Review: Fairy Tales Can Come True; It Could Happen to You
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 8, 2012
Blogging is ubiquitous these days. It seems that, no matter where you go in this world, there is someone who has taken the time to sit down and, depending upon the topic at hand as well as the thought and effort expended, compose a lengthy screed detailing as much information as they can conceivably fathom about the pros and cons of drinking oolong tea from Sri Lanka, or reminiscing about life in a summer treehouse on Manitoulin Island in Canada, or offering some timely tips for improving a resume.All of which is valuable to someone out there with access to the internet.Stephen Williams has written a tome for his "Business Collection" series, entitled "Blogging: Promote Your Business with the 'In' Thing." The author has taken the time to explain the significance of blogging and how it has exponentially grown to include countless writing styles and topics, which are expounded upon and explained by the blogs' authors, all of whom, by virtue of being able to compose said blog(s), demonstrate varied writing styles."Blogging" acknowledges how quickly technology has allowed the average Web surfer to amass the technological tools and know-how to build Web sites devoted exclusively to the blogs' topics of the day. Whereas one blogger, for example, may focus entirely upon the subject of CBS' 'Two and a Half Men' with countless links to the actors and characters provided herein, another blogger may elect to do a journal-style blog and compose entries for their viewers to read and enjoy. The sheer number of topics, coupled with the countless choices given to people, literally contribute to thousands of blogs being written and viewed online.Williams writes about topics with which he is familiar, and also provides the reader with different suggestions for self-improvement. A prolific writer with a practical bent, Williams discusses within "Blogging" the numerous financial ideas and opportunities for putting good writing and grammar skills to good use. He encourages his readers to take the initiative and to trust your abilities: "Be the kind of entrepreneur who keeps up with the times, the kind of business owner who actually (cares) about what (their) customers think and your efforts will be rewarded. . .anyone can become a real pro in this field with enough determination and sweat" (Ch. 1). In doing so, the reader who has been inspired by Williams's words will be able to practice for as often and as much as they want."Blogging" is written from a capitalist viewpoint, and that is certainly okay. It might have served some of the author's audience better had the emphasis upon money-making also include blogs that featured opinions, e.g. op-ed sites such as The Huffington Post. It is important to provide readers the assurance that one does not always have to make money to be a success in the blogging field. Simply composing pieces such as product reviews a la Consumer Reports provide informational knowledge that is often just as valuable as the almighty dollar.As per Williams, the only sure way to become proficient at something is to enjoy what it is that you do, and to practice as often and as consistently as possible. Most proficient writers were novices at one point; one only has to wonder if the horror-genre world would have been just as unnerved by another writer if Stephen King and Dean Koontz had never expressed a desire to write.From Williams's perspective, marketing and blogging are closely intertwined; there is a symbiosis inherent in the melding of both concepts. "Blogging" explicitly states that "if you manage to gather a couple of good business ideas and find a great niche you will be able to write the first paragraph of a successful business story" (1). Being able to present ideas in a clear, concise and orderly manner that makes sound financial, ethical and marketing sense is, in reality, a business plan and proposal that could also involve securing a prospective loan from a bank or some other financial institution in order to help the process along, so as to ensure long-term success.Frank Sinatra provided the inspiration for this particular review's title. Taken from his 1953 standard "Young at Heart," Sinatra sings of the infinite possibilities that lie in store for those of us who choose playfulness and vivaciousness over the stodgy and rote. Cultivating a passion for something---anything---in our lives that allow us to experience the full gamut of exhiliration and joy (while recognizing inevitable sad moments) will help us successfully navigate the rough times so that we can pursue excellence in whatever it is we have chosen to do."Blogging" is no different---Williams doesn't sugarcoat the effort necessary for success in this particular field. But he does provide the reader a consistent, positive message that resonates well throughout the book. An informative read, "Blogging" can be a source of personal inspiration for those who have the inner passion and self-discipline necessary to set small, easily attainable goals in order to do well with the written (or typed) word.