Wordful» Miscellaneous

Live from Affiliate Summit West 2011 in Las Vegas!

Charles — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:56:49 +0000

UPDATE: Due to the craziness of this event I wasn’t able to live blog. But I will post some recaps and impressions following the event in the next week to follow. Wordful is at is again in Las Vegas, this time at the Affiliate Summit West at the Wynn Hotel. Thanks to John Chow who awarded me a Gold Pass from his recent comment contest, I’m here to learn more about what’s what and who’s who in the Internet Marketing world. Affilaite Summit co-founder Shawn Collins just got off the stage with his pep talk to ASW11 first-timers orientation. It was pretty basic stuff, and I can tell that most of the people here (out of 4,600 total at the conference) are the early risers who didn’t party too hard last night. Uh…I guess that includes me. As the conference goes on I will be giving live updates and highlights. Wordful’s content-obsessed perspective is quite different from most of the merchant and affiliate types here, so I will have some interesting observations. The question I want to answer is: how much does quality of the content effect quantity of sales? Also, you can follow Affiliate Summit West 2011 on Twitter using the hashtag #ASW11.

Live from Affiliate Summit West 2011 in Las Vegas! is written by Charles Bohannan for Wordful.com, a blog about digital publishing.

Shoemoney’s Affiliate Summit West Contest: For The Win

Charles — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:02:33 +0000

If fortune favors the brave—and prepared—then I’m the guy who should definitely win Shoemoney’s Crazy Affiliate Summit West 2010 Contest. But instead of going on and on about how I’m a cool, hard-working, genuine guy from Hawaii with a totally unique Internet Marketing angle (all true stuff, of course), I’m going to share with you a story.

2 Years of Frustration Evaporated in 3 Days

Last month I headed over to Las Vegas to attend Affiliate DotCom Live. It was my first Internet Marketing conference ever. For 3 short days, I learned more about affiliate marketing than I did over the past two years as a lonely and aimless online dabbler. I learned that success in the business has less to do with technique and more to do with attitude, confidence and making connections. Speaking of connections, I met some really awesome people. Some of them were bewildered newbies just like me. Others were at the top of their game, like Jeremy. After shaking hands and snapping a photo, Shoe took a few of his precious minutes to casually chat with me about what it’s like to run his company in Nebraska (sorry Shoe I’ll take Hawaii any day). What a cool guy. And there was John Chow. Hanging out with John was the highlight of my weekend. I got to see firsthand what makes him one of the most successful and respected probloggers around, or, how do you say…a damn fine person. John also motivated me to write my upcoming ebook, which is due out next week. I left Las Vegas very hung over but smiling, and more enlightened than ever.

An Unexpected Trip to the Pressure Cooker

Fast forward to yesterday. I have just resigned from my “day” job of 8 years due to some serious character differences between me and my employer. It was a tough but necessary decision. Quitting the job was not part of my plan. I was supposed to play it safe and predictable, and gradually wean myself off the tit of a steady paycheck after I started making some decent money online. But it didn’t work out that way. I was suddenly faced with either sticking with The Man or taking the ultimate plunge into my passion of Internet Marketing. I chose the latter, turning a big problem into an even bigger opportunity. So I am now a free man, with just enough money to keep the bills paid and food on the table for a little while. My margin of error is now slim to none. Sure, it feels a little scary to be in my shoes right now. But it’s exciting as hell knowing I’m going to be the next accidental millionaire!

It’s Showtime

Within five minutes of resigning from my job, I started writing this blog post. To me, winning this contest represents everything good that can happen if you just seize that chance, believe in yourself and let go of the negative trappings in your life. And seeing the way these past 6 weeks have organically unfolded, I can’t help but believe that really great things are headed my way. If I get chosen to win this contest, all of you have my word that I’ll make the best out of every minute and every dollar this conference is worth and then some. I promise to hustle my ass off, too, and make as many positive and lasting connections with people as possible. I also promised my beautiful wife that I’d bring her with me. She works way harder than me and deserves to see what I left my perfectly stable job for. Besides—we’re getting really tired of trying to party hard in the living room in front of our 4 kids. We gotta let loose! After that eye-opening experience in Vegas in November, I’m ready to go back in January. I’m ready to win this and turn life around in 2011!

