I came into the world without a goatee and mustache. Surprise, surprise.
But sometime after I got married, I decided to give the goatee and mustache a try. It must have been around 1992, I believe.
As it turned out, my wife really liked it. So I decided to keep it, rarely shaving it off over the years only to grow it back again.
But times have changed...
A couple months so ago, I decided to shave my face. Perhaps it was signifying a new beginning for me. Or perhaps I just wanted a new look. I'm really not sure why I did it. It just seemed like it was time.
To my surprise, my wife said that she liked the change.
I had to confess. So did I.
It was fun going to a conference and watching people do double-takes when they saw me without the goatee.
And the comments related to this new look have been very amusing as well.
It seems like the majority like me better without the facial hair, though there are a few detractors who think I should have kept it.
So what are people saying about the new look?
Three things...
1) I look younger (thank you!)
2) I look slimmer (I'm not, but thank you again!)
3) I look more trustworthy.
You know, I've read for years that the perception of people with facial hair is that they might be trying to "hide something".
I don't believe this is an accurate assessment because I am the same person with or without facial hair.
Nevertheless, public perception is that I am somehow more honest.
So what do you think?
Do you agree that my new look is for the best?
Would you rather see me with the goatee?
Could you care less?
Let me know your thoughts about the new (and I think improved) Joel!
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
May 3, 2008 12:59 AM
I like the goatee just cuz I can't grow one haha
May 3, 2008 01:01 AM
Joel,
You definitely look younger, and I would leave it off for at least a few years.
May 3, 2008 01:03 AM
Goatee definitely. However, I usually don't have a preference in other MEN's appearances (LOL).
But since you asked.....
May 3, 2008 01:05 AM
Go the Goatee! I gave up on the whole goatee\facial hair trust issue. I think it's a load of rubbish. My goatee is here to stay and if I lose out on people's trust because of it, too bad for them. I'm me, end of story.
Facial suits some, doesn't suit others. If you like your face without it, and more importantly so does your wife, then case closed.
Cheers,
Nez
May 3, 2008 01:31 AM
Go for a goatee!
May 3, 2008 05:25 AM
Joel,
us goatee wearers were disheartened when you decided to leave the "clan".
But. We would be honoured if you would reconsider your rash decision and return to the fold.
"The Corps is Mother, The Corps is Father."
(Quick quote for the Babylon5 fans out there)
All the best, however you choose to display your face ;> Bruce
May 3, 2008 06:04 AM
Joel,
First I have had a mustache since I was 15 and have never shaved it but once. For over 20 years now, I have had either a full beard or goatee. So, that being said, I think you should grow your goatee back (that is if it is what you want).
As for the honesty thing, that is bunk. I think the goatee makes you appear more knowledgeable, sincere, distinguished, and trustworthy.
Also, people are used to you with your goatee, but if you decide you want to not grow it back, then they will just have to get used to the new you. But, you asked for our opinion, so I vote that you should grow it back!
Hope this helps,
Edward Moore from Dewy Rose, GA
www.ibithost.com
May 3, 2008 06:38 AM
The issue is not what others think, but how YOU feel about it, Joel.
If you're happy, your wife is happy and since there's not a fragment of validity in the trust argument (I offer as a prime example, exhibit A if you will, Santa Claus), then I submit that you should press on in your bid to be yourself, however that desire manifests itself physically.
I'm a bearded guy myself (from age 24 to today at 64) and I've never been accused of being untrustworthy by anyone who survived the assertion :).
Go bare faced. Go goateed. It's all the same on the inside, even if your new look does take one accustomed to 'the way you were' momentarily aback.
Nuff said.
Fred
May 3, 2008 06:59 AM
Like the new look!
You do look younger - and yes, slimmer too!
I always thought that with the goatee, you reminded me of the devil - oops! Now its out :)
Nothing personal, it's just my "stuff". I probably watched too many Vincent Price movies growing up?
