Thanks for publishing that blog. I like it. I have visited there to view your blog. It really nice. Keep it up.

The "text-heavy" comment immediately had me grinning because that is precisely why I value your blog posts. They are not really "text-heavy" so much as they are "information-heavy" - comprehensive and actionable - the very qualities most needed. So many write in general terms and when you go to act on what they wrote it simply can not be done.

Different blogs attract different audiences. Wordsmiths like me prefer blogs such as yours and DoshDosh and hopefully mine where complex thoughts and strategies are fully examined.

I have been online since 1994 or so, subscribed to every Internet Marketing newsletter back in the day, and have been researching and applying what I've learned ever since. I am not easily impressed and must say I have never seen non-famous sites grow traffic as fast as yours do. Looks like I need to revisit what Yaro has to say and read you much more often.

Thanks so much for the feedback! I appreciate your thoughts. I'm sure my text-heavy content turns some people off, but you can't please everyone, right?

I have arrived few weeks late but can't resist and not to comment.

I agree with everyone that this could be a low way of advertising whatever he does. I also agree that non of us should write or comment on "this" or "it". The best way is to delete the hate and misery of this kind of people.

On other hand, I went to his site and by spending minute or two on it (if that really is his web site?) everyone could find plenty of material for an unprovoked attack on him... But, we all should wonder why would he do that when there is so much out there from his personal life? Is he really that person that he is claiming to be? Maybe he is pretending to be owner of that site and using World out there to do dirty work for him so real owner will get hurt...

Few words on your work.

I got here from Studiopress.com (another Lifestyle theme owner) and as someone who recently moved and is still moving to WP, changing way of doing business, etc. I find fresheventure.com to be a great source of information thanks to your hard work (great source for business direction I choose years ago but never got around to start implementing it). I see that I have a lot of catching up to do and will be absorbing every word written by you.

Thanks!

I'm so happy you found my blog Kristijan! I've been a little behind on blogging the last couple of weeks (normally post 5 times a week), but I hope to continue writing content that will benefit you!

Wow! The anger is just un called for. Even if you did pay ...that is your choice.

Hello there, just stumble on you blog by pure damn luck browsing through Blog Engage, well you have nice content, anyway, I doesn't know why there are people was just doesn't had sense of "mind your own business."
I had received a few emails this recent weeks... guess what those emails wrote, just like what this guy (or shit) written.
Sometime, I just feel their main purpose is not to get traffic but to release his mind of being jealous to someone who is better then him. This people will never stop, so I guess he will come back again, just beware....

I think it makes being honest on our blogs all the more important. People can say what they want, but if you stay true to your readers, you will always have people there to help keep your reputation in tact.

Yup, I would agree with you too and say that he is only going off the rails like that so that he can try and get himself a bit more traffic and it might work out for him. But, there is not need for such language in the blogosphere and that may actually do more harm than anything else for him.

Wow Keller I've just come by to catch up on your blog and am shocked to see what you've had to deal with these last few days! You've handled this with grace and diplomacy, a tough ask when on the receiving end of hate mail.

As one of your tribe I'm now heading over to John's blog to check out the review and hopefully I'll be able to keep my emotions in check when I add my comment!

Oh and Keller, for what it's worth, as far as I'm concerned when it comes to your blog "text heavy"="loads of awesome content". ;)

Michelle - you're so sweet. And thank you for putting your two cents into the discussion on John's site. It really means a lot to know we have a community online of people passionate about Internet marketing and willing to look out for one another.

I still remember such situation that happened to me before a month in one of my favorite blog. Many spammers are taking advantage of this organic community discussions to earn credibility.

You now can learn one thing. Controversial remarks are earning most attention than anyone as what we are all speaking here now.

I love your blog Kelly

BlogrPro - you're exactly right. This guy actually did me a favor by drawing a little more attention to my review on John's site. Lemons = Lemonade, right?

