I think blogging already IS the big thing: Simon Rogers

I’m Simon Rogers, a teenager from the UK who runs www.teenius.com. I’m also in the process of starting up a free e-course which will be full of awesome information on how to set up your own blog, so check out my blog for updates on that.

Simon Rogers

Interview

Q1: Welcome to Speakbindas. Tell us since when blogging has been a part of your life? Was there any motive or inspiration as a backbone of it?

• A1: A few summers ago I wanted to make some money, so to do so opened up some proxies and added Adsense. One day I was reading around on different forums and blogs, when I came across a blog that was looking for another author. I thought ‘why not?’ and went for it. I enjoyed it so much that I started creating my own blogs!

Q2: What is your blog all about? Which topics you cover there? Is that you alone running/maintaining the blog, or have a team?

• A2: At the moment I’m just on my own, and I blog about different blogging related things. I try and keep my articles quality so that they’re really interesting for the readers.

Q3: What are the present statistics for your blog, i.e. number of daily visitors, visitors geographical status etc.?

• A3: Ahh, that would be telling! Most my visitors are from the USA or UK though, which is good because it means that they’re mainly quality viewers who read my posts and leave a comment. What I can tell you is that I get an average of around 30 comments per post, which I’m really pleased with!

Q4: Is blogging for you just a passion or a medium for earning too? Does it help you to earn enough cash to quit a 9 to 5 day job?

• A4: At the moment it’s just a hobby, although I am gradually taking steps to start earning from my blog. If I’m completely honest, I don’t think I’m ever going to make enough to support myself fully, but hopefully I can make a decent amount from it!

Q5: Who are your favorite bloggers, whom you read frequently?

• A5: I tend to read smaller blogs as I like connecting with the readers. One of my favorite blogs is www.blogussion.com – it’s run by two really cool guys and contains loads of really, really great posts. I do have lots of bloggers who I like and admire, but if I listed them all here then we’d be here all day!

Q6: From the secret bucket of your blogging experiences, what tips you would like to share with the fellow bloggers?

• A6: My top tip is to be friendly. If you brand yourself as someone who is ‘high and mighty’ then you’re going to be inapproachable and people are going to get bored. By being friendly, you can connect with loads of people which, in my opinion, is the key to success.

Q7: Do you believe that blogging completes you? If yes, tell us how?

• A7: No, blogging doesn’t complete me. I have loads of different hobbies and activities that I love doing, and I always have the desire to try more things. That said, blogging is a big part of my life and I really enjoy doing it!

Q8: What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

• A8: Wow, that’s a tough question. There are too many highs to decide which one is the best, so I really can’t list just one; I suppose I’m lucky to live a happy life and just enjoy the things I do!

Q9: Say, you are sponsored to travel to 3 world destinations, where you need not to worry about costs for food, hotel or anything. Which destinations would you pick up, and why? Would you like to take someone along with you? If yes, whom?

• A9: I’d love to go to California with my friends. It just seems like a really cool place to go, with loads of things to do, and also sunny weather (something we don’t get very often here in England!). Secondly, I’d love to take my family to Hong Kong; I’ve been before on a school trip, but I loved it so much and can’t wait to go again. Thirdly, Australia. I’d love to go there to do some extreme sports that I enjoy (such as kitesurfing).

Q10: Are you into watching movies? If yes, which fills your list of favorite ones?

• A10: If I’m honest I’m not too big on movies. I mean, I’ll quite happily go to the cinema to watch one, but I’m not one of these people who is addicted by films. I like action films like Iron Man and Batman, but also really like comedies.

Q11: How has blogging helped you other than money?

• A11: It’s given me extra confidence in myself; I’m a much more relaxed person nowadays, I think due to blogging, or maybe I’ve just grown up a bit! Also, I’ve met a few people through blogging that I now consider friends, so that’s great.

Q12: What would be the one thing you’d change about yourself?

• A12: I’d love to have an Austrian accent; that way I could do impressions of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Q13: What is your deepest fear?

• A13: Dogs. I hate the things. I’m not too bad now, but I’m still scared of certain breeds. I used to be petrified of all dogs; I would cross over the road just to avoid walking past them!

Q14: If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be?

• A14: I’m not sure if I’m honest. I’d love to meet someone like David Beckham (but then who wouldn’t?!), but also people like Ruben Lenten who’s a big name in the sport I participate in. That said, for the moment I’m happy with the people I know… I have some great friends and am meeting more people all the time!

Q15: Which is your favorite television show? Favorite songs?

• A15: I really like watching programs like ‘The Apprentice‘ and ‘Dragons Den‘. They’re both business related programs, so I guess that shows what matters to me! As for songs, there are too many to mention, but mainly I’ll listen to whatever is on the radio!

Q16: How much money do you have in your purse/wallet right now (including change)?

• A16: Right now? Nothing at all. I do, however, have my debit card in there… I suppose I should get some cash out really!

Q17: What is your favorite food? Any particular dislikes?

• A17: I really like homemade Lasagna and chips, but I’ll eat pretty much anything; I’m not very fussy.

Q18: What’s your take on the technological advancement these days? Does it make people’s life simple or complicated?

• A18: For me, as a teenager, I’ve grown up with the technology boom, so it’s just normal to me, so I’m going to have to say ‘simple’.

Q19: What do you think of “blogging is the next BIG thing”?

• A19: I think blogging already IS the big thing!

Q20: List out the 10 bloggers you believe should be interviewed by Speakbindas.com.

• A20: Darren Rowse from Problogger.com – he’s an amazing blogger with loads to share. Alex Fraiser & Seth Waite from Blogussion.com – they both have a lot of knowledge and are really, really nice guys. After that, sorry, I’m not really sure – those were the first people that sprung to mind!

Q21: Any special message you would like to share with your blog readers as well with everyone else?

A21: Make sure you keep reading my blog www.teenius.com and leave a comment. I’d love to connect with more bloggers and likeminded people, so feel free to send me an email via the contact form on my site!