Blogging: Money Maker?

I made money today off of this blog. A total of 97 cents.

That's 97 cents, that's one donut my body doesn't need. Even though I seem excited about making a ridiculous small amount of money online, I never thought I'd get a nickel out of Google. I think I'm more surprised than excited really.

Realistically the optimal time to make money in blogging was back in early 2000's, when people like Darren Rowse were quote, "in the right place at the right time". I feel like I just got into a bar and it's last call.

I have no illusions that my Blog will ever make more than a handful of donuts, but frankly I'm okay with this. As Rowese puts it "reality is between these two extremes" referring to a small minority of people who make blogging a career, and everyone else.

This concept is not much unlike YouTube, as for every Ray William Johnson (I hate that guys show) there's a million nobodies. The market of bloggers and YouTubers is extremely over saturated. It reminds me of my graduation ceremony in late 2007, when my professors eagerly tried to paint a positive spin on the job market and recession. Saying that as creative, and capable journalists the market was not dying but evolving into new areas of growth. Thus the responsibility was on us as recent grads to create work for ourselves. That to me was like telling someone to go to Hollywood and try their shot at being an actor. For every person who was successful, there's entire cities of people who failed. That's why this is something I do for personal enjoyment.

Below is a link to the post about making money blogging, by Darren Rowse. It provides an interesting perspective from someone who actually turned this into an unlikely career.

http://www.problogger.net/archives/2012/11/28/can-you-really-make-money-blogging-7-things-i-know-about-making-money-from-blogging/

Below is a conversation I had about my "fat stack". 

WIND Mobile: For Sale?

Recently some of my peers have commented on my previous blog, where I accuse WIND of providing an inconsistent service. Interestingly enough a couple days later, I read an article in the Toronto Star that stated "Wireless carrier Wind Mobile up for sale".

I recently spoke about an important role WIND has played in creating competition and forcing the Big 3 to loosen their grip on our wallets. However, I believe I was also fair in my criticisms of WIND and the service they provide. Some people may be asking themselves, well how can you support WIND but criticize them at the same time?

It's simple. For example, I think BlackBerry as a company is good for Canada, as it helps promote jobs and and a sector that provides growth to various communities and cities throughout Canada. Exporting technology is something all countries "should" strive for. However, would I ever personally go out and buy a BlackBerry? Probably not, as it's not my cup of tea. It's about separating personal and professional feelings. People need to recognize what's good for them as an individual, and what's good for all of us. WIND is a perfect example of this. WIND wasn't good for me as a service provider, but its existence is beneficial to all consumers in Canada.

With the sale of Wind Mobile, raises some interesting questions in regards to who is going to end up buying the mobile carrier. For all of our sakes, I hope the government and CRTC make it clear that the big 3 will have no part in the purchasing or joint ownership of Wind Mobile. After all WIND's existence is largely in part of the federal government trying to spark competition between the Big 3 mobile carriers by introducing a 4th carrier.

I hope WIND was two steps forward, instead of one step forward and one step backwards.

WIND Mobile: Pay for What You Get

Buyer beware for anyone shopping around for a mobile provider. Low monthly fees, all inclusive packages including unlimited data, sounds too good to be true? On some level WIND is providing "some" of the service they claim to offer, but there's a lot more going on that the average person isn't aware of.

Fundamentally I want to support WIND for what they've tried to do, which Koodo/Telus was suppose to do but didn't - that was to create competition and lower prices for the average consumer. Rogers and Bell have long since been accused of price fixing and creating a modern monopoly in Canada's telecommunications.

WIND is running on its own network, meaning that they have their own towers which their network is based off of. WIND is constantly adding new areas of service, as they are focused on continuously expanding their network. It's important to understand that there's only four companies who have their own network, which is Rogers, Bell, Telus, and most recently WIND. There's companies such as Mobilicity, Koodo, Virgin, and many others that run off of these networks. This is important to mention as their is many companies, and few service providers.

To make it simple, WIND is still in its infancy phase. The towers provide significantly less coverage than that of Rogers and Bell - and of course they would, Rogers and Bell have had a twenty year start on them. There's plenty of areas that are technically "covered" by the WIND network but are actually "dead zones", where there is little to no coverage. My house is technically a "dead zone", as I constantly lose connection to the network and have pretty much given up on the idea of using my phone at home. On the flip side, some of my friends and colleagues have no problem getting a signal at their places of residence. It's hit or miss, and that to me speaks volume about the inconsistency of being a customer of WIND. Walmart is another place that is an impregnable fortress when it comes to getting a signal on WIND. I've been in various Walmarts but I am always incapable of getting a signal. Usually this means I have to manually re-connect to the network, this happens on almost a daily basis where I lose signal and have to manually search for the network and reconnect to it.

