Question: Who are you?
Answer: I've been blogging in some form or another since 1999 (back in those days, it was called a "web log"). I taught myself HTML in college to impress a boy. Which might be the nerdiest un-romantic way to get a boy's attention ever. But I was ultimately more interested in the computer than him and launched my first websites that year in the form of celeb fan pages on Geocities (remember Geocities?!) and my personal, online diary.
I founded this blog in June of 2007 when I started Jenny Craig, thinking it would be a diet diary of sorts. The outcome was that I hated Jenny Craig but loved this blog. Since then, it has gone on to earn a small, but loyal following and I have gone on to use it as my outlet for pretty much whatever I want. You've heard of "mommy bloggers" and "foodie bloggers," but I am a "selfish blogger" (admittedly, a category of my own creation but it works). If you want to be more traditional, you could categorize me as a "lifestyle blogger."
Q: What does AJ stand for?
A: Wouldn't you like to know... (No, seriously, genius, just look at my Twitter page.)
Q: Are you PR friendly?
A: COFG may be my personal blog but YES! I certainly like to be inspired and welcome your proposals. Pitches, suggestions, questions, etc. may be submitted via e-mail to COFGAJ@gmail.com. The author is willing to try products, peruse your site, read your article, test food and beverage, etc. But dear lord, do your research. There is no way I am reviewing your KitchenAid Gourmet BBQ Silicone Basting Mop. In what world is that relevant to this blog? If you send me a bad pitch, prepare to be publicly flogged.
Q: Do you sell advertising space?
A: Yes. And since I do not run this blog as my full-time job (in other words, this is not my single source of income), my rates are extremely reasonable. Click here for more.
Q: Should I send you unsoliticed advice and/or feedback?
A: No, please don't. (Please see aforementioned "publicly flogged" wording.)
Q: I am writing an article and need your expertise and/or I would like to interview you.
A: That's very flattering. And while I maintain I am not REALLY that interesting, please e-mail me and fill me in on the details. Perhaps I will have something clever to say. I have been interviewed a couple times and participated in the ocassional blog conference. I'm told I'm good at it.
Q: If this blog is not your single source of income, what do you?
A: I am a publicist. I work in the entertainment industry. This is probably a good time to remind you all, however, that all opinions expressed in this blog are my own. My clients might enjoy the latest in turkey basting technology, but I'd never be so presumptuous.
Q: Are you married? Kids?
A: No and no. With no current aspirations for either at present time, I must say. However you might read entries about "my kids" or "the teenagers." I volunteer a considerable amount of my free-time to an international non-profit youth organization called BBYO. I should probably stop talking about "my kids" on first dates, though. Oops.
Q: Where do you live?
A: I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. But half of my heart lies in New York City, where I went to college.
Q: Is there anything in particular you love to blog about?
A: I've covered it all -- from boobs to boys to bacon to body image. One of my favorite things to do is post funny things I overhear or read. People say the darndest things! But almost anything goes. (Note: I said "almost.")
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