Now, a few months ago I wrote an article titled Don’t Assume; You Know the Old Saying… This article offers a great explanation to what RSS Feed is to all of you that don’t know.  (And trust me, there are still a whole lot of people out there who don’t know; you’re not alone!)

Back to the subject at hand…

I use Google Feed Reader.  I picked it solely because it was Google, so I figured that it had to be one of the best.  The Google Feed Reader works well  for me on so many levels.

First off all, it counts the number of unread articles that I have in my “in box”.  I try to keep it under 100, but sometimes that’s a challenge.  Right now I have a bit of catching up to do, as I have 222 new articles!

Secondly, there’s a nifty little bar on the left-hand side that lists out all of the websites and the number of unread articles I have from each particular site.  This way I can easily and effortlessly choose and prioritize the order in which I want o check out my favorite bloggers.

In addition to breaking out articles by site, with the Google Feed Reader, I have the option of “starring” any and all articles that I feel may be of importance to me at a later date.  This way, when I’m searching for that one article that I really want to reference 3 months later, I don’t have to wade through piles and piles of articles.  It makes life much more efficient for me.  (Okay, well maybe not life in general, but it definitely makes blogging easier.)

Lastly, another cool option that Google Readers offers is the fact that the users can monitor trends both in their favorite bloggers and trends with themselves.  Google Reader graphs articles posted and articles read down to the exact hour.  How’s that for cool?  I like that feature because it also offers an unbiased accountability for myself.  Have I been reading too much of one blogger and not getting enough diversity in my subject matter?  Google Reader will tell me!

I also found this article and video fairly helpful, if you’re looking into Google Reader, or just simply comparing the Reader that you’re currently using…  Click here to check it out!

Since we’re talking about Feeds, and Feed Readers… do you subscribe to my feed?  If you find my articles interesting, comical, or down-right loony, then I’d be honored if you decide to sign up for The AverageGal Feed.  (Couldn’t help myself; it’s the perfect opportunity to self-promote!)

What Feed Reader do you currently use?  What do you like or dislike about it?  In all honesty, I really don’t know a whole lot about other readers, and I’d like to know a little more!  Thanks in advance for sharing!

RSS Feed Readers is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

If you’re looking for a blog that offers you a wide variety of interesting and fun topics from around the web then you should go and check out Taris’ site.  The unique content that’s posted on the blog always amazes me.  There’s a great mix of tips and techniques to help improve your blogging skills as well as personal opinion posts such as the one I just watched/read called “Holy Samurai Master Batman!!“.    You’ll never believe what this guy can do with a sword!  Go check out this post and fast forward to the 3:45 second mark in the YouTube video.  Pretty unreal if you ask me!

The Power Maxx Blog is a great combination of resourceful tips and fun.  Head on over and say Hi to Taris, I think you’ll enjoy reading and following his site.

Wicked and Awesome No Doubt! is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

Those of you who use social media outlets (and who doesn’t these days?) know exactly what I’m talking about.  We need and crave that personal, yet not too personal interaction with our online friends. We depend on social media to be there as an outlet and connection to our online world.  It’s when social media gets taken away that we really realize how much we depend on it to stay connected.  Social media is our IV that keeps our heart beating; it adds fuel to the fire for our desire to explore the great beyond… the world wide web.

Twitter was acting up today and I found myself lost… in cyberspace.  I didn’t know what to do and couldn’t think clearly.  Yes, like I said before… seriously addicted.

What did we do without social media? What was the world like before Facebook, MySpace, MSN Instant Messenger, Twitter?  Truthfully, I don’t even remember.  Social media is so much ingrained into who I am as an individual that I can’t even imagine life without it.  In fact, thinking about the possibility of not having social media gives me a bit of a panic attack.

Am I addicted?  Is this a normal feeling? I think that I need to ration my portions of social media in order to control it from taking over my whole self.  But it’s so hard… and it’s so easy to rationalize why a little more time spent on the social media networks would be okay.  Just a little more time, after I refresh my Twitter, and then after I respond to this friend; before I know it, I’ve wasted another hour.  I think that I need to quit social media.  (or at least set a timer for myself.)

Are you dependant on social media?  How do you rationalize the time you spend on it? Please tell me it’s not just me who has a social media addiction…

Dependant on Social Media? is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

• The Next 30 Days Could Make or Break your Blog – by Jamie Harrop
  In this article, Jamie highlights the importance of blogging through the hectic holiday season.  Schedule your posts in advance to get through the holidays.  Jamie makes a good point that the pros don’t slow their posting frequency, so why should we?
• 30 Things You can Learn about Lifestyle Design from James Bond – by Chris from Lifestyle Project
  In his post, Chris points out 30 different aspects of James Bonds’ life that you should model.  These 30 items can be applied to your personal life as well as your career.  As you set goals for the upcoming year, keep some of these things in mind.
• Video Blogging: The Next Big Thing? – by Ben Pei
  Ben discusses video blogging aka vlogging and shows how to get started with this recent trend.  There is specific equiment and concepts that you’ll need to understand before undertaking this task.  If you want to learn more about how to participate in vlogging I would suggest checking out his recommendations first!
• 11 Questions that could Vastly Improve the Quality of Your Life in 2009 – by Henrik Edberg of The Positivity Blog
  This article will really get your wheels spinning on what you want out of life for not only the coming year, but for the next several years as well.  Henrik really puts life into perspective with this thought provoking post.
• How to End this Year on a High – by Arvind of The Stepcase Lifehack
  Here’s another great article to reflect upon when reviewing this year and setting goals for 2009.  Don’t let your goals and achievements of 2008 be overlooked!

