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
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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?
Hello,
ReplyDeleteAsk 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
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. :-)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely 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.
ReplyDeleteTasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
KIndred Spirit gets the first vote!
DeleteI agree that asking for favors can be difficult.
Lee
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.
ReplyDeleteHave a good day ......and DONT work too hard.
Yvonne.
Bangles! Yes, the versions were distinguished by nuance.
DeleteLee
If you don't ask, you'll never know, and then you run the risk of doing it wrong for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteI vote for Kindred Spirit. I liked the harmony.
KIndred Spirit has nice harmony I agree.
DeleteMistakes are often the result of not having paid attention. We know that from people signing up incorrectly for A to Z!
Lee
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!
ReplyDeleteJam packed, but pretty condensed wasn't it. I actually like to ask questions though sometimes I can sidetrack a discussion with mine.
DeleteAnother kindred spirit voting for Kindred Spirit.
Lee
I always try to ask before stepping forward...
ReplyDeleteWelcome 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?
Looking forward to this!!
ReplyDeleteCrazy month ahead.
--
Tim Brannan, The Other Side Blog
2015 A to Z of Vampires
http://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/
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.
ReplyDeleteA vote for the Bangles. If people didn't ask questions, most conversation would eventually just stop.
DeleteLee
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.
ReplyDeleteBangles stay in the race!
DeleteLee
Off and running. I will go with Number one.
ReplyDeleteAnother Bangles vote.
DeleteLee
The Bangles are my choice!
ReplyDeleteYour post is a great start to the A-to-Z!
Thanks! I think the Bangles have taken the lead now.
DeleteLee
Ending a blog post with questions is a good idea because it gets people involved.
ReplyDeleteI like the second video.
Kindred Spirit is keeping up in the race!
DeleteI almost always close a post with questions. Otherwise some people might not be inspired to say anything.
Lee
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.
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page
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.
ReplyDeleteI liked the Bangels. I think Walk Like an Egyptian will be on the radio hundreds of years from now.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I've heard that song in a while, but I probably listen to the wrong stations for it.
DeleteBangles still running strong!
Lee
How clever of you, Lee, to combine all these events into one. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteYou'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! ☺
Such a clever boy I am, I say with a plum on my thumb!
DeleteI 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
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.
ReplyDeleteI've since learned that there's no shame in asking questions!
Dan Brown A-Z
I was the same way in school. It was my loss in school.
DeleteLee
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.
ReplyDeleteMichele at Angels Bark
"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.
DeleteI'll put you down for the Bangles.
Lee
Thank you for this, very helpful. I'll blast it around. Really enjoying "A" so far!
ReplyDeleteHere 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!
ReplyDeleteReally good post. Asking is a great start to your month. I'll pop back in this month.
ReplyDeleteAsk indeed! Great start to this challenge.
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
ReplyDeleteGoing to have to go with the Bangles. I'm an 80's child.
Thank you for your compliment. I tried! And I think it all turned out pretty well.
DeleteI'll mark your vote for the Bangles.
Lee
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.
ReplyDeleteLee
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.
ReplyDeleteBangles get my vote.
Thank you, sir, and have a lovely day. (smile)
Got your vote!
DeleteLee
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.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend asking questions on the blog. It gets readers thinking about what you've asked and make a good prompt for a comment.
DeleteLee
Looking forward to another April challenge! I vote Bangles : )
ReplyDeleteBangles for you!
DeleteLee
I told Alex that I think he's an actual robot this morning. You might be one, too! You guys are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI 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
The Kindred Spirit version has a classic sound.
DeleteHey, you're pretty amazing yourself, Heather.
Lee
I always ask a question or two at the end of my blog posts to help get the conversation going. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Bangles, hands down!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the 2015 A to Z Challenge!
A to Z Co-Host S. L. Hennessy
http://pensuasion.blogspot.com
The Bangles are staying in the lead
DeleteLee
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.
ReplyDeleteI'm voting for Kindred Spirit. I loved their harmony.
Kindred Spirit needed your vote.
DeleteLee
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!
ReplyDeleteStill hope for Kindred Spirit.
DeleteMy post purposefully encourages a comment.
Lee
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!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely 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.
DeleteLee
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.
ReplyDeleteAfter 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!
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.
DeleteWe have lots of questions! Inquiring readers want to know everything.
Lee
And I thought I had a lot going on in my blog post today, with both IWSG and AtoZ!
ReplyDeleteThere are no foolish questions--just people who are foolish for not asking!
Good adage to remember
DeleteLee
I don't know if anyone would ask me for advice, but in time I would hope so. Hey, maybe i could help them.
ReplyDeleteI have to go with The Bangles, I remember how wonderful I thought they were way back when :)
Back to the Bangles who remain in the lead.
DeleteLee
I prefer the Kindred Spirit version, though as a proud Eighties kid, I assumed I'd prefer The Bangles' version.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
I would have guess you to be a Kindred Spirits person--that 60's sound and all.
DeleteYour story gave me a laugh. Never heard "You'ins" said as "Yins", but your story makes an appropriate point.
Lee
This is a tough one. Let's go with Bangles. :)
ReplyDeleteokay, got your vote.
DeleteLee
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...'
