Unfortunately I've had my devotion and loyalty burned many a time in business too. But then while some people might respect those traits (a lot, in my case), unfortunately business doesn't (and cannot).

We're all in the same boat mate - so I have to do what's right for the busines first as a priority, then overlay that with my own values. Not the other way around. That way I don't feel so bad when something pisses me off personally because the business survives regardless.

Anyway, you discussed backup plans/products etc. some time ago (http://www.codestore.net/store.nsf/unid/BLOG-20060906?OpenDocument) and it's a path I'd strongly recommend. There's never a right or wrong time to start - other than straightaway :)

Stay in touch.

and THANK YOU Kevin !!!!!!!!!

I find your comment "each line = £100k" most interesting and as you posted that 7+ hours ago and Jake has yet to deny it, one can only assume it to be true. As for finding another source of ££££££££

Jake you should heed what your friend are saying above 'go for it' and don't say "but I haven't got the time"

if you did less 'blogging', twittering' and as Aaron said

taking photo's of me while I work?

Bruce Elgort recently posted an entry (http://www.bruceelgort.com/blogs/be.nsf/plinks/BELT-8AF2BV) on how we stumbled upon this for a local business and now he's receiving additional requests. You could always offer local businesses the option to develop applications for iPhones, Blackberries and Android devices. One thing for sure is that this market is not as saturated as others.

Why not just use a real name?

Was the graph highest when you were spending the most (on the house?)

I know monetizing your blog has long been a sensitive topic, but it would be a low start up cost place to start. Subscribers pay for more regular, more in-depth articles and get it a month or two in advance of it being put public. Subscriptions could be automated with recurring paypal payments or yearly payments. You're a natural writer and it would mesh well with what you're doing already. Codestore Premium. Maybe people who remind you to thank your Dad get a discount or something. ;-)

Through CodeStore Premium you could also release sample code where as non-subscribers would be asked to chip in a token payment for it. Wouldn't be hard to knock together a download key system. Paying subscribers could also have something like email access to you. Sharing is sublime when you're flush, but these days, time is money and what you offer saves other people both and is hence worth some small reasonable payment... Half a quid a month maybe.

I really think you have some quick potential here with minimal investment.

My suggestion is: make a product on Domino, cause it's the tool you are familiar with, then, turn to iPhone or Android dev. Google and Apple is now growth faster then others, the market is bigger and more energetic, I always read your blog and know you can turn to other platform smoothly, cause you learn quickly.

I really wish I'd looked further ahead way back and thought to myself "But really, what *am* I going to do when the Domino work *does* dry up!?". I should have built a product back in my single days when I had all the time in the world.

I forgot - happy birthday to your dad. Here's to at least as many ahead as behind on both his and Rockall's count.