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7 Links For A Blogger Challenge

Marc — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:28:44 +0000

Over at Pro Blogger, Darren Rowse has created a great blogger challenge. You can find the blogger challenge information here. Basically, he asks you to find seven posts from seven categories and link to each one. You can find mine below…

My First Post – 11 Reasons I love My Wife – Part of my inspiration for this blog was my wife. I think I created a page or two before this post, but this was my first “actual” post. I have several posts about my wife that can be found at Mommy Monday.
A Post I Enjoyed Writing The Most – SEO Past: A Ghost That Still Haunts – While I am not an authority in the SEO industry, I do know a few things you should not do. Apparently, after a very weird experience, not all SEO’s feel as I do.
A Post Which Had A Great Discussion – Google Buzz: A Twitter Killer? – Okay, it actually did not receive that much discussion. But, it did receive some discussion. At the time this was still a fairly new blog.
A Post On Someone Else’s Blog That You Wish You’d Written – 36 SEO Myths That Won’t Die But Need To – Straight forward, controversial, and really awesome are a just a few words that describe this post. Man, I so wish I could have written this post.
A Post Title That You Are Proud Of – SEO Present: The Glory We All Seek – It just sounds cool. The post was not great, but it had a great title.
A Post The You Wish More People Had Read – Expectant Fathers Should Know What? – This post took a little time as I tried to bring some Twitter followers. I felt like it had a catchy title and was relevant to all fathers.
Your Most Visited Post Ever – Blogs To Follow In 2010 – This post was another challenge held by Darren Rowse. Maybe that is why is was viewed so many times.

My Thoughts On e-Readers

Marc — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:04:23 +0000

Much like the internet forever change the business world, I believe e-readers will have a huge impact on the we handle books, text books, and news outlets. No, I don’t think (as if anyone cares) that traditional books are leaving the human scene. I do believe that have a purpose, though I cannot think of any right now. My thoughts on e-readers come from spending several hours playing (not actually reading anything) with a kindle, owning an ipad, and setting up a kindle for my father-in-law. Wow, I didn’t realize that my knowledge for e-readers was so deep.

I’m A Published Author

I am actually not a published author. But, because of e-readers like the Kindle and iPad it is much easier for me to become published (if you still need help with the title I used it because it was a great pun in that it is now much easier for people to say those four words–it is not actually a pun for those of you who are wondering). It is not quite easy to compose a book and become a published author. Not sure anyone will buy your book via their e-reader but it still adds some credence to your blogging ventures, at least I think so. People with ebooks are so cool.

I’m Helping Save The Ecosystem

This one is fairly true, but again, I bet what what I do to help save the trees is ruined because of my SUV. But on a serious note, it would save a lot paper if we would all utilize e-readers. Over the past couple of months they have become increasingly powerful with the release of the iPad and Kindle DX. I suppose for this to really help the trees more people would need to buy e-readers.

Let’s Help The Newspapers

When was the last time you had a paper delivered to your door? Depending on your age have you ever had a paper delivered to your door? Because of these past two questions there has been much speculation over the newspaper industry and how it will handle individuals moving to the internet for their news. I know it is a touchy subject, but I think we should all get ready for news outlets to start charging for their information. I understand both sides of the argument, but we all need to understand how much it costs to gather the information we so desperately need on a daily basis. Hmm…

It is much more feasible for newspapers to charge based on the advent of the Kindle and iPad. That was hard for me to get.

College and High School

“Alright class, please scroll to page 206 on your iPad. Please read to page 230 marking bookmarks of the points you believe are relevant to the discuss topic (bookmarks show up on other devices to see what you think is important). Lastly, use your built-in note taker and jot down 15 tips to help us all understand the material,” says the coolest teacher ever. Coming from a teacher and masters degree student, these e-readers could be a life saver for the education system. While the only argument against using this type of method (cost and keeping track), I personally believe the benefits far our weight the cost.

Daddy, Read Me A Story From Your Kindle

I don’t know, but I am not sure I will ever here those words uttered from my sons mouth. If he did, I am not sure how it would even happen? I mean, is there anyway my 2 year old son can read a pop-up book on the Kindle? I can just see it now, “son, make sure you put your 3D glasses on before read your night time book.” So yeah, I guess there a few draw backs to owning a e-reader.

