John's Corner: A Positive Space

(UPDATED: April 10, 2012)

John's Blog Space is a positive space. I find great importance knowing I have a chance to help people feel happy and open any time I post something. There is already a load of content online mostly meant to demean or undermine others. There are people who somehow post bad blog posts about people in a destructive manner. Some people post about certain topics in a demeaning way, even including some crude humor.

While I have no problem in entertaining content, I do feel it is refreshing when certain content is portrayed in a factual and respectful manner. Let me provide you some examples. One of my YouTube friends long ago appreciated the work I've done to where he thought of me as a good friend. I have felt responsible in continually working to provide positive material and positive insight to help with day-to-day issues. As a blogger, I make myself responsible for making material that may hopefully be useful aside from most of my other posts on various topics. It is with certain topics that "anything and everything" becomes much more than just a motto or a monacre.

All the while, John's Blog Space is a positive place. Don't come here expecting any sort of tongue lashing on certain things or give into any mainstream train of thought. This is not the place where I abuse Internet memes or things like that. John's Blog Space is a positive space.

LATEST UPDATE(S)/REVISION(S):

APR 10 2012 - made an edit to a section; edited content in another section

--- What I Want My Readers to Know ---

I want my readers to know that I try to offer something positive in my posts. How positive? Here are some of the most common topics relevant to this blog being a positive place to visit:

Life Issues.

Life Issue blog posts regards various issues about life. Many of them are based on past experiences of mine as well as certain opinions of mine. I want people to feel happy and gain some motivation.

Love and Relationships.

Posts in the "Love and Relationships" category does not exclusively cover romance. These can involve issues regarding love and bonds among family and friends. Do NOT come here for any relationship advice because I have never been romantically involved in any such relationship. Never dated. So all I am suggesting are primarily based on opinions and thoughts.

LGBT Issues.

Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender issues are a touchy subject, and it is often times very easy to say the wrong thing(s) to infuriate or undermine the LGBT community. Some people talk about these people in such negative or comedic ways.

The LGBT community, just like any other, are just as much a community that is welcome on John's Blog Space as any other. I am still getting views from people. This is all one thing I ask as a blogger and as a publisher of online content- views and involvement.

Motivation.

People need motivation and inspiration from time to time. I am hopeful to provide my own motivation to others.

Positive.

I launched the Positive label to offer things that I think are lighthearted and fun. I even extend this to discuss people actually providing helpful and insightful material for the Internet. Those items are featured in my Positive-labeled posts.

--- My Latest Posts in Featured Labels ---

You can see the latest posts in some of my labels by clicking on these links. Clicking them will show you the latest posts marked under the certain blog labels in question. Please note that some topics concern any number of issues. Therefore, some posts may have topics directly or indirectly associated with each featured label.

Click on the links to see the latest posts in each category:


Latest "Life Issues" Posts
^ A look at various life issues I've posted about.

Latest "Love and Relationships" Posts
^ Not necessarily about romance, but these posts concerns bonds between lovers, friends, family, and more.

Latest "LGBT Issues" Posts
^ These are issues concerning the LGBT community. These pertain to issues involving or featuring issues regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexed, and others in the culture. No matter how you feel about these people, they are as much of an audience as any other. I welcome this community to all of my online work as much as I welcome any other.

Latest "Motivation" Posts
^ You need to be inspired or motivated? Maybe I can help.

Latest "Positive" Posts
^ These posts are about people and things providing some positive insight. Some are figures that I think offer some positivity for any number of reasons. Do not expect too many posts here since this is a fairly new category I've added as of the date of this initial blog post. I will, however, add certain posts to this label over time.


As more posts are created in each category, the latest of each topic will change over time. So make sure you're Subscribed or Following "John's Blog Space" so you can keep up with my latest material. I hope all of my efforts to make people feel positive and respected are worth it and worth your time. I do what I can to provide some sort of positivity in peoples' lives.





The moral of this story- John's Blog Space is a positive space. Even with some of the most touchy or controversial issues discussed here, I always try to be professional and positive with my work. I will never use this blog to intentionally undermine or disgrace someone. I may go on a tirade, but I will not break down anyone severely in any of my blogs. So please keep visiting.

