We’re on a roll with the interview series! Backpackers.com has been through a lot of changes, and more recently became a dedicated blog focused on events and destinations. One thing I find interesting is that they managed to get a blog on such a “high-level” domain name. It goes to show how long Pia Taylor, editor of Backpackers.com, been in the game. This is one thing we discuss in this edition of From the Travesphere.
I must say that I find the feel of Backpackers.com somewhere between something corporate and bloggy. For instance, it lacks an about page yet does have a privacy policy, but indeed has the writing style of a true and tested blog. In any case, I don’t do interviews with Travesphere bloggers I don’t admire, so I say check out the site and subscribe to the feed. It’s a gem.
Let’s first start with some questions about Pia, the traveler. When did you first become interested in traveling?
I’ve loved travelling since I was a little girl. My dad is a musician and in those early days was doing gigs around the country (South Africa) as well as neighbouring countries like Namibia and Zimbabwe. We’d often tag along (my younger brother and I), and so I got to see some beautiful places. That, and visiting my relatives in England and Denmark a number of times sparked a love of new places, sights and sounds that has never left me. Click here to keep reading…
Filed under Interviews.
Today I’d like to give everyone a little update on the Trusted Travel Blogs Network. We have had two batches of new sites approved so far and are now busy reviewing a third. I’m very happy with the growth and, more importantly, the quality of the content published by network members. I hope that the growth continues in the current upward-curve in the future.
A few issues have also come up regarding the current network policy. This has led me to rethink it, especially the “lack of policy.” This is what I’d love to hear everyone’s opinion on. I have had some feedback from both users as well as members of the independent panel that there needs to be more clarity on what is within acceptable norms regarding advertising affiliations.
I personally have issues with in-text advertisements. In fact, all mixes of content and advertisements are sketchy as far as I am concerned. I suggest the addition of a clause that deals with this. I believe such mixes are too destructive on the user experience. They are slightly deceptive, very obstructive, and in my opinion screams “I do it for the money.” Please let me know what you think of this, especially if you disagree.
Another thing I would like to make a requirement is that member blogs provide a feed. This is especially important for future network integration. I hope to add features such as “latest network content” sometime soon, but this is only possible with RSS feeds. But again, please let me know if you agree or disagree.
In any case, the network is going well. Aside from expanding, I hope to soon also add some more “community” features. I really want to get members involved in the process. Give as well as take, et cetera. In any case, more on that later.
Filed under Trusted Network Updates.
In the third installment of my From the Travepshere interview series, I’ve been lucky enough to talk to Mark Ashley of Upgrade: Travel Better, who organized the Travvies, the first-ever dedicated travel blog awards. Based loosely on the Webbies, the Travvies recognizes a selection of travel blogs but also, and in my opinion more importantly, lends a little publicity to all nominated blogs. Good stuff.
This site was just a little too late in the game for last years Travvies, but who knows about next year? Check out the above link for last years winners. Despite me being late to the game, I did get most of my travel blog contacts via the Travvies
Besides all that, Mark also runs his fantastic blog. It’s consistent, great quality, and interesting to read. I hope everyone checks out his site and subscribes to his feed. This is what he said in my question-rich interview.
When did you first become interested in traveling?
I suppose it was as a kid. I got my first passport at one year of age, when my parents took me to visit relatives overseas. (My passport photo was apparently quite a drama. I’m much better now, I promise.) I’ve been traveling ever since. I’ve was once a backpacker, but not anymore. The Westin Gene has kicked in. Click here to keep reading…
Filed under Interviews.
I’m back! I’ve been out for a while due to the facts of life as a college student in his last semester. The good news is that I graduated with honors. I had to move out, which was a lot of work, do a lot of preparing for my trip to Asia that starts next weekend, and, in the meantime, also go to Switzerland with a few college pals. In fact, I’m on the way to Klosters, Switzerland right now! I look forward to a good week of activities in these beautiful mountains.
But this week wont all be fun and games. I have a ton of things to do with the site this week and really hope to finish all such activities before I leave on my six month return to Asia adventure. I’ll be publishing interviews with two great travesphere publishers, Mark of Upgrade: Travel Better and Pia of Backpackers.com. Next to that I’ll have a nice Trusted Travel Blogs Network update and hopefully I’ll also have some time to finish the lose ends on the website code (and finally do proper ‘about’ and ‘contact’ pages).
In any case, expect that and more from me in the coming days. It’s nice to be back!
Filed under Timen Talks.
