Google, the Android platform is a software stack for mobile devices including an operating system, middleware and key applications. Developers can create applications for the platform using the Android SDK. Applications are written using the Java programming language and run on Dalvik, a custom virtual machine designed for embedded use, which runs on top of a Linux kernel.

A beta version of the Android SDK is available for download. Along with the Android framework and application libraries, it includes sample projects with source code, a device emulator, and development tools for monitoring and debugging your code and GUI layout.

The Open Handset Alliance, a group of more than 30 technology and mobile companies, developed Android: the first complete, open, and free mobile platform. To help developers get started developing new applications, we're offering the Android Software Development Kit.

About the Phone and Android
Apps without borders

Apps on Android can access core mobile device functionality through standard APIs. Through intents, apps can announce their capabilities for other apps to use. Watch video

Apps can easily embed the web

Apps can easily embed HTML, Javascript, and style sheets. An app can render web content through a WebView. Watch video


Apps are created equal

Any app on the mobile device can be replaced or extended -- even core components such as the dialer or home. Watch video

Apps can run in parallel

Android is a complete multitasking environment where apps can run in parallel. While running in the background, an app can produce notifications to get attention. Watch video


What to like about Android...

Watch video Browser Tricks

Watch video Copy & Paste

Watch video Reader & Photos

Watch video Media & Browser

Cool Widgets for the 2008 Election

With two weeks to go until the election, I am spending a bit of time this week focusing on easy ways to keep track on the latest events.

Today, I will share a few cool widgets.

Newsvine.com
This is a free service. All I had to do was to sign up for the service. The widget is somewhat customizable too.



http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/338143/29989772

Widgetbox has several neat widgets that are especially popular with the WordPress crowd. What I liked about the election widget is that it can be customized to fit on your sidebar.












Newsgator

Newsgator is known as a popular site for news related gadgets.
Can't get enough US presidential campaign news? Consider adding The Economist's US Election Widget to your Facebook profile. Once you add it to your profile you can also add it to your blog or start page by clicking "Get This widget" in the lower left hand portion of the widget on Facebook.

Following the 08 Election Online

It is a mere 14 days until the Presidential election and Americans are revved up.

I have been following the excitement online at a few spots other than the big media sites.

Twitter Election 2008


They’re filtering hundreds of Twitter updates per minute to create a new source for gathering public opinion about the election and a new way for you to share your thoughts.It's a live feed that I must warn you, is very addictive. Before you know it, you will be involved and your work will not get done. You do not have to be a Twitter member to watch the feed. It is very entertaining.

Google
This is Awesome.
Keep up-to-date on the 2008 election with Google Maps and other specialty gadgets.

Use the Primary Results Map to view outcomes of each state primary. See results down to the county level by zooming in on a particular state. I've embedded it as a gadget.

Use the Fundrace Map to track geographical campaign donor locations. Which regions are contributing the most?



Map by Huffington Post.


Use the Twitter Map to watch the world discuss politics. The messages appear in real-time from each user's location and reflect thoughts, comments, and current political news.
Map by Geary Labs.

Use the Obama's Journey Map to track Obama's journey of life, from birth to the present race for the White House. So cool.
Data by Wikipedia. Map by MIBAZAAR.


Use the McCain's Journey Map to track McCain's journey of life, from birth to the present race for the White House.
Data by Wikipedia. Map by MIBAZAAR.


Use the Search Queries Map to view Google search trends by state from the 2008 race. Click on the graph to select a specific date of search trends.

Use the Campaign Trail Map to track the candidates as they make their way around the country.


Superdelegates get to cast a vote for the nominee at the 2008 Convention, and are not obligated to vote for the candidate who won their state. This map tracks which candidate each of the delegates has endorsed for President.



Other Sites

Blogher Debates
electionchatter l
YouTube Aggregate
Twittervision
There are a lot of sited using the Twitter Election2008 feed. This site features a map to show you where the Tweets are coming from.

Over the next two weeks, there will be more online excitement to report on. Stay tuned.

Mail Goggles

I cannot tell you how many stories I have heard about someone who sent an ill-advised e-mail while under the influence. I can tell you that the results can be ugly.

I guess this has happened to someone on the Gmail team because Google has launched a preventative measure. The new Labs feature is called Mail Goggles.

According to the folks who came up with this idea at Google, when you enable Mail Goggles, it will check that you're really sure you want to send that late night Friday email. And what better way to check than by making you solve a few simple math problems after you click send to verify you're in the right state of mind?

The Goggles can kick in late at night on weekends. And if you can't multiply two times five, you'll probably thank Google in the morning.

To activate Goggles, Gmail users should click the "Settings" link at the top of a Gmail page, then go to the "Labs" section.

By default, Mail Goggles is only active late night on the weekend as that is the time you're most likely to need it. Once enabled, you can adjust when it's active in the General settings.


Hopefully Mail Goggles will prevent many of you out there from sending messages you wish you hadn't.

How to find what you specifically want to blog about.

For some bloggers, they know specifically what it is they want to blog about. This is usually the reason why they start their blog in the first place. Usually, there bloggers are writing about an event, an aspect in their life, or something they have considerable knowledge about. But, what about those of us who want to write but, are unsure about what specifically?