John's Blog Space is a positive space; and I positively love all of my readers and subscribers. One thing I usually don't realize is that there are people who visit, but may or may not be subscribed. Let me tell you what I mean when I say "involved." I usually check out the number of Google Followers I have. I feel like I don't have as many Followers because the number is still relatively low for as much traffic as I get. I also have only so many subscribers through FeedBurner. If you so much care about my material, all I usually ask is for you to show your support of my work. You do have the option to Follow my blog without making yourself public. Still, I feel like I could gain more support from others while feeling and knowing who all actually cares about my work. Maybe I'm being too hard on myself or not being too hopeful. Regardless- I want your support! Let me know if my work means something to you!

Then again, I have so much bad luck trying to get support from the general audience. I feel like with so many people who visit, only a relatively small percentage show their extended support. I would certainly want to feel like more people read and share my work more than the loyal audience who comments on my posts. That is why I always ask that if you enjoy my blog and its posts, PLEASE show your extended support. I have a vast social network including my Facebook fan page and recently- my Google+ page. Just let me know that I have a diverse worldwide audience that appreciates my work. My blog and its popularity has been the work of over three years since my first post back in January 2009. It's time I begin to feel like I have actually emerged as one of the better blogs on the Internet. However, I need YOUR help to make this happen. Will you help?


More posts to come in the near future with many different topics abound. Thank you for reading another installment of "John's Corner!"

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John's Corner - Hobby vs. Profession

In this edition of "John's Corner," I discuss a topic intimate with me that has made me both nervous and skittish. I blog because I love doing so. However, I am careful not to treat blogging too much like a profession. I do admit wanting to blog for money a long time ago. If I do want to profit from blogging, I want to do it the right way- posting quality material that people will hopefully enjoy and keep enjoying. Most of what I post on John's Blog Space (or any of my blogs for that matter) are all done by me. It may seem like a "wall of text" every time I post something, but it is all factual and useful. I've got nothing really to do with my life- if I'm on my computer, I'm likely working on blog posts (or something else).

Sad-but-true realities are...

This IS my living.

This IS my profession.

This IS my contribution to society (besides YouTube).

Blogging and being involved in posting this material to everyone is the thing I am best qualified for and what I enjoy doing. All I truly hope for I can get my loyal and respectful viewers and fans to support my work any way you can. I don't make my own money in any sort of way outside of blogging. So this is all I basically have.

--- Hobby vs. Profession: Basic Thoughts ---

You actually can profit from blogging. Certain people online demonstrate that you can actually profit from blogging. Two notables to me are Lisa Irby of 2createawebsite.com and Darren Rouse of problogger.net. These two are beacons of hope that people can actually blog and make a living. They are also credible and believable. One thing I was curious of was blogging for money. That's what I thought of when I was still blogging on my Myspace page. I became so much into blogging that I considered being a paid blogger. I felt like my dedication and passion for sharing my mind in blog posts warrants financial profit. However, I always wanted to stay fixated on offering real blogging material rather than become indulged with anything lucrative about blogging.

Here's the thing, though; and this is what has me worried about what I do. One of my biggest fears is that people may think I care more about making money than posting material for the world to see. I am very careful of doing certain things or even signing up for certain services. I do not want to leave the impression that I care more about money than posting quality material. That will never change as long as I am blogging or even doing videos.

The "John's Shop Space" (JSS) Influence.

Do you know why I don't market "John's Shop Space" much? It's because if I did, I would mostly feel like I am trying to make money rather than post quality material. John's Shop Space was created for two reasons: (1) decrease the workload in making blog posts where I think posting Amazon content would be beneficial for my readers in case they are interested, and (2) offers me a chance to post relevant material based on blog posts of mine and update them with content. Some posts on JSS are based on material from either of my other blogs. Some posts on JSS are completely original, meaning the topic originated on JSS rather than be introduced in my other blogs.

Here is a personal admittance- I can be very cheap sometimes. I often try to go as far as I can with something without having to pay anything. I'm too cheap to actually pay for and maintain a domain or a store, so that's why "John's Shop Space" is both a store AND a blog. If you want to visit JSS, follow the link at the conclusion of this blog post. That blog is in need of an updated layout. For real.

Gaining Support.

The one thing I hope for is that my audience can please support my work by buying material I've posted that may interest them and that they want to get. I put on this material into my posts for my readers and visitors to get involved with my content. Biggest thing I want is to be assured that my work means something to people who visit.