I hope that you enjoy reading these articles as much as I did.  Each day I read multiple articles and most of them are great;  I would like to highlight them all, however the list would be a mile long.  Watch out for next Saturdays’ Weekend Wrap-Up for more great content from around the blog world.   Have a great weekend!

Weekend WrapUp – Week of December 15th is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

You too, have the opportunity to enter into this contest.  Check out the following sites for a chance to be entered to win one of these free silver passes!

• Steven Sanders
• Heather in Beautiful BC
• Corrin Oh Hey
• Just Julie
• Lisa My Thoughts Ideas and Ramblings
• There’s Something About Harry

Win a Free Silver Pass to Affiliate Summit West is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

• How to Start Speaking at Events – by Chris Brogan
  Chris highlights his path from an accomplished blogger to a public speaker.  Using your experience from blogging, your social network, and implementing Chris’ tips for public speaking, you too can be a successful public speaker if you wish!
• Digg’s Effect on PageRank – by SEO Wordsmith
  Social media has affected each and every one of us… bloggers that is.  This article does a great job of explaining the effect that Digg has on our PageRank.  SEO Wordsmith gives some good suggestions on how to create an interesting title, how to create a viral article and how to get “dugg”.  Check this one out to learn more!
• How to Get Freelance Work with Twitter – by Kim Woodbridge
  Twitter is all the rave right now.  It’s such a great tool in so many aspects.  Kim explains how she uses Twitter to her advantage to find freelance work; so many bloggers also do a great deal of freelancing.  Read her article to find out more about the “do’s” and “don’ts” of how you can use Twitter to find freelance work.
• Ranking Highly in Search Engines has nothing to do with SEO – by Josh Klein
  For as long as blogs have been around, there’s been an ongoing debate as to the importance of SEO.  Some say SEO is King, others say content is the all-mighty ruler.  Here’s a great article by Josh Klein summarizing the importance of a combination of the two.  His article is a less technical version of how to make your blog SEO friendly, while creating content.
• The Essential Time-Saving Guide for Busy People – by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits
  I’m busy.  You’re busy.  Who isn’t?  With all of today’s worries and responsibilities, are you taking time to reflect on your personal and work habits?  Here’s an article that has some good tips for all of us busy professionals to save time.  Take time out of your day to read this one; you won’t be disappointed!

I hope that you enjoy reading these articles as much as I did.  Each day I read multiple articles and most of them are great;  I would like to highlight them all, however the list would be a mile long.  Watch out for next Saturdays’ Weekend Wrap-Up for more great content from around the blog world.   Have a great weekend!

Weekend WrapUp – Week of Dec 8th is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

• 8 Writing Tips - by Blogger Newbie
  Dee highlights some great tips on overcoming writers block, creative writing techniques, and ways effectively reach your readers.  If you haven’t run into that writing brick wall yet, don’t worry you will. This blog article will help you climb over that wall and get the posting juices rolling again.
  
• How To Set Up A Home Office – by Smarter Wealth
  If you’re a full time blogger facing challenges from working at home, then this article is for you.  As many of my readers know, I recently left my corporate desk job to blog full time.  I can say from experience that having a well thought-out home office is a must!
• Contest Open For All – by WDS Web Design Servers
  Recently, Webdesi3 Aka Ciara, wrote a guest post for my blog highlighting her Top 5 Blog Widgets.  In this recent post on her blog she highlights a contest being offered by on of her favorite widgets.  All you have to do is comment on her blog and you are automatically entered to win some cool prizes.  Check it out and the other articles on her blog; there is a ton to learn!
• Cheap Shots- by TumbleMoose
  George writes about taking a quality approach towards building blog traffic versus “negative” techniques aimed at giving your blog a one time shot in the arm.  I completely agree with TumbleMoose and feel the same approach highlighted in this article is the best way to truly grow your readership.
• What It Takes To Make $100,000 A Year From Adsense – by Writing For Your Wealth
  This is a fantastic article that gives specific examples on you can blog your way to a 6 figure income. If you’re like me, after reading this article, you’ll have a hard time sleeping.  If you want to see some concrete techniques on making significant profit from Adsense, then I’d suggest reading this post.

I hope that you enjoy reading these articles as much as I did.  Each day I read multiple articles and most of them are great;  I would like to highlight them all, however the list would be a mile long.  Watch out for next weeks’ Weekend WrapUp for more great content from around the blog world.   Have a great weekend!

Weekend WrapUp – Week of Nov. 24th is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace