I love books. I love learning. But I’d also like to remind bloggers who aspire to great heights the importance of beating to their own drum and ‘arriving’ on their own path.

The self-help aisle at the local book store chain grows everyday. Is anyone really getting better at anything?

How-to blogging guides can be useful in giving you a fundamental understanding of the conventional ways one could achieve success. SEO basics, monetization, the power of headlines, etc. – all good stuff. But I’m willing to bet that the blogosphere has become so saturated, that the next big thing – and I mean REALLY big thing – will be someone who breaks all the rules.

The path to success has more roads then we can imagine. Why not dream up a new one?

I also think there’s something wickedly ironic about the recent glut of bloggers inking book deals. Sure, I’d sign one in a heartbeat. But at some point, recycled content is just getting recycled once again, no?

The announcement of ProBlogger the book is sure to get people’s attention, and will undoubtedly make a ton of money. And I respect the authors immensely. I know you WILL learn from the book! I’m merely suggesting that you ask yourself if you’re playing the game by yours – or somebody else’s rules. I don’t want to keep up with the pack – I want to take the lead.

I have not seen or previewed the book. And am admittedly speaking in generalities. But let me ask you this:

What would you expect to read in a book on blogging that you haven’t already read on a “pro” blogging Website?

Just a thought.

We live in a world of opinion, yet when it comes to sharing how we REALLY feel, there’s an innate tendency to self-censor. Even when using the world’s only true unfiltered medium: the Internet.

Your humble blogger fully admits he’s just as guilty as you.

What is it that keeps us from sharing how we truly feel? Probably the same thing that keeps us from kicking open an ATM machine: the fear of getting caught.

Terrorists can hand-deliver threatening videos to television stations, but we can’t say what we really think about people, politics, religion, and death – at least not without the fear of serious ramifications.

One minute we’re sounding off on Hillary Clinton, and the next we’re being escorted from our desks holding a cardboard box.

Rather then break into a full on rant on why most of us are fearful of serious backlash for writing about controversial topics, I’d like to ask the bloggers out there a question:

When you self-censor your blog, are you being an upstanding human being or you just scared?

And don’t tell me you don’t self-censor. We all do. Even me, right now, in this post…

Copying other people’s blogs, and posting the content on your own blog, does not make you an authority on a given subject. In fact, you shouldn’t even consider yourself a blogger.

If you’re a chronic Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V kind of guy, there’s a good chance you think I’m looking a gift horse in the mouth. After all, you’re kind enough to attribute the story to the blogger. Or, if you’re super generous,you’ll only copy half of a story, sending people to my blog to read the rest.

If my wife cooks dinner, and I move the steak from the stove to my plate, it doesn’t give me the right to claim myself an Iron Chef. Even if I add salt.

Imagine if you will, that Pepsi decided to sell Coke. Oh, it’s in a Pepsi can, just filled to the brim with Coke. If you look closely at the bottom of the can it tells you that it’s Coke inside.

One more comparison for these blog leechers.

Here in New York, how would the New York Times feel if the Daily News started to publish their stories – without permission – in there entirely. Even with proper attribution, it’s illegal and would never fly.

Tell me why we give these so-called self-proclaimed bloggers, who are nothing more than human content aggregators, the license to steal. The Internet might be the Wild Wild West, with enforcement impractical. However, I urge you, dear readers, to take the law into your own hands. Do not give these copy and pasters your business. Just go to Google and research the topic you’re interested. Cause at the end of the day, that’s all these bloggin’ wannabes are doing.

If you’re going to take the bulk of my post, I don’t want your click-throughs. I hope other authentic bloggers agree.

It’s called creativity. Go find some.

Attention blog commenter: Show some intestinal fortitude and state your name. If you’ve got something to say, good, bad or otherwise, you should NOT be allowed to remain anonymous, For far too long the media (including blogs) have been able to hide behind the cloak of anonymity.

Recently I blogged about Paul Tilley, a high-level ad exec who offed himself by plunging from the roof of the Fairmont Chicago Hotel. Some folks believe that mean-spirited comments portraying the now deceased in a negative light, contributed to his decision to commit suicide.

We’ll never know for sure. And this is obviously an extreme case. However, it brings the importance of accountability front and center. We enjoy freedom of speech, but are we showing that beautiful right enough respect? That’s a question that I encourage all bloggers and blog readers ask themselves before submitting their two cents.

