The estimated reading time for this post is 5 minutes
Welcome to Tech-Knowledgy where your tech questions are answered.
Q. What is a blog?
A. When I tell people that I write a blog, the response I get most often is, “That’s great! What’s a blog?”
Blog is short for web log and started out meaning an online journal but has evolved into websites that use many different formats. I describe The Wonder of Tech to people as sort of an online magazine about personal technology, with articles about tech Monday through Wednesday, a poll on Thursdays and a Q & A feature on Fridays.
But other blogs have different formats. Some blogs are niche blogs, other blogs are more general in their purpose. You can find blogs on a variety of topics you’re interested in. With over one hundred million blogs on the Internet, you should be able to find plenty of blogs that interest you. Or you might find an author whose writing you enjoy who introduces you to a topic you never had an interest in before. Many bloggers write about their journey in life so you can be a fly on the wall, reading what happens in their exciting lives.
The difference between a blog and an online magazine is that often blog writers will interact with their readers. There are certainly exceptions to this. Some blogs do not allow comments, while others allow comments but the author doesn’t respond to the readers. I have a preference for blogs where the author responds to the readers’ comments, but I also read plenty of tech blogs where that doesn’t happen.
The most amazing thing about blogs is the blogging community. When I started a blog, I was warned by my friends and family that I would receive a lot of negative comments from flamers who just wanted to be rude and criticize others. Exactly the opposite has happened. Instead, I have found amazing people who are incredibly supportive, as has been shown with the support I received during the CBS Philly Most Valuable Blogger contest. If you think bloggers are competitive, well that couldn’t be farther from the case, at least with the ones I’ve had the extraordinary good fortune to meet.
[tip] Thinking of starting a blog? Be sure to check out:
— Website Setup How to Start a Blog
— First Site Guide’s How to Start a Blog: The Beginner’s Guide to Successful Blogging [/tip]
Versatile Blogger Award
Within the past few weeks, I have received the Versatile Blogger Award from three fellow bloggers: Bill Dorman, Adrienne Smith and Deeone Higgs. I am truly honored to have been recognized by these incredible writers and I am hereby fulfilling my obligations in accepting this award.
The Versatile Blogger Award comes with these requirements:
- Thank the person who gave the award and link back to them in my post.
- Share 7 things about myself.
- Pass this award along to up to 15 recently discovered blogs.
Okay, this is easy. Thank you very much, Bill, Adrienne and Deeone. Your support of me and The Wonder of Tech is awesome and greatly appreciated!
Seven things about myself. Well, I covered a lot with #NicheAmnesty in my blog post Online Friends: Can They Be “Real” Friends?, but here are seven things I haven’t mentioned before:
1. I drive a Ford Flex. There is a camaraderie among Flex owners similar to that among bloggers.
2. The longest I ever lived in one place was when I lived in West Windsor, New Jersey (outside of Princeton) for eleven years.
3. I am now living in my favorite place I have ever lived.
4. Speed Racer was my favorite cartoon growing up, unless you count Bugs Bunny as a cartoon.
5. I have traveled to more foreign countries than states in the United States.
6. I haven’t failed a driver’s test (3 times) or a bar exam (2 times).
7. I’ve failed at plenty of other things, but I always try to learn from my failures.
Exciting blogs you should check out:
Update 7/2015: I have removed links to blogs that are no longer available or have been taken over by new owners.
1 Woman’s Vu by Nikki Stern A powerful and thought-provoking blog on a variety of topics.
Balanced WorkLife by Bryce Christiansen. Bryce has his priorities straight and will help you with yours too!
Dollar Templates and Fonts by Allyson Stewart. This author knows more about website customization than anyone else. Period.
Effortless Ebook Writing by Mouh Azizoun. Not only does this blog teach you about fonts and blogging, Mouh gives readers free gifts such as fonts and special tools and graphics to make your website even more creative.
Habitation of Justice by Lincoln Adams. Lincoln’s irreverent and humorous view of life will get you laughing and thinking.