I think you look more approachable clean shaven.
That's my 2cents worth...
Steve
May 3, 2008 07:24 AM
Like the Look!
May 3, 2008 07:37 AM
After thinking about it, I think it makes you look younger, and boyish
like you are ready to have fun.
BUT rule of thumb is > Do whatever keeps the wife happy!!
Now you do have a problem with all your ebooks out there with your
goatee..
May 3, 2008 07:52 AM
Well Joe,
I followed you because of the information you offer on the internet - hardly because of your looks. But from a woman's point of view I prefer shaven faces unless the beard is always trimmed and well taken care of - which knowing the way you seem to be in the internet I'm sure you also took care of your goatee and beard.
May 3, 2008 08:04 AM
I had a goatee on and off from 1997 until around 2001 or so. I shaved it off because too many people had one, including my brother-in-law!
Around 2002 or so, I grew just a billy goat or Amish type of beard that's just the chin.
When I grew it very, very few people had these as well. I knew I was onto something when a guy yelled at me at a stoplight as told me "that is the strangest F-ing beard he had ever seen!" I thanked him and told him to have a nice day. I still have my billy goat today.
My wife likes the goat and says it makes me look thinner and younger, but I too have been struggling with either "to goat, or not to goat."
Joel, I think you look fine either way, but maybe a bit thinner with the goat.
May 3, 2008 09:57 AM
Joel-
My real answer is distinguished. This does make for an interesting way to keep a discussion going.
May 3, 2008 10:40 AM
Joel,
I was actually going to leave a comment here last week when I noticed you without the porn star goatee in your twitter pic! lol got busy and forgot.
I think you look better for all 3 reasons you stated. In general, I agree with the "trustworthiness" issue as well. BUT for those that know you, it will not matter one way or another. When I shaved my head last summer on a dare, I was completely surprised with all the "you look younger" compliments. Younger is a good thing! :)
May 3, 2008 10:50 AM
The goatee and mustache gave you a unique look so you stand out from the crowd. Now you just blend in. Don't you think in your business it is nice to stand out? I think it was a little like branding yourself. Now we can just say, "Do you know Joel, the nice guy with a clean shaven face?" (Uhhh, who?)
May 3, 2008 11:24 AM
You look more distinguished with the goatee.
You look nicer and more approachable with clean shaven.
My husband won't shave his beard, even though I prefer him in a goatee or mustache only. He has this crazy idea it makes him look slimmer. It doesn't.
I think you look good both ways. What does your wife think? Her opinion should matter the most!
I say you split it down the middle and go with just a mustache for awhile!
Robbin
May 3, 2008 11:28 AM
Hmmm... When I met you, you had the goatee. Any time I ever saw your picture, you had the goatee. For me, it's simply that you look like a different person. No better, no worse, just different. I think if anyone has a negative reaction, it's just because people generally don't deal well with change. Even on somebody else, LOL! If it's what you like, they'll get used to it :-)
Thanks!
Scott >
May 3, 2008 11:55 AM
Joel Comm Goatee Debate -my two cents: With = larger-than-life biz persona 4 TV. Sans = down-to-earth know,trust, like gotta know dude.
May 3, 2008 11:57 AM
Hmmm... When I met you, you had the goatee. Any time I ever saw your picture, you had the goatee. For me, it's simply that you look like a different person. No better, no worse, just different. I think if anyone has a negative reaction, it's just because people generally don't deal well with change. Even on somebody else, LOL! If it's what you like, they'll get used to it :-)
Thanks!
Scott >
May 3, 2008 12:14 PM
@Nez That's why we respect you.
The goat has nothing to do with your integrity.
Joel, I've had a beard of different types on and off forever.
YOU have to look in the mirror, and be aware of what you feel.
The only consideration outside of yourself, might be your
wife and children. And we know they love you for being the real Mcoy
no matter what.
I think you look good either way. Really.
However, I don't think all your photos are equal.
