What's Your (INspiring) Story: Ken Wooi & Funny Blogging

It has been 4 months since I started this What's Your (INspiring) Story series. I have wanted to feature 12 people for the start, and 11 people have been featured since 18th April 2011.

I'm proud that what started off as an idea on the plane trip back from the Philippines has materialised. It's not a big project in any way but there is full satisfaction from it. I'm happy to have had the opportunity to invite some really cool friends to share their stories, with an aim of inspiring you readers out there (I hope u did/ are!) :)



Anyway, this is the final feature story - by Ken Wooi. This guy is one of the other Power Bloggers out there - known for his humourous side, and funny blog posts.. and I must say I'm grateful he is willing to share his story here.

Again, it's the power of social media that brought me to know him, and his blog. I particularly like his posts concerning Malaysia, where he dare put a funny twist to them. And so of course, I invited him to share about his passion on that creative side of his. And this, is his story..

Hi, I'm Ken from kenwooi.com and don't be misled by the title, I'm not funny.



Let's be honest, I'm nowhere close to being a comedian in real life. If you've met me (and not known me well enough, yet), you'll get the impression that I'm totally different from the blogger I portray on my blog.

But that's not the point. This article is mainly about "Funny Blogging". And let's be honest again, many people see my blogging style as witty and humourous. When someone asks me, "What do I blog about?", I would directly tell them "normal stuff with dumb silly jokes".



Yeah, that's me - Banana-fied.

I may not be one of the top funny bloggers in town. Being funny is very subjective. Some may think that prank videos are funny, some only like jokes from Russel Peters and some are very hard to be entertained. What is funny to you may not be funny to me, get it?

Prior to blogging, I would've laughed my ass off if you tell me that I'll be writing funny stuff on the Internet one day. But here I am, occasionally publishing parodies on Malaysia Boleh news, my thoughts on random stuff and silly things that revolves around me.



Well, Mr. QC was kind enough to invite me as a guest blogger on his blog. And he asked, "Tell me, how do you come out with funny posts?". You know, it's like an essay homework given to me.

So I sat down, thinking of what to write - I find it quite hard to explain the mechanism of funny blogging. But after spending some time at the toilet bowl (yes, I think while I shit), I've successfully thought of 5 points.

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1) Be observant.

Details about a seemingly normal activity/thing can be funny, if you want it to be. Whenever I see something typically out-of-the-ordinary, my mind would somehow start to process on the funny elements.

For example, this...



For many, it's just another road sign with French words. But for me, the name of the hotel captured my attention. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? ;)

Click here to read the joke.

2) Think funny.

I'm sure in each and everyone of us, there is a sense of humour. We all laugh and giggle, we know what "funny" is. Well, unless you're immune to humour, I think you should learn to laugh first.

Anyway, I believe that a simple thing can be funny if you want it to be. Well, I don't normally see funny thing in everything (or else I'd be confirmed mentally crazy) but there are certain features that can trigger my funny-alert senses.

For example, my name Ken was mentioned on a newspaper.



Looks like the usual news. London's best hope is Ken. Yes, I know that's not me but I love putting myself under the limelight.

The people of London will need my presence, and off I go to save them with my suit!



I'm actually Iron Man, you know? :P

3) Be unpredictable and random.

I normally don't echo what we already have in the news. Random ideas are actually fun to write about. If you're asking what random stuff, try coming up with "How to..." or "10 Things..." posts.



Of course, don't write "How to Clean a Ceiling Fan" and embed a video from Youtube. That's effortless and pointless. What I would do is to get myself dirty with the fan, take photos while cleaning (an act) it and come up with some not-so-practical yet funny points.

After all, you don't expect to read a serious guide on cleaning a fan on kenwooi.com, do you?

A good example would be a recent How to be Cool with Words for Noobies.



Just by playing around with words and phrases, it turns out to be one of the favourite posts on kenwooi.com!

4) Don't hate. Love instead.

Being in Bolehland, you won't miss interesting news about the country. Some top funny posts are largely contributed by parodies on Malaysian news. You can check out the Malaysia Boleh section if you're curious. ;)

The thing is, using a different approach is the key. Instead of joining the majority in bashing up the gomen for coming up with unnecessary policies and projects, I tend to 'help' by providing insight updates. Yes, they are fake - but with all the existing bashing news by almost every website, who needs another one written on kenwooi.com?



