Thursday, June 13, 2019

How to Write a Blog for Income From Home

My Journey to Make an Income by Blogging 


My affinity for blogging started over a decade ago while working a late night hospital shift. The small-town hospital afforded me plenty of "downtime" in between patients, usually between midnight and 6 am. My usual routine was to complete homework for whatever program I was in at the time. But on occasion, I would be caught up on homework and looking for creative ways to stay busy while passing the time.

Wifey and I will still be kayaking as much as possible
Enter the world of blogging. I had built websites for several years and dabbled heavily with eBay and bulletin board services even earlier. I actually started with a class in Basic programming that my mom enrolled me into at the young age of 12. I knew then that I had an affinity for these new computer things and looked forward to using them as much as possible.

It's About the Connections You Make, Stupid


The real purpose of writing this post isn't about earning income while blogging. It is to tell all the people I have met in the blogosphere what I am up to and to say hello. The journey I have had on this Blogspot blog alone is noteworthy. The dozens of online friends I made a decade ago who I still talk to today is heartwarming.

I spent some time yesterday looking back at all the posts. I deleted over 1,000 spam comments from all over the globe. Surprisingly, I found a brand new set of 24 from one Arabic spammer just now as I came here to pen this post. These guys should know by now that backlink spamming is going to get them ranked negatively by Google. Google is well aware of these old tactics and already has it plugged into their algorithm to shun the cheater. But hey, it got the blog 24 advertisement views on my Adsense account so...

How to Make an Income with a Blog


This blog actually has made money, believe it or not. I've never been clever enough to create my own product an sell it like Patrice over at Rural Revolution. She had a plan, executed it and to this day is still plugging along with her opinionated blog. I am really proud of her and all of her accomplishments. Successfully raising a family while handling the farm life and all her animals. She has shared her craft of writing with many people and even encouraged me with a NanoWriMo challenge. She is a great example of how to be self-sufficient and work from home at the same time.

Still enjoying the Orange Jeep too!
Of course, Captain Rawles has lead the pack in a way. His blog reaches millions and has gained worldwide notoriety. I have had the honor of writing and publishing two blog posts on his blog over the years. Because of his blogging notoriety, his blog gets attacked on a regular basis by haters. They have successfully taken his site down a few times but he has always managed to overcome with redundancy.

These are just two of the individuals I've met over the years through the hobby of blogging. The overwhelming support my family received during our house fire was amazing. My local church did a great job helping us with clothes and food but the internet friends I made just blew me away. The donations and letters of support were amazing. I still have a manilla envelope filled with all the cards and letters that came after the fire. I get it out about once a year and read through it. Truly amazing what people will do for a stranger they met through a blog.

Blogging isn't Always About the Money


I admit to starting a blog with the intent of making a little extra income on the side. I had heard it could be done and set out on my quiet night shift to accomplish just that. But in reality, it was an outlet to share my affinity for writing and chronicle my life so that it might benefit others. When I look back at this blog now, there were virtually no advertisements at all in the first year. How was I expecting to make an income with no adverts?

The answer: it didn't really matter if I made an income or not. I enjoyed writing and sharing my quirky sense of humor. In a way, I'm sure that was some validation searching in there somewhere. Was my humor funny? Could I elicit a comment of approval? Yes, that was definitely a factor. But the overarching was just to release my desire to write. I can't explain it really. Perhaps I just think that I am really funny and like to read my own stuff. (read: huge dork)

The ability to connect with other bloggers and share ideas was fantastic. I had a nice list on the right side of my blog that linked to all my internet friends. We bounced back and forth commenting on each other's posts. It was comforting to share links with people of similar interests. I appear to have lost my sidebar links now, unfortunately. I'll have to dig around this template and see if I can find them somewhere.

Top Three Methods to Making Money on a Blog


If you landed here by some chance that a search engine actually picked up my title, I'll share with you the three top ways that I have found to make an income by blogging. Some I have done myself but some are what I've seen my friends around the internet accomplish.

1. Banner advertising - 


The simplest, and most well known is Google's Adsense. Although I've been a customer/member for over a decade, I can't say I've made a ton of money with this revenue generator. But that's because I didn't try super hard. In this area, it is all about the amount of traffic your blog gets. If you have 50,000 pageviews a month or more, Adsense could be a decent income producer. I have another blog that I have been focusing on for the past few months (hence no posts regularly here) and I've managed to reach 12,000 page views in one month. On Adsense, it earned me about $20. Definitely not equal to the amount of time that I have put into the blog. But, the main purpose of that blog is to write material once and walk away after 3-6 months. If I do it right, it should continue to trickle in revenue for a few decades.