May 3, 2008 06:05 PM
I for one absolutely like and prefer facial hair (on a man that is). I never thought of it as someone trying to hide something.
I just bought your newest resell templates package (yes even the upsale products) and it really had nothing to do with your looks. It was all about the product and your reputation (and good sales copy).
Go with what ever makes you happy - or better yet, what your wife prefers!
Loved the title for this post! So Creative!
May 3, 2008 06:06 PM
I for one absolutely like and prefer facial hair (on a man that is). I never thought of it as someone trying to hide something.
I just bought your newest resell templates package (yes even the upsale products) and it really had nothing to do with your looks. It was all about the product and your reputation (and good sales copy).
Go with what ever makes you happy - or better yet, what your wife prefers!
Loved the title for this post! So Creative!
May 3, 2008 08:15 PM
Joel! Grow it back! You were our goatee go-to-guy! You can be again!
May 4, 2008 12:53 AM
I have to say Joel, you do look younger 'without' the goatee.
BUT! You looked far more 'distinguished' and 'accomplished'
with it.
You look more like 'the chap next door', rather than 'the chap
who lives up the road in the mansion'. Does that make sense?
I couldn't grow a goatee to save my life, so I'll never have
that dilemma.(Bad acne as a teenager)
Fred.
May 4, 2008 03:29 PM
Joel,
As a fellow goatee wearer I say go for it! Let the hair grow... ;-)
May 5, 2008 12:48 PM
Looks good Joel. I'm going to do the same when I lose some weight this summer.
May 5, 2008 12:49 PM
Joel you look good either way
Brother.. I've just seen you
with the goatee for so long
I think I like that look better.
Thanks for asking,
Roy
May 5, 2008 12:53 PM
Hey Joel,
Grow the goat!
While I haven't gone the way of the goatee, as a 'netprepreneur, I don't believe in regular shaving.
Some scruff is evidence that you are not working at a "real job" and it's social proof that you can do whatever you want.
My shaving schedule is roughly every 10 to 14 days and that's only due to the fact it starts bothering me at that point :)
Colin
PS. Joel, I will be in Denver at the beginning of June and would love to hook up with you at some point while I am there.
Will call you sometime this week...
May 5, 2008 12:53 PM
I think it makes you look more approachable and that just happens to go along with how much more accessible you've become in the last year! I do like both looks, though!
May 5, 2008 12:54 PM
I really like your new look :)
May 5, 2008 12:58 PM
Keep shaving. It looks much better. No, I'm not gay.
Admittedly, shaving is a pain in the butt. If I find a way to permanently remove my facial hair, I'm doing it.
- Michael
May 5, 2008 12:59 PM
Well, I always like the clean look myself but, if you miss the Goatee grow it back,.. I always feel that for them guys people that have a goatee is trying to look older than they are, or they trying to hide something or just dam lazy to shave..
Women love men with smooth skin... Just like,. I like my women to be smoooooooooooth skin from the face down.. If you know what I mean... :)
May 5, 2008 01:03 PM
I thought the goatee was very attractive and was surprised to see it gone all of a sudden. My vote is FOR the goatee :)
May 5, 2008 01:03 PM
I am just wondering Joel when I will receive your email with the eBay auction link for the goatee ;)
No seriously, you look great!!, Hope to see you in Boston @ ASE 2008 without goatee....
Cheers!.
May 5, 2008 01:07 PM
The trouble with all goatee's is that they all look like you have gone down on your partner and came away with it ?? lose it
May 5, 2008 01:08 PM
I always liked the goatee because it was a unique look for you. Without it, you do look younger and thinner and so forth, but I still liked the goatee anyway. Of course, my husband has a gray beard and maybe I'm just biased towards facial hair.
May 5, 2008 01:09 PM
Certainly without! You look much friendlier :)
May 5, 2008 01:13 PM
I like the new look. I think you're right about looking more trustworthy. You also look happier! :)
May 5, 2008 01:16 PM
The decision is yours, but, as I said when you first asked during your live
broadcast, I think you look more sure of yourself with it.
