I Think I'm Ready to Branch Out

Hey there.  I picked up the game for the monthly give a way last night (which will be posted shortly!) and my son was pretty excited about the game that I'm giving away.  He was hoping that it was for us to keep until I told him that it wasn't.  That's when he decided that he was going to enter the contest himself in order to win it for himself.  lol  After I explained to him that he can't win cause he lives in our house, he went on to say that he's going to get his friends to enter so that if they win, he can play the game there.  lol  Kids.  I told him to go for it, and that's when it hit me...  His friends love games and I like to give stuff away so I think I'm going to get some personalized pens to give out.  It would be awesome to have small tokens to give out that will have the Metallman name on it.  I think something like this would be awesome.  It matches my logo colors and it looks pretty cool.

It's been a long time coming.  I want to have t shirts made too, but I still need a logo.  Something a little more modern and something a little more catchy.  I'm still in the market for a good one so if you know anyone that can create one for me, send em my way.  Once I get that done, I was thinking of making some custom envelopes so especially made for the winners of the monthly give a ways.  It would be awesome to be able to send out prizes with style.  I was able to find good prices at Amsterdam Printing so I'm thinking of going with that.

What are your experiences in having your name out there in real world?  Did you provide pens, pencils, business cards, etc. etc.?  I would love to get the name out there but I know it would be foolish to do something grand without a grand following.  What do you think?  Suggestions are definitely welcomed.  Thanks!

Metallman's Reverie: Blog Income for March 2011

Hey there.  March is in the the books and it's time to report on how well on (or off) pace we are in reaching my $1700 goal for the year. Let's take a look at the numbers:

Mylikes - $13.14
DragonBlogger - $13.96
Sponsored Tweets - $23.00
Blogsvertise - $97.50
Total for March - $147.60
YTD Total - $499.62 (+$74.62 ahead of pace)

Not too bad, right?  I managed to make a little more than my estimated monthly average of $141.66.  That increased my YTD total to stay on course to exceed my $1700 goal for the year.  Blogsvertise continues to be my bread and butter and it may finally take Izea's spot as my top sponsor.  I am still getting offers from Izea, but I haven't hit the cashout mark just yet.  Also, I am happy that I have earned a few bucks from my articles on DragonBlogger.com but am disappointed that I missed the 4 article quota (yet again) for the month to earn a percentage of the income that is earned from the site. 

Overall, another solid month for Metallman's Reverie.  YES!  It is possible to make money online!  It's not easy, but it's definitely possible.  And because I've been able to be semi-successful at blogging, I started a monthly give a way.  I just shipped out the first prize today and stay tuned for April's prize.  Also, I'm thinking of revamping my logo/avatar.  Maybe modernize it a bit.  If you guys know anyone that is willing to make a new Metallman logo for me, send them my way.  I'm willing to pay cash or free advertising (maybe both?) depending on the quality of the design.  Thanks friends for all your support!  If you are blogger and looking to make a few bucks, check out my links above and check it out for yourselves.  Tell them that Metallman sent ya!  Later!

Xbox 360 Repair Tech in Training

Just like my dad!

Hey there. I wanted to post this picture because I think it's awesome. lol  I haven't really had the chance to work on some Xboxes that need some repair.  They all have the 3 Red Rings and considering that I've had some moderate success in repairing them, I told my cuz I'd give it a go.  While I was cleaning the CPU and GPU chips on one of the machines, I got out of the chair to get a drink.  That's when I see my youngest boy on the chair, ready and eager to get to it.  lol  That's when I snapped the pic above.  My wife told me last night that our son grabbed his tools (toys) and placed them on top of the computer as if he was gearing up ready to work on it, just like his pops.  lol  That young one sure is something else. 

