Important things first – Tucows is planning to run Blogrolling.com *as is* for the foreseeable future. We will continue to evolve the service and ensure that it gets the care and feeding our subscribers deserve. We will *not* limit or disable the service in any way or prevent users of specific weblog/website management tools from continuing to use or access the service.”

Excerpt from the email sent to BlogRolling members. Read the statement on blogrolling.com or the official press release.

Yesterday Bloghosts added some basic spam filtering to every server we manage. All mail received by our servers is now protected by the highly respected Spamhaus Block List (SBL) and Spamhaus Exploits Block List (XBL).

Spamhaus prides themselves on tracking the large spamming rings as they hop from server to server. It has been estimated that less less than 200 people are responsible for over 90% of the world’s spam. Having our servers protected against these professional spammers will take a large chunk out of the spam problem that affects every email user.

The XBL is “a realtime database of IP addresses of illegal 3rd party exploits, including open proxies, worms/viruses with built-in spam engines, and other types of trojan-horse exploits.” It is used to block computers that have been infected (typically unknowingly by legitimate users) and are being used to spam or infect other computers with their viruses. If you know anyone hit by the recent “My Doom” epidemic then you know why the addition of this block list is important.

Combined, the two filters have blocked over 10,000 spam emails within the last 24 hours. We are very happy to offer this protection to our customers.

This week Bloghosts launched three new servers. We are very pleased to be growing and continue to be thankful for the support of our customers. Without you we would be nothing. 2004 is going to be a big year for us and there are several exciting things to come. Stay tuned!

Below are our picks for our February 2004 Spotlight Sites. Each month we will choose two or more of our favourite blogs from our client list, link ‘em, write a small blurb about them, and post them here. While we don’t officially support the views of the sites we link we do commend their ability to put themselves out there.

In Stitches

When we saw her start this site we knew that she would be on of our February two. In Stitches is a blog about knitting. It showcases text, photos, and links to other knitting sites. We look forward to watching her various knitting projects develop.

the hit-bottom network

Hit-Bottom is a fairly new site from Delaware student Devin. She posts thoroughly and often. Her design is also very cool and she keeps a photoblog and booklog as well. She has been very active in the Bloghosts community since she joined our family and we are very glad to have her on board.

That’s it for this month. Check back in a few weeks for more!

But then I read this article on post excerpts by Francesco and I must admit his points are bringing me around, in summary:

•  People subscribed to your feeds will never see them, as the post won’t be excerpted.
•  New visitors may prefer it as they are able to skim more of your blog posts on first arriving, hooking them in.
•  If they get in a ‘clicking mood’ they may click further on your blog, and explore more of what you have to offer.

Along with some other very valid points I’ll let you read on his blog. But before you go, please vote on this poll:

If you cannot see the poll, please temporarily turn off your ad-blocker. Thanks.

My nosing into peoples financial success was quite interesting last week, as it seems quite a few of use have made some money from blogging.

64% of voters have made over $100 with another 27% making at least a $1 putting to bed the notion that paid hosting is out of reach – You can get a decent package for around $80 a year which will pay for itself very quickly.

At opposite extremes, one person doesn’t want to make money from blogging, and one has made over $5000 – wonder who they were?

To all those seeking to make a dollar or three from blogging: Good Luck!

The majority of metropolitan apartments are rentals and good money can be made from them. A young, itinerant workforce may not want to buy in a city, or want to settle down just yet. That makes renting a must-have for a number of years. Those wanting to tap into that market need to decide early on whether to rent unfurnished or furnished. Both have pros and cons, which we are going to cover here.

Benefits of Renting an Unfurnished Apartment

An unfurnished apartment is almost a blank canvas. For longer term lets, unfurnished is a perfectly viable alternative. It’s cheaper for you as a landlord, as you don’t have to buy and maintain furniture, bed linen and kitchenware. This makes running an unfurnished apartment much simpler.

The other advantage of letting an unfurnished apartment is that the rental terms are often longer. If a tenant moves all their own furniture into your building, they are more likely to stay for a longer period of time. The investment of time and effort moving an apartment full of furniture around can be off-putting to some.

Benefits of Renting a Furnished Apartment

Furnished apartments are much easier to rent out and cover a wider market. Not only can you cater for individuals or vacation rentals, you can also appeal to the corporate renter. Having a wider market reach makes letting the furnished apartment easier than the unfurnished one.

The convenience of a furnished apartment in the eyes of renter should not be underestimated either. Having somewhere in a convenient location that they can move straight into is a significant benefit. Being able to move a couple of suitcases and have a ready-made home is more attractive than having to move furniture too.

You can also charge more for a furnished apartment. While the setup and maintenance cost is slightly higher, the long-term returns are also more. Just make sure you include everything in the security deposit and you should be fine.

The relative costs and benefits between renting out an unfurnished and a furnished apartment are straightforward. The decision as to which is more suitable in your particular situation can only be answered by you.

If you have the money, and have an apartment in a good area, going furnished makes financial sense. It takes a little more management, but the returns are there if you want them. If you would prefer slightly lower gains but much less administration, the unfurnished may be the way to go.

Whatever you choose, go into renting with your eyes open and expectations in neutral and you’ll do okay. Expect too much too soon and you’re destined for a fall. Being a landlord is a lucrative business in the longer term that offers not a lot in the short.

226 S. RHODE ISLAND: SELL/RENT; 2 BEDROOM, 1 ½ BATH, LAUNDRY ROOM, KITCHEN, LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM, PLANT ALCOVE; CENTRAL HEAT/AIR (2 YRS. OLD), NEW CARPET, NEW LINOLEUM; APPLIANCES STAY; 2 CAR GARAGE, UTILITY SHED (WITH ELECTRIC); 4 LOTS.
CONTACT: STEVE OR ROSE AMERINE @ 785-731-2870

406 E. OLD HIGHWAY 4: SELL; 2 (POSSIBLE 4) BEDROOM, 2 BATH, UTILITY ROOM, KITCHEN, LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM, ENCLOSED PORCH, DEN; CENTRAL HEAT/AIR; 2 CAR GARAGE; .9 ACRE.
CONTACT: LARRY BRENNER @ FARMLAND AUCTION
785-628-2851

203 S. TENNESSEE: SELL; 6 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, LAUNDRY ROOM, DINING/LIVING ROOM, FAMILY ROOM; 2 CAR GARAGE; CENTRAL HEAT/AIR; 6 LOTS.
CONTACT: JIM DEINES @ 785-421-2777

104 E. OGDEN: RENT; LOTS W/EXISTING WATER & SEWER HOOK-UP.
CONTACT: CHARLES PFANNENSTIEL @ 785-922-6996

122 N. MASSASCHUSETTS: SELL; 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, LAUNDRY ROOM, DINING/LIVING ROOM; DETACHED SINGLE GARAGE; BACKYARD DECK; CENTRAL HEAT/AIR; 3 LOTS.
CONTACT: RON EDINGTON @ 785-798-3529

103 N. KENTUCKY: RENT; 2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH, W/D HOOK-UPS, CENTRAL HEAT/AIR; 1 CAR GARAGE.
CONTACT: BILL LOVITT @ 785-731-2221