In case you missed it I “came out” on ViperChill yesterday – the first person ever to get a guest spot on that awesome site.
It was a nerve racking but extremely rewarding experience.
Now that you all know my name and have seen my face I feel like we can move on to a lot of really cool new things – webinars, videos and hopefully a more open friendship.
And that is really the key thing for me – friendship. So many of my readers have become close friends and it just felt wrong to hide behind the scepter for much longer.
The ViperChill connection and the future of Blog Tyrant
A few people have asked what’s going on with Glen and me over on ViperChill so I thought I’d clear it up.
I’m now a part of the ViperChill team – not a guest poster but someone who will be contributing there regularly as an author. Glen and I have got some really cool projects in the works for the future so I hope it is a collaboration everyone enjoys.
But don’t worry, Blog Tyrant is not closing down or anything like that. I’ll still be posting here as well. I actually feel like now we can start “for real” on this site.
I’m going to try and find a way to “segment” or separate the article styles that I write on the two sites so if you have any suggestions feel free to drop a comment.
Thank you for all your support
The “unmasking” post has had over 300 comments in the first day and the support has been remarkably kind and affectionate.
I’ve had emails, Tweets and comments from people saying how happy they are to finally “meet” me.
I’ve even had a few date requests! Shucks.
You guys mean so much to me. Sure, I’m doing this to make a living but I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it and I absolutely wouldn’t try so hard unless I really wanted to help you as much as I could.
Thank you for all your support.
And stay tuned.
I Read your post yesterday at viperchill. You really had me going with the whole stepbrother/best friend thing.
Good to finally know who you are after all this time.
Thanks Chris!
Good to meet you (again) π
Wish you all the best (and Glen) on what the future is going to bring!
Thanks Ralph! Appreciate it.
Your secret identity has finally been revealed I see..
Well you definitely did a good job of keeping the reader’s curiosity level up, much continued success to you!
Thanks Caleb.
Fabulous. I was wondering how you’d segment what you’ll write here vs. there. I’m sure you’ll figure out what works best for you both, though. Congrats on such a great partnership – super exciting! Looking forward to the future of this blog.
Thanks Jamie. It should be a fun time.
Im a fairly new reader but its still good to meet you π
Looking forward to your VC and BT posts in the future.
Liam
Thanks Liam.
your revelation made me comment on this website for the first time ! Its great to interact with a guy whom I can see… i mean even a pic. I have been a great fan of Glen and his extensive, exhausting and awesome posts however i think his identity also plays a little part in me being a loyal fan of viperchill.
conclusion : it good to know you and see you.
Thanks Wajahath!
you are welcome, you have given so much to us.
Thank you
He sure has.
Nice to meet you Ramsay.
You too Kathy!
Hey brother,
Good to see you posting about it here too; and once again I’m very honoured (yeah, with a ‘u’) to have you on the ViperChill team. I know if we stick to the script – and deviate when it’s right – we have some big things that are going to be happening down the road.
Time to sit where we should be sitting π
As far as what to post where; you’re posts are obviously going to be rarer on ViperChill so you can save those for the more in-depth posts that fit with the style there, and keep doing what you’ve been doing here on BT (just take a look at your sidebar).
But…I’m sure you’ll figure it out.
Looking forward to it!
– G
I can’t believe Glen from ViperChill commented here! π
This looks like a match made in heaven!
I said it once, I’ll say it again… Congratulations man! Very, very excited for the big news!
Thanks bro.
Congratulations – I hope it is all and more than you can even imagine.
I have an question – did you recommend Headway Themes? And, if you did, do you still recommend them.
Hi there. No, I didn’t recommend them I don’t think. I don’t think I’ve heard of them.
Ahh crap! Foiled again! I was gonna get you to write posts for me but Glenn got to you first.
I love that “turtling” but I’m not sure what’s worse the turtling or the unturtling where you come back to thousands of emails and 50 voicemails. (Because that’s all your phone holds)
I’ve been so busy my friend but when I read this… I just had to come over and write you a comment-essay.
I’ve met the both the best and the worst of people on the internet. Glad to hear about you and Glenn linking up, I’m sure that’ll be good for both of you and us readers too.
FYI you’re sooo cute, next time I head down to Adelaide I’ll have to ask you out for an iced coffee π
Rachelle you make my day. All the time.
As you do mine Rams.
Really, it’s been a tough month here. I’m working too hard, one of my building sites lost a superintendent. A new one was hired and she is a pathological liar. The last rumour I heard about myself was that I stole a paint roller and measuring tape from an apartment. Three days ago I decided that she would quit and today she resigned. Then I met with the bookkeeper to figure out all the variances with the rent rolls. After 5 hours of that I was fully wiped out.