Shoemoney’s Affiliate Summit West Contest: For The Win is written by Charles Bohannan for Wordful.com, a blog about digital publishing.

19 Things I’m Thankful For in 2010

Charles — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 18:03:07 +0000

It’s good ‘ol Thanksgiving in the USA and that means it’s time to pause and reflect on our blessings. This year I’ve made significant breakthroughs on all sorts of fronts, which would not have been possible without the support of these virtues:

My Wife — everything I’m doing right here, right now, is thanks to the hard work and support of my beloved wife. She works extremely hard caring for our family and home so I can work at fulfilling my dreams. When I make it big, she’s getting the first payout! My Four Children — my kids are awesome to the hilt. I won’t deny they’re a handful (actually four handfuls), but they’re truly the most precious blessing and living legacy anyone can have. You — if you’re reading this right now, I’m thankful for you. That means that right now, you’re giving me the gift of your time and attention, both of which have infinite value. So thanks! Good Health — I think everyone in the family got sick once each this year [knock on wood]. That’s pretty amazing considering kids are always bringing home the nastiest germs. I attribute my good health to regular exercise (running, yoga and surfing) and good diet — pretty basic stuff, but it works. In fact, I lost over 5 pounds this year! Good Food — it all starts with my diet choice: plenty of local organic veggies, whole grains and fresh seafood. That’s about all I eat if you don’t count potato chips and beer, and the occasional mai tai Living in Hawai‘i — this is a HUGE blessing, and it goes way beyond the cliché of Hawaii. In 2006, we were given a one in a million chance to move back here from Alaska, and we’ve never regretted that decision. Hawaii is a truly amazing place of beauty, power and aloha. Surfing — surfing is one of the finest activities known to humans. It truly is. I don’t know anyone who can never get enough surfing. This year was especially awesome because I was able to teach my son to surf and now he surfs with me all the time…and he’s ultra-stoked, too! The Wordful Office — I’ve been in my quiet corner office for almost 3 years, and I still love being there. It’s a place where I get to be 100% focused on my work, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Think the home office is the way to go? Then read this. A few loyal friends — I have no more than 3 very close friends. These are “bros” I can call and completely be myself around. That’s a real blessing. Meeting new friends — I just met a couple of very awesome people recently which I consider new friends. They represent the future I’m striving for, and I’d like nothing more than to be with them when I get to the top. The Wordful blog — it’s a labor of love, with a big focus on love. This blog has helped me grow in important ways and allowed me to ship my ideas to anyone willing to listen. I’m grateful to whomever has read and commented here. Other blogs — I’ve managed to whittle away my blog consuming habits to efficiency, but I still follow the same group of bloggers. These bloggers have opened my mind and heart to the what’s possible on the internet. To name a few: JohnChow.com, Shoemoney.com, Copyblogger.com, Chris Brogan and Aaron Wall. Internet Marketing — it’s an amazing time to be an internet marketing entrepreneur, and I feel so blessed to have a toehold in the game. It’s a fact that there are huge opportunities right now for anyone willing to go for it, and you can bet I’m one of those people. Sobriety — no, I’m not a recovering alcoholic or a non-drinker, but I’m certainly more sober these days. Sobriety aids focus and clarity. I’ve noticed the people who refuse to give up their old partying habits lack the means to succeed. My “Day Job” — as much as I hate to admit it, I still work a part time day job that pays enough to keep steady cash flow. It’s far from ideal, but if I didn’t have it, I wouldn’t be able to focus on blogging and internet marketing. So thanks, day job. My Clients — I’m grateful for the people who put their faith and trust into me this year to help create their websites. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it. Going to Affiliate Dot Com Live in Las Vegas — It’s still early to make a thorough assessment, but so far the event has changed the way I see life and the world and what’s possible in my business. A personal thanks goes to Mike Filsaime and all the wonderful presenters who shared their stories and strategies and shown me what’s possible with the right focus and effort. 2011 — It’s going to be a great year and I’m already grateful for it! What will you do in 2011 to change your life?

