Call me butter…

Today was a long one. I fooled around with the XML or XHTML code in the Blogger template. I submitted all the blogs to Dmoz.org and Yahoo. The Adsense has already scanned the blogs and are displaying the correct information. I’m wondering how many times I have to mention a certain thing (like XML or XHTML) in order for ads with those program languages to pop up. Adsense automatically keeps track of the hits my blog gets and clicks to each ad. I also went to Wikipedia.org and tried to submit something for Solar Dragons. They won’t let you promote a company. So I had to search out specific topics and put my blogs in there.

24

This blog is for the show ’24’. Google’s blog informed me about TV blogs. They said that your clicks on the blog will dip off when the show is doing reruns but things pick back up during the regular season. Well ‘24’ starts in January, so I started it now to have content ready by January.

Four Star Ball

This blog is for Dragon Ball Z. Even though the series is over, it is still a popular search item through Google. I figured since I’ve seen all the episodes, obsessed about all the characters and know generally everything about it, might as well blog about it. I think this blog is in my favor as well. While searching for various blogs for DBZ, I noticed that people’s attention to their blogs fell off when the season ended on Toonami. That was over a year ago. So I figure I might as well capitalize on that.

My Vs System Life

I haven’t found too many blogs for this tcg/ccg. I know a lot of forums that discuss the game. They of course have their own ad system on them. In my signatures I have my blog for when I play the game, how well I do, what new deck ideas I have, etc. Since the game is based off comic heroes, I noticed the ads are usually for comics and comic related items, not tcg/ccg sites. I’ll have to word things different.

Force Eye View

This one is about Star Wars. I’ve seen the movies more times than I can count. All my family watches Star Wars and can relate to it. I know the extended universe through different novels and video games I’ve read and played. When searching out Star Wars blogs, they fall under the same syndrome as DBZ did. After Episode 3, the blogs trail off. One blog had the Google ads just how I want them. I tinkered with the code for house to no avail.

Two Cards a Day

This is another Vs system blog giving my personal thoughts to two cards every day, Monday through Friday. I’m going to start the blog on Monday but I have already started writing content for it. Once again, I have my blog in my signature on various forums. I think this blog is better because of the specific nature to say ‘Vs System’ a lot in it. The ads get the idea and people are more likely to click on one.

I learned a lot from writing these blogs: Not to be too wordy on the blogs. Anything more than 3 paragraphs is too much. Have a point, say it and close funny if possible.

I have to go to the Grande Prairie Library tomorrow. Here’s hoping something good will come out of it.

Reverse Engineering

I spent the whole day trying to crack the code for Blogger. I had to go line by line, change something, and then click preview to see what happened. I should get an XML book to help figure this stuff out. I’m picking it up fast for someone that doesn’t know XML. The Google Adsense code was easy to work with. I finally have my blogs up. I guess they are the way I want. I can always change the templates but that erases the Adsense code. Of course I’d have to put it back in and then Google would have to come and rescan the pages…

On second thought, is Google revisiting my sight several times a month really that bad? At any rate, I don’t want to waste precious time changing templates when I need to be working on content.

Speaking of content, I saw Vince yesterday. We talked about some changes he wants to his site and to the logo. We also talked about the Google Adsense and that he needs to get his blog started.

Jared called me today while I was working on the XML code. He told me about a library that wants to redesign a section of their website. We also talked about getting some comics started. I have entire universes in my head just waiting to get out. I told him if I did jump on board, I’d just write, not draw. He was cool with that. I also told him about where to go for grants and the small business administration that helps people out with new businesses.

So I called the library and talked to a lady about everything. We talked about how the site looks too lame and she wants to spruce it up for the proper age group. She wants to meet Friday and talk about it. I had some really good ideas about the site off the bat but we’ll get into detail on Friday.

I decreased the amount of blogs I had at first. I think I was biting off more than I could chew. Tomorrow I’ll fool with the code some more, do Vince’s corrections and start writing the content for the blogs.

What The…

The past few days I was locked out of my Blogger account. Google bought out Blogger and is telling everyone to move their accounts over to Google for better protection and all that. I thought I had moved the accounts over and something happened to them. So I spent a good portion of last week trying to figure out what was going on. I went to a lot of forums that were saying don’t switch. Google however is saying that everyone will switch whether they want to or not. So I figured out what the problem was and logged back in. So for now, I’m not switching.

I was exploring the world of Google Adsense while I was at it. I think that I can use blogs to make money like everyone else. So I started several blogs and got a Google Adsense account. I finally figured out how to edit the templates and what happens? Blogger is on the fritz. I spent all day yesterday organizing all the blogs, got the Adsense account and what happens? Blogger hiccups. Big time.

I saw Joel Saturday and gave him some business cards. He works for a company that is around auto dealerships a lot. He was telling me that they always want websites and to give him some business cards. Not a problem now. I’m going to make sure that I keep some on me at all times.

