Posted on November 20, 2009 01:09 PM
Our iPhone development team is responsible for some great apps in the iTunes app store. iVote Mobile was in the first batch of 500 apps that were released in the app store when it first went live in Summer of 2008. Last holiday season, iFart took the world by storm. It has gone on to become one of the most frequently mentioned iPhone apps in the world. Our team was among the first to develop... Continue Reading
Posted on October 16, 2009 08:00 AM
I seem to spend a lot of time on the road these days. I've been up and down the country, backwards and forwards, and from state to state. I've even been to the other side of the world and back. It's hard work, with lots of jet-lag and too much time away from my family. That always hurts. But I enjoy it. I like speaking. The people I meet at events and conferences tend to... Continue Reading
Posted on October 12, 2009 03:49 PM
Everywhere I go, people ask me how they can make money online. Every time I show up at a conference, I am swamped with people interested in owning their own Internet business. My Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts receive contact from people on a regular basis. Emails, tweets and submitted forms are always asking what tips I can provide for those who want to learn my strategies. Yes, even my email box is regularly under... Continue Reading
Posted on October 10, 2009 08:54 AM
Last week the FTC dropped a bomb on the marketing world. They released new guidelines for the use of testimonials and endorsements in marketing. I immediately contacted my attorney, Kevin Houchin, to get his take on the latest guidelines. With Kevin's permission, I am republishing the entire text of his interpretation. It is essential that all marketers, online and offline, pay attention to this content. And understand that if you have ANY questions, you should... Continue Reading
Posted on September 25, 2009 08:21 AM
Alright, so maybe it wasn't the legal dispute of the century. But you've got to admit, for two little iPhone flatulence apps, we sure did make a stink! As you may recall, the fun and games began when Air-O-Matic, the creators of Pull My Finger, contacted me with a demand for $50,000. Why? They claimed that my use of the phrase "pull my finger" in a small portion of our online marketing campaign was responsible... Continue Reading
Posted on July 18, 2009 08:00 AM
One of the most exciting developments that has occurred on Twitter in the months since I put together Twitter Power has been the release of all sorts of statistics about the site. We've learned, for example, that many of the site's users are middle-aged, high earning business types rather than the kids that create pages on MySpace. We've found that only a small proportion of Twitter's users are writing most of the tweets while the... Continue Reading
Posted on July 2, 2009 08:00 AM
You've heard of the "paralysis of analysis." It happens when you think too much. That's not something that many people have accused me of doing very often (the opposite does tends to crop up quite a bit though) but it is something that I know afflicts many entrepreneurs, especially new ones. Continue Reading
Posted on June 25, 2009 06:13 PM
Apart from Twitter's own terms of service which prohibit obvious things like harassment, transmitting viruses and spamming other members, there really aren't many rules to the site. You can essentially use Twitter however you like. However, for people and businesses who want to use Twitter successfully (eg: build a following and grow their circle of influence), there are a number of best practices that can be observed. I cover many of these in my book... Continue Reading
Posted on June 17, 2009 08:00 AM
I love it when academics launch studies of the entrepreneurial world. Sometimes, they come up with truly valuable and fascinating information. I can't think of any off-hand, but I'm sure they must do sometimes. More usually though, the buffoons claim that their observations have discovered something truly amazing and revolutionary... something that those of us who were actually doing it knew all along. While the prof. is getting another publication and a nomination for a... Continue Reading
Posted on May 22, 2009 08:00 AM
I'm scared of change.
There, I said it. It's not big news though. Everyone is scared of change. Change is a scary thing. It means giving up what you have now for something better that you can only hope you'll have in the future.
It's risky. It's dangerous. It's disruptive.
It's also thrilling, exciting... and inevitable.
Continue Reading
Posted on May 17, 2009 08:00 AM
I'm not much of a celebrity-watcher. I don't read tabloids and I couldn't care less who's dating whom in Hollywoodland. But I'm still pleased to see that so many celebrities have chosen to use Twitter. I'm pleased because those celebrities are bringing lots of regular folk like you and me with them. Those people might have come to chat with Oprah or Ashton Kutcher but they'll hang around and talk with the rest of us... Continue Reading
Posted on April 17, 2009 08:00 AM
Here's something you're not going to hear too often these days. I'm glad I don't have a job. I'm happy that I don't have to commute to someone else's office, make nice to the boss, wonder what I have to do to move up in life... and hope and pray that I still have my job next month. That's the situation for many people these days, and I'm so happy that I've discovered that it... Continue Reading
Posted on April 16, 2009 08:28 AM
With Twitter becoming such a powerful force on the social media scene, there are those who get it and those who don't get it. There's a certain number of the "don't get it" crowd who will invariably take an outright aggressive posture and make a statement like this... "Twitter is a waste of time. Who cares what you had for breakfast?" Many on Twitter will hem and haw about the content of the question, almost... Continue Reading
Posted on March 28, 2009 01:34 PM
I've been a fan of UStream.tv ever since I discovered them a little over a year ago.
Every Wednesday, I do a live show with my co-host Dan Nickerson. It's called Joel Comm LIVE!
UStream has proven to be innovative as they continue to add cool features for broadcasters, including the ability to bring in co-hosts from other locations, add titles and also play YouTube or local videos within your program. Continue Reading
Posted on March 10, 2009 08:00 AM
Whenever I sit down to write a book or prepare a talk, I always have one goal in mind.
I want to make it easier for other people to achieve success.
That's easier... not easy.
I know my limitations. And I know Internet marketing.
And I know that there's no such thing as a successful Internet business that was built easily.
Continue Reading
Posted on January 19, 2009 08:00 AM
There are a lot of worried people out there. You might even be one of them. People are losing their jobs, seeing their wages cut, watching their revenue charts change from a steep hill to vertical cliff. These aren't great times. But they are times of opportunity. When I was researching Click Here to Order, there was one story that I came across time and time again. It was the story of the entrepreneur whose... Continue Reading
Posted on January 7, 2009 08:00 AM
You already know that most small businesses fail. It's a warning that's been given out to every entrepreneur with an idea, drive and the imagination to succeed for as long as people have been saying, "I should be working for me." Well, here's something you probably don't want to hear. Most blogs die too. People start them with the best of intentions. They tell themselves that they'll write every day, they'll pick up masses of... Continue Reading
Posted on January 5, 2009 08:00 AM
The start of any new business always contains the scariest moments. On the one hand, you're never going to feel more enthusiastic about your idea than during those first few months. You'll get to see your plan take flight and discover whether it really does have wings. On the other hand, you also have to cope with the fear that it's going to fail -- that what you thought was going to bring you a... Continue Reading
Posted on December 27, 2008 01:56 PM
I said I was going to go into silent mode regarding our sales, but so many people have asked me what happened through Christmas Day that I have decided to release stats just one more time.
We left off December 23rd with stats current from our release date on 12/12 through 12/22.
Everyone is curious about what happened next.
You may be shocked. I know I was when I saw the numbers. Continue Reading
Posted on December 23, 2008 09:00 PM
Well, we've done it.
A combination of marketing, timing, quality and providence has landed our application as the #1 best-selling app in the iTunes app store.
I appreciate the coverage we've received through media outlets and blogs.
Now that we've hit #1, I am going to post one more set of stats to add to those previously posted here. Continue Reading
Posted on December 17, 2008 12:01 AM
How many people REALLY use Twitter?
And what percentage of people account for most of the activity on Twitter?
These are questions I posed on Twitter today.
I asked "Would you say that 1% of Twitter members do 99% of the tweets?"
Some answers from my followers and some of my own research has uncovered some interesting data. Continue Reading
Posted on December 5, 2008 12:01 AM
On September 11th, 2008, I received an email from Matt Holt at John Wiley and Sons Publishing.
Matt asked me if I would write the definitive guide on Twitter for business.
