Good advice. I might add “original content” to the list. If I see a post about some news that I have just read in another blog (and there are many many on my RSS feed) I’ll blow right over it and never read what that person had to say about it. I don’t suppose it all has to be unique, but at least add a unique spin. Until you become popular enough with readers that they will read yours just to hear what you have to say about it.

Nice work on the page though. I think that will help a lot of prospective bloggers get started. I’ll admit that it becomes way more fun after the first month or so. It takes a while to really get into it and get comfortable.

Thanks for your hard work!