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Introducing... Tom!
Mar 22, 2009

Introducing... Tom!

We are very pleased to announce that, after months of torturing Mark with nearly 100% of the responsibilities of managing the Bonanzle community, we have brought aboard a new, part-time helper to keep our trusty ship afloat! Please join me in welcoming Mr. Tom Halfacer, aka tomwayne1, as the newest member of the Bonanzle team.


Tom! Continuing a proud Bonanzle tradition of dudes with short, boring names.
To start with, Tom will have two main responsibilities: 1) Monitor the site for fake merchandise, or merchandise that otherwise doesn't adhere to our item policies. Get it removed so Bonanzle remains a safe place to transact. 2) Help guide and direct our booth sellers with helpful tips on how to optimize their listings for the highest possible search engine results, and maximum sales. I (Bill) think there is a wealth of opportunity for many sellers to increase their sales simply by making a few modifications to how they take pictures, describe their items, and get their items published to the rest of the web. Tom will help you realize that potential. Over the next couple weeks, I'm hoping to roll out a corner of the site where Tom and our experienced sellers can work together to help guide our less experienced sellers toward their success. I'd like to see regular seller workshops, "before & after" booth renovations, and to generally build a collection of resources that makes it fun to learn how to effectively list items. With Tom leading this effort, I foresee us continuing to set the precedent on how a marketplace can work with its sellers to help them become as successful as they want to be.

Who is Tom?

Here are some fun factoids about Tom, straight from the horses' mouth:
  • I've always stressed being prepared (educationally) for the next opportunity that comes your way.
  • I'm a life-long teacher that enjoys helping others troubleshoot problems and maximize their opportunities.
  • My favorite song is John Lennon's "Watching the Wheels" - especially poignant after my son was born.
  • I'm a frustrated writer...some day I WILL write that book. Or maybe the weekly column.
  • I'm funnier if I can think about it and then put it down in written format.
Welcome aboard, matey!

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114 responses to Introducing... Tom!

CALIFORNIATREASURES says: 03/22/09 at 19:20:25

Welcome Tom! I am looking forward to meeting you! I think workshops would be great for all of the users..and I do have a couple of booths that need some renovating!
Terri

skywalker_track says: 03/22/09 at 19:32:00

Great news! Welcome aboard, Tom. Looking forward to seeing more of you and your helpful advice and humor.

bluepennylady says: 03/22/09 at 19:37:59

Tom,

WOW! How totally cool! Welcome. What an opportunity.

Judy/blue

DakotaGold says: 03/22/09 at 19:58:05

Welcome Tom and good luck!

What a wonderful addition to the Bonanzle team.

Tom is a fantastic choice for the job.

atpamsplace says: 03/22/09 at 20:01:51

Tom,

Very cool! Your posts have always been helpful — not to mention funny. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with in the future.

Pam

alicesgiftshop says: 03/22/09 at 20:02:36

Welcome Tom. I am looking forward to working with you.
Alice

starshinin says: 03/22/09 at 20:03:13

welcome tom!! i’m so happy that bill and mark will have some help. worried about them getting burned out. you are a great addition to the team.
the best to you.

stuffyouneed says: 03/22/09 at 20:09:52

Congratulations Tom and Congratulations Bonanzle! What a match!

momspennies says: 03/22/09 at 20:13:59

Welcome to the group Tom! I look forward to your workshops and tips…an outsider’s perspective can speak volumes…maybe enough to write that book!

TexasCountryDesigns says: 03/22/09 at 20:28:09

Howdy Tom! Welcome to the Bonanzle family. I’m looking forward to the workshops and any tips to help with promotion.

auctionwally says: 03/22/09 at 20:28:12

Welcome Tom!

barebumessentials says: 03/22/09 at 20:44:14

Welcome Tom! Great addition.

tcalart says: 03/22/09 at 20:49:19

Welcome Tom !!! My father was a teacher, so I know you’re a patient man…I will be counting on that

tomwayne1 says: 03/22/09 at 20:55:35

Whoa! I came back from visiting friends tonight to find myself posted online. Surreal? You bet. Seriously, all of you, thanks for the nice, kind words. I hope that I can add some value to Bonanzle by helping fellow Bonanzlers be successful. Thanks, Bill and Mark for the opportunity.

sewandsew says: 03/22/09 at 20:56:46

I need lots of help and so many of my fellow Bonanzlers jump right in to give me that help……and some have pointed me straight to your posts….

Now I can worry you more and bother them less…LOL
Congrats on your position!

