10 Questions with Sy of The Wheel is Turning, but the Hamster is Dead

1. Describe your blog in five sentences or less.
The site is a testament to a man who used to have a lot of time on his hands. It is a mash up of various types of posts, all dependent on what is going on in the world at the time. The site is universal, and I try to make it acceptable for the majority by not writing posts that may offend on purpose. I try to write in “plain” English rather then use crazily long words that make people think. The site is not about thinking, but is more about mindless escapism.

2. Link us to one post from your blog that best defines who you are.
It’s a Kind of Magic. Possibly of the Mushroom Kind.

3. What sets you apart from other bloggers?
I don’t think I can say I am set apart from other bloggers. I read many other blogs, and am astounded at the quality of the blogs out there that can post day after day. If anything, it is that I make a point of replying to every single comment, and try to strike up online friendships by email with my readers by actively encouraging them to contact me off of the site.

4. When and how did you first discover blogging?
I used to read a lot of IT news sites, and always “had something to say”, but humour was always my thing in life and decided in December 2007 to give it a go just after being burgled and wanting to vent about it. I put a humour angle on it, and the site went from there.

5. What is your biggest pet peeve related to blogging or the internet?
Having the time to create content people want to read, and having the time to get my site out there and get new readers. I have found promoting my blog a hard task as my home life has changed and the time I have to surf has decreased.

6. Name one plugin, blogging widget, or service that you can’t live without.
Stats. Be it Feedburner or Statcounter, it is important for me to know that people are reading my site. After all, I spend a lot of time writing posts, so it would be sad to know that no one is reading it.

7. If you could choose anyone, living or dead, to write a guest post for your blog, who would it be and why?
Ade Edmondson. A lot of people wouldn’t know of him, but he is a UK TV star. His comedy has me in tears and I would love to see what he could do on a post. If his posting skills are half as good as his acting and script writing, my site would benefit many times over, as would my readers.

8. How has blogging made you a better person?
I cannot say that it has made me a better person per say. If anything, it has made me painful to my wife in my constant attempts to write good humour posts and bugging her asking her if she thinks it is OK. Of course, she always says yes, but I think it is because she doesn’t want to hurt my feelings!

9. What are your tips for becoming a better blogger?
Do not become obsessed with stats. People will come if you get your name out there, and there is no such thing as a thousand hits a day 3 posts in to your blog! And cut down on the ads. Do you want to write a site, or do you want to make a lot of money? If it is the money, then you need to look elsewhere. I have no ads at all on my site. Enjoy writing your posts and do not let yourself turn in to the perfectionist. Trust me, it makes each post harder and harder!!

10. Name one great blog that you read on a regular basis. What makes it unique?
It’s a Funny Thing…
I love Don’s posts. The photo manipulation makes me incredibly jealous, while making me very happy that I found his site. He seems to have an abundance of posts available which makes visiting there a pleasure.

Categories: Humor, Personal, Ten Questions