Today’s guest on Being A Blogger (BaB) is Bellur Ramakrishna, better known to his friends as Rk (read Restricted Knowledge) 
Rk is the creator of this blog cartoon and more. His blog Rambling with Bellur (RwB) that has several creative contributions from most eclectic guests has achieved 2 lakh hits beginning of this month!
Lets learn more about both RK and his blog RwB from him.
Hi Rk, tell us about yourself.
Hi, I am Bellur Ramakrishna, known in blog circles more as Bellur/ RK. Born and brought up in Bangalore. I completed my graduation (Bachelor of Arts) from St. Joseph’s college.
Before sticking to Graphic Designing for Roti-Curry , tried my hand at Marketing (Cassettes & CDs; Pneumatic products; Gas kit for Cars; Newspapers; Computers.) For some time, I was active as a Journalist, Cartoonist, Radio Jockey, TV Anchor and Copywriter.
Presently working as an Assistant Art Director in a design firm in Bangalore.
How and when did you start blogging?
One day in 2005, I found Sanjay’s blog (never realising it was a blog). The whole concept of blogging was new to me. Gradually I started visiting Shruthi’s blog.
I feel life as a reader, than as a blogger, was more relaxed. Writing new posts and deleting spam comments was what bloggers did. I only knew to comment and comment. Now as a blogger, readers ask me “Why have you not replied to my comment?” or “Why the blog is not updated?”
I commented quite regularly at both the above mentioned blogs (and in other blogs too). Most of my blog friends encouraged me to comment and some even felt I deserved my own blog. Although I hesitated starting one immediately, I finally had RwB on 31 May 2006. Since then, I have been regularly posting at RwB. When the blogs got blocked in mid July ‘06, I changed from Blogspot to WordPress.
How has your blogging journey been for you?
A pleasant one. Being fond of reading, I’ve read wonderful articles on many blogs with lovely insights and experiences. There are many talented bloggers who have beautiful thoughts and excellent narrative style. Hats off to all the ‘thinking’ and ‘creative’ bloggers.
Coming to RwB, it was something that I never imagined would happen. It came as a surprise (Thanks to a few blog friends). I think the best part of my blogging experience has been meeting fellow bloggers and readers in person who share wonderful thoughts and experiences from various fields. I feel but for blogging, we may have never known each other.
I am also thankful to my blog as it has given me a very good career break.
How did this career break happen through blog?
Six months into blogging, a blog friend, seeing the popularity and creativity I put into RwB, offered me the position of Assistant Art Director in his company. Both of us being foodies, met in a vintage Bangalore restaurant and discussed about the job and I was excited at the offer.
This November you had 2 lakh hits on RwB! How did you manage to garner so much traffic to your blog? What do you think is the USP of your blog?
I didn’t restrict RwB to any particular topic (because I enjoy reading about various subjects). I, and many contributors served a variety of blogposts. Maybe the readers liked it, and attracted them to RwB. To slightly modify Lord Krishna’s words: “Do your duty, i.e. posting blogs, and leave the matter of blog hits to me.” (actually this can be a blog cartoon!!)
Ah! Blog cartoons! I have loved your blog cartoons on your blog. I have myself posted some of your cartoons on Visceral Observations. Where do you get ideas for these blogging cartoons?
It was a pleasant surprise to see some blog cartoons in Visceral Observations. Glad you found them ‘postable’! Thank you.
As a kid, I was very fond of doodling. I took up cartooning when I was in school, and later in college. Even as a graphic designer, I made cartoons for some clients. Off late, I saw that there were plenty of blogs which had excellent write-ups. Just to regain touch, and also to give my readers something new, I hit upon this idea of Blog Cartoons sometime in August when I made a cartoon for ‘India at 60‘.
I made most of those cartoons based on historical, mythological and day-to-day situations. I depicted a few personal experiences too and felt nice to read those appreciative comments from my friendly readers.
You have blogged a sizable series of logo quizzes and rangoli patterns. These are unique features of your blog. How did you end up blogging about these?
Since I love Quizzes, I thought of creating a few exclusive ones for my blog. The Rangoli designs (I get enchanted seeing those intricate patterns) has been a bonus because I never planned the series. A dear friend of mine contributed the exclusive Rangolis.
Now that you mention contributors to your blog, how did this idea of guest blogging come into mind? How does that work for you?
Few months into blogging, RwB had a few regular readers. Some had blogs, and others were just content commenting (who had pretty good writing skills.) I wanted to encourage them and suggested they start blogs too. Some were hesitant. Then I told them they could post an article in RwB, that way they were not obligated to write posts regularly. A couple of them wrote a few posts, saw the response, and later got the confidence and ‘Josh’ to start on their own. Their blogs are doing really well. Some were satisfied seeing their contributions in RwB.