As for the Xboxes, I managed to get 1 of the 3 working.  I played some games on it and watched a DVD to make sure that it wouldn't over heat and it worked just fine.  I pieced it back together and it's ready to go back to the owner.  When I was about to work on Xbox #2, I decided to check the error code before digging in.  I find that it has error 0003, from what I've been told, may not be repairable due to a bad GPU or bad solder connections around the GPU.  I don't have the tools or the know how to even comprehend the problem, but I decided to remove the X-clamps and readjust the heat sinks.  Still no dice.  It has the same error code and considering that I'm not 100% what's wrong with it, I won't mess with it any more without the consent of the owner.  Xbox #3 will have to wait til tonight.  I haven't checked the code on it or anything but I'm confident that I'll be able to get it working.

I also picked up the Kinect for the Xbox not too long ago and I must say that it's pretty awesome.  We picked it up with Kinect Adventures and even though the games are simple enough, doing the "Adventure" really makes you move and gets you sweating.  Speaking of moves, we also picked up Zumba Fitness and even though I'm a terrible dancer, it's fun to try and do the dance moves.  lmao  I guess I'll need to do the tutorials on that one because trust me, I have no rhythm.  I'm surprised that the wife has not leaked the footage of me trying on youtube.  lol  Using the Kinect is definitely a work out on it's own and if you guys haven't had a chance to try it, you definitely should.  Until then, later!

Battling Depression

Hey there.  You know, I've been in a funk recently.  It's even been suggested that I may have some sort of depression.  Me?  The clown that likes to make not so funny jokes, sarcastic remakes, while dancing the robot?  Wow.  Didn't know that could happen.  Nevertheless, I took initiative and started to look into some of the treatments for depression.  What I found out about the disease (because it is a disease) is that it can strike anyone, even those that look happy on the outside but are depressed on the inside.  After speaking with a few friends that have dealt with some sort of depression at one point, suggested I look to buy Pristiq.

I'll admit that I never heard of it before but since I value this person's opinion, I had to check it out.  I looked for it online and sought out the pros and cons.  A big pro was that it can be bought online.  Which is great for those of us that want to be discrete about it.  Using an online pharmacy can give you that added privacy, but you need to be careful because I'm sure that the online pharmacy that can offer you drugs without a prescription is not trustworthy.  Even the Pristiq website warns you of those looking to make a buck and will offer you a way to buy cheap Pristiq through a trusted online pharmacy.  I love that their website is open about getting you the help you need, even by helping you find the generic Pristiq for those of us that are strapped for cash.

I didn't think that depression could happen to me.  I'm still not 100% that it's there.  The only way to know for sure is to get a doctor and get checked out.  And when that time comes, make sure to ask about Pristiq.  It's better to get that information from a doctor than an online blogger.  Take care, friends.  Later!

Do Your Hosting HW with Web Hosting Geeks

Hey there friends.  You know, when I was searching for a domain name, I also went on the hunt to find a good web host for my blog.  Most you know that I already have a difficult time with change but the domain one was an easy choice.  Metallmans-reverie.blogspot.com  Really?  That's too long and there's a hyphen in there.  I needed something quick and easy.  Metallman.com was available and I jumped on it.  Then it was time for the web host.

I went through many a web hosting directory and I couldn't find what I was looking for.  A great rating system, easy pricing guide, features, etc. etc.  Not until I found the Web Hosting Geeks site that I was satisfied with a directory that showed everything that I needed to make a wise decision.  Just take a look at this Fat Cow review.  It has everything you need in a very organized star rating system to assist in your web hosting decision.

As for me, I'm still being hosted by Blogger.  The domain change was an easy decision... the web hosting, not so much.  I've gotten used to the layout and how Blogger works that jumping ship may make it difficult for me to learn how to use and get accustomed to a new host and layout.  Then again, I might do something crazy one day and just do it.  If that day were to happen, at least I'd know where to look to make sure I don't make a dumb mistake and over pay for web hosting!  lol  Later!

