Howdy.

Just checking in, to make sure you know I’m still kicking.

Busy, busy, busy. Virtual classes for the Simple Writing System start this week, you know.

Tell you what: To celebrate, let’s give out some…

PRIZES!

In fact — what the hell — let’s have TWO contests.

C’mon. What d’ya say?

Contesto Numero Uno: First person to name the band AND fill out the last two lines of the song I quoted above (just below the date)…

… wins a free copy of that infamous “Power Words” report I created by pulling killer action verbs, emotionally-loaded words, and hooky persuasion phrases from a thick pile of my best-performing ads.

This report is often cited as the critical “X Factor” for many writers now knocking ads, websites and PPC out of the park. (It’s valued at $99, you know.)

(Hint: Same band did the original song I’ve corrupted for the headline.)

(C’mon. You KNOW this…)

Contesto Numero Dos: First person to comment on the NEW BLOG — when it finally appears — gets a copy of the “Power Words” report, too.

I cannot say for sure when the new blog will magically appear in this spot.

Same URL. No need to change channels.

At some special moment — any time now — the programmer will throw a switch and VOILA! New blog design lights up the joint.

We’ve been massaging it for a month, trying to make everything as glitch-free as possible before debuting.

We’re changing the name, too. In honor of the newsletter I wrote and mailed out (remember mail?) for six years, we’re re-christening this blog to “The Rant”.

I’m so excited. I’m like a kid on Christmas morning who knows what I’m getting, and can’t sleep waiting to unwrap it.

Of course, as a kid, I would destroy most of the shit I got by early afternoon.

I promise to take care of this toy, though.

Oh, wait…

One more thing:

I’ll be in San Diego this weekend, speaking at Frank Kern’s “Mass Control” big damn event. Gonna hang out with the Kool Kids (like Filsmaime and Koenigs and Johnson and Walker and JaMo and the rest) for a few days.

And don’t forget: If you joined Frank’s Mass Control mini-cult through our link, Stan and I are hosting a nice little exclusive brainstorm/cocktail hour Thursday in the hotel. (Only invited guests, please.)

Spring in San Diego. What a concept.

Stay frosty (and watch for the new blog’s appearance)…

John