I know I did. In fact I asked for just two items this year: a coat and a book.

I wanted to stay warmer this winter and winters to come and I love reading and saw I book that I knew I just had to have my own copy of and would love to read.

I want to know what you got this year for Christmas.

Send me a review with the following details and the winner will get their review featured in an article on this blog with a link back to their website or blog.

To qualify you need to include the following in your review:

1. What the best gift was you received this year.
2. Why you feel it’s the best gift you received.
3. Who the gift was from.
4. One amazing act you performed this year that changed the life of someone else and who’s life did you change?
5. Your name AND email
6. Your Website/Blog.

Send your review to me at: eric@bluepop13.com. The deadline for all entries is January 1, 2010 at midnight. Sometime in the middle of January I will post the winning article so make sure to check back and see if you won.

Make sure you get your article in before the deadline so you can be in the running to have your article posted right here. The winner will receive an email from me to inform them they won and will receive a link from me when I post their article. Hurry as time is short!

If you answered this by saying it simply means to write interesting articles that you intend to share with the world because of your knowledge behind the information you provide your audience then you are probably right.

But how can you not blog and actually improve your blog at the same time?

What I have learned about blogging is probably as much as the next guy who is just as interested about the topic as I am. We all want the same things when it comes to having a successful blog: Results.

So how exactly do you get them? I’m going to share that information with you now by explaining to you exactly what I did yesterday afternoon as a blogger myself. Before I share this with you though, I would like to give you a much simpler answer that behind the scenes adds up to what I’ve done in the first place.

There’s just two things you should do here which are:

1. Learn.
2. Take action based on what you have learned.

You need to learn everything you can that will bring your blog success (not enough to overload yourself with too much garbage until you decide to give up, however) and then take action based on what you have learned.

That’s it. Two simple steps that will help you succeed with your blog regardless of what you might have learned from any other blog out there. If you understand what I just said though, this is actually the same thing everyone else is saying just in their own way.

What I did most of my afternoon: Discover new blogs and the ones that provided me with useful and interesting content I commented on which started a conversation that I hope will build a close relationship.

This is exactly what I recommend you do as well. When you first start a blog you may not know a whole lot and we all have to start somewhere. I’m also just starting out myself. I readily admit that because it’s the truth. That’s part of the process… Be truthful.

Lies get you nowhere, even in the world of blogging. If you don’t believe me, it’s an ugly little word called SPAM. Everyone hates it and no one will like it if you do this so just tell the truth and be up front about things.

So when you learn something new to the point that you’re just wanting to sit down and start writing, do just that. That’s what I’m doing now. I have read a lot of different articles on FreeBlogHelp.com yesterday afternoon including an article called are you in the top 10% of bloggers who can survive six months? I feel everyone should check this out because it’s solid information you will benefit from if you’re goal is to stay heads up in the crowed months to come.

Although this blog is one more blog out there it’s very informative on a variety of levels and interesting to read at the same time. You should definitely give it a look to see how it could benefit you. I definitely recommend checking out that link if nothing else on that site appeals to you.

You might also be wondering how the heck you can blog about a topic that is already taken and is everywhere on line, without feeling like your blog is never going to get noticed. Well, this is understandable as there are a lot of blogs out there with a lot information to share. So how can you exactly?

There are a number of different ways you can do this and I’m sure you can come up with your own but I found a blog that explains something you can do that just might help give you the first step toward what you’re looking for. How to stand out in a crowded niche is something I believe you definitely will be interested in learning more about if you’re blogging about a topic you see everyone else blogging about and are not sure how to stand out from the crowd. Follow that link above to learn more about how you can blog about your passion and still feel confident in the topic of your choice even if everyone and their buddies are talking about it across the web.

Finally, if you are like most people then you want people to comment on your blog more than anything. After all, that’s the point of having a blog in the first place right? You want to provide content that your readers will enjoy in hope that they will want to share with you what they know and leave you comments. When this happens a conversation will start and hopefully a relationship will follow.

