The camera is ubiquitous, but sometimes sharing pictures with the world is not as easy as clicking that shutter button. And even with numerous photo-sharing services around, bloggers might find the gallery-type format of these different from the chronological order that they are used to.

The solution: photoblogging.

Photoblogging is a combination of blogging and photo sharing. The idea is to post photos at regular intervals (daily, twice a week, etc.), or as the need arises. Popular blogging software packages are able to run as photoblogs, with special themes that focus on photos rather than–or along with–the written word. However, for no-hitch photoblogging, Splashpress Media has a solution: Photoblogs.net.

Photo Blogs is a free photo blogging service that lets users easily upload and publish photos in a photo-blog format. The service lets users manipulate photos and add tags, keywords, descriptions and captions for easy reference.

Photoblogs.net is yet another collaboration by Splashpress Media with Bloggy Network LLC, which has done the design and programming according to our needs. We hope that shutterbugs would find the service useful in sharing their captured moments, along with interesting captions and commentary. As the Photoblogs.net tagline goes–Even shutterbugs write!

We have been busy behind the scenes working on a whole host of our blogs- redesigning them and finding top, dedicated writers, to relaunch them with the aim of renewed impetus and momentum. This is in line with our previously outlined strategy of “graduating” blogs from Mr Bloggy’s Network and bringing them into Splashpress Media’s fold. This is by no means the sum of all the blogs that we have had redesigned or found new editors and writers for (just check out the new Wisdump, for example..)- it is more just to report on those blogs that were dead and buried and are now being brought back to life!!

Here are just a few examples of recently relaunched blogs:

Biziki

Yet another design makeover by Thord Hedengren (don’t you just love the logo from “The Office”?)- Biziki has been relaunched as a premier blog on business and professional blogging. With a new blogger on board- Frank, Biziki promises to get back to its former glory.

Parenting Blog

With a stunning new design by Ia Lucero and professional fulltime Mom Lara giving her insights, Parenting Blog promises to yet again become one of the top resources in its niche.

Definition of Philosophy

Randa Clay really goes out on a limb with this sublime design, while Avatar gives excellent insight for the layman in philosophical academia.

Downloading Legally

Another great design by Ia Lucero and a dedicated, expert writer- Nick - is hopefully going to bring Downloading Legally to its full potential.

Japan Blog

Randa Clay did us proud with this beautiful design, while Maki fills us in on the latest trends and eccentricities from Japan.

IT Security Blog

A wonderfully tailor-made new design by Ia Lucero, with Saran continuing his spot on content.

Brewed Coffee

Markku Seguerra did a fantastic job for us with this design, while the java queen continues to do her stuff.

Gaming Blog

Once again, Ia Lucero delivered a masterpiece with this redesign, while sharker carries on capturing the latest and best that the gaming world has to offer.

Have Laptop Will Travel

Thord Hedengren delivers a classic design for HLWT, while Mel, of Forever Geek renown, continues to keep his audience engaged with fresh, incisive content. Thord writes on Devlounge that he broke the mold for this one!

Study Driving

Ia Lucero has done an ultra chic new design for this- check out the Rolls Royce image! Marcel continues to educate the uninitiated on learning to drive.

Geeks Blog

Lorraine Nepomuceno did a charming and clever design for us here, while Nick continues to give us all the latest geeky news.

Biz Crunch

Randa Clay hits a home run once more with a stunning design, while Gordon continues his engaging articles on business practices.

The Health Blog

A wonderful design by Ia Lucero that truly encapsulates the positive aspect on gaining important information about your health, and a gem of writer in Charlie who delivers that crucial message.

Zero Value

An innovative design by Chris Jennings, while David has been joined by Hannah in the delivery of great content about how you can survive the current real estate crisis in the US- nay, even profit.

English Blog

Randa Clay did another beautiful design here capturing the quintessential English spirit, while Jodie carries on the blab about Old Blighty.

Charities Blog

Ia Lucero does her usual perfectionist job with this new design, while Merve continues his insatiable enthusiasm for charitable projects.

