So…I was asked: Should I blog? Or should I write articles? Should I do both? And if both, then what constitutes an article versus a post?

My take?

Typically, blog posts are seen as more superficial, less in-depth as compared to an article. However, you’ll find many comprehensive blog posts out there…so the short answer is that an article is typically longer and typically more in-depth with the information that it provides – but it’s not a hard and fast rule.

Articles are also usually presented in a more objective manner, while a blog post can be very personal. For example,  “While I was drinking my coffee this morning it hit me that I use French Vanilla creamer each and every day. I’m comfortable with that and I know it tastes good. But if we only try the vanilla and nothing else…(and then tie it into blog post message for readers to understand).

But really, you don’t HAVE to have any articles. (shocker!!)

Unless you plan on using article marketing.

But even in the case of article marketing, you can use blog posts to disseminate all the information you want. You can have really in-depth posts or a series of posts on a particular subject. You can post your heart out and never have a need for a separate article. Because to a certain extent, they are interchangeable.  A less personal blog post (more objective) with a minimum of 400 words can be submitted to article directories. I’ve done that and have had clients do that – taking blog posts and submitting them to Ezinearticles, Goarticles and so on. So then your blog posts are doing double work.

So, if you are promoting your ebook (or your business as a whole, for that matter) you can write short, sweet blog posts and then separate articles that are longer and more objective to submit to the directories. However, I would post those articles on your own site as well. The more content, the better. And you should have those articles doing their fair share of the work…maybe even creating a whole ‘nother ebook around a series of articles…

But you can make your blog posts serve multiple purposes. Still whip up those personal posts and let your target market know who you are as a person. But also write posts that are longer and more informative and suitable to submit to article directories.

But more important than my poolside work ethic, earlier in the week I was the giddy school girl who got interviewed by Kelli Claypool of Diva Talk Radio…we talked all about ebooks, my client/friend Carlin Comm talked about his Desert Storm Diaries book I edited, I talked about some ebook tips…you know, the good stuff!! Did you miss it? No worries – you can listen to it now:

For awhile it appeared that there would be a clear winner. But then along came another ultra-motivated person and it became one of those neck-in-neck races. Seriously, there are 93 comments on the ebook giveaway post and a lot of those are from Dale and Carlin trying to outdo one another!!

In the end, there is a slight question due to time differences and whatnot, as to who is the winner. And erring on the side of caution, and giving those points to the person actually brings it to a tie – between Carlin and Dale at 53 pts each!

In the spirit of the season and all that mushy stuff…I’m going to give both Carlin and Dale free 25 page ebooks! Because, hey, they’re cool, they went the extra mile and man, do they obviously want this bad!!

So – Carlin and Dale – I will shoot you some emails and we’ll set up some time to chat via Skype (or we can work via email) and I’ll get going on your projects!!

Everyone else…

Kelli

CouponDivas

Melissa

Heather

FX

Nancy

DeskCoder

I will be emailing you all this week with an ultra-cool deal…that hopefully will bring your dreams of ebook authorship to fruition!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

The Challenge?? 20 Articles in 20 Days!!!

Come on…you know you need to get your butt in gear and crank out some articles!!!

I like me some competition, so the more people entering the challenge, the better!!!

All Enkay asks is that you make a donation to the Save The Children charity…and he’s made a video to explain what the organization does.

Some of the ebook’s highlights:

- Pros and cons of Video Blogging and some tips on lighting and such

- Reviews of web hosting options

- Blog design tips from advertising placement to the navigation bar

- Tips on how to monetize your blog

It really is a nifty book to read if you’re new to blogging. And the pot only gets sweeter because Enkay offers a chance to win an Ipod Nano.

I read the book, and let me tell you, it’s an easy read! And as I read it, I was able to even implement a few things…like submitting my url an Alexa link report…immediately. And it made me get off my butt and actually update my Twitter account (you can check me out over at http://twitter.com/TinaMc)

Big thumbs up on the free ebook!! But don’t take my word for it – check it out for yourself!!