You can find a bazillion different blogs about how to get people to leave comments on your blog. With a bit of research I’ve found a nice little article on this topic that just may surprise you because this article stands out and if it gives you the results you’re looking for it’s proved to be useful. You be the judge, however.

On the same note and taking things in a slightly different direction you have hopefully heard the truth about not being able to make money from your blog just by posting killer articles and expecting people to show up and buy stuff from you. Comments and traffic are no different. You can speed up the process quite a lot though by reading how to get 294 comments with one blog post. After reading this you will hopefully be able to gain some ideas of your own and be able to put them to use for your own blog.

I hope you now see that spending a few hours browsing a few blogs and commenting throughout the articles that popped out at me was a start because I was marketing myself and building conversation with other blogs that held my interest with solid information. After doing this I then was able to write something of my own and have it ready for the next day for my blog.

So what have you done to bring success to your blog without actually posting articles on a regular basis?

Ever feel like there’s too much information out there, whether organized to your liking or not, about how to make money on line and how to become a pro blogger and tips and tricks and all sorts of ways to improve your blog and earn money? I feel like that all the time because there is too much information out there considering just about everyone who knows how to write wants to start a blog and share what knowledge they have about making money on line.

Well, there are a lot of things to consider when working your way up the ladder. I know I’m doing the exact same thing myself.

One thing I believe I have learned that I’m certain will help you as well is to keep at it ultimately. Consistency is key over all and great targeted content is as well. But I believe I have found a little secret of my own that just might come in handy when trying to figure out where all the actual information is that will really help you get yourself out there to becoming as successful as you desire.

Here is what I have discovered with my hard work and would like to share with you now.

Look around and find blogs that are popular and successful. Try all of the techniques that they use as that’s what got them there in the first place.

Read their blogs, comment on their posting, check out the blogs of other people who comment and leave comments on their bogs as well and so on. Keep track of all of this to a point.

But here’s where I have discovered the secret beyond all secrets that should work and I’m doing it so we’ll see how well it does work. If you read just about the same thing all over the Internet on a ton of free blogs and websites about how to become successful in this business then that’s the truth and the real information.

I have read a lot of different blogs about how to make money and how to improve your blog. Well, I have no money and have no intention of sharing my money with just anyone who promises they have ANY answer to how to go about doing this.

I have a reason for that.

There’s a billion different ways of doing anything. If ten blogs say basically the same thing and they’re all very well known then the information they have must be accurate to a point. I’ll use that (for free) and see where I get. If I get somewhere then those particular blogs will have earned some of my trust and are more entitled to make money from me. That’s a BIG key in my opinion.

Of course every blog is different and what works for one may not work for another. That being said, there are still key elements to getting your blog out there and getting noticed. Here is what I believe it takes just to start off with… Please let me know if you have any suggestions. I’m sure you do.

Write original killer articles aimed at a target audience.

Read and learn all you can from a hand full of blogs you visit on a daily basis.

Leave useful comments about what you just read.

(This is where you start building a relationship with people – extremely important)

Read other comments and visit those blogs if their comments were useful to you and leave comments on their blogs as well. And so on…

Be consistent about all of this.

Try new things and be open to new ideas and experiment.

Most of all – have fun. If you hate doing this then you shouldn’t do this so just quit and find something else you would rather do.

I’m sure you have your own thoughts and suggestions about this.

What is your real secret or key to success when it comes to improving your blog and earning money from it?

Your comments matter to me so make them because they should matter to you too. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks!

If you decide to visit my site please let me know what you think or what you would recommend by emailing me at eric@bluepop13.com.

Also with Christmas coming up soon everyone needs a budget because families want to know they have enough money to buy presents for their kids and other families. People are getting laid off every where and money is definitely tight.

You can always start your own budget with a pen and a piece of paper but if you’re on the computer a lot and if you’re looking for a new way to manage your money this Christmas you should check out a nice little piece of software (I have been using this for a year and couldn’t be happier with it) called YNAB.

I won’t go into much detail about YNAB here but I will let you know that if you decide (after visiting my site and YNAB’s site as well) to purchase this software why not save yourself even more money by using my coupon code (you can find it on my site) before even starting your own budget? It only makes sense. You need to get your finances in order, you like YNAB and want to give it a go. Well, save yourself some more money by using my coupon code and think of it as my gift to you this holiday season.

