Detour
noun

1. a roundabout way; deviation from a direct way
2. a route used when the direct or regular route is closed to traffic
3. departure from an established ideology or party line

Yes, my dear readers, BlogDeManila is deviating from it’s mission.

BlogDeManila was established on September 2008. After 3 long years of” blogging for bloggers,” I decided to deviate from it’s original mission of “helping other people blog smartly”. It has been a journey of ups and downs, full of adventure quests.

I personally  believe (unless you will disagree with me), that I’ve been successful in the mission that I’d planned to accomplish 3 year ago. I shared my knowledge to my loyal readers and in return I’ve learned a lot from them as well.

I’ve told my wife that I want to put a personal blog. A different one from the way I’m presenting my posts here at BlogDeManila. Unfortunately, she did not agree  on my plan. She told me that I’m already managing different niches of blogs and I don’t have the time anymore to put up a personal blog. Instead, she told me to turn BlogDeManila into a personal blog. I don’t want to argue with her so I agreed on her plan. I think she’s right. All I have to do is to write more personal post here instead of putting another blog.

And so, I decided (no, my wife decided for me) to inject  more post with personal touch  here. Note that BlogDeManil is only on a detour and not a complete turn around. I’m still going to write post blog for bloggers like SEO, make money online, web hosting, affiliate marketing, adsense, wordpress and more. I also decided to put additional monetizing methods here, perhaps pay per post or Adsense. I hope you don’t mind me earning from my post,do you?

Please continue to support me in this adventure. Give me a big clap if you agree on my new route or frown if you don’t agree.

Let me rant a little bit with my post today.

What will you do if you woke up one morning and you can’t access your blog?

You’ve tried other browser, still your site is inaccessible…

You’ve tried other internet connection, same problem…

You’ve asked your colleagues, same result as yours…

You’ve tried to change the DNS of your modem, still no reply…

You ping, and the reply is “unknown host”…

Multiply this with 4 blogs and what do you think are you gonna feel?

I’m sure most of you will get mad already.

This was exactly what I’d experienced last Thursday. 4 0f the numerous blogs and websites that I’m managing went into oblivion.

I sent an email to the technical support of the web host provider where these 4 blogs are hosted and guess what?…

They replied after 11 hours! Wow, that was  too fast wasn’t? Do you think that’s a reasonable time to reply to an urgent and critical technical support?

I thought that they are monitoring their servers 24×7? Why is it that I need to ask them what happened before  telling me the real issues? Isn’t they supposed to be more active in reporting this kind of incidence to their clients?

I’m working as an I.T. consultant managing webhost servers too and we have a policy in our company that we need to send an incident report to all our clients whenever there’s a critical network outages.  Aside from this, we are also required to send a report every 30 minutes to lessen the anxiety of our clients.

I’m not expecting the same treatment from this webhost provider but I hope that they’ll be more pro-active in dealing with their clients.

The  Worst is Yet to Come

Not only that  their technical support is horrible but also on how they managed their web host servers. When I received their email, I was expecting that perhaps the problem is just a simple DNS problem but I was alarmed when they told me that there was a hard disk failure.

Hard disk failure??? How could it be? I know that webhost hardware are using server grade hard disk, meaning they are configured to recover itself from this kind of failure. This kind of hardware are supposed to be using multiple hard disks. The minimum hard disk for this kind of setup is 2. If one of the two drives should fail, the other will still be available to run applications or recover files.

I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt but their excuse is really lame.  This is really unbelievable.

Additionally, they told me their weekly backup was corrupted and they can’t put back all the files,  although they gave an assurance that they’re doing their best to restore all files as much as they could.

The Resolution

They’ve sent my account information but telling me nothing on what should I do with this information.  After sending them numerous support tickets, finally they replied that I need to setup all my domains again and start from scratch because their previous backup for the month of June were all gone! I have to setup domains on WHM, make Packages, upload all files, install wordpress, themes, plugins etc..

Can you believe that? Remember, they’ve mentioned on their first email that only a week time of backup was corrupted? Now here it is, they’re saying  the whole previous month is corrupted too.

