This Is Me--2024 A to Z Theme

My A to Z Themes in the past have covered a range of topics and for 2024 the theme is a personal retrospective that I call "I Coulda Been" which is in reference to my job and career arc over my lifetime. I'll be looking at all sorts of occupations that I have done or could have done. Maybe you've done some of these too!

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Asking (BOTB)(#AtoZChallenge)(#IWSG)

 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge

       Opening day for the greatest blogging event of the year is finally here!    And so begins the 2015 edition of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge (follow the link to learn more).  If you still would like to jump in to join us click here--the Linky List will remain open until  Thursday night April 2nd).


 Insecure Writer's Support Group

     And this being the first Wednesday of the month it's also time for Alex J Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group where writers convene to discuss what's on their minds.  You can find that list at this link.


Battle of the Bands

     Then it being April 1st it's also the first monthly installment of the Battle of the Bands blog event founded by Stephen T McCarthy and Faraway Eyes.  On the 1st and 15th of each month several bloggers post two versions of one song in order for their readers to vote for their favorite.  After you've voted on your favorite of the two selections I've offered, please visit the participants who are listed at the end of this post to vote on their Battles.

Ask Arlee  

       If this all sounds like the perfect storm of blogging, well never fear Arlee's got it under control! Ironically Wednesdays are also "Ask Arlee" day and "Asking" is not only the first element of blogging that I want to discuss, but an important insecurity that many of us face.

Asking

       Who hasn't had some fear of asking a stupid question?  No sincere question is stupid. Whether it's to have something repeated because you missed it or to have it explained because you didn't understand, knowing is better than screwing up royally later because you don't know.

        You can learn much from asking.  Research is excellent and often necessary, but asking someone who knows can save time and create bonds with others.  Of course, we shouldn't absolutely take every answer we get without checking when there is doubt, but some answers can stand on their own.

        Asking is an important--a vital--part of communication.  Posing questions stimulates discussions.  Requesting assistance can help you get better results and make your life easier.  This latter point is especially true in marketing.  Since word of mouth gets buzz going about your product, it's better to delegate the job and ask others to help you spread the word.   Ask and you will receive--and even if some people can't help, you can find somebody who will.  But you might have to ask first.

        When composing a blog post it's best to include a few questions along the way.  A blog title in the form of a question is an excellent way to attract readers as most people enjoy answering questions or seeing what the answers are.  I like to close my blog posts with a few questions in order to better encourage comments.

        Questions in blog posts can be used in many ways and they are important for you to consider.  If you aren't taking advantage of asking readers anything then you are essentially telling them that you want to do all the talking and you don't care what they think.  Now, that may not be exactly true in every case, but think about it.  When someone asks you for some feedback don't you feel a little more invested in the conversation?

         Remember that blogging is social media and social implies interaction.  Asking readers what they think about what you are saying in a post is kind of sociable, don't you think so?   And it's not just about what readers think.  You can ask them to come back to your blog, go to a guest post you're doing, go read another blogger, join you in an event, or even buy your book (just please ask tactfully and not overdo it too much).   Ask anything that makes sense.  Asking does get results.

"Ask Me No Questions"

        This conflicts the advice I've given above, but the song is talking about the sometimes irrational state of love.  I guess there are some things we shouldn't ask.  These two song versions were recorded about a decade apart.  They sound fairly similar since the song's co-writer Debbi Peterson is vocalist on both though performing in different groups in each version.  This is a lovely song with a sound that is reminiscent of the early Beatles and other groups of that era.

The Bangles "Ask Me No Questions" (2003)



Kindred Spirit "Ask Me No Questions" (1994)


Time to Vote!

     Which do you prefer?    It's up to you to determine the winner.   Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the one you chose.  Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around.   And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.

Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:

FAR AWAY SERIES’ 

 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

 ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ 

  'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

DC Relief Battle of the Bands


Results on Wednesday April 8th

       There will be daily posts at Tossing It Out throughout the month of April for the Blogging from A to Z Challenge so please try to stop as often as you are able to keep up with my "Elements of Blogging" posts.   Do come back next Wednesday April 8th though if you want to see which song version came out on top.

        Do you feel awkward or afraid to ask questions?    Do you mind asking others for help or to do you a favor?    Where do you usually go when you don't understand something or need answers?
      

