Now Appearing in an Extended Engagement! Join David Robison as he takes you into his world and his daily life of reviving a stand-up comedy career. Prepare for side trips exploring the "art" of salesmanship and business ethics and his experience with Multi-level Marketing. Enjoy some frequent detours describing his observations on life. Read the exploits of this self-proclaimed Renaissance-man and blooming blogger as you go
On The Road With Dave.
Friday and Saturday night, I'll be performing stand-up comedy at the Comedy Corner Cafe in Ft. Worth, Texas.
I'll be the emcee and opening act for Headliner Brent Dawson. Brent was voted Funniest Person in Dallas and appeared on the second season of Last Comic Standing. Also appearing will be Feature Act, Comic Andy Kaufman(yes, that's his real name) from Aurora, Colorado.
If you're one of my readers who live in the Ft.Worth/Dallas area, come see me.
Comedy Corner Cafe 5256 S. Hulen St. Ft. Worth , TX
NOW, for some housecleaning--due to my absence until Sunday night from my computer, I may not have internet access until I return home.
For that reason, I'll be enacting COMMMENT MODERATION.
There has been some heated arguments and name-calling with my previous entry, "Surrogate Blogging".
I've had to delete several comments that I considered malicious and possibly character-defaming and legally liable. Ultimately, I'm responsible for the moderation of all blogs published under my administration.
I'll continue to allow "free commneting" through sometimes late Thursday night, after that; readers you may continue to leave comments, but they probably won't be approved until late Sunday evening.
Comments will also be moderated on the same time frame at "Tex's Quixtar Blog"--also for the above reasons cited.
Look for "Sunday Thoughts" late Sunday night and a full accounting of my weekend early next week.
I've started A NEW blog. But, hopefully it won't be mine for very long.
I'm looking at it as a "surrogate blog". I'm just "carrying it" until the mother or in this case; the father, takes over.
If you aren't interested in Multi-level Marketing and more specifically, Amway and Quixtar; then this entry won't make much sense to you...if that's the case, let me suggest you try out the Presidential Calculator.
Now, on to my new blog.
In the realm of Amway and Quixtar-related blogs, there are a regular cast of bloggers representing opinions both pro and con. These blogs are frequented and commented upon by the other bloggers and a semi-regular cast of commenters.
At some of the blogs, the commenters are as well known as the authors of said blogs. Such is the case with "Tex".
Tex is a Quixtar-affiliated Independent Business Owner(IBO) with a propensity to stay focused on one issue regarding the operation of a Quixtar Independent Business.
Tex hates the "tool systems" used by top level Amway and Quixtar distributor leaders to motivate, educate (and yes, profit from) their downline groups of distributors. For that issue, I am in total agreement with Tex.
Aside from that issue, Tex also enjoys a healthy debate with critics of the legitimate businesses operated by other Quixtar Independent Business Owners. Again, I can be in total agreement with Tex on this issue.
I know, I know, you sense a "BUT" coming on...and you'd be correct.
The problem is most recently, that Tex has been banned from nearly all the Quixtar and Amway-related blogs and discussion groups. This includes pro-blogs, con-blogs, and even some Quixtar-company sponsored blogs. If he hasn't been banned; he's being heavily-moderated.
I can speculate on three reasons why this has happened.
1. Tex is prolific in his comments. He writes often. He writes long detailed entries in the "Comments" section. He quotes other commenters in their entirety and then responds point by point. He repeats this process.
This can be a blog author's dream or a nightmare. The dream is the traffic and lively discussion. The nightmare is the constant moderation and possible association with the negative comments volleyed back and forth between Tex and the other commenters.
2. The constant "on point" comments by Tex voicing his "position".
This would be okay, except if the blog author or "thread" author in the discussion group wrote about something entirely different from the subject Tex wants to discuss.
If the author writes about "Tool Abuse"; Tex is there to denigrate the "lying cowardly kingpins" that profit from other IBOs.
If the author writes about a new Quixtar product; Tex is there to denigrate the "lying cowardly kingpins" that profit from other IBOs
If the author writes about taking a vacation; Tex is there to to denigrate the "lying cowardly kingpins" that profit from other IBOs.