My conception of wireless phone plans were staunchly negative until I realized what truly a "tab" meant. Being on a tab sounds great on paper, you don't have to stay with the company if you don't want to, the monthly fees are generally lower, etc. I ran into a situation where my mobile phone malfunctioned two months out of warranty, so I took it back to WIND. They told me they could send it to Samsung but since it was out of warranty they would likely charge me around $100 to fix the phone, and since WIND only guaranteed me a one year warranty they weren't going to do much more than that. Realizing my phone was still worth several hundred dollars, I agreed. I got a call about a month later from WIND letting me know that Samsung came back with an estimate of $240 to fix a malfunctioning button. If I was on a contract with Rogers or Bell, they would have most likely nullified the plan and gave me a new phone - as long as I agreed to sign up for another 2 or 3 year contract from the point of me getting a new phone. After years of fighting the concept of mobile phone plans, I am beginning to see less of a problem with them. That is as long as the monthly fees are not outrageous. It's not like I'm going to wake up tomorrow and decide I don't need a phone.

I don't want to see WIND fail, but I also can't continue to justify paying a company money for a sub-par service - mainly because I hate their competitors. Hopefully most Canadians realize that when it comes to telecommunications we're getting screwed, hard.

 

Game of Thrones Season III

Season three of Game of Thrones is schedule to be released on March 31st. This highly anticipated show broke record download numbers last season, as it was most pirated show in 2012 - boasting numbers of over 4 million downloads for a single episode.

The affects of this is felt differently throughout the cast and crew. Some notable actors, such as Nicolaj Coster-Waldu who plays the character Jamie Lannister, was quoted during a BBC interview as saying "at the end of the day it's stealing" - noting that there was an initial part of him that was thrilled about the positive reception the show has had via online downloading.

One of the show's directors, David Petrarca noted that this "might not be a bad thing". Petrarca suggested that this may do more good than harm, as he was quoted during a panel discussion at the University of Western Australia by saying shows such as these survive on a "cultural buzz", and benefit from exposure, noting that "this is how they survive".

I applaud HBO for taking on big projects such as Game of Thrones, and I as a viewer realize the cost and scope of a production such as this. Each episode is a multiple-million dollar production. HBO had to previously cancel production of ROME, due to low viewership and extensive budget costs. Many people were opting to pirate the show, as opposed to purchasing an HBO subscription. I'm hoping this won't happen to Game of Thrones. Hopefully this also changes some minds at HBO in regards to giving up their "exclusive rights" to the show, and looking for creative ways to create revenue.

HBO GO is HBO's website and mobile 'app' that allows subscribers to view over 600 hours of content. Currently users in Canada who subscribe to the movie network or HBO do not have access to this service. An idea that has been suggested - one which I personally support is making HBO GO a service that can be purchased separately. This would mean a person would not have to purchase a TV subscription to HBO to receive HBO GO. Users who prefer to watch content online would pay for the service they use, and at the same time support television they actually want to watch. 

TOP THREE CHARACTERS TO WATCH THIS SEASON


Actor: Ciarán Hinds
Character: Mance Rayder

Bio: Most notably known for his role in HBO's Rome, as Julius Caesar. For those who never saw ROME, you may also recognize him from the movie Tinker Tailor Solider Spy. As an actor Hinds is capable of powerful emotional outbursts, and well delivered monologues. I didn't initially recognize Hinds in part two of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. However, after looking into Hinds acting background it turns out he played Aberforth, Albus Dumbledore's brother. In Game of Throne's Hinds takes on the role of Mance Rayder, a former member of the Nights Watch and the current "king-beyond-the-wall". Mance is clever, intellectual, and capable. Anyone who has read some of a Song of Ice and Fire can attest to the depth that went into creating this character. 

Actor: Tobias Menzies
Character: Edmure Tully

Bio: Tobias Menzies and Ciarán Hinds share several things in common, first that they are both from the United Kingdom. Secondly they both had major roles in HBO's Rome, as Menzies played Brutus - Caesar's most famous assassin. Since Rome Menzies had played various small roles in both television and film. In Game of Thrones Menzies will take on the role of Edmure Tully, son of Lord Hoster Tully. Edmure is currently inline to become Lord of Riverrun. Edmure is Catelyn Stark's younger brother. Edmure grew up with Petyr Baelish, as his family fostered the young Baelish. Edmure was the first to give Baelish the nickname "little finger".