The only consolation that they gave me is they won’t bill me for one month. Thanks but no thanks. Don’t know they that my clients lost more than the cost of the free one month they are offering? The lost of traffic, lost of income opportunities such as payperpost, adsense, affiliates and more.

Sadly, one of my clients whom I have been working with since 2007 transferred to another host.

Signs You Have a Bad Webhost

Based on my experienced, here are the signs you have a bad webhost and you’ve better think twice to RUN or stay with them if you see these hints.

1. No 24×7 customer support. Your online presence is not only limited within your time zone, and if something goes wrong, you need to get it back up no matter what time day or night it is.

2. Poor or lack of  support. You pay them good money and it’s just appropriate that they will treat you like an important customer but if you’ve noticed that only 1 person is answering your support tickets then it means that they are understaffed.

3. Hard to get in touch with their customer support service. This is almost synonymous with no.2, but if the webhost provider isn’t returning your phone calls or emails then be careful and stay away from them.

4. Your site or blog is down on a frequent basis. As I’ve mentioned on no.1, your site or blog must be running  not only on a 24×7 basis but it should be up also for at least 99% all the time. This is what the webhost providers are offering. You need to find a provider that can guarantee you a 99% uptime or more.

I had almost one week of sleepless night trying to recover all  4 blogs of my clients. Some have backups on their local PC but not updated. It’s been a week also the live chat support of this webhost provider that I’m using is offline. How can it be “live” when it’s off?

Sorry for this post but I hope you will learn a lesson or two on my experienced. It has a big impact on my clients (financially – lost of income opportunities, etc.) and to me  as well.  I lost one big client, and it affected my emotional  and physical health too.   I was not able to ride my bike and play badminton for almost a week since I’ve spent  sleepless nights to make the 4 blogs work again.

I hope dear readers this won’t happen to you. I tell you, it’s costly. So go, find the best and most reliable webhost provider you can afford.

I received a letter today from Google. I thought it was a letter banning me from their Adsense program or a legal letter letting me know that I’ve done something wrong with my account.

To my surprise, it’s a letter inviting me to be an advertiser on their Google Adwords program. Enclosed on the envelope with the letter is a voucher worth PhP1,500 of free advertising if I sign-up before May 7, 2010. After this date, the value will drop to PhP1,000.

It is written in the letter that there are 3 reasons to advertise your business on Google.

1. PhP1,500. For you. For free. Use it to drive potential customers to your website. For example, if your average cost-per-click was PhP10, PhP1,500 could deliver 150 visitors to your site.
2. Reach your exact customers. Show your ads on Google only when potential customers search for your products and services. Target prospects in Philippines, Asia or the entire world.
3. No risk. No obligation. There’s no contract to sign or minimum spending requirement. Once you use up your free voucher, you’re under no obligation to continue.**

Written under the letter in small print:

** After the promotional credits has been exhausted, your campaigns will continue to accrue clicks for which the costs will be charged to your credit card. If you don’t want to be charged for additional clicks, you can pause your campaigns at anytime.

Not bad at all.

Now, I’m thinking hard on what product or services to advertise.  I’m sure some of you already know that I have my own small software company. I’m developing software for other companies and do consultancy services too. I might use the voucher for this.

Aside from the voucher, inside the envelope is a brochure detailing the step-by-step procedures on how to place an Ad on Google within minutes. See the image below.

The four benefits of Google Adwords are printed at the back of the brochure.

1. Find the people who are searching for you.
2. Pay only when someone clicks on your ad.
3. Show your ad where potential customers can find you.
4. Create your free ad for a successful campaign in just minutes.

I don’t want to waste this free opportunity. I know that Php1,500 is too small for an advertising but I’ve got to start using Google Adwords somehow. And, we all love free don’t we?

Lately, I’ve been suffering from this syndrome. Unfortunately, I guess there’s no cure for it. If there is, I will vehemently avoid the medication.

Even when I’m in public places (it’s a no-no) , I can’t control myself not to suffer this contagious disease. I’ll always look for the opportunity to do it.