And he wanted me to write it FAST.
As in, we have to have the manuscript in a couple months so we can release it by February of 2009.
Wow, that IS fast! Continue Reading
Posted on November 29, 2008 08:00 AM
Whenever I attend a conference I always try to listen to as many of the other speakers' talks as possible.
I can't think of a single talk that hasn't taught me something.
But some of the most powerful and valuable information that I've learned at conferences didn't come while sitting in front of a professional marketer. It came while sitting in the café afterwards and chatting with my students.
Continue Reading
Posted on November 25, 2008 07:59 AM
I got an email from someone the other day asking me which "gurus" they should listen to.
There are SO many people teaching how to make money online.
How DO you know who to trust?
Here's a checklist for you to help you determine the answer to this question: Continue Reading
Posted on September 21, 2008 02:00 AM
Click Here to Order continues to sell very well and is showing up in more and more stores.
I'd love to hear your CHTO Sitings if you spot it in your city or town.
However, thanks to my friend Michael Copeland, I've discovered a way that you can read my new book for free and get some extra bonus material along the way!
How can that be? Continue Reading
Posted on September 15, 2008 08:25 AM
If you were publishing a newspaper, you wouldn't care who read it. As long as the number of readers was nice and high, it wouldn't matter too much to you whether they all read one article or absorbed everything from cover to cover.
That would be true even if you were publishing a free newspaper.
Continue Reading
Posted on September 13, 2008 12:00 AM
Everyone was talking about the Beijing 2008 Olympics this summer.
Phelps and others stole the headlines with victory after victory.
However, in the midst of this global competition, another competition was completely ignored by the mainstream media.
It is now my pleasure to bring you exclusive coverage of the InfoMedia, Inc. First Annual Flying Monkey Office Olympics.
The sporting world will never be the same... Continue Reading
Posted on September 4, 2008 03:46 PM
When I was researching "Click Here to Order," there was a story I kept coming across time and time again. Marketers would tell me how they were down to their last penny, ready to throw in the towel, on their way to looking for a day job... when something happened. For copywriter Michael Fortin, who had already declared bankruptcy by the age of 21, it was the discovery of the power of a well-written sales... Continue Reading
Posted on August 11, 2008 11:23 AM
We had a great time in Glenwood Springs. From taking a Segway tour of the area and a day at the world's largest hot springs pool to downtime for rest & relaxation and a trip to a rain-covered Snowmass, my family and I enjoyed our brief vacation. I may put up some video once I get the chance. But I've had a lot of people curious about how the return train ride went on Amtrak... Continue Reading
Posted on July 20, 2008 12:21 PM
Twitter is one of the web's leading innovative sites. People are just discovering new ways to interact with others, build relationships, share ideas AND market themselves and their products/services online. I've put together a 30-page report that will give you an overview of Twitter and how you can use it to help accomplish your goals. Things are changing VERY quickly online, so forgive me if some of the material is dated by next month! What's... Continue Reading
Posted on July 6, 2008 12:00 AM
I was in San Francisco last week and I had a great opportunity to visit with Sterling Valentine. Sterling is an former DJ who has become a great friend. And on this trip I also discovered that Sterling is a man of many talents. He is a singer/songwriter. So I asked him to pick up his guitar and play for me. He did. Here's a portion of Sterling singing "Someday". Oh, and somehow he got... Continue Reading
Posted on June 19, 2008 12:47 AM
Have you ever wondered what people did BEFORE they become Internet marketers? It's pretty cool to see that the greatest success stories are people just like you and me. I will tell you this about me. I used to be a DJ. Yup, I worked in the nightclubs to begin with, but then the entrepreneur in me discovered that there was more money to be made in playing music at private events. So I started... Continue Reading
Posted on May 20, 2008 01:23 AM
What is it that makes successful people stand out from the crowd? Or perhaps I should ask the question this way... What are the things that successful people DO that everyone else does not do? I believe we are all dealt a hand in life. On very rare occassion that hand is stacked with a full house, but in most cases we're fortunate if we are dealt a pair of twos. And whether or not... Continue Reading
Posted on April 28, 2008 12:51 AM
I'm going to let you in on a little secret...
I can't write computer code.
It's true... I can't code my way out of a paper bag.
Well, maybe that's not a big surprise, but here's another secret...
I can't do graphic design.
That is, unless you count stick figures. I can draw those.
May I tell you another secret? Continue Reading
Posted on April 16, 2008 09:43 PM
On January 30, 2005, website owners all over the world rushed to pick up a copy of Google AdSense Secrets. It was the first edition of the ebook that has now become the definitive guide to making money with AdSense. That summer, I released a second updated version of AdSense Secrets. In March 2006, the much-demanded third edition hit the virtual newstand. Checking in at 199 pages, it is the bible of the industry and... Continue Reading
Posted on April 5, 2008 02:06 AM
Who would have thought the rock band KISS would have survived for decades? I remember when Rock n Roll All Nite came out. I was just a young teen. And yet, all these years later, KISS has endured. It only makes sense that there would be KISS cover bands. Why not, right? Grab your instruments, throw on some makeup, act like you are anti-establishment and find a guitar player with an exceptionally long tongue to... Continue Reading
Posted on April 4, 2008 08:46 AM
I recently had the privilege of spending time with Mike Filsaime.
The guy is one of the most brilliant marketers in the world, and he told me how he is "moving the free line"... again!
Mike knows viral marketing unlike anyone else and he understands the power of providing free high quality information to people. He also understands the power of branding the reports and allowing others to give them away for you. Continue Reading
Posted on April 3, 2008 01:19 PM
In March of 2006 I attended Yanik Silver's Internet Marketing Underground seminar in Washinton, DC. It was a life-changing date with destiny, for it was there that I met my future JV Partner, Eric Holmlund. I was also impressed by the high caliber of people who attended this seminar. It seemed that there was an awful lot of success in the room filled with over 300 people. Two years later and Yanik does not disappoint... Continue Reading
Posted on March 31, 2008 09:56 PM
There are those who start at the bottom of a company with the aspiration to rise to the top, and there are those for whom the words upwardly mobile do not apply. I encountered Mr. Latter attending to the United Skycap station in LAX today. My associates and I bring our bags to the guy and we go through the regular procedure. "What is your destination?", "Show me your identification" and "How many bags will... Continue Reading
Posted on March 31, 2008 12:59 AM
If you were publishing a newspaper, you wouldn't care who read it. As long as the number of readers was nice and high, it wouldn't matter too much to you whether they all read one article or absorbed everything from cover to cover. That would be true even if you were publishing a free newspaper. You'd just want know how many people your publication reaches so that you can charge advertisers the right price. Online... Continue Reading
Posted on March 27, 2008 10:43 AM
Be careful... If you don't add the right amount of each ingredient, you could ruin the entire meal. Easy now... If you mix those chemicals incorrectly, it could be explosive. Watch it... If the calculations aren't perfect, the shuttle may never make it off the launching pad. Many things in life demand precision. There are some absolutes that do not allow for the least bit of give. One wrong step and the greatest ideas can... Continue Reading
Posted on March 10, 2008 01:32 AM
I'm about to share a hard truth with you.
I hope you are sitting down, cause here we go...
Most of the people reading this newsletter will never make money online.
Ouch.
Sure, read it again. You heard me right.
Now before you go questioning me, calling me insensitive or flat out cursing me out, let me say this...
Continue Reading
Posted on March 4, 2008 03:58 AM
Do you ever go to Google to search for your name?
A search for David results in 719,000,000 web pages. Zoiks!
A search for Brenda presents 31,500,000 results.
And search for Fred will get you 120,000,000 results, including a stock chart for Fred's, Inc, whoever that is.
