It’s been a little over a month and a half since I last sat down and wrote a blog post here, or anywhere else. It’s actually been a while since I have really been that involved in anything that has to do with blogging, as you all may have noticed.
I think the obvious answer to where I’ve been is: summer. I turned 17 years old in July, and was away for about a month and a half visiting family and friends in Florida. I was working with very limited Internet, and really just wanted to take a bit of time off to enjoy myself before school started. And of course, enjoy my summer vacation.
Not to say blogging isn’t enjoyable, I actually missed it a lot and really tried my best to get around to at least getting some work done.
But, it’s safe to say I’m back in the game 100% and ready to start getting the same content you love and have been missing lately out again. I have received emails and even some tweets asking when I’m going to start writing again, and the answer is now. Glad you guys missed me. 
I also want to thank my good friend Derek Jensen from the newly owned UniqueBlog.net who has written some highly informative articles for the blog while I was away. He did an awesome job, didn’t he?
I also have a message for you guys, the readers of Blogussion:
I don’t know what I did so right to build a community that still supports me even though I’ve been gone for all this time. So thanks guys, I promise to make it up to you all this year.
Some Quick News
There are just a few points I want to make before I talk about the most important stuff I have been planning. Yes, I have been brainstorming quite a bit this summer in my downtime. So, I’m not out of ideas by any means!
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Modified Content Schedule
I have decided to cut down on the frequency articles published from 5 a week to 3. That’s one every other day: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I feel it makes sense considering that most of the articles published here are very heavy on information, and 5 of these type of articles seem too overwhelming.
If 3 articles a week isn’t enough, check out the From Planning to Earning newsletter, where you will receive an email every Sunday filled with great information on how to make money blogging (which is starting back up again permanently that I’m back).
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Partnership with RobsWebTips
This is something new I am trying, and I have very high hopes that you will absolutely love how it turns out. I won’t get into too much detail, but Blogussion and Rob Rammuny’s RobsWebTips will be partnering up and rolling out some pretty exciting things in the upcoming weeks and months. So keep an eye out for what we pull out of sleeves.
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Get Ready for Another Contest
After the crazy success of the last contest ran here, Design Versus Week, I decided I’d like to do it again. It is still in the development stages, but it will be just as entertaining and the prizes will just be mind-blowing. Stay tuned for that one.
More (Exciting) News
I really only have about 3 major expectations for this year in terms of what I want to have built onto Blogussion. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but I guarantee their impacts will be great.
1. The Launch of Kolakube
I mentioned this venture of mine in a post a few months back, and things are still coming along with it. It isn’t completed, and I don’t expect this one to be out until sometime around October.
Essentially, Kolakube will be a site where I and other authors will sell their skins built exclusively on the amazing Thesis framework. There will be free and premium skins released on the site, and I promise you’ll like something you see. So much, it may even make those of you not on Thesis want to switch over.
Once this site launches, I will go into more detail on how this site launch effects you, as a reader of Blogussion. For now, I recommend you signup for infrequent email updates on the status of Kolakube.
2. A Full Blogging Forum
This is something I put a lot of thought into, and I have decided that I want to turn the Blogussion Talk Forums into a full-fledged blogging community. Right now, its only real purpose is to support the customers of the Blogussion Theme for Thesis.
I’d like it to be so much more, and I will be working hard this year to convert it into something that will be useful for everyone. As in, more than just regular discussion forum. Because, let’s face it: forums these days are kind of boring.
So I will keep you posted on this project throughout the year, and if you would like to help out with this forum feel free to contact me and I will let you in on some of the things I may need help with.
3. Periodic Design Refreshes
If you have stuck around the blog for a while, you will have learned at least two things about me:
- I love to design
- I love to design new things for Blogussion
So, throughout this year as new things happen, design refreshes will also be popping up. Some major, and most minor. I believe that when you start expanding your blog in the content and services you offer, you must also follow up with a design that supports these things.
I know this excites some people, as there are quite a few fans of the Blogussion design. It certainly excites me, and I can’t wait to roll out new features.
None of which I will go into quite yet, of course!
So, Did You Miss Blogussion?
I’m very happy to say that everything will be back to normal. Starting Sunday, expect the weekly newsletter to be in your inbox, and Monday: get ready for the great blog posts you missed so much.
See you guys soon.
Photo by Steve Jurvetson
The Discussion
Leave a Comment Read Again?So happy to have you back, Alex! I was getting worried that something was wrong but I’m glad to hear you got some nice R&R before school starts (ugh!)
As you already know, Derek did an awesome job during your hiatus. It’s great for bloggers to be able to rely on each other.
