Rebellious Arab Girl » Advertising

A year end manifestation: The Talk of the Town

Mona — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:57:51 +0000

This is part three of the year end manifestation of the life of my blog.

My blog this year won so many awards, that I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count them! NOT!! (Didn’t I sound cheesy and dorky like the rest of the bloggers out there?) But yes, my blog won a lot of invisible mind boggling awards. I won people’s readerships. That’s the biggest award I can get as a blogger. I don’t care about best blog, or best writer, or best anything. Who cares? It’s like winning a virtual banner to advertise someone else’s bright idea that started the campaign.

Really, if the prize was money based, then people will be all over it! I would be so all over it!

So, I am gonna list the top blog posts this year by comments, my favorites, and ones that I should have never published, but found their way online cause of my insomnia or excessive amounts of coffee!

Top Blog Posts 2009 | Comments & Reactions

April 28, 2009 | It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a conspiracy theory!
June 7, 2009 | The Arab Blogorette
June 16, 2009 | I think it is time for change!
August 25, 2009 | Why are Muslims turning Atheists?
August 30, 2009 | Analysis: It is much harder to get rid of her
September 7, 2009 | Arabs marrying non-Arabs
September 18, 2009 | Window shopping for a bride
October 27, 2009 | Symbols of being different

Top Blog Posts 2009 | Monaism & Love

January 15, 2009 | Are good people always the victims of life?
March 31, 2009 | How accurate is this?
April 20, 2009 | Airports think I am a perv!
May 21, 2009 | A way to relieve stress
July 15, 2009 | Teaching a child the basics of the internet world
September 6, 2009 | No Comment
September 24, 2009 | I am sick and tired of looking for work!!! NO MORE!
December 4, 2009 | The typicals
December 26, 2009 | I am the master of my choices

Top Blog Pots 2009 | Those That Should Have Never Been

January 28, 2009 | The blogging world is run by monkeys
May 4, 2009 | I thought I held the title of taking things too seriously
June 20, 2009 | The media has been following me for over two decades
September 26, 2009 | I don’t like talking about sex in public

Let’s do something different

Mona — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:53:20 +0000

I was sitting on the chair today staring at the monitor for over 10 minutes, and wondering how routine my life has become. I feel like I am a robot of my own making. I really wanted to do something different, but I needed encouragement. I wanted not only me, but everyone else to have that feeling. The feeling of doing something that you are not used to doing at all, or haven’t done in a long time.

Sometimes life just runs by so fast, that we start forgetting our selves. We forget what we want, what we are able to do, and what we are supposed to do.

Therefore, this week, try to do something different. Pick up the phone and call an old friend. Clean behind your desk. Run around the block. Give money to a charity. Ask your friends if you would like to go out for dinner and a movie. Go out of your way and visit a friend or relative at their home without their knowledge just to say hi. Tell someone how you really feel about them instead of wondering why the sudden distance. Clean out your garage. Clean out your closet. Etc.

After you have done that odd thing you are not used to doing or never done before this week, ask your self this, “Shouldn’t I do this more often? Shouldn’t I try to do something different all the time and get out of this routine?

Tell me or tell others what you have done this week. Try to encourage them as well. You can comment about it here on my site, or blog about it on your own site.

Let’s all participate in this activity, and see what are the outcomes by next Sunday. I hope we can all learn from this, and try new things all the time.

Code for the banner:
<a href="http://www.rebelliousarabgirl.net/2009/11/01/lets-do-something-different/" target="_blank"></a>

I have a vision too!

Mona — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:09:03 +0000

The social networking scene around the world is dramatically reacting to the Nobel Peace Prize that US President Barrack Obama received a couple of days ago. So many people are ecstatic about it, and not asking themselves, “why?” I find it hilarious that he won the Prize based only on his campaign and future visions of peace, and better political ties with other nations. You know what would be even funnier? That everything he promised he would not be able to accomplish fully during his presidency!

If that happens, would they revoke the prize?