What better way to start off the new year? I can’t think of any besides spending much quality time with friends and family.

You might also be wondering why I’m offering you a nice gift like this. You can find all of that information on my site as well. Everything is there and if you have any questions please drop me a line at eric@bluepop13.com.

Last but not least if you have any questions or concerns with YNAB (I know I have had) you will find a very active community in the forums full of very useful information from a lot of friendly people who are more than willing to help you out.

Check it all out here: www.bluepop13.com.

What do you think of my website and my gift to you? Leave your comments below.

Thanks.

Eric

bluepop13.com

What am I really talking about here?

Well, you decide. Think for yourself about this one. When was the last time you just knew you had so much to get done and you also knew you didn’t have a lot of time to get all that stuff done?

Probably even right now as you’re reading this you’re thinking of what else you could/should be doing and wondering why you’re not doing it. Why aren’t you doing it? Is it because you want to read this or is it because you would rather not do what else you could be doing instead?

Do what you want to do and make it simple. I’m not saying you should stop reading this and just go off and do something else and forget about this because to be honest, if you’re this far already then this means something to you at all.

I’m going to switch this up just a bit and explain a few things from my own point of view that just might benefit you.

On the topic of Linux or rather Ubuntu actually, most people who are just deciding to switch to it aren’t sure they want to because it doesn’t do one little thing they are interested in doing. Don’t worry, there is a point to this particular topic if you just stay with me.

When they switch to Ubuntu they still expect it to work just the same way their old operating system worked. No different. Well, that isn’t that case and it’s too bad they think it should just work the same way. If you don’t like the way your computer is working for whatever reason then you should not expect something different that does work to work the same way as what you were previously using.

Too many people just don’t consider something different to be any good and that really shouldn’t be. If what you use works for you then great but if it doesn’t then don’t just change what you’re using, change your thoughts about things too.

Taking the time and consideration to really get to know your computer and slowing down to realize what exactly is going on will benefit you in the long run. I think people really do want to use their computers better and get more done but they have no idea how to go about doing so. And if they do they just choose to complain about what’s wrong instead of taking THAT time to actually get it fixed.

In life and “in” computers just slow down for a second and think about what you’re doing. Think about your goals and what you want to achieve. Then act on it and go for it. This isn’t hard. If you’re having too much trouble in life then something is definitely wrong and if you complain about your computer more than 3 times a week, in my opinion you need help.

What do you think? Do you slow down and take your time to think about how to get something done right and then do it? Or do you just hurry up and get things done regardless of how it gets done?

Please comment below.

Thanks.

I’ve been following lockergnome for quite some time now… Years actually. I’ve been a fan since before the website was actually even what I consider to be a blog. If you don’t know what lockergnome is then you’re really missing out.

Lockergnome Girl

Lockergnome is a social media network of people who all share common interests in blogging and sharing their knowledge with those all over the world to benefit everyone’s lives. Why would this interest you?

1. If you want to learn about computers from someone who knows a lot about them who you can trust, this is the place to go.
2. If you want help from more than just ONE person this is the place to go
3. If you want to start your own blog and share what YOU know and participate in what’s going on this is the place to go
4. If you want to get your “other” blog(s) noticed by a very popular community of very helpful people this is the place to go

Why?

Whether you’ve heard of lockergnome or not, Chris Pirillo is the man behind a website that has a world of information and people and he doesn’t just take all this to the next level, he IS the next level.

This community blog has more than just sharing information about computers and technology, however. It has special discounts, tips and tricks, a plethora of interesting and outrageously fun information that will keep you entertained for days on end… And more.

You can find my Geeky profile at http://geeks.pirillo.com/profile/ericheavilin.

Are you a Gnomie? If you answer that question with: What the heck is a gnomie? Well, unfortunately you’re not in the loop.

Thanks.

Your Computer Problems

There are a number of different people all over the world who use computers on a regular basis. Sometimes you use computers at work, at home, on the go or just about anywhere else.

