Words with a Blogger Wednesday

It's Words with a Blogger Wednesday!

This week's blogger is different from my normal bloggers I bug-he's a Daddy!

Come see how them there dads think about blogging!

Jeff

from The Goodfather Blog

Please introduce yourself:

I'm Goodfather (Jeff), and I'm the father of four kids, two teens and two girls ages three and one. Trying to be a 'good' father is important tome, although naming my blog 'Goodfatherblog' was meant as a reminder to myself more than anything.

You can read my blog at http://goodfatherblog.com/.

I love comments!

Please stop by and introduce yourself.

When did you start blogging and what made you decide to blog?

My first blog post was 8/21/2008. When I started, I thought I might earn some money through running ads, but I quickly learned that for me,blogging is about relationships - I love the interactions I have with other bloggers on my blog, and on theirs.

What is your blogging style?

I'm always striving for humor with each post on my blog. I'm not sure I always get there, but if I don't have at least one joke in my post, I chuck it. I hate being bored. Humor is the only thing that makes writing worthwhile to me. I've learned that my readers are consistently funnier than I am in their comments. I'm truly satisfied if I can suggest a joke in a post, and have readers complete it in their comments.The other definition that could apply to my blogging style is 'first draft'.

Do you make money from your blog?

Nope. I ran some ads in the beginning and earned about $.60 before I turned them off.

What do you do to network/promote your blog to bring in readers?

My blogging philosophy is pretty simple: I comment on other blogs hoping the authors will come back and comment on mine. I post on Twitter using TinyURL, and I also post on Facebook.

How frequently do you post?

I post almost daily ;). That's my goal, at least, but I'm OK with not posting if work or life takes priority.

Do you have a favorite blogger(s) that you just can't live without reading?

Yes!

There's a list of blogs that I love to read, but I'd say the blog I go to first every day is

Midlife Musings

MidlifeMama has a great take on life and blogging, and she's been one of my favorite authors since I started.

With all the Mommy Blogging this and Mommy Blogging that, how do Daddy bloggers get the attention they deserve?

Good question! When I started blogging, I read several articles on how to write a good blog, and what would attract readers. Most 'experts' I read generally agreed that writing good posts is the key to having a good blog. I'm in the 'Daddy' niche, so I try to write posts that describe my actual feelings and experiences as a father.

What do you recommend to blog about?

I recommend that bloggers write about what they know AND love. I think it's hard to write a good blog post every day about something you know, but aren't particularly passionate about. I know a LOT about male pattern balding, but I just can't write about it.

Have your readers influenced you in any way?

Absolutely. I've been inspired to write posts based on a single comment from a reader. I've checked out other blogs and websites on readers' recommendations. I've learned parenting tricks, tried recipes, and added books to my reading list. Words like 'awesomesauce' have become part of my daily vocabulary.

Has blogging changed your life in any way?

Blogging has made me a much more social person. I've made a lot of bloggy friends that I would actually like to meet in real life. It's been amazing to me to find so many people that share my values.

What do you do when you get writer's block?

When I get writer's block, I try to think of memes (themes for blogs) I haven't done yet (e.g., favorite books or movies), or write a funny conversation I've had with my beautiful wife (or kids), OR, I post a video of the kids doing something cute or funny. I usually get struck by a totally different idea on my way to any of these. ;)

Any other advice you might have for newbie bloggers?

You asked for it... ;)

1. If you're starting a blog and you want people to comment on your blogposts, do this: write a post, and then go out and find other blogs that you like and comment on those. It also helps to find blogs that are the same 'age' as yours, or slightly older. Don't lurk! If you are reading a blog, leave a comment. Don't be shy, everyone will LOVE what you write. You're a blogger, right?

2. ABPAA - Always Be Positive Always Always.

3. Use Google Reader. Subscribe to the blogs you read every day.

4. Use Google Analytics for your blog (or an equivalent) so you can see where traffic is coming from for your blog.

5. Have as much fun as you can stand. If blogging isn't one of the funnest things you do, try rethinking your approach.

And there you have it!

Thanks, Jeff!

Would you like to be my next victim-er, I mean interview? Comment on this post and I will stalk you and peek in your windows to watch your family eat dinner just like the Australian guy that follows that gecko character on Geico-Or, I'll just send you an email with a list of interview questions for you to answer.