Kim Carlson: Footprint blogger, Green business expert

Kim Carlson: Footprint blogger, Green business expert—"Often accused of doing just about anything to preserve the planet long before going green hit the mainstream radar, Kim Carlson is an eco-chic lifestyle expert, eco-savvy entrepreneur, and green business author. Carlson practices what she preaches. (Except she doesn’t really preach, she enthuses.) As the “EarthSmart Consumer” on television, host of the national radio program, “Livin’ The Green Life” and the regular guest writer for many blogs and national magazines, Carlson educates the public on the pleasures of a planet-friendly lifestyle."

Are you given specific topics to blog about?
No whatever I want

What do you think are the benefits of posting?
Education

Do you blog outside of the Your Voices blog? If not, why did you want to join this blogging community?
I am guest blogger on many sites but don't maintain one on a regular basis other than this one -- this venue gives better visibility

Do you think there are any professional conflicts to your posting? In other words, do you think the views expressed in your posts should be seen separately from the views of your employer? Why or why not? Do you think readers can differentiate between the two views?
I am self employed.

Do your posts get edited by someone at the Star Tribune?
No -- any bad grammar is all mine!

I saw that the comments are moderated. Do you think more people would post comments if they weren't approved before being published?
The moderated component doesn't seem to stop anyone from saying what they want. I am occasionally surprised at the mean spiritedness of some of the comments so I can understand why they are moderated. I think comments are of value when they are respectful, thoughtful and of a different opinion from mine.

Do you see the community as an important addition to traditional journalism/newspapers?
Yes, with newspapers going out of business I think blogging is an important way to disseminate information and thought leadership.

What do you think makes you unique from the other bloggers?
My topic and the way I express the information from my own personal experience is unique. I try to make green living accessible and easy so that it appeals to the largest group of people.

(bio, photo courtesy Star Tribune)