31 January 2011
Another Simple Way to Get Online Work
Here's another simple way for online workers to get information on projects to bid on. It's so simple you'll pull your hair out for not doing it earlier. :
How? Twitter.
Just log in to Twitter, do a search on freelance jobs, work at home, online work, etc. etc. think up your keywords. Use specific words on what you do like wordpress design, etc.
After you have your search results, follow them all. I suggest prioritize freelance websites that post newest projects available, instead of individuals.
Wait a bit. And you'll have a running feed of gigs that need you.
While we're at it, please follow me on Twitter. I don't have a running feed of gigs, but hey, we can be friends :-)
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How? Twitter.
Just log in to Twitter, do a search on freelance jobs, work at home, online work, etc. etc. think up your keywords. Use specific words on what you do like wordpress design, etc.
After you have your search results, follow them all. I suggest prioritize freelance websites that post newest projects available, instead of individuals.
Wait a bit. And you'll have a running feed of gigs that need you.
While we're at it, please follow me on Twitter. I don't have a running feed of gigs, but hey, we can be friends :-)
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Subscribe to Online Filipino Worker - OFW Din!
30 January 2011
Blog Conference: Please Attend I-Blog7, April 1 and 2, 2011 at UP
Yay! iBlog 7 is now open for registration!
iBlog: The 7th Philippine Blogging Summit will be held this year on April 1 and 2 at the Malcolm Theater, Malcolm Hall, UP College of Law, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
Will update you on the program, agenda, etc. as we go along.
For now, register.
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Online Shopping on a Lazy Sunday
It's a nice Sunday morning.
Like many moms who want to snatch some quiet time before the household stirs, I open up my computer and do an online activity I don't usually have the time to do on any day: online shopping for stuff I intend to buy soon, or in a year or two.
Some moms I know who shop online during Sundays usually look for little knick knacks, clothes or gadgets. For me, online shopping would mean I will surf around for computers, cars and real estate. I like looking these things up once in a while, so I am updated on what are regular prices. Also, it all adds up in my head to help set some of my life goals. This way I can estimate when to get myself a house, a car, etc. considering current income.
One of the things that are clear to me are: I don't want to pay monthly for a spanking new, shiny car. So I'll settle for looking through 2nd hand cars I can pay for in one go, as long as it's reliable and sturdy. So today, I settle for one of the more reliable buy and sell Philippines websites.
Ooh, so many cars to choose from.... Just from the simple search, ayosdito.ph came up with this many cars for NCR alone. So yeah, this site is the go-to for cars.
I think I like this and will fit my budget:
Plus, this is a proven hardy and reliable car. So I wouldn't mind having one of these.
I've also been looking through the real estate section and some properties have already caught my attention already. Another one of my long-term plans is to live away from Metro Manila someday... and it's so easy to find real estate according to regions. I've already noted some communities I would want to settle in. Something to pen into my plans and fix in the next few....
As for computers, I haven't had the chance to look around... yet I've been hearing some shuffling upstairs signalling that my lazy reverie is about to end. I will just consult my computer buying guide first, and reserve my shopping-surfing for this next time.
Like many moms who want to snatch some quiet time before the household stirs, I open up my computer and do an online activity I don't usually have the time to do on any day: online shopping for stuff I intend to buy soon, or in a year or two.
Some moms I know who shop online during Sundays usually look for little knick knacks, clothes or gadgets. For me, online shopping would mean I will surf around for computers, cars and real estate. I like looking these things up once in a while, so I am updated on what are regular prices. Also, it all adds up in my head to help set some of my life goals. This way I can estimate when to get myself a house, a car, etc. considering current income.
One of the things that are clear to me are: I don't want to pay monthly for a spanking new, shiny car. So I'll settle for looking through 2nd hand cars I can pay for in one go, as long as it's reliable and sturdy. So today, I settle for one of the more reliable buy and sell Philippines websites.
Ooh, so many cars to choose from.... Just from the simple search, ayosdito.ph came up with this many cars for NCR alone. So yeah, this site is the go-to for cars.
I think I like this and will fit my budget:
Plus, this is a proven hardy and reliable car. So I wouldn't mind having one of these.
I've also been looking through the real estate section and some properties have already caught my attention already. Another one of my long-term plans is to live away from Metro Manila someday... and it's so easy to find real estate according to regions. I've already noted some communities I would want to settle in. Something to pen into my plans and fix in the next few....
As for computers, I haven't had the chance to look around... yet I've been hearing some shuffling upstairs signalling that my lazy reverie is about to end. I will just consult my computer buying guide first, and reserve my shopping-surfing for this next time.