May 5, 2008 01:21 PM
Hey, Joel, I like you either way...
However, WITH the gotee you are more unique and memorable -- from a visual perspective.
Without the gotee, you look like just some guy. More trustworthy? I don't know but more of a face in the crowd who doesn't particularly stand out. Whereas, the gotee makes you stand out. That's good for a marketing business where you ARE the product. That's the way I see it.
May 5, 2008 01:25 PM
Joel Comm rules. i love everything that he does and all the valuable advice his subscribers receive.
Go JOEL
Oscar
http://www.fishinginfo.co.za
http://www.mariasharapovathechampion.blogspot.com
May 5, 2008 01:26 PM
I think you are a Cutie either way. I'm sure your lovely wife does too and would approve of what ever choice you make.
May 5, 2008 01:30 PM
I like the look without the goatee. Fresher, younger and all that good stuff. No barrier between me and the real Joel Comm. You like it. Wife likes it. I call that a no brainer. -Pat
May 5, 2008 01:36 PM
You don't look thinner being clean shaven, although you do look more boyish.
You should grow back the goatee and just make sure it's very trim. The goatee provides definition to your chin line.
May 5, 2008 01:37 PM
I speak spanish, but read, and learn all on the internet, in english. And when, I read in your mail the rare, mystery word, I fell curious about what is going on. I think , google what ??. Maybe a new product about google, or some thing else. It was rely funny, when I understand that it is al about your hair face. I used the goatee (candado) years ago, I think is good, try a change of look, but in your case, your face whit goatee is a Trade Mark :)
My english is nat good, but I think you will understand.
May 5, 2008 01:37 PM
Ah Joel,
I was one of those people doing the double take. :-)
You're cute, beard or no, but I like the beard. It's totally sexier and you look smarter. Why? Not sure. There's something Freudian there.
I will admit to being partial to dark-haired men with facial hair. I married one, 35 years ago.
Not to worry. You rock, either way!
--Pat
May 5, 2008 01:49 PM
I like the Goatee!
May 5, 2008 01:53 PM
Well Joel, I wouldn't want to go so far as to call you a "traiter to the fold".....if you look "more honest" Ha! Just think if you went and shaved the TOP of your head how really honest you'd look then!
Grow it back.
May 5, 2008 01:54 PM
Hi Joel: The obvious solution, we need a Joel "Goatee Template" added to our portfolio. I vote for clean shaven.
Gerry Griffin, Ontario, Canada
May 5, 2008 01:56 PM
Goatee - distinguished!
May 5, 2008 02:14 PM
I myself have a goatee so I can understand where you're coming from here Joel. My present Lady likes how it looks, but doesn't like the scratchiness of it. Who knows, pretty soon I may go the same way you did!
May 5, 2008 02:18 PM
I vote for no goatee. When I saw the "new" you I thought you must have dropped a bunch of weight. =:)
For the people who are saying things like, "I don't think facial hair looks less trustworthy - who cares what others think?" -- that's a strange thing for a marketer to say.
If you're talking about your look and how it relates to marketing, what you *think* about the subject means as much as what you *think* about a certain headline. Unless you test it, you don't have any idea what the results will be.
If you test one look against another and the look you like tests worse, that doesn't mean you can't go with that look -- it just means you have to decide whether your individuality is worth making fewer sales.
For those of you who know what I look like, the first time I did it I was told to get rid of it or I'd lose my job -- after six years with that company and climbing the ladder, I walked.
Now that I work online I've tested my current look against the "conservative" look and lucky for me and my wallet, my current look actually converts a full percentage point better. =;)
May 5, 2008 02:27 PM
Joel,
I might follow your lead. I have been hating my Goatee recently, as I am developing gray scraggley patches! It probably is making me look older than my actual 41 years. My wife, who is 11 years younger than I, loved it when I first grew it 5 years ago but maybe now it is actually making me look like an old fart! Maybe this is a sign.....
