It’s happening! After 2 years of working every single morning, afternoon and evening without a single day off sick, I am going part time in the family business!
Full and a half time
Over the past 2 years I’ve been a permanent fixture in the Fired Wok Chinese Takeaway in Lancaster, UK and in that time I have developed a whole new website (2 actually), a completely new order system, a custom caller id Windows application, integrated google maps for deliveries, loyalty card tracking, sms notification and opt out sms marketing. I’ve even put in Chinese translations on all the menu items so that when the receipt gets sent to the kitchen, the chefs can instantly see what’s been ordered.
It’s been a blast! it’s also been bloody hard work and all the while I’ve had to fit all my CommentLuv coding and developing in to the spare hours that I got in between going to the wholesalers for veg and answering the phone for orders and resisting the temptation to eat every frickin thing in sight! (we are, without doubt, the BEST Chinese takeaway with the darndest tootinest tastiest chilli and salt dishes in the North West)
Half the hours = half the pay
This week will be the first week that I will not need to be in the shop on a full time basis, I will still need to hang around and make sure the girl that will be doing my job on the counter can handle things and I wont be able to fully commit myself to coding the new CommentLuv plugin until next week because as well as the gently gently approach to handing over the reigns of the counter, I’ll be preparing my PC and work area for the task of full time coding.
Less hours in the business means less money in the pocket and I’ve realised that there wont be much in the way of income being generated from my online endeavours until at least a few months ahead (if all goes well) and I’ll need a way to keep the electric bills paid!, which means that I need to sell some ads on the site and fast ready for next week when I’ll be fully charged and committed to coding the new CommentLuv.
Massive discount on ads
To encourage some buyers to help me charge up the electric ready for 24/7 pc access, I am activating a 40% off coupon for text link ads on ComLuv.com . A 90 day text link ad normally costs 200 USD but with the coupon you could save $80! and that’s for as long as you have the ad.
Here’s the coupon code you need : part-timer
Here is the purchase page http://comluv.com/oiopub-direct/purchase.php?do=link&zone=1
(You need to use the coupon at the checkout stage)
It wont last long!
The links on this site are very popular, the majority of advertisers are repeat purchasers who subscribe for months at a time. The coupon and bonus will only be available until I need to go back on the counter in the shop on Friday at 4pm GMT so that’s a little less than 4 days!
The amount of text links available are strictly limited but, the length of time you can have the 40% off will last as long as your paypal subscription does!
Here’s the coupon code you need : part-timer
Here is the purchase page http://comluv.com/oiopub-direct/purchase.php?do=link&zone=1
Congratulations
I guess every blogger or web content creator wants to be able to live off their online works. Kudos to you for being able to take the first step.
Hopefully more time for teh intarweb = more $$ for you.
Contamination´s recent blog post ..Target- Technorati
Twitter: commentluv
says:
thanks so much! I hope it all works out good.
Twitter: AlisonMSmith
says:
Congrats on the big move, and good luck!
Alison Moore Smith´s recent blog post ..What Is a Mormon Wedding Like
Twitter: commentluv
says:
thanks! I’m just battling with the transfer of my C drive to a ssd . That’s the first scary thing I have to deal with and it’s not going well
thanks for coming by
Twitter: DiTesco
says:
OMG, Is this really you… I did not believe it at first until I went over to the site and already drooling for a Sweet and Sour pork a la cantonese, man that must be good.
I love Chinese food and it is a pity they don’t have similar services here on my side of the world. Would have been a blast. any chance you can deliver via express here in Brazil, LOL.
Good luck and “May The Wok Be With You”
ditesco´s recent blog post ..How Well Do You Optimize Your Content For Search Engines
Twitter: commentluv
says:
haha, I’d love a holiday in Brazil. Maybe I can wangle a holiday by saying it’s for a delivery!
Twitter: DiTesco
says:
I think that would definitely be a good idea. If you ever think of coming to Brazil, let me know so I too can take “holidays” from everyone, lol. After all, someone has to be your guide
That would give me an excellent excuse, haha
DiTesco´s recent blog post ..Best SEO Practices
Gosh Andy,
I had been there at Lancaster for 4 years doing my PhD (2005-2008 end) and I remember visiting Fired Wok for a couple of times. I don’t visit it quite often because its kinda midway between the university and the city center. So I think I should have seen you.
Sorry about the off topic talk- you seem to have done a great job building the plugin while at work.
Cheers,
Jane.
Twitter: commentluv
says:
wow small world! I have probably chatted with you if you’ve been in the shop before!
I’m there on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from now on so if you get a chance, pop in and mention that you know me from CommentLuv and I’ll give you a free packet of prawn crackers! (and a 10% discount for being a student)
Twitter: lavenderuses
says:
Hi Andy
Here’s to your success in all that you do. What a hard worker you are and I’m sure you will be just as busy as now you’ll just do more on your online biz. All the best Andy.
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia´s recent blog post ..Can’t Sleep Get Some Lavender- The Rest Is Easy
Twitter: commentluv
says:
thanks Patricia! I’ll probably be even busier! there’s an awful lot that I want to get my teeth into. Reciprocating comments being one of them!
Twitter: maddencorner
says:
Congradulations! This is a goal of mine. I have 3 years to get there so I’m working on it. It must be a great feeling.
A. Tatum Jr´s recent blog post ..Madden Corner Giveaway! Show Me Your Desktop!
Twitter: commentluv
says:
It is a great feeling! it’s also mildly scary
Twitter: Quillcards
says:
$80·00 off anything is attractive, but being very slow I haven’t the faintest idea where these ads would actually appear.
Where do the ads appear?
Best,
David
David´s recent blog post ..Help Bring Attention To Child In Need India This Mother’s Day
Twitter: commentluv
says:
80$ is the maximum you could save, that’s assuming you book an ad for 90 days. There are shorter (and cheaper) options for 30 and 60 days.