You have no idea how happy I get when someone loyal clicks on links posted in my blog(s) as well as connect with me on other social networking sites. I just wish I had more support. I will still keep on going with my work even if I have only so few fans. However, I do want more support from loyal people who visit and enjoy my work. So PLEASE- "Like" my Facebook fan page. Follow me on Twitter. Join my new Google+ page. Subscribe to me on YouTube if you like my videos. Just show me you care. Make me feel better inside that I have more loyal fans than just the ones who usually comment on my work. I just want more loyal fans to show their love for my online work.

Sponsorship.

I haven't pursued sponsorship for most of the reasons provided previously. Since my blog does not concentrate on one specific niche (not even fashion), it's tough to have something really become a concrete sponsor. And again- I fear any sort of commercialization getting in the way of letting me post about almost anything that crosses my mind. A lot of blog templates I've looked around for (I am considering a layout update in the future) have 125 × 125 slots for sponsorship. I certainly don't want any suspicious companies sponsoring my blog if I were open to sponsorship.

The Business Side of Blogging (Brief Look at Business).

Let me share with you a side of blogging most serious bloggers don't usually discuss. You see, you learn about something called SEO, which stands for Search Engine Optimization. The reason why a number of sites and blogs do so well is because of how highly-ranked their content is in search engines. Those who don't have original content or a decent rank usually don't get all the traffic and all the attention.

Personally, I couldn't care less about these things because I am not a professional blogger. I am mindful of all of this, though. I still want my material to be among the trustworthy and credible sites.


Yes, I'm aware I didn't answer my own question in the previous section. That is why I am going to answer it in the next section. So read below...

--- My Blogging: Hobby or Profession? ---

Hobby means that I don't care about money for what I do. Profession means that I specialize in and profit from my work. Hobby notes I prefer doing things OTHER THAN a certain activity. Profession notes that I am deeply involved each day (or at least regularly) to what I do that my life somewhat depends on it. I am more in the middle here. But if I had to choose one or the other, I am more along the hobby line. However, it is a hobby I take part in with passion and professionalism. I do enjoy profiting from my work, but I hate to have the integrity of my work being damaged (or potentially damaged) by going in any such direction unfavorable to my readers/visitors.

Despite my blogging, I still have my own sort of life to live. Living life is always more important than almost any sort of occupation. This is a hobby I take professionally.





Just know this- I love blogging. I love what I do. This is my way to try to provide material that I'm hopeful people will enjoy and keep enjoying for as long as I'm doing this. This is my only my blog; I am not planning on having any sort of domain yet. Not because I'm too cheap, but because I don't want this to be my main site. I have other plans if I wanted to have a proper site. Regardless, thank you for visiting "John's Blog Space" and my other blogs. Speaking of which...

Love John's Blog Space? If so (and if you haven't yet subscribed or followed), Subscribe and/or Follow! Become a Fan (or Like) my Facebook Fan Page and subscribe this blog (and my others) via FeedBurner (or any other aggregator in the sidebar)! Visit (or subscribe):
• Subscribe to John's Blog Space!
• Subscribe to John's Shop Space! (http://jbmshopspace.blogspot.com)
• Subscribe to John's Gran Turismo Space! (http://johnsgtspace.blogspot.com)

John's Corner - Recent Changes

This installment of John's Corner features some recent changes you may or may not have noticed about John's Blog Space. I am willing to share with you a few things to help you to see what has change and of what changes may be on the horizon. Thank you for visiting my primary blog, John's Blog Space!

--- John's Corner: Recent Changes ---

Here are recent changes to John's Blog Space:

Goodbye LinkWithin, Hello nRelate!

To help promote past blog posts, I moved from LinkWithin to nRelate. One of the biggest advantages of nRelate to me was that I was able to give people the most recent changes to my blog. Some old blog posts get lost in time and get very little (if any) views. If LinkWithin shows a related page to a blog post I deleted, and if a visitor tries to access it, he/she will be unable to go to that post. To combat this, nRelate offers up a service for which it re-indexes your blog/site so that your visitors will hopefully be pointed in the right direction after you update your blog. I read of nRelate and what all it has to offer. nRelate works most the same way as LinkWithin if you are familiar with LinkWithin. Another problem with LinkWithin is that I have been unable to properly update thumbnails. Not sure how nRelate does its deal, but posts without images are shown with these generic images.

