This post is two fold. One, I wanted to let you know that we’ve added two new ‘cocktails’ to The B Bar. These are part of a new category we’re dubbing shots — 1 or 2 page PDFs that cover very particular blogging topics and are everything a shot should be: quick, to the point, and very effective for the price. :) Two are live now (one is on guest posting, and the other covers permalinks), and we’ll be launching one more later in the week (on receiving gifted product, and what counts as income!).
And soon, Meg and I will also be launching some basic media kit templates at the Bar as well, in multiple file formats (think Word, Photoshop, and even PowerPoint). So if you’re not quite ready to hire someone to create one for you, you can always download a basic template and plug in your info and stats on your own (Psst! These will make a great accompaniment to our media kit guide).
With all that being said, I’ve been brainstorming an idea for the blog, and I hope you’ll love it and want to participate!
I’d been toying around with the idea of launching a Q+A or advice column, but didn’t know if people would want to ask me random things about my life (I don’t know, do you? That’s cool too!). Throughout all the consultations I’ve given over the last year and change, I’ve definitely noticed particular questions that come up over and over again from clients. With that in mind, I thought I’d write an occasional column, “Talking Shop,” in which I chat about some of these questions and offer my own experiences and insight. So much of making your way in the blog world is not only learning by trial and error, but from other bloggers too. So let’s talk a little shop, shall we?
I already have a running list of questions I’ve been asked repeatedly both in consults and via email, but if you have any blog or business related questions that you’d like me and the vmac+cheese community to discuss, leave a comment below, tweet me, or leave a post on my Facebook page. I hope to tackle your questions at least once a month, but maybe more!
Ready, set, go!
I love this idea! Go for it! :)
This is a great idea!
I think this is a fantastic idea! I’ve learned so much about blogging from your past posts, and could always use more info.
I was just wishing I could “phone a blogger” earlier today! For someone who is trying to start designing their own blog, do you have any recommendations for basic foundation WordPress themes that allow for a lot of customization using CSS? I just moved from Blogger to WordPress and I’m at a loss!
Great question! I’ll for sure address this!
I love this idea! Personally, on my blog, I started redesigning things right away when I first got it, and never really understood the purpose or use of child themes. Now, as I’m getting better at designing things, I’ve realised maybe I’ve messed things up by not doing it this way?
Not sure if it’d be too long-winded, but maybe something about child themes, or how to change your theme to something more customisable (like is twenty-twelve a good one in wordpress?), and what’s the best way to go about this?
Also I’d love if you did a few Q&As about design, because I always think your layouts, etc, are so eye-catching and classy looking. Maybe somewhere that you draw your inspirations from, or how to determine what looks good together? This is something I struggle with… I’ve got an eye for numbers, not design :(
I agree with Erica, your graphics are so amazing and eye-catching! It would be great to see a step-by-step process of how you go from an original image to the designed image/layout you show in a post. And I can’t wait for the media kit template — what a fabulous idea!
Hi Victoria!
Being a full time student, I would love to know-what are some ways I can fit in time for managing a blog when I have a boatload of other commitments?
Thanks in advance!
Love this! Sometimes as a newer blogger it’s so difficult to even think of what questions we should be asking. I always learn so much from your blogging posts!
GREAT idea! Cannot wait to read your sage advice!
I’d love to know how you manage your time with all of your projects!
– Nicole
http://thebossmag.com
http://well-worn.com
I love that idea! I can’t wait to read about it!!!
and i can’t wait to get my hands on those “cocktails”! :)
xo
Anna
http://www.thesnaphappyblog.com
I think this is a fab idea — so much of the technical aspects of blogging is trial and error and lots of Google searching and it would be fun to hear insights from someone who’s truly transformed it into a career :)
I can’t wait for the Media Kit templates :) I love what you and Meg are doing with the B Bar!
Great idea! Your consultation was AMAZING! I would be interested to see what some of the common questions are too.