143 comments:

  1. Hello,

    Ask Google is the first stop. Next might be to find a bookshop/library/friend-who-knows. Much easier to ask than to wrestle with it myself, especially with techy stuff.
    Too many nosy questions asked where I am at sometimes, not on blogs, but face to face! :)

    Best wishes,
    Nilanjana.
    Madly-in-Verse

    ReplyDelete
  2. When I was much, much younger, I'd sometimes get, "You ask stupid questions." Maybe I did, but I wanted to know the answers. Fortunately, those comments didn't stop me from asking questions. :-)

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  3. Definitely prefer the Kindred Spirit version of song, it sounds warmer. As for asking questions, I have never felt silly about asking if there is something I don't know. I find it harder to ask for favours though - I hate to think I am imposing, but have come to realise, being an indie author, that asking is a must and helping others in return is also a must.
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KIndred Spirit gets the first vote!
      I agree that asking for favors can be difficult.

      Lee

      Delete
  4. All ready and set to commence again Lee. already got 2 new followers.. Most interesting post to read . I liked "The Bangles" version of the BOTB, although it was a close thing.
    Have a good day ......and DONT work too hard.
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bangles! Yes, the versions were distinguished by nuance.

      Lee

      Delete
  5. If you don't ask, you'll never know, and then you run the risk of doing it wrong for a very long time.
    I vote for Kindred Spirit. I liked the harmony.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KIndred Spirit has nice harmony I agree.
      Mistakes are often the result of not having paid attention. We know that from people signing up incorrectly for A to Z!

      Lee

      Delete
  6. Whew, this is a jam packed post this morning! I thought about rolling regular posts in with the challenge and decided against it. I like your Ask Arlee day (great #AprilA2Z choice, too). I definitely do not have trouble asking questions ~ some are stupid and others not so much, but it doesn't stop me either way. I learned soon after I started blogging to make my post inactive by including a question or two for my readers. Sometimes I forget to ask a question and other times I feel like I don't ask the right question, but there are times when I think it's best to not include a question at all. Over all asking questions is a good thing in Blogosphere to keep it from being so one-sided. Now to answer your question about who gets my vote for today's BoTB contest. I'm siding with Kindred Spirit ~ I love their harmony and upbeat melody. Great song selection and band spin-off! Thanks for hosting the AWESOME #AprilA2Z adventure!

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    1. Jam packed, but pretty condensed wasn't it. I actually like to ask questions though sometimes I can sidetrack a discussion with mine.
      Another kindred spirit voting for Kindred Spirit.

      Lee

      Delete
  7. I always try to ask before stepping forward...

    Welcome in the "A"... thank you!
    Jeremy [Retro]
    AtoZ Challenge Co-Host [2015]

    There's no earthly way of knowing.
    Which direction we are going!

    HOLLYWOOD NUTS!
    Come Visit: You know you want to know if me or Hollywood... is Nuts?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looking forward to this!!
    Crazy month ahead.

    --
    Tim Brannan, The Other Side Blog
    2015 A to Z of Vampires
    http://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies. But you asked, so #1 gets my vote haha and yeah, a question can go a long way to helping people think of a retort.

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    Replies
    1. A vote for the Bangles. If people didn't ask questions, most conversation would eventually just stop.

      Lee

      Delete
  10. New to this challenge so trying not to get information overload lol but lots of great info in your post. I preferred the Bangles version.

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  11. Off and running. I will go with Number one.

    ReplyDelete
  12. The Bangles are my choice!

    Your post is a great start to the A-to-Z!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I think the Bangles have taken the lead now.

      Lee

      Delete
  13. Ending a blog post with questions is a good idea because it gets people involved.

    I like the second video.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kindred Spirit is keeping up in the race!
      I almost always close a post with questions. Otherwise some people might not be inspired to say anything.

      Lee

      Delete
  14. I usually have a journaling prompt at the end of my posts on Play off the Page. That is a question, and sometimes people answer it in the comments. I hope some do use it to start their journals.
    Play off the Page

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  15. I always ask questions, but I rarely if ever ask anyone to help me with anything or do me a favour. I just don't feel worthy I guess and I don't want to put anyone out. The internet/google is my go to for every question I have.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I liked the Bangels. I think Walk Like an Egyptian will be on the radio hundreds of years from now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not sure I've heard that song in a while, but I probably listen to the wrong stations for it.
      Bangles still running strong!

