Posted on 31 December 2009 by Tim
One of the two winners of Talk with Tim’s My Zombie Pinup Calendar Contest received her prize!
Rhonny, a blogger at Dollar Bin Horror, was pretty stoked to get her calendar in the mail saying, “Thanks sooooo much! I LOVE it! Here are some pics of it.”
Thank you for the pictures Rhonny! I’m glad you like the calendar! I’d also like to thank My Zombie Pinup for not only being awesome and making a great product but for also sending me calendars to giveaway!
Posted on 21 December 2009 by Tim
Whether it’s hittin’ his keyboard at home or racing down some single-track in the wilderness, Robb Sutton is making himself known. Robb is among the most influential bloggers of 2009 (#30 of 50 on IncomeDiary.com) and is best known for getting over $100,000 of free review product for his mountain biking blog – Mountain Biking by 198.
I first heard about him after Yaro Starak interviewed him. Since then I’ve been soaking up his content about mountain biking (one of my favorite sports) and enjoying his comments on Twitter. For all his success, Robb has been very friendly and easy to work with. I was really pumped when he agreed to an interview.
Before blogging, what did you do and how did this lead you into blogging?
Regional Sales Manager for a manufacturing firm. I covered the southeast United States with about 11 million in annual sales. Blogging actually hit on accident believe it or not. I started a website with the goal of making it a user submitted trail review site. About a week into it, I made the realization that a user submitted site is very hard to start without traffic! I started a blog section to bring in visitors and that eventually just took the site over. What started as a passionate outlet for my hobby (been mountain biking for 14+ years), has turned into a business all its own. From that point, I branched off in to blogging, coffee and several others. Blogging is addicting.
At what point did your sites get to a point where you could blog full-time? What caused this?
Full time income hit once the traffic really stabilized and that gave me a chance to try out and test multiple monetization techniques. The trick to making money online is really diversifying your income streams so that one way does not completely dominate your income. This can be done with a very targeted following, but the larger your targeted readership…the bigger your income. I was blogging daily for about a year and a half before that kind of income started appearing. Blogging is no different than any other business…you really have to be willing to put in the work with little gain in the beginning.
What is RobbSutton.com About?
RobbSutton.com is to teach bloggers how to grow their reach through solid fundamental values instead of fly by night tricks. By finding a way to make that connection through blogging and social media, you can grow a real business online in whatever niche you decide to call home. To keep things rolling, I’ll through in motivational/life design posts aimed at combating laziness and self doubt.
I know you joined Blog Mastermind with Yaro Starak, how did that program help you get started?
I had been blogging steadily for about 6 months before I started that program. To my surprise…I had actually fell into (purely by chance) doing a lot of things correctly. Blog Mastermind allowed me to fine tune things quickly and efficiently so the learning curve was shorter. At that point, spending money on a training program also made me take my blogging more seriously. It was more making the decision to really make a run at it than training looking back on it. The program is great for beginning bloggers though…action step after action step.
What has been the biggest challenge for you (content, SEO, links, multimedia…)?
The biggest challenge….
Probably site design honestly. The content had been in my head for years…it was just a matter of publishing it out onto a screen. I have a background in video production and amateur photography, so the multimedia aspect came naturally. I am a computer geek at heart…so the SEO and technical side was something I was able to pick up pretty quickly. Site design is one of those things that you learn by doing since most beginning bloggers have zero room in their budget for anything custom.
What made you decide to write your first ebook – Ramped Reviews?
A couple hundred emails asking me how I did it! Before the 14 month point in mtbtrailreview.com, I had already received over $100k in review product and that was something pretty unique. After a lot of emails inquiring on the how and where’s of the process, I decided to write Ramped Reviews. From that, I have been able to help other bloggers see that same kind of success no matter what their niche.
Recently, you published two additional ebooks. Could you briefly describe them?