Here is the challenge to help you figure it all out.
Answer these questions honestly and with an open mind.

• What is it that you wind up writing about the most? The common theme behind your posts?

• What do you know about? List one or more things that you have some knowledge about that many of us may not. Look at your life for answers. So you live somewhere that may be of interest to people who do not live there or may want to travel to?

• What are your life learning experiences? Educators know that experiences that you have lived through may hold as much, if not more, knowledge as the textbooks about them.

• What interests you? What are your hobbies? Your favorite sports teams? You source of daily Zen?

• Do you belong to any kind of groups? An alumni group, baby sitting group, political group?

• What have you always been curious about and have always wanted a reason to do research into?

• Don't discredit your daily life. There are readers out these, who may or may not be just like you, who may be interested in your ideas or life.

It is okay to not know exactly what you want to write about at first. Often, you need a few months of writing to develop a direction. I would suggest that after you have answered the above questions, you consider your best three choices and develop those. Within six months it will probably just come to you which direction to follow.

ScribeFire

As a Firefox user, I was intriqued by the services offered by ScribeFire.

According to the company, the ScribeFire Blog Editor enables users to easily drag and drop formatted text from the web into their blog(s), post entries, take notes, and optimize their ad inventory directly through the Firefox browser.

ScribeFire was originally founded to be the top blog editor for FireFox which it has done with over 1.5 million downloads to date.They say it is the "next generation tool that makes monetizing websites simple." We have built a simple way for bloggers and website owners to add optimized ads to their sites.



Additionally Blog Editor enables you to:

* Categorize and tag your blog posts
* Upload images
* Set timestamps
* Save works-in-progress as notes
* Post an entry as a draft
* Share your posts on social websites
* Upload files via FTP

Nothing! ScribeFire is a completely free service. Download the blog editor here.

You can connect one SF account to an unlimited number of blogs using a number of blogging services. They support over 15 different blog hosting services. Check out the full list here

ScribeFire works with Firefox (2 and 3), Flock, and SeaMonkey. It does not work with Internet Explorer.

When installing with Wordpress;
1. When entering a Wordpress.org blog, instead of clicking the "Next >" you may be clicking "Configure Manually". Then, from the list, the most common choice is "Wordpress.com". Since you are actually using your own install of wordpress (.org), you actually aren't on wordpress.com and so get invalid login/password. For this case, simply adding the blog and clicking "Next" without clicking "Configure Manually," fixes the problem.

2. It seems, for whatever reason, a blog may not have the XML-RPC publishing option checked and this may disturb the process. In order to turn on XML-RPC publishing, go to your Wordpress account. On the top, far right, click on the "Settings" option, followed by "Writing," (from among top left options). Scroll down to find "XML-RPC Publishing," and check the box that says "Enable the WordPress, Movable Type, MetaWeblog and Blogger XML-RPC publishing protocols."

ScribeFire QuickAds FAQs

How do I create and post an ad?
With the simplicity of ScribeFire QuickAds you'll never need to know what an "ad tag" is again! Just click the "$" tab on your ScribeFire blog editor, choose an ad size and position the ad in the desired location on your site. Your ad is then posted and saved within your SF account for future viewing/editing!

(Note: you can also set up ads from within your account at www.scribefire.com Just login and click on the “Create Ad” tab.)

ScribeFire QuickAds is currently completely free of charge. We are evaluating business models that put the publisher first!

They will pay you on the 7th of every month via your choice of PayPal or check. PayPal is preferable to pubs bc we will ONLY require a minimum of $5.00 for PayPal payouts. Checks will be paid out once the publisher has reached the minimum of $25.00 Remember, you will have the convenience of receiving a single check each payout from all the networks combined!

You can still have Google AdSense. You have the choice of running Google Adsense from our “house” account and getting paid in your consolidated check from us on the 7th of every month or you can choose to enter in the login details of your Google Adsense account and we will serve Google Adsense from your account and you will continue to be paid directly from Google on any Adsense revenue. Either way, Google Adsense will be integrated into your ScribeFire banner ad rotation, turning up only (and always) when they trump out all other ad networks by having higher eCPM’s.

For more information

10 Great Rules for Blog Etiquette

There really is not set list of rules of blog etiquette. The rules of blogging are unwritten despite the fact that there are indeed norms that are followed by those who blog. Here is a listing of 10 great rules for blog etiquette. Especially take note if you are still getting your feet wet in the blogging world.

1. Do not steal material from other bloggers. Not only is it uncool, unprofessional, and cheating but, stealing can get you into a lawsuit.
2. Give reference where needed. It is okay to give reference with a link to what you are referencing to. A lot of bloggers find this to be a compliment.
3. Answer your e-mails and acknowledge your comments.
4. Always consider the other side when you are taking a side on an issue. It is very easy for written words to be taken out of context.
5. Use original images. Do not steal photos. There have been big lawsuits on bloggers for doing this.
6. It is always best to be original in your work. You can be inspired from someone else and use your words and thoughts to embellish.
7. Do not bully, humiliate, slander etc....
8. Think of other bloggers and allies with similar goals. We can all help one another.
9. Know when to take a stand and when not to.
10. Set a standard and follow it consistently. This includes the appearance of your blog, the content, spelling, grammer, the ability to promote, and your identity.