Man Utd Blog

Randa Clay does another extraordinary design for this blog dedicated to Manchester United, capturing the great tradition of the club and winning spirit of the team. Meanwhile, Varun continues to follow the team’s progress through the season with his unique, personal analysis and sense of humour.

Our huge thanks to Thord, Ia and Randa- who did the majority of these redesigns. You were great to work with and we hope that these fruitful relationships will carry on well into the future! Our thanks also to the other designers who have helped Splashpress Media become a better looking blog network, as well as all the individual bloggers- without you, we would have nothing to deliver to our readers.

Watch this space as we work on more new designs and recruit talented bloggers for our network of blogs…

It’s not uncommon for gadget lovers to drool over every new device–electronic or otherwise– that’s out in the market. It’s called gadget lust. That means there are things that generate enough desire for people to go crazy over them, whether they are actually necessities or just something one wants.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a laptop, a mobile phone, a portable media player, a big-screen LCD television set, a car, or just about anything that moves or does something. If it’s a gadget, there’s bound to be a gadget lover lusting for the latest model, or the shiniest model, or the smallest, or the one that has the most features.

In 2006 a blog dedicated to gadgets was born. It was called tech.erati.com, part of the Erati network. Then the owners decided to rename it Gadzooki, which shows how they thought gadget lovers would exclaim when they learn of yet another gadget they want to get a hold of. Gadzooki! I want one!

And with the blog featuring reviews and news of the latest gadgets out there. Who wouldn’t want one.

You don’t have to be a techie to want the latest gadget - its practically a necessity today in our modern lives. But before you splurge out on that larger-than-life flatscreen tv or iPhone, let our tech-obsessed bloggers at Gadzooki point you in the right direction.

At Gadzooki you’ll find out about the latest technology-driven products around– from media players, mobile phones, laptops and cars, to consumer electronics like televisions, photographic equipment, audio-visual systems, and much more than you could imagine.

Splashpress Media acquired Gadzooki in early 2007 and gave it an overhaul in terms of the format and design. Gadzooki has been reborn as a community site, with several bloggers (who are gadget-freaks, of course!) regularly contributing news items, reviews and features. Splashpress Media has also since acquired the Erati brand, which has been converted into an entertainment blog.

So let us help satisfy your gadget lust with Gadzooki, at least in terms of information and learning more about the gizmos you love.

Do you agree with the latest elimination on Idol? Do you wonder what the elements involved in voting results are? Is it really about song choice as Simon stresses?

Well, whether you’re a fan of Idol, Hannah Montana, Lost or the latest guilty pleasure, Gossip Girl, Erati , our blog dedicated to all things tv has got it all covered!

At Erati you’ll find up-to-the-minute news and gossip on the best shows and tv stars, clever commentary, links to places of interest (you normally wouldn’t find) and some damn interesting stuff to make all those couch-potato hours a little more stimulating.

Did you miss that (now famous) episode of “How I Met Your Mother?” where a mousy receptionist is played by The Britney? Want to know where you can see an excerpt or read commentary of the notorious diva’s performance? Curious about the fate of Meredith and Dr.Dreamy in the upcoming season of Grey’s? What about the rumored revival of 90210? True or false?

Well, you know where to go….

We have previously posted about two services that are offered at Performancing Services: Authority Builder and Social Media Marketing.

Here we post about the third and final service offered by the team at Performancing Services:

Blog Maintenance Service

Is your blog achieving its purpose? Is it visually attractive?

Do you find it difficult to keep your blog updated on a regular basis?

Are you unsure how to maximize the effectiveness of your blog?

Let our team of specialists optimize your blog for maximum results!

With Performancing’s 3 Blog Management Services you will:

* Optimize your blog for peak performance
* Increase the first-impression response from visitors
* Communicate effectively with your target audience
* Network with important people and increase your site’s visibility
* Improve the way your blog is received by the search engines

Your Blog Should Be The Online Face Of Your Company

A great blog engages its audience both in the way it looks and the way it reads. Priority number one should be to get a professional blog design, and Performancing can help. But a nice design isn’t sufficient. Keeping a constant conversation with your target audience is essential. The good news is that the Performancing team can help with that too!