It’s actually up to three now! (and about to grow more in 2010)
Ramped Blogging – The Ultimate Blogging Guide – I was still getting a lot of emails asking how I achieved what I did with blogging in a short period of time, so I created Ramped Blogging to take any blogger, regardless of skill level, through the process. It takes you from setup to monetizing and traffic generation.
“When I set out to create an eBook for bloggers looking to build a business that generates income out of their blogging, I wanted to come to the table with something completely different. Basically, I wanted to write the eBook I didn’t have and wish I did.”
Ramped Mindset – Success is all about your thought processes. You have to think like a successful business owner far before you make your first dollar to really make it big. Ramped Mindset is that kickstart to successful thinking.
“Ramped Mindset is going to change the way you think about blogging and life. Once you change that mindset, you are ready to realize the success that other successful professionals have seen. The only thing that stands in your way is you as you continue this path to self created happiness.”
Ramped Riding – Just released on Bike198.com, Ramped Riding is an ebook that teaches you how to be a better mountain biker.
“Ramped Riding is designed to give you real world application that will drastically improve your on trail experience. From personal experience, I have seen riders increase their riding ability in a big way by making fine adjustments to their current skill set. What you might not realize is that you are much closer to that perfect ride than you first thought!“
Do you prefer downhill or crosscountry?
Downhill…but that is hard choice. I have even been known to do a couple of 100 mile rides on the road bike this year. I’ll ride just about anything that pedals.
What is your favorite place to ride? Pisgah National Forest, NC
If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would you like to go? British Columbia, Canada and Switzerland
How long have you been mountain biking? 14+ years
Thanks Robb!
Other Interview With Robb:
Posted on 18 December 2009 by Tim
My Zombie Pinup provided me a few copies of their wonderfully gruesome zombie pinup calendar to giveaway! All the comments are in and my selections have been made. I originally intended to just giveaway one copy but I’ve decided to giveaway two.
I appreciate the time everyone took to comment, there were several really good ones!
Thanks again to everyone who participated! Be sure to check out My Zombie Pinup, the calendar is great and they also have other nice swag!
Posted on 15 December 2009 by Tim
The lovely undead over at My Zombie Pinup have sent me a few copies of their 2010 My Zombie Pinup Wall Calendar to giveaway! This comment contest will be for one (1) of the three (3) calendars that I have.
So, if you’d like to win a zombie calendar then you need to enter the contest, right?
* I make no guarantee that if you win the calendar it will arrive to your house in time for Christmas. However, I will mail it out ASAP.
Posted on 15 December 2009 by Tim
A blog award show for personal finance blogs is in the works and leading this endeavor is Flexo from Consumerism Commentary (One of my Top 20 Personal Finance Blogs). The awards are meant to showcase the best of the personal finance blogosphere.
It’ll be tough to narrow down the field and vote on winners. But it’s going to be really fun to see who wins. Important: Nominations will begin Monday, December 21, 2009 and will continue through January. There will even be prize money (possibly more?) for category winners.
The Plutus Awards will feature categories such as “Best Savings Account,” “Best Money Management Software,” and so forth. The Plutus 2.0 Awards are an extension of awards into blogs and social media. These awards will feature categories such as “Best New Blog,” “Best Investing Blog,” “Blog of the Year,” and so forth. [More About Plutus Awards]
Posted on 11 December 2009 by Tim
When you think of Northwest rock, most people think grunge or something along those lines. Well, these guys from Kelso, Washington are hittin’ the airwaves with funky, powerpop rock that is well worth listening to. The SEACATS are a nerdy blend of alt rock with plenty of radio friendly tracks.
Their 6-track self-titled EP, offers up riffs and synths with equal vigor. Overall, the album is energetic but track 6 slows things down a bit. Although it’s slower, Paint (track 6) does not disappoint with its long storytelling feel, angry guitars and happy chimes. Fun, fun music!
Though some of the vocals sound young, the quality of the musicianship is well developed. With a positive feel and party time tunes I can see these guys rockin’ shows and iPods from coast to coast.