Talk to you soon!
~Nina
Happy to be back. Flattered you were worried, good to know people care.
Derek did an amazing job, he totally put Blogussion in front of his own stuff. Definitely deserves all the credit the past few weeks.
Always glad to see you stopping by Nina.
Ze dude e back en town!
Woohoo!
And sure you have exciting news, ideas and stuff with ye this time. Great man! I guess you deserved a break after all the work year long.
We were planning a protest or something in case you didn’t come back… but now plans are changed
I guess it’s better to be back at work willingly, lol. Glad you called off the protest. xD
Hey Alex,
Great to hear that you’re back, I was wondering why Derek was the only one posting (great content), though he took over or something, glad that you’re back in the game
Definitely look forward to everything that you plan on doing in the future, you certainly have some interesting plans…
Best regards
Appreciate the support Ben. It definitely looked like Derek owned the place for a while didn’t it? xD
It looks like you’ve been busy too man…EpicLaunch looks..epic.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sure thing, ya that’s what I thought happened. Thanks, I have been, working on making it as epic as yours
Awesome to have you back, Alex! And so glad you got a little time off. You deserved it.
Sounds like all kinds of crazy, fantastic stuff coming up- I’m excited to see things falling into place!
Take care!
Glad to be back Steven, thanks for the support as always! I won’t let you down.
Good to see you back, Alex! I’m excited to hear the news of Kolakube. I think it’d be great to have some discounts (or anything good) as an existing Blogussion Inspired theme user when Kolakube launched hehe.
Well, looking forward to see what’s coming up here and around the community.
Oh and welcome back!
Definitely keep that idea in mind Kevin.
Thanks! Good to be back.
Welcome back Alex!.
your blog still SMEXYYYYYY!!!
Take care!
Haha, I’m glad it hasn’t lost its smexiness while I was away.
This is great news! I’m excited to keep learning from you, Alex, and all the things you come out with.
Definitely stay updated man, as I know you will! Can’t wait to start teaching again.
welcome back, i was able to get that website done haha ~.~
Thanks Justin, and glad you got it finished.
blogger from malaysia want to be a freinds with you alex…hi alex..anyway, everyday i’ll come here to learn anything that can improve my blog…this blog really awesome since a 16 years old boy that write the best articles to be share with others…
Hope you do learn some new things, as I have plenty I’d like to start teaching again around here.
Be sure to keep updated
Hi Alex
Like many people here I was beginning to wonder where you’d gone. So pleased your back.
What I’d be really keen to know (if you would want to share it with us all) is what happened to the site traffic whilst you were away. A post on this would be really interesting.
Thanks
Phil
What a great idea…I’m writing that one down. Expect it out soon.
Thanks for the idea Phil, and I appreciate the support.
It’s good to have you back Alex
I’ve even ask Derek recently where were you lately, so summer was the reason, acceptable.
By the way, I also agree with Phil. I’m interested how bloggusion’s traffic was doing while you’re away?
Regards,
Jason
I don’t like to use it as an excuse, but I did get pretty lazy over break. That and limited Internet just kept me out of work a lot as well.
I am definitely making a post about it. I have ideas jotted down already. Check up on the blog every once in a while to see if it’s up.
Wow! This is really cool Alex,
I was wondering what was happening and I am sooooo glad you’re back!
I know new things are coming ahead!
Glad you like everything Oni, there’s going to be a lot coming out from me this year so definitely keep an eye out.
It is good to see you back and that you didn’t jump ship. Hope you had a fun and relaxing summer!
No way, I could never ditch this place.
Summer was definitely something else for me, I hope you had a great time too.
So glad that you are finally back, i was beginning to miss the daily blog posts.
You’ve got so much on offer for the future, can’t wait for your new projects to come out, new blogussion updates. (looks to good to even need it xD)
Glad to see you back, best of luck
I was missing them too! Now they’re back, but every other day. Still good, right?
Hi Alex, great to see you had a fantastic break and have come back feeling refreshed, renewed and raring to go. Sounds like you have some exciting plans afoot and I can’t wait to see you carry on growing blogussion:) Welcome back!
Thanks Annabel, I really had an amazing summer but it is time to finally start focusing on what’s more important right now!
I can’t wait to show you guys my new stuff too, keep an eye out.
Alex,
Welcome Back dude.
.
Awesome to see you back in action and Derek really did fantastic work
Looking forward to see what’s coming up here.
Really great to be back in action. Wish I was here all summer, but it didn’t work out lol..
It was certainly great and really an honor to take care of Blogussion while you were preoccupied
Your returning is perfect as I am now the one that is preoccupied in many other areas. Talk soon!
