Name: Linsey Knerl

Full-time job: Freelancer/Blogger, Community Manager, Wise Bread, and co-author of 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget

City blogging from: Tekamah, Nebraska

AND

1. What is the name, subject and URL of your blog?

My personal blog is Lille Punkin' Reviews, a family-friendly review blog that I've been working on for almost three years. Almost immediately after I started blogging, I was hired as a freelancer for Wise Bread, a personal finance/frugality site. It's been my bread and butter for awhile now, and I've recently moved into the position of Community Manager for them.

2. Why do you blog?

Unlike so many, I blog to make a living. I don't necessarily write for cathartic reasons, but blogging was a great way to make the move from slightly unsuccessful freelance writer into moderately successful blogger/freelance writer. Now, I find the style and community to be something I have really fallen in love with. I prefer blogging over any other method of writing – hands down!

3. How long have you been blogging and what software do you use?

I started in early 2007, with a basic Blogger account. While I still use Blogger for my own blog, Wise Bread has a Drupal system that has been easy to use. They also have their own programming team, so I don't have to get stressed over technical issues too often.

4. What’s your favorite blog (besides your own)?

I've read ChurchCrunch almost daily. It's designed for churches and pastors who want to use social media to reach people, but the tips are universally useful. I also have some guilty pleasures, like Cake Wreck, that I couldn't get through my day without.

5. What do you think the state of the blogosphere is in our region?

There's no doubt that the Prairie is rockin' – Big Omaha last year was proof of that. I'm amazed at the number of bloggers that I've followed or learned from that have roots in the prairie region and have gone on to do great things. I'd love to see an emphasis on keeping good content, creativity, and mentoring here in the midwest – as compared to taking it on the road and never coming back. We've built some great things in the blogosphere, and it's about time the rest of the world knew it :)