Shai Coggins is a professional blogger, published author, artist, geeky gadget girl, mom, and wife. She is the co-founder and Vice President of Community at b5media.com, a global media network based in Toronto, Canada. Originally from Manila, she resides in Adelaide, Australia.

Her blogs are: shaicoggins.com and justmakemoneyonline.com.

Please tell us something that we still do not know about yourself.

Hmmm… Tough first question, seeing as I don’t know what you know about me. And, having been blogging for almost a decade now, I’m not even sure what I already shared online. Scary thought.

Anyway, maybe I’ll just say something that I don’t usually admit out loud (and still have trouble accepting): I’m a lousy housekeeper. I don’t like ironing. Making my house look like it’s ready for a Home & Garden photo shoot isn’t in my top priority. And, I’m grateful that I have a husband who’s great in helping with the chores. I mean, sure, I can psych myself up to clean and de-clutter like a mad woman when I need to. I love to decorate and such when I get the chance. The only housework I actually enjoy is cooking. Even then, I don’t attempt to cook everyday. So yeah, I definitely won’t be winning Housekeeper of the Year.

There, I said it. I know that won’t surprise my husband and close friends, though.

Why do you blog?

Simply because I’ll probably explode if I don’t.

Seriously, if I wasn’t blogging - or if this thing called a blog has never become popular - I would still be doing something close to this activity.

Blogging, to me, is a form of self expression, a catharsis, a therapeutic exercise, a creative outlet, a personal journey and a note-taking lifestyle… long, long before it became a way to make money, network, and do all sorts of amazing things.

How did you get into blogging?

When I first went online about a decade ago, my first instinct was to learn to create a webspace for my personal interests. That’s how I ended up building sites via Geocities back in ‘99. I put in there a diary of sorts (much like how blogging’s like) - plus a whole lot of other writings like quote collections, short stories, poetry, essays, features, and other resources.

A couple of years later, I discovered a journalling software that I can install myself and pretty much tweak to make it more like the way I want my site to look like. Plus, it made updating sites easier and quicker (no more messing with Frontpage and hand-coded pages).

With that first discovery came a few more. I think I may be one of the first few to test MovableType and WordPress a few years ago. This experimentation with blogging platforms became an addiction (and a necessity) when I became the first Guide to Web Logs on About.com (a NY Times company).

How much time everyday do you spend blogging? How do you divide your time between being a mom and being a blogger?

I only really have two main blogs that I update on a regular basis now - http://shaicoggins.com and http://justmakemoneyonline.com. And, it probably takes approximately an hour from my day, depending on the type of posts I’m writing. Sometimes, I end up with less time on them, sometimes just a bit more.

So yeah, the actual blogging doesn’t take that long. It’s all the other things that go with it that take up more time - from networking and blog reading to leaving comments and researching.

In terms of dividing my time… Hmmm… funny how this question hardly ever gets asked from male bloggers who are also dads, huh?

Anyway, I do most of my blogging and my online work when the kids are at school/childcare - or when my husband’s taking care of them. And yes, when they’ve all gone to bed.

I make sure that I give them a lot of my time, energy and attention when we’re together as a family. And, we definitely make an effort to have family time, every day. And more at the weekends. I can’t have it any other way. Kids grow up so fast. And, there’s nothing that blogging can offer that will overshadow my joy as a mum to my two kids.

However, to me, it’s not really an either/or situation.

How do you attract readers? Any tips on getting the word out about your blog and driving users to your site?

There are many ways to attract readers. There’s an abundance of advice on this topic in various blogs - from using social bookmarking sites like StumbleUpon and networking on Twitter… to creating fabulous content and making headlines and such that work. They all definitely play a part in improving one’s readership.

But, after many years of blogging, one thing I realised is that I actually need to attract the most important reader of all: Myself. Seriously. If I came across my blog and it wasn’t written by me, would I be interested in it? Would I subscribe to my blog, read and re-read my own blog posts?

And yes - another thing that I try to keep in mind is to be involved. Always. Getting involved in my own blog is one thing. But, there’s more to it than that. Becoming involved in other people’s blogs - and the blog community in general - are definitely very important aspects of blogging and gaining readership. So, leave comments, participate in projects, get other people involved… It’s all part of the whole blogging scene.

