The last book I read was called "Pro Blogger" by Darren Rowse and Chris Garret. Let me just say that it lived up to all the hype that I had built up in my head.

A little background first, I became interested in the book first because earlier this year I began becoming infatuated with the subject of Internet blogging. One, I am amazed that people make money on the Internet simply by sharing their thoughts, feelings, and expertise with the world. Two, please refer to number one.

With that in mind, I began to do some research and came across the ProBlogger.net website and was introduced to Darren that way, by reading his blog.

The Pro Blogger website is all about making money as a professional blogger. Darren shares his ideas and insights on how to become a successful blogger for people like me. People that wants to know.

If you spend any amount of time on the website, you quickly realize that Darren takes this very seriously for one and two he knows what he is talking about. The articles on the website are indept and knowledgable. There is not a lot of fluff here and he is making money.

That was enough to make me want to book once I decided I wanted to become a professional blogger. See, I like to write, think, and share my knowledge and experieces with people, so I believe I am a perfect canidate for becoming a professional blogger. Hence, you see me on my site now...blogging.

The Book

The book is awesome and I learned some very interesting points about Professional blogging. The first point that is beat into your head is that this is not a "get rich quick" scheme. It takes time. Darren makes mention that it took him about 18 months of blogging everyday to become a full time blogger and make a decent income from it as well.

He stresses that you should not get into this business if you don't see yourself blogging for at least the next 18 months and not making any type of serious money. Basically, he urges you to only get involved if you have a passion for the subject you are willing to discuss.

Personal Blogging

The book suggest that you start off with a personal blog, you are on mine. This is so that you get a feel for the different blogging platforms available to you and get a feel for what needs to be done on a day to day basis. This FreddieTaylor.com blog is on Blogger right now, like all my other sites were, but after reading the Pro Blogger book, I made a switch.

Wordpress

I have been contemplating learning how to use Wordpress, but was reluctant because one it was different, and two it made me think. I didn't like that. But after getting about three chapters into the book, Darren mentioned that all of his blogs were on the Wordpress system....I made the switch. I figure that if it is good enough for Darren, then it was good enough for me. I went for it.

I cannot express to you how glad I am that I made this decision because Wordpress is the bomb baby. No joke! It is very simple, clean, easy to use, and fully customizable. Unlike Blogger, which is owned by Google, it has some obvious limitations that you only realize after moving to something like Wordpress.

This FreddieTaylor.com blog will eventually be moved over to Wordpress as well. It is just superior.

How to make Money.

Darren and Chris, I was just introduced to Chris' work via this book, does a great job of explaining the various ways to make money with a blog either directly or indirectly. I think the biggest benefit of the book is how they change your perception of this business. First of all, they get you to undestand that it is a business and there are many different business models available to make a living.

Basically, I realized that I will be making money directly from my blogs via cost per click advertising campaigns like Adsense, direct advertising sales to business owners, and product sales. Those product sales will be from products that I produce and affiliate products of others that I sale.

At the end of the day.

There are a myriad of opportunities to make money as a blogger. Darren and Chris do an excellent job of getting you to understand how to make this happen. In addition, they give valuable information and resources to take your bloga and business to the next level.

I am following may of their suggestions as we speak and really am looking forward to seeing my income grow as well as my prowess as a full time blogger.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life....and that entails blogging as a professional thanks to the Pro Blogger book, Darren, and Chris.