Friday, April 25, 2008

Say Hello to Entrecard

You may have noticed on my left sidebar, a little square box that say’s Entrecard: Blog Highlight of the Day.

And you may have wondered, “What the HELL is that?”

About a month ago on BlogU I read an interesting post about Entrecard. It’s an ingenious way for bloggers to help promote one another’s blog. This is done by something called “card dropping.”

I can’t tell you, how many wonderful blogs I’ve discovered since joining Entrecard.

(you can click on the actual card that you see displayed on my widget, to find out more about the blog that I am currently highlighting)

The process to sign up is quite simple. Entrecard gives you the option of either using one of their pre-made cards, or you can also use a personalized card if you would like to create a graphic of your own. Entrecard then gives you the widget code to place on your blog.

(if you click on the letter “E” on my Entrecard widget it will open a window, where you will see my own customized card and blog profile)

The Entrecard system works by accumulating credits, that allows you to purchase exposure time on someone else’s widget.

(Note: credits are not actual money)

Each Entrecard user requires a certain amount of credits to land on their blog. Some are high and some are low.

Example: Currently it costs 16 credits to land on mine. When someone who is an Entrecard user, clicks on the yellow drop bar, their card will appear within my account. I am then given a chance to view their blog and decide whether or not I accept or decline it. If I accept it, their card will be displayed on the widget that you see here - and stay there for 24 hours.

You are given credits for displaying someone else’s card, and as these credits accumulate, they can then be used to purchase exposure time on someone else’s blog. You are also given credits each time you drop your own card on some else’s widget.

Now, to be honest with you, I don’t use Entrecard in the total manner in which it was designed. I'm not a huge card dropper...I find it a little too time-consuming. I presently choose to use this system, as a way of highlighting blogs that I find interesting, and would like to share with my readers.

Since I don’t use Entrecard to the fullest, I’m supplying you with a link to a thorough explanation of the complete workings and benefits of Entrecard.

So, if you have some time this weekend, and would like to do some “blog promoting” by giving and getting some exposure, please check out Entrecard.

It’s REALLY, REALLY cool!

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!