There are a lot of other etiquette related rules to follow. If you have any to add to my list, feel free to leave them in my comments.

Thanks

Group: Blogger lawsuits on the rise

Blog Action Day

Today is Blog Action Day.

Bloggers from all over the world are bringing attention to World Poverty.
The best part is that Bloggers are united as a front.

From the Blog Action Day Organizers;

88 Ways to Take Action Against Poverty Right Now

1. Eat meatless meals 2x a week. Donate that grocery money to a local food bank. - TarotByArwen
2. Be homeless for a day/night. - Lex
3. Stop putting off adopting a child through an organization like Compassion International (or adopt another one). - Lex
4. Make a loan on Kiva, or buy a couple gift certificates and give them away to friends. - Lex
5. Get a group together to go door-to-door collecting canned foods for your local soup kitchen/shelter. - Lex
6. Take a homeless person to dinner and actually sit/talk with him. - Lex
7. Stop being lazy. Find a way to do your job better so that you can save an hour a day, or be that much more productive. - Alex Shalman
8. Stop buying junk to make yourself look pretty and donate it to homeless people and hungry people. - Craigsnede
9. Make flyers to stick in the local library. - Craigsnede
10. If you have a musical instrument you no longer use, donate to the still-struggling musicians and students in New Orleans, who are still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. A few great organizations that will accepts musical instruments are Tipitina’s Foundation (www.tipitinasfoundation.org) and The New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund (www.nomrf.org/donations.html).
11. I’m interviewing a Capuchin monk vowed to Poverty about his work with Detroit’s poor for my blog, and I’m trying to arrange a fund raiser with my author and PIVTR radio station friends.
12. Find a gripping picture or video having to do with poverty and publish it on the Web.
13. Stop drinking Coke and bottled water for a day and save on plastic. Will save a lot of plastic if each of us does it for only one day.
14. Share your skill or knowledge, so they can improve their knowledge to increase their life/prosperity.
15. Visit an orphanage.
16. Stop being lazy.
17. Give comfort to the poor.
18. Donate.
19. Check your closet and make sure that anything you have not used last winter is taken to a charitable organization. Ask your friends and neighbors and volunteer to pick up the clothes, launder them and deliver them to those organizations. They will do no good in your closet and a world of good to someone in need.
20. On one day only eat food that you have asked someone for directly or for the money you need to buy it. Pay attention to the feelings.
21. Have a “sponsor me” day. Donate money to a poverty relief cause for everyone who leaves a comment on your blog that day.
22. Designers for Blog Action Day group on Flickr. Submit your designs: http://www.flickr.com/groups/bad2008design/
23. Organize a Hunger 101 Program for a local youth group. Our Girl Scout community learned about what they could do to help the working poor in our community. http://spedr.com/da5f This inspired them to organize several Take Action events: http://spedr.com/krfw
24. Add the “Women Rock” badge to your website or Facebook page.
25. if any of us knew or aware about any organisation which can help educate them, like, skills centre, entrepeneurship centre..u know, stuffs they do to help these pople actually do something to improve their life, we might try to collect name carsd from these organisations (NGOs or ministries), and walk around and passed these cards to them, with of couse, maybe some donations of any supplies.
26. Skip a weekly trip to the grocery store and donate the money saved to a food bank. I do this once a year for my family of 5. For that week we only eat what is left in the pantry or fridge. By the end of the week, pickings are slim and we get a sense of what it feels like to not have the luxury of tasty, well balanced meals every night.
27. Make a personal fundraising page in 5 minutes on Firstgiving.com. Raise money securely online for any US-based nonprofit committed to ending poverty in the US or around the world. Here’s an example page: http://www.firstgiving.com/bapbwm.
28. Have dinner on the floor and make it a very small meal (like chicken broth, watered down milk, and maybe a small piece of bread?) Talk about the blessings you have and that the meal represents those who don’t get to eat “big” on a daily basis.
29. Volunteer at a soup kitchen!
30. Play freerice.com!
31. If you have take out coffee, skip it for an entire week, donate the savings!
32. Give 5 bucks to a homeless person who looks hungry!
33. Talk with your children about poverty and who it affects.
34. Save your old stuff and sold it for charity
35. Support charity organization in your country. Reducing poverty may start in your nearest region.
36. Do something to touch 3 people or to reach out to 3 people and get them to pay it forward.
37. Give a gallon of water to each of 3 people who need it?
38. Give a $10 gift certificate to each of 3 homeless, single mothers so that she and her children can have one hot meal at a fast food restaurant?
39. Ask 3 entrepreneurs to each make a donation to 3 people or causes?
40. Holding perhaps daily or weekly community classes for imparting knowledge from our side and educating the local masses is something we all can do by coming together at grass root level.
41. Avoiding overconsumption.
42. Contributing to relief funds which can assist this cause.
43. Host a 1 day famine and collect donations. With the donations, pass it to a Welfare/Poverty Organisation.
44. Plan a pot luck/BBQ or a get together inviting close friends and neighbours, to bring awareness and also to raise funds for a shelter home. Funds can be used to purchase the necessary groceries for the home.
45. Pray for the comfort and safety of the world’s poor. Pray for the strength, wisdom and courage to help each of them find prosperity.
46. Combat corruption!
47. Don’t just talk to your kids about poverty - get them involved by having them go through their toys and clothes to find concrete things to pass along. The next time they want you to buy something for them - talk about what that money could buy for someone who had no food… then follow through and donate the money you didn’t spend.
48. Donate your time and expertise to teach a class to those trying to find a new way to earn a living.