Monthly Tech Stuff Giveaway is Here

Hey there.  So I mentioned in an earlier post that I was going to do a give a away for you guys since I am now venturing on my 4th year of blogging and I have just come up with an idea.  Believe it or not, the local Target has some awesome stuff on clearance ALL THE TIME in the electronic section.  I always snoop around the games and what not to see if there is something that catches my eye.  Just this weekend, I saw a stack of PS2 bundled with the game Toy Story 3 on clearance for like $80.  PS2 on clearance!  I couldn't believe it.

So I have decided.  I'm going to pick out an item from that clearance section every month (around the 15th or so) and give that item away to you, my readers!  Who knows what it'll be.  An iPod case?  CD?  DVD?  Headphones? A game?  Game console?  Blu-ray player?  Who knows.  I just know that I'll stop by and pick something up and display it here as the item of the month to win.  Rules?  Here goes:

Open to US and Canadian friends only.  Give-a-way will run from the 15th of the month until the end of the month.  The winner will be announced shortly after the give-a-way ends.

Earn entries by:

Comment on the post of the giveaway (+1 entry)
Share on Facebook (+3 entries)
Share on Twitter (+3 entries)
Share on Google Buzz (+3 entries)
Subscribe to my feed (+5 entries)

I think that should do it, no?  If sharing on FB, Twitter or Google Buzz, please advise via comment so that I can verify.  Info will be displayed via sticky post linking to the original post until the end of the give-a-way.  Once all entries are in, I'll select a random winner using random.org and contact them for shipping instructions. 

Thanks for hanging around for 3 years!  Now, you shall be rewarded with random stuff on a monthly basis!  lmao  Stay tuned for the first item up for grabs!  Later!

Classics V. Technology

Hey there.  You know, I was thinking about nature and what not and have decided that I want to start hiking.  Maybe even write about what I see and do while out and about with the family.  The problem?  If you don't have tough, rugged equipment, you will find your stuff torn by the elements.  Rocks, branches, brush... they will all nip and tear at your bags and what not.  I was telling myself that if I were to play a Henry David Thoreau type person, I would need my laptop to write about nature.  Hey, it's the 21th century.  lol  While Mr. Thoreau may have used ink and quills, I'm using a laptop.  Just at a glance, I would need a laptop messenger bag that is built for the elements. Something that will stand against nature or at least give my laptop a fighting chance of surviving.  How else am I going to write the next Walden without my laptop?

I've been on a mission recently to read more literary classics.  So far, I've read Catcher in the Rye and Siddhartha.  While more books are coming my way, I started to think how these classics would be written today.  Going back to Thoreau's Walden, I don't think we would be able to create such a masterpiece of solitude today.  There is technology everywhere.  Cell phones, laptops, smartphones, tablets...  Pen and paper have been replaced with keyboards and software.  Would Sheldon be so full of angst if he could take it out on a game of Angry Birds?  Would Siddhartha use GPS tracking to navigate through the jungles to find himself and total bliss? 

It's awesome that tales from the past rely heavily on the art of story telling.  So while I'm trekking across rugged terrain, I can stop, look at my kindle and read up on some classics.  What books do you recommend?  There are still a few that I would like to own, like Billy Budd.  It's a short story but a good one nonetheless.  Later!

Happy Blogaversary - 3 Years Completed. Year 4... COMMENCE

Hey there friends.  3 years are in the books.  3 full years as a blogger.  Wow!  Actually, the anniversary was yesterday, March 13th, but I didn't have time to post something then. I do want to let you know that I am planning a give a way this month.  I'm leaning towards shipping out a video game to one my readers in the states.  I'm not sure which one, but stay tuned and find out which one.  Also, I wanted to "come out" on that day.  No, not like that.  But come out in the way were I can no longer stay "anonymous".  It's kind of pointless now.  For those that are new to the site, you simply know me as "Metallman", a moniker that has been with me for well over a decade now.  For those of you know that have come to know me beyond the site, know me as Victor, or Vic. 