Along with the number of ways these machines are used are just about the same amount of problems you probably hear about people having with them every day. This quit working, that went out, I pressed the “wrong” button and so fourth. All of this makes me wonder why people even buy a computer if they don’t know how to use it and have no intention to learn how to use it because they’re too busy complaining about how it doesn’t work.

The problem with everyone’s computer isn’t their computers, it’s them. You might be wondering how that can be when something as simple as a virus can sneak up and get into your computer. If you had the right software for your computer and spent some time learning how to use it effectively and actually used it for what it’s worth you probably wouldn’t have that virus. On the same note these kinds of things can still happen even with the learning and the doing you put into your computer.

With that being said how is it still possible that it’s your fault? What if someone actually hacked into your computer without your knowledge? That just isn’t your fault. It just happens, right?

Yeah. It just happens. But how is that even explainable considering they didn’t attack every computer in the world? Just yours. Think about that for a minute.

If I’m coming across too harsh, well, that’s too bad. I am saying all of this because it’s true. In life, even with your computer, stuff can just happen. That’s perfectly true. However, if you actually take the time and do whatever it takes to make sure everything is running correctly and put fourth the effort and knowledge into each task at hand you’re going to be a lot better off.

I’m not an expert when it comes to computers. I’m not even an expert when it comes to open source, Linux, Ubuntu, Windows, Mac, PC, this, that, any of it. This is just what I have learned and experienced from my own thoughts, actions, and doings throughout my life.

It’s Your Fault You Have Computer Problems. What Can You Do?

Help Yourself

This answer is a lot more simple than you may realize. What you can do and should do is simply take action. That’s it. Make it as simple as starting with a piece of paper and a pencil. Writing down what it is you think you know about computers and then write down what you want to learn about computers. From there just write down what you actually know about computers.

But how do you find out if what you know for a fact about computers is true information? This is where the REAL action is at. You simply find out. Take apart your computer if you want to and look inside. Honestly the worst that’s going to happen is that when you put your computer back together something messes up so bad that nothing works. Your computer is toast. If you’re worried about this (I know I would be) then find someone who knows about computers, ask them what they know and have them prove it (if they’re legit they will) and then have them help you.

Note here how I said have them “help you”. That’s right. Don’t just let them go off and do their own thing without explaining to you exactly what it is there doing and why their doing it. Make them show you what it is their doing so you understand the process. Hey, you’re doing this at all to learn more so you actually can find out what you know in the first place, right? If you know how to do all of this yourself then I encourage you to go for it!

What You Shouldn’t Do.

This is going to sound a bit odd but what you really shouldn’t do is keep sitting there on your butt and read the rest of this and do nothing about learning what the deal is with computers. If you have actually taken my advice here then you’re not reading this part and I can pretty much say whatever I want.

If however, you’re like most people, you’re still sitting there waiting for what you are going to be told to do next because you are actually interested in what I have to say. If this is true, thanks!

No Really, What You Shouldn’t Do.

Don’t waste your time and money taking your computer into the repair shop. That’s for cars. But they have to earn a living too and it’s their specialty. Yeah, you’re right. And how do you think they got good enough at what they do to earn a living doing it? It’s because they didn’t go to a shop and have someone take care of it for them and waste a but load of money. They actually took action upon themselves (this is the don’t be lazy part) and actually tried. Once they figured it out they realized they didn’t need someone else to help them with their problems.

Now they joke about their computer issues with their buddies and how people come into the store and want their computer fixed and how they are paid to do just that.

It may sound like I’m being a bit mean here but I’m really not. Hear me out. If you actually take the time and consideration to learn about computers or at least your computer and find out what’s going on, you’ll be one step ahead of the crowd and you just won’t need to depend on someone else when it come to what you should do and what’s going on.

People Help Others Out… It’s About The Community, Right?

Community

Yes. And if you learn what to do with your own computer you can nicely help someone else out and explain how they can learn too

Wait, wait, wait… Wouldn’t that mean you should find someone who knows more and actually have them teach you about what to do though? Yes. Isn’t that what you just said not to do because they’re paid to do that and you should learn on your own instead? Well, yes, and no.