The ads appear in the ‘featured links’ section on the homepage and on the sidebar on the rest of the site.
let me know if you need more answers!
Twitter: techwork_dk
says:
You sound like a busy man Andy. I think it is great that you will get more time to work on Commentluv in the future. Let’s hope you can sell a lot of ads so you can keep on improving and expanding CommentLuv around the Internet.
Best of luck from me Andy
Thomas´s recent blog post ..Organize your desktop icons with Fences
Twitter: commentluv
says:
Thanks! I hope some ads sell so I can relax a little about deciding to chop off most of my wages!
Twitter: howtoanything
says:
You are an inspiration….best of Luck!!
michelle´s recent blog post ..This makes EVERY day your best day
Twitter: commentluv
says:
thanks! I hope it goes well!
Twitter: gvsparx
says:
Haha!! I cannot believe this. A man coding for comluv is also coding systems for Fired Wok. Great work buddy. I am seriously concerned whether the new girl would be able to do the job or not!
have fun Enjoy your day.
GvSparx ~ Romantic Poet´s recent blog post ..Before the doors get closed Enigma of Love- Unrestricted Passion- Poem
Twitter: commentluv
says:
oh she is up to the task! I’m glad to have someone like her to take over my job although I think the rest of the staff know what to do when an order comes in if she wasn’t there.
Contratulation Andy,
hope you’ll then go from “part time job” to “no working at all” very soon
Regarding the text link ads promo code, do you also offer links on single / specific blog posts?
mikearrest´s recent blog post ..Arrest Warrant
Twitter: commentluv
says:
if I can go full time to coding things and running my site then that counts as not working!
as for the text links, I am open to discuss custom advertising options. Email me at admin (a) comluv.com and we can discuss it
Twitter: georgety
says:
Congratulations on your achievements so far, and hope you can get back to doing what you enjoy, and not worry about the money matters. Its a very impressive list of projects you have done. You have contributed a lot to the blog world. Your takeaway is now certainly most technologically advanced in the world
Twitter: commentluv
says:
thanks! I think it could be the most advanced takeaway in the north!
Hi Andie,
congrats on your progress in the Chinese take away. You are now at the point where you can see your hard work pay off. I wish you all the best.
The text link ads are a good offer. I am just wondering how “legal” it is though in the eyes of Google. I would love to pay $ 120 to have links from a PR6 site, but I wouldn’t like to risk being reported on Google by my competitors. Anybody has any advice on this?
Twitter: commentluv
says:
thanks Matthew!
I have been selling the featured links on this site for over 1 year and it has never dropped in PR, in fact it has actually risen to 6 from 5 even with the links showing. I’ve even had a google ads consultant work with me to improve my adsense earnings and I asked her about the links and she said I am allowed to have paid ads just as long as the whole site isn’t covered with them and that they are relevant to the site.
Seeing as comluv is a network for users of the plugin, almost all sites are within the remit of ‘relevant sites’ so i don’t think it will be a problem, if it was then the repeat advertisers wouldn’t have stayed so long!
The coupon is also good for 30 day and 60 day purchases.
let me know if you need anything else!
Hi, Its good to know about your discount offer. I am interested in it. I just wanted to know this is complete discount or I will have to pay full price and in return I will get bonus coupon for some money. For example for three months deal I will have to pay 200 or 120 at all…
Kashif´s recent blog post ..Sample Resignation Letters
Twitter: commentluv
says:
this coupon is added at the checkout stage so you get the money taken off before you pay. that means you pay only 120 for a 200 ad, you get that discount for every ad you get (and for every payment if you subscribe). let me know if you have an more questions
And by the way just forgot to mention that your plugin is awesome…Its just excellent and nice idea..
Kashif´s recent blog post ..Sample Resignation Letters
Twitter: commentluv
says:
haha, thanks! I hope to improve it now that I have more time to put into it
Twitter: wordpresswb
says:
Great news Andy…
With all the work you have done I seriously thought you were already full-time. You have some fantastic products and I am looking forward to seeing more…
I am using your Growmap plugin and it has stopped spam altogether! I did not believe it would work because it looks so simple! OMG it is great!
Mitz Pantic´s recent blog post ..Do You Need Software to Research a Niche
Twitter: commentluv
says:
Hey Mitz, I’m glad the antispam plugin is working out for you. It’s amazing how one little thing can do so much!
I hope you can stick around and see what else I can do now that I have more time to devote to my coding.
Twitter: CoachNotesBlog
says:
Hi Andy,
Congrats on your newest endeavors. It’s been really great following along with you as you put together an awesome system for your family’s business. (I don’t think I said so, but I also enjoyed seeing you live and hearing you talk about your next steps in your video.)
As the CommentLuv plugin is already awesome and the ComLuv community most enjoyable, it’s hard to imagine what further magic you can work with them . . . But I know you will, so I’ll be waiting!
Vernessa Taylor´s recent blog post ..No Hardhats Allowed – Online Project Management For The Rest of Us
Twitter: commentluv
says:
HI Vernessa,
when the new website goes live, I’ll be doing a lot more video updates on the progress of the next version of CommentLuv. I hope you can come by and watch them!
Twitter: waystosave100
says:
Hi, I’m so impressed! I’m moving back to the USA next month (after about 2 million years in Europe…) and won’t be back in employment until Sept. I really looking forward to having time to spend building my websites, but still will still need the day job when my kid goes back to school. I envy you! Good luck!
Twitter: commentluv
says:
thanks! I’ve spent an entire week sweeping the virtual floors making everything ready for ‘proper’ coding. I hope I can actually get to the coding instead of procrastinating with tidy up tasks!