The Making of The Long Road to Compete 2005 -2007

[Tre]

You are a liar 240, you didn't contratulate Mike or ask for pictures, you simply said "How many people were in the Open heavyweight class?" and that was it.   

Read: "How many guys did Mike beat?"

I don't see what's so vicious about the question.

Congrats to Mike for a job well done.  Enjoy the moment...the message boards will always be here.

[240 is Back]

ok, let's try this...

1) weedy brought up 6-8 posts on the merits of frontpage.  I simply posted why going with me as a designer might outweigh frontpage.

2)  I was honestly interested in where mike placed.  The heavyweight class in the only show that ever came to my hick town had way more than 3, IIRC.  It was a legitimate question.

3)  Way before I ran a web des company, getbig was a place to blow off steam.  It still is! Sure, I pick up some jobs here, but

4) I never claimed to build $5000 websites.  I think I deliver a pretty decent package for $300.  I also NEVER claimed to be an artist!  I will be the first to tell you that I can't dress, I certainly can't work as an interior designer, and I am a competition strategist first, marketer 2nd, and web guy 3rd.  

5)  Taxes- I keep 2 shoeboxes.  Every time I sell anything, I print a copy for the Nike box.  Everytime I buy anything I might be able to write off, I put it in the Airwalk shoebox.   I go to H & R Block and basically buy the deluxe package... they do everything while I read a book.  I hate paying them LOL... but I have bought two high end computers this year, which should offset them somewhat.  I'm not shady.  I have enough headaches without worrying about pissing off the IRS!  

[rocket]

Hypothetical question to those who think he was wrong for asking

If the answer to how many competitors he faced was say 30 would Cheri have bit his head off?

Would it be wrong to have asked then?

[240 is Back]

No disrespect 240...and I will be the first to admit that I know nothing about building a website...but sitting in front of your laptop in the air conditioning  isn't what I would call work. ..lol..

LOL in the beginning, I was super-happy just to not have to wear a tie to work or park in a big lot and ge up at 7 am everyday...  And I still enjoy it.  But I never stop working at 5 pm.  Most of my clients are west coast, and they all call from 11 pm to 1 am, nearly every night

keith- I respect that web designer's opinion.  Art is not my forte.  Fast production is.  My biggest selling point is that the client can draw a pic of the site they want, and I can build it to match their vision perfectly.  Sometimes there are times when I cannot do it- and I sometimes pay to consult with local experts to teach me a particular skill.  It's worth it to me- I have the skill for the next time.  And the price is still the same to the clients, $300.  

And being on getbig a lot is actually a benefit.  I have a pretty good grasp of the political and social sides of this sport.  When a client wants a site, I am able to ask questions like, would you like to include content on recent events X,Y,Z?  And getbig is fun! I have a very pregnant wife, so going hiking, hitting the mall, movies, etc, isn't an option.  I'm grounded for the next few months

Finally, there are always the same 5-8 people who are going to atttack me no matter what I say.  I started a 'congrats thread' at the same times I posted about number in class, for more info.  I also saved the pics and was hooking up some Arvilla trading cards til Cheri came at me and I had to fight off attackers.

MMmmm breakfast time.

[Tre]

Your now going on record as saying you " eat the tax ." I assume you pay the government out of your own pocket. This would lead some less then liberal thinkers to wonder how the accounting practices of your company work. Do you do your own book of hire an outside accounting firm? I hope this is not too forward a question, but is all your income declared? You stated you earned $60,000., last year, was this reflected in your reports to the IRS? I only ask this because if you plan on doing the same thing this year ( I assume you will make at least as much or project to ) you will be " eating " $2400., for people who can write off the total cost of their business web sites. This is poor business.

The majority of Rob's services are sold to out-of-state customers, so he is neither collecting nor paying any sales tax on those transactions.  

At the end of the year, he'll report his business income less expenses, and that will determine what he pays to both the IRS and his state's tax board.  

There's nothing shady or benevolent about what he's doing - he just worded it incorrectly.  

[thisiskeith12]

Taxes suck.

[Palpatine Q]

5)  Taxes- I keep 2 shoeboxes.  Every time I sell anything, I print a copy for the Nike box.  Everytime I buy anything I might be able to write off, I put it in the Airwalk shoebox.   I go to H & R Block and basically buy the deluxe package... they do everything while I read a book.  I hate paying them LOL... but I have bought two high end computers this year, which should offset them somewhat.  I'm not shady.  I have enough headaches without worrying about pissing off the IRS! 

HAHAHA!! the ol' shoebox accounting technique. Iv'e got a Nike box filling up as we speak. 1099 is a mofo.

[sarcasm]

Congratulations Mike you looked phenomenal.

[mwbbuilder]

ok, let's try this...

1) weedy brought up 6-8 posts on the merits of frontpage.  I simply posted why going with me as a designer might outweigh frontpage.

2)  I was honestly interested in where mike placed.  The heavyweight class in the only show that ever came to my hick town had way more than 3, IIRC.  It was a legitimate question.

