Enjoying the Journey20/20 Interview with Cibbuano on Blogging
September 15th 2008 07:10
20/20 Interview with Cibbuano on Blogging
Being relatively new to the blogging I decided to do what I do in most things – seek out someone with more experience than me, and ask questions.
Luckily around the Orble world we have some very friendly people who are willing to help if you ask. After sending a couple of questions on various subjects to Cibbuano I decided to ask him if he would be interested in an e-mail interview. As can be expected he was agreeable with my request.
I then took a couple days to figure out just what to ask, and came up with these 20 questions.
I would like to thank Cibbuano for his 20 answers, and also for allowing me to reference his 20/20 Filmsight in the title of this post.
Here is the interview that will hopefully give you some insight into Cibbuano’s world, and also give us less-experienced bloggers/writers some good advice.
Q: First, please tell me a bit about yourself.
Cibbuano’s Response:
I'm a Canadian living in Sydney, studying at the University of Sydney. I came here seeking refuge from the endless blizzards of the snowy wastes of Canada, and now, I'm not sure I can handle the cold again.
Q: Why do you choose to write and blog?
Cibbuano’s Response:
I've been a writer for over 10 years, though I'm definitely ramping up my output. I used to be a culture reviewer in Montreal, reviewing theatre and music, but I found a fascination in cinema, which provoked me to pen a screenplay.
Blogging is a terrific outlet for a freelance writer, as it helps you learn how to write like a reflex. Plus, it's comforting to know that you have an audience on the internet.
Q: How did you find Orble, or did they find you?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Orble posted a job posting on the Uni job board and I responded to the ad. At first, I was worried it was going to be a Yakuza operation, and I'd find myself pinky-less for not writing on time, but it turned out to be a network that grew steadily over the past few years.
Q: Which of the blogs that you write for are you most passionate about, and why?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Definitely, 20/20 Filmsight. The traffic on the site has grown steadily, and now gets around 5 000 readers per day. I've always been interested in cinema, and writing for 20/20 Filmsight gets me media passes to screenings and festivals. Plus, you wouldn't believe the rock star life I lead. Intravenous drugs, bizarre sexual acts and depravity - hopefully, I'll be hanging drunk from a hotel balcony next year.
Q: Which page would be next on the list, and why?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Er, surprisingly, I enjoy writing for the Personals site, just because I seem to find strangely interesting articles to comment on. I usually write with a tongue-in-cheek tone, and I love digging up weird Craigslist-type online ads.
Q: Do you receive a portion of the funds generated by AdSense, as we do?
Cibbuano’s Response:
No, I'm an Orble employee, getting a fixed wage, but without any commission from AdSense.
Q: Do you get a percentage for mentoring members, or is that just considered part of your job description?
Cibbuano’s Response:
It's part of my weekly role - the community has grown so large now that it's hard to keep track of new bloggers. So: if you've got questions, send me a personal message and I'll try to help you sort it out!
Q: Where do you attend school, and what are you studying?
Cibbuano’s Response:
I'm at Sydney Uni, majoring in electrical engineering. I once gave myself a 1000-volt shock, if you're wondering if I'm any good as an engineer. The lab smelled like burnt flesh for over a day - it's not a good smell.
Q: Do you blog anywhere other than Orble?
Cibbuano’s Response:
I have a personal blog on Blogger, but I don't post on it very often. Blogging for Orble is definitely enough for me...
Q: What is the best advice you can give to a new or lesser-experienced blogger?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Keep a regular schedule, one that's not too taxing, and stick to it. Then, prepare for disappointment - there are few pro-bloggers in the world, and they're popular for a reason.
Also, read other blogs, especially on Orble, and comment on them. With all the film bloggers, I've gotten to know a few of them rather well, and not only does it help our respective blogs to link to each other, but I've learned a lot about cinema from listening to other people's opinions.
Q: What methods and other sites do you suggest for bloggers to get the word out about their work?
Cibbuano’s Response:
The best way would be to become famous. Perhaps put out a sex tape, or get picked as the running mate for the US election. Then blog. You'll be
guaranteed to get traffic.
For those of us that can't reach those lofty heights, I'd definitely recommend visiting other sites and being active. Comment on other people's sites, invite them to post on yours. Make your blog look good, make sure the content is worth reading. Be original, be interesting.