Hi Keller. One thing that I LOVE about your blog (& there are many) is that you provide well researched (and lengthy) tips, how-to's or product reviews. When I am finished reading your posts I am not left still wondering on the topic or heading off in search of more info. You have given me ALL I need to know on the topic with clear, concise, step-by-step information and as a result I am either ready to buy it, implement it, or use it. If some call your blog 'text heavy' well that's what I love about it and all the GREAT information you provide. So many blogs just touch 'briefly' on various topics which leave me wanting more and invariably I end up having to hunt in any number of places trying to piece together information to make decisions or take action. I for one hope you will KEEP your 'text heavy' posts! :) Thanks.

Thank you soooo much Deb! I'm so glad you enjoy my posts. I never want to hold back info from readers, so I try to put as much info out there as possible. I've since realized breaking topics into separate posts (part 1, 2, 3) helps lighten the load a little though.

I think you are right Keller. That guy just wanted a piece of the traffic John's getting, nothing more nothing else. He wants publicity in any way or form. Don't fuel the fire, people will just check his blog and see what he has to offer. I'm not going there so he won't get any traffic from me.

I think a man is syco and he hates top blogger.

Hi Keller,

I liked your review on JohnChow.com and as a result I am an adittional visitor to your site via John's. I agree with the text heavy part, I personally like to break up text with some images and a little color. I'm sure you've heard every picture tells a story. Either way your blog is great Keller.

About Indi, using that language is just terrible and wrong. There are more polite and tactful ways to vent any frustration onto others which yeild better results. it just sounds as if he might be jealous amongst other things. I'll be the first one to admit that controversy is a great thing but I wouldnt go about creating it by abusing 2 well known, respected and appreciated bloggers both yourself and John.

Do I agree with buying a product through someones affiliate link with a bribe??? Hmm, sure only if the offer is of any value. Your story here is testimant that it was something of value. After all, what value would you receive buying through someone else's link? Maybe zero!

As affiliate marketers, some of us market similar products to similar markets and both John and other marketers know this which is why they/we all need to make buying through our links that little more attractive and so we sweeten the deal.

These days it's all about giving the most value. John offered you the most value and you Acted.

Vince.... Your new reader.

Vince, I'm so glad you found me and even happier that you've stuck around! Hope to see your comments in the future.

Wow, not very cool. People like this need to get a life. Seriously what his beef with John and to take it out on you. No need for this.

Keller, I'm sure everything turns out well for you with this as you have the whole blogosphere supporting you -- I hope that the comment(s) on John's blog will only make things better for you (loved your reply to it).

But that comment you have now removed is just plain rude and using such a language is not justified by any means, no matter what has happened and made this fellow so upset.

All-in-all, all this made me sick to my stomach. I have nothing but the highest respect to you as I've been following you and the blog for months now, I know for a fact that you're one of the most heart-warming and helpful bloggers I know. But I guess these kind of things are bound to happen sooner or later...

Zemalf, I feel like I don't deserve such fantastic feedback - really means a lot. I've enjoyed connecting with you and hope for much success for you and your awesome blog!

I don't think your posts are overwhelming. If anything its more beneficial than most bloggers put into a post. Keep doing what you do best and don't let a unprofessional blogger get to you.

Hi Keller,
What a terrible email to have in one's inbox getting up in the morning!
Get over this and keep up the good work. I'm always happy to read your posts. We learn so much with your content.

Thanks Jackie - yes, it definitely wasn't what I was expecting and went down a lot tougher than my first cup of coffee, but it happens.

Opppssss, it's a free, democratic world :) Keller, don't get angry. I understand that this man is angry at something and putting all that on you for nothing. No matter you paid to John or not, it is your private business matter.

Yes it is, but it's also my name and my blog he ridiculed. I'm definitely not mad though - actually more like excited - excited about the feedback I've received from everyone else!

