tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post3850691812812590060..comments2024-03-28T22:21:46.973-07:00Comments on Tossing It Out: A Few Thoughts from Readers About Blogging from A to ZArlee Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-46275485856105038992011-05-31T11:57:54.829-07:002011-05-31T11:57:54.829-07:00Definitely agree with #1. I'd really like to s...Definitely agree with #1. I'd really like to see the different types of blogs grouped by topic. <br /><br />I wouldn't participate if there was a fee. One of the greatest things about blogging is it's FREE! I'm a starving artist here! Plus I know some bloggers who were serious about the challenge but life took priority (as it should) and they had to stop in the middle of the challenge. This is supposed to be fun thing afterall!Laura S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13934230198562773803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-55293671591797971582011-05-31T11:55:23.408-07:002011-05-31T11:55:23.408-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Laura S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13934230198562773803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-42533891146661647642011-05-29T10:11:42.080-07:002011-05-29T10:11:42.080-07:00Hey, me again! Just wanted to say that I agree wit...Hey, me again! Just wanted to say that I agree with Madeleine, if a blog has a dark background and white writing I find it harder to read and it gives me a headache too, maybe because I'm older, I don't know...and also the really long stretch of writing with no breaks or images...it does make it hard to concentrate...unless the writing is absolutley stellar!<br />And it is true, you can't force people to comment, but it would be nice if more did!E. M. Prokophttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12395951217528199963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-91096749260811926262011-05-29T06:02:04.947-07:002011-05-29T06:02:04.947-07:00I had a great time with A-Z, and am still editing ...I had a great time with A-Z, and am still editing the A-Z book I've decided to compile!<br /><br />I did hate word verifications and found them a pain, but other than that, A-Z was what I made of it. I read mostly from the #atozchallenge on twitter, and also by clicking the random button.<br /><br />I quickly lost use for the list cos I kept coming up with spam or blogs that were not doing the challenge.<br /><br />Between folks who visited me (who I tried to visit back, whenever the link was good), folks I caught on twitter, and others I clicked cos of their interesting comments on others' posts, I thought I had enough to read...more, in fact, than I could manage.<br /><br />Shorter posts of course get most comments, but it all depends on the content. I've seen some super-long posts get scores of comments!<br /><br />I would personally love a separate category for writer's blogs, cos they are the ones that interest me the most, but randomness is also good. I just skipped stuff that did not interest me.<br /><br />I'm waiting for the next A-Z, and can't believe it is a month since it got over!<br /><br /><a href="http://amloki.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow"> Damyanti@Amlokiblogs</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-8986909504575783732011-05-28T04:38:12.333-07:002011-05-28T04:38:12.333-07:00Oh I share many of those thoughts. I guess it is h...Oh I share many of those thoughts. I guess it is hard to police such a thing entirely. <br /><br />Maybe entrants could fill out a form instead of a linky that would tell you something about their blogs so that the links can be sorted/ categorized? <br /><br />I guess you can't make people comment, you have to accept that you will get some people who will drop by and browse and then never comment. <br />Making posts Short, sweet and appealing. I find if a blog is dark with white writing (gives me migraine) or reams and reams of writing with no images then it's hard to concentrate on <br />Thanks again for hosting Lee. :O)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-84877341503662288342011-05-26T10:17:12.115-07:002011-05-26T10:17:12.115-07:00Hi Lee ..
Chrome doesn't always work .. I ha...Hi Lee .. <br /><br />Chrome doesn't always work .. I have to go into IE to comment & that doesn't always work either. My other machine is ok - but it's not my 'working one' .. <br /><br />Captcha is a real pain .. <br /><br />I don't think you can charge, and I don't think you can set rules .. because the blogosphere et al can be a pain!<br /><br />The surprise button was good ..<br /><br />Sue's three make sense .. as does #9 ..<br /><br />Cutting out the rubbish at the beginning is a possibility if possible ..<br /><br />I suppose you can add 'A-Z suggestions in .. eg no captchas, and short posts less than 500 .. otherwise you may find people won't visit ... <br /><br /><br />as per Jessaca .. Blogger does catch spam now usually .. so that's not a problem and Word Verification can be turned off .. I've done mine since the Challenge .. <br /><br />Personally I don't want to follow the next 50 - because that's just getting followers for the sake of it - I'll follow if a blog is interesting .. and I did up my followers by 70+ now another month on .. <br /><br />I agree diversification is everything!