I think I’m really upset by how much I learned about Adsense and the testimonials I’ve read. I’m rearing to go so it can be something else to put under my hat and them this happens. Geez.

Heads - Up

I apologize for not writing last night a la Doogie Howser. It was late and I was tired. At any rate, I went to RMC yesterday. Finally got something accomplished there! The advisor was in business and understood everything I'm trying to do for Solar Dragons. She is going to suggest I be one of the success stories in the Newsletter they send out to various companies. She was also telling me about all the people that call her who are lawyers and accountants that want a website. She would usually transfer them to someone else. Now she'll just tell them to call me. In addition to that, RMC has a database that alumni and students are in. They have a file with their resume and career goals in it. In turn, we get access to all the jobs that RMC has on file. Sweet! I can just go through, select the ones I want to call and see if their company needs a website. She gave me all this stuff to read as well, about small businesses in America, in Chicago, etc.

On the train their and back, I rode with Vince because he had to go downtown. We were bouncing a lot of ideas around. Talked about classified ads for our area, pro bloggers and stuff. I thought about the blogging a lot. I started several new blogs that I will most likely write in starting Monday. I'm going to get in contact with Google about putting ads on the sites and see how things go from there.

My wife's uncle died and the funeral is today, so that respectably cut into my time for work.

I got another heads up about Carl calling for SEO. We'll see. Peoples checks were bouncing before I left. I don't see that changing anytime soon, so I cant trust any amount of money he might throw my way for the simple fact that he might not pay. If I work, I better get paid. Period. If I cant trust you to pay me, why are we even talking about it, you know?

I got another heads up that can save me a ton of money. I found out about going online and filling out the forms with the government to get my business license. That was a good looking out since some other people were charging 500$ to do it. Since I am going to be saving all that money, I think I should just pay for a Press Release and go from there.

Learn from the greats...

I remember different shows where the people write in their journal before they go to bed. On 'Run's House' , Doogie Howser and all that jazz, they write after the day is up. So thats what I'm going to do.

I hit craigslist like I said before. I have to go to RMC tomorrow. I still have to find out what's going on with the press release for my site. I thought this is what would happen. You try to get a deal on a product, in this case, free is a pretty good deal, but the product takes forever to get here. Becky's friend may be really good for Press Releases but whats the point if they never get out. Roughly 2 weeks have gone by without a Press Release. I could have just coughed up the loot and got it done. I debating if thats what I'm going to do. I think I'll see what RMC is going to tell me and then figure some things out from there.

I talked to Vince about his site. We are going to Joel's reception in about a month and want all our stuff in order regarding the website, logos and business cards. So when we go down to Bloomington IN, we can dish cards out. Joel's father in law is Derek Franklin, so I hope I can meet him and get a couple of heads up about the online business. I'm sure he has a lot to say after all the books he's written about the web design field.

Time to regroup

I hate being sick. It throws off everything. I thought that I would be able to get back into the swing of things after comming from the covention I had to go to out of town. As soon as I got back, I was sick in the bed. I forced myself to go outside wednesday. That might not have been the smartest move. I basically did nothing. Finally finished KOTOR 2. I didnt know I was that close to the end until I saw Joel's game. Picked up St. Elsewhere and some movies while I was out.

Ran into Jared at the convention. He introduced me to a friend of his that draws. He told me at the convention he was going to call on Wednesday. He was supposed to call last week. Didnt happen.

I didnt get a chance to tak to Ian or Vince about their sites, even though I saw them. Ian got engaged this past weekend, so I dont know when he'll have time to do anything. Two fridays ago I talked to this guy in St. Charles about his site. He was supposed to call back. He didn't. I was emailing a guy in Michigan about his site. He wants someone to promote his artwork and to call him back. I forgot because I was sick. I would rather seo the site and try to get a link campaign going. I'm not an actual salesman.

My business cards came yesterday. They look great! The coating and card stock is perfect. I coughed up the extra to get the corners rounded. That was worth it. So now I've been hitting craigslist like a madman. In addtion to sites about starting a business in Indiana. I'm debating if I want to do this on my own or go to a company and pay them to do all the paperwork. Vince was explaining to me the process he went though. I understand the beneifts of paying pros to do it, whereas that money could have went to some form of advertising for me...


I'm going to have to think about it for a while.

Am I Crazy? Possibly....

The weekend trip was rough but worth it. I have a new book to read. Came back sick. My throat is killing me worse than yesterday. Speaking of yesterday...

