On Point Part 1

Over the past few weeks I have been encouraging (ok, demanding) that people respond to my blogs by posting comments. My purpose for this obstinacy is to try to create a more interactive "community" of AdamArmy readers. Instead of me speaking and you all checking in on my life, I would like to engage in more of a two-way conversation.

In the spirit of comments I would like to take a look at some of the ones I have received.

First off, I would like to juxtapose the two comments on my last post. They both represent (in my opinion) reactions to my request for comments. To summarize, the first comment criticized me for demanding comments and said (in a joking tone) that if I blogged more frequently and about more interesting subjects I would stand a better chance of receiving feedback. The second comment inquired as to how I "broke" Passover (in a popular Italian restaurant near our apartment - not to exciting, but very tasty).

One post was negative. One post was constructive. My demands for comments is not forcing you to think of some response to my post (although they are always welcome). It is also your vehicle for digging a little deeper into my life. It gives you a modicum of control over the content of this blog. Unless I don't want to address your post. Then you're just plum out of luck

I was going to tell a story relating to a comment from several posts ago, but I think this post is long enough, so check back in the next day or two for part 2.

It Figures

There is, roughly speaking, one day of Passover left (in Israel). And for that reason I did not buy the Kosher for Passover maple syrup or tomato sauce that I found in the supermarket. The deals off. No trade.

Also, to whomever left the inappropriate comment on my last post: Do it again and I'll simply remove the comment. People can have whatever opinions they want, but if you want to leave that opinion on my blog it must be substantiated. At the very least, it must relate to the post. And for the record, it is you who suck.

Pessach Ramblings

First off I would like to thank everyone who commented on my last post. If you didn't comment last time don't fret, you can comment on this one.

Secondly, being in Israel I only had one Seder this year. Awesome.

What wasn't awesome was the difficulty I had of doing my Passover shopping this year. You would think that it's easier to find Kosher for Passover food in Israel, but it's just not true. At least not in the neighborhoods in which Michelle and I tend to shop. There was lots of non-Kosher for Passover food and the food that was Kosher seemed haphazardly placed throughout the supermarkets (we went to 2 different ones). To top it all off, there was no maple syrup, pancake mixes, or cake mixes. There wasn't even any tomato sauce (I had to buy tomato paste for making matza pizza). I guess because there are Kosher restaurants open the supermarkets figure you can just eat out. I guess next year I'll just have to shop in Meah Shearim (a super ultra-orthodox neighborhood).

So happy Passover to all of you in the states. Enjoy your Kosher for Passover supermarkets and aisles. Would you trade them for only one night of Seder and some Kosher restaurants?

Take 2

OK. I thought we had a deal here people. I blog. You comment. It's pretty straightforward. On my last post I received comments from only two (wonderful) people. And one of them was just yelling at me to blog. Well, I'm sticking to my guns and from now on will not blog unless you guys hold up your end of the bargain. Besides, why the shyness? Would it help you to respond if I left questions to you in my posts?

How Time Flies

Oh what difference a month makes. It seems like only yesterday my fingers were type type typing away, informing everyone of my new job and reflecting on my old one. In the spirit of a new baseball season (which began yesterday for Red Sox fans) I suggest we start with a clean slate and let bygones be bygones. We should squabble no more about who blogged when and who commented last, but rather stand united in our dream of another Red Sox championship and consistent blogging/commenting. With this noble ideal in mind, I will be the bigger person and take the first step towards making our dream a reality.

The last month has been a pretty eventful one. But before I get into all the details though let me shed some light on my new employment situation. I work for a start-up company by the name of Internet Traffic Solutions. We do internet marketing and I specifically work with web analytics and pay-per-click marketing campaigns. Because I don't really have much work experience, and virtually none in this field, I have been learning a ton. It really is a whole new world. One advantage I do have is that the web analytics is similar to research I conducted for my Master's degree. Basically, you have a bunch of data and you try to make sense of it. I can do that. There is also a fair amount of testing/research done in optimizing a web site's usability. And as we all know, a web site that is easier to use is going to be more profitable. It has also been really interesting to see the inner-workings of a start up. It's amazing how fluid and fast-paced the life of a new business is.

OK, I did my part. Now you all have to visit my site repeatedly and leave comments. Then I'll post again. I promise. Seriously. I already have the next post written.