The Orange Jeep with Two Swify Kayaks
But, if you ARE hitting more than 10,000 page views per month, you should be switching from Adsense to Ezoic ads. Ezoic is still owned by Google but they seem to put a lot more effort into the advertisements and their placements on your site. Since your blog has to be older than four months, I do not qualify yet but have already tried to apply in vain,. With Ezoic, the revenue should be 3-4 times what you would get from Adsense. I look forward to proving that right.

2. Affiliate marketing - 


The most popular here is Amazon Associates. You all know what it is by now so I don't need to explain. But you should know that there are several other companies out there like Share-a-sale, Commission Junction (which I think is called something else now) and just about every other website has an affiliate membership program.

Of course, the plan here is that you somehow drive traffic to their "store" and if the visitor buys something you will get a percentage of the sale. Pretty straight forward. I have only done Amazon affiliates and I think the most I made in one month (when I blogged nearly every day) was about $120 in that month. You can definitely produce some good income with this method. But you have to stay on top of your links to make sure they remain valid over time. Dead links = no dinero.

3. Direct sales - 


Either create your own products like Patrice does with ebook and tankards or buy someone else's stuff and sell it directly on your website. eBooks have been around since the start of the internet and believe it or not, people are still buying them. If you can figure out a way to create your own informational booklet, odds are there is someone in the world looking for that information.

This is where you will make the most income because you are the captain of your own ship. Thanks to the internet and the speed of shipping packages around the world, the sky is the limit on what you can make, sell, and where you can ship it to.

Mixing Up the Blog Topics


It wasn't my intention. My intention a few months ago was to capitalize on this established blog and see if I couldn't' revive some revenue out of it with some new posts about kayaking. I really like kayaking and there's sage old advice that you should only blog about what you love or it will become taxing and unenjoyable. So I switched the topic on this blog to kayaking and changed the template of how it looked to give it a more modern feel.

Then I realized, that just isn't what this blog was for. This blog was a means to express the current events in my life and share with like-minded individuals. So I reverted the blog back to its original template design. Unfortunately, it seems I destroyed some of the modules I used to have like linking to the blogroll of other bloggers who I used to follow religiously.

If you've read this far, maybe you are one of those blog authors that I used to follow. I would be happy to reconnect with a new widget on the sidebar if you could leave me a comment below. I suspect there aren't many out there anymore. Like Granny Miller, did she retire? Pioneer Preppy, Warlock Sundance, Leigh, Jay Ater, Kim, Milo, MaribethKC, well...the list is quite long. I have to jump on a conference call so I'll have to say farewell.

If you are interested, my new site is allowing me to blog about my career in radiology. In the next few months, I will probably pull the kayaking posts off this site and put them on a dedicated site just for kayaking and return this blog back to its original platform for posterity. And I'll drop by from time to time to was poetic because...who else is going to listen :-)

Ron
aka OJD

Edit: couldn't remember Granny Miller's name and called her Granny Smith, LOL. Corrected!

A Few Tools That Help a New Blog Get Off the Ground

Getting a blog started for income does not require much, but a couple of things help. A good webcam and microphone combo makes video content or interviews look and sound far more professional, and a solid book on blog SEO basics can save months of trial and error learning what actually works. Writing consistently matters most, but the right tools make it easier to stick with.

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Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Night Kayaking - The Thrill of Paddling By Moonlight

Night Kayaking: The Thrill of Paddling By Moonlight

I love to go kayaking...obviously. Sometimes I wish there was more time in the day to enjoy being on the water in my kayak. One morning, I started out super early so I could get a paddle in before I reported to my day job. As I slid my kayak into the water at 4:45am, I realized I had never been on the water in the absence of sunlight. It was almost pitch black at that time. That's when I first began to wonder "Can you go kayaking at night?"

The answer: Absolutely! There are some additional safety steps needed like having navigational lights on your kayak or a handheld lantern-type device. You also need to comply with standard safety measures like personal flotation devices, safety whistle, etc. Other than that, the sky's the limit. Go out any time and have fun!

