Hi, Linda, and all: I spent some time reading through all the replies last night late, and then decided to seek spiritual guidance before answering. Unfortunately, life gets in the way sometimes, so if guidance has come, I've missed it. :-} I'm going to mull this over. I may need to stop promoting the site while I get my head clear about what I want to accomplish. One thing I can say is that this is the last time I'll try to fly by the seat of my pants (I have a tendency to do that with disastrous results). I had the sinking feeling when I started that I should be creating a business plan and executive statement, but I just went ahead without it and this is proof I should have listened to my instincts. Even I am not clear about what I want to accomplish with this site...how can visitors possibly figure it out? Even if I go back to my original idea, I'm clearly not conveying it in the site if I have to explain it. Linda, your remarks in particular will give me a framework for thinking about it. I also appreciate those who took their time to point out technical issues. I'm aware of the problem with the advertising link. That was for my Adland affiliate link, but it behaves unexpectedly and seems to have blocked my ability to edit it through my site-building tool. I will probably have to just eliminate that page until I figure it out. It really didn't fit the theme anyway. I'll keep checking back in case I can glean more insight. Linda, I hope this hasn't been a waste of a Monday review for you! It's been quite valuable for me. Cheri

Hi Cheri; Linda, I hope this hasn't been a waste of a Monday review for you! It's been quite valuable for me. I'm starting at the bottom and working up. :) No, it has not been a waste at all. It's how we ALL learn. If you knew how many times I redesigned my own site, you'd be amazed. No one ever hits success the first try - and it's important for people to understand that so they don't get discouraged. I had the sinking feeling when I started that I should be creating a business plan and executive statement, but I just went ahead without it and this is proof I should have listened to my instincts. A plan is always good... but don't beat yourself up over it. You've learned a lot, and you're now a familiar name and face to a lot of people here at Adland - so you've still come out ahead. A very simple plan is to ask what the purpose of a site is, who the target customer is, what are they looking for, and how/where will you reach them. Those things alone will take you a long, long way. While you're mulling it over, do consider putting more focus on promoting Ascend. It's the kind of help a lot of people need - and the funny thing about us humans is that "real" help beats "pep talk" and encouragement any day of the week. Lots of people can give me the "rah rah" cheer that I can do it... but the person that helps me make a real change in my life is the one that did the most to give me real and lasting encouragement. : ) Linda

Hi! Cheri, I am on my second career in life. Although I still am working in my field which for over twenty years has been telecommunications. I love what I do but, enjoy 'internet marketing' and teach online for a major university. The very thing I teach is the very thing I am trying to do in life. Yes I am 'a little' over 35 ;-) Take a look at my sites and give me feedback. http://www.classicwebstore.com http://jcollins1.fggweb.com Your friend, Classic Corners

Hi Cheri, I checked out your site and I agree with a lot of what Linda has said. (Hmm. I find I do that a lot!) Anyway, I looked on your "Stories" page and read both. Actually, I skimmed Rick's because I have read it before. I think the stories need to be reversed. In other words, put Grandpa's story FIRST. After all, he certainly qualifies for over 35! Rick's story is at the other end of the spectrum - agewise - so it would be a nice way to finish. That is what immediately struck me. Next, Cheri, I IMPLORE you to write articles based on your experiences. Recently, I spent a few days away with my wife - at her parents' place down in the country. While there, what did I do? I took a notebook and wrote another 15 articles for my website. I have so many now that I am struggling to contain them all. Heh, I still have dozens to put up. What I find, Cheri, is that a small experience during the day will spark my interest enough to write an article. Just find a way to put a slant on it so that it is pitched to your website. You have a great idea and I think it is wonderful that you have come this far with it. A lot of people would not have reached your level. Push on Cheri. Write a couple of articles. Give them a nice title and put them up. I agree strongly with the comments about needing more content. Have a look on my site at the "Zen Garden" page (excuse the scary photo of me there) and see what you are met with - article after article - people can pick and choose what to read by the titles. Which leads me to my final point... Why don't you put a nice title on Granddad's story - something like: "Still a Young Mind Even at 92!" Now that would grab my attention. I would want to know why a 92 year old has such a young mind. Then I'd think: "Hey, if Granddad can do those things then what's wrong with me?" Gary Simpson