Building or Buying a Web Platform?

Do it Yourself?

I’ve spent much of the last few days working with many free WordPress themes for my new website. I was up all night tinkering with Gimp (this poor man’s version of Photoshop) attempting to add another image into a header banner photo. After hours of trying to figure it out I actually was able to add the second image.

My time has also been spent searching for plug-ins to add the capability necessary to have the site look like I’d prefer. Plug-ins are frustrating. After a simple install of the plug-in I’ve discovered several possible problems.

1.   The appearance isn’t what I hoped for.

2.   Many of the free plug-ins did not meet my expectations.

3.   The setup requires keys or details without an easy explanation of where to find the information to continue the setup.

4.   The setup is easy, but to get the full features I prefer, an upgraded plan is available. ($$$)

I received quite a bit of information through Google queries, but the best plug-ins require a subscription (AWeber, ChimpMail).

Another Option or 2

For an actual theme I have been considering using Genesis Framework with one of the StudioPress themes. Of course both products are available as a separate fee.

After realizing the yearly fees add up and my website isn’t profitable yet, I am thinking it’s smarter to purchase a theme that offers as many good plug-in features up-front as possible. Why pay for or have the stress of trying to setup a plug-in if it could be included in the theme. Many of the StudioPress themes have some built-in features.

But which one do I use?

Then it hit me. Why not look at someone else’s website I admire and try to imitate it myself with free features. Jeff Goins website is one I’ve enjoyed with its clean look. That’s how I’ve spent the last couple of days.

The Results

Given free tools to work with and seeing how I don’t build websites from scratch, I was somewhat able to imitate the look of goinswriter.com. Realistically, what I created has nowhere near the professional look of Jeff’s “Tribes” theme created by Martyn Chamberlin.  While I gained some knowledge of working with plug-ins and Gimp (for a header image) it would be easier to purchase the Tribes theme. Of course it requires using Genesis Framework just like the custom StudioPress themes, so there is an additional fee.

One More Choice

I love the look of Michael Hyatt’s website. I recalled Michael was working on developing a new theme, so why not look into it. Michael is scheduled to release the new theme- “Get Noticed” near the end of the first quarter of 2013. Michael has the new theme decked out on his page, it looks busier than Jeff’s page, but; it also has a clean look.

I like the widgets offered on the sidebar and footer. Once again, why pay for a plug-in if you can purchase a theme with the “extras” possibly included. Get Noticed appears to offer the most widgets up-front that I need without paying for yearly add-on subscriptions. Pricing for the new theme has not been mentioned yet.

Conclusion

So my grand experiment has ended and I am still torn between purchasing Tribes or Get Noticed. I am hoping Michael Hyatt’s- Get Noticed theme gets released soon. I may even seek someone to create a custom header. Gimp is still a disaster to work with for me. Photoshop CS6 is available for a trial period, so I could possibly tinker with Photoshop to tweak my own header.

On the other hand, purchasing the products you require minimizes time wasted on building a website in order to to obtain a professional look. Building a platform properly is what will be needed to be successful, so I’ll leave the foundation to the professionals; which allows me the time to build-up the platform.

In the end, it’s the platform and content that matters.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Goodbye Cubicle Nation

I received a new lease on life when my job was eliminated at cubicle nation. Quite some time ago, I underwent a metamorphosis of sorts toward my own work mindset.

For years, I questioned why an organization would want to treat their employees poorly. I just couldn’t comprehend the concept. It was so backward, toxic and unnecessary. I started to question people in upper management who had retired. They quickly agreed it was a sick way to run a business.

Someone actually tried to explain the business practice is taught in colleges. I scoured the Internet hoping to find the class or subject. After my research produced nothing (other than psychological dysfunctional modes of management), I thought I hit a dead-end. Why is it a freaking secret!

Best Selling Author, Seth Godin, wrote a book called- Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? Seth described enough of the Industrial Age philosophy in the book to finally understand what I dealing with my entire working life. I live in what once a very dominant manufacturing city. Like most typical Rust Belt cities we’ve been decimated by the end of the Industrial Age. Although I worked in a non-factory environment it’s run with the same type of management mentality as a factory.

It’s fear-based management. The main requirement is conforming mentally and physically day after day, year after year. Your livelihood is held over your head with fear; through rumors, threats, evaluations and meetings. The reverberation extends for a period of time until something new is presented to show your allegiance too.

The funny thing was once I understood the mindset, I knew how to tune it out of my mind and not play the game. Gradually, I was able to separate myself physically and mentally from the silliness of the system. I began to realize my own creativity and ideas would be my only way out of this train wreck. So I started to focus on myself and what my best options for success would be.

That is when I started to change my thinking. If I woke-up and a good idea came to me, it was worth my time to write it down; even if it meant arriving to work late.