Mike10613’s Blog by Mike Maynard. If you’re wondering where the 10613 comes from, it’s probably the number of topics he covers. My favorite topic on Mike’s blog is his Neodigital Art series, but he also shares his advice on cooking, electronics, living frugally, politics and Farmville.
My Lifestyle Max by Stacey Herbert. Her blog transports you to Bali, as you read about how she has to battle monkeys, and gives you great advice about getting through this thing called life.
My Time Matters by Vitaly Tennant. If you’re looking for a fascinating, off-beat blog, check out this one.
The Natural Networker by Janet Callaway. In this aptly-titled blog post, Janet advises how to make and keep connections online.
Sly Marketing by Jens Berget. Jens writes (in English) about marketing which, when translated from Norwegian, must mean “how to treat others.” Jens’ insightful advice makes you look at life in a different way.
Start Your Novel by JM Bell. Fiction writing is my first love and this blog truly inspires with advice on writing and powerful opening scenes.
Technically Speaking by Gary Braley. Gary takes even the most complicated tech and makes it interesting and understandable.
Thoughts on Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Motivation by Ashvini Kumar Saxena. I call Ashvini “The Professor” because reading his blog is like attending a business school class with your favorite professor. He’s a Kindle author and developer as well!
The Top 10 Blog by Tony Hastings. Leave yourself plenty of time when you visit this intriguing blog with top 10 lists on every topic you can imagine!
The Unofficial Blog of Stan Faryna by Stan Faryna. Stan’s powerful and haunting podcast series is so powerful, each episode will reside with you for a long time.
Bottom Line
Blogs are a great way to learn about a topic and engage with others. Try checking out the superb blogs on my Versatile Blogger list and discover some pure gems!
Have you discovered any amazing blogs lately? What are some of your favorite blogs? Let us know in the Comments section below!
* Image by Ryan Ozawa
** Image by Calvin Kim
todays message was fantastic Carolyn , i have to go back and read all the blogs you mentioned , because the few that i did look at were terrific , very inspiring
Hi rene, I’m so glad you enjoyed this article. You will really enjoy discovering these great blogs. You’re right, they are terrific.
Have a great weekend! 🙂
Thank you so much Carolyn,
I dig the car! You are a fascinating person so it doesn’t surprise me you were nominated by not just one, but THREE fabulous bloggers.
This was fabulous timing. I was in Deeone’s group of fifteen as well. The link in my comment luv has my acceptance blog.
Thanks a ton 🙂
Bryce
Hi Bryce, Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed your post, the awesome photo in the beginning and all that you shared of yourself. Sorry I haven’t left a comment yet, but I have a lot to say and wanted to take time to say it.
Congratulations on your awards! You richly deserve them. Your battles have given you a perspective that few people possess. Thank you for sharing your amazing blog with the world. 🙂
Thanks Carolyn,
This is your day, quit complimenting me 😉
The owners of my company skyped me from Italy today to ask me about that picture. They thought it was someone I knew. How much of a nerd am I? I had to break it to them that I got it from Flickr’s creative commons. They sounded disappointed after that.
Thanks again for the kind words you’ve shared with me today and always. I look forward to a bright future for both of us.
Bryce
Hey Bryce, I think those people in your picture would be fun to party with! You and Callie should get glasses like that and dress up like your “friends” for Halloween. That would be a blast! Send photos to your boss in Italy too. Sure-fire way to get a big promotion…
I’m a big fan of Flickr Creative Commons. That’s where a lot of Wonder of Tech photos come from. You have to do a lot of sifting, but it’s amazing what you can find on there.
A bright future would be great. I wish that for you too! Have a fantastic weekend. 🙂
Hi Carolyn,
Good blog about blogging! The number 10613 comes from a cooperative. When I was a child my mum was sick and so I did a lot of the shopping and virtually everything was bought from a cooperative that gave us 5% cashback into a bank account! I did have to quote a number every time I paid for something! I said ten six one three that many times; it’s imprinted on my mind! Frugal Food blog tomorrow! Try saying that when you’ve had a few drinks… 🙂
Hi Mike, So that’s where your magic number came from! I always wondered. Your doing the shopping at a young age probably trained you well for your frugal shopping.