(love the partnership w/ Rob)
Haha, you did an awesome job bro.
I want to see pictures of the new apartment man, get some up.
Will do once I get back… spending time with some fam this weekend.
Super cool to see you back man, alhought truth be told, I’ve been so wrapped up in stuff here, I didn’t even really notice you gone. hehe.
Lookin’ forward to all the new stuff!
Wellllllll, I missed you too Dennis.
Me too, definitely keep an eye out. Never know when something will popup.
It’s great to have you back Alex and wonderful plan you have
I’m very interested in the kolakube marketplace.
I’m really working hard to make Kolakube great, I’ll be sure not to disappoint.
The King is back!
(Bows down and kisses shoes)
You know that goes straight to my ego.
How Big is you ego John ?
Welcome back!
Good to see you again, was wondering though. I thought you are bored with blogging (i feel this sometimes too).
Hope you did have a great time on summer holiday, i recently am busy with the kids as well.
Derek has been posting great great articles, waiting for more of your posts guys!
Hah, not so much bored. I’d say…disconnected & lazy? But I did miss it a lot.
I think this summer was the best yet, hope you enjoyed it with the kids.
miss BLOGUSSION….u bet i did….
this has been one of those blogs that i bookmarked and read each and every day
Well Blogussion is back in full swing! Glad you love it so much.
Glad to see you back in action again.
Wish you all the best for your new Kolakube
Thanks, I’m really putting my all into the Kolakube project.
Welcome back!
From all the exiting things you have on the go, I’d say you earned your time off. It’s good to recharge your batteries, especially with all your upcoming projects.
Best of luck with everything, I can’t wait to see what the next contest will be all about.
I wish I didn’t have as much time off as I did, but there was little I could do…definitely enjoyed it though!
Appreciate the kind words. You’re going to absolutely love the contest, I know it.
Glad to virtually see U back angie, even your real name may be Joella Hendrix
Good to have you back Alex. You are simply doing an amazing job and Blogussion is so much fun.
Just don’t disappear again for such a long time…
Hah, I promise I won’t. Definitely great to be back.
So, a pigs bladder kicker, John. Go kick another round villiage green.
Nice article. Really king is back
Hey Alex, glad to see your back.
Now that you are back, is there any chance in an update for the Blogussion theme?
I plan on giving that theme a major overhaul when Kolakube is up for a little bit. I’ll keep everyone updated with that.
Good to hear your Back Alex, was wondering where you’d got to!
It is so good to see you back Alex. I really missed your wit. You are such a wise person for your age. Its almost scary, lol.
I’m glad you took some time to yourself; it will work wonders for you I’m sure. Everyone needs to step back from time to time.
Haha, I really appreciate the kind words Peg.
Means a lot.
I had a great time off, but missed blogging as well. Will definitely crank up my workload in the weeks to come.
Is it working yet Mr John ? I don’t know if it is. There is a flaw somwhere.
Welcome back Alex (and a belayed Happy Birthday as well). I’m looking foward to your next posts. Just got started with blogging and I’m still building my blog – your advice is extremely valuable to me!
Take care,
Kathrin
“I think the obvious answer to where I’ve been is: summer. I turned 17 years old in July…”
Enough said, and understandable. Welcome back and I hope you had all sorts of fun. I’m guilty of reading your blog from my inbox, but thought I would check-in and wish you well Alex.
Anyone that can produce 5 posts a week deserves the time off. Look at the ideas you came up with while you were AWOL.
The other day I applied to place a Thesis Skin on a site called themegarden.com. Sounds like a good idea and I like the guy that’s building the site. He’s a pro with a lot of great WP themes.
My application was denied because it uses the Thesis Theme and it’s not a 100% GPL. I was ticked off for a day or two because I thought the GPL thing was resolved.
I’m over it since reading this post.
Your reminder that your moving ahead with the plan for Kolakube made my day. Glad your back.
If you need a hand with the Kolakube site, just shout.
Great to see you back, Alex! A little R&R is always a good thing. I definitely appreciate the job being done on this blog and will be back to keep watching the progress.
Welcome back .
Visiting first time your blog and will hope to get some good posts .
Hey friend,
First of all Thanks for sharing this.
I would like to tell you that this topic is extremely wonderful and I really liked it.
I always like to read on these topics.
Rajnish Kumar
Looking forward to seeing the launch of Kolakube as I have started using thesis myself.
Don’t know how you maintained the pace of 5 blog posts a week Alex, I can barely keep up with one.
I miss this blog so much, because I’m not online for a few days
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