Silicon Florist: Working to make a good thing even better

You might have missed it, but last Tuesday was National Evaluate Your Life Day. So, as part of that evaluation, I was thinking about Silicon Florist. You know. This here blog thing that you’re reading.

This has been the most random unplanned success I’ve ever encountered. And I’m very proud of what Silicon Florist has become. And the better it gets, the better I want to make it. But, truth be told, all that pride and $2 will buy you a cup of coffee. Well maybe $3 at Stumptown. But anyway, I’m always working to find ways to make Silicon Florist better. And now, it’s the time to do just that.

I wanted to highlight that one of the greatest compliments I get is when people assume that Silicon Florist is my full-time job. It’s not. It’s not even a part-time job. It’s simply a side project. Something I do during coffee breaks and lunch hours and late at night. During my free time. For the past three years.

And, again, as proud as I am of what Silicon Florist has—through pure dumb luck—become. I mean, I’m proud to be part of creating a resource describing what’s happening in the Portland startup, open source, and mobile scene. Still, I realize day in and day out that it could be exceedingly better.

The seemingly easy answer to that conundrum—and one which I get on a regular basis—is “Ask people to write for free. They’ll do it just to get in front of your readers.”

Pardon my French, but that is complete bullshit. Furthermore, it’s not fair.

If I want to spend my free time working on my side project, that’s one thing. But I’m certainly not going to ask anyone else to spend their time doing that without their receiving compensation for their efforts.

Ahem. Where were we?

Like most startups, it’s not a lack of creativity that’s holding Silicon Florist back. It’s a lack of time and capital. And while I can’t necessarily fix time, I can cheat it a little. With capital. So that’s where I’m focusing.

And Portland’s startup scene? Oh man. It’s taking off. And there is so much awesome stuff happening. And well, I want to Silicon Florist to be capable of sharing all that awesomeness with you. And the world.

So it has come to this.

We can make Silicon Florist better. That’s right, “we.”

And now the pitch…

In order for Silicon Florist to get better… To have more content. To be more thought provoking. To provide more resources for our communities. It’s going to take investing something in addition to my time.

It’s going to take money.

So, I have opened up the option for Silicon Florist to accept advertising, with a few different pricing options for buying ads above the fold, below the fold, and on individual posts.

Placing an advertisement on Silicon Florist ensures that your ad will be seen by thousands of Portland residents interested in technology and startups—as well as people outside the region who are looking to keep tabs on what’s happening with our economy.

Long story short, it’s a great, cost effective way to get your message and company name in front of the people who are building businesses in the Silicon Forest.

I’m hoping that you’ll take the opportunity to consider purchasing ad space and, in so doing, help underwrite the next phase of Silicon Florist.

And what if no one decides it’s valuable enough to advertise here? Well, in all honesty, not much will change. I’ll keep cranking out stories in my free time. And add functionality as time allows. And it will go on as it has. Continuing to be a go to resource for the startup, open source, and mobile communities here in Portland. No decrease. No holding folks for ransom.

But if companies do see the value and decide to support Silicon Florist through advertising? Well, kids, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Yes. I hear you. What’s with all the carping? Just do it already. I know, I know. But I felt like i needed to level with you. This was a difficult decision to make. But it’s one that I’m convinced will make things better and better. And no, this isn’t because Mike Rogoway is kicking my ass. Well, not entirely anyway.

What’s that? No cash but you still want to help? Well, thank you. Very much. You can always offer your attention by following @siliconflorist on Twitter, liking Silicon Florist on Facebook, subscribing to the Silicon Florist RSS feed, or signing up for the weekly news blast. That all helps, too.

But if getting in front of Silicon Florist readers would be good for your business or event—and you want to be perceived as a company that supports the awesome startup, mobile, and open source stuff here in Portland—please consider advertising here.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming. Already in progress.