<br /><br />Keep it simple! <br /><br />Cheers Lee and all the organisers, promoters .. you all did a fantastic job - upping it 10 fold this year .. <br /><br />Great Challenge and I thoroughly enjoyed it .. HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-30202757935059803352011-05-26T10:13:51.833-07:002011-05-26T10:13:51.833-07:00Just read Tim's comment above mine, and I agre...Just read Tim's comment above mine, and I agree! If I want to post a long-assed post on my own blog, I will do that! And if I want to post one sentence I will do that too..I think it's a good idea to decide if these challenges are to be for fun, or for more serious writers...there's something to be said for both...I've always wanted to be a writer, but the reality is that it'll probably always be something that's just for fun. And that's okay. I'm fine with it...maybe have two different challenges? Everyone who put this together did work very hard on it and thank you all for that!E. M. Prokophttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12395951217528199963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-60236577265523080502011-05-26T10:03:43.206-07:002011-05-26T10:03:43.206-07:00This was my first challenge and I had such a good ...This was my first challenge and I had such a good time! I don't think I was officially in it, I started it a little late and I don't believe I was on any list..the thing about comments is that I very rarely get any and I'm not sure why..I have about four people who comment to me regularly, but other than that, nothing really...also I did not gain many followers...I very rarely visit a blog without commenting, and I am following bunches of people, so I'm not sure where the problem is...maybe my blog just sucks? As for paying to be in a challenge...I would not do that...I started this blog to try to connect with people and release my urge to write..so far the release is going well, and the connections I have made are all great...I don't know...I just kind of wish I'd get more comments...when I scroll down on my home page it says I have had almost 4,000 views...are these all spam? I don't know how to tell if these views are from actual people, or from some kind of fake thing...if I really did have that many people viewing my posts, you'd think some of them would say something! So I don't think they're real people...anyways, all in all I had a fantastic time with this challenge and I would totally do it again, and next time I'd like to be on the list, but I won't pay! Sorry this is so long! Peace every one!E. M. Prokophttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12395951217528199963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-84503024240433750832011-05-26T04:18:09.174-07:002011-05-26T04:18:09.174-07:00Oh, and I forgot to say, thank you and all the oth...Oh, and I forgot to say, thank you and all the other hosts for your hard work on this!Timhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08004517359661478638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-76300755337311300812011-05-26T04:15:56.811-07:002011-05-26T04:15:56.811-07:00Wow, lots of people took the challenge a lot more ...Wow, lots of people took the challenge a lot more seriously than I did! I'm wondering if there's a different mindset between 'professional' and 'amateur' bloggers with some opinions on the challenge.<br /><br />I regard myself very much as an amateur, and I'm pretty firmly in the camp of keeping the simplicity of the challenge - I signed up on a whim, enjoyed the challenge, and am glad it's over now! Paying an entry fee, agreeing to follow/visit a set number of other blogs, or agreeing to limit the length of my posts (if I want to post long on my own blog, I will goddamit) just seem completely anathema to me.<br /><br />But, as lots of other comments suggest YMMV on this - which is fine (I'm not having a pop at anyone). So, I guess what I'm saying is the hosts need to choose what they want to host the challenge for - if it's an opportunity for really serious bloggers to really seriously network with each other then I'd make some of these changes as suggested. If it's less serious then that then I'd keep things more or less as they are. <br /><br />(Indeed, to deal with some of the 'letter block' some people (myself included!) suffered from on given days I'd probably relax them more - want to blog Z-A, or A,Z,B,Y,C or whatever, sure just make sure you cover all letters in the 26 days, and have fun on the way!)Timhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08004517359661478638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-37780103901777088512011-05-24T07:36:51.080-07:002011-05-24T07:36:51.080-07:00I don't think an entry fee is a good idea. I p...I don't think an entry fee is a good idea. I participated, posted every day, and had fun. I resent the idea of having to pay to play. And, really, what's to stop someone from participating even if they don't pay the fee? Sure, they'd be shut out of the list, but you can't keep someone from writing a post to go with the challenge.<br /><br />On a completely different note, I just wanted to let you know that I was inspired by the challenge. I have decided to do something similar on my book blog in June. I posted about it over the weekend:<br />http://ham1299.blogspot.com/2011/05/to-z-challenge-inspiration.htmlham1299https://www.blogger.com/profile/04571203527388227830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-48842485424348214182011-05-23T18:51:08.086-07:002011-05-23T18:51:08.086-07:00I really enjoyed visiting random posts. For exampl...I really enjoyed visiting random posts. For example, a few months ago I never thought I'd attempt to write a poem, but this experience taught me to challenge myself. If I picked safe categories, then I probably wouldn't leave my comfort zone. JulieEmpty Nest Insiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10074223969046687064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-56293265326100029852011-05-23T18:28:27.200-07:002011-05-23T18:28:27.200-07:00Two thing I heartily disagree with in your post.
