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!

Monday, March 23, 2015

A to Z Theme Reveal-- Elements of Blogging



       One of the topics of Tossing It Out which has gotten the best responses over my past five or so years of blogging is the topic of blogging.  Anything from content to comments seems to be something that we bloggers like to hear about.  I tend to read those types of posts on other blogs and when I post on blog related topics I tend to receive a good reaction in my comment section.  The topic of blogging is one that bloggers embrace because it's about what we enjoy doing.

      Twice during the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge I've used marketing and promotion as my topic, once I blogged about movies, and in other years the subject matter was somewhat random.  In this 2015 Challenge my topic will be in regard to blogging.  A few of my previous A to Z posts discussed blogging and blogging has been a frequent topic on Tossing It Out throughout the years.

       For this 2015 A to Z Challenge I call my theme "Elements of Blogging".   This will be stuff most of you already know while some might be some things you might not have thought too much about.  My intent in April will be to explore what blogs are about.   Maybe some of you will get some ideas about things you could blog about that previously hadn't crossed your mind.   Or you might find something that will interest someone you know whom you think might want to start a blog about the things that interest them.

         My April mission will be to explore the unique possibilities that blogging has to offer everybody and perhaps even give you cause to explore your own approach to blogging to see what you might do to infuse new life into your blog. This will be basic information that I hope will stimulate some conversation about the subject of blogging and how to blog better.  I'll be looking for comments to expound on the concepts I present.

          Do you like blogging?   Do you like to read blog posts about blogging?   I hope you'll follow along in April.  Even better still, I hope you'll let your non-blogging friends know about my series just in case it might inspire them to start their own blogs.   That means more bloggers to sign up for A to Z in 2016!

          If you have not yet signed up for the 2015 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge, please go to the A to Z Challenge Linky List to add your blog today.  For more A to Z theme reveals please go to the Theme Reveal participant list.

        Do you enjoy reading blog posts about blogging?   Have you noticed that posts about blogging tend to usually get a good comment response?  What is a special field of interest that you tend to like to read about?


151 comments:

  1. Looking forward to getting some great AtoZ blogging tips. I revealed today too :)

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  2. Ooh, I like the idea of 26 elements to blogging... I never really paid much attention to each element until I needed it, so my blog has always evolved very organically (I only wrote the about me bit for the A to Z challenge last year as I hadn't had one for 2 years!)

    Will be popping back to find what gems you have included!

    Mars
    Curling Stones for Lego People

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My blog has also had a fairly organic transition though I have picked up a lot of help along the way.

      Lee

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  3. Sounds like a great theme - educational and interesting for fellow bloggers :). I look forwards to dropping by to see your posts. My blogging tends to be random except for the AtoZ so it's always useful to pick up tips.

    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

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    1. Nothing wrong with random. I do my fair share of randomness.

      Lee

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  4. Hi Lee - that seems a very sensible idea - and will allow us to add to the posts, as we're all bloggers .. such a great idea .. cheers Hilary

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    1. Yes, I'm hoping that the more experienced bloggers will have a lot to share with others in comments.

      Lee

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  5. Doing that alphabetically will be a challenge, all right. It will be helpful though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are a lot of topics that fill the alphabet.

      Lee

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  6. Look forward to your theme and tips of blogging, any for nuicence internet problems will be great for me.

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    Replies
    1. I won't be helping much with internet problems. That's something that can still trouble me when it happens.

      Lee

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  7. You're a prolific blogger, so you must be doing something right. I look forward to seeing your take.

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  8. I love learning new tips or tricks that make blogging easier or let one do fun things with their posts, etc. It will be very interesting to see what you offer us and the discussions that most likely will arise. Great choice of a theme! Life & Faith in Caneyhead
    I am Ensign B ~ One of Tremp's Troops with the
    A to Z Challenge

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hopefully I'll turn on a few light bulbs here and there.

      Lee

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  9. As a relatively new blogger I am sure I will pick up tips from you throughout April. Can't wait to read your posts.
    Jen www.laceandlunges.com

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    1. My series will be especially geared toward newer bloggers or those who are having trouble getting ideas.

      Lee

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  10. Sounds like a great theme, Arlee. I'm sure this will help many of us, especially those who are newer bloggers.

    Thanks for creating the Challenge and for uniting so many bloggers! You rock!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for being a co-host. I couldn't do what we do without all of you.

      Lee

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  11. Fab theme! I am sure this is going to one of most insightful theme. Looking forward to learn the blogging tips and tricks, this April! :)

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    1. Maybe some tips and tricks, but mostly prompts and ideas.

      Lee

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  12. I so need to be re-motivated... on my blogs.