49. To add to the previous suggestions, rather than just donate money to homeless people, why not use the money you would use on yourself for a coffee to buy one for someone else. If you get coupons for free beverages or meals, keep them with you and give them to someone in need.
50. As you find organizations to which you like to donate food, clothing, etc., spend some time volunteering for that organization. Contribute to the organizations you are already supporting in other ways.
51. Educate others. If you are a teacher, talk to your students about poverty. Get their opinions. Inspire them. If you work in other areas, strike up a conversation with your colleagues in the lunchroom or lounge. Get educated so you can answer questions and provide information that might spur others into action.
52. Visit The Hunger Site every day and click the link to feed the hungry. It’s fast and it’s free and there’s absolutely NO excuse not to do it every day you’re online!
53. Be compassionate.
54. Invite friends to watch documentaries how poverty destroyed ones life,family and their future.
55. Do not waste water on that day.
56. Express your love and compassion for one street child by having an enrollment conversation with her.
57. Ask your child to share her food with the child of your maid on that day.
58. Make a list of five items you haven’t used for long and have no plans to use them in future either. And distribute them among local poors with all humility.
59. Compose a poem on the theme ‘Making Poverty A History’ and get it published in a local magazine or paper. Also, ask your baby to recite the poem in her school.
60. Talk to your five relatives about the poverty issue and invite them to come up with their suggestions to eradicate poverty.
61. Organize a drawing competition for kids on the poverty theme and exhibit their works in a local school or community centre.
62. Do not overeat on that day.
63. Save electricity on that day and contribute the equivalent savings to a local charity.
64. Contribute your one day salary to a child rehabilitation centre.
65. Get a few friends, gather all your unused items, sell it and buy something a meal for the poor in your neighborhood.
66. Si tan solo los gobiernos hicieran mucho mas por este flagelo, la pobreza se reduciría en un 70% por no decir 100%. Observo como a algunos gobiernos que han prometido en sus campañas electorales que acabarían con este mal, luego de llegar al poder y por motivo del oro negro les entran grandes cantidades de dinero, ¿y que es lo que han hecho con el, en vez de ayudar al pais? Financiar con ese dinero (que se supone es del pueblo), proyectos políticos solo para sus intereses personales… da tanta tristeza ver cuanta gente tirada por la calle, sin tener que comer, o donde dormir, mientras estos señores se gastan el dinero de tantos ciudadanos, comprando poder para satisfacer su ego.
67. Travel to a poor country or area. Look for ways to make a difference on the ground there.
68. On your next off day from work, go to a homeless shealter and help serve food to those who are there, talk with them, listen to their stories, you will find that they were at one time, alot like yourself.
69. Let’s learn to love and respect one another, and to give to those who have less.
70. Pictures. It’s one thing to say that the milk my son spilled at lunch this afternoon was more than some kids get. But some people don’t see how real that is unless they’re looking at a picture.So, I’m looking for them.
71. Talk about poverty.
72. To most Americans, it’s not real unless we see it. I’m going to be revamping my blog so that poverty is prominent, and I’m talking about it more often.
73. Don’t stop at the generalities. War, famine, corruption, etc. all happen, and should be resisted. However, let’s dig deeper and go into the specifics. Not just talking about thousands of people dying of thirst … let’s talk about a real person.
74. Pull out the hearts of the readers, and make them confront what they know is right and wrong.
75. Instead of video games and other toys, give your neighbors and friends gift certificates for classical music lessons. For every $1 spent on music education, by my calculations, you get a $4.57 return on your investment from age 4-22 and that investment can never be taken away from you. Throughout one’s lifetime it pays much, much more. Take the money you save and give it in music lessons to the next person.
76. Go to your school board meetings and demand better music education. The arts are part of the core curriculum of “No Child Left Behind” and as I’ve been telling people for a few months now, the less we have to pay for health care and crime, the more we have to spend on food and shelter and doing good for our neighbors.
77. The more intelligent we are and the more productive we are, the more fruitfully we can spend our time, and the more we can produce to give away.
78. The reason why poverty still exist in Indonesia is because people is giving cash money to the poor at the streets and those money usually being used for things that usually destructive/not good (buying drugs, etc.) In order to stop poverty, the government already got their program to fight it but it didn’t go successfully for people still think that they are better off at the streets and there’s this what-so-called ‘mafia’ that organize these poor people at the streets.
79. In order to fight this, the people started to give food/meal/clothes to the poor instead of cash money so it would stop the process.
80. I think in order to stop poverty is to give what the people really need, not just giving it away for the sake of ‘being kind’
81. Fund educational programs for women.
82. Ensure that women have legal protections.
83. Educate people about the plight of women around the world.
84. Educate yourself on one aspect of poverty that affects women, whether it’s educating yourself on what’s going on with rape or abortion legislation in your own local area, or finding out what you can do to help women in other countries attain the basic human rights they deserve, by doing research on organisations that help women and contributing to those organisations in some way.
85. Do a campaign of creative advertisements for public awareness and a call to action. Do a poster, do an ambient campaign, write a radio or TV spot.
86. Breadline Africa is launching a Blogger Bake Off to help raise awareness and funds. If you want to do something on Blog Action Day, you should turn your talking (which is very worthwhile) into action: donate to a charity. Organisations that use funds directly in poor communities will be using your money where it can do the most good: at the grass roots level.
87. Educate yourself.
88. Prepare a space in your home for the poor to stay as needed.