27 January 2011
How to Write for the Web
My friend Reena of SEO Notes from a Newbie is thinking about attending a local seminar on writing for the web and she listed the names of the people giving the sessions - book writers, freelance writers, hobbyists, etk. At least the hobbyists were bloggers. I was quite amused because she has been writing, among other things, for REAL and OPERATIONAL web stores for two years now, and I wouldn't be surprised if Reena can teach these local experts a thing or two about web writing.
How to Write for the Web? (Read the details below.)
1. Don't write.
2. Write.
3. Edit.
4. Shut up.
5. Re-read and correct
I have been fortunate to be mentored by someone who knows his web marketing well. First thing he taught me is web readers read differently, so I shouldn't be too uptight about writing as I would for print. Then he recommended that I learn the ropes on web writing from usability guru Jakob Nielsen. BIG help. Might as well click that link than finish this article.
If you're not in the mood to learn the whole usable web writing school of thought yet, here is a short list of what I usually do when writing for a page.
1. Don't Write Yet
Sorry to disappoint you folks, but rein in those writing juices for now. To be effective and to save time and effort, my first recommendation is to THINK THINK, THINK. I have wasted many a time (even days) by writing immediately about a web page. After writing, I sit down and think about the page. Then I chuck the copy into the trash.Why? Because I was saying all the wrong things that didn't match why the page was needed in the first place.
What to think about before writing: Make your page useful!
2. Write
Don't expect to write your usual stuff the way you want it. Write in an inverted pyramid style, putting all the most important things first. AND make sure you answer the first bullet above. Put what your readers want to know right at the top, in the first or in the immediate second sentence. List your other important stuff. Now think about your readers. What will they want from you? Sorry folks, but that is all they are after, not your wonderful wit, not the innate awesomeness of your product. No. It's all about what's in it for them. Put these benefits for your reader either at the title, subtitle, first paragraph, or all at the same time. That is fine too.
If your tendency is to write an intro background to explain everything first, fine. For now. Write it.
3. Edit/ Slash/ Cross outBe brutal
If you're already satisfied with your copy, good. Now trim your piece. Be merciless. Fix the punctuation, spelling, grammar. Cross out all the other stuff you wrote that's making your copy too long. People don't like long blocks of text on the monitor. Alternate blocks of text with bullets, numbered articles, pictures.
Oh, that background intro you wrote? Cut that introductory paragraph with boring explanations, then put it at the bottom. Don't cry. Interested people will scroll down to find it. Those who aren't will be happy your first paragraph contains what they need.
Read the whole thing again. Sound better now, right?
Then, check again if your piece is talking about what your readers want.
4. Now highlight/ bold the items that people want to find out from your article.
Check again if your piece is talking about what your readers want. Kulit ba? But yes, that is what your piece should be all about.
Then shut up.
5. Close the article, bury the page/ article under sand for the longest time you can afford. Dig it out, re-read, do your corrections. Check again if your piece is talking about what your readers want.
If you got this far, congrats. Now click that Jakob Nielsen link I gave, and find out all you can about making reading easier for your viewers.
What else? Stories. People are hard-wired to pay attention to stories. If you have one, tell it.
***
As for how to write in a vibrant/ lively manner, that, my friend, is a different journey from person to person. Even JakobN couldn't help us out in that one. For now, just write and write and write. When you find your real voice becomes your voice as you write on paper (or the monitor), maybe that's when your articles become vibrant. So just write.
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Subscribe to Online Filipino Worker - OFW Din!
How to Write for the Web? (Read the details below.)
1. Don't write.
2. Write.
3. Edit.
4. Shut up.
5. Re-read and correct
I have been fortunate to be mentored by someone who knows his web marketing well. First thing he taught me is web readers read differently, so I shouldn't be too uptight about writing as I would for print. Then he recommended that I learn the ropes on web writing from usability guru Jakob Nielsen. BIG help. Might as well click that link than finish this article.
If you're not in the mood to learn the whole usable web writing school of thought yet, here is a short list of what I usually do when writing for a page.
1. Don't Write Yet
Sorry to disappoint you folks, but rein in those writing juices for now. To be effective and to save time and effort, my first recommendation is to THINK THINK, THINK. I have wasted many a time (even days) by writing immediately about a web page. After writing, I sit down and think about the page. Then I chuck the copy into the trash.Why? Because I was saying all the wrong things that didn't match why the page was needed in the first place.
What to think about before writing: Make your page useful!
- What is this page/ shoutout for (or the objective of that page, or tweet, etc.) ?
- Who will read this? What do they expect to see? What do they need?