3. Tex uses "personal attacks" towards other commenters and blog authors when the topic debate continues on. Although personal attacks are not the best debate tactic, they can be effective; but Tex fails to realize or fails to care that he is commenting in a "closed forum". The blog author or Discussion Group owner is not obligated to let participants insult other commenters or the blog author.
The expression of "Free Speech" only applies to the author. Yes, some authors may allow dissent...but it is not a "right" of the commenter. Tex has the proclivity to tax his "right" on other's forums.
And so, Tex has worn the patience of many a blog author and forum owner quite thin. It has been suggested to Tex on many, many occasions to "start your own blog". Tex has been hesitant to take this advice for fear that a blog of his own would not receive the traffic that the other blogs receive and thus his message would not be heard.
I have set it up. I have posted two entries from other blog authors on why Tex was banned and their opinion of Tex. I have now begun to post "comments" made by Tex at some of these blogs.
I am more than willing to give Tex access to HIS blog and let him begin to spread his message about Quixtar, about Amway, about Motivational Organizations and their tools that they sell; and about WHATEVER Tex wants to write.
"On The Road" readers, I urge you to visit Tex's New Blog...let him see that you are willing to read what he writes, that you are willing to comment at HIS blog, and that he can exercise his Free Speech rights under his OWN banner.
In my "day job", I spend a considerable amount of time driving. Thus, I spend a considerable time listening to the radio. For part of the day, that means listening to some "talk radio".
Most of my readers know that I'm a liberal. I'm a Democrat. But, I listen to conservative talk radio.
I think Glenn Beck can be hilarious and enjoyable to listen to. I admire Rush Limbaugh's analysis of the political scene; and I think Todd Schnitt is much more moderate in his rants than sometimes expected. And yeah, I do still YELL at the radio when they say stuff I totally disagree with. I do draw the line at listening to Michael Savage--he's a loon.
I suppose you could equate my listening to these right-wing conservatives as "liberal re-con" or getting inside the mind of "the enemy". And surprisingly, sometimes...just sometimes...I agree with or understand their viewpoints. It keeps me open and informed.
All of these radio hosts with their considerable talent "on loan from God" are brought to me daily on my radio through area radio station, WBUV News Radio 104.9. WBUV's website alerted me to an interesting tool I would like to tell you about.
If you listen to "talk radio", read political blogs or watch the evening news, you may be aware that voters for the 2008 Presidential Primaries are frustrated with both political parties' roster of available candidates. The statements rise often: "I'm just not sure who to vote for" or "I don't want to vote for any of them" or "I just don't see a clear choice."
Now, you can match your stance on the issues with the candidates by using the Presidential Calculator from VA JOE.COM
VA JOE aims to be your source for all things military. They are building a community of military servicemembers, veterans and retirees from all branches of the armed forces, along with their spouses and families.
The Presidential Calculator gives you a list of 24 top issues in the 2008 campaign. The issues range from Abortion Rights and Assault Weapons Ban to The Fair Tax and Internet Neutrality. You pick your stand on each issue and gauge its importance to you. If you are unsure of your stance, you can read a very well written, yet brief summary of the issue and objective views "for" or "against" the topic. Then you have the calculator match you to the candidate that best supports and defends your interests.
You shouldn't let the calculator TELL you who to vote for; but it does give you the percentages of what candidates best suit you. From there, you can do further research on the candidate.
I took the calculator test knowing full well that MY candidate would be certainly confirmed by the answers I plugged in. I was shocked to find that The Calculator had another candidate in mind. My candidate only matched 77% with my concerns. You can bet that I did some further reading on my choices, although I'm still not sure I agree with the Calculator's results. I can also tell you that my wife's original choice was not who the Calculator chose, either. But, her Calculator match was certainly a surprise for us. (Don't worry...it's liberal; wayyyyyy liberal)
On February 5, 2008, 24 states go to the polls to pick their parties' candidate for the General Election. I encourage you to try out The Presidential Calculator and then do your research. Pick a candidate that best suits your convictions and your vision of where you want America to be. You may think there is no "clear choice", but it is your duty to make the most clear and informed choice.