“People seem to think we’re a 90′s throwback band. Could be worse I guess.” – SEACATS.
“Up tempo guitar chords, and bratty vocals just make me want to curl up with a bowl of POP’s and watch Nickelodeon cartoons when they were at their best“. Read more of the review of the SEACATS by Kris Foster.
SEACATS-We Don’t Sleep from The Mike And Joey Jesus Show on Vimeo.
Posted on 08 December 2009 by Tim
Star Wars: The Old Republic is the upcoming massively multiplayer online-game (MMO) from BioWare and LucasArts. The game is set long ago, during a time period that hasn’t been explored much. The Treaty of Coruscant has been signed by the Sith Empire and the Republic but tensions are running high.
Tension leads to conflict. Conflict leads to a great setting. And a great setting is just what an epic MMO needs! Oh and just to put this in perspective, according to SWTOR FAQ, the game is set 3,500 years before the rise of Darth Vader.
But this is about Darth Hater, a SWTOR blog and podcast, that aims to bring you all the latest news and commentary. I was able to speak with Justin Lowe, also known as sado on the website and forum, he is the Founder and a Content Producer on DarthHater.com. Follow Darth Hater on Twitter here.
How’d you come up with the name Darth Hater?
Originally I had an idea to make a personal blog out of my own excitement for Star Wars: The Old Republic. This website needed a name so I asked a few friends for some ideas. One response in particular stuck with me – Darth Hater. Nick Cerbini, a friend of mine, originally used the name as an alias in Unreal Tournament and he made the suggestion. After deciding it sounded right, I went to see if the domain was available and, to my surprise, it was. Apparently the person who owned it before let the domain lapse and went back on the market just a month or so prior to me attempting to register it. You could say I encountered a stream of unending luck.
What aspect of The Old Republic are you most excited about?
I will be hated for saying this, but I am looking forward to story the most. There is much yet to see of The Old Republic, but from what I have seen thus far the story of the game intrigues me the most. Story in MMORPGs is one of those features that I feel has been sorely lacking up till this point. I can also say that it is one of the biggest selling points to friends of mine who have not played MMORPGs before and, until recently, have seen no reason to start. This is anecdotal of course, but take the case of my brother – he has never played an MMORPG or even come close to playing one, but now with story being a primary focus of The Old Republic, and BioWare’s track record, is considering checking it out. The draw of a good story in an MMORPG should not be underestimated. We all have confidence that The Old Republic will retain everything previous MMORPG have had, but I feel we have yet to see story done well in an MMORPG, and that is why it is the most exciting aspect of The Old Republic to me.
What are your readers most interested in when it comes to TOR?
Everyone is looking for the facts when it comes to The Old Republic. We have tried to cater to that by removing as much speculation as possible and piece together the facts of what is shown without the fluff. It has been a centerpiece of our website in the form of dissections which have garnered us an immense amount of traffic in response.
From what you’ve seen so far, is BioWare on the right track with the game?
Everything I have seen thus far suggests that. There have been complaints from the community of BioWare/LucasArts not showing off enough of the actual mechanics of The Old Republic, but I think the latest Imperial Agent demo that was shown to the press demonstrates that they are trying to address those concerns. Speaking just of myself, I couldn’t be more excited about the track of the game at this point. If sometime down the line they announce Wookiee or Jawa Jedi then I might have to rethink that statement.
It’s hard to tell without playing the game, but do you think TOR could be bigger than World of Warcraft?
That’s a bit too speculative for me. World of Warcraft is definitely the eight billion pound gorilla in the room when it comes to MMORPGs and I am not under any delusions that The Old Republic will somehow dethrone them as king of the genre. While this is an interesting discussion for many, I don’t see why they both can’t exist side by side. I can say that I quit World of Warcraft for the simple reason of boredom. After 4+ years of playing the same game you are bound to get a little burnt out of the game. I have to imagine that there are people out there in my same position regarding World of Warcraft, but do I think that the release of The Old Republic will lead to a mass exodus from World of Warcraft? Simply put, no. However I do think both will be quite healthy long after this debate is over.
