Certified Blogaholic

As technology continues to develop, our way of living likewise moved in directions we never even imagined decades ago. The worldwide web has found a way to connect almost every human being in the planet which created possibilities and opportunities like never before. We can do everyday tasks from the comfort of our own home with just a computer and an internet connection. Since data transfer can be implemented from one end of the globe to the other almost instantaneously, communication, banking, and sales have changed face. And there is no turning back.

With the economic recession still hounding almost every progressive country in the world, many have found ways to adapt and survive with the help of technology. Businesses are looking for ways to lower cost and people have discovered a way to battle rising unemployment head on. If there are no jobs available locally, why not find one in other parts of the world? It is exactly this type of scenario that is making online jobs thrive. Though online job opportunities have been around for a while, no one considered it a viable and stable source of income years ago. The risk of getting duped or scammed was high and the opportunities available were mostly limited to those involved in web development or programming.

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This season’s American Idol just went weird tonight. Ryan Seacrest first placed Matt Giraud and Kris Allen on one side and Danny Gokey with Allison Iraheta on another. Then he asked Adam Lambert where he felt he belonged based on last night’s performance. Adam chose to be with Danny and Allison, but he made the wrong choice. Apparently, he belonged to Kris and Matt’s side which is the bottom 3. What?!!

Kris and Adam at the bottom 3 was way off. Of the 5 remaining contenders, it was Allison and Matt who were frequently at the bottom. Now, for the first time, Kris and Adam are down there. Simon did say Danny is a strong contender because of the sympathy factor. It would be a big disappointment if he wins over Adam who is the most original and consistent of all contenders — that is an objective opinion considering I really don’t enjoy rock music. Danny, on the other hand, remained stagnant all throughout. I have heard nothing amazing from him for weeks. As a matter of fact, I don’t even remember the songs that he sang. The most memorable for me were Adam’s Tracks of My Tears and Mad World. Kris was unforgettable in Ain’t No Sunshine.

Anyway, next week, it’s going to be rock and roll. If Simon is right, it could be Allison who will be packing next. But Kris will have to raise his performance a notch higher, else, the red-head teen can bump him off in this genre.

Following the hype and anticipation surrounding IZEA’s new blog sponsoring program, rumors and speculations end with the launch of SocialSpark in April 2008. Prior to the launch, some bloggers were already aware of the features of the new platform. However, the real thing was not quite the same when bloggers actually got their hands on it.

The first time I set eyes on the SocialSpark site, I was overwhelmed by the number of options and controls on the front page. In contrast, PayPerPost had a simpler interface and there were fewer things to distract you from getting opportunities. Though, I was slightly apprehensive the first time, I did get the hang of it after a few clicks here and there. After I completed signing up and my blog was verified, I went straight to my own public profile to make sure I had done things properly. Besides offering sponsored posts to bloggers, IZEA introduced blog sponsorship that paid bloggers for advertisement links on their blog that earns on a daily basis. Another interesting feature is the expansion of the bloggers’ social community. Unlike PayPerPost, bloggers are now equipped to interact directly from the site itself. Just like any social network, you can look for friends and accept friendship requests from other members. Moreover, you can rate bloggers and their sites through the prop/drop feature in the public profile.

At the moment, I still have 16 friends in my network since I barely have the time to look for any. I did promise myself I would get down to it during less hectic periods. It is reassuring to find so many bloggers out there who seem to be in the same position as I am. One of the friends I made is a mom like me and I immediately gave her a prop. It was my way of saying I know what it’s like.

Since getting verified on April 18, I have taken 15 opportunities. As expected from any new program, there are still glitches in the system. However, IZEA’s efficient ticketing system ensures that problems are resolved as soon as possible. Some glitches make me worry since I had a few problems submitting posts. But I am certain these will all be working smoothly soon enough. Some bloggers do complain that the offers are a bit lower than they hoped for. But for me, it’s still icing on my cake considering that I am doing quite well at PayPerPost at the moment.

For all those working hard for IZEA to make Social Spark a success, I have only one thing to say — Good Job!

This is a sponsored post.

As I mentioned in my previous post, blogging has now become an opportunity for many internet junkies to make money. I started late but I am trying to catch up. Good thing there are a new sites coming out that offer opportunities for bloggers like me. With the leading site already clogged with bloggers grabbing at limited opportunities, new sites give new bloggers a chance to show their mettle.

Bloggerwave is a new addition to the industry that is certainly making headway. I recently applied and got my blog approved. This is now my chance to prove myself. Bloggerwave is based in Europe and focuses on giving advertisers quality promotions from quality blogs. They have improved their service with efficient servers and developed a system that will benefit both advertisers and their bloggers. Hopefully, there will be more opportunities here than in other paid to blog sites.

With so many get paid to blog services in the net, bloggerwave is one of the few that is sure give the rest a run for their money.

I entered the blogosphere too late. I was so focused on my current job that I neglected my real first love — computers and technology. By the time I realized the web was teeming with opportunities, everyone else has taken the plunge. How could I, the first person to have a desktop PC in our class, come in too late to the huge opportunities that the technology offered?

Now, even my talent in writing couldn’t help me catch up with the rest of the pack. Opportunities are so rare for new blogs like mine. I read other blogs and know that mine is world’s away from theirs. I feel I’m moving at snail’s pace. But I’m a fast learner. I know I will make it soon. I am learning everyday. A couple more sweat, a little perseverance, and I will make it.

The smell of my mint tea wafts through my nostrils as I struggle to finish my annual reports at the office. Everything I’m writing about the company I’ve already written before. As I try desperately to drag myself out of this sluggish mood I woke up to, I rise from my workstation and walk around the room slowly. I know this feeling. It comes to me when my brain gets information overload. I also know the cure. I have to shift momentarily to another task. I go back to my laptop and open my blog.

Blogging has been my rescuer on days my brain refuses to work right. After an article or two, I can get back to my task at the office with a little more fervor. Other than the welcome distraction my blog offers, I am also given an opportunity to earn cash with blog advertising. I joined Smorty recently which widened my chances to connect with more advertisers worldwide. I get paid to blog about products, services and websites in various categories. For once, my opinion is worth something more. My skill to concoct and combine words helps advertisers to reach out to more people through the web.

As a matter of fact, there are several more sites bridging the gap between advertisers and bloggers. However, the glut in bloggers in the market has made it difficult to get opportunities. Smorty has given me an alternative source of opportunities. With so many people trying to blog for money, advertising jobs are difficult to grab especially for working people like me. Smorty has proven that having alternatives is better for the industry. Moreover, it drives every player in the field to do better. Inferior service or writing skills are not acceptable. At Smorty, bloggers like me get to choose from a variety of topics and even earn from their referral program. On the other hand, advertisers get more high quality bloggers from Smorty. Smorty assures that its bloggers are screened and evaluated to deliver excellent blog advertising to its customers.

Now, my head feels refreshed and ready for action again. Thanks to my blog. Thanks to Smorty.