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The Next Big Thing in Blogging is YOU!

May 3, 2011 49 Comments

For a couple of months now, I’ve featured many up and coming (and some well established) bloggers here on DIYB. And there are two reasons for that.

First, I’ve been crazy busy with Triberr. While Triberr has given me an amazing reach (over half a million Twitter followers via my tribes), it has left me with almost no time to actually relish in that reach.

On a bright side, it has given me an incredible platform in terms of access to bloggers. Which is why I’ve asked few of my favorite bloggers to chip in and help out with guest posts.

And chip in they did.

One Vision

The second reason DIYB is changing is…well, I have a vision for DIYB.

  • I want this blog to become a place where fresh new voices can be heard every day.
  • I want this blog to become the training ground for awesome up and comers.
  • I want this blog to become the hub that spokes-out to the best new blogging talent.

The only criteria that posts will be judged on is their awesomeness. If it’s useful, actionable, interesting, fascinating, dangerous, honest and new, DIYB -and my reach- is yours.

What I Want

I’ve written an extensive, 5 page submission guideline document for guest posts on DIYB. But here is how it starts.

  • Be awesome
  • Be dangerous
  • Be provocative
  • Be useful
  • Be original
  • Be uncomfortable
  • Be divisive
  • Be moving
  • Be affirming
  • Be generative

What I Don’t Want

But that’s not all. The guidelines point to few things I don’t want.

  • Don’t be safe
  • Don’t be part of the echo chamber
  • Don’t be self serving
  • Don’t be an asshole

Basically, I don’t want DIYB to become safe, stale, and boring.

If you have something valuable to share on the subjects of technology, creativity and marketing, and would like to contribute to DIYB, send me an email at dino.dogan at gmail and I will send you the entire document with detailed guidelines.

Who’s been here already?

The very first guest post on DIYB is from the one and only Stacey Herbert.

Stacey is a new blogger, but you couldn’t tell that based on her comments and traffic stats she got when she published her How To Lose Your Blogging Virginity Like a Slut post.

She later come in with another strong post that really shows of her blogging chops as well as the balls to questions the status quo. Do Bloggers Really Promote Free Speech?

Bloggers like Stacey are showing me that given the right platform and opportunity, new bloggers have more compelling things to share than salty dogs like myself.

Since that first post, Stacey has become the Managing Editor here on DIYB, and has quickly become my right-hand man. Its not an exaggeration when I say that there is NO WAY I would be able to bring you a new post 5 times a week without her.

Thnx Stacey :-)

More awesomeness from Stacey

And just in case you had any doubt that this girl has a giant set of brass balls; in her latest post she calls out a well established blogger on his shit.

…so what happened next?

Stacey was not only a trailblazer AND my right-hand man (yes, I know she’s a lovely girl) but she was also my own personal Kokopelli; a harbinger of great things to come.

Shortly after Stacey’s post went live, one of the most amazing video bloggers I’ve ever seen, got in touch with me requesting to make an appearance right here on DIYB. I’m talking about Bernardo Mendez.

His Three Critical Mistakes That Will KILL Your Video post was one of the most useful posts for video bloggers I’ve ever seen. Quick, actionable advice you can take to the bank right now. That’s Bernardo in a nutshell.

His next guest post (How To Market Your Soul on Video) was just as great.

More Awesomeness from Bernardo

And then what?

The next guest poster was Stan Faryna. A daring submission by a relatively unknown blogger who rocked the pants off the blogosphere when given the opportunity to flex his muscles on the big stage.

His Blogging As The Battle of Thermopylae post even made it on the most coveted of line ups over on Ingrid Abboud’s blog.

And then came the vacation

I was traveling across country for a few days. Taking the scenic route from NJ to AZ. So I asked few of my friends to help me fill the week with their take on Fear in Marketing.

I was lucky to have such heavyweights like Gini and Marcus (no need for last names cuz you already know them) mix with some amazing up and comers like Whitney Punchak and Amy Harrison (tho to be fair, Amy is a seasoned copywriter.)

Choice cuts from the above mentioned elite

What happened yesterday?

Yesterday, I’ve published a post by John Bell. Its about the craft of writing and I think every blogger and business writer needs to read it.

There is a significant difference in the skill-level of writers who blog and bloggers who write. The proficiency and the way writers are able to express themselves is something most of us bloggers ought to aim for.