Thanks for sharing all of your wisdom on many topics with your readers! 🙂
Carolyn, aloha. Love, love, love the license plate. That should be mine, don’t you think?
Thanks for the introduction to so many bloggers I do not know. Look forward to exploring their blogs.
Best wishes for a fantastic weekend. Until later, aloha. Janet
P.S. Did you receive the message I sent you via your contact form yesterday?
Hi Janet, I had a feeling you would love the license plate! I almost put in the caption (“not Janet’s plate”), but then again, I wasn’t 100% sure it wasn’t! Yes, I chose that picture in your honor. 🙂
Yes, I was very flattered to receive your message. I look forward to giving it the attention it deserves this weekend!
Have a great one.
Carolyn, aloha. Just realized I neglected to thank you for including me in your list. Hopefully, discovering my blog will delight your readers as has discovering yours delighted me. Aloha. Janet
Mahalo, Janet. I am very excited for Wonder of Tech readers who are about to discover these amazing blogs! Congratulations on your well-deserved award! 🙂
Thank you for this article Carolyn. Most importantly congrats on the Versatile Blogger Award!
It’s always nice to learn something new/interesting about a fellow blogging friend.
I’m so honored that you have included me in your list … and I’m definitely gonna have to check out the rest of the blogs that I haven’t already done so.
Hi Vitaly, Congratulations on the award! You know some of the bloggers I mentioned, but you should enjoy discovering some of the other interesting blogs I included.
Have a great weekend! 🙂
Big hug to you Carolyn.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
It’s encouraging to see my blog on your list. And I was just thinking today, what new blogs should I check out. I’ll stick to your list.
I regard your recommendations highly.
W00t!
Hi Stan, You know many of the blogs I listed, but there are some others I’m sure will be new to you.
I get so excited when I find great new blogs, so I hope you find some that you enjoy.
Congratulations! 🙂
Thank you, Carolyn — of all the community-building ideas out there, this is one of the best.
Will start working on my own ‘versatile blogger award’ post straight away.
Hi Bell, No obligation to continue this award, but I agree it’s a lot of fun to introduce new blogs to your readers.
Congratulations! 🙂
Glad you are passing the torch to other bloggers Carolyn, great post. It’s funny how worried your family was about how you might be treated which it’s actually been just the opposite. Aren’t we excited about that!
I’m so very thrilled that you and I crossed paths through the blogging community. Like you, I had no idea how open everyone would be and how much fun I would have just connecting with others.
Thank you for that mention and for sharing more with us about you. You drive a Ford? Huh!!! Okay, I still like you anyway. LOL!!! 🙂
I know you’ve traveled a lot and lived a lot of places. I bet that was a pretty neat experience.
Will have to check out the blogs I’m not familiar with. Great list, that I can see and I’m sure they are all very worth of being recognized.
Thank you again Carolyn and hope you are enjoying your day!
Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, Thank you very much for recognizing me with your award and congratulations to you for receiving the award from several other bloggers.
In case any Wonder of Tech readers haven’t discovered your awesome blog yet, I highly suggest they check it out pronto! Adrienne is one of my favorite tech bloggers. Her posts are regularly featured on Zite in the tech section.
I love my Ford Flex! It’s a truly awesome car.
I have been very fortunate to connect with amazing people through the blogging community, including you! I know not everyone out there is kind and my day with flamers will probably come. But I also know when flamers strike, the blogging community rallies with incredible support.
Adrienne, I hope your weekend with your mom is fantastic! 🙂
Hi Carolyn,
Thank you so much. I was just going to bed after traveling all day. But, as soon as I discovered this, I just had to come by and say THANK YOU.
You love traveling, ah, so do I 🙂
What’s your favorite country so far?
Talk to you soon.
Jens
Hi Jens, Yes, I love traveling. While I lived in Europe, I traveled as much as possible. It’s amazing the places you can go in a weekend.
My favorite country? The USA. 🙂
I knew that you would say the USA 🙂
It’s been a while since I’ve been there, but I have to go back sometime soon. What’s your favorite city in the US?