BookbinEtc says: 03/22/09 at 21:01:21

Great to have you aboard Tom! Your insight and humour will fit right in with Bill and Mark. Looking forward to your workshops.

annssafari says: 03/22/09 at 21:11:03

Welcome, Tom. Super choice and I just bought something from you so now I can save it for when you become famous!

baublesandbeads says: 03/22/09 at 21:15:33

Congrats Tom! You have helped me a lot and I know you will do great things for this community! Keep up the good work!

GALA218 says: 03/22/09 at 21:21:55

Welcome Tom!! Looking forward to working with you!!

modmen says: 03/22/09 at 21:22:24

very cool, your posts are always so helpful and very funny!.

Luzianalade says: 03/22/09 at 21:27:50

Welcome Tom! Looking forward to your workshops..And glad to see Bonanzle expanding it’s workforce!

Sofy'sChoice says: 03/22/09 at 21:28:58

well, well, well.. CONGRATS Tom!!!! Now I can torture you further! hardy har har Please just don’t abandon the speciality gadgets! We need you! BIG HUGS! Congrats again! Mary

xxCleosFleaMarket says: 03/22/09 at 21:31:34

Congrats Tom! Hope you’ll still have time for your PPB work and all the other ones that you created!

Paceset9999 says: 03/22/09 at 21:33:56

Well done, Bill! Good Pick! Congratulations, Tom, you would have been my first pick also Now, if you have any bit of spare time, I have some science questions also…about my frogs

nelliekellie says: 03/22/09 at 21:46:48

Congratulations Tom! Your humor always helps make my day!!!

jacks says: 03/22/09 at 21:47:01

Congrats Tom.. it’s good to see the Boyz have some help coming..

VintageVoyage says: 03/22/09 at 22:46:30

YEAH!!! Welcome Tom!!! & Congrats!!!

When your avatar is in the forums I always read the post since it’s bound to be a good informative one. So glad they’ve decided to gather all your bits and pieces and put them into your own little nook. Gleaned many a helpful hint from you and look forward to more in the future!

Many KUDOS to Bill and Mark!!! Now they can go on those well-deserved vacations!!!

VintageVoyage

bucksteddy says: 03/23/09 at 01:08:14

Well done Tom, good luck

eyecatchingbeauty says: 03/23/09 at 01:18:44

Yah, so happy Mark is getting some relief – much needed. Really he doesn’t have much time after me LOL

Nice to meet you Tom in this new capacity

PiratesGold says: 03/23/09 at 01:31:26

Congratulations Tom! The workshops are a wonderful idea and I’m looking forward to them.

Barepockets says: 03/23/09 at 03:10:18

From one Tom to another Tom Congratulations

cleosgreatdeals says: 03/23/09 at 04:05:11

Tom, welcome and look forward to your assistance. A person that offers so much to Bonanzle already, and with a sense of humor. Every tip Tom offers is productive. This has and will continue to further Bonanzle’s goals! Great choice!

oshunspirit1 says: 03/23/09 at 04:20:25

“With Tom leading this effort, I foresee us continuing to set the precedent on how a marketplace can work with its sellers to help them become as successful as they want to be.”

Now that’s thinking outside of the box! Great!

bkwrm40 says: 03/23/09 at 04:20:42

Congrats! A definite asset to the community!

the_jewelry_shack says: 03/23/09 at 04:32:46

Welcome Tom. Having you on the team was a smart move by Bill & Mark (Aka Batman & Robin) Looking forward to learning from you in the future
Steve
http://bonanzlenospimzone.wetpaint.com/

victoriansagejewelry says: 03/23/09 at 04:34:24

welcome Tom! Can’t wait to see all of your great ideas and tips to help us all!

collectibles4u says: 03/23/09 at 04:49:17

Congratulations Tom.. Now maybe Bill & Mark gets to have an actual lunch time
Tom I always enjoy reading your posts and learn from all your tips. Best wishes

AvocadoLane says: 03/23/09 at 04:52:00

WTG Tom. Congratulations!

Sunflower_Boutique says: 03/23/09 at 04:54:14

Congrats Tom…you will be an asset to the Bonanzle team!

generatehealth says: 03/23/09 at 05:01:17

Fabulous!! Welcome aboard. I, like many others, have looked to your posts for information. Now to have you at our disposal. Part time?? Will that be only 60 or 70 hours a week!!?? LOL
Welcome
Terri (aka wildhorse & generatehealth)

Queenmum says: 03/23/09 at 05:06:36

Congratulations Tom,Bill,Mark & Bonanzle!

With a team like this, we have no place to go but
straight to the top!

