Examine This!

January 26, 2010 | Filed in: Uncategorized

So you may have noticed that I also am writing, er, we shall call it “writing” for the Examiner. The Examiner is an online journal that focuses on different aspects of peoples lives. It also focuses on specific cities, which is cool. I am the Long Beach Running Examiner and I am suppose to write about things related to Long Beach and the surrounding areas, including races, running, stores, anything really. Right now I have three ‘articles’, which are basically posts that talk about pretty much whatever I want. I like doing the Examiner writing because the writing style is a little bit different than a normal blog post, and it also gives me another ‘outlet’ to write. When you like to write, the only way you are going to get better is write, write, write. I remember hearing that in college, good words to live by, but anyways, I’m going to be adding an Examiner “button” in the near future somewhere on my sidebar and I tweet about some stories that I post on there often. Upcoming though I have pretty much the best post ever, 3 tips to a perkier butt. Prepare yourself.

Also, since I know I’m completely honest on here, it was a very, very hard decision for me to finally put an ad up on my site. You can see if if you scroll down to the right. It’s not pretty and I struggled with this for a very, very long time. That is one of the big questions I get about my site. When are you putting ads up? Well, I put an ad up basically so I can hopefully try to make enough money to pay for races. Right now, I will not be racing again this year after LA Marathon at this point. Financially it’s just not feasible. True life right there. So even if my ad on the side makes me 10 dollars a month, that’s better than nothing, so that is why I put an ad on the side. It will hopefully pay for some smaller races or local races if I want to run them. For some reason I felt the need to let the people who stop by this site know that, because I struggled for a long time about it. I feel like I’m “selling out” and it was very hard for me to finally do that. At the same time, running is a relatively inexpensive sport, but those race fees just keep getting higher and higher and those Nike shoes don’t buy themselves. So therefore, there is an ad on the right hand side.

After work today, if the rain holds off, I hope to get in a run! My sinus infection seems to just be stuck on my face. Cool. So, has anyone used a Neti Pot? I am considering becoming a freak and using one. Should be interesting. :)

xoxo

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That’s awesome! I need to get better about writing my updates for Examiner. I was doing really well, but, you’ve got to post A LOT (at least I do) for it to be worth it.

But, you’re right, every little bit helps!

neti pot is gross but it really really works. feel better!

Neti pot definitely feels kinda ridiculous, but I swear by it when I’m feeling a sinus infection come on. If you catch it early enough it usually prevents one, and if you already have one, then I’ve found it has lessened the severity. Try it and see…can’t hurt! Hope you feel better soon!

Girl I feel ya. Sometimes you gotta just do what’s best for you and quite frankly I’m sure you generate enough traffic to earn a little more than $10 and hopefully pay your way to a fun race ASAP!

make it 4 tips to a perkier butt:

4. coffee enema

hahah…i kill myself.

Neti pots actually work. Whenever I have a sinus infection, I use one and feel great for a couple of hours. Weird, right?!

The neti pot is sort of weird and awkward, but it works!

I have not used a Neti pot, but I have used a similar sinus rinse bottle thing. I think it’s logistically easier to use than the pot and really relieves sinus pressure. And it’s not quite as gross as I thought it would be :) Feel better soon!

i just found your blog – love it, your photos and you are gorgeous

love the neti pot!!! takes a bit of practice but you will love it

We use a neti pot in our household. My wife got one for us and it’s awesome! The trick is to remember to NOT blow hard after getting that water in there, just let it sorta trickle out with a very very VERY gentle ‘exhale’.

Gross admission, it’s very satisfing to see how much ‘gunk’ gets cleared out using the neti pot.
:P

I’m going to start clicking the shit out of your ad. :)

I hope the ad works!

I’ve been using the neti pot for about 4 years now and I love it. It’s helped me with all sorts of sinus ailments and even helps to temporarily relieve migraine pressure. Right now I have bronchitis that has moved entirely into my face it seems and the neti pot has been a saving grace in keeping my sinuses as clean as possible..
it sounds gross and feels funny when you do it (it doesn’t feel natural to pour water up your nose!) but it’ll feel good when you get used to it. you’ll even become a little addicted to it.. maybe. haha!

Can’t wait to read your tips! And I totally understand about the ad. I’m not sure how many times I can run this year either, money sucks!

haha, I used a neti pot. Instead of the pot, they sell like a bottle you use…seems better than “pouring” something in your nose! But, the bottle is usually located right by the pot.