Before you think of any thing gross, let me clear myself.

GASS is a phenomenon that can hit any members of the Adsense Family. You’ve got to be a member in order for you to suffer this addictive syndrome.

GASS is the abbreviation of Google AdSense Stats Syndrome. According to Google Adsense Insider, ” The primary sign of affliction is the compulsive need to check AdSense stats every 15 minutes or so to see how much you’ve earned since your prior login.”

This compulsive disorder will sometimes bring uncontrolled urge for the patient to check their accounts even multiple an hour!

“Sufferers face strong withdrawal when separated from a PC with Internet access and have been known to experience mild abdominal discomfort and general irritability”, according to Rob, AdSense Product Marketing.

In order to minimize the negative effect of this syndrome to all Adsense family members, please let it be known that reports are generally updated every 15 to 30 minutes, but there can sometimes be a delay of up to 24 hours.

Sometimes when you see a “no data available” , don’t rush to your eye doctor. Your eyes are perfectly normal and not making a tricks on you. It can take up to 24 hours for Adsense “robo-accountant-auditor-doctor” to fully verify the internal logs and finalize your reports — as a result, you may sometimes see changes in your earnings during the course of the day.

Are you suffering from this syndrome? How often do you check your account?

Pacquiao and Cotto’s fight is one of the best. A highly considered classic fight! One of the best boxing fight of all time. Both fighters gave all their strength, sweat and blood in the name of boxing. They did not fail their fans.

Cotto is too strong , but Pacquiao put on his dominating performance, utilizing his blazing speed and combination of power from both hands.  Pacquiao knocked Cotto twice and turn his face into a river of blood. On the 55 seconds into the last round, Pacquiao stopped and defeated Cotto via TKO.

But, wait… this post is not about the fight. I want to discuss the tricks (not techniques) that other bloggers used not only to increase their SERP rank (Search Engine Result Page),  but I want to specifically point out how they blatantly violated Adsense guidelines.

Here’s a (not-so) good example.

As you can see from this picture, the only text of this site are those in yellow ellipse. One of Adsense’s policies is for publisher not to “placed on any non-content-based page.” Content drives ads. I don’t know if you can call that page a “content-based” page, tell me.

Another example.

Just like the first example, the only content here is the one you can see on top and that’s it!  It’s more like a sub-header than a content. I guess this 2nd example violated another Adsense policy – “not to : Placed on pages published specifically for the purpose of showing ads.” There’s nothing on that site except for Google adsense and Chitika ads on the left sidebar (Red ellipse).

And here’s a very tricky one.

Searching for “manny pacquiao vs miguel cotto live stream” on Google will lead you on this site. It’s actually on Google result page no. 1! Just like the previous examples, the only non-Google Adsense on this blog are those in yellow and blue ellipses. Those links on blue ellipse are very tricky. They really blend on the 3 ad links on top, but don’t you think this site is against Adsense policy – “publishers participating in the AdSense program may not:  Format ads so that they become indistinguishable from other content on that page.”?

While the fight was going on for undercards, I’ve tried to check on some “pacquiao vs cotto free live stream”  and I saw two sites that directly violating Adsense policy. One blog that I saw has a pop-up for survey that obscuring the page. Directly underneath the survey form are Adsense ads! “Google ads, search boxes or search results may not be:Obscured by elements on a page.”

The 2nd blog had a text to this effect ” Watch free live stream on this link” and below it are Adsense ad links! The text was committed with contempt.  .  It blatantly violated the policy – “publishers participating in the AdSense program may not:Encourage users to click the Google ads using phrases such as “click the ads”, “support us”, “visit these links” or other similar language.”" (As of this writing, I think the site has been taken down already because I could not find it anymore!).

The authors of these “tricky”  blogs that I discussed here ( these are actually not  blogs but sites made for Adsense) know what they are doing.  They are well versed on SEO. The know it at heart. They’re applying and practicing the best SEO techniques BUT  they also inviting themselves to get out of Adsense program easily.

I’m not here to ridicule how they’re using SEO but to educate the readers to be careful on how they use the knowledge they are possessing.