Closing Arguments

As far as I can tell, traditional books only have two benefits over an ebook. You will never be able to recreate the classic pop-up book you loved during your childhood, and e-readers don’t smell as good as book.

What Makes A Good Blogger?

A New Wooden Swing Set

Marc — Fri, 14 May 2010 04:50:18 +0000

After much hard work (only research and walking around play sets by me), David Charity of Arbor Wood Of Atlanta has created his first wooden swing set. I am not sure how many play sets I looked at or how many times I changed my mind on what I wanted, but my wife and I now have exactly what we wanted. My son (and future children–my wife is pregnant and we are very, very excited) will enjoy this for years to come.

I decided to spend some extra time and money because I only wanted to make this purchase once (minus upgrading in a few years). Not that pre-fabricated wooden sets aren’t ideal for most families, I just felt for a little more money I could make the wooden play set much more heavy duty. Plus, I wanted to change a few features. This particular play set includes a wooden roof, rock wall, ramp, two swings, tire swing, picnic table, 6 X 6 fort, and slide. All beams and posts are either 4 X 6 or 6 X 6. I have listed a few pictures below (they were taken with my Droid–color was slightly enhanced).

What Not To Do With Ads

Myrtle Beach VRMA 2010

Marc — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:17:14 +0000

About a week ago I returned from the Eastern VRMA (Vacation Rental Managers Association) Conference held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The conference went great. I usually attend with a management company, but at this conference I went with Our Friends Place, LLC (why OFP is great for vacation home owners). It was a unique experience standing on the other side of the vendor booth. Management companies are a tough sell.

Because of the VRMA conference and preparing Our Friends Place I was unable to blog. While I learned a lot during the last few weeks, I am happy to be blogging regularly again. I have lot to talk about in regards to the travel industry, social media, and SEO.

If you work for or own a management company you should consider joining VRMA for learning and networking opportunities. Some of the best companies, vendors, and specialists gather around the country a few times a year to help promote and grow the vacation rental industry.

Work Smarter, Not Harder!

Marc — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:09:37 +0000

One day, in a galaxy far away from where I currently compute, I will write an unbelievable blog post that will go viral and spread like a wild fire through a dry country side. Unfortunately, that day is not here and not now. Sadly, I am not sure when that day will come or how it will get here. My days consists of blogging, babysitting,working out, SEOing, consulting, and being a husband. Not necessarily in that order, but at some point all the listed tasked are a part of my day.

While I love my freedom, long lunch breaks (maybe that is why I feel like my days last for 15 hours and I blog at 1:00 am), and random play time with my son I am sure as my family continues to grow I will need to “work smart and not harder.” But until then I am just going to enjoy the success of others working smart…

Enjoy this video of an individual who has achieved the idea or working smarter and not working harder. Just think of how much time you could save by not getting up every hour for a drink… .

No related posts.

2010 Happy Valentine’s Day

Marc — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:56:36 +0000

Happy Valentine’s Day from Daddy Dewberry. I hope today was wonderfully romantic for all. I hope all men were smarter than I during my first year of marriage. Apparently, getting Valentine’s Day gifts DO NOT go away after you get married. Let’s just say I learned my lesson.

Again, Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

A New Toshiba Laptop

Marc — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:39:02 +0000

I recently purchased a new laptop. Here is the “what” and the “why” behind the purchase.

Much like a high school dating relationship I would get board with my laptop after only a few months. So naturally, I have created a lot of computer baggage. You know, several hard drives holding a lot data that I never seem to need or transfer to my new laptop. Although the baggage is tough and somewhat embarrassing, my wife loathes the random computer buying and pathetic excuses. To help accommodate my wife and rid myself of useless computer baggage I spent about a year looking and thinking. Part of this year long journey was me being afraid to ask my wife another new computer.

Every now and then I would head over to the local Best Buy and peruse the selection of laptops. I would check the newest models, browse the old ones, and bother the sales reps. When the day finally arrived I already had a decent idea of what I wanted. I headed straight for a Sony Laptop and a Toshiba laptop. I ended up purchasing the Toshiba. Yeah, I was surprised too.

