D.I.Y. Home: Stagetecture Interviews Building Moxie

Guest Blog Entry #31, Entry #329, November 12, 2010

A week ago, I had the pleasure of contributing to Building Moxie – The Do Together Daily, and I spoke about how I started and followed my passion of writing and helping people enjoy their homes. What I thought would only be  ‘just a contributor’ piece turned into the start of a wonderful relationship with the editor ‘jb’ (yes, small letters). I was so happy I did it!

The site’s focus is around do it yourself (DIY) topics, but then it has a wonderful collaborative mix of many other home related topics given by contributors. It’s like a potpourri of topics, that I love!

Barry Morgan – ‘b’

jb

Today, I decided to turn the table around and find out how  jb started this great blog, who their audience is, and how you can get involved at Building Moxie as well.

Everyday, I’m searching for people who love what they do, jb definitely is a testament to loving his work. His partner ‘b’, while I haven’t met personally, must make a great team because Building Moxie is a wonderful find!

1.)   STAGETECTURE:

Why did you create Building Moxie and who is your target audience?

BUILDING MOXIE:

First I would like to thank you Ronique for the interest and the questions.

Starting at the beginning. . . Building Moxie is a second generation blog and in a way, it’s what I could call a “super blog”.  Not being egotistical – this is what I mean:  I began blogging in Nov. ’08 at http://www.agentsofmoxie.com.  I had been working through a business plan, when a friend Jack Pierce suggested  I try it – but only after . . . he himself had sifted through one too many long-winded  emails . I posted there on various things roughly once a week for a year.

From that early experience, I met a few people, one of which was Barry Morgan (aka b). At the time he was himself posting to Barry’s Big Blog of Building. And long story short – we entered into a long discussion that ended in an agreement to join forces.  Now here we are.

On many things, Barry & I share similar beliefs.  There is an unspoken understanding that while we both have professional interests in the home improvement field — the blog itself would not be limited to that topic solely.  We are, our readers would tell you, both artistic in nature . . . me with a background in writing and music, and Barry with a background in independent theater. We try to draw upon those experiences and frequently encourage each other to incorporate them.

Our take on developing the blog is simple though – Build as We Go, and the market will tell us what they want.  So that does make answering “the target audience question” a little difficult.  I have told others, “I don’t know – people that like housey-type stuff.”  And frankly going into most weeks even I as editor don’t know what you’ll get.  By decidedly opening our blog up to a variety of guest posters — it seems that the content, our scope can change just a little with each new contribution.

In general though, we are simply more interested in the” life” behind all facets of home improvement.  That is — whether you are doing it professionally or solely out of passion and for yourself.

Building Moxie helps you do it yourself

2.) STAGETECTURE:

I see you have many D.I.Y. (do it yourself) posts on your site. Tell us how you choose the posts and how you hope they benefit home owners.

BUILDING MOXIE:

First – having a blog that you do, on the side, and to which you post 5 days a week, is a VERY difficult endeavor.  I have pages to fill.  And for me – a homeowner who happens to be working on renovating an old house – these topics come easy.  They usually follow what we are doing and I usually never try to sugar coat it or make it glossy.  Most are simply essays which may at times detail work that I have done, and in turn may be helpful for others.

Recently I have been publishing some syndicated content that comes to us from the provider Home Sweet Solutions.  While I think at one point I have had a formula from which I chose how and when to post, now – what I choose usually comes down simply to feel.  What would give the blog a good fresh blend.

I try always to remain true our core though and in general  – our site is most fundamentally about homeownership, and the trials and tribulations that come along with, well, getting things done.

If we have anything that we would like to impart to homeowners . . . it’s this: despite what some home improvement resources might have you believe – there is no one size fits all. And even for someone (both Barry and I) with some background in a trade-type field – Steps A, B, C — done is usually NOT how it goes.

I am a proponent of diy (I was born a diyer) — I say, try it, do it, but always use your head — know your limits and know when to call in a pro.

Building Moxie would love for you be a ‘home’ article contributor, too!

3.) STAGETECTURE:

Building Moxie seems like it has a diverse amount of contributors, that must make your blog dynamic and exciting! Can you tell Stagetecture reader’s how they could contribute if interested and what you’re looking for?

BUILDING MOXIE:

Yes – and that of course was the plan with our Tagged project  . . . some have referred to us as a “meeting place” bringing together people from all corners of the industry.  I have to admit – twitter has been a significant driver in this.  What I have been most surprised with, though, is just how many people have approached us and offered pieces . . . Considering of course that we do not currently pay for posts.

From the beginning, Barry & I have had one rule on contributions – “You don’t have to be a writer but you have to write.” We accept submissions from Anyone on Anything (that is kinda related to house-stuff).  We have a decent editorial staff (if I do say so myself), and please do not hesitate to pitch us by email bmail@buildingmoxie.com.  I haven’t rejected any sincere submission yet and in general I would love to incorporate more “every-person” material into our site.

We have a great band of regular contributors as it is — http://www.buildingmoxie.com/contributors/ and I want to quickly plug them all. We are always looking to add to this page.

Building Moxie helps you read about others DIY projects

4.) STAGETECTURE:

What’s your favorite part about Building Moxie and how do you hope it will grow in the near future?

BUILDING MOXIE:

My favorite part is the contributors/contributions, and reading what folks submit.  It’s kinda like my own personal news stem.  Making time to explore the net has always been tough for me – now it’s like the good stuff just comes to me . . . No matter what the topic — I love just hearing what people have to say.

To continue, I guess it is kinda how I am . . . I seem in general to be selflessly supportive of others . . . but can’t seem to promote my own stuff.  Always been that way.  But don’t get me wrong, I enjoy writing and would love to dedicate more time to the craft.  That’s the close second, blogging is fun, but I guess – I just like being a blog owner.  I would be happy if I could just slip quietly into the background and let other’s voices be heard.

In the short term and with the continued support of good people . . . I could see posting seven days a week, then maybe potentially splitting into multiple channels (See:  Charles and Hudson.com – I use them as the inspiration).  I think this whole thing could be done more easily if we added a third to our partnership (3 heads are better than one) and ultimately if we monetized. I am actively pursuing these items now.

But in general, we like where we’re at.  We would like continue to do exactly what we do, stories from the fringe – but helpful in the near future just not so fringe.

Thanks again, Ronique and Stagetecture.

jb (I am still trying to maintain a level of anonymity ) is the editor of BuildingMoxie.com The Do Together Daily — a stream of consciousness take on homeownership, business, life and learning. jb may also be found on Twitter @BMoxieBMore .

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