Over the next five days I’m going to run a little daily competition here at ProBlogger.
The prize – each day from Monday through to Friday I’ll be giving away an autographed copy of WordPress For Dummies by Lisa Sabin-Wilson.
I’ve seen some parts of this book already (the full thing is winging it’s way from the US as I write this) and it is a great read and well worthwhile the purchase for those starting out with and wanting to extend their knowledge of a blog platform that more ProBlogger readers use than any other.
How do you Win a Copy?
It’s simple – all you have to comment on ProBlogger over the next week. Each day of the week I’ll choose one random comment left on that particular day (on any post on the blog). That commenter will win a copy of the book – it is as simple as that.
The comments do need to be legitimate (ie – on topic and adding something to the conversation) – but you can enter as many times as you like – each comment that you leave is an ‘entry’.
I’ll announce the five winners at the end of the week.
I use MT, but this book would come in handy when I try to help fellow bloggers who use WP.
I’m also giving away two signed books from Joe Vitale on my blog. Click my name out find out more.
Fred
While I’m sure that this is a great book, I wonder about its long-term usefulness. Since I’ve been using WordPress, it’s been upgraded about 9 times. Plug-ins and widgets are changing daily. Themes spring up and fall apart overnight. How does a static book keep up with something that dynamic? I suppose that for persons wanting to set up a WordPress site with only what bells and whistles are available now and never upgrade, this might be an appealing alternative, but beyond that? Still, if I win the book I am sure I’ll give it a gander and learn from it.
I’m in for this Darren. List me up. I’m interested on reading that book for a start. :)
I have been waiting for another book to appear for wordpress. I must admit I have tried each and every blog type and finally decided I favor wordpress best.I wanted to mention another informative book for wordpress that has helped me in numerious ways, WordPress Complete – Hasin Hayder. It could be a bit outdated as I purchased it over a year ago but I find the book has become a reference and sits beside me at the computer desk.
Patricia
It should be a great book to read during Christmas!!
Another great ProBlogger contest … I could really use this book as I try to take my blogging to the proverbial “next level.” The For Dummies series gets some jabs because of the title, but the ones I have used in the past have actually been full of smart advice.
Thanks, Darren, for offering this as a prize and I hope I am among the lucky winners! I am still reaping the benefits of the consulting prize I won from IttyBiz.com during the anniversary extravaganza, and if this is one tenth as helpful as Naomi has been then I need it desperately!
Wow, thanks for the offer Darren (and Lisa). The “Dummy” are always a great resource, and I just love using WordPress. I definitely want a shot at winning! :)
I’m glad to read that you liked it Darren, I might have to pick it up. I know a pretty good amount about WP but sometimes it’s nice to have a text to reference plus when I’m done I can pass it onto my bro so he can learn about WP as well.
I could definitely use a copy of that book. I would like to use WordPress, but have been having a hard time getting it to work the way that I would like for it to.
This is also a very inspiring post since it shows how to have a contest on your blog to boost readership and traffic. Thanks!
This book was made for me. A timely contest Thank you
Count me in.
really so cool. can’t wait to win a copy of Lisa’s book! :)
Darren – what a great idea – as a Teaching Sells participant – it shows me once again why I love learning from you – oh yeah and a book would be great too! :-) – Cyndee Haydon
Well, this is a great contest, especially for me as I’m considering giving up the free blog to have one hosted for real. I’d like to stay with WordPress as it is what I think would be most comfortable for me.
HI Darren, I have just started out with wordpress, so I would love to win a copy of this book.
I also have a question: I am thinking of moving from wordpress.com to wordpress.org and was wondering if you have any tips for how to choose a blog host? I know WP has some recommendations, but I have no idea how to compare the criteria or estimate things like space required, bandwidth etc, or what other features are important. Maybe the WP for Dummies book would answer those questions, but I thought you might also be able to provide some tips.
Thanks!
Guera
How nice. I wanted to pick this book up, anyway, to familiarize myself with WordPress.
I could always use some more WordPress tips!
Wonderfully sounding book. WordPress, the software, is for dummies like me anyway. I’m cut-and-paste, pick-and-click blogger, no IT knowledge at all.
I have no doubt the book ‘WordPress for Dummies’ will teach me much.
I guess it’s a sign of hitting the big time when they create a “dummies” guide for your product!
