I am a lousy golfer.  But all it takes is one great shot to keep me coming back to the golf course.

I had been feeling a little down about the blog this week. When I switched to Wordpress, I lost 90% of my RSS feed readers and it’s been slow coming back.  I felt like I was starting over.  There have been technical problems that have caused a lot of pain-staking and boring work.  And some of my best writing (IMO) did not seem to connect with people.

Out of the blue, I received an email from Dan Levine (@schoolmarketer).   I don’t know Dan other than his occasional comments on my blog, but he felt compelled to write me a lengthy e-mail. In part, he said:

I appreciate what you’re doing — slowly and surely, thoughtfully and methodically, you’re helping shape the direction of this “new” medium. In a landscape filled with yes-people and a few too many sheep, your posts are making ripples that will eventually lead to new ideas and fresh approaches. I have no doubt.

Too often we hear from folks who are disappointed or frustrated by our work; I think it’s important to also let folks know when we appreciate the work they’re doing. So … thank you.

Boy how a few kind words like that can get you back on track.  Dan’s words came at such a good time.  It was a chip shot from the rough that landed three inches from the hole.

More important, there is a great lesson here in taking time to thank people and connect to them in a meaningful way.  Thanks for the inspiration, Dan.

3 Comments

• 

  By Gordie Rogers, October 16, 2009 @ 1:23 am

  Hi Mark,
  Bummer about losing those RSS subscribers. It happens often when people also switch email list management subscribers. Hang in there buddy. I’m sure in a year from now, your blog will be going stronger than ever.
• 

  By Gregg Morris, October 16, 2009 @ 7:21 am

  It takes a real leader to share what you just did. From those of us who think the world of you, thank you.

  I think Dan hit the nail on the head. You have not been afraid to put yourself out there and to question as well. We are all the richer for that.

  As to your best writing, it was. Heartfelt writing always comes through, it’s just that it’s not always recognized at first. Just ask Joyce, Hemingway, Miller, Nin, etc.
• 

  By Gregg Morris, October 16, 2009 @ 7:22 am

  P.S. – Maybe we’ll have to fix your golf game when I get there !

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