Blogging Archives - Page 2 of 4 - The At Home Couple

Free Yourself: Blog Naked

When is the last time you looked at the reflection of your computer monitor and asked yourself, “is my blogging game tight?” If you’re a fashion victim and wear $97 socks while blogging than success will surely come your way. On the flip side, if you are not in any financial position to be wearing platinum encrusted foot gear, what steps can you take to tighten your money making game while feeling good about yourself at the same time? Try blogging naked! If you still have a day job and do most of your blogging while at the office, don’t go ripping off your clothes and chanting “Yes We Can!” while documenting the entire event live on Justin.tv – I really don’t see that going well with your superiors or the psychiatric departments of your countries government.

I know what you are thinking, and I will answer the question for you: yes, I have blogged naked. Now for all you perverts in the blogsphere I don’t blog naked ALL the time – so kindly remove that thought and stop rubbing your nipples. I was talking to a couple of my Bloggerhood brothers and sisters on Skype over the weekend, and some how mentioned that I should probably put on some clothes. This obviously spawned some laughing, disbelief and questions especially from my sushi-slangin socialholic, and human pineapple – BrilliantJeni. Let me elaborate on this a little more…

On occasion I have blogged in my birthday suit and it usually occurs by circumstance, sometimes by choice, for example: It’s night time and I am in bed watching television while Veronica is sleeping. Suddenly I will get a crazy idea and have no choice but to get out of bed and hit the lap top in the living room. On my way to the living room I realize that we had West Indian food for dinner, and I have an overdue appointment with the toilet. Considering I sleep in boxers, it’s not uncommon that I leave the bathroom with my boxers still on the floor – especially when the weather is cooling down and our apartment is 100 degrees Fahrenheit because of our over-eager 1930’s water radiator heating system. This seems to be a habit I’ve developed over the years.

I completely understand that not everyone is comfortable with their booty hanging out, and fortunately for myself I am – unfortunate for others because I was that guy in my late teens that would get drunk at parties, strip down, and start chasing girls around the pool pulling at their bathing suits and throwing them in with their drinks and all. I’m sure that point in my life has something to do with it, and Veronica already knows these stories so if you were thinking of ratting me out – I appreciate the thought.

Anyways, here’s what I want to pose to all of our wonderful readers: I want all of you to try blogging naked – and I don’t necessarily mean with no clothes on. I want you guys to strip down your inhibitions, write about whatever is on your mind, talk however you want to talk without a concern for what people will think about you. Blogging is the closest thing to absolute freedom that you will ever find. There are no censors, no rules (for the most part) and very few forces to intimidate you or make you feel segregated. If you’re cool with taking my challenge literally and stripping off your clown suit and makeup for a few hours while you blog – go for it! For those of you who have big families with children, and friends of children that frequent your home be weary when deciding to do this. We don’t anybody going to jail!

Image Tiffany coming home from high school with a couple of her girlfriends to study, and they walk in the front door only to realize that Mr. Jones is completely naked, minus the hair that blankets his back and the lap top on his… well… lap. “Hi girls, Mrs. Jones left some brownies in the kitchen for you, and I think there might be some leftover hot dogs in the microwave from last night. If you’re going to the mall later and need a ride, just give me a tap on the shoulder when you’re ready to go!” Poor Tiffany.

Cheers,

Elijah

President Of The Blogosphere: Vote Now

Let’s get one thing clear right off the bat: I’m fully aware that in the next few hours there will be a new President of the United States of America, and being a Canadian through and through combined with my near zero interest (tolerance) for politricks makes this event fairly low on my list of “things to think about today”. Unfortunately, there is more coverage on Canadian cable television of the American election than there was of the Canadian election a few weeks back (bet you didn’t even know there was one), so I’ve been unwillingly subjected to an onslaught of Anderson Cooper and his flawless hairdo.

Nevertheless, I began to think about blogging and asked myself “what if there was a president of the blogosphere that represented bloggers world wide”? That questions spawned this post, and I’m sure you’re now seeing where I’m going with this.

If you had a chance to vote in your favorite, most influential pro blogger of this current day and age, who would it be? I don’t want to say guru because we’re specifically talking about people who make a living as professional bloggers, or Internet marketers who’ve made such an impact that they’ve crossed over to the blogosphere to share their learning’s and expertise. I’m not expecting a novel, but if you guys would be so kind to give me your vote for who you think would represent the blogosphere the truest, and why you believe so – I’m really curious to see if there are any identifiable trends.

Shoemoney, John Chow, Yaro Starak, Darren Rowse, Ian Fernando, whoever – Put in your vote!

P.S. If I was an American Citizen (I have my residency) I would vote for Obama without blinking.

Cheers,

Elijah

UpstartBlogger.com Blasts The Four Hour Work Week

This weekend was Thanksgiving in Canada, and was extra special because it was the first time my grandparents met Veronica’s family. I lived with my grandparents for 6 years prior to moving out with Veronica, and they are some of the most important people in my life, so needless to say I was really looking forward to the gathering – and the food! We had our dinner on Sunday and Monday was the holiday so Veronica and I spent the entire day (literally) in bed watching television, with the occasional lap top session.