Performancing offers three blog management services that all have the same goal in mind: to maximize the effectiveness of your blog:

1. Blog Launch Service

The Performancing Blog Launch Service offers the most effective way to not only start a blog from scratch but also make it effective quickly. You will receive a custom blog design and a full month of professional maintenance. In addition, you will receive one free social media marketing campaign. Our goal with this service is to rapidly create a great-looking, high-traffic blog that successfully engages your audience and captures their attention.

2. Blog Reboot Service

The Performancing Blog Reboot is a lifestyle blueprint for your current blog. For one whole week, a team of experienced bloggers, designers, programmers and search marketers will analyze your blog. Our advice will give you ways to achieve your blogging targets including increased traffic, monetization and user participation.

3. Blog Maintenance Service

The Performancing Blog Maintenance Service is a full-service program to keep your blog on top of its game. A team of experienced bloggers, designers and programmers will keep your blog running smoothly, efficiently and effectively. This service includes monthly social media campaigns, multiple weekly blog articles, blog software updates and ongoing promotion.

You want a blog that rocks? No one covers all the angles of a killer blog better than Performancing. From eye-grabbing articles and sleek designs to managing top-notch social media campaigns, the team at Performancing will make your blog stand out and shine.

What you get with our Blog Management Services

* Initial strategy consultation to define the right approach
* An optimized site layout aimed at maximizing user engagement
* A sleak, high quality, professional blog design (Launch Service only)
* Installation of class-leading blog plugins
* On-page search engine optimization
* Magnetic, attention getting articles written by professional bloggers

Get in touch with the Performancing team now to discuss how you can get started!

We believe that our recently launched blog: Audival - is the best blog on podcasting on the web! Run by Stefan Hedengren, a professional musician better known as Stiff, the blog offers a mass of daily information to help people get into the world of podcasting with the use of tips, articles about equipment as well as sound clips for use in podcasts.

Here is just one sample post to whet your appetite!

THE NEW UPDATED USB MICROPHONE LIST

I thought it was time for a new USB microphone post. The previous one doesn’t really capture the market anymore, and some newer readers might never had found it anyway. So here’s a selection of what’s out there today. Keep in mind that I haven’t tried and compared these.

Samson is one of the few companies out there that actually has a full lineup of USB microphones, including C01U, C03U, G-Track (which has a built in audio interface for instruments!), and the Q1U dynamic.

Blue Microphones Snowball. The Blue Snowball looks cool (top picture), but I don’t hear great things about it, which is a little odd since ‘normal’ microphones from Blue usually gets praised.

A comparing review of Blue Snowball and Samson C01U can be found at Macworld.

Blue Microphones latest USB solution - the Snowflake - is a beauty. It’s not a good thing that I can’t seem to find much info about it on their website, but my previous post can perhaps help a little with details, and my constant mention of it shows how cool I think it looks.

Like Samson, MXL has a whole series of USB microphones. Besides the now standard types of condenser microphones, they have stereo USB condenser microphones. Check out my previous post on the 990 stereo condenser.

Røde Podcaster is the famous company’s podcasting solution, and from what I hear, it’s pretty good! You’ll also find a close to meaningless video of it on the above link.

Alesis USB-Mic Podcasting Kit is one of the bundles out there. Besides the microphone, I believe it includes a stand, headphones as well as the audio application Audacity (which is free anyway).

M-Audio Session Music Producer is as the name suggests intended for (low budget) recording musicians, but the package might be of interest to podcasters as well. It includes a USB microphone as well as recording software.

Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is based on the companies original AT2020 (non-USB) model.

I recently stumbled upon the Phoenix Audio Solo, and I thought it at least looked nice. Phoenix calls it a “desktop conference microphone”.