Q: If a blogger is in it to actually make some money (even though they enjoy doing the writing), would you have different advice for them than you would for someone solely in it to write?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Sadly, if you're in it for the money, you're probably off best by being unscrupulous. Steal other people's contents or post naughty content. There's always a sizeable percentage of my traffic that comes looking for cheesecake.
Q: As a blogger, do you write during a set time each day, or do you just sit down and write when you get the urge?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Yes, a set time each day, when I first get into Uni. If I've watched a movie the night before, I've had time to think and read about it, then I can write an insightful review, hopefully.
I do quite a bit of writing on the weekend, too, which means, while you're out at the pub, carousing and lustily eyeing the barmaid/barbutler, I'm probably at home, cursing loudly at my slow internet connection, screaming at my laptop to post that photo of Klaus Kinski screaming at Werner Herzog.
Q: Do you write and post every day, or do you write a lot ahead of time and program them to post at set times?
Cibbuano’s Response:
20/20 Filmsight, I write every day. That's really the only way to ensure that the quality is high. Writing multiple posts in a row definitely has a deleterious effect on the quality of the posts. I try to be insightful and entertaining when I write, hopefully compelling people to come back.
The other blogs, I usually chain them all at once and let the Orble system stagger them throughout the week. It's a good system, as the other blogs are on a variety of topics, so I can spend the week combing the news sites for interesting articles to comment on.
Q: Which do you think is the better method?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Definitely writing every day results in better quality. In the mornings, when I write, my mind is sharp like a particularly rancid piece of blue cheese, and the words flow from my dancing fingers like an endless stream of hissing centipedes.
Posting everyday also means that I'm quick to respond to news, which can be crucial to attracting big traffic.
Q: Where do you get ideas for your posts? (news, TV, friends, and such)
Cibbuano’s Response:
I have a few websites that I read everyday, looking for ideas. It's a good system, as I get to read and learn by blogging. There's an incredible sense of pleasure from reading and learning, and the internet has facilitated that like no other technology.
For film posts, I'm quite lucky that 20/20 Filmsight has grown in reputation to become one of the Top 100 Australian blogs, so I get enough preview DVDs and invitations to screeners to fill my posts all week. It should be a matter of time before sultry Japanese actresses start mailing me their panties, with interview requests.
Q: I know it sometimes depends on the subject matter, but what is normally a good length for a post? Is it better to cram in all the information you have, or to limit the length of a post to keep the reader's attention?
Cibbuano’s Response:
It's a tough question... as I grow as a film reviewer, I find myself getting increasingly long-winded. I like writing long posts that examine the material, but, obviously, the web audience doesn't have this attention span.
So, I compromise. I try to limit my reviews to be shorter, and news pieces to be even shorter - but I'll often write commentary pieces where I go on and on like a nearly-retired history professor. I like to think that there's small niche of people that are interested in these pieces, as I really enjoy reading exhaustive pieces on great movies.
Q: Is it better to stick to one topic for your blog, or give more of a variety to try and keep a wider audience reading?
Cibbuano’s Response:
If you've got the traffic, you can start inserting variety, but it's definitely best to keep to your topic. New bloggers love to start blogs that just have random thoughts or rants, but, sadly, these posts usually attract little traffic since they don't stand out in search engines.
Q: Do you have any tips, other than the obvious answer of "good writing," on how to keep readers coming back?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Try to encourage a healthy commenting system - that definitely is a big draw. I'd love to have more readers comment on my posts - even when I get anonymous commenters posting that I'm a 'fag' for not liking the movie "300", or that I must be an idiot for not praising "Atonement". It's all fun, right?
Q: Do you have any tips on other ways to earn money from a blog?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Your post titles must be exact and keyword heavy, and your page must look attractive. People click on ads when they're nicely integrated to your site, and the ads are made relevant by the keywords that your post uses.
Q: What is the one question I didn't ask that you would like to answer because it will be helpful to new bloggers?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Blogging is a surprisingly friendly community, so get out there. Don't just sit back, post, then feel disappointment when you don't get many comments.
I would like to again thank Cibbuano for answering my questions. His answers were very informative, and will certainly help me. I hope they can help you too.
You can find Cibbuano's writings on all of the following site:
20/20 Filmsight - This is his film review site
Cibbuano's Blog This is an excellent site for all bloggers to visit. You find a lot of great information and tips on blogging.
