The Extraordinary Tourist
Free Stock Images for your Blog
Sunday, March 23, 2008
You may have noticed that I haven't posted to this blog for quite some time. That's largely been due to a lack of motivation on my part. If all has gone well, on the top right of this post you should see an interesting image of a blogger talking with his hand along with the text 'Blah, Blah, Blog'.
In many respects this is how I've felt about writing of late. Why bother if you don't really have anything of great value to say?
In an attempt to break the drought of posts, this post is to inform you of a new image hosting service called PicApp which breaks through all the legalities of using copyright images through ad supported image hosting of pictures provided by publishers willing to let their images be used in this way.
The image on this post comes from PicApp and demonstrates how the ads appear on an embeded image. Supposedly the ads are relevant to content (I wonder if this breaches Google's Adsense terms in any way?).
However, what makes the concept cool is that using the images is almost as simple as ripping off copyrighted images from other web sites - only with PicApp you're not likely to risk a law suit. Just browse PicApps database for a suitable image, choose one of the standard sizes, then paste some code into your blog where the image should appear. Easy!
At the time of writing this post the site was still in Beta Test mode but already has a substantial data base of stock and current events images. Eventually you'll be able to upload your own images and earn some of that ad revenue as well.
Well worth a look if you need some stock images to enhance your blog.Labels: internet, photography, writing
Blonde Rose featured on Helium.com
Sunday, January 06, 2008
 Blonde Rose (otherwise known as my sister) had a great day today on Helium, the web site for writers. Her article on South Australia's water wise garden, Timandra was featured in the prime position on Helium's home page (see the screen shot above because featured articles are usually only featured for one day so it may no longer be there when you're reading this).
In these water saving, environmentally conscious times, if you have any interest in such things then Rose's article is well worth a read. Timandra is the the only "Eco-Tourism" accredited garden in the world. Having visited the garden with Rose on our road trip I can attest to it's greenness, even in Australia's dry conditions.
Whilst you're there you may like to read some of Rose's other articles too.Labels: site news, writing
Helium Features: Reflections on the Starving Artist.
Monday, August 27, 2007
 Someone at Helium must like me because today they featured another of my articles, Reflections on the Starving Artist on their home page.
The article, which is currently rated number 1 out of 17 articles, looks at the challenges faced by emerging artists in relation to income and why the phrase 'starving artist' is still very relevant in todays society both literally and as a metaphor. There are many barriers to a successful career in the Arts and it is these barriers that can have a detrimental effect on both the artist and their ability to earn a living.
This is the second time Helium has featured my work on their home page and twice in one month no less! Previously An introduction to Video Blogging earned its day in the sun and even featured higher up on the page.
Now if I could only get featured on YouTube's home page I'd be really happy.Labels: art, money, social, writing
Helium Features "An Introduction to Video Blogging" on Home Page.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
It's an exciting day today as Helium has just featured my article An Introduction to Video Blogging on their home Page.
Whilst the article will only remain on the home page for a day, you have to remember that this is a site with millions of visitors and every click on my article is worth money. Home Page featured is the pinnacle of Helium writing on a par with being accepted by a partnered print publisher or being the winner of one of Helium's regular contests.
 Labels: video, writing
Not writing, painting.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Regular readers may have noticed that I haven't been posting to this blog daily of late. My plan to post daily kind of got interrupted with my Perth Road Trip in that my flow of being able to post at all was impeded.
Since then I've been inspired to paint a lot more now that I've taken the leap from mixed media (acrylics and chalk pastels) to straight acrylic paintings. I'm finding that the work I'm producing is, in my opinion, of a higher standard than some of my last few mixed media works.
As far as continuing to write for this blog I wanted to assure you that I haven't abandoned or forgotten about it. Being a creative type in so many different areas there is always one area that currently gets the most attention. Right now, for me, it is painting.
I will continue to post to this blog (just a little less frequently) and probably will get back to the daily routine when my enthusiasm for painting needs a rest. Creativity and inspiration tends to go in cycles. My writing cycle will no doubt come around soon.Labels: creativity, inspiration, painting, writing
Gonna Get my Picture on the Cover of Rolling Stone.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
 Okay, so it's not Rolling Stone Magazine and it's not really Wired Magazine either but one can dream can't they?
Wired Magazine is to the IT industry what Rolling Stone Magazine is to the music industry. i.e. Wired is the 'cool' technology magazine that is as famous for its page design and overall look as it is for its in depth articles. If you make the cover of Wired then there's a good chance some of its coolness may reflect kindly on you.
Xerox is running a promotion where you too can dream about being on the cover of Wired with their Wired Magazine Cover Creator. Thanks to Nalts at Will Video for Food for posting about this little bit of fun.Labels: computers, design, people, writing
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