And hey...if you'd like; come back here after you use The Calculator and let me know who you were going to vote for, what the Calculator showed you, and if it affects your choice.
"Getting Political" is a semi-regular feature of "On The Road With Dave". While Dave is no political pundit by any stretch of the imagination; "Getting Political" allows him to stretch that imagination.
Yesterday, I promised another entry of my "Getting Political" entry today.
I'm still working on it. Not that it is a long drawn out entry; it's just not "gellin" the way I want it to. And it's nothing earth shattering or controversial either--I just ain't ready to publish it, yet.
So, take a break, have a drink, smoke'em, if you got'em or maybe decide how you're gonna spend that economic stimulus package money that's coming to you in 10 weeks or so.
For the first time in many years, Alabama is holding a statewide Presidential Preference Primary Election on Tuesday, February 5, 2008, also known nationally as "Super Tuesday" since a number(23) of other states will be conducting similar elections on the same date.
For Mobile County, however, February 5, 2008, represents another "super" day known as Mardi Gras Day! As you can imagine, it would be very difficult to hold an election in Mobile County on Mardi Gras Day when as many as 200,000 people are in the streets along with floats, beads, candy and moon pies, schools are closed, and most public offices and buildings are closed throughout the County!
To address this situation, Mobile County voters will be allowed an Early Voting Day on Wednesday, January 30, 2008, whereby you may vote at your regular neighborhood precinct. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. No vote totals will be posted at the precincts on that day
If you cannot or do not vote on January 30, 2008, you will have an additional opportunity to do so on February 5, 2008 – Mardi Gras Day – at the Main Office of the Mobile County Revenue Commissioner, 3925 Michael Blvd. at Azalea Road in Mobile, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. This will be the only voting center open on Mardi Gras Day. All election results will be tabulated on the evening of February 5, 2008 after closure of the voting center.
If you will be unable to cast your ballot in person on either January 30th or February 5th, you may apply for an absentee ballot by calling the Absentee Election Office at 574-6400 or by visiting their office at 205 Government Street on the First Floor of the Mobile Government Plaza building. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot for either election day is January 25, 2008.
I've heard of all kinds of "special elections", to replace resigning incumbents, or deceased office holders; but this is the first time I have heard of scheduling an election around a party.
Mobile County and neighboring Baldwin County petitioned the Alabama State Legislature for special permission for the January 30th option. Each county will carry out the option in a different manner. While Mobile County will vote at all regular polling places on January 30 and just ONE polling place on February 5th--Baldwin County will have just ONE polling place on January 30th and will have all regular polling places open on February 5th.
At least this will cut down on voters showing up at the polls drunk, topless, and asking for polling workers to throw them some Mardi Gras beads.
Stick around, I'll have another entry of "Getting Political" tomorrow.
"Getting Political" is a semi-regular feature of "On The Road With Dave". While Dave is no political pundit by any stretch of the imagination; "Getting Political" allows him to stretch that imagination.
Yeah, just as I'm ready to start doing more comedy on the road.
Of course, I had heard some stories--such as don't use the coffee maker in hotel rooms; and the ever popular, "bring a black light bulb with you, to check the sheets"; but this is a new one for me.
Some blogs have more impressive numbers, and much more mathematically and scientific measuring devices...but it's not bad for a guy that writes about what he wants to do and what he's doing.
"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope... and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."
"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."
I have added two new links to my "Links That I Like" section.
Both are sorta related. One, I have read for a long time and have blogged about in the past. The other is one that was referred to me by the first.
Clinton Detweiler taught me and thousands others the art of ventriloquism through his company, Maher Studios and the Maher Home Study Course in Ventriloquism. Clinton also wrote a newsletter called "Newsy Vents". I told my readers about Clinton when he retired in 2006, with "Happy Retirement, Mr. Detweiler".
Clinton hasn't exactly slowed down since he sold the studio and is still creating and repairing ventriloquist dummies for his many clients. He also is still writing "Newsy Vents" except, it's now his webblog updating readers almost daily on new projects and stories about budding and professional ventriloquists.