FatCult
Hunt Famous
Post of the Day
Science News
Tech Break
Cibbuano also keeps busy as a member of 23 additional Orble sites. You can find links to all of those sites by visiting his profile page.
I am sure some of you will have more questions or comments, please feel free to post them.
Being relatively new to the blogging I decided to do what I do in most things – seek out someone with more experience than me, and ask questions.
Luckily around the Orble world we have some very friendly people who are willing to help if you ask. After sending a couple of questions on various subjects to Cibbuano I decided to ask him if he would be interested in an e-mail interview. As can be expected he was agreeable with my request.
I then took a couple days to figure out just what to ask, and came up with these 20 questions.
I would like to thank Cibbuano for his 20 answers, and also for allowing me to reference his 20/20 Filmsight in the title of this post.
Here is the interview that will hopefully give you some insight into Cibbuano’s world, and also give us less-experienced bloggers/writers some good advice.
Cibbuano’s Response:
I'm a Canadian living in Sydney, studying at the University of Sydney. I came here seeking refuge from the endless blizzards of the snowy wastes of Canada, and now, I'm not sure I can handle the cold again.
Cibbuano’s Response:
I've been a writer for over 10 years, though I'm definitely ramping up my output. I used to be a culture reviewer in Montreal, reviewing theatre and music, but I found a fascination in cinema, which provoked me to pen a screenplay.
Blogging is a terrific outlet for a freelance writer, as it helps you learn how to write like a reflex. Plus, it's comforting to know that you have an audience on the internet.
Q: How did you find Orble, or did they find you?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Orble posted a job posting on the Uni job board and I responded to the ad. At first, I was worried it was going to be a Yakuza operation, and I'd find myself pinky-less for not writing on time, but it turned out to be a network that grew steadily over the past few years.
Cibbuano’s Response:
Definitely, 20/20 Filmsight. The traffic on the site has grown steadily, and now gets around 5 000 readers per day. I've always been interested in cinema, and writing for 20/20 Filmsight gets me media passes to screenings and festivals. Plus, you wouldn't believe the rock star life I lead. Intravenous drugs, bizarre sexual acts and depravity - hopefully, I'll be hanging drunk from a hotel balcony next year.
Q: Which page would be next on the list, and why?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Er, surprisingly, I enjoy writing for the Personals site, just because I seem to find strangely interesting articles to comment on. I usually write with a tongue-in-cheek tone, and I love digging up weird Craigslist-type online ads.
Q: Do you receive a portion of the funds generated by AdSense, as we do?
Cibbuano’s Response:
No, I'm an Orble employee, getting a fixed wage, but without any commission from AdSense.
Q: Do you get a percentage for mentoring members, or is that just considered part of your job description?
Cibbuano’s Response:
It's part of my weekly role - the community has grown so large now that it's hard to keep track of new bloggers. So: if you've got questions, send me a personal message and I'll try to help you sort it out!
Q: Where do you attend school, and what are you studying?
Cibbuano’s Response:
I'm at Sydney Uni, majoring in electrical engineering. I once gave myself a 1000-volt shock, if you're wondering if I'm any good as an engineer. The lab smelled like burnt flesh for over a day - it's not a good smell.
Q: Do you blog anywhere other than Orble?
Cibbuano’s Response:
I have a personal blog on Blogger, but I don't post on it very often. Blogging for Orble is definitely enough for me...
Q: What is the best advice you can give to a new or lesser-experienced blogger?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Keep a regular schedule, one that's not too taxing, and stick to it. Then, prepare for disappointment - there are few pro-bloggers in the world, and they're popular for a reason.
Also, read other blogs, especially on Orble, and comment on them. With all the film bloggers, I've gotten to know a few of them rather well, and not only does it help our respective blogs to link to each other, but I've learned a lot about cinema from listening to other people's opinions.
"Cibbuano is hot."
Cibbuano’s Response:
The best way would be to become famous. Perhaps put out a sex tape, or get picked as the running mate for the US election. Then blog. You'll be
For those of us that can't reach those lofty heights, I'd definitely recommend visiting other sites and being active. Comment on other people's sites, invite them to post on yours. Make your blog look good, make sure the content is worth reading. Be original, be interesting.
Q: If a blogger is in it to actually make some money (even though they enjoy doing the writing), would you have different advice for them than you would for someone solely in it to write?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Sadly, if you're in it for the money, you're probably off best by being unscrupulous. Steal other people's contents or post naughty content. There's always a sizeable percentage of my traffic that comes looking for cheesecake.
