tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post6965820072106219335..comments2024-03-28T02:15:06.910-07:00Comments on Tossing It Out: Blog Boggled: Stephen's Big Bad Burning QuestionArlee Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-90934107538011773922010-01-13T10:46:29.139-08:002010-01-13T10:46:29.139-08:00Eileen & Lee -- those are the kinds of things ...Eileen & Lee -- those are the kinds of things I was hoping to hear. You have provided me with a great deal of encouragement. Thank you so much.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-41898365291786859682010-01-13T10:17:33.111-08:002010-01-13T10:17:33.111-08:00Great essay! I think blogging is an amazing oppor...Great essay! I think blogging is an amazing opportunity to act like a professional before anyone else is paying you or treating you like one. After 2 years of blogging consistently, I've actually gotten paying writing jobs directly from blogging... And writing over 600 blog posts has made me a much more practiced, experienced writer. <br /><br />Some people make money by accepting advertising on their blogs, but that doesn't work for me - I don't want to feel like my independence or voice is constrained. <br /><br />But I did take a lot of the lessons I've learned about blogging, and put them into a step-by-step how to blog e-book: "The Zen Of Blogging"<br /><br />http://www.zenofblogging.com<br /><br />And that's exciting - having something to help others, a product - a book I wrote - to sell. <br /><br />Thanks for letting me share,<br />Namaste,<br />LeeLee Wind, M.Ed.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06314692778355984313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-85340106240926420172010-01-13T07:02:40.670-08:002010-01-13T07:02:40.670-08:00In the long-term it's definitely part of a bus...In the long-term it's definitely part of a business plan for me. A way to advertise my "hopefuls". But in the meantime, blogging for me is a way to build on-line friendships, share and learn together and above all be in a body of encouragers with this writing journey I'm on. I need my blog friends to keep fighting the good fight. That's really what it comes down to. I'm hopeing that my blogging is helping other writers out there to stick with it as their blogs help me to stay the course.Eileen Astels Watsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11098531184044931737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-46362066689285481662010-01-12T22:11:10.546-08:002010-01-12T22:11:10.546-08:00Hi Susy--
I wish I was getting paid for this blogg...Hi Susy--<br />I wish I was getting paid for this blogging stuff. I'd probably be getting an okay paycheck by now.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-17788447829069207012010-01-12T21:46:23.285-08:002010-01-12T21:46:23.285-08:00My writing life evolved through various phases:
1...My writing life evolved through various phases:<br /><br />1) When I was in my student years I loved writing and had time to write and wrote a lot. There was no plan and I had no idea where I was going with it. Everything I wrote was longhand and in notebooks. Submitting was a hassle because I didn't have a typewriter and typing was a hassle when I did.<br />2) When I worked in the entertainment industry I loved what I was doing and had plenty of time to write, but I mostly didn't write because I was having too much fun.<br />3) When I was a business manager I was enslaved to my business and rarely had much time to write.<br />4) Now -- I need an income and don't want to be enslaved again. I hope to make writing my work which means I have to work at what I love doing. I hope this will be my last phase and with computers, word programs, and so much access to everything maybe it will be easier than in my first writing-go-round. I hope I don't burn out, but if something is worth loving then it's also worth working and fighting for. <br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-36199885695704346312010-01-12T21:41:01.294-08:002010-01-12T21:41:01.294-08:00Arlee, great to see this post, and thanks for clar...Arlee, great to see this post, and thanks for clarifying your thoughts about the why's and how's for you.<br />For me, I want an outlet for thoughts and writing in a place where I don't have to face anyone in person! : ) I don't want to take the full responsibility of another persons reaction to what I have said (i.e. conversation) rather a response to my words.