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So What is Quality Content Anyway?
By Mike Mindel | August 21, 2007
The truth knocks on the door and you say, ‘Go away, I’m looking for the truth,’ and so it goes away. Puzzling.
- Robert M. Pirsig
Can you do me a favour? Can you give me a couple of minutes of your valuable time. I think you’ll find it worth it.
Why?
I want to talk to you about Quality.
What is Quality?
The word ‘quality’ has been bandied around the forums like a piece of sticky tape everyone’s trying to get rid of. We all agree we need it, Ed even tells us what it should feel like -
If you stumbled on your own site would you be happier than before you arrived?
If someone else stumbled on to your site would they be happier?
But no one seems to want to get stuck with it.
Quality is Hard!
It’s not your fault actually. Quality is hard!
Are you confuddled like this little chap?
Robert M. Pirsig drove himself mad with the question of quality in Zen and the Art of Motorcyle Maintenance (a great read I might add).
Here’s how he grapples with quality from that fabulous book
Quality… you know what it is, yet you don’t know what it is. But that’s self contradictory. But some things are better than others, that is, they have more quality. But when you try to say what the quality is, apart from the things that have it, it all goes poof! There’s nothing to talk about. But if you can’t say what Quality is, how do you know what it is, or how do you know that it even exists? If no one knows what it is, then for all practical purposes it doesn’t exist at all.
But for all practical purposes it really does exist. What else are the grades based on? Why else would people pay fortunes for some things and throw others in the trash pile? Obviously something things are better than others… but what’s the ‘betterness’ ? … So round and round you go, spinning mental wheels and nowhere finding any place to get traction.
What the hell is Quality? What is it?
- Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
This is Going Somewhere, I Promise!
This is going somewhere useful and relevant to the challenge.
Please bear with me.
Pirsig gets close to understanding Quality when he says
The mechanics in their attitude toward the machine were really taking no different attitude from the manual’s toward the machine, or from the attitude I had when I brought it in there. We were all spectators.
And it occurred to me there is no manual that deals with the real business of motorcycle maintenance, the most important aspect of all. Caring about what you are doing is considered either unimportant or taken for granted…….
I don’t want to hurry it. That itself is a poisonous twentieth-century attitude. When you want to hurry something, that means you no longer care about it and want to get on to other things.
I just want to get at it slowly, but carefully and thoroughly, with the same attitude I remember was present just before I found that sheared pin. It was that attitude that found it, nothing else.
The difference between a good mechanic and a bad one, like the difference between a good mathematician and a bad one, is precisely this ability to select the good facts from the bad ones on the basis of quality. He has to care!
- Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
So What Are You Getting at Mike?
Yeh. Come on Mike. I need to get on and create 100 pages of content and spam some more engines.
This.
Is my point.
Slow down hoss.
Please.
Just slow down for a sec.
I know you’re super hype 30 dc buzzed out.
But you have to care about your content.
Fine. I Care. Now What?
Ok.
I’m going to put myself on the line and flat out show you what I think great content is. It’s content that I wrote last night, in half an hour. I cared about it when I wrote it and I think it is quality.
Like this post.
(Update: I’ve since rewritten it to make it high quality - but that’s another post).
Do You Want to Know My Niche?
Ok. I’ll tell you.
My niche is how to write a story and you can find my first two posts at http://howtowriteastory.wordpress.com.
Go ahead and check it out. Then come back and let me tell you why I think it’s quality content.
(pause)
Are You Back?
First of all I went to Wordpress, one of the platforms Ed mentioned in Day 20 and I mentioned in Tip #17- Decent List of Free Content Platforms.
Please don’t all jump to Wordpress now. There are at least 25 other places which are just as good from that list I gave you.
Lets look at the quality:
1. Nice Wordpress Theme
It is nice isn’t it.
It’s one of several themes that Wordpress (and other Wordpress providers in that list) provide.
I chose this one because it looks like the setting for a story.
2. A Benefit Laden Sub-headline
The sub-headline explains the benefit.
Anyone can blurt out a story.
But I’ll show you the basics if you’re a beginner. It’s not aimed at pro’s. That’s my unique selling point.
