The Stress Doc concludes his two-part series on how the internet is opening up networking and business possibilities. While the Doc is still a legend in his own mind, new realities and fantasies keep floating in from cyberspace.
Building A Cyber Field of Dreams
Even in cyberspace it's summertimeAnd making a living ain't easy. At least not for self-employed consultants in Washington, DC. Last newsletter, I shared my saga as a creative writer/stress consultant often clueless where the next dollar was coming from -- the joys of existential capitalism. Still, I remain undaunted because of the new techno-spiritual revolution and the business possibilities on the internet and world wide web. My virtual reality motto: Hype, if not hope, springs eternal!
So with a kid-like faith in the magical quality of summer, some things come to mind: "A time for waste is not a waste of time." Actually, it's a time for mentally meandering, taking an incubation vacation and, eventually, hatching a new perspectiveincluding embarking on cyberspace travel for both social and business exploration.
A Cyber Chronicle
Last time I mentioned responding to a solicitation for humor writers on an electronic bulletin board. This led to my becoming an online columnist for the newsletter Humor From the Edge. Of course, with my ego needs, give me a column inch and I'll take a cyber mile. Being on America Online, I wrote to Online Psych, the major mental health forum for AOL. They jumped on my psychohumor and an "Online Psychohumorist" was born. It was becoming clear: find an electronic forum for your message; make it catchy and fast-paced, packing some insight and humorand you too will start getting inundated with global emailHelp. I feel like a "Virtual Dear Abby of AOL!"
Actually, the feedback was a good swift kick in my virtual butt. I'd been playing at developing a website with a colleague who was a webmaster. I realized dabbling was shortsighted. My increasing readership needed to be directed to a home page that featured my array of articles and that could sell the products and speaking and training services of Stress Doc Enterprises.
Getting Virtually Real
Building a productive business website is not unlike designing your own dream house. It feels endless and you have to work with good professionals; I will never be a cybermaven. One must try out different site software, experiment with graphics, copy, understand special web text, general layout, etc. It's a dynamic process that requires ongoing administration. Even the most glamorous website that just hangs out on your corner of cyberspace won't pull in many customers. Unless you're selling virtual sex or are into cyberotica, you must actively promote your URL (www. your web address).
And last summer, having some time (and a little money) to waste, or invest, I hired an internet marketing consultant, which led to a breakthrough. In response to her press release, www.stressdoc.com was reviewed and featured as a USA Today Online "Hot Site." And like a cyber field of dreams"if you build it they will come." And thousands did, including a book editor from a major publishing house. The editor seductively suggested that my electronic psychohumor columns would make a great real world book. Alas, this process still remains elusive and virtual. After many frustrating months of writing and reworking a proposal, the house decided not to offer a book contract. I will try to hold onto the poignantly hopeful words of French author, Albert Camus: Once we have accepted the fact of loss, we understand that the loved one (or desired contract) obstructed a whole corner of the possible pure now as a sky washed by rain.
So the big break hasn't come. Yet, I'm online coaching some folks, helping to strengthen their workshop development, delivery and marketing skills and strategies. Even been collaborating with an LA comic/actress on an upcoming short film project, in which I will perform. Talk about fueling fantasies on many levels. And I'll be a featured speaker at a large addictions conference in Phoenix, AZ in September because the Program Chair discovered my website through an internet directory or search engine.
In conclusion, let me try to capture my cyber crossroads position and also provide exhortation with two seemingly contradictory Stress Docisms. (Though, of course, virtual reality itself breathes and exudes oxymoronic contradiction):
I don't know where I'm goingI just think I know how to get there! and Go web young cyberite! And, of coursePractice Safe Stress!
Special Announcements:
a) email stressdoc@aol.com if you'd like to subscribe to my new, free newsletter -- Notes From an Online Psychohumorist (TM) b) Leading a "Shrink Rap and Group Chat" for Digital City-Washington, the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month, 9-10pm EDT. Field questions on stress, relationship issues, school/job problems, career transition, etc. Definitely a lively hour. Here's the link: <A HREF="aol://4344:363.gorkin.5732839.568857121">Chat with the Stress Doc</A> c) Starting a Multi-Media Coaching for Consultants Program, especially (though not exclusively) for allied/mental health professionals, organizational trainers and consultants, counselors and educators. For info on the products and instructional services, including: ** one-on-one online consultation and group chat ** copywriting and humor writing; website design ** bulletin board access... email me at Stress Doc@aol.com
Feedback Segment: How about sharing your thoughts on how you, friends or colleagues use humor in dealing with stress, conflict or moods, yours or others, in your personal life, at home or at work? HFTE will run the best stories and, of course, credit you.