It's Been a Few Years, Warriors - Lessons to Share

56 replies
Hey Warriors!

Years ago I came here for the very first time scared to death because I was just a ghostwriter (to many top gurus in the industry who found me on Elance) and I felt ridiculous trying to act as if I was one of them - a marketer.

But I did it. Over time, I struggled and flopped and made an utter fool of myself in many ways. I missed opportunities and at times, jumped on some things before anyone else and enjoyed some nice success.

Here I am 18 years later from starting to work online in 1999 and I'm a six figure marketer - have been for many years now. My income continues to increase. And yes, I still keep failing forward.

Thought I'd share some insight with you from what I've experienced...

#1 - Never stop learning. I buy courses and learn different points of view continually. I never want it to end. Even if it's a topic I already know, if a course comes out from someone I respect, I'll buy it to see their take on it.

#2 - Shop smart. I always hated people claiming they always get ripped off. That's more a buyer problem than anything. I don't get ripped off. Because I learn who to buy from and actually immerse myself in that person's free stuff before I shell out cash to them and if I like their style, I'm confident it'll be worth it.

And never buy stuff you can't afford. It (your desperation) taints your opinion right away into feeling like the product is lesser value than what it really is.

#3 - Pace yourself. I am the queen of hard work and burn out routines. I go balls to the wall on my work, then exhaust myself and turn into a hermit. It means my income can fluctuate by $7-8 thousand dollars in months due to my lack of pacing.

#4 - Do it afraid. Whatever "it" is that you're scared of - putting yourself out there on video, approaching people, whatever - do it anyway. Courage comes later. White knuckle it and do it. It (all things) get easier once you have it behind you the first time.

#5 - Take care of yourself. I've messed up royally right now. I let some emotional stuff (dad in hospice, etc.) get the best of me and I soothed with food and sleep. Now my business suffers because I'm tired - physically and emotionally. So now, I work - but it's a struggle. So now I have to fight my way back to tip top form so I can compete in a way that lets me rip my competition to shreds. As we all should.

#6 - Accept offers to help you brand yourself. As you start sharing with people, if your sharing is helpful, your peers will approach you to interview you. Don't turn them down. I started off being interviewed by big names and it built my list. Then I went hermit and said no to everything - global speaking engagements, webinars, etc. Just didn't feel like being in the spotlight. It builds your list and expertise. DO IT, even if you don't feel like it.

#7 - Blog. I blogged and got great feedback and engagement. Then I started only blogging privately (password protected for my subscribers). I don't know why. I just did. Mistake. Blogging needs to be consistent and open to help you build a list and gain expert status.

#8 - If something's working for you, think hard before quitting on it. I have multiple streams of income (affiliate marketing - tangible and digital, PLR sales, Kindle fiction and product launches). I let my foot off the gas in 2017 and even though my income grew by $20k with the other methods, I gave up about $30k in product creation income just because I didn't feel like going to the effort.

#9 - If you're selling something, do it right. That means above and beyond product creation that wows people, recruitment of affiliates the proper way - early, the right people, the right perks), and make an effort in writing your sales copy. I tend to go hermit and launch and have people contacting ME saying, "Did you launch something? My list might like that..."

Foolish. I should be approaching people routinely. I get lazy. I spend like 5 minutes writing sales copy - a headline, subhead, and what's in the product. Wrong. I need a good 48-72 hours reserved solely for sales copy so I do it right. Think about the message. My lack of dedication to this aspect of my business not only lets ME down, but my affiliates, too.

#10 - Work on your mindset and planning. I have to get my go getter brain back in line. I have years where I'm a deadly competitor in some areas, and years where I couldn't care less if everyone passed me by. Consistency is key and I have to fine tune my mindset to crave that competitive edge on a regular basis.

#11 - Be transparent. I cried on my FB live stream today. I hate it. Feel like a dork. I hate being emotional. It detracts from your authority. But in other ways, it adds to your credibility because your audience doesn't mind seeing that you're vulnerable IF you are sharing how you're fixing your problems.