This would be the perfect excuse to finally transfer my blog from blogger to wordpress!
Press Muddies for Worm
WordPress for Dummies, please!
LOL. Now why do they have to call it “WordPress for Dummies”?????? I think I prefer the “training wheels” title that Snoskred (www.snoskred.org) is writing at the moment. However, I think I might kind of qualify as a “dummy” when it comes to WordPress. I have just started using them so a resource like this sure would be wonderful timing!!! :-) To be honest I wasn’t aware such a book existed!
Hey Darren,
Although one of the comments said that the title is offending, I think that the for dummies books is very informative and intelligent, I had the opportunity to co-write a book for them (still in the making) and I read and own over 50 of the dummies books and I’m lucky enough to know a couple of authors personally (Thanks to facebook). However I heard a lot about Lisa and can’t wait to read her wordpress for dummies book.
This is a great idea and I am sure you will get more comments than ever. I have one question though. Is the book about wordpress.org or wordpress.com or both?
What a great idea for a book. I sure could use some help. :)
Today I’m going to register a domain and install WordPress. I’d really like to read the Dummies book, but for now, I’ll leave WP on default settings and worry about tweaking later.
Dr J
Sometimes I feel really dummy working on my blog, specially when i’m trying to do some business arround it (the so called enterprise 2.0). A litle help would be very welcome, since very often I really get a hard time reading FAQs and foruns trying to find the solutions for my problems. The guys at the wordpress support team will feel very released If I win the contest!
For the person on WordPress, but not understanding WordPress well over half the time, I’d love to win this Darren. (Great comments generating post BTW)
“Certified WordPress Evangelist”. What a great title!
Thats a nice looking book, and the author’s blog is very interesting too.
I’ve been using WordPress for two years now, both the free version and then WordPress.org since June this year. It’s the only blogging platform I’ve ever used. But I still consider myself a ‘dummy’ on WordPress. Every week I find out at least one new thing to help make it work better for me. So this book sounds like it might have been written for me.
I have actually been looking for a good book on WordPress recently. If I don’t win, I’ll probably just buy it.
But hey, don’t let that stop you from picking me.
I’ve been thinking about buying this book, winning it would be great!
Hey Darren,
I’ve set a goal of moving my blog from http://teacher-toolbox.blogspot.com into a WordPress format.
Feel free to cast a prize towards this WordPress dummy :)
Adrian
http://www.adrianbruce.com
I’m so glad you’re doing this! I am actually considering doing a similar give-away. My question: How did you decide to do this to increase comments vs. increase subscribers to your blog or newsletter? Also, how would you do this in a joint venture with other blogs? Enquiring minds wanna know :)
As some of you might know, I am a dummy and could really use this book. I hope I am the lucky dummy.
AWESOME HOPE I CAN WIN ONE!!! OH YEA MAN ! YOU DA MAN
Well remind me never to tick the email update option when you are running a competition. Its 00:46GMT and I think I’ll have to stay up all night to stop my email account from overflowing.
Sounds like fun.
Shameless attempt to win the book. I’m a dummy and love the dummy books!
Cool, I always look in the book stores for WordPress related books and now there is one. Great that your giving some away.
Molly
Sounds like a great book and it is surely a contest that many of us feel comfortable entering.
Word Press for dummies? I like it. Some of those free blog sites Need WordPress for babies.
To many competitive bloggers out there anymore. trashing a site. Or if you get more post views daily they report you.
I think it’s time I host my own
Awesome deal
What a great idea for a book. I sure could use some help. :)
Darren,
I am just about to switch to wordpress – this would be so helpful! :-)
thx
Over 100 comments! Big surprise. You should give away stuff more often.
Great news! I’ll be able to use this book to improve the quality of my online tutoring since I cannot buy the book in local bookstores. I become your new fan after reading your interviews in clearblogging by Bob Walsh. Superb tips and tricks!!!
I will Definitely Win This Book. And Learn Lots Of New Thing.
I am a very great fan of the dummies series considering the fact that i am a master of none :) . A very good choice for a prize in fact.
I just hope you don’t get exhausted moderating comments, especially when most of them are just eyeing the carrot at the end of the stick.
I admit i am a donkey myself too :) .
Hi Darren
you can send your copy to Lisa & Lisa can send me her copy.
She does’nt mind the postage.
Big THANKS.