Anyways, so you can win a Nobel Peace Prize for only having a vision of a good future. Wow, well then. I need to get started on mine. Let me continue my campaign that I started a few months back.

Vote for the Rebellious Arab Girl today!

1. She promises you peace in the middle east!

2. She promises you democracy in each Arab country with 4 – 6 year election time frames with citizens voting new leaderships!

3. She promises you a separation between religion and the state!

4. She promises you no more visa requirements for Arabs to visit other Arab countries!

5. She promises you Palestine to return to its rightful owners!

6. She promises you government funding for each Arab University to allow and contribute their scientific research to the world!

7. She promises you equality in the work force between the sexes!

Well, after I wrote all these promises out, I slapped my self silly and told my self, “Mona, are you on crack?”

From my heart and blog

Mona — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:50:47 +0000

Some people in the past have asked me why I have advertisements on my site. I replied that I was poor and I needed money from writing such mundane things on my blog. Since I have been finally employed by the good people who realized that maybe I do have a talent, then people will now question why I am still monetizing my blog.

I know advertisements are annoying, and they make pennies a day. However, I am going to leave them for two reasons:

1) I have a significant number of lovely daily readers.

2) I am going to use the money for something more than my self and to help others.

Therefore, I have decided that the money I make from my site will be sent to an online Palestinian Children’s Charity. It has absolutely no political affiliation. It is just money to buy medicine, etc. I could care less about politics or any stupid organization, and I support no one.

The rest of the money will be used for hosting my websites and domain renewals, and any other miscellaneous online purchase I need for my sites.

Random Thoughts

Well, I have been on a shopping frenzy lately. I had to go buy new clothes for work. And this is no ordinary work. I can’t dress like I just got out of bed and put on the first thing I saw in the closet that is still not ironed. Oh no. No more! I have to look like I am actually going to work! Not only that, all my clothes are too big on me. I lost so much weight from sitting at home eating my self up from anger and depression, that I was in desperate need of a new wardrobe! So, I am slowly picking up new clothes and will get a lot more later and throw out the old. I only go for sales. I don’t like spending money on clothes. I find it a waste!

Also, it is so much fun walking in downtown and looking like I a little career girl! Hehehe! I look so sophisticated for a programmer. But hey! I get treated well! I get a kick ass view (click to view), free hot drinks, and free lunch every Thursdays. Now that’s the life!

Ramadan Contest

Mona — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:47:00 +0000

NOTE: CONTEST WAS EXTENDED TILL END OF THE MONTH! AS N SEPTEMBER 20, 2009! PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME! I DIDN’T GET ENOUGH ENTRIES FOR TODAY!

Ramadan Mubarak wa kul 3am wa into bekheer! Yay I am so excited that Ramadan is here! I hope everyone is doing great wa sawman makboolan inshallah. (Allah accepts your fasting.)

[source]

I decided this month in the holy month of Ramadan, there will be a contest that everyone can participate in!

The contest will test your creativity in making wallpapers. I want you guys to try out Photoshop or whatever image editor you use, and show case for us. I want a wallpaper of your favorite item that you cannot live without, with cool decorations around it or anything fancy. Impress me and everyone else especially. The banner has to be tasteful, and nothing bad at all!

At the end of the month, I will post all the banners with your name next to it, and my readers will decide which one they like the most. The winner will receive $50.00 to their Paypal. Also, if you have a website, then I will advertise for a week a banner to your site that I will make for free on the sidebar sponsor’s area of my site!

E-Mail wallpapers to: rebelliousarabgirl@gmail.com

Rule: I have the right to not post your banner if I find that not enough work was put into it. I also have the right to cancel the contest if I don’t get enough entries. I am looking for minimum 10 entries. There are so many tutorials out there, and we all need a challenge in life, right? The reason I decided to start the contest with a graphic design because I am a graphic designer and I like pretty things. Also, I want people to go beyond their limits and do something with their free time.

Please Tweet, tell others, or post this contest on your site and spread the word. Let’s make this exciting and fun for everyone! Sharing is great!