<br />I can't even fathom how we make money from blogging, but it would be nice, of course. Although, I kinda like my dayjob : )TheUndertakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12316547511892258854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-499964691221976782010-01-12T21:33:29.029-08:002010-01-12T21:33:29.029-08:00I am neither a hobbist nor a girl with a 'writ...I am neither a hobbist nor a girl with a 'writing plan.' If I turned my writing into a job that is what it would be. Work. And then I would never find the magic. And if I don't find the magic, then how will my words fly? all I am saying is that you can turn something you love into an over worked job. For me, too much focus on plans and expectations and outcomes just drains the life out of my writing. I don't want to see that happen to my words. Everyone is different though. If making plans and working at writing like you do works for you, then go for it. I admire that. I respect it. It just isn't me. I need a bit more space to release the words within. Treating my writing like a job or a business would just kill it for me. I would just hate to see that happen to you, But while you love what you are doing and it work, keep at it. :)Tabitha Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08196816108272065974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-23760185571681412772010-01-12T10:36:12.557-08:002010-01-12T10:36:12.557-08:00Stephen --
I think that was a pretty darn good dr...Stephen --<br /><br />I think that was a pretty darn good dream analysis. It was quite well thought out if nothing else. As you said it was very personal for me the dreamer, but some of your interpretation may have been personal for you the interpreter. In any case, I think you are fairly accurate in your overall assessments. Thanks-I always enjoy hearing dream interpretations. <br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-25810365997014074462010-01-12T10:29:54.880-08:002010-01-12T10:29:54.880-08:00Sana -- Thank you
Sig -- You could do a darn good...Sana -- Thank you<br /><br />Sig -- You could do a darn good book on beading I'd say. And that life story could definitely be movie of the week material -- horse-shoeing school? Now that's different.<br /><br />Jody -- Thank you for a professional perspective. You're saying what I've been thinking and more.<br /><br />Dave -- I'd say your blog sounds like part of your platform as well. I think you essentially state that in your blog description.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-42919881840299551302010-01-12T10:18:09.191-08:002010-01-12T10:18:09.191-08:00[...Continued from above]
In this case, the cars ...[...Continued from above]<br /><br />In this case, the cars are mine, they're old classics and they're for sale. What sort of life am I trying to sell to others? Well, one doesn't need to read too many of my Blog Bits to realize that what I'm selling is very "Old School." Politically, I'm trying to sell people on a return to strict Constitutionalism. Socially, I'm selling old time, traditional values and roles, with solid Christian ideals. <br /><br />However, the parking lot upon which these cars rest is pot-holed and puddle riddled. Maybe this represents our differences. I'm often a "Glass Is Half Empty" kind of guy, whereas you are always a "Glass Is Half Full" kind of guy. Maybe you see my "presentation" of something "old and fine" as being somewhat flawed or subpar. Or perhaps this relates to my "reincarnation" belief. You appreciate the classic, traditional Christian values I'm selling but think the foundation is unworthy of the product.<br /><br />Inside the classroom you find three people: Me, a very nice lady who goes to the church that you attend, and an attractive younger woman whom you knew many years ago in Richmond.<br /><br />Could the lady symbolize Judy Harper? The other day you left a comment on her Blog thanking her for promoting my Blog.<br /><br />Then, of course, you immediately abandon your plan to meet with me in favor of the young, attractive woman named White. OK, I see how it is now. Thanks a lot! (Just kidding. You made the right decision, and I would have done the same if the shoe was on the other foot. You or a pretty gal? "Well, Hellooo Betty!":o)<br /><br />At this point, I can't offer anything else because I don't know what Miss White represents to you. However, you clearly have some sort of concept or ideal associated with her, and this part of the dream seems very personal. You'd need to do the inner analysis and determine what Miss White symbolizes for you. But whatever that is, obviously it's currently in a state of "distress" and requires some sort of "counseling." Or it may be a question that needs answering.<br /><br />I'm afraid that's the best I can do with this one. I might be totally off base in everything I've written. But like I said, this one may not be trying to deliver one well-orchestrated message, but may be your subconscious mind just trying to digest several different ideas all at once. For that I recommend Alka-Seltzer. <br /><br />Well, it wasn't great, but at least I offered something. I think this dream is of such a personal nature that I would need to be inside your head to get a better understanding of it. But I have enough troubles just being inside my own head. Can you recommend a good exorcist?<br /><br />~ "Lonesome Dogg" StephenStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-9178525757119185552010-01-12T10:17:32.236-08:002010-01-12T10:17:32.236-08:00rLEE-b ~
