How to Explode Blog Traffic!!! - Published Monday, November 29, 2004 by The Coach

Rule #1. Write an article on "how to explode blog traffic !!!"
Rule #2. Read on

To be very frank there are quite a bit of so called tried and tested ways to increase you blog traffic, but these merely focus on increasing hits on your blog, but do not focus on the main reason why you want more traffic viz. to read what you write and keep coming back for more.
Sites such as Blogexplosion.com do deliver on their hits, but sadly most of these hits stay for a maximum of 30 secs only, after which they click on the next blog to increase their traffic.
That brings us back to the topic, What can really be done? Is there a way out? How do i make myself heard above the din?
Well, here are some tips for starters.
1. Write. Write stuff. Write stuff people like to read.Most often blogs end up being abused by people who think the world is waiting to know what happens to them every second (I don't deny them this right...they have it!), however the same thing can be presented in a way that forces the reader to continue reading. Simple check! read as though you didn't write it. Funny? worth posting? go ahead post.
2. Make friends.I don't mean going around shaking hands with people and expect a sudden spurt in your traffic, instead post reciprocal links on your blog. Yes people do read others links and if you are there, people will visit your blog. Its an easy way to piggyback on some good blogs.
3. Articles!!!!Take some of your posts, tweak them a bit, add a snazzy caption and Presto! you have your own article ready. Now take that article and post it all around you (on the net please....i don't expect people to walk around with faces stuck with paper muffling away....thish is smy aaarticle!). There are quite a list of websites that do this.
4. Check your Site title and description ( I think this should have come in second in order....lets just forget the order for now)Get a cool title something that makes people go, "oooohh thats hhhhhhooooootttttttt" (if not that much atleast.......a "i think this might be interesting"). And remember to give a matching description (the funnier the better). This will also help you get better results on search engines.
5. Submit to Blog Search engines.Most people search for blogs not on the major search engines, but on blog search engines. So make sure your blog has been submitted to these engines. The more the merrier. Search on google for blog search engines and submit your blog to all of these.
6. PHOTOS ROCK!!!!Face it, most people do search blogs to see something interesting and what best but a photo to give them a 24million color view of something. Yes photos rock, and they do bring in traffic. It kinda gives a coolness to your site. Its like wearing colors while everyone else is in uniform. Most blogging providers support photoblogging, but if you need a place to host photos photobucket.com is a place as good as any.
7. Get original ! Showing others content may bring people to your site, but it would not make them stay. all they would say is . ...."another smartass trying to keep his blog updated by somebody else's work". So keep the blog original with what you would like to say.
8. Publicize!!!I am not talking about banner exchanges ( not only do give free advertising on your site, you also have to put up with ugly graphics that can be out of place on your beautiful site.) Think up creative ways. Get a bumper sticker on your car, your boss's car, your company delivery truck...the works. Another easier option, get it on your company's email signature or atleast on yours.
9. Evangelize!!! No i am not a religious nut and i'm not expecting you to be one. Write stuff that would make people go on and talk about you without you threatening them or paying them. And refer to "the blog" in common discussions, parties etc.... wherever you find people.
10. Ok so you got so far.......on more important thing.Don't expect to find any of the above on my blog, the only reason being, i don't need to explode my blog traffic !!!!

<------- I admit I am a copycat.. so what? :)

Entry for December 09, 2005 (from my yahoo blog)

This was going around the net, and it really touched me when I read it, so I decided to include this "poem" in my blog. I didn't write it, but whoever did done a really good job. Since they took the time to write it, please take your time to read it. Lastly, please think about it the next time you're about to drive drunk.
Thank you.

DEATH OF AN INNOCENT

I went to a party, Mom, I remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink, Mom, so I drank soda instead.
I really felt proud inside, Mom, the way you said I would.
I didn't drink and drive, Mom, even though the others said I should.
I know I did the right thing, Mom, I know you are always right.
Now the party is finally ending, Mom, as everyone is driving out of sight.
As I got into my car, Mom, I knew I'd get home in one piece.
Because of the way you raised me, so responsible and sweet.
I started to drive away, Mom, but as I pulled out into the road,
the other car didn't see me, Mom, and hit me like a load.
As I lay there on the pavement, Mom, I hear the policeman say,
the other guy is drunk, Mom, and now I'm the one who will pay.
I'm lying here dying, Mom. I wish you'd get here soon.
How could this happen to me, Mom? My life just burst like a balloon.
There is blood all around me, Mom, and most of it is mine.
I hear the medic say, Mom, I'll die in a short time.
I just wanted to tell you, Mom, I swear I didn't drink.
It was the others, Mom. The others didn't think.
He was probably at the same party as I.
The only difference is, he drank and I will die.
Why do people drink, Mom? It can ruin your whole life.
I'm feeling sharp pains now. Pains just like a knife.
The guy who hit me is walking, Mom, and I don't think it's fair.
I'm lying here dying and all he can do is stare.
Tell my brother not to cry, Mom. Tell Daddy to be brave.
And when I go to heaven, Mom, put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave
Someone should have told him, Mom, not to drink and drive.
If only they had told him, Mom, I would still be alive.
My breath is getting shorter, Mom. I'm becoming very scared.
Please don't cry for me, Mom. When I needed you, you were always there.
I have one last question, Mom, before I say good bye.
I didn't drink and drive, so why am I the one to die?