3. Each Post Targets One Concrete Idea
Look at this excerpt from the first post
My one concrete idea for the post is ‘write short stories and it will make you a better writer’. Notice that the headline still targets the keyword ‘how to write a story’ but the post is only about short stories. Notice how I’ve worked in ‘how to write a story’ in an unobtrusive way.
Same with the first paragraph.
This light optimization guides the engines to know what the post is about. But then I forget all about optimization. I mention my keyword a couple more times in the middle, here
and here
Then nothing until the end of the piece
Do you see how I worked in the keyword into the title, first paragraph, body of the copy and finally the end in an unobstrusive and non-spammy manner?
Each mention of the keyword supports the content. No sentence is created specially for the keyword, making it sound unnatural. It’s organic!
I do it again in the second article
Again. It’s targeted but unobtrusive. After the first paragraph I just don’t worry about it. I’m carried away with my content.
See. Nothing there about ‘how to write a story’. I relax… until the end again
If you’re still unsure about this, please let me refer you to Karon Thackston’s excellent article Stop the Slaughter of Innocent Copy, written for our Wordtracker Academy. That should nail the point home.
No content platform should ban you for well written, naturally sounding content with a few well placed keywords.
However don’t write this:
Spanish Villas For Rent. If you are looking for Spanish villas vacations, search our site for the best deals in Spanish villas. No other Spanish villas site has the selection of premium Spanish villas with the most sought after locations that we have. View some of our Spanish villas pictures or take virtual tours of our Spanish villas today.
or you will get banned and you can take one of Ed’s pox’s with you.
(Note to Google: Please don’t rank me for spanish villas now)
4. Well Placed Images to Break Up the Copy
Look how I use well placed images to break up the copy
It’s an interesting image. It makes you stop and think.
5. Use Quotations
Look how I use quotations
Make sure you always reference the source (it’s good manners innit).
6. Highlight Important Words
Look how I highlight important words with italics e.g.
A good example of a story that starts as late as it can is The Hitchikers’ Guide to the Galaxy.
or bold e.g.
That’s not the way to do it.
Save underlines for links.
7. Judicious Use of Tags
Look how I use a few tags at the end of the post
The ScribeFire plugin allows you to add links easily.
8. Break Up The Content With Headings
When it’s time for a natural break or you’re moving onto a new idea use a sub-heading like this
9. Paragraphs
A paragraph should start with a statement of what it’s about. It’s a convenient unit. It sets the tone. It gives direction to the rest of the paragraph. Once you’ve reached a natural conclusion, you stop. Or end with a funny example to tie it off.
As long as it holds together, a paragraph can be of any length - a single, short sentence like this,
or a passage of great duration.
The Most Important Thing?
You know why these posts are quality? It’s because I care about what I write. I didn’t even add in the affiliate link yet. I want to rank first, get some traffic.
Then I’ll test the conversion with an affiliate link.
One More Thing
Can you do me one more favour? Please don’t all rush to Wordpress and set up the MistyLook theme.
I’d really appreciate it.
You all have creativity.
Please use it.
-Mike
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Topics: Diary, Key Concepts, Tips |
August 21st, 2007 at 1:19 am
Mike,
You are the consummate professional.
I wish for a way to print this even better than in this form.
It is deserving of the forever thesis.
With gratitude,
Ed S
August 21st, 2007 at 1:28 am
Thanks mate.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:29 am
[…] So What is Quality Content Anyway? | Mike Mindel - Thirty Day Challenger So What is Quality Content Anyway? […]
August 21st, 2007 at 1:29 am
[…] So What is Quality Content Anyway? | Mike Mindel - Thirty Day Challenger So What is Quality Content Anyway? […]
August 21st, 2007 at 1:31 am
Awesome post.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:37 am
That’s quality. Thanks Mike!
August 21st, 2007 at 1:42 am
Once again, Mike, your invaluable input could not have come at a better time..I think a lot of newcomers (myself included) have been a little ’sore’ after ‘Tumblrgate’ but I think its time to take a deep breath, take some time out and move on with some true quality article writing.Thank you for providing an outstanding example of ‘quality content’
August 21st, 2007 at 1:42 am
Great post man.
Quality content on your niches site as well. =D
August 21st, 2007 at 1:44 am
[…] So What is Quality Content Anyway? | Mike Mindel - Thirty Day Challenger: Do You Want to Know My Niche? […]
August 21st, 2007 at 1:47 am
Mike,
Great post, very direct and beautifully illustrated. Also, love the How to Write a Story site! That is really great advice you’ve got there.