I really wanted to do some catching up on all of your websites this weekend, and while doing so I stumbled upon a post over at Ashley Morgan’s UpstartBlogger.com – which I frequent almost daily. Ashley recently wrote a post titled Deconstructing The Tim Ferris Four Hour Work Week, and to my expectations it was written in his opinionated, honest style of commentary which I’ve grown to appreciate him for.

Throughout the deconstruction Ashley openly bashed Timothy Ferris stating that his qualifications are deluded and that the book’s success is nothing more than marketing fluff from a persuasive fraud. Here’s a favorite line of mine:

Unfortunately it’s all a load of rubbish. Like most books of its ilk, The Four Hour Work Week is all about the dream, not the reality. All sizzle and no steak. Still a best seller though. Because blog marketing works.

No matter how much I enjoyed reading this book, I have to agree with his statement. Blog marketing does work, and even though I disagree with the open bashing of someone whom he’s never met or shook hands with, I do agree that a huge factor in the success and viral push behind The Four Hour Work Week is that Ferris utilized the power of blog marketing to capitalize on his interpretation of this “dream” we’re all chasing. On the flip side, I do have to disagree with one particular commentator crapped on Ferris calling him a liar and a cheat and getting up in the face of another person who jotted own their opinion. This really made me laugh:

Todd, you’re obviously a shill. And who the hell are those so called famous people. Doctor Phil? Doctor Phil who? Clean up your grammar next time as well. You wrote “couple famous people” when you should have written “a couple OF famous people”. Learn English for crying out loud. For someone who is claiming to earn over six figures with little effort you are coming across as an idiot.

When I read what this guy was yapping about I couldn’t help but start to chuckle a little! The reason I found this particular individual amusing was because I can tell he is the type of cat who will blast up forums and blogs telling people where to shove it, because he knows everything, but I can almost guarantee if he weren’t hiding behind his computer with a box of tissue and the little girls section of the Old Navy fall catalog open, he wouldn’t say shit. Here’s what I replied after reading his comment, and I pray he pays me a visit and reads this:

What really makes me laugh is how most of you guys sit behind a computer talking trash, but if you were to see the person you were talking trash about in public you would continue talking under your breath and not say a damn thing to their face, eye to eye.

I really hope he takes me up on my challenge. We’ll see how quick he is to open his mouth when Tim Ferris throws a round house to his temple – the last I heard he was a black belt martial artist! Good luck buddy! If you’re going to talk smack about someone, tell them directly – don’t be hiding behind blogs looking all tough and well read, because you’re the one that ends up looking like you ride on the special bus.

How do you guys feel about The Four Hour Work Week and smack talking on blogs?

Cheers,

Elijah

Should We Sell This Blog?

Veronica and I are at a point in our life together where things aren’t all peaches and cream – not pertaining to our relationship, which is the strength that drives me, but in terms of financial stability. Since I lost my job back in May and made the decision that I would do whatever it takes to be making enough income online to not have to visit my old friend, the cubicle, ever again – it’s been an interesting road. On a personal level, I haven’t paid my student loan or credit card bill in over 3 months, by choice, and that’s not what bothers me because I’m only 27 and credit can be repaired. On the flip side, Veronica has been working away doing her 40 hour work week and developing an increased sense of frustration towards the gutless operations of a major corporation – especially one that’s preparing for the Christmas rush.

Not only does her discontent break my heart because she has to put up with this shit, but it also keeps a constant flame under my white ass because I want to be THE man that can provide for her – and hopefully make enough money so she can leave her job by the end of the year, which is a goal of ours.

Where’s your head at?

Over the last month or so I’ve been feeling a strange combination of depression and desperation, fueled by an abnormal, almost mutated drive to succeed online. The desperation causes me to not sleep and spend 12-16 hours a day sitting on this lap top. The depression hinders my focus and ability to stay motivated when things don’t work as planned – like my latest site flip. The drive is something that I’m used to, especially when I have my back against the wall with nowhere to run.

Am I afraid of failure? Absolutely terrified. Am I dreading the thought of having to get another pointless job, and not being able to work for myself? Every single day. Would an immediate financial boost improve my current situation? Probably. This is where the thought of selling TheAtHomeCouple.com makes it’s entrance.

I was unable to sleep last night, and stayed awake until Veronica left for work at 7 am this morning. The thought of cashing out on all my hard work for a quick money fix was haunting me beyond belief. I began to think about how much this site would be worth on the market, and what I could allocate that extra money towards. I began to think of how much weight it would take off Veronica’s shoulders, and enable her to put some money aside for herself – which she hasn’t done in months, as well as my responsibilities being the man in our relationship, and the deeply rooted pride that is commonly associated with that role. I then asked myself a simple question that really helped open up my tired eyes:

Would selling this blog solve our current financial needs and increase the chances of us accomplishing our long term goals in life, and online?

