Remember hearing on TV and radio the phrase, “We now pause for station identification”? I sure do. It was a time for the station to identify itself to its viewers and it was a law that they do that. I guess it was a reminder to them as to whom they were listening.

So I am taking a moment to pause and review what it was and is that I am doing with this blog. I’ve been finding myself thinking a lot about all that is happening in this world of new medias. Things have really changed since I began.

I started philladden.com on February 29, 2008. Post 1 was titled, Day One. I went back to read it today and a real sense of nostalgia was felt! I described what I planned to do with it. I wanted to share personal stories, others’ stories, successes, failures, and simply things I found relevant.

Some topics I have clearly covered, others not so much. I’ve begun to focus a little more on sharing experiences and places in the Phoenix Valley. The 40 Day Challenge has not been developed. ( I have to confess that making commitments for 40 days is NOT as easy as it sounds.) I was hopeful in 2008 of developing the video aspect of blogging and even purchased a Flip Video camera to do this. Ironically, video has become even more important and relevant, so this is a direction to get back to thinking about.

There has been just 224 posts, and to my surprise, over 25 more saved as drafts that I have not gotten back to … my energy and creativity challenged as I began a Masters in Education (Adult Ed and Training) in the fall of that year which continued to take much of my time through March of this year. It is interesting to note that life long learning was mentioned in the Day One post. Learning is clearly something that motivates me, particular when related to history, achievement, and business.

I am thinking that moving forward, my focus will narrow as to the things I will write. I like keeping it real and it seems so do readers. The Visalus 90 Day Challenge I’ve been documenting is the most found topic on the blog from searches and seems to clearly be a topic others have found relevancy in reading. Things to do and places to go here in Phoenix and Arizona are topics of interest with visitors to the site. More of these types of posts are planned moving forward.

Video is coming, really; this time for sure. As a matter of fact, while writing this post, I thought that a video post would be perfect to compliment this topic. **Watch** for it …

Other things that new media warrants for the future is probably a Facebook *like* page. A re-design is well over-due too. I’ve put that off because of the link and fit problems that seem unavoidable when a new design is activated.

A final note. In that first post, it seemed clear that I thought time was short. I wrote that I had maybe 25 good years left. That seems kind of depressing. Yet it’s true. Far less years lie ahead than behind for me. Can’t quite recall why I was feeling that.

This I know for sure and was also on my mind at the start. I am to make the best effort with the days that are left. The outcomes will take care of themselves.

This past week I saw this quote on Twitter:

How we live our days is how we live our lives.  — Anne Dillard

Each post, like each day, contributes to the end result. I see the blog as a small record of how I, we, are living our days. I hope there will be value when it is all said and done.

So here’s to new directions and focus with the blog. We now return to our regular scheduled posting… albeit sproadically.

Sending Happy Easter wishes to friends and readers of the blog from an 85 degree day in Phoenix.

So, you need a web site or you want to start a blog. I’m no expert, but I do think I know something about how it should be done, and that is because I do read those who are highly respected for doing it right. And that reading has been done over a period of the last ten years.

Reading the wrong stuff has been just as valuable too. That also means the spending of money I didn’t need to to “learn” from a guru. I feel pretty good at identifying the genuine versus the hype better than ever. Education has its price. I’ve been paying it. : )

Here is my top things to know and do if you are starting a web site.

1. Buy your own domain name. Do not use one of the free blogging sites. My first blog was at Blogger and it was a valuable exercise. Shortly after starting that, I realized that having one’s own hosted domain was better and set philladden.com up. If you wanted to start this route today, take a look at Tumblr or Posterous. They are garnering a lot of interest and give you a lot more options than other free platforms. I am experimenting with one at Posterous here: PhXPhil. A plus of these channels is that they are being indexed by Google searches, very important if want ANYONE to find your posts.

2. Buy your domain separate from your site host. I presently use NameCheap. All my .com site names are now at NameCheap. Don’t fall for the pitch of getting a free domain name with a host package.

3. Purchase your hosting package with a reputable company. This part of the business can be a little shady as so many are actually in bed with each other. I have been most pleased with using Lunar Pages and Hostgator and currently have sites hosted at each. Customer service at LunarPages has always been stellar.

