I've mentioned before that bloggers are a new force to be reckoned in the internet world. In fact, more than that - bloggers can change and shape things online & offline. We've seen that happening already in just the few months back.
And I'm glad to be part this, as a blogger - though I'm still considered a 'small-fry' in the blogosphere. There are so many new things to learn and so many websites to visit - and really, at times it can be an information overload.
That's not forgetting the time spent on coming up with ideas on postings (writings) - which I truly enjoy of course as I am able to share my thoughts and my journey... and things that I see in life.
Like I said, I think I've come a fair bit, though I'm still learning a lot. And recently, I've chanced on a new site which I would like to share.
Blogging & You
This is for the bloggers especially, but also for the non-bloggers who are interested to know what blogging can do for you.
Yes, blogging can bring income and I'm actually trying this out. It's not my main income yet, as you guys know I have my own business running, but I do hope to increase revenue from blogging and I guess this site is one of them. Yes I'm hoping to get paid to blog - And I'm not talking about banner ads or PPCs, but really, just paid to write in my blog :)
Yes, You Heard Right
If writing is your passion, or sharing your life journey or if you already are a blogger, then this is for you because you can simply find & select Advertisers that suite your style (content) and write a review about their product or services.
Some of you are already doing that anyway - reviewing on things either to your friends by word of mouth on the new things you bought, or blogging about a good service you experienced. Imagine each time you share about a product to your friend, the company pays you... well, it's not a dream anymore.
In other words, think of it as a review - but a beneficial one to your readers. And at the same time you will help the company (the Advertiser). So it's a triple win situation here: Readers-Advertiser-Yourself.
Or if you like, you can actually donate it away as well to the needy, maybe not all, but when the time arises. (In fact, there is a segment that you can choose to donate).
Seriously Consider
So, really, if you are a blogger or soon-to-be, then do think about this opportunity. This is really quite a pleasant thing to arrive to the internet!
This by the way is a sample of a Paid Post - but with benefits (I hope) to you :)
Bloggers, This Is For You
$1 Durians
I have a feeling that it's near the durian season again. I'm not sure if it's too early , but I remember that the season for the king of fruits is usually around mid year or so.
Anyway, mention anything durian from durian cake, durian pancake, durian puffs, durian ice cream or durian juice (I'm hoping to try this lol), and usually I'm up for it.
Though I must say nothing beats eating raw durian by itself - and nothing beats the seasonal durian Malaysia. The smell is always stronger, and flesh softer - durian lovers will get what I mean I'm sure. It's not my favourite fruit, but close. 
So the other day, I was at the supermarket and from afar, I could smell the unmistakable durian smell - some like it, some don't. Well, it's not over-empowering, but just a bit. And it's usually this time of the season that the smell is stronger.
Actually, I prefer buying durians at supermarkets as they are usually opened right in front of you (minus the hassle of opening one & you get to see the spread, and the price is fixed).
Ever since an incident where I paid a hundred over dollars (forced) for durian, I've never gone back to buy through the stalls, unless the price are explicitly stated.
And recently, the prices in the supermarkets are quite ok - not usually cheap, but neither too overpriced.
Durian Sale!
But, the other day, I had a shock when I saw the price of the durians - there was a sale! Yeah, surprise I was... because durians were going for S$1 a packet! (just when we thought prices are rising!)
Sceptical
But you know when food and fruits go for sale, we can be skeptical at times - on its freshness, its taste, its quality, etc.
But then again, I thought, it's only S$1, and they look like Malaysian durians - so why not give a try... it can't be that bad right (sold by supermarket for sure got reputation a bit right).
The Verdict
So, buy I did. And tried I did. Well, let's say for S$1, it's ok-lah. It did have that bitter-sweet durian taste though it wasn't that strong - rather mild actually.
So, it wasn't really a 'good durian bargain' or sale for that matter, but I guess worth the try (once at least). Though for the future, I'll make sure it is much better before I 'plonk' my $1 :)
*Actually the durians were more expensive just about 5 mins before that, but as it was about to close (and you can't really keep those opened durians), they brought the price down. That means this durians were just the regular priced durians in the first place - and that just means that the season's not in yet!
Japan's Tourism Ambassador
Think Japan and these tourist attractions come to your mind:
Clearly, this modern country has just so many tourist sites which the Japan Tourist board can promote.