2. Write
Don't expect to write your usual stuff the way you want it. Write in an inverted pyramid style, putting all the most important things first. AND make sure you answer the first bullet above. Put what your readers want to know right at the top, in the first or in the immediate second sentence. List your other important stuff. Now think about your readers. What will they want from you? Sorry folks, but that is all they are after, not your wonderful wit, not the innate awesomeness of your product. No. It's all about what's in it for them. Put these benefits for your reader either at the title, subtitle, first paragraph, or all at the same time. That is fine too.
If your tendency is to write an intro background to explain everything first, fine. For now. Write it.
3. Edit/ Slash/ Cross out
If you're already satisfied with your copy, good. Now trim your piece. Be merciless. Fix the punctuation, spelling, grammar. Cross out all the other stuff you wrote that's making your copy too long. People don't like long blocks of text on the monitor. Alternate blocks of text with bullets, numbered articles, pictures.
Oh, that background intro you wrote? Cut that introductory paragraph with boring explanations, then put it at the bottom. Don't cry. Interested people will scroll down to find it. Those who aren't will be happy your first paragraph contains what they need.
Read the whole thing again. Sound better now, right?
Then, check again if your piece is talking about what your readers want.
4. Now highlight/ bold the items that people want to find out from your article.
Check again if your piece is talking about what your readers want. Kulit ba? But yes, that is what your piece should be all about.
Then shut up.
5. Close the article, bury the page/ article under sand for the longest time you can afford. Dig it out, re-read, do your corrections. Check again if your piece is talking about what your readers want.
If you got this far, congrats. Now click that Jakob Nielsen link I gave, and find out all you can about making reading easier for your viewers.
What else? Stories. People are hard-wired to pay attention to stories. If you have one, tell it.
***
As for how to write in a vibrant/ lively manner, that, my friend, is a different journey from person to person. Even JakobN couldn't help us out in that one. For now, just write and write and write. When you find your real voice becomes your voice as you write on paper (or the monitor), maybe that's when your articles become vibrant. So just write.
Please subscribe for free online marketing tips, geeky funnies and Pinoy living info
Subscribe to Online Filipino Worker - OFW Din!
25 January 2011
Eric Schmidt passes Google's Guardianship to Larry Page
My favorite quote for the day, posted on Eric Schmidt's Twitter is "Day-to-day adult supervision no longer needed!"
This is any parent's goal, for their child to be autonomous. Eric's baby, Google, is obviously doing well and can be let go at this time. Google will be headed by Larry Page on April. Eric has done wonders raising this baby, so he will also be awarded $100M equity upon his exit as CEO.
I wonder if this comment was solely meant for Google, or for the young founders, as well?
Hehe, don't get me wrong. I'm about Larry's age but I really appreciate having an older, wiser colleague around. I am always amazed and appreciative of older colleagues insights, based on experience. (Btw, Eric is 55 years old, Larry is 37.) I'm glad the young founders then asked a wiser and older colleague to steer the Google ship. There are lots of startups founded by young people that are promising, but implode due to "youthful folly".
Anyhoo, I'm a parent too and my overall goal for my boys is to also exclaim one day, "Day-to-day adult supervision no longer needed!"
I wish that would also come with a $100M equity, though.
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This is any parent's goal, for their child to be autonomous. Eric's baby, Google, is obviously doing well and can be let go at this time. Google will be headed by Larry Page on April. Eric has done wonders raising this baby, so he will also be awarded $100M equity upon his exit as CEO.
I wonder if this comment was solely meant for Google, or for the young founders, as well?
Hehe, don't get me wrong. I'm about Larry's age but I really appreciate having an older, wiser colleague around. I am always amazed and appreciative of older colleagues insights, based on experience. (Btw, Eric is 55 years old, Larry is 37.) I'm glad the young founders then asked a wiser and older colleague to steer the Google ship. There are lots of startups founded by young people that are promising, but implode due to "youthful folly".
Anyhoo, I'm a parent too and my overall goal for my boys is to also exclaim one day, "Day-to-day adult supervision no longer needed!"
I wish that would also come with a $100M equity, though.
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23 January 2011
Review: CD-R King Products
Everyone I know has a love-hate relationship with CD-R King. Love or hate 'em: we all know one thing. We can't resist their accessories, doodads and whatnot. Online workers, especially, have lots of needs for PC accessories I am sure I am not the only online worker who turns to CD-R King for assistance.
Me, I love CD-R King. So far, from all the CD-R King stuff I have, only 1 product has not delivered. This is a (believe it or not) 128MB USB thumbdrive (muhahaha) and this was in the early days of CD-R king in the mid-2000s. The store was super new then.
Everything else, I have been lucky to get products that work well and very much a steal for the affordable price they give.
