This week in the Blogerati Files, Dave on a Cruise .

Describe your blog in 10 words or less.
One man's adventures aboard a cruise ship for 8 months.

Why did you start blogging? What's your blog's birthday?
I started blogging November 5, 2006, when I first boarded the Norwegian Jewel. I wanted to document the specific adventures, concerns and problems that a cruise ship performer from Toronto would have spending most of a year aboard a big floating mall.

How long have you lived in Toronto?
Since August, 1985.

What's the funniest/strangest thing that has happened to you in Toronto? Did you blog about it?
My improv troupe was scheduled to headline the Toronto Improv Fest, and were profiled on the cover of NOW Magazine. I had the flu, and was so sick I was considering skipping the show, but fortunately the big blackout of 2003 happened that day, so I was off the hook. I'd like to thank the merchants of Toronto who blast their air conditioning and leave their doors open for that one. You saved my butt.

I would have blogged about it, but my computer didn't work for a couple days...some kind of power issue. Oh, and I didn't blog then.

What are some of the changes in Toronto that you have seen in your lifetime?
Other than the increase in smog, traffic, poor urban planning, amalgamation, garbage, and homelessness? We've become desperate for hipster cred on the world stage, and routinely blow it by copying other cities' unique ideas (I'm looking at YOU Lobby, The Drake, and Camera).

What era, day or event in Toronto's history would you like to re-live and why?
1986-1991, when Queen Street West was ACTUALLY cool, and not full of chain clothing stores. Though if I could avoid hearing the Parachute Club then, I'd be thrilled.

Who's your favourite Torontonian?
Paul Quarrington. Writes a great novel, plays a mean guitar.

Do you have a favourite free WiFi spot?
Ashamedly, it's the Starbucks at Bloor and Bay. Sorry. I'm just...sorry.

Do you have a favourite post from your blog? Do you know your blog's most visited post?
My favourite post? Probably "Day 14: Mystery Solved" from November 2006...one of my favourite stories from my trip so far. However, the most popular post (at least by comments) is "One Special Night". It's a video documenting the farewell show put on by the ship (with my comments inserted). Look for that one in March 2007.

Have you had your 15 minutes yet?
I'm on my 11th right now.

Ever met a stranger who already knew you through your blog? If so, how did it go?
I've had a few performers from other disciplines come aboard and realize I was the guy who posted "One Special Evening"...they had the good sense to realize just how cheesy the whole thing was.

Who are your favourite blogger(s)?
It WAS Snacks for Wexler, Mike Nahrgang's blog about being a comedic actor in Toronto, but he's shut that puppy down. I'm in the market for a replacement...any takers?

What's happening in Toronto right now that the rest of us should be watching?
Hard to say, since I'm en route to Europe for another 2.5 months, but I'm looking forward to the planned revitalization of the waterfront. If it's done right, great, but if more condos go up, we can just wash our hands of urban planning in the city forever. Enough with the ugly box buildings, alright?

If your blog were a food, what food would it be?
11 p.m. plate of Nachos at the Willow on the Danforth. Lousy for you, but oh so right at the time.

Speaking of food, do you have a favourite Toronto lunch spot?
After 5.5 months away, I'd be happy to see my apartment again...but I like Rolu at Bloor and Spadina.

If you could gather all of the bloggers of the world together into one room and tell them one thing, what would it be?
You're not as funny, as smart, or as interesting as you think you are (present company included) so lighten up, alright?

Have any advice for would be bloggers? What do you think is the best route to raise a blog's profile?
It may take a while, but your blog should be about specific things (for instance, Dave On A Cruise isn't really about the cool places I've visited/will visit, but about what's going on aboard the ship), not everything. Target your rage or your interests.

You won't have as wide an audience, but they'll be dedicated.

Then, to raise its profile, have a friend tell The Blogerati Files about you...ahem...

Anything else you'd like to add?
The next 2.5 months involve trying to do shows for European audiences, how to stay sharp when you spend 2 weeks between performances, and the switch from shorts to burkhas. Keep checking in, thanks for having me, it's been a pleasure typing with you.