Last year, I Googled my name to see where I came up in the results. Continue Reading
Posted on February 26, 2008 11:22 PM
I've just spent an incredible three days in Las Vegas at the Affiliate Summit. This gathering of nearly 3000 people was one of the largest concentrations of affiliate marketers in history. While I did enjoy some of the workshops, the greatest benefit was from networking with others in the industry. I finally got to meet famous bloggers such as Amit Mehta, John Chow, Andrew Wee and Zac Johnson, just to name a few. All these... Continue Reading
Posted on February 21, 2008 12:33 AM
A few months back, I launched this groundbreaking Internet marketing course to the world... The Secret Classroom ... and the feedback has been fantastic! I regularly receive emails from people telling me what an impact this course has had on their online business. I wanted to take a moment today and share one of these emails with you. I think it says way more about the value of The Secret Classroom than I could ever... Continue Reading
Posted on February 18, 2008 10:13 AM
I am finding Facebook to be a great tool for networking and connecting with people. Since I started using last fall, I have connected with old friends, family members, new associates and some pretty big names. With Facebook, you can make contact with people who might otherwise be very difficult to reach. I've added over 1000 friends, started a handful of groups and have discovered how to post items so others can see what I... Continue Reading
Posted on February 16, 2008 11:58 PM
World of Warcraft has now occupied a part of my life for three years.
No, I am not one of those people that plays hours each day, let alone every day.
But I do enjoy the game and am eagerly anticipating the next expansion set titled "Wrath of the Lich King".
Apparantly I am not alone.
There are now over 9,000,000 people around the world who play World of Warcraft. Continue Reading
Posted on January 25, 2008 05:46 AM
I've had several people ask me what I'm going to be up to in 2008. I'm very excited, because this is going to be a breakthrough year for many people who will increase their online revenue. AND, I am excited because I am going to be doing several things that have never been done before! That's kind of a mantra with me. I don't like to do what everyone else is doing. You have to... Continue Reading
Posted on January 22, 2008 11:05 PM
In November of 2005, I went to Armand Morin's Big Seminar for the first time. My eyes were opened to brand new possibilities, and I can say without reservation that it was one of the most significant events of my life. Since that time I have gotten to know Armand as a friend and a mentor. I've been a guest speaker at Big Seminar, he has been a guest teacher on The Next Internet Millionaire... Continue Reading
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:48 AM
Blogging is a huge opportunity... and a lot of people are missing out. They're missing out for one reason. They don't believe they can write. They might have slept through their English classes at school. They don't know what a semi-colon is for. And since entering the workforce, they might never have had to write anything longer than a grocery list. And now I'm telling them that they can make their living -- and more... Continue Reading
Posted on January 1, 2008 11:15 AM
Happy New Year! It's officially 2008, and you know what that means. It means I'll probably mess up a bunch of checks by writing 2007 as I get used to the idea of the new number! But it also means the holidays are over. Time to get back to work. It's a good thing I enjoy my work! How about you? Maybe you've bought revenue-generating training material and software but you aren't using it. Is... Continue Reading
Posted on December 31, 2007 12:34 AM
Well, here we are on the brink of another New Year. I've recapped the highlights of 2007 on my blog As we enter 2008, I am more committed than ever to provide you with the best content... the best books... the best software... the best reviews... the best sites for making money online... the best of everything! 2007 was a groundbreaking year in many respects, but 2008 is shaping up to be even bigger. I... Continue Reading
Posted on October 16, 2007 12:21 AM
I use Google Alerts to let me know when someone is writing about me or one of my web sites. It's a great way to keep tabs on you or your brand. Anyhow, I got an alert today and discovered that one of my AdSenseChat.com members had written a blog entry about me. It's always interesting to see what other people think. It's actually pretty amazing to hear another perspective, especially from people who don't... Continue Reading
Posted on September 8, 2007 12:01 AM
If there's one thing I keep saying time and time again, it's that anyone who wants to make lots of money online needs to go to conferences. And every time I say it, I see some people looking back at me with blank faces. I understand. Conferences cost money. If you're just starting out, it can feel like they cost a lot of money. And if you've never been to a business conference before, it... Continue Reading
Posted on September 3, 2007 12:06 PM
There's no doubt that Google is challenging Microsoft's dominance of the desktop.
Search, office applications, email... the list goes on.
But here's a surprise that was discovered as an easter egg hidden in Google Earth...
... The Google Earth Flight Simulator Continue Reading
Posted on August 28, 2007 11:34 PM
How would you like to be able to discover the all-time top paying keywords for AdSense? Would you like to access search and bid data for over eight million AdSense keywords? Wouldn't it be helpful to locate hot domain names that are still available? It's time to do AdSense smarter! Check out this site now and find out why AdSense Smarter is the best top paying keywords tool available and learn how you can profit... Continue Reading
Posted on July 22, 2007 05:32 AM
Tag me once, tag me twice. What the heck.
Both Rosalind Gardner and Kris Jones 'tagged' me to create this blog entry.
Here goes... Continue Reading
Posted on July 6, 2007 10:02 AM
It was fall of 2005. I was in Charlotte, North Carolina, preparing for my very first public speaking engagement. I would be speaking before an audience of 25 people who had paid to hear me and a handful of other Internet marketers share how we make our millions online. It was at this time that I had begun preparing the manuscript for my first traditionally published book. But I was lacking a title for the... Continue Reading
Posted on July 4, 2007 12:07 AM
Google's referral programs have never impressed me very much. Although the commissions are now fair, they started out very low. But even at the new(ish) rates, few sites are going to benefit from them. They're only good for publishers who aim their content at other publishers. That's always been the problem with Google's referrals: there were too few products aimed at too few topics. But Google has been working on a whole new referral system... Continue Reading
Posted on June 14, 2007 11:02 PM
Pssst.
I've got a secret.
Actually, I've got a LOT of secrets.
Do YOU want to know the secret?
No, not THAT secret. "That" Secret is the biggest bunch of nonsense served to the public on a shiny platter all year.
But that's a topic for another newsletter. ;-) Continue Reading
Posted on May 14, 2007 12:20 AM
It's a basic AdSense strategy. One page. One topic. One group of nicely targeted ads. But what if your website covers more than one topic? Suppose you have a blog that's about cars, for example, and occasionally you like to write about satellite radios or travel destinations. Is it enough to put an off-topic post on a separate page or should you put it on a whole different website? You'll need two pieces of information... Continue Reading
Posted on March 26, 2007 08:14 AM
Everything has changed.
I remember when I first discovered computers.
I was in high school when Radio Shack came out with their TRS-80 Model I personal computer.
I remember going to the store and staring at it... ogling it... feeling the power of its keyboard...
Hey, I guess I just wasn't into girls yet. That time came along eventually as well. ;-)
Oh, those were the days. Continue Reading
Posted on March 24, 2007 11:54 PM
I am currently in the Nation's Capitol for an Internet marketing conference and I am the victim of a crime, even a felony.
It happened while I slept. I was robbed and left for naked... and didn't even know it until late in the afternoon.
Amazingly, there isn't a bruise on my body. Nor have I lost any material possessions.
So what happened? Read on... Continue Reading
Posted on March 24, 2007 12:00 AM
I treat my online businesses pretty seriously. I have to. They feed and house my family and that's a pretty serious business. But sometimes I wonder if I'm not missing something. Just surf at random around the blogs at Blogger.com and you'll come across a bunch of sites that have been put up for no other reason than to make the people who write them smile. They might make the half-dozen or so regular readers... Continue Reading
Posted on March 22, 2007 08:37 AM
It seems like everywhere you turn, people are talking about Web 2.0. What's the deal with Web 2.0 and why should we care? In the past weeks, I have shared with you how I built my lists, increased my visibility and made more sales by using Squidoo. Many of you have written me thanking me for the free report on the topic as you are seeing results from using this new web technology. But did... Continue Reading
Posted on March 19, 2007 11:58 AM
I love to write my own newsletter. It gives me an opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings with you in a very personal way. However, my friend Eric Holmlund has written such a brilliant piece that I have asked him if I can reproduce it in its entirity. Being a great guy, Eric said no problem. With no further ado, here is Eric's post... ---------------------- I want to tell you about a young woman... Continue Reading
Posted on March 13, 2007 11:58 AM
Andy Warhol once said that every person gets their fifteen minutes of fame.
