Robert Robillard
BenSpark
I have a fellow New Englander today as my guest. Very exciting to me because he might actually be around if I set up a Tweet-Up. So Robert, please tell the readers about yourself.
Robert
My name is Robert Robillard and my blog is called A Concord Carpenter Comments.
I write about what I know… I’m a carpenter and a cop, a husband, a father and a blogger. Wearing that fifth hat I combine the other four, writing about safety issues ranging from teenage “sexting” on cell phones to notoriously loose handrails on your stairs.
BenSpark
So you are saying that you have lot of blog material. Tell us more about your blog and why did you start blogging?
Robert
My blog is my outlet, and it’s a creative one. I read more, my writing has improved, I’m learning more and it helps me promote my business.
As a self-employed carpenter, I first used “Concord Carpenter” as a place to post images of carpentry projects.
But before long I started sprinkling in police-related posts, home improvement tips and child and public safety quips – things that just about any reader could relate to.
Nobody wants to hear ranting and raving so I avoid that. But I’m not afraid to give my opinion — never have been. When I do give an opinion about something, I make sure it’s based in fact.
The “Concord Carpenter” started commenting before he ever had his own forum.
I was drawn into the blogosphere through a friend, the Rev. Austin Fleming of Holy Family Parish in Concord whose blog is “A Concord Pastor Comments.”
I was a regular reader and commenter on his blog. After joking with me about my starting my own blog, Fleming worked on a dummy blog called “A Concord Carpenter Comments.”
One day when looking at Fleming’s profile I noticed he had a second blog named A Concord Carpenter Comments. I liked the alliteration in the catchy title.
When I clicked on this blog I realized that he did not have any Administrator edit controls set for it so as a joke I added all my information onto the blog profile.
Well in the meantime Fleming discovered what I had done and we had a good laugh.
When Fleming deleted the blog I received an auto email asking if I wanted to keep the blog. I changed the email in it and it became mine….. That’s how it started.
I look back and realize that this launch into the blogosphere was not without some anxiety. Blogging was a bold move for me. I never expected it to last as long as it has but I really enjoy working on it. It gives people a chance to get to know me and gives me a chance to reveal myself.
Some of my fellow carpenters “don’t get it,” but my customers do — or they’re starting to anyway.
My blog gives me a voice. When customers, neighbors and friends ask me questions related to carpentry, I can often direct them to my blog where I’ve already written on the question they’re asking.
BenSpark
You know, I added my details to an account once of someone who was spoofing me. I thought it was a friend. That backfired big time. Way back when. Oh well, moving on… Why do you monetize your blog? What are some companies besides IZEA that you work with?
Robert
I included ads to my blog as an experiment. A friend told me he was making some decent money from his website ads. Out of curiosity I tried it.
BenSpark
Cryptic, I hope that worked out well for you. With SocialSpark disclosure is required. What is your stance on Disclosure?
Robert
Disclosure means the giving out information voluntarily or to be in compliance with legal regulations or workplace rules. I’m all for transparency. People should know what they’re getting.
BenSpark
I agree. What is your favorite feature of Social Spark?
Robert
Not really sure, I like the whole set up, especially the blog searches.
BenSpark
Searching for different blogs comes in handy. What should be improved on Social Spark?
Robert
It should be easier to view another person’s blog. Currently there are way too many clicks involved.
BenSpark
You have a diverse set of topics so you would appeal to many advertisers. What Advertisers do you want to see on Social Spark?
Robert
Tool, appliance, home interior component and remodeling product advertisers.
BenSpark
All very good ones for a carpenter to weigh in on. You’ve become quite an adept blogger so you must have some suggestions for other bloggers. Which one plug-in would you suggest all bloggers to have?
Robert
Personally I enjoy the site stat and follower plug ins.
BenSpark
What is the first thing you do when you fire up your browser?
Robert
I schedule all my posts at midnight, so I always check to see if my post posted correctly, then I read it one more time before checking the site stats.
BenSpark
That is good, keeps things consistent for your readers. If you could spend one year blogging about a particular thing what would it be and why? How would you keep it fresh?
Robert
Probably what I’m doing right now.
BenSpark
You you must be pretty happy with what you are blogging. What is your best blog post ever?
Robert
Well that depends if you’re asking which one was the most popular or which one I’m most proud of.
As far as popularity goes the post on a project I worked on in which I installed speaker wire behind crown molding takes the cake.
The funny thing about this post is that I had no intention of blogging about it. The speaker wire was a last minute thing and was not planned. Turned out to be one of my most popular visited posts.
I have many posts that I like and have a tough time saying anyone is better than the other. Two come to mind. One was about a “teaching moment” I had with my son called “never and always… are we sending the right message?”
The other was about the importance of supporting local businesses. It is about the importance of shopping locally and was conceived after my observation of local economic conditions and the closing of a long time travel agent in my town.
BenSpark
Each one a very good post. I can see how it was hard to choose. What are some odd keywords people use to find your blog?
Robert
There’s been quite a few that have made me laugh. A few of the more recent one’s were:
- Basement renovation poems
- Architect’s messy desk space
- Cost to install bark
- Got salmonella
- Irish insect carpenter
- Stolen water heater cops
- “The one you feed” paint
- Drunk horse
- Slave mouse
BenSpark
Those are some pretty odd ones. Outside of blogging what are your other interests?
Robert
I love being outdoors and working with my hands. I’m also a social person and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing and camping are things I don’t get to do as often as I’d like but I relish those opportunities when I do.
BenSpark
What is amazing about you?
Robert
My kids.
BenSpark
IPod or other music player?
Robert
IPod when I work out.
BenSpark
Do you play Face book games?
Robert
No, it’s a complete waste of time.
BenSpark
What is the most motivational advice you can give other bloggers?
Robert
Stay true to your blog theme…. Do not sacrifice your principles.
BenSpark
Do you have some Favorite Blogs?
Robert
- http://concordpastor.blogspot.com/
- http://www.concordma.com/blog/
- http://www.benspark.com/
- http://tedmurphy.org/
- http://www.seomoz.org/blog
BenSpark
How does someone connect with you online?
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice interview. Rob has an amazing blog. His energy and enthusiasm for his topics comes through and is fun to read!
Hi dbroggi, thanks for stopping in and letting us knwo what you think of Rob and his blog. Hope you keep reading and learning about the new bloggers that we have here.
Boring interview…Learned nothing
What are you looking to learn, do you have a question? Can you be constructive and let us know what your needs are?