|
||||||||||||||
Rob Trahan is the Marketing Director for Searchwarp.com. Rob brings 10+ years experience in marketing and design to Searchwarp and his goal is to have Searchwarp meet or exceed every expectation you may have as a reader or a contributing writer. He has worked in business-to-business marketing, graphic and multimedia design and communications for a non-profit organization. Rob can quote The Princess Bride word-for-word and knows more useless trivia than actual information. |
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
Comments on all articles by Rob Trahan (458)     Rob Trahan    Help Wanted: Pranks and Practical Jokes Teresa Ortiz: (10 days 3 hours ago.)  Ha! Thanks for the laugh :-) How fun it must be to work in your office. My husband like to get his newbies by telling them t feel the heat coming off the paint brush, when they put their hand out over it, he brushes the paint across their entire hand. You wouldn't think people would fall for it but they do.
Pour Laura, I do feel bad. I will have to try to come up with something good and then send you a personal email so that Bruce or Jeans roaming eyes will not see it :-)
An Interview With Susan Thom Comment by Avis Ward (8,576)    Avis Ward (62 days 10 hours ago.)Fine job, Rob! You had the loveliest personality to interview. I enjoyed getting to know Sue better. Thank you! (And you as well, Sue!) Comment by Marty RicKard (2,452)   Marty RicKard (62 days 19 hours ago.)Dear Rob: Great job of capturing one of Search Warp's most beloved writers, one with heart. Thanks, Marty RicKard, the Tough Poet. Comment by Lorrie Davids (5,217)  Lorrie Davids (67 days 15 hours ago.)Good interview, Rob and Sue. I can certainly see how the wood floor story would stay in your mind, Sue. I got nervous reading about it! Hope your day is filled with special and good things. Anonymous: (67 days 16 hours ago.) Sue, I'd join you for crab legs any time... Good job, Rob and a very happy birthday to you, our Sue! Comment by Teresa Ortiz (5,005)  Teresa Ortiz (67 days 18 hours ago.)Age is just a mindset anyway, who's counting :-) Nice job Rob and thanks Sue, for taking the time to answer and share. Have a wonderful year! A Short Search Warp Survey Comment by Teresa Ortiz (5,005) Teresa Ortiz (110 days 4 hours ago.)Hi Rob, better late than never, as they say. Welcome! I am sure you will be a great addition to the staff. This is a great place and I feel so at home and welcomed. Like I have been around forever even though it has only been 6 months! This a a great community and I am glad to be a part of it. I look forward to all that is in store. God bless you and your family!! Teresa How Your Writing Can Have More Signal And Less Noise Jeff Brown: (120 days 14 hours ago.) Mr. Anonymous was me, Jeff. Dianne Lehmann from Dewey, Arizona: (120 days 15 hours ago.) Rob, I think that when someone writes something that just has to be written and shared, that they do it for themselves. I know that I do. If it has value to others...well that's what we all hope for. Hopefully, the readers are at least entertained along the way. Dianne Anonymous: (120 days 14 hours ago.) Good points. My mind set now is to reach the many, to think big, to get catch as many as I can, to make the extra, concerted effort. I've been reaching the few for a long time. Time to think BIG! But I appreciate what you have to say and agree with the goodness within one reaching the few. Glad to have you aboard and I'm looking forward to additional insightful articles. Peace out. Comment by Dianne Lehmann (2,601)  Dianne Lehmann (121 days 15 hours ago.)Hi Rob. I just have to comment on one of Jeff's statements: "First of all, people don't have the time or need to read about your little life stories..." There is a lot to be learned from even the most silly of life stories if you just give them a chance. Sometimes, I could care less whether anyone reads what I have written. Sometimes, it just has to be written and shared. I do, however, think that the points you made in your article are valid, valuable and should be considered by everyone who writes. Thanks. Dianne Comment by Jeff Brown (4,550)  Jeff Brown (121 days 14 hours ago.)Dianne, I couldn't agree with you more. Like Paul McCartney says "Some people wanna fill the world with silly love songs And what's wrong with that I'd like to know." Nothing at all. But the reality is that few read, period, even fewer read things that don't specifically speak to them, like other's "little life stories." A sad yet true state of affairs. Keep writing! Peace out. Comment by Rob Trahan (458) Rob Trahan (121 days 5 hours ago.)Dianne, I understand where you're coming from. And some of the