Gotta sat, love the pix of you, Tom…I see mischief twinkling in those eyes

The best teachers use a bit of humor in their lessons, and you have truly shown that to be the case with your generous help and assistance on the boards.

Welcome and congrats!

sharsgiftmart says: 03/23/09 at 05:19:56

It would be such a help to have seller workshops! I really look forward to them and any help in getting my business off the ground! Thank you!!

driver211 says: 03/23/09 at 05:34:04

Congrats to you Tom (the shopping cart dude). Glad to have more info. on selling.

Wilbere says: 03/23/09 at 05:55:36

Great news and congratulations, Tom! Glad to see that one of your responsibilities is to help the Boyz roust out any varmints who seek to use the site to sell fake merchandise in violation of site policies. New sheriff in town.

pieper says: 03/23/09 at 06:18:58

As Steve said: “Having you on the team was a smart move by Bill & Mark (Aka Batman & Robin)” – does that now mean that Tom is going to be the Batmobile — driving Bonanzle further into an extraordinary marketplace?

Could not have picked a better person! Congratulations, Tom, you deserve it! And Marky? Go take a nap!

Cabanalolita says: 03/23/09 at 06:25:56

Way to go Tom! Now you are part of the boyz on the Bonanzle team! I know your addition will add further success to Ranch! Are you going to add a Bonanzle logo to your shopping cart now?

Maymayd71 says: 03/23/09 at 07:10:51

Congrats Tom! Bill and Mark could not have made a better choice. What an exciting time this is as Bonanzle grows and with you as a new addition to the Bonanzle Team it is sure to only be more exciting in the days to come. Im doin the Bonanzle Boogie!

StarvingPackrats says: 03/23/09 at 07:28:41

Hi, Tom! So very glad to hear you are one of the Boyz now!

Yep—it’s a job and yep—it’s important, but you’re human like the rest of us. Embrace your humanity and let the stress just melt away! We Bonanzle members are all here for you guys so lean on us!

nutz4bookznstuff says: 03/23/09 at 07:43:07

Great choice Bill and welcome and congrats Tom…!

fromlu2you says: 03/23/09 at 07:45:31

So glad more boring names are here. The names may be boring but their ideas are not!! Thanks for joining the Bonz!!

BargainBasement says: 03/23/09 at 07:58:21

Simply supercalifragilisticexpealidicious addition to the Team Bonanzle! Toot, toot!

masonictreasures says: 03/23/09 at 08:03:53

Congratulations Tom – Great choice Bill – Mark maybe now you can actually have some time off from work.. at least 30 minutes a week.. right Bill?

AlmasAttic says: 03/23/09 at 08:08:27

Congrats Tom Looking forward to learning from you.

Thanks Bill….. and big thanks too, Mark, for all the help you have given. It never ceased to amaze me how quickly and nicely you always respond to even the dumbest question lol

GingerTwo says: 03/23/09 at 08:08:43

Welcome! Bonanzle is a great place!

STBThreadworks says: 03/23/09 at 08:14:00

Welcome, Tom. Put me in your queue to look at my items and give me your input about what I can do to get New and Improved! Well, you DID ask for work!!!

Rods_Books says: 03/23/09 at 08:21:09

Good Morning and Welcome Tom…………..

Looking forward to learning from your expertise and
knowledge. Like the idea of having my booth(s) reviewed
and suggestions provided……………..

permacrisis says: 03/23/09 at 08:21:42

I especially like the Before and After idea. Looking forward to it!!!

ZiggyZool says: 03/23/09 at 08:48:08

Now how Cool is that?! Great decision Bill – Tom please tell me we’ll still get to see your humor and fantastical inventions that we all “need” are you still going to have available the “the discombobulator”? I was really saving my pennies for that one..

Congratulations Tom, and Boyz

Zig

BejooledGlitterbug says: 03/23/09 at 08:58:01

Congratulations, Tom! I’m awed by how the Boyz continually update and enhance our community. Looking forward to the booth reviews and suggestions!

jacksplace says: 03/23/09 at 09:14:13

Welcome Tom. Glad you’ve come aboard. (maybe now Bill and Mark can get some well deserved sleep!)

Foxy_Lady_Boutique says: 03/23/09 at 09:16:12

Welcome Tom, you have joined a great group, A discussion on Photo cropping might be in order first thing, my Mutts did a Hand Picked List this weekend and at least 75% of the photos they looked at needed editing. So glad to have you here, now maybe Bill and Mark can get some well deserved sleep. up to now its been 24/7 for them both.

bookbrowzers says: 03/23/09 at 09:24:07

WOW! Congratulations Tom!! You’ve always been a major help to everyone on the boards – and given me some great laughs, too Your knowledge and wicked sense of humor will be a great asset (now in official capacity) to Bonanzle.

