A blogger's tale

A while ago I was asked,
Why and when did you decide to start writing?
Furthermore - what persuaded you to take your talents to the Internet?

Here is what I wrote in reply.
In 2007 I was working in a pressurised environment for the NHS in the UK. My job held plenty of responsibility and hassle, for few rewards. Feeling that I was approaching breaking point I decided that it was time to walk away. As it has turned out I did return in a few short months but in a part-time capacity and different hospital environment.

When I first left though I took a drop in money. My new, temporary job was only just above the minimum wage and the 16 hours reduction in the working week added to the financial restraints.

Still I was much happier and the break gave me time to re-evaluate life and my priorities.

So, at home, with more time on my hands, and no money, I began to research ways that I could make a little extra money on-line.

Simply google "making money online" and all sorts of opportunities and scams are easy to find.

I wanted something that was legitimate, non pressurised and offered a little pocket money.

I began with surveys and mystery shopping and found the rewards nice. They were not always vast but they were steady extra cash.

English had been one of my best subjects at school and writing seemed a possibility. I had been good at art but my poor eyesight limited these opportunities.

I signed up at Dooyoo.co.uk and Ciao.co.uk and began to write product reviews. My initial reviews were dire. Whether it was lack of experience, my health at the time or simply lack of practice I do not know, but some reviews were dreadful. Still I earned a little money and built up a community. All in all I enjoyed these sites. Epinions was another that I joined, but only for a short time.

As my writing improved I gradually abandoned these sites and moved on. For a while I did go back and amend some of the reviews but as the rewards were small it felt time to move on.

I guess Helium was my first proper Internet writing site. It was in its infancy when I joined. Over the five plus years that I have been a member Helium has morphed into a new entity. Some of this I like. Some I do not.

Then in time I came across Hubpages. That site for me fulfilled many of my creative needs at least it did back then. It was user friendly, easy to get to grips with and did not make too many changes, too often. Yes, it has made some but most have been welcome improvements. Infobarrel was recommended by a fellow Hubber other sites followed. In time I streamline my Internet writing. There are only so many hours in a day and I do not want to be a, Jack of all trades, master of none, as the saying goes.

I guess on the whole I would say that I decided to try writing as a means to earn some extra money, but it turned out to offer so much more. Writing online offers flexibility, instant writing rather than jotting down notes and needs little initial financial outlay except for needing to have a computer.

It has helped me keep track of new technological innovations, make many virtual friends and stretch my brain. As practise makes perfect it has greatly improved my writing skills. At least I hope it has. It has become a big part of my daily life. I use it as a means to unwind from my daily part-time work.

As I am approaching retirement I have seen and experienced so much over the years that in some ways I have a wealth of knowledge. That is true of all of us as we go through life. The Internet enables us to share our knowledge and experience with people around the world.

The Internet was the place I chose to write mainly because it is accessible, relatively free, non restrictive and World wide. I also liked the possibilty to remain anonymous when required or wanted. I have no delusions about being another Jane Austen or J K Rowling but enjoy putting my thoughts into words.

Now with two websites under my belt I have gone from blogger to webmaster. Who would have though it? Certainly not I.

If you think that it is easy to make a bundle of cash writing online you are mistaken. It could however be the hobby for you.

Ladies Days at the races in the UK is an institution. Whilst so many people around the world struggle make ends meet, or even eat each day, vast sums of money are spent on Ladies Day preparations. Ah only in the UK!

In the past Ladies Day at Royal Ascot was just that. A day when upper crust females strutted their stuff. In recent years the gates have been open to a wider section of society. That's all to the good. However things have gone from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Big, fancy hats are worn by women who would never dream of wearing any type of hat for other occasions. Strappy dresses and strappy shoes are viewed as essential parts of an Ascot wardrobe whether it is sun or snow on the day.

The problem is that standards have been slipping. The event as far as those "in the know" are concerned has hit rock bottom. The dressing up has gone just that bit too far. Tacky is now the name of the game at Ascot.

Quick, send for the fashion police.

Dress restrictions have been in place for a few years now. On the whole these have been ignored. However it all depends on what sort of ticket you have. Entrance to the Royal enclosure demands strict adherence to the established dress code. In 2012 stewards will make sure that the fashion rules are obeyed.

Royal Ascot 2012 will run from Tuesday June 19 to Saturday June 23, inclusive. Fascinators those hugely popular forms of head wear, so often sported these days, have now been banned from Royal Ascot. As the Duchess of Cambridge often wears a fascinator this could prove interesting to royal watchers.

Stewards are set to enforce the rules this year. Pashminas and suitable head wear will be supplied. Agree to cover up or face exclusion from the Royal enclosure.

Check out what not to wear here

Opinion: Wouldn't it be fun if the Queen or another leading Royal broke the rules. If she turned up in a mini skirt wearing a tacky fascinator on top of a punk hair do. We wonder if she would be turned away,

Those who will be attending Royal Ascot 2012 bear in mind the weather is set to be atrocious.

Are you a fan of the British Monarchy? Are you excitedly awaiting the forthcoming Jubilee events or are you a Republican who will class it all as a waste of money?  Well which ever category you fall into you may be rather "miffed", as we Brits say, to read about today's glittering Royal luncheon and dinner.

Friday May 18, 2012, Queen Elizabeth has been hosting a special lunch at Windsor Castle. She of course will not be footing the bill. The lunch has already seen some high drama as yesterday, May 17,  Spain’s Queen Sophia pulled out of the event due to tensions over Gibraltar. 

There were also some protesters out in force this week. They were objecting to the fact that Swaziland’s King Mswati III was due to attend. On the invitation list there was also King Hamad of Bahrain, a country on the brink of civil war.A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office told the media yesterday,  “The sovereigns lunch is a matter for Buckingham Palace, but we understand all reigning sovereigns have been invited.“The jubilee celebrations are about marking 60 years of the queen’s reign, they are not a political event.“The palace is not releasing further details, including details of the guest list, until the day of the engagement.”

Bunkum. Does that mean that any old despot or tyrant could and would be invited? We think not. As British taxpayers will no doubt be footing the bill for this extravaganza, in spite of our supposed austerity measures which mean pensioners have lost income, perhaps we should have had some input?

What will sicken many Brits is that 12 other UK Royals attended the Windsor lunch. It is always the "hangers on" that annoy people. The lunch is to be followed by another extravagant dining experience for these UK and Foreign Royals hosted this time by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, at Buckingham Palace.This has led to some protesters outside of the Palace. For these people it is who was invited and their stance on Human Rights which has caused anger. 

For this Brit however it is the slap in the face of this ridiculous "luncheon" and dinner in such dire times. You can read more on the Human Rights issues infringed and the menus for both events here.

Bear in mind that this is just one tiny event in the Queen's 60th Jubilee. Talk about "Let them eat Cake!"