      Lee

      Delete
  17. How clever of you, Lee, to combine all these events into one. Kudos!
    You're so right about asking questions - better to know the proper answer than to muddle through something, although I usually find the answers I need on my own and prefer doing that first..Asking for help is my last resort. Agreed that posing question in blog posts goes a long way towards getting comments. As for the song, I think Kindred Spirit's version is better. It has more energy. Happy A-Z and April Fool's Day! ☺

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    1. Such a clever boy I am, I say with a plum on my thumb!
      I too prefer to come up with a lot of answers on my own, but without resources I'm not afraid to ask when I need an answer.

      Kindred Spirit with energy!

      Lee

      Delete
  18. I recall feeling scared to death to ask the teacher questions at school, for fear of being laughed at by my peers. So I just kept quiet, even if I didn't fully understand what the teacher was teaching.
    I've since learned that there's no shame in asking questions!

    Dan Brown A-Z

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was the same way in school. It was my loss in school.

      Lee

      Delete
  19. Great post, especially in simplifying what I thought was to be a very complicated task, integrating all the blogging events into one post. I'm a big believer in asking questions. I ask a lot of questions because I naturally like to learn. Just yesterday I found myself saying, "This may be a stupid question but" and the response was "You know what a stupid question is? The one that isn't asked!" Good comment there! I spent a lifetime in sales and marketing and asking questions was the biggest part of getting to know a client's needs and putting together a successful campaign for them. I think ending blog posts with questions is great for inviting conversation. re: BOTB: I like the Bangles version.
    Michele at Angels Bark

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    Replies
    1. "The one that isn't asked!" is a great response and very true. Not knowing can lead to major screw-ups. I love conversing with others and asking about them and their interests.
      I'll put you down for the Bangles.

      Lee

      Delete
  20. Thank you for this, very helpful. I'll blast it around. Really enjoying "A" so far!

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  21. Here we go again! Another April! Asking, tough for human beings, they like to think the are self-sufficient. But we all need help now and then, don't we? Great start!

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  22. Really good post. Asking is a great start to your month. I'll pop back in this month.

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  23. Ask indeed! Great start to this challenge.

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  24. What a seamless blend. Well done! Takes a lot of work to make a post read so effortlessly. I am a natural question asker. My family used to play "50 questions" with me. I was allowed to ask 50, then I had to be quiet for at least an hour. Good times.

    Going to have to go with the Bangles. I'm an 80's child.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your compliment. I tried! And I think it all turned out pretty well.
      I'll mark your vote for the Bangles.

      Lee

      Delete
  25. I was the same way in school--silly when I look back. Now I understand the value in asking things and rarely feel stupid in doing so.

    Lee

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  26. Lee, excellent post for the 'A' day! I think I'll take some of your tips and points and have a go with them. As for the battle... wow... hard decision for me; I like both versions. Yet the Bangles' got more of my attention. I just loved the instrumentation, and additional voices.

    Bangles get my vote.
    Thank you, sir, and have a lovely day. (smile)

    ReplyDelete
  27. I do so agree about asking. Very important. A lot of men don't like to ask, women are less reluctant. I never think of putting questions on my blog, I will have to bear it in mind.

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    Replies
    1. I highly recommend asking questions on the blog. It gets readers thinking about what you've asked and make a good prompt for a comment.

      Lee

      Delete
  28. Looking forward to another April challenge! I vote Bangles : )

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  29. I told Alex that I think he's an actual robot this morning. You might be one, too! You guys are amazing!
    I automatically assumed, being a girl of the eighties, that I would like the Bangles version, but my son and I liked the version from Kindred Spirit "Ask Me No Questions" (1994) better!
    Happy A to Z, Arlee!
    Heather

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    Replies
    1. The Kindred Spirit version has a classic sound.
      Hey, you're pretty amazing yourself, Heather.

      Lee

      Delete
  30. I always ask a question or two at the end of my blog posts to help get the conversation going. :)

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  31. The Bangles, hands down!

