Thanks everyone. I know that this one was about pretty basic stuff, that most people already know about. It was directed mostly at newbies. My plan is to build on that and get into more detailed stuff that would benefit some veteran ice anglers too. Also, what I write on my blog certainly isn't the only or best way to do things. Rather, I post what works for me, or things that bring me happiness in the outdoors. If what I do works for me, then it may help someone else.
Although I will mention some products that work for me, I'm not sponsored or paid by anyone. So, I mention brands that I'm using now or have used in the past, and acknowledge that there are other brands out there that work equally well. But I'm not doing it to plug them, just to demonstrate an example.
In blogging, you can go commercial and run ads and such to make money. I avoid that simply because I want an unbiased approach to my writing. I feel that others will find that what I say in my blogs may seem more credible, or honest, if there isn't money behind it. It's not wrong to have sponsors and such, but it's not for me.
So far the feedback via comments on the blog has been all positive. It's fun to write, and share, and I've learned that it's rewarding knowing that other people read and are interested in the material. It keeps me going.
I've also used my blog as a tool to bring people to my favorite forums, like this one. If it wasn't for Iceshanty, I would never be blogging to begin with (and Bass Junky/Ice Junky too).
Thanks again to everyone that took the time to check it out.
