“The artist’s world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.”
~Paul Strand
Writer Dad went live six weeks ago.
Though the site has met an audience quickly, there was a long month of prologue that I don’t like to discuss.
Those were the forgotten days of my stumbling stabs at a blog on blogspot, where early posts sounded much like an idiot rambling inside the corridors of an empty cave. Each post carried the shame of a dirty magazine, and I was too mortified to show them even to Daisy.
I had nothing to say; at least nothing that anybody would want to hear.
I didn’t have a cat to talk about, I didn’t feel like bragging, or complaining, about my children to a network of strangers, and I certainly wasn’t an expert on anything; at least not enough to pop out how-to lists several times a week.
Eventually, I swallowed, and decided to just start writing. I could figure it out as I went along… as long as I had the right name.
I searched for an afternoon that felt like a week. Everything was taken, including a few ghastly choices, I’m thankful were spoken for. Almost ready to retire, I typed writer dad dot com into the search field.
Domain name available.
I’m a writer and a dad; guess that’s green lights all the way.
I registered the name and drafted my first post.
On the other side of the looking glass, and a couple dozen of the states, was a gentleman by the name of David Wright. He too, was a writer and a dad. He had just been let go from his job as a reporter, and was trying to decide on his next move.
He wanted to be Writer Dad.
He checked and the domain was available, but he hedged.
An hour later it was gone.
I can imagine the seething hatred David felt for the thief who had crept into his head and embezzled his idea. Fortunately, animosity died a quick death, and David started reading Writer Dad.
He liked it.
A couple of weeks ago, I received an email. Dave told me his story, and about his new blog, Blogger Dad. He’s a seemingly terrific guy.
This is where a fun anecdote turns relevant.
I believe in the new renaissance, and putting ourselves together. I believe that barriers are breaking.
My relationship with Dave is the first seed to crack shell and see a sapling stretch for light.
He’s a cartoonist, with a long running strip called Todd and Penguin. We’ve collaborated on our first wee-book, which we will unveil this Friday.
This is the magic of the internet. Dave and I weren’t assembled by a team of marketers. We came together because I put my voice out there and he answered with his. Collaboration has been superb; swift with no middlemen between us.
If this is what the future offers, we should all be wise and listen.
When it comes to things like Twitter and Facebook, I’m still a bit ignorant. But the exchanges I’ve had with Dave, and a few others like him, could only be described as some of the brightest spots on tomorrow’s dawn.
Writer Dad
If you enjoyed my words, please subscribe. I’ll be back again tomorrow.
Thank you to everyone who nominated Writer Dad for favorite writing blog. If you haven’t done it yet and would like to, you may do it here. Thanks.
About Sean Platt
Writer Dad,
The idea that you might keep your old blog in the bottom drawer of a bedside table cracks me up. The shame of it!
My first thought was that David could have been WrighterDad, but I don’t suppose that works too well with search terms. It’s probably also a little corny. Sorry, I’m a corny kind of guy, and I just love puns. Sad, I know!
Can’t wait until Friday!
Cheers
Dave
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Society Produces Another Angry Man
Writer Dad,
The idea that you might keep your old blog in the bottom drawer of a bedside table cracks me up. The shame of it!
My first thought was that David could have been WrighterDad, but I don’t suppose that works too well with search terms. It’s probably also a little corny. Sorry, I’m a corny kind of guy, and I just love puns. Sad, I know!
Can’t wait until Friday!
Cheers
Dave
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Society Produces Another Angry Man
All power to you for getting it up and running, and all the best to the other fella. Nice to see someone discussing how the writing process can leave you feeling so shitty! And again, full kudos for getting this out.
Chris Woods last blog post..Skinny women in demure bonnets dump on my world. Stop now please, ladies.
All power to you for getting it up and running, and all the best to the other fella. Nice to see someone discussing how the writing process can leave you feeling so shitty! And again, full kudos for getting this out.
Chris Woods last blog post..Skinny women in demure bonnets dump on my world. Stop now please, ladies.