    Good luck with the 2015 A to Z Challenge!
    A to Z Co-Host S. L. Hennessy
    http://pensuasion.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. This was one packed A post! I like questions at the end of a post, but they're not essential if the post is well done.

    I'm voting for Kindred Spirit. I loved their harmony.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I've never been afraid to ask questions, how else will I find out what I want to know? Your post (inadvertently?) demonstrates how a blogger can cleverly lead in or encourage a response before ever asking for one - excellent! Kindred Spirit - right outta the gate!

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    Replies
    1. Still hope for Kindred Spirit.
      My post purposefully encourages a comment.

      Lee

      Delete
  34. I read a quote a while back that said that asking for help showed a higher form of intelligence. I don't believe asking for help is a sign of weakness. How else are we supposed to receive what we need/want if we don't ask for it? In fact, I tell my children that you never know what will happen if you ask, but if you don't ask then you'll never know, and that will make you regret not asking. Thank you for such a good post!

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    Replies
    1. Definitely not a weakness. If we don't ask questions in one way or another, we don't learn as much as we could have otherwise.

      Lee

      Delete
  35. I expected to vote The Bangles. I really loved them in the 80s. And I liked their version, but I actually enjoyed Kindred Spirits more (though I've never heard of them before today). So, I'm shocked by my own vote, but there it is. Chalk one for Kindred Spirits.

    After everything I've blogged I don't think anyone would ask me anything (I clearly don't have much of a handle on anything) but I ask lots of questions!

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    1. I'm not shocked by your vote because the Kindred Spirits version is excellent. I'd never heard of them either before putting this BOTB together.
      We have lots of questions! Inquiring readers want to know everything.

      Lee

      Delete
  36. And I thought I had a lot going on in my blog post today, with both IWSG and AtoZ!

    There are no foolish questions--just people who are foolish for not asking!

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  37. I don't know if anyone would ask me for advice, but in time I would hope so. Hey, maybe i could help them.

    I have to go with The Bangles, I remember how wonderful I thought they were way back when :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Back to the Bangles who remain in the lead.

      Lee

      Delete
  38. I prefer the Kindred Spirit version, though as a proud Eighties kid, I assumed I'd prefer The Bangles' version.

    I don't mind asking questions, though I tend to prefer not to ask directions or other questions which I feel would make me look a fool. I still remember how, at sixteen years old, I was too embarrassed to ask what "yins" meant. I was forced to take a research paper-writing class at my new high school, though I felt the class was ridiculous, since I'd been writing research papers for years, unlike everyone else. My teacher was holding up cards with the ten commandments of research papers, and I abruptly stopped reading along with everyone else when she got to "Thou shalt not say yins." It was obvious everyone else knew what that word meant, so I didn't bother asking. Later I found out it's a hickish way of saying y'all or yous guys.

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    Replies
    1. I would have guess you to be a Kindred Spirits person--that 60's sound and all.
      Your story gave me a laugh. Never heard "You'ins" said as "Yins", but your story makes an appropriate point.

      Lee

      Delete
  39. This is a tough one. Let's go with Bangles. :)

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  40. Stupid Questions... I am reminded of Mr. Garrison's comments to the South Park kids... 'remember class... there is no such thing as stupid questions... only stupid students...'

    AUGH...

    Given that, I do encourage my students to ask questions in class... that if there is something they are unsure about, surely there are others...

    I need to do this A-To-Z', but given where my mind tends to go, that could be dangerous...

    ~shoes~

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    Replies
    1. A to Z is all over the place. Everyone is welcome no matter where their minds roam.

      Lee

      Delete
  41. The older I get, the less I worry about asking stupid questions. Even if I know it's a stupid question, and yes they exist, I would rather have an answer than look even dumber when I do something wrong later. Been down that path enough to know I don't want to spend anymore time there than I have to.

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  42. Hi! Great to be joining in with my first year of A-Z! I agree - a sincere question is never a stupid question - and a great idea to include them in blogposts to encourage interaction.
    Have a great challenge
    J.

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  43. I have some go to writer friends I can ask questions of. A few are online but some are part of the local writers' group I belong to.

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  44. BIRDMAN ~
    Although the arrangements used for 'ASK ME NO QUESTIONS' were pretty similar, my vote is an easy one to cast.

