And⦠weāre back.
Todayās newsletter is really the first of the year as the one from last week ā The Top 10 of 2013 ā was put together before the holidays.
Itās somewhat ironic. I choseĀ Embracing the Most Important Attitude, the article on change, as the one to run on New Yearās Eve not because I was planning anything, but because I know it was generally well received last year around the same time. Ultimately, it generated a lot of thoughtful commentary on both sides of the issue.
I just didnāt expect that it might be slightly prophetic.
As I sometimes do, I took the time off over the holidays to get a little reflective and introspective. I also read a couple of good books that (because of the synchronicity) really made me wonder if the universe was trying to tell me something.
Whenever I have that feeling, I try to listen.
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Ask Leo! 2013
Last year was an okay year for Ask Leo! Some of you may remember that early in the year, I took some time off to contemplate whether Ask Leo! was something I wanted to continue doing, and if so, what needed to change to make it more enjoyable and more profitable. The decision then was to continue (as my presence here today confirms).
Donāt worry. That partās not changing. :-)
I embarked on a number of changes, including a revamp and modernization of the look-and-feel of the website. I also changed a few processes that went into publishing Ask Leo! each week.
Unfortunately, not a lot has changed when it comes to either website traffic or revenue. Traffic remains mostly flat. Ultimately, Ask Leo! ran at a very slight loss last year. As I said at the beginning of my sabbatical last year, thatās not sustainable.
Realizing and reflecting on all of that over the holidays, I realized that something had to change.Ā How can I get more answers and solutions to more people without losing money in the effort?
Books and ⦠books
The two books that I read over the Ā break were:
- How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life by Scott Adams
- Write. Publish. Repeat. (The No-Luck-Required Guide to Self-Publishing Success) byĀ Sean Platt & Johnny B. Truant
Adamsā book reinforced the importance of trying new things on the path to success. Write. Publish. Repeat.Ā cemented and put a framework around something that Iāve been considering and trying to do half-assed for the last 18 months: publish more Ask Leo! books. (I highly recommend both books, by the way. Not only are they educational and thought provoking, theyāre both quite entertaining reads.)
So, a couple of changes are afoot here at Ask Leo! world headquarters.
Mental shift
Since 2003, Iāve been running Ask Leo! and answering peopleās questions with written articles. Somewhere during that time, I made a mental shift from being a programmer who writes to a writer who programs. It was unintentional. It just happened somewhere along the line.
The next shift is more intentional.
Rather than having a Q&A website that has a few books, I want to transition to being a book author that also has this awesome Q&A website.
Itās a shifting of priorities. Iāve unconsciously been trying to do it for a while because the current advertising-based model just isnāt paying the bills anymore.
The goal is that I dedicate more time to writing books that help you accomplish tasks as well as avoid and solve problems. Yep, that means a little less time answering specific questions ā at least as far as writing up detailed answers for the site. As it turns out, the externally visible changes shouldnāt be that dramatic, but there will be a few.
Changes and not
Youāre actually reading one of the changes right now. Iām replacing the random notes at the end of my newsletter with a more formal blog (if thatās not a contradiction in terms). With my blog (in reality, just a category of articles posted on Ask Leo!), Iām giving myself permission to talk about a wider range of topics beyond just the questions of the day. Itāll still be technology and internet (and Ask Leo!) related. Thatās not changing ā just a different forum and perhaps a wider range of topics.
The Answercasts wonāt change. I mean, I get to talk for 45 minutes and magically, questions are answered in audio and on the website. Whatās not to like? Itās an efficient use of my time to give you answers.
The Ask Leo! Newsletter will change only slightly. There will be at least one featured article (instead of two), and the notes at the end are being replaced with my blog entry of the week. Iām also dropping the Word āo the Week, although the glossary will remain.
Iāll still be reading every question and responding to those that I can. Iāll still be hanging out on FacebookĀ and Iāll still be posting videos as another way to answer questions and more.
As I said, itās more of a mental shift on my part. That shouldnāt impact what you see tremendously. Hopefully, the only impact is that it allows me to focus on getting more helpful books out.
Books? Books!
So, what books?
The priority is to help you solve problems and prevent them in the first place when possible.
So Iām starting in a very familiar and important place.
To ramp up my new production process, Iām currently taking Maintaining Windows 7 ā Backing Up, revising it, and splitting it in two: one volume covering only Windows 7ās internal backup program and the other volume covering backing up with Macrium Reflect (which applies to much more than just Windows 7). If youāve already purchasedĀ Maintaining Windows 7 ā Backing Up,Ā digital copies of both new books will be yours to download in the registered ownerās center when theyāre done. This represents an update of that volume.
Then, the tentative plan includes volumes on backing up using Windows 8ās backup program, backing up using another commercial product, backing up Gmail, backing up Outlook.com ā¦. you get the idea.
Iām also planning a major update to the Internet Security book. Not only will I bring it up-to-date, but Iāll expand it beyond just keeping your computer safe; weāll talk about safety in the online world as well. In recent years, youāve told me with your questions just how important and confusing online security can be, so I want to address that.
Thereās much more on my whiteboard. In fact, Iād welcome your suggestions as well.
Like my most recent book,Ā The Ask Leo! Guide to Routine Maintenance, all books will be available in all formats: paper, PDF, Kindle, .mobi, and .epub. All digital formats will be included no matter which you purchase and available in the registered ownerās download center for each book. Many will include companion videos also available when you register.
Itās going to be a busy year!
As always, I thank you for your ongoing support. One of the best ways that you can help make this all a success (besides buying a book, of course :-) ) is to tell your friends and colleagues. Ā The more, the merrier!
Thanks!
Leo Notenboom
Ā
All the best with your shift in focus. I look forward to reading whatever you write.
It is really disappointing to learn that a fantastic site like yours could be at a monetary loss too. I believe that this site receives a good amount of internet traffic but guess people are not clicking on the ad links for the revenue to generate.
Best wishes for the future.
However, Iāve been a consistent reader of your articles and do enjoy them thoroughly.
Ravi.
I enjoy both the tone and the helpful content of your website Leo
Have you considered seeking a small subscription for access?
I subscribe to a couple of websites for just three pound sterling a month which I consider good value
How about seeking a voluntary donation of a similar amount?
Sure, there will be some who do not wish to pay ā no problem, they still receive the Ask Leo and you have not lost potential customers
For others who wish to show appreciation of the knowledge gained it would provide an opportunity for them to do so ā and hopefully a small, no large, income for you.
Best Wishes with your endeavours (UK) or endeavors (USA) ā delete as applicable!
Bob
You can always buy Leo a Latte!!! http://store.askleo.com/buy-leo-a-latte/
What a good idea Connie! I thought you were joking until I discovered that your link led me to Leoās Coffee shop.
Have purchased a couple of cups that I hope will keep him awake at least until the next newsletter
Donāt forget to display the link again as a reminder when the cup runs dry Leo ā and it is worth noting that Leoās virtual coffees can be less expensive than the real thing if times are hard for readers.
Bob
Subscriptions and donations are a common suggestion. Unfortunately both my research and experience and the experience of others Iāve talked to tells me that while there would be a few who would absolutely sign up, the numbers would come nowhere close to making enough of a difference. Appreciate the thought, though.
Changes are good ( most of the time).
Thanks for your help and kkep up the good work.
Luis