For someone like me who is not especially IT savvy and yet running a few blogs, the allure of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) magic is starting to overwhelm me. Let’s face it. It will be hard-pressed for any individual or organization who aspire their site or blogs to have more than mere existence not to be taken by the promises of what good SEO delivers. Who in the right mind would not want their blogs/site to be at the top of the search engine list?

I had heard my share. Like any other blogger or website owner out there, I do intend to separate the truth from the hype. I did my searching around. Frankly speaking, there is definitely no shortage of written articles on the subject of SEO. Just a simple search will probably yield hundreds of written articles on SEO from probloggers to SEO companies.

Am I any wiser? Yes and no. Having a better understanding is still far off from actually mastering and successfully implementing the techniques by yourself. There are plenty of good articles on this SEO blog that will undoubtedly help shed some light into the subject. The very least, burst a few bubbles regarding the SEO myth.

According to the article, ‘The Real Secret to SEO’, there is no shortcuts to the path of SEO success. It’s still hardwork, good contents and traditional marketing. There is no elusive secret formula to propel any site to overnight search engine success. At least not in the long run. Forget link buying. It is discussed in the article.

Will reading make anyone a SEO expert? Of course not. People should not be too hard on themselves. Having a clearer understanding and clearing the air around the SEO myth do help bloggers or companies make better decision whether it is to their advantage to seek professional help rather than resorting to quick dubious means. The very least, reading will help you not to grapple in the dark and grab whatever comes to touch.

All the mystery surrounding the ’secret’ of withdrawing from Paypal has finally put to sleep. Forget about the elusive ‘e book’ teaching you how to go around the Paypal system. When I first started receiving funds to my Paypal around a month ago, I was one of the many clueless soul searching high and low in the forum for solution. As usual, there’s more confusion than solution.

Anyway, since Paypal announced last week Malaysians can now withdraw their money to their credit/debit card, that has to be the best news. As far as I know, at the moment it’s just Visa. A fellow blogger had blogged Paypal rejected his Mastercard.

I’m testing water now by trying to withdraw a minimal sum. Paypal charges USD5 per transaction (min transaction amount has to be at least USD10). I’m just eager to find out how is my Maybank conversion rate. Has to find out if it’s really worth it in the long run.

I’m withdrawing into my credit card, so, I won’t be withdrawing the money. I’ll just use them up. For those who want to feel the money between their fingers, it does make better sense to get a debit card. Specifically, Visa electron debit card. Debit cards without the Visa logo is useless. (if you want to withdraw from Paypal) At the moment, the only bank issuing Visa Electron debit cards over here are Public Bank and United Overseas Bank.

Personally, I will just wait out to see how’s the transaction rate on my Maybank credit card. Either way, I’m not exactly bitching. I’m just relieved.

Well, nothing like a good old bout of flu to make me realize there’s more to life than just sitting in front of the computer 24/7.

The few days I was in bed, I just let it go. Normally, I would spend at least 8 hours in front of my PC. Well, come to think of it, I’m merely being humble. It’s definitely more than 8 hours.

No, I don’t update as often, but then I do still make it a point to visit my blogging buddies. I hate to use the word networking though. It just sound pretentious. I don’t socialize much even in the blogosphere but, I do visit blogs I like. There is no hidden motive behind my visits and most of the time, I don’t even leave comments. If I enjoy what I read, that’s satisfaction in itself. Networking? Nay, that’s the word reserved for the marketing peeps.

While at it, I don’t do links exchange either.

Maybe I should. Well, I’ll sleep on it.