Yeah, Malaysia definitely inspires me sometimes. ;)

5) Photo manipulation.

An avid reader of my blog would know that I do lots of photo manipulation - with Photoshop. To me, photos are good at grabbing attention and it's probably the best method when presenting something funny.



I created my own 1Malaysia Warisan Merdeka Tower with Photoshop. Awesome or not?



I'm also a Mat Rempit, thanks to Photoshop. So awesome my stunt!



I have cool abs thanks to Photoshop too! Damn awesome abs! :P

Other than that, simple speech bubbles with captions will do. In a non-existing survey done by myself, chances of people reading from a photo is higher as compared to text-based paragraphs.



Photoshop has really been a great blogging companion. :)

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Well, I hope this essay is good enough for a passing mark. Or else I'll fail this homework and Teacher QuaChee will rotan me! o.o



ME SKEDDD!!!

Alright, I think that's enough for now. I don't wanna bore you guys anymore. Feel free to read kenwooi.com or if you like, follow me on Twitter for more fun, I promise. ;)

Thanks Mr. QC for having me here! :D


*Ken Wooi's story marks the end of the 1st Season of What's Your (INspiring) Stories. Stay tuned for the next season - though I haven't decided when as yet! Oh, I've got another series coming up - stay tuned! :)

Hello, Her Name Is Alice (And She Calls Me Hot!)

Known blogger & avid reader, Alice Teh for a while now though we've yet to meet. Anyway, recently, she invited me to guest post on her blog, which she shares a lot of her passion of reading.

"You can talk about your book projects and insight on reading from a male's perspective."

I thought this was a cool invitation.. I'm on to share anything lil or much that I know with regards to the media industry.. and besides, she calls this segment as the Hot Guy Reads! So, hey, I can't pass this up! LOL!!

So, after I got back from Taiwan, I handed over my 'homework' (as Alice says).

If you'd like to read what I shared on the book industry and a lil bit more about myself & how I got involved in this book biz... head over to her blog: Hello, My Name Is Alice: Hot Guy Reads Books (And a Published Author!).

*Took bout 2.5 hours for the post, part of it came from "wanting to capture a shot of me & my books - in a unique, and hot way (ehem!!)"... tried many poses.. and this is the one I shared with her! :)

Make Your Presence Known Easily

I have mentioned time over time on the power of internet. Well apart from business, even personal users can enjoy the internet for themselves.

Bloggers have been doing this for a while now, sharing ideas through their blogs. And others actually share their videos or photos through the many share sites.

Then there is also the big wave of social networking, from creating online personalities to joining in discussions (to once again share our views).

One Site Does It All
Well, there is one new site which actually combines all these together. Call it like a one stop centre - Thoughts.com!

Users who sign up can create their blogs here. The good thing is that because this is community like, so your blog will be read by other users from the site (as it will appear in their main page). This is good for those who want instant readers without having to really market their blogs.

And sharing your videos/ photos to your blogs are made easier - as you can actually upload them direct - ie no need to go through a 3rd party site.

Another interesting function of this site is its community forum. Interestingly, unlike many other forums which topics are quite limited (even limited to country specific), this site is like a one-catch-all one. Eg. you can share your opinion on books, beauty and fashion, astronomy, politics, religion and even creative writing. Btw, joining forums are good to promote your online presence especially if you are a blogger.

Conclusion
If community type sites are what you like, I would say it would be good to be a member here, and make your presence be known in the virtual world :)

Malaysia Book Update 12: Contest For Bloggers

Firstly, to the invited bloggers who signed up to review the 50+1 Malaysia book, thank you :)

Next, an announcement I would like to make.

Finally, we can be like Santa Claus for once.
I've mentioned before on me having some goodies for bloggers with regards to my current project, the 50+1 Malaysia book. Well, finally after quite a few months of work, I can make this announcement to those of you who own a blog.

Yes, to all bloggers/ blog owners, this is for you... and this time round, the good news is coming not from any other Paid Advertiser, but my company :)

The Good News
We are giving away 100 copies of the 50+1 Malaysia books to the lucky bloggers (worth RM51 each).

