Why I Post Articles On Searchwarp - Reflections On My Searchwarp Journey
Posted: Friday, August 07, 2009
by Yangki Christine Akiteng
The Real People's Love Doctor
It's not a secret that unlike most other Searchwarp authors who write because they love writing and enjoy social networking with other authors etc., I write because it's part of my business marketing strategy. Don't get me wrong, I believe in (and practice) what I preach and I'm very passionate about helping others experience the kind of abundance of love I've been blessed with. As I often joke to my friends, love is my "family inheritance" and I've got more than my share to give away.
A deeper part of me wanted to be more -- to be a human being touching other human beings. On first contact, there was nothing about Searchwarp that said "This is where you belong. A place you can call home". Searchwarp didn't seem very welcoming to "business- oriented" authors and the presence of "too many Christian articles" was a red flag signal for someone ex-communicated from my church because apparently what I do (as a Love Coach) is Un-Christian (whatever that means).
The initial reaction to me as a newcomer wasn't much of a picnic. I had no strong readership base and my articles were hardly ever read. The best star rating I got from the article editors were three and some fours. Almost all the comments/feedback on my articles tended to fall under three categories.
1. "That's un-scriptural. This is what the scriptures say" (by those who assumed I was trying to turn my readers into "Christian believers.") Why these people think that I'd ask my readers to believe in an organization I don't believe in myself beats me.
2. "That kind of advice works for African Americans only" (by those who assumed I must be African American). I'm not into the habit of jumping into "racial profiling" accusations, but who says such dumb things in the 21st Century? I'll tell you, people who are scared of good competition.
3. "Let me give you a man's perspective" (by those who didn't really know much about dating and relationships). If you're going to give a man's perspective on something, at least make men look like the "upstairs brain" works too. Below average intelligence is so not attractive.
I could have easily walked away from Searchwarp, but go where? I'd already been to some of the "best" article submission sites on the internet. Besides, I've never been one to walk away from a challenge. "The more challenging, the more opportunities to grow" is one of my mottos.
2. "That kind of advice works for African Americans only" (by those who assumed I must be African American). I'm not into the habit of jumping into "racial profiling" accusations, but who says such dumb things in the 21st Century? I'll tell you, people who are scared of good competition.
3. "Let me give you a man's perspective" (by those who didn't really know much about dating and relationships). If you're going to give a man's perspective on something, at least make men look like the "upstairs brain" works too. Below average intelligence is so not attractive.
I could have easily walked away from Searchwarp, but go where? I'd already been to some of the "best" article submission sites on the internet. Besides, I've never been one to walk away from a challenge. "The more challenging, the more opportunities to grow" is one of my mottos.
More than that, I knew that I'd been given the life I have, and allowed to go through the experiences I've gone through so that I could bring a different kind of "Message of Love" to the people the message was meant for. I was not going to let no one and nothing - not even my own ego - get in the way.
Slowly, I started to build a steady readership base. My article rating started to climb. Comments on my articles (negative and positive) came in dozens. The best part was receiving private emails from Searchwarp readers who were glad they found someone who sees the world the way they do.
Many of them said that for years they thought something was "wrong" with them. They had been raised Christian and followed the "Christian rules" they'd been brought up with and naturally had been looking for insights and advice on many Christian websites. But they felt that something was "missing". Some thanked me for giving them the courage/permission to openly come out of the "closet" and live their authentic selves. Fast forward to today. Am I glad I made the decision to make Searchwarp my home!
1. Searchwarp changed how I approach "business marketing". I see how hard many small business people are trying to "sell themselves", and thank God that I don't have to bend over backwards and say and do whatever sells at the time. Over 60% of my clients found me on Searchwarp or were referred to me by someone who found me on Searchwarp. Most of them come to me with their minds already made up because they found me on Searchwarp. That's how much dedicated readers trust Searchwarp.
