It is hard to believe that this blog has been quiet for as long as it has – partly because I have been as busy as ever working on projects behind the scenes for other people and time has flown by.
With my involvement in these other projects, I’ve been getting the itch to be back here and sharing information with all of you. There have been some great conversations here about topics related to affiliate marketing, such as how to build an affiliate store using datafeeds, not to mention the exchange that took place about pursuing your passion.
Speaking of passion, over the last few months I’ve been learning more about where my passions lie (from a work / career perspective) and what activities are not inline with those passions.
Lurking In The Shadows
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve still been quite active in the blogosphere but it has been in the shadows – writing code, tweaking plugins, designing new Thesis skins, and setting up new blogs for clients.
That’s right – clients.
These last few months have given me the opportunity to work with a few new clients, which you can see in the portfolio at Red Staple Media. In addition to the new clients, I’ve been busy doing things like adding a full wedding store to one of my joint venture blogs.
So what is it that I am passionate about?
Being technical. Writing code. Solving problems.
Having been a programmer by profession for many years, I’ve sorely been missing that aspect of my day job as I have transitioned into project management.
Stepping Out Of The Shadows
You might be asking yourself why I am stepping out of the shadows to publish a new post here if my passion lies behind the scenes. Well, one reason (and probably the most important reason) is because I do miss the interaction that I had with the community that was building here but also because this is a vehicle that I can use to position myself for even more work that I love.
By being more active here, I can offer my technical assistance to more people. In some cases that might be in the form of a tutorial related to blogging, or it might involve spending 15 minutes on instant messenger to help someone work through a technical problem. There may even be opportunities to secure work for a new client.
Speaking Of Opportunities
Sure, I’d love to land new clients left and right. But to be perfectly honest with you, I love working on technical issues so much that I am happy to help out where I can.
Recently I had decided to join Darren Rowse’s Problogger Community to see what it was all about. The first few days I didn’t do much but poke around, until I really started to dig into the forums and started to share some suggestions and try to help a few people out.
There was one thread where another member was looking for help with the categories on his blog. I shot him a response and shortly thereafter I was writing some code for him to fix the problem he was having. After we resolved the issue, we were chatting and he commented that he was almost ready to call it quits on the forums as he didn’t think there was much value there.
I’m glad he didn’t because he is a super-talented graphic artist and we’ve since discussed the possibility of working together on future projects. You can check out some of his work on the site that I have been helping him with, aptly named Doug Draws.
As a thank you for the technical assistance I have provided to Doug, he offered to create me a new avatar based on a picture that I provided.
What do you think? 
For those that have been around the blog for awhile, yes I am still rockin’ the goatee that started about this time last year as part of Movember.
Now, there has been quite a bit taking place over the last few months and I have seen a handful of blogs that I once followed also go silent as people have become busy with other tasks. Where these new opportunities will lead I haven’t a clue, but I can tell you that I am excited about what lies ahead and have a renewed level of energy for pursuing my passion.
Oh yeah, if you need help with anything technical you know where to find me!
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Great to see you posting again. I am really glad we stay in touch “behind-the-scenes” because I would miss that interaction.
Anyone interested in pulling affiliate products into their blog who can’t quite figure out how to use product feeds or just doesn’t enjoy doing that “technical” stuff should definitely connect with Derek here.
I have no idea how he does it but he added thousands of products in our No Bogies Golf site in one night and added that great store he mentioned in this post in another.
If you are interested in affiliate programs check out the post I featured in CommentLuv for this comment. I compiled a ton of great resources for affiliates and merchants and explain how to evaluate a merchant’s store BEFORE you spend your time promoting them.
One of these days we’re going to have affiliate marketing really figured out!
Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..How to Evaluate a Merchant Gift Affiliate Program
Thanks for the comment, and for the kind words as well.
For a moment, I was thinking “Your passion is lurking in the shadow? You should be a Ninja!”
Kelvin Kao´s last blog ..The Origin of Slutty Halloween Costumes
I don’t like to talk too much about it, but I am a Ninja.
Derek,
Great story. Generally I find that many forums and blogs are very “hit or miss” so it can be tough sticking with them. Furthermore I appreciate your desire to help others. I recently had to overcome a web hosting issue and someone on a forum went way out of their way to give me a hand. So on behalf of recipients everywhere “thanks.”
Svetlana.
Svetlana,
Thanks for stopping by and saying hello, as well as passing along your thanks to those that take the time to help one another on the forums.
Look forward to hearing more from you!
I think now you are out of shadow
Your blog is gr8 and as well your post so i think you can make a good visiting community over here 
Thanks for the comment, but I like staying in the shadows. Stick around and hopefully you will see the community start to take shape again.
Take some time out. Obviously all these clients take much of your time.
They do, but that is what I love doing so it doesn’t even feel like work to me.
Well, I applaud you for being a programmer, from a design point of view–I have no patience for it lol..
Unfortunately I too have seen blogs go under that I once followed for the great camaraderie…awesome avatar though!
Melody´s last blog ..Hump Day: Naughty Nursery Rhymes
Melody, thanks for stopping by and for your applause. It might be that I am somewhat sick and twisted, but I thrive when slinging code and look forward to tackling the next problem that needs to be solved.
Glad you like the avatar, be sure to check out Doug’s site to see more of his work!
In spite your busy schedule you still find time to “lurk” here. At least, you did not forget to still mingle with your readers.
Josh, gone are my days of averaging about 3 hours of sleep so I could squeeze in the day job, family time, and work on all of my blogs – but, I do value the readers a great deal and I hope to be sharing more quality posts with all of you.
Nice to see you peeking your head out of the shadows – great to hear from ya! Sounds like things are going great, though – that’s awesome!
Lisa Marie Mary´s last blog ..Mike and Peggy from Soul-Flower.com
Hiya Lisa, great to see you stop by!
Things are going well and I’m having a lot of fun along the way. It is funny but putting a focus on trying to help others more has given me a new energy.
Hope you’re doing well too.
It’s always good to follow your heart. I am glad to see that you are back.
Thanks Frank, it is good to be back.
With an intent to provide value content to the readers, please leave a comment if there is anything specific that you would like to see addressed.
Derek, thanks for the kind words and the plug. As for forums I generally try to stay away from them. In my 10+ years of experience online I’ve found such places to be filled with know-it-alls and arrogant p—ks.
Derek, I see the drop down list for CommentLuv, but it doesn’t give me any other options except some warning messages.
Doug, you’re welcome and thanks for stopping by to join in on the discussion.
I’ve participated in a few forums over the years, but that is usually one of the first things to go when time becomes limited. One of the best forums I have ever participated in was over at the Motley Fool – great forum on personal finances.
Glad to see you got the CommentLuv working, and you may have given me an idea for a future post.
Ok, I found my profile settings on CommentLuv and now it seems to be working. Someone should write a tutorial about this.
Doug C.´s last blog ..Challenge the Talent
great avatar
Glad you like it – get in touch with Doug if you need one for yourself.
I stopped following you, but I checked in and am glad you are back to posting some new informtion. The blog looks great and keep up the good work.
FR, thanks for the feedback.
Yeah, besides that technical side you still seem to try and be personal with your “clients”, your blog leaders. Adds the cherry on top seeing you reply to everyone here. Kudos to you.
David, since the very beginning of this blog I’ve done my best to engage everyone that takes the time to respond with a comment. At times that has been done via email outside of the blog but usually it is by responding to their comment.
Thanks for stopping by!
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