I had a few certain specifications in mind when I started the search. The computer needed a large hard drive, at least 4 GB of RAM, dual-core processor, around 5 pounds, built in web cam and have a screen no bigger than 14.1 inches. By the way, this list really narrowed the options down.

The Toshiba was about $100 cheaper than the Sony and they had the exact same specifications, literally. Regardless of the price, the Sony looked really cool and was slightly thinner (I travel often so size was important to me. Plus, I wanted to look cool). After just a short time I had made up my mind that I needed the Sony–the price didn’t matter. My wife suggested I reconsider the purchasing of a laptop based on looks. She advised that I spend a little more time playing with Toshiba. I am so glad I did.

Now that I have had my new laptop home and actively using it for about three weeks I know I made the right decision. To help other shoppers I have decided to list the major reasons I like the Toshiba.

Backlit Keyboard – Great for typing in the dark. I never realized how much I glance at the keyboard. I guess I should have paid more attention in keyboarding class.
Sleep And Charge – It is so cool that I can now charge my electronics (USB) while my computer is powered off.
Toshiba Bulletin Board – Pre-load software that enables the users to easily manage pictures, documents, to-do lists, calendars, and other gadgets.
Battery Life – Several hours.
Windows 7 – With the time I have been able to “play” with Windows 7 I have really enjoy the ease and flexibility. I feel Microsoft has done a great job in usability and maneuverability. The ability to “pin” items to the desktop toolbar has been a great feature.
Size – The laptop is 1 & 1/2 inches thick weighing only 5.1 pounds.

If you would like to read about the events surrounding the purchase of the laptop head on over to A New Laptop.

A New Laptop

17 Things You Should Know About Me

Marc — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:29:31 +0000

1. I am a conservative Christian that leans more toward Republican than Democrat. Regardless, as things stand right now, we need more change.

2. I have been married for six and half years.

3. I have one son. My second son will arrive towards the middle of football season (is it weird I use football season as a calendar?).

4. I am part of a medium sized immediate family and a very large extended family.

5. I have a Bachelors of Science in Business Education (Certified Teacher). I am pursuing an MAR and MBA. Let’s hope I finish one.

6. For two years I taught business classes at a local high school. I coached football and track.

7. I love debating, mainly politics and religion.

8. I am very well read if you consider Lee Strobel, C.S Lewis, Dr. Mark Rutland, Ravi Zacharias, Robert Kiyosaki, or any other Christian education author or self help author. I read the Bible often, but I did not want to list the some 40 authors.

9. I have an Xbox 360 that I play a lot during football season.

10. Ronald Reagan is my favorite president.

11. I love gadgets including my laptop, Motorola Droid, and iPad (an my wife’s Droid X).

12. I want to live at the beach one day.

13. I am a huge football fan. Georgia Tech and Atlanta Falcons are my teams.

14. I work in the travel industry as an SEO.

15. I enjoy blogging, and offering tips to help grow your blogging business.

16. I have started two other blogs that I hope to work on a lot in the next few months/years. Not a lot of information to talk about as of now.

17. I love the internet and the way it has revolutionized the business world.

A New Toshiba Laptop

Vacation Photo Contest

Marc — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:43:20 +0000

Cabins For You, my employer, is holding a Vacation Photo Contest. The photo contest ends on January 31, 2010. There is a small case prize to the winner of the contest. I am sure there are some mommy and daddy bloggers who have hundreds of vacation photos and want to make some extra money.

There are few guidelines and they can be found HERE. There is also an “official rules” page towards the bottom of the main post. Have fun and good luck!

Blogs To Follow in 2010

Marc — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:55:54 +0000

ProBlogger has created a great challenge for all bloggers. The challenge consists of individuals creating a “Blogs To Follow in 2010″ list. My list will be slightly different as I will talking about all areas of my life and blog. Since I have included four major topics for on blog, I will list 5 blogs to follow in each major category. Certainly everyone will have some curiosity in one of the following categories!?!? Also, don’t forget to start following Daddy Dewberry! For more information about the ProBlogger challenge visit his blog HERE.

SEO Blogs

Travel Blogs

Daddy Blogs

Daddy Dewberry (I know, right?)

Mommy Blogs