Google Adsense  provides a good income source for many bloggers.  Sure there are a lot of gray areas on how to implement some of the rules, and open to interpretation but it is our responsibility to adhere to the program’s policy. You cannot accuse  Google like you are arguing with your school principal  using “I didn’t know it was wrong” lame excuse.

Whenever in doubt,  use your best judgment to determine your site’s compliance. If you suspect that an implementation may violate the spirit of one of Adsense policies, I’d recommend you err on the side of caution and modify the implementation.

If you really don’t know what to do, ask Google Adsense staff, I assure you they are very helpful.

Free Report Reveals How To Earn Autopilot Income For Life... Starting From Scratch!

Entrecard, the free blogging network that launched a virtual economy for bloggers has been acquired by ZipRunner Inc.

According to Graham Langdon, the founder of Entrecard, that he chose ZipRunner among a number of potential suitors because he believed that ZipRunner Inc. has the resources to dedicate to Entrecard.

ZipRunner Inc., a Los Angeles based company have “exciting” vision for Entrecard’s future but they haven’t revealed any concrete plans yet.

What does this mean to Entrecard’s community? I don’t know yet.

Graham is urging all bloggers to a more bigger and better Entrecard. He will now act as an advisor and will help the new team of ZipRunner Inc to take Entrecard the next level.

Graham, just recently started a new blogs about being an entrepreneur and if you want to get in touch with him, you can find his blog at Ontrapranore.com.

Since Entrecard has been bought off already, I wonder what will happen Entrecard now. As of this time, I don’t have any idea. Will ZipRunner Inc. change the rules of the game?

For now, everything is wait and see.

I registered another new domain today but before I did that, I checked my emails which I got from GoDaddy. They have special promo by way of offering discounts using a promo code when registering or transferring a domain.

As you can see from the picture above the normal price of .COM domain name is $10.69 but currently they’re giving it away for $9.99. The good news is, you can still get MORE Discounts if you will use their discount code. Just like what’s you can see on the image below, but if you read further I’ll show you the hidden supercodes that domain buyers are using and keeping all the profits to themselves.

Here are the two promo codes that I received from them via email:

• fbfDom10 - get 10% OFF* our regular prices on .COM, .NET, .ORG, .BIZ, and .US domains.
• fbgdhome20 - get 20% OFF* your order of $75 or more. This special offer expires 7/13/2009, so start shopping now! Based on my experienced, this code actually never expires.

TIP: Most Go Daddy coupons are only valid on NEW domain registrations or on domain transfers. Therefore, buy multiple years upfront to save!

More SUPER Promo Codes

Since GoDaddy is sending emails to their customers regarding their promo, I decided to google around if there are other people out there posting their promo codes. Lo and behold, I’ve found some gems lying around ready to be pick-up.

For Renewals

These codes will give you $6.95 for renewal of your domains.

1. ZINE3
2. goxtgi200c
3. steve
4. gaze3

New Domain and Renewal

Here are the additional promo codes that you can use if you are want to get a better deal from GoDaddy.

1. ZINE5 - will give you 10% off any purchase.
2. ZINE7 -will give you $7.49 for each domain instead of $$9.99
3. ZINE25 - receive instant 25% off any purchase of $100 or more

GoDaddy Super Promo Code

The best promo code that I’ve used in registering a new domain is FACEBOOK5. I only paid $5.20, which translates to $5.00 off on domain registration!

TIP: To make sure you are saving the most amount of money, try all codes in your shopping cart. Use the code which one gives you the cheapest domains.

Whether you want to build a Web site for your business, create your family blog, or share photos online with friends, use GoDaddy promo codes today and get all BIG SAVINGS.

Most of the codes that I’ve posted here are working for years already. Saving money is especially important to people these days. Please feel free to share this code to all your friends, post them in your blog, tweet, write them on your facebook status and share in your other social network.

