The Blogger Interviews: Tikichris Osburn

It’s Monday morning and that can only mean one thing – I need a strong cup of tea to kick start the week. Ok Ok, apart from that, it also means it’s time to post up an interview with another fantastic member of the London Bloggers Meetup community. This time I’ve picked someone who, as far as I can remember, has been coming to the London Bloggers Meetups pretty much since day one and that’s Chris Osburn (correct me if I’m wrong there Chris).

So why should I interview Tikichris then?

The answer actually comes in lots of parts. I’ll start with the fact that he is a Contributing Editor Food and Drink for Londonist which is probably one of the best multi-author blogs about London. Not only that, but Chris takes a mean photograph of London every single day and posts it up on his blog. He’s been doing this every day for a couple of years I believe, no mean feat. He has also featured in the lastminute.com top 50 blogs about good stuff chart (ok, I should point out, I have been involved in compiling this chart in the past, but there is absolutely no bias here).

I have also had the pleasure of working with Chris on various writing assignments and can genuinely say it’s been a pleasure. Anyway, enough of the usual rambling intro, it’s time to hand the post over to the interview. So Mr Tiki Chris, over to you…

1. What’s your blog called and what’s the URL?

My blog is Tikichris and the URL is http://tikichris.com

2. What’s your blog all about ( in 20 words or less)?

Basically, tikichris is about my (mis)adventures in London and beyond. Lots of art, food and drink, photography and travel.

3. When and why did you start blogging?

Summer of 2006. I thought it would be a fun way to share my writing and photography with the world. That has proven to be the case time and time again.

4. Which blog platform do you use?

tikichris.com is a WordPress blog.  I also have a “tikichris to go” mobile blog via Tumblr. I dabble with Blogger for some projects and use Moveable Type as a contributing editor for Londonist.

5. Can you give an example of how blogging has enriched your life?

Blogging has helped me make friends and get work.  It has allowed me access to lots of things that I otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience.

Recently, I was invited to the Bushmills Inn and Distillery in Ireland. I wasn’t representing any big name print publications or glossy mags – just my blog and some other websites I write for. I had a blast and was very well looked after. On a number of occasions, I’ve found myself interviewing celebrities, dining in some of London’s best restaurants and staying in hotel rooms that I’d personally never be able to afford. Sometimes I even get paid to have this kind of fun!

6. Are there any blogs you recommend reading and why?

Photoshop Disasters, LAZERTITS and Murder Burger are always good for a chuckle. My friend (and contributing editor at Londonist) Hazel Tsoi-Wiles recently turned my attentions to Hungover Owls. Hilarious.

Check the links in my blog’s sidebar for a lengthy list of blogs that I regularly read.

7. What three tips would you give to someone just starting out in blogging?

• Don’t do it as an end in itself but as a means to an end.
• Meet other bloggers (LBM is an ideal way to network).
• Make sure you have a singular voice and that you’re not just doing the same old thing.

8. If you could change one thing about your blog what would it be?

I wish I had the time to post more. I use WordPress.com (not .org), which is free and for the most part awesome, but it would be great if I were able to tweak it just a little more.

9. What is the key to getting readers to your blog?

• Longevity
• Lots of posts
• Quality content and
• Great images.

10. And finally, why do you come to the London Bloggers Meetups?

To see old friends and to network. The free food and drink that accompany many of the meetups doesn’t hurt either.