The work is simple (yes, need some work, but trust me, it's real easy). Simply write about your Love story on Malaysia (ie what you Love about the country) in your blog, and let us know.

Simple right? Well, I hope that you guys will join in the fun, especially with Merdeka month just round the corner! (It's time we show Malaysia, we bloggers care) :)

*Info on the contest at: 50+1 Malaysia: Contest For Bloggers.

*This contest is open to both Malaysian bloggers & international bloggers.

Coming up next, I'll share with you who were the companies that made this whole project (including the contest) possible :)

Mommy, Can You Blog

I've mentioned a few times now on rather than just looking at trimming down our spending, we too should look into expanding our income. This can come in handy especially with the recent petrol price increase and also the increase in costs & prices of other goods (the after effect).

But some may ask how to, especially if you are a homemaker, ie a Mummy/ Mommy. Already, you are working your chores at home and may not find much time doing work, especially if it means having to travel out of home. But don't make that be a hindrance from you to earning some pocket money or even big income.

Solution for all Mommies at home
Well, firstly, register yourself a blog and become a Blogger. I won't go into details of blogging now, but if you are reading this, then you know what a blog is all about - basically, a platform to share one's thoughts.

And imagine you making money by sharing your thoughts right in the comfort of your home. (I'm sure you can spare some time each few days to share your thoughts?).

Mommy + Blogger = Income
You most likely have more questions like what to do once you have a blogger account. Well there are many money providers out there offering monies to bloggers, but one that I trust & have been using is this simple solution that can make you earn monies - SocialSpark.

Set your profile up in less than 5 minutes and next you are ready to earn money through their 3 methods - Blog Sponsorship (eg Adverts), Sponsored Post & Spark.

This is easier than it seems and you'll soon get the hang of it pretty soon, with extra income coming in. It will really make you feel nice & proud to earn income while sharing your thoughts and still being close/ keeping an eye to your kids and family.

So, if you are a Mommy & a Blogger (or soon to be one), go sign up for the mailing list at SocialSpark in order to join as soon as it goes public!

To all Mommy Bloggers, here's wishing you all the best! :)

Bloggers, This Is For You

I've mentioned before that bloggers are a new force to be reckoned in the internet world. In fact, more than that - bloggers can change and shape things online & offline. We've seen that happening already in just the few months back.

And I'm glad to be part this, as a blogger - though I'm still considered a 'small-fry' in the blogosphere. There are so many new things to learn and so many websites to visit - and really, at times it can be an information overload.

That's not forgetting the time spent on coming up with ideas on postings (writings) - which I truly enjoy of course as I am able to share my thoughts and my journey... and things that I see in life.

Like I said, I think I've come a fair bit, though I'm still learning a lot. And recently, I've chanced on a new site which I would like to share.

Blogging & You
This is for the bloggers especially, but also for the non-bloggers who are interested to know what blogging can do for you.

Yes, blogging can bring income and I'm actually trying this out. It's not my main income yet, as you guys know I have my own business running, but I do hope to increase revenue from blogging and I guess this site is one of them. Yes I'm hoping to get paid to blog - And I'm not talking about banner ads or PPCs, but really, just paid to write in my blog :)

Yes, You Heard Right
If writing is your passion, or sharing your life journey or if you already are a blogger, then this is for you because you can simply find & select Advertisers that suite your style (content) and write a review about their product or services.

Some of you are already doing that anyway - reviewing on things either to your friends by word of mouth on the new things you bought, or blogging about a good service you experienced. Imagine each time you share about a product to your friend, the company pays you... well, it's not a dream anymore.

In other words, think of it as a review - but a beneficial one to your readers. And at the same time you will help the company (the Advertiser). So it's a triple win situation here: Readers-Advertiser-Yourself.

Or if you like, you can actually donate it away as well to the needy, maybe not all, but when the time arises. (In fact, there is a segment that you can choose to donate).


Seriously Consider
So, really, if you are a blogger or soon-to-be, then do think about this opportunity. This is really quite a pleasant thing to arrive to the internet!

This by the way is a sample of a Paid Post - but with benefits (I hope) to you :)

Thank You

I've mentioned a few times now, how blogging is a new world on its own. And that one of the best part is meeting and making friends with fellow bloggers.