You should not take your computer to get it fixed. You should instead talk with someone who knows more about computers than you do and ask them if they wouldn’t mind teaching you about computers. Once you know, you can certainly help another lost soul.

The Problem Is You… All The Way To The End Of The Yellow Brick Road.

As I stated above, the problem is always you. I could add a lot more to this and just might write an E-Book about this in the future but what it comes down to is just you. If your computer gets a virus learn to take care of it. If you’re truly stuck on what to do: Ask. Learn something. The next time it happens take care of it yourself.

You might feel as though I left a lot out of here that I could have added but as I also stated above I will probably write an E-book on the topic.

Do you think it really is your fault you may have computer problems or are computers still improving so slowly that they shouldn’t work any better than they do?

Please leave comments.

Thanks.

About my thoughts. My new blog is going to come with some surprises for sure. I’m sure everyone will like them and I want to say what they are but I’m going to let it speak for itself. With what my new blog is going to come with I was looking around here and there for some software to help out with this. I was at Staples the other night looking for some good cheap software. Well, I think I’ll stick with whatever Ubuntu has to offer me.

I like that idea myself. Just saying that I can actually use Ubuntu’s software instead of having to go out and pay for the software and if something doesn’t work I can just uninstall it and find something different. No money wasted. I love that. Anyway, we’ll see what I find.

But see, this lead me to another thought. Not that it entirely really matters but I was just wondering who all out there has either heard of Ubuntu, knows anything about Ubuntu, or even uses Ubuntu on a regular basis. I’m curious because I have used this spectacular operating system now for just about an entire year. It has served me well and I will continue to use it in the future to come I am sure.

Here are the main reasons I like Ubuntu and Linux: (Read down to number seven. It’s worth it.)

1. This is a BIG one: It’s Free. Free as in it doesn’t have to cost you money and it’s also a freedom of choice.
2. It’s easy to use. It just works. And if there’s something not working for any reason, with a little thought and a little time, you can pretty much find an answer to your problem without paying a huge bundle of money.
3. It’s free. Okay I just said that for number one. What I mean here is it’s free of viruses and spyware and other things that just take up a bunch of your money to get taken care of and waste a bunch of your time. Should computers (as good as they are nowadays) really have to deal with spyware, ad-ware, viruses, firewalls, etc, etc, etc… And more? Seriously?
   Well, mine doesn’t and it’s too bad a lot of people would rather stick with what they know and have to deal with all that stuff than try something new and see what just might happen for them. It’s a choice at this point.
4. You have complete control of your computer. There’s nothing more I can really add to this. It is what it says. If you want something to happen, well, make it happen. Don’t know how, ask. Figure it out. Most people just don’t care and that’s fine. That’s why most people also still use other operating systems and hope it works.
5. It’s FAST! I mean FAST! I’m not talking about after a while it gets cleaned up and defragged (seriously, computers still do this too?!) and everything runs well and much faster. I mean it’s just FAST. The year after you have used your computer from the first day you installed the operating system is no different. It may slow down just a bit here or there but other than that it’s just… Well, you know, FAST.
6. Call it stable, secure, reliable, whatever you want. It just is. All of those. If you’re using a program to do something and that program decides not to respond, your computer doesn’t crash, just the program can be forced to quit or be “killed” and the rest of your computer just stays in working order just as it was.

   I could go on and on with different reasons but I will stop at seven. Seems like a good number and plus, people don’t much like to read long stuff because they get bored.

   Thank you for reading this far if you have. That shows you’re interested in learning at least a bit about this at all. That’s good. Okay. Here it is:

7. It’s cool. Yeah, it’s bundled with AWESOME features and pretty much anything you can imagine. Check out the screen shot of my personal desktop below and you can see some of the cool things you can do with this operating system.

Well, that’s my list. Results are everything and when you use Ubuntu you get results.

Check out the operating system for yourself at www.ubuntu.com. Get community support almost anywhere including the forums and you can also pay for commercial support if you like.

