(The Walking The Talk series was created to show an ebook launch from idea to salesletter to marketing.)

I temporarily changed the Wordpress template for the No More Smelly House blog because I needed a diversion until the new header is done.

Again, I’m not in love. But I’ve been really sick this weekend, and I didn’t have the energy to be Patty Perfect.

As soon as the new header is done – or I start feeling better – I’m going full blast with writing new reviews.

In any case, I welcome these problems. I think it gives a most accurate picture of what REALLY goes on behind the scenes when you’re doing a project like this.

You can’t predict your shortcomings. You just have to deal with them as they arise.

In any case, here’s the first rough draft of the actual report.

I didn’t write in any particular order. So the ideas will seem to jump around a bit.

After starting the writing process I’ve had some new brainstorms on the ways I can better offer this information.

For example, I came up with a recipe idea that I think readers will have an easier time following.

1. Neutralize existing odors
2. Control new odors
3. Create a pleasing house smell

Although it’s a little tricky now because my existing Table of Contents wasn’t written to follow this recipe. So this week I’ll do a little re-organizing in that department.

Speaking of the word ‘recipe,’ I think I’m going to incorporate it into the sub-title for the report.

Because in actuality, you sometimes need different remedies depending on your housing situation, and the level of stink you’re dealing with.  So ‘recipes’ is a very accurate term.

BTW, if you have a stinky house remedy, please don’t hesitate to e-mail. Donations of intellectual property are always welcome.

Alexis Dawes

(The Walking The Talk series was created to show an ebook launch from idea to salesletter to marketing.)

Well the No More Smelly House blog is finally launched.

Although not quite in the aesthetic state that I had originally hoped for.

Only mere hours before the deadline for completion, the designer finally sent me the header.

When he originally bid on the project ($50) he included a watermarked sample of the header. I liked the sample, but wanted the copy placed in a few alternate locations on the header.

I told him I wanted a few additional examples of the header with the name and sub-title in different places on the existing header.

He sent me one header. And it wasn’t quite what I expected.

So I sent him an e-mail explaining what I didn’t like about it, and specifically requested 2-3 samples with the title/sub-tile changed around. I also extended the completion deadline by 2 days.

Today I received 4 samples. I chose the one I liked the best, and promptly paid the designer.

I admit that I really don’t love the header. The designer sparked my initial interest with the sample. But the end result was like a wet noodle.

What did I do wrong here?

* Well… in my project description I should have asked for at least 3 versions and 2 revisions. This would have allowed me to choose from several different graphic designs, instead of being stuck with just one.

* I should have chosen a designer with an established portfolio. This was a new designer on the freelance site, with no previous feedback or a portfolio.

Again, I chose him because the initial design looked like it could be built up. That was my mistake.

So if you go on over to the No More Smelly House blog, you’ll see that I didn’t upload the header yet.

But you can still see the header here.

I did start adding content to the site. One review to be exact.

If you look in the right hand column, you’ll see a link soliciting contributors.

On that page I have specific questions for contributors to answer in their review. I think that’ll encourage more people to contribute, rather than just asking for feedback on a product.

This blog is really a learning experience for me. So all I can do is try.

Alexis Dawes

When I started the Walking the Talk series in this blog, I knew there would be some glitches.

There are always glitches in this game.

When you’re a newbie you tend to get frazzled during the process. But as a veteran, I tend to overlook these moments. I’m used to them.

This week it’s the header for my No More Smelly House blog. I hired a freelancer last week to make the header for me. Less than 24 hours before the deadline for completion, and I haven’t heard anything from the designer. He e-mailed me once I hired him to say that he would have some prototypes for me to check out. And then that was it.

There’s still some time on the clock, so we’ll see.

It’s just pushing my blog start up date further back. I was hoping to have all the necessary adjustments made by now. Oh well.

On a different note, Desperate Buyers Only is a finalist for the 4th Annual Best Internet Marketing Product 2006.

So please place your vote for DBO. Of course I will greatly appreciate it, as I do all of your feedback. The winner will be announced next Monday.

Alexis Dawes