Nobody likes a whiner, but if you're simply sharing what your path is in a way where others who are also struggling can relate and follow you to better outcomes, then it's worth it and the end result is success and INCREASED authority. (ie: I'd rather learn how to lose weight by someone who's been fat and lost it all than someone who never struggled in the first place).

#12 - Ask for help. I posted here a million times when I was confused about stuff everyone else knew. Who cares? There were things I ended up knowing that they didn't. It's all a give and take. If you're lost, first do some research to see if you can get unstuck by yourself. THEN, if you can't, put out an SOS and see if someone can lend a hand. Always be willing to help others out, too.

Tiff
#– #it’s #lessons #share #warriors #years
  • Profile picture of the author discrat
    Thanks Tiff,
    You really have added so much to the Community over the years.

    Btw, got your email today ( i'm on your List) with your Income Report. Way to go girl !! Good job and keep up the good work

    - Robert Andrew

    P.S. I love the way you write to your List. It's not only about online business but you personalize it talking about obstacles you face in everyday Living. Really refreshing and engaging and is a lesson other Marketers should take when trying to connect to their Audience
    Signature

    Nothing to see here including a Sig so just move on :)

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  • Profile picture of the author Rose Anderson
    You're one of my hero's Tiff. Great to see you back on WF.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Rose
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Wow.

    Talk about making an entrance...

    Welcome back, Tiff. We missed you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Meaney
    Holy crap!

    Welcome back! I still get some use from your rockin' PLR.
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  • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
    Great Post & Welcome back to the WF. Every newbie should read this and take notes. Especially the part about buying courses with the right frame of mine. Not call every product seller is trying to rip off people !
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  • Profile picture of the author Brent Stangel
    #2 - Shop smart. I always hated people claiming they always get ripped off. That's more a buyer problem than anything. I don't get ripped off.
    I wish I had a dollar for every time I've posted this...Oh, that's right, I do!

    Brent
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    Get Off The Warrior Forum Now & Don't Come Back If You Want To Succeed!
    All The Real Marketers Are Gone. There's Nothing Left But Weak, Sniveling Wanna-Bees!
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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
    Yaaay, Tiff's back!

    I feel 10 years younger already.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Singletary
    So great to see you back. Don't become a stranger again! We need you and your wisdom here more than ever.

    Thanks for the great share. A couple of those hit me where it hurts.

    Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author discrat
    Hey guys,
    I hate to break to you but Tiff is not really "back". She actually never left. Not like before of course but she has been in and out every so often. Maybe she has not started a Thread but I know this past Summer she made appearances with a number of Posts
    Signature

    Nothing to see here including a Sig so just move on :)

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  • Profile picture of the author Janice Sperry
    Your honesty is matched only by your insights. Thanks so much for sharing those tips and combining it with motivation. I hope all the newbies will read your post.

    I vote that Tiff be considered in the running for "Warrior of the Month" for this post. We have had a lot of great posts the last couple of weeks and this one is right up there.
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  • Profile picture of the author xeniux
    Such a great insights, thanks for sharing your experiences Tiff.
    "experience is the best teacher"

    I really love #1 Never stop learning, You set the sentence in the right place

    best,

    xen
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  • Profile picture of the author mrjackpowers
    Thanks for this Tiff! I'm new here as a copywriter, but have been working at it under the radar for a while. Hope I can be as successful as you someday!
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Nice,
    I think we should add "TAKE ACTION", too often I see people just reading or talking about it, but it's the simplest way to make progress is to take action.(IMO at least)
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  • Profile picture of the author Ged3
    Hi Tiffany,


    a great post - and its great to see you posting on the forum again!


    All the best.
    Ged
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  • Profile picture of the author Darryl Smith
    Now the WF really is getting back to how it should be, great thread Tiffany.
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  • Profile picture of the author NathanZad
    Amen, Tiffany.

    #4, #6, #7, and #10 I've learned.

    The rest I still have to implement and/or improve. I know I'll get stronger and richer the faster I can do so.

    May have to friend you up on FB after reading this awesome post.