Sisterly bond

Mona — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:13:36 +0000

I got a Facebook message earlier today from a loyal reader asking me to spread the word about this new great site, and I just couldn’t say no because it was too cute!

Hey Mona =)
I know you are like one of the most popular Muslim bloggers on the web right now, so I’d really like to share the opening of a new site with you — http://muslimgirl.net. It’s a place where girls can interact with each other, learn about Islam, and apply it to today’s society. Please let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your opinion. …

I love the site! What do you think? I like it when Arab/Muslim girls create their own blogs and start something big.

You guys make me proud!

Review my blog and earn EC credits

Mona — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:53:28 +0000

If you have Entrecard, and want to earn lots of Entrecard credits easily, all you got to do this month is review my blog on your site, and earn 800 Entrecard credits. It does not have to be long, and you must link back to my blog. That’s all you got to do!

To earn the 800 EC credits, just post the link to the review or your blog’s URL in the comments area, and that’s it! You got 800 EC credits! Isn’t that a simple way to also do link exchange?

By the way, if you want me to add your URL to my blogroll, just email me your link!

Bonus!

If you write a really good review that is honest and well written, I will post your entire review on my site, and give you 2000 EC credits!

Deadline?
The last day to submit your review is Tuesday, August 4, 2009.

Searching for permanent writers

Mona — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:03:35 +0000

I am searching for 3 or 4 writers who love to give their opinions and tips about social networking, new social networking software, plugins, etc, and new social networking websites.

I am also looking for online marketing gurus who want to help me advertise the site.

The catch?

You will obviously get a share of the profits once the site picks up. I am reading a lot about making tutorials or tips websites, but I need lots of committed writers who can commit an hour of their day to write.

If you are interested, then please email me rebelliousarabgirl@gmail.com

I am working on a website now, and I need some articles and commitment!

Contest: Win 6000 Entrecard credits quick and easy!

Mona — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:12:50 +0000

I decided to have an end of month Entrecard free credit points give away. Yaay!

How to play?

All you got to do is comment on this post. You can say things like, “Hey Mona! I want some credits!” Stuff like that, or comment on anything else you like. However, here is the catch! Tomorrow evening, I will ask my mother to pick a number between 1 and the maximum number of comments on this post. The number she picks will be the winner. So, the more times you comment on this post in the next 24 hours, the more likely chance you will win.

Easy eh?

Start commenting and spread the word while you are at it to win 6000 EC points tomorrow evening!

Update!!

I decided that the contest will end tomorrow at 8:00 pm EST! That gives people around the world time to enter. I know there are many FAQs in the comments, and I will just address them here.

1. Mom will pick a number, and she really doesn’t have a favorite. I will not video tape it, and just tell you guys honestly what she said. I have no reason to pick anyone in particular.

2. This contest is just for fun so I can meet other Entrecard users, and stay in touch with the community.

3. There will be another contest soon (July 1 or July 2nd), but it will be more of value (money) and a bit more challenging but fun. (Not restricted to Entrecard.)

Last Update!!

If you DO NOT have a website link posted in the comments AND you DO NOT have an Entrecard on your site, then I will delete your comment. It’s not fair to the rest.

Simple how to’s!

Mona — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:56:40 +0000

A lot of people ask me to share some tips on how to keep maintaining their online personal blog, drive lots of traffic, and keep people coming back.