Clinton's blog, Newsy Vents is one of my newest links in the sidebar.
Next up,
Some of my readers know that I didn't graduate college until I was 31. I took a Journalism and Public Relations degree and opened a video production company. My company worked with corporate clients in producing public relations and safety videos. It was my thinking, that if I could not be famous in front of the camera, then I would become famous behind the camera.
Ventriloquist Dale Brown had another idea. He brought his art of ventriloquism into his Public Relations company. Dale and his partner "Chip Martin" worked together using ventriloquism and "regular" public relations techniques and skills to service their many clients. Chip is the editor of the firms' newsletter to clients.
Thanks to Clinton Detweiler; I learned of the "Chip Martin" Blog when Clinton advised his readers to "Seriously, Check This Out".
"The 'Chip Martin Blog' contains brief marketing, PR and IT tips along with fun bits of humor from Chip. The posts are brief, pertinent and useful. As a ventriloquist businessperson, I'd encourage you to check out Chip's blog. Not only are the posts seriously helpful, they are designed to bring a smile to your face occasionally as well.
Chip is the business partner of ventriloquist Dale Brown. Many of you know Dale through his lectures at the Vent Haven conventions. Or through his books written for vents: Audience Participation, Banquet Performing, Trade Show Ventriloquism, Making It Up As You Go (Ad-libbing), and Putting Money Where Your Mouth Is (Marketing)."
Remember, Brown and Martin, Inc offers tips from the Public Relations field to all businesspeople, not just ventriloquists...an MLM person could benefit, too.
A few days ago I wrote about an ongoing feud between a Quixtar critic and an "anonymous" reader of the critic's blog. In the "Comments" section of the entry, "Drama On A Quixtar-related Blog", An Independent Business Owner affiliated with Amway wrote:
IBOFightback - Fighting the Amway Myths said...
Dave,
I'm extremely disappointed. I had some respect for your blog and postings, but no more. To anyone who cares to do the slightest research, JoeCool is blatantly lying about this whole episode and folk on both sides of the Quixtar divide have fallen for it hook line and sinker.
Imran(another blogger and Quixtar forum participant...Ed.) has finally taken the leap and gone and read what JoeCool wrote on this other site. If you're not going to make the same effort to actually research what your posting about, then I suggest you talk to him.
Perhaps after that you will understand why I am absolutely FURIOUS that people are defending him.
Right now I'm assuming your simply posting from a position of ignorance. If you continue to defend him AFTER learning the truth, well then you deserve no respect at all
IBOFightback(also known as "Insider" in other forums and blogs:
I appreciate your previous respect for my blog.
I'm not defending Joe Cool's participation at a website that covers information, tips, and experiences from its members about frequenting massage parlors and brothels and/or discussing sexual encounters with prostitutes.(See, I'm not ignorant)
Some have said I was making light of Joe's presence at that website with my "nekkid chicks" reference in my previous entry; likening a visit to a brothel or soliciting streetwalkers with the casual reading or viewing of adult-oriented material or "porn".
If some view JoeCool's participation in this activity as obscene, perverted, or "whoring around" as one commenter put it; then so be it.
The issue with me--and the reason I seemed flippant in my coverage of the episode--is, "What does any of this have to do with Quixtar/Amway?"
Senator Craig was arrested and charged for allegedly soliciting an undercover police officer in an airport bathroom stall for an homosexual encounter.
Not a smart move on any Senator's part, but for Mr. Craig, it was different. Sen. Craig is a vocal decrier of the homosexual lifestyle. So, even worse for him.
Now, let's bring this into the realm of multilevel marketing and the subject of Quixtar and Amway.
One of the most vocal critics of Amway and Quixtar is a guy named Scott Larsen. Scott writes a website called AMQuix.Info.
If the anonymous person who tracked down JoeCool's participation at a sex site had instead, found out that Scott Larsen was actually the chief stockholder for Avon, Inc. and wrote and published material about Amway and Quixtar, so that he could disgrace the companies and increase the bottom line of Avon...then we'd have a true expose' on our hands.(However, Scott IS NOT TO MY KNOWLEDGE INVOLVED WITH AVON...merely a hypothetical)
But in that scenario, the truth about Scott would be relevant to the conversation.