I think there is nothing wrong with earning some money. Running races can be expensive! I can not wait to read the post on a perkier butt. I need some extra lift. lol

I love my neti post and sometimes even use it twice a day. It really alleviates sinus pain and pressure, I couldn’t make it through the summer without it. It also helps moisturize your nasal passages in the winter time when the air is so dry. Give it a try, once you get the method down right, you will probably really like it.

My mom and my sister love Neti pots. I haven’t be able to get myself to try it yet

If I had your blog traffic, I would put up an ad. There is nothing wrong with it at all.

As far as a neti pot, I have heard great things about them. Personally, I can’t bring myself to use them. I can barely use nasal spray. Good luck with it!

Just started using a Neti Pot and I’m breathing easier.

Go with the bottle version of the Neti Pot. It takes some time getting used to, but certainly works. I have chronic sinus issues and swear by that thing. Good luck!

if you use the neti pot, will you record it and post another embarrassing video? :) actually, that may be better left un-viewed.

looking forward to your tips – butt perkiness here i come!

I love my netti pot! I am instructed to use it by my ENT every night due to my sinus issues I have to flush everything like pollen & what not I breathed in over the day out before I use my prescribed nose spray. I have to start using it morning & night closer to my surgery.

I didn’t realize you were writing for The Examiner! (under a rock) That’s exciting! I’ll be sure to check out some of your articles.

Totally cool with the ad… you’re not the only one doing it, but thanks for being so open and honest about it.

Hi girl!

1. I would love a perkier butt so I’m excited to read your article.

2. I’m happy you’re putting ads on here now (although I don’t see where it is!). I think you’re right to do it and be open about it.

3. I am a HUGE Neti Pot supporter :-) It’s the best thing ever. Kinda awkward at first though. Check out “how-to” videos on youtube. Also, I wrote a post about it back in October: http://wearingmascara.com/index.php/2009/10/four-random-thoughts-while-im-sick-on-the-couch/

xoxo,

Julie

The neti pot was one of the scariest things I ever did, but best decision I’ve ever made :) It’ll clean out your sinuses and make you feel so much better. My tip: make sure you keep breathing out your mouth while you’re pouring.

I enjoy doing a big blow into the sink at the end to see everything else that didn’t fall out :) Definitely worth it!

Keep on running! I’ll see you at the LA marathon in March!

I feel you on race entry fees. They can really add up! I actually way cut back my spring race schedule thanks to a lay-off. I hope the ad effectively funds your race habit!

And neti pots scare me.

Like Kelly said, I’m going to click the F*ck out of those ads for ya :) We need you to race!
Great job on the Examiner articles, hopefully you are getting some income from that, too! ((((huggss))))girly!

Woman, you have to put ads up sometime. We’ve all done it. Yes, this is a hobby, but you spend a lot of time writing quality stuff. Blog design, hosting, domains, etc. are not cheap. Plus, running can be expensive too. That’s why I haven’t done as many races either. I wish you luck in all your endeavors.

I debated the neti pot for about a week’s worth of a cold. Finally went out and got one and felt instantly better.

It’s way gross, but you know that weird satisfaction you get from picking a scab or zit (ew, but we all do it…) It’s similar to that.

Good luck with the ad revenue. We need you to do the races to inspire, so no worries!

ahhhh!!! don’t use a neti pot!!! i used to use one too…had a horrible sinus infection and was trying to “fix” myself…my ENT doc just about screamed at me when i asked about them..he said it only makes the water stay in your sinus cavities…which can lead to a “festering” effect and cause more infections and what not! :/ i threw my neti pot away!!! (but some live by them, so do what you wish! haha!!)

I LOVE my Neti Pot. Been a user for 6 years and it totally works. Will really help to give you relief from the sinus infection. And come on..Oprah uses one…lol

And ADS on the side bar get ignored. You need endorsements and percentages for all of the referrals you give. EX: I bet Zensah sold over 100 shirts when you posted that first code. I mean I bought 4 of them!

Hey, just a thought… I used to have ads on my blog, then I realized the only people reading it was my family, which is fine. I don’t know this, but I suspect you have a slightly larger following. I think you should ask the races to sponsor you. They let you race and maybe pay for hotel, you write about the race and give it great PR. Might be a better way to go. I think if you told them how many daily hits you had etc, that might do the trick. Just a thought.

Best of luck,
Dave

No worries about putting the ad on. I think it’s great that you were open about your reasons for doing it and hey if you make some money to run some more races I think that’s pretty great.