most valuable writing is written because it "just has to be written and shared." Thanks for the comment! Comment by Jeff Brown (4,550) Jeff Brown (121 days 15 hours ago.)Rob, How true! Opinions and stories are nice but if it's just (pardon the expressions) mental masturbation, then it's you and your friends who are interested. In that case, best to delete your account and just email friends and families. As a part-time college instructor, I am amazed at the number of typos, text-messaging like writing, and just poor editing I see. In the article word, there are many articles that I've read that are just poorly written and edited. And even if they are edited well, they are difficult to read. First of all, people don't have the time or need to read about your little life stories, unless you're famous or well known. Even then there are a lot of people who just don't care. I've learned that in marketing people are three things: lazy, selfish, and they're right. Meaning, that what they want you better give them or else you're going no where--as in no one's going to read your stuff. I may put my opinion in my articles but if there's not a lot of information that MOST (as in the many not the few) can use, then I ain't writing it. I tell my students that they may connect to a particular story or idea but if what they have to say about that story or idea doesn't connect to the many then they need to rethink their writing. I totally agree with your points here (I sound like my students . . . dude). I hope everyone writing and thinking of writing to and for the masses will read your article. Thanks again and welcome aboard. Comment by Rob Trahan (458) Rob Trahan (121 days 6 hours ago.)Jeff, thanks for the comment. One thing I'll say about having information for most instead of the few: I've seen people, even here on SearchWarp, who only reach a few. But what they have to give the few is valuable enough that the author in turn has value. Does that make sense? You can have a small following if what you're feeding them really fills them up. Plus, if people didn't care about minutiae, twitter wouldn't be nearly as popular as it is now! A Short Search Warp Survey Comment by Avis Ward (8,576) Avis Ward (136 days 10 hours ago.)A warm welcome, Rob! You've joined one dynamic Internet family parented by the Horsts! The "family" atmosphere is what makes SearchWarp unique. Bruce and Jean's mission of not having just another article writing factory online is what makes the difference. Although absent at various intervals, I miss being here and my 'family' will check up on me and welcome me back when I return. That's not the norm for other sites because they lack the warmth of family. I agree with any improvements suggested, I think. Any recommendations I've made have always been implemented. Writing for other sites have been for promoting my business but I write for SearchWarp because rich content and quality writing matters. That may be one reason I do not write as much because quality matters to me and I like high ratings! *grinning* If they aren't deserved, they aren't received. I want to give my best to this writers' community! It's given to us! We're all looking forward to the forthcoming enhancements and new ideas you'll bring to SW. It's exciting! Comment by Rob Trahan (458) Rob Trahan (136 days 5 hours ago.)Avis, thanks for the comment! "I write for SearchWarp because rich content and quality writing matters." This is my favorite line so far. Comment by Dianne Lehmann (2,601) Dianne Lehmann (136 days 15 hours ago.)Hi Rob. What I really like about SearchWarp...well it's really too much to spell it all out. Hands down, it is my favorite online magazine, both to read and for which to write. I agree with all that those before me have said; I'd be particularly interested in the click-throughs from my link in my bio. Thanks for asking and welcome aboard! Comment by Rob Trahan (458) Rob Trahan (136 days 5 hours ago.)Dianne, thanks for the comment. If I didn't see so much to like about SearchWarp, I would be surprised at all of the amazing sentiments expressed by you guys. It's a good thing I like it here too! Hannah Quinn from Australia: (136 days 23 hours ago.)  Welcome Aboard, Rob, What a great idea (the survey)! The Princess Bride, eh? Book or film? I have a friend who can say The Highwayman right through but she has to close her eyes. Here's my survey responses: 1. The ease of adding articles to SearchWarp is probably the best online. The editors are super-efficient and articles are made live very quickly. (Well done, editors.) Other sites that are fast are usually immediate without editorial approval which means no controls or standards - not very reassuring that you content will be handled properly re copyright. Others which require editorial approval can take days or even a week. I also like the community feel of this site - even though I'm on the other side of the world. 