With the issue of a Quixtar critic/blogger like JoeCool; expose' in not relevant to the conversation.
Okay, let's say that JoeCool is indeed a "perv" or addicted to internet sex, or a prostitute's "john"...does that negate his arguments against Amway or Quixtar?
Go further--if he visited NAMBLA; he'd be a sick twisted sonofbitch...but could he still say Quixtar and Amway are scams? Sure, he could. And what's more; his debating you on the topic of "Quixtar is a scam" would STILL have nothing to do with pedophilia.
Respectfully IBOFightback...the true discourse between JoeCool and yourself is personal. I've read exchanges between the two of you way before this incident that I wrote about on Tuesday. You don't like him. He doesn't like you.
If he found something this juicy about you, he'd love it and probably publish it. And whoever found out this stuff about him...well, you have to admit, you loved it, too.
BUT, it has nothing to do with Quixtar and Amway. Go ahead and bee disgusted with him. His accusations that you were the author of the emails is still unsubstantiated, as far as I know. Cry foul on those accusations. Attack his logic on his denouncement of Amway. But, stoking the fire in the matter of "Does he cheat on his wife, with hookers?" does little good for your position in being a proponent for the Amway and Quixtar Business Opportunities. It does little good for any IBO, including the anonymous that sent the original emails to JoeCool threatening him with exposure.
My advice; even if it loses me your respect, is the same as it was on Tuesday:
...get over it! Sell some products. Present the Quixtar business opportunity to potential associates. Don't read the damn blog!
I just wanted to get your attention before I wrote about this new drama on a blog critical of Quixtar and Amway.
But in a roundabout way, it's relevant.
Quixtar--The Dream or The Scheme is a blog written by a guy calling himself, Joe Cool. Joe is critical of the Quixtar business opportunity. Some of Joe's readers are critical, as well.
But, like all the Quixtar-related blogs, some other readers hold a different opinion about Quixtar. In this case, the other readers LIKE Quixtar, have Quixtar-affiliated businesses and think Quixtar is the best thing since butter on sliced bread.
Let's just say, that when Joe writes an entry at his blog...he gets a few comments.
Okay, that being said; you've probably guessed that Joe Cool is a pseudonym. And there are a few of "Joe's" readers that would love to know who he is.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that Quixtar-type bloggers and their readers are a bit on the obsessive side. You can count me in this group to some extent. We write about Quixtar, read about it, we discuss it, and we get to know who writes what, how each other feels about it, AND we learn each other's "Hot buttons" and Internet-text "tics". So much so, that if you read a particular entry by one of us, you can pretty much guess who wrote it, without looking at the byline.
But, for one of "Joe Cool's" readers, this wasn't enough. He or she wanted to know more. This reader wanted to know exactly who "Joe" was and expose "Joe" to the world.
With some fancy "googling", Mr. Obsessive-to-the-Extreme found out that not only did Joe like writing about Quixtar, but also Joe liked writing about his interest in...how shall we say it...adult-oriented recreation.
See, where the "nekkid chicks" comes in?
To "Joe's" credit, he pretty much let the whole drama play out on his blog through the blog comments' section, including a "confession" of sorts, of his "miss-deeds". (I use a lot of quotation marks in this entry)
Want my opinion on this whole drama?
I like "nekkid" chicks, too.
That may be oversimplifying it.
Howabout?
Mr. Obsessive...get over it! Sell some products. Present the Quixtar business opportunity to potential associates. Don't read the damn blog!
Maybe, you want something more profound? I'll defer to Beth Dornan, Director of Communications for Quixtar Inc.
Civil discourse means we agree to disagree, but not to be disagreeable. In other words, I accept your right to have an opinion that differs from my own and ask that you do the same. In a word, it means respect. Bullies aren't allowed.
