Do You Squidoo? …Or Do You Blog? – Where To Do Your Online Writing | ErgonomicToolbox.com

Squidoo? Sounds Fishy To Me

Speaking of blogging…
I recently started writing articles on a site called Squidoo.
This is an interesting alternative to blogging, in that every article (or ‘lens’ as they call it) is a single page on a specific topic.
That’s it, no more, no less.

You can create and update as many lenses as you like for free and in fact, they positively encourage you to update old lenses.
One of the things I like about it is how the site automatically guides you towards making great posts.
While you are working on a lens, you get a green meter on the right hand side which lets you know what else you need to do.
This ranges from “Add an introduction”, or “add a photo/image”, to “Add 5 modules with great content”
A module is a short section within the page which can be as simple as some text with an optional picture, or as complex as a voting or comments section.
You can add all sorts of modules to each page including link lists, big pictures, and Amazon search results (either picked by you, or by them).

Common or Market…
Marty Snyderman
Buy This at Allposters.com

Just Putting Out Feelers: Looking For A Writing Alternative

I have been using it to post about things I like, but which don’t quite ‘fit’ into any of my blogs.
The thing I really like about it are the sense of community involved and the points system which appeals to the gamer in me.
Blog writing can be lonely, but Squidoo encourages you to read other people’s lenses, link to them and comment on them.
You can “squid like” someone’s lens and they will often like yours back or send you a message or a comment -nice!
And every time you do, you earn some points.

Points for Articles?

What You Could Win

Yep. You read it right.

When you do things on the site, you get points for it at varying rates.
For example, the first time you publish a lens, or squid like a lens, you’ll get some points; or when you hit certain milestones such as 5 or 10 lenses published.
I don’t know all the details of what gets you points and what doesn’t, but let me tell you that it can be very addictive, if you are so inclined!
If you’re not inclined that way and just want to write without any distractions, then don’t worry: you can turn off all those things.However, if you involve yourself in the community there do seem to be rewards.

They even interviewed me!
You can read all about it here: Introducing Tim Bader

I Have An Inkling: So Should You Squidoo Or Blog?

Well, as you can tell, I am now doing both.
I think blogs are great for posting a series of articles about things you find interesting.
Squidoo is great for creating pages about specific subjects close to your heart, and then building on them over time (if that’s what you want to do).
Blogs can also be used to build more of a “presence” for yourself in a particular niche on the web.
On the other hand, it’s ‘just you’ doing it; while Squidoo has a great, friendly community who will help you get up and running and there are all sorts of interesting topics there.

Blog vs Squidoo Conclusion:

Blogging and Squidoo certainly aren’t mutually exclusive and the added bonus is that you can refer people from one to the other.
I plan to write a lens about blogging, with some links back to my blogs, so everyone’s a winner!
If you are interested in Squidoo, then have a look at my lenses below and don’t forget to leave a comment if you like them!
Marvel Avengers Box Set
I Love Birds of Prey
Christmas 2012 whats on your amazon wish list
Why I Love Lord Of The Rings
Christmas Gifts For Your Teens
My Anti RSI Setup
Top 10 Xbox 360 Games Of All Time
Improve Your Handgrip Strength And Prevent Repetitive Strain Injury
Vertical Mouse Review
Evoluent Vertical Mouse Driver: How To Use It
War Of The Ring Board Game Review
How To Play War Of The Ring (Part 1)
How To Play War Of The Ring (Part 2)
How To Play War Of The Ring (Part 3)
Famous Five Titles That Never Were
How To Recharge Batteries
Garmin 2595 LMT Review – My First Satnav!
Top 5 Fiction Books For Boys
Pandemic Board Game Review
How To Play Pandemic
How To Avoid Halloween
Richard The Lionheart – Quintessential King Of England?
Lord of the Rings Cooperative Board Game Review
Star Trek Into Darkness – Love It Or Hate It?
How Seven Samurai Taught Me About Honour, Loyalty And Poverty
Batman Arkham City Review – Best Game Ever
God’s Undertaker Book Review
Batman Arkham Origins Review
How To Count To 12 On One Hand
How To Make Chicken Stir Fry
Aladdin Disney Movie Review
Dredd 3D Movie Review

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