Take the Bird's Eye View
Todd McClamroch
Internet Marketing Manager
Chicago, Illinois
Squidoo: How did you decide what to make your lenses about?
Todd: One of my passions is flying. I learned to fly about a year or two ago and in the process realized how many other people have yearned to learn to fly as well. Since then, I have enjoyed sharing my experiences with others and encouraged them to seek out flying as a hobby or a career.
S: Did you consider doing so using your blog or web page to do that?
T: Blogs are great for a lot of things -- but not for giving a top-level summary of a topic. My Squidoo lens is a much better way to provide summarized information. I hope that through my lens, readers will realize I have a depth of knowledge on this topic, then visit my web site if they want a more detailed description of my experiences learning to fly.
S: Have you taken any cues from other lenses so far?
T: None in particular. But I love browsing the "9 Things You Didn't Know" section and the Top 100 Lenses. And I look forward to playing with some of the new modules.
S: What advice or ideas would you offer other lensmasters?
T: Make sure you are passionate about what you choose to write about. Also, update your content often. As an expert on a topic you are likely continuously learning so update your lens with your new knowledge and links to new resources.
S: What's the best part of flying over a corn maze?
T: The best part is the view, of course. A corn field is a huge canvas for the artistic farmer. Through the benefit of the GPS and Tractor Mash-Up they can make some really amazing images. Also, between you and me, it gives you an advantage when you do the maze by foot.
S: One of the books you recommended is a directory of restaurants you can fly to. What's the neatest airplane restaurant you've ever been to?
T: I have a few favorites. The first is Sky Galley at Lunken Airport in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sky Galley is located in a historic airport terminal and has great food that can be enjoyed on their patio while you watch the flightline.
Another suggestion to pilots is to make a pilgrimage to Sporty's Pilot Shop at Claremont County Airport in Bativia, Ohio. Every Saturday, the famous pilot shop offers hotdogs instead of hamburgers and brings out planes and gadgets for pilots to play with. Last time I was there, I got to enjoy trying out a Segway transporter, which was a blast to cruise around on.
