Stepping Away
For active members of the V7N Forums, the announcement that I’ve stepped away from V7N’s daily operations is not new news. For several months now I’ve been less and less active.
Adam Smith, a friend I knew in Seattle who lives with his wife and children here in Tokyo, has taken over day-to-day operations. He effectively runs our Contextual Links service, and our customers give him rave reviews.
Reiko still handles the office and taxes and all those mundane things.
As for me, I must admit that SEO no longer holds my attention. That does sound like a horrible thing to say after the kindness the SEO industry has shown me, and the lifestyle it has afforded me, and the relationships which resulted from my participation in this industry. But the fact remains that SEO simply doesn’t interest me. At this point in life I’d be more interested in reading a user guide to a microwave oven than a Google patent.
Making money is good, and SEO does that. The Internet remains the easiest place to advertise and the largest market there is. But in the end, what does it matter?
For the past several months, I’ve been in “back to school” mode. At my age, going back to school is certainly not the norm. But the political issues we still face today interest me, and I’ve always believed that people do the best at what interests them. No, I’m not going into politics. But I do want to understand the issues, and see if I can’t add my voice to the chorus of voices that is required in a democracy.
What does the future hold for V7N? I really don’t know. I’ve considered selling. I still do consider selling. But for now, there will be no major changes. Adam and Reiko are running things nicely and it leaves me plenty of time to read and study.
If I do sell V7N, it will be with stipulations that protect the interests of our customers. So, in other words, no worries.
And thanks to all the fine folks in the SEO industry who’ve made it such an intriguing and human industry.
February 19th, 2008 at 8:54 am
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February 19th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I understand your lack of interest in SEO. I’m experiencing the same thing in my life right now. I’ve explored the school option but being a father of 3 and the fact I’m almost 30 is kinda holding me back.
I wrote a post awhile ago that might interest you.
http://bryan-siegel.blogspot.com/2008/01/goodbye-seo-hello-net.html
Your interests might lye elsewhere but I’ve found the development path a positive one with allot of earning potential.
I would however like to know which path you choose, because you don’t come across too many people that post publicly about the lack of interest in SEO.
February 19th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Bryan,
At 37, I’m probably too old to be going back to school myself. But I’ve already made up my mind to do so, because it is what interests me.
Never give up on what interests you, eh?
February 28th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
You’re not too old John and I think it’s GREAT you’re pursuing your interests and passions. You have a lot of smarts and talent. Sad to see you go but admire your courage to break free.
February 28th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Good luck to you John. I hope that your new journey takes you to the path that you want to follow.
The average age that I saw in law school wasn’t that much younger than 37, and there were even some students there in their late 50s and early 60s. I don’t think that it’s ever too late to go back to school, and pursue a new dream.
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Thanks Bill and Kim. It certainly was fun.
March 4th, 2008 at 3:48 am
Good luck whatever happens. You’ll do well in whatever you do next I am sure, if only I had the dedication you have shown with this site.
Keep in touch
April 28th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Hi John. I can certainly understand this, SEO is a great way to expand relationships while making money, but at the end of it all, we all have inner passions that generally supercede this type of work if we only listen to ourselves.
FYI - I went back to school 3 times, when I was 24, 29 and 34. You can never be too old, and you can never be too young