Tips on RSS; tickets going fast for The Uncool Blogging Seminar on July 1, 2004

Updated JULY 5, 2004

PLEASE FORWARD!

VOL 4 ISSUE 19

Maybe we don't need a tagline? Waddya think??

ISSN 1550-1787

	Tips on RSS... yes, you need to know about it even if you're sick of hearing about blogs
	Save $20 when you order the audio file, PDF transcript and PPT from The Uncool Blogging Seminar
	From last issue: Why the Air Conditioning Contractors of America's blog is not, er, cool

Tips on RSS... yes, you need to know about it

If the word "blog" makes you want to run the other way... stop! At least for a moment.

Forget the unedited ramblings of personal blogs. Focus instead on the simple but powerful technology behind a blog or Weblog page that has everyone excited.

It's called an RSS feed. RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. RSS is a new of publishing and distributing content on the Web without using email.

That's the most useful way I know of explaining RSS. For lots more details and a bit of techie information...

Here is a selected list of articles and resource pages about RSS:

How Big Companies are Testing RSS Feeds to Circumvent Email: RSS 101 + Useful Links by Janet Roberts in EmailSherpa (See more links at the bottom of this excellent article!)

What is RSS (good definitions page on SoftwareCEO.com)

RSS and Its Role in Information Management

Long list of articles about RSS on WilsonWeb.com

... including RSS vs. Email Delivery: Is Email Dead? by Debbie Weil

Save $20 when you order the audio file, PDF transcript and PowerPoint from The Uncool Blogging Seminar

During this 90-minute Audio & Web conference (recorded live on July 1, 2004) Komra Moriko and I explained:

- how a blog works
- how to integrate one with your site (both technically and strategically)
- how a blog can complement an e-newsletter
- what to write about and how often
- how to promote your blog
- what kind of advertising works on a business blog
- how to measure the ROI of a blog
... and more.

Details in the box at right. Save $20 if you order at the pre-publication price of $129.

Warm regards,

Case Study: ACCA's blog is not "cool" but it's a hot destination for members

By Debbie Weil

It's tempting to say the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has a cool blog. But it wouldn't be true...

What ACCA, the trade association for 4,000 heating, ventilating and air conditioning companies, has created is a highly efficient way of communicating with its members.

Since VP for Member Services & Communications Kevin Holland launched ACCA's blog, dubbed ACCAbuzz, in January 2004, he and his staff have posted hundreds of entries to the Weblog or blog page on ACCA's site.

The postings range from quick notices about local chapters' annual golf outings, bar-b-ques and horse races to dozens of entries about ACCA's annual blow-out conference & expo in New Orleans. The conference entries include photos and a cleverly written "conference journal" by a first-time attendee.

Find out how Kevin maintains ACCA's blog in an hour a day, what blogging software he uses, what his policy on "Comments" is and what advice he offers to other associations or companies starting a blog.

Get the full story...

Note: lots of useful links in the full article.

NEW! Business Blogging Starter Kit

Our new Business Blogging Starter Kit gives you a blue print to launch and maintain a blog for your organization.

Learn how to set up a blog (no tech expertise required) as well as what to write about, how often and who should write it.

The kit is based on our popular audio & Web conference, The Uncool Blogging Seminar.

Learn more...

Save $20! Pre-publication price: ~~$149~~ $129

Order securely online

Order by phone:
Call Donna at 919.975.1705 Eastern

Your order includes:

- 97-slide PowerPoint that the Web presentation was based on
- 2 edited & enhanced PDF transcripts
- Downloadable audio recording

You will get a link via email to download the PowerPoint instantly.

The PDF transcript will be published in early August. The audio file will be ready shortly.

Covered in the PowerPoint presentation are:

- Blogging 101
- B2B blog case studies
- Blogging technology & costs
- Top 7 content tips for writing a business blog
- Beyond RSS: tips for reader interaction
- How to promote your blog
- Placing advertising within your blog
- Computing the ROI (return on investment) of your blog

www.BloggingStarter
Kit.com

Subscribe to debbie's blog

How do I do this?
Do you have a "newsreader" installed on your computer? If not, download a free trial of NewsGator (works with Outlook). You need a newsreader or news aggregator in order to subscribe to my blog or any RSS feed.

Other choices for newsreaders
Are you on a Mac or use an email client like Eudora? Follow this link for suggested newsreaders.

After you download the reader...
Right-click the orange RSS icon above to subscribe. You will be alerted every time I add a new posting to my blog.

What is RSS?
RSS is a new way to publish and distribute content on the Web without using email. You can read new content at your leisure.

You can also publish instantly, without worrying whether your e-newsletter will make it through spam & virus filters. RSS 3-Step Quickstart Guide.

Why should I subscribe to your blog?
In my blog you'll find many of the links to free resources and downloads that used to appear in this newsletter.

OK, take me to debbie's blog now.

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More About WordBiz
In case you're wondering what WordBiz "does," here's a quick answer. In addition to publishing WordBiz Report, I sell special reports & starter kits, produce audio conferences & live seminars, and offer consulting/coaching packages to companies who want to improve an e-newsletter... or start a business blog! For details and fees, email me at debbie.weil@gmail.com - DW

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