19 Things I’m Thankful For in 2010 is written by Charles Bohannan for Wordful.com, a blog about digital publishing.

Wordful Poll: What BIG Thing Are You Working On?

Charles — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 03:07:26 +0000

It’s time I get to know you better. I’m very curious to know who all of you are and what you’re striving for online. Surely it’s something BIG, right? Please take a minute to take this poll — pick only one answer or give your own. Your answers will help get us much better acquainted. Thanks! Take Our Poll

Wordful Poll: What BIG Thing Are You Working On? is written by Charles Bohannan for Wordful.com, a blog about digital publishing.

Poll: What Matters to You in a Blogger?

Charles — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 07:33:16 +0000

I’m ultra curious to know what really keeps readers loyal to a certain blogger. Do you mind taking this quick survey? You can only choose your top 2 answers. Be sure to share it with your friends, too. Thanks! I will talk about the results of this poll in a future blog post.

Take Our Poll

Poll: What Matters to You in a Blogger? is written by Charles Bohannan for Wordful.com, a blog about digital publishing.

iPad Vook Review: Sages and Scientists

Charles — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 03:01:40 +0000

I was given an opportunity by Rachel Balik of Vook to review one of their latest titles, Sages and Scientists. I’ve written about Vook in the past and like what they’re doing in the publishing space. For the record — I have no formal ties with Vook and this review is completely voluntary.

About Sages and Scientists

Sages and Scientists by Deepak Chopra and the Chopra Foundation is a small collaboration of writings and mini video interviews with some of the world’s most brilliant scientific minds. The title was catchy enough to attract someone like me who really digs transcendentalism…but also happens to really suck at science. Each chapter — there are 11 total (nice prime number, by the way) – contains a short but powerful treatise on the connection between science and metaphysical consciousness. Unlikely, I know, but that’s what makes the vook so intriguing. What worked so well were the personal perspectives offered by each scientist that challenges our understanding of modern science. Many of them call it ‘old science,’ which regards human existence as the realm of zero direction, zero purpose and zero meaning in the world. Again, I’ve always struggled with science—perhaps this is why.

A New, Better View of Science

These views of ‘new science’ regard the human experience as something far more holistic and deeply transcendental. In the words of Larry Dossey,

…leads to the notion that in some dimension of consciousness all minds come together and for the universal or the one mind.

Pretty profound stuff indeed. This kind of science I can relate to. But it goes even further than that: the vignettes speak of Gandhi, fractal resonance, the mystery of water, past lives and some healing experiments conducted at North Hawaii Community Hospital, which is about a mile from where I’m writing this post.

Recommended? Definitely

Let’s say good things come in small packages. If you crave to learn about what’s really going on in the Universe (gee shouldn’t this be everyone?), I can’t think of a better, quicker and cheaper way to get primed than with the Sages and Scientists vook. For the low price of $6.99, you get a tiny but very powerful lesson on science and spirituality. Click here to buy it.

