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BLOG-O-RAMA
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JAYPEE'S ONLINE, SINCE 2000

By Annalyn S. Jusay (now blogging at www.annalyn.net)

John Philip (Jaypee) Habaradas was one of the earliest to be bitten by the blogging bug, even before it bit everyone. This Management Information Systems graduate of the University of St. La Salle Bacolod started toying with web pages via free web hosts like Geocities. He recalls: " I had my first blog in Blogger.com with which I used the domain Jaypeeonline.tk for a couple of years. Then I found Wordpress, got the best free webhost IGB.net and finally got my own domain, JaypeeOnline.net from GoDaddy last June of 2006." His self-titled blog is where he talks about personal events and stuff that interest him such as his baby, gadgets, sports and other info found while surfing the Net. For this twentysomething lad, the love for blogging is something he will take with him wherever he goes, even now when he is far from his homeland and halfway across the world - in southern California with his family. More in the following interview:

Q. Can you give us a  little background about how and when you started to blog.

A. Before blogging, I created my personal website out of curiousity and boredom. I first learned about HTML while trying to customize my page in AsianAvenue. I learned more about web design and development in one of my classes in college. From there, I developed my skills through trial and error, reading articles and tutorials on the web and asking the help of friends.

I started blogging July of 2002 when I opened an account with Blogger.com. I created my own template using Macromedia Dreamweaver and Adobe Photoshop and embedded the blog into my personal webpage. I had it hosted with a free webhost. After a year or two of blogging, I found out about Wordpress and it's what I've been using ever since.

Q. What do you like about blogging as an activity?

A. For me, it is an avenue of self expression, a way of releasing stress and also keeping myself from being bored. I like blogging because I can share my ideas, opinions and new information with my readers. Aside from that, I also get to improve my writing skills, vocabulary and grammar. I gain more knowledge through interaction with other bloggers.

Q. Please tell us something about your blog's design and the publishing system you're using. What makes WordPress tick, in your own opinion?

A. Right now, I am using a theme called Not So Fresh. Originally designed by Wolfgang Bartelme, ported to Wordpress by LEMONed and modified by Xsized. I've customized it here and there to make it a bit different from other blogs using the same theme. I still have to improve on my PHP and CSS skills before I can create my own theme. JaypeeOnline is powered by Wordpress.

For me, Wordpress works because it's stable, fast and because of it's strong and active community. Also, there are lots of free themes to choose from and plugins that you can use to add more functionality to your blog.

Q. What advice can you give others on getting started in blogging?

A. Before you start blogging, make sure that you already have chosen a specific topic. You can blog about your hobbies like photography, graphic design, cooking, etc. Having a specific topic in mind helps you to keep your blog posts in focus and consistent. Also, try to be unique. Be creative. With the millions of blogs out there, one thing that will draw new readers and keep the current ones, is your style of writing. Even if your topic is very common, your style of writing will make the difference whether the reader will choose your blog over another. If your readers like what they see, they will keep coming back for more. Make sure that you reply to your reader's comments.

Next, if you experience writer's block, don't panic. It happens to everybody. Relax. Try taking a short break by reading a book, jogging or watching TV. If that doesn't work for you, try visiting other blogs, read the entries and leave comments. That usually works for me. If an idea comes across your mind while you're not in front of the computer, make a mental note. Better yet, write it down or make a note on your cellphone, PDA or a small piece of paper.

Lastly, having your own web address or domain name helps you establish your identity. This is something that I regret not doing earlier. For web hosting, you don't necessarily have to pay for it. You can start with a Blogger or Wordpress.com account which are free. Once your blog is well established, then you can think about getting a paid web host.

Q. If you were given only one choice, who would you rather be: a famous blogger or an upstart blogger but making substantial moolah from blogging?

A. Hmm..good question. I'd choose to be famous and making lots of moolah! Hehe.. If substantial moolah means it's enough for me to quit my day job and support my family, I'd be happy being an upstart blogger.

Q.  What are your goals for your blog in the next two years?

A. First, would be to have a paid web host. Second, to have my own custom Wordpress theme/layout. If I can't create the theme myself, I'd hire someone to do it. Third, more readers and visitors.
 
(For comments and inquiries, email [email protected])

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