Blogging for Money or for Passion?

Jan 24, 2012 -

Bloggers SLAMBOOK

9 Comments

Blogging for Money or for Passion?

Name: Arvin “Bino” Bautista

Url Address: http://www.damuhan.com

Twitter: twitter.com/binobautista

Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Damuhan-Blog-ng-Pinoy-Tambayan-ng-Pinoy/339769868373

Philosophy in life:

Let God be the center of your life and you will be blessed.

ABOUT YOUR BLOG

1. How, When and Why did you get into blogging industry?

I started blogging wayback 2005 using a platform for mobile called G-blogs. After that, I moved to Friendster blog. I then realized that it’s not a good thing using Friendster as a blogging platform so I moved to blogspot and created 2 anonymous money making site. My main purpose in blogging was actually to earn money ang pay my bills but that has changed. 2008, after being an OFW in Dubai for two years, out of boredom, my tagalog blog Damuhan was born.

2. How you came up with the name for it?

I remember the day when me and my friends usually visit Manila Cemetery. We were sitting on the Bermuda grass talking about anything under the sun, That’s where I came up with the name for my blog.

3. How long have you been here and what made you want to start?

As I mentioned in the first question, I started 2005 just to earn money. But it was only 2008 that I decided a personal/humor blog. I love writing specially in Tagalog. I love to write stories, poems essays etc. I created Damuhan to also serve as a “memory bank” so that when I grow old, I can always come back to to the site and re-read the articles that I wrote.

4. Do you blog for a job full time? What else do you do aside from blogging?

I have other writers who blog for the money-making blog. I usually blog three times a week in Damuhan. Aside from blogging, I’m a part-time ESL Instructor for Korean Students. I’m currently working as a quality assurance specialist in one of the call centers in the country.

5. Did you choose to start blogging directly about your chosen niche or because you just saw a good way to make money from blogging?

Honestly, yes. Money is the reason why I started blogging. But now I barely write for money. I write for my readers who love to read stories, poems etc.

6. How much time do you spend on work related to your blog(s) each week?

3 times a week at least 4 hours and that include blog hopping.

7. What do you find to be your biggest struggle as a blogger?

I do have haters. I realize that you can never please everyone. But if I always listen to every person’s ideas, I ‘ll end up pleasing no one.

8. How does blogging help you, in terms of life and career? How did you get to where you are now with your blog(s)? To what do you attribute your success? and what is the next goal you hope to achieve?

I was a shy person. But because of blogging, I came out of my shell and became interested in meeting fellow bloggers. Damuhan is here because of loyal readers who always visit the blog. I owe the so called success of my blog to them. Next goal in blogging? Haven’t think of that yet, as of now I love what I’m doing.

9. Where do you see your blog(s) and yourself in 5 years?

I want myself and damuhan to be an inspiration to people who love to engage in blogging specially the new ones. No one knows what will happen after 5 years or more, Maybe Damuhan will still exist, may be not. Whatever will be, will be.

10. One of the hardest things for beginner bloggers is getting traffic. What tips can you give bloggers to drive traffic to a new blog?

Write quality post. Do not plagiarize. Optimize SEO if you’re into a money-making blog. Submit your site to blog directories like Topblogs.com.ph, Alexa, Google, Yahoo. But honestly if you have good SEO (search engine optimization) your blog wil be on top of these search engines.

11. What advice would you give to new bloggers wanting to start blogging and help them start out on a path to success?

Do bloghops regularly. Don’t just ask for ex-links. You should visit them!!! Don’t be sad if you don’t have traffic. In time, it will follow. And of course, stay humble. Respect fellow bloggers. Don’t badmouth.

12. Describe your blog in 10 words.

Damuhan: Blog ng Pinoy, Tambayan ng Pinoy at Puso’ng Pinoy

KC Canlas January 24, 2012 at 10:59 am

I personally practice the advices Bino gave. I read blogs to learn and possibly meet fellow bloggers. Since I am a full-time writer, blogging is one of my main outlet to socialize and learn.

jhengpot January 24, 2012 at 11:23 am

Know I know kung bakit DAMUHAN, kwento habang nakaupo sa bermudo. Infairness, eto talaga nafi-feel ko everytime na binabasa ko ang blog mo. I like the idea of “memory bank”, minsan pag wala na kong magawa binabalikan ko lahat ng post ko. By that narerealize ko na anlaki na ng pinagbago ko sa buhay, na andami ko ng na-invest para magbago for good. And my blog serves as a bank, kung san nakatago yung mga inested memories ko, kung san may mga nagkaka-interest na ibang tao. Ang galing mo kuya Bino, saludo ako sayo. Thank you sa advice

Sey January 24, 2012 at 11:26 am

Hmmm, isa ako sa mga humahanga sa way ng pagsusulat niya. Stalker ako sa blog niya, hindi ako madalas mag-comment kasi nahihiya ako pero binabasa ko mga post. hehehe.

Ang ganda ng #12. Description of the blog.

Bagotilyo January 24, 2012 at 11:29 am

words of wisdom sir bino

Leah January 24, 2012 at 12:21 pm

A wise man and a good friend. Yan si Bino. Kaya sarap tumambay sa Damuhan eh.. ‘coz the author is a good man.

Simpleng Inhinyero January 24, 2012 at 1:51 pm

masasabi kong si bino ang isa sa tinuturing kong kaibigang mapagkakatiwalaan sa blog. sobrang bait niyang taong yan.,. congrats bino…kaw na ngayon ang nasa hotseat…

Gemma January 25, 2012 at 3:46 am

… I am a newbie, and I just want to thanks you for the tipS!!! I have a lot to learn and I just did from this blog! Thanks! My Dailies visit my site and follow if you could! Thanks!