Better Than Bacon

First of all let me say, the whole ‘Better than Bacon’ thing was a ploy. I’m sorry, but I really wanted you to visit tonight. I shamefully resorted to subterfuge. There isn’t ANYTHING better than bacon.

I met Bob Borson on Twitter. He is an architect. If you slowly move your eyes to the list of ‘Greatest Blogs EVER’, you will see ‘Life of an Architect’. When I found Bob on Twitter, about a year ago, his blog and mine were getting similar numbers of views. He was a bit ahead of me, but only slightly. Today I am getting almost the same number of readers as back then, while Bob gets easily 17,000 per day. You loyal readers (including my mom and dad) number around 100 (1800 unique per month). I love you all.

Bob is taller, much better looking, and a better writer, plus he has an adorable daughter who occasionally will allow an interview. I suspect these things help with his success, but only play a small part. He is focused on one core group, Architects. Of course, he also gets those people, like me, who stumble upon his writing and want to hang out with the cool kids. He also constantly maintains a beautifully designed and professional looking blog. (Me, not so much)

I am not focused. This is a woodworking blog, where I don’t blog about woodworking. I have lost my way. It makes me really sad too, because I love my blog, but I have treated it poorly. The last few nights I have tried to do something different, with a series of silly and bitter horoscopes. They have been just another example of my scattered approach. I’m sorry.

Bob and I were talking on Twitter today and he made a suggestion. It seemed like a good one at first. Then I thought about it more and more and realized it was a great one. I was lamenting how poorly I have treated my lovely little blog and had mentioned how overwhelmed I was feeling trying to get the 1^st novel published. Bob said, “Maybe you should write about that experience. Lots of writers have that issue/ problem.”

His simple suggestion is the way back for me. I was at my best, when writing about the foibles of learning woodworking. It was a constant source of mishaps and folly. If I write about the tales of woe in getting a book to market, I will do several things.

1) Learn from my mistakes. Nothing cements the words ‘Don’t Do That Again’ into one’s subconscious, like blogging about it.

2) I may hear from some people who have helpful suggestions.

3) I will be able to spend all my writing energy, now that Henry Wood: Perception is done, mapping out my plans to market ‘Henry Wood Detective Agency’.

4) I will be able to polish up ExtremelyAverage.com and make it the lovely little blog it deserves to be.

So now I have clarity. I apologize to my readers, for getting so off track, and to my little blog, who has patiently waited for me to get my act together.

Step 1: Announce the contest

I have decided to give away at least 2 of my tiny boxes (like the ones pictured below) and some signed copies of Henry Wood Detective Agency, when it comes out. I am hopeful it will be in the next few weeks, though I still have some edits to do.

In order to be eligible, one will be able to enter many ways.

1) The first method will be by leaving a comment on any of the posts between now and the launch. Each person who does will be added to a running list of entries. So you may be entered multiple times. One comment = One entry.

2) Follow the blog (Using the Google Follow Button on right). There are currently 22 followers (All of whom will be entered into the contest) One Follow = 5 entries

3) There is also a FB fan page. The same applies to it. Henry Wood Detective Agency The 36 people who previously said ‘Like’, will get 5 entries each.

Those are just a taste of what I have in store for the contest. I am also open to suggestions for other prizes. We still have a few weeks, so feel free to suggest away. (Heck, it will give you a shot at one of the tiny boxes I made.)

So now I am off to get on the Wii and do some exercising. If I can get a bit more fit, then I won’t need as much sleep and will have more time for the caring and feeding of my blog. I am sure @AlexandraFunFit will approve. She is an exercise guru.

2011: 06/20
CATEGORY: Uncategorized
TAGS: Contest
36 comments

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Brian Meeks

I haven't lost my love of woodworking, just the several hours per day to do it. Once I had to get a job outside of my home, the commute has really made it hard to write every day, and impossible to write and woodwork. When the day comes that Henry Wood is helping with the bills, I can assure you, I will be back making tiny boxes, and all sorts of fun stuff. :-)

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cletch 5 pts

yooo hoooo I'm here! I enjoy your writing tremendously and although I've only recently been introduced to your style, I suspect there is no apology needed. At least your scattered approach encompasses only one blog... unlike mine which encompasses 5! Maybe that can be your next how-to. "Multiple Personality Bloggers: How to Associate the Dissociative."

As far as your giveaway - who wouldn't want a tiny box? And if it really does smell like bacon, I'll have a hard time keeping it at home because everyone will want to see it. In order to get my hands on it I have followed you on google and facebook. Actually, I should get extra points because I also followed you on my son's facebook account! (he should really remember to log out when using my computer)

In all seriousness, you're writing is fabulous and I am looking forward to hearing more from you and your experiences.Best wishes, Pat

myloveformusic2 7 pts

I've enjoyed your blog when it was about your woodwork. That's what makes you stand out from other blogs is that you found your niche and that's a good thing.

cupboards 13 pts

Clarity(and Bob) helps lots of people. Glad to have the two of you in my circle!

Splintergirl 6 pts

Well, the bacon part got me for sure :) You do amazing work...lovely, just lovely. (@splintergirl)

BuildingMoxie 7 pts

oh and the bacon move . . . brilliant!

ExtremelyAvg 320 pts

BuildingMoxie I am considering a post, in the future, 'The Boy Who Cried Bacon'.