Nady has two USB microphones on the market: the dynamic USB-24M and the condenser USB-1C.

sE Electronics, famous for acoustic solutions for microphones among other things, also have two USB microphones on the market, the USB2200a, and the USB1000a.

The actual sound snippets are all made by Stiff, for Audival, unless otherwise mentioned, and are free for use in your own productions. The only thing you can’t do is sell them, or repackage them and sell them.

It’s also a great looking site, with a dazzling design by Stiff’s brother, Thord.

So head over to Audival now and get into the world of podcasting!

Here at Splashpress Media, we’re proud to be working with some of the world’s finest new media professionals and practitioners. These are the people who not only contribute to the community with their ideas, but also help others by sharing their knowledge of the inner workings of the industry.

One of these people is someone who has been working with us from the start: J. Angelo Racoma, or better known as J. Angelo in the online world. As the Editor in Chief of Splashpress Media, Angelo takes care of overseeing the day-to-day operations of the network, and this includes the technical, financial, creative and marketing aspects of the company. Also part of his responsibilities is coordinating the efforts of our project managers, bloggers, designers, administrators and our partners and other colleagues in the business to ensure we are all working in synergy (and that everyone is happy working with each other).

The various aspects of blogging

When it comes to blogging and new media, Angelo is basically a Jack of All Trades. He started out with blogging as an outlet for practicing his writing skills back when he was still working as a government economist. His first taste of blogging professionally was when he left public service to pursue a career developing a hosted personal and enterprise blogging service for a private IT firm. Not satisfied with the corporate world, Angelo left that shortly to find his fortune in the virtual world, and that’s where he got acquainted with the people that would be his colleagues in the various new media networks he has been part of one time or another, such as the former BlogMedia and Bloggy Network LLC, among others.

He first worked with us contributing content way back when we were not yet known as Splashpress Media. When we bought the Blog Herald, we hired him full time and he came on board as Marketing Manager and then as Assistant Editor and technical point-person. When Splashpress Media was formed as the umbrella company for our various online endeavors, his role also expanded to cover the other sites we owned and acquired. Angelo has always had a passion for great design and writing and for using innovative mediums to communicate with other people. This passion is shared by the rest of us in Splashpress Media.

Sharing our expertise

This expertise of building up blogs and using new media as an effective medium for communication is one thing we would like to share with the world at large with our newest blogging logistics company bLogics.

bLogics is a blog consultancy group that offers a one-stop shop for all your blogging needs. bLogics is run by Splashpress Media, a new media company with more than three years of experience in the various aspects of web development from hosting, design, marketing, content management and content development. This includes extensive experience in developing weblogs for ourselves and our clients, which are either stand-alone, part of a blog network, or as complement to regular websites. We are also behind some of today’s more popular destinations in various niches of the blogosphere, and this has proved helpful in improving the visibility of our network and our clients’ blogs.

Through bLogics, we aim to serve those who want to take part in the new media scene, but need help with planning and execution. Our team of experts includes designers, programmers, writers and marketing people. The various online tools, networks and applications that we run in-house allow us to effectively and efficiently host and run new media services for our clients. Given our experience, resources and people, we are in the best position to help business, organizations and institutions run their own blogging activities.

bLogics‘ services include:

• Blog Hosting
• Content Development
• Design Development
• Link Building
• Social Media Marketing
• business blogging.

The people behind Splashpress Media and bLogics, such as J. Angelo Racoma, have had their share of successfully building and re-building blogs.

Get in touch with us and we will help you with yours.

As Thord says:

So here it is, the redesigned Wisdump in public beta. There are a few small things left, but I figured I’d get it up there to see what you guys think.

Feel free to compare to the mockup designs I’ve posted previously. They are just that: mockups, which means that the design you’re seeing right now isn’t 100% like them. I never intended it to be, so that’s all good.

Jumbled up? Ctrl+F5 on Windows, or Command+R on Mac, or simply just empty your cache and reload to see the new design.

What do you guys think? Speak up in the comments! I’m all ears…

We think it’s great!! Head over to Wisdump and check it out….