    Nathan
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  • Profile picture of the author mikerichardson
    Great insight with the trace of experience. Definitely an eye catcher
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Originally Posted by ChrisBa View Post

    Nice,
    I think we should add "TAKE ACTION", too often I see people just reading or talking about it, but it's the simplest way to make progress is to take action.(IMO at least)
    Change that to "TAKE CONSIDERED ACTION" and I'm with you.

    Back when I taught hunter safety classes, someone always asked what they should do if they got lost.

    We used the jingle "When confused or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout." It always got a laugh, but it also gave us the in to teach that simply running off without first thinking things through would likely only make things worse. If they had to burn off nervous energy, running in circles would do that and still leave them in one spot so search-and-rescue teams had an easier time finding them.
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  • Profile picture of the author luciesmazanska
    Very nice!! I spent app 30mins reading this, but it definitely worth

    Welcome!
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    ★★★★★
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Hi Tiffany,

    Excellent. Pacing yourself is a biggie. I also learned how doing things from love versus fear - after you honestly feel and release the fear, however unpleasant - helps you on this journey because you will be a free giver, and free givers prosper near term and long term.

    Mom has been in hospice for nearly a year. It was so tough in the beginning but as we progress, I allowed myself to feel the experience, which has been cathartic in its own way.

    Fabulous post. Must read for all Warriors.

    Ryan
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    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
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  • Profile picture of the author agmccall
    Welcome back Tiff. You might have been absent from the forum for a while but never absent from my inbox

    al
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    "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison

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  • Profile picture of the author Trainer Tess
    Thanks for the great post Tiffany! I have a question regarding #9 (If you're selling something, do it right) and what you said about "recruitment of affiliates the proper way - early, the right people, the right perks." I am super new to all of this and just put out my first product. I want to recruit affiliates the proper way, but I really just don't know where/how to start, any chance you could provide the first three steps you would take if you were new to this today and just released your first product? Super thankful for any insights you can provide! Thanks, Tessa.
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    • Profile picture of the author TiffanyLambert
      Originally Posted by Trainer Tess View Post

      Thanks for the great post Tiffany! I have a question regarding #9 (If you're selling something, do it right) and what you said about "recruitment of affiliates the proper way - early, the right people, the right perks." I am super new to all of this and just put out my first product. I want to recruit affiliates the proper way, but I really just don't know where/how to start, any chance you could provide the first three steps you would take if you were new to this today and just released your first product? Super thankful for any insights you can provide! Thanks, Tessa.
      Sure! I'll share the advice I like as an affiliate myself.

      1. Before approaching anyone, get on their list and see what kinds of things they promote. If it's an IM info product, what level of stuff are they promoting - newbie stuff or advanced, a mix, maybe? (You'll want to let them know why you think your product would be a good fit for their list - because you've seen them promote similar products/topics).

      2. Don't contact them until everything's ready (the review copy, the JV page, the listing) - and that means have it all ready 1-2 weeks or more before launch to give the affiliate time to whip up a promotion, review it properly and possibly create a bonus for it.

      3. Never contact anyone without sending all of this UP FRONT:

      - The JV Page with product details (no vagueness)
      - The JVZoo or whatever place to grab your link.
      - A review copy (never ASK if they want one, just send it). I just got an email from someone who said they got a Product of the Day listing because of my promo that converted at about 60% - it was a review of my experience reading the product and I wouldn't have reviewed had he not sent me the file right that second.

      4. Personally, I like to be given that info and left alone. Some vendors continually bug me asking if I'm going to promote and sometimes that is a big turn off. So I prefer a "set and forget" approach. If you have an affiliate sign up list, that's good - it allows them to choose whether or not they like/need reminders of launches.

      5. If you're brand new and approaching people whose lists are like gold (convert well), it helps to sometimes offer a perk - maybe instead of 50% commission, bump to 75 or give them a truly exclusive bonus (can even be 5 pages) for them to give their list. That's not necessary but "above and beyond" type of behavior that sweetens the deal.