What blogs do you read? Can you share with us some URLs of your favorites?

I’ve got a few hundred blogs in my feedreader. So, it’s a bit tough just to choose a few favourites. Of course, I do my best to read as many b5media.com blogs as I’m able to read. And, I read and visit blogs of folks who interact with me on a regular basis (via joining my blog projects, leaving comments in my blogs, etc). Those who make it to my ‘Top Commenters’ get special attention because I find links to their blogs easily. Other than the bloggers in my communities, I make it a point to visit blogs in my industry and my varied areas of interest. Plus, blogs of my family and friends.

What is the status of blog networks? Is it still as hot as two years ago?

Blog networks are still all the rage, of course.

But, I think people have come to realise now that making money from blogging networks is not so simple and easy. It really does take a lot more than just installing blogging software, getting a blogger to write on a topic and reaping advertising dollars.

So, maybe that’s why we haven’t really seen as many people starting their own networks. At least, not as much as they used to after the initial surge.

Is there room for more? It depends on the kind of network you intend to start.

Are blogging networks really worth it? Absolutely. However, the scene will most likely evolve as technology and social media evolve in the next couple of years.

What is your job description as VP of Community for b5media?

In a nutshell, I take care of all community-related activities within b5media. Primarily, our internal community of bloggers (via chats, contests, surveys, and other related activities). Although, I do work in some external projects too. And yes, seeing as my work is all about community, I am grateful that we have our great Channel Editors who help to make a lot of wonderful stuff happen.

Other than these “official” community work, I’m also part of the Content Team in b5media. Here, I work closely with Darren Rowse (VP, Training), Christina Jones (Content manager), and Tris Hussey (Training manager). We basically work together regarding day-to-day operations - from handling content policies to training feedback.

Then, there’s the ‘unofficial’ role of being co-owner of b5, where I work with the rest of the management team regarding “higher decision making” stuff.

Can you give us a ballpark figure as to how much you earn from blogging? How do you monetize your blog?

This is another tricky question for me, as I make money from blogging directly and indirectly. My answer will depend on which area of blogging income we’re looking at. Combined direct and indirect income from blogging amounts to a good full time income for me that helps in paying for a mortgage, day-to-day living expenses, travel, school fees, etc.

On direct income from blogging through my ’side projects’ - I monetise my blogs using various strategies. Like most bloggers who try to make money from their blogs, I use AdSense. I also have text links, affiliates, and other ad programmes. They come up to a decent amount of extra change that I use to indulge my photography, gadgets, crafting, eBay and etsy habits.

What common mistakes do you see other bloggers are doing?

Starting a blog purely for making money. Having unrealistic expectations from their efforts. Spreading themselves too thin. Not being involved enough in their own blogs - and in the blogging community in general. Not knowing how to grow outside their comfort zones.

What advice can you give to someone who’s starting a blog?

Do it because you love it. Blog because it’s really something you feel passionate about. Know why you want to blog and set your expectations accordingly. If community is one of the reasons you wish to blog, then by all means, reach out and take part in conversations. Don’t be insular. Take advice lightly. And, enjoy the ride!

Is the blogosphere crowded already?

Really, I don’t even think about the blogosphere in that way. How can it be crowded when there’s enough web space to go around for everyone? But yes, it becomes increasingly difficult to get heard and to stand out as more blogs get started.

But, not everyone blogs to get heard/to stand out/to make money.

So, it’s more about what you want to get out of blogging. If it serves your purpose, then you’re doing the right thing. And, there’s always room for more people wishing to use blogs as a way to define and to achieve their purpose.

You like photography. What is your camera of choice?

My first and only DSLR is the Nikon D40x. And I love it. I know it’s considered entry-level - and it does have some limitations. But, I’m no pro - and have no aspirations of becoming pro. So, the D40x suits me just fine. Besides, it’s one of the few great DSLRs that can actually fit in to my handbag. Very nifty.

Posted on March 27th, 2008 by Dominic Rivera
Filed under: Blogging, Interview