At that point I knew what I could do mattered more than what I had been doing! I felt empowered and my life suddenly had meaning.

I knew I wasn’t happy. I knew my career was basically a dead-end job. I no longer cared to be a hamster on the wheel or just exist. Life is too short to spend it living in fear.

So now I’m a free agent. I have no fear and no boss. I don’t set an alarm clock or commute to work. I can have fun or work hard when I want. My stress is gone.

I’ve left cubicle nation.

And it feels darn good!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

My Top 5 Blog Posts

My Top 5 Blog Posts

1.   Waiting for Billy

2.  Film Review: I'm Fine, Thanks!

3.  Mansfield, Ohio- Watch it Burn?

4.  Book Review- The Icarus Deception: how high will you fly?

5.  *Free at Last!

        *The Strategic Plan

*= tied.

I was thrilled to see my tribute to my friend, Billy Atkins rise to the top of my viewer response. This posting has the most comments I’ve ever received on one post. Awesome!

The tie of the two blogs at position of #5 is interesting as well.

Thank you for following The Rust Belt Chronicles. Your support is something meaningful that matters to me!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

I've Got Some New Momentum!

 

Neal Morse, along with Mike Portnoy, Randy George and band coincidently sum up my feelings in the new DVD release- Live Momentum! Order a copy or two today!

February is a month of beginnings, endings, changes and new momentum.

I am going to appear on Caroline Gavin’s podcast show on Blog Talk Radio, Purposeful Pathway on February 27. I am looking forward to chatting with Caroline and honored to be her guest. The show airs at 1:00 pm and if you miss it “live” you can catch it here.

If everything goes as planned, my blog will be moving to its new home on the web. It will be less restrictive on content and it will be interesting to see the results. I will let you know prior to the switch so I don’t lose you!

The possibility still exists to create an expanded type of format being web-based, providing I can line-up a few contributors and sponsors. Why not? The basis for the idea is doable, so it might or might not work.

I retired last Friday from the organization that eliminated my position after nearly 32 years as an employee. That feels great and it makes moving forward with a plan more intriguing. I am so excited to be out of that quagmire of fear and upheaval! It truly is a blessing.

I’ve started my second book and several people have offered suggestions for the title. Unfortunately, I already have a working title in mind and I am unable to announce it at this point. If the book doesn’t require lots of interviews and at a slow pace of 2,000 words-per-day; it’s possible to have the book written in a month. Stay tuned!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Do You want to Feel Great?

For quite some time, I’ve experienced pain in different joints and my back. When I used to sleep in on the weekends I always had to get out of bed due to hip and back stiffness and pain. The pain followed me throughout the day. The only remedy was to take a couple Aleve tablets.

Lately, I've had pain in my neck area from hours of looking down on my laptop. Initially, the pain lessoned, however; the muscles stayed sore for days. Bending down or squatting to clean the dog waste in the yard is always painful, during and afterwards. All these little nuances of life had become a nuisance.

I never thought about arthritis. My assumption was its old age.

Then, I heard some good news!

My 79 year-old Mother told me about a couple of products that my brother asked her to try for pain and joint stiffness. My Mother had trouble standing up after sitting in a chair or lying on a bed. After trying the products, her pain and joint stiffness was gone. Her comment was: “It makes me feel 30 years younger.”

Wow! Maybe I should decide to try this stuff.

So, I got the information from her and began to search on Amazon.com for the products and reviews. A majority of the reviews were written with amazing results. People of all ages with pain and discomfort documented noticeable improvement after taking these two substances.

The two products are: Zyflamend Whole Body and Wholemega by New Chapter.

 Zyflamend By New Chapter - 120 Softgels- Zyflamend appears to reduce inflammation in the bones and joints. Zyflamend consists of 10 different herbal ingredients that aid in the stabilization of bone and joint inflammation, heart and (get this) studies have proven it may slow down the aging process.

New Chapter Wholemega Fish Oil, 1000mg, 120 Softgels- Wholemega is made with Alaskan Salmon and nourishes the brain, heart, eyes and kidney tissue. The fish oil is also reported to assist the immune system, cardiovascular and reduce cholesterol levels.

My research led me to find out the amount of the good fish oil is determined by the amount of EPA and DHA added together per serving. The Wholemega brand 1000 mg. softgel has 360 mg. of the good fish oils and the rest is filler.

 I found another brand with a lemon flavor (in case you burp, no fish oil taste) and the amount of EPA and DHA added in one serving is 640 mg. in each softgel capsule.

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega, 1,000 mg Fish Oil, 180 Soft Gels The other brand is: Nordic Naturals, Ultimate Omega, 1,000 mg. Fish Oil, Softgels. Granted, it’s more expensive, but the amount of EHA and DHA is increased 78% over the Wholemega product by New Chapter.

