Support

 Do you want to support me and my blog?  You are awesome.  You can do it in a number of ways, and most don't require spending a cent.

1. Visit Regularly.  The more you view my homepage, the better my site does in search optimization.
2. Write a Comment.  Again, it helps search optimization, but more important, it lets me know people are reading and liking what they see... or if you don't like it, comment and let me know!  Both are good, and very much appreciated.
3. Click the Follow Button. That lets you know when I post new stuff.  At least, I think it does. Blogger support isn't very clear on this. I'm sure it does something.
4. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel. I plan on creating videos semi-regularly in the coming months.  Certainly more than once every three years like it has been.  See it here.
   
5. Spread the Word.  Tell your friends.  Post the link somewhere.  Share articles that you really liked.  Word-of-mouth is the best advertisement a person can get.
   
6. Leave a Review on my Chessable Course.  I assume people find this blog because of my course, Smithy's Opening Fundamentals.  If so, leave a review.  I love reading feedback.  It helps me think I'm making a difference.  Even just giving it a star rating doesn't go unnoticed.  And if you haven't checked it out, well ... check it out!
   
7. Disable your Adblocker.  Or at least whitelist my site.  I know, ads are the worst, but if you want to support me, any little bit helps.
8. Click on Ads. Assuming I set up AdSense correctly, you can click on ads and that boosts my stats.  Even more if you pretend to be interested for a minute before immediately closing.  You don't have to buy anything.  Heaven's, no, perish the thought.  Just clicking should be enough to get me money.  I think.  I have no idea how internet advertising works.
   
9. Use My Affiliate Links. I don't have many, but if you are going to buy something from these places anyway, consider doing so through my links.
1. GM Smirnov: This link is for Grandmaster's Positional Understanding, but it should work for anything you purchase on his site.
   
2. Modern Chess: This is not quite a Chessable alternative, but with the demise of iChess, it's the next largest digital marketplace. I have limited experience here, honestly, but the stuff looks thorough and high-quality.  Modern Chess also has frequent sales, so feel free to wait so you don't pay full price.  It won't be a long wait.
   
3. If you know of a good affiliate program, let me know and I'll consider it. 
10. Send Me Money.  The ultimate show of support.  Spare a few dollars and know that it helps pay down my gargantuan student loan.  Completely optional.  I never expect anyone to donate.  There is absolutely zero pressure.  If you want, and only if you want to, here is my PayPal info.

Ultimately, I'm just a regular guy that likes to think about chess.  It's pretty astounding that people enjoy hearing my thoughts.  If you want to encourage me to do this more, the above is a good place to start.  And thank you, from the bottom of my heart.  It really means a lot.

Smithy