I don't know if that is true, but I do know that every person has a story to tell.
I am in the process of writing a new book centered around Internet marketing and individual success stories...
... and I am looking for real life stories to include in the book!
So what's your story? Continue Reading
Posted on February 27, 2007 07:40 AM
Colorado... the majestic rockies... snow-covered peaks. Ah... just another day in paradise.
Enjoy the view! :-)
Continue Reading
Posted on February 13, 2007 12:21 AM
The writer Anne Lamott likes to tell a story of how her brother had to create a school project describing a huge number of different birds. He didn't know how he was going to complete it. Lamott's father had some wise advice. He told his son to do it "bird by bird." Lamott used that analogy to describe the process of writing a book. You can think of it as a way of creating a... Continue Reading
Posted on February 5, 2007 08:24 AM
I hope it got your attention, because what I am about to share with you can be HUGE. And I have THREE things I need to share with you. So be sure you read all the way to end or you might miss out on the best stuff! Ok, here's the deal (pardon my excitement, but this really is big!) As you know, AdSense is not the only contextual advertising service on the web. Google... Continue Reading
Posted on January 24, 2007 10:21 AM
I'm sure you've heard the 'buzz' about social networking and Web 2.0. Millions of people have signed up for their own MySpace site, including me! Have you actually discovered how to make *REAL MONEY* with it and generate TONS of free traffic with MySpace and other social networking sites? Recently I managed to get hold of a "private" two-hour telephone conversation featuring two 'under the radar' experts discussing how they are driving BIG traffic and... Continue Reading
Posted on January 21, 2007 11:21 PM
I love checking my server stats. It always turns up a ton of great information. Sure, I can see how much traffic I’ve received, where my users are in the world and, more importantly, how they reached my site -- and all of that information is hugely valuable. But mixed into all that data is often a bunch of details that just have me scratching my head. Like the search terms that have brought people... Continue Reading
Posted on December 20, 2006 04:19 PM
Building a successful website doesn’t happen overnight. You have to create the pages, write the content, optimize your ads, drive traffic. You can be up and running within minutes but to earn the sort of revenues that make the whole thing worthwhile (and more) you’re going to have to invest time. And much of that time is going to be spent troubleshooting. A poorly-designed, badly-optimized site might make a little bit of money. A site... Continue Reading
Posted on December 12, 2006 04:13 PM
I remember when I bought my first DVD player, many years ago. I instantly fell in love with the high quality audio and video that came from the DVD. And I also loved the "special feature" aspect that DVDs allowed... deleted scenes, out-takes, behind the scenes documentaries, etc. I've got a DVD collection featuring over 750 discs to date. Now I just need time to watch them! And speaking of DVDs, my friend Russell Brunson... Continue Reading
Posted on December 8, 2006 08:03 AM
I'll be the first to admit that I have made some mistakes in my life. Hey, I'm human and I don't expect to always get it right. It was a mistake for me to tell people about Mike Filsaime's report, "The Death of Internet Marketing" before it was actually time to do so. Ooops. My bad. Sorry, Mike. It was a mistake to accidently use another marketer's trademarked name in reference to a different marketer's... Continue Reading
Posted on November 20, 2006 05:19 AM
When I first started playing around with AdSense, I knew nothing. Now, I like to think that I know a few things about AdSense, but I am still learning. Want to design direct-mail flyers? Don’t ask me. I haven’t a clue. Need to know how to fill a restaurant to the rafters every night? Never owned a restaurant. Not my thing. Want to build a deck? Follow my advice and you’ll just end up with... Continue Reading
Posted on October 24, 2006 01:33 AM
It's just been an incredible month for new revenue-generating resources!
First we had the SEO product of the year, The Stomper from Brad Fallon.
Then Instant AdSense Templates helped people get a site up and running quickly.
Next, Anik Singal and Rosalind Gardner launch their Blog Classroom, which is only available for a couple more days, by the way. If you haven't signed up yet, visit Blog Classroom
And now, there's this... Continue Reading
Posted on September 24, 2006 10:15 PM
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
The rumors of the so-called "death of AdSense" have gone too far.
Now, it is time for someone to SHATTER the Myths and TELL THE TRUTH!
I invite you to download my new report...
"AdSense is ALIVE!"
The report contains an entertaining fable and a point-by-point rebuttal to the half-truths that are being believed by way too many people.
Can you handle the truth?
Download "AdSense is ALIVE!" Now!
Continue Reading
Posted on August 23, 2006 10:38 PM
I've been getting a LOT of email about Google's new policy change related to their AdWords program. Thousands of advertisers had the prices per click raised DRAMATICALLY overnight. It has been very costly for some, perhaps unfairly so. Are you one of the people that got hit by this Google "slap"? Are you still trying to recover and to find your lost traffic? Many people have pleased with Google to let them have the lower-cost... Continue Reading
Posted on August 6, 2006 04:40 PM
It's been an incredibly exciting month for me. Not only did The AdSense Code hit the New York Times Best-Seller list last month, but it is hanging strong at #9 on the Paperback Business list for this month as well! Then, I discovered last week that I also hit #7 on the Business Week Best-Seller List! I'm absolutely floored at how well the book is doing and am glad to see people reading it. It... Continue Reading
Posted on August 5, 2006 06:13 PM
Bionicles. A Lego creation that has an incredibly rabid fan base and has spawned numerous made-for-DVD videos and a comic book series. Why am I writing about Lego Bionicles? Because my son has been collecting them for years. And because he just dropped over $100 on the newest sets to hit the market and is incredibly upset. So much so that he is returning them to the store, disheartened and disappointed. I suggested that he... Continue Reading
Posted on August 1, 2006 02:47 PM
In every industry, there's a powerbroker in the background - an advisor who is known to just a handful of people, but who helps build empires for the top "stars" who are household names. I recently discovered Janet Switzer. For the last 16 years, Janet has been quietly creating empire-building campaigns, products, promotions, deals and distribution for many of the biggest celebrity experts you've heard of. Jay Abraham... Mark Victor Hansen... Chicken Soup for the... Continue Reading
Posted on July 29, 2006 10:23 PM
The kids have gone to bed and it is getting late. I decided to check in to the database of questions that have been asked recently at AskJoelComm.com and attempt to answer a few of them here briefly. As you might imagine, I receive more questions than I have time to answer. So if don't get to your question, please don't think I am ignoring you. There just isn't enough of me to go around... Continue Reading
Posted on July 28, 2006 10:51 AM
When I give talks explaining how people can use AdSense to earn high revenues, I focus on some very specific strategies. I do the same in my book. I explain which ad formats work best, discuss where to put them, how to blend them into the page and how to influence the ads that appear so that you can make sure you’re always earning the highest revenues possible.
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Posted on June 10, 2006 12:40 AM
If you've been following my life at all, you know I've been working with my mother to help her build her website, TravelsWithSheila.com.
Acting on my advice, my mom has issued a press release today. Continue Reading
Posted on May 26, 2006 08:50 PM
I am currently in Orlando, Florida, attending Michael Penland's Internet Marketing Super Conference. I've been spending time with some great people, including Mike Filsaime, Gary Ambrose, Brian Edmondson, Keith Wellman and Tom Beal.
Being here reminds me of how incredibly important it is to attend conferences if you want to be successful. Continue Reading
Posted on May 11, 2006 08:59 AM
They say that what happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas.
And I guess that is frequently true...