You found your voice and you play your cards well. Was it destiny or by design that you chose a template optimized for typography?
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Volunteer Your Strengths to the Team
You found your voice and you play your cards well. Was it destiny or by design that you chose a template optimized for typography?
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Volunteer Your Strengths to the Team
That’s awesome, the power of the Internet bringing two together! Your words triggered something with another, and has led to a project together. In a very short time. I can only say one thing – cool!
Lances last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
That’s awesome, the power of the Internet bringing two together! Your words triggered something with another, and has led to a project together. In a very short time. I can only say one thing – cool!
Lances last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
You gotta love the Internet! This is an awesome example of the good will that takes place when people (total strangers) are united by their interests — as you say, without middlemen — and join their forces.
Wishing the best for both of you!
Jarkko laines last blog post..Help me Define “Insanely Interested in Everything”
You gotta love the Internet! This is an awesome example of the good will that takes place when people (total strangers) are united by their interests — as you say, without middlemen — and join their forces.
Wishing the best for both of you!
Jarkko laines last blog post..Help me Define “Insanely Interested in Everything”
I would have been tempted, if I were David, to register THEwriterdad.com, just to one-up you. But that’s being kind of a snot, and he doesn’t sound like a snot.
So, here’s my question: What about anti-social people? Are services like Twitter and Facebook useful to sociopaths?
I would have been tempted, if I were David, to register THEwriterdad.com, just to one-up you. But that’s being kind of a snot, and he doesn’t sound like a snot.
So, here’s my question: What about anti-social people? Are services like Twitter and Facebook useful to sociopaths?
It was great of David to contact you (hey, you have my domain name :-) ). Bloggerdad is pretty cool too, so I guess you both won. Your online collaboration sounds great, best of luck to both of you.
Marelisas last blog post..15 Brain Hacks – Gym and Spa for Your Brain
It was great of David to contact you (hey, you have my domain name :-) ). Bloggerdad is pretty cool too, so I guess you both won. Your online collaboration sounds great, best of luck to both of you.
Marelisas last blog post..15 Brain Hacks – Gym and Spa for Your Brain
Dave: I thought of WrighterDad as well. I’m corny too.
Chris: Thanks, and I enjoyed this morning’s post.
J.D.: A bit of both I’m sure. Thesis was my fourth theme. I didn’t really know what I was doing, and I’m sure the typography made me feel comfortable.
Lance: Cool, and exciting.
Jarko: It does seem to trim the fat. It’s like a magnet, drawing interests. Thanks for the nomination by the way. Yours might’ve been my favorite. “Hey, I came here for something else, but I just remembered….” Thanks, Jarko.
Ryan: I think so, yes.
Marelisa: I like Bloggerdad and would read it, regardless of the charming story.
Dave: I thought of WrighterDad as well. I’m corny too.
Chris: Thanks, and I enjoyed this morning’s post.
J.D.: A bit of both I’m sure. Thesis was my fourth theme. I didn’t really know what I was doing, and I’m sure the typography made me feel comfortable.
Lance: Cool, and exciting.
Jarko: It does seem to trim the fat. It’s like a magnet, drawing interests. Thanks for the nomination by the way. Yours might’ve been my favorite. “Hey, I came here for something else, but I just remembered….” Thanks, Jarko.
Ryan: I think so, yes.
Marelisa: I like Bloggerdad and would read it, regardless of the charming story.
I love stories like this! This is totally exciting, and I can’t wait for Friday!
WD, this paragraph is why I love you: “Those were the forgotten days of my stumbling stabs at a blog on blogspot, where early posts sounded much like an idiot rambling inside the corridors of an empty cave. Each post carried the shame of a dirty magazine, and I was too mortified to show them even to Daisy.”
Your writing rocks! I’m right beside you. At the end of this week, we can pick up those emails again, okay?
stephs last blog post..I’ve Been Meme’d
I love stories like this! This is totally exciting, and I can’t wait for Friday!
