I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year as we ring in 2012. I’m not one to make New Years Resolutions because I don’t really think they work. However, I do view the New Year as a fresh start, kind of like a blank slate.

Brad’s Reader will keep going strong in 2012. I plan on introducing an email newsletter, and maybe even a few more goodies.

Thank you all for making this little blog such a success! Have a safe and Happy New Year!

I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone (who celebrates it) a very Merry Christmas! Hopefully all of you will be finding shiny new eReaders waiting under the Christmas tree this morning. That said, Amazon’s and Barnes & Noble’s websites might be running a little slow from everyone downloading their first ebooks.

Regardless of what is waiting for you under the tree, please enjoy this holiday. For me it’s a much needed break and I’ll be able to spend some quality time with my family. That said, you probably won’t hear from me until the New Year.

Thanks for all your support in 2011. My blog wouldn’t be where it is without all of you.

Merry Christmas!

Brad

This month marks the 5-year anniversary of Brad’s Reader! In late December 2006 I began this blog using Google’s Blogger platform to write mostly about literature and philosophy.

Since then, Brad’s Reader has morphed from literature, to reading and writing, to technology. None of the changes were planned, they just sort of happened. As a result, the number of unique visitors has risen dramatically every year since.

In celebration of this 5-year anniversary, and the holidays, I’m giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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After weeks of anger, frustration, crying and throwing chairs around the house, Brad’s Reader is back up again. We’re not running on all cylinders quite yet. The homepage still needs to be reinstalled, as do the ads. But at least I’m able to post again. These past few weeks have been the worst in my blogging life.

That said, I’m happy to have Brad’s Reader up and running again. If you notice any of the viagra links appearing in your RSS feed or in Google search results, let me know ASAP. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that doesn’t happen.

Please, take my advice and go over your website’s security measures. Make sure it’s locked down tight. This pharma hack is complete hell to deal with, so it’s better to make the effort now to prevent your own site from being attacked.

In the meantime I look forward to getting back to posting. Thank you for all your support!

- Brad

The RSS Feed for Brad’s Reader has been hacked. If you read the blog post titles in the feed, it says: “Buy Gold Viagra Without Prescription >> Online Pharmacy.”

I’m working to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. I apologize for the inconvenience and if anyone is offended by the viagra title. Please note that the website itself has not been affected and is safe to visit.

DO NOT CLICK ON THE TITLE LINK IN RSS FEED!

If you are viewing this in your RSS aggregator, you can read all my latest posts at bradsreader.com. Thank you for your patience.

You didn’t ask for it, but it’s here anyway. I mentioned in an earlier post that I’m gonna start selling exclusive Brad’s Reader gear. This is in the form of the usual t-shirts and mugs.

The designs are original, drawn by yours truly (don’t laugh). I only have one t-shirt design right now, though more will be on the way within the next month or so. The mug is a pretty basic mug with the Brad’s Reader logo and URL.

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Since Brad’s Reader seems to be growing in readership and popularity, I’m going to try an experiment in shameless promotion. I’m going to be selling exclusive Brad’s Reader gear, compliments of DIY design site Zazzle.com.

This decision was decided, in part, by the loss of revenue after the state of Illinois passed a law that will tax the internet, forcing Amazon to dump all affiliates in the state.

Don’t worry, my products won’t just be boring shirts and mugs with the Brad’s Reader logo and URL. Yes, there will be t-shirts and mugs, but they will feature original drawings/designs by yours truly.

Right now my store is still a work in progress. Once some products are up, I’ll be tastefully promoting them right here.

I want to wish all the dads out there a Happy Father’s Day. This is the first year I’m celebrating this day dedicated to dads. I now understand what it means to be a dad and all the work involved.

Of course, even on a holiday like this, I still can’t help working on Brad’s Reader and searching for all tech news as it relates to reading and writing.

Despite my best efforts, I was unable to find the #1 Father’s Day present. I’d like to say it’s an eReader, but I can’t back that up. I got my own father-in-law a Kindle WiFi (the same model I have) and he’s really excited about it.

Again, have a Happy Father’s Day!

- Brad

I’ve added several new categories to Brad’s Reader. This is part of my plan to move this blog forward into the direction of what my tagline says: Reading, Writing & Publishing in a Digital Age.

These new tags will make it easier for you to search for posts on the topics I write most about: The Amazon Kindle, Nook, eReaders, and Tablet Computers.

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My family and I are currently in the process of moving. Things are hectic, all of our belongings are boxed up and I can’t seem to find anything I need. However, I do have internet access and my computer.

I will try to get at least 2 posts in this week. Barnes & Noble just released a new Nook, so I want to be on top of that story. I also have another post in the works. But I can’t promise anything right now. My family and getting settled into our new house will be taking priority for the next few days (of course, my family always takes priority over everything!).

If you’re leaving a comment for the first time, it must be moderated. Because I’ll be running around like a madman trying to get everything unpacked, it could take up to 24-hours to get your comment approved.

Thank you for your patience and I look forward to getting back into my blogging groove!

- Brad