Thanks,
Ken Soszka
CEO
www.WorldwideInfoSource.com
May 5, 2008 02:32 PM
Hi Joel,
I like the shaven look myself. Think you could convince my hubby to shave off his mustache? He's been sporting it since he was 16ish and has never shaved it off since--and he'll be 51 this year. Although I love him dearly, I'd love to see what he looks like without the mustache.
I'd say this change was for the good.
Cindy
May 5, 2008 02:35 PM
Hi Joel,
You are one of the few internet marketers I trust and believe in. But, I have to let you know, when I first saw a picture of you with the goatee, I was taken aback. Now don't take offense, I thought it made you look smarmy.
Personally I like men's facial hair on an attraction level, but not on a business level. Without the facial hair I think your trust factor has gone up.
May 5, 2008 02:36 PM
Hi Joel, It's all up to you, what makes you feel good is right for you. You are the same person on the inside, with or without goatee. Just keep on producing brilliant products. By the way, I think that with goatee, you have a resemblance to "Joe Polish".
Kind Regards, Jim
May 5, 2008 02:45 PM
Hi Joel
I would claim YOUR credibility lies in everything BUT that goatee... Nothing could be more useless than your physical appearance. You write well, and that should account for far more than facial hair.
Personally, I have always wanted a good beard but never really had the facial hair to accomodate that "ambition", but I think my results also speak for themselves. Credibility lies in what you DO with the information presented to you. There are people who take action (and become winners), and there are people who wait (and end up loosing)..... ;-)
Anyway: thanks for a good blog. Always fun to read, although I did like the previous design more. :-)
May 5, 2008 02:46 PM
Joel, I with you on this one... I'am headed
for the razor... Why? to much gray hair
May 5, 2008 02:54 PM
I've experienced, what you have done recently. The #1 response was 'you look years younger'. Clean cut with glasses = professionalism, usually generates more trust (how you dress, carry yourself, and talk goes with this of course). Now I'm speaking from a Medical Health Care arena viewpoint. The grey included with the goatee can look a little wiser.
I just started to notice that most CEO's, TV anchor persons, Millionaires don't wear goatee's compared to lower income people or those not in the spot light.
Anyway I say the new look is better and as long as your family loves it with you, is all that really matters.
May 5, 2008 03:02 PM
There is a touch of 'deja vu' here. A couple of years ago Armand Morin shaved off his beard and found that he had created a little controversy by so doing. Now Joel does the same!
Personally I think the beard and moustache are part of the "package" to which your clientele has become accustomed, so when you make a change that makes such a visual difference then yes, people will comments.
Hey, imagine Gandalf removing his beard just because he fancied a change. Think that might upset a few people??
At the end of the day, it is what is inside the person that matters and Joel won't change just because he has lost two pounds in weight by shaving off his beard and moustache :o)
Gotta keep the wife happy, Joel!
May 5, 2008 03:09 PM
The new look is better. makes you seem more friendly, trustworthy, even approachable.
May 5, 2008 03:29 PM
Is the wife still around? stop straying and keep the goatie back on :-)
Tim
May 5, 2008 03:36 PM
Definitely the goatee, adds a look of character and frames your face well.
May 5, 2008 03:36 PM
Looking at the two pics side by side, you did look a bit shady with the goatee ( :{|])
...but don't worry, I've got a full beard!
May 5, 2008 04:23 PM
Joel, Oh please. Are you that bored so as to start this? I've got work to do.
Arlene
May 5, 2008 04:43 PM
Hi Joel,
it seems like you are copying my style. I just got rid of my goatee last week, its glad to know that we think alike. :-)
May 5, 2008 04:56 PM
Joel It don't matter, keep wife happy
I just like the Templates
I was told that its cultivating on your face what grows wild in other places (Bu__ )
May 5, 2008 06:01 PM
As for the goatee Joel, you look all 3: younger, slimmer and more trustworthy. Way to go Joel.