You probably heard that bit about Van Gog...rLEE-b ~<br />You probably heard that bit about Van Gogh selling only one painting during his lifetime from me: I mentioned it in a comment I posted on one of your Blog installments a while back. And I once read a biography on Twain, and it's true his business ventures turned out poorly, but I think his instincts were pretty good; he mostly suffered from timing issues and bad luck. Nevertheless, you make two good points there, Brother.<br /><br />ABOUT THE DREAM: Yeah, that's a wild one. I'm just speculating here, of course, and so I'm as likely to be wrong as right, but I get the sense this dream may be a case of "Night Doodles", where the subconscious mind is just mulling over various topics. It seems the dream is woven from a variety of disparate threads, so maybe there isn't just one cohesive interpretation. <br /><br />You said you woke up and started thinking about revising that reaction survey at the bottom of each post. You wanted to come up with something different and were pondering some ideas when you fell back to sleep and had the dream.<br /><br />This may have been why I entered the dream, since you know I have some pretty "different" reaction surveys on my two Blogs: "Fine Wine; Yoo-Hoo; Tang" on one & "Cap'n Crunch; Lumpy Grits" on the other.<br /><br />Well, when you think of me, I imagine the first association you make is with writing. So, now we're in a writing class together.<br /><br />In the parking lot, you find all these old classic cars I'm selling. While it's true that many or even most symbols in a person's dreams are very personal and self-chosen by the dreamer's subconscious mind, there are some symbols that are generally universal, and the automobile is probably the most universal of them all. Usually, it represents the direction in which a person is driving their life. It's the direction their waking life is traveling. The person who dreams of driving a car over a cliff - Ha! - well, obviously, that person needs to rethink what they're doing with their life.<br /><br />[Continued below...]Stephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-8510614400295894932010-01-12T09:36:16.363-08:002010-01-12T09:36:16.363-08:00I suppose it's invitable that it's at leas...I suppose it's invitable that it's at least partially about showing off, but I use it to try and keep all the disparate things I do in one place.<br /><br />Dave<br /><a href="http://davewrotethis.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Dave Wrote This</a>Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08131223022620329561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-84519384900140182822010-01-12T07:34:35.543-08:002010-01-12T07:34:35.543-08:00As writers, I think we all eventually get to the p...As writers, I think we all eventually get to the place where we need to blog for platform-building reasons. <br /><br />However, we all need to decide WHEN that point is and how much priority to give blogging. I wrote a post a few weeks ago about prioritizing. If we're just starting the writing journey, then MOST of our time should be spent learning the craft and writing our books. <br /><br />But the further we get to publication, then we may need to spend a little more time on the platform too. But still all of us, no matter where we're at should spend the majority of time on our books. Ultimately the book/story sells us and builds our readership.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-45427233390886332512010-01-11T20:52:05.986-08:002010-01-11T20:52:05.986-08:00My reasons are varied, For me it is an extension o...My reasons are varied, For me it is an extension of my main website www.beadedbear.com, so my blog is more of an interactive site to announce new projects, show what others have done with my bead-patterns. The blog is also a place for me to vent about STUFF that happens in the beading business, in an effort to educate the hobbyists about what is important to us in the "business of beading".<br /><br />It also serves as a creative outlet. I enjoy writing and have fun crafting some of the stories I post. <br /><br />I work hard at blogging, but I see it as a form of advertising for my website.<br /><br />Now....I would never object to some sort of book deal....or movie of the week. But somehow watching someone do beadwork is just a tad less exciting than watching a hair growing competition on TV....<br /><br />SigSig Wynne-Evanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17758754941954867390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-12495521906543732782010-01-11T19:04:51.434-08:002010-01-11T19:04:51.434-08:00I love blogging and whatever comes with it and so ...I love blogging and whatever comes with it and so dies everyone else, thats precisely why we are here..its like sharing your thoughts with a group of friends :)<br />Thanks for the great post Arlee b. <br />Happy Blogging!!A New Beginninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07292758705734074064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-62513437622176361592010-01-11T18:21:07.576-08:002010-01-11T18:21:07.576-08:00Stephen:
Two thoughts--1) I've heard that Vi...Stephen:<br /><br />Two thoughts--1) I've heard that Vincent Van Gogh only sold one of his artworks in his lifetime. And I don't suppose he ever sold any writing. So far you've surpassed Van Gogh's success.<br /><br />2) Mark Twain was a great author and said some very funny things, but I've heard he was a very poor businessman. Maybe he's not the best person to be taking advice from.<br /><br />But you're free to think what you want. Besides December 2012 is still almost 2 years away and a person can get a fair amount done in that time. Might as well keep doing something to keep yourself busy between now and then.<br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-59624171887744507482010-01-11T14:14:24.893-08:002010-01-11T14:14:24.893-08:00Tamika and Jemi -- both of you invest so much time...Tamika and Jemi -- both of you invest so much time into your blog and visiting other blogs. You give great comments and show that you care. It does cost a lot in time spent but hopefully the time is an investment in your future careers.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-41724337711584314222010-01-11T14:00:27.380-08:002010-01-11T14:00:27.380-08:00I started blogging on the advice of other aspiring...I started blogging on the advice of other aspiring writers who've been at this business a little longer than I have. I didn't know much (dare I say anything) about blogging, but have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I blog when I have a topic I think others will find interesting - usually 2 or 3 times a week. I like to visit others as well. My biggest problem is that it is very time-consuming. :)Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-37307179971867925072010-01-11T13:36:25.234-08:002010-01-11T13:36:25.234-08:00Blogging is a huge facet of my writing life. It br...Blogging is a huge facet of my writing life. It brings a wealth on interaction that enriches my knowledge of the writing business and growing my craft. <br /><br />My overall motivation to write is to build relationships with like minded individuals reaching for the same goal. It establishes a common thread. Writing can be a solitary existence, and I blossom better with relationships.<br /><br />I pray my blog is a blessing to the readers that stop in. I pray that is a help to those challenged along the way. I pray it plays a part in my writing dream.Tamika:https://www.blogger.com/profile/04874834971492028558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-66855627218726874472010-01-11T13:08:01.579-08:002010-01-11T13:08:01.579-08:00Colette -- agree, agree, agree. Some other reasons...Colette -- agree, agree, agree. Some other reasons that I might follow a blog: they are following mine, I like the writing style, they are new and I want to encourage them on and I'm waiting to see what they will do.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-55866749198205551272010-01-11T12:53:57.788-08:002010-01-11T12:53:57.788-08:00Arlee, also here from Nicola's party! I agree...Arlee, also here from Nicola's party! I agree completely with Karen. Blogging is a way to meet new friends -- people we would not likely run into at the grocery store. <br /><br />Here's another question for you -- why do you choose to follow the blogs you follow? For me, it's either because I have something in common with the writer and enjoy the dialogue, or because there is information there that is valuable to me.Colette Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11685539849318739675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-25908282391383687732010-01-11T12:36:46.789-08:002010-01-11T12:36:46.789-08:00Yvonne-- I love your story. There are so many blo...Yvonne-- I love your story. There are so many blogs that I've seen that seemed to have potential, but after a few posts they are frustrated and gone. When I'm looking for a blog to read and follow I try to find something that will uplift me and fill me with positive thoughts. I don't want to hear someone saying "Well I don't think anybody will like what I write, my life is so miserable, I'm gonna give up if nobody reads my blog"--- uh, yeah, if you're going to be that way maybe I don't want to read you. I like your attitude of just keep pushing forward and "sharing your life and hopes with people from all over the world"-- yeah! I can dig it!Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-20276982424858432802010-01-11T12:36:37.744-08:002010-01-11T12:36:37.744-08:00`