I need to start planning my vacation early 🙂
Hi Jens, I’m so glad you would consider coming back to the US for vacation. My big question to you is whether you would be visiting in the Winter (I’m thinking you probably have some vacation time you need to use up) or the Summer. If you’re visiting during the Winter, you should probably head to Florida and give Bill Dorman a visit in Tampa. Sunshine, beaches, Disney for your kids.
If you’re visiting during the Summer, I suggest that you head to the Northeast. You can visit cities including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC via train (my favorite way to travel). and save the hassle and expense of renting a car. These cities are close to each other and have plenty of sites to visit.
I completely agree with you. The best remedy for end of vacation blues is to plan the next vacation! 😉
Hi, Carolyn! Congratulations on winning the Versatile Blogger Award! Great work!!
A lot of people are confused about the differences between blogs and other types of websites. So, I love your post and explanation of blogs.
Thank you so much for adding me to your list. I feel so honored! Sorry, I meant to stop by yesterday to congratulate and thank you, but I was a little under the weather. I’ll have to check out some of the others you’ve listed here. It’s wonderful learning about new bloggers.
You are definitely so deserving! Thank you for sharing your knowledge about technology with us.
Take care and congrats again!!!
Allyson
Hi Allyson, Congratulations on your award! I love your blog, it’s a constant source of helpful information.
I’m sorry you have been under the weather. I hope this weekend is an opportunity for you to take time to relax and feel better.
Have fun checking out these other amazing blogs! The fourteen other blogs I named and the three who gave me the award are all A+ blogs. 🙂
Oh, thank you so much, Carolyn!
You’re very welcome, Allyson! 🙂
Good idea not to show the Ferrari; probably wouldn’t sit well with the tech-green crowd.
I’m glad you were able to have some fun with this as I did. Somebody I hadn’t heard from in awhile tweeted me a congrats yesterday about mine; I thought it was kind of cool.
My oldest son the attorney has always ‘tested’ well. When he took the Fla Bar he really had his doubts whether he passed it or not. Fortunately he passed both parts but if he struggled with it, I’m sure it is no easy task and if you passed 2 of them that is quite the accomplishment; right up there with the Versatile Blogger Award…………:).
When I started my blog I was warned by my friends I would makes lots of money and thankfully I have been able to prove them wrong so far…………
You have some great people on your list and I know a handful of them so I’m sure the others are worthy as well. I spent some time checking out new bloggers yesterday and found some amazing posts; I expect the same kind of amazement when I check your list out too.
I hope you have a great day, thanks for sharing this.
Hey Bill, Good thing I didn’t win that Ferrari, not nearly as handy for the carpools as my Flex. Carpool compatibility is my #1 concern these days, well maybe #2 after the 0-60 acceleration. And we all know the Flex blows away the Ferrari with those stats.
The Florida Bar was a bear. The first question was a one hour essay question on Florida Constitutional Law. I had no clue whatsoever, in spite of taking bar review classes for months. Those who went to Florida law schools thought that question was easy. I was 100% sure I failed. I don’t know how I passed, but I never had to deal with Florida Consititutional Law in my practice, so all was good. That’s great that your son passed too, it’s a tough exam.
Thank you very much for awarding me the Versatile Blogger Award. You will definitely discover amazing posts with my list of blogs. Though be careful about leaving comments. There aren’t any more hours in the day for you to respond to comments on your blog. I’m thinking if you charged people $1 to comment, you could buy another Ferrari.
Enjoy your weekend, Bill! 🙂
Thank for for the linky love! ^___^
Lincoln, your blog is a treat. Even the titles are fascinating. Congratulations on your richly deserved award!
Hope you’re having a fabulous weekend. 🙂
Hi Carolyn,
I always get the same response when I tell people that I work online.lol I sometimes wonder why there are a lot of people who doesn’t know about online jobs and businesses when the internet almost reaches every corner of the world. Anyway, you don’t seem to be just a versatile blogger but more like a versatile woman. 🙂
Hi Ira, Welcome back! Yes, sometimes those of us who work online don’t realize there are plenty of people in the real world who are unfamiliar with all that goes on in the online world.