But if you come see me at Carl Galletti's Internet Marketing Super Conference in Las Vegas, June 1 - 4th, 2006, I promise that you will be able to take a WEALTH of information back with you to wherever you live! Continue Reading
Posted on May 10, 2006 08:00 AM
When I look at the Internet marketing landscape, I often see a vast wasteland of "me too" products and services. It seems many people are simply trying to capitalize on someone else's success.
However, every now and then I see an ORIGINAL product come along... and I am excited to share it with you!
Today I want to tell you about ZipSense, the world's first ZBook! Continue Reading
Posted on April 24, 2006 09:24 AM
I love to play games with my family. Board games, card games, party games. We like them all.
Sure, sometimes we have a hard time agreeing on what to play. But once we get going we usually have a fun time.
We are always on the lookout for new games to play. And with so many choices, how do you know which games will give the biggest bang for the buck?
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Posted on April 4, 2006 10:36 AM
I am currently in a top-secret location with an unnamed group of people.
What do we have in common?
We are all online entreprenuers.
Why gather?
Because when people get together and begin discussing their lives, powerful stuff takes place. Continue Reading
Posted on March 30, 2006 11:24 PM
It was a pretty exciting day yesterday. The UPS man dropped four boxes at my front door. I instantly knew what they were.
Carrying the boxes insides, I quickly found scissors and gently cut the tape that sealed the cardboard boxes.
It was just as I had expected. Books. Dozens of copeis of the same book. My book.
It had finally arrived... Continue Reading
Posted on March 19, 2006 10:08 AM
Spore is Will Wright's latest computer game, and it is set to revolutionize the PC gaming world.
Creator of Sim City and The Sims, Spore is unlike anything else you have ever experienced in computer gaming. Due out in 2007, Spore will offer an open-ended gameplay style that will appeal to a wide variety of gamers. Continue Reading
Posted on March 12, 2006 11:26 PM
When I was sixteen years old and purchased my first computer (A Tandy TRS-80), my mother asked me "What are you going to do with a computer?"
Many years later, she now knows exactly what I will do with a computer...
My mother has been slow to adapt to new technology, but I have nudged her along gently and she now can't imagine not using the Internet to research her adventure travel escapades. Continue Reading
Posted on February 19, 2006 05:25 PM
Ok, so Dick Cheney accidently shot a guy.
The mainstream media has had a grand old time focusing on absolutely nothing. I figured by this weekend it would be over.
Not so. Continue Reading
Posted on February 18, 2006 08:41 AM
Ok, so it's February 18th. But the snow is blanketing the ground in the Oklahoma City area and it finally feels just a little bit like Christmas. Well, winter at least.
Just two days we were enjoying temperatures nearing 70 degrees and sunshine. The cold front blew in and the temperature dropped 30 + degrees in a matter of minutes. Continue Reading
Posted on February 15, 2006 11:51 PM
I recently received an email from a reader lamenting how I have strayed from my political rants. Believe me, it's not for lack of material. Between the mainstream media's pathetic obsession with VP Dick Cheney accidently shooting a friend while hunting (don't get me started) and the never-ceasing parade of Democrat leadership attempting to undermine America, I could blog for hours on end. I have just become fed up with the lunacy and have focused... Continue Reading
Posted on February 7, 2006 01:07 AM
I love finding promising online businesses and bringing attention to them. Last year, one of my clients introduced me to a product that he was creating called Got-Zip. As a long-time affiliate to many merchants, I took special interest to this new service as it turned the affiliate system on it's ear. Instead of paying out commissions for sales that orginated on a link through your web site, Got Zip levels the playing field and... Continue Reading
Posted on February 1, 2006 03:47 PM
How can articles be used to make more money with Google AdSense? That is the topic of the first module in my telecourse series, The AdSense Code. Starting on Thursday, February 2, 2006 at 8 pm EST, I will be speaking with Christopher Knight, owner of EzineArticles.com. Chris is the web's foremost expert on article content creation and syndication. His site features over 100,000 articles created by over 17,000 expert authors. And along the way... Continue Reading
Posted on January 29, 2006 08:14 AM
I am at an undisclosed location with an undisclosed group of people conducting classified business. It's the "secret seminar." I could tell you more, but you you would have to eat this blog entry afterwards. And I'd really like to see you try to get your mouth around your computer monitor... especially those of you with widescreen monitors. That would be funny. Continue Reading
Posted on January 26, 2006 11:31 PM
What makes you tick? What is the source of the "fire in your belly" that keeps you dreaming and reaching for... whatever it is? What is the one thing that you care about most and would give anything to have, be or do?
That is your passion. Continue Reading
Posted on January 22, 2006 12:41 AM
Just the other day I was telling you about Glenn Dietzel from Awaken the Author Within. I had the opportunity to spend a couple days with Glenn. We had a fabulous time getting to know each other and at the last minute decided to put together a podcast as I was driving him to the airport so he could catch his flight home. Since we recorded this in the car, I am calling it a... Continue Reading
Posted on January 17, 2006 11:58 PM
I had two telephone consultations today. One of them was scheduled with a client. Another was spontaneous with a contact that I met at a seminar a few months back. But both of them had something in common. Each person was trying to figure out how they could create a profitable business online. Continue Reading
Posted on December 19, 2005 12:31 AM
I remember a story on the cover of Time magazine about ten years ago. It had the following headline which was just a tremendous shocker to me. It said... Continue Reading
Posted on November 24, 2005 09:48 PM
We awoke at 8 am so, preparing for our Thanksgiving journey to Chicago. You won't believe how smoothly that journey went. Continue Reading
Posted on November 14, 2005 07:16 PM
I received some very exciting news today. I have signed with Morgan James Publishing, Inc., a New York-based publishing house, to bring my Google AdSense ebook to the retail market as a hardcover book! That means in approximately 60 days, my book should be available at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Waldenbooks, Amazon.com and many other locations. Cool stuff, eh? Continue Reading
Posted on November 6, 2005 10:11 AM
I am currently in Los Angeles attending Armand Morin's Big Seminar, an Internet marketing conference unlike any I have previously attended. This is Armand's sixth conference of this nature (he does them bi-annually) and you can tell that he really loves what he does. There are over 400 people here and the atmosphere is absolutely electric. It is a top-notch, classy operation. From the hotel to the speakers to the food and everything in between... Continue Reading
Posted on November 2, 2005 02:08 PM
In 1978, I was just a youthful fourteen-year old. But I knew the future when I saw it, and I wanted a piece of it.
It was this year that Tandy released their first home computer, the TRS-80, via their Radio Shack stores. As soon as I saw this black and gray beauty, I knew I had to have one. Continue Reading
Posted on October 10, 2005 12:34 AM
All you hear from the liberal democrats these days is "Bush lied... no weapons of mass destruction... Get out of Iraq... Saddam was not tied to terrorists... etc and so forth." I came across this series of quotes from the beloved liberal leadership that should make anyone who has supported them in the past go "hmmmm" Their own words nullify their objections with this administration, and make clear that they have absolutely no platform to... Continue Reading
Posted on October 8, 2005 12:12 AM
Since I became an Ebook author, I have realized the importance of each detail in the process. The topic, sales letter, price, marketing plan and other choices all have a significant bearing on whether or not the ebook will succeed. One commonly neglected area is the graphic design for the cover of the ebook. I am very pleased at how my covers have turned out, and I cannot recommend highly enough the designer who created... Continue Reading
Posted on October 6, 2005 01:46 PM
One of my best friends in the whole world is Mark Jones. I met Mark and his wife Rebecca when attending Trtinity Bible Church in Richardson, Texas. Mark was the worship pastor and we just gravitated towards each other. He and his family are the definition of kind and trustworthy. I love him like a brother and would do absolutely anything for him. *Though he did NOT ask me to do this...) Continue Reading
Posted on September 11, 2005 12:23 AM
Slowly but surely, the truth about abortion is coming to the surface in the American mindset. More and more women are speaking out about how abortion has hurt them terribly, leaving a wake of destruction in their personal lives. So many of society's ills can be traced back to an abortion in someone's life. Drug addictions. Eating disorders. Sexual dysfunction. Depression. There is a cause and effect link between taking the unborns baby's life and... Continue Reading
Posted on July 6, 2005 11:44 PM
For nearly ten years I have provided useful resources for parents who want to keep their kids safe online. With the overwhelming amount of pornography, predators and violence on the Internet, how can wise parents allow their children to surf the web, check email and instant message without fear of these modern-day ills?
