As many of you know, I use this blog as a testing ground for new projects, thus today is an audio podcast. However, I need to make some extreme changes to the way I do things. Listen.
I know you all might have a few questions, so feel free below in the comments. There are a lot of reasons for the changes here, and some are covered in the audio. I will do my best to answer your questions. Then I will get back to the good content!
Hmmm.
Congrats on the introspection and on taking action. That sets you apart from most of the populace.
Works for me.
Good luck
It’ll be tough maybe, but I wish you all best, and I’ll still be around to watch and all.
Dude I think this may be wrong. I am not sure what to say really. I think there is something more going on here than meets the ear. Or maybe more than what you are willing to share just yet.
Of course I am scared that your blog will not be as entertaining as before. If you are not gonna get loaded and drop f-bombs, then how are you going to service your existing fan base?
If you change horses now you risk losing your readership. But then again, what is your readership really worth? Maybe not a lot, as I don’t think you were into exploiting us much to begin with.
That song was good by the way. I think you will share more with us as time goes on. All in good time.
I, for one, am willing to wait. Your creativity is worth it.
Cookie ninja master´s last blog ..Marketing Strategy for 2010
it is your moment of clarity. We all have moments where one day we just say somethings gotta change. While I am sad to see the beer blog go, I understand the reasoning. All things in moderation.
Anyway, will still follow. Will still tweet at you to remind you that im impatient and waiting for an update LOL and, i will have a beer in silence as i watch the videos
Hey guys, thanks for the thoughts. Really, I think you’ll actually be getting some REAL content out of me now and in the future. It is easier to focus on solid information that helps people when you are not trying to “keep up an image” in the process.
And, to answer Cookie Ninja, yeah ,there is a lot more to it, but nothing like “Intervention” like or anything like that. As I listened to the audio, it sounds like I might be checking in to rehab or something like that. On the contrary, I have no issues as such… I just need to work on some reputation management. I have lost some very lucrative business opportunities because I appear to be a loose cannon.
I can’t allow that to be my legacy. The goal here is to make money in my business, enough to lose the stinking day job… and dropping f-bombs and swilling beer (constantly) did not, and does not help me meet that end goal.
However, video blogging with super good information based on my knowledge DOES help my cause.
Plus, it gets old being “that guy” LOL
AL
Grayvee’s phrase legacy is greater than currency I believe has a lot of truth to it. Knowing that everything we do online will be viewed by any and everyone can make you stop and think. Then analyze what is the reason for me to do what I am doing and how will that affect my future goals and dreams. I chalk this up to a major win. If you don’t do things like this as a person I begin to wonder what an individuals drive is. Being popular or cool in the end amounts to jack squat.
I look forward to what lies in the future for you as I am sure a person with your talent will do something remarkable.
The Real Josh´s last blog ..Develop A Story In Order To Sell More Products
Proud of you, always your friend. That’s all. =0)
Dude, I totally appreciate what you are doing, and I actually can see where it is going for which I hope works out well. I see (hear actually) that fake Chicago accent is even gone (ya I think I remember you saying you were a Fla native, not too many of us actually were born there but I was).
If you are going to make any “real” money online, the language and attitude has to be up to par, it is obvious to me you realize that, along with whatever other reasons, I am cool with the changes.
Actually the first time I came here was through Jordan, which was linked to from Sire and you ripped David Risley a new one! I thought it was highly entertaining and while the points you made were valid, the parody of it was even better. That being said, if I EVER get a frickin’ “sign up for my e-course” email from you, I will hunt you down and take you back you my part of Florida and we will go gator huntin’ (or maybe the gators will go Allyn huntin’!);-)
Ok, that was my go at being a comedian, which I am NOT, so I just want to say in all seriousness, I look forward to your posts (keep a little of the cockiness please?) and will stick around because you seem like a “real world” guy like I am.
On another note, I would say I am disappointed you gave in and sold your site. I have been in construction my whole life (electric, plumbing, carpentry etc..) and currently own an online fence products store along with doing some consulting on the side for web clients. I have a client right now that has a similar site to yours ( a little over 3yrs old) except his niche covers a wider spectrum of DIY (structure, concrete and other exterior parts of DIY as well as interior) he got an offer for $60k, he will make that much off the site this year, so he told them to stick it! And he still works full time as well.
I know that doesn’t happen all the time for everyone, but I just can’t help but wonder if it (your DIY site) was worth $30k this year what might it have been worth next year, or the year after?
