Branding David

In the midst of talking to a good friend of mine, Tom Leroux, he mentioned that I buy and sell online projects like some people change their socks, and I had to agree with him, though since last talking to him, my philosophy of working online had changed.

I quickly presented him with my new set of rules.

1. No more writing for other people.
2. Only start projects that I can see myself doing for 5 or more years
3. No more selling projects

Of course there are always exceptions to rules, but I think that following this set of ideals will help me become more passionate and successful online. I’ve always had issues with staying focused, and that was usually because I was chasing money instead of chasing passion or my dreams.

It is hard to be passionate for a long period of time, and even more so when you aren’t doing exactly what you want to be doing. I’ve had numerous people in the past tell me how cool it must be to work as a blogger full time, but they don’t give thought to the types of topics I have to cover in order to pay my wages. I’ve written about so many things I have no interest in, and worked very hard, only to end up at the end of a period of time with “nothing”.

What are your own “rules” for working, either online or offline?

So, it has almost been a month again since last I talked about my epic struggle to get my wife’s Dell laptop fixed. She has been talking to them more than I have, so I can’t really say too much, but here’s an update.

The laptop got sent back to Dell again to get fixed. Soon after, it was back and the screen was working fine. Unfortunately, they didn’t take any time to look at the other issues we’ve been complaining about since the start. It seems Dell can only fix one issue at a time, and have a one track mind. Despite the display issue apparently being fixed, they’ve ignored the other stuff.

I mean, my wife can now see as the computer automatically deletes text she’s written, and tries to print things out no matter what she touches. Or when she moves the mouse and the browser increases the text size, despite her not touching any of the keys. “But wait”, you’ll say, thinking that such settings can be configured within the operating system. I’ve turned off all the special features of the track pad, and not only that, what special feature makes it press the windows key at random times? Or highlight strings of text at random times?

At this point, my wife and I are now adamant. We want a replacement machine. We got a “lemon” and want a replacement of comparable features.

My wife is not able to use the machine to complete school work, and she is feeling very stressed, and frustrated. When paying thousands of dollars for school, the last thing we want is for her grades to drop over computer problems. I really don’t think I am crazy to be asking for a replacement at this point.

They want to send out a technician to look at the machine, but have pretty much stated that the issue they are still trying to help resolve is the screen issue. This isn’t the issue that is plaguing my wife now, and would be a waste of time for him to come out if he isn’t going to help with the main issue. There is something wrong with the hardware of the keyboard and palm rest area.

I don’t understand why Dell can’t be more helpful in these cases. I am not trying to screw them out of money or anything, and think that at this point, it would have been cheaper to send out a replacement machine. Even if they gave a slightly smaller or less capable machine, as long as it worked perfectly, reasonably quickly, and efficiently, I am sure my wife would be more than happy.

At this point, I am so angry that no matter the resolution, I probably won’t buy anything from Dell again, even third party products they sell, nor will I recommend them, solely based on the fact that anyone that buys from them will be out of luck when it comes to hardware support that may require more than one replacement. Shame really, as I still think the people that I’ve met that work there are good people, but how can they push out a message of change regarding Dell when I am living through the fact that they haven’t?

So, one of the projects I have wanted to get going since almost immediately after I sold LifeSpy.com was another lifestyles and life tips blog with longer, more in depth articles about living a better life. Today, I want to let you all know about LifeSnips. There will be many lists, structured posts, and detailed insights into modern, happy, healthy living.

The blog now has three posts on, two of which are from possible staff writers for the blog. I e-mailed a dozen candidates early in the week to let them know they were finalists, and told them I would pay them for their submissions. Each one was sent back a notice asking them to send in a post that would display their writing style for LifeSnips. Out of these dozen final candidates, there are only four staff writer positions available, and the competition is fierce.

I have also been able to find the time to get a post up about buying a computer.

I hope you’ll all check it out, subscribe, and if you have something interesting you’d like to cover, or see us cover, please let me know through the contact form on that site.