Standard Gear for Any Kayak Trip

I've already done over this here: What do I need to start kayaking?

Additional Gear for Kayaking in the Dark

Two new circumstances for a kayaker are presented when kayaking at night.

  1. Making sure anyone else on the water can see you in the dark
  2. Making sure you can see everything you need to see for your safety

In order to be seen by other people on the water, you will need to add some lights to your kayak. There are boating standards established eons ago for any floating vessel in order to establish visibility at night. Whether you are dealing with a clear line of sight or challenges like fog and rain, there is still a basic lighting protocol established.

An unmotorized kayak is classified as a "vessel under oars" and subject to the U.S. Coast Guard Rules when it comes to navigation lights.

Citing U.S.C.G. Rule #25:

"A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent a collision."

So there is your first requirement. You should either have lights on your kayak or carry a handheld light source. Here are some great navigational lights that are super easy to be added to your kayak. If you choose to go the handheld route, check these out what they have on Amazon.

However, if you read on you can see an except for kayaks:

From U.S.C.G. Rule 30:

  • A vessel of less than 7 meters in length, when at anchor not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in Rule 30(a) and (b).
Seven meters is almost 23 feet.

Bow and Stern lights.

do you need lights

what do you wear for night kayaking

are PFDs required for kayaking

do i need a license to kayak

https://blog.theclymb.com/passions/paddle/kayak-night/

http://kayak-skills.kayaklakemead.com/night-kayaking.html

https://www.viator.com/tours/Florida/Bioluminescence-Comb-Jelly-Kayaking-Tour/d276-26315P9

🌙 Night Kayaking Gear — See and Be Seen

Full gear: Kayak 101.

Affiliate Disclosure: Amazon affiliate links support this blog at no extra cost to you.

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Monday, May 6, 2019

Is It Easier to Kayak or Canoe? Which is Best for You?

Is It Easier to Kayak or Canoe? Which is Best for You?

For most first-time paddlers, a kayak is the easier of the two to pick up. You sit low in the boat with a double-bladed paddle, which makes it more intuitive to keep a straight line and correct your course without much practice. Canoes sit higher off the water, use a single-bladed paddle, and typically require a bit more technique, like the J-stroke, to travel straight without a partner in the back steering. That said, canoes have their own advantages that make them worth considering depending on what you plan to do on the water.

Canoes generally offer more storage and carrying capacity, which makes them a favorite for camping trips, fishing, or paddling with kids and gear. They are also easier to enter and exit at a dock or shoreline since you are not folding yourself into a low cockpit. Kayaks, on the other hand, tend to handle wind and waves better because of their lower profile, and sit-inside models keep more of your body dry and warm in cooler conditions. Sit-on-top kayaks split the difference nicely for beginners, since they are stable, simple to climb back onto if you tip, and require very little upkeep.

If you are paddling solo, a kayak is usually the more forgiving choice while you build confidence and technique. If you are heading out with family, a dog, or a cooler full of gear, a canoe's extra capacity and stability at rest might make more sense. Many paddlers eventually own both, since each shines in different conditions. Renting each one for a day before buying is the best way to figure out which style fits your body, your local water, and the way you actually plan to use it.

This page has been moved to our new dedicated kayaking website:

🛶 Kayak vs Canoe: Gear to Try Both

  • Sit-On-Top Kayak — Easiest entry point for beginners. Amazon's Choice picks.
  • Canoe Paddle — If you go the canoe route, a proper bent-shaft paddle makes a big difference.
  • Kayak Paddle — Lightweight carbon options reduce fatigue significantly.
  • Coast Guard Approved PFD — Essential for either craft. Top-rated picks.

Full gear guide: Kayak 101.

Affiliate Disclosure: Links above are Amazon affiliate links. Purchases support The Orange Jeep Dad blog at no extra cost to you.

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Friday, May 3, 2019

How to Keep Kayaking Fun for Kids

How to Keep Kayaking Fun for Kids

Getting kids excited about kayaking starts with keeping the first few trips short, low pressure, and focused on fun rather than distance or skill. A tired, cold, or bored child on a two hour paddle will remember that trip for all the wrong reasons, so aim for thirty to forty five minutes on calm, flat water for the first several outings. Let them paddle when they want to and rest when they want to, and resist the urge to turn it into a fitness challenge. Praise and patience go a lot further than instruction at this stage.

