Why We Don’t Charge for Blog Topics

I just started my own blog, and was wondering how to come up with topics. I had no idea you offered free topics on Saturdays...thanks!

First of all Danny, it's awesome you offer this service. Very cool. Although I can't say I do the same thing per se, I'd like to think I'm helping people position their minds to 'see a blog article in every opportunity'.

This brings me to my main point, which you described nicely above in the diverse way content/article ideas pop into your head.

I've come to the point where I think the greatest key of becoming an A-list blogger (like Mr. Brown ;-) is the skill of seeing your life just a little bit differently than the rest of the world does. In other words, most folks, and many aspiring bloggers, are surrounded by unique experiences and writing opportunities all day long-- yet they just don't see it. They can't seem to turn a conversation with a co-worker into a powerful lesson. They can't seem to understand that the experience they had in their favorite restaurant the other day could be something that would be a perfect learning tool for others. Simply put, their blind to life's many lessons....and thus can't seem to find anything to write about.

But the guy or gal that masters this technique?? Yep, off to the races.

Great read Danny.

Marcus

Hi Danny

I agree with giving ideas for free, but may have to pay to be taught the execution. Some of my best headlines for posts come from my blogger friends when they reply to my comments on their blogs ;-)

I acknowledge where the inspiration comes from so my way of saying thanks is with a link and anyway, my regular readers would know I couldn't think up some of the titles for my posts lol

Really enjoying your Saturday posts too. Appreciate all that you do to help us on our way with our blogging and business ventures. Thanks Danny. You rock :-)

Patricia Perth Australia

Aw, this has to be one of the sweetest posts I've ever read. And I mean it.

Not only you are "justifying" giving stuff away for free but saying it is a gift for support... Makes people reading the post feel special.

I think it is a great thing that you are doing and I agree that ideas are everywhere. Heck, I have a notebook full of ideas and when I don't have one in my head, I just go through it and pick one. Or even get a fresh one.

But still like getting some from you on Saturdays so I wanna say thanks for that!

Danny,
It's nice of you to offer free topics. I'm constantly in awe of your ability to come up with them! I’m blogging about life and, well, that should be easier, right!?!

I do find inspiration in the comments, though. Often it's when I'm commenting on someone else's blog. I think you’ve developed a finely tuned focus. But to come up with ideas while walking down the street! ?

Ok, sometimes the ideas come when I'm falling asleep. The other night I had to turn on the light three times to write ideas down (you think you'll remember in the morning, but you won't!) And even though your blog is not in the same area as mine, I find I’m often inspired here!

Do you think the ability to find inspiration, or to recognize inspiration grows in time like developing your voice, for instance?

I just started my own blog, and was wondering how to come up with topics. I had no idea you offered free topics on Saturdays...thanks!

Hi, Danny. The great thing about helping others out without asking for anything back is that it returns to you hundredfold. This must be one of the reasons for your being the blogger that you are, mate. Cool! ;)

Hi
Maybe I should take a look at "For Bloggers By Bloggers". Sometime it can be difficult to get a good idea for a blogpost. Thank you for the tip.

Sounds good to me Danny
I appreciate that you appreciate us.
Keith

First of all Danny, it's awesome you offer this service. Very cool. Although I can't say I do the same thing per se, I'd like to think I'm helping people position their minds to 'see a blog article in every opportunity'.

This brings me to my main point, which you described nicely above in the diverse way content/article ideas pop into your head.

I've come to the point where I think the greatest key of becoming an A-list blogger (like Mr. Brown ;-) is the skill of seeing your life just a little bit differently than the rest of the world does. In other words, most folks, and many aspiring bloggers, are surrounded by unique experiences and writing opportunities all day long-- yet they just don't see it. They can't seem to turn a conversation with a co-worker into a powerful lesson. They can't seem to understand that the experience they had in their favorite restaurant the other day could be something that would be a perfect learning tool for others. Simply put, their blind to life's many lessons....and thus can't seem to find anything to write about.

But the guy or gal that masters this technique?? Yep, off to the races.

Great read Danny.

Marcus

Wow It's very awesome post , thanks Danny
I loved Your Blog .