I wake up yesterday and catch a glimpse of "Crazy" by Cee Lo and Danger Mouse, or Gnarls Barkley, which ever you prefer. Anyway, the whole video is The Rorschach Test. That is a creative video. Definitely inspiring. Here's the main site:

www.gnarlsbarkley.com

I spent all of yesterday tweaking the site. I'll be promoting me as much as possible this week. I'll work on Vince's site starting next week. A friend of Becky's is going to send out a press release for me. Hope that gets the ball rolling as far as business is concerned. I'm still expecting a call from that guy about his site. In addition to that, I got a call about some SEO work. Carl is supposed to call me about comming to work for him. He didn't call yet and its Tuesday morning. Maybe he got someone else or is just having Matt do it...

Now I'm torn. I want to work for me. I don't know if that's in my best interest. RMC might have a job off the bat. If I take it, it most likely wont be freelance and will suck up a lot of my time along with not paying decent. Ditto for Carl. If he calls...

I sent an email out to everyone I know that has an email addy. Then I called Berman Industries. Found out that the lady I used to work for a while ago died and so did her father. That was deep. I think I'm going to send Mr. Berman some flowers as a belated 'Sorry for your loss' type deal. I couldn't stand her but I wouldn't wish death on anyone. She had a lot of issues back then in '95/'96 when I was there. Geez that sucks. I wonder if she changed at all as far as personality is concerned. Death definetely stifles growth...

"If you kill em, they wont learn nuthin." - Riddler

I'll just stick to the plan of promoting myself and go from there.

ITS ALIVE!!!!

Finally! Finally the site is up. All the links work. I got out the bugs and SEO'd it to boot. I replied to the lady from RMC and Shai Coggins. I'm getting a list together for all the people on my phone and email to contact. I emailed my parents, Matt, Vince and Tracee my site to critique it. Plus Becky is going to look over it too. I started my link campaign and realized I dont have a link page... like a moron. Anyway, I'll get on it as soon as I come back from out of town.

Day of Reckoning

I've been so busy finishing my site, I haven't had time to write anything. Shai Coggins gave me a comment (which was pretty cool of her :) ) but I haven't thanked her because I want her to see the new site. I quit Monday. I think I could do better freelance. Plus I don't appreciate the shady dealings going on that could adversely affect me. I only have to put my portfolio page together and upload the site and I'm done. So I guess the big question is: Will I do better freelance or should I have stayed and taken crap plus be under paid. I left Carl a gift. I got Modern Mirror #1 in Google. That right there should show there's no hard feelings but he'll probably sue me for some crap anyway.

The lady from Robert Morris College called me back. She let me know what I needed to bring next week. I'm supposed to meet her Wednesday. I got an email from her. I'll email my site when I finish.

I didn't call Mr. Knowls because the site isn't up. I'll call him after I'm done.

I was looking at Berman Industries website.I used to work there many many moons ago (about 11 yrs). My boss snapped on me and when she went to lunch, I walked out. I'm was cool with everyone else because they saw it happen. They knew how she was and didn't blame me. They really need a website. Might try to see what's up with them.

I'm going out of town Thursday - Monday. After that I can finish up Vince's site. The mexican restaurant wants to wait on a website. I'll call them in about 3 months. I have to find every single business card I have to make sure I call/email everyone I know about my website. That's that for now. Time to get back to work.

Wrap it up

Talked to Matt yesterday. Told him this is it for me. I just cant see the benefits to staying here. Matt has taught me a ton but the environment is depleting me. I'm glad I got a recharge being around Hutch as far as design goes. Aside from that, I have to do my own thing. So I told Matt I'm out of here when all the interns leave. He said I'll be all right, I have a good head on my shoulders and stuff. We were talking about what will happen when the interns leave and how we have to keep in contact for freelance stuff. Keisha came in work snapping. I mentioned it in passing to Matt, he asked her about it and then she starts on me about it. I usually would be combative but look where we are... I cant even blame her because this place breeds dissention and malice. I was cool with her when we were in the other room, just me, her and Sasha. Now that everyone is herded into the same room (minus Matt and Carl) there is going to be more of a tendency to rub each other the wong way. I hate that crap. Its like being in a mosh pit; you HAVE to butt heads just because you're in close proximity. No other reason is needed. I talked to Matt after I left. He said everything is cool.

Yesterday I checked in with the mexican restaurant. I got there while they were busy. I didnt have the car, so my father in law came and got me from work. I thought he got my message but he didnt. So I tooke him home and came back in our car. The guy that runs the joint was already gone. I talked to his brother. I showed his brother their business card and that they have the same logo on their card that is on another restaurant down the street. I asked him, "Do you think you can stick out to pull in business if they look like you?" He agreed they couldn't stand out and to come today to show to his brother. Vince is going to give me a ride.

On my way back from there, I went down Conkey. I remember taking that way and seeing a lot of businesses. I stopped by a couple of sign places and a printery. I asked for various things. Stuff me and Vince talked about as far as advertising our businesses goes. I dropped my web address at those places too. I doubt anything will happen but I'm just warming up before I hit the white pages.