    I did like that little electric guitar break in The Bangles' version (it had an almost "surf guitar" sound to it), but the lead singer of KINDRED SPIRIT has a much more distinctive, expressive voice than the lead singer on The Bangles' version. Also, the harmonizing was way, Way, WAY better by KINDRED SPIRIT. So... I guess you know where my vote goes.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    Replies
    1. We're of a like mind on this assessment. Ironically the lead singer is the same on both versions. The Bangles just toned everything down a notch which was nice, but not as distinctively expressive as the original version of the song.

      Lee

      Delete
    2. Wow! I never would have guessed that, because her voice sounds deeper and richer on the Kindred Spirit take. Didn't sound like the same singer to me AT ALL. Pretty clever little twist to this installment, Brother Bird!

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    3. Maybe it's because it's 10 years later. Perhaps she had more youthful exuberance in the earlier version. Then also I think the Bangles style influenced the sound. The first one is live--I think even the studio version was done "live" as it sounds almost the same as the version I used here. The Bangles version is more produced and I'd say all the tracks were recorded separately. It is interesting to note the difference. But according to the sources I found on the internet both versions are sung by Debi Petersen.

      Lee

      Delete
  45. I like asking questions in my blog posts, whether it's to actually help me figure something out, or to see how other people relate to what I'm talking about.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'm at work and late day today so i will probably listen to the music tomorrow unfortunately and post again. I was very shy (believe or not) during my first 21 years on this planet and was so scared of asking questions because i usually got ridiculed or bullied...but I did still ask. It is my insatiable curiosity. I ask more now than when i was younger. (I remember, in catholic school, the priest trying to tell me the reason we should pray to God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost and I just kept saying-why not just go straight to the top. I also was not well liked when i compared the Saints to Greek & Roman Gods). I do like posting questions and finding out what others think. Insight is always great. Asking for help, in some things, is hard for me especially when i feel I should be able to do it myself

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    Replies
    1. I was much like you for many years. Now I kind of wish I'd become more interactive when I was in school, but alas that is the past.

      Lee

      Delete
  47. I have to disagree.
    There is very much such a thing as a stupid question.

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    Replies
    1. I don't know that you disagree so much that you didn't read closely what I said here. My statement was "No sincere question is stupid." What may sound ludicrous to you might be an honest inquiry from the person asking. Of course there might be argued the instances when people come across stupid merely because they are being unobservant or not thinking things through very well, but even then if the question is honest it is not stupid if they truly desire an answer.

      There are stupid questions when people are being smart asses or just attempting to be funny when it's inappropriate. But even then I don't know that those would accurately be considered stupid. If a person is less intelligent than you and they ask some seemingly absurd question that they do so in a totally serious manner, does that make their question stupid? Is it stupid to them if they don't understand? Is it stupid to you because you believe you are smarter than they are and you look down upon them?

      Maybe this might be a stupid question, but what is an example of a stupid question? Or can you really think of one when taken within the parameters of what I've described here and according to my original statement?

      Lee

      Delete
  48. Sometimes I remember to ask questions at the end of my blog posts. It's a great way to encourage communication.

    ~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
    Member of C. Lee's Muffin Commando Squad
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Leaving a question is like providing an open door into the next phase of a conversation.

      Lee

      Delete
  49. Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies - don't know who said it but it's there in the back of my mind.

    I'm all about going to the source and asking question. I don't like reading news articles where they spoon feed me an opinion rather than facts. So where possible I try to seek out the source.

    I like having a question for my readers to mull over at the end of my posts. That seems to stir up dialogue - which I'm all for.

    Great start to the Challenge, Lee - looking forward to the next instalment.

    Jenny, Pearson Report
    2015 A to Z Challenge Ambassador
    @PearsonReport

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    Replies
    1. You've hit a real peeve about so-called journalism that I have. Newspapers are killing themselves by being overly biased and usually in the opposite direction of most of those who would be their readers. I want facts and not some writers opinions and interpretations about what's happening. That what the Ed op pages are for.

      Lee

      Delete
  50. That is such an obvious point but well worth making. I shall give my next blog post some extra thought regarding involving the reader. Thank you for that. I much prefer the second version of the song. I'm not sure I can exactly explain why. The first one bored me. The second one had me bopping along.