2. I like the idea of a newsletter and perhaps it could include q & a from members which might be pertinent to other members. 3. EzineArticles, Suite 101, and I'm in the process of checking out articledashboard and associatedcontent. Cheers, Hannah Comment by Rob Trahan (458) Rob Trahan (136 days 5 hours ago.)Hannah, thanks for the comment. I love the Q & A idea! There is definite value in providing answers to often asked questions. As for Princess Bride, I quote the movie. I've only read the book a few times. Although, I will say it's much better than the movie (and I like the movie!). Comment by Christine Akiteng (64,570)   Christine Akiteng (137 days ago.)Welcome Rob. I am comments shy but had to do this one. I love this website! 1. What feature(s) is your favorite on SearchWarp? The general site layout - crispy clean and easy to navigate; The control panel is wonderful; The keyword facility helps me target my articles to what my readers are looking for; Unlike other article submission sites Searchwarp doesn't ask me to include keywords with my article submission, you guys take care of that; My articles get approved and posted in record time; My articles get featured on the homepage -once in a while; Searchwarp team is very friendly and helpful -- and love the personal touch. 2. What features would you like to see on SearchWarp that aren't currently offered? I would like to be able to see how many readers click on links to my websites. 3. What other article submission sites do you like? What do you like about them? EzineArticles - I can see how many readers clicked on links to my websites. Selfgrowth - Experts Page provides free advertising for my services and products Searchwarp is the best! Comment by Rob Trahan (458) Rob Trahan (136 days 5 hours ago.)Christine, thanks for the suggestion. I'll pass that along to Bruce. And for someone who is comments shy, you comment well! Comment by Joel Hendon (3,443)  Joel Hendon (137 days 8 hours ago.)Rob, one thing I forgot to ask about. Do you think we could arrange to delete some of our articles after it becomes obvious they are not going to draw many readers. I have several which are just sitting there. They never did get out of a squatting position. Comment by Rob Trahan (458) Rob Trahan (136 days 6 hours ago.)Joel, that's a good question. I know producing something that doesn't get the reaction you want can be disappointing. In my experience, though, it's interesting what will spike interest in a particular topic. I've seen articles that sat dormant for weeks or months suddenly become popular. I've seen other articles that have a huge readership for a time suddenly drop off. I say that to say this: your articles have value, everyone's articles have value on SearchWarp. Don't give up on them yet! Comment by Joel Hendon (3,443) Joel Hendon (137 days 10 hours ago.)Say Rob, welcome aboard but I wouldn't have your job. I agree with Sandra, there just isn't a lot missing from Searchwarp. I appreciate everything about the site. Simple and user friendly...for simpletons like me. The folks are all outstanding although I don't know them all. But good luck anyway, I'm sure you have more creativity than I do. Comment by Rob Trahan (458) Rob Trahan (137 days 8 hours ago.)Joel, I agree that there is a lot to like about SearchWarp. Otherwise, I wouldn't have taken the job! As for creativity, I guess we'll see soon enough. Comment by Bruce Horst (662)   Bruce Horst (137 days 8 hours ago.)Hear Hear! Comment by Sandra E. Graham (1,879)  Sandra E. Graham (137 days 11 hours ago.)Hello, again, Rob. It is hard for me to say what feature I like best about searchwarp, as I like everything about it. I have tried other sites, but I came back and here I stay. I enjoy the 'Featured Author' list--it makes me feel as though my articles are earning respect. I like the 'Fan Club' and 'Today's Most Popular' because it lets us know that others are actually reading and enjoying our articles. To make a long story short---I like every thing about searchwarp and if you can improve on that, then I'd say you've got your work cut out for. Good luck and welcome again. Sandra E. Graham Comment by Rob Trahan (458) Rob Trahan (137 days 11 hours ago.)Sandra, thanks for the comment. I agree that I have my work cut out for me, but I'm always up for a challenge. SearchWarp has an exciting future! Comment by Kimberly (527)  Kimberly (137 days 12 hours ago.)Hi Rob, Good Luck on your new job! I really like