The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss - Latest Comments in The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Ergest — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:04:41 -0000

Hey Tim,
Why did this post disappear from the main blog page and the RSS feed?

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Maverickblogging — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:20:35 -0000

Thanks for the advice, I will use it in the future as my web presence expands.

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

James Schipper — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:25:48 -0000

Good post. Covers a lot of good terrain. The negative stuff is usually not worth even addressing, but at least we can take comfort knowing we don't have to go through life being that person.

Love to spar with you sometime. I have to free up some time first, so I'm taking notes out of my second read-through.

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

venhi — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:24:07 -0000

Our school system contributes to the emotional immaturity in our culture. In 1852 Horace Mann adopted the Prussian education system here in the US. Forced schooling plucked children from their communities into large scale behavioral experiments inspired by Frederick Taylor's "social efficiency" movement. Funded by industrial capitalists, it was a breeding ground for the service of corporate and political agendas. Routines were established to create ideal factory workers. Boredom reigned to ultimately create adult consumers. Inquiry based learning through critical thinking to acquire self-knowledge lagged since this trait could threaten the establishment. As a result we have a nation full of adult-children. I agree that the best way to handle one of these dullards is to disengage. If you must then use Sun Tzu's Art of War as a guide.

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

L.J.T. — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:16:49 -0000

Pull yourself or others down is a sad way to go through life. Good for you for posting this.

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Natalie B — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 03:31:00 -0000

Hi Tim.

The reason I wanted to contact you was because I have been reading your book and im really devouring it. I want to let you know that Im so grateful that you decided to write a book that reveals tons of details. I have been looking into building an online business for about a year now, and ive found some ok stuff, a lot of overpriced coaching courses, and all of it was information-overload. So glad I didnt bite the hook!

Im not going to ask a question right now but I do have to say that the Relax in Public comfort challenge is serioulsy awesome (in my opinion). I Love a good hard belly laugh and when I get the nerve to do this, I know that I will feel so alive afterwards.I love being authentic with a side of crazy, that keeps me young.

And- will you post a pic of you doing this?

Thanks for being yourself and sharing with others- Fierce

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Natalie B — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 03:26:07 -0000

Hi Tim. I was looking for a relevant spot to add a comment and I found this one pretty hilarious. Hilarious because of the language that this lady used, "shame and wickedness". Anyways I'll leave that to the movie "Zeitgeist" to get into.

And- will you post a pic of you doing this?

Thanks for being yourself and sharing with others- Fierce.

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Lise — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:40:56 -0000

I carry a lipstick pepper spray when traveling to discreetly ward of any possible attacks. I haven't had to use it, but I sure do feel confident. I found it at www.diyselfdefense.com and purchased a pepper spray pager for my mom at www.2dsecurity.com.

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Michele — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 03:07:17 -0000

Hi Tim,

Truly, you are a gift to the world. Your book is fabulous!

I traveled from 2000 - 2006 and 3 1/2 years of that time was spent sailing. I am so grateful to have had that experience. I have met fabulous people and seen some incredibly beautiful places. Your book has inspired me to pack up and go again.

As a traveler, I'm sure that you have lots of crazy stories to tell, I know I do. My family and friends often accuse me of having a 'weirdo magnet'. I seem to attract unusual characters and amusing (usually in hindsight)situations. So on that note...

I'm just building a website and several people have suggested I start a blogging. After reading your blog, I'm a bit concerned about drawing attention from
NBTD's. Do you have any advice for a novice blogger before I get started?

I have a feeling we'll meet someday so until then..

Cheers!

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Asia — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 22:52:11 -0000

Lorna - fabulous epiphany. I've just been through my first online blogbash. I finally had to switch to filtering comments and erasing the entire debacle from my blog space. I came to your same conclusion: they purport to hate me and everything associated with me (I even won a Wanker of the Month Award on one attacker's site - which I graciously accepted) because they're just living from a different paradigm. A small, frustrated one. Not my audience, so not my concern.

Here's a thought: List the top two or three most world-changing people that have graced the planet. Think folks like, oh, I dunno, Jesus, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King. Embraced by the world with open arms? Not really. Not that I'm calling Tim "Jesus" (though perhaps a saviour of sorts), but it seems people on a path to help other people just get stones thrown at them. Humans can be dumb.

For my part in the karmic wheel: Tim, your book has been nothing short of perfect. As a yoga instructor who has wanted to expand into product but is dirt-poor and business-ignorant, your detailed ideas broke the process down to something I simply couldn't find an excuse not to do, especially when you use a yoga instructor as an example. Not a lot of ways around that one. I'm on my way, and if things turn out well, I will find you and kiss you. A lot, even. (uh ... that's not meant to be a threat ... please don't publish my IP or drop-kick me to the cement if we meet ...).

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Jules Preudhomme — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 10:25:12 -0000

Dear Tim

I am reading your book with interest. However,being a physician, I find it to be impractical to impliment the four hr week. On another level getting a muse may contribute to the solution.