I've written an ebook on this topic called "Internet Safety Secrets". Continue Reading
Posted on June 15, 2005 12:31 PM
I've been in a Las Vegas this week, participating in Affiliate Summit, a conference for Internet merchants and their affiliates. I dragged a couple friends along with me and we're having a great time.
Monday night we went to see Blue Man Group at the Luxor Hotel (the big pyramid...) What a fun evening! Continue Reading
Posted on May 19, 2005 11:14 PM
A long time ago in galaxy far, far away, a thirteen-year old boy discovered a new world of action and adventure which had captured his imagination unlike anything before. Star Wars hit the theaters in 1977, and I still remember sitting in the very front row, completely in awe by the images on the screen. I probably saw the film ten times in our local cinema, and waited patiently for George Lucas to churn out... Continue Reading
Posted on April 15, 2005 12:01 PM
I've been slaving away attempting to make sense of this thing we call the Internet. In order to put things in proper perspective, I have composed this paper which I hope will prove useful. Continue Reading
Posted on April 6, 2005 12:44 AM
I believe abortion is genocide, a modern-day holocaust of Biblical proportions. Slowly but surely, people are coming around to recognize the obvious truth. However, what many people have not recognized is that more than one person is hurt by abortion. It is true that an innocent life is killed before it has a chance to truly live. But what about the woman who commits the act? What about the husband who either encourages or stands... Continue Reading
Posted on April 1, 2005 02:58 PM
After a long drawn-out fight, Michael Schiavo has succeeded in his goal to starve his wife to death. Terri Schiavo is dead and has entered eternity. Michael Schiavo must live on with the consequences of his murderous choices. It is a dark day in American history. We have been tested ethically and morally, and have failed as a nation. We are moving towards the European model of euthenasia, where other people decide whether or not... Continue Reading
Posted on March 25, 2005 02:20 PM
I love finger food. There's nothing like the simplicity of enjoying cheese sticks and chicken fingers off the platter. But Wendy's has apparantly taken finger food to the next level. SAN JOSE, Calif. Mar 23, 2005 — A woman's meal at a Wendy's restaurant brought a whole new meaning to the term "finger food." The woman bit into a portion of a human finger while eating a bowl of chili Tuesday night at the San... Continue Reading
Posted on March 23, 2005 12:05 AM
Finally, a documentary about the left that I can't WAIT to see. This just in from Drudge... HBO MOVIE SHOWS RADIO 'AIR AMERICA' CHAOS HBO is set to air a behind the scenes look at the launching of liberal radio network AIR AMERICA. The DRUDGE REPORT has obtained a director's cut of LEFT OF THE DIAL, a grossly entertaining docu-drama of life on the other side of the AIR AMERICA microphone. The doubts. The lies... Continue Reading
Posted on March 21, 2005 12:56 PM
Want to know how to make money with Google Adsense? I am going to be sharing my secrets in an EXCLUSIVE FREE Teleseminar hosted by Ezine Marketing Expert, Christopher Knight. The live teleseminar is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22nd, 2005 at 7 pm CST. If you have a web site, you'll want to sign up for this FREE live event that will cover: An overview of why Adsense can work for your site Who typically... Continue Reading
Posted on March 7, 2005 09:45 PM
What makes people tick? Why do we respond to certain words, images and advertisements, while others seem entirely invisible to us? My friend from down-under, Sean D'Souza, has done a vast amount of research into the human mind. His site, Psychotactics, contains a wealth of free information that is beneficial to anyone who wishes to sell a product or service. But his information is also useful for discovering how to strengthen your relationships. Sean offers... Continue Reading
Posted on February 12, 2005 11:54 PM
Google Adsense text ads have become ubiquitous on the web. You can even find them on this web page. Just look for "Ads by Google". Many web site owners are generating extra cash by placing Google ads on their web pages. But very few know the secrets that are generating enormous cash flow for some sites. I have written an ebook that reveals Google Adsense Secrets. It shows how sites are multiplying their Google Adsense... Continue Reading
Posted on January 21, 2005 11:40 PM
It is with much fondness that I bid adieu to World of Warcraft. I've been playing my character, Riathamus, for just over a month, and I have experienced a great deal of what the game has to offer. However, the game is so enormous, so huge, and so seemingly endless, that I am in turning in my two-handed mace and calling it quits. This game is simply too good. It's too beautiful. It's too much... Continue Reading
Posted on January 20, 2005 11:13 AM
The Amazing Race 6 has turned into a hit show, gathering more steam as each season goes by. Pretty impressive for a show many thought would not return after season 2. Unfortunately, this season contains some of the least likable people the show has seen. The producers have opted for cookie-cutter model types for many of the couples. Several of the others have just been utterly uninteresting. Fortunately, the exotic locations and unusual tasks continue... Continue Reading
Posted on January 15, 2005 11:11 PM
I just got back from seeing The Aviator with Leonardo diCaprio as Howard Hughes. I believe Leonardo has gotten a bum rap as an actor for some time. I liked him in What's Eating Gilbert Grape. I thought he was perfectly cast in Catch Me if You Can. And whatever else you say about Titanic, his part as Jack Dawson will go down in history. But as eccentric inventor/businessman/aviator Hughes, diCaprio should be awarded an... Continue Reading
Posted on November 29, 2004 04:56 PM
Friends occasionally ask me which credit card I like to use. I have had dozens of cards over the years. First USA. Citibank. Bank One. Etc, and so forth. I have tried multiple programs. Cashback from Discover. Sharper Image store credit rewards from First USA. General Motors rewards (never did buy another GM vehicle). American Express privileges. And so on. I finally settled on Citibank Aadvantage card as giving me the most bank for my... Continue Reading
Posted on November 11, 2004 12:00 AM
Ask the average American which constitution the phrase "separation of church and state" appears in and the majority will look at you as though only a moron wouldn't know the answer to the question. The most common reply will be "The United States Constitution". Imagine the surprise of these same people when they discover that not only does the phrase NOT appear in the U.S. Constitution, but the words DO appear in a version of... Continue Reading
Posted on November 7, 2004 11:54 AM
The Incredibles is Disney/Pixars' latest cash cow. Can these people do no wrong? Pixar has animated toys, bugs, monsters and fish. But one realm they had not covered to date was people. The wait is over. I took the kids to see The Incredibles yesterday and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. The Incredibles is a story of super heroes who have been exiled by the government and the people, due to ever-increasing litigation incurred as... Continue Reading
Posted on October 19, 2004 11:54 PM
For the majority of my life, Heinz ketchup has been a staple in my diet. It's good on hamburgers, hotdogs and french fries. But ever since discovering that Heinz ketchup is owned in part by the wife of Senator John F. Kerry, Heinz Ketchup has left a bad aftertaste in my mouth. I don't support Democrats. Why should my ketchup? Or so ask the creative folks at W Ketchup. What you have here is little... Continue Reading
Posted on October 16, 2004 09:57 AM
The Kerry campaign has repeatedly criticized the President for his tax cut which they claim gave tax breaks to the wealthy. (Which they DESERVE, incidently). So what do we learn from Teresa Heinz-Kerry's release of her 2003 income tax report? From Newsmax.com... Heinz Kerry Hiding $45 Million in Income, Paid Just 1.2% in Taxes Teresa Heinz Kerry earns approximately $50 million in annual income, ten times what she revealed on tax forms released late Friday... Continue Reading
Posted on October 3, 2004 10:18 PM
Mary and I had the opportunity to enjoy a "date night" on Friday. First we enjoyed a nice dinner at Johnny Carinos Italian restaurant. Next we went to the mall and pigged out on ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery (superior to Marble Slab in case you are wondering). Finally, it was on the cinema to take in a showing of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. I received a great deal of chastisement... Continue Reading
Posted on August 25, 2004 01:14 PM
I am a hairy man. I can't help it. As soon as I turned thirteen I became a human chia pet. But compared to this chinese guy, I am Telly Savales.