May 5, 2008 06:03 PM
How long does it take to grow back?
May 5, 2008 06:56 PM
dude, do what the lady likes best:-) It's a win win situation (if the lady is worth it:-))
May 5, 2008 07:18 PM
Hi Joel,
Well, you do look younger and if you and your wife like it, well enough said. You're still the same Joel, it doesn't change the person just the look.
May 5, 2008 07:47 PM
I really can't believe I'm giving my opinion on this but since you asked... I never liked the goatee on you. I think you look much more trustworthy without it. I've nothing against goatees (my husband has one) but it didn't work for me on you. Much better now.
May 5, 2008 07:54 PM
Please, Please, leave your goatee on. Here are my reasons.
1. You look like you mean business.
2. People tend to take you seriously.
3. Conservatists are more religious...Moses, Jesus, etc....(facial hair)?
4. Leftists tend to like people that are free and spirited...I want a goatee.
5. I might be a little biased since I too have a goatee. My wife, family and friends say....Leave it on.
Paul
May 5, 2008 08:02 PM
Well Joel.
You asked for a comment so here it is...
I had seen the distingquished hairy face many times on the Internet, but when i saw a product i thought to purchase and i saw this fat looking guy who said he was Joel Comm, i immediately left the site and didn't purchase the offer.
I have since come to realise that the guy i saw was a naked Joel Comm and now i can see many resemblances to the other Joel.
No doubt there were many other people who thought the same as i did.
It really isn't anybodies business as to whether you shave or not, but it is amazing how a person is seen but not reconised.
P.S. I purchased your 30,000 dollar offer both 1 and 2 but a computer crash prevented me from going futher with the monthly account.
May 5, 2008 08:48 PM
A change of face can be fun and interesting
one of the reasons women spend those critical moments
installing the perfect color for the day
May 5, 2008 10:03 PM
A full beard would make you look much more distinguished and younger! And your wife will love it.
May 5, 2008 10:21 PM
You look like Paul McKenna without the facial hair. Now that you have decided to shave, I shall now step in as the Goateed Google Guru.
Is that ok?
If so let me know and I'll start growing now.
Dan
May 5, 2008 10:23 PM
Hey Joel.......who said we liked you in the first place? lol :-p
Vanity is not a virtue, and it doesn't look good on you (the vanity).
This is a personal decision, you shouldn't have to ask people if they like you.
Humility is a virtue, and it would look good on you.
May 5, 2008 11:01 PM
Why does your recent offering say Volume 1?
Doesn't this cover all I will need?
May 5, 2008 11:05 PM
Hi Joel,
You know goatee or not goatee, you will always be Joel Comm.
But I must recognize that you appear slimmer and younger and the most surprising... happier!
May 6, 2008 12:30 AM
Goatee or Not.... you are still Joel Comm... it doesn't really matter what others think as long as you are happy with yourself, right?
May 6, 2008 01:11 AM
I must say the removal of your facial hair makes you more youthful. But to be honest you looked more of a hunk with the hair. You had more presence and looked like a man of means......without you look a bit of a softie!
May 6, 2008 01:30 AM
Hey Joel,
The only problem with not having facial hair is how scruffy one can look when they haven't shaved for a day or 3, and as internet entrepreneurs, not having to shave daily is a gift few people get to achieve in the real world!
Daily shaving is a sin, and it sure is good to live the lazy life from time to time.
I do not have a preference into how you look, with or without the facial hair. Just keep the good products coming, and keep us in the loop with how to stay in front.
However, you do look younger without the goatee, and that's always a good thing.
"Awesome deal with the Instant Resale Template by the way".
I must have been amongst the first 10 buyers. Life can be extra sweet on times, and yes, you must be in a real generous mood to sell at such a crazy price.
Keep it coming Joel!