Mark
August 21st, 2007 at 1:48 am
Thanks. I hope it sets an example.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:55 am
Great Post. As usual.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:56 am
Jeez, everybody better read this!
Very well put Mike.
-Garrett
August 21st, 2007 at 2:05 am
[…] How to write quality content […]
August 21st, 2007 at 2:05 am
Oh man, was this post needed!!!!!
Excellent philosophy and excellent detailed instruction. With you and Ed, there is no stopping us! Thanks!
August 21st, 2007 at 2:18 am
Well put Mike, A old man once said about quality, ” You can sometimes taste it, even feel it but to place into meaningful words — that’s quality.”
August 21st, 2007 at 2:19 am
Quite honestly one of the best posts that I have ever read. Very well thought out, presented and illustrated.
This was worth the time, which was the point, wasn’t it.
I appreciate all of your posts related to the 30DC. I look forward to them as much as a look forward to the 30DC content.
August 21st, 2007 at 2:44 am
Fantastic enlightening post. That explanation of quality will be ringing in my head for a long time.
As a side note, I wanted to read “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainence” before, but now I REALLY want to read it. So many good books to read.
I like the niche you chose too.
August 21st, 2007 at 2:52 am
As a writer, I am impressed with the ideas you communicated clearly and simply to help 30DC folks who are not writers. Great post. And thanks, Mike, for all the time you are giving to 30DC.
August 21st, 2007 at 2:56 am
Thank you Mike for grounding us all myself included.
I almost through out some quick shot writing, but
caught myself.
Thank you once again.
Daniel
August 21st, 2007 at 3:02 am
But where’s the affiliate link??? No 10 dollars for you!
August 21st, 2007 at 3:24 am
I’m going to get some traffic first and some ranking.
Then I’ll dip in my affiliate link after and test the conversion.
August 21st, 2007 at 3:45 am
Awesome and well needed suggestions and examples Mike. Thank you so much!
August 21st, 2007 at 4:10 am
Thanks for showing us the ‘betterness’. And for sharing Karon’s post as well — impossible not to click on that title, brilliant.
August 21st, 2007 at 4:34 am
Thank you for your articles. I’m going to do my best to follow your advice in this 30DC. I am also going to rewrite my own content in a caring way, because I do care.
August 21st, 2007 at 4:58 am
Wonderful. I need as much help as I can get in this area.
I was worried when I seen all the spammy sites popping up at tumblr that that was what 30DC was all about.
Thanks for proving them wrong. Your site will stand the test of time.
Thanks Mike!
August 21st, 2007 at 5:10 am
It’s really eye opening and enlightening. Thanks a lot mike
August 21st, 2007 at 5:10 am
Brilliant teaching. Thank you Mike.
August 21st, 2007 at 5:22 am
Great post Mike, I was already in the process of upgrading my own content, this just added another sword to my armorment.
August 21st, 2007 at 6:14 am
Hey Mike, this is absolutely wonderful information. I really liked ’stop the slaughter of innocent copy’ too. I stumbled this great stuff.
I have a question. I’d also like to just put good content in my soon to be blog, without affiliate links. How can I know how much traffic I’m getting, so that I can work it up before sliding in my links?
Thanks,
David
August 21st, 2007 at 7:30 am
“Quality Read” Mike, that’s certainly showing us “how it’s done” hat’s off to you, many thanks..
August 21st, 2007 at 8:26 am
Mike,
Anton Chekhov once said:” Brevity is the sister of talent”. You have both.
Irina
August 21st, 2007 at 9:01 am
Thank´s Mike!
That´s quality that Pirsig had loved.
The 30DC is great, absolutely great - but it gets better together with your tips and clarifications.
Thanks for going the extra mile again.
Gado
August 21st, 2007 at 10:34 am
Wow,
seeing that presentation Mike,
if all I do is come half way to that content
I will have a great blog
No worries mate, no eggs and spam here ‘Chuckle’ who am I kidding back to the story board for me
August 21st, 2007 at 11:06 am
Fantastic post Mike. How you manage to belt out such incredible content in such short time amazes me.