[source]

How to get a personal blog started

Choose an overall theme to your site. I know it is personal, but you have to have some type of focus point to your site. For example, I am known to write very direct and to the point posts. I don’t sugar coat anything, and I chose the idea of rebellious as a way to represent my ideas to the world. Quick and dirty, but to the point, because that’s who I am. So, ask your self these questions:
1. What do I want to represent to the world? A reiteration of what happened in my daily life or journal of thoughts that lead to discussions about certain issues related to my daily life?
2. What writing style should I follow? Should it be complex or simple?
3. Who are my main target audience?
4. Should I stay focused to one idea all the time, or be unpredictable every day and bring something new to my audience?
Should you start a blog from scratch? Scratch means the following:
1. Buy your own domain name. I prefer this route, because you want your web presence to be unique online. It’s like your name. You are a unique person, so why not have a unique name online?
2. Install a platform that you are already familiar with and practiced using. I have used Wordpress.org for a long time. Before I started this blog, I already knew how to use Wordpress and I have used it for other projects. My suggestion for those that are familiar with programming or web design, to test Wordpress first and play around with it before committing to it. If not, get someone else to do it for you.
3. Choose an interface style or theme. I know many people have the hardest time with this, and would rather download a free Wordpress template, or buy cheap ones if they are deeply committed. However, if you spent the time buying a domain, buying hosting space every month, then why not spend a bit of time to customize your site? Make it personal. It has your name on it. You don’t want to dress like half the people out there, right?
4. Spend time upgrading your site. There are many plugins out there that will enhance your site’s functionality.
Should I monetize my blog? I know many people want to make money online, especially with their blogs. It’s not that easy, and I don’t recommend you doing it from the get-go. You need to attract visitors first, and many of your visitors are not stupid. If they don’t know who you are, and they realized that your site is still new, and they see advertisements permeated all over the site, then they know you are not being sincere in your writing. You are no longer writing for your self and them, but to only make money off of them. I didn’t start putting advertisement on this blog till after 1.5 years maybe into it.

How to drive traffic and maintain a loyal audience

I know this is the hardest thing about maintaining a site. How to get audience? Is submitting your blog to search engines enough? Should commenting on several blogs just to get your name out there enough?

Write a lot of different things. Write anything, and everything possible. Don’t limit your self, or think that “someone” out there is watching. Everyone is watching. Stop this fear from writing and knowing people you know in person might be reading it. Who cares?
The more you write, the more search engines are attracted to you. Search engines’ bots love new content. The more you write on a daily bases, the more the bots will go through your site and index new content. The more differing thoughts you have, the more keywords it can pick up.
Join social networks.
1. I use Entrecard on a daily bases, and it is the number one tool for me, as a personal blogger, to attract various audience, and to also see what is out there. The more you drop, limit 300 a day, the more exposure you have online to various people all over the world.
2. I use Stumbleupon every now and then. I find it a great tool for others to help you advertise certain posts to certain categories.
3. I use Facebook every day. I find it the most personal way to tell others, I will talk to you. I will be more personal with you, using PM, Wall posts, comments, etc. I am not just a person sitting behind a screen writing blog posts. I am like you, and I don’t mind being friends and getting to know you personally, and vice versa.
4. I use Twitter all day long. It is the number one way to find me online, and quickly ask me a question. I try my best to answer as soon as I can. I try to write about what I am thinking, how I am feeling, and share some cool links I find online.
Get others to subscribe to your site. Everyone will tell you that you must have an RSS feed, and an email subscription link. I agree, however, what I really love is when people bookmark your site to their favorites, or know your link by heart. That’s when you know what you really attracted others and gained a loyal audience. You made your mark online, and people now know who you are.

How to make money from a personal blog

I honestly don’t have a definite answer. I make money because my website traffic is high, and I have great internet exposure from the several keywords or phrases from my blog posts. However, I had this site for over three years. In the beginning, I read a lot about making money online in the 1000’s of dollars, but I didn’t know how to take those tips and apply it to a personal blog. I found it to be a great challenge. So I decided to focus more on attracting people to come on a daily bases, and have fun with my blog instead. I stay interactive with my audience and show them that I am really just like them. If I end up making 1000’s of dollars from advertisements every month, then great. I know it is nearly impossible and I doubt I will ever, but we can only hope eh? Otherwise, I will do what I have always been doing, writing to tell a story about me, the world that I live in, and the way I perceive many issues in life. Then, things can keep developing from there, right?

And like the song says, “Que Sera Sera! Whatever will be, will be!”

Cheers!