I will keep working to make nRelate work for John's Blog Space as well as my other blogs.

+1 My Blog and its Posts!

I have finally been able to implement the popular Google +1 to my blog posts. +1 is a metric for which you personally recommend certain websites and blogs. It aids in making sure that some of the best posts are featured. For a while, though, none of my blogs properly featured the +1 button as part of the sharing feature. That has now changed, as I have recently found out how to add the +1 button to my blog posts. If your Blogger/Blogspot blog doesn't feature these share buttons, learn how to add the +1 button to your posts by visiting "Adding Google +1 Share Button in Blogger Templates" on Southern Speakers.

PLEASE NOTE: This advice only applies if you are using any Classic templates.

A Note About Updated Posts.

Anyone who follows me on Twitter or on Facebook know that I may update my posts from time to time. The service I am using, dlvr.it (which will be featured in a future blog post) is what I use to feed my latest blog posts. I have used dlvr.it to feed my latest posts, taking over for Twitterfeed. Any post of mine you see that has "(UPDATED: MMMM DD, YYYY) means it was the exact date in which I made the edits. Past posts will be updated with new content for a number of reasons. Among the various reasons:

• spelling errors
• adding/editing content
• changing any used pictures or embedded content
• taking old posts and editing them with latest template changes
• closing comments to posts (only on posts consistently attacked/targeted with spam)

When your blog is at least three years old like "John's Blog Space," and when you've made so many posts on so many topics, you want to update your material so that readers can enjoy your posts more. I am even taking posts that have very little views and consider making brand-new posts to hopefully draw more attention and get more views. One of the latest successful attempts at making a new version of a past blog post was when I deleted and re-made my "Ao Dai" blog post. Previously, it had gotten so few views. It now has more than 2K views all time since making the new version. One of the most popular posts on JBS is "Dresses With Cowboy Boots," which also was a poorly-viewed blog post until I edited it.

Also, past blog posts will have dates of the previous entry so you know that I once blogged about it. These past posts are a great indication of how much blogging I've done before and what I have blogged about for your reading pleasure.

I have not ruled out a post about dlvr.it. In fact, I actually had one planned as of this post.

Google+ Debut!

Apparently, Google Friend Connect has been discontinued for any sites that aren't Blogger/Blogspot blogs. I have recently made my debut on Google+. I am not sure if this is going to be any better in engaging my audience or not, but I'm willing to try [almost] anything once.

To see my Google+ Page, please click here to visit my Google+ page.

Looking Ahead...

I am always looking ahead in blogging. There are things I am considering or looking into. Among other things:

• I am considering changing this blog's theme again.
• I am considering other options for my audience to interact with me.
• I am still thinking about changing the layout of my three blogs, especially "John's Shop Space," which is seriously in need of an update.
• I may try to learn more HTML and CSS to further enhance the appearance of my blog as well as make more interesting blog posts.
• (YouTube) I may consider doing videos of a certain theme. This, to hopefully generate some profit.

These, and other things are in the pipeline for John's Blog Space as well as most of my other material.

--- Where Are All My Loyal Fans? ---

As much as I'm glad to get so much support from others, I wish I could have more fans and more followers. It's sad that I don't have as many loyal fans of my work as I think I have. So let me just ask something of you- please support me in various ways online. I am really failing at trying to find new ways to get more people to subscribe and follow my work. Your help and your support is all I ask. Don't be shy. Let me know that my work means something to you and that you care. I've added peoples' Facebook fan pages that I love (not just "like") among my favorites. I would please ask you support my material in return... if you don't mind.

You "Like" most everything else on Facebook, but you haven't "liked" my work yet? Here is your chance to support my work via Facebook. Just click the "Like" button to keep up with my blogs on Facebook. This even includes those of you Facebook fan page owners. I'd appreciate your support and your love. So go ahead... LIKE! What makes liking my page any different from liking every other page?

"Like" my Facebook Fan Page

Also, don't forget to follow me with Google Friend Connect. At the end of almost every post in my blog post, I have a bunch of links to a lot of content. I want you to subscribe and follow if you love my work. It would make me feel better each day knowing I have fans and not just visitors. So please show your support any way you can.