Many thanks for all your wonderful contributions to the TDC - they really help to bring home what Ed is saying and add your own wealth of experience. Much appreciated!
I have a question though…
You’ve said you’re going to ‘dip in your affiliate link after getting traffic’. Does that mean you will add a link to existing posts or only to new posts?
Presumably, you would want to edit and add to existing posts?
All the best,
Jonathan
August 21st, 2007 at 11:16 am
Great article!
I have one question about the images used: Do you pick them from the internet (not accusing you of stealing, I know there are free image banks which I use myself) or do you use stock images, or do you take the photos yourself?
Another question: is it a common procedure to sign these blogs with pseudonyms? You signed your writing blog with “Harmand Lane”, and Ed used “Melinda” on the wedding planner site (or it just might actually have been his wife’s text). Anyway, isn’t there a risk that when Joe Average hears about this, won’t take blogs seriously anymore, always suspecting there is something fishy about the sites?
But anyawy, great article “Harmand”,
Paul
August 21st, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Back to you on the images in a sec.
Do you stop reading Stephen King even though he also writes under a different name Richard Bachman?
Nothing fishy about a pen name. It’s a liberty writers are afforded.
In fact I may even post about it on that very blog.
-Mike
August 21st, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Using ScribeFire I can pop up the post and add the affiliate link unobstrusively to an existing post.
-Mike
August 21st, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Hey Mike,
Great post as usual.
I see your now starting to rank via your social love with DIGG - see here (SERP
www.google.ie/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&hs=uiS&q=%22how+to+write+a+story%22&btnG=Search&meta=
One thing I noticed. You were originally on blogger and then moved to wordpress.
I’ve actually just done the opposite and moved from wordpress to blogger because we can track traffic better on blogger.
Any reason why you moved? Was it just that they had nicer themes on wordpress (which they do!)
I just can’t live without decent stats.!
August 21st, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Dear Mike–
Sorry I mentioned “30CD” on my comment on your Wordpress blog–I wanted to change it, but couldn’t edit my comment after it was posted. You probably don’t want any mention of 30DC on your page. Feel free to delete that comment!
Sammy
www.dirtypartsofthebible.com
August 21st, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Mike, thank you so much for such a fantastic lesson on quality. Just what was needed.
Unity
August 21st, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Great. When I grow up, I want to be just like you Mike!
32 yrs old
August 21st, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Great content on both sites and I hope that everyone subscribed to How to write a story.
Even though I don’t have to worry about it - what is a pox? Is it something like a hex or much worse? It sounds like it could be a deadly virus where everyone is sure to perish. Terrible thought but you get what you give.
Keep up the good work and thank you.
August 21st, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Excellent article! Anyone who wasn´t sure what quality was will certainly get it now. Thanks for sharing your blog with us.
August 21st, 2007 at 5:34 pm
I Think I’m Going to cry…….
August 21st, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Mike,
When people ask the question about what quality content really is, I direct them to your site. Not for this post, but for the site itself.
There hasn’t been a post yet that wasn’t excellent. You go above and beyond the rest.
Thank you!
~Shannon
August 21st, 2007 at 6:19 pm
They have the book “Zen and the Art of Motorcyle Maintenance” at my library, but I can’t get it because it’s at a different location (6 hour drive) and they won’t deliver.
:(
~Shannon
August 21st, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Your blog is a fantastic demonstration of quality content. Quick newbie question–how do you get the
various headlines to appear throughout the blog? I’m only able to create the headline by starting a new post. I like the way the headlines break up the copy. Please help
August 21st, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Mike,
Can’t thank you enough for all the time and dilegence you have put into this project.
I have been challenged with finding a subject, your writing information truly inspired me, and I am finally on my way today writing content.
One other thing I was struggling with that is instantly cleared up - I love not putting an affiliate link in immediately!
Sending love,
Sunny
renegadeentrepreneurcafe.com
August 21st, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Great post, and I liked your sample. I even stumbl’d it.
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:22 am
Mike, This is the first blog I read of yours where I felt like you were the schoolmaster yelling at the bad girl (person reading the site, whomever). LOL
And, this seemed rude when you implied TDC’ers would speak and act this way:
“Yeh. Come on Mike. I need to get on and create 100 pages of content and spam some more engines.”
