Phirate was kind enough to provide me with an advanced copy of Say Hello To The Blogosphere: The Official Entrecard E-Book vol . 1. Other than Graham’s spelling mistakes, it’s just about ready for release. But I’ll let Entrecard do the official unveiling, so no “Free eBook Friday” today, just a review. The eBook is more than a “How To” guide to Entrecard. Rolling in at 18 pages, it includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced topics sure to interest Entrecard vets as well as new members.
Overall the tone of the ebook is very friendly. Graham really sells the product and addresses concerns people have raised over time in the forums, like burnout and time spent dropping. He also answers most of the repeated questions, as in ”can I have multiple blogs” and “how do I sell in the shop”. This is great, but those who ask seldom search first, let alone read an ebook.
Things start to get interesting half way through. Graham gives his opinion on ad design, placement on the web page, and recipricating drops. Then comes the part I like least. (being an internet marketer and all) There is a section that includes a few widgets created by Entrecard Users, like the slots, recent droppers, and Udrop/Ifollow. Just my opinion, but I find all of them lame. Some are obsolete since the inbox changes. Others contain shameless links to spam sites or contribute nothing to the community other than a backlink to the author. Hell, might as well include my Entresearch widget if they include the others. But it’s not a big deal, and showing user creativity is what they were after, not to promote the specific sites.
Moving on to the advanced section, Graham gives a number of dropping strategies for people to try. He also addresses the Bounce Rate issue and quality of traffic. Nothing dramatic, just a chance for Graham to give his opinion on spammers and cheating the system. As a bonus, there is a picture of Phirate, whom I’ve talked with often but had no clue what he looked like.
Overall, it’s a great overview of the entire system. New people will probably find it to be a helpful guide. It sells Entrecard in a positive way, and (other than the spelling mistakes in the advanced copy), won’t find many critics. It could be stronger in suggesting no autoplay ads, pop-ups, or full page interstitial ads as turnoffs to the community. Naming it “Vol 1″ certainly leaves open the possibility of “Vol 2″, and with the way Graham likes to talk about Entrecard, I’d expect it soon.
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14 users commented in " Sneakpeek: The Entrecard Ebook "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a Trackback **********I think the inclusion of the community’s personal Entrecard projects such as their own widgets, dropping groups (u drop i follow, which links back to the founder, lee doyle) and others is Graham’s way of thanking the community for the enthusiasm and encourages the others to do the same.
More unique ideas from users, especially the techie ones who can think of a LOT more ways to IMPROVE, rather than devalue the system, are always a wonderful addition to Entrecard.
The initiative to contribute is commendable, and Graham was right to include that. Kudos!
Looks like it’ll be an interesting read for noobs. Not sure of the demand for others.
Thanks for the review, I can’t wait to read it. I like to find good information about entrecard and you usually make a lot of sense to me, so who other than you would be better than the originators.
Well…I’d be interested in reading it (although I do hope the misspellings are corrected, as they will drive me nuts before I get to the “good part”!
I personally don’t mind the dropping time. I don’t push for 300 cards a day, though I think I have made it as far as 250 once (had to go feed my son, so I had to quit). But I use your technique and your wonderful Entrecard bookmark file, so life is much easier. I’ve noticed that I am now a “regular, consistent dropper” (nice to move up from relaxed and casual). I also have my own personal folders of blogs I drop on regularly.
I don’t do the “u drop, I follow” or any of the other schemes/scams involved. Like I’ve said before, I just like for folks to come visit me…I’m not doing it for anything else!
I think an e-book is a great idea for new people coming in to the system. I look forward to reading it.
Turnip, Thank you for reviewing Say Hello To The Blogosphere: The Official Entrecard E-Book vol. 1.
I like the idea of having an “official” book to look up information. So much has passed me by, so again thanks for giving us an idea of what to expect in the book, and thank you Graham for your hard work.
I agree that the book will be helpful to newcomers as well as us techno nitwits. I wish Entrecard Search would have been included, but maybe it’s in line for the next issue. I love it as well as the idea of Entrecard Bookmarks, which, by the way, I need to e-mail you about-
It’s not a big matter, but I do hope you will forgive me. I didn’t realize a few things about Entrecard Bookmarks until recently. I know that sounds silly because I remember downloading the file, but I don’t think I ever unzipped it and I haven’t purchased anything.
I do have a bookmarks folder, although I’m not sure…anyway, like I said, I’ll e-mail you about it, I remember going through the steps to be on the list, but evidently I never completed the whole process, as far as having the list of bookmarks. I don’t know what I was waiting for really~
I’ve been using my regular bookmarks and returning drops- although I don’t advertise it- and waiting for the Entrecard Bookmarks. I’m not sure what happened or what I misunderstood along the way, however as usual I missed something.
There is so much to learn and I’m writing too, so a lot passes me by~ Thanks ahead of time for your patience, my friend, and I’ll get back in touch.
Have a fantastic week-end rock star~
Ann
Looks like it will be an interesting read. Cant wait for the launch!
Ann, You are in my list of bookmarks. I drop on you every night. I’m going to go through them again today and do an update. There is nothing to purchase, it’s a free list. You simply import them into the firefox browser after unzipping them. Having your own list is also good. I just make it easier for people to get started. Not everyone likes to drop from the inbox, including myself.
Turnip, Oh good. I was hoping I hadn’t missed an obligation. Thank you for adding me to your bookmark list and dropping my card every night. You are also on my bookmark list. You’ve been here for me and many other bloggers from day one. Thanks again~
I hope you’re having a fun and happy week-end~
Don’t work too hard~
Ann
I can’t wait to read it. I love entrecard and I hope to be here a long while. One thing that really stood out for me was the warm way I was welcomed when I first came to EC. With all the new ones signing up I am not sure if that is still the case, but I know I was certainly made to feel welcome. I can’t wait to get my eyes on this. Thanks
i cant wait till its released!
=]
cant wait, it may even get me back into Entrecard if it has any Value Add reasons.
Glad to hear that, though what’s with the URL, was that the script that you made for EC that was going to get you banned??
Sorry Turnip, I seriously didnt think you would react that way.. I was having some fun and it also proves a point that EC is not quite ready for the next step, whatever that is.. I really do appologise. I suggest Phirate does some extra coding to stop this kind of stupid link. BTW good to see you have a sense of humor with my new web site link… cool come back…
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