why blog?

It's been a busy week as I've been scrambling to ingest as much information as possible about environmentally-conscious printing (see previous post). I've talked to several experts already and have a few phone appointments set for next week to speak with others. I also received some samples of prints using soy-based ink and truly, there is no difference between this and petroleum-based ink. It's a fascinating subject, anyway.

Just got Debbie Weil's ezine delivered to my inbox. She's got a link to several great articles about business blogging, but one in particular caught my interest: "Why advertising, marketing and PR pros should blog" by Bob Cargill. See for youself why blogging is the next big thing for marketing businesses. What he says is true. Blogs are an excellent way to communicate with folks, they're inexpensive, humanizing, and infectious. And once you get into it, they're fun! Why not give it a try?

green is the color of money and...

I'm currently buried in research for an article project about "green" printing...that is, environmentally-friendly printing practices in the design/print industry. What a fascinating topic! I've found several great websites on the subject:

http://www.soyink.com
http://www.conservatree.com
http://www.paperspecs.com

And these are just a few. I've got several experts to call this week who will undoubtedly provide additional insight into (and passion, I'm sure) the subject.

Some of the info I'm uncovering is scary. Who'd've thought that cancer or birth defects may be caused by deinking processes? Who knew that the food chain may be contaminated by waste from paper bleaching routines?

That's what I love about being a writer. You learn new stuff every day. Some of it may be unpleasant, but almost all of it is useful in some way.

major website update

My business website is now updated. New design, new content, new writing samples, the works. Check it out!

january news

You know what I love about working from home? The flexible schedule.

I was very productive last night since I simply couldn't fall asleep (should have known better than to drink two cups of coffee after 8 p.m.). So I stayed up until 4:30 a.m. working on one of the two newsletters due out this week. I finished it this morning, after waking up at 9:30 a.m. Too early to start the day considering the night's duration, but I couldn't help it. Too many things were running through my mind. All related to my 2005 writing goals, of course.

Anyway, my Ezine, WriteTips, is complete and it's been sent to subscribers' inboxes. Hope you enjoy the issue! And if you haven't subscribed yet, you can do so here.

The new website, by the way, is just about ready to be launched. Check back in a week or so and the new design should be posted!

Other news: I have been continuing to cruise the web in search of notable blogs. Here are a couple of finds:

Michael Cage's Local Small Business Marketing

Marketing Secret's by John Reese

Check 'em out and enjoy!