      Hope this helps!
      Tiff
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      • Profile picture of the author Trainer Tess
        Thanks Tiff, this is very helpful! I will begin to get on some lists today, that's a great idea! Also, I like the idea of providing a review copy, I had not thought of that--the product is in the health and fitness space and is a bit different in that it's not a traditional info product, but access to a database of health and fitness book summaries (kind of like CliffsNotes for health and fitness books), I can provide temporary access to any affiliates that I reach out to for sure! Thanks again!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
    Banned
    Thanks for being a true Warrior Tiffany. (= Sharing your knowledge with us and being a good contributor under the new management.)
    : )
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    "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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  • Profile picture of the author Jimster23
    Thanks. Enjoyed reading your post. Especially: If you're selling something, do it right. So true.
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  • Profile picture of the author Geese
    You're awesome
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Geese View Post

      You're awesome
      Agreed. : )
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      "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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  • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
    #8 - If something's working for you, think hard before quitting on it. I have multiple streams of income (affiliate marketing - tangible and digital, PLR sales, Kindle fiction and product launches). I let my foot off the gas in 2017 and even though my income grew by $20k with the other methods, I gave up about $30k in product creation income just because I didn't feel like going to the effort.
    Hi Tiffany,

    Do you mind saying more on this? Some of the methods you listed should have continued to pay off for you even if you did nothing at all. So where and how did you take your foot off the gas?

    Thanks,

    Marcia Yudkin
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    • Profile picture of the author TiffanyLambert
      Oh they did and do continue paying off for me - but for instance, I created challenges (my version of info products) that brought in almost 30,000 in income in 2016. I could have continued creating products but I didn't feel like it - so I let go of product creation. They made some residual earnings, but not "launch type money" from the initial launch period.

      Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

      Hi Tiffany,

      Do you mind saying more on this? Some of the methods you listed should have continued to pay off for you even if you did nothing at all. So where and how did you take your foot off the gas?

      Thanks,

      Marcia Yudkin
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  • Profile picture of the author IMStudentforlife
    #5 really screwed with me ( putting it nicely.. ) it distracted me enough that a few years had past. Now I'm playing catch-up, and trying to regain what I left behind with that that Family Distraction.

    Thanks, a really great, inspirational read!
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  • Profile picture of the author Kal Sallam
    Good to see back! and doing very well. I remember you from back then. I always wonder what happens when people come and leave, probably busy running their businesses im sure. Keep Rockin!
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  • Profile picture of the author hichamaziz
    Thanks for sharing.
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  • Profile picture of the author discrat
    Hey Tiff,
    Btw great time to 'reintegrate' here as the new head of Warrior, Gabriel, seems like he is bringing new renewed energy and enthusiasm we have not seen for years. And he really seems very committed so far to bringing the Warrior Forum back to a decent level
    Signature

    Nothing to see here including a Sig so just move on :)

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  • Profile picture of the author CharmingNickie
    Tiffany, Did you used to do a lot of Squidoo pages and courses a few years back?
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  • Profile picture of the author TiffanyLambert
    Originally Posted by discrat View Post

    Hey Tiff,
    Btw great time to 'reintegrate' here as the new head of Warrior, Gabriel, seems like he is bringing new renewed energy and enthusiasm we have not seen for years. And he really seems very committed so far to bringing the Warrior Forum back to a decent level
    Good to know! I don't know who's who in terms of running this place.

    Originally Posted by CharmingNickie View Post

    Tiffany, Did you used to do a lot of Squidoo pages and courses a few years back?
    Yes I did! I was Tiffany Dow then. Got a much needed divorce. lol
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    • Profile picture of the author CharmingNickie
      LOL... what a coincidence! Back then, I was a SAHM, now I work at a law firm helping people get divorced!
      I miss Squidoo...
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    • Profile picture of the author MikeAmbrosio
      Originally Posted by TiffanyLambert View Post

      Yes I did! I was Tiffany Dow then. Got a much needed divorce. lol
      THANK you!

      I've been following you on FB and it was driving me nuts where I "knew" you from. I didn't make the Dow connection.

