Interview with Lindsay Feinberg [thelunchbelle] on Whohub

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What is your blog address? What subjects do you deal with?

www.thelunchbelle.com

The subjects I deal with are: New York City-centric restaurant reviews, event planning and recipes.

What was it that made you create your blog? On what date did you start it?

In June 2005, I got a job at a start-up hedge fund, where among other tasks, I managed special events and daily catered lunches for 100+ employees. After having found the website, www.chow.com, I was amazed by how many of the posters had blogs. That’s when I decided to jump on the bandwagon. Initially, “The Lunch Belle” was intended to be a pseudo “sounding board” where I could vent/praise both the restaurants that I worked with on a daily basis, and those that I chose to try/frequent off-the-clock.
The website was born in July 2007.

What blogging system have you adopted and why?

I'm not quite sure how to answer this question, but the service that I use for my website is Squarespace (www.squarespace.com). In the past, I've utilized Yahoo Small Business, Blogger and Wordpress. I love Squarespace because it allows me to create and design my own website with very user-friendly modules and components.

How many visits a day do you get? What type of comments do you receive?

I receive anywhere from 100-220 visits per day. The comments I receive are mostly inquiries about where to dine in New York City.

How has 'having a blog' contributed to your life?

Having my blog has completely altered my life in the most positive ways. I find writing to be extremely therapeutic. Plus, I have so many bottled-up opinions on food, in general, that I need an outlet where I can open the virtual flood gates. Through my website, I've met an extraordinary amount of amazing people that I probably would not have encountered, otherwise. I've developed a love for food photography, as well. The list of contributions goes on and on.

Have you created relationships with other bloggers or readers of your blog?

Absolutely! I've created both relationships with readers and other bloggers. This has truly enriched my life in ways I never thought possible.

How often do you post? Does regular posting of your blog require a lot of effort on your part?

I try to post daily, but sometimes that is not possible, especially if I'm traveling or have a very heavy work load. Most of my time spent on my blog is for editing, as the restaurant scene in NYC is constantly evolving (i.e. restaurant closures).
The effort required to keep my blog abreast is enjoyable. I don't find this to be a nuisance or a chore.

Does blogging bring in income for you? Can one make a living from posting?

Blogging has brought in some income, but not enough of one to make a living from posting.

How do you promote your blog?

Self promotion: Facebook, Twitter, chow.com, networking events, working with public relations firms, business cards, etc.

How would you define your readers? Have you got a faithful audience?

I would define my readers as:
NYC residents and/or people planning an upcoming visit to Manhattan

I do have a faithful audience and I am so grateful for that. My readers are my lifeline!

Are there any blogs you follow daily or regularly?

Have you ever received gifts for blogging about your opinion of products or services? What do you think of bloggers who do that?

I think that products sent to bloggers for sampling/writing purposes is, technically, a gift. Isn't the meaning of a "gift" something that someone gives you/you didn't pay for?

How do you see your blog evolving in the future?

There really is no crystal ball! If you had told me in July 2007 that, from my blog, I would write for the NY Post four times, get courted by an agent to write a book, be invited to all kinds of culinary events, etc., I would have never believed you!
All I can say is that I hope to continue enjoying writing and having fun with my website.

What advice would you give to someone who wishes to begin a blog?

Here is my best advice:
Choose a topic that you’re extremely passionate about because this will make writing easier and enjoyable.
Ask yourself why you want to start a blog
Are you writing for yourself, or because you want to find fame and stardom?
Start by utilizing a free blog service, such as: wordpress.com or blogger.com
Keep your expectations humble
Try to write daily
Network with other bloggers within your genre

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