Yu Zhenhuan of Shanghai is China's hairiest man. 96 percent of his body is covered with hair. Zoiks! Continue Reading
Posted on August 16, 2004 11:29 PM
What do you want? This is the question that we must ask ourselves, digging deep into our souls to discover that which drives us onward. In The Journey of Desire, John Eldredge ignites that spark that may light the flame of desire within, moving aside all that we think we want in order to make room for the deeper desire that can bring us true fulfillment. Eldredge writes in down-to-earth terminology. He communicates eternal truths... Continue Reading
Posted on July 16, 2004 10:51 PM
What a busy day! We started out with some breakfast and then a chairlift ride to the top of Keystone mountain. We were fortunate to have good weather this morning and the view from the top was spectacular. Zach and I decided that we would hike down the mountain, figuring it would take us an hour or so to make the 2000 foot, 3-mile descent. As it turned out, it took us 90 minutes and... Continue Reading
Posted on July 11, 2004 10:25 AM
Tired of pop up windows covering your computer screen? A friend pointed out this cool tool to me. Visit the site and you can test to see how vulnerable you are to various pop ups. I rated a 70, which is above average for blocking. Click for pop up test If you don't pass the test, you might want to get this pop up blocker from Panicware. It seems to do the job pretty good... Continue Reading
Posted on July 8, 2004 12:45 AM
One of my all time favorite movies is The Truman Show. In fact, when I get around to it, it is the next movie due up in my series of The 15 Best Movies Ever. (Yes, I am LONG overdue...) This past week, I was in Borders Books and I wandered into the sci-fi aisle. I've been doing a lot of non-fiction reading lately, so I thought it would be a good time to find... Continue Reading
Posted on June 28, 2004 11:40 PM
Now HERE is a movie that Americans need to see, and its not that anti-American Michael Moore propaganda. Opening at theatres nationwide on July 2nd is America's Heart and Soul, a Disney film full of inspiring stories and vignettes that reveal that REAL America and what makes it the best place in the world to live. Louis Schwartzberg set off for the fruited plains with his camera and the hopes of capturing what makes America... Continue Reading
Posted on June 8, 2004 01:10 AM
Several years ago, I remember going to the theatre with Mary to see a Martin Short film called Clifford. It took us about 15 minutes to walk out of the theatre and request a refund, something I had never done before or since. It was THAT bad. We just got done watching a movie that makes Clifford look like Shakespeare. Over the years, Christian film-makers have lagged behind secular filmmakers for lack of creative scripts... Continue Reading
Posted on May 21, 2004 02:09 AM
I recently read a book that has given me much to think about. It is called The Dream Giver, by Bruce Wilkinson (of The Prayer of Jabez fame). The Dream Giver is actually two books in one. The first portion is a modern-day parable that tells the story of Ordinary, one who dares to leave the Land of Familiar in order to pursue his Big Dream. The second half discusses the meaning of the parable... Continue Reading
Posted on May 3, 2004 03:28 PM
A couple months back, I discussed my trials and tribulations with Spyware, the insidious software that automatically installs itself on your PC when you visit certain web pages. Once installed, it proceeds to hijack your machine by delivering annoying pop-up advertisements, unwanted browser toolbars, and generally causing havoc with your computer. I have recently discovered a new program which has been extremely effective in removing spyware from my computers (yes, I had it on THREE... Continue Reading
Posted on March 7, 2004 12:42 AM
What happens when you combine one the best-selling rock albums of all time with one of the best films of all time? Strange stuff. Filmed in 1939, The Wizard of Oz is an enduring classic from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Who hasn't delighted in the wonderful tale of Dorothy Gale and her journey into the weird and wonderful land of Oz? Dorothy, Toto, Tinman, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Wicked Witch of the West, Glinda the... Continue Reading
Posted on February 18, 2004 02:20 AM
From the "people do the strangest things" department... Hundreds Of Coins Found In Man's Belly French doctors were taken aback when they discovered the reason for a patient's sore, swollen belly: He had swallowed around 350 coins - $650 worth - along with assorted necklaces and needles. The 62-year-old man came to the emergency room of Cholet General Hospital in western France in 2002. He had a history of major psychiatric illness, was suffering from... Continue Reading
Posted on February 10, 2004 11:02 AM
In what may be a shocker to Hollywood, but I have predicted all along, Mel Gibson's The Passion of Christ is set to be a blockbuster. Here's the latest story from Variety magazine... 'Passion' poised for heavenly B.O. (Variety) The movie that couldn't find a distributor a year ago is now poised to become this year's first surprise hit. Though not a single television ad has aired for "The Passion of the Christ" two weeks... Continue Reading
Posted on February 7, 2004 12:12 AM
All she wanted was some time alone in the reading room. Instead, Leila LeTourneau of Longview, Texas returned from work late Monday to find crude oil covering her home’s floors and spilling from the toilets, bathtub and sinks. Experts have told her the oil kind of “burped up.”
This is a hoot! It's a good thing she wasn't actually "doing her business" when the well sprung!