2. Besides, the top search engines, Searchwarp is my number 1 referring URL. This means that besides search engines like Google, yahoo etc. the next largest number of readers who click a link to come to my website come from Searchwarp. And if you trust Alexa Global Internet User statistics, Im doing pretty good.
3. I'm more and more enjoying the increasing diversity that is Searchwarp. I remember the day I first saw an internet ad for a Muslim Dating website on Searchwarp, I called all my friends who for the longest time have wanted me to leave Searchwarp. Their major beef was that Searchwarp did not reflect well on who I really am as a person who embraces diversity -- of people, opinions, choices, lifestyles, belief systems etc. It was my turn to rub it in -- and rub it in I did.
4. Searchwarp has some of the most intelligent and intriguing writers. I am not much of an internet social networker but I've a few people here on Searchwarp that if I had the opportunity to meet in person, I'd not think twice.
5. Then there is the Searchwarp team. I don't know if they really know just how good they are compared to the competition. I think I said enough already lest I come across as kissing up.
6. And thanks to Searchwarp, I am no longer just another small business person trying to make it. I am a human being touching other human beings. And I don't have to be anyone else but me.
To my dedicated readers and to my Searchwarp fans, thank you for EVERYTHING!. Your companionship on this part of the journey made it worthwhile. My sincere and eternal gratitude for the encouraging "lift ups", the warm "hugs" and the "wind in my wings".
To new writers out there feeling discouraged because you're finding it somewhat hard to "fit in" and especially those of you who have written me emails asking "how I do it", I hope this in some way helps you hang in there.
Is it worth it? YES! IT'S SO VERY WORTH IT.
This Article has been viewed 1,616 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)» left by Ken McCreless
from Event Horizon 2 years 188 days ago.
85 fans. Follow Ken McCreless on twitter!I found SearchWarp trying to promote a website. The site is long gone, but my need to write is growing day by day.I am proud to be a part of an organization that counts you as a member!Please log in to respond to this comment.
Dear, Dear, Christine!Thanks for the wonderful words of encouragement! I so desperately want diversity on SearchWarp. I want there to be the exchange of ideas and thoughts and opinions without ill will and anger... that's my hope every day.I've been in a bit of a funk over that lately, so your words were timely and very appreciated. Thanks for inspiring me also to keep fighting to drive the bus! Want to ride shotgun??? :)Please log in to respond to this comment.You’ve been a great inspiration to me when I need it and glad I could return the favour. On the diversity thing, I hear you Jean, I do. In someways, I feel I failed to be of much lpe, but not because of lack of trying. I can only begin to imagine what's like for you.... Keep praying, hoping and driving… someone above is looking. It'd be really nice though to partake in genuine exchange of ideas and thoughts and opinions. I mean exchange as in mutual understanding/validation versus trying to win over or prove that the other side “does not know better”. That’s what breeds the ill will and anger. I know… come very close a few times….:-) No saint here!Talking about exchange of ideas…without ill will and anger... What does “ride shortgun” mean? Is it dangerous? Sounds like something I’d enjoy…LOL Seriously… what does it mean? Tut! I must come across as really "stupid" for not knowing...lol!Please log in to respond to this comment.My apologies, Christine! The term "riding shotgun" comes from the person who rides in the front passenger seat and keeps watch for danger... the driver has both hands involved in driving, in the old days of the west they had the gun to guard against outlaws and bandits...
Possibly not a good choice of terminology on my part. LOL I don't want you to shoot anyone! Just ride along side.
My kids now yell, "Shotgun!" on their way out the door with me to indicate who gets to ride in the front seat of the car.Please log in to respond to this comment.Now that I know what it means... "Shortgun!"Please log in to respond to this comment.Ooops! I meant “I failed to be of much help”. This dyslexia is getting worse with age… :) I was going to add, "please put in spell check in the comments section" and noticed there has been one there all this time!!!!!Please log in to respond to this comment.
