You Get To Interview A Blogging Mastermind
News and Updates at Site Sketch 101
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No. Your eyes aren’t misleading you. You actually read that title right.
Today each of you will get the opportunity to interview a genuine mastermind of blogging creativity.
So why, you ask, is there a picture of me attached to this post? Ah…you all catch on so quickly. Today you get to interview me.
Here’s how it’s going to work. You post any questions that you have for me on here and next week, I’ll post a video response.
You can ask me about my job, my family, my writing. You can ask about blogging, design work, marketing. You can ask me anything that you want. This is your opportunity to get to know me and to pick my brain for information.
So…let’s get this party going!
Sat Chen said:
When did you come up with the idea of creating this blog?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Sat Chen –> Good question. I came up with this idea back when…oh yeah…you’ll have to wait until next week.
Eric B. said:
In addition to Site Sketch 101 and Blog Mixer, do you have any other side projects going on?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Eric B. –> Good question. I’ll be sure to talk about that on there.
Eric B. said:
Do you actually look like that guy in the picture?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Eric B. –> Ha ha. I guess you’ll find out when you see the video of me!
Arisu said:
He does ^^ How do I know… ?
You can see him in the gravatar of Diane
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Arisu –> Now you went and gave away the secret!
Arisu said:
Hahaha, I didn´t… Diane did… and a loooong time ago. I thought everyone knew by now
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Arisu –> Yeah. That’s true. I’ll have to get after her when I get home from work tonight. She’ll be grounded for this one. LOL.
Arisu said:
Hahaha, it´s no Diane´s fault! But if you decide to punish her anyway… put her to work in her own blog! She already said she wants to
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Arisu –> Yeah, but she wants me to design it so I have to get a couple of days off work and find a nice theme and then customize it for her.
Arisu said:
Lucky her ^^ I guess now we don´t have to ask who´s in charge of the house XD
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Arisu –> Ha ha. That’s right.
Wayne from idetectorist.com said:
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of helping folks make killer blogs?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Wayne from idetectorist.com –> I have a lot of hobbies and interests. I’ll be sure to talk about them in the interview.
Mik said:
How long does it take for you to write a typical post, do you write several and save them as drafts?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Mik –> I’ll be sure to talk about my post writing habits. I’ve actually got a pretty good system that I use.
Mantiuxa said:
How does being in army changes the way you see the web (design, structure, etc.)?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Mantiuxa –> Interesting question. I like it. I’ll be sure to talk about that. This might end up turning into a two or three part video series. There’s a lot of good questions coming through here.
Diane C said:
How many hours a week do you work between your job and your sites?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Diane C –> Ha ha. Like you don’t already know the answer to that question.
(In case you all are wondering, Diane C is my wife)
Eric B. said:
So I’m guessing you really do look like that guy in the picture.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Eric B. –> I suppose that I can give that one away. That is actually a picture of me that I doctored up in Photoshop. Do you like it?
Bruce Teague said:
Some of these I assume I know the answers, but you know what they say when you assume.
Do you have a wife or kids?
Do you have a favorite blogging forum?
Why do you only show part of the article in the RSS Feed?
I noticed a banner ad from your site on another blog. Did this bring you a lots of traffic?
What’s your top two sources of traffic?
How many commments do you post a day on other blogs?
Do you have ads on adsense and if so how well has that worked for you?
How many visits do you get a day? Page views?
Do you have a favorite Joomla template club? :p
That’s all for now. I’ll post again if I think of some others. Thanks for doing this. I’ve been meaning to shoot you an email to ask you these questions anyways.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Bruce Teague –> I’ll be sure to try to answer most of these in the video. But with all these questions, I’m probably going to have to break it up into two or three videos. Either way, I’ll get to all them.
Casey Brazeal (North and Clark) said:
Where did you learn design?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Casey Brazeal (North and Clark) –> The answer to that question might just surprise you.
Sat Chen said:
I am guessing its the web, like me
Kathy said:
Horizontal or vertical menubar? Which is best? And how much is too much content for one page? Thanks for all your excellent posts. I enjoy reading them.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Kathy –> Ah. A good blog layout question. I like that. I’ll be sure to talk about that.
Arisu said:
Awesome… mmm, let´s see…
Mention 3 of your favorite books ^^
What do you find inspiring to design and/or write?
Favorite color, animal and what kind of music do you like the most?