My Results

Within a day of taking both Zyflamend and Ultimate Omega, I noticed less stiffness in the bed. After 3 days (taking only one pill of each per day), I journeyed outside to pick-up the dog waste; I felt great. In fact, I didn’t feel one ache or pain during this half-hour chore or afterwards. All day and evening, I felt loose and ready to go take on the world!

I am literally in awe at how good I feel mentally and physically! Like my Mom; I feel 30 years younger.

While I was outside today I began to notice how much better my breathing had become. Then I realized I had forgotten to take my Spiriva and inhaler medicine. I was so happy because somehow this combination of herbs and fish oil in just 3 days has been a miracle for my health and well-being. When you breathe better, you feel good and I haven’t felt this good in decades!

Try these products. I can’t believe how great I feel. My Mom says she would pay $100.00 a bottle for these products. That’s how good they make you feel.

I agree, just don’t tell the companies.

I recommend buying these products online through Amazon.com because it's much cheaper than purchasing these products through a local health food store.

If you plan on having surgery, you should stop taking these formulas at least 3 days prior to the surgery since they do thin your blood. Otherwise, there are no side-effects or complications with these 2 products. Check with your physician anyway.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

 

Waiting for Billy

A year ago, my best friend, Billy Atkins was called home. Rarely does a day go by without thinking of him and it’s still hard to believe he’s gone from our world. I loved him like a brother and I miss him deeply. I know he rests in a better place and one day; we will meet again. 

Billy was a husband, father, businessman and musician. He was well liked and would give the shirt off his back to help a friend. In our younger days, he would chauffeur me around the countryside until I was sober enough to drive. We would listen to music and talk. I miss those talks.

Both our hearts were in the same place talking about right verses wrong, honesty and our beliefs. We had a lot in common.

I learned at his funeral service that Billy and his wife, Michelle, donated the funding needed to excavate  a well for his cousin’s wonderful orphanage program overseas- Sending Hope International. The program rescues children from the sex slave trade and provides hope. The water used to quench those thirsty children will always be a gift from Billy and Michelle Atkins.Their generosity touches lives daily and is truly something meaningful!

When Billy and I were single, I recall him always being the last to be ready. Whenever a group of us were going somewhere, we always waited for him. We did so because, we knew it wouldn’t be the same without him.

But the day Billy was called home, I believe he was ready.

About a week before his passing he sent me a message and told me how proud he was of me. In 40 years of friendship, he never uttered those words. It was almost like a parting message; as if he knew his time was short.

Billy’s life was a song of epic and majestic proportions. The melody was his good cheer and the chorus was his big heart. The progression of his life  was a gift and his chords to us. His finale brought us to tears.

Now- he is waiting on us.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michelle Atkins, Dawn Kamen and their families, relatives and friends!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Running Down A Dream!

Most people wander aimlessly through their life. Many don’t realize options exist outside of the daily grind. We become so focused on the immediate schedule, chores and tasks or simply feel we don’t have the time to allocate towards our dreams. The only remedy is to create the time and start now!

Look at your schedule and decide what to give up for one hour of working on your dream.

Logout of Facebook, give-up your favorite online games, turn-off Twitter, television, email and chat for an hour in order to do something that will make a difference in your life. Perhaps, stay-up one extra-hour or get out of bed one-hour earlier to work towards your goal. You’ll be surprised at the amount of time available.

Start seeing yourself as a business- your business.

What have you always wanted to do?

·        Search the Internet for connections with people of similar interests and ideas.

·        Seek advice and ask questions.

·        Realize the journey is a process and anything worth doing takes time.

·        Find a niche. Look for a need to fill or a unique slant to something where you can fill a void.

·        Break down your idea into a realistic path.

What will it take to launch your idea?

·        Develop a step-by-step process.

·        Research each step and gain the necessary knowledge.

·        Seek advice, check forums, send emails to experts and ask questions.

·        Focus strictly on one-step at a time; otherwise you will become overwhelmed and likely give-up. This isn’t a race. Overnight sensations are rare and few survive the long haul anyway.

By breaking down the process the plan becomes manageable. You will become one of the experts once you finish each process in addition to developing your own product or business.

Don’t be afraid of making mistakes.

Mistakes are a learning experience, not a failure. They give us our chance to improve and gain valuable insight. How could we perfect something if we didn’t have errors? Mistakes are little bumps along the journey to correct our maneuvers.

Stop doing nothing and start becoming productive. Once you realize there is life ‘outside the box’, you’ll become excited at your progress and will find additional hours to spend on pursuing the dream. You will discover how creative, talented and passionate it is to chase down your dream.

At some point you will wonder why you didn’t act sooner. But it’s ok and it doesn’t matter because your moment arrived now. Start running down your dream today. I guarantee you’ll love it!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.