    Jeremy [Retro]
    AtoZ Challenge Co-Host [2015]

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

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    1. I think we all need a recharge now and then.

      Lee

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  13. Should be fun indeed, as we all enjoy blogging. Mine will be a bit random, but I sorta made a theme as most posts will be stuff the stirs the pot a bit. I got one in there on blogging to.

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    1. Me? I've got a random brain,
      So random works for me.
      I'll jump on your poetry train
      and randomly I shall see.

      Lee

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  14. I'm looking forward to reading this theme as well!

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    1. You should join us at the last minute. C'mon, JoJo, you know you want to.

      Lee

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  15. I think it's important to talk about blogging. I have heard several people lately saying that "blogging is dead" because no one wants to read more than 140 characters anymore. But I do enjoy well written posts, and I think blogs have an important role as an online platform.
    Great theme! :)

    @TarkabarkaHolgy from
    Multicolored Diary - Epics from A to Z
    MopDog - The crazy thing about Hungarians...

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    Replies
    1. Blogging is not dead by any means, but for most of us it probably evolves.

      Lee

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  16. Yes, I always need blogger reminders, pick-me-ups, and find out what other bloggers may be doing that will help me love blogging more.

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    Replies
    1. I think that's why the topic of blogging is so popular with bloggers. We're all still trying to figure it all out.

      Lee

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  17. That sounds like a thought-provoking theme. We can always use tips on how to improve our blogging experience.

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  18. You might even decide to join in the final hours. You can do it!

    Lee

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  19. This sounds like an interesting topic and one we could all learn a few things from, since you're such an experienced blogger, Lee. I'm looking forward to it!

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    1. I might inspire a few bloggers out there, but a lot of the info will be known to the vets.

      Lee

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    2. You never know! Always room to learn.

      Delete
  20. Blogging about blogging. That is so meta. And as long as we have the twisted lives that we do, we'll never be at a shortage for material. Not that that ever really explains the 'why' behind us, though...

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    1. It's kind of weird that bloggers want to read about blogging, but I guess that's why trade publications exist as well. We like to know who is doing something better--or different than we are. I guess we never can know enough.

      Lee

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  21. I've been blogging for 10 years now, so I must like it.

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    1. It's either a passion or a sickness--I'm still trying to figure which.

      Lee

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  22. This month is my ten year blogging anniversary. There were no sages around back then. The authors had not arrived, either. I will be here to read every word. Love knowing you perspective on everything.

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    1. 10 years! That's quite a blogging history. And I guess we can always learn something new or see things differently than we did previously. You can help advise and provide commentary on what I have to say.

      Lee

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  23. I love the social element of A to Z. My purpose in blogging was waning, but I hate to quit something I started. A to Z has also given me a focus on what my blog is.
    I look forward to reading your posts on blogging.

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    1. A to Z can help a blogger really zero in on things as well as discover what doesn't attract an audience.

      Lee

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  24. Interesting theme. To be honest I tend to avoid blogging tips as they tend to include things I cannot do due to my disabilities (eg. pics are a must but I'm blind). I will however attempt to check out your posts, as I might learn some things I can actually improve.

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    1. I won't be offering as many tips as I will be suggesting themes and topics for blog posts so this might help you some.

      Lee

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  25. I look forward to reading your tips. I am an infrequent blogger--or rather I have had a tendency to be sporadic-- and I have changed my url a number of times so I have lost a lot of my readers. I think I'm finally settled in now, and I hope that this A to Z challenge will keep me motivated beyond the end of April. Thanks again for setting all this up! :)

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    1. It's a good idea to stick with the same URL unless it's merely a matter of adding more of them for new blogs with different topics. Focus is important.

      Lee

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  26. When I did my Blogging 101 post earlier this year I got a TON of feedback, so you're theme is going to be a hit for sure. I'll be checking in everyday because I bet you can teach me more. :)

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    1. Posts about blogging seem to always attract interest. I hope I'll have a few new things to offer.

      Lee

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  27. I look forward to learning some new things from a master of the blogging world.

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    1. Maybe I can spark a few creative thoughts--at least that's part of my goal.

      Lee

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  28. Hello Lee, this will be my 3rd AtoZ since you first invited me and I am excited to see what blogging tips you will be sharing with us this year! Happy A to Zing!
    Shawn from Laughing at Life 2

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  29. You'll definitely see a lot of traffic with a theme like that! :)

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    1. Bloggers are suckers for blogging posts--at least I know I am.

      Lee

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  30. Great topic. I've been blogging for a while now, but there is still more to learn. You brought up the difference between Wordpress bloggers and Blogger bloggers once, that sort of irritated me. I once was a Blogger blogger, but I switched to Wordpress. I've been in the A to Z Challenge since 2011. Thanks for starting it. I used your words as my Quote of the Day today as I wrote my Theme Reveal post. Enjoy the challenge!
    Play off the Page

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't try to irritate as much as provoke and incite. If we aren't thinking then we aren't learning.