Before you run to a proxy server to cover up your identity, think about the far-reaching impact your words can have. Sometimes it’s tough to have your voice heard on the Web, and sometimes your corner or the earth can shake the universe.

Other good questions to ask yourself:

Am I being truthful?
Am I being insulting?
Am I just angry?

For safety’s sake, you should assume that the comment CAN and WILL be traced back to you. Do you have the facts and information necessary to back up your claims?

Cause nothing really stays anonymous for long.

Your blog often reveals a lot about your personality. From the words you use to the frequency with which you post, a Wordpress account can be a window into your soul.

What if we tried to guess the types of blog would-be American presidents would keep?

Blog Like Hillary. The tone of your blog changes with your underwear. You become what you think your audience wants, thus losing your credibility.

Blog Like Barack. Catchy headlines will lure people from RSS readers to your Website, but the lack of research in each post will be evident.

Blog Like Huckabee. Rife with humor, this well-crafter blog seems like the read deal. That is until you visit the ‘About Us’ page and find out that the blogger believes that God created the Internet

Blog Like McCain. That old Blogger template has gotta go. Haven’t you heard of Wordpress? Pointing to the success of ugly sites like Craiglsist, sometimes age beats beauty.

THE FALLEN

Blog Like Romney. The homepage is Flash and AJAX, but when you try to click on any of the content, you receive 404 errors.

Blog Like Edwards. This is a passionate blog, but each entry is repetitive, often starting with something about you being ‘the son of a mine worker.’

Blog Like Nader. It’s weird. This blog only posts every four years. But somehow, it manages to eat into your traffic.

The latest reality TV sensation to hit the American airwaves is The Moment of Truth, a FOX show that hooks a willing participant to a lie detector device. The individual is peppered with deeply personal questions. The goal is to tell the truth, all the way to $500,000.

Since the show has become a worldwide sensation (airing under different names in 23 countries), the editors here at Jack of All Blogs asked – no demanded – that I be hooked up to a polygraph for this blog entry. Being that they’re offering a prize of $10, I figured ‘why the heck not!’ So, without your permission, I’ll answer their questions, speaking on behalf of bloggers everywhere.

Q: Do you genuinely enjoy writing blogs?
A: Yes
Result: TRUE

Q: If presented with the opportunity, would you blog full-time?
A: Yes
Result: TRUE

Q: Would you stop blogging if your employer doubled your salary?
A: No
Result: LIE

Q: Do you adhere to copyright laws when using images on blogs?
A: Yes
Result: LIE

Q: Do you get angry when you see a similar post to one you’ve written – but crappier – on the front page of Digg?
A: Yes
Result: TRUE

Q: Do you leave comments on your own blogs?
A: No
Result: LIE

Q: Do you ever search porn when you hit a writing roadblock?
A: No
Result: LIE

Q: Do you research or write blogs on company time.
A: No
Result: LIE

Dear blogger, if you answered differently below, let us know in the comments section. Though we know you’re lying.

Media mega-star Howard Stern has always credited his haters for helping him achieve a sick amount of fame and fortune. Many people tune into his radio show to look for reasons to be offended. In the process, rather than unplugging his mic, they are giving the show more juice, hence, adding to his audience.

Don’t make the same mistake when it comes to blogs that piss you off. Even if it’s this one.

“Spying” on your enemy or seeing what your blog competition is up to can be useful. But if you’re hitting refresh every few hours, all you’re really doing is giving that blog a jolt of traffic. Occasional “eavesdropping” has a purpose, but obsessive monitoring doesn’t help you differentiate your product.

If you build it, they will come. Or not. If you look away, they will fade. Or not. At least you did your part.

The best way to punish a blog you don’t like is to look the other way, never visit again. never mention it to anyone – in fact – don’t even think about it.

Often, bloggers will use their Websites as a way to attack the destinations they disagree with. You’ll usually find these posts lacking links. Big deal. Search engines will still pick up the word and Average Joes will still search the site to seek it out.

If a store screws you over, don’t return.
If there’s a fly in your soup, don’t order again.
If a blog makes your blood boil, click the little black “x.”

Ouch. I just saw our subscriber count drop. Good for you!

The lines are six people deep along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. People are hoping to catch a glimpse of the world-famous Saks holiday window displays. As with all store windows, the goal is simple: get you inside the store with the hope that you’ll conduct a transaction.

Blogs aren’t much different.

Our store windows are our headlines (thanks to RSS readers), our merchandise are blog posts and a transaction could be clicking on an ad or leaving a comment.

