2017 brings a huge update

It's 2017, central time. So let me tell you about what's to come (although I know you can't read this for a few more... months) but it's here for historical reasons because I know you like to go back and see what you missed):

As many of you know, I've been working daily on my website to make a brand new version of what you've turned to repeatedly when you wanted help with your aquarium. The information has been proven over and over, and I'm very happy to provide that education. It's so ingrained in me to provide the written word to help others avoid mistakes and run successful reefs with thriving livestock year after year.

Being an educator at heart, it's super hard for me to accept the business side and the required advertising of my products. I'd rather get you on my site reading and learning, and if you buy something, great. My closest friends and family constantly remind me that I need to make it clear that this is what I do for a living, and every sale matters. The newer version of my website will provide some of my best images, all the content you've relied upon, but will definitely promote the wares I offer on virtually every page so everyone will know I'm a business.

It's mobile friendly, fits tablets, desktops, and tvs. No matter your device, I think you'll be impressed. For years, people ask me "What do you do for a living?" as if I had some other job. In fact, 2009 was when I made Melev's Reef my primary and only source of income, while blogging about my reef and my travels. Despite the economy, I've seen my company grow year after year since then. This newer version of the site is a big jump in the right direction, and it rolls out Jan 16th, at last. I'm still adding content at the moment, but I can't wait to show it to all of you. (Edit: November 18, 2017 was the big day.)

In addition, the workshop is getting a major upgrade that will open up options I never had before. I'm getting a full table CNC in a few weeks, and while I know there's going to be a learning curve initially, my mind is racing at the things it will cut out for me that I've not been able to tackle with the tools I use now. The products I make now will look even better and come closer to the standards I already set with every single thing I build currently. I foresee new things I can add to my online shop, giving you a better selection to pick from in the coming months.

Youtube has been a really good experience and the audience continues to grow & interact, and this year I plan to step up my game in that area. I had to take a tiny break right now (which I hated to do) as I had to fill customer orders and work on the site at the same time, and there are never enough hours in the day. I've already made a list of ideas for upcoming videos, and you'll be seeing those as they roll out on the channel as well as the website. It'll be nice when the website duties are completed, and free up a lot of time I've immersed into making sure everything is just right.

I can't wait to see how 2017 goes. My expectations are high, and with good reason. It's been a working plan for a while now, and this next logical step is happening exactly when it should be. (Edit: Those expectations are what required everything to be right with the website before I released it.)

Thanks for reading this longer message. Thanks for being part of my support group, because what you do spurs me on. Thanks for being my customer, allowing me to keep doing what I love most. Thanks for being my friend, listening when I need to bounce ideas off of you. Thanks for being part of my world, and following along closely and keeping me humble. :)

Let's rock 2017. It's gonna be a great year. (Edit: New CNC machine, new website, new app release, new looking reef... Let's see what 2018 brings!)