      Lee

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  31. Cool theme. So much to know about blogging as social networking is such a large part of every day life.

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  32. Is taking naps part of blogging? I think it needs to be. Everything is better with a nap.

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    1. I'm with you on that one. It's a rare day when I don't take a nap. In fact one will be coming up for me shortly.

      Lee

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  33. I love your theme! Looking forward to your posts.

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  34. I do enjoy posts about blogging because there is always something new to learn. The posts I've seen that seem to get the most traffic/comments are posts about growing your readership. Looking forward to it!

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    1. Growing readership and followers is one of the big goals of blogging. This is what inspired A to Z in the first place.

      Lee

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  35. This sounds like fun! Can't wait...and maybe I'll learn some new things that can improve my own blog.

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    1. Maybe you can learn something to help you or to pass on to someone you know who wants to start a blog.

      Lee

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  36. Looking forward to your theme. I'm sure you'll find something I didn't know. =)

    ~Patricia Lynne~
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Most of the stuff I've been covering is pretty common to most of us, but always worth reconsidering.

      Lee

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  37. Your theme will be great and hope to learn more

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  38. What a great theme! I subscribed to your blog and I'm really looking forward to reading all of your tips!

    This is our, www.thechinesequest.com first #AtoZchallenge and we are excited to participate!

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  39. Sounds like a great theme. Will be interested to see what all you talk about.
    Check out my A to Z theme

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  40. Fabulous theme. You know, after all the time I've blogged, I still stop and read just about every GOOD post that offers help, tips, advice and resources for blogging. Great theme idea.

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    1. I do the same thing. Every once in a while a new idea shows up or something that I'd forgotten.

      Lee

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  41. I can definitely use this theme! Look forward to it.

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  42. Sounds like a great theme! Could be made into a good series too down the line for people interested in getting into blogging or promoting their blogs more! I think the biggest thing I would like to know more about with blogging is how to stretch more time into my day to do more of it :)

    betty

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    Replies
    1. Time wasting I can give tips on, but otherwise I need more advice on stretching time as well.

      Lee

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  43. This should be a high-value target during the challenge.
    I think a lot of us struggle with our blogs and a little, spirited revival is in order.

    Bushman
    2015 A to Z Challenge Ambassador
    @jwb81074

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  44. Blogging is such a perfect theme given the nature of the A-to-Z Challenge. Although I've reduced the time I spend reading about this subject, I do visit some of my favorite blogs that always have posts on various topics that interest bloggers. Since I like to read about a variety of topics, there is no particular field of interest that I lean toward more than others but if I had to pick I guess I would say that food, art, lifestyle, crafts, business, film, theater, spirituality and technology focused blogs are among the types of sites that I tend to gravitate toward.

    ~Nicole
    #atozchallenge Co-Host
    The Madlab Post

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  45. Interesting Theme Lee. Blogging has changed so much even in the last year. Look forward to hearing your take on the state of blogging.

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    1. Not sure that it will so much be the state of blogging as much as some simple ideas about blogging.

      Lee

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  46. Great theme Lee. I'm definitely looking forward to your informative posts. I've only been blogging a little over a year so I'm sure your A-Z will be chock full of helpful tips! And thanks for your help on hyperlinking. Giving it a try here. :)

    Michele at Angels Bark

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  47. I will be reading your posts Mr B although as always , not always commenting. I know its not ideal but I just dont have time to comment at every visit to every blog. I am sure you will get some great feedback though as the King of the A to Z. . . .

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  48. Arlee, I signed up early for the A to Z Challenge (I thought about 177), but I can't find Notes Along the Way on the list. Just in case, I signed up again just now.

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    1. You're now at #151. The listen positions will continue to change as we remove bad links.

      Lee

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    2. Apologies, Arlee! I was looking at the Theme Reveal list. No wonder I couldn't find it!!!

      Delete
    3. With all the lists we have it's no wonder for the confusion!

      Lee

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  49. Fantastic!
    I know we will all learn a lot from you, Arlee!

    Heather

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  50. Am I the 100th commenter? Also? I love the topic. Never too old to learn the basics.

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    1. You left the 100th comment, but since I've been replying you're about the 49th commenter I think.

      Lee

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  51. Thank goodness, maybe something you say will assist me with my own blogging adventures.

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    1. Maybe--mostly I'll be discussing blog post themes and topics. In other words, things bloggers can write about on their blogs.