Well, what are you waiting for? Pick something from this list. Go NOW. Do it.

Do it.

And the world will be richer in mind and body.

photos by uncultured, babasteve, Aaron Dieppa

Read what the bloggers say about world hunger and poverty

In honor of Blog Action Day, and because it is the right thing to do, I have devoted this post to promoting what other bloggers are posting about the topic of world hunger and poverty.
My goal is to inspire your blog post in support of Blog Action Day- which is tomorrow.


World Poverty Day

16 hours ago by cindy One of the great features of the Internet is the ability to help people in other parts of the world. This Friday, October 17, is an important day in that regard. Spearheaded by the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, we are called to ... Tech Tools - All About Tech Integration - http://cindy.edtechteachers.com/ - References

How I-ShopTheWorld Fights Global Poverty

10 hours ago by admin It seemed even more appropriate, and about time, huh? ;), for us to finally share with you all the story of the origins of the I-ShopTheWorld.com concept and some of our Visions for How I-ShopTheWorld.com may Help Fight World Poverty! ... Shop The World - Save Money, Unique Native... - http://i-shoptheworld.com

Wipe Out Poverty on World Poverty Day, Oct 15, 2008!

8 hours ago by admin of Poverty (World Poverty Day). It’s the day to create a ton of attention to the daily struggle of people living in poverty and strives to inspire citizens and governments around the world to join the fight to defeat and wipe out ... MasterListBuilder - http://masterlistbuilder.com/blog

Regenerating Kingston, Jamaica

20 hours ago by Tony Addison UNDP reckons that 16% per cent of Jamaica’s population is in poverty. So no Roses there. But the Princes Trust is now building new low density housing, designed to bring a sense of community back to the area. ... Ending World Poverty - http://povertyblog.wordpress.com

World Poverty Day

23 hours ago by sjs October 17 is The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which has been celebrated every year since 1987. The theme for this year’s observance, in recognition of the 60th... This is a summary only. Click on the Title to read ... FAMVIN: The International Vincentian Family - http://famvin.org/en

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

11 hours ago by Greg Cole On the sixtieth anniversary of this declaration, the UN has chosen the theme "Human Rights and Dignity of People Living in Poverty" for its annual International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (World Poverty Day), on October 17. ... Do We Have The Will? - http://gregcole.blogspot.com/

Poverty

4 hours ago by Eddie Blatt What can be said, however, hopefully with little concern for treading on the sensitivities of others, is that there is no solely political solution to world poverty of this kind without spiritual awakening. ... Eddie Blatt's Writings - http://eddieblatt.wordpress.com

Will Brown: What happens next?

12 Oct 2008 by Derek Wall The new United Nations will embark on a crash program to shift towards sustainable energy sources and to end world poverty. This will soak up the unemployment generated by the crash. General Motors will be making solar panels and ... SOCIALIST UNITY - http://www.socialistunity.com/ - References

Kiwis take a stand to mark ‘World Poverty Day’

9 Oct 2008 The Art of Living (AOL) Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Millennium Campaign, is hosting a free public event in Wellington’s Civic Square to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (Friday, ... Scoop NZ - Politics - http://www.scoop.co.nz/ - References

Online Video Game About Third World Poverty

7 Oct 2008 by Larry Ferlazzo Heifer International, the widely-respected nonprofit that assists low-income people throughout the world, has just unveiled an online video game that helps players understand a bit more about Third World poverty. ... Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org - References

Stay up to date on these results:

• Create an email alert for world poverty
• Add a blog search gadget for world poverty to your Google homepage
• Subscribe to a blog search feed for world poverty in Google Reader ^New!

