tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post8132631163927052414..comments2024-03-28T02:15:06.910-07:00Comments on Tossing It Out: An A to Z Challenge EvaluationArlee Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-31075904463714876332011-06-23T03:40:39.111-07:002011-06-23T03:40:39.111-07:00Lee, I've been away, and just found time to ca...Lee, I've been away, and just found time to catch up on your analysis. I've read the comments, and everything has been covered from my perspective. I like the idea of emails and info about etiquette. Whatever you do will be great - you're thorough! <br /><br />I love that the many of the contacts I made during the challenge have continued, and some friendships have grown. I wouldn't have anticipated that, and it has been so rewarding to connect with people I never would have had the opportunity of meeting. Thankyou. SueSuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09715879775216108688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-38943793151540703152011-06-12T06:43:12.644-07:002011-06-12T06:43:12.644-07:00Great! Haven't read all comments - sorry!
A ...Great! Haven't read all comments - sorry! <br />A couple points on Lee's post: <br />1. Sign-up must remain simple. I know a more complicated process would screen-out fakes and whores- as you call them - but it would also screen out genuine writers who hate filling forms (like me. I DO NOT WANT TO CREATE ANOTHER F**K*NG PASSWORD!) <br />2. An independent A-Z Blogging Challenge website is an EXCELLENT idea, and you can count me among those willing to put in a few admin hours. I appreciate as long as it's tied to your blog/site you will be overwhelmed. As an external site you can probably better enjoy and grow your family of A-Z bloggers. Besides, I've got A-Z Theme ideas it would be nice to run at other times of the year from a dedicated A-Z Blogging Challenge website. Very cool plan Lee. I'm with you. <br />3. Like the button, wish I could have used it. We need to collaborate with WordPress to get them to permit our button. Having that independent Blogging Challenge website might help.<br />4. It would be very nice to weed out the freeloaders. I landed on blogs that clearly weren't writing.<br />5. Basic Blog Etiquette for anyone who is wondering requires commenting ABOUT THE POST YOU'VE JUST READ. This means saying more than: "Great that you finished the challenge." It requires making intelligent, interactive commentary. I was disappointed that some comments I got in response to my A-Z Summary read like empty socializing (apologies to anyone who wasn't). I did the challenge to be inspired and I was, and for that I am grateful. That being said, I haven't really time for empty socializing around my blog, I come to the web seeking deeper, more thoughtful connection.<br />6. Will be back with more but am out of time right now and have to dash off!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-73032520866730384502011-06-10T06:39:05.664-07:002011-06-10T06:39:05.664-07:00These sound great, Arlee! I'm in favor of grou...These sound great, Arlee! I'm in favor of grouping blogs by type, but the screening process seems like it's a good alternative. I'm looking forward to next April!<br /><br />By the way, I'll be participating again whether or not you change a thing and I'm sure many of us feel that way. It's very kind and thoughtful of you to want to make things extra better!Laura S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13934230198562773803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-41095018420911940352011-06-08T10:59:48.871-07:002011-06-08T10:59:48.871-07:00I've enjoyed all your posts on the good and ba...I've enjoyed all your posts on the good and bad about the challenge. I agree that limiting the number of participants would be a mistake.<br /><br />Screening is a great idea if it can be implemented without a lot of extra work. <br /><br />I also agree that blogging etiquette should be practiced every day of the year and that plenty of bloggers provided guidelines for the challenge. Some people chose to follow the guidelines, while others didn't.Briannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11581532070734685757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-19680825586241113942011-06-06T08:05:52.678-07:002011-06-06T08:05:52.678-07:00Thank you all for the additional comments. Great ...Thank you all for the additional comments. Great thoughts and encouragement for me. I've still got a lot to ponder and to learn before the next Challenge.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-65951845344845462402011-06-05T08:25:55.088-07:002011-06-05T08:25:55.088-07:00I think screening the list is the #1 thing that wo...I think screening the list is the #1 thing that would make the challenge better for everyone. I wasted so much time visiting fake blogs or non-participants that I know I missed out on some great finds.Karen M. Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06972093977468313631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-45023517033644524222011-06-05T02:03:54.464-07:002011-06-05T02:03:54.464-07:00PS - just noticed the follow, thank you xPS - just noticed the follow, thank you xDorothy Evanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11281154823158819979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-53337330352389437002011-06-05T01:59:24.654-07:002011-06-05T01:59:24.654-07:00Hi Arlee - great round up and set of suggestions. ...Hi Arlee - great round up and set of suggestions. Although I loved having the opportunity last year of landing on sites that I may not ever have seen otherwise, I do agree that as the list grows there is a real need for grouping. I also agree a sign-up form would be useful - though I'm a little non-plussed at the idea that geographical location and occupation may make the list and be something on which people can sort. Surely the whole idea of the blogosphere is to join like-minded individuals no matter where they are or what their day-job is? <br /><br />Love the idea of the "next" button starting at the blog after your own - this should go a long way to sharing the traffic right across the list. <br /><br />What on earth is a blogfest whore?Dorothy Evanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11281154823158819979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-18210073142365773992011-06-04T11:41:05.771-07:002011-06-04T11:41:05.771-07:00Some of those things will never be in our control,...Some of those things will never be in our control, like you say - like blog etiquette and word verification, but that's part of blogging.<br /><br />The weeding out of advertisers and non-participants is the one I'd like to see. By shortening the window for people to signup would help with that.Southpawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16539290964546504171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-32219161055691525742011-06-03T20:31:18.828-07:002011-06-03T20:31:18.828-07:00Great plan of action for next year!
The Write Soi...Great plan of action for next year!<br /><br /><a href="http://thewritesoil.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">The Write Soil</a>Dawn M. Hamsherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17782257750640888264noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-19752114843801115422011-06-02T21:04:03.960-07:002011-06-02T21:04:03.960-07:00Lee,
I'm stopping by here again to inform you...Lee,<br /><br />I'm stopping by here again to inform you that Tossing It Out just won the Overlord Award.<br /><br />You can pick it up on my "Overjoyed with the Overlord Award" post:<br /><br /><a href="http://madlabonline.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">The Madlab Post</a>Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08965945636486620938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-46549558637460666022011-06-02T08:41:37.674-07:002011-06-02T08:41:37.674-07:00I like the ideas you've come up with - particu...I like the ideas you've come up with - particularly the possibility of having some kind of categorisation <b>as well as</b> the 'surprise me' button that allows you to visit blogs indiscriminately.<br /><br />In the meantime - putting all this together takes time and know-how, so a big <b>THANKYOU</b>, Lee, for all the effort you and your merry band of helpers put into organising and maintaining this event!SueHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-56133112621927620412011-06-02T07:27:23.359-07:002011-06-02T07:27:23.359-07:00There is obviously a lot of planning that goes beh...There is obviously a lot of planning that goes behind this & you're doing a great job of thinking out so many variables.<br /><br />Weeding out the "blogfest whores" as you so delicately put it is necessary as it would be to weed out those advertisers & those who probably can't stick w/ all 26 letters of the alphabet in order.<br /><br />What caught my attention was the random next blog button. That's a great idea for changing up what blog you'll visit next.<br /><br />Maybe have a marathon award for the person that can get through a certain number of blogs [200? 300?] every day! :)notesfromnadirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500676081267972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-47096355575825230142011-06-02T06:42:40.217-07:002011-06-02T06:42:40.217-07:00Screening would be good. The navigation buttons we...Screening would be good. The navigation buttons were a great help but it also made it noticeable how many had dropped out or were commercial. For me, this Challenge was a marvelous experience. <br /><br /><a href="http://beajayblock.