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    Replies
    1. Actually it's not that obvious of a point to many people. It took me a few months of blogging before I caught on to the idea of leaving questions to open up discussion in the comments.
      Your vote for Kindred Spirit is recorded.

      Lee

      Delete
  51. Kindred Spirit gets my vote, which surprised me because I really like the Bangles! Wow, you and Alex C. are doing the whole "I'm-a-blogaholic" thing this month! Thanks for sharing about yourself, here and on the A to Z blog. I enjoyed that post! I like to ask questions in my posts too, but don't always remember to do that.

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    1. I've gotten into the question habit. Rarely do I do post without a question and when I do I have a reason for not leaving one.
      Another Kindred Spirit vote brings them to a comeback position.

      Lee

      Delete
  52. Well, Lee, it ain't often someone knows something about a band I like that I do not...but I did not know about this side project by Ms. Peterson (probably because I have a crush Ms. Hoffs).

    And if you own the CD, how many people in the world can say they have a rock CD that I do not, let alone that I never heard of?

    Being familiar with the Bangles version, my tendency would be to vote for it, but it's the cover, and they are so close to my ears that I'm going to follow that early BOTB rule...go with the original.

    Kindred Spirit gets my vote!

    Larry

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    Replies
    1. Actually not only had I never heard of this song, I was not familiar with Kindred Spirit until I started researching this post. I was looking for a song to fit my "Asking" theme and this is all I could find! But it's a great song in my opinion.
      Another Kindred Spirit vote puts them ahead again. This is really a horse race!

      Lee

      Delete
  53. Kindred harmonized it better~ You are off to a great start, Arlee!
    I have to go to the mountains on Friday and don't know if I will have internet up there-other wise I would join the A-Z train~ Daughter is moving and we just loaded the trailer....augh! I will find out and then perhaps join your challenge! You rocked this one~

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! Mountains sound nice--have a good time if you are working too hard with the move.
      Kindred for you!

      Lee

      Delete
  54. Many times in a class some student will ask a great question which I'll have him/her repeat so the whole class can hear it. Not to embarrass, but because it's a great thought and I'm sure others have the same question.

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    1. Hopefully they understand that motivation. I guess it's like a moderator rephrasing a question in an interview or discussion.

      Lee

      Delete
  55. I'd never heard of this song, but I love it! I really think Kindred Spirit is the superior rendition...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This was a new song for me too, but it fit my theme for today.
      Another Kindred Spirit vote.

      Lee

      Delete
  56. Always ask, and if you don't understand the answer ask again.
    I think both versions of the song, which I didn't know, were very good, but I preferred The Bangles - by a nose if you're talking about horse races. Good luck with the challenge.

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    1. I think a lot of times people are afraid they'll seem stupid if they ask for an additional explanation. They shouldn't because not understanding after asking is the same as not having asked.
      Yes it's a horse race with Bangles slightly ahead.

      Lee

      Delete
  57. Definitely Kindred Spirit, though I usually like The Bangles.

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    Replies
    1. I'm not overly familiar with the Bangles' work and never heard of Kindred Spirit until I did this post so I had no real preference.
      Your vote goes to Kindred Spirit.

      Lee

      Delete
  58. A to Z is off to a roaring start, Lee! You've always been a huge help when it comes to answering questions, and I'll never forget how instrumental you were in guiding me through my first A to Z! Kindred Spirit gets my vote. I also like their harmonizing. Great twist on having the same lead singer too!

    Julie

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    1. Kindred Spirit gets another vote. Thanks for your kind acknowledgement, Julie.

      Lee

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  59. Tell me Arlee what to do when freedom of speech/words/ and expression is suffocated by authorities?

    Do drop by>>
    http://blog.shinekapoor.com/2015/04/bans-boycotts-and-bharat-india-b-on-day.html

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    Replies
    1. I guess I'll have to go to your blog to get the answer to that question as it is too deep for my comments at the moment.

      Lee

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  60. Hey Arlee, thanks for coming by my blog last week! I wish I could say I took your advice, but no, I can't do the challenge this year. My post this week explains why. I WILL cheer you all on, though!

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    Replies
    1. Oh, okay--I go see what you had to say about it. We'll still miss your A to Z posts.

      Lee

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  61. Haha, I often feel like I ask stupid questions!! I need to try to incorporate more questions in my blog. Thanks for the tips.