In fact, I've never met anyone through blogging face-to-face yet... all is very virtual! But somehow, I think there is a connection, especially if your blog is similar to theirs or they like your content.

Making friends is nice, but to get a feature on their blog is even better. Kind of a recognition lol.

The First Welcome
My first mention was on my first book, Batik Inspirations written by HappySurfer. I bumped into her blog and found it very interesting and left a comment. Then next, she wrote a post on batik and also on the book.

She wrote so well, and even know that there were 2 versions. She really did her homework alright! Her writing was such a big welcome to the blogosphere :)


Happy Surfer on Batik: Batik Inspirations - Malaysia's Living Heritage

Entrepreneur List
Then in March, another young Malaysian entrepreneur, Daniel Carventus, is compiling a compilation of 21 Young Malaysian entrepreneurs. There was a voting and I was in the list of nomination. I don't think I made the cut of the top 21, but nevertheless, it was nice just being nominated :)


Apparently the nomination list has been taken down, but here is the link on the 21 Young Malaysians Entrepreneurs anyway.

Two Times Feature
Business Blogger by the name of Yuan Huann has also been doing a compilation of blogs every month end. And I was featured twice! Wow, so cool! haha.

He gives you a quick take on what the other bloggers are doing. In fact, through this, I've made a few other blogger friends! And his feature on other bloggers blogs are quite interesting! :)


March 2008


April 2008

He names the posts as Listening To The Blogosphere. To read on the post & other bloggers:
March 2008
April 2008

On A Serious Note
And finally, a last mention recently by another young blogger as well. Ray Chung in his online journal did a post on me - as a Spotlight on Young People.

This was a more serious take and it was great to be featured. He interviewed me via email with quite a list of questions targeting on the entrepreneurial side. He edited the answers and then put it up.

He did quite a fair bit of research as well and gave a good background on myself - he even knows my Facebook link and all the other links! Now that is one blogger who takes his work seriously! Honestly, he can be a journalist! :)



Read the interview answers: Young People Spotlight.

*I've mentioned to Ray, do I sound like that? haha

To HappySurfer, Daniel Carventus, Yuan Huann and Ray Chung, many thanks for the features. It is really a big welcome for a blogger like me! :)

My First Tag

I mentioned before about blogging. This hobby cum interests is a whole game by itself. There are new things, some rather interesting!

It's not just merely about us writing our thoughts, but one thing I realised in blogging is that although virtual, we can & should make friends, basically with other bloggers. Hence, even this virtual stuff is not a loner.

One new thing I learnt from blogging is being tagged - something most bloggers will already know! lol. Well, I just got my first tag and here it goes...


Tagged! Random Questions

Instruction: Remove ONE from below and add in your own personal question, make it a total of 20 questions. Then, tag 8 people in your list and list them out in the end of this post. Notify them in their chat box that he/she has been tagged. Whoever does the tag will have blessings from all.
The person who tagged you is: BB Marketplace

1. What's your favorite book at the present time?
Can I say Batik Inspirations? :) It will always be something I treasure.

2. Given the chance, what special ability/power would you like to have?
At this moment, none. Happy with my abilities.

3. What's your favorite color? Why?
Blue. Always been. Always will. Though during Chinese New Year, there is that red, and if in Thailand, I may wear some yellow!

4. Where is the place you want to go the most?
At this current point, will be Taiwan & Hong Kong.

5. If you have one dream to come true, what would it be?
Tough one as I have lots of dreams! Short term, to ensure the 50+1 Malaysia book gets enough sponsors so that a copy can be given to each contributor.

6. Do you believe in seeing a rainbow after the rain?
Yes. Everything happens for a reason. It could be a learning point or even a turning point (for the better).

7. Do you think friends are important?
Very. Even in the bloggersphere!

8. If you win $1 million, what would you do?
Reinvest in business, plus give some to family. Ok, I'lll enjoy a lil bit of it too - the destination I want to go.

9. If you meet someone that you love, would you confess to him/her?
Yes. People need to be informed.

10. List out 3 good points of the person who tagged you.
Knowledgeable. Business blogger. Malaysian.

11. Which type of person do you hate the most?
Arrogant.

12. What is your ambition?
To have a successful business focus on the Entertainment - Lifestyle industry, including publishing, media, productions and F&B.