Firstly, consider that offshore blogging has been called the “most explosive blogging issue of 2008” by Tony Hung, our former editor for the Blog Herald. In his article, he considers the massive opportunity of off shoring writing work to countries where the cost of living is low and English is an official language. Sure, anyone can write English well, but perhaps the Filipino culture (highly Westernized because of decades of Western colonization) would enable Filipinos to connect better to our western counterparts–both the blog readers and fellow blog authors. This can be a plus to Filipino bloggers who wish to write for blog networks.

Secondly, Filipinos are known to be very adept at using social media tools (though this might come as a shock to most). For one, we are among the top users of social networking site Friendster, which is actually the #1 site that Filipino users access, according to Alexa. And among the top 10 sites, three other new media outfits are included, such as Multiply, YouTube and Blogger. How’s that for a new media society?

Still, fostering community requires more than just being active in the social media scene. It’s not enough to be just islands of information. We think that it’s a great idea to have a single place where people can mingle and have meaningful exchanges as a community.

Add to that the fact that some of our current and former Splashpress Media editors, project managers, designers and contributors are Filipino. Then there’s good reason to celebrate the contributions of our country to the world of new media.

For this we have decided to launch WordPress Philippines, which we envision to be the premier community site for WordPress users and bloggers in the Philippines. Actually, it is likely that this would be a good place where Filipino bloggers from around the globe can mingle–yes, Filipinos are spread around the world, with about 3% of the country’s citizens living abroad, working in various professions and callings.

One characteristic of WordPress Philippines is the use of Technorati and del.icio.us tags to let community members publish links on the WordPress Philippines homepage. Bloggers can have their posts linked from the front page under the second column “Latest Philippine Blog Entries” by adding a Technorati tag to their blog posts: either Philippines or wordpressph.

Meanwhile, users can have their blog posts or just about any website linked from the front page under the third column “Latest News” by saving that particular page as a del.icio.us bookmark with the tag wordpressph.

Also, the site features download areas of various WordPress-related software authored by Filipinos or found to be relevant to the Filipino blogging community, including WordPress themes, WordPress plugins, and other downloads.

And for to help Filipino bloggers from all over the world communicate with one another, be it in private or in public, we have the WordPress Philippines community forums.

And last but not the least, at the helm of WordPress Philippines (aside from myself, of course) is our own head of programming, Ia Lucero, who is an accomplished designer. She is very much experienced with conceptualizing and executing WordPress theme designs. Ia also manages a handful of our other blog-related portals and services, such as Feed Vault, Free WordPress Themes and Blogosphere News, as well as producing some top quality themes for our other network blogs.

J. Angelo Racoma
Editor in Chief
and a Filipino WordPress blogger

Performancing has released it’s latest quality, free theme for WordPress: “One in a Million” by Thord Hedengren.

As Ryan Caldwell announced on Performancing:

One of my favorite things about this WordPress theme is the way it separates individual blog posts on the index pages. If there’s one gripe I have about most publishing sites on the Internet (including this one;-) it’s that posts often bleed into each other. Often, the only element used to split up posts is a bold headline. With One In A Million, each post is boxed off from the rest.

As a 3 column design with the content in the middle column, One In A Million has plenty of above the fold advertising real estate, while maintaining a sufficiently wide content area.

And over at Performancing Themes:

One in a Million is a three-column theme for WordPress featuring a fixed-width layout with a center-positioned main content column. The theme is easy on the eyes, using subdued hues and clean typefaces. The header and footer have an old world, homey feel to them, using a wallpaper-like pattern as background image. Yet, One in a Million is very suitable for professional and corporate blogs because of the clean and legible look.

One in a Million is yet another collaboration between Performancing and Thord Daniel Hedengren, who has done countless other WordPress Themes for Performancing and Splashpress Media.

There has been some good feedback already from the community:

“What a pleasant, soothing theme this is. Clean, and easy to read. Proof that you don’t need a lot of colors to create a nice theme.”

“I agree. Has an old-fashioned feel, which I like.”

Click here to preview the theme.
Click here to download the theme.