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  62. Since I tarted asking questions on my blog, I've enjoyed a tremendous increase in interaction and conversation with my readers. I've even gotten ideas for new blog posts and answers for plot tangles in my fiction writing.

    My browser wouldn't let me see the music files, but I'm kind of abusing it at the moment...

    I'll be back to read more of these posts! +)

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  63. And then there is the age between 3 and 5 when EVERYTHING becomes a question and if you are around one very long, you'll swear if you never hear a question again it will be too soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, there can be that and sometimes it can be kind of cute though. I miss my kids being that age--in a way.

      Lee

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  64. Great start ;)
    Hmm sorting out what to ask ypu now...ahem :)

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  65. Asking questions in a blog post helps to encourage comments, which of course is one of the best ways to find out that people are visiting your blog without you having to check your stats on the backend. I do ask for help if and when I really need it but I don't prefer to do so nor ask for favors because it has often been a waste of time, as I've ended up having to do or get whatever I was asking for anyway...or figure out how to get from point A to point B, so in all that time waiting and hoping for someone else to help, I could have just helped myself and moved on to the next task or point of interest.

    I like how you incorporated the topic of asking questions into your Blogging theme while also merging it with your Battle of the Bands series. It's a clever blend of ideas :)

    ~Nicole
    The Madlab Post

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    Replies
    1. It depends on who I'm asking for help and what the help is. I've asked you for help and you've been very nice about assisting me when I needed it.

      Lee

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  66. I used to be very anxious when asking questions. I realized it's from the fear of giving the impression that I'm stupid. But I don't care about that now, I think the most important thing is to learn, to find out more, and to have clarification when in doubt :)

    I'll take your cue and will start posting questions too at the end of my posts to encourage comments.

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    1. I highly recommend adding the questions. It made a world of difference to my comment section when I started doing it.

      Lee

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  67. Hi, Lee!!!

    Yes, there are many times I feel silly asking questions--even now. I don't want to be judged and so, I keep to myself. I usually turn to good friends and ask them. If not, I research my answers. If, let's say, the person gives me an answer that still leaves me doubtful, I will take their answer with consideration AND search it out still. ;)

    Elizabeth Mueller
    AtoZ 2015
    My Little Pony

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    1. I do like to search for answers on my own. Of course, if you get your answers on the internet you might be getting unreliable information if you're not careful.

      Lee

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    2. I liked the Bangles version with the Barbie Wedding.

      Delete
  68. I liked Kitndred Spirit. I like live renditions of songs where the emphasis is the perrformance. It was very nuanced.

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  69. But you know, we all gain a fear of asking questions from somewhere. For me, it was an intimidating teacher; sad but true. :)

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  70. My vote goes to Kindred Spirit due to the harmonies and it felt like it had more warmth

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  71. Holy smokes! What a HUGE comment section here!

    Not being a blogger, I'm sticking to the music. I think you may possibly be incorrect with a bit of your info during the discussion above with Stephen McCarthy, but perhaps I'm wrong.

    I think that in the Kindred Spirit version, Siobhan Maher sings lead... at least I caught her doing so part of the time. And I agree with StMcC that the harmony sounds better in the K.S. version, and it gets my vote.

    This came as a surprise to me because - back in that the day - I actually was a member of the Bangles fan club. Not a very club to belong so, I suppose, but what can I say? They were pretty hot... particularly Susanna Hoffs.

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    1. Did you watch the video? I don't know the girls in the band, but the blonde singing lead in the video looks like the photos of Debbi Peterson that I see on the internet and other references indicated that she sang on both recordings. I'm sure they both did lead vocals on varying songs since both of them have beautiful voices.

      Fan club eh? That's cool. I don't know much of their music, but I've never had anything negative feelings about the Bangles. Especially after discovering this song.

      Got you down for Kindred Spirits. Good choice in my opinion.

      Lee

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    2. Yes, Debi was definitely singing lead on it for the Bangles (they each sang lead for the songs they wrote... and they all wrote), and after watching the video again, she IS singing lead for K.S. also. I was a bit fooled because at the 2:08 point on the Kindred Spirit version I think Maher - the other girl - switches to the lead for a bar and then they swap back and forth til the end.