4. Set your site up using the WordPress platform. You do not need a company charging you thousands of dollars to build your site. Period. WordPress is not just a blog framework, it is now being used to design highly functioning and performing sites. This is probably the most important advice I have for you. Use WordPress as your framework to build your site.

5. Keep in mind that technology is not only always changing the landscape but quickly changing it. So keep reading and watching what others are doing. Stay flexible.

6. A complex site design with lots of bells and whistles is a bad idea. Say with 2-3 columns and keep it clean and simple. I am way past the need to re-design philladden.com. My lack of knowledge and fear of messing things up with a new layout has kept me from acting on this need. But it is coming sooner than later! There are some very exciting developments in this arena that is making site design possible without any knowledge of code! I have been using Headway on my Perfect Coffee Shots site. What you see their is a result of about an hour of playing around with it. I just wanted to get something up so that it was live. A friend put together the header and with Headway, it was simply a point and click process to put the site together.

7. You must regularly add content! My blogging and online commitments have been sporadic for various reasons. Owning and running a restaurant was killer on my time and energy. Working on a Masters program the past year has taken a lot out of me the past 18 months. If you start a web site, do not believe anyone that says it will take care of itself. It requires weekly attention.

8. Everything you need to know is pretty much available for free, if you have the time to research. I recommend you jump in and experiment before you decide what you want. At that time, you can decide if you want to pay someone for their expertise, particularly in the design arena.

9. Start. It’s better to get it going and let it develop. Warts and all.

10. Be genuine. Your site should not only be about your business but about you. They are calling it your brand today. I’ve been following the event Live Impact on Twitter today and one of the points made in this regard is who you are is your biggest strength. Allowing your personality to show is not only important, it’s imperative for an engaging and connecting site.

I know that there are details not covered here. But these are some basic fundamental recommendations as you go forward developing your web presence. Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question.

Starting a site is a topic I look forward to continued discussion and thought.

I have over 20 topics for posts saved in my draft section. I was looking over them. Some it seems too late to use, such as my trip to Louisville, Kentucky to visit my daughter (2008) or my plans for the blog this year. Actually, that one will make for a reflective one that demonstrates how far I have dropped the ball relative to my goals.

What I want to do is review (for myself) where I am and where I plan to go.

Blogging was an avenue to experience the benefits of writing, sharing, and using developing social media. It has clearly been something that has kept me learning about how the world is changing and communicating.

I began this past year setting down a few things I hoped to accomplish in 2011. Here was a part of that list:

Plan for hiking the Grand Canyon (2011): This one looks like it could definitely happen the fall of 2011. Hoping to get a day hike done from the South Rim to Indian Garden in the next month.  Everyone I’ve talked to that has hike Grand Canyon has said it was a fantastic experience. If they haven’t hiked it, they want to join and do it.

Scale a 14er, at least one more time (possibly summer 2010): First, if you are not from Colorado, it is likely you have no idea what a 14er is. That sure has been a realization while telling others of this goal. These are mountains that are at or above 14 thousand feet in elevation. Colorado has 56 of these peaks. It had been over 30 years since attempting one and I am thankful to report that I was able to climb Mt. Sherman (14,033 feet) AND Mt. Bierstadt (14,060 feet) this summer.

Increase awareness of those in need and act (in progress): I ‘ve been realizing how self-centered people, myself included, really are. How focused we are in the things in life that matter not. Not at all. Shallow! I try to listen everyday to thoses around me and see if there are opportunities to share or serve. Almost alwaysm there are. This will continue to be an ongoing goal.

Finish my Masters in Adult Education and Training (JAN 2011): IN progress but looking more adn more like a Spring 2011 completion date. Working on this masters has been the single most trying activity on my energy and focus as I give it a lot of attention. It has allowed me to use my skills and expand my knowledge of the exciting mediums developing for educating the adult learner.

Cruise the Eastern or Southern Caribbean: Not happening this year … but next! I hope. And I will be adding a destination – Ambergris Caye, Belize. *16*

Making these lists was fun. After all these years of hearing how important it is to write goals or plans down, I have never really done it. Looking back, it motivating and clarifying as to how it is working or not working out and why.

In Part 2, I want to review my word goals for 2010. They were SIMPLIFY – CONNECT – ACHIEVE.