You know, when I first started this blog, I figured that I would be another random voice in a sea of tech.  I've learned the names of friends while others stayed in their online persona.  Now, with Twitter, Facebook, and what not... it's more and more difficult to keep that online persona a secret so instead of keeping that charade going, I'd figure I'd just come out and say it.  My name is Victor Salazar and I live in Southern California. 

I'll admit that I was pushed to come out by another blog that I frequently visit.  When I stopped at the "About me" section of it, I noticed that this "Cheap and Geeky" friend used an online moniker but then decided against it.  I told myself that it would be harder to stay anonymous than to get personal with your readers and that was when I decided that I should just lay it out there. 

I am not only Metallman online and I am not only Victor everywhere else.  I am both so I don't mind either one.  So how do you feel about the whole "coming out" thing?  Is it something that you would feel comfortable doing or something that you would still like to keep to yourself?  I'm curious to know if you've come out already, plan to come out any time soon, or stay anonymous.  I'd love to know if there were any changes that you've made over if you did come out.  Share your experiences, friends.  Later!

I swear I had this conversation with a blogging buddy once

Metallman's Reverie: Blog Income for February 2011

Hey there.  February is in the the books and it's time to report on how well on (or off) pace we are in reaching my $1700 goal for the year. Let's take a look at the numbers:


Yahoo Contributor Network - $1.85
CMFAds - $2.25
MyLikes - $5.84
DragonBlogger.com - $17.00
Sponsored Tweets - $25.25
Blogsvertise - $64.00 
Total for Feb- $116.19
YTD Total - $352.02 (+$68.69 ahead of pace)

Not too bad.  I failed to meet the minimum of $141.66 this month but my good January definitely carried me into the plus side this month.  I am trying some new things to see if they'll increase traffic and income and I was pleasantly surprised that I received a payment from YCN.  They'll pay based on impressions so for every 1000 page veiws, you'll get paid $1.50.  I have not been as active as I would like but it's nice to know that someone out there is still reading some of the articles I published there.  I also received payment for my work on Dragon Blogger.  My first payment there and I'm hoping that more will follow.

Overall, a solid month.  I fell short by only $25 so that's not too bad.  I'm trying things out and doing well in the online community.  If you believe that you're ready to try out some of online services that I use, check out the links above.  Tell them that Metallman sent you.  lol  Best of luck!  Later!

What's Going On

Hey there.  March 1st, that's today.  It is exactly 12 days away from finishing my 3rd year of blogging.  I can't believe that it's been close to 3 full years already!  I  was thinking of maybe doing some kind of give a away.  Maybe a game?  Maybe some cash?  Maybe some kind of prize?  I don't know just yet.  I've been thinking about it, I've just haven't decided what it will be.  Any suggestions?

Best workstation ever!

On a side note, I just wanted to fill you guys in and what's been going down on my side of computer.  My geek side has been pretty busy.  I unlocked my cousin's iPhone last night, I am working on fixing 2 more PS3s, and I have an XBOX 360 coming my way later tonight for me to take a look at.  I'm sure my wife is not thrilled about it.  I'm one those people that gets a little geeked out by this kinda stuff and will spend hours non stop working on all things tech. My wife made a comment to my cousin and his wife how she should dress up as some broken tech device so that I would pay attention to her.  lol 

Things on the blogging side have been going well.  Just not as well as I would like.  I managed to get the computer at home working but I haven't been working much at home.  My time online has been tight and I manage to churn out a post or two.  I need to get on the ball with that and spend some more leisure time on improving my online stats.  I've also made a conscience effort to provide more comments on blogs.  I've been horrible at letting know that I've stopped by so that's being improved upon.

Midnight snacks are the best!

Working out has been good to me, I guess.  I missed my exercise check in last week (damn time restrictions) so I'll make sure that I have one in this week.  Most likely be done tomorrow or Thursday.  I don't feel as winded as I have before and the wife says that there is some subtle differences in my body.  But, I don't know if I'm helping the cause by having ice cream at midnight.  lol

I also had a so called "man date" this Saturday with the compadre and a friend.  That adventure will be detailed in an upcoming post.  lol 

I know I'm forgetting some stuff but I'm sure that'll just come to me later.  So what's going on with you, friends?  What's new in the life of you?  Hope to hear from you soon.  Later!