A properly fitted life jacket is non-negotiable, and it should fit snugly enough that it will not slip up over a child's chin if they end up in the water. Sit-on-top kayaks or tandem kayaks are usually the easiest way to start, since kids can paddle alongside a parent without the pressure of controlling a boat solo. Bringing along simple extras like a dry bag with snacks, a water bottle, and a small toy or fishing net for exploring tide pools and shallow water keeps the outing feeling like an adventure instead of exercise.

Turning the trip into a game works wonders: spotting wildlife, counting turtles or fish, racing to a marked point and back, or letting a child navigate to a chosen landmark all keep young paddlers engaged. Sun protection matters even more for kids than adults, since their skin burns faster, so pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a rash guard. Most importantly, follow their energy level rather than a set plan, and end the trip on a high note while they are still having fun, so they are asking to go again next weekend instead of dreading the next time you suggest it.




This page has been moved to our new dedicated kayaking website:


🚣 Kid-Friendly Kayaking Gear

Full gear guide: Kayak 101.

Affiliate Disclosure: Links above are Amazon affiliate links. Purchases support The Orange Jeep Dad blog at no extra cost to you.

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Wednesday, May 1, 2019

The Dangers of Kayaking - Is Kayaking Safe ?

The Dangers of Kayaking - Is Kayaking Safe ?

Kayaking has an excellent safety record when it is done with a little preparation, but like any water sport it carries real risks that are worth understanding before you launch. The most common dangers are cold water immersion, capsizing in moving water or waves, collisions with other boats, and simply overestimating your own endurance on a longer paddle than you trained for. Most kayaking incidents come down to a small number of preventable mistakes rather than the sport being inherently dangerous.

Cold water is the biggest hidden risk, since even a mild-looking lake or river can be cold enough below the surface to cause cold shock and rapidly sap your strength if you end up in the water unexpectedly. This is why experienced paddlers dress for the water temperature rather than the air temperature, and why a properly fitted life jacket is non-negotiable, even for strong swimmers. Weather can also change quickly on open water, and wind that seems minor from shore can produce whitecaps and strong currents once you are out on a lake.

The good news is that nearly every serious risk can be managed with basic precautions: always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket, check the weather and water conditions before you launch, paddle with a buddy when possible, carry a whistle or signaling device, and stay within your skill level, especially around moving water, tides, or busy boat traffic. Taking a short beginner course or paddling with a more experienced friend the first few times is one of the best investments a new kayaker can make. With reasonable preparation, kayaking remains one of the safest and most accessible ways to enjoy time on the water.


This page has been moved to our new dedicated kayaking website:

🛟 Kayaking Safety Gear

Full gear guide: Kayak 101.

Affiliate Disclosure: Links above are Amazon affiliate links. Purchases support The Orange Jeep Dad blog at no extra cost to you.

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Monday, April 29, 2019

What is the best way to take care of my kayak?

What is the best way to take care of my kayak?

A little routine maintenance goes a long way toward keeping a kayak in good shape for years, whether it is a hard-shell plastic boat or an inflatable. After every outing, especially in salt water, rinse the hull, seat, and any hardware with fresh water to wash away salt, sand, and grit that can wear down seals and fittings over time. Letting a kayak dry completely before storing it prevents mildew and mold from building up inside the cockpit or storage hatches.

Storage matters just as much as cleaning. Kayaks should be stored out of direct sunlight whenever possible, since UV exposure is the number one cause of plastic becoming brittle and faded over time. Store the boat on padded racks or foam blocks rather than resting it directly on the hull for long periods, which can cause warping, and avoid stacking heavy items on top of it. If you store your kayak outside, a UV-resistant cover adds real protection against sun and weather damage.

A quick inspection before each trip catches small problems before they become big ones: check the hull for cracks or soft spots, make sure hatch covers and seals are not deteriorating, and confirm that foot pegs, seat straps, and any rigging are still secure. For plastic kayaks, a UV protectant spray applied a few times a season keeps the material from fading and cracking. With just a few minutes of care after each paddle and smart storage between trips, a well-maintained kayak can easily last well over a decade.

This page has been moved to our new dedicated kayaking website:

🧽 Kayak Care & Maintenance Gear

Full gear guide: Kayak 101.

Affiliate Disclosure: Links above are Amazon affiliate links. Purchases support The Orange Jeep Dad blog at no extra cost to you.