It was a pleasure editing John’s post simply because I dindt have to do much editing. Thanks for making my job easy John.

More awesomeness from John

How does it end?

How this story ends is up to you.

If you’re a new blogger, with an original voice, I want you to contact me right now.

  • What do you think of the changes on DIYB?
  • Do you hesitate to comment when you notice a new author?
  • Who framed Roger Rabbit?

Creative Blogging
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  • http://www.mylifestylemax.com Stacey Herbert

    Hey Mr Dogan. what’s good and thank you so very much for including me. When I swung by the morning, I was so shocked I couldn’t read to the end to begin with, lol.
    I’ve learnt a lot about writing, editing, speaking to the reader and all that good stuff since starting my blog. My learning has been accelerated since I’ve come on board here. You flatter me, sometimes I worry I just give you an extra layer of work with my efforts, but I definitely feel like I’m improving and equally, I’m enjoying the experience. Learning how to share on comments, and being the first to see something before it hits the stands, is always exciting.
    I’d like to clarify though, I wasn’t calling JK out, it was rather he got me thinking about all those people who call themselves entrepreneurs, without having a clue what it really means, or how to become one. It seams we all share different base understandings of the word hustler means, ” pick up artist” never even entered my mind, lol .
    It’s interesting to see how emotive words can be, and all the different connotations it can have. I’m honoured to be a part of this blog. It offers something different than the cookie cutter type blogging and marketing blogs, I think that’s why your readers have such an affinity with it.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      haha..I know you weren’t really calling him out, but I tried a few others phrases and none of them “fit”. Its again with those connotations :-)

      But you got t admit. Te sentence “And just in case you had any doubt that this girl has a giant set of brass balls; in her latest post she calls out a well established blogger on his shit.” has a punch to it, dont it? :-)

      • http://www.mylifestylemax.com Stacey Herbert

        I thought as much, it’s that creative poetic licence again, lol. I just wanted to make it clear in case it was interpreted the wrong way. You know I’m a sensitive soul : )

  • http://www.expatlifecoach.com/blog John Falchetto

    I first read Stacey’s magic on your site Dino. Yep How to loose it like a slut- is one of my favorite posts.

    It cuts through the same old, epic content BS you can read in many other blogs. The headline hits you but that is only the begining of the ride. Many bloggers out there draft some killer headline to get RTs but the post has zero value. This wasn’t the case and just like any top blogger Stacey consistently supports others in the community. Her recent post on JK and hustling is a great example of that.

    Keep finding the golden bloggers who hide in the mass of uniformity and boring blogs, Dino.

    Thanks for sharing your platform and giving them a voice.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Thnx John. Of curse; dont make me beg. You know my door is always open to you.

  • http://twitter.com/yourgreatlifetv Bernardo Mendez

    Hi Dino,
    Thank you so much for giving me an opportunity to share my videos on your awesome blog.
    This is why it was so cool:

    1) It have me the opportunity first hand to experience what a reach of 500,000 feels like (and it feels damn good).
    2) It allowed me to share my message with a whole set of fully engaging viewers who I did not know before and some of whom are part of my everyday life now.
    3) It allowed me to speak about video which is a different topic than what I vlog about daily.
    4)It introduced me to triberr, the most awesome platform for sharing my stuff with like minded people (glad to report that my tribes reach after less than a month is over 36,000 people each day but most importantly I really care about the awesome people in them and we support each other freely and generously :)
    5) It allowed me to get to know you better

    I am so looking forward to what your site will be offering and thank you again for opening doors to people like me who want to share their vision with others.

    -Bernardo

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Bernardo, this goes without saying but I’ll say it anyways. My door is always open to your bright background and even brighter smile :-)

  • http://twitter.com/yourgreatlifetv Bernardo Mendez

    Hi Dino,
    Thank you so much for giving me an opportunity to share my videos on your awesome blog.
    This is why it was so cool:

    1) It have me the opportunity first hand to experience what a reach of 500,000 feels like (and it feels damn good).
    2) It allowed me to share my message with a whole set of fully engaging viewers who I did not know before and some of whom are part of my everyday life now.
    3) It allowed me to speak about video which is a different topic than what I vlog about daily.
    4)It introduced me to triberr, the most awesome platform for sharing my stuff with like minded people (glad to report that my tribes reach after less than a month is over 36,000 people each day but most importantly I really care about the awesome people in them and we support each other freely and generously :)
    5) It allowed me to get to know you better

    I am so looking forward to what your site will be offering and thank you again for opening doors to people like me who want to share their vision with others.