This concludes another installment of John's Corner. I am still somewhat considering a special graphic for my "John's Corner" posts, just so you'll know they are my "John's Corner" posts. I thank you in the meanwhile for reading my post. I want you loyal folk to get social with me! Here are a few ways how:

Love John's Blog Space? If so (and if you haven't yet subscribed or followed), Subscribe and/or Follow! Become a Fan (or Like) my Facebook Fan Page and subscribe this blog (and my others) via FeedBurner (or any other aggregator in the sidebar)! Visit (or subscribe):
• Subscribe to John's Blog Space!
• Subscribe to John's Shop Space! (http://jbmshopspace.blogspot.com)
• Subscribe to John's Gran Turismo Space! (http://johnsgtspace.blogspot.com)

John's Corner - Blessed

On January 15, 2012; I celebrated my 29th birthday. It gave me some time to reflect on something- I am blessed to receive so many kind words online for my birthday from so many people. Some people don't realize what doing something as simple as wishing someone a happy birthday can do. You know, just showing a little compassion for someone can brighten someone's day. My day was certainly brightened on Facebook with as many as 70+ Facebook friends (including family members) have wished me a happy birthday.

Can't say it enough, people. I am thankful of so many things. I am thankful for all the people whom have cared about me and my work. Blogging and YouTube are basically my life. I am certainly thankful for all the love and the respect I have received from friends, family, and fans of my work. That is why I always try to push for your respect and loyalty. To all the loyal folk, thank you so much for making me even 0.01% relevant in your life.

My birthday has already passed. But if you want to still wish me happy birthday here in my blog, you're free to do so! :)





This concludes my blog post. I just want to share this with my loyal and respectful readers worldwide. I want my loyal readers to show continued support of my work by taking part in various ways. Some of the many ways to show your support (if you haven't already) are listed below. Thank you for reading!

Love John's Blog Space? If so (and if you haven't yet subscribed or followed), Subscribe and/or Follow! Become a Fan (or Like) my Facebook Fan Page and subscribe this blog (and my others) via FeedBurner (or any other aggregator in the sidebar)! Visit (or subscribe):
• Subscribe to John's Blog Space!
• Subscribe to John's Shop Space! (http://jbmshopspace.blogspot.com)
• Subscribe to John's Gran Turismo Space! (http://johnsgtspace.blogspot.com)

John's Corner - Mobile

This "John's Corner" is about my mobile audience. People who visit my blog(s) via mobile devices are as special of an audience as anyone who visits on basic desktop computers. If I had an iPod Touch or an iPhone or some Internet-enabled mobile phone, I often wonder if I could make my blog more accessible to my mobile visitors.

You see, my purpose is to make my content enjoyable for everyone. Some just say they make it best for everyone; I at least ATTEMPT to make my content enjoyable for all. Part of that involves trying to see if I could make my blogs better for my mobile visitors. There is a big problem, though- I am horribly inexperienced in any sort of mobile media matters. When you use Blogger/Blogspot, there is an option you can use to enable mobile templates. I have mobile templates enabled for all of my blogs. Of course, I'd love the opportunity to dress up even a mobile version of JBS blog in blue and gold.

One thing I might admit is that people wouldn't want to read a lot of what I discuss. I do type a lot, but it all makes sense. One of my loyal readers suggested I be more concise with whatever it is I discuss. I am just not very educated or experienced with mobile devices or mobile browsing. Because of this, I am usually unsure how to make my blog better for the mobile crowd, if there is anything I can really do.

Blogging Insight: Mobile Hits to JBS.

To prove the point that my blog even gets mobile hits, let me share with you some statistics about John's Blog Space. The past seven days leading up to the date of this post, 1% of my visitors visited "John's Blog Space" either with an iPhone or an iPad. I got 181 hits from the iPad the past seven days and 178 from the iPhone, and 132 from Android phones. Less than 1% of hits to JBS the past few days have been from mobile devices (and even a PlayStation Portable). In order: BlackBerry (97 hits), iPod (46 hits), and Nokia (24 hits). I had picked up 24 hits from a PlayStation Portable from the past seven days leading up to this post.