Q: As a blogger, do you write during a set time each day, or do you just sit down and write when you get the urge?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Yes, a set time each day, when I first get into Uni. If I've watched a movie the night before, I've had time to think and read about it, then I can write an insightful review, hopefully.
I do quite a bit of writing on the weekend, too, which means, while you're out at the pub, carousing and lustily eyeing the barmaid/barbutler, I'm probably at home, cursing loudly at my slow internet connection, screaming at my laptop to post that photo of Klaus Kinski screaming at Werner Herzog.
Q: Do you write and post every day, or do you write a lot ahead of time and program them to post at set times?
Cibbuano’s Response:
20/20 Filmsight, I write every day. That's really the only way to ensure that the quality is high. Writing multiple posts in a row definitely has a deleterious effect on the quality of the posts. I try to be insightful and entertaining when I write, hopefully compelling people to come back.
The other blogs, I usually chain them all at once and let the Orble system stagger them throughout the week. It's a good system, as the other blogs are on a variety of topics, so I can spend the week combing the news sites for interesting articles to comment on.
Q: Which do you think is the better method?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Definitely writing every day results in better quality. In the mornings, when I write, my mind is sharp like a particularly rancid piece of blue cheese, and the words flow from my dancing fingers like an endless stream of hissing centipedes.
Posting everyday also means that I'm quick to respond to news, which can be crucial to attracting big traffic.
Q: Where do you get ideas for your posts? (news, TV, friends, and such)
Cibbuano’s Response:
I have a few websites that I read everyday, looking for ideas. It's a good system, as I get to read and learn by blogging. There's an incredible sense of pleasure from reading and learning, and the internet has facilitated that like no other technology.
For film posts, I'm quite lucky that 20/20 Filmsight has grown in reputation to become one of the Top 100 Australian blogs, so I get enough preview DVDs and invitations to screeners to fill my posts all week. It should be a matter of time before sultry Japanese actresses start mailing me their panties, with interview requests.
Q: I know it sometimes depends on the subject matter, but what is normally a good length for a post? Is it better to cram in all the information you have, or to limit the length of a post to keep the reader's attention?
Cibbuano’s Response:
It's a tough question... as I grow as a film reviewer, I find myself getting increasingly long-winded. I like writing long posts that examine the material, but, obviously, the web audience doesn't have this attention span.
So, I compromise. I try to limit my reviews to be shorter, and news pieces to be even shorter - but I'll often write commentary pieces where I go on and on like a nearly-retired history professor. I like to think that there's small niche of people that are interested in these pieces, as I really enjoy reading exhaustive pieces on great movies.
Q: Is it better to stick to one topic for your blog, or give more of a variety to try and keep a wider audience reading?
Cibbuano’s Response:
If you've got the traffic, you can start inserting variety, but it's definitely best to keep to your topic. New bloggers love to start blogs that just have random thoughts or rants, but, sadly, these posts usually attract little traffic since they don't stand out in search engines.
Q: Do you have any tips, other than the obvious answer of "good writing," on how to keep readers coming back?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Try to encourage a healthy commenting system - that definitely is a big draw. I'd love to have more readers comment on my posts - even when I get anonymous commenters posting that I'm a 'fag' for not liking the movie "300", or that I must be an idiot for not praising "Atonement". It's all fun, right?
Q: Do you have any tips on other ways to earn money from a blog?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Your post titles must be exact and keyword heavy, and your page must look attractive. People click on ads when they're nicely integrated to your site, and the ads are made relevant by the keywords that your post uses.
Q: What is the one question I didn't ask that you would like to answer because it will be helpful to new bloggers?
Cibbuano’s Response:
Blogging is a surprisingly friendly community, so get out there. Don't just sit back, post, then feel disappointment when you don't get many comments.
I would like to again thank Cibbuano for answering my questions. His answers were very informative, and will certainly help me. I hope they can help you too.
You can find Cibbuano's writings on all of the following site:
20/20 Filmsight - This is his film review site
Cibbuano's Blog This is an excellent site for all bloggers to visit. You find a lot of great information and tips on blogging.
FatCult
Hunt Famous
Post of the Day
Science News
Tech Break
Cibbuano also keeps busy as a member of 23 additional Orble sites. You can find links to all of those sites by visiting his profile page.
I am sure some of you will have more questions or comments, please feel free to post them.