Danny - thank you for this awesome resource you and your team provide the blogging community. I've gotten some great ideas already and I'm looking forward to being inspired even more.

You said it -- there are multiple award-winning bloggers providing something of great value here. Perhaps some aspiring bloggers will see the fact that success and monetization comes from doing things for the right reasons and not just a thirst for making money. You can build quite an empire on a solid reputation and good name :)

For the long term thinkers... Cheers my friend!

Nothing is free-- participating in a group like this takes the time and mental effort to establish trust and trade (not just take) ideas. Is the return more valuable than plunking down $10 for a bag of potential ideas each week? Most likely- guess it depends on what works for you. But even then it's not magic-- you have to bring it to life.

The main problem I have with the paid service is that blogs- and ideas (even corporate blogs and topics) are quite personal. You need the stimulation that a networking group (or even walking down the street) gvives you, to make your ideas real.

Very informative post. As always. :) That's the reason why I loved reading your blogs danny. Keep on posting. It's free. :))

Hi Danny

I agree with giving ideas for free, but may have to pay to be taught the execution. Some of my best headlines for posts come from my blogger friends when they reply to my comments on their blogs ;-)

I acknowledge where the inspiration comes from so my way of saying thanks is with a link and anyway, my regular readers would know I couldn't think up some of the titles for my posts lol

Really enjoying your Saturday posts too. Appreciate all that you do to help us on our way with our blogging and business ventures. Thanks Danny. You rock :-)

Patricia Perth Australia

Aw, this has to be one of the sweetest posts I've ever read. And I mean it.

Not only you are "justifying" giving stuff away for free but saying it is a gift for support... Makes people reading the post feel special.

I think it is a great thing that you are doing and I agree that ideas are everywhere. Heck, I have a notebook full of ideas and when I don't have one in my head, I just go through it and pick one. Or even get a fresh one.

But still like getting some from you on Saturdays so I wanna say thanks for that!

Is there a topic that has not been blogged about yet? Like Eastern Alpaca Wool Dying Best Practices? Do you guys have a list of such subjects? Would be great to get a peek. Thank you.

Bravo, ideas are everywhere, and they shouldn't be charged for. Execution of ideas is another story.

Ideas are everywhere. Execution, however, is not.

To me, this is a ton like cookbooks, cooking, food, FoodTV, etc. Danny has chosen to put the "free line" over here, which I applaud. And, guess what, when I'm looking to plop down for a stellar dining experience, I'm gonna sit down at his restaurant.

Others put the free line over there somewhere: and, guess what, I applaud that, too. I may not buy it, someone else may, and they just want to get their cookbook packaged differently.

And there's that Microsoft dude who sells the $600 cookbook on hi-tech fusion cooking. I applaud him, too.

It's up to each of us to figure out where our free line is, what to hold back for the killer pitch, meeting, eBook, product or what have you, and what to hand out gratis.

Subject line bait and switch 101. :)

Pricing on the internet is, I think, going to confuse me for ever and ever.

One of my dreams is to eventually start working on an e-book, but I have to say that the pricing game stands as a major obstacle in my way. I just don't even want to go there.

First, you have the kinds of questions that you raise above. If I pay for something, does that make it better? If this guy is charging $97 and this guy is charging $87, should I go with the $97 cuz it's $10 better?

I have seen arguments where people have said that "free" to some people translates as worthless, not priceless. Other people argue that free means that there is so much value you can't put a price on it.

I don't think there is a right or wrong - as you correctly state, it's a lot about perspective. But it sure is intimidating for newer folks like me, I'll tell you that.

Danny,
It's nice of you to offer free topics. I'm constantly in awe of your ability to come up with them! I’m blogging about life and, well, that should be easier, right!?!

I do find inspiration in the comments, though. Often it's when I'm commenting on someone else's blog. I think you’ve developed a finely tuned focus. But to come up with ideas while walking down the street! ?

Ok, sometimes the ideas come when I'm falling asleep. The other night I had to turn on the light three times to write ideas down (you think you'll remember in the morning, but you won't!) And even though your blog is not in the same area as mine, I find I’m often inspired here!

Do you think the ability to find inspiration, or to recognize inspiration grows in time like developing your voice, for instance?