Actor: Clive Russell
Character: Brynden "Blackfish" Tully

Bio: Clive Russel is another British actor, but I swear he wasn't in ROME. He's worked on various television shows mostly in the UK, including a brief stint on Coronation Street. This British actor is not known to many Canadian viewers, however his acting work in the UK has given him a reputation of being a talented, and well respected actor. Brynden, or Blackfish is an interesting character as he believes in honor and duty, but personal conflicts with his older brother Lord Hoster Tully have previously distanced him from his family. Blackfish plays a role in the first two books, assisting his nephew Robb Stark on his war council and commanding various battles.

Life of Pi - Thoughts on the Conclusion

I recently watched Ang Lee's adaptation of Yann Martel's Life of Pi. I was dazzled by the ingenuity and creativity of the filmmakers and crew that went into developing a film such as this.

Like most people, I began a discussion after watching the movie and hearing Pi present two plausible stories to the reporters about an account of what had happened during his journey. A quote that was used by Pi, "and so it goes with God", was used to present a case for believing or not believing. It challenges the viewer to make an act of faith.

My partner I watched the film with chose to believe that the story with the animals actually took place. After some reflection I chose to believe the opposite. I believe that the moment in which the spotted Hyena or Cook killed Pi's mother or Orangutan , Pi became the embodiment of the the Tiger. It was out of necessity that Pi took on characteristics of the Tiger, as a means of survival. Unfortunately this paints a darker picture of human nature, but I feel a more realistic one.

Richard Parker did save Pi's life, without Pi betraying some core-concepts he previously held (not eating fish or meat being one of most significant) Pi would have never survived. The monent where Richard Parker waits on the island in the boat was significant as he was telling Pi, "Life is more than just eating and surviving. Being here is existing in your basic form".

When Pi was found washed upon the shores of the Mexican coast, the Tiger leaves him. Saying goodbye to Richard after being together for over two-hundred days was extremely hard for Pi. This was because Pi relied on Tiger's strength and determination to survive. Richard leaves Pi, as Pi himself no longer needs Richard. I believe this movie is a psychological testament of our ability to create and manipulate reality for the purpose of self preservation and survival. I can only imagine the physical, emotional, and psychological hardships someone like Pi must have gone through to survive.

 

20 Best Songs of 2012..... SO FAR

This is Ryan's top 20 of 2012, so far. The order sequence does not reflect a ranking system. I have not gone so far as to order them from best to worst, or vice versa. For instance Gotye's Somebody I used to know is number one, but that does not mean I think it's the best song of 2012.

Here's a quick list of the songs;

1) Gotye - Somebody I used to Know
2) Band of Skulls - Patterns
3) Monsters of Men - Little Talks
4) Mother Mother - Let's Fall in Love
5) Japandroids - The House That Heaven Built
6) The Shins - Simple Song
7) Imagine Dragons - It's time
8) Fun - We are Young
9) The Gaslight Anthem - 45
10) The Lumineers - Ho Hey
11) Mumford and Sons - I Will Wait
12) Walk the Moon - Anna Sun
13) Fun - Some Nights
14) Young Empires - White Doves
15) Alabama Shakes - Hold On
16) Deadmau5 feat. Chris James - The Veldt
17) Mumford and Sons - The boxer
18) The Black Keys - Little Black Submarines
19) Metric - Breathing Underwater
20) Muse - Madness

 Here's some meat on the bones as to why I selected these songs;

1) Gotye - Somebody I used to Know

Gotye was considered to be the breakout artist of 2012, however I haven't really clicked with his other songs. I think this song will probably be a top contender for song of the year for 2012, however I am the point where I can't listen to this song anymore. Gotye seems like a really great guy and is taking his so called "one hit wonder" in stride, but his song is overplayed to death. I feel like I might be interested in listening to this song in a couple years, which sucks because it really is a great song and an overall creative music video.

2) Band of Skulls - Patterns

This song is catchy and overall pleasing. What is about songs that list numbers that really get me into them? I'm blaming Feist on this one. This song is a cue for my head to bob.

3) Monsters of Men - Little Talks

I'm a huge ska fan and even though this band isn't necessarily ska, this song really has some great elements of ska. It's got a great upbeat feeling, followed by some phenomenal contrasting lyrics that par off like a duet. Solid lyrics, solid sound, solid band.

4) Mother Mother - Let's Fall in Love

Another great example of a successful collaboration from female and male vocalists. This might sound like another relationship punching bag song, but it's got depth. This is a great example of quality independent Canadian music.