What's Your Website Worth?

Hey there.  Have you ever wondered how much your website is worth?  You hear big numbers from some of the more popular sites but for us small time blogging folk, how would we be able to determine how much our small piece of internet real estate is worth?  I went on a mission to find out how much metallman.com is worth and let's check out some of the numbers.


Website Outlook
Estimeted worth of metallman.com is USD 13074.3 according to websiteoutlook (Not so sure how much faith I can put in a site that misspells Estimated)

Urlappraisal.net

Your Estimated Site Worth Is: $8,020.21  (Not bad, I guess. Let's see what else we get)

Bizinformation.org 
Metallman.com Valuation $465,795.6  (Whoa! Check please! Wait... Paypal only!!!)

Webarbiter.com
Estimated value of the metallman.com is 73912,5 USD (And apparently that's the equivalent of 21 camels!  lmao!)

Well... as you can see, if you check the wrong the site you'll think that your site is worth a fortune!  It's tough to gauge how much the site is really worth.  Especially when it comes time to sell your domain.  I wouldn't sell my domain (unless bizinformation sends that half a million to my paypal account right away!).  Once you start blogging and have been doing it for several years, it's more of a way of life than a hobby. 

So, tell me friends.  What sites do you use to check up on your stats, worth, and visitors?  I'm curious to see what sites are accurate and which are not. As much as I would LOVE to believe that this site is worth half a mil, I know it's not.  I would love to be able to find that one site that would be able to accurately gauge where I stand.  Where I would know, just for the sake of knowing, how much I could potentially sell this site if push comes to shove.  Let me hear it friends.  Later!

Metallman's Reverie: Blog Income for January 2011

Hey there.  Blogging has not only become a good hobby of mine, it's also become a source of extra income.  I'm a gamer, I'm a techie, and I feel a little on the guilty side when I use personal funds on my gaming and techie needs.  Blogging has provided that extra funding and I am extremely thankful for it.  This is why I'm going to post on my monthly earnings.  So you guys can see first hand where I'm making those few bucks on the side and if you want in on it, please feel free to use the links I provide.  So let's get to it!

MyLikes - $8.03
Blogsvertise - $50.00
SocialSpark - $62.78
Personal Ads - $115.02
Total Income - $235.83

Not too bad for the first month of the year and it's definitely above pace of my $1700 goal for the year.  I received a huge boost from personal ads this month, which includes links, blogrolls, and ad space.  I have other income opportunities that I'm involved in that I didn't mention above and that's simply because I haven't gotten paid on them.  I don't want to include pending stuff since that's money that I haven't seen.  For you bloggers that haven't signed up for SocialSpark, you definitely should.  I have nothing but good things to say about Izea, Inc. and now that's they've added a referral service to SocialSpark, it's just another way that you could earn a few more bucks by blogging.  Also, Blogsvertise makes it easy to write about whatever you want as long as the link required is in the post.  This gives you huge flexibility on the topic to write about to make it flow with your blog.  It's definitely something you guys should check out.  And as for MyLikes, I like how easy it is to use.  You chose your "Like" and send a Tweet.  That's it.  And since you can link up to Facebook, you can easy earn cash with each click you receive. 

I strongly recommend you guys sign up for the above services if you haven't already.  Don't miss out earnings because you don't think you can.  There's some serious cash to be made from blogging and it surprises many people on how easy it is.  Hope you guys sign up and tell em that Metallman sent you.  lol  Best of luck!  Later!

