Editor’s note: Today I am posting an interview that I just did yesterday with Daniel Scocco, of Daily Blog Tips. Recently, Daniel had a guest post published over at Zen Habits, “One Simple Principle to Live By: Purity,” which drew a tremendous amount of feedback from Leo’s readers.

Daniel’s interview today is outside of my regular “Ten Questions With” posting schedule but since I just had the chance to talk with him, and in light of the Zen Habit’s post, I thought now would be a good time to post his thoughts.

Question 1. How do you plan to keep Daily Blog Tips innovative in 2008? Will we see the launch of Daily Social Media Tips?

Daniel’s answer: Usually I don’t have a hard time coming up with new and innovative ideas (executing them is another issue…). I will just keep my radar on, and try to read from as many different fields as possible. This is a great strategy to get new insights to your own segments.

As for expanding my network, I think it will remain just the current three sites for the whole 2008. Else I would risk spreading myself too thin.

Question 2. As someone who dispenses blog tips, why do you think Leo Babauta and Skellie have resonated so well with readers?

Daniel’s answer: First of all they are tremendously talented when it comes to expressing ideas and concepts clearly. If you add to that the fact that they have a rich background and a good expertise on their niches, you will see where the buzz is coming from!

The stuff they write is packed with so much value that you just can’t miss it.

Question 3. In your recent Zen Habits guest post do you think people misunderstood your message, or read to deeply into what you were trying to say?

Daniel’s answer: I think some of them misunderstood the message I was trying to pass, and ended up focusing on some of the details that they did not agree with. I am glad they took the time to read my opinions in the first place, so even negative feedback is welcomed. If nothing else it helps me to reflect and re-evaluate my own ideas.

Question 4. Bloggers face off is a fantastic series. How did you come up with the idea? Has it been difficult to get top bloggers to participate?

Daniel’s answer: When I was younger I used to watch a show in the Italian television that would feature two famous people and interview them simultaneously, side by side. That is where the idea came from.

Somehow even top bloggers were always willing to participate. I think they innovative formate helps a bit.

Question 5. What are five tips that you would give to bloggers who are trying to attract more readers, or gain additional RSS subscribers?

Daniel’s answer:

  • Make sure your content is useful
  • Update your blog regularly
  • Make sure it is easy to subscribe to your blog (i.e. visible icons)
  • Promote your content on different channels (e.g., social media, blog networks, etc.)
  • Analyze what is working and what is not, redefine the strategy, repeat

Question 6. What has been the best blog tip that you have ever received, and what one blog do you read everyday?

Daniel’s answer: Perhaps the best blog tip that I heard was to be unique. People will not have a reason to read your stuff if you are writing what everyone else is. I read around 100 blogs everyday (through my feed reader), so mentioning just one would not be accurate.

Question 7. Where do you see blogging heading in the next five years? Do you think blogs will still exist, as we know them today? Or, will we be having holograms of Seth Godin, Darren Rowse, and Leo Babauta beaming out of our computers for our daily fix?

Daniel’s answer: Five years is a long time frame for the Internet! Still I believe that blogs will be around. Not necessarily “blogs” as we call and see them today. But I am sure that more and more people will be connected to the Internet and they will want to have an online presence.

Question 8. If you could go out for a beer one evening with Maki and Darren Rowse what would you ask them?

Daniel’s answer: Well I already read most of their stuff, so I have a clear idea of what they think about Internet and business related matters.

I would rather ask more personal questions to get to know them better.

Question 9. Where do you find inspiration?

Daniel’s anwer: Books, other blogs, magazines, newspapers, and talking with other people.

Question 10. Are you now a fan of Big Brother :-)

Daniel’s answer: No kidding!

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6 Responses to “A Conversation With Daniel Scocco Of Daily Blog Tips”

  1. Al Says:

    You’re brave. I didn’t think anyone would want him on their blog after the stench he created on Zen Habits.

  2. Mark Says:

    Hi Al – How are you? I saw what happened at Zen Habits yesterday and I actually felt [really] bad for everyone that was involved (Leo, the readers, and Daniel).

    So that is exactly why I wanted to get the interview up ASAP.

  3. Al Says:

    I’m great, thanks. Yourself?

    I find it hard to have any sympathy for Daniel (or Leo for that matter). I’ve written posts without really thinking and have ended up sounding like a twot. But, that was always on blogs only friends read. To come across so badly on your first guest post on a blog with 30,000 subscribers? That’s pretty spectacular.

  4. Skellie Says:

    I work for Daniel and can vouch that he’s a good man and an incredibly fair employer. That’s all I want to say :).

  5. Al at 7P Says:

    Hi Mark,

    This article is good timing, in light of his Zen Habits article. I actually didn’t know who Daniel Scocco was until Zen Habits. What a first impression that left :) The comments in that article grew to be a competition as to who could insult Daniel more… it was like watching a train wreck that lasted a couple of days.

    This article has made me explore his blog some more. Loved how you closed with the Big Brother question - made me laugh out loud!

  6. Mark Says:

    Hi Al - yeah, as I stated above I felt pretty bad for everyone involved. There is a fine line between constructive criticism and personal attacks that I don’t think should be crossed…

    Just my humble opinion :)

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