Howdy folks

[Shawn Gossman]

Howdy everyone,

Shawn here.

Been a webmaster since the 90s, back when it was called "webmaster".

Now, I guess I'm a creator...

I do a little bit of everything. I run quite a few blogs (WordPress) and a couple of forums (XenForo). I also do social media. I do YouTube. I have a big online hiking brand. I do all my marketing, SEO, social, copywriting, and everything in between.

I know AI and understand it's here to stay, but I can still miss the old days when AI and social media wasn't around. That's when forums were at their peak! The good ole days!

Other than that, I'm 40-something, married man, from Southern Illinois, US.

I work in surveillance.

Look forward to being a member here

 

[hipcat]

Welcome to WMS!

I remember the old days as well. Now, if you say you're a "webmaster" anyone under 30 will ask you what that is...lol

While many things have changed, including terminology, what remains consistent is good quality content and engagement. If you treat your content like a conversation you're having with a real person, then you'll do well (as you have), but anyone still link spamming like it's 2006 is on the road to failure.

Looking forward to reading your contributions!

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Shawn Gossman

Thanks for the welcome @hipcat

I totally agree. Valuable content and write to people first = success.

I think link promotion is starting to become so obsolete that it's almost not worth it anymore aside from paid acquisition.

Just throw your link in your bio if it allows for one and then focus on creating the kind of content and engaging in the kind of way that makes people notice you and want to learn more about you.

They'll find your brand/site.

 

[Eastonkelly]

Welcome, Shawn!

You've had quite a journey on the web. Anyone who has been building sites since the 90s has probably seen trends come and go more than once. I agree that forums had a unique community feel back in their peak years.

Your experience with WordPress, XenForo, SEO, and content creation should make for some interesting discussions. Glad to have you here, and I look forward to learning from your experience.