WD, this paragraph is why I love you: “Those were the forgotten days of my stumbling stabs at a blog on blogspot, where early posts sounded much like an idiot rambling inside the corridors of an empty cave. Each post carried the shame of a dirty magazine, and I was too mortified to show them even to Daisy.”
Your writing rocks! I’m right beside you. At the end of this week, we can pick up those emails again, okay?
stephs last blog post..I’ve Been Meme’d
Can you believe the internet happened in our lifetime? What did we do before it! I know many people say it’s killing society and interaction and blah blah blah, but when you hear stories like this, it reinforces what a great and invaluable tool it has become to all of us.
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusks last blog post..Welcome to the labour party – now share the horror!
Can you believe the internet happened in our lifetime? What did we do before it! I know many people say it’s killing society and interaction and blah blah blah, but when you hear stories like this, it reinforces what a great and invaluable tool it has become to all of us.
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusks last blog post..Welcome to the labour party – now share the horror!
Now how cool is that! Another example of finding passion and success following passion.
Chriss last blog post..Bottom Falling Off, Part 5
Now how cool is that! Another example of finding passion and success following passion.
Chriss last blog post..Bottom Falling Off, Part 5
Thanks for the kind words.
Dave – I also thought of WrighterDad, in addition to some other plays on the words write/Wright, but with a url you need to be able tell people the name without a lengthy explanation.
(the scene: me at a get together talking to someone about my blog)
Person -”So, what are you doing these days?”
Me- ” I started this blog, WrighterDad.com”
Person – “Ah, WriterDad, because you’re a writer and a dad. Cool, I’ll rush right home and check it out because you are so seemingly terrific.”
Me – “No, it’s not writerdad.com, it’s wriGHterdad.com as in my name.”
Person – “Oh, your name is David Write? Wow, what are the odds?”
Me- “No, it’s David WriGHt. My name isn’t …. ah, never mind, just visit Writerdad.com, that’s me. And oh yeah, I have a secret daughter which I write about.”
BloggerDads last blog post..Friday Funnies Aug. 29
Thanks for the kind words.
Dave – I also thought of WrighterDad, in addition to some other plays on the words write/Wright, but with a url you need to be able tell people the name without a lengthy explanation.
(the scene: me at a get together talking to someone about my blog)
Person -”So, what are you doing these days?”
Me- ” I started this blog, WrighterDad.com”
Person – “Ah, WriterDad, because you’re a writer and a dad. Cool, I’ll rush right home and check it out because you are so seemingly terrific.”
Me – “No, it’s not writerdad.com, it’s wriGHterdad.com as in my name.”
Person – “Oh, your name is David Write? Wow, what are the odds?”
Me- “No, it’s David WriGHt. My name isn’t …. ah, never mind, just visit Writerdad.com, that’s me. And oh yeah, I have a secret daughter which I write about.”
BloggerDads last blog post..Friday Funnies Aug. 29
Blogger Dad,
LMAO
No wonder you and Writer Dad get along so well.
You really had me laughing away at the imaginary exchange. I even pictured it in my head.
I should have given it a little more thought. To teach myself a lesson I’m going to go and register DamnFoolDad.com. I hope it’s available.
I popped along to your site earlier today. It looks great. I’m going to pop back later to have a better read.
Thanks making me laugh. And, like I told Writer Dad, I can’t wait until Friday.
Cheers
Dave.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Society Produces Another Angry Man
Blogger Dad,
LMAO
No wonder you and Writer Dad get along so well.
You really had me laughing away at the imaginary exchange. I even pictured it in my head.
I should have given it a little more thought. To teach myself a lesson I’m going to go and register DamnFoolDad.com. I hope it’s available.
I popped along to your site earlier today. It looks great. I’m going to pop back later to have a better read.
Thanks making me laugh. And, like I told Writer Dad, I can’t wait until Friday.
Cheers
Dave.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Society Produces Another Angry Man
LOL!
I remember my .blogspot blog!