Hey Keller,

I hope you don't mind to much, I took to liberty of getting involved with the nasty discussion over at Jon Chow's blog. I hope my comment helps Indi discover something more powerful in his life than hurting others. If there's anything I know from my years of counseling and study in relationships... it's that hurting people hurt people. So Indi is a hurting person... what he needs from us is support and not condemnation. I wish I knew how to connect with him and help him get past his hurts so he can share his gifts with the world. I know that he could touch people's lives because he is obviously a passionate man... at the moment that passion is directed negatively.

Onto your review on Jon Chow's blog though. His review was insightful and very true. I for one love your 'Text Heavy' approach. But I'm a die hard novel and self-help book reader. I'll spend hours and hours and hours reading everyday. It's and addiction really. I'm addicted to learning. Your nice long 'text heavy' post are exactly the kind of posts my mind craves. I can't stand images and can't ever seem to figure out how to add them to my own posts.

Silly fact about me to illustrate my point: I can't read comic books... too many pictures. I want to create the pictures myself.

Writing (no matter the style - teaching or entertaining) is completed not when the writer has laid the pen on the desk and called the work finished, but when the reader turns the last pages and enters reality anew, for it is in the mind of the reader that the a story or a teaching comes to life and forms new memories and experiences.

Wow, I just went all Socrates on you. :)

Guess I'm just saying I like your posts the way they are.

As for the site design with pictures and what now... the only thing that I'd ever do differently is to make your call to action more prominent.

For instance... there are 17 links above the fold on your website (when viewed on my monitor) that take your reader to something other than your sign-up. There are two (maybe three) links that are call to action. Now I know that My blog is absolutely terrible at this... I still can't figure out my design.

But My point is that by looking at your home page or any other page for that matter... signing up for your free report is something that's optional... it's small and non-prominant. Header Right, sidebar, footer - I've got lots of options other than signing up.

Compare that to IncomeDiary.com's home page. What reaches out and grabs your attention on his homepage? His Call to action... you absolutely can't miss it and can't ever misjudge what he's wants you to do. Yet he still has his recent posts, interviews, and relevant navigational links.

Now, I'm not advocating you redesign your site, but just pointing out that one of the things you've taught me is that you want people to know exactly what your call to action is on your front page and that everything you do should be in someway directing people to your call to action. I just wonder if maybe your call to action was bigger or more prominent, if you'd get a better conversion rate.

Again, I'm not speaking from experience, just paying attention to my habits when I visit sites and taking notes on how I respond to different things. For instance, I spent two weeks on your site reading and paying attention before I singed up. I signed up at IncomeDiary on my first visit... and honestly your content is better than his and think your free report would be more valuable to readers.

Maybe you should poll your readers and find out their thoughts on your call to action... like how long before they signed up... or what encouraged them to sign up. The details might be quite revealing and help you determine if you should change something or if your current strategy is working like a charm. But you'll never know if you don't ask... you taught us that too "Shameless Self Promotion" :).

This is more for me than you... don't be afraid to ask your readers for their opinion. Sometime I think they want to see you succeed more than themselves... because watching you succeed gives them hope and we all desperately need hope.

Have a fantastic day Keller. Sorry for writing an entire article in your comment section... hope I don't blow up Disqus.

You have some fantastic points Richard! I love the idea of taking a couple polls and asking how long it took subscribers to sign up. I also wanted to do a poll about what people think is the first element visitors see on my home page (this was back when I did the web design podcast), but I just never got to it.

I really LOVE the design of incomediary.com. I guess my main focus is making sure people can find content on my site that's related to them. Once they do and gain some value from it, they will (hopefully) sign up for my newsletter. I don't really want subscribers who will just unsubscribe a week later because it turns out they don't like my writing, my personality or my whatever. Plus, since I am still making a name for myself, I need a lot of content for search engines.

I am definitely still learning of new ways I can increase my subscriber rate (like adding my newsletter signup to my Facebook Fan Page). Your points are absolutely spot on and I will keep them in mind.

