Tasting The Ecstasy of a Blogosphere Newcomer
Posted by spostareduro
When Adam invited me to guest post, I think I was intimidated as this is my first time guest-posting. I guess that makes me a virgin. 
He and I speak infrequently, but we spend a lot of time in the same environments. I’ve observed his personality and mindset by way of Twitter, Stumbleupon, Facebook, this blog, and other places online. He always takes time out from his professional interests, to address issues concerning our environment and things he believes in. I see him as someone trustworthy, which is sometimes difficult to find in the blogosphere. I feel I’m in good hands here.
Where to begin? Hmm..
Well, I’m Kimberly Bock. Most people know me as SpostareDuro, which is Italian for “Move hard”. I operate 2 blogs. “Learning SEO Basics” and “Yicrosoft Directory Girl”.
Learning SEO Basics (about page) began as an experiment..a ‘tester’. Before 7 months ago, I had never even heard of SEO. A year prior to that, I did not know what a blog was either. I knew how to search Google, play virtual games, and download music though! haha I spent too many years with my head in the wrong places and needed direction. That’s yet another post!
A friend of mine that works for MicroStrategy as a database marketer (Raymond Borhan) thought I’d like SEO and gave me a popular book entitled, “Search Engine Optimization For Dummies” by Peter Kent. This was enough to make me want more. I thought, “Wow, even a nobody like me can have a website that draws thousands upon thousands of visitors if I learn SEO!” So, I Googled to find more resources to help me learn, since there were no offline schools for it. What I came across, was Kalena Jordan’s “Search Engine College“. I enrolled, passed SEO101 and 201 with flying colors, purchased a domain of my own in October & have begun to expand and flourish in just a short period of time. Page rank does not hold the weight it once had, but it is still regarded as beneficial for link building strategies, as quality sites are likely to use this as a tool in deciding to link to your site. Learning SEO Basics has a PR4. Not too shabby for starters.
My sites motto is ‘as I learn, I pass it on’. It has grown into more of a resource site, as I have an appreciation for microblogging. This offers a platform of appreciation for those who have quality posts, from the A-lister to fellow newbies. It also provides a means for others to gain further education if they too are learning SEO and related interests. (social media, etc) I’ve had a surprising degree of success in networking sites such as Sphinn and Stumbleupon. Either people love to love me or love to hate me. Not usually in-between. hmm..Maybe because I speak my mind and encourage others to have a mind of their own as well?
The bulk of my the education that I’ve acquired online has come from places such as Sphinn, Mixx, Stumbleupon, Search Engine Watch and hundreds of fellow bloggers. Like Adam..(haha..I’m schmoozing, can ya tell?)
Some of my favorite spots include SEO Book (Aaron Wall), AimClear Blog (Marty Weintraub), The Other Blokes Blog (Barry Welford), Huamah - Trail of the Fire Horse (David Harry), SEO Design Solutions (Jeffrey Smith), SEO 2.0 (Tad or onreact), SEO By The Sea (Bill Slawski) and of course, My Online World (Adam ‘Pixelheadonline’)
Yicrosoft Directory Girl (about page) began as a contest entry for SEONoobs, now known as ebuz’d. Entrants were to see who could establish best rank using a term that had not previously been found in the SERPS (not once!). They chose “yicrosoft directory”. Long story short, I had a real love for social media so I designed a site that would address everything that you guys write! I love finding new things, referencing you, and discussing or otherwise have fun and learn. I also use it to express the main facets of my personality..good bad or indifferent. I’m not always politically correct or express popular opinion. I’d rather talk truth than bologna.
So far, blogging has connected me to an entire galaxy of people that I would not have otherwise met. Like you. 
Fortunately, YDG PR went from 0 to 6 with in two short months. I’m very lucky.
I love learning and experiencing new things, participating in green promotion a fresh brewed cup of Seattles Best coffee or Peets brew (talking coffee..I don’t do alcohol.), and real friends as opposed to hoopla friendships.
Well, I hope to meet all of you at my house! Never feel intimidated there. It’s just as much your house as it is mine!
Life is short. Don’t forget that hand helping hand is always best in life and career!
Photo by Life-Link
Life is short. Until later, have fun living, learning and loving.
Thanks for having me Adam!
Spostareduo
**If you’re curious, my most popular posts include:
Written by spostareduro on May 2nd, 2008 with
25 comments.
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#1. May 2nd, 2008, at 3:12 AM.
Kim, I am really glad you got over the intimidation. I may have to make that leap one day as well. Thanks for posting, and any time you need a place to post, please feel free.