Who the heck is John Chow anyway?
Dec 22nd, 2006 by Jennifer Lynn
John Chow, who?
But more importantly, why should we care about this crazy Canadian?
As a complete newbie to the blogging hemisphere (Broke-Ass Student has just joyfully celebrated her one month birthday), well, I hadn’t a clue. Err…I honestly can’t even recall how I stumbled across JohnChow.com a few weeks ago, except for a vague memory of clicking on the site from another blog. Someone was in the process of giving him a nice juicy flame. Being the naturally inquisitive creature that I am, I went ahead and decided to check out the nature of the scandal for myself.
What I discovered was the personal site of an extremely successful blogger. John “Moto” Chow is an old fossil in the blogging community, and is best known for the 1999 launch of his technology site, TheTechZone, which has monsterously evolved over the years and currently contains “over 3000 pages, and gets over 200,000 page requests per day“.
John’s story is the epitome of an ordinary guy next door who found the courage to follow his passion and received extraordinary success. The disclosure of his humble roots and remarkable progression to wealth via the internet, even as he struggled to survive the 2001 dot com bust, is expressed through a provocative four-part series ( I, II, III, IV ).
JohnChow.com is a more intimate blog where John provides pearls of wisdom on different topics relevant to his interests (or just the really bizarre), cites the experiences of his ever-growing empire, and basks in the controversy nipping at his heels - all while continually torturing the taste buds of his reader base with his lavish dining masquerades. He has also zestfully donated portions of his on-line wealth to various charity organizations.
When John Chow offered linkbait love in exchange for a review of his site, I gladly nibbled. However, I will make it clear that I wouldn’t have bothered typing this review if I didn’t genuinely view his site as a valuable resource to the blogging community in general. During the past month, it has become one of the few sites I religiously check in with. Yes, I have ripened into a devoted Chowhead.
John has provided countless insights into what has worked for him in constructing a lucrative professional blog. His candid posts are developed from the standpoint of a seasoned pro that has successfully established a cosy niche for himself.
If you are a beginning broke-ass novice like me, I encourage you to browse through some of his ‘Best of‘ topics that are relevant to your own goals. One in particular I highly recommend is the Top 10 Best Wordpress plugins. This post makes me want to weep in shame because I’m still stuck at Typepad until I can afford my own hosting. *grumble* Well, I’m currently one third of the way there. But I digress.
You may not agree with all John Chow has to say, or how he chooses to present his endeavors to the world. Hell, you might even enjoy flaming him for some of his tutti-frutti or seemingly pretentious ways (or that damn corvette of his – that bastard keeps changing colors). But I guarantee you’ll find a quality site packed with beneficial and entertaining tidbits for any serious blogger.
But don’t take my word for it. Venture over to the frank ramblings of this dot com mogul and sneak a peek for yourself. At least go for the sake of the dancing bananas.
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Good job on reviewing Mr.Chow’s site
Though I think it’s Moto and not Motto 
indeed, you’re right. Thanks, Tyler. fixed.
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Hey,
Just dropped by to say that after reading this review and roaming over to John Chow’s blog I fell for the link bait too and decided to do a review. I just happened to have an entirely different opinion that you though
Anyway, here’s the trackback.
[…]What does PF blogging have to do with “John Chow”. At first glance – nothing at all. So when I read a review about his blog on the Broke-ass Student’s blog, I was intrigued. I decided to check it out.[…]
Jen… want to afford your own hosting faster? PPP may be the answer…
Thanks for the suggestion. I unfortunately don’t meet the 90-day minimum age requirement for PPP. Two more months to go.
=^..^= *le sigh*
Nice review. Wish I would have read it before I wrote mine, we have almost identical titles. Mine is “Who The Hell Is John Chow?”
I’ve read John’s blog for awhile now, and you’re right. Just watch what he does, and how he does it. You can really learn a lot if you want to.
Nice job, never been here before, the link bait worked!
-Scott
You did a great job at getting “under the skin” of John’s blog.
I, too, am a regular reader of his, and have learned a great deal from just his posts.
I hear his newest venure is AGLOGO, and according to his site he has amassed over 1,000 referrals already. His knowledge on the internet is infectious.
Great review. I’ll have to keep up with your blog in the future.
Great review of his site and nice job including links to his posts. I hadn’t seen the Top 10 Wordpress plugins and am glad you mentioned them. I like your writing - I’ll have to keep checking to see how your blog evolves. Very nicely written! - Ms. Q
you do have a nice way of witing. Im just a little jelous
Congratulations on winning! Does this make you a Chowder head? (sorry… I know it’s weak).
Also - welcome to the blogosphere! Where all are welcome but most are ignored.
Regards,
Doug
Nice Review of John’s site. You blew my little ramblings out of the water. Congrats on winning the review contest.
Bruce
mad props to your review
Great job on reviewing JohnChow.com! By far the best review to date.
FT
http://www.MillionDollarJourney.com
I had to stop in and say congratulations for winning the John Chow review contest. Not only did you get a neat gift but the donation as well. Can’t wait to see the new site.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
Congratulations on winning. And for embelishing the term Chowder-head with new meaning!
congrats. . .seems you have been a gr8 person this year to deserve this smashing gift! all d best!