International Food Policy Research Institute

sustainable solutions for ending hunger and poverty

Related Blogs:

Blog World Hunger - http://www.ifpriblog.org/ Hunger in the News - Recent news articles about hunger--maintained by Bread for the World Institute FightHunger.org - Help the UN World Food Programme End Child ... - http://www.fighthunger.org/ World Hunger Awareness - I've created this blog in order to bring into consciousness the sad reality of the hunger around the world in the 21st century. Currently I'm... World Hunger and Poverty - News and commentary about world hunger, poverty, homelessness, starvation and other social issues

Local Gourmands 10/13/08-10/19/08

1 hour ago by localgourmand The magazine leads us right into a week of activity centered around World Food Day, October 16th. On this day The Action Center to End World Hunger opens, Alice Waters, Frances Moore Lappé and many others will speak out at Cooper Union ... Local Gourmands - http://localgourmands.wordpress.com

World Hunger--Part 1

15 hours ago by Toni Mabry October 15 is Blog Action Day. Many bloggers are banding together to discuss ways to fight hunger throughout the world. Links will be available for those who are interested in learning more about alleviating hunger. ... Toni's Spot - http://tonimabry.blogspot.com/

Giving Globally: Feeding the 900 Million

2 hours ago by Michael W. Kruse There is a good but sobering reason why "ending world hunger" has been a perennial hope of beauty-pageant contestants at least since Miss America contestants began naming that as their greatest wish: we haven't come close to doing it. ... Kruse Kronicle - http://krusekronicle.typepad.com/kruse_kronicle/

ECHO - World Hunger Resource

22 hours ago by Jane Learn more about solutions to global hunger by visiting ECHO. The link is in the left column under "Ed Resources". ECHO operates a global farm located in North Fort Myers, Fl. that provides education to global community health ... Health Promotion Motion: - http://umvim4health.blogspot.com/

Help Me Donate to Heifer International!

13 hours ago by Kate No, there will be no politics and there will be no discussion about how to achieve world peace. We will be discussing world hunger, and together we can help feed a family not just today and not just tomorrow, but for years to come. ... Thoughts From a Sometimes Desperate Housewife - http://www.fromadesperatehousewife.com/

The Struggling Masses, Part 2: Further Analysis

13 hours ago by SigmaX “About mutual funds in Africa and developing countries, you’ll have to explain this further since I really don’t know how it may work in changing the equation to equalize opportunities and alleviate world hunger.” — Joselito Coo ... Thinking Aloud - http://sigmax.no-ip.org/blog

Check out our FEED news story posted on this great website ...

12 Oct 2008 by FEED Check out our FEED news story posted on this great website! Networking is amazing! Thanks goes out to John at HobNob.com of Murfreesboro! http://www.hobnobmurfreesboro.com/page/123/index.v3page. Feed: raising awareness and igniting action... - http://endinghunger.blogspot.com/ [ More results from Feed: raising awareness and igniting action... ]

How to help end world hunger and poverty

12 Oct 2008 If everyone did a little something, we will be closer to a world without poverty, hunger and pain. These are small tips and ideas to start making a ... Recent Article published on 10/11/2008 by econ476. ehow - Culture & Society How To's - http://www.ehow.com/categoryrss.aspx?id=18

finding a place in the world is harder than it looks.

12 Oct 2008 by BATMAN World hunger is so important to stop, but why not try to stop hunger in your own country first? Why not help those that live down the street from you first? In your community before the world. And the rainforest. ... my own little world - http://shoesnstarbucks.wordpress.com

Pax Christi - Hunger (10/12/09)12 Oct 2008 by jflahiff
Janice. jmflahiff@yahoo.com. Relationship between Free Trade, Current Food Policy and World Hunger (along with a few talking points for our representatives). This presentation will focus on. (1) Current hunger crisis overview ...
Jflahiff's Weblog - http://jflahiff.wordpress.com

Nobel Prize winning author condemns world hunger

10 Oct 2008 by Staff Wiesel made haunting observations about the physical and psychological toll hunger takes, describing the eyes of those starving and asking how the world could tolerate such images without losing sleep. ... The Talk Radio News Service - http://talkradionews.com

Q&A session with Francis “Frane” McCarron, candidate for Helsinki ...

20 hours ago by Phil World hunger is a dicey one, but I would suggest trying proper free trade, and not this patriarchal system that the US and EU keep blathering about. More importantly you should vote for me because you finally can and that you now have a ... Finland for Thought - http://www.finlandforthought.net - References

Digital Game Advertising: Video Games With a Purpose

22 hours ago by info FreeRice.com, a simple Web-based vocabulary game, educates its players and raises funds to fight world hunger. FreeRice challenges players to define words in a multiple-choice quiz. The game enhances a player's vocabulary while the ... Info - http://informasya.blogspot.com/

Different Views on World Hunger

3 Oct 2008 by Rebecca Swanner And, if you think solving the world’s hunger problem is too costly consider this: according to Jimena Gamio’s video, solving the world’s hunger problem would cost $3 billion. This morning Congress signed a bailout bill for $700 billion. joshspear.com - http://joshspear.com - References

KFC & Pizza Hut Support World Hunger Relief

8 Oct 2008 Media Release 09 October 2008 KFC & Pizza Hut Support World Hunger Relief KFC and Pizza Hut are set to kick off – World Hunger Relief (WHR) – across all stores in NZ, to raise both awareness around the issue of world hunger and much ... Scoop NZ - Culture - http://www.scoop.co.nz/