Then, talk about Japanese food - there is the all time favourite raw fish of sashimi & sushi. Or their culture of the beautiful traditional dress of kimono. Really, Japan has so much to offer!
And with so much to offer, it's only right to share it with the world. Now under the Visit Japan campaign, they are hoping to achieve 10 million tourists to the beautiful country. To help bring the tourist numbers in, they are looking forward to ambassadors. They already have Korean singer Younha, Japanese actress Yoshino Kimura and Japanese pop/rock (J-pop) duo Puffy AmiYumi.
So Who's Next?
First up, there's Japan's J-pop queen, Ayumi Hamasaki - she's hot, she's popular & have a huge following even outside Japan.
Or how about the popular First Love singer? With her best selling first album holding the record of best sales per album in the country, for sure she is considered:
Enough Of J Pop
But no, they are not looking for another pop-ster to grace & welcome tourists to their country.
Instead, they are looking of another segment that Japan is popular of - its Japanese cartoon or known as animation.
Yes, there is the big head, big eyes cartoon characters of Manga. Or a more real Final Fantasy where every detail is outlined? But these were not in the board's mind as well.
How about a popular one - one that has gone Hollywood?
Yes, think Transformers - this robot machine which can change into vehicels? They can showcase a modern Japan - known for its modernisation, an economic marvel many other countries just awe. But despite the Hollywood fame with a movie in 2007, it's still a no.
Something more simple
No, they want something more simple - something people can relate too. Then, Doraemon should be a good one - this magical robot cat is just like a genie and makes nearly every wish come true for buddy Nobita & gang. Everyone should be able to relate to this blue cat with a magic pouch in the front. They can have a tagline 'Come to Japan - where dreams come true' (cliche I know). But put Doraemon beside it, and it may just make wonders!
But again, blue cat or not, is not what they want. You mean there's even skin colour difference in Japan?
No, all these are just way too complicated for a simple image Japan wants to portray. It needs something more 'lovable' & not crazy like Doraemon, stiff as Transformers, as real human like as Final Fantasy or any other big headed mangas.
They want something with 'more excitement' - one that likes modern Japan - its shopping, loves its fashion, and its sashimi... yet at the same time have some traditional values. It can't be too sexy - no Ayumi. It has to be real, yet unreal...
So who was chosen?
Who do you think Japan is making it greet its 10 million tourists?
And to be splashed in posters worldwide?
Clue: It's a cartoon character (ok, you already know that).
2nd Clue: It's not human (ok, you know that too).
I can't give anymore clues actually, cos it's really simple. Ok, here's one: it likes Mcdonald's! (or has an affiliate with McD) - and it's a cat.
This really is a giveaway clue.
Yes, it's a cat
Some of you by now will know who I'm talking about. The ladies/ girls especially. Yes, Japan is inviting you... with a far more famous icon:
For the guys, well, let's just get past that Kitty Kat and enjoy real Japan (do remember to bow when you see the cat though!) :)
Learn More On Japan: Japan National Tourist Organisation
Hello Kitty's The New Ambassador
*For the record, Doraemon is Japan's Anime Ambassador.
Get Seen Globally
Advertising is for everyone who is in business - whether through word of mouth or direct marketing... all these falls into advertising.
And as we all know, the internet is another force not to be missed. Utilising the internet is one of another method to get our products/ services known to the world, yes globally!
Many brands have jumped in the bandawagon, though many more brands may not be familiar with the internet yet, as it may seem all new. But don't worry as a smart project, SocialSpark.com is aimed to bridge that gap in the world wide web & help companies globally.
Now every company who wants to go global & reach a wider audience has a new avenue to do so. And the best part, you are going to work with bloggers themselves - the force behind the web nowadays. Big or small, bloggers play an important role today in influencing their readers.
A relatively new project, I hope to see more big global MNCs joining in from food like Mcdonald's & KFC to the hotel chains like Hilton & JW Marriott; computer giants - HP, Lenovo; and sport brands like Nike & Reebok.
Of course, I also hope to see some smaller & more niche SMEs like boutique hotels & resorts, even cafes & bars coming in.
Bloggers like me will definitely be glad to share about such establishments - it's already part of what we do! :)
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