It sounds freakishly similar to my situation with my first blog.
It sure is tough deciding what you’re going to be writing about — it took me months to decide, and even then I ended up with multiple blogs on multiple subjects.
And, I think WriterDad is an awesome domain; that’s probably worth a lot of money off the back.
I would have been cringing as well, if I come to find it was registered 10 minutes after I checked it out!
But, what makes great men, is being able to make a good situation out of a bad one. And, with your upcoming collaboration in next week’s wee-book, it seems both of you have done just that!
Luis Grosss last blog post..6 Quick Tips To Get Ahead Of Your Posting Schedule
LOL!
I remember my .blogspot blog!
It sounds freakishly similar to my situation with my first blog.
It sure is tough deciding what you’re going to be writing about — it took me months to decide, and even then I ended up with multiple blogs on multiple subjects.
And, I think WriterDad is an awesome domain; that’s probably worth a lot of money off the back.
I would have been cringing as well, if I come to find it was registered 10 minutes after I checked it out!
But, what makes great men, is being able to make a good situation out of a bad one. And, with your upcoming collaboration in next week’s wee-book, it seems both of you have done just that!
Luis Grosss last blog post..6 Quick Tips To Get Ahead Of Your Posting Schedule
That’s the great part about the internet – connecting to new people. It’s because we take action to reach out to others, they want to reach back. Of course nothing is smooth at first, but the more you reach the more hands you’ll shake.
I look forward to checking out the wee book.
That’s the great part about the internet – connecting to new people. It’s because we take action to reach out to others, they want to reach back. Of course nothing is smooth at first, but the more you reach the more hands you’ll shake.
I look forward to checking out the wee book.
Steph: Thanks. You are one of those to whom I am referring. I look forward to the emails.
Tara: Transitions have baggage. This transition has it’s own, but it has far more potential.
Chris: Thank you, that was well said.
Blogger Dad: That was very, very funny.
Dave: Friday will be fun.
Luis: I think the name fits nicely. It was far from my first choice, but I’m glad life unfolded as unplanned.
Steph: Thanks. You are one of those to whom I am referring. I look forward to the emails.
Tara: Transitions have baggage. This transition has it’s own, but it has far more potential.
Chris: Thank you, that was well said.
Blogger Dad: That was very, very funny.
Dave: Friday will be fun.
Luis: I think the name fits nicely. It was far from my first choice, but I’m glad life unfolded as unplanned.
First time visit Writer Dad. Good luck with the book. I’ll be sure to come back again.
I started playing around with blogging on MSN spaces and then moved on to Blogger. I’m all over the place there. :) I’m pretty casual about my blogging; someday I might take more serious, kind of like my diet.
malathionmans last blog post..No, It Wasn’t Weed.
First time visit Writer Dad. Good luck with the book. I’ll be sure to come back again.
I started playing around with blogging on MSN spaces and then moved on to Blogger. I’m all over the place there. :) I’m pretty casual about my blogging; someday I might take more serious, kind of like my diet.
malathionmans last blog post..No, It Wasn’t Weed.
blog – oops, I mean WRITER Dad,
OK. Done. Send the envelope with the CASH to the P.O. Box I emailed to you. Please remember, NO consecutive bills, NOTHING higher than a $20, and EACH $500 MUST be banded. NOBODY NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT OUR “PRIVATE ARRANGEMENT” – NOT A SOUL! NOBODY!
In all seriousness, you got my vote, dear – and you deserve it. Oh – and your blog today wasn’t bad either!
Best of luck!
R.
Ritas last blog post..George Washington, the Cherry Tree and Learning “Frum” the Quiz – Part I
blog – oops, I mean WRITER Dad,
OK. Done. Send the envelope with the CASH to the P.O. Box I emailed to you. Please remember, NO consecutive bills, NOTHING higher than a $20, and EACH $500 MUST be banded. NOBODY NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT OUR “PRIVATE ARRANGEMENT” – NOT A SOUL! NOBODY!