Entry for December 03, 2005 (from my yahoo blog)

My CLASSMATES

I received a call yesterday... from an old classmate of mine.
I have never met him so far since I left school for more than ___ years. (fill in the blank yourself)
He has organised a mini party at a rented hall yesterday evening and had invited all his ex-schoolmates and classmates for this gathering.... I am one of the last few being invited.
Besides inviting his classmates and schoolmates, he has also invited some other friends in the same town (whom also I know, such as Alice Chan) for this party.
It was a splendid party yesterday evening and I was really quite touched to see so many old friends and classmates again.
We spent alot of time talking, joking, gossiping, drinking and even some started to dance when the music starts.
The party ends about midnight but nobody wants to leave. In fact, most of us stay until 2 to 3am until we are exhausted and tired.
It was a great evening and I really wish we could organise this kind of party every year ... no matter how old we are.

Entry for November 30, 2005 (from my yahoo blog)

My "V" SIGN

If you have known me long enough... or if you have been observing me in person...... you would have found out that I like to pose a "V" handsign in front of the camera.
Alot of people have been asking me what this "V" handsign really mean and why did I do that?
I usually replied as follows :-

a) V stands for victory,
b) V Is a symbol for fun, peace and loving

But that's not the main reason why I am doing that.... I am not so noble......

Actually, I have been doing that since very young...
During my childhood days, I used to stick out my tongue and pose "V" sign in front of any mirror that I come across. Sometimes, I even made faces and that handsign when I happen to look at my reflection on the water in the pail during showering.
It gradually becomes habitual as I grow old and I couldnt help doing that now when I pose in front of a camera.
Perhaps you may say I am acting cute.... Perhaps I still feel young at heart...and perhaps all I want is to be a child again...
Nevertheless, this strange habit of mine has somehow influenced my closer friends and colleagues. They began to follow my example and use "V" handsign when we take photo together...

Perhaps I should ask them for some patent fee next time.. Should I?

Entry for November 27, 2005 (from my yahoo blog)

My FAVORITE CHAIR

I love this sofa chair.... it is older than me... much much older.
I was told the base and legs of this chair is made of teakwood and weigh heavier than a color tv set.
It has already served a few masters and now it is serving my boss patiently in the office, after he bought it from an antique shop 2 years ago.
Though the appearance of this chair does not suit the outlook of a modern office, it has somehow lifted the classy image of our company and attention of visitors who walked in.
Sometimes I do wonder if this chair has ever installed a numeric counter to measure the number of people that has sat on it, what number would I be having...
Nevertheless, I have often dozed off and had a lot of short naps on this chair during the breaks and my overtime in the office.
As I always told my colleagues, its comfort and realiabilty is second to none.

Entry backdated to November 22, 2005 (from my yahoo blog)

My SECRET LOVE AFFAIR

I have a secret affair for many years...
I know this person for almost 5 years (let's address this person as "A").
"A" is a nice, warm and friendly person. In fact, it seems to me that "A" has never badmouthed or quarrel with any person before.
"A" owns a small western restaurant near my working place since we came to know each other and have then become good friends.
Due to "A" warm hospitality, I am one of the few previleged friends that enjoy great foods and discounts in the restaurant. Many a times, I am also the last person to leave the place before they closed for the night.
Sometimes when I am moody or would like to look for a person to talk to, "A" would likely the first person that I look for to pour my sorrows and my thoughts. This is because I know "A" is a person that I can confide to and will not disclose whatever we have spoken.
As such, it would usually end up that I will stay overnight at "A"'s small but very cosy apartment.
One of my biggest enjoyment is to shower together with "A" and we always have great fun teasing each other in the bathroom. Besides sharing the same bed, we also have frequent pillow fights until we exhaust ourselves fully.
However, I have never introduced "A" to any of my family member or my other friends yet. This is because "A" is a shy person and feel that we should keep our affair secret. And so far, I do not mind as I also enjoy sharing this little secrecy with "A" by hiding our intimate relationships from my family, colleagues and friends.
But after 5 years of our intimate affair, I think this is unfair to my dear friend "A",... I should feel honored and my pleasure to let everyone know who are you, and how much I like you. And I feel the time is ripe now.
Hence, I am going to announce the identity of "A" today, despite your violent objection last night.......... :-P

["A" is Alice Chan, a well known lady boss of a western food restaurant in my town.. and no, we are not lesbian]
GOTCHA!

Entry backdated to November 19, 2005 (from my yahoo blog)

<--- this is a fake pic that my yahoo friend had specially helped by putting my pic together with Keano. He has really done a very good job! Thank you.

On THE NIGHT OF 18 NOVEMBER 2005
it was a very sad day to me.