Sincerely,
John Adams.
www.Honest-HomeBusiness.com
May 6, 2008 01:44 AM
It's not so much the beard as the style of it. I'd either grow a fuller one or keep naked.
May 6, 2008 01:56 AM
You know what, i think you looked better with it. Although this is completly false, it make you look very intelligent. Please dont take that the wrong way, you are just the same without it.
May 6, 2008 02:03 AM
Personally I think you look better without, but I still only date women. Thank you for inviting me to your site. I am going to return to see what you do next. Have you tried toenail clipping, or hand washing, or parting your hair on the other side? There now you have 3 more days of blog content and I haven't done mine yet. I need to get busy.
Bill
May 6, 2008 02:05 AM
Hello Joel,
Personally, I think that so long as the facial hair is kept neatly trimmed there shouldn't be a problem with appearing 'trustworthy'. From the pics I've seen of you I think you look perfectly trustworthy. To go further, I don't think one or the other look makes a difference. You just seem to have that kind of face.
May 6, 2008 02:29 AM
Hi Joel,
I like your new look. You look younger and fresh. I believe by making some change in our look like change our hair cut or shaved can be some kind of motivation to us.
Rie
May 6, 2008 02:35 AM
Quote; "There is a touch of 'deja vu' here. A couple of years ago Armand Morin shaved off his beard and found that he had created a little controversy by so doing. Now Joel does the same!"
The day you miss a trick Joel I'll buy everyone commenting on this post a beer. (I'm safe).
PS. Can't wait for my package to arrive.
Pete.
May 6, 2008 05:23 AM
Hi,Joel,one thing you really have to care in life is your good mood.If you feel good without goatee and mustache keep shaving.If not...
For me Joel is Joel and I embrace you without second thought about your face.I like your achievements.I like your honesty.I like you share your knowledge with me.And nothing else matters like sings Metallica.
May 6, 2008 05:35 AM
Hi Joel,
The only reason I care that you shaved off your goatee is that now I don't confuse you with Alex Mandosian any more :)
Cheers
Alan
P.S. Year ago I did the same and got similar comments.
But wait for real big complements when you get get older and you die gray hair in black.
May 6, 2008 07:26 AM
It's just funny that you should get rid of your goatee when I have decided to grow one! I do not think perceptions do matter to me really. I have lived my 34 years on this earth with a great deal of controversy. Shoot, doing my blog was controversial in some quarters, can you believe that?
I hope to see that goatee when you go gray....
May 6, 2008 08:03 AM
I'll have to ditto Fred Holmes, who said,
"The issue is not what others think, but how YOU feel about it, Joel."
I can't even remember if you had facial hair or not in NIM, but I do know I enjoyed NIM (and the Secret Classroom too!).
So to quote Digital Underground, I say, "Do Whatcha Like!"
Carol
May 6, 2008 12:40 PM
Hi Joel,
It does not really matter. Your quote says it all below :
"A couple months so ago, I decided to shave my face. Perhaps it was signifying a new beginning for me. Or perhaps I just wanted a new look. I'm really not sure why I did it. It just seemed like it was time.
To my surprise, my wife said that she liked the change.
I had to confess. So did I."
PS: You 've got a lot of 2cents. Grow/shave it whenever you want. I think 'Joel Comm' is your Brand not your 'goatee'. I still remember 'Joel Comm' in 'The Next Internet Millionaire' but I don't remember 'goatee' in The Next Internet Millionaire.
PPS: It's still 'Joel Comm' whether to goatee or not to goatee.
Cheers..
Frankie
May 6, 2008 12:47 PM
Joel,
The perceptions I've encountered in the past (jawline beard up to sideburns on my face) is that a long, unkempt beard is somehow representative of both sloppiness and untrustworthiness, whereas a neatly - short - trimmed beard implies attention to detail.
Bottom line on facial hair is always personal preference, but influenced by family & friends.