I was disturbed to read that someone who has been critical of this business has been harassed and disparaging information about him posted by a cyber bully. While I can't enforce civil discourse in any forum but the Opportunity Zone, I can ask that those who are engaged with this business carefully consider the impact that disparaging those with opposing views has on perceptions of the Quixtar and Amway businesses. As a business, we're about building people up, not tearing them down. Just because someone doesn't support our business doesn't mean they should be criticized for those views or have inappropriate information posted about them. As a former boss of mine used to say, our reputation is built on everything every one of us does and says every day. I'd prefer that our reputation be built on respect for all people of all views...
...Like in life, in debate those who resort to trying to insult or disparage their opponents lose points. But a high school [debate] meet isn't at stake here. What's at risk is the reputation of this business and every one affiliated with it.
Back when I was about 6 years old, a huge tornado hit my hometown of Caledonia, Mississippi. The tornado came in the middle of the night cutting a wide swath through the town; destroying the school gym and damaging homes and businesses.
My family and I actually slept through the tornado only to be awakened the next morning by a friend's phone call asking of our condition.
The damage I remember has provided me, on more than one occasion, some great stories to tell.
Yesterday, history repeated itself, only this time, the tornado hit in the middle of the afternoon; but still managed to destroy the gym at my old high school as well as homes, cars, buses, and other buildings. In fact, a bus was destroyed as it was thrown onto the roof of the gymnasium. The photo is from the Commercial Dispatch
Via the Internet, today I watched local news stories at WCBI-TV and even saw an old classmate as she described her home being destroyed. That's not the best way to see someone after 20-something years. Luckily only minor injuries were reported.
Many of the active links for the coverage of the tornado have not been archived on the news sites, but I'll provide them now; even though they may not exist by tomorrow. The Associated Press is currently running their coverage of "Twister Dumps Bus On School".
But, thanks to YouTube and a quick-thinking videographer some eyewitness coverage is available online. The video is without commentary or narration, but the images are quite dramatic.
I haven't been back to my old hometown in about 6 years, but I can imagine whenever I return, somebody will have a good "storm story" to tell me from January 10, 2008.
Until then, my thoughts are with those old neighbors and friends as they clean up after the storm. I'm glad that everyone made it through. Homes can be replaced, but keep your families safe.
Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen passed away in September of 1978.
The night before he passed, he gave what was to be his last performance at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas before retirement. Sadly, he never lived to enjoy the retirement, passing peacefully in his sleep.
At performance's end, he closed with these lines.
"Every vaudeville act must have an opening and a closing, so I'll pack my jokes and my little friends...and say...goodbye"
Christmas morning, my wife, smiling, hands me a brightly wrapped gift box that I eagerly opened. Inside the box was a piece of paper, that she had written the words, "Ha, Ha, Ha!".
Imagine my surprise.
"What is this?" I asked.
"It's 'COMEDY'in a box!" she beams.
Admittedly, I was confused at first. I had asked for "Comedy In A Box", a DVD set by comedian-turned-workshop-promoter, Judy Carter.
It was a pricey request, and I already had several of Judy's books, but felt that maybe the interactive DVDs may hold some gold nuggets of information not shared in the books. Plus, there were interviews and performance examples.
Well, my wife purchased it for me at the last minute AND it would take time to be shipped and arrive. The time allowed would be way after Christmas--yesterday as a matter of fact.
So, she wrapped a note to inform me of the purchase.
I was happy as she explained the situation, but it meant a long wait.
Now, I actually like waiting for packages to arrive. A UPS or FedEX truck pulling up to the homeplace is like Santa Claus visiting. So, I began the wait.
Yesterday, I was greeted by the delivery guy and I quickly opened my "Comedy In A Box"
It's too soon for a review; but so far, I have a few complaints and a few raves. But, I'm eagerly watching the discs and taking some notes.
So, I get to celebrate Christmas one more time..."HA! HA! HA!
I discovered a new blog today by Jenny Ryan. A Google alert led me to a story on her experience at a "Stand-Up" comedy workshop. But the front page of "Using My Powers for Good" was a short entry on a new social networking site for the "creative types"
Bldg98.com is for writers, artists, photographers, graphic artists, readers, critics, basically anyone who appreciates creativity created by people who share that love. You don't have to be the "artsy" type to be a member, we only ask you respect everyone's ideas and lifestyles as this is a community built on love and respect. We welcome everyone to join us.
