As a blogger in the search marketing field, I often at times question whether or not a personal post or one that is off-topic of search marketing is appropriate for my readers. It's a tough call really. I've always read (from other industry Bloggers) that the best way to build, and thus maintain, a readership is to always post on topic. That of course makes sense, right? I mean those who've subscribed either by feed or by email are mainly interested in my thoughts on search marketing, and not so much on life, religion, politics, or anything else.

However, in that same regard and what makes this an ongoing debate for me is that a blog, by sheer nature, is a medium that empowers personality. I mean the reason you're reading this right now is because you either a) know me personally, b) want to know me personally, or c) enjoy my personal "call it as I see it" attitude towards search marketing. The common denominator thus being "personal". One could easily get their SEM fix by reading any one of the other 500 blogs currently in circulation, but my readers choose the Klog blog because of me.

I believe it's very important for authors of industry-focused blogs to understand the kinds of people reading their writing. It makes sense right... the more you know about your audience the better you can target your messages to them. However, the same can and should be applied for readers. The more information readers understand about the authors they read, the better they'll grasp the ideas and viewpoints behind each post... which leads me to this week.

Having an understanding of this, it makes perfect sense for me to include personal stories and details about my life in my writing. Not only are they accepted (because this is a blog, and again blogs are personable by nature), but they're also desired.

This week I've decided to step back from my SEM podium, and instead share with you all a series of posts regarding me, my personal interests, and a few not-so-public facts about my life. Now, just to forewarn everybody, don't expect me to expose my deepest, darkest life secrets because that's not what this is about. My goal with these next few posts is to simply provide readers with a better understanding of the kind of person I am outside of the search marketing space, and to have a little fun as well. And, just for the record, I won't be writing about my love for video games, wrestling, or my girlfriend fiancée Jackie as these areas have already been well documented throughout this blog. This will all be new stuff and hopefully a lot of fun. Stay tuned!

#### UPDATE ####

Monday: I Smoke Cigars
Tuesday: I Have A Favorite Fork
Wednesday: I am a Grillin Villain
Thursday: I Worked at Wal-Mart
Friday: I Play Poker