The storyline of the game is intriguing. Do you happen to know how much of this time period has been covered in books and comics?
The story of this time period is extremely open which is most likely why Bioware chose this time period to use in the game. There are a couple books coming out as well as the paperback version of the Threat of Peace which you will be able to pick up sometime down the line that will discuss the time period but other than that there is not much known of this time period. There is alot known however about 300 years in the past which deals with Revan but in the current time period is seems as if Bioware is completely open along with LucasArts to craft what they want regarding the story and setting.
Who are you most likely to side with? The Republic or the Sith Empire?
All of us at Darth Hater have decided on Sith Empire to start off with. It would be a bit weird having all of the Darth Hater staff rolling Republic first.
The Sith Empire seems like a good choice to start off. Have you guys decided on classes yet?
The team has vastly different opinions regarding the classes. For myself I am looking forward to either playing the bounty hunter or imperial agent. Dover is looking forward to playing an imperial agent and Emleah is looking forward to playing a Sith Inquisitor. Unfortunately the rest of our team is rather undecided at the moment regarding their class. Most of our team will likely decide what class they will play a couple weeks before launch.
Is Darth Hater the first blog you guys have worked on or are you all experienced bloggers?
Most of us have worked on other blogs or news sites before but this is definitely the most trafficked one any of us have worked on. The Star Wars: The Old Republic community, and our own community at Darth Hater, have been incredibly supportive all the way. We wouldn’t be where we are without them.
Thank you sado for chatting with me! If you’re interested in getting more from Darth Hater, I suggest you check out their blog, podcast or follow them on Twitter.
Posted on 03 December 2009 by Tim
I’ve heard lots of guys say they like a woman who can eat… Really?
Anyway, have you ever thought a zombie was, maybe, a little sexy? If not, you might consider the possibility when you see My Zombie Pinup. These lovely, flesh munchers not only want you…they will go great on the wall of your office!
Why? ‘Cause My Zombie Pinup is a wall calendar. Plus, you can get great swag like t-shirts and hoodies.
My Zombie Pinup is an homage to the classic pin up. With several of the shots directly references some of our favorite works by the master of the pinup Gil Elvgren. [More Inspiration]
The photos, as you can see above, are top notch. The background settings are flawless and the models look great. In fact, some of them are downright creepy! The contrast of sexy pinup and bloody zombie is intriguing and creates a unique appeal.
If you haven’t picked up a 2010 wall calendar, you should consider My Zombie Pinup. I mean, where else will you see girl-on-girl zombie action?
Thank you to Shalaco, co-founder of My Zombie Pinup, for bringing the site to my attention and talking with me via email.
Posted on 01 December 2009 by Tim
Most news articles tend to be long with few readers making it past the first few lines. Net News Daily is working to bring you bite size news stories. This way you can get the main idea and facts but not get bogged down by the fluff. As Net News Daily likes to say, “We take the news and mash it up.”
Net News Daily was launched in January 2009 by two young British men – Nathan Adam and Scott Campbell. Along with about 15 writers, they keep the site constantly updated with stories from around the world.
Editor-in-Chief Nathan Adam told me they started Net News Daily because, “We had a small ‘news’ blog before and we thought that we could create a new, more professional and informative news website.”
When it comes to their mashup style Nathan says, “…we like to strive to keep our news short so that it gives the key information in a good and well understood style. For those who don’t have much time to read the news.”
They seem to be on the right track. For being so new, the site has quite a bit of traffic. According to Compete, the site receives about 4,500 unique visitors per month. Not bad for being less than a year old. You’ll also find that the sites layout is fairly typical for a news page, so it should be familiar and simple to navigate.
NND could be a nice alternative, or addition, to the usual stuff you find on CNN, MSNBC and others.
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