Comments on the Vook Itself

A vook is a blend of video + book. Vook publishes their products in flash-based website, iPhone and iPad apps formats. Their titles are diverse (Three Little Pigs to Woman’s Day Cookvook) and prices range from $.99 to $14.99. Sages and Scientists was my first experience with a vook on a mobile device (iPad), and I must say: vooks and iPads are like peas in a pod. The single-task environment of the iPad eliminates all distractions, leaving you in the sacred space of a fully engaged vook experience. Each chapter has a crisp, professionally-produced video featuring a monologue of each scientist. The videos are no more than 2 minutes long, resizeable to full screen and easily embeddable in an email (I tested this feature and it’s awesome — you just play the video right in your inbox). There are also controls for night mode (black background with white text) and text enlargement. All good stuff, but I have one HUGE request for Vook to make: a bookmarking/notation feature akin to the Kindle. Readers need this! Admittedly, there’s a way to select some text to email, tweet or post to Facebook (yes I know it’s the social web thing to do), but this doesn’t even come close. In fact, I would have saved myself significant time writing this review if I could have bookmarked and taken notes within the app. Other vook reviewers have requested the bookmarking and notation, so I hope Vook is listening. Another idea for Vook: make one single Vook app and let readers access titles from there. Reader data collection is a mighty powerful thing. Just ask Seth.

iPad Vook Review: Sages and Scientists is written by Charles Bohannan for Wordful.com, a blog about digital publishing.

Let’s Keep Talking: How You Can Connect with Wordful

Charles — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:16:23 +0000

If you read Wordful, then first of all: thanks. I appreciate you. If you happen to also enjoy the content, then please consider checking out our social media communities. These are admittedly humble but emerging hotspots where I look forward to more interactivity and conversations with you on blogging, content media, publishing 2.0 and life. Give it a try! Here’s where you can find me:

Wordful on Facebook (http://wordful.com/facebook)
Wordful on Twitter (http://twitter.com/wordful)
Wordful on FriendFeed (http://friendfeed.com/wordful)
Charles Bohannan (me) on LinkedIn: (http://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesbohannan)

Like what you see? Pass it on to your friends!

Let’s Keep Talking: How You Can Connect with Wordful is written by Charles Bohannan for Wordful.com, a blog about digital publishing.

Why I’m Not Going to IzeaFest

Charles — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:24:29 +0000

Not that I’ll be missed or even accounted for, but I have some good reasons for not going. For those of you unfamiliar, IzeaFest is a blogger’s conference put on Izea, which is led by Ted Murphy. From everything I’ve seen and read of Ted, he’s a cool guy, if not a bit on the bizarre side, but I like that. Ted is also very enterprising: he has founded six companies–including Izea–and is one of the forefathers of paid blogging. Plus, he and I have tweeted each other about marathon running (I know bloody nipples, Ted). I bought my IZEAFest ticket way back in February when I was projecting some sort of smashing success with my blog. Something to the effect that I’d finally get to meet all the superstars who had heard of me but hadn’t yet met me. How naive. Let’s say I’m nowhere close to that point, but I’m okay with that. Anonymity is not why I’m bowing out. The real reason I won’t be attending IZEAFest is because it’s not marketed as an event to be taken seriously. When I think Izeafest, I see a raging, four-day Carnival Cruise across multiple watering holes and ending at SeaWorld. In other words — a big blogging drinking party. I can already taste the hangovers.

Biggest Disclaimer Ever

I have to say this immediately: the speakers are not why I’m not going. Missing their presentations and dynamism is obviously where I lose out. Izeafest invites some of the best and most respected web marketers and bloggers around. Brian Clark is someone I’d love to meet. Same with Rae Hoffman and Chris Brogan. And I was lucky enough to meet Arleen Anderson when I was in Honolulu in June. But…

[End of Disclaimer]

…at the same time, I’d much rather engage with these talented folks in a more progressive and intellectual setting. An event, perhaps, that puts blogging into a much greater and more thoughtful context. Something that recognizes publishing and editorial standards and the industry as a whole, not just making money online through what works well for individuals. Blogging is certainly pioneering in its own right, but it’s unlikely to electrify the sagging publishing industry without bold and pragmatic leadership. Izeafest offers spirited work sessions with some very bright people, but it’s all conducted between dirty martinis and an entire day with Shamu. Bloggers should be mobilized for life after the personal internet gold rush. It’s not going to last forever. Sure — we can all continue to blog away, maybe make a few bucks as we go, but there’s much greater opportunities than this. We need a conference that calls upon bloggers, writers, editors, publishers, web marketers and everyone in between. A meeting to challenge—not just celebrate—ourselves. For example: How do we collectively innovate and reconcile a failing industry so it’s scalable, likeable and profitable? If I were in a party mood, I’d go to Izeafest without hesitation. It feels like I shouldn’t be missing it. But I checked-in my party mood at the door, and I intend on leaving it there while I sort things out.

