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Photo from helgalou
The nerd in me dictates that I be open about the software that runs on Tivate. If you’re here just for the inspiration then you’re allowed to skip on by. Let’s get right into it.
Server Software::
Tivate runs on a VPS over at Slicehost. I wrote an earlier article about Slicehost and the hardware underneath – here. Here is a list of software that has helps me run Tivate and just get things done. If you want to know more or want to see any of my config files (minus sensitive info) then just email me at justin at-no-spam tivate.com.
What software runs Tivate? Find out....
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If you’re reading this blog you must already have a measure of intelligence – haha 😉 . But all joking aside, we take comfort that we are smart to a certain degree. Whether it be math, history, mechanics, video games, etc. However, do you consider yourself a genius? Do you know what a True Genius is?
From a social standpoint there are three flavors of genius, regardless of educational focus. They are:
- Negative Genius
- Average Genius
- True Genius
Let’s take a more in depth look into these three types.
Learn how to be a True Genius - Step #1....
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Photo courtesy of miraculousbeads1@verizo n.net
The geek in me has decided to write a five part series entitled “Under the Hood” in which I take a look at the different parts that run Tivate.com. I just to hope to inspire anyone who’s thinking about running their own website and let them know what steps (or misteps) I’ve taken. Here are the topics for the 5 part series:
- Server hardware
- Server software
- WordPress setup / plugins / hacks
- Desktop software
- Web & misc. resources
Read more about the hardware that runs Tivate....

Photo courtesy of vagabondrhythm
Whew, man what a week. Learned so much about blogging and interviewing people. Just a quick summation of things I learned.
- That people (even famous ones) are genuinely nice people
- That everyone makes mistakes (just wait till the cons)
- Have to be positive
- Failure is ok
- Everybody is human
- Brevity is wisdom, keep it concise (when speaking to others) – thanks Craig!
- Everybody especially well known people are busy
- Blogging is hard
- Don’t blast people with 50+ interview questions
- I have to be more personable
More about the mistakes I've made and the things I've learned....

Photo courtesy of Aiko Heiwa
Many of you may wonder how in the world did I get an interview with (insert name here)? To be honest I just asked. I just tell them honestly how I feel. I feel that interviews today are a little flawed. They focus too much on what a person is doing and not enough on WHO that person really is. Who are they? What’s has been their greatest failure? What inspires them? How have they handled negativity? Like a potter who shapes clay, in a small way I want to give shape to these ones by asking them who they really are and sharing that with you.
Read more about how we give shape to people....
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Why Tivate? Simple, because everyone needs inspiration. Now I know what you’re thinking, “I’ve already heard those ‘mouse that churned butter stories’ and I’ve seen the pics of the frog choking the stork what else do I need.” Well, to answer that, all of us need people. We need the human element. We need to stories from people who have ‘been there’ and ‘done that’ and came out the other side successful. We need to hear from those and see how opposition has molded their life. And though we live in a society that worships perfection, the fact of the matter is that we all make mistakes – from minor ones to major bone-headed ones. But, it’s not how or how hard we fall, what matters is how we get up again. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone.
Why? Isn't that always the question? Read more....

Photo courtesy of TopTechWriter.US
Finally after months of preparation, planning and work, Tivate.com is open and ready for business! We’re ready for a flood of people. Haha.
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Getting tivated is a 3 step process – cultivate, motivate and activate. Here they are in order:
cul·ti·vate (kul′tə vāt′)
- to improve by care, training, or study; refine to cultivate one’s mind
- to promote the development or growth of; acquire and develop to cultivate a taste for music
- to seek to develop familiarity with; give one’s attention to; pursue
Cultivate is the process of cultivating your knowledge by reading and absorbing articles and interviews on Tivate.com.

Photo courtesy of redwelly
mo·ti·vate (mōt′ə vāt′)
- to provide with, or affect as, a motive or motives; incite or impel
After cultivating knowledge you will feel motivated and inspired!

Photo courtesy of Saburkha
ac·ti·vate (ak′tə vāt′)
- to make active; cause to engage in activity
After being motivated you will activate yourself and work to accomplish your goals.

Photo courtesy of Ra_Yuela
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