A lot of you enter the store regularly but never buy anything. Imagine if you walked into the local candy store, looked at all of the Hershey bars and Twizzlers and M&Ms and never bought anything? One day you’ll surely return to find the place boarded up.

It’s time you step up to the cashier. Or in this case, give back to your favorite blogs.

In the spirit of the holiday season, we have the perfect gift you can give to your favorite blog. CLICK ON AN AD or LEAVE A COMMENT.

Your words can be sweet as pie or harsh as winter, the blogger doesn’t really care. He or she is just greatful that the onset of Carpal Tunnel is worth it. Many of us think we are Legend, talking to a world that has disappeared. Letting us know that we are not alone is a special gift that only YOU can deliver.

There are exceptions.

In some cases, ego alone is enough to drive a blogger to an 800-word post. Take Jack of All Blogs for example. We absolutely love comments. However, if you think the deafening silence of ZERO comments will stop us, then you probably believe that Tila Tequila really wants a shot at love.

Whether it’s JOAB, Performancing or a little-known blog from your corner of the world, send a holiday smile and leave a comment for your lonely blogger. It’s good karma!

As far as the folks standing outside of Saks Fifth Avenue, just enjoy the window show – the stuff inside is too expensive.

I recently had the displeasure of recruiting new writers for one of my blogs. For the measly few bucks a post I was willing to shell out, I was hardly expecting David Foster Wallace. However, I did expect eighth-grade level writing. And people who understood what they were applying for. And people, who when asked for 250 words, delivered 250 words.

It’s with the utmost respect that I remind you folks trolling around Blogger Jobs and similar sites that there are rules when you apply for jobs:

- Follow the job posting’s instructions

- Provide error-free copy

- Make your inquiry unique

- Make your contact information crystal clear

- Do not ask for $75 for a 200 word post

It doesn’t matter if you’re applying to be a part-time blogger or a full-time CEO. And yes, someone really did expect me to pay almost 50 cents a word for a blog post!

It’s a crowded playing field out there friends, and rest assured, there are people out there who can write twice as well as you – and will take half the pay. I’m not above the law. You’re not above the law. John Chow and all of the Probloggers out there are not above the law. It’s the law of life. No matter what you do for a living, never forget it.

One final note. I was overwhelmed at the number of stay-at-home moms that are looking to blog for bucks. Do you really need the cash or are you just trying to stay sane by making ‘adult’ contact?

My wish for the world is that there are enough freelance blogging gigs for all of us. And may they each pay $75 per post.

On behalf of bloggers across the nation, I would like to thank Google for lowering the RageRank of blogs that participated in any paid link or pay per post activity. Rather than slap the “offenders” on the wrist, the Google gang went all gulag on us and dove in straight for the kill. No warning. No immediate recourse. Just deflated numbers and lower traffic.

Sometimes life lessons need to be tough. Like the time dad didn’t let me take the car to pick up Alexandra on our second date because I called him a prick.

Let’s just say that my eyes have been opened. How dare I look to profit from my passion/hobby/love of blogging. Apparently, I need to be more like Google and just work for the sheer “kick” of it all.

Personally, one of my blogs (not this one) dropped from a PR5 to a PR ZERO - overnight. How would Google like it if they woke up one morning and they found that their stock price had slid from $651 to zero? Well, lucky for them, no one entity can play God with the markets. The same, however, can’t be said for PageRank.

Again, thanks for the life lesson.

As you are already aware, most bloggers have more money than they know what to do with. I don’t know about you, but I tend to blog from the East Wing of my palace.

I guess I was just being greedy when I decided to tell my audience about a business or service that might actually be of interest to them. That’ll teach me to be so darn multi-dimensional.

Consider me put in my place, Why would a blogger of my stature look to earn $10 for 200 words when I can earn four cents for 200,000 with AdSense? Math isn’t my strong suit, but that’s an equation even I can grasp.

Many people are reporting on the imminent demise of PageRank. I sure hope that’s not the case. Get those algorithms tweaked and hit me with a big stick – I like it. Please sir, may I have another?

Just like Alexandra back in eighth grade, Google managed to turn me into a zero without a single word of how I can win her (them) back.

That just means I’ll have to try twice as hard. I hope you’ll consider this heartfelt thank you as a solid start. In the meantime, who don’t you cook up a negative PageRank rating system, cause this zero thing just ain’t low enough. Not for the bad boy I’ve been, prick.

This post has been sponsored by no one.