Like my CD-R King keyboard. I totally love it because the only keyboard I wanted to touch were Logitech keyboards. I like mammoth, hardy keyboards that feel like marshmallows to my pounding fingers. Such sweet love... so I wasn't sure I'd like the P140 keyboard I got from CD-R King. Surprisingly, my keyboard FELT GOOD to use, so I'm a happy gurl...
Through the years, I have amassed quite a bit of USB thumbdrives, and I'm satisfied.
What else have I gotten from CD-R King? Mice, an mp4 player or 2, printer ink, stickers, papers, cables, blue tooth dongles, headsets, a cam, one mic, etc. etc. etc. There are more I'm sure but I'm getting lazy to think.
I know some people have bought stuff from CD-R King and the items have gone wonky, but what can I say? CD-R King loves me and gives me products that work well, and I love it back.
So yeah, thumbs up. I find no diff buying branded items and similar items from CD-R King. I hope you get as lucky as me. :-))
If you do get to buy a windmill from CD-R King, tell me about it and I'll post it.
Disclaimer: This is MY opinion based on MY experience with lots of their items. If you are a CD-R King hater, you can rant here if you like but I definitely hold no responsibility for your experience with their items. I also have no contact with them because I don't know them, so fire away at your own discretion.
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Me, I love CD-R King. So far, from all the CD-R King stuff I have, only 1 product has not delivered. This is a (believe it or not) 128MB USB thumbdrive (muhahaha) and this was in the early days of CD-R king in the mid-2000s. The store was super new then.
Everything else, I have been lucky to get products that work well and very much a steal for the affordable price they give.
Like my CD-R King keyboard. I totally love it because the only keyboard I wanted to touch were Logitech keyboards. I like mammoth, hardy keyboards that feel like marshmallows to my pounding fingers. Such sweet love... so I wasn't sure I'd like the P140 keyboard I got from CD-R King. Surprisingly, my keyboard FELT GOOD to use, so I'm a happy gurl...
Through the years, I have amassed quite a bit of USB thumbdrives, and I'm satisfied.
What else have I gotten from CD-R King? Mice, an mp4 player or 2, printer ink, stickers, papers, cables, blue tooth dongles, headsets, a cam, one mic, etc. etc. etc. There are more I'm sure but I'm getting lazy to think.
I know some people have bought stuff from CD-R King and the items have gone wonky, but what can I say? CD-R King loves me and gives me products that work well, and I love it back.
So yeah, thumbs up. I find no diff buying branded items and similar items from CD-R King. I hope you get as lucky as me. :-))
If you do get to buy a windmill from CD-R King, tell me about it and I'll post it.
Disclaimer: This is MY opinion based on MY experience with lots of their items. If you are a CD-R King hater, you can rant here if you like but I definitely hold no responsibility for your experience with their items. I also have no contact with them because I don't know them, so fire away at your own discretion.
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11 January 2011
Sighted: Correct, Don't Delete, Erroneous Posts/ Shout-outs
Found this while reading around for work:
Scott Rosenberg on correcting Twitter news errors
I totally agree with this. Many people love to be intrigued at deleted or edited posts, wondering what the original text was.
So to set things straight and on the record, I agree that the next straightening post can be started with the word "CORRECTION : ..." Using the word erratum just like in traditional formal writing will need more explaining, your tweet capacity will be off before you even type the correct version of the story.
While we want online text to be error-free (thus the desire to edit the original text), readers give leeway for errors and are more forgiving of sincere apology and accountability.
Just try to be more careful next time, okay?
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Scott Rosenberg on correcting Twitter news errors
I totally agree with this. Many people love to be intrigued at deleted or edited posts, wondering what the original text was.
So to set things straight and on the record, I agree that the next straightening post can be started with the word "CORRECTION : ..." Using the word erratum just like in traditional formal writing will need more explaining, your tweet capacity will be off before you even type the correct version of the story.
While we want online text to be error-free (thus the desire to edit the original text), readers give leeway for errors and are more forgiving of sincere apology and accountability.
Just try to be more careful next time, okay?
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02 January 2011
Last Sunday of the holiday break. No office tomorrow, but I love that I am having a meeting with a colleague tomorrow re: online projects.
Having to report to an office part-time has somehow distracted me from my online work the past 2 months, so I am very enthusiastic for this "re-boot". I look forward to the exciting gigs and projects to attend to in 2011.
Yay!
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01 January 2011
Happy New Year from OFW Din
Happy new year! It was a great year for my online gigs, and I noticed our other online workers had a good roll this year as well.
Rock and Rowllllll, online workers. May you have more gigs and blissy family moments this 2011! :-))
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Rock and Rowllllll, online workers. May you have more gigs and blissy family moments this 2011! :-))
Please subscribe for free online marketing tips, geeky funnies and Pinoy living info
Subscribe to Online Filipino Worker - OFW Din!
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