Comments on: The Happy Rock Is Looking For Feedback

By: Sue

Sue — Mon, 12 May 2008 02:02:58 +0000

This an example of a site that gets alot of traffic.
Rocks in my Dryer. Her Work for Me Wednesday gets alot of links.
http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2008/05/works-for-me-if.html

By: The Happy Rock

The Happy Rock — Wed, 07 May 2008 03:07:49 +0000

@Thecpa – The typos are a big problem, well actually a symptom. I don’t think I am a great writer, but I like to think I do an adequate job. The thing is that because writing doesn’t come naturally so just translating my thoughts to paper in a way that isn’t a jumbled mess leaves me with little energy to proofread thoroughly enough. Also in general, I am a big picture guy, and the details suck the life out of me.

I do proofread, but my brain just doesn’t see the typos. I had been using software to read the posts back to me, which helped, but I haven’t done that in a while. I either need to hire an writer/editor, change my posting system, or live with it. I know it probably takes away from the message sometimes. I do apologize.

By: Thecpa

Thecpa — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:46:46 +0000

Happy Rock,
I have enjoyed reading your posts almost since you started this blog. I enjoy the personal interest stories. I like the inspirational posts like getting out of debt and understanding how we get there in the first place. I like the tips you leave from time to time such as how to save on cell phones and how to eat right. I thought the toilet paper post was hilarious.

I like the new web page. I like the bigger font in the posts which makes it much easier to read.

My only complaint would be the typos. But I always know what you meant to say, so it’s not really a big deal.

I’m looking forward to the next year of reading at The Happy Rock. Thanks for all the good information.

By: Pete

Pete — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:07:08 +0000

I just found the site this week, and I love it so far!

the one feedback that i would give is that to me the color scheme isn’t my favorite – mostly the sidebars I think? For some reason the colors just don’t mesh well for me. I also might clean up the sidebars a little bit, but they’re not really that bad – they’re actually much more organized than mine. Other than that – nice job!

By: The Happy Rock

The Happy Rock — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:00:26 +0000

@PT – That is kind of crazy. You have gone the ups and down route for hte first year, and I went slower and steady. Your latest efforts are really paying off! Great job.

@Dean – I love the personal side too, but writing just isn’t one of my strengths. I do fine, I guess, but it doesn’t get my juices flowing. I love the idea creation though. Also I mad a concious decision not to share too much about my faith. I don’t hide it, but the purpose of this site is to get people debt free and in a financial position to perue their dreams. Thanks for the thoughts!

@Sue – That is a list that will set any blog soaring. I have done or plan to do alomst everything on that list! Great job.

By: The Happy Rock

The Happy Rock — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:51:19 +0000

@spillingbuckets - I love the philosophy of GTD. I have been growing my system for about a year now, and it just keeps getting better and better. Here is a nice link to a Dave Allen interview that was really helpful.

By: The Happy Rock

The Happy Rock — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:48:45 +0000

Thanks for the solid feedback. I am still very much thinking and praying things through.

By: Sue

Sue — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:16:28 +0000

My two cents. I assume that you would like to gain more readers. Having a contest might be helpful. There are a number of blogs that I have been reading prior to checking out the PF blogs. They have alot of traffic. There are certain niches that work well. I don’t know their secret but try to study those blogs with alot of traffic to see how you could improve or change yours.
Also being dependable seems to be helpful. Discuss a certain topic every Monday and Thursday. I assume podcasts are the way of the future / present.
Every day just try to learn one thing new and you will always be ahead of the game.
Maybe your wife and others could do guest posts.
Maybe there is a new and different blog carnival that you could start.
If you are researching something worthwhile on line create a post about it.
I have read that putting comments on people’s blogs creates more traffic then emailing them a question.

My friend and writer Life in the Hundred Acre Woods has her own blog and guest posts on other blogs.

I would say stay your course but find new ways to up your readership. Good luck.

By: Dean Watkins

Dean Watkins — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:21:18 +0000

I only recently found your blog, but I’ve been really enjoying it. I think it would be helpful to review more books, and maybe clean up the sidebar some. As far as other writers go I think I like the personal feeling of all of the input coming from the same person, but I know that’s not a good model if you plan to expand. I’m also a Christian so I’m glad that you shared your faith. I’d I love to hear more about the connection for you between your faith and your finances. (Maybe I haven’t been reading long enough yet.)
I’ve also found Dave Ramsey’s material and I agree with most of it, except that I think he’s a little too over the top about only buying investment property with cash. So I’m not sure if this is the place to mention that, but I guess I have an interest in more on the real estate section besides…pay off your house early. I think there are alot of good bargins right now in real estate and I’m trying to soak up all I can about it…so that I can get into an additional property.

By: Ed B

Ed B — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:50:28 +0000

Your blog is fine.

If you want to drive more traffic, then perhaps develop a contest or two. So people can win free junk. Or, start posting pictures of cats with mildly humorous captions.