County’s 6th annual CROP Walk is November 2

20 hours ago by Village Mill Brandermill residents are invited to join in the CROP Walk by volunteering to walk and collect pledges in order to make a difference for world hunger. For more information about the November 2 CROP Walk, please call Adrienne Strandberg ... Brandermill Community Association - http://www.brandermill.com

World Hunger Day offers opportunity

8 Oct 2008 While 80 percent of the World Hunger Fund is earmarked for international hunger, the remaining 20 percent is dedicated to feed the hungry of North America, directed by the North American Mission Board (NAMB). ... The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission... - http://erlc.com/

KFC's Campaign Against World Hunger

10 Oct 2008 by Damaria Senne Are you going to take part in KFC's Campaign Against World Hunger? Just saw the TV advert, which urges customers to R2 to their bill to contribute to the fund. People can also contribute to the fund by sending an SMS to 38727. STORYPOT - http://damariasenne.blogspot.com/

World Hunger Day, pt. 2 - How you can help

9 Oct 2008 by Jen of A2eatwrite I was originally planning to include links to local hunger projects, and I'm going to do that, but I decided that I want to include global and national links, as well. These links are pretty random. These are organizations I know and ... A2eatwrite - http://a2eatwrite.blogspot.com/

Heifer Village Nepal: Serious Games Showing Solutions To World Hunger9 Oct 2008 by noreply@blogger.com (Eliane Alhadeff)
Heifer is a non-profit organization that uses an innovative and proven method to reduce poverty and hunger around the world: they give families living in poverty the gift of a goat, chicken, sheep, or other farm animal, ...
SERIOUS GAMES PORTAL - http://seriousgamesportal.blogspot.com/

• Create an email alert for world hunger
• Add a blog search gadget for world hunger to your Google homepage
• Subscribe to a blog search feed for world hunger in Google Reader ^New!

How to devote your post to World Poverty

Many of us bloggers are eager to get involved with Blog Action Day. The Blog Action Day organizers are asking bloggers to call attention to World Poverty in writing their posts. The question is, how to do this and stay within the realm of your blog.

First of all, ask yourself, could you take a day off to stray off of the main purpose of your site in order to focus on this effort? For example, if you write about fashion, how would it look if the focus of your post was on starving people?

My answer is, yes, you can make it work. You just need to figure out how.
If your focus is on fashion, answer the question of how does fashion relate to world poverty?

Tips to focus your post on something that may not be blatantly related to your over-all topic.

• You'll need to write down so that you can visualize this, the general topic of your site.
• Mentally imagine five ways that your site can in some way relate to where you want to be, say world poverty.
• Investigate these five ways as if they are leads. Do this by researching credible sites on the web. For example, if you are writing on world poverty, perhaps the World Health Organization would be a good place to start.
• Then look at the other side of the goal, list how your site can relate to your leads.
• This is all a lot easier when you open up your mind to the idea that you can make it happen.

Resources from the Folks at Blog Action Day;

General Web Resources

Have a killer resource that should be here? Contact Us

Site/URL	Description
Uncultured Project	Highly rated YouTube channel documenting one man’s efforts against Poverty.
Causes of Poverty	Fact sheets, statistics and articles on the causes and effects of Global Poverty
Hans Rosling Talk at TED (Video)	Fascinating talk by Researcher Hans Rosling demoing some great statistics
Girl Effect	Interesting project with a really worthwhile video
WorldBank’s Poverty Net	Lots of resources providing introductory information to poverty measurement and analysis
End Poverty by 2015	Just 7 years to go to achieve the goals of the Millenium Campaign
End Poverty Blog	Daily log of experts from around the world promoting the Millennium Development Goals and the global fight against poverty.
Stand Up Against Poverty	Auspiciously occurring just two days after Blog Action Day, this is a fantastic effort to be a part of!
Our Day to End Poverty: 24 Ways You Can Make a Difference	A very worthwhile read!
Results	A nonprofit grassroots advocacy organization committed to creating the political will to end hunger
Global Call to Action Against Poverty	This global alliance is made up of a diverse range of coalitions, community groups, trade unions, individuals, faith groups and campaigners, who are all committed to the fight against poverty.
World Food Programme	The world’s frontline organisation fighting hunger.
Oxfam International	We believe we can end poverty and injustice, as part of a global movement for change.
Spotlight On Poverty	An organisation that aims to highlight issues relating to poverty in the United States of America, and to ask the presidential candidates about their plans in this respect.
Moving Up USA	A voice for reducing poverty & boosting social mobility
Making Poverty History	offers lots of useful ideas and resources about poverty and related global issues

Blog Action Day...Join in

Someone had to think of it.

Blog Action Day is a day set aside for bloggers to devote to writing about a cause. This year the cause is about poverty. Organizers are asking bloggers to draw attention to world poverty by posting some aspect of the plight.

Obviously, this is a good for drawing world attention to poverty. If everyone is talking about poverty then someone is going to try and do something about it. We can all do something in our own way.

Beyond the call to a cause, Blog Action Day is the invention to a necessity. The necessity is the growing number of bloggers. The invention is a cause to unite bloggers as a whole. It is sort of like the first large scale union of bloggers.