Thank you very much for your kind words, Ira. It’s great to see you back at The Wonder of Tech! 😀
Hi Carolyn,
I’ve been checking out the blogs you recommended. A few of them I’ve visited before and liked a lot. I enjoyed listening to The Blue Danube waltz from Stan Faryna’s blog.
I like visiting blogs especially those that focus on personal development, personal finance, and blogging tips. I learn a lot and discover more great blogs through them. I found you through Ana Hoffman, by the way.
Thanks for sharing the links and congrats on your award. Have a nice day!
Hi Theresa, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I am so glad you found me through Ana’s amazing blog. Ana gives great blogging advice on her blog.
I suggest that you go a little further back in Stan’s blog to explore his podcast series that ended recently. You will really enjoy those as well. I hope you enjoy the blogs you discover though this post.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a great comment here! 🙂
you give your hard work to explain about blog…i like your post
Hi Suraj, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I am very glad you enjoyed this post. Thank you for your kind words. 🙂
Hi Carolyn,
The list of resources you mentioned are very useful! I’m actually a newbie blogger who is researching some good bright ideas for my niche and I stumbled to your blog. I read a few post and I was really amazed by the lessons I learned in just a few hours. I will hop on the list soon, thanks a lot!
Hi Esmael, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Congratulations on being a newbie blogger. I wish you much success with your writing. Definitely check out the listed blogs. They have many different styles, but all are quality blogs. Also check out Adrienne’s, Bill’s and Deeone’s blogs as they are shining examples of what to do right.
No doubt a wonderful post. Nice to see Ashvini & other bloggers featured in this post. Will go through all the blogs. 🙂
Saksham
Hi Saksham, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech. You’re right, Ashvini is amazing, as are the other bloggers listed. There is a lot of talent in the blogging community!
Hi Carolyn,
Saksham is a great friend. He was contirbutor as tester to the plugin that I developed. Also at very young age he has acquired excellent knowledge .
Hi Ashvini, I greatly appreciate your sending your friends over to The Wonder of Tech. Thank you, that means a lot. 🙂
Carolyn Just one word to say about U. Out Of Box Thinking . This kind of post really helps for better blogs exposure . Seriously I just know ashvini’s Blog. Remain are new to me . Thanks for the list 🙂 between you can check my blog too its softwarebuzzer.com/
Hi Suresh, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I am delighted to be able to spread the word about wonderful tech, including amazing blogs like those on my list.
Thanks for visiting The Wonder of Tech. I hope you can stop by again. 🙂
Hi Carolyn,
I am really happy to get this recognition from you and really kind words about me 🙂
There are so many fascinating blogs all around the blogosphere and I am really happy to part of it. There is so much to learn from them.
I am really thinking that it is great achievement that you have never failed driving test. I think in the western countries it is one of the toughest exams.
Also it is great to know that you have lived outside your home country a lot. It is great to know about other places and countries.
Thanks again for such a favor.
Have a great day 🙂
Hi Ashvini, Congratulations on your award. You richly deserve it!
The British driving test was very difficult, but passing it made me a better driver. I’m glad the tests are tough, it makes for safer roads!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving an awesome comment, Ashvini! 🙂
Carolyn,
First Congratulations for your versatile blogger award.
Wonderful article and very nicely classified the things. The great thing I like at your most postings would be, narrating the subject matter at very simple way.
Truly speaking, Its great art and I am trying as much I can. Most entry level technical readers love to read if you opt that approach. You are well deserve for the award.
Thanks for sharing the post.
Wow, Manickam, thank you for your kind words. You are so right, it’s important to write clearly on any topic, but I think tech especially because it’s so easy to lose people by using tech terms. I try to stay away from “Geek Speak” here and use plain English, but I also love when Wonder of Tech readers ask questions when they don’t understand something.
I appreciate you stopping by and leaving such a nice comment, Manickam! 🙂
Thanks for the lists of blogs. I’m new to blogging and loving it (feel like I’ve discovered a new world) – great to see some other blogs to give me more inspiration.
Hi Amy, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! The list of blogs is fantastic. I hope you enjoy reading them and get inspiration for your blog! Good luck with your blog. 🙂