The Scratching Post: Ain't Nothin' But A Pyramid Scheme

Pyramid schemes get bad reps, and mostly for good reason, right? After all, a pyramid scheme is best known as a con, a scam or a fraud, depending on who you ask. And ultimately, it is. 

How Is Scratch Writing Like A Pyramid Scheme?

My business is structured like a pyramid, but don’t worry, it’s not a so-called "pyramid scheme" in the common sense of that term. My pyramid scheme is rather a simple hierarchy of my business aspirations for Scratch Writing represented by three business dimensions. 

 At the top of my pyramid is my true passion—publishing books, where I get to share stories, ideas, and knowledge that can inspire and inform readers through my fiction. This is where I invest my creativity and energy, aiming to make a meaningful impact on the world of storytelling. 

In the middle of my pyramid scheme, you'll find my community websites and blogs, which serve as platforms to connect with like-minded individuals and foster discussions around various topics. These sites not only provide valuable content but also create a sense of belonging and engagement among the audience across a digital nomad, conscientious, tech savvy type of persona, who might also like your typical American pastimes, such as football, American football, movies, and humor. 

At the foundation of my pyramid scheme are essential business services Crucial for any organization's success, business services include technical writing, which helps create clear and concise documentation for complex processes; content strategy, which involves planning and creating valuable content to engage audiences; copywriting, focused on crafting persuasive text that drives conversions; SEO services, aimed at optimizing online visibility and attracting organic traffic; and website development, which encompasses designing and building user-friendly websites that effectively showcase a brand's offerings. I aim to solve these problems for my clients. 

Let's get into my pyramid scheme in greater detail. 

Book Publishing

Publishing books has always been my first love. I poured my heart and soul into my sci-fi thriller, The Midas Protocol: Midas Files Book One, and I'm thrilled to be working on the second book in the series, Call of The Minotaur: Midas Files Book Two. 

Writing books allows me to explore fascinating worlds and complex characters, offering readers an escape and a new perspective, and this speaks to my life's purpose. This is what I believe I was meant to do. 

Despite how much I love it, is not easy. 

I must wear two hats—one as an author and the other as a publisher—and this is no small feat. It's a delicate dance between creative writing and the logistical aspects of getting a book to market. It's a challenge I relish, though, because it gives me complete control over my work and marketing a book dovetails with my work in content strategy and copywriting, SEO and other areas of expertise. 

At heart though, there's something magical about crafting a story from scratch—hence, Scratch Writing. Seeing my characters come to life on the page and knowing that readers are connecting with them is incredibly fulfilling. If you've got a story to tell, I urge you to take the plunge and start writing and reach out to me if you need help getting started.

Working on multiple books in a series adds another layer of complexity and excitement. The great writing teacher James Scott Bell once stated that is is rare the person that wrote a book but even rarer the one who writes a second book. Rarer still is the one who consistently produces marketable fiction. I got one book, but hey, I'll take the second rung of that leader (or step in the pyramid) for now. 

Each book builds upon the last, creating a richer, more immersive world for readers to enjoy. It's a long-term investment, but the payoff is worth it. I have other ambitions as well and that takes us to the next section of the Scratch Writing pyramid scheme. 

Let's dive down into the so-called "middle" of my pyramid scheme. 

Websites and Blogs

The middle tier of my pyramid consists of community websites and blogs. These platforms offer a space for engagement, education, and entertainment, contributing to the local and global community. I run a directory and lifestyle website for my hometown, Pittsburgh, Pa., called Across Pittsburgh. 

I love publishing web magazines. This requires a lot of work and it too, like books, is a long term endeavor with a future payoff. However, in the short term, I do reap the very real benefit of having a platform to that is fun to do and keeps my skills sharp. 

Across Pittsburgh

Across Pittsburgh serves as a go-to resource for locals and visitors to Pittsburgh alike, offering insights into the best places to visit, eat, and enjoy.

This is my flagship community web magazine and local guide about the great City of Pittsburgh, (which is where I am based). Here is attempt to create an engaging information resource for the people and visitors of Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas. 

Besides Across Pittsburgh, I maintain a series of blogs that cover a variety of topics that are generally designed to inform, delight and entertain. Here are their names and what they generally cover:

The Scratching Post

A general blog about life as a writer, business owner, business, book publishing, fiction writing and some odds and ends. Here you will also find business updates, new client announcements, and other horn tooting content. 

Bingham's Notebook

Official blog of the Midas Files series. Here I generally provide insights into the story, character profiles, editorial cuts, and other tidbits from the fiction editing room. 

Cool Filmz

A movie and streaming review blog where I rate films with playing cards. You get an Ace it is a legendary film, but a Joker is a simply that, a joker of a film. 

The Funny Newz

This is my answer to The Onion. I try to keep it suitable for all audience (think Dad humor) and lately I have been adding some self help nuggets of wisdom at the end of the satire to frame the article in way that might be unique and more useful to a reader. Yes, you might laugh and learn something. 

The Football Fan's Diet

A blog I can't give up on. I combine the love of football with men's health. here you give yourself touchdowns for achieving your Daily Gameday Objective and you give up touchdowns when you don't. It's a framework for blogging in an entertaining way but man, it seems like an app would make good sense here. 

Mobile Gnosis

This is my fallback from the fully fledged website idea of Mobile Gnosis. While we tried to support, and who knows maybe one day we will, a full website, we decided it makes more sense at this point to dedicate a blog to the future of transportation. 

That my friends is the middle tier of the Scratch Writing pyramid scheme. Now, let's drop down to the base of the pyramid. 

Foundation of The Pyramid: Business Services

At the base of my pyramid are the business services that keep the lights on and the bills paid and enable me to peruse the upper levels of both the Scratch writing pyramid and my personal aspirations to make a unique contribution in this crazy world of ours. These services include technical writing, content development, copywriting, and content strategy.

Technical Writing

Technical writing involves creating clear, concise documentation that helps users understand complex products or services. It's a skill that requires precision and attention to detail, and it's something I take great pride in.

Content Development

Content development is all about creating valuable, engaging material that meets the needs of your audience. From blog posts to white papers, I help businesses communicate their message effectively.

Copywriting

Copywriting is the art of persuasive writing. Whether it's crafting compelling sales copy or creating engaging social media posts, I aim to capture the reader's attention and drive action.

Content Strategy

A well-thought-out content strategy is crucial for any business. I work with clients to develop plans that align with their goals, ensuring that every piece of content serves a purpose.

Scratching It All Up

There you have it folks. That is the great Scratch Writing Pyramid Scheme and generally a top down look at what I do and why I love to do it. 

In summary, my work and hence pyramid scheme revolves around three main pillars—books, sites and blogs, and business services. Each level of the pyramid offers unique challenges and rewards, and together they create a fulfilling career that I love.

If you're a content creator, aspiring writer, or small business owner, I hope this post has inspired you to pursue your passions. Remember that success takes time and effort, but with dedication and the right strategies, you can achieve your goals.

Feel free to explore my websites and blogs for more insights and tips. And if you're looking for expert content development services, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's create something amazing together!