So, what can you do?

Visit their website.



Register your Blog

Spread the word!

Using Social Networking as a Marketing Tool

Social networking is one method of marketing your blog. It is probably the all around best method as it costs nothing to do, exposes you to similar bloggers and promotes your blog.

I recommend using social networking as a marketing tool and the one tool to use before you use any other. Social networking is an excellent source for beginner bloggers to observe and learn how things are done. Advanced and even professional bloggers can benefit from keeping aware of the trends in bloggin through the social network.

Tips to using Social Networking as your Marketing Tool

• Build your persona. This will become your branding so put some time into it. If your purpose of networking is to bring more traffic to your site, don't forget to mention your site subtly. Add a link under 'my sites' and mention that you are a blogger in your job description.

• Join groups that have to do with what your purpose it. If you are attempting to promote your hacking blog, join a hacking group.

• I would recommend a micro blogging tool- such as Twitter, and a larger network such as Facebook. Focus on belonging to two and promote the other in your posts.

• Look for friends. Usually on Facebook, someone will accept you as a friend if there is a common friend between you. When you are accepted or confirmed as a friend, check out the other persons friends for new friends. Don't request them all though.

• When you request a friend, add a note such as, "I saw that you are a member in this group and we both have John Doe as a common friend."

• Don't get carried away with sending things like bumper stickers etc. This can become annoying. Let the other person guide the level of friendship.

• Take advantage of the mailbox address importer to see who you may know. You never know who they may know.

• Never underestimate the power of a friend, no matter who they are.

• Be friendly, conscious and courteous when you post something such as your status. You never know who will see this.

• Update often. You'll be more apt to be noticed in a sea of millions.

Twitter-Specific Tips

• Every time your post something new, update your Twitter status to with a catchy teaser. For instance, "Just posted, 5 ways to promote yourself on Twitter". Then add a way that people can read it "successfulblogging.com".

• Make it a habit to add 10 new followings per day. Before you know it, you'll have 100 followers as these people will follow you and their friends will soon follow.

• Set your settings to notify you whenever you get a new follower. Be sure to follow them back.

• Many Twitterers make it a habit to e-mail their new followers to thank them for the follow. They may also add a "visit me at this site" or "looking forward to Twittering with you".

• Let everyone know you are on Twitter. Place a Twitter gadget on your blog and add your twitter address on your Facebook and MySpace.

Here are some tips for forming your blog network;

1. Have a mutual purpose to all of the blogs invited into this network. The mutual focus can be a hobby or common interest.

2. Don't go over-board with the number of blogs in the network as there will be a point will that will distract from one another.

3. If there are too many blogs, say over 20, to add to your blog network then it is time to split them up into subcategories.

4. It is okay to belong to more than one network.

5. Start a blogroll for your network. Post it proudly on your blog.

6. Use an image or catchy phrase for your blog roll. This will help in establishing credibility.

7. Keep in contact with members on a weekly basis to keep everyone motivated.

8. Inspire members to visit member blogs and leave inspiring comments.

9. Share information with and be sure to site and link to the other blogs in your network.

10. Consider having a contest, writing an e-book, or using another marketing tool with your network buddies.


The purpose of joining a network is to promote, be promoted and support one another. It's a great tool for any blogger. Market yourself just as you would market a business. Think branding and image.

GET STARTED NOW- Follow me on Facebook, join my Blog Promotion through Social Networking group. It is FREEEEEEEEEE! Totally FREEEEEEEE.

25 GREAT Blog Marketing Tips

All week long we have been focusing on marketing your blog. If you are blogging with the intent of getting traffic you are probably blogging to reach further goals. Marketing is important to you.

Here are some tips, many of them may be reminders that you should be reminded of.

1. Evaluate your marketing efforts on a six month basis in order to give things enough time to work.
2. Set goals and objectives that can be measured.
3. Be open minded when you evaluate your own blog- not everything is going to work but, you need to try things to make sure.
4. Listen to your feedback from others. They may see something that you have totally missed.
5. Use a variety of marketing methods but, not too many as you still need to focus on the blog at hand.
6. Use some kind of networking, It will entail you helping others while they help you.
7. Word of mouth is always the best marketing tactic.
8. Facebook is an excellent source for marketing your blog.
9. Keep your eyes open for trends and ideas in the news.
10. Observe and be supportive of other bloggers.
11. Write often, at least daily.
12. Demand posts from yourself.
13. Comment on other blogs and sites.
14. Be nice to all, not everyone will think exactly like you do. It is a fact of life.
15. Be confident in your writing and think of yourself as a knowledge base for others.
    
16. Use analytics and other free methods of keeping track of who is following you and where they are coming from
17. Make sure that your feeds and newsletter subscription opportunities are in a noticeable location.
18. Invite and exchange guest blogging opportunities.
19. Promote something, such as a contest or a free e-book.
20. Answer e-mails and comments in a positive way.
21. Use a Twitter update with creative leads when you post.
22. Quote and link to others.
23. Remember to submit your address to pings and directories.
24. Don't let the bookmarks and social media stuff over take your blog.
25. Be original and do not steal or copy.