My favorite soccer player, Roy Keane aka Keano, has quitted my beloved soccer team, Manchester United... suddenly

I still recall I heard this news on the radio at night on my way back in a taxi and this cabby was commenting about Keano deserving the sack as he had condemned his teammates in public few weeks ago. But I do not agree with him.

I told him that Keano is an inspirational captain and has all the rights to criticise his players when they are not performing to their required standards.

I also do not agree Fergie has sacked him because of that public outburst on his teammates. I told him this is not Keano's first public outburst and Fergie should have known and accepted his captain's fiery temper as well as outspoken personality many years ago.

After my little "outburst" with the cabby, I suddenly noticed that he has a big scarf with a blue Chelsea FC Logo hanging at the rear dashboard of the vehicle. Oops, I am actually sitting in a taxi driven by Chelsea Fan (in case you don't know Man Utd has just beaten Chelsea last week and end its longest winning run in their football history).

In fact, I couldn't help wondering whether this cabby will take revenge by alighting me in some deserted cemeteries after my "public" outburst on him. :-P

Fortunately, the cabby sent me to my home punctually.

Before he drove off, he told me that he is very impressed by my football knowledges while respecting my unselfish and unbiased support on Keano.

We exchanged our contacts and I started having some mixed feelings; I have gained a new friend (Choy) but lost my favorite captain (Keano) on this very starry night

Entry backdated to November 19, 2005 (from my yahoo blog)

Now, THE GOOD NEWS
Just came across this piece of good news today, something that we should have long ago.

Anyway, it is better late than never, isn't it?

Companies required to form sexual harassment committee
Hamidah Atan

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 19:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Employers and trade unionists agreed today that the time h ad come for sexual harassment committees in companies.
This means that those alleged to have committed offences of a sexual nature would appear before the panels.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn said the issue of such panels would be incorporated into the Employment Act.

The proposed amendments are expected to be tabled in Parliament next month.

"There was a consensus that all private companies establish sexual harassment committees," he told reporters after the National Labour Advisory Council meeting at his ministry here today.

Entry backdated to November 17, 2005 (from my yahoo blog)

Terrible NEWS
What has our world turn into? Who would want to hurt a nurse who spent most of her time taking care of patient?

After few incidents of assaults, why is KLH's security still so poor? Who would dare to stay in KLH in future? Not me definitely...

Why would the attacker oiled his body and blackened his face? Is this related to black magic?

So many questions left unanswered.



KLH nurse raped by 'oily' man
By Devinder Singh and Jassmine Shadiqe

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A man who blackened his face and oiled his body raped a nurse at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital nurses' dormitory today.
The man, believed to be in his 30s, broke into the 36-year-old nurse's room, which she shared with other nurses, at 2am and woke her.

He threatened her with a knife and warned her not to make a sound. He then bound her hands with rope and gagged her before taking her to the top of the three- storey building to rape her.

He left the nurse naked near a water tank and fled.

City deputy CID chief Assistant Commissioner Ramli Din said the nurse was found by a security guard three hours later.

The nurse, from Negri Sembilan, also suffered injuries on her wrists and has been warded at the hospital.

On July 1, a seven-month pregnant doctor was assaulted at KLH after a man broke into the doctors' call room where she was sleeping. The thief, who startled the doctor when attempting to steal her valuables, pulled her hair and punched her face in the 7.30am incident.

In March 2001, a drug addict allegedly raped a nurse at syringe-point at the hospital.

Blog Entry backdated to November 17, 2005 (from my yahoo blog)

My OFFICE

I have been working in this office for a year.
It is a place that I spend 8 hours a day, making things happen.
It is also a place that I am reluctant to go in the morning and unable to leave if I cannot finish my work.
However, I am quite fortunate to have a great boss and nice colleagues, and we are like a big family, having 1 single objective - to make this company as profitable as possible.
There is only one thing I dislike about my office. It looks dull and boring in appearance.
Maybe one day I shall suggest to my boss to repaint the whole office, apply rainbow colors on the walls and also adding pots of green plants at every little corner.
Maybe I shall volunteer and appoint myself as the Ministress of Office Environment today, with a fatter pay package.
Boss, what do you think?

Blog Entry backdated to November 16, 2005 (from my Yahoo Blog)

My "LAME" EXCUSE TO BUY EARRINGS

I love earrings.
They may be small and useless to some, but they have an important role to play.
Without them, no man will ever pay attention to a woman's ears.
Without them, my hair color becomes dull and like a dark sky without glittering stars.
Without them, all my expensive and classy clothings will look cheap.
So...guys, please pamper your girl by buying her a set of earrings today. OK?

Blog Entry backdated to November 15, 2005 (From my yahoo blog)

My PROMISE

I have made a promise to a friend today..
He had asked me to take a quick snap today to show him what I wore for work today
So I promised him without hesitation.
Due to this promise, I had a shorter lunch hour (quick bite) and then asked a colleague of mine to snap a pic of me at the street, even the background is not nice.

I have already kept my promise, and I also wish everyone here keep his/her.
Look back and think carefully, have you ignore any promise you made and ever disappointed your love ones?