      Lee

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  52. Oooh, this sounds like fun. From someone who has no idea what she's doing. Hopefully I'll learn how to do this thing right (although, I'll probably just keep doing what I'm doing).

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  53. Great idea. Blogging is not like breathing or riding a bicycle. You learn by doing (and making mistakes).

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    1. I'm still making mistakes and occasionally learning something.

      Lee

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  54. Wow Arlee, all these comments on blogging! Clear indication of need necessity etc. I'm looking forward to this. Tips such as ideal length, using imagery or not (too much can be too much ito time spent loading)..

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    1. I won't be covering too many tips of the nature you've mentioned, but hopefully I'll something that might be useful to some.

      Lee

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  55. I think you'll get a great reaction judging by the number of comments here! Looking forward to picking up some great tips.

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    1. Hope not too many will be disappointed by my topics in April.

      Lee

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  56. Looking forward to your posts, Arlee.

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  57. This is surely a super theme, very informative and unique....:) I too am participating for the first time, excited is an understatement :)

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  58. Looks like I'm going to learn a lot in April! This will be a useful topic for me. Thanks.

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  59. I agree with Nadine, Lee. I'll learn lots in April. Looking forward to it. Thanks for sharing this.

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  60. I think I already know a lot about blogging, so I'm curious to see what you'll come up with that I don't know. Have a great week.

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    1. My series will be aimed toward new or non-bloggers so hopefully the experienced ones will jump in with information to add.

      Lee

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  61. this theme could be very helpful.
    I would like a post about bloggers who choose to whine, or complain about "losing their muse". Those posts are always long, self-serving, and say almost nothing. A stream of thought...Could address that issue please?

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    Replies
    1. I probably won't directly be addressing that issue which I too find rather nonsensical. The whole concept is rather amusing wouldn't you say?

      Lee

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  62. Sounds terrific, Arlee - write on! I'll be following :-)

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    1. Be sure to chime in with your ideas on what I have to say.

      Lee

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  63. Oh boy, we get to help too! I'll be following you and learning a lot, I'm sure. I can always use new ideas and uses for my blog. Good luck and looking forward to April! Lisa co-host AtoZ2015 @lisabuiecollard.com

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    1. Actually what I will be offering will be sparse so I can keep posts short. I'm counting on feedback in the comments.

      Lee

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  64. Looking forward to seeing you in April! I always learn a lot coming here, Lee!

    Julie

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    1. It's always my hope to educate and/or entertain at least a few people in each post.

      Lee

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  65. Sounds great! I hope to learn something :)

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    1. I hope somebody learns something including me.

      Lee

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  66. My favorite topics to read about: blogging, writing, memoir, poetry, gardening, cooking, and not necessarily in that order. I'll be popping back by to see what juicy tidbits you have to share. Saving you to my A to Z favs file so I can find you again. =D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh, you created a list too? There are just too many good participants this year - happy blogging

      Delete
    2. Morgan-- you'll have have plenty of blogs to choose from in all those topics. Keep coming back to Wrote By Rote!

      Claudia -- I'm not sure which list to which you are referring, but yes there are a lot of great blogs on the main A to Z list.

      Lee

      Delete
  67. I don't do much research on blogging, and I've never really considered myself that much of a blogger. But I'm interested to see what you come up with to see if I can apply any of it to myself!

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    Replies
    1. I like to know how I can blog more effectively, but I'm still probably pretty much of a novice compared to some.

      Lee

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  68. Look forward to following your posts. I'm new to the challenge this year and my excitement is reaching fever pitch. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome to A to Z! I hope you have a lot of fun and that it is a highly productive time for you.

      Lee

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  69. Love the theme! I'll be sure to follow. :)

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  70. Sounds like your A-Z theme is something someone like me who's trying to grow her blog should pay attention to. Thanks for stopping by Brandy's Bustlings. I'm really impressed with the organisation and hosts this year :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I might have an idea or two that will spark some creative thinking for a few.

      Lee

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  71. Hi Arlee,
    Great motivation to all, especially to the a to z participants.
    Good Wishes
    ~ Phil

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  72. You have certainly hit on a popular theme, and I look forward to following it.

    Susan of Family History Fun at:
    http://scotsue-familyhistoryfun.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I figure if I write about blogging at least some bloggers will have some interest.

      Lee

      Delete
  73. Hi Arlee,
    Good to be here again,
    Hope you are aware about the decision of Google to shut their G+ shop. As it is our comments via google plus will get deleted and it will be a great loss to us who wrote and received comments thru this comment option.
    What we need to do now to save our thousands of comments we received and wrote thru G+ comment box.
    I published an article on the demise of google+
    here is the link:
    Death of Google Plus

    ReplyDelete

Go ahead and say something. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.
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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