I’m going to admit something really cool about my job as an Editor for GalTime: I get to spend all day on the Internet and on Facebook! It’s all for the sake of work, of course, since my job requires that I keep up with the latest news and trends.
One thing I’ve certainly learned is that there are millions of interesting websites out there, and did you know that a bunch of them originate from right here in the Orlando-area? We have an active blogger community in Central Florida. I spent last weekend at a blogger conference hanging out with these smart, savvy people.
Now if you’re wondering, “What’s a blog?,” rest assured that you’re not the first to ask me that question.
What’s A Blog?
Check the dictionary and, yep, you’ll find the word “blog.” The word originated as “weblog”, but evolved into the now shortened version. It’s defined as a “web site on which an individual or group of users produces an ongoing narrative.” A blog is often written from a personal point of view and may cover a specific topic or simply serve as someone’s online journal or photo album.
Who Does It and Why?
Millions of people of all ages, races and walks of life blog. When the web was new, starting websites wasn’t as easy. Nowadays, it’s simple and cheap. There are free or inexpensive programs available that allow you to customize a template. Even those who aren’t all that tech savvy can easily get into blogging, and often end up being the best at it!
Jaclyn Fishman (pictured at left) has a writing degree and is studying baking at Le Cordon Bleu. She started her blog, food + words, as a way to combine those passions. “I started my blog in May of 2010 as sort of a personal recipe journal. When I first launched the site, I just thought of food + words as my little corner of the Internet where I could catalog my recipes and musings. I never would’ve imagined that thousands of people from all over the world would be visiting my website each month,” said Fishman.
Katie Jasiewicz has two blogs including, Sew Woodsy. She explained how she got her start, "Shortly after buying our first home we noticed how many projects we were doing, and wanted a way to document them. A blog was a perfect outlet. Plus it allowed us to share tutorials on how to do various projects inexpensively."
What Do They Blog About?
Most bloggers write about things they’re passionate about. For example, Rori Paul has a travel website, “At Rori Travels Florida we show you where to chill like it's 5 o'clock and rock when it's not. We love Florida and travel and want to share everything we can to help travelers get the most for their money and time, including the most wonderful memories."
In the Orlando-area, there are blogs that focus on travel, entertainment, fashion, food, parenting, fitness, our theme parks and much more.
Jen Yates has a very niche and really popular blog called, Cake Wrecks. On it she posts photos of professional cakes that have gone “horribly, hilariously wrong”. Her blog started with one funny photo. “I wasn't looking to become a professional blogger, though; it just seemed like a fun idea and something I wanted to try,” said Yates.
Jeanette Thwing is the force behind the popular blog, J’s Everyday Fashion. She explained her inspiration to me, “Although blogs are written by ‘everyday’ people I couldn't find a single fashion blogger I could relate to. I started my blog to prove that someone can be fashionable on a very small budget and without fancy photography.”
{see related story: cake wrecks: the local gal behind the hilarious blog}
What Keeps Them Motivated?
Most of the bloggers I talked to enjoy doing it, in large part, because of the feedback from their readers.
Meghann Anderson started Meals and Miles to document her weight loss. Anderson described one of the rewards of her website, “Whenever anyone tells me how much I've inspired them to start cooking better or to run their first 5k. Nothing beats the feeling of knowing you've inspired someone to start living healthier.” Carissa Bealert also has a fitness blog called, Fit 2 Flex. Bealert also said, “The best reward is just positive reader feedback. People saying they liked our healthy tip or started training for a 5k because we inspired them.”
Jasiewicz has a second blog called Katie’s Cucina. She said, “Having friends and family constantly referring to my blog--only cooking what show's up on Katie's Cucina. That's pretty flattering.”
Ben Reed, of Adventures With Ben, said, "I love meeting other travelers and helping new ones plan their next destination." Paul said, "I'm loving each and every moment, but I have also met some of the coolest, nicest, most interesting, and wonderful people." (Ben Reed pictured at right is podcasting with fellow travel blogger, Rori Paul, pictured on left - photo credit Professor Josh)
Can You Make Money Blogging?
Yes, some bloggers do, but it’s not easy and you won’t necessarily get rich at it. To be really successful, you have to be committed. Bloggers can earn money many different ways, but here are the two of the most common ways people get 'paid to post.’ One is by putting simple, automated banner ads on their blogs and earning cash as readers click on them. Another way is to take on sponsors, which are usually companies or products related to your site. For example, an outdoor adventure blog might get paid to promote a brand of hiking boots or camping gear.
Reed said dreams of financial rewards shouldn’t be the reason you start your blog. “Living off your blog takes years of development and work, and should never be the short-term goal. Inspire others, and everything else will come in due time,” said Reed.
Jen Yates is a blogger who’s found financial success. I asked her what the most unexpected result of starting her own website was. She told me, “The fact that I can now make a living at it, no question. Who knew goofy cakes could pay the bills? Or make me a published author? It's amazing. Crazy, ridiculous, and totally amazing.”
Anderson now works on Meals and Miles full time. Money’s important, but she also has another goal in mind. “To make a lasting impression. I want people to come to my blog, learn something from it, and remember that advice forever."
Bealert is studying to become a registered dietitian. In addition to helping people get healthy, she told me she hopes her blog might be a platform for her to start writing books. Fishman dreams of one day becoming a cookbook writer.
Thwing (pictured on left) also hopes her blog leads to big things, “I joke that I want to be the 'Rachael Ray' of fashion, but it's true. I want to change the face of media forever - with a show, book, magazine, the works - that addresses everyday fashion for women in a practical and uplifting way.”
Ben Reed has a big goal, too, “My ultimate goal is to have every person, in every country have a stamp in a passport.”
If you’re considering starting your own blog, go for it! What do you have to lose? My best advice for you is to find your niche and be passionate about it.
Here's a list of some Central Florida blogs that you should check out. There are many, many more. If I neglected yours, please let me know and I'll add you to the list.
Causes
Entertainment/Events
Fashion
Fitness
Food & Cooking
Misc Fun Stuff
Restaurants
Travel
Save 40% 