I personally LOVE the TDCer’s and feel they all have great hearts full of enthusiasm and are trying their best. I don’t have that terrible image of ANY of them saying that remark above.
But, that’s me…I see nobody else felt that way.
I went and saw your site. Yes, it is nice content. Agreed. (I love that background, I had it for several years on my wordpress powered family blog; got to become friends with the creator lol)
I don’t recall (it may be just me) Ed saying to do what you wrote:
I didn’t even add in the affiliate link yet.
I want to rank first, get some traffic.
Then I’ll test the conversion with an affiliate link.
I thought in Day14 (I think) he said Check out Clickbank.com for example …find an affiliate program…and send your blog/site traffic and “see if it sells” Unless I just took it wrong (easily, as I am exhausted and doing my best to read and retain).
I didn’t think Ed said just make articles and let it sit for a bit and see if traffic comes…and way later, after you get traffic put a little affiliate link in, or whatever.
Also, your site is very detailed (seems more so than the “peeks” I have seen from the how to become a wedding planner content)…and to start from scratch and try to keep up with the TDC and get great content like that pumped out for your phrases (for many of us) requires more than 30 minutes of process…you may have a gift for writing, but not everyone does…and it takes them longer. In fact, many new bloggers (I don’t think) would have done as well as you. I think many of us would have to just take notes in the TDC but after it is over, take the time to write GREAT content…but, maybe it is just me.
But, you did get your point across: YOU CARED ABOUT YOUR PHRASE. So, don’t research any phrase you can’t care about.
Anyhow, I just want to be honest and not a “brown noser”
because I really like you and all that you post…yes, even this!!! lol
Cheers!!
Kelly
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:39 am
Hi Kelly,
Thanks for the honest comment. Appreciated.
When I said this -
“Yeh. Come on Mike. I need to get on and create 100 pages of content and spam some more engines.”
It’s meant to be tongue in cheek.
Some 30 dc’ers put up some good content. But unfortunately, some of the 30 dc’ers did put up crappy pages which resulted in them getting banned and giving the 30 dc a bad name.
So I’m half joking, half serious at the same time.
The comment clearly isn’t aimed at you.
Now as far as the content + affiliate link issue, I am straying a bit from what Ed says in day 14.
I think it’s fine to do content + link for PPC (as in the last two challenges) but with organic search engine rankings you have to be a little less aggressive.
As soon as you’ve been let into the Google club, and your content has been accepted, then I think it’s ok to add in your affiliate link.
But that’s just me. It’s just my opinion.
Cheers mate!
Mike
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:43 am
This was so refreshing. Thank you.
Your photographs were excellent. Is it possible
to list a credit line or reference for them?
It has always been a pleasure in my business as
a photographer to work with good writers — leaving
me to do what I do best. But you have encouraged me to do the stories for the Challenge. This is the
first time I have blogged! Am I blogging?
Diane
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:51 am
I’m blogging. You’re commenting.
But you can get your own blog at www.wordpress.com and do what I’m doing.
:-)
August 22nd, 2007 at 1:05 am
Hi Mike just wanted to reiterate the comments above and share my own appreciation of your input.
Scott
August 22nd, 2007 at 2:40 am
[…] So What is Quality Content Anyway? […]
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:30 am
Terrific post, high quality for sure. On the other hand, as a writer myself and as one who has looked with no success for a good QUALITY writing keyword, I know that “how to write a story” came up with zero results using the Wordtracker GTrends tool. What do you know that I am missing regarding this keyword? There is no traffic for it.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:38 am
Well put. I don’t know about the zen part, but your own writing example really drew a clear picture.
August 22nd, 2007 at 8:38 am
When you put pictures to bring out the flavour in the stories,where do you get the pictures from? Any secret sources?
August 22nd, 2007 at 10:40 am
[…] One other reason I may be lucky is because all of this activity has given some people a chance to sound off on good content. Most notably Mike Mindel, in this fantastic blog post about great content.. There has been other information appearing on the official Thirty Day Challenge Blog as well. One more I want to mention is Sean Marler who posted a note on his Facebook titled Why Your Content Sucks. […]
August 22nd, 2007 at 10:40 am
Here ya go:
-Mike
August 22nd, 2007 at 11:46 am
Mike–
Thanks for showing me what you found in Wordtracker/GTrends re. your story keywords. I must be blind. Given I actually have excellent use of both eyes there must be another part of my brain (an important one!) that is not working for this kind of seeing! I’ve read all your posts (and they are all terrific) and still I have not found one, let alone two, keyword phrases that meet the criteria. I’m going in for elective surgery–a brain transplant.
