Random Thoughts about this Blog

OK, it's been almost a month since my first post.  Here are some quick thoughts:

I'm having a blast doing this!  It's really rewarding to know that people think this is a "cool idea" and are seeing the world differently because of it.  Thanks everyone for the support.

I think my posts are too long.  I have so much to say, but I'm afraid people won't take the time to read the blog if each post is so long.  Just wondering...

There's a ton of stuff happening "behind the scenes."  Every day something cool is happening in my life related DT.  I think I'll start writing more about that.

I wonder if putting out a post everyday is too much?  If people don't keep up they might miss an important post if they just read the last one.  So lately I've slowed down, but now I'm wondering if there isn't enough content.  I guess I'll find the right balance over time.  This week I'm going to lean to the "once a day" model.

I'm amazed at how many people have no idea how to subscribe to a blog.  I've tried to make a bunch of changes to the right hand navigation to make it more clear.

I don't have many followers, and I'm both cool with that and anxious to see it grow.  I'm not doing this build a following, but I would be lying if I said it didn't matter at all.  Blog ego I guess...  So, if you're inclined spread the word...

I'm building a website in Ruby on Rails (fun stuff) that will allow people to see all the dominoes and topples in motion.  I hope to have the alpha site up in a few weeks.

I get a fair amount of email regarding the blog.  I wish people would post a comment vs. sending email, but the email is much better than nothing.  If people posted a comment instead it might build some more momentum for the blog (people commenting on people's comments, etc.).

I need to provide more "news" about the topples in motion.  For example, I've done some stuff to move along topple #0000003 (Domino Award) and I suspect that talking about that would be interesting to some people.  Eventually the website will allow you to get "news" about the topples you're interested/involved in.

I haven't sent out a broadcast message to my network say "hey, check out my blog."  I kind of like the idea that it will grow a bit more organically. 

Writing on the dominoes with a Sharpie isn't working out very well because if you rub the domino the writing smudges.  Since every domino is uniquely numbered it's non-trivial to find other ways to "manufacture" the dominoes.  I'm currently working on order some from China, as well as considering changing the material to be wood (much easier to mark vs. vinyl).

OK, enough random thoughts for the day.

Comments

[Tom Keller]

Hey Herb -
re: wishing for interactive comments...how about trying www.intensedebate.com?

Cheers
Tom

[Dean Rizzuto]

Herb - I think we all could use a little motivation to pay things forward as often as possible - daily posts wouldn't be too much if they are relevant, insightful and motivating. Keep reminding all of us about overall good here and I think you'll get more input in return. I think in a way your Blog is setting it's own sort of topple in motion - the more guidance and encouragement you give to your followers, the more input and participating you'll receive in return.

Thanks
DR

[Herb]

Thanks Tom. I installed Intense Debate. Should show up on my posts moving forward.

[Mot]

Hey Herb,

Some of us Luddites are a bit slow on the uptake - that doesn't mean the ideas are not sound. And it probably means that a daily reminder isn't such a bad idea - though indeed short, relevant, insightful and motivating would be ideas to have in mind for them. I still carry my domino in pocket (numbers long since rubbed off). It's an excellent reminder that any time is a good time to think about kicking off a topple.

I really like the notion of the 1.5X domino that might be standing right next to me. The only way to find out if it's there is to kick off the topple. This means to me that even an idea that I might think is too small it doesn't mean I shouldn't try. It also doesn't mean that if I "fall over without impacting someone" that I should give up.

Well thanks for motivating me and I'll stop at what's already too much writing :-)

Take it easy,
Mot.

[Herb]

I'm glad you still carry your domino! I'm still struggling with finding a way to not have the ink rub off. And, my attempts to get dominoes engraved and/or printed in China have been a pain. As soon as I get a proper solution in place I'll let everyone know.

I like your concept of a 1.5x standing right next to you. And, yes, you just have to have the courage to do something about it. And, be OK trying but failing. These are core concepts for DT. Thanks for pointing that out.