Time to Hit the Gym

Hey there.  Yeah, yeah, I know... I sound like a broken record.  I'm going to gym, I'm going to work out, I'm going to be fit... blah blah blah.  This time I mean it!  lol  The only thing that I'm debating on whether or not I should go in the morning, or at night, and whether or not I should look into getting some kind of weight loss pills, not that I need them or anything, just as a little added boost. I've had my eye on those Slim 9 pills but I'm beginning to think that maybe they're for the ladies.  I'll have to check that out further.  A little added boost never hurt anyone.  Especially since the name "fat ass" has been lingering around me for quite some time now. lol

You know, I've never really been a gym rat, but there was a time a few years ago when I took the exercising thing seriously.  I've found myself to be a little out of breath and all so I'm looking to regain that composure.  I'm 28, I'm not old (I don't think) and I don't think that climbing up some stairs should warrant some deep breaths.  I'll take care of it though.  I'll post my results here.  I'll get started tonight or tomorrow morning.  I'm leaning more towards tonight because let's be honest, friends, I don't think tomorrow at 5 am is gonna happen.  lol  Wish me luck!  Later!

Undecided About Web Hosting

Hey there.  You know, one of the best things I ever did for my blog get my own domain name. It shows that I was serious about my site, serious about the dedication that I plan on putting into the site, and it opened up many business opportunities for me.  The second step is getting a good web hosting plan.  I'll be honest with you, I'm still hosted on a free platform, but I've been feeling pressure from blogging buddies to try a different hosting platform.  I'm still on the fritz about it, but I know that it's also costing me opportunities since some jobs will not accept blogspot hosted blogs. 

For those of you are still looking, WebHostingFan.com offers deals and news regarding different web hosting platforms.  The great thing about it is that it eliminates the need to search the web for deals when the best deals are readily available on the first page.  Another awesome part of the site is the reviews.  They do their own review of the hosting site and rate it based on value, technical support, customer service, etc. etc.  Just check out their BlueHost review to get a good idea of how it works.

If you're in the market for web hosting, save yourself from searching the web and go directly to webhostingfan.com for the latest in deals and offers in web hosting.  I think I'm afraid to transfer my blog, but I wouldn't put it past me if one day, Metallman's Reverie is hosted somewhere else.  Later!

Google Gods Have Blessed Metallman with a PR3

Hey there.  The new Google Page Rankings are now out and I'm happy to announce that Metallman's Reverie now has a PR3!  Whoo hoo!  For the first 2 years I was stuck with a dreaded PR0.  I didn't care much about it since I have my small following and rankings really didn't matter to me.  This last year, I was blessed with a PR2.  I was pretty stoked about that since that dreaded 0 was dropped.  Now that I am about to embark in my 4th year blogging (wow... really?  It's been almost 3 full years already?!?!?), I have earned a PR3!  Pretty damn awesome!  I have come to realize that a strong PR shows that your dedication and hard work is appreciated by the online gods.  Starting off 2011 with a bang.  I love it.  Thanks to all my readers.  You guys are making it happen.  Later!

Check out your updated Google PR here.

Metallman's Reverie: Blog Income for 2010

Hey there.  2010 is gone and we are kick starting 2011 with last year's income report.  A common question that I get asked is, "How do I make money online?"  The answer I usually provide is, "With a lot of work!" but to be honest, that hard work is not to make money, but to build an audience that will actually visit your site, providing you with that opportunity to make money through ads, page views, and sponsored posts.  Once you've managed to have a small following, then you can turn your focus on earnings.  Here's some of the highlights (and lowlights) of my year:

• October was my best month.  Total income that month was $161.37
• May was my worst month.  Total income that month was $2.80
• IZEA, Inc. (Sponsored Tweets, SocialSpark, Payperpost) was my my biggest money maker.  Total income for the year was $563.76.
• Mylikes was an up and coming earner for my Twitter account.  I started using it in June and made $110.01 for the year.
• Blogsvertise was an up and coming earner for my blog.  I started using it in October and made $187.00 for the year.
• Total income totaled $1,074.95.  Well short of my goal of $1,500.00

All in all, I want to deem 2010 a disappointing year.  I made approx. $1,200.00 in 2009 and was hoping to increase that by a modest $300.  I believe that I would have exceeded my goal if I didn't have a few months where I was out of sync with my blog and didn't post or work as much as I should have (I'm looking at you, MAY!!!!).   However, I am excited about a few opportunities that have opened up to me.  Especially, the spot I have earned as a writer on DragonBlogger.com.  I have three articles written there and my quota is 4 a month.  It's tough to get it done when you don't have a working computer at home!!!  But I'm excited about it and I need to get the ball rolling on that. 

