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This is the story of how I accidentally became a professional blogger and started Dane Carlson’s Business Opportunities Weblog. This tale has been a long time coming, because it’s not really something I ever wanted to share. I was always afraid that if I told my startup story I’d just create more competition for myself and everyone would find out how I fell into my business without any planning or foresight. But, I’ve been at this for a nearly a decade and have pointed to and written about thousands of other entrepreneurs and their startup stories. If it was all right for me to share their startup experiences, it’s now my turn to share mine. I just hope that my experiences and foibles will be helpful to others.

Ten years ago when I told people that I was a blogger, no one had any idea what I was talking about. Even me. Today, not much has really changed. Many still don’t quite understand what I do, but I do, and that’s all that matters. I still struggle with explaining my business and sometimes just say that I work on the Internet or am a writer. But that’s not really true. I actually went through a phase were I was very upset that I couldn’t explain to people what I did and just wanted to quit and become a plumber or something because at least everyone understood what that was.

In late 1997, I’d been surfing the Internet for about four years when I discovered a new method of publishing called “weblogging”. At the time it was just a very small niche hobby, that only acquired a name in December of that year.

Read the rest.

I hope you will have a blessed Holy Day and a wonderful New Year!

I thought it to be the most just option because frankly I consider the income tax as we have it to be IMMORAL. Here’s why:

Suffice it to say our current “income tax” scheme is intrinsically unjust because it taxes individuals and businesses on entirely different principles. Businesses are taxed on “profits” after all necessary maintenance expenses including the deduction of other taxes paid, all operating expences, depreciation, etc. On that basis, no individual would ever pay an income tax because “profit” cannot by definition be determined until death. Until that point, all revenues are being used for maintenance and upkeep of the “individual = business”. Any year end “savings” that might be taxed as evidence of “profit” are, to use a business term, simply a fund against future expenses and not a genuine profit at all.

As I suggested elsewhere: “On what principle then does a tax on personal income and purchases operate? It operates on one that reduces workers to the status of chattel, i.e. slaves owned by the state.” No other possibility exists to explain the discrepancy.

For the same reasons a tax on sales is likewise immoral in principle. (I’m not saying to not pay your taxes, I’m just discussing how true reform should proceed. Until it does, don’t ask for trouble!)

In addition the so-called “Fair Tax” would boost identity theft as every self – respecting crook (to quote John Medaille) would have at least 10 identities to get 10 “prebate” checks monthly under the plan.  The fraud would be astronomic.

But worse, the impact would be unfair a greater percentage of income from common people would fund the government and the so-called “Fair Tax” does not address other inequities in the tax system either as taxes are administered locally.

We need one simple, single, truly fair tax based on discernable market values.

But the main reason as far as this blog is concerned is that it is this type of plan that lowers real estate opportunity costs and allows more families to develop work at home lifestyles and employment.

Here’s a better alternative and a Truly Fair Tax – The Case Plainly Stated by H.F. Ring

My plans are, as you may have guessed since this is a blog, to identify and write blog posts of interest.

But right now I’m also thinking about  posts that can be compiled into a “free ebook” to give to folks to build an email list.

Of course that will mean developing a series of follow up emails which I’m not so good at… I get sick of multiple sales pitches.

So how do you handle that responsibly and tastefully?

Let’s see – what else is up?

I have some other writing I need to do for another project or two… some book reviews I’m working on… and to somehow get some sleep each night.

So what are your plans?

Southern women scattered spring flowers on the graves of both the
Northern and Southern soldiers who died during the Civil War.

This was the origin of Memorial Day, which in 1868 was set on MAY 30.

In 1968, it was moved to the last Monday in May.

From the Spanish-American War, to World Wars I and II, Korea,
Vietnam, Desert Storm, War against Islamic Terror, up through the
present, all who gave their lives to preserve America’s freedom are
honored on Memorial Day.

Beginning in 1921, every President placed a wreath on the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier, which is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The number 21 being the highest salute, the sentry takes 21 steps,
faces the tomb for 21 seconds, turns and pauses 21 seconds, then
retraces his steps.

Inscribed on the Tomb is the phrase: “HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN
AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD.”

I can’t wish you a “happy” day, the message of this day is quite somber to me.
But I do hope you will have a blessed time with friends and families if you are able
to gather together today.

To get you started on the “right foot” in 2010, please remember to check out these special offers:

Markus Allen’s new resource for retailers, Retailing Secrets – This promises to give you proven ideas to put money in your pocket while others wonder “where do I find customers?”

Also, get my free email series on “How To Get Started Online” . Over the next 5 days, you’ll learn how to transform simple “Keyword Research” into 5 different strategies for making you money on the Internet in 2010.

Again, Happy New Year 2010 from the Work At Home Business Blog!

Note:  The Retailing Secrets is an affiliate link. “How To Get Started Online” is a free email course that demonstrates the use of a software tool available by affiliate link.

May you have a joyful Holiday and a Prosperous New Year in 2010!

I was speaking with someone yesterday who – at least for the moment – is down and out and dependent on others for her survival. A chain of events beyond her control lead to this point, but her resolve was stunning and as she left she wished me a “Happy Thanksgiving”.

I wish for us the same resolve and good cheer to persevere in the days ahead!

Eight years ago, I started this blog to separate the wheat from the chaff of the business opportunities I found online.

It’s been a fun ride and one that I couldn’t have kept up this long without my loyal readers. Over 100,000 of you subscribe to this blog and read it daily in your email, via RSS or in your browser. Thousands more stumble onto it every day as they search the internet for legitimate business ideas and opportunities.

This blog has allowed me to work for myself, from home and to meet thousands of other entrepreneurs and opportunity seekers. It’s been a an incredible blessing and I look forward to doing it for many more years to come.

Thank you!

From Dane’s blog

I believe more people than ever will be wanting to have a “Plan B” for generating extra cash…

For improving their small business marketing…

For taking ideas that work in one field and applying them to their business…

So I’m assembling resources.

In fact, I already mentioned one … about how to “Put Paul Harvey to work for you!”

But there’s lots more information that needs to be assembled and made available.

So that’s what I’m working on now… how to deliver as much free information as possible on valid, low cost, IDEAS to help you make money at home or in a small business.

So that’s what I’m hard at work trying to hatch now.

Merry Christmas!