What do you think of people that creates a popular blog or site just to sell it to someone else -with content and traffic I mean-?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Arisu –> I’ve got a couple of books that I love so I’ll be sure to mention them. My inspiration? Easy. I’ll be sure to cover that. All good ideas.
Fran Civile said:
What a great idea!
A few of the questions that I have had
since coming to this blog have already
been asked above…how did you get the idea for this blog, what do you really look like… questions about your wife and children …about your artistic talents …
BUT I would really like to know what
strong purpose drives your work here,
there are many bloggers who are sharing
a lot of information but I sense something deeper…
Your style and your Nicholas drawing project strength and a visionary exuberance… is that you with a mission
to make our word a better place?
Fran
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Fran Civile –> That’s a great question. In fact, I believe that it is the answer to that question that really drives my success here. I’ll explain more in the video.
Eric B. said:
What do you think of HTML 5 and CSS3? Will you be using them in the future, even if IE6 still has about 15% market shrare?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Eric B. –> Nice question. I certainly need to learn more about it. That’s the quick and easy. I’ll talk about that in the interview.
Tycoon Blogger said:
Good idea. I want to know how much money you make from blogging and what your top money maker is..
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Tycoon Blogger –> That sounds like a Tycoon kind of question. The answer will probably surprise you.
Arisu said:
A couple more for the video… early in the morning I wasn´t that inspired:
Wich one has been the biggest challenge you´ve faced when bloggin and how did you manage it?
How do you see this blog on 5 more years?
Why did you start your very first blog? What things were you affraid of doing with it?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Arisu –> I really like your 5 year question. My vision for this site is pretty grand. I’ll be sure to talk about that.
Mukund said:
I just love this wonderful idea. I have a lot of questions with me! Let me start with my first one! I would like which is the best hosting site? Especially for blogger? I mean for people who which to convert from blogger to the domain of their own?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Mukund –> Good question.
Mukund said:
Haha! I know that is a good question! I am waiting for your answer man! Lol!
Jamie Favreau said:
What is your worst fear when writing something?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Jamie Favreau –> Wow. I’ll have to think about that one.
Jeff said:
Surprised no one has asked this one. What does the “Z” stand for as your middle name?
Arisu said:
That´s something I´ve been wondering since the first time I read sitesketch ^^
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Jeff –> Leave to my former roommate from college to ask that one. LOL.
Eric B. said:
Do you all know each other? I feel all left out
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Eric B. –> Unfortunately we do. We were roomates in college until I got married and took on a much prettier roommate. el-oh-el
Sat Chen said:
I feel left out too
Which college did you go to and what did you graduate in?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Sat Chen –> Okay. I’ll be sure to let you know.
Sat Chen said:
How long have you been in the army? Have you ever fought? Can I ask twice …. oh well
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Sat Chen –> You are certainly welcome to ask twice. I like those question a lot.
Phillip Copley said:
What is your inspiration behind Site Sketch 101? Is there one specific reason or was there one event in the past that made you realize you wanted to be a blogger?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Phillip Copley –> Good questions. My inspiration is what makes me so successful. That will definitely be included in the interview.
Reza Winandar said:
Your blog is very young in age, but not in experience. How do you do it?
Arisu said:
I think I know the answer to that one, this isn´t the first blog Nick has done, and he also has experience with websites.
But I think it´ll be awesome to know his experience with the website and blog world, why did he started? what else has he done? – I hope you read this one Nick
-
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Reza Winandar –> You have no idea how big of a question that is. I like it.
Sat Chen said:
This is random but I really like your 404 page. “A ninja must have stolen my page” Maybe it was me
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Sat Chen –> I just created that yesterday. Thanks!
Sat Chen said:
Ohh.. looks nice. I was looking for ideas so, I can get around to creating mine.
Chris Cline said:
Yes Nick how much time do you spend on your sites? I know I’m on mine alot
There are so many good questions to answer good luck my brother can’t wait for the video’s
P.S. Love the video idea…
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Chris Cline –> Thanks, Chris. You can expect to see it probably next Tuesday or Wednesday. I have to work on Saturday this week but I should have Monday off so I’ll be able to put it together on that day.
Sat Chen said:
Just curious do you use mac or pc? Which one and why?
P.S. I use pc because I can’t afford a mac
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Sat Chen –> No, my friend. You use PC because they are better. LOL.
Arisu said:
There´s nothing wrong with having a PC. Windows is the biggest issue with them, but Windows 7 is ok and you can always learn to use Linux -awesome and free
but a little challenging-
Sat Chen said:
Actually I already know linux. Going to learn unix , looks tough though
Arisu said:
Then you have all you need
I have a Mac, and love it, but I´d like to have a PC with Linux too.