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Manzanita@Wannabuyaduck</a>Manzanitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06467261212623663365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-85543226839927409172011-06-01T22:08:16.571-07:002011-06-01T22:08:16.571-07:00I really enjoyed being part of the A to Z Challeng...I really enjoyed being part of the A to Z Challenge and think that some of your suggestions for next year are worth a try. I especially liked the idea of the screening process - I realize that it will take more time on your part but it is better that getting advertisements, etc. thrown into the mix.umbrellaladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06640257199319618306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-54900887585155207102011-06-01T18:46:46.958-07:002011-06-01T18:46:46.958-07:00Wow, Lee...addressing your post is going to be lik...Wow, Lee...addressing your post is going to be like attempting to eat a 72oz steak! Lots of good info and thoughts. <br /><br />I'll start by saying again, I enjoyed the Challenge just as it was. So those who were overly analytical, I say get over yourself.<br /><br />I know many participants were writers, wannabe writers, photographers, wannabe photographers, dancers, etc. I personaly loved reading about all different kinds of subjects. This of course my not suit everyone, but it was one of the main reasons I participated...to discover.<br /><br />The category thing might be nice as it will allow those of us with time limitations to laser-focus on topics of interest. On the other hand, I am really sorry my dumbass didn't figure out the value of the buttons created by Marcus. Can you believe I added it the last day of the challenege??<br /><br />I came to hate a few things, Disqus was a nightmare at times, Wordpress with their requirements of name, email, website...AND sometimes word verification sent me into orbit. Captcha in general irritates me.<br /><br />I am intrigued by the idea of awards, maybe based on themes, unique ways of posting (I especially loved Rayna's drabbles) or some such. I also think the word prompts would be okay. It might even be cool to randomly draw letters to have every post on the same word...just to see the difference takes.<br /><br />Not to drag this comment on any longer...I enjoyed the Challenge and I will be back next year how ever you set it up!<br /><br />Great Job!Chuckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13676928110297819368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-63704535885075528262011-06-01T18:10:30.955-07:002011-06-01T18:10:30.955-07:00Lee, I support all the ideas you have put forth, a...Lee, I support all the ideas you have put forth, and if there is any way I can help for the next year, I'm available!. My software skills are very limited, but I can do any other clerical work that needs to get done.<br /><br />Gatekeeping is a wonderful idea...and I think despite the lists and forms, spammers would find their way in. Maybe we should have a way to report the bloggers who are there only for ads and spams. That way, we could all be your eyes.<br /><br />I would say we need a bigger presence on twitter, because I found a lot of bloggers who posted regularly on twitter. I also created a twitter newspaper based on your hashtag #atozchallenge, which helped keep tab on the new posts each day. More people tweeting on the same # would help give more exposure!<br /><br />I'm doing the final edits on the A-Z e-book, and am now asking for all kinds of suggestions to make the book better. Any insights you care to share would be most welcome.<br /><br />Thanks again for all that you did for A-Z, and can't wait for next April!<br /><br />P.S: I'd rather your blog remained the host...gives it that personal touch :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-58806861995067012472011-06-01T17:14:50.921-07:002011-06-01T17:14:50.921-07:00Wow! I love all these suggestions, Arlee! I think ...Wow! I love all these suggestions, Arlee! I think this blogfest is just going to get bigger and better. I better start writing those posts soon!<br />nutschell<br />www.thewritingnut.comnutschellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967710710805174781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-88184108875389984492011-06-01T16:41:02.558-07:002011-06-01T16:41:02.558-07:00great summary of the challenge and i had a blast d...great summary of the challenge and i had a blast doing it thanks for letting me join<br /><br /><a href="http://becca-mycrazystuff.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow"> Everyday Life </a>Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10213055916162799647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-52249859992916368502011-06-01T11:14:19.754-07:002011-06-01T11:14:19.754-07:00Hi stranger, you have made some good suggestions h...Hi stranger, you have made some good suggestions here Lee.<br /><br />Thanks for the visit, can only get a limited time on line as there is alot of travelling involved.<br />See you next week if not before.