You’v got questions I’ve got answers
Early yesterday I decided to try something new and ask YOU what you’d like to know. I received a few interesting questions, so I will attempt to answer them. I meant to do this last night but I ended up taking most of the day and night off from blogging because I wasn’t feeling well. I’m a little better today, so here goes nothing.
Ellen asked this three part question after reading my post on the ASPCA yesterday.
Does the fact that these posts are sponsored keep you from being dead honest, and do readers take it seriously? Will people choose a charity based on Word of Mouth?
It really depends who you’re writing sponsored reviews for. Some services have ridiculous terms that don’t allow you to actually write honest reviews, so I tend to not write for them unless they have an opportunity to write about something I really DO like. However SponsoredReviews.com allows you to write freely and honestly. If you don’t like something it’s quite alright to provide some criticism to the advertiser. Sponsored Reviews is the only service I’m currently writing for, so yes I can be dead honest :)
I can’t answer whether or not readers take reviews seriously, but I hope they do. I’m an honest person and I’d never lie about a product just to make a few bucks. If I think something has value to my readers I’ll write about it. If not I’ll skip over it. By the way I was most certainly being honest when writing about the ASPCA. It’s nothing but the truth when I say I love animals.
As far as choosing a charity by word of mouth, again I can’t speak for everyone but I know that I did. Tish wrote about the Glaucoma Foundation and it interested me enough to blog about it with her during the Blogathon.
Danielle (and Grace!) asked the following:
Is Gummy modeled after someone – or is he just a pure creation?
Certainly he’s modeled after someone! Honestly I think when creating any sort of character it’s difficult to not model them in one way or another after someone you know personally, or in my case myself. Yes Gummy is in fact in some ways modeled after me. He has a tendency to be rather shy, doesn’t speak a whole lot unless necessary and is bit sarcastic and silly. Also like me he has a bit of a temper though he never lets it get too out of control. He cares a lot about the ones he loves and would do just about anything for them.
Christy asked the following:
I need to know Mike, what was your childhood like, your parents, friends? Were you shy?
My childhood was reasonably okay. I grew up never knowing my father but I had an incredible grandfather who taught me a lot. He passed away when I was 18. I of course also had (and do have) the coolest mother one could ever ask for. I didn’t have a whole lot of friends but the ones I had were pretty loyal. Yes I was certainly shy and I still am today. I really never liked to talk a whole lot unless I had to. I still don’t like to say a whole lot. I can go a whole day without saying word and do most of the time.
Bush asked the following:
What are the top three things you learned in past relationships?
Well any personal relationships I’ve had are just that, personal ;) I’ve however had my share of crappy work/business related relationships that I’ve tried to learn from. I guess if I had to choose three things I’ve learned they would be the following.
- Don’t put so much trust in others even if they are people you think are trustworthy.
- Be alert and more observant of the signs that something is failing or not doing quite as well as it may appear on the surface.
- Have an exit plan.
Finally Ellen chimed in again and asked the following.
What would you LIKE to learn in (current or future) relationships?
I’d like to learn how to do the three things I mentioned in my previous answer ;)
Great answers Mike!
Peace!
Thanks Judy :) By the way I haven’t forgotten about that sign thingy. I’ve just been a little out of it the past few days. Stupid allergies =/
Hi Mike,
thanks for the honest (and helpful!!) answers..
It is a shame though, now I’ll never know what kind of answer you’re supposed to give on a question like ‘what kind of muffin are you’;-)
Hi Mike, as always off-topic here, but just wanted to let you know that I’ve joined and gave you the link back. See http://nodirecton.blogspot.com/2007/08/ireply.html
Thanks for the logo and initiative!
Wow, thank you for sharing that Mike! My husband never knew his father either, that’s really sad. I spent time with my Dad but not very often. It does leave a bit of an emptiness in the soul but that’s good that you had your grandfather.
I can’t imagine not talking for an entire day. I would be talking to myself, lol. When I was five years old I had my tonsils removed and I sat all day writing out notes to communicate with people, lol. I don’t think I have the ability to stay quiet for very long:)
You are turning out to be the cool and mysterious type!
Ellen: Did someone ask a muffin question? I might have missed it…lol ;P
Jos: Cool! The more the merrier. Er…people joining the movement that is. Not backlinks. Although those are appreciated as well ;P
Christy: Talking is not really on my list of favorite things to do..hehe. I don’t know about the cool part but I’d probably agree with mysterious :P
You’re kind of like me! :D I usually talk when I need to. :D
Aww… would you like to meet your father in the future? :P
Nope, not at all. From my understanding he was the abusive type, so I want nothing to do with him ;P
Great post Mike! Very honest. I really like this idea for post, I might have to do the same sometime.
Just one thing: Have an exit plan? :P
I had imagined that Gummy was modeled after you, so do you think that Bella represents your feminine side and Brad is the kid inside you?
BTW – I am glad that blogging has made you get over some of your shyness, as we are all so lucky to hear what you have to say. :)
@Danielle: You should! I’m sure your answers to stuff would be fun :)
Yes, have an exit plan :P
Bella is actually modeled after someone else that I’m pretty close friends with. Brad is probably the kid in me, yes…or any kid for that matter ;P
So you often find yourself in need of a quick exit?! :P
Hehe…not so much anymore but I’ve been involved in some crappy business relationships in the past which crumbled without much warning. Having a better plan in the event of such an occurrence to get out would have been a good idea ;)
Hey Mike good to see the Q train worked for you!
Great Q and A’s
Thanks Rob! It was a great idea ya had. It just took me forever to get around to it :P