P.S. I think Dave’s idea is actually pretty awesome too.

How do you get paid for the ads – by clicks? I will happily click a few times for you!

I dont think your a sellout! :) I think your supurb! :)

I’ve heard the netti pot does wonders…. :)

Those race fees do add up, so I don’t blame you for trying to find other income streams.

I’ve used a neti pot before, and I wasn’t a fan. The water can get stuck and cause more of an infection…especially when you’re pretty stuffed up already.

Super cool that you are writing for The Examiner!! I’ve never used a Neti Pot before but I’ve heard great things about them!! And good luck with making some money with your ad! I think it’s a great idea :)

My boyfriend’s mom sent him a Neti Pot when he got a sinus infection and it did NOTHING for him which sucked because we heard tons of good things about it.

That’s awesome you’re doing freelance writing. Definitely put a link so we can see your other stuff.

As for the ad, I don’t think it’s selling out at all. Racing and shoes are expensive–FOR SURE! I don’t know how some people can afford to run a race once a month. Whoa!

You sell-out you! I’m so not coming here anymore … haha, kidding! Do what you need to do, like many have said, take advantage of the fact that thousands of us come here … with that traffic, I’d have 12 ads plastered all over this page. I’m just that modest.

1. Don’t call it “writing”. It’s writing. Own it.
2. Don’t be ashamed of the ad.
3. Neti pots are awesome.

You’re SO NOT a sell out! I know there are bloggers who use their ads as grocery money. Nit me of course – I’ve got to eat more than a couple of pieces of candy a month! LOL

LOL, you are not a freak at all….I had to use a Netie Pot for a sinus infection awhile ago and I felt like an idiot but it seems to help!

Funny, I’m kinda in the same position as you with respect to ads (1-2 very small ones). I’ve been expirimenting the last week or so with different options and seeing what works and doesn’t work. I feel bad as I don’t want to allienate folks, but I also want to see if it makes a bit of a difference with respect to recouping some of the money spent towards the sport.

Keep up the great writing!

We still love you so don’t worry! :) As long as you don’t make me buy anything from the ads I don’t mind them :)

no worries, heck, I’d be the first to sell out. money’s money. and your right, those dang races are pricey! la is super ridic.

Never used one myself, talk to misterfonzie or kelownagurl on twitter their neti pot fans

Hey! Didn’t know you’re also an Examiner! I’m the Phoenix Health Examiner! =)

ps. I have been doing a neti pot for a few years, b/c with Cystic Fibrosis, it affects your sinuses as well as the lungs. I love the neti!

Wait a minute. One ad will pay race fees? Heck – I better put up two or three! Ha ha . Don’t worry – it’s not selling out. If you can drive traffic and make a buck, why not?

that’s great! I write for the Philly one!!

Danica -

You are possibly the most genuine person that I count as a friend in my life. Don’t think for a second that the placement of an add on Chic Runner is “selling out”. They are lucky to have you – not the other way around.

Congrats on the work you are doing for the Examiner – can’t wait to read more of your work.

Take care, look forward to catching up soon.

I don’t understand the big deal with adds? Why would you not use them if it helped pay for races? I say good for you!

so I just bought an ace bandage and thats what the ad is for! haha I barely even noticed and hello money doesn’t grow on trees. love ya kooie! ♥

Yeah, races are getting too expensive all around. At least you have the traffic to actually make it worthwhile!

Awesome about the Examiner deal!

Oh, and the Neti Pot is gross, but works miracles. It’s really strange at first, but you get used to it. I don’t know why though, but right before I tilt my head I always *panic* that I’m going to accidentally inhale! Ha ha!

Going to be clicking your ad like ALL the time : ) Hope it makes you lots of moolah…I like reading your race reports!

I know people that absolutely SWEAR by these things and LOVE them!!! Buy one then start using it and post about the results!!

Reading your blog is a pleasure and it is good to know that I can do something nice for you in return. I’m gonna start clicking that ad like its my job…put my name on a few of those miles!

I hear your pain about not being able to afford races. I was going to sign up for one and then looked at family finances, and crossed it off my list. Do ads work? I don’t know. I haven’t put one up on my site. Still thinking about it.

I have used the Neti Pot, but it doesn’t get way back in your sinus’s. They have a nasal rinse that is better and really gets up there.
Not sure if you have an Flexible Spending Account, but you can use your FSA to buy the Neti Pot or the Nasal Rinse (that’s the HR person in me).

If I get injured again, I can sponsor you. :)

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