<br /><br />Yvonne..RHYTHM AND RHYMEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11386975261804630799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-6511916764543844872011-06-01T11:05:15.964-07:002011-06-01T11:05:15.964-07:00Nicole -- Thank you for your in depth comment. I ...Nicole -- Thank you for your in depth comment. I look forward to some future correspondence with you on these topics. I also think some opportunities to organize blogger meetings or even form clubs or in-person groups might be something that many bloggers would be interested in not only from the standpoint of the A to Z Challenge, but year round. Your attempt to organize something in Philadelphia was a noble effort, but I think you needed more time to put it together.<br /><br />Jeffrey -- If we don't learn something to improve things in the future, then we are not paying close enough attention and not caring enough. Thanks for you ongoing interest in the A to Z event.<br /><br />Jules --We certainly don't want anyone to "freak out"! Here's to better days ahead for you and me both.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-67242906497679335142011-06-01T10:15:44.728-07:002011-06-01T10:15:44.728-07:00Dafeenah -- Thanks for your encouragement and offe...Dafeenah -- Thanks for your encouragement and offer of support.<br /><br />Hilary -- I'm not overly concerned by any initial workload if the improvements make things easier and less work in the long run. Time is always worth conserving so it can be used for other things.<br /><br />Juliet -- A dedicated A to Z site would be for sign up, informational, and administrative purposes only. That's why I like the idea of the separation between my personal blog and an A to Z site that has no daily participation in the Challenge.<br /><br />Tim -- I think the award concept has some great potential.<br /><br />Eve -- So far having the A to Z event centralized on my site has not been overly problematic, but I could envision that as the event grew larger it would completely assimilate my blog.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-72135352771140189952011-06-01T10:14:38.762-07:002011-06-01T10:14:38.762-07:00Personally this year was bad for me but it had not...Personally this year was bad for me but it had nothing to do with the challenge. I think all of your suggestions or goals will make the challenge more manageable for those of us who tend to FREAK OUT! :)<br /><a href="http://fragilemouse.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow</a>Juleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02136045025997662057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-90105205833529036992011-06-01T09:27:30.218-07:002011-06-01T09:27:30.218-07:00Suzanne -- Blogs can be deleted and a few were dur...Suzanne -- Blogs can be deleted and a few were during the 2011 Challenge, however the number changing did present some problem I suppose, but not too much. Actually, a more careful screening and entry process would probably improve this since when one just adds a link it is easier to enter an incorrect one and it becomes more of a hassle to change it as the list grows.<br /><br />Jan -- Maybe I get a little obsessive sometimes, but I do love ideas and thinking things through to make them better.<br /><br />Kimberly -- Thanks!<br /><br />Amy -- The computer entry form should provide an adequate screening process and cohosts or administrators should probably not have to do much in that respect other that dealing with falsely entered links, which probably could be avoided with proper screening techniques. I think keeping the deadline somewhere around the end of the first week of April is best, because from my experience there are many who don't discover what's happening until after it's started.<br /><br />MyBabyJohn -- Don't worry! I am having fun analyzing things and trying to come up with better ideas. It's what I like to do. Now when the actual work comes it might be a different story!<br /><br />Maurice -- Ooo-- I like the way you put that! It will be interesting to see what happens next year.<br /><br />Maggie -- You have expressed my ultimate goal of each participant to create a customized list based on their own needs and what they want to achieve. I'm pretty sure it's possible and will require some specialized programming.<br /><br />Michael -- Let's hope it is better. I really believe these ideas will be pretty great.<br /><br />Sidney -- I appreciate your support!<br /><br />Laura -- Thanks for your backing as well.<br /><br />Karen -- Thank you on all accounts.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-58751867450876447332011-06-01T09:00:16.212-07:002011-06-01T09:00:16.212-07:00I think the lessons learned from this A-Z will mak...I think the lessons learned from this A-Z will make the next A-Z that much better for everyone involved!Jeff Beeslerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17935580053176710609noreply@blogger.com