I'm Back!

For over five years in the mid-2000s, I wrote a blog post every single day. I wrote about the challenges of starting and operating a successful small businesses. I explored almost every facet of business ownership. I expounded on current events and held forth on controversial topics related to the intersection of small business and politics.

I enjoyed interacting with readers from around the world. I had readers who - in the words of late, great comic, Mitch Hedberg - loved me, hated me, or thought I was okay. Some challenged me, a scant few seemed to hang onto every post, and others looked confused as things flew right over their heads.

The more I wrote, the better I got. (Imagine that!) Some of my articles were picked up by "legitimate" publications, and some were even shared in academic circles. I got a kick every time my content was shared as if I were a genuine expert or something

Then one day, for reasons I can't recall, I killed it. I shut it all down. I suppose I was tired of stretching my brain to come up with one more thing to write each day. Whatever the reason, I do remember that it was a quick decision. I didn't dwell on it or agonize over it for any discernable length of time. I decided it was time to quit, so I quit.

The funny thing about quitting is that, when you decide to quit, it's almost impossible to UNdecide to quit. Once you mentally check out, the body usually follows without question. Sure, there are exceptions. People who stop smoking rarely quit on the first try. Same with alcoholics. Domestic abuse victims, on average, return to their abusers seven times before finally breaking away. Not everything is easy to quit. Apparently, blogging is.

But like a drunk who needs his drink, I found myself thinking about it...a lot. A news story or a topic would catch my attention, and I would have an almost overpowering urge to write about it. Often I would think about shifting to another format. Over the years, I dabbled in podcasting and livestreaming. While both of these are more conversational and free-flowing, they lacked the spontaneity I crave. It's easier to open the laptop and start writing than it is to produce, edit, and publish a podcast (one that anyone would want to listen to, anyway!).

 Now that I know the itch is too great to not scratch, I'll be writing more here. Expect a mix of how-to, commentary, and advice column fare. Now that I'm in my mid-50s, expect more "encore entrepreneurship" content directed at those of us getting closer to retirement but still wanting to contribute to the community and the world. There will also be a lot more focus on side hustles and the gig economy, as this apparently appeals to younger whippersnappers.

To assuage the need for spontaneity, I'll also be tossing in short video vlog posts. Back when I was writing regularly, video capacity and quality wasn't as good as it is now. We all carry a virtual studio in our pockets, so there's no excuse for not recording those things that just can't wait. I usually have my best ideas in the shower and in my car. I'll spare you the shower videos, but those shot while in the car are on the menu!