I would like to have your input.

###

Hi J!

Thanks for the comment. The muse will definitely create more options. Second, most physicians are doing the work for reasons other than finance, so your might well opt to spend more than 4 hours per week on your job, as it is also your vocation. This is often true for doctors, pastors, teachers, etc. The muse chapters also elaborate on externalizing your expertise to separate time from income.

Hope that helps!

Tim

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Mary McKitrick — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:43:52 -0000

Great post Tim. Maybe you can offer some advice to fellow Princetonians at TerraCycle who are being sued by Scotts for suggesting their product works better than the "leading synthetic fertiliser". Can't imagine what Scotts hopes to achieve by picking a fight with such a tiny company. For shame Scotts! Shame! Wickedness ;)

MCM

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Foehammer — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 01:25:50 -0000

Solid advice. I'm sure quite a few people will benefit from it -- if they actually choose to pay attention to it.

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Yvette — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 23:47:35 -0000

What a wonderful post! I'm not sure that I quite agree with you about walking away (i.e., avoiding the fight). In a real (as in, happening now) fight, yes...you should choose to walk away, at your leisure, and this is usually exactly the right thing to do. BUT I believe it's sometimes a mistake to assume that there's GOING to be a fight and to walk away prematurely.

Few of us are ever 100% wrong or 100% right. The more evolved among us like to listen to the "other" side, and some of us can come to see aspects of things we hadn't quite considered before. If the situation warrants it, I consider these to be teachable moments.

I hope that I will always be able to learn something I had not previously considered from people whose opinions differ from mine. If they walked away without expressing the reasons for their views, because they automatically anticipated a fight, my experience on this earth would be greatly diminished.

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

James Druman — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 18:19:50 -0000

Fair enough, Tim. Thanks again for the inspiration and blueprints for a mobile lifestyle. Keep spreading the message!

Happy Travels,
James Druman

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Vince Whinnery — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 21:57:58 -0000

People never seize to amaze me.

Next the woman (the one that despises you for MMA) will be threatening you with bodily harm for promoting MMA. I guess, I too, am a hypocrite and a shameless whore for enjoying a sport of violence and degradation (kind of like dodge ball).

Can I get a high-five?

Or do you want to start a baby seal- clubbing team?

One thing I learned from business some time ago was that regardless of how much you try helping other people, you can not help someone unless they are open to it. A large percent of the population (I've heard something like 30%) are losers and waste everyone else's oxygen.

If you listen to all the complainers (the ones that aren't legitimate and reasonable), they will ruin your life. I find that it's not even worth replying, much less reading their emails (although it can be entertaining).

I've had people cuss me out for giving them great information for free that they requested. At first, I used to get upset, but now I just laugh and call them insulting names while deleting their email.

I've heard of other people sending money to people (with no strings attached, free money) and people still bitching. LOL.

Is it just me or do losers seem to think that everyone else is a bigger loser than them. Closed minds can't expand. Plus, it's easier to write off everything and blame others than busting your hump to reach your dreams.

Alright, enough on that.

Keep up the great work Tim. I loved your book, and it happened to be very timely for me. Helped me refocus on where I was wanting to go.

Keep the blogs coming. Great info.

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

James Druman — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:13:28 -0000

Hey Tim!

First, I want to thank you for showing me the life I've always desired is acheivable. It is refreshing to read a book which not only inspires but provides a clear path to follow. Much like you, I have always refused to be locked down by the traditional life path. Unlike you, however, I have not yet found my way. Herein lies my proposal.

Your story about challenging students to contact someone unreachable inspired me to contact you. With your mobile lifestyle and your emphasis on guarding your time, I imagine you are very unreachable, so I decided this blog would be the most likely place. So, here goes. . .

Why not prove the critics wrong by taking on a small group of "apprentices" and coaching them as they build muses. This would show you were the real deal and attract even more publicity for your book. I remember you wrote about helping friends acheive a good deal of income in just a few months. You wouldn't have to completely babysit them, just offer a little more guidance than can be found in the book, proving your ideas are sound and can be applied successfully.

Of course, I volunteer to be among your group of guinea pigs, and I would be a prime candidate. I am a twenty-six year old entreprenuer with no ties or real career. I have a limited college education (AA degree) and am fairly intelligent. I come from a low-income family. I am an ambitious entreprenuer, a quick learner, and a thrill-seeker. As I have no connection to you and no great accomplishments, my success in administering your techniques would be a testament to their worth. When I show your book to people, they are often intimidated by your accomplishments and brush the book off as something out of reach for "normal" people. Counter this by proving you can help anyone with a fair degree of intelligence and passion to do the same, thus demonstrating your principles are universally applicable.

Whether or not you take this proposal seriously, I will put your guidance to work. Thanks again for showing us dreamers that we really can live whatever life we choose.