I also call Rober Morris College. The art advisor is leaving (as usual) and transferred me to the new lady. Her voice mail said she'd only in on wed. It's already thurs. So I most likely have to wait to meet up with her in a couple of weeks. Im going out of town next thurs to sun. Whatever Carl has to say about work, I hope he doesn't catch me out of town. I wont be answering numbers I dont know.

I've been up since 4:45 am writing content for my site. I have to call Mr. Noels and see about his business. I also have to get ready to go to Don Andreas (the mexican place). We'll see how it goes.

Non-Stop

Man, so much has been going on in the last week.

Thursday 7/27:
Matt runs somethings by me that might be decent. I appreciate him telling me. He could have hogged things for himself but he said that its better for the 2 of us to work on it versus him running with it. My dad always said when he was a consultant, "Don't be afraid to ask for help."

Friday 7/28:
Met with Vince and hashed out some things for his site. We also talked about starting a window washing company. He had talked to our friend Joel, who broke down the whole business; how to start it, where clients are, everything. So Vince asked him a while ago was he going to do it. He said no because he was getting married and all that stuff was going on. Well now he's married and Vince brought it back up. We were talking business until 2 a.m. I think its a great idea that everyone can benefit from.

Saturday 7/29:
I started working on my web page design. I worked for 14 hrs. I haven't had that much dedication to work since Isaac was around. I really think Solar Dragons can take off. There's a need and I can fill it. My brain was fried by the end of the day.

Sunday 7/30:
Vince and I went to our friend Tracee's house. People were comming to cool out a bit but me and Vince got there early enough to talk business with her. She has a degree in marketing and a Got Junk franchise. She was telling us about what colors to use and how to attract people to our sites. Most of what she said is the same things I've been trying to explain to Vince. Since its his site, I wasn't pushing the issue. Then she comes and says how we need to stand out in our fields so people can take notice. Now Vince and I have to basically start from scratch so that it will be worth our time making the site. I finally can let loose like I want and throw this conservative crap out the window. It's just time to be more creative.

She also brought up a point about my company's name. She said Solar Dragons denotes power, sun and fire and that is what my site should do. Dominate. I never thought of it that way. I let her know that it was just Isaac's nickname and my nickname put together. She said run with it. So that was cool. I got a lot of good feedback from her.

Monday 7/31:
I designed a completely new page in 2 hrs before I went to work... or whatever you call it. Then I just did research on SEO all day. I found 15 job listings in craigslist.org just for SEO. I googled "professional bloggers" and there are people out there that get paid just to do blogs all day. This one lady's site is actually pretty good.

Tuesday 8/1:
I was thinking about what Tracee said and all the SEO crap I have to do AND the seo crap I do at work... or whatever and its cramming my brain. I go get some food from this mexican place. I remeber one of the women that work there saying how business was slow. So I thought, "What the hey, might as well ask them if they need a site." Sure as shooting they were interested. I talked to Leo and Andy, the guys that own the place. They said they were going to fix up the place and then advertise. I told them that everything is digital and you want/need customers now. He agreed. He talked about a restaurant on the corner and how the owners keep changing. He said that business is supposed to be comming into the area but instead its leaving. While I'm talking near the back of the place, some people I know walk in. I'm not facing them but I can see them. They come in and stand there for a second. I wanted to go see them but I didn't want to stop talking to Andy. Next thing you know, they walked right out. I don't know why but they did. Had I been over there and they pulled that, I would have looked bad. In addition to that, I would have stopped a business meeting to do what? Escort them out? I'll bring it up the next time I see them. I had a business card on me from Sunday when I saw Tracee so I wrote www.solardragons.net on the card (its an old card) and he said he would think about it. I think things will work out. I dont think he has a lot of money but thats fine. Solar Dragons can show off some design skill and SEO to help advertise. I'm really working on my credibility right now.

It's August 1. I'm supposed to start getting paid. Nothing was said about it. I'm not really sweating it because I didnt do anything but research anyway. Matt showed me some mistakes I make in the coding for Modernmirrors.com. I got the site #2 in google under NWI mirror designers or something like that. Except the business is located in Mokena. LOL. While he ribbing me about it, Carl walks in. He's trying to get in on the joke but flipped it completely on its ear. So Matt explained what was so funny and he sarcastically/seriously called me a "dumb sh*t". I'm already not looking his way because, quite frankly, I dont respect him. Period. So when he said that, I started thinking, "That's one..." I don't get paid as it is. So why should I start to take this crap? I used to work at UPS, Under Paid Slaves, and they didn't cuss at me. Phyllis didn't cuss at me when I was making serious loot hobnobbing with senators and whatnot. No way am I gonna sit here and take crap for free. We'll see what the deal is next week because that's when everyone leaves. I might be with them...