Hi Christine, this is a very interesting read and I can relate to many of your points. I am new-ish writer/poet taking my first steps into the ultra competitive writing world and like yourself, despite finding that some articles posted are devilishly difficult to get read (as i am discovering, often due to my own lack of experience in knowing what people want to read) but there is just something about Searchwarp that makes me stick around. It certainly does have more of a community spirit than many of the other writing websites. I realise also that I need to read more and contribute and comment on other peoples writing even though time restraints make that very difficult sometimes. I am a firm believer that reading regularly, and reading different styles of writing, can ultimately if you listen, only make you a better writer. Thanks for this piece, a genuinely good read! JulianPlease log in to respond to this comment.
Thank you for this article... I am just now returning to writing after nearly a year of "other interests" and this encouraging word is very helpful!Please log in to respond to this comment.
Dearest Christine,I find your work incredible and fantastic. You are inspiration to me and all I do. I welcome your words of wisdom and support. I feel we have physically met through the printed word.With the greatest appreciation and affection, thank you for staying with Searchwarp. I would have never known you if you left.SIncerely,
LawrenceP. S.Some people maybe intimidated by your brilliance. That is their loss, and insecurity.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Hi Christine, I agree with everything you said. I love searchwarp for the same reasons. I don't even remember how I found this site, but I am sure glad I did. I love that we can be friends and respectful of other peoples feelings and opinions without having to compromise our own. This is truly a family environment, but equally great, is there are a lot of talented and knowledgable writers and I have learned a lot in the process of making great friendships. Blessings to you girlie! Hugs, TeresaPlease log in to respond to this comment.
Chrissy, you've expressed beautifully why we feel this is where we belong. I'm happy you stayed, too. We've become family!
Hugs baby sis,
AvisPlease log in to respond to this comment.
Great article. Well done.I like you was not fond of all the Christian articles - I'm an Atheist. But as I have stayed longer on SW I have seen a great change and diversity seams to have grown.The best part for SW for me is that I get good reader number (400 minimum now) and I get to read articles from some incredibly clever people.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Thank you for the insight you have put into this article.This has been my first day on search warp. Although we disagree on some things....most things you have written about I am in total agreement with. With the comments I have left today I was simply trying to engage others in debate. In the future I will be more careful of my words as to not offend the writers. I realize one can be passionate and speak their beliefs without wording things in an offensive way. I also believe writers should have a forum where they will not be attacked for their beliefs, and this seems to be the place for it. All my comments seemed to have just "spilled" out today. This is the first time I have had a conduit for my opinions, and I seem to have "let myself go a bit". As you can see, as I commented on your MJ article I was indeed talking about myself, for I have just as many [or more lol] issues with self control as anyone else. I do sincerely respect your opinions and agree with most of them. I am very glad to have come across you here, and to have found this site. This site seems to be a very good place to encourage people to voice their opinions and find moral support from like minded individuals. Thank you for the very good advice ,I will take heed, and I will continue to read your articles...Please log in to respond to this comment."Spilled" is good in my books. I’m more scared of those that have it all under a tight lid…But I think you’re being too hard on yourself. I read some of your comments on other articles, and I personally didn’t think you were all that “bad”… I even thought you were interesting because you brought in new perspectives and after reading this comment, I have a new respect for you. Very few people are humble enough to say what you said here about what you were trying to achieve and how that might have come across. But more especially for the humility to say “I have just as many [or more lol] issues with self control as anyone else.” My self-control issue is one of a “run-away mouth”. I can get so (unapologetically) honest sometimes… and not many people like that… :-) Enough of confession time…I wasn’t just saying it for the sake of it when I said, THIS SITE IS THE BEST when it comes to voicing your different opinions. Not only will you meet like minded-individuals, but people who will disagree with you in a respectful manner. As you so well stated, attacking other people’s beliefs doesn’t prompt an engaging debate. We’re all human and when we’re attacked we go into flight or fight mode. Not much debate there… :-)Me too, I’m glad our paths crossed. Don’t be a stranger!!!!!!Please log in to respond to this comment.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.