Hey Deb I don't even know what Linkedin is can you explain that for me.  How does it work with blogging benefits etc....  Thanks!!

Hi, Deb!

I have a technical question about blogger - are you familiar with linking up subdomains to domains?

And what/where do you work? Up until last May, I was doing social media and blogging for the Air Force at the Pentagon. It was fun introducing government agencies to something as "crazy" as social media. :)

hey there deb,

Brandie-  Hello!  LinkedIn is a great place to meet other professionals-- and is a great place to be if you are looking for a job or employees.  You can upload your resume and have your friends introduce you to other people that you want to know... so it essentially levels the playing field and takes networking that may have taken place at a business luncheon online.  Does that make sense?  As far as a blogger, it's been a great place for me to connect with companies that I have worked with and keep that relationship going, but I can't say I've gotten a gig or anything because of it.

Julie- Unfortunately, I don't know much at all about linking subdomains to domains.... so sorry!!!  I work at Toolulu, a marketing firm I co-founded to help companies with social media marketing.  We've hit our 1 year anniversary, and it's funny to think that when we were talking to people a year ago, they thought we were crazy.  I guess businesses are coming around.  ;)

Hello Jeanne!
Let me say that I've worked on both blogger and wordpress, and I love wordpress!!  It's so well organized and there are so many great themes out there.  And really, to host and get a domain isn't all that expensive and will pay off in the long run.  Then it's yours and you have full control! 

There is for sure a balance of working, networking and playing and some days are either than others, right?!  As far as ads, I feel the best way to go is to find an ad network to do the leg work for you.  They usually take a percentage of the sales, but in the end, I find that it's worth it.  And if you want to start accepting ads, make sure people know that you are offering it, and put up a couple buttons of your own (to sites, and stores you like) to showcase your style.  I once heard that your ads on your site are like your jewelry.  Which is so, so true!  ;)  I hope that helps!! 

thanks, deb.

Thanks Deb I appreciate your input.  I will be checking that out!!

Jeanne- I would pay someone to help you out if you don't feel comfortable switching it all over yourself.  It would be a shame to loose your content!!  There are some reasonable alternatives.  Like finding a college student in coding that you may be able to hire out.  I have a few in my pocket if you want to email me, I would be happy to pass their names along.

I don't have any exact questions, but I would love to know what sites you love the most and how you use them effectively.

Lorie- Hello!  I hope I'm answering your question right.... I assume you are wondering which blogs I read??  I have a slew of sites that I subscribe to in my google reader.  Some of my favorites are:

Design Mom
Isly
Making it Lovely
Little Green Notebook
Homemade by Jill
Petit Elefant
Bloesem

I have many more in my reader, but these are my favorites that I check nearly everyday.  Everyone reads blogs for different reasons and I would say mine is for inspiration.  I love seeing the great projects people are doing... it gets my gears turning. 

What are your favorite blogs?