FAQ: Blogging for Passion & Profit
Here you’ll find answers to all your burning questions about Blogging for Passion & Profit. And if you don’t see your questions/answers here, please email me at janeboursaw@gmail.com.
What is the e-course schedule?
WEEK ONE: Blog Basics. How to find your niche, name your blog, choose a blogging program, write attention-getting posts, use offline editors such as Live Writer, use tags and categories, and add audience-building links to your text. I’ve also set up a WordPress.org blog where students can log in, create posts, and just play around with things. Check it out: Jane’s Blog Sandbox
WEEK TWO: Images and Videos. Not all images and videos are created equal. Learn where to find great images and videos, how to size and make them Google-friendly, and the best off-line and online programs for working with images and videos.
WEEK THREE: Social Media. Confused about all the social media sites out there? Learn about the value and use of such sites as Live Journal, Twitter, Digg, StumbleUpon, MySpace, Facebook and more.
WEEK FOUR: Drawing Traffic and Creating Community. Does a blog really exist if you don’t have readers? No! Learn how to draw readers to your blog and create a community for them through polls, guest posts, comments and more.
WEEK FIVE: Contests & Giveaways. Contests and giveaways are a great way to drive traffic to your site. Learn how and where to find free giveaway items, write great contest posts, create contest rules, and promote your contests at various sites.
WEEK SIX: Finding Blogging Jobs and Monetizing Your Blog. Learn where to find great blogging jobs and how to determine which are best for your goals. I’ll also cover online advertising opportunities such as Amazon Associates, Google AdSense and other programs.
How much does the e-course cost?
Premium Version: $250. This version buys you six weeks of email support. I also offer a group-email option for Premium students, which lets you interact with me and other Premium students in a group email setting. You also get to play in Jane’s Blog Sandbox.
Basic Version: $150. No email support, but you’re welcome to upgrade to Premium at any time. I won’t leave you completely in the dark here. If a lesson seems confusing, please email me.
How do I sign up?
SIGN UP using the PayPal links on the right-hand sidebar of this site. You may also pay with a check drawn on a U.S. bank.
Jane Boursaw
12875 Bluff Rd.
Traverse City, MI 49686
U.S.A.
If I sign up for Basic, may I upgrade to Premium?
Yes, you’re welcome to upgrade to Premium at any time.
How do I access the lessons? Do I need special software?
The lessons are on password-protected web pages on the Blogging For Passion & Profit site. Every Monday, I’ll e-mail you the web address and password for the next lesson. Just click on the link to the lesson, fill in the password, and you’ll be taken to the next lesson. If for some reason you can’t access the online lessons, I’m happy to e-mail you the text version.
Do I have to be in a certain place at a certain time?
No. I send the lessons out every Monday morning or Sunday night. You can read them and do the assignments at your convenience.
Where do I send my questions or assignments?
Email them to janeboursaw@gmail.com.
How much time should I set aside for class work?
A good goal to shoot for is 6 to 8 hours a week, though the more time you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. I really want students to pepper me with questions, because everyone should end the class with a good understanding of blogging — and a good working blog, if that’s your goal.
What’s your teaching style?
I love helping people be successful, and I try to go above and beyond to make that happen. I’m chatty and down to earth. I try to explain things in clear ways, without a lot of jargon. And I always try to have as much fun as possible.
If I sign up for the Basic version of the course, does that mean I get no e-mail support at all?
Technically, there’s no e-mail support and no assignment critiques, but if you’re in the Basic course and you’re having problems with a certain assignment or it doesn’t make sense to you, let me know. I don’t want anyone to be in the dark (because it’s so much nicer in the light!).
What kinds of questions can I ask in the Premium version of the course?
Anything related to blogging and the course material.
Do you cover technical questions related to WordPress.org?
Yes, I’ll answer questions related to WordPress.org, such as css style sheets, setup, plugins, and other technical questions. If you trust me with your user name and password, I’ll even go in and tweak your style sheet and settings if you like.
What if I need to take time off during the course?
No problem. If you need to take some time off due to a crisis or (better yet!) vacation, I’m happy to extend the e-mail support for however long you were off so that you get the full six weeks of support. Just clear it with me first, to make sure I’m available.
I’ll be away when the course starts and would like to start a few days late. Is that okay?
Again, no problem. If you want to sign up after the course session has started, I’ll send you the lessons you missed as soon as I receive your payment, and then you’ll get the rest of the lessons on schedule.
Will there be any interaction with the other students in the course?
Premium students have the option of joining a group email, where they can interact with me and other students in a group email setting. It’s fun and lets you see my answers to others’ questions, and also see what others are doing with their blogs.
When will you answer my questions/critique my assignments?
I’ve set aside Monday, Thursday, and Saturday for class email, but I’ll try to get back to you in between those times, as well. You can send me your questions and assignments any time you like.
Do I have to turn in my assignments for critiquing?
No. You can do the assignments on your own if you wish.
At the end of the e-course, what will I have?
A good understanding of blogging and how to be a successful blogger. AND a good working blog, if that’s your goal.
Do you make a living blogging?
Most of my work is blogging, although I still do some straight freelance writing assignments for print and online publications. It’s good to diversify, so that you’re not counting on one or two gigs to pay the bills.
What are your credentials for teaching this course?
I’ve been a freelance writer for 25 years, and a blogger for 5 years. I’m a staff writer at AOL TV and Moviefone, and assistant editor at TV Squad. My movie blog is Film Gecko (a b5media blog), and I’ve also blogged for People and SoapNet. My articles have appeared in Family Circle, Woman’s Day, Ladies’ Home Journal, Fitness, USA Weekend, Christian Science Monitor, AARP, iVillage.com and many other print and online publications. My celebrity profiles have appeared in American Eagle Latitudes, Emmy magazine, Valley Life magazine and others. I also write a family movie column, Reel Life With Jane.
Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes. You have two weeks from the start date of the course to drop out and get a full refund. After two weeks, refunds are on a case-by-case basis.
I have a question that’s not answered here. What should I do?
Email me at janeboursaw@gmail.com.
And please tell your friends about Blogging for Passion & Profit. Feel free to guide them to this site or email me.
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