Author Archive: Michael Pollock
Hi I'm Michael, a business coach and a creative entrepreneur. I inspire and empower people to make a difference in the world while they create an amazing life for themselves and those they love.
Practically Eliminate Spam With Gmail … Even if You Have Your Own Domain
If you’re sick of spam email and everything it takes to control it, it’s time you signed up for a Gmail account. I’ve been using Gmail for a little over a year, and it’s practically eliminated spam email for me. Sure, a few sneak through now and again, but nothing like the hundreds of bizop, porn, SEO and other spam messages I used to receive DAILY. It got to a point where I couldn’t let my daughter use the computer until I first had a chance to sanitize my Outlook Express inbox.
Anti-Spam Software Stinks
I had tried a few different spam filters, like Vanquish, but none of them really eliminated the spam problem. Yes, they “controlled” the problem, but they also gave me an additional task of checking the emails they filtered out to make sure none of them were messages I really wanted, which happened more often than I liked. I was still a victim to spam. Plus, there was the annual subscription fee. Not much, mind you – Vanquish is about 25.00 per year – but in a small business, why spend money when you don’t have to?
46 Best Ever Free Software Utilities
If you’re not into paying for software (like me), here’s a great list of free stuff from Gizmo Richard.
“Listed below are 46 different freeware categories with my selection of the best products in each category. The list is ordered by program function rather than merit so you’ll get the most out of it by browsing it at leisure. The pathologically impatient can consult the index.”
We will, however, forgive him in advance for choosing Internet Explorer over Firefox.
Getting to know the WordPress Control Panel
Now that you have WordPress installed, you’ll want to get to know it a little bit. Specifically, you’ll need to find your way around the very extensive – yet easy to use – WordPress control panel. This is the backend of your blog. It’s accessible only to you. If, at some point in the future, you decide to have guest writers for your blog, you’ll be able to add them as a user very easily. More on that another time. For now, take a little time to explore.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Tips for WordPress
1. Write keyword rich post titles – it almost goes without saying, but the post title is the most important part of the blog post for many reasons. From your reader’s perspective, a descriptive and compelling title helps them decide if your post is worth reading or not. From an SEO perspective, think about the keywords or phrases people might type into a search box to find your post 2 months from now, and use those words or phrases in your post title. For maximum benefit, try to avoid titles that are cute, clever or cryptic.
Create a Video Blog Without a Blog
Using del.icio.us and Feedster, Derek provides a neat little trick for creating a video blog without actually having a blog.
“That gave me the idea, I don’t really need a blog, I just need an RSS feed. Del.icio.us does that. Which is even better, cause I don’t have to deal with the files. When I find an interesting video I can just tag the video url with del.icio.us and I’m done. Feedster looks at del.icio.us’ RSS feed, finds the video, puts it in the proper enclosure so it shows up in iTunes. No posting, no uploading, no cost.
To use your own video you just need to add a place to store the video file into that mix. Ourmedia.org is one of many sites that will host your content for free. Just upload your video then tag the file’s url with del.icio.us.”
The Best PDF Converter I’ve Been Able to Find
When I created my Podsnapper Beginner’s Guide to Podcasting, I looked high and low for the perfect PDF Converter. Much to my surprise, I discovered and tried a bunch of ‘em; like maybe 20. Ultimately, I settled on a program called deskPDF Professional (link below). Continue Reading
How to Combine Bluetooth With Skype (VoIP) for Wireless Skype Calls
As I’ve mentioned before, I really enjoy using Skype, the popular VoIP application that allows you to make free phone calls anywhere in the world using your computer. One drawback to using Skype – as well as any other VoIP application – is that you’re chained to your computer via your headset. And who hasn’t wanted to get up and go to the bathroom or refill your coffee cup during one of those longer conversations with your friend from Malaysia? Yes, you can ask the other party to wait as you remove your headset and go do your thing, but sometimes that’s just not practical. So, I searched high and low for a sinple and inexpensive solution that would allow me to use Skype without my mobility being limited by the length of the cord on my headset.
