Meg from Dipping Into The Australian Blogpond is talking with me as part of the Pay It Forward thing. I first discovered Megs blog when I was searching for other Australian blogs. She connected me up with the Bumpzee community and it took off from there. Meg is an amazing blogger and one who I have great respect for. She is also one of the founding members of the Aussie Bloggers Forum and if you ever need help or advice, then Meg’s your girl.

1. Why did you start blogging and when?

I started blogging in January 2007. Initially, I started blogging to document what was happening in my business life, and my business niche. But that pretty quickly became boring even to me! So my blog has evolved into an eclectic mix - ranging from online advertising, Australian Startups, blogging related posts, my children and general stuff that interests me. I don’t know if it’s any more interesting, but at least I’m not bored

2. What is your favourite post that you have written?

I suppose the one that I felt best about (when I wrote it) was a series of four posts on blogging karma. It started as one, but I ended up splitting it, because once I started I just couldn’t stop.

3. If you were giving advice to others who were looking to start a blog, what advice would you give them?

* If you think you’re in it for the long haul, start out on your own domain - moving your blog is a right royal pain.

* The Aussie Bloggers forum has a lot of great advice and is a friendly atmosphere for asking questions. I wish it was around when I started out.

* Don’t worry too much about customising (tweaking) your blog initially – as long as it’s functional you’ll have plenty of time to play later.

4. If you could have your time over, would you blog differently?

I’d like to write about more personal stuff, but it’s hard when you have your name attached to your blog, and I’m ultra cautious about saying “too much”. I’d like to have an anonymous blog, but maintaining different profiles would be too tricky.

5. Are there any blogs out there that have really struck a chord with you and can you name them?

It’s funny, when I first started blogging I used to almost exclusively read business type blogs, blogs about blogging, search engine optimisation and the like. Then I discovered (Australian) personal blogs, and I particularly love the sense of community. I’m currently subscribed to over 200 feeds.

I’ve got quite a few favourites over a range of topics. On a personal level I think one of the most enjoyable blogs I read is Kelley’s Magneto Bold Too. I love the way she writes (note it’s probably not for those easily offended by swearing), her sense of community, humour and honesty.

So.

I ran the numbers through the randomiser and it sneered at me and said, No, Tiff you can’t do it for everyone. Just give it up to me and I will spit you out three numbers.

It gave me;

1 -  Veronica

6 -  Kim

and

12 -  Mr Lady.

But I couldn’t let it go and you all put such lovely comments on my blog so I hit it three more times…

18 -  River

9 -  Betsy

and 17 -  Meg.

Trish, I’ll make you a canvas just cos I love you, so send me your pic. m’kay?

So now that I have six of you, here is how it is going to go down, ok?

Veronica, Kim and Mr Lady - I’ll email you soon with some questions so I can do a little blog interview, you can choose either a surprise or a canvas as well. If you want a canvas, then you just need to email me a full size photo for me to scrap.  Oh and I’ll need snail mail addys too.

All I ask is that you pay it forward again.

River, Betsy and Meg.  You can to choose one of the three… or in River’s case, one of the two

I’m really looking forward to paying it, girls, so let me know what you all want.