Anyway, I don’t know all the circumstances behind the deal, so I don’t fault you, I just fear that some people jump out fust a minute to early….
PS: Glad to see you linking to newer bloggers like Don and James, they are good guys and hard workers. I am working with Don on a collaboration of 8 writers on one site called Blogger Luv, and I read James’ Infopreneur site regularly ( wrote a guest post for him this week which will be published today or tomorrow.
Anyway, just added a few hundred words to your content, so your welcome!
Keith
Keith´s last blog ..Make It Easy To Promote YOU:
That’s good to hear you’re doing well and you must be feeling better. I enjoyed the videos and watching you get a little wild, but like you said, if you want to reflect a better professional image, that may not be the way to go.
The sound quality of the podcast is incredible, I don’t know what you got, but it sounds great. I almost prefer podcasts to video, especially if the person isn’t really doing anything beside just being there talking, but that’s probably just me because there are a ton of talking heads out there.
Since this site isn’t really a money site, it’s for you, not us, do what you want, some of us will always be here.
Wayne´s last blog ..Team Viewer
Hey that’s cool Allyn, I totally understand where you’re coming from. I think your videos are great and funny, but it is important to be positive. You still have me as a fan either way. Good luck to you my friend!
Trent Brownrigg´s last blog ..How to Find Ideas for Article Marketing
There’s lots to be said for proactive rep management.
It’s workin’ for Conan.
http:// outspokenmedia.com/ reputation-management/orm-example/
Your beer blog was entertaining and full of info. No different than when a singer sings a song, or an actor portrays a role, you entertained all of us with your knowledge, wit, and truth as you saw it.
I am extremely opinionated and love a good rib as much as the next person. However, I get where you are coming from, both personally and professionally. 200+ sites is a “good start”. Now stop being so negative and get out there and make some real money
I’m a little confused. Isn’t a site about politics that F-bombs the politicians a positive thing? Seriously, if I did one of those even my parents would be proud of me.
I have mixed feelings. I always thought your videos were packed with useful and interesting content, even with the F-bombs. I laughed a lot.
However, I know you’re going with your gut feeling and that is right 99% of the time, so I fully support you brother. You won’t lose me.
Gordie´s last blog ..Why Haven’t You Achieved Your Biggest Goal Yet?
Hey Allyn, I understand exactly where you are coming from. Image is a lot in any business online or off. I think you are too talented to sell yourself short and I believe you will be making some giant leaps in this new year. Good-bye Day Job!
No more beer or swearing, does that include the comments? Its really interesting the whole developing thing about reputation management online. I must admit that I have never given a rat’s arse about what people think of me online- or offline – I was always very bad at the “professional image” – because so often the best dressed, most nicely spoken “professionasl” are the biggest stab-you-in-back a’holes out there.
So please can we have just a little “cussing” (such a cute term) from time to time for old tiem’s sake?
Anyway you can do anything you like on your site – mine is turning into a photo blog at the moment LOL
lissie´s last blog ..New Zealand Bloggers – Can You Make Passive Income Here?
Dude sorry to see it go but I can totally understand where your coming from. I am having forum posts to come back and haunt me that I posted several years ago. People are always digging and it doesnt take much to make someone see you differently. Though I loved the beer blog and having fun with trying different beers with ya. Maybe in the future we can exchange some nice finds that we have found in the beer country. The best to you and hope to see more of that content your talking of in the future.
Jason Z.
Keep them cold!
Jason Z´s last blog ..An Electric Garage Heater can be a comfortable addon to your home.
Wow, those certainly are big changes! I’ll miss the beer blog, definitely, since even though I don’t drink much beer (once every 2 or 3 years, actually- when I have the opportunity to try something new), I love learning about it. In fact, I’m getting a review copy of God and Guinness from Thomas Nelson and I was going to offer to guest review it for you.
Maybe I’m reading too much into this, but if your change is anything like what I went through last year, I totally understand- totally. I actually gave away and threw out a LOT of items I’d had for years, stopped swearing totally (though it does creep in now and again) and made a lot of other changes. So far, they all seem to be for the better.
I just hope you plan to leave the beer blog up for a few more days- I haven’t been checking it for the past few videos and I want to catch up before you pull the plug!
Funny thing is, the attitude is why I avoided your site and Vic’s site for the longest time, but Griz just totally loved you guys, and of course I’d often read your (and Vic’s) comments on his and other people’s blogs. Got to know more about your (and Vic’s) heart, which is why I started visiting here and there. The attitude may be gone, but the person is the same, and I’m very glad to hear that BI will be around still.