In all seriousness, you got my vote, dear – and you deserve it. Oh – and your blog today wasn’t bad either!
Best of luck!
R.
Ritas last blog post..George Washington, the Cherry Tree and Learning “Frum” the Quiz – Part I
Loved the post. SUBSCRIBED!
Loved the post. SUBSCRIBED!
I think that’s awesome. And so inspiring that chance played such a role in your good fortune.
apathy lounges last blog post..The Calm Before
I think that’s awesome. And so inspiring that chance played such a role in your good fortune.
apathy lounges last blog post..The Calm Before
Karl: Hey, don’t know how I missed you there. Sorry.
Yes, Instant new people to meet is amazing. I only knew it in theory, the reality is more touching than I expected. Thanks for your anticipation.
Malathionman: I read about your little cardboard box…. knitting, huh?
Rita: I just read your words. Very kind. Thank you.
Apathy Lounge: Aren’t chance and fortune second cousin synonyms?
Karl: Hey, don’t know how I missed you there. Sorry.
Yes, Instant new people to meet is amazing. I only knew it in theory, the reality is more touching than I expected. Thanks for your anticipation.
Malathionman: I read about your little cardboard box…. knitting, huh?
Rita: I just read your words. Very kind. Thank you.
Apathy Lounge: Aren’t chance and fortune second cousin synonyms?
I’ve built a number of blogs for now and I can cringe at some of the things I used to write. I learnt how to market from some of the top experts on the web but in the end, I realised that I need to feel true to the business that I’m hoping to build. Feeling true can only come with authenicity and not about obeying some marketing law blindly.
You’ve started out great with being authentic in your writings for this blog. It’s amazing isn’t it…you also begin to make great friends on your journey! I’m finding that for myself too!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..25 Ways To Nurture Your Soul
I’ve built a number of blogs for now and I can cringe at some of the things I used to write. I learnt how to market from some of the top experts on the web but in the end, I realised that I need to feel true to the business that I’m hoping to build. Feeling true can only come with authenicity and not about obeying some marketing law blindly.
You’ve started out great with being authentic in your writings for this blog. It’s amazing isn’t it…you also begin to make great friends on your journey! I’m finding that for myself too!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..25 Ways To Nurture Your Soul
Hey, great story.
I gotta be honest… “Writer Dad” is an A class domain name. It stays in your memory. It paints a picture. It works.
I think that is great you guys are collaborating. I hope you two meet with lots of success with your new venture!
LET THE GAMES BEGINNNNNNN
Bamboo Forests last blog post..How to Make a Better Future for Yourself
Hey, great story.
I gotta be honest… “Writer Dad” is an A class domain name. It stays in your memory. It paints a picture. It works.
I think that is great you guys are collaborating. I hope you two meet with lots of success with your new venture!
LET THE GAMES BEGINNNNNNN
Bamboo Forests last blog post..How to Make a Better Future for Yourself
The internet allows working relationships and creative projects like the one between you and Dave flourish.
We really are at the edge of the age of new renaissance, where everyman can learn and pursue and integrate all that they want within themselves.
Steve Millss last blog post..The Secret Key to the Spiritual Mystery
The internet allows working relationships and creative projects like the one between you and Dave flourish.
We really are at the edge of the age of new renaissance, where everyman can learn and pursue and integrate all that they want within themselves.
Steve Millss last blog post..The Secret Key to the Spiritual Mystery
The two of you are inspiring pioneers. I have met many incredible people online via my blog and lately a small voice inside my head keeps reminding me that collaboration opportunities could be endless. These thoughts are only in my head, but you have actually taken action. Bravo!
Stacey / CreateaBalances last blog post..Sunday’s Strike on Perfection
The two of you are inspiring pioneers. I have met many incredible people online via my blog and lately a small voice inside my head keeps reminding me that collaboration opportunities could be endless. These thoughts are only in my head, but you have actually taken action. Bravo!
Stacey / CreateaBalances last blog post..Sunday’s Strike on Perfection