Hey! I just realized that now you’re one of the BoyZ!

Starfisher says: 03/23/09 at 09:25:25

Congratulations on the new position, looking forward to all your great advice

vinewood says: 03/23/09 at 09:31:18

welcome tom , , you will be a great help to bonanzle .

bill a great choice , and mark will get some help !!

OakIslandBoutique says: 03/23/09 at 09:33:34

Wow, congratulations Tom!!

bleumoonsattic says: 03/23/09 at 09:33:57

this is a good thing.

OldTurtleHeart says: 03/23/09 at 09:52:27

This is just too cool! It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person. Congratulations, Tom!
-Pat

corkscorner says: 03/23/09 at 10:13:58

Fantabulous news! Congratulations to Tom and to Mark and Bill! Another step forward.

OnTopOfJunkMountain says: 03/23/09 at 10:17:31

OH WOW! Kudos to the boyz for bringing Tom on board (that’s Kudos, not cooties). Tom is my hero! Oh, where gonna see great things now..look out world!

ANightOwl says: 03/23/09 at 10:29:24

Great News!
Congratulations Tom.

thingsandotherstuff says: 03/23/09 at 10:50:56

Welcome aboard, Tom, and congrats!

Cliff

AcworthAttic says: 03/23/09 at 11:38:42

Welcome Tom, Glad you’ve come aboard!

ladylee says: 03/23/09 at 12:39:01

Welcome Tom – I’m sure you will be a valued asset to the Bonanzle team. Hope to get the opportunity to use you knowledge and imput and possibly work with you.

Again Welcome!
Leslie Lee

graphicsbymoondog says: 03/23/09 at 13:33:22

Wow! Good choice, Boyz!

Welcome, Tom! You are now officially one of the Bonanzle Boyz!

mrsmoondog

Cubanitatb says: 03/23/09 at 14:02:43

Does my heart good to know someone cares about the sellers like you do..thanks Bill.

Tom..your topics are always so helpful to novices like myself..so I am thrilled…and I am so happy for Mike…This place is truly a blessing to all of us..thank you!

Shake&BakeTrading says: 03/23/09 at 14:07:45

Yo, Tom!

And now for somthing really different other than the “Attaboy” welcomes since I don’t know who you are as I don’t spend enough time in the forums.

Frustrated writer? Heck! All you gotta do is write an unofficial history of the Bonanzle fellers, add a few plot twists, and you’ll have…well, not sure what you’ll have. But it may be worth a shot to submit it to a publisher as “Feebay Goliath Slain By New Kid Bonanzle” Or something like it. If that doesn’t work, do it digitally (that sound right to you?) and post it here for sale. You could retire on the earnings!

Think I’ve been spending too much time doing SEO tweaks and photo reshoots on my site. After all, this is Sunday, right? Oh! Wait. That was yesterday…or is it tomorrow. Thought I had it straight. Ratz!

AnnappleBonanza says: 03/23/09 at 14:14:02

Tom! Congratulations to all of you, this is so exciting! Very happy

McCormicksGiftShoppe says: 03/23/09 at 15:05:30

Congratulations Tom!

scentsyouarehere says: 03/23/09 at 16:05:09

Congrats Tom….about time that Bill and Mark realized they’ll better have you in THEIR corner what with all those neat “gadgets” you come up with

NightowlGardener says: 03/23/09 at 16:52:14

Welcome Tom! I’m sure we will all have fun together.

YankeePedlar says: 03/23/09 at 17:02:12

Yay!! Three heads are better than two!! Mark and Bill have done an exceptional job on their own, and now with Tom, there are no limits to the growth of bonanzle!! I am looking forward to the workshops and even more site growth!

momof2birds says: 03/23/09 at 17:07:01

Hi Tom and wodcome to the team. I know things will only get better and busier here with your professional input.

TheCrystalRose says: 03/23/09 at 17:23:07

Welcome, Tom~now officially one of the Boyz

lostfan27 says: 03/23/09 at 17:44:54

Welcome Tom~The more-the merrier!

drinkup says: 03/23/09 at 18:05:35

Welcome, Tom. I look forward to the workshops and any help I can GET !!