Sat Chen said:
The reason I want a mac was because I used it for one of my class. And loved it. And also because I want to learn to use it.
Oridusartic said:
Who are your favorite bloggers? What blogs do you read regularly? =)
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Oridusartic –> That’s easy for me to answer. I’ll be glad to put that information in there.
ZXT said:
I am not sure if these questions were ask previously but here they are:
1.How did you became a blogger
2.How much time do you spend here at your blog and reading at others blog per week
3.What makes you keep on blogging? Money? Fulfillment? Nothing to do with spare time?
Thanks in advance.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
ZXT –> All good questions. They are almost all original and they are all good ones.
Sat Chen said:
Really like this question “What makes you keep on blogging? Money? Fulfillment? Nothing to do with spare time?”. Interested in knowing what keep you going.
Sat Chen said:
Which video player are you going to use to make this video. Youtube, Vimeo for example…
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Sat Chen –> I’m not sure yet. I’m working with Adobe After Effects to make it. I want it to be really exciting. I’m pretty sure that it will end up being several episodes to get all of these questions answered. I might go with Vimeo, but I’m not really sure yet.
Pinaybackpacker said:
I really like this concept!
1.) I’d like to know if this is your first blog. And if this is, how long did it take you to plan out what you will put out here.
2.) Do you have a topic schedule that you diligently brainstorm and update?
For example do you have a certain number of articles that are in the works for Inspirations? Or Making Money?
3.) What else do you do to promote this blog? Do you use social media also like Facebook, Twitter and Stumble Upon??
Because I know how time consuming it can be to be in all of those things and I can’t imagine how I would do it all if I’m also in an 8-5 job.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Pinaybackpacker –> All good questions and I will be glad to answer them.
Mukund said:
My next question would be how do you find time to comment to all readers? It just amazes me to see you reply to each individual!!
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Mukund –> Wow. That’s a tough one. I’ll let you know.
Mukund said:
Definitely!! I will be expecting your answer soon Nicholas! My next question, when did you think or get an idea that you should start a blog like this? Just a small summary would do good!!
ZXT said:
Can’t wait for next week for your video response. With all these questions I hope you have enough space in your hard drive
Arisu said:
I´m very eager to see it too. But at this rate I think a couple of videos are needed
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Arisu –> I’m going to try to release a new video each week. I’m also going to work to improve their quality and learn from each one.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
ZXT –> Ha ha. I know. I’m not good at video but I’m having fun putting it together.
Fran Civile said:
Pinaybackpacker says:
“Because I know how time consuming it can be to be in all of those things and I can’t imagine how I would do it all if I’m also in an 8-5 job”
I agree with you Pinay… how can Nicholas maintain such a top notch site
and work at a day job?”
Certain jobs might allow a highly intelligent, creative person to be using an area of his brain to map out projects or visualize solutions to some problems in another area of his life, and focus on these as soon as he’s free
to do so.
I believe Nicholas is that kind of person.
Fran
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Fran Civile –> Thanks Fran. That means a lot. It’s all about passion. You can make time for what you are passionate about. That’s what I believe.
Wayne from idetectorist.com said:
If its not too late for a question…
Would you blog even if you KNEW that no one would read it?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Wayne from idetectorist.com –> Very interesting question.
Sat Chen said:
That’s a great question. I know I would because I like to blog. Would you Wayne from idetectorist.com
wayne from idetectorist.com said:
Sat..easy answer.
I deffinitely WOULD because, as it is, no one reads my blog
ZXT said:
Smart answer!
I think I will have second thoughts. Now if its say only friends can get to read your blog then I will still blog.
Sat Chen said:
wayne from idetectorist.com said:
Thanks Sat. Your’s looks amazing by the way!
Sat Chen said:
If its not to late, What is your favorite sport.
P.S. I am a sports freak.
ZXT said:
Do you have any criteria for the questions Nick? I mean you can’t possibly answer all the questions so is this a first come first serve basis? Do you have a limit of questions per week (not per video clip) here?
I am reluctant to ask any more questions because I already asked 3 Q’s the last time and you already answered them all.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
ZXT –> I don’t have a limit but I might not be able to answer them all though. I’ll answer most of them and the one’s that I think are the most important. You can ask anything you want. If I think it’s important then I’ll be glad to let you know the answer.