Oh, and be careful about showing me good looking web designs - I have a habit of changing mine too often when I feel inspired :)!

Hey Keller,

You crack me up :) - "I guess my main focus is..." - You know your main Focus... It's to create fantastic content that gets your readers to sign up to your newsletter. No guessing involved. You've taught us in your posts that we need to know what ours is too. If your focus is first on getting people to read your content and then signing up... then you are absolutely spot on... that's what I did.

But if your focus is to get subscribers first and then send them great content all the time, then you might be a little backwards.

I haven't really decided which approach I want to take yet. I'm still in the 'deciding what my brand and focus is' stage. I'm still coming up with fantastic ideas and i'm just trying now to figure out how to put them together into a cohesive package.

Keller hi
I am just writing to tell you that you have shown a tremendous amount of self control and restraint in your dealings with this person who has the pathetic cheek to think that he can operate in the same internet environment as yourself.
His diatribe has done nothing for himself, and graphically illustrates to the rest of the internet world what a typical spammer has as a mindset, showing us all that it takes up no more space than that of a simple and common garden pea, and even then, within the pea there is room for a bus.
Keep doing what you are doing, integrity always shines through!

Thank you so much Colin. I've never been one for tossing negatives back and forth, but trust me I was tempted. Then I realized the opportunity with his comment - it was going to happen sooner or later, and I would rather begin learning how to handle such things now.

That guy is stupid ever and forever..John Chow owns his blog so, he can do anything he like..The guy just want some attention from readers..just bother him..I hate that such person..not cool and gentle at all..

Anyway..keep it up girl..

Keep using all the space and text you need for your intelligent articles. Not overwhelming. A breeze to read. Clear and well-developed, paragraphs flowing logically into the next. Maybe "text-heavy" is meant to suggest adding more images or visual aides?

I think you're right alajoann and thank you so much for you feedback - it means A LOT!

Yah, i already read that hateful comment before. But i do not care about it, I already have a lot experience in that hateful comment in my old bahasa indonesia blog before, and the best way to deal with it is by ignore it.

Good luck!

I am so proud of you for keeping your cool and moving forward. Clearly this guy has issues with simple life skills.

The information you share is dynamic, innovative and pure, and QUITE lengthy. But, some of us (me) are visual learners and suffer from ADHD (not really but it the excuse of he decade) and like the distraction of a image or two to break up content.

Girl You Rock! :)

Thank you for your feedback and oh so kind words msfreeman! I think I misunderstood "text-heavy." It's not that the posts are too long (I hope), but rather that there's a ton of text and not enough graphics. I will keep that in mind.

Hi,
Yes you understood correctly. And I'm not asking or expect that you change your style, I just have to take the time to settle in and read. Keep up the great work; I look forward to learning lots from you.

I think he just wants some traffic (and it seems to be working - I visited the site just to take a look and I'm sure others did, too :-). Either that or he was depressed...

Why do you dislike paying for traffic? If planned correctly, PPC, paid reviews and other methods can increase your income substantially... so why not do it?

I agree J and don't get me wrong - paying for traffic can work well for a business.

I think my first year online (with absolutely no money to spend) became my mindset and has stayed with me. I know how to get lots of free traffic from search engines. Plus, traffic from search engines allows you to figure out what your target market is searching for without wasting money on bad (un-targeted) traffic. You can learn so much about your target market for free.