13. If you have fault, would you rather the people around you point out to you or would you rather they keep quiet?
Point it out.

14. What do you think is the most important thing in your life?
Happiness. I think that is the one thing everyone is searching for. And it doesn't matter what background (poor, rich), race, religion we are.

15. Are you a shopaholic or not?
During Chinese New Year.

16. What is the one thing you like about your country?
The many places to visit. Honestly, I didn't know Malaysia was that beautiful till I started on this recent project. Now I know why we have quite a lot of tourists especially to Borneo & the islands.

17. If you have a chance, which part of your character you would like to change?
Maybe be less hot tempered. I realise that if we know something not too good about ourselves, we can always learn to adapt, and be a better person after, though not change completely.

18. Is there anything that you have done which you regret?
Not a regret. I believe all things are meant for a purpose.

19. What makes you different?
The ambition to create unique things.

20. Do you feel good to be friend with the person who tagged you? Why?
Yes. Why not?


Ok, Im to tag other bloggers. They are:
StormWhistle
Happy Surfer
Jessie
Robo
Amir
Noor Ashraff
June Lam
Jayce Ooi


Alright, what a process. A nice one :)

My Blogger Khaki

Blogs On Life
Acura: Signs Of Life
I believe in looking reality straight in the eye and denying it.

Adila: Adila
Against The Wind.

Amei79: Change, Change, Change
Comfort zone that shares my very own thoughts,
philosophies & experiences!

**Amir Fuad: My Life As I See It
The things happening in my life and my take on them.

Baba Chong: The Son of Baba
Happy, sad, sorrow, crying, and more here.

Ben: Ben's Life Journal

Benedict: Slice Of Life
A man with vision never bothered by obstacles & immediate interests.

CC: Quaint Melody
A Malaysian living in the bungy land.

Faerie's Lady: Magic Dust
Spread the love with bits of magic dusts wherever you are...

FoongPC: My Very First Blog
There's always a FIRST time for everything, and BLOGGING is no different!

Haan: Labyrinth
Life is a maze of paths. By getting lost, I discover myself, recognize my own passage.

**Happy Surfer: Anything Beautiful
From where I am... Kuala Lumpur

Jesie: Jesie Blog Journey
This is a chronicle of general topics such as lifestyle, blogging, resources and the challenges that I encounter during this blogging journey. I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I have put it together.

Jim Long: Self Magic
The most powerful magic in the world is self magic.

June: June's Blog
Is about me & my experience.

Kacang Puteh: Kimmy's Blog

KeefKeef: Anything & Everything
Whatever comes to mind......

Kheng Siong: Principle Of Uncertainty
Management, photos, politics and others.

Levian: Levian Blog

Renaclaire: Caring Is Not Only Sharing

Rose Wong: Rose Wong aka Ah Lost

Sandra Wong: Sandra Pixie @ Visual Media X-Change

Sheryl: Sheryl's Place
Sanctuary Of My Thoughts

Sui Tua Pui: Sui Tua Pui
…Still crazy after all these years!

**Tekkaus: Tekkaus Blog
It's time to reach out and touch someone!

YeinJee: YeinJee's Asian Journal
Asian Culture, Food, Lifestyle, Travel & Entertainment.

Yuan Huann: BB Community
BB Market Place is where i would share my thoughts on some places, companies, products, services , current news, and etc.

Food Blogs
Babe In The City KL: Babe In The City KL
Malaysia Food Blog

LingZie: Lingzie's Tummy Treats
Eat. Live. And Be Merry

Photo Blogs
eM.K: emk Photo Video
Pics from my travels.

Kervin: Thousand Words
Snapshots of Life

Kevin Chan: KF Chan Photography
My world as I see it, through my eyes & my camera

Jason Goh: Smashin' Pop
Web Producer / Photographer / Designer / Illustrator

Tech Blogs
BB: Best Blogger Community
Featuring All The Best Bloggers.

Calvin: iCalvyn
All about Information Technology, computing, networking, hardware and software.

Kong: Kong Technology

Travel Blogs
**Robo: My Trips

Blogs On Wisdom
StormWhistle: Chicken Soup For Your Soul
Stories, Humour, Resources & Lessons for life


**Blogs I read very often.