rLEE-b ~
First of all, I thank you MOST SINCERE...`<br />rLEE-b ~<br /><br />First of all, I thank you MOST SINCERELY for the complimentary comment and for the way you promote my Blogs.<br /><br />>>[If you once had that dream about being a professional writer, I don't think it died, it's just dormant.]<<<br /><br />Nah, it's dead, Bro. Besides, haven't you heard? The world is coming to an end in December, 2012. I haven't time enough to build a writing career. ;o)<br /><br />>>[I think you should persist with your God-given talent.]<<<br /><br />Thank you, sir! You know, my friend Mr. Paulboy once said he felt I had a God-given writing gift. That made me feel really grateful, too. And believe it or not - this is ridiculously funny, but true (I swear it) - Gary Burghoff, the actor who played Radar O'Reilly on M*A*S*H, once told me he thought I was "a creative genius." Ha!-Ha! That’s truly preposterous, but I will say this: Gary was a collector of art, and putting his money where his mouth was, he actually commissioned me to produce a very large pencil drawing for him. Paid me too much $, but made me feel “Reilly” good. And over two decades ago, a gal pal of mine said she thought I’d find success as a writer but that I would only appeal to a small audience – like a cult favorite. <br /><br />Unfortunately, I’m a firm believer in another Mark Twain saying: “Write without pay until somebody offers pay. If nobody offers within three years, the candidate may look upon this circumstance with the most implicit confidence as the sign that sawing wood is what he was intended for.” Lee, you should see my saw collection!<br /><br />>>[Continue to be kind to us -- you almost always respond to your comments in a fine mannner -- and we will love you for who you are.]<<<br /><br />Well, of course! Are you kidding? I’m like one of the nicest guys in the world. Truly! But woe to that person who resorts to ad hominem attacks and epithets when debating with me. I have a Black Belt in 37 different forms of Linguistic Martial Arts. Heck, I once shot a man in Reno with 17,000 words just to watch him die! (Ha!)<br /><br />Alright, Brother, a reply to your dream description will be submitted after I’ve had a chance to give it a little thought. But let me say right up front that any dream in which I appear can be rightly classified as a “Nightmare.” <br /><br />Yak Later, Lee. (And “Thanks” again!)<br />~ “Lonesome Dogg” McME<br /><br />POSTSCRIPT: I left a reply to your comment on my short story. But you know what's REALLY "odd"? I have never once thought of that story as being even the slightest bit "odd". Hmmm... Maybe I'm a weirder duck than I have ever imagined. Now THERE is a scary thought!Stephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-55980856008702236822010-01-11T12:27:15.290-08:002010-01-11T12:27:15.290-08:00I started blogging back in 2007, I thought I could...I started blogging back in 2007, I thought I could put some of my many poems on line, it took a whole year before I had a comment but that did not deter me, I had my book published in 2008 and rearranged the blog, then came my first comment who also was my first follower. I write poetry , well in the beginning it was to express my thoughts and feelings I had about my 2 berevements then as I accepted what life and fate had dealt me my poetry became more lighter. I have got 62 followers and I always aim to look them up and read their blog which in all cases I become one of their followers. I do try to comment on each and everyone. I enjoy doing my blog and sharing my life and hopes with people all over the world and to read what people of other cultures live like.<br /><br />Yvonne.RHYTHM AND RHYMEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11386975261804630799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-47585528828177058232010-01-11T12:25:59.554-08:002010-01-11T12:25:59.554-08:00Debra Harris-Johnson -- thanks for becoming a foll...Debra Harris-Johnson -- thanks for becoming a follower. The writing certainly provides a satisfaction, but my real gratification comes when I know that someone has read something I wrote and paid attention enough to be influenced to some degree. Blogging provides such a great opportunity to those who like to write, as well take photos, make crafts, cook, create art, brag about their kids, and on and on.<br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.com