So…that’s when I get a telephone call that a raccoon went into a house and hid in the closet. I tried to call pest control but I gather they work banker’s hours and I ended up driving an hour to go shoo the thing out of the house. Then an hour drive to get home. By then it’s 11 pm.
That’s when I saw your email pop up. I can’t tell you what a comfort it was. So thank you. Even though we are continents apart I value your friendship very much. You and Glenn and even me (I’d like to think) are what make the internet so wonderful, that free flowing of information, education, caring and sharing. The power of giving freely of oneself is truly amazing. You both deserve any success that comes your way.
The world is round and whatever you give away makes it’s way back. Not by the same channels, but when it’s required. That’s where most of the people make a mistake, they think…I did something really nice for that person and they were lousy to me back, I’m not putting myself out there anymore. It comes back when you need it from unexpected places.
Life is good, I have friends all over the world, family and health. Much of my success comes from information I learned here about how to blog better. Because of people like you and Glenn my business has grown and me and my family are doing very well financially. I hope it makes you happy to know that on Sunday at 6 pm in Canada my 4 year old son has a blast at swimming lessons because information I learned on your site made it possible for me to pay for it. You guys make a difference to real people in real life most of whom would never comment. You rock!
That is all π
Hey Rachelle, sounds like you had a hell of a day. I hope you’ve had an opportunity to chuck a paint roller at her (and the racoon)!
It’s inspiring to read that you’ve taken Ramsay’s and Glen’s advice and created something awesome that supports your family – well done.
I’m working on following in your footsteps but it’s still early days – just two months into my blog right now…
Nice to meet you π
Rachelle that is the best testimonial I have ever received. You have absolutely made my year!
I read it out to my fiance and she was so touched as well.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
PS – You are working too hard! π
Glad to hear that you did not recommend them.
Why is that? Did you have some problems with them?
I’m glad to hear you will be continuing one with your blog. I was just directed to your site by another travel blogger and the few articles I’ve read I’ve really enjoyed and found quite useful.
Thanks Sam!
Hi man, glad you show your face eventually. Now I’ll start read Viper Chill as well if you post over there.
Thanks Zumbrul.
Like others have said, it’s cool to finally connect a face with the scepter. Like witnessing the Wizard coming out from behind the curtain.
I am interested in seeing how your writing style will evolve while posting on Viperchill vs. Blog Tyrant.
Viperchill’s posts are long, extensive, and very strategic. Each of them could have been an e-book or report on their own. Like getting a vision plan that gives you a year’s worth of action items.
Blog Tyrant’s posts feel more tactical, how-to, and ninja-style tricks. One way you’ve differentiated yourself is with your round-up survey posts, where you point out the best practices on other websites. For example, your article on the best “About Us” pages. You were a pioneer with that method. I’ve noticed other bloggers using round-up posts all over the Web.
Although I think you can write a killer long article as well (Glenn is a believer in you, which is the ultimate endorsement). “How I Sold a Blog for $20,000 in 8 Months” was the post that got me hooked on your blog. Discovered it way back when I used Delicious.com. That’s the first time I read a “make money online” article and felt like the writer actually knew their stuff. When someone writes with so much meaty detail, you know they’re the real deal.
Best of luck with your collaboration and with Blog Tyrant. Can’t wait to read what you come up with.
Thanks so much Marcus. As I said on the VC post I really appreciate all your comments these past few months. It would feel weird around here without them!
Hey,
showing your face has definitely made you more approachable in my eyes.
Careful, you might find that some of your shy subcribers might start interacting here all of a sudden – like MEEE, hello π
That said I couldn’t help but trust you anyway since you posted the pics of your cat
– although that at first glance made me think you were actually Glen experimenting if he could create another blogging empire without showing his name! Hope you’ll forgive me for thinking that…!
PS: who helped you carry the sofa into the pic π btw?
Sandra I wish we had thought of that! That would have been hilarious! A “fake” unmasking.
And yes, my cat is AWESOME!
For the couch, I hired a trailer to move it and then my photographer (www.jame.com.au) helped me lug it around.
Good move with the couch – definitely worth it.
I can see why you work with James. The wedding portfolio on his blog is stunning – such unique angles. He must be a very creative & cheeky guy to plot those shots. Did you see the crazy ipod pic in his “people” portfolio – hilarious!
Yeah he is amazing. Super nice guy too.
I just noted you have a chesterfield couch in your garden, that is actually quite boss!