How do you feel about Ubuntu? Do you use it or have you ever heard of it? Share your thoughts and opinions below.

Thanks.

Ubuntu Desktop 3D

Ubuntu Fire Effect

My Desktop #2 Winter Background

My girlfriend and I had just gotten home today from a party with some people who neither of us really knew (though I got a picture taken with Governor Culver by my aunt who claims to not be a pro photographer) and the only reason we went was because it sounded like fun and free food! You can’t beat that.

One thing I will mention is that I will have a picture of Culver and myself posted on my new blog soon just to show how tall this man is. I had my picture taken because when I first saw him come in I really wanted to have a picture taken with him. It was just something about him being the Governor and because I wasn’t going to just sit there and wonder how it would feel. I got up and took action. That’s what it takes in life.

Later when we got home and my girlfriend went to sleep for a bit I turned on my Playstation 3 to watch something on Netflix. Something I had recently seen on there caught my eye again and I was not sure I really wanted to watch it. It didn’t look all that great to me but after reading it I gave it a chance… And I’m glad I did.

Jeff Dunham is hilarious. It was Jeff Dunham Spark of Insanity. I was laughing so hard I started to cry. That’s one of the many joys in life is being able to just laugh and have fun and enjoy the time and what you’re doing. I know I sure did watching this guy.

He brings personality to each character he does.

There’s Walter, Jose, Peanut (my favorite), Achmed, Bubba J, and Melvin. I’m not sure about any others.

I really enjoyed watching this and I hope it brings you the laughs it brought me. It’s worth it… He’s crazy so check him out.

Do you find him to be down right outrageously hysterical?

I welcome all your comments.

Thanks!

I just made a decision using my brain that I believe for me was one of the best amount of money I have ever spent. I’m not going to share with you how much I spent because that’s really not important here. I’ll just say that it was a very inexpensive purchase. And a very good purchase in my opinion.

I have talked about how people spend countless hours on the Internet looking for a way to make money online. Everyone wants a piece of the action. Everyday.

If you read my post on the simplicity to growing your invisible blog I share with you a few blogs which are very informative and are what I believe to be highly content rich if you’re looking to make money with your blog or online at all.

Unfortunately it seems that everywhere you look there are websites built that have all the same old information to share with everyone and they call it the new stuff. It’s really hard to believe when something is legit because people use the same old tacticts and words and phrases that we all just want to hear.

You Can Make Money Today!

Work From Home

How You Can Make X Amount Of $$$ In A Week

And More.

They all usually have the same extremely long page with NO way to contact them and a fake address and will happily ask for your credit/debit card information and people actually give this to them.

How smart are these people?

Well, as smart as anyone who unfortunately falls for this stuff. I’ve seen it before myself and almost went for it but as anything in life that sounds too good to be true, it was and still is.

Okay. So can you honestly, seriously, without-a-doubt actually make money online? Decide for yourself by clicking here and joining the niche profit classroom. I will let it speak for itself but I will say that it will give you all the information you REALLY need to know in order to actually build a site, build the traffic you want to have, and make money by doing so.

You’re probably wondering why this is different than anything else out there I just mentioned that you were already well aware of, right?

I understand and it would be down right criminal not to at least share with you what benefits I’M getting out of it as a member before you even consider looking into it for yourself.

No problem.

NicheProfitClassroom is a place where you get all of the information you need in one nice little area with very helpful support over all. The benefit of this is that you’re spending some money (you know that was coming, right?) on a very successful product that works and saving you hours, days, weeks, even months or maybe even years of work.

Think about that for a minute. Does it actually cost more to buy this or does it REALLY cost more to pay nothing and struggle and possibly give up on yourself because you just can’t find the answer to make business work for you?

Only you can answer that question.

I can honestly say I have much more time than I do money right now and I still believe that the NicheProfitClassroom allows me to save my time.

Check it out for yourself: Niche Profit Classroom

What are your thoughts on all of this? What do you think about making money online and delivering quality content to your readers? I encourage and welcome you to share your thoughts below.

Thanks.