      I my previous comment I left out a key word: "MANLY." It was not a very manly club to be a member of. But I made up for it by joining the NRA.

      Delete
    3. Funny how I "saw" the word manly even though it wasn't actually there. I knew exactly what you were saying. The mind plays interesting tricks like that.

      Hey I don't see it as being unmanly to be into a group consisting of hot ladies who are talented. Seems like a good way to maybe pick up chicks as well.

      Lee

      Delete
  72. Happy 'A' Day, Arlee! And holy geez is that a lot of info for one post. So far as asking I always tell people that there's no such thing as a stupid question, and I totally mean it- especially since we always end up looking a lot more dumb when we don't ask!

    My vote is for the Bangles- love the bangles!

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  73. Wow, I saw "132 comments" and almost gave up...

    You are right about this having a Beatles vibe. The first sounds more like an actual Beatles record, the second more like a Beatles cover. Bangles for me.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Funny, but I saw it just the opposite. To me the Kindred Spirits version reminded me of the sparer more acoustic early Beatles stuff.

      I've got you down for Bangles.

      Lee

      Delete
  74. With A to Z going on, these BOTB posts are getting covered up pretty quickly, unfortunately I am not that quick.

    Give my vote to Kindred Spirit. Both were good and very similar, but there was something about their vocal harmonies that seemed a little smoother. I believe this is the newer recording and maybe that was it. I dunno, but I like it a little bit better.

    With respect to asking...I have no problem asking for directions or clarification or about something I don't understand, BUT when it comes to asking for actual help or for someone to do me a favor, I just can't seem to do it. I guess I don't want to hear; NO!

    Fun theme and a great post. I'll try to drop back by, but can't guarantee I'll make it every day. Best Wishes on this monthly endeavour. Looks like a hit!

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    1. Actually the Kindred Spirit recording was the oldest having been done in 1994. They seem to have been more of an acoustic group so I think there was more focus on the vocal harmonies. The Bangles version which came in 2003 has bigger production, it's slower, and more poppish for the masses. Both good though in their own ways.

      Asking for help or favors is too much like asking for someone to invest in me which in part takes away a certain amount of control from me.

      A to Z has been kind of a hit every year so far! That gives me a kind of good feeling.

      Lee

      Delete
  75. I give my vote to Kindred Spirit. It just seems to work slightly better to my ears. A sweet folk tune that fared better in the 2nd version

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    1. It does have that kind of folkish feel to it. Kindred Spirit really took a lead in the final stretch.

      Lee

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  76. I'll go with the Bangles, they had a lot of Ken and Barbie action. But seriously Lee, there's not much to work with here. . .I've never heard of either group, and I think I know why.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. You've never heard of The Bangles?!!!! They had that hit "Walk Like an Egyptian" back in the 80's!! I was all over the place.

      Now I'm wondering why. Are you saying you didn't like the song?

      Well, got you for the Bangles.

      Lee

      Delete
  77. ASKING!!! ??? What is this insecure writer's thing. I have seen it on several blogs.... You seem to be in-the-know... and a great blog on ASKING?
    Thanks. Roger

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Roger. Click on the link in the post above and you will be taken to the IWSG page which can fill you in about what the group is all about. It happens every month and it's a helpful community of which to be a part.

      Lee

      Delete
  78. Just had a look through all you a-z posts. Like you, I would list myself as a eclectic blogger. I do themed months but just writing about one topic for ever would bore me pretty quickly! In this year's challenge, I kept with that philosophy and just wrote about whatever topic popped into my head for each letter. Next year, I think I will have a theme, make it a bit harder (rod for my own back?) and these posts have given me a lot of ideas for what my theme could be!
    Popping by on the A to Z Road Trip
    Debbie
    www.myrandommusings.blogspot.com

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Go ahead and say something. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.
I normally try to respond to all comments in the comment section so please remember to check the "Email follow-up comments" box if you want to participate in the comment conversation.

For Battle of the Bands voting the "Anonymous" commenting option has been made available though this version is the least preferred. If voting using "anonymous" please include in your comment your name (first only is okay) and city you are voting from and the reason you chose the artist you did.

If you know me and want to comment but don't want to do it here, then you can send me an email @ jacksonlee51 at aol dot com.

Lee