It will not be another month or more before I share Part two : ).

I have seen enough of the product or service disclaimers we, as bloggers, seem to feel the need to disclose if we write a recommendation and include an affiliate link. It goes something like this, “I’ve just found the best online service with Awesome Service A. Let me tell you about it! (Please note the following is an affiliate link. If you prefer, here is the direct link … blah, blah, blah.)

Don’t misunderstand, I am not referencing those industries required by law that you disclaim, such as real estate.

You see, if I am reading your blog, following your tweets on Twitter, listening to your conversations, I am doing so because you have my respect. Your reputation or word is valued. Give me a recommendation, and I am not offended that you might receive something in return for that. In business, it is often seen as gratitude. That might be a gift card, tickets to a movie, or cash.

I’ve known of those that paid referral fees. In the restaurant business, an owner commonly comps meals or drinks in gratitude of business sent their way.

Here’s the point. In relationships where your word is your bond, there is integrity. In my world, if I recommend something, I have actually used it myself and liked it. That is why it has my word behind it. I will not nor have not recommended things for the sole purpose of receiving a cash fee. That has always been against my ethics. So when place a link to a book, a vitamin company, an online host, or a service, I do so because I believe in it. I have had a great experience. I feel it is worth it.

Therein lies the difference. Too many today make recommendations for the money, not the personal value. That is why if it even remotely suggested you are not speaking of personal experience, you have no chance of establishing credibility with me. Those marketers pay a high price. They will never get my business again. Worse, I will probably tell others about them.

In the early days of online information, I remember suggesting or promoting anything to be sold on a blog was considered wrong. I never thought that. I thought that was a snobbish attitude. If you have put in the time, the use, and the research, your opinion is valued. And there are situations I would gladly pay for that, particularly if it saves me in time.

Our market has commonly been buyer beware. Or as is. That is another reason why your recommendations are valuable to me.

Let’s face it. I am responsible for my buying decisions. Unless required by law in your industry, you do not owe me a disclaimer nor anyone else. You owe me your integrity. Disclaimers do not make you better, more honest, or superior. Your character does.

Disclaimers are apologies. There’s no reason to apologize. It is not a bad thing if a company offers to offer you a payment for your referral. Especially if the referral is a result of your experience, which often comes as a result of hard work.

Does a disclaimer upset you? I find them pretentious.

I really can’t begin to explain all the stuff of 2009 relative to my blog and lack of attention to it! Much of the fact that my previous last post was JULY of 2009 results from a few things.

First, I began working on a masters degree in adult education and training. Combine that time commitment with an increasing interest in the social media platforms Twitter and Facebook and I found far fewer hours left to devote to my blog. I also found myself lacking the physical and creative energy needed to create the posts at the level I wanted. (I have over twenty drafts sitting here from 2009!)

While I have learned a tremendous amount regarding the use of these social channels and their exciting applications to connecting with others and developing one’s brand, it is the blog that I still have the most desire to build, despite the belief of many that the blog format is becoming outmoded.

My pictures of 2009 show that despite how I have sometimes felt about the end of the decade, it was a fun year. Special events include re-connecting with some of my former 8th grade students, completing a walk across the Phoenix valley (story to follow), descending 14,000 foot Pikes Peak, seeing the Redwoods for the first time, seeing my kids continue to mature and become cool adults, and making some new friendships.

So here’s to 2010 and the continuation of learning, improving, and sharing.

I am committing to one year …. and not in LEAP years. I’ll go with my plan till March 1, 2009. On that post, I’ll review the year.

Wow. How timely that I remembered — tonight.

As I mentioned, I have had a schedule that has tried my discipline and committment to the blog. I’ve had some things draw my attention away from it as well. And I feel I have just flat out been either too tired, lazy, or indifferent. It hasn’t been for lack of ideas as I have a list of stuff that is just waiting to be put together.

Suffice it to say, I want to commit to another year. My perspective has definitly evolved thoughout this first year and my direction will be modified somewhat regarding my blogging purposes.

I should have planned for a bigger celebration. But to be honest, I feel like my commitment since I lost access to the admin area of the blog last fall has been very lacking.

Year 2 will be a time to re-committ and have better discipline. On March 1, 2010, there will be a bigger celebration.