So there you have it.  A total of $1,074.95 made from my modest, little blog.  Not bad, no?  Short of my $1,500 goal for the year, but that's not stopping me from increasing my goal yet again.  $1,700.00 for 2011!!!  Whoo hoo!  Let's do this!  Thanks, friends, for making it happen.  Later!

Going Back to Blogging Roots

Hey there.  I've been reading some of my old posts and I've just realized that I've gone a bit much on the commercial side.  Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that I've been considered for sponsored posts as well as guest posts.  It allows me to add a new dimension to my site.  However, as I've gone through the past month or so, I've noticed that original content is less and less while 3rd party posts have increased.  The solution?  Increase the amount of original Metallman content.  Adding more of the essence that is me should bring the my identity back into my site.

I've gone away from the daily BS that saturates my life and have gone the way that many bloggers have gone.  They simply let their blogs/site fall into obscurity and do not update their site with their original work.  They simply become another site with the same stuff that is already on the internet.  There is nothing to make someone want to come check out your site when there are thousands of others with a similar post.  I admit, I falling down that path.  No more, my friends.

I've decided that I need to add myself back into this site.  My daily ramblings, my daily quirks, and my daily actions that bring smiles to those around me.  I feel that many things have gone on that were definitely blog worthy have been lost to laziness and a lack of dedication.  And the one that loses out on those experiences are you, my readers, and I apologize.  2011 will be a banner year for Metallman.com and I'm hoping that you guys will stick along for the ride.  Thanks.

Rock Band 3 Review on Dragon Blogger

Hey there. My review of Rock Band 3 is now up on DragonBlogger.com. Check out the review here and let me what what you guys think. Thanks.

A Part of the Dragon Blogger Team

Hey there.  Not too long ago, I wrote about a gig that I got writing video game reviews.  Well, yesterday, my first review was published and now that I know for sure that I am on the team, I would like to happily announce that I am now part of the Dragon Blogger team!  I've watched Justin, the owner at www.Dragonblogger.com, since I started my site and have seen him grow his site and have used his site as my personal benchmark.  Now, I'm nowhere near as successful as he is but he does provide some awesome tips on all things tech, blogging, and SEO.  When he sent out an open invitation for writers to help expand his site, I had to jump on the opportunity.  Now, my very first article on Dragon Blogger has been published. And the best part?  It's gotten some pretty positive comments.  So check out my review of Bioshock 2 here, friends and let me know what you think.  Later!

Video Game Reviews are Coming

Hey there.  I've got a new gig doing video game reviews!  How awesome is that?!  Now I have a legitimate excuse, err... I mean reason, to play video games!  I need to go over the terms and conditions of the job to make sure that I am not violating any kind of exclusive rights of any kind.  Since the reviews are for a different site that is not mine, I don't know if I'll be allowed to post the same content elsewhere.  If not, no prob.  I'll just provide a link to my awesome review! 

Now, I'm on the hunt for a good video game renting system...  Should I go with Gamefly?  Which I've heard good and bad things about?  Or should I go with that "Red Box" thing that I have seen pop up on super markets everywhere?  Or should I just borrow them from friends and return them when I see fit?  lol  Since I will be reviewing the games, I figured that it would be an expensive job if I were to have to purchase a game a week so I'm sure it's best to rent them out for a few days to get a good feel for the game.  So what do you guys think?  Any suggestions?  Once I go live, I'll provide more details on where I'll be posting my reviews.  Until then, I'll keep you guys in the dark.  =oP  Later!