(Ed.Note) Welcome to the newest feature on The 405 Club… A look into the world of recession blogs! The 405 Club wants to get personal via 10 questions with our favorite fellow bloggers who are documenting the recession and unemployment firsthand.

This week’s brunch companion is Norm Elrod of Jobless and Less.

1. When were you laid off? Or are you employed?

I was laid off at the end of October 2008. I am still unemployed.

2. What did you do?

I worked in marketing, most recently at a search engine marketing agency.

3. When did you start the blog?

I started my blog in mid-November 2008.

4. Initial reason for starting the blog?

I started the blog for a few reasons actually. I wanted an outlet for my writing and the impetus to keep writing. I wanted to learn more about managing a website and search engine marketing. And I wanted a distraction from the daily grind of the job search.

5. Motivation to continue blogging?

I enjoy it, and it keeps me sane, many months into my job search. It helps me relieve stress. And I like that people read what I write, respond to it and get something out it.

6. Do you think blogging about unemployment/the recession will help you find a job?

That’s always been in the back of my mind. I guess I’ll know when I find a job. But I think it makes me more employable. I’ve added skills and experience to my resume, which at the very least shows that I’m trying to better myself. My blogging success also shows me as a good marketer and a valuable employee. Potential employers should view it as a strong business case. At least that’s the message I try to get across to them.

7. What do you want to do next professionally?

I want to continue to work in marketing and move more into the online marketing world. I’d love for my next position to be entertainment-related and allow me to write, but I’m really not in a position to be picky.

8. How will your blog change when you rejoin the workforce?

I don’t know, but I hope to face that decision soon.

9. What’s new at your blog and where does it go from here?

I continue to write about whatever grabs me at the moment. It could be something major or something totally minuscule. For that reason, I don’t really know where it’s going. Lately, it’s been all about riding Greyhound buses. (Try it sometime, if you need a little adventure.) I’ve been thinking about shaking up my daily routine, so we’ll see what changes that brings about.

10. Why should someone read your unemployment/recession blog over others and/or what makes your perspective special?

My blog is all about my experience in unemployment, and I have plenty of it. I’ve been laid off four times in nine years. I talk about what it’s like to be unemployed day to day - stuff you can relate to. I don’t offer up advice about how to find a job or news about the recession, unless it directly informs my life. There are already good sources for those things. I write about my own experiences, and that makes my perspective special.

Bonus Questions: Any Final thoughts or words of wisdom for members of The 405 Club?

Go outside and look around. Because when you get a job, you probably won’t have a chance.

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A huge thanks to Norm Elrod, writer of Jobless and Less.  Be sure to check out his blog [here].