Read the entire story here Continue Reading
Posted on February 2, 2004 12:17 AM
Not be confused with my groundhog day rant a couple weeks back, this entry concerns itself with the title of the Bill Murray film from 1993. Caddyshack was funny. Ghostbusters was trendy. The Razor's Edge was dramatic. But Groundhog Day is Bill Murray's finest hour and comes in at #10 on my list of The 15 Best Movies Ever. Groundhog Day is the story of Phil Connors (Murray), a cynical weatherman who feels he is... Continue Reading
Posted on January 30, 2004 01:27 PM
I've been following the coverage of Mel Gibson's upcoming film, "The Passion of Christ", with great anticipation. Unfortunately, Mel is being castigated by some people for being anti-semitic in his portrayel of the Jews in the film. I find it amazing that the same people who have been subject to people attempting to rewrite history (as far as the holocaust is concerned) are now attempting to rewrite history as to an accurate account of the... Continue Reading
Posted on January 16, 2004 01:13 AM
I was listening to talk radio this morning on the way to work and the host began discussing a story that I had heard about on the Glenn Beck Program the day before. The story centered around a Cleveland, Ohio TV news Anchorwoman and some indiscretions that occured when she was in Florida with her husband several months earlier. Essentially, this "anchorette" got blotto and entered a wet t-shirt contest at a local bar in... Continue Reading
Posted on December 6, 2003 01:10 AM
Yesterday I told you about Barbara Feldman and SurfNetKids.com. Barbara sent me a copy of her ebook, How to Add Games to Your Web Site, and I am suitably impressed! If you run a web site for kids or teens, or if you just want some free cool content for your own site, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of Barb's ebook. Imagine adding crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, arcade games and... Continue Reading
Posted on November 27, 2003 06:25 PM
What is the nature of memory? How accurate is your memory? Is it possible that your memories didn't really happen as you remember them? These are just some of the questions you may ask yourself when you get past the initial "wow" factor after seeing Memento, one of the most original thrillers ever put on celluloid. Memento is the story of Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), a man who suffers from the inability to make new... Continue Reading
Posted on November 9, 2003 09:40 PM
I came across Relevant Magazine online a couple months ago while doing a topical search. I can't remember what the search was, but I do recall being completely drawn in by this Christian magazine written for a post-modern generation. It breaks the mold of "traditional" Christian magazines by covering faith and spiritual topics from a fresh perspective. They are unafraid to tackle music, movies, relationships, politics and other issues by asking the questions many in... Continue Reading
Posted on November 4, 2003 09:44 PM
A completely uneventful driving day. We traveled from Knoxville, Tennessee to Conway, Arkansas today, covering 550 miles of Interstate 40. Fortunately, the weather was very nice. The mountains helped add to the scenery as well. We arrived in Conway around 7 pm or so, grabbed dinner at Fazolis, and checked into the Best Western. Tomorrow we complete our journey and hope to be home in time for Wednesday night service at church. I can't believe... Continue Reading
Posted on November 3, 2003 07:35 PM
As we enter the final legs of our journey, we have plenty of ground left to cover. We left Durham, North Carolina this morning and spent the better part of the day in the car. We did stop along the way for some antiquing, but it was brief. The drive has been beautiful though. We have been passing through the Appalachian mountain range and enjoying a variety of fall colors. We finally stopped in Knoxville... Continue Reading
Posted on October 29, 2003 08:42 PM
Woke up bright and early to begin our tour of the Nation's Capitol. We found a subway station just across the street from the hotel and were at The Mall in a few minutes. Bam, there we were, surrounded by the greatness that is Washington, D.C. The Washington Monument to my left; the Capitol Building to my right; and The Smithsonian beckoning to us from all directions! It was my first glimpse of the city... Continue Reading
Posted on October 27, 2003 06:06 PM
We left Philadelphia early this morning and jumped on the highway towards Hershey, Pennsylvania. The kids have been looking forward to our visit to Chocolate World for the whole trip, so the anticipation had been building. Hershey's Chocolate World was just plain fun. Pulling into the parking lot gives you the feeling of, "Uh oh, there goes the diet!" The first thing we did was check out the free Chocolate Tour Ride, a Disney-style track... Continue Reading
Posted on October 25, 2003 09:03 PM
Our time at the Conwell Inn has been great. The room is very nice and they have had some sort of breakfast downstairs every morning. When I took the dog out this morning, I was pleased to see a hot waffle iron and cups of batter. I surprised Mary and the kids with fresh waffles to get the day off on the right foot. Unfortunately, Mary hasn't felt good the past couple of days, so... Continue Reading
Posted on October 18, 2003 08:17 PM
I am so exhausted after today! We walked the "Freedom Trail" in Boston with our friends Ro and Kyle. Starting at the Bostom Common (the first public park in the U.S.) and ending up at the Bunker Hill monument, the Freedom Trail meandered, twisted and turned for over two miles through over a dozen historical sites that captured the essence of the struggle for our Nation's Independence. We started by driving to the mass transit... Continue Reading
Posted on October 14, 2003 10:40 PM
Woke up this morning and decided that Bennington, Vermont would be a very nice place to live. The colors of the leaves are absolutely beautiful. I know it won't last long, and before you know it, the cold weather will come and the snow will fall. I don't care. The town has so much charm, history and beauty. After a quick breakfast in the room, we followed the usual ritual of packing the car and... Continue Reading
Posted on October 13, 2003 09:03 PM
We left the Best Western in Niagara Falls this morning and I had a brief run-in with the general manager. When I looked at my itemized bill, I noticed that I was being charged $5.00 for each local call I made. He explained that local calls are free, but any call over 30 minutes was subject to a $5.00 charge and that this information was clearly printed in the hotel information. Well, I had called... Continue Reading
Posted on October 4, 2003 10:33 AM
Here's the story... of course, you won't see it in the mainstream news or papers. They don't want to eat crow. State Department spokesman: Lethal bio-toxin 'kills people, it kills people in large quantities' © 2003 WorldNetDaily.com The vial of botulinum bacteria discovered in Iraq by U.S. arms inspectors – which experts call the most poisonous substance known to man – is "a weapon of mass destruction," the State Department's top spokesman announced yesterday. "Botulinum... Continue Reading
Posted on August 17, 2003 06:33 PM
We discovered a great new game yesterday. Using nothing more than a GPS device (Global Positioning Satellite), our car and the cooperation of other fun seekers, we participated in an anytime sport known as GeoCaching! Essentially, people all over the world create the treasure that others would see. Take an old shoebox and fill it with various knickknacks. Find a place to stash it, often a public park. Get your hands on a GPS device... Continue Reading
Posted on August 15, 2003 11:54 AM
I am completely dumbfounded by the heat that Mel Gibson is catching for his film, The Passion. In an age where "tolerance" is preached as a virtue and the First Amendment is wielded as the rationalization for every kind of aberrant behavior, I am amazed at how intolerant and oppressive some people are being in regard to Mel's upcoming movie. I've covered this some, here and here, but this latest news chaps my hide. The... Continue Reading
Posted on July 31, 2003 02:40 AM
Here's one that makes me so angry I just couldn't pass it up. From the web site, The Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation... Terri was 26 years old when she suffered brain damage from a sudden collapse. Terri receives her food and water by means of a food tube, commonly referred to as a "straw." Terri’s other bodily functions are physically stable. Terri smiles, laughs and cries. Terri recognizes voices and responds. At times, she vocalizes sounds... Continue Reading
Posted on July 22, 2003 08:33 PM
I slept in this morning and Mary didn't feel great, so we planned on taking it easy today and not doing anything too physical. We jumped in the van and set out for Taos, about 45 minutes away. On the way, I was reading about things to do in the area and asked Mary to take a detour. About 20 minutes later, we found the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River Recreation Area. It was... Continue Reading
Posted on July 12, 2003 09:40 PM
Woman swallows fork trying to retrieve cockroach An Israeli woman has swallowed a fork while trying to retrieve a cockroach from her throat. The insect reportedly jumped into her mouth as she was cleaning her home in a village in northern Israel. The 32-year-old tried to scoop the cockroach out with a fork, but ended up swallowing that as well. Dr Nikola Adid, of the Poria Hospital in Tiberias, said: "It's a bit of a... Continue Reading
Posted on June 17, 2003 02:46 PM
Back to the story... just jumping in? Catch up here... You'll forgive me if the order of events is not completely accurate. Around this time, Ken and I met with an attorney who shall be named Hal. We sat down with Hal to pick his brain and discuss raising capital. Essentially, we shared our over-inflated plans to take over the world via our little web site. We had put together a business plan reflecting the... Continue Reading
Posted on June 9, 2003 12:48 AM
Today, I am eight-years old for the second time. Sure, I carry myself in the body of a 39-year old. I'm hairier and heavier than the last time I turned eight. But make no mistake. Thanks to the magic of eBay, I am reliving my childhood in a very meaningful way. I submit to you photographs of my favorite childhood toy animal. It was a kangaroo puppet named Foopy Doo. Lest you think I have... Continue Reading
Posted on June 7, 2003 03:04 PM
While on vacation in Enid, OK, we took the kids to see Finding Nemo. It may just be the BEST Pixar animated feature to date! As they have done with several recent flicks, Pixar first taunted us with a short film. Knick Knack was their very first computer animated short film. This story of a snowman in a snow globe pining for the disproportionate blond from Miami had me in stitches for several minutes. 'Nuff... Continue Reading
Posted on May 19, 2003 12:45 AM
Went to see The Matrix Reloaded this evening. Following are some brief thoughts on the film. WARNING! There are spoilers here, so you many not want to read if you haven't seen it! . . . . . . . . . . Naturally, The Matrix Reloaded faced many challenges, not the least of which was being the sequel to The Matrix. With that said, the film was a disappointment on several levels. 1) The... Continue Reading