~Lynne
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:27 pm
I have learned so much from this post. It opens new doors for me.
Thank you
August 22nd, 2007 at 10:59 pm
Thanks for that very useful post. I seem to have done some of this automatically but there were a few things I forgot and I may have overloaded my second article whilst in the flow of things. Cest la vie. Advancing up the learning curve.
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Mike,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. First for all your notes and explanations.
More for this awesome post and your howtowrite blog. You write clearly, eloquently and gracefully. The thoughts flow so smoothly. Ahhh the power of the written word.
Have you written any stories that you share with the public? If you do I would love to read them.
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Lynne,
If you are still having trouble finding keyphrases which match the TDC criteria, let me know. I have a few that I am not currently working on (and probably will never work on coz I have no interest in them).
I’d be happy to give them to you. Let me know if you want them. My username on the TDC forum is “Su” - you can PM me there.
Mike - sorry for using your blog for this conversation with Lynne.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Thanks, Mike Mindel, for an enlightening and clarifying post on wriiting quality content. When I write my articles or blog posts… I imagine… I am helping a good friend and I want them to succeed or excell in whatever they are doing.
Then I imagine… How would I speak to them?
Wouldn’t I give them honest, caring advice?
This what I try to give my readers.
August 24th, 2007 at 12:33 am
[…] So What is Quality Content Anyway? […]
August 24th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
[…] Actions for today: write three more articles about your keyword start another blog, using fresh content engage in responsible social bookmarking for yourself and your team read Mike Mindel’s So What is Quality Content Anyway? […]
August 26th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
[…] Mike Mindel has been blogging the challenge. He put up some great information this week - So what is Quality Content Anyway? . In it, he goes into detail of what quality is. He talks says that you need to care about what your writing (I absolutely agree). And, he shows you how to layout the blog/post. Very Helpful! […]
August 26th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
[…] So What is Quality Content Anyway? […]
August 27th, 2007 at 2:36 am
I’m impressed! My decision to join this program is validated every day. This article is fantastic. We are handed the tools we need to do the job. My thanks to you Mike, and to all the 30 Day guys.
Respectfully,
Sheppard
September 15th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
[…] I just came across a nice opinion on quality content by Mike Mindel, one of the Wordtracker guys. In it, Mike talks about caring for your content. It’s simple to understand, but many tend to ignore this concept. This. […]
September 17th, 2007 at 4:02 am
Mike,
This post is so informative. Thank you. I also love your How to Write a Story site. I hope you keep it up.
Thanks again all that you do for the TDC,
Tam
October 7th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Hi Mike, I really enjoyed this post. And you’ve inspired me to read Pirsig’s book again — it’s many years since I first dipped into it. Regarding writing, I have found that the key is to simply write when faced with a blank page, even if it’s “I’m sitting here facing a blank page, wanting to write about ‘x’. I wonder what idea will first come into my head. I know, this might be a good starting point…” and off you go. It certainly helped 3 years ago when I was creating a CD set called The Effort-Free Life System: when I allow my fingers to simply type on my keyboard I’m continually surprised and delighted by what appears. Was it Woody Allen who said, “90% of success is simply showing up”?
October 19th, 2007 at 12:08 am
Mike, Thanks for the great meta-cognitive post here, it’s something we can all reread and relearn from. I read Zen when I was 18 I think, college freshman, a very defining book for me.
I am linking to this in my Sunday Seven this week, so you’ll see a trackback as well. Will digg and stumble also. Thanks.
October 21st, 2007 at 11:04 am
[…] Mike Mindel has a wonderful essay on the subject of Quality. This post is from the fantastic Thirty Day Challenge I mentioned in last week’s post on Keyword Research (scroll to the bottom). […]
December 16th, 2007 at 11:53 am
Thanks a lot Mike - great read.
February 26th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Mike. Thank you very much for a fascinating post. I’m carefully working my way through TDC (albeit 6+ months late!) and this really brings it home to me about taking care over my content.
All the best.