If you had have donned a monocle at the same time it would have broke the internet.
ΰ² _ΰ²°ΰ³
Looking forward to reading more of you on VP (and here of course too).
Ha ha!
We were thinking also a white fluffy cat on my lap.
π
I only very recently stumbled onto your website so I haven’t been plagued by who this mystery Blog Tyrant really is, like the rest of your readers have =P
But I think it’s really awesome that you decided to “come out” and I can feel your genuine motivations for doing so. Reading through some of your posts, I really believe that you do want to help others (and I look forward to taking on some of your great tips to make my blog better)!
You’ve obviously already done well for yourself here, but now that you’re taking this step in making an even closer connection with your readers, I’m sure you and your readers will have an even more fulfilling experience!
So congrats on your new partnership with ViperChill and this exciting new chapter in your blog! π
Janice
Thanks Janice that is really kind. I do try to help, not sure how much I actually DO help but I’ll keep trying!
Thanks again.
Well, you already got me thinking about one thing, which is recreating my “About Me” page — which you call “About Us”? and having a clearer message about what my blog is about and why people would want to read it. So thank YOU π
Thanks Janice!
I think you should get a real scepter. I have half-a-mind to photoshop one into your photo.
Ha ha.
I saw one recently and thought about it but just felt like too much of a douche bag. I’m really not suited to be the Blog Tyrant to be honest.
Nice to meet you and having a picture of you does make the world of difference. I’m not loyal to a blog, I am loyal to a person. After ditching all my subscriptions to blogs re blogging (even copyblogger and problogger… shhhh!), I only stuck with you and Jon Morrow. Now I will have to see how you + Glen measure up π
Congrats and all my best for the future of this blog and your projects with Glen.
And you are really cute… and I am a sucker for an Australian accent.
Wow thanks so much!
May I ask why you ditched your other subscriptions?
Glad to finally see you, online at least! Congrats on the unveil – I’d be interested to read a case study down the road on the difference (if any) between your engagement online now that you’re unmasked vs. before. π
Hey Kristi!
Great to see you here.
I reckon that is an awesome idea!
Yeah read the post superb and Congratulation mate you are the luckiest person π
Thanks Amit.
Here’s an interesting thing BT.
I’ve followed your blog from the start and learnt a lot of practical things that have really helped my Life Dreaming blog and soon the site.
I’be no idea who Viperchill is so in my world you’re the STAR!!!
Will wander over to Viperchill and see what it’s all about.
Tried to get to this post yesterday but my broadband got the blues and everything slowed right down.
Just keep doing what you’ve been doing so well and I’ll always come back.
Also, a big hello to all your other loyal followers who leave such useful and supportive comments to your posts.
Have a great weekend mate.
xxLiz
p.s those xx aren’t for a date as you’re engaged and I’m old enough to be you’re … big sister. They’re a token of affection and respect for taking the time to write such great content and share your expertise.
Now, take some time to celebrate with your beloved and enjoy this fab moment.
BTW – can’t get into the ViperChill site. Keep getting a 408 Forbidden message. Que?
I was able to read it last time when the post was in my RSS. I think too much traffic? (Because I can’t get in as well)
Good news: Viperchill is back online, at least in Hawaii. I was going to share his “Cloud Blueprint” video course with my online entrepreneurs meetup group, but his site threw up a “403 Forbidden error.” Now seems like it’s okay.
Yeah apparently the site crashed because of all the comments sending out email notifications to the comment subscribers! My bad! π
Thanks for your lovely comment Liz. Really appreciate it.
I simply desired to say thanks once more. I’m not certain what I would have created in the absence of these tactics shared by you regarding my theme. It actually was a very traumatic matter in my position, however , encountering the professional style you treated it forced me to cry with gladness. I’m just grateful for your guidance and as well , believe you realize what a great job that you are carrying out instructing other individuals using a blog. More than likely you have never met all of us.
Thanks Lokard.
Hello Ramsay.
I think it is great that you decided to reveal yourself and that you have taken the time to explain the reasoning behind your decision.
I am looking forward to seeing how both yourself and Glen will adapt over the next few months. I am certain you’re addition will only enhance the experience that we already get from VC.
Paul
Thanks Paul. I hope so!
Awesome! All the best in your new venture. I’m looking forward to seeing how BT will evolve.
Thanks Aaron. Should be an exciting time!
Glen always has great content on his site so it says a lot about your writing Ramsay. Wish you all the best of luck for sure.
Glad your coming out party was a success! LOL π
Thanks Warren.
Wow, this would be the perfect time to redesign your site. π
True.