THIS CAN be simply stated as a story of success by following a different and unconventional career path based on one’s instincts, freedom and dreams. Caroline Middlebrook, started off in her life as a software developer in the United Kingdom, when differences in her work field aided with her freedom loving spirit and plans of being a master of her destiny, made her become self-employed, in August 2007. As of now, Caroline, owns a blog, named caroline-middlebrook.com, which earns over $2500 per month, even in this state of economy, has a viewership of approximately 5000, is the proud owner of three publications, which are quite a hit...and gives a free email course, titled “The Blogger’s Bible”.
I mailed her apprehensively asking for an interview, but guess what? She proved different in this aspect also by granting me one. While sincerely thanking her for the time she alloted for me, I mailed her the questions, to which she replied me back these answers.
Q. Tell us something about yourself. Why this sudden choice of an unconventional career? Was there at any point of time while starting this you had any skepticism about its success quotient?
A. It wasn’t really sudden for me as I had been self employed twice before and had already spent three years running an Internet business, though a very different one. No, I have never had any doubts about my ability to make a living and although I am still not there yet, there are still no doubts. It’s all just a matter of time.
Q. How is blogging and online freelance writing as a career option? What are the challenges? Is it safe in this economic crisis?
A. Well blogging by itself isn’t really enough. Although I do make money with my blog, right now I wouldn’t want to rely solely on that for a full-time income. I think if you’re going to work online you need to be flexible and have several revenue streams in the works.
Q. A very common question you must have heard, still if you please answer…how is the money factor in this job? Is there any target audience? How was your experience?
A. Well see above really. The target audience is a tricky one because I attract a lot of beginners to my blog who are looking to make money online but those people don’t actually spend any money so they may be a good target for your writing, but they are not a good target for your income. However, that is just with the ’make money online’ niche and of course the people who make the most money with their blogs do so in very different niches.
Q. There is a common notion that the alternative media (blogs and CJ-ism) is looked down upon by the mainstream, do you think it is true? Some citizen journalism websites are issuing free ID cards to their members. How do you view this development? Will it help the CJs get equal footing while getting press releases and interviews and bridge the gap between mainstream and alternative media?
A. This is something I have no experience with so I’ll skip this question.
Q. Coming to an important issue, how do you think the world of blogs and citizen journalism, has helped the information crusade world wise? What more do you think needs to be done?
A. I don’t really think of blogging in terms of any kind of crusade. My blog is just a record of my own journey since quitting my day job so, again I can’t really answer this question.
Q. What made you come up with the idea of "Blogger’s Bible"? What are the next plans? Any upcoming projects?
A. I wanted a course that would encompass everything about blogging in a concise way. There are a lot of technical books with the ’Bible’ in the title and I borrowed the name from that. For 2009, I am moving in a completely different direction and going back to my roots as a software developer. I intend to develop a subscription based membership site offering online tools to the Internet marketing community.
Q. Finally, any special word of advice or tips to the bloggers and CJs around you?
A. Two things really – spend less time reading other people’s blogs and more time working on your own and secondly, never give up.