Fuck no. Cashing out on this blog would be the biggest sell out move I’ve ever pulled in my 27 years. This blog is a symbol of the very goal we are trying to achieve, and not only would I loose the respect of my peers, which is everything to me, but I can almost guarantee that the new owner(s) would not have an easy time filling my blood soaked shoes. I woke up today around 5 pm, ashamed at the thoughts that were racing through my brain. I immediately felt a need to email every single subscriber we have and tell you how much we love you, and want you to succeed. How much your struggles and triumphs keep us going, and knowing that we’re not alone in this vast, cold world online makes all the difference. I realized how many amazing people I’ve met, and great friends I’ve made – and I could NEVER put a price tag on that.

Note: I just received an email from an Affiliate Manager at affnet.com, saying he’s been researching our site, loves what we’re doing and would like to talk about advertising on our site and other business opportunities. Ironic, considering what I was just finished writing about.

Cheers,

Elijah

Building Your Team Of Criminal Masterminds

There are two types of people in any work industry, whether it be online or in a cubicle: Those who work better alone, and those who work better as part of a team, and when it comes to blogging there’s really no choice for the earlier option – providing you want to be successful. Building a team of collaborators and joint venture partners is vital to the systematic survival of your brand and motion within the blogosphere. You need people to bounce ideas off of. You need a people to fill your weak spots and promote growth. You need to become part of something much bigger that your little blog.

Little blog?

Yes, little blog. I don’t care if you’re John Chow or Shoe-frickin-money, on the greater scale of all things Internet, we’re the equivalent to a gnat on a donkey’s ass. Pay very close attention to what I’m about to say: You cannot be alone in this vast domain.

I’ve read countless ebooks, hard and soft covers, journals, reports and manifestos in my year or so pursuing business online, and teamwork is the one element that 99% of them forget to include in their “Top 37 ways to make money online” or “secret formulas” and frankly I think it’s all a load of bullshit. If you remember my post on how the rich stay rich and why there will always be that divider between the top dogs and everyone else, it is their network that keeps them all on top. Everyone has a role to play in order to keep that network tightly knit and circulating. The bigger the network is, the stronger it becomes and the more influence it will have.

Let’s go back to the donkey’s ass for a second…

Imagine that across the donkey’s entire body there are one million gnats spread out individually, and in small groups. You could stand two feet from that donkey and not see a single one of them. You might even go right up to this ass with a magnifying glass and be lucky if you notice one or two of these little buggers minding their business. Now let’s imagine that a movement was spawned, and the gnats realized that the only way for them to be noticed was if they huddled closely together in large groups while screaming as loud as possible. What do you think would happen? I can imagine three possible reactions:

You would begin to think “what are those screaming dark spots on my donkey?”
Word would spread and the gnats would join forces to form even bigger groups.
Gnats on other donkey’s would notice as they pass, and incorporate this concept to continue the cycle.

I don’t know what just happened, but it made sense five minutes ago.

Even though Veronica doesn’t post on here, or isn’t as visible as I am online, she is part of my team. Every post I publish and idea I stumble upon is filtered through her first. I also have been building a team of other ninja marketers whom I communicate with on a daily basis. We have a brainstorm forum that provides a common place for support, resources and creative development. All of these factors will greatly affect my success as an online businessman, and in turn the people around me because this cycle is self sustaining.

Take a moment to think of the people around you whom you admire and the blogs you are inspired by, as these are usually the prime candidates for future joint ventures and diving partners off the coast of Costa Rica. Find people who share a similar status and take that chance because you never know who else was thinking the same thing that you were.

The number one way to make money online is by building a team. Period.

Cheers,

Elijah

Should Every Blog Provide Advertising?

It’s getting to that point – regarding traffic and stats – that Veronica and I should start to think about monetizing our blog beyond an Adsense block and contextual links. It has become common practice that blogs of a certain stature are expected to provide some sort of advert options for others to purchase throughout the site. It seems to be in our best interest that we should take advantage of this opportunity to open up our canvas for potential advertisers, while paying some bills at the same time. Let’s take a look at what options we have…

As you can see by our template, it’s not very accommodating to the regular 125×125 ad farm that a lot of WordPress themes have – which I’m glad. I have two square banners up right now, and I don’t really see any more than 3 or 4 square banners in total for that area in the right sidebar, arranged in a vertical manner. Another option would be to provide ad space before/after posts but I’m not too sure how I feel about that – the awesome theme we use is vibrant and accommodating, and the last thing I want to do is fuck it all up with ad space.

So what do we do?

I feel much more comfortable leaving this decision up to you – our readers. We want to know how you feel with advertising on blogs, what you use to manage your ads, and based on our theme what you think would work best to combine ad options with our sites current vibe and functionality. If you know me at all, you know I’m not a fan of what I like to call “ad-blogs” and that will not happen with TAHC.com! I give you guys the power to determine how we go about doing this. Feel free to send us an email in the contact section above, or simply reply to this post with a comment!

Cheers,

Elijah