Update (August 16, 2009): This special offer expires 8/29/2009, so start shopping now! Use source code fbgdhome20 to get 20% OFF* your order of $75 or more when you order online at GoDaddy.com

My boss called after I was discharged from the hospital and informed me that I can work from home instead of reporting to the office. Isn’t wonderful when it’s your boss who is calling to tell you that you can work from home?

Since last week, I’m officially working from home at least for the next 2 months. This actually saves me 2-4 hours of traveling time. This resulted to additional time for me to spend on my blog and internet marketing.

Last week, I had the privilege to listen to Jeremy Schoemaker, the famous blogger of ShoeMoney.com who once earned $132,994.97 from his Google Adsense way back in 2005. Can you believe that?

See the proof here.

Jeremy showing his Adsense check for 132,994.97

And this is the reason, why I took my time last week to listen to his webinar courtesy of Big Jason Henderson of Big Marketing Online. The webinar took more than 90 minutes including the live question and answers about make money blogging, affiliate marketing and more.

I’ve learned a lot from that webinar, not only I got some free content for my blog which of course I’m planning to share to all of you but also learned some interesting things about Jeremy as well.

If you are really serious on how to make money online, be sure to visit ShoeMoney, it’s a must-read.

I also spent my time last week reviewing my other blogs, yes I do have some niche blogs. A 3-month old niche blog of mine broke the Adsense earning of my other 2 blogs that are both more than a year old already. I could not make it of course without the hard work, and assistance of Amy Bass, the owner and author of TheNicheBlogger.com.

Amy Bass with her 4 Kids

Amy, a stay at home mom with 4 young children, provided not only the inspiration  but how to profit on a niche blog.

Stay tuned as I reveal to you the secrets and the amount of knowledge that I’ve learned from Jeremy Schoemaker’s webinar and Amy Bass’s Niche Blogging BluePrint.

Let’s admit it, Entrecard is now the “currency” of most bloggers. It’s being traded like a real currency. Most of the online contest are also using EC as their prizes.

Entrecard (EC) is first and foremost a free blogging network that truly brings visitors to your blog.  You can earn EC credits which allows you to display an ad of your blog on other blog sites within the community either by “dropping” or clicking the EC “drop” button.

The formula is More EC drop = more visits = more credits = more friends = more links = more traffic!

The  more traffic your blog site is making, the more Mr. Google and Ms. Alexa will love your site. The more adorable  your looks to them, the more you’ll get candies too!

Alright, not the sweet candy but the potential moneys your site can generate. Money? of course! How? Just browse around this blog site and you’ll find the treasures that I’m telling you.

Let’s go back to our the topic. Yes, EC can generate a lot traffic for your site BUT it can cost you money too and this is one of the bad things of Entrecard (EC). How? It happens when a dropper (someone who clicks on the EC “drop” button) clickk on  the button and leave your blog or website right away.

These droppers are what we call “Power Dropper”. They visit blogs solely for the sake of dropping EC cards in order to earn 300 credits in the shortest possible amount of time.  These power droppers can increase your bounce rate which can COST YOU MONEY.

The bounce rate is defined as the percentage of visitors who turn around at the entry page and immediately leave the site. Such visitors “bounce” out and never see additional pages.

With high bounce rate, the traffic that EC droppers gave on you is useless. Google does punish for a high bounce rate, and droppers contribute to a high bounce rate. This is the problem with Entrecard, all this “card dropping” just to get the same crappy traffic back is a waste of time.

BUT, there is still hope. Watch for my next topic on how to best use EC for your benefits.

BlogDeManila is now officially joined the DoFollow movement. This movement is spreading like wildfire and this blog must be on the path of that fire.

Blog needs traffic. People visiting your blog and encouraging them to leave comments can enhance your blog. Comments increase the content of your Blog, the more comments the more keywords and therefore the more searches you receive from the search engines.

From now on, all links on your comments are now live. Any search engine can now follow the link back to your own blog.

If you want to get PR (Page Rank), start making sensible comment on DoFollow blogs. Getting links to to your site from other sites is what drives you up in the search engine rankings.

So what are you waiting for? Get your free backlinks from BlogDemanila by leaving your sensible and thoughtful comments here.