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Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
Gene
Comment by Helen Randell
Rough Cooking
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
Comment by Morgan Bell
Science News
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
that is the most colourful thing ive read in a long time!
great interview!
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
Welcome, most of the credit goes to Cibbuano though, all I did was ask him. he could have easily said, "huh, who are you? no go away." lol
I do hope his answers help some people.
You really should check out that Cibbuano's Blog site, it has a bunch of great info on it.
Gene
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
With writing for 30 sites he better have an interesting life to write about. lol
Gene
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
I loved that line too. I read it, got to the period and said, "wait what?" and went back to read it again.
I must be doing something wrong because I have never seen hissing centipedes flowing from my fingers as I type. Then again that might have something to do with the fact that I type with like four fingers. If it happens though I probably won't miss it, since I am looking down at those four fingers about half the time they type.
Gene
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
Oh man, I remember that fag comment on the "300" post--that was quite awhile back!
Dammit, I've been going at it all wrong. My plan was to start with a blog, then make a sex tape. Then, based upon those two experiences, I was going to run for VP of the US.
>sigh< back to the drawing board....
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
As much as i trust Cibbuano's suggestions - I have a hunch as long as you post the sex tape ON the blog that your plan should still work. Actually another portion of his answers backs that thought up -
:::beginning to make Armenta - pauses:::
Will the tape be ready in time to run in '08, or should my sign say '12?
:::going back to making Armenta for VP sign, leaving space for the year:::
Gene
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
Oh man, that was harsh. My sense of humor is definitely running a fever.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Good work two Guys for pulling it together.
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
Well that could play well in some of the red states that are into that sort of thing, and a few mountain states. Probably can't hurt in Crawford, TX either.
Gene
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
Thanks, and yes his answers were very informative and helpful.
Gene
Comment by The Rusty Can
Everything
Great post! Really cool of Cib for the info. Cib, you're one funny guy.
Have you thought about approaching other bloggers for interviews every now and then? Don't know about everybody else, but I would definitely come back to read them.
Rusty.
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
Certainly a good idea about getting others to do interviews too. Everyone has a different perspective on blogging and writing. It could make for an interesting series.
::making a note to work on that::
Thanks Rusty.
Gene
Comment by damian
Urban Telegraph
Sports and All
The Squirter McGee Diaries
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
What a great post! They say it takes two to tango and it certainly worked well for this post. Loved finding out much more about one of our top orblers also.
Janet
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
Thanks for stopping by.
Gene
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
I too enjoyed learning about Cibbuano. He really does have a lot of helpful info too. I did however step on his toes once or twice during the tango, but we were both trying to take the lead.
Gene
Comment by Movie Mall
Movie Catcher
The Invisible Sky
I started blogging two weeks ago and am loving it.
Cibbuano, you're an inspiration man.
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
Thanks.
Off to a fast start with three blogs in two weeks. Wish you the best of luck.
Gene
Comment by CenTex Guy
Texas Musings
Very cool that in all that Cib writes, he's still reading too.
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
I totally agree. Honestly I probably read about hald as much as I should, if that much. I bet he is one of those speed readers and can get through a decent sized book in a day like my wife can. even as a speed reader I don't see how he gets it all in. Not to mention responding to what I am sure is many email/messages.
This leads me to wanting to say again . . . Thank You Cibbuano for taking the time to let me interview you.
Gene
Comment by Movie Mall
Movie Catcher
The Invisible Sky
Yeah, three blogs and about as many readers lol.
Keep up the good work.
MM
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
I know how that is, for sure. Patience. You built it - they should come. Least that's what the movie said.
I also sent you a private message, answer at your leisure.
Gene
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
One last thing that I'll say about blogging: I think a really important aspect is to be self-critical.
For example, when I go back into the archives and read older reviews, I cringe. I cringe at my clumsy language and lack of understanding. I hate my younger self for not knowing what I know now.
It's self-loathing, yes, but the advantage is that I know that I'm improving! I think to be a successful blogger, you need to have a similar sense of improvement.
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
Thanks again for giving them something interesting to read.
Always good to be your own best critic.
Gene
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Excellent job, Gene, and great advice, Cibb. A fantastic post for anyone blogging along.
Michaelie
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
Nothing wrong with being fashionably late from time to time.
Thanks. i certainly do hope it helps at least a few people along the way.
Gene
Comment by Luke, the writer of OldMovies