3)  Way before I ran a web des company, getbig was a place to blow off steam.  It still is! Sure, I pick up some jobs here, but

4) I never claimed to build $5000 websites.  I think I deliver a pretty decent package for $300.  I also NEVER claimed to be an artist!  I will be the first to tell you that I can't dress, I certainly can't work as an interior designer, and I am a competition strategist first, marketer 2nd, and web guy 3rd.  

5)  Taxes- I keep 2 shoeboxes.  Every time I sell anything, I print a copy for the Nike box.  Everytime I buy anything I might be able to write off, I put it in the Airwalk shoebox.   I go to H & R Block and basically buy the deluxe package... they do everything while I read a book.  I hate paying them LOL... but I have bought two high end computers this year, which should offset them somewhat.  I'm not shady.  I have enough headaches without worrying about pissing off the IRS!  

You might want to check and see how much of the cost those computers you can write off in the first year, big guy.

[thisiskeith12]

As for the number of competitors, if you go to local shows much, you will realize each year it's a different story. Last year, there was only 2 novice competitors at the Southern Classic, this year, there were more than 10.

[Tre]

You might want to check and see how much of the cost those computers you can write off in the first year, big guy.

If his accountant knows what he's doing, 240 will get a 100% write-off.

[240 is Back]

Hopefully.  He gave me a list of everything to save, and I am. 

Also, I find it a little interesting that I said congrats and asked about the class.  Adonis & his woman beat the hell out of mike with insults and mocked his placing.  yet it's quiet around them.

Methinks the angry responses are based upon past instances of me getting under people's skin on other topics and they are using this to try to attack back. 

The HVWT class here... was many months ago... but I think there were like 8 guys, and it wasn't even an NPC qualifer.  I figured in Miami there might be 15 guys onstage.  That's why I aksed- wasn't being condescending at all. 

[Hedgehog]

If his accountant knows what he's doing, 240 will get a 100% write-off.

Why would someone with an MBA in economics use an accountant?

Help me out here.

YIP
Zack

[240 is Back]

Why would someone with an MBA in economics use an accountant?
Help me out here.

I found it easier and better use of my time.  I majored in tech/marketing for my MBA concentration.  I had to pass some pretty intense finance classes, but the pros at HR Block can still beat me off the dribble when it comes to keeping up with tax law, knowing what to deduct, etc.  Plus, for the $120 or whatever that HR charges... it's not worth the 6 or 8 hours it would take me to figure it all out.  plus I live their peace-of-mind audit coverage.  With all my getbig enemies, I figured someoen would suggest I get audited.  Not a worry with HR Block.  (Now I sounds like a commercial!) gym time

[Laura Lee]

Hypothetical question to those who think he was wrong for asking

If the answer to how many competitors he faced was say 30 would Cheri have bit his head off?

Would it be wrong to have asked then?

I still would have bitten his head off regardless of the amount of competitors rocket, whether it be 3 or 30.  It had nothing to do with the amount of athletes.  I'm proud of Michael regardless of where he placed because I know what he did to get there.  He didn't have to enter an Open contest, he could have easily went into Novice and believe me...it would have been an easy win.  But he wanted a competition as that was what he did all this for, and that's what he got.  Conditionally he was a better athelete on that stage (as was claimed by the expeditor, who told Michael to go for the challenge, not the easy win, and a number of judges), but he was not the biggest guy on that stage.   I was pissed because it was the first question 240 asked.  He claims to be his "friend" of Michaels, that he has genuine concerns for Michael and his health and the first thing off his finger tips is how many were in his class?  Please, if he was 1/2 the caring person he claims to be towards Michael he would have said congratulations bro first, how do you feel secondly and how many others in your class last.  But 240 is 240.  He likes to shit on everyones parade regardless of what it is.  He will never understand what someone goes through to get to contest level, let alone be in one.  So why should he open his mouth and pretend he cares on one thread and then backstab in another.  This thread was meant to mock Michael not contratulate him as he had already posted his crap in the other thread first, I responded to his remark, he responded to mine and THEN he created this thread.   

So in the end, no it's not a bad question...but if it is the first one coming out of your mouth...it's insultive.  And if anyone thinks differently, it's because they have never stepped on the stage before.

[thisiskeith12]

I found it easier and better use of my time.  I majored in tech/marketing for my MBA concentration.  I had to pass some pretty intense finance classes, but the pros at HR Block can still beat me off the dribble when it comes to keeping up with tax law, knowing what to deduct, etc.  Plus, for the $120 or whatever that HR charges... it's not worth the 6 or 8 hours it would take me to figure it all out.  plus I live their peace-of-mind audit coverage.  With all my getbig enemies, I figured someoen would suggest I get audited.  Not a worry with HR Block.  (Now I sounds like a commercial!) gym time

"I spewed protein shake out of my nose!"

[LLES]

   Wooooooooohoooooooooo to Mrs. LLES!!!!!!! Congratulations Girlfriend!!!!!!

Thanks Laura! did Mike destroy some pizza last night?

