“Never forget to answer comments of your readers. Just a ‘thanks’ can do wonders too. Reader should feel that ‘their’ voice is being heard too”.

- Darshit Joshi

Darshit Joshi, a Mechenical engineer by profession, loves discussing about movies and music, especially Hindi movies and this desire encouraged him to start his own blog in March 2005, where he can discuss and share his thought, reviews and experience about movie, music and some personal stuff.

The blog http://dunkdaft.blogspot.com focus area is on Hindi movies, music and some personal stuff like his travel experience.

In an interview with WebNeeTech, Darshit shared his journey as a blogger and word of advice for the new bloggers.

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Blogger’s Detail:

Blogger’s Name: Darshit Joshi

Age: 26

Blog name and URL: Movies Music and Me…..

http://dunkdaft.blogspot.com

Blog Focus Area, domain: Hindi Movies and Music which I like. And some personal things too, like my travels.

Blog launched on: Basically in March 2005, rejuvenated around October 2007.

Monthly visits (page views, if any) on website. Since 1^st Jan, My avg daily visits are 209

Do you have team of bloggers? – Not now.

Interest / Activities: Movie watching [alone] and listening music.

Located at: (city, country) Ahmedabad, India.

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Interview (Q&A Round)

Q. What motivated you to start blogging?

Being a Mech Engr. I was very unfamiliar to www things. Back in 2003, when I heard that I too can make my own web-page and share my thoughts on it, I couldn’t hold back. Cause since school time, I love discussing movies. Hindi movies specially, so there it started.

One thing I want to add, I was not a frequent blogger. Until, in Oct.2007 I came across theBollywoodFan’s blog, which blew me away. I never knew that I can actually ‘get connected’ with readers by means of posts and comments. Also the guys dedication inspired me a lot. So soon, I did a make over to my blog and started updating it very frequently.

Q. Tell us in detail about your blog, your idea and how it can benefit others?

As my blogs’ name says, it’s all about 3 M of my life. I just can’t hold back urge to discuss some great song or even a scene, so that I write down on my posts. I just want people to know that there are creative people in India who make such great forms of art. So there I love to spread words about them. And yes, my secret idea behind blogging is ‘to get famous / recognized’ J

Q. What area or topic you generally cover in your blog, any special reason behind it?

I write whatever comes to my mind which always is in Filmy mood. Though sometimes I have posted about travels I’ve done and shared pics from there. But most of them are linked to movies. Like two posts about my visit to shooting locations of Lagaan [my most fav movie]. Also I love to review music albums and movies, both old and new ones. I have one category Forgotten Soundtracks, where I review some ‘not old’ yet unheard or forgotten soundtracks.

Reasons behind posting, is just to spread word about Indian movies. I was surprised when I found there is such a big fan base outside India, who are not Indians yet they love our movies. I think I am providing them guidance on what to watch and listen.

Q. Which blogging platform you are using (wordpress, blogspot, bloggers etc), any reason about it?

In starting phase, I used some unknown platform which I can’t remember at all. Then when I found how easy Blogger.com is, I transferred my posts to it. I think Blogger’s user interface is so easy for Non-IT people like me.

Q. How frequent you update your blog? How many post your blog is carrying at present?

I make it sure to have at least 2 posts per week. A sometimes circumstance does not allow me to do so. But I try my best. One un written rule for blogger is-don’t let your readers think that you don’t exist anymore. Keep yourself and keep your blog updated at-least once a week.

Q. What tools you use to increase your blog readership and bring people on your blog? Do you use social networking sites?

I like to be shameless in publicizing my blog. I even have printed a calendar with the URL and have put it at my office. Also sometimes I use ig.com, and regularly Tweet about my latest post. You won’t believe this, but on my first date, while parting, I gave my blog’s URL to the girl, telling her that ‘you can know more about me from there’:-p But one thing is for sure-none of my relatives and friends, are reading my stuff.

I have submitted and registered my blog at various communities too. But I don’t’ think I am getting enough hits from them. It’s just dear old Google, who is getting me all visitors.

Q. Any specific tips you have for new bloggers who want to make it in the blogsphere?

As I said earlier, ‘keep updating’. And yes, interface of your blog is very important. Okay, black template looks ultra cool, but it is so much annoying to eyes. Just go for plain light templates, which should be fast to load.

And never forget to answer comments of your readers. Just a ‘thanks’ can do wonders too. Reader should feel that ‘their’ voice is being heard too.

Q. Do you earn revenue through your blog? If yes then how a blogger should monetize his / her blog? If no, then any plans in future?

Oh, I have been using AdSense for so long. But still the time has not come when I can see a Cheque in my mailbox.

I think Google Adsense is quite easy. But beware of putting many ads on your page. Just put few link units and a small squre box in sidebar, which will be less annoying to readers who don’t want to see the ads.

Q. What are your other favorite blogs which you follow, can you list the top 5 such blogs?

This is very unfair. I can’t disappoint my Blog-friends out there. But okay, here are my top five.

1. Thebollywoodfan.com – A dil se Desi; Californian guy [Name withheld by request] who is ardent follower of Aamir Khan and Lagaan.

2. http://apunbindaas.blogspot.com/ – by NICKI. A Hmong Lady from US, who has grown up on Bolly and Southie movies.

3. http://www.oneknightstands.net/ BY Sujoy Singha – all about TV, Music, Hollywood, Bollywood, Anime, Humour and much more insanity.

4. http://ajnabi1977.blogspot.com/ By Ajnabi [nickname] An American Lady who is die hard fan of Shahid and Bollywood ofcourse.

5. http://www.bhargavsaikia.com/ by Bhargav Saikia. A guy who chops movies with his sharp words. A strict movie critic.

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