MrsPickle_ 9 pts

ExtremelyAvg BuildingMoxie Excellent idea!

sounds like some serious synergization... love. and awesome on the fb page ... plus i don't know -- it looks like you have had some time to polish some things up around here anyway.... and I am definitely looking forward to hearing about the publishing process. thanks for the posting Brian. godspeed.

bald_eagle333 13 pts

aaaaaaakkkkkkkkk no bacon, do those little boxes at least smell like bacon?

akosijoeyboy 6 pts

Cool boxes, ;) I also liked your Facebook page. :)

akosijoeyboy Thanks. I have added your entries to the contest. Don't tell Alexandrafunfit though, as she is resorting to threats to frighten people off.

ExtremelyAvg akosijoeyboy Alexandrafunfit hahaha.. ;)

Alexandrafunfit 14 pts

Oh, I forgot to thank you for mentioning me. I definitely approve of the WiiFit. And even though I'm a vegetarian, I still love the smell of bacon. It's the only meat that calls to me (it says, "are you sure you won't change your mind?).

Well, we already follow your blog as it comes in on our RSS feed, so lucky me! You know my opinion of your boxes so if I don't win one, I shall have to sneak over and kneecap the actual winner. Commenters - you should all give up right now! And no matter what, don't let @BobBorson know that you complimented him - it goes straight to his T-square!

3HatsComm 804 pts

That is just WRONG. I am reporting you to @jennwhinnem and the Twitter police, promising me bacon and not delivering. Shame on you. I just commented to @TheSalesLion about the 'process story' post and your list is why those are helpful. Maybe you solve your problem on the way, maybe someone else has a solution or suggestion and you can learn from their mistakes; or vice versa, and others can learn from your mishaps. Except the linkbaiting headlines, that is just evil. FWIW.

3HatsComm jennwhinnem@thesaleslion Yes, yes it is. I am ashamed of my underhanded bacon tom foolery, but I needed all the cool kids to stop in and check out this post. Everyone knows that the cool kids are powerless against bacon!

jennwhinnem 284 pts

ExtremelyAvg 3HatsComm@thesaleslion CITED: TOMFOOLERY, PHANTOM BACON

jennwhinnem ExtremelyAvg@thesaleslion We're watching you!

jeannettepaladino 6 pts

Brian -- Well, I, for one, have missed you since you wrote a very entertaining post for my blog "Blogging is Story Telling in Disguise." Good luck with your new book. Don't fret. Most bloggers are not getting 17,000 visitors a day.

jeannettepaladino I am so glad to see you stopped in. I really appreciate the support. You Rock. I'm sorry I haven't visited your blog in a bit, but I am going to rectify that situation shortly. :-)

ExtremelyAvg Thanks, Brian. Look forward to your comments.

Sheila Landry 6 pts

Hi, Bryan! Good to hear you are moving ahead. I also think you have nothing to apologize on. I am anxiously awaiting publication of Henry Wood Detective Agency so that I can read it and then catch up with the following stories. I admit I haven't read the chapters because I want to read all three from the start of the first and in order. I kind of came in at the middle of the first one. I am silly that way. If I miss the first 10 minutes of a movie, I won't watch until I can see the whole thing.

Anyway - keep on blogging and I will keep on reading. I like reading about your "mishaps and follies" It makes you a real person who is interesting and fun. Your photography is also very nice.

Thanks for the update and I will certainly keep coming back!

Sheila

jennimacdonald 62 pts

This is a great idea. One I didn't even know you did woodworking, I thought you were just writing your mystery books. Learn something new everyday!

Two I think the contest is a great idea, not only cause I love the boxes, but because it's a great way to gain more readers who are outside of your usual blog's demographic. BTW I liked the FB page : )

jennimacdonald Thanks Jennifer, I appreciate all your support and the kind words about the tiny boxes. It is nice to see some of my Twitter friends visiting the old blog. :-)

byronfernandez 25 pts

Once again, A-grade Meeks. Thx for sharing

lilitufel 6 pts

I want a box! I want a box! He he :0)

lilitufel On behalf of the tiny boxes, they appreciate the cheering. :-)

gjwahine 7 pts

Brian,

I don't think you should ever apologize for going off on a rant. In fact, when someone goes "off topic" it shows one's personality and color. That's what people want to see in a Blog too - personality!

I happened to stumble upon you on Twitter and was immediately drawn to you because you're different. The reason why I read your blog is it lightens my day, and I love a good story and good writing. Not everyone reads a blog because they want to learn something, or need someone's "expert" advice, sometimes they just need to lighten their day! And this, my friend, is what you do best. Whatever direction you go in, I'll still read your blog.

On a side note, I have my eye set on one of those boxes! My father was and still is an amazing woodworker. He built instruments, furniture and cabinets for years. I particularly like the one with the reddish (is it Cocobolo?) lid. I've got a pool stick that would match it quite nicely : )

Keep writing!

Gwen Woltz

Wahine Media

http://wahinemedia.com

gjwahine Wow, your father makes instruments, that is amazing. I have read several articles about doing some simple ones, and even they are rather complex. I am glad you enjoy my silliness and thanks so much for all of your support. I feel like today is one I will remember, as a turning point. I look forward to tomorrow. :-)

You're right, there's nothing better than bacon :) I like Bob as well, I follow him on Twitter. It's funny that I met you both separately, yet you know each other LOL

MrsPickle_ Thanks for the follow and yes, Bob is great. I am glad you read his blog too.

wayne.syler 8 pts

k,, thanks!!

ok, there ya go . a comment.. wayne

wayne.syler You are in! Thanks.

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