While the site says you don't have to be "artsy" to be a member, it does have that "artsy" look and feel once you delve into it. Unfortunately, you can't browse much of the site without first, going ahead and joining.
Once you are a member of the site, you become a "tenant" and you can join groups, or read "the wall" and make new friends and maybe attend workshops. I checked--there's no sex on the elevators.
For me, it was disappointing to find out that there was no "Stand-Up Comedy" or "Comedy" category to describe myself, or those poor souls like me. I chose "Writer" upon joining; and commented in my profile page that I was a comedian. I suppose that will have to suffice.
For writers and such, the site promotes a sidebar for members that have titles available through Amazon.
Your profile page allows sufficient space for uploading examples of your work, be it poetry, photos of sculpture, photos of whatever, and book reviews, and critiques.
There are still less than 500 members(excuse me--tenants) at the site. (I was, like, member 420-something)
If you haven't totally geeked out on every other social networking site on the Internet, and you feel you need just ONE more profile page "out there", then by all means, take a look at Bldg98.com
Financial investors may be familiar with the term, asset allocation.
Asset allocation involves having the proper mix of stocks, bonds, cash or real estate in your portfolio. When you are younger you may keep less cash on hand; when you approach retirement, you may start selling or cashing in on investments.
There isn't a standard set of percentages for each investor, but you start with a 60/40 mix of stocks versus bonds and adjust for other investments. Ordinarily, you wouldn't want to be fully invested in, let's say, just stocks.
If I had to compare "On The Road With Dave" with a financial portfolio, I would say that the subject of multi-level marketing and the company, Quixtar has been more than 60% of the blog. Followed by my personal life, comedy, and other diversions.
Back when I first started this blog, I planned on writing about my daily life.
I would write about my job at the time, my hopes and dreams, my experiences operating an Independent Quixtar Business and I would talk about wanting to be a comedian.
As the blog evolved, most of my readers came by way of other blogs that were writing about the company, Quixtar. I managed to write many entries about what was happening in the multi-level marketing industry and with the company, Quixtar. Some considered me an expert in the field. Some people hated my opinions and some people loved them. But, I quickly found that writing about Quixtar led to blog traffic.
Sure, I still wrote about other stuff, and a lot of the "other stuff" still brings me readers doing "google searches" on everything from a "lady falling through bubbles" to the "MacKay 66".
More than a year ago, I sparked some discussion when I announced a "quit date" for my Quixtar business activities. But, I later re-considered that date and decided to continue as a Quixtar Independent Business Owner.
I even began writing at The Quixtar Blog as a regular contributor. (Though the Quixtar Blog is not a pro-Quixtar blog, I was to provide a pro-insight and some humor)
It's time to re-allocate my portfolio.
Even though I have loved the blog traffic and readers brought to me through my MLM content; my focus on multi-level marketing has changed.
Since my "quit date" passed, my involvement with MLM and Quixtar has waned. Yes, I'm still a Quixtar Independent Business Owner; but as of this date, I have yet to re-new for 2008. When I do send in my renewal, my plan is to be only a buyer of products in the short-term. There are changes taking place at Quixtar, and realistically I want to see where these changes are going over the next year. Don't get me wrong, I think most of the changes are going to be good in the long run. I may be in the minority on that opinion as many Quixtar Lines of Sponsorship "kingpins" and "muckety-mucks" are resigning, being terminated, or are suing and being sued.
That being said, I just ain't interested in MLM and Quixtar as much now as I am in my Stand-up Comedy pursuits.
Comedy and Ventriloquism was my first love, my first passion, and have been consistent throughout my life. Over the past year or so, my pursuit of that dream has taken precedent over MLM.
And that means changes at "On The Road With Dave; an asset re-allocation, if you will.
If you'll notice in my blog description, I've made some changes. Of course, when I hinted at the change, it may have not been that dramatic. But the blog's focus will now be more about my Comedy career and my personal life and other stuff, rather than multi-level marketing.
I may lose some readers, but I'd like to think that I'll still provide an interesting blog.
In the end, you'll have to decide, but I'm changing directions.