WordVixen´s last blog ..Condescending
Hey Allyn! just to say I will still be readind your blog no matter what as long as you publish : ) Congrats to 30k website sell, you rock!
mijagi´s last blog ..Promocija podjetja na internetu s pomo?jo youtube-a
Hey Allyn! I’m sad that the F bombs and funny posts are going to be gone!
Happy hear to Allyn, I can say it now I’ve always prefered the more mellow Allyn
Wow, thanks for being so honest. I guess that must have taken some courage.
I’m definitely still going to be checking out all your posts. The entertainment value was cool, but the best stuff was always the message, the information in between the swearing. (To me, at least)
Looking forward to more from you, Allyn.
Cheers,
Shane
Shane´s last blog ..CRewriter – Free Article Spinning Application
Hi Allyn.
Long time lurker, first time commenter here. Not because I didn’t want to be associated with an F-bombing f-er like you – that doesn’t bother me. Actually I like your style and always put it down to tongue in cheek humour and a love of mischief.
I understand why you want to alter direction slightly and don’t blame you one bit, even though I’ll miss the very funny cuss filled rants. You were playing a part, and I got that, but it’s easy for other people to take what you were doing out of context.
I just wanted to say thanks and tell you not to underestimate the influence you’ve had with your posts here. I found your site late last year and made damn sure to watch all of the videos. I remember feeling sorry for myself that I didn’t have enough time to do what you were doing and then I saw you were working 12 hour days and STILL doing the IM. That motivated me to get on with it. I’m nowhere near the stage that you are but I’m much further along than I might have been otherwise. So thanks.
Dave.
Hey Allyn
Its amazing how things you set out to do can change without you noticing. I remember the early days when you were all about being friendly, clean speaking, non-selling blogger. I remember the early days to when beer started coming in and you would only have drunk half a bottle when starting the vlog….lol…these days you were getting to the stage of being on your second 6 pack…
Well done for taking a step back from yourself…for seeing things going to your head and sensing the corrupting influences the celebrity IM blogger status can have…haha.
You’re a beast Allyn, we love you, now get back to giving us fluffless, regular, high quality content posts.
BTW…we can still do the whole sharing a craftbrew together over skype and let the f-bombs fly in private.
Hi Allyn
I must admit that I would visit here to listen to your latest ramblings and it was extremely fun to do so. But at the end of the day if you are finding that the image you are projecting here is holding you back from bigger and better things then I can totally understand where you are coming from.
I am a bit stunned that you are giving up the big beer blog because I know you must have put a lot of effort in to that and it was also a great site to like you say “have a beer with you”, but alas.
All in all, I will still be coming back to bloggerillustrated.net because even though the vlogs you were putting out were comical, they were also pretty good content too and I for one certainly learned a thing or two from them.
Cheers and good luck with everything.
Scott
Scott´s last blog ..SEO Edinburgh – How To Rank For Keywords
That was a surprising podcast. But, good for you Al I like your radio voice and taking the high road is probably a better approach. Congrats on all of your success!
Emma´s last blog ..Major Writing Errors How To Avoid Sentence Fragments
Which ever fork in the road you take Brudda, I support you. I guess this nixes my “Best of Allyn Hane” Part II where I was going to exploit you for money.
Steve Sherron´s last blog ..I Am Mr. Wonderful.
“Once a man has seen society’s black underbelly, he can never turn his back on it. Never pretend, like you do, that it doesn’t exist.” – Rorschach in Watchmen
However, not to spoil the movie too much in case you haven’t seen it, you have to compare how Rorschach ended up as compared to the other heroes simply because he won’t compromise, even in the face of Armageddon.
I can see why you might take the approach you’re taking for personal marketing/branding purposes. After all, you wouldn’t want a potential corporate buyer of one of your websites to find some of your now redacted rants.
Frank C´s last blog ..How to Earn Fast Legit Cash
Great stuff Allyn. I won’t get too deep here, but I respect your decision and agree totally with the legacy thing. Besides – you’re like in my top 2-3 guys I learn from – I want you rockin’ with no chugging or fluff – haha.
Kent
Kent F´s last blog ..Help for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure
Hey Allyn my friend,
I totally understand and support your decision. Looking forward to continued great content. Congratulations on your success in 2009.
