Thanks for being up front about it. Some other sites that sold hid the fact and beat around the bush and let the site decline under the new management. I'm glad you found a buyer that seems to fit well, rather than a corporate one that just wants to suck it dry. Congrats!
We're in the "try before buy" phase until the end of September. If he runs into a show-stopper (or even just has a change in priorities) then he can back away. We want both sides to be happy before he starts donating to Wounded Warrior Project, because I don't think they give refunds.
I've had run-ins with a couple of other bloggers about transparency and credibility, so I want to do this right. I'll let the buyer share the sale price when he's ready, but the number brings a smile to my face. I think the three-year earnout eases his content concerns, too. Everything else about the sale is open for discussion. If I haven't mentioned something, please ask me about it.
I can see myself putting a few more years into this, but by 2017 I'll be 57 years old and retired for 15 years. The median age of the military is about 22 years, so it'll be time to complete my turnover and stand relieved.
You servicemembers & veterans who've always wanted to try blogging, but aren't interested in the hassles of running a blog: now's your chance to write for us! There's no better place to learn.
Oh, good grief!
I suppose this means we'll be seeing more of you here, doesn't it?
Congrats. Sounds like a win-win for all involved.
Looking forward to seeing more posts from you here, Nords.
omni
Thanks, but, um, not so much. Forums get much less of my time than they used to.
I was spending 30-60 minutes a day tweaking the blog with all of the good ideas that clutter up a to-do list. That's worth the effort if you're trying to boost your income, and it literally pays off, but it seems kinda pointless when you're already FI. I also need to learn how to dial back my testosterone-poisoned hypercompetitive urges, too. Curtez is going to run with the blog's potential and turn it into a cash cow, and I'll be enjoying the show from the sidelines.
In the meantime I'll be spending my new free time on an eBook about military insurance decisions: SGLI, VGLI, CRSC, SBP, RCSBP, TRS, TFL, FLTCIP, and even DIC. It's not just another acronym decoder but rather a guide to the issues and pitfalls surrounding the various choices. I can sell the eBook for $3-$4 (through the blog) and later add that material to the 2nd edition of The Military Guide.
Just like the book & pocket guide, all of my eBook revenues will go to military charities. I'm seeking contributors who want to share their advice & stories, and I can use proofreaders for the draft(s), too. If you contribute to the project then you get a vote on which military charities get the income. Impact Publications is pretty generous with their royalties but eBooks have the potential to yield a lot more revenue.
It's possible that I might indulge myself in a little more surfing, too...