ReplyDeleteAUGH...
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~
A to Z is all over the place. Everyone is welcome no matter where their minds roam.
DeleteLee
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.
ReplyDeleteYep, that's how I am.
DeleteLee
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.
ReplyDeleteHave a great challenge
J.
Welcome to the 2015 Challenge!
DeleteLee
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.
ReplyDeleteBIRDMAN ~
ReplyDeleteAlthough 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'
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.
DeleteLee
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!
Delete~ D-FensDogG
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.
DeleteLee
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.
ReplyDeleteI'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
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteLee
I have to disagree.
ReplyDeleteThere is very much such a thing as a stupid question.
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.
DeleteThere 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
Sometimes I remember to ask questions at the end of my blog posts. It's a great way to encourage communication.
ReplyDelete~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Member of C. Lee's Muffin Commando Squad
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author
Leaving a question is like providing an open door into the next phase of a conversation.
DeleteLee
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.
ReplyDeleteI'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
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.
DeleteLee
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.
ReplyDeleteActually 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.
DeleteYour vote for Kindred Spirit is recorded.
Lee
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.
ReplyDeleteI'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.
DeleteAnother Kindred Spirit vote brings them to a comeback position.
Lee
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).
ReplyDeleteAnd 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
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.
DeleteAnother Kindred Spirit vote puts them ahead again. This is really a horse race!
Lee
Kindred harmonized it better~ You are off to a great start, Arlee!
ReplyDeleteI 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~
Thanks! Mountains sound nice--have a good time if you are working too hard with the move.
DeleteKindred for you!
Lee
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.
ReplyDeleteHopefully they understand that motivation. I guess it's like a moderator rephrasing a question in an interview or discussion.
DeleteLee
I'd never heard of this song, but I love it! I really think Kindred Spirit is the superior rendition...
ReplyDeleteThis was a new song for me too, but it fit my theme for today.
DeleteAnother Kindred Spirit vote.
Lee
Always ask, and if you don't understand the answer ask again.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
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.
DeleteYes it's a horse race with Bangles slightly ahead.
Lee
Definitely Kindred Spirit, though I usually like The Bangles.
ReplyDeleteI'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.
DeleteYour vote goes to Kindred Spirit.
Lee
I don't know what I prefer!
ReplyDeleteA 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!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Kindred Spirit gets another vote. Thanks for your kind acknowledgement, Julie.
DeleteLee
Tell me Arlee what to do when freedom of speech/words/ and expression is suffocated by authorities?
ReplyDeleteDo drop by>>
http://blog.shinekapoor.com/2015/04/bans-boycotts-and-bharat-india-b-on-day.html
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.
DeleteLee
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!
ReplyDeleteOh, okay--I go see what you had to say about it. We'll still miss your A to Z posts.
DeleteLee
Haha, I often feel like I ask stupid questions!! I need to try to incorporate more questions in my blog. Thanks for the tips.
ReplyDeleteSince 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.
ReplyDeleteMy 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! +)
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.
ReplyDeleteWell, there can be that and sometimes it can be kind of cute though. I miss my kids being that age--in a way.
DeleteLee
Great start ;)
ReplyDeleteHmm sorting out what to ask ypu now...ahem :)
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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
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.
DeleteLee
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 :)
ReplyDeleteI'll take your cue and will start posting questions too at the end of my posts to encourage comments.
I highly recommend adding the questions. It made a world of difference to my comment section when I started doing it.
DeleteLee
Hi, Lee!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, 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
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.
DeleteLee
I liked the Bangles version with the Barbie Wedding.
DeleteI liked Kitndred Spirit. I like live renditions of songs where the emphasis is the perrformance. It was very nuanced.
ReplyDeleteKindred Spirit gets another vote!
DeleteLee
But you know, we all gain a fear of asking questions from somewhere. For me, it was an intimidating teacher; sad but true. :)
ReplyDeleteMy vote goes to Kindred Spirit due to the harmonies and it felt like it had more warmth
ReplyDeleteKindred Spirit has now taken the lead.
DeleteLee
Holy smokes! What a HUGE comment section here!
ReplyDeleteNot 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.
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.
DeleteFan 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
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.
DeleteI 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.
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.
DeleteHey 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
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!
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for the Bangles- love the bangles!
And Bangles it is for you! Thanks!
DeleteLee
Wow, I saw "132 comments" and almost gave up...
ReplyDeleteYou 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.
Funny, but I saw it just the opposite. To me the Kindred Spirits version reminded me of the sparer more acoustic early Beatles stuff.
DeleteI've got you down for Bangles.
Lee
With A to Z going on, these BOTB posts are getting covered up pretty quickly, unfortunately I am not that quick.
ReplyDeleteGive 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!
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.
DeleteAsking 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
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
ReplyDeleteIt does have that kind of folkish feel to it. Kindred Spirit really took a lead in the final stretch.
DeleteLee
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.
ReplyDeleteYou'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.
DeleteNow I'm wondering why. Are you saying you didn't like the song?
Well, got you for the Bangles.
Lee
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?
ReplyDeleteThanks. Roger
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.
DeleteLee
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!
ReplyDeletePopping by on the A to Z Road Trip
Debbie
www.myrandommusings.blogspot.com