Why I’m Not Going to IzeaFest is written by Charles Bohannan for Wordful.com, a blog about digital publishing.

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My Home State Turns 50 Today

Charles — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:45:09 +0000

Hawai‘i turns 50 today, which is a big–albeit subtle–deal in so many ways. If you’re from Hawaii or grew up here or lived here long enough to “get it”, there’s an undeniable significance about today. Even though Hawai‘i is a full-fledged US State, living here is so different than anywhere else in the USA. The combination of our global isolation, rich “poi dog” cultural heritage and heavenly geography make living here an experience that is quite hard to describe in words. One would assume there to be wild celebrations across every corner of the state, but there aren’t. There’s is really no need for them. Everyone is commerating this day in their own way. Some are peacefully protesting, some are partying and some, like me, are simply radiating appreciation and respect for this awesome place and its people. No matter who is doing what—we are all bound by something great and beautiful: Aloha. Aloha sums up Hawai‘i in one word. It is what binds people of different backgrounds together to cooperate, flourish and take care of one another. Aloha is also a way of saying hello, goodbye and I love you. And, as Obama proclaimed today:

The Aloha Spirit of Hawaii offers hope and opportunity for all Americans. Growing up in Hawaii, I learned from its diversity how different cultures blend together into one population — proud of their personal heritage and made stronger by their shared sense of community.

Whether you like Obama or not, he captures a pearl of truth in that statement. Sure, it’s got that quasi-cliché Barack-White House tone, but it works. I just want to make a statement about our 50th State turning 50 today, and wish you all my warmest Aloha.

My Home State Turns 50 Today is written by Charles Bohannan for Wordful.com, a blog about digital publishing.

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Social Media Success Summit 2009 Contest Winner

Charles — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:44:36 +0000

12:45 PST: Sorry I’m late but here’s the winner!! Ever since my very exciting and humbling grand prize win last Friday at Chris Garrett’s blog, I’ve had the chance to meet some wonderful bloggers full of the same intensity and passion that I have for “making it.” It’s great to know I’m not alone in this! This was a close competition with several great entries to choose from, but I ultimately settled on someone who expressed the most straight-forward, passionate and genuine plea. The winner of my extra ticket to the Social Media Success Summit 2009 is: Coree Silvera of MarketLikeAChick.com Congratulations, Coree! Coree’s off-the-cuff entry really empathized with me. I know how it feels to go to bed and wonder about the authentic value I must create and deliver to my readers. Coree writes:

When I go to sleep at night the last question rolling around my head is, ‘Coree, what are you going to write about tomorrow that will be helpful to other women (and men) and allow you to carve a niche for yourself in the marketing world?”

No matter what people try and tell you, creating killer flagship content is no easy task. But like many of us, Coree is more than up for the challenge. I love that spirit! Coree was also very specific about her market vision and the challenges she faces realizing it:

So, my challenge is, how to rally the female masses and provide great content for all of us to share, learn, laugh and grow from.

My wife has actually told me many times that when she’s online she feels as if she hears a man’s voice talking to her. I’ve never thought about it, but I guess it’s true. I appreciate that Coree clearly identified an underserved niche in web marketing (marketing for women in a “man’s world”), and intends to do something about it. Judging from her short but heartfelt post for this contest, it’s clear to me that Coree Silvera possesses great courage, vision and compassion to be a web marketing leader. Aloha and thanks to everyone who participated. You all show great potential in your contest entries and on your blogs. I would have awarded everyone something if I could. So I can only hope to give away more free stuff in the near future!

Social Media Success Summit 2009 Contest Winner is written by Charles Bohannan for Wordful.com, a blog about digital publishing.