5) Japandroids - The House That Heaven Built

Japandorids deliver in this song, it easily the best song on their album Celebration Rock. They go hard, and it's greatly appreciated. This really is one of my top 5 songs of 2012, even though I promised not to mention a ranking system. This is the kind of song you want to sing (cough, shout) along with live at one of their shows. If they try to slow you down, tell them all to go to hell! Great words of wisdom.

6) The Shins - Simple Song

This is a wicked cruising song. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person guilty of rolling down the windows while listening to this blare on the highway. This song barely made it into the 2012 cutoff, being released January 10th. If you dig the song check out Port of Morrow, the album features other great songs like It's Only Life and The Rifle's Spiral. The Shins get +1 for creating a music video that gave me the impression that it was directed by Wes Anderson.

7) Imagine Dragons - It's Time

At this moment, this is currently my favorite song. I've literally raped the replay button on YouTube. I'd suggest purchasing this song, and checking out their debut album Night Visions.

8) Fun - We are Young

Fun in my mind is anthem rock, they make music similar to Queen. I want to be clear this though, I'm not saying Fun is on the same level as Queen. Fun is one of those bands that grabs you and holds onto you, which is what Queen does. We can all sing along to their songs in large groups, which is what they're all about. Some Nights really was an amazing record, they're not just a band with a one-off song. I expect some great tunes from this band in the future!

9) The Gaslight Anthem - 45

I listen to this song and think "wow I would have really dug this song when I was sixteen", but the fact is I'm not sixteen and I still do really dig this song! They're song has some great elements of a solid punk-rock song. It might not be a hardcore punk song, but it's still really good.

10) The Lumineers - Ho Hey

Got to love the use of the Mandolins in this song. This is the kind of song the indie kids would jam to. Their music video for this song also has an excessive amounts of fedoras in it.

11) Mumford and Sons - I Will Wait

We all waited for Babel, after being blown away by Sigh No More.  I'm barely scratching the surface of Mumford's new CD. It took me awhile to fully immerse myself into Sigh No More, but have been better off since. Babel has some good tunes, sure, but I'm uncertain it will stand on par with Sigh No More. It's important to note that this band's first album was a breakout hit that garnished the band immediate success. The band has proven that with Babel, they are capable, and will continue to be a highly successful band. Mumford is full of great musicians, and I'm personally thrilled that they have only begun their career.

12) Walk the Moon - Anna Sun

I heard this song at a Young the Giant concert in downtown Toronto, and thought to myself "wow, this was the only good song of the night". I digress, but only slightly. This song is really catchy, from a rather new indie band. I implore everyone to YouTube their music video for this song and see what our creative generation can accomplish. "We got no money, but we got hear-t-t-t!". This video is also a reminder of how hipster our generation is.

13) Fun - Some Nights

Like I previously stated, great band, and great album. I originally saw the music video before listening to the song on the radio. I would suggest checking out the video, it's really well done. Nothing wrong with the song on it's own though, it's all around solid. If I had to make one criticism about this song, it'd have to be about the voice auto tuning..... Not necessary, sir.

14) Young Empires - White Doves

Young Empires is fantastic new band that plays some catchy down right awesome indie rock. One of their other tracks, We Don't Sleep Tonight came very close to making it on this top 20 list. What's surprising to me is that this band is amazing, yet they haven't blown up yet. Fantastic work guys!

15) Alabama Shakes - Hold On

The pipes on this lady! Seriously listen to this song and try not to be shocked at the talent this band has. Alabama Shakes is currently on my radar for new content.

16) Deadmau5 feat. Chris James - The Veldt

Deadmau5 is Deadmau5. His music is perfect for those long pauses in movies where a person is sitting on a bus looking out a window. I dare you to prove me wrong.

17) Mumford and Sons - The boxer

The second best song on Babel, in my opinion is a cover. Hate away. This is a great song, and Mumford did a great job of covering it.

18) The Black Keys - Little Black Submarines

This duo can really pump out some good tunes. Little Black Submarines sounds like music from another generation. It's weird listening to Modern Rock that sounds distinctly like Classic Rock. It's a great song, and I'll give it up to The Black Keys for making two solid back-to-back records. Those being of course Brothers and El Camino.

19) Metric - Breathing Underwater

I was skeptical about Synthetica, as I had trouble finding songs that really sparked my interest. I'm a fan of Metric and own all their albums, but was slightly disappointed with this album. Breathing Underwater is a great track, and there is some good tracks on Synthetica, but this is probably my least favorite record by Metric.

20) Muse - Madness

Muse has proven to be one of the most successful and versatile bands in the past couple years. I still regard Black Holes and Revelations as one of my favorite albums. Madness isn't one of my favorite Muse songs, but it's still pretty good.The song really grows on you, I will say that about it.