Slowly the contributions started coming in. One afternoon, got a mail from a Bangalore based author of 5 Cookery books specializing in Anglo-Indian Cuisine, Bridget White Kumar, to post some of her recipes in RwB.
A bank employee, PG Narayana, mailed some of his cartoons regularly. Another regular contributor was Srilakshmi Suresh (Web Designer) who made all those exclusive Rangolis for RwB. Latha Vidyaranya, a Special Educator and Counsellor, regularly wrote about Parenting and Psychology.
Were there any embarrassing or sad moments during your blogging journey?
It was really sad when I got to know that a couple of blog friends had deleted their scholarly blogs.
Many have asked me why I had kept the comment moderation active. In the beginning, the blog received very less spam comments. Once the numbers increased, a few of them (after squeezing through) used to appear in the comments section. And when I used to take a break from blogging during weekends, these spams (which had unmentionable words) used to be seen by all my respected readers. When I saw them on a Monday morning, it was really embarrassing to know that the spams had spent the weekend at RwB.
They say with more power, comes bigger responsibility. Your blog now has power of high readership, did you now decide any aim in mind for your blog?
Some things work perfectly when you don’t plan too much. As I said earlier, RwB was a surprise element for me. And it has worked pretty fine till now. As of now, I am enjoying the break. I’ve not yet decided when or whether I should return to blogging. A lot of credit for RwB’s success should go to its readers.
I keep reminding myself that life will continue as before even if I stop blogging. There are countless blogs for me to explore and read. More than blogging, I love being a reader.
Most bloggers face writer’s block. What keeps you motivated to keep on blogging? Is that why you have planned a blog hiatus?
Writer’s block is a natural thing. Whenever I faced it, I changed into a designer and posted a design or a cartoon. Also there were many contributions to fall back on. That way RwB was active.
But the reason for taking a break now is not because of ‘writer’s block’. I’ve hardly written in the last one year, because there have been a lot of contributions.
I want to pursue my other hobbies like reading, walking, making scrapbooks and collages, singing and cartooning. I also want to try my hand at sculpting and pottery.
Have you ever faced abusive comments in your blog? How do you handle them?
No abuses so far.
How do you manage time for blogging? Any time management tip you may want to share with our readers?
Whenever I found time, and if there was a topic in mind, I wrote or created something for the blog. As for time management, it is only a myth.
Ever thought of earning money through blogging?
Yes, but after thinking for a while, I was not comfortable about the idea and gave it up. One shouldn’t do everything only for money. Also, I feel creativity gets hindered when there is the ‘money-factor’.
Do you read other blogs? What interests you in other blogs?
Yes, a lot of them. Any topic ranging from Philosophy to Psychology; Cuisines to Computers; News to Nature; Parenting to Politics; Humour to Health; Music to Musings; (to name a few), interests me. I love any blog post which has a neat flow. And yes, the template also matters.
What are the things that may cause you to delete a blog from your reader?
I had to delete a couple of them because, as I mentioned, a couple of bloggers deleted their blogs. Otherwise, I hardly delete anyone. Each one is a gem.
What are your top 5 blogging tools?
1. WordPress
2. WordPress
3. WordPress
4. WordPress
5. WordPress
Any blogging tips you have that you want to share with newbie bloggers?
Don’t get addicted to blogs. (Telling you out of experience)
It is said that blogging is a learning experience. What are your 5 take aways from this journey?
i. Be yourself
ii. Keep things simple
iii. Love what you do
iv. Try out new things
v. Nothing is forever
Any favorite blogs? (You can not name yours)
All the blogs on my blogroll.
Thank you Rk, this was meant to be a small interview. But you had such a rich story of RwB, I had several follow-up questions. Thank you for your patience. It was most interesting to read your blog story. Wish you a lot of success in your life.
P.S: Here are more of RwB contributers whom Rk acknowledged in his interview, I listed them here to end the interview on a sweet note.
A few successful bloggers namely - David Mcmahon (Australian journalist and author of a bestselling novel), Melvin Durai (India-born, North America-based writer and humorist), Cuckoo (popular Indian blogger), Manjula Harpanahalli (Educational Counsellor), Anand N Balaji (Senior Manager), Sanjay Mysoremutt (Software Engineer), Vani Rao (Government Official), G Mohan (Financial Analyst) and a few blog friends - TS Srinivasamurthy (Government Official), BR Usha (HR Head), Praneshachar (Finance Manager), to name a few, were magnanimous in writing special articles on RwB’s humble request, thus adding immense value to the blog.
