Unexpected Grief

I’ve had some serious problems with my business website and other domain, to be precise: with the software that I was using to run that website. It’s the same software that I’m using for this website and that I have been using for donkey years. Probably about nine: ever since the start of this blog. I’m slightly worried that the same might happen with this website and that I have to close it just like I had to with my business website.

It’s totally annoying… I think the main reason for the problem lies with G00gle. G00gle uses a tiny bit of software to scan all the pages for content. I’m avoiding the use of certain words on purpose in case you wonder why I’m all cryptic about it. I will explain in a moment. Since G00gle collects all the data, it is published and available from their website to everyone who visits and searches thus visible to the leeches as well.

So when they find your website and find the bit that is easy to take over and control then you might as well close it down because fighting the problem seems nearly impossible. The software I’m using has a weak spot and this is exactly what they will aim for and abuse. I found out it had been a week spot since the first release. I’ve had about thirty thousand h.i.t.s. in only seven days causing my account to almost exceed bandwidth.

Back to G00gle, since I am not using their service for this website I might be safe for now. But I was with the other one and just before the problem started I had written a post about the fact that I had been receiving lots of fake reactions on my posts coming from the far East. I’d also used keywords and I feel that because of that post in combination with the keywords and the search results from G00gle, it triggered the wrong kind of visitors.

The kind of visitors that just barge in and out each second trying to take control of what is yours and keeping at it with an extremely rigid and twisted enthusiasm. The kind that won’t take no for an answer. Ever since, I have been trying to fight the problem to no avail and it has only become bigger and more widespread coming from all directions of the globe. I’m blocking but some can’t be blocked unfortunately coz they’re way too clever!

I feel I’ve wasted so much time trying to deal with this. First I had to shut down the website, then I had to remove all the software, install a new CMS and totally redesign it. It was up and running for a while but then I saw it spike again and decided to take it offline until I’ve figured out a way to redirect incoming traffic to a fake page that contains no content and uses zero k in bandwidth so they won’t be able to spike it over and over again…

Anyway, you might understand why I am slightly worried. So if this website is gone all of a sudden you’ll know why.

Effective Channeling

March 2011 and I’m writing another post finally. I’ve been so focused on getting certain things done that I hardly had any time to write. Well, I chose not to since I’m trying to channel my energy in a more effective way. Getting there slowly though, hence the new post. There’s too many distractions still that I need to get rid off! Like people who won’t take ‘no’ for an answer and who keep nagging me. Don’t get me wrong, they can be nice but they are the kind of people who can drain all your goodwill if you’re not careful. The kind that does not respect your boundaries whenever you set them.

I mentioned deleting ‘friends‘ on FB in my previous post and how I was expecting an email reaction. Well I got it and another one about an hour ago from the same person. I’ve had really bad RSI along with bursitis *no good!* and I told this person that I didn’t want an endless email discussion because of the pain and yet… *wink* My boundaries are yet to be respected. The Dutch have a special word for that, it’s called ‘hardleers’ or obstinate. I’m now trying to hold back and not reply straightaway but instead wait till tomorrow evening. I can tell that I’m struggling to suppress the urge.

That’s what I’m like, I instantly need to get it out of my way and out of my system. I wonder why I feel I ‘have‘ to do this, coz really… I don’t (!!!). See what I mean? So we’re back to where we started: effective channeling of energy and this person is taking more than I’m willing to give. I think it’s going to be another lesson in being assertive but this time with a more persuasive and firm tone and no more than 30 words. The next will be reduced to two words only… *wink* (if there will be a next time). So let me write down what happened in the meantime and what I’ve been doing…

Ever since my previous post I’ve been actively working on my creative idea. I’ve done research and learnt lots by reading business forums: threads that are related to my subject: jewellery. I’ve come up with a unique idea and working on this has been utterly rewarding so far. I’ve been networking a lot and met new people who are enthusiastic and willing to help. I bought a book about online marketing *who would’ve thought*. Not the boring kind but a really interesting book that focuses on many of my questions. I’ve only just started though and I realise it’s going to take more hard work!

Of course there were some setbacks, it wouldn’t be good if there weren’t any. But it helped me change my ways and look for other options and solutions to get closer to my goal. Some sweet friends helped me and have sent me some items that I needed for my idea, all the way from Malta. It’s heartwarming! It feels wonderful to have that kind of support and I can’t even tell them yet what I’ll be using it for so I really really appreciate the gesture and their belief in me! This goat is on a rocky but interesting path and slowly climbing the mountain step by step. All I need now is tad more patience…