      Good to see you back here. You were always an awesome contributor. I don't get on here much these days since I pretty much gave up my I.M. business for my consulting business - but I'm about ready to dip a toe back in the waters. Your list will be helpful...
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Davy
    Hi Tiff,
    Could I copy your tips to my blog please? I would credit you and add a link of your choice?
    No problem if not.
    Thanks
    Jeff Davy
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  • Profile picture of the author TiffanyLambert
    Originally Posted by CharmingNickie View Post

    LOL... what a coincidence! Back then, I was a SAHM, now I work at a law firm helping people get divorced!
    I miss Squidoo...
    Oh how funny - bless you for helping people with that process! I too miss Squidoo. I was one pissed off lady when they treated us as they did in the end.

    Originally Posted by Jeff Davy View Post

    Hi Tiff,
    Could I copy your tips to my blog please? I would credit you and add a link of your choice?
    No problem if not.
    Thanks
    Jeff Davy
    Well I personally don't mind but I have no clue what the WF rules are on that. Link to the page in my sig file please if you do. Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Originally Posted by Jeff Davy View Post

    Hi Tiff,
    Could I copy your tips to my blog please? I would credit you and add a link of your choice?
    No problem if not.
    Thanks
    Jeff Davy
    Originally Posted by TiffanyLambert View Post

    Well I personally don't mind but I have no clue what the WF rules are on that. Link to the page in my sig file please if you do. Thanks
    Last time I looked, the WF TOS said that by posting, you gave WF a perpetual non-exclusive license to do pretty much anything they want with your post. You still retain copyright, so you can give permission for Jeff to post your contribution on his blog.

    And before anyone takes that as a blanket license to copy posts here, copyright rules still apply. Before copying a post to your own blog, site, ezine, etc., do like Jeff did and ask permission.
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  • Profile picture of the author mello
    Tiff, you're one of the most real marketers out there. Heart-on-the-sleeves, here're-my-wounds, kind of real. And that is highly relevant for many. Way better than the shiny, 'see how successful-i-am' types.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alangile
    You are hero! Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author pete77uk
    Here's another new subscriber Tiffany and I miss Squidoo also .
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  • Profile picture of the author Cathy Cone
    Thanks for sharing this Tiff! Amazing stuff
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  • Profile picture of the author ExRat
    Hi,

    Is this the oldies thread? Hello you lot.
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    Roger Davis

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  • Profile picture of the author dragoshs
    wow. there are a few things that i'ved learnt from your post. thanks bro
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  • Gotta figure there is much to be said 'bout the Audacity/Humility axis, I guess.

    Prolly alla us walk this tightrope, hopin' to find balance in motion kinda forward steada backward.

    *blames Princesswear heels*

    *also -- who fixed up botha the frickin' endsa the tightrope an' defined gravity in advancea anywan actshwlly steppin' out?*

    Thing is, we are fluxin' out on polyinteractionals like never before, mixin' expertise with persona cos like who gonna trust no WANHUNDEREDPERCENTA EVRYTHIN' ROBOT?

    Behind alla the pancake make-up SHAZAMMO, always there gonna be mortal artistes shufflin' off the stage to go heat up sum lame frickin' pizza an' check out a cherished ol' cat for worms with a spoon.

    *mortals*

    rn prolly that BACKSTAGE ACTION got more authenticity than the illusion previously swallowed like ... I will leaveya all to modest illusions here in the absencea sumthin' Princess-friendly an' specifically throbbin'
    ... an' that is mebbe cos pre-Millennial input got happnin' Millennial output increasingly dictatin' the drama.

    Meantime, seems sumone from back before I stopped by here -- when WF History says "shit was so darned good we all we kinda blissed out on pure IM Nirvana from post comment to post comment like it was easier than BREATHIN', PEEIN' or EATIN'" -- which makes me feel happier I never threw myself offa a tall buildin' when the f*ckers banned me las' year.

    Anyways, I sense excitement.

    90%a my body hair is erect.

    Resta my follicle array is embedded in the wall nexta me, havin' self-javelinned there.

    Neat post, Sweetie.
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    Lightin' fuses is for blowin' stuff togethah.

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  • Profile picture of the author Arun Chandran
    Princess Balestra... why is the remaining 10% of your body hair not erect? Are they in motion kinda forward steada backward?
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