Paying for traffic is a whole other world and requires time and attention for testing and tracking. SEO requires time and attention as well. I guess I've just chosen to focus on SEO (keeps my profit margins up).

hey keller, my 2 cents. although i think the language the guy used was horrible and a complete waste of internet air space, i do understand his point. hear me out before you judge me. lol

i don't know how i found your blog keller, but i think you do go a very goo job of helping others and giving valuable information. so i respect that.

john chow has a bad habit of promoting bull-crap for that sake of making a dollar at the expense of his followers. his reviews tend to be pure fluff and i have seen him promote websites and products that sucked, just because he benefited from them.

is john chow a nice guy? maybe. does john chow make money online? i'm sure he does. will john chow sell you crappy products to make a dime? most definitely.

now granted. i think the review he did of your site was honest, but only because i have been here for awhile (plus have had a few email conversations with you) and you seem to be a genuine person.

i just can't say the same for john chow. don't get me wrong, i don't hate john chow, i have just read enough about him (good and bad) which makes me question his motives. on top of that he has used many "black hat" tactics to get to the top, but then doesn't share his secrets.

ok and don't get me started about how he claims to be an internet marketer who can teach people how to make money online, but barely and rarely manages to break the first page for that keyword ... \=][\=

I've seen some pretty bad reviews of John too Arsha. Seems people either like him or hate him. I just think there are better ways to go about getting your opinion across - this guy chose the wrong way (perhaps on purpose). He will probably see an increase in traffic on the day he left those comments, but it will trail off. He's forgetting that getting traffic doesn't mean you're going to get something from that traffic.

i'm bummed because i was thinking of myself in your position and thought you would have had a big increase in traffic because of john chow's review. and i was thinking that if i were you, i would have totally looked at my traffic stats today. and the comments would be fun too. well, i am really sorry about this guy. makes my heart hurt for you. i dont know how some people are so angry. you go get 'em tiger!

Aw, thanks Steiff. Don't worry - this didn't get me down at all. I know what he's doing and he's only helped me with his comments. Make lemons into lemonade - right?

I was fortunate to see an increase in traffic plus 50 new newsletter subscribers within the first two days! Now, I just need to keep them :).

Wow, what a hateful little man. I say good for you for seizing the opportunity to get your blog in front of a John Chow sized audience. Nothing underhanded about it at all, just good business.

I'm so glad you said that Cindy (been a while since I've seen you btw!). We definitely need to take advantage of every opportunity as long as it coincides with our value system.

I never really understood people who wasted time attacking others. It reminds me of an article I wrote about reading becoming a lost art. It's sad to see people in this advanced day and age resort to such low levels in an attempt to achieve something. All he has done in my opinion is make it harder for himself to ever be taken successful. But they do say if your being attacked in such a manor then you must be doing something right.

I must say though, I've been a reader for about 2 days now and I do appreciate the time and effort you put into your site.

It's always great to have something good to read that is also helpful. Keep up the good work.

Thank you so much dsmy! I hope you continue to come back.

Good for you for standing up for yourself. He is just trying to get traffic by being an ass...that just makes him lose a ton of credibility in my book.

Great review though and congrats on the success. John reviewed my eBook recently and the results were great. I didn't pay for mine either ;)

The levels some people will slip to astound me. Does he honestly think this will help him? Dirtbag.

I actually found your site through the review posted on johnchow dot com. The review appealed to me and encouraged me to check out your site. I was caught by the comments on the unique design features of FresheVenture.com particularly that nifty toolbar that floats at the bottom. After reading a bit I ended up staying for the content and subscribing to your newsletter.

Thanks for the inspiration.

I'm so glad you stopped by Ashton! I hope you enjoy my posts and please be sure to let me know if I can help you with anything.

Good point Keller. Maybe he is trying to rank in some traffic. He is doing it all wrong though. He may get some traffic, but he won't get any returning visitors with his attitude. Once my website is up and running, I have decided to go ahead and ignore such people as I've had a similar experience several years ago. The more you feed their fire, the longer it will burn. Delete key is a must.

I don't want to hide comments that disagree with me, but this one had to go. You're right Autumn - the delete key has to be used sometimes. Comments should only be left on a post when it ads value - this one obviously did not.

Wanted to add that I navigated to your site from JohnChow.com as well. I have added your site as a great resource.