    -Bernardo

  • http://spinsucks.com Gini Dietrich

    First, heavyweight who needs no last name?! LOL! Thank you.

    Secondly, I love the way you’ve organized this and love the call-to-action. I’m willing to bet you’ll have lots of takers.

    Lastly, as someone who also edits guest blog posts, it’s CRUCIAL that bloggers not only become writers, but that they edit themselves first. Some of what we get it so bad it’s hard to edit without rewriting the entire thing.

    • http://www.mylifestylemax.com Stacey Herbert

      Hi Gini, we haven’t connected much, so it’s a pleasure to introduce myself. Hi I’m Stacey, the one with the silly red hat : )

      To be honest, before I started blogging, and more specifically doing guest posts or supporting with the editting at DIY. My editing skills were minimal at best. I could get so attached to my own words, that it was nearly impossible for me to ” kill my darlings”.
      I still have a lot to learn, but sitting under Dino “no nonsense, slave to the reader” tutelage, has taught me a ridiculous amount in a short time. The feedback, and seeing good editing in action, was a real eye opener for me, I’ve been able to become alot more objective about my writing and others.

      Can I ask, what you do when get a GP that needs so much editing, it would no longer authentically belong to the author if you did it all? Do you return to sender, and ask them to polish it up, or do it for them, and give your feedback ?

      • http://spinsucks.com Gini Dietrich

        I was thinking about you yesterday, Stacey, and how grateful Dino must be to have you. I know when we hired a community manager last summer, my world changed…for the better.

        To answer your question, we typically send it back. It’s really up to our content person, but we’re pretty clear in our guidelines (as are you guys – I felt like I had to check things off as I did them before I submitted anything) so we always just refer them back to those.

        • http://www.mylifestylemax.com Stacey Herbert

          Sometimes I’m not sure who is helping who, but it’s fun : )

          I’m way overdue some time over at spinsucks ( great name by the way) to see how you guys do things over there. I’m sure I’ll learn heaps

        • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

          What is this? A gab fest? Break it up you two :-)

          • http://spinsucks.com Gini Dietrich

            I’m sorry. Do we know you?!

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      You didnt know that? When we talk about you behind your back we totally dont need a last name…everyone knows who Gini is. You can be like Prince, or Sting, or Bono. Just imagine…in big lights, a giant marquee that simply sez….GINI! :-)

  • http://twitter.com/littleunred Amy Harrison

    I just want to say a big thanks for letting me talk to your audience! Your guidelines for posting are really useful and will be a great process of getting top content to this blog. I don’t doubt there will be plenty looking to be heard on here. :-)

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Tnx Amy…I wasnt sure if the posting guidelines were too much, so Im glad you found them useful.

  • http://www.itinerantentrepreneur.com/journal/ Robert Dempsey

    Great changes coming down the pike here Dino. And what is being an asshole is part of your charm. What then? Oh well…

    The changes sound great; I don’t hesitate to comment when you have other authors (and Stacey replied to mine so kind of her); the mob framed Roger Rabbit – you can tell that character’s on coke.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      If you’re the asshole in question than any time my friend. you know that.

      • http://www.itinerantentrepreneur.com/journal/ Robert Dempsey

        Whew saved!

  • http://www.facebook.com/MorganBarnhart Morgan Barnhart

    Very cool, Dino! Glad to see this blog is changing in a really great direction. It was awesome before and it’s going to be even more awesome now that you’re opening it up to people to share their knowledge and have this as a training ground. Looking forward to it! I might even submit something….maybe. ;)

    • http://www.mylifestylemax.com Stacey Herbert

      Come on Morgan..like Griddy says “bring it”, lol

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      You better submit something…or else :-)

      How is your blog coming along?

  • http://www.getting-unstuck.com/http://fearlessdating.wordpress.com/http://www.getting-unstuck.com/ RILEY HARRISON

    Dino,
    I was watching one of Bernardo Mendez’s videos recently and thought this guy has charisma and phenomenal stage presence but needs more exposure and a larger platform. And here he is guest blogging on your site.
    Riley

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      cc: @yourgreatlifetv Yup…awesome dude with amazing videos. He should have his own TV show is what should happen :-)

      • http://twitter.com/yourgreatlifetv Bernardo Mendez

        Thanks Dino, I really appreciate your encouragement and friendship.
        -Bernardo

      • http://www.getting-unstuck.com/http://fearlessdating.wordpress.com/http://www.getting-unstuck.com/ RILEY HARRISON

        If I were in charge of Crest’s marketing department, I would sign him up for some toothpaste commercials.
        Riley

        • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

          What Crest marketing campaign is missing out on? @yourgreatlifetv, thats what. I couldn’t agree more Riley.