Diane
Allyn,
All of your changes sound great to me. Perhaps you have noticed I have invariably addressed your higher qualities in my comments and other communications with you. I have from day one seen you as a good guy, even when you were at your supposed worst. I just never bought the “bad dude” persona. It never fit with what I saw in you. Now we will see the real Allyn and it will be good. Maybe not as exciting as your “bad dude” persona, but then, exciting isn’t all it is about, is it?
A train wreck can be very exciting, but I prefer not to see one. Thankfully, we won’t be seeing a train wreck on your blog if you have your way about it, and I am glad, lad.
I will try to watch it so I don’t get too dark and sour in my political blog. I don’t think I have so far. Actually, I am always looking for and aiming for the high ground and better times ahead.
Give us your best, laddie. I am with you. Onward and upward.
Lawrence Miller´s last blog ..Will the United States of America Become a Socialist Country in 2010?
I just want to say “thank you” to everyone for the support, comments and opinions! I want you to know that this blog will be anything but boring in the future. In fact, I have found that I can do a lot more when i am not trapped in the “beer and blog” box.
I seriously am fired up about the next couple posts I am doing, so I will see you this weekend!
AL
Hey Allyn,
I would love to leave a long comment but I am in a rush to leave to Alexandria for a few days.
Basically I will be really sad to see the beer blog go but totally understand your positioning. You know you have a lot of positive to offer and I really look forward to seeing it (although the f-bombs were fun).
Thanks and take care,
Forest.
Forest´s last blog ..Why I Am Vegetarian & The Economical Benefits…
Hey Al,
Sounds like a good move to me – you’ve got the talent to appeal to the main stream but you need a clean act to do it. Smart. I’m looking forward to the new “real” Al. If I can help you know where I am…
Cheers
Griz´s last blog ..Griz’s First Video
I for one am happy to hear it Allyn. I started following you because of your infomation, not the crazy f-bomb guy. It’s been too long since I’ve heard the tagline…
“Build Sites, Create Content, Get Links.”
I look forward to learning again… and you are certainly plenty entertaining without the beer.
Stephen
Stephen´s last blog ..Cheap Squeaky Dog Toys Beat Indestructible Dog Toys Hands Down
Hey Allyn,
Haven’t stopped by in a while and just listened to your podcast. Hey, no problemo on your change – actually, a pretty good idea IMHO (though, I did like listening to the rants). In a way you had a niche – but, we’re still watching, reading, listening and learning from you.
So, I’ll still crack a beer and hang out – just using the mellowing effect…
Learn How to Make Money Online w/ Don James – The Agile Marketer´s last blog ..Making Money Online with Daily Work
Allyn,
What got me to keep watching you was your enthusiasm for real internet marketing or search marketing or whatever u wanna call it. You taught me (along with griz and court) how to do things the right way, in a straight forward, no bs way.
Excited to see the future of blogger illustrated.
ERIC
Allyn,
Just discovered you last week and appreciated the sincerity that came through even though the presentation seemed a bit forced. Maybe that is what you are feeling with your changes. I am still interested in what you have to say and I think you will only be more effective.
Ralph´s last blog ..Who am I?
This is an interesting change in direction, and one that I personally think is a good idea. Like Griz mentioned above, you have the type of personality that ‘can’ appeal to the masses. You can still be edgy without dropping the f bomb, and as long as you continue providing useful and entertaining content, you will have no problems retaining your readers!
Hobo´s last blog ..Finding the Perfect Designer Hobo Handbag to Round out Your Appearance
I enjoyed your in-your-face attitude
So much internet marketing stuff out there is incredibly dry
235 sites! Very impressive. Like James, I liked your style but I’m sure you’ll adapt it in a way that is still not boring but meets with your own new standards.
Good luck!
Epoxy Flooring´s last blog ..Esposito Epoxy Suggest Businesses Winterize their Garage Floors
Still reading through your posts from January, it is good to shift paradigms and retool your brand. I think that beer blog guy will still slip out once in a while, but you’ll be more cognizant of the potential impact.
Got your message on a trial client and will give some thought today, probably respond by tweet
daltonsbriefs´s last blog ..Northwest Indiana Homes and Mortgages
cool man, thanks!!! and, yeah, the beer will come out, but it won’t be the main focus as it was before.
[...] I can’t link to the piece in which he mocked me because earlier this yearAllyn Hane did something pretty brave on Blogger Illustrated: publicly admitted he had been “hostile,” ”full of hate and bitterness” [...]