If you’ve read my blog, you know that I often update my posts. This FAQ page is a work in progress and subject to frequent editorial updates. Some are real questions posed to me. Others are questions that I’m posing to myself. Maybe someone wants to ask. Right?
Why is your blog called Anali’s First Amendment?
My “real” name is Lisa Johnson. I started this blog in 2006, but wasn’t sure if I wanted anyone to know who I was or what would happen with this blogging thing. I didn’t know many bloggers and for all I knew, this could all go terribly wrong. Luckily, not so much! Blogging is probably one of the best things that I’ve ever done.
My email name was already Anali, so I decided to use it for blogging. I thought that I made up the name, but later found out that Anali is a Hindi name meaning fiery.
When I first started blogging, I wasn’t sure what I’d write about or whether there would be a certain focus or niche. I really had no idea, but I did not want to feel restrained or tied to one particular topic. I’m very curious by nature and interested in all sorts of things.
I wanted freedom to write about anything that I wanted. To have my own personal forum. I thought about what allows us Americans to say what we want. To have the freedom to speak and express ourselves. Freedom of Speech. The First Amendment. And the name of my blog was born.
How do you pronounce Anali?
Anali is pronounced Ah Nah Lee. However, I was born in Boston and have lived in Massachusetts my whole life and to some of you, I may have a slight accent.
When I say aunt, it does not sound like ant. When I say party it might sound like potty to other people. If I’m tired or feeling really comfortable around you, I might start dropping my R's. But I never add them in place of A's.
Do you prefer to be called Lisa or Anali?
I’ve heard this question more often recently since I’ve been meeting bloggers off-blog. I prefer Lisa, since it is my actual name. But, if you yell either from across a crowded room, I'll look. But please don’t call me Liser! : )
What is your favorite food? You seem to only eat dessert.
I don't have one favorite. There are so many foods that I love, but I do adore Italian. Pasta, bread, and cheese make me weak at the knees!
My favorite fruits are berries, bananas, melons, raisins, and dried fruits in general. I love oatmeal and granola. I don’t eat most meats --only poultry, eggs, and seafood.
I love creamy vegetable soups, Brussels sprouts, fresh raw green beans, onions, garlic, sweet peppers, cucumbers, squash. This list is making me want to cook!
My mom is an awesome cook, so just about anything that she makes is a favorite too. Especially her macaroni and cheese! Until you’ve had hers, you really haven’t eaten macaroni and cheese. Sorry, but it’s the truth!
It’s not only desserts that I eat, but when it comes to feeling inspired to blog, photograph and wax poetic, it’s the sweets that encourage and whisper in my ear.
In your recipes, why do you use rice milk instead of regular milk and Smart Balance instead of butter?
Check out my posts Got Rice Milk and Baking Without Dairy; it will give you a better idea. I'm not against dairy. I eat cheese and yogurt on a regular basis. I love eggnog during the holidays. I eat ice cream too. I've just tried to limit dairy.
Will you add my link to your blog?
I do not participate in link exchanges. The links on my blogroll and right sidebar are blogs or websites that I read on a regular basis. I change the categories every once in a while and sometimes add new links. Other links I take down if I stop reading the blog or if the blog is not kept current. Links found under "SPONSORS" on the left sidebar are paid advertisements.
How do you feel about advertising and promotion on blogs?
I do accept advertisements and sponsored posts. Please email me for information and rates. I'd love to work with you. Sponsorship and/or advertising does not necessarily equal an endorsement of the products or services.
Do you like comments? What are your commenting guidelines?
I love comments! They often make my day. You can disagree with me, but if a comment is mean or disrespectful, it may be deleted. Spam comments are not allowed. Do not leave a comment, so that you can link to a business. If you want a link to your business on my blog, contact me about advertising or sponsorship.
Do you review products and services?
Sometimes. My practice regarding acceptance of free products, product reviews, and giveaways is different now from what it was in the past and is evolving.
Before you ask me to write about a product or service, please read my blog and look at the types of things that I focus on. I'm looking for the right fit for both me and my readers. Please especially note these four things.
1. If you're inviting me to a food related event in the Boston area, there's a good chance that I'll attend and write about it. Again, please note that I don’t eat most meats --only poultry, eggs, and seafood. If your event is meat focused, which I was surprisingly just invited to one recently, I won't be attending. If the event is a distance from Boston, I love to travel, but my travel expenses would need to be paid.
2. If you are a nonprofit organization and you're having an interesting food related or cultural event that you'd like to promote, please let me know.
3. If you're a company that is promoting an interesting food related or cultural event and a portion of the proceeds is going to a charitable organization, I'd like to know about that too.
4. If you or the company that you represent is seeking advertorial space to get the word out about a product or service that you are selling, I do accept sponsored posts. If you want me to try a product and/or write about your brand, then please do have your advertising department contact me. Sponsorship and/or advertising does not necessarily equal an endorsement of the products or services.
On each post, I disclose whether I have been paid and/or given free products. I seek to provide full disclosure and honesty in blogging in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission.
Mostly. But If you're a public relations firm or marketing department, just because I attend an event or accept something to try does not guarantee that I will write a post about it. Either way, I will follow-up with you and let you know.
However, I'm accepting fewer and fewer products to try, because it takes a lot of precious time to write about them.
What is your "Store" page?
I am part of the Amazon Affiliate Program and have an Amazon store for the blog. I may receive a portion from the purchase price on items bought in the store. Even if you don't buy anything from this store, if you enter Amazon here and make a purchase, it will help support me and this blog. Any and all support is very much appreciated!
Are you an attorney?
Yes. I’m an attorney licensed to practice in Massachusetts. I’m not in private practice seeking to take on clients to represent. However, I am available to do contract work for other attorneys, firms, and companies. See my LinkedIn profile and my freelance writing website for more information.
Can I hire you?
Maybe. Send me an email. I provide social media consultations, including creating blogs, and do freelance writing and research.
Does your blog have a motto?
Funny you should ask! Yes! It's a quote by Rumi. "Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.” My blog is this quote in action.
Thank you for reading! Return to Anali's First Amendment.