and appreciate how Searchwarp in just a few short hours get the articles that are submitted read, rated and out for the public to see. I have submitted some articles to EzineArticles and it has always taken at least four days to have them appear. Best Wishes Kimberly Comment by Rob Trahan (458) Rob Trahan (137 days 11 hours ago.)Kimberly, thanks for the comment! I know all of the editors here at SW, and I can tell you they take pride in their jobs and strive to get the articles through the approval process as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality. They do a great job! sue thom from nj: (137 days 15 hours ago.) hi rob, 1. What feature(s) is your favorite on SearchWarp? View Your Article Statistics 2. What features would you like to see on SearchWarp that aren't currently offered? it would be nice if when you go to insert an image into your article, you could delete pictures that are already there, with no way to delete them, this means, each time you upload a new picture, if you have hundreds as i do, you have to search through them all before finding the one you need. there are many features i love on searchwarp, and i can't think of anything i'd add or change right now, but i will certainly get back to you if something comes up. 3 none searchwarp is my home. WELCOME! best regards, sue thom Comment by Rob Trahan (458) Rob Trahan (137 days 11 hours ago.)Sue, thanks for the comment. I'm going to check on your suggestion and get back to you soon! Comment by David Tanguay (5,793)  David Tanguay (137 days 15 hours ago.)Welcome to search warp Rob. I've been a member since July of 05. I've seen many changes on the site. Bruce is responsible for most if not all of them. Good luck to you I don't have any suggestions at this time. Comment by Rob Trahan (458) Rob Trahan (137 days 11 hours ago.)David, thanks for the comment! I've known Bruce for a while now and I agree he's pretty much a genius. Hopefully I can learn from him and the writers as I do my part in growing the site. Comment by Scot McKay - Dating Coach (3,997)  Scot McKay - Dating Coach (137 days 15 hours ago.)Hey Rob. Welcome. Here are my answers: 1) I like the texture of SearchWarp a lot. It has this "small town/family" feel to it that I can't really explain. But it's cool to feel as if a part of a community. Also, I like the ability to give and receive ratings and comments. The "hall of fame" feature is fun too. Plus, you're Google friendly and your editors appear to really like some of my articles...which I have to admit makes me even more partial. LOL 2) I'm generally pleased with the site, but if pressed to make a suggestion I'd love to see article rankings by category. If that's already a feature of the site, cool...but please make it more intuitive to find. 3) I've scaled them all back to just Searchwarp and EzineArticles primarily. EzineArticles is just a powerhouse when it comes to article distribution, and they appear to be Google friendly as well. I have been known to submit to ArcticlesBase and ArticlesAlley, and have even tried an article distribution service, but quickly recognized where the value was centered. Comment by Rob Trahan (458) Rob Trahan (137 days 11 hours ago.)Scot, thanks for the comment! I absolutely agree with you about the community feel of SW. It's one of the many things we get right! Thanks for the suggestion regarding rankings and the input. Clinton/ Obama Love Child Pics Here! daryl from Marlin, Tx: (146 days 17 hours ago.) That kid looks more like Chris(tingle down my leg)Matthews. Comment by Lorrie Davids (5,217) Lorrie Davids (157 days 17 hours ago.)Aw, come on guys, shouldn't we be giving congrats on the arrival of little ARCO? Rob, I'm looking forward to your next investigative piece. Way to dig deep for the truth! Response from Rob Trahan (458) Comment by Danny Davids (13,195)   Danny Davids (158 days 9 hours ago.)Looks more like Obama and Bill's love child...yeesh! Response from Rob Trahan (458) Comment by Sandra E. Graham (1,879) Sandra E. Graham (158 days 17 hours ago.)Hello, Rob. Certainly an eye-catching article! And you couldn't have picked a better day to publish it. What else may Hilary have up her sleeve??? SEG Response from Rob Trahan (458) Michael Kocis: (158 days 19 hours ago.) Great investigative reporting, all I can say is, " I knew it." Thanks Rob . P.S. How long have you worked for MSNBC ? lol Response from Rob Trahan (458) Comment by Susan Thom (8,150)   Susan Thom (159 days 3 hours ago.) hi rob, thanks for sharing your wit with us. well written article, best regards, sue thom Response from Rob Trahan (458) |
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
last updated 4/22/2008 |
||||||||||||||