Links elsewhere:
With more wireless internet providers coming up everyday, there are more voip deals closing too. The very fast web development has resulted in innovations everywhere. Initially this was limited to just computers. Now we has the miracle of dsl. And thanks to services like cingular wireless, everyone can enjoy it too. Even regular hosting has become the best web hosting, with the aid of dsl.
Tags: Blogging, contributers, guest blogging, interview, Ramakrishna, rk
[...] Read Rk’s interview here at Being A Blogger. [...]
I actually follow RK in my reader. Came across his blog through tag surfer. Always wanted to come across people who’ve gotten a job with the help of their blogs. Amazing to know that such things actually happen.
I didn’t believe it until now.
RK, thanks for re-instating my belief that we can get a job through our blogs. Only if blogging were not that addictive.
I am reading his blog for few months now.. this is the first time , getting some info about him.. good job
and all the best Rk
@Ruhi: When I first read Rk’s interview, I almost missed his job break through blog. When the fact registered, I thought it could be a source of optimism for the bloggers, so made the headline about it.
@Dinsan: Yes, Dinsan that is the idea to know about regular and professional bloggers and the stories and tips they may have for blogging. I am glad you liked it.
Rk’s interview was really a pleasure for me.
that was a terrific interview! congrats to both the interviewer and the interviewee!
i should acknowledge that it was RwB that encouraged my contributions and slowly inspired me to reactivate my own blog that was lying low since 2 years!
this interview published here is like a guiding light to number of us new bloggers on how to keep a blog running! and i learnt a valuable lesson - we only have the right to post (write a post) and leave the rest to HIM (to Rama Krishna) !
@latha
Its your duty to POST and PROMOTE… and then leave the rest to HIM ..
I never thought anyone could get a job through their blog. I know people like Lorelle and Engtech do write as professionals but that’s because their work is about technology and blogging. Engtech also has another job which I don’t think has anything to do with blogging. He’s a coder.
So yes, it’s good to know that RK got a job through blogging. RwB is a great place of entertainment. I discovered it only through Poonam’s blog when she posted those cartoons but since then, I sometimes lurk in there. The idea of Guest Blogging is great. I have tried having people write guest posts but it never worked for me. May try doing it again. It’s great because it ensures variety in the content. No two people think exactly alike and as they say, variety is the spice of life. Also it helps people find the potential writer/blogger in them and that’s how our community grows.
All the best RK and we will be waiting for you to be back. Thanks to BaB for another great interview
oh, yes, nishu, thanks for reminding me the other part of my duty after posting - promoting!
here i do my duty of promoting my blog. all of you, please visit my blog at
http://counsellorlatha.blogspot.com/
pls contribute ur comments / articles
thanks, i hope this blogger will excuse my taking liberty to promote my blog on his space. if you consider it as tresspassing, pls excuse. u may remove the comment if it is an intrusion.
@ish
I recently read in a newspaperlet that blogs can help HRs to judge ur attitude by your online behavior.
Online behavior can be seen through social networking communities like Orkut or through your personal blogs. Be careful of what you are posting in your blog because it might effect your real life job
@latha
This blogger wont mind u taking liberty to promote your blog on this thread ;)..
I must really appreciate ur quick thinking
@ish: There are actually many people who blog with the sole purpose of getting their work noticed. People blog about their art work, photography portfolio, even music only so that they are noticed by the right person to get them job. I find it a very novel idea.
@Latha: I checked your blog first time when Rk acknowledged your contributions. I wanted to link each of the contributers’ name with their blog, but there were too many contributers, and it was too late in the night. I did not want to go back on my promise to Rk (that his interview will be published latest by Monday).
But keep your nice efforts going! Ciao
Great job RK. Don’t take tooooo long. I enjoy reading at RwB.
That was a wonderful interview. Congrats to both the interviewer and the interviewee!
I don’t remember since when I have been following RK’s blog.. probably for last 10 months or so.
Till then I had been refusing to do guest posts for several bloggers, but when he asked me to do it for Independence day, I could not refuse it. Now I am open to both… writing a guest post and having guests posts on my blog.
Kudos to RK and his blog. All the best and come back soon.
@cuckoo
writing guest posts on other blogs is fruitful in many ways.. first of all it provides link love and technorati rank. Second, more audience get to know about your ideas and beliefs which is one of the main reasons why many people blog. Third, you acquire a nice reputation amongst fellow bloggers if the post is well prepared.
having guest posts in you blog is cool because you acquire good will of the person who wants to promote his ideas.
@cuckoo: Thanks for acknowledging the interviewee.
Rk has such a fan following and RwB story that people completely forget the poor me interviewee. But yes, his is a magnificent blogging story and like you I subscribed to RwB silently for months.
