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It Is Time…

February 6, 2012 in Blogs with 2 Comments

I am quietly resurfacing here, but it is not without trepidation.

There’s something about blogging that is delightful and intriguing. In no time, you are able to publish something that the entire world is capable of reading. There can’t be much cooler than that. Those aspiring to write, but who have no forum to do so, can be up and running in a matter of minutes.

That is only one side of the coin though. On the other side is an image that suggests it’s not all its cracked up to be.

Blogging has become its own living, breathing organism. Since I’m back in the dog ownership business, I can equate it to our beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback, Spirit. And like a puppy you get for your kids, you can raise it up well or you can treat it so poorly that it becomes a major frustration.

There are guys out there like Jeff Goins, Brian Allain, and Robb Sutton who are, essentially, blog coaches. I’ve read blogging books by all three. They most assuredly know what they are doing, but with knowledge comes responsibility, and with responsibility come expectations. It’s the expectations, regardless of whether they are yours or that of another, that can make blogging so arduous and frustrating.

It’s one thing to be afforded the avenue to put something out for the entire world to see, but it’s another thing put stuff out there that others want to see. You see… That’s only part of what it takes to generate traffic. Consistency becomes another key, and that’s where a lot of us fall short. It’s been one of the myriad issues that have held me back for sure.

But I now feel it is time. For those who’ve sent me emails asking me if I’ve given up on blogging, I hope this is another step to that speaks to my resounding “No!” Thanks to the guys I cited above who are putting out tools to help. I’ve learned a lot from all three of you. My hope is to put forth a product worth reading.

Here to Stay…

May 12, 2010 in Blogs with 22 Comments

I’ve dabbled in the blogging world for a while now. At times I love it. At times I loathe it. The loathing it part is generally because I haven’t always cared for the feel or format. But even more so, it has frustrated me because putting yourself out there for the world to see comes with price. I’ve written about this before. You can read those posts here, here, and here. Fortunately, I am not alone. I’ve spoken with a lot of people who’ve suffered similar frustrations.

Suffice to say, something in me has changed. I don’t know what it is, but I actually feel like I have developed some authentic passion for my life in Christ. It’s not some residual passion that came from elsewhere on the outside. This thing is internal and I love it and I want to keep it.

Moreover, I have discovered a blog format that I really, really like. My friends at Theobloggers have been such big helps. Brad Palmore has exhibited the patience of Job with me for over a year now. I owe him a lot for his help and guidance. Brad is actually the one who convinced me to pull the trigger on the MACR program, as well. Too, Joey Cope (Distinct Impressions) and the MACR program have only served to fuel my passion to improve my writing while writing more. This is the perfect place!

So I am here to stay! I doubt I will post everyday, but I will be posting significantly more content.

Those of you who are regulars around here, thank you for bearing with me as I try to get things figured out.

Descending Hubris…

March 8, 2010 in Blogs with 3 Comments

Writing is an art form. Some have it; some don’t; some, like me, are trying to find it. The author of Descending Hubris I know well. I’ve known him since the mid-1990s. He has an incredible way with words. He reminds me a lot of Josh Linton. Despite our pasts, I consider him a dear friend.

Friendship is a vexing concept. It escapes some, thrives in others, while makes messes out of the rest of us. My friendship with the author has been nothing short of a love-hate affair. We’ve shared some of the more memorable moments of our lives together, but we’ve also been, virtually, at each others throats. Spacial distance, though, combined with life as it has come to us, has left our friendship dangling in midair. Unfortunately, that often happens. But I think we both know that there exists something deep inside our friendship that brings it back to earth despite the distance.

Late last night, though, I got an email from him encouraging me to read Descending Hubris. So I did, on my phone of all devices. It was long, but he had me. I wasn’t really able to sleep thereafter. After talking to my wife this morning about the coffee she made yesterday afternoon, and discovering that it was decaf after all, I am now certain that I know why I couldn’t sleep last night. When something churns inside of you, and you are really internalizing and digesting it, you can’t sleep. That was me last night.

I encourage you to read it. It may not sit well with you. For some, it most certainly shouldn’t. I empathize with his sentiments. It is a place I’ve been. You might have been there too, or, you may be there and are wondering what to do. You may be one he is about to pass on his way down. You have something to consider on your ascent. Either way, there is a living message here. Take his advice. He is a sharp guy. You would do well to think intently about the story he tells. It is not for the faint at heart, though, so let me advise you to proceed with caution.