Much respect,
James Druman

###

Hi James,

Thanks so much for the great letter and kind words, but I'm not taking on guinea pigs at the moment. The main reason? I want you to become your own best guinea pig! My biggest objective is to make people self-reliant, and I think the book -- in combination with the communities on the main book site and elsewhere -- is the best place to start making independent decisions. None of the micro-testing I suggest is risky, and expanding your sphere of comfort is hugely important. The raw materials you need are there, and the best practice is often jumping in and then figuring it out. I know how you feel, as I've been there, but trust yourself to figure it out!

All the best,

Tim

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Marcie — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 21:18:37 -0000

I just want to second the notion that these people are likely teenagers - or have the mindset of teenagers, anyway - that is, trying to get a rise out of you to get attention for themselves. Or wait, maybe that's two-year olds :) In any case, that's how thay have to be treated...like children! Now, where did I see that post about getting a killer tan in less than five minutes? Wait, Oh yeah, on a sign at Wal-Mart...:)

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Jay B. — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 19:33:20 -0000

For about four years now, I have been regularly getting harassing emails from my ex-wife, who refuses to stop. I've tried everything I can think of, including all of the tactics above. Now I just ignore them, but they keep coming and coming. I route them all to a filter that bypasses my inbox, but many times they'll show up on my phone before getting filed away. I don't want to delete them, or block them at the server, in case I need them as evidence, as Tim says above.

When she wrote threatening things about me on a blog, about paying someone to have me killed, I took all the info to the police. I had to explain to them what a blog was. THey were less than helpful.

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Ginger Faria — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:50:21 -0000

Tim,

This is the first time I've ever posted anything to a blog.

Since reading Tony Robbins "Unlimited Power" when he was a young "hot shot", I have never been more blown away by a book...especially by someone so relatively young.

(And I've read hundreds...your restricted reading list was a refresher...and owe my life to many sterling works).

Your thinking is cogent and progressive, you energy is invigorating. You've taken the time and energy to put to pen things that have floated through my mind but haven't nailed down.

Congratulations to you!!

You truly are a credit to society...can't tell you enough how you've impacted me and others...when I do something great with your material (after reading Tony Robbins I started several successful businesses and became a heavy real estate investor) I'll let you know what it is! The goal is to automate more, make as much or more and play more...you're trailblazing a new era for the next generation!

Hoorah! Good Job! Keep up the good work, play, and travel!! You're exceptional!!

Ginger

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

JC — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:46:37 -0000

Tim

Don't take it personally. James Frey ruined it for everybody. :)

You wrote a great book and you don't need to defend yourself.

"The envious praises me unknowingly"

Kilhil Gilbran

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Kevin — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:41:20 -0000

Very interesting stuff. Sad to see you being attacked in a viscious way. If person wants to challenge your philosophy there is a more productive and respectful way to do it. For example I love your time saving tips and work out tips. Yet, I do wonder about your view on time in regards to eternity. Is there more to time than just the temporal? How can these prinicples work in areas that can't be reduced to 4 hours such as fields that work with people?(Sure you already address that some where in your work...sorry)

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

WorkAtHomeCareers.com — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:16:13 -0000

Great Job Tim!

It amazes me how people like going after others that are trying to do good. What benefit does it do anyone to attack you? Obviously the person failed to read your book and absorb the spirit of it other wise they would've engaged on more productive activities like finding themself a muse.

We all thank you for your book and opening our eyes to the world of possibilities. Cynics and "haters" will always exist. If you don't have them then it means you haven't made it.

Thanks again Tim. Keep up the good work!

Eddy

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Lorna — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:50:58 -0000

What an epiphany for me!

I've kept a "healing journal" blog for 2.5 years, working through my own issues and with mostly women in their early 40's who are divorcing and starting over, and I have recently started selling books of my blog material to this audience. I routinely receive threats of physical violence or legal action, often because I'm supposedly writing about THEM when I have no idea who they are or that they've done the examples I give.

#6-- Removing anonymity has been a huge help, particularly with the death threats posted where my children would see them and with the cyberstalker who logged on 84 times a day (seriously). Filtering helps, too, but sometimes a comment is meant for me alone and if they're threatening me, I may just approve the comment, including their identity.

The down side is that you can run around like crazy trying to set the record straight and having all these people clutching at you when they haven't even read your material, and it eats away at your time and your joy. It's not just time consuming, but the creature feeds on YOUR energy.

But here's the epiphany...not a single person who has attacked me on my blog or about my blog is one of my core audience for my books. I am defending my work to people I cannot help and who don't want to do the work to help themselves. I suspect your naysayers are doing the same and holding onto their old behaviors rather than ready to shift to a different mindset about their life plans.

Re: The 7 Commandments of Blogosphere (and Life) Self-Defense

Kim T. Hoang — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:46:10 -0000

I'm a female Asian writing to support your very interesting book. I wish I had read it 5 yrs ago. I would've lived a different lifestyle now with less stress. I've already incorporated some ideas & hopefully will see results in a year. I bought a couple books to give away as well. I subscribe to your blog too. Keep the good stuff coming and ignore the negative lunatics.