@Nishu: Yes, not only that but the universities you apply to for engineering or MBA etc also search for your name on the various search engines hoping to find something fishy. One must remain careful about who are going to read what he’s writing. I guess I’d turn my blog to private for a couple of weeks when I apply to the universities. And anyway, I don’t really write anything wrong or against universities.
Do you know who inspired me for blogging? its RK and his legendary RwB.
Neat interview! RK has been doing really well. I like reading all his posts and now even the interview! After all, Bangaloreans are Bangaloreans! That’s what I always tell him!
@ish, That’s why you should never blog under your real name, unless your blog is very good and professional and you are absolutely positive abt your content.
dear all,
thanks for your kind words about RwB. glad you liked the interview.
thanks poonam. you have a knack in knowing what to ask with each person.
loved the latest one with the colonel (very well formatted questions). am sure the post will create lot of awareness amongst most of us.
best wishes to Team BaB
regards
rk
@Balachandra Shetty and Chiroti: Thanks for sharing your acknowledgments and appreciation for Rk!
@Rk: Thanks for complimenting me on my interview style. However, for the success of your intervie, I can not take any credit. It was an engrossing story in itself.
And Colonel’s interview on Visceral Observations, it is a very important interview as it is about consumer rights, do let your friends know more about it. I want it to be read by a very wide audience.
And Thank you again for all the promptness and graciousness!
[...] Read Interview [...]
wonderful interview… way to go RK.. and come back quickly from hiatus
Poonam it was great interview and I admire and appreciate you for chossing Mr.Bellur or RK of RWB. He is a class by himself and I admit he has got lot of potential and his varied interests are just amazing. I as reader of his blog enjoyed reading each one of his post for last one year and has met him and his family personally many times and I must thank the blog of sanjay thro which I came to know bellur it is treat to talk to him and he has lot of collection of books some are very rare and has made many collages of great personalities like great MS (nusician) dr.Raj annavaru, RKN etc.,
thank you poonam for the great interview and you have done it in such a way that everthing pertaining to RWB is brought out
so I admit you too are a rare person who knows who and how to get the info.
it is an art and I appreciate for your talents.
I am quite senior in his blog and I appreciate the varied interests of these
young bloggers.
kudos to Rk & RWB and so also to Poonam Sharma & BaB
@praneshachar: Ah, you must be the Finance Manager Rk mentioned! Thank you for all the appreciation! Though you give me too much credit, it feels good. As Mark Twain says, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.”
Jokes apart, I am very ordinary. But Rk’s story was very vivacious. I had merely stumbled upon his blog one day, was hooked by the creativity of it.
I would look forward to see more of his collages, scrapbooking (he said he wants to pursue them), in his blog. Cheers!
It was a wonderful interview. I have been following RK’s blog for quite some time on my reader. I knew that he had taken a hiatus, but when my reader popped up with a post on his blog, I was only too happy to see the update. Nicely worded interview with nice answers. Good for both the interviewer as well as the interviewee
RK, It has always been a pleasure to read your blogs, and at one point, I had got so used to seeing your cartoons every morning. It was like opening the TOI and waiting for RKL’s toons!!!
Superb creativity!!!!!! All the best!!!
@Praveen GK: Thanks for your appreciation! I hope I have more of such interesting interviews for you in the future.
I agree with that comment about reading Rk’s cartoon was akin to TOI creativity! That was how I got hooked.
poonam what I said is just what you deserve today after reading your interview with Col. Yadav on Visceral Observations, it is confirmed that what I said it just what is a fact. I appreciagte your interests which are varied to get blossmed and all get benefitted from them wish you all success. hope to visit your blog often
thanks, poonam, for desiring to give a link to my blog in ur page. i promise to post articles of interest to the visitors of my blog.
y’day over email ur co-blogger nishu gave me lot of tips on launching a web page. i am grateful to all ur support and encouragement.
Great Intw Poonam.. Nice to know more about RK
Really enjoyed reading this comment the other day, somehow was distracted before putting in my thoughts. But its been really infotaining reading the immense wealth of Bellurs articles and creativity, and it was also very nice to read this interview. Its a priviledge that he has also mentioned my name, and yes his comments when he’d started with my site always made me feel very happy and ‘understood’. Thanks Poonam for this interview, even though I knew Bellur for quite a while as he happened to be my neighbour, this was a real eye opener on how much more there is to him, and it takes a really good interviewer to reveal that
@latha vidyaranya: You are welcome! Keep coming for more.
On second thoughts, actually it is a forthcoming interviewee that makes an interview worthwhile. 
@Harsha: Gald you liked the interview.
@Sanjay M: Oh, here is the muse himself. Welcome, Sanjay! Glad you took time out to put your thoughts in the comments! I love all the appreciation that comes my way.
Great article! Thanks!