Among mobile browsers, Mobile Safari accounted for 156 of blog hits on John's Blog Space the past seven days. Some other Mobile browser accounted for 37 hits the past seven days. Some of the different browsers used that have visited JBS are some of the more common ones. However, I am not sure if any mobile versions of usual browsers (like Internet Explorer or Opera) visit my blog on a mobile device.





So when you consider the scope of your audience, you want to make things better for everyone. I am just not sure if I can really do anything for any of you mobile visitors to John's Blog Space (or my other blogs). Thanks to all of you for reading!

Become a Fan (or Like) my Facebook Fan Page and subscribe this blog (and my others) via FeedBurner (or any other aggregator in the sidebar)! Visit (or subscribe):
• Subscribe to John's Blog Space!
• Subscribe to John's Shop Space! (http://jbmshopspace.blogspot.com)
• Subscribe to John's Gran Turismo Space! (http://johnsgtspace.blogspot.com)

John's Corner: Recent Rough Times

Welcome to John's Corner! What was a page is now going to be a category of blog posts where it is just me talking to you. These posts primarily relate to how I am doing and what I am up to lately. I invite all of my readers to check out my material. If you would like to comment, please do so. But if I get more suspicious spam material than material from loyal visitors, then I will disallow any and all comments to my "John's Corner" posts.

Recent Blogging Struggles.

Recent times have been fairly rough for me blogging. I am not sure if it is because of the Christmas season or if it's something else, but my views and involvement have been declining the past few days. And also, two spammers sent suspicious comments to John's Blog Space (both blocked) after a long while of not getting as many spam comments. It is almost as if people have stopped caring about my blog. Am I not good enough, as I previously blogged about long ago? Is there just not as many people viewing my blog (or maybe others' blogs as well)? Whatever the case, I am going through the motions again.

I usually used to get 3K views daily at the real height of my blog's popularity. Then, I would be fortunate to be north of 2K views daily. My range of daily blog hits later became in the 1.5K to 2K range. Now for the past few days, it has been a few days since my blog has surpassed 1.5K hits. As if I need any more reminders that 2011 has been a mostly disappointing year for me personally, this just adds to my dismay. It would be pathetic to end 2011 this way.

Rekindled Interest in YouTube.

Also... I have redeveloped interest in returning to doing YouTube videos. Part of my shift from YouTube to blogging was because I lost my desire and determination to do videos. But recently, I have redeveloped interest and have considered coming up with videos on certain topics. Anyone who knows of my YouTube channel know what my videos are about- anything and everything. "JohnMarineTube" is the name of my YouTube channel. I use a combination of JMTube and blogging to express points. If I return to YouTube, I'll return the moment I make a great-enough video worth releasing.

Where Are the Loyal Readers/Visitors?

Here is just one last note for my loyal readers- I hate picking up spam comments. These are people who post on any blog site any suspicious links or absolutely nothing pertaining to the actual topic itself. Any comment that just sounds like spam will be shot down. That's why I always want loyal readers to actually share thoughts and share my blog posts with others. It makes no sense to have so many people visit my blog but have only so few comment with useful (non-spam, non-suspicious) comments. I just can't get more involvement and fans seems like. It just saddens me. Almost makes me feel like I am posting all of this material... for nothing. It is almost as if some people have just have stopped believing in me and this blog.

And not to sound rude or sarcastic, but... at least spammers get involved with my material and post accordingly. I dislike spam commenters (as does anyone else who passionately post material for others to enjoy), but at least they post their thoughts on my material even though I don't appreciate their suspicious comments. My blog could be much better if I could get some more HUMAN support from loyal readers and loyal visitors. Just sayin'...





So please- show your support for my work and comment on anything that interests you on John's Blog Space! Help restore my sanity and my confidence by commenting on my material and getting involved with material I post. Subscribe to this blog. "Like" my Facebook fan page. Just show me (in some way) you care about me and my work! Thank you for reading!

Become a Fan (or Like) my Facebook Fan Page and subscribe this blog (and my others) via FeedBurner (or any other aggregator in the sidebar)! Visit (or subscribe):
• Subscribe to John's Blog Space!
• Subscribe to John's Shop Space! (http://jbmshopspace.blogspot.com)
• Subscribe to John's Gran Turismo Space! (http://johnsgtspace.blogspot.com)