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I noticed that there are various methods of promoting blogs... and various programs to help out. Does anyone use a service like Feed Shark? Any ideas of what the pros and cons would be? I'm so new to the blogging world that I don't know all that much about it. Thanks for any help! 
The Littlest ThistleI use Networked Blogs and RSS Feed on Facebook, but I've not tried anything else. It lets my FB fans see my blog posts pop up there without having to follow my blog too (although some people are nice enough to do both 
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desertmountainbearThere are sites that help you promote your blog. Paula Carter has "100 Best Bear Artist Blogs" http://bestbearartistblogs.gotop100.com/
I do also use Networked Blogs with my FaceBook fan page. You may consider a fan page. They really help.
Some people do giveaways. I have done that. People put your little banner about the giveaway on their blog for an extra chance. Be warned the amount of entries can become overwhelming.
I have found one of the best ways is just to comment on other peoples blogs. I do look at comments from others and I will often click on their avatar to find out more about them. I think others must do the same.
Joanne
Thank you Katy & Joanne... those are some good ideas. So if I did the fan page, my blog would keep it current? That sounds easy enough... I think... 
I'm surprised there's no "Planet Teddy Bear" blog aggregator, or syndicate -- these things are popular with software projects, etc., and wouldn't be too difficult to setup for teddy bear artists and friends. If there's enough interest, I don't mind doing this at all.
-- Thomas Adam
Edit: Note that this is different from various teddy bear artists merely linking to one another out of courtesy, etc. :) Whilst that works OK, with an aggregator it's like an automatic informer that you've posted to your blog, that other people affiliated with the same site can pick up on, etc. Bit hard to describe, but I will set one up as a proof-of-concept for you all to use. :)
-- Thomas Adam
That sounds like a great idea Thomas! 
desertmountainbearThank you Katy & Joanne... those are some good ideas. So if I did the fan page, my blog would keep it current? That sounds easy enough... I think... :lol:
No it is backwards. You make a fan page. let us know if you do and I will send invitations for others to join yours. With a fan page anyone can join and you do not have to confirm them as friend.
Then you set up networked blogs. You do that on Facebook. I have mine set up so it is on my "tabs" and also so any time I write a blog post it shows up on the wall, which goes to all the fans.
Sounds confusing. if you decide there are plenty of us here that can help you.
desertmountainbearI'm surprised there's no "Planet Teddy Bear" blog aggregator, or syndicate -- these things are popular with software projects, etc., and wouldn't be too difficult to setup for teddy bear artists and friends. If there's enough interest, I don't mind doing this at all.
-- Thomas Adam
Edit: Note that this is different from various teddy bear artists merely linking to one another out of courtesy, etc.
Whilst that works OK, with an aggregator it's like an automatic informer that you've posted to your blog, that other people affiliated with the same site can pick up on, etc. Bit hard to describe, but I will set one up as a proof-of-concept for you all to use.
-- Thomas Adam
This sounds interesting. I am not sure but it may be like what Paula already has done. All of the bear artists are on a site. You can go there and look at all the blog banners. If you click one it takes you to the site.
Is it the same?
I took a leap and started a fan page on facebook. I really don't know what I'm doing there though! I'll look at it more tomorrow. :doh:
desertmountainbearThat is great. If you will post a link here when you get it going I will join and invite friends.
Joanne
FB is really where so many people are at now.
I'm back at it... Joanne, how did you make your blog tag? I've been trying to figure it out, but so far I'm stumped.
Newcastle, OntarioMelissa - Facebook is going to eliminate those tabs soon, so don't waste your time. I'm not sure if they are going to do something else similar or not.
Is there a different way to have your blog show up on facebook?
desertmountainbearThey may eliminate the tab but I have heard nothing of them eliminating the application network blogs. For me I really don't care about the tab. I care about the blog showing up on my fan page.
Go on facebook and go the networked blogs application http://www.facebook.com/search.php?q=ne … orkedblogs
Go to application. it is under the avatar on the left. on the top right look for register a blog. Follow the instructions. If you get stuck let me know I
will try to help.
You can also just copy the address of the blog post and then add it with a link.
What is not good about this is that it takes people away from FB. With networked blogs it just opens up a new tab and then they can go back easily.
Newcastle, OntarioSorry if I confused you, Melissa. I thought you knew the tabs and Network blogs were two different things. Your blog will show up on Facebook and all your friends will see it, once you've added it to the Networked blog site.
I think I'm managing to figure it out! Slowly... Thanks for your help! :hug:
