Recently, a little bit of a hoo haa occurred when Infektia and John Cow removed their entrecards. Whilst it’s there blog and I fully respect their decision (unlike some other JC readers – “Why have you removed it? It’s sooooo unfair!” etc. At which point the earth left it’s orbit by the combined force of a million toys hitting it after being thrown from babies prams), I believe it has been useful for me, and could be useful still for them, if they take the following steps.
1. Participate and Comment On The Dropping Blog
Erica and Beth do it, as do countless more (they’re the only two that I can remember) – Beth even bought some advertising from me (horray!). Now, because of it, I’m now subscribed to both of those feeds, and try to comment when I have a chance. If you do join entrecard and are already a member, I encourage you to actually comment on the blogs. You’re more likely to get a response than dropping it like a bad habit here and there.
Of course, if you are to comment, don’t be an arse like Sam Freedom in this post on Beth’s meme.
2. Don’t Go For The Big Blogs
I bought advertising on Nate Whitehill Dot Com, and unfortunately it didn’t bring me one hit. This is a guy who has over 1000 subscribers. John Cow’s blog bought me a fair amount, but the best are littler blogs. They generally have the logo higher up the page, and are more appreciative and receptive to comments. Target them.
3. Learn From Your Mistakes
I know which blogs do and do not bring me traffic. I did keep a list but now they’ve added a “Favourites” Link. What this does is save a list of blogs you like, your friends or just people you want to link to. Click here to favourite me.
Finally, to finish off, I’m going to do a meme that Beth did a while back.
The Great (Modified) Entrecard Meme
1. Read these instructions twice;
2. Drop your EntreCard at this site.
3. Drop your EntreCard at the 5 EntreCard users’ sites listed below.
4. Choose 5 other EntreCard users.
5. Copy these instructions to your own Entrecard meme article and tag (link) those 5 people.
6. Include a link to the Entrecard meme article of the person who tagged you.
7. Notify the people you choose that they’ve been tagged.
8. Comment below so even passers-by can drop their card at your site, too (it shows you are active and will likely return the favor).
9. (optional) IF you tag your blogs, use both “entrecard” and “entrecard meme” as tags so that others can find them AND so that we can find them all later as this grows. (If you don’t know what tagging is, don’t worry).
10. My addition to the meme: I encourage you to also comment on the blogs you drop EntreCards on and write recommendations- not only for my blog but others as well. This shows that you DO take the time to visit and read a little instead of becoming a chain dropper.
My Five Blogs
A Frog To Kiss – I will stop linking her to avoid wonderfully mature “euuurrrggghhh! You fancy a 34 year old!” comments from certain people. So that’s the last one. Single, and scarily observational that I’ve come to the conclusion that she actually has 10 eyes.
Five Blondes – I like five blondes: Stella, Becks, Kronie, Boddies and Brains SA Gold. This blog is a new blog, but a perfect example on how to launch a blog without pissing people off.
Mrs Sparrow – Infrequently updated, but very good. Mrs Sparrow first attracted me to her blog with her buxom wench of an entrecard.
FiddyP – Yeah he sponsors this blog, but how he finds time to blog is incredible. His blog is a mixture of personal stuff, tutorials, and ways to make money online. Unlike most “Make Money Online” Bloggers. He can actually do it, and not 12.
Alive – Sandra comments a bit on my blog, so she’ll get the last position. Very pretty personal blog and a big Within Temptation fan. What more could you like about that?
Comments: 10 Comments
Rhys Wynne, the author of this blog, is a 20 something web designer from Colwyn Bay. 
Don’t forget- I’m almost 35 so that means you fancy a middle-aged woman. But you know what they say about us… oh, if only the ocean wasn’t between us. Seriously- thank you for linking to my blog. If others would use EC as it should be used we’d all benefit. Too bad so many bloggers are selfish. As for advertising on bigger blogs? Yep, tried it. The smaller blogs have brought the most visits. The so called A-listers really believe they’re invincible and the sad truth is- so many look up to them when in reality, they could really give a rat’s ass about the actual person. As long as they have “numbers” it’s ok. So basically it’s screw content, (because so many of these blogs repeat the same crap over and over in posts), give me the numbers. That isn’t what blogging is about. How often do you see them respond to those commenting? Rarely. I always try- and if I have A LOT of comments I do one response directed at everyone. This is where us low-life bloggers differ- we actually care.
i hate how bloggers mention john cow and infektia yet I was the first to publicize about removing entrecard!
tag me, tag me, link my blog and tag meeeee.
I try to spend my online earning on sex drugs and rock and roll
( I had sex with a cheap prostitute whilst taking aspirin and listening to monkeys playing the drums)
ok ok, so it wasn’t that cheap. teehee
As a five year blogger, let me give you some advice: the guys who are the most popular get the most credit. It sucks, and I’m sorry…
I’ve been a member of EC for about two weeks now and am pretty pleased so far with the results. I’m trying to actually read most of the blogs and comment (when I have something to say) when I visit. I figure over the long haul that’s going to be the best approach for gaining readers.
Instead of envying the famous blogs, I think our energies should be spent in making our blog famous. The world salutes the rising sun……………….
My best response on an ad was one I purchased for 2ec.
I second what Beth said. All of it actually. I can’t even really add anything because she’s so right.
I’ve seen some stats from folks advertising on the big blogs and, you know, I feel bad for folks spending their EC credits there for so little return. I’ve advertised on mostly moderately low-level blogs and have never been disappointed. (And my subscriber count has officially quadrupled as of this writing).
By the way, I forced to read the Chow post. I notice that Saphrym has 73 readers now. Last week when Cow was throwing his tantrum Saphrym only had 24. His numbers tripled and he didn’t even have to bribe anyone to subscribe to him.
Wow.. thanks for linking to my blog! And yes… Within Temptation rocks
You sure you don’t like Five Blondes because they’re GOOD LOOKING five blondes?
Great write up, dude.