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Tuesday, April 23, 2019

How do you transport a kayak?

What to Wear Kayaking: Clothing, Shoes, and Wetsuits Explained

What you wear kayaking matters more than most beginners realize. The wrong clothing can make a fun day miserable — or in cold water, genuinely dangerous. The right gear keeps you comfortable, protected from the sun, and safe if you take an unexpected swim.

The Golden Rule: Dress for the Water, Not the Air

This is the most important principle in kayaking apparel. The air temperature might be a beautiful 75°F, but if the water is 55°F, falling in without proper layering can lead to cold shock and hypothermia in minutes. Always check the water temperature before you paddle, and dress accordingly.

What to Wear in Warm Weather (Water 70°F+)

When both the air and water are warm, you have a lot of flexibility:

  • Top: A moisture-wicking, quick-dry synthetic shirt or a UPF 50+ sun shirt. Avoid cotton — it holds moisture and chafes. A lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt actually keeps you cooler than bare skin by blocking UV.
  • Bottom: Board shorts or quick-dry hiking shorts. Anything that dries fast and doesn't absorb water. Avoid jeans completely — they become brutally heavy when wet.
  • Footwear: Water shoes, sandals with heel straps, or neoprene booties. You need something that stays on your foot when wet and protects your feet on rocky launches and landings. Flip flops are a bad choice — they come off too easily.
  • Hat and sunglasses: A wide brim sun hat and polarized sunglasses are essential on the water. Polarized lenses cut glare dramatically and help you see into the water.
  • PFD: Always. No exceptions. A Coast Guard approved life jacket is required by law in most states, and it's just plain smart regardless of your swimming ability.

What to Wear in Cold Water (Under 60°F)

Cold water is where kayaking clothing becomes a safety issue, not just a comfort issue. Here's what you need:

  • Wetsuit: A 3mm full wetsuit provides excellent protection down to about 50°F water. The neoprene traps a thin layer of water against your skin, which your body heats and maintains as insulation. You'll still get wet, but you won't get cold.
  • Drysuit: For serious cold water paddling (below 45°F), a drysuit is the gold standard. It keeps water completely out, and you layer underneath like you would for winter hiking. Expensive, but genuinely life-saving in the right conditions.
  • Neoprene gloves: Cold hands lose grip strength fast. A 2-3mm neoprene paddle glove keeps your hands functional.
  • Neoprene booties: Your feet often go in the water first. Protect them with 3-5mm neoprene boots.
  • Skull cap or beanie: You lose enormous amounts of heat through your head. A neoprene or wool skull cap under your helmet (if wearing one) makes a big difference.

Layering System for Spring and Fall Paddling

The transitional seasons are the trickiest. Water is cold but air might be mild. The solution is layering:

  • Base layer: A thin wetsuit or rashguard directly against skin
  • Mid layer: A fleece paddling jacket for insulation
  • Outer layer: A paddling jacket or anorak that blocks wind and splash

The advantage of layering is you can peel off as you warm up from exertion while still being protected if you capsize into cold water.

What NOT to Wear Kayaking

  • ❌ Cotton (holds water, causes chafe, takes forever to dry)
  • ❌ Jeans or heavy pants (impossibly heavy when soaked)
  • ❌ Flip flops (come off your feet in water)
  • ❌ Heavy boots (drag you down if you capsize)
  • ❌ Loose scarves or dangling accessories (snag risk)

👕 Shop Kayaking Clothing & Gear

  • UPF 50+ Quick-Dry Kayaking Shirt — Sun protection is essential on the water. Amazon's Choice in moisture-wicking kayak tops. 3,000+ reviews.
  • 3mm Wetsuit for Kayaking — Dress for the water temp, not the air temp. A must for spring and fall paddling. Top-rated picks.
  • Water Shoes — Protect your feet on rocky launches and river beds. Amazon's Choice picks. 10,000+ reviews.
  • Palmyth UV Fishing Gloves — Amazon's Choice, 1,377 reviews. UPF 50+ fingerless paddling gloves. Excellent sun protection.
  • Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket — Always the most important thing you wear on the water. Top-rated kayak PFDs with 5,000+ reviews.

Full gear guide: Kayak 101.

Affiliate Disclosure: Links above are Amazon affiliate links. Purchases support The Orange Jeep Dad blog at no extra cost to you.

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