To me, a nicely trimmed goatee is indicative of someone I'd likely trust ... it implies attention to detail, an attitude not to be decried in someone with whom I might have financial dealings. Mind you, there is a certain Mephistophelean aspect, particularly with a dark goatee, but that usually just adds to the allure. (After all, there are a lot of clean-shaven sharlatans, ya know?)
However, regardless my attitudes, the bottom-line-on-beards is determined by both your and your wife's preferences. So, go with what you like and to Hell with anyone else's opinions .
Make a good day ...
... barn
May 6, 2008 06:33 PM
Had an immediate impact on me..I thought younger and thinner.
I'm a New Englander and do six months with and six months without.It's always just fun to keep 'em guessing.
I think everyone has a personal preference with regard to their like or dislike when it comes to facial hair no matter who is wearing it.
May 7, 2008 08:28 AM
I like you without the goatee! You look younger! :-)
May 7, 2008 10:22 AM
Well as a professional, but long time goateed fellow, I have to say I have recently battled with the same concerns but have remained with goatee.
Ironically the same people that said I looked "mean" or less trustworthy with it now have told me that I should keep it. People don't know what they mean so no reason to fall into the shaven trap. :)
Remember people don't realize that a goatee takes more work to maintain than to be clean shaven, as you still shave, but you have to manage the goatee as well.
We need to keep our goateed brethren so our numbers don't fall and only weird people keep their goatees
May 7, 2008 12:22 PM
Joel,
I think without it makes you look younger, thinner and better. keep it off brotha!
Peter :-)
May 7, 2008 03:05 PM
Hey Joel,
I hadn't visited your blog until today and was led here by your TNIM show. The study of face reading or the emotions that are invoked when someone sees your face are very interesting indeed. Awhile back i purchased a book titled, "Amazing Face Reading: An Illustrated Encyclopedia for Reading Faces," [http://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Face-Reading-Illustrated-Encyclopedia/dp/0965593126/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1210193373&sr=1-3]
which I would recommend to anyone who is serious about changing his or her own personal appearance to change the way others see and feel in his or her presence.
I agree with you on your thoughts on the change that you have made, but I think there is more to be observed... Your previous facial hair projected a status and authority. It makes your entire face triangular which is more abrupt.
Your new look does in fact make you look more outgoing than with facial hair. I feel that it gives you a look of joy, happiness, and you also look generally approachable.
Just my thoughts.
May 7, 2008 07:37 PM
Joel,
Years ago I had a young man working for me that was far wiser than I. He also had a unique way of getting his points across. When I tried to grow a tacky looking mustach and sideburns his only comment was "I don't understand why anyone would want to cultivate something on their face that grows wild on other parts of their body". I have remained clean shaven since. :-)
Woody
May 8, 2008 04:53 AM
haven shaved mine off since highschool.....the mrs likes it, but not as much as me.
May 8, 2008 11:00 PM
Oh Joel-sy,
Could I care less? Well, I definitely care.... because I have a goatee myself!
Actually, ever since you started talking about this goatee thing a few weeks ago, I've been thinking about changing the photo on my new website. (You should be able to click my name on this comment to see a photo of my wonderful goatee).
This whole thing has actually been rather daunting to me because I'm not very photogenic -- so having a new photo taken scares the daylights out of me!
As for you, I think you look better without the goatee. And perhaps I would to.... but I have no hair on my head.... and I'm afraid that I'd feel naked without the facial hair!
Peace,
James
May 12, 2008 05:51 PM
Hi Joel,
I'm new to your site but like the info and comments.
I looked at the pictures and I like the goatee. But I'm partical, to facial hair. I like the ruggid type.
I ride my own cycle and am kind of a trail blazer so it speaks for it
self. I am in tuned to do as I like and dont care what others think as long as I keep it clean and ride for fun. I say walk in your own shoes and do as you like. I dont mean to sound tough but in the end we all have to answer for ourselves.
chins up chris