Ten Questions with Mark of MeAndMyDrum1. Describe your blog in five sentences or less.
So many people sit on the sidelines watching life pass them by; I used to be one of them. My blog allows me to deliver a message, whatever it may be. When things strike a chord with me, I focus that energy into writing something that will get others to think or to benefit them in some way. Not that I have “the answer”, but to bring a different perspective to something they may already be familiar with. Be it technology, politics, web sites, humor — I don’t want to nail it down to just one topic because it’s my way of contributing on a number of issues.

2. Link us to one post from your blog that best defines who you are.
5 Sympathies For The Devil Talk about striking a chord, this one really vibrates! I think this post helps define my more passionate side on things that affect us all.

3. What sets you apart from other bloggers?
I try to avoid becoming an echo chamber. I’ll leave it to the other blogs out there to talk about iPhone, Paris Hilton, Google Pagerank, or whatever. If I do write about this things, then I’ll work at finding a different angle on the topic, shed some light or bust through the hype.

4. When and how did you first discover blogging?
I started blogging in January 2005, when I started my blog about web safety. Before then, I never thought I’d do this thing called blogging. Up until then I thought blogs were only online journals for people to share with others. Well, of course, my thoughts have changed on that and have loved it ever since. So, being a technically-inclined creature, I started off with a web site about web safety. But I soon found myself yearning to have a more versatile platform, something I could use to easily deliver my thoughts in a more personal manner. After researching my choices, I landed on WordPress. After a couple of years of that, I then discovered that I had more to say and so started MeAndMyDrum.

5. What is your biggest pet peeve related to blogging or the internet?
People who can’t (or perhaps won’t) control their responses in a dignified manner. As I mentioned above, I’m an advocate for web safety. As such, I’ve written several posts about cyberbullying — a topic that really gets my blood boiling. The anonymity that comes with that act somehow causes people’s sense of courtesy to dissolve. So they feel free to lash out at others without the slightest bit of remorse. It’s not about not getting angry, just do it with control and respect.

6. Name one plugin, blogging widget, or service that you can’t live without.
Gosh, there are so many that I think are great. To choose one, that would have to be Akismet. It does a fine job keeping my comments virtually spam-free.

7. If you could choose anyone, living or dead, to write a guest post for your blog, who would it be and why?
Red Skelton, a comic genius. This is not a life-long dream of mine, having him write for my blog — just someone who came to mind just now. I’ve always thought of him as a gentle soul and funny. To me he represents simpler times, back when primetime television was really family time. He didn’t resort to foul language to get people to laugh, or indecent behavior like we see in so many comics today. No, he was pure funny. His was a time when family values meant something — something we desperately need today, on and off the television.

8. How has blogging made you a better person?
It has made me a better writer and thinker. A writer: not that the words now flow from me, but writing more frequently has definitely helped me organize my thoughts better and find my voice. A thinker: I ask myself more questions to get at what really matters to me, and to think how I can connect with readers. Blogging has also helped me come out of my shell a lot. I’m now more inclined to startup a conversation with people I meet in person and online.

9. What are your tips for becoming a better blogger?
It’s very tempting to copy other bloggers. In fact, if done sparingly, it can be a healthy way to learn something new or branch out into a different direction. But whatever you do, make it yours. Even with millions of other voices out there, there’s still room for one more that’s unique.

I can also suggest getting to know people and their blogs. Join and become active in a social community like MyBlogLog. That, to me, is a candy store of blogs just waiting to be discovered.

Lastly, read more about the things you enjoy and do so from many different sources. This tip alone has helped me discover what I think is important and worth sharing.

10. Name one great blog that you read on a regular basis. What makes it unique?
That would be Garry Conn’s blog. He speaks from his heart and does it with conviction. He’s not afraid to speak against the flow of things. And no matter the topic, no matter his position, he does so with respect and professionalism. (his blogging tips are good, too!)

For more information on Mark, be sure to read MeAndMyDrum - A Blog We Luv and Blog Spotlight - Darn Good Reviews. 

Categories: Blogging, Personal, Technology, Ten Questions