      • http://www.getting-unstuck.com/http://fearlessdating.wordpress.com/http://www.getting-unstuck.com/ RILEY HARRISON

        If I were in charge of Crest’s marketing department, I would sign him up for some toothpaste commercials.
        Riley

    • http://twitter.com/yourgreatlifetv Bernardo Mendez

      Thanks Riley! Guest posting at DIYblogger is a blast, I highly reccomend it. -Bernardo

  • Anonymous

    Thanks, Dino. I have to say at this point that you don’t strike me as a salty dog type.

    What drew me do DIYblogger in the first place was that, even to the casual reader, every single post has something valuable to offer. If video’s not your thing, there’s plenty to read. And vice-versa. Even the easily distracted ADHD magpie that I sometimes am is able to spot the gleaming nuggets of truth that you share on DIY five times a week.

    As one of the heavyweights over at Copyblogger said, the market for belief is infinite. I believe you know how to carve a niche for yourself there. As do all your contributors.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Hi John. Thnx again for an awesome post. You dont know this yet, but I have plans for you :-)

      • Anonymous

        I like plans. I’m a planner at heart.

  • http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB

    Just wondering what the last big thing in blogging was because I like to keep lists of these things so that one day I can write an e-book that has a list of all of the big things that people have missed and 7 other reasons why they should feel badly about themselves. ;)

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      I will buy that ebook :-) But make sure you talk it up weeks in advance and sell in limited quantities only to deserving few who are already on the inside. lol

      Internet Marketers SUCK!!!

  • http://twitter.com/PunchakPR Whitney Punchak

    Thanks Dino! This is really cool of you. I’m looking forward to all the future awesomeness on DIYB.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Whitney, I assume you know without me saying that I fully expect you to become a regular contributor. Your post was awesome and Gen Y stuff is fascinating. So, keep em coming :-)

      • http://twitter.com/PunchakPR Whitney Punchak

        For sure Dino! I’ll keep you posted about my research. I sent out a survey this week and I can’t wait for more results to come in. They’re already pretty interesting.

  • http://www.allisondevelopmentgroup.com Erica Allison

    Dino, I love the track you’re on and will dutifully send a post within the week – promise! Vacation on my end shoved lots of to-dos to the back of the line. Thanks!

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Im holding you to that :-)

  • http://www.solobizcoach.com SoloBizCoach

    This is great Dino. I love discovering new, great bloggers. And, it looks like this place is going to become a goldmine for discovering these up and comers.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Thats the plan. I expect all of you to be my eyes on the sky and the ears to the ground. Through Triberr I get to “meet” a ton of up and comers but I am but one man and could use all the help I can get :-)

  • http://www.thenerdynurse.com The Nerdy Nurse

    I’ve got the awesome and uncomfortable part down, but I think we’ll have to take a raincheck on the other 5 pages for a while :X

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      lol..Nerdy Nurse…you leave me in stitches :-)

  • http://hajrak.blogspot.com Hajra

    I am new to your blog and I loved the amazing way you “bully us around”…makes us feel that we are missing on so much if we don’t listen to you (Lol!) Nice work!
    I did hesitate earlier to ask people to write a guest post on their blogs. It worked! I have done three guest posts till date, two of which are for Kiesha from @weblogbetter . Amazing experience and loved the progress your “team” has made!

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Thats awesome :-)

      Tomorrow’s post outlines 2 simple steps anyone can take to get a guest spot on ANY blog. I also invite you to leave a link to your guest post in tomorrow’s comments section. So, consider yourself bullied into checking it out :-)

      The only criteria I use is the sheer awesomeness of the post. Nothing else matters. And if you have one of those laying around, consider yourself bullied into submitting it :-)

  • http://twitter.com/RyanCritchett Ryan Critchett

    This is awesome, Dino.

    Hmm.. yep, NO ONE is doing what you’re doing. That’s what makes you outlandishly rad.

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