[rocket]

I still would have bitten his head off regardless of the amount of competitors rocket, whether it be 3 or 30.  It had nothing to do with the amount of athletes.  I'm proud of Michael regardless of where he placed because I know what he did to get there.  He didn't have to enter an Open contest, he could have easily went into Novice and believe me...it would have been an easy win.  But he wanted a competition as that was what he did all this for, and that's what he got.  Conditionally he was a better athelete on that stage (as was claimed by the expeditor, who told Michael to go for the challenge, not the easy win, and a number of judges), but he was not the biggest guy on that stage.   I was pissed because it was the first question 240 asked.  He claims to be his "friend" of Michaels, that he has genuine concerns for Michael and his health and the first thing off his finger tips is how many were in his class?  Please, if he was 1/2 the caring person he claims to be towards Michael he would have said congratulations bro first, how do you feel secondly and how many others in your class last.  But 240 is 240.  He likes to shit on everyones parade regardless of what it is.  He will never understand what someone goes through to get to contest level, let alone be in one.  So why should he open his mouth and pretend he cares on one thread and then backstab in another.  This thread was meant to mock Michael not contratulate him as he had already posted his crap in the other thread first, I responded to his remark, he responded to mine and THEN he created this thread.   

So in the end, no it's not a bad question...but if it is the first one coming out of your mouth...it's insultive.  And if anyone thinks differently, it's because they have never stepped on the stage before.

I think you need to take a step back and realise that most people considered mike to be a winner a long time ago.  We've been endlessly positive the whole time and complimented on his success.  The concept of "mike in shape" and "mike having achieved his goals" really was effective over a while back.  The only thing left to comment on was the show and the particulars and it is far from the first thing to say to ask that question because we've been here throughout his prep and said plenty of things. 

As I say, mike won a long time ago to most of us and we let him know already.

[Laura Lee]

Thanks Laura! did Mike destroy some pizza last night?

Just 2 slices...then we kinda went to bed and destroyed the sheets.

He's still sleeping. 

[Tre]

Why would someone with an MBA in economics use an accountant?

Help me out here.

For the same reasons that personal trainers hire other personal trainers to 'train' them... 

[Bast175]

Cheri you freaked out just because 240 asked how many competitors were in his class 

Good job Mike, you far surpassed what everyone expected of you.

[Laura Lee]

I think you need to take a step back and realise that most people considered mike to be a winner a long time ago.  We've been endlessly positive the whole time and complimented on his success.  The concept of "mike in shape" and "mike having achieved his goals" really was effective over a while back.  The only thing left to comment on was the show and the particulars and it is far from the first thing to say to ask that question because we've been here throughout his prep and said plenty of things. 

As I say, mike won a long time ago to most of us and we let him know already.

Rocket, you know I have been thanking everyone that has been supportive all along.  My comments to 240 are based on his constant backward compliments and remarks.  He, as I said before, supposedly thinks he is a friend of Michaels but then goes and says the most stupid things.  There are those that I know if either Michael or myself were standing in front of (ie: True Adonis and Jezebelle) would still probably offer the same snide remarks to our faces and to tell you the truth, and I would respect that.  Then there is 240 who if were in our presence would probably just babble.

Well enough said about 240.  In my opinion he is not worth any more comments from me.  So 240, when ya come back from they gym...know that your words do not matter to me nor Michael.  Say whatever you want as you have already shown what you are to everyone here and there is no more need to banter with such a person as yourself.  Have a good life with your wife and new baby.

[mesmorph78]

Good work Mr arvilla

[240 is Back]

Rob, you have an MBA and have offered a great deal of marketing advice to people on the board. You have bargin basement prices, yet still " eat the tax." I was taught that cutting prices below a reasonable  amount compremises the perception of quality by potential consumers.

I don't do this for the money! lol...

I was making more $ as a DNN proj mrg.... but the experience of running a business all alone is worth more in the long run IMO. Each week I have to find new business in a field where consumers usually only buy ONCE.  I then have to build the site completely to meet the exact specs of someone I can never sit down with (too far away usually), so I have to be an excellent communicator.  I have to stay super-organized, prioritize, and survive in an environment where everything is always changing and really, there is no honor amongst web guys!  Guys love to talk about why their $1500 package is a better deal than my $300 deal, and I am forever defending myself on GB against attacks.  All while buying a new home and keeping the wife happy.

So another year of this, and I will be a very strong businessman, able to build something from nothing.  I'll take on a partner, hire two part-timers, and start my multimedia company.  I'm producing a dvd right now for a local fitness competitor, and of course, I have a few projects I can't talk about yet   I'm taking 2 art classes this summer at a local college to improve my eye.  I spend an hour a day reading either php, db, or advanced flash so i can always grow.  I'm not too worried about consumer perception- usually, with a 5 minute conversation with anyone, I can quantify the value I bring to their firm and they jump on it.  I tell them up front that I undercharge, because I would rather have an unbeatable skillset and experience at the end of 2 years, than a nice bank account/job I hate/and not know what's next.

MRP time...

[youandme]

I thought you just  had breakfast