XbeXetique says: 03/23/09 at 18:24:46

Congrats Tom!!!! Good choice, Bill & Mark!!!! A++++

FlyingMonkeyFinds says: 03/23/09 at 18:32:51

So cool to see someplace hiring from within! Afterall who better knows than someone with the kind of knowledge Tom obviously has computer wise combined with his Bonanzle experience of being a seller. Very smart and much appreciated move! LOVE this place! Congrats to you Tom and YAY for all of us who will only further benefit!

saracom says: 03/23/09 at 18:40:55

Congrats Tom and congrats to all for getting to this point.

stuff says: 03/23/09 at 19:42:26

Welcome Welcome Welcome to Tom! So glad you are here! I’m especially delighted that he’s going to help watch out for phony stuff – Thanks so much for this, Bill – you are The Best!

yellowsand1964 says: 03/23/09 at 20:55:37

welcome to Bonanzle Tom

VintageVamps says: 03/23/09 at 22:16:25

Welcome to Bonanzle, Tom, relax and settle in, then show us what cha got. Congratulations, V.V.

bharding says: 03/24/09 at 00:01:48

Look at him go! He’s already got more comments to his introduction than any past blog post. Obviously this guy has been doing something right around here…!

Flourishes says: 03/24/09 at 01:03:25

How GREAT is this? I am very pleased that you are joining with Bill and Mark and look forward to your helpful support.
Marla

zanderbooks says: 03/24/09 at 02:12:25

I always enjoy reading Tom’s super-informative posts…and his occasional wicked humor!! Awesome choice, Bill!! And a Huge CONGRATS to Tom — looking forward to your continued help and guidance.

MNblarneystone says: 03/24/09 at 07:31:01

Great job Tom, and Fantastic choice for the Team. Now….My First Question>>> Will I still get my PayPerBump subscription???

MNblarneystone says: 03/24/09 at 07:32:05

Great job Tom, and Fantastic choice for the Team. Now….My First Question>>> Will I still get my PayPerBump subscription???

CalicoKym says: 03/24/09 at 08:05:48

Hello nice to meet ya.
I am a frustrated writer too, a laid off one at that…..

southwitch says: 03/24/09 at 10:52:52

Welcome Tom sometimes we act crazy but we are a good group.
I know 90% of us including myself promot Bonanzle every where we go on internet and off. So give directions or help and we will follow.

mulberryminerals says: 03/24/09 at 10:53:22

Congratulations, Tom! It shows how aware Bill is that the best place to hire now is from his growing pool of smart folks who are passionate about Bonanzle!

bmorganovich says: 03/24/09 at 10:53:52

Congratulations Tom. Bet you get some great fodder for your book here!

pattya917 says: 03/24/09 at 13:49:09

Welcome Tom!! Congratulations to the Boyz for acheiving such a milestone!

kathyseven says: 03/24/09 at 14:55:37

What took so long? lol I always thought Tom was a GREAT asset to Bonanzle, but now having him really be part of the Team, WOW! That’s Fabulous! Congratulations Tom!

adammas says: 03/24/09 at 16:30:40

Welcome Tom.

Teragatto says: 03/24/09 at 17:01:00

Welcome and congrats on this new exciting opportunity!

EvesBooth says: 03/24/09 at 17:43:20

Hurry up and take a quick snooze cause that’ll be the last time you’ll know what it means to take a nap!!

TxSTar1953 says: 03/25/09 at 14:59:07

I’m glad you joined the team. Congratulations and the best of luck.

Beadbowl says: 03/31/09 at 05:12:28

Way to go Tom! Congrats and wishing you much success!

BarbsLamps says: 03/31/09 at 08:45:02

Welcome aboard Tom, I am sure I will be taking advantage of your expertise soon.

alasycia says: 04/01/09 at 07:10:17

Welcome Tom

I’ve been reading your posts on the forums and it is obvious that you are already a very valuable addition to the Boyz team

Abee67 says: 04/02/09 at 09:54:20

Welcome, Tom. You look like a happy and friendly fellow. Maybe you can help Mark with all the questions he gets from dummies like me. I’m sure I have put some wrinkles in his forehead. Glad you are here.

granny7x says: 04/05/09 at 01:10:45

Hi Tom and wow…good for you…who better??/I am so happy for you…you so deserve this promotion and I feel even more safe and secure here on bonanzle.. Congratulations….

FunkyLizzard says: 04/06/09 at 11:22:25

Hello Tom!
What I read about you makes me feel very comfortable having you around! So I say Welcome and I think you are perfect for the job you’ve been given. A great asset to us all!
Have a Wonderful Day, Tom!
Thank you for committing to take of us!
Liz

BellyDance&More says: 04/06/09 at 14:06:24

GREAT! Tom..Bonanzle Support! I need all the support that I can get!

sonsandie1507 says: 04/23/09 at 08:14:20

Congrats Tom I have been helped alot from you in the posts and look forward to you help and guidence.


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