...Two thing I heartily disagree with in your post. <br /><br />Charging an entry fee. It's blogging after all.<br /><br />Forcing people to join the first 50. Well, for one it couldn't be enforced and two why should someone join a blog they are not interested in?<br /><br />I'm torn about the categories idea. I found some great not-like-me-blogs but there were several that I wish I knew what they were about before I visited.Southpawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16539290964546504171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-32207457739172551682011-05-23T17:34:15.221-07:002011-05-23T17:34:15.221-07:00I think categorizing will put blogs in boxes and I...I think categorizing will put blogs in boxes and I like to come out here to read outside of the box:-) If it's categorized then I'm going to stick to those I think I may be interested in & I will miss out on some other great ones that I 'thought' I wouldn't be. I definitely like the random picking. I also tried to jump around & pick people from all over in the list. I just figure everything can't be done for us or made easy, you do a little work for the best things in life:-) Yeah, we can't always find the time but I rather do it that way then be confined to the boxes:-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17792036091186754290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-70644235143004031372011-05-23T16:08:34.806-07:002011-05-23T16:08:34.806-07:00I thoroughly enjoyed the A to Z Challenge. The sim...I thoroughly enjoyed the A to Z Challenge. The simplicity of the rules allowed for great freedom--participants could blog, comment, or follow to whatever degree they were comfortable and had time for. The idea of the cut-off date and the elimination of ads and others who were not really participating sounds good. Otherwise it seems great to me. I would definitely do it again. And I really appreciate all of you who got this challenge started. <a href="http://encouragementforchristianwriters.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Pam Williams</a>Pam Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08430692684579547400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-22724832701365147432011-05-23T15:49:59.135-07:002011-05-23T15:49:59.135-07:00The A-Z Challenge is such a wonderful and was simp...The A-Z Challenge is such a wonderful and was simple idea. I wonder if over promotion, over analyzing, and under thinking will ruin a good thing.<br /><br />Many of your observations are fantastic. They are good food for thought; how to make one's blog better; and how to be more blog friendly; and how to be a better blogger citizen in the blogosphere.<br /><br />However, there were very few hard or fast rules - blog a topic corresponding to a letter, be a good blogger, and be courteous, etc. Other than that no one had to get through any set number of blogs, loose control of their blog, or even be slighted.<br /><br />Common sense says blog on what you are familiar, comfortable, conversant, or happy to blog about. Visit as many as you wish, don't stop where you don't want to stop and don't stay where you don't want to stay.<br /><br />Now and then I found somethings to irritate me - bloggers who signed up yet didn't blog, posts that were to long to read, to confusing to read, to rude to read - so I moved on and told myself it isn't worth being irritated, just go have fun.<br /><br />I love the challenge and have been in both, but wouldn't pay an entry fee to be in a third.<br /><br />I do like the idea, if it is possible to 1) those who willing volunteer to be hosts, burn or remove the blogs that aren't participating and 2) shut down the entry date on March 31 @ midnight.<br /><br />I have participated in Alex's music, albums, songs blogfests and this one. I don't do the alphabet ones (NMNNRROWOWOWOLL or whatever) I don't do the A-Z. <br /><br />I don't have a suggestion but since it is so very easy I wonder how to make it a little more challenging?<br /><br />You do a good job dude. You promote well, encourage, visit, comment, and then spend posts and hours evaluating this thing - cudo's to you. However, let's keep it fun.Gregg Metcalfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16413691313803396844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-47214459623404555172011-05-23T13:53:45.480-07:002011-05-23T13:53:45.480-07:00Wow - lots of thoughtful suggestions! I like Alex&...Wow - lots of thoughtful suggestions! I like Alex's suggestions for reading blogs starting with the people after your name. I think that way you'd still get a mix and meet new folks!Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-68549454396787970442011-05-23T13:43:03.895-07:002011-05-23T13:43:03.895-07:00"I’m generally not a talker(some wouldn’t agr..."I’m generally not a talker(some wouldn’t agree with me) and I guess I’m that way here too, I find myself reading beautiful posts and leaving without dropping comments. I forget that unlike in the real world where I am seen when i sit quite in gatherings just observing, no one sees me when I visit a page and seat reading and trying to understand the writer in the virtual world, and so no one knows I've been there." iNyamu<br /><br />I know exactly how they feel. I sometimes just don't know what to put as a comment to say that I visited.Chippyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11598272265567334451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-32686086480873621812011-05-23T13:33:18.802-07:002011-05-23T13:33:18.802-07:00BOIDMAN ~
This is off-topic but... I'm thinkin...BOIDMAN ~<br />This is off-topic but... I'm thinking you did not receive the Email I sent you yesterday morning.<br /><br />It was a personal invitation for you to participate in this mini-blogfest if you would like to: <br /><br />http://discconnected.blogspot.com/2011/05/bloggin-in-wind.html<br /><br />It may be a bit late now for you to come up with something (assuming you would even WANT to join in), but certainly the invitation remains open to you (and anyone else who might want to play).<br /><br />~ D-FensDogg<br />'Loyal American Underground'Stephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-40649428854567419112011-05-23T12:39:35.484-07:002011-05-23T12:39:35.484-07:00I tried to start with the first few hundred blogs ...I tried to start with the first few hundred blogs and then I went to the end of the list and worked my way back. I in no way visited all but It made me feel better to know that I hit both ends of the spectrum of blogs. Blessings, JoanneJoannehttp://10minutes2breathe.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-49930433788948477832011-05-23T12:04:43.534-07:002011-05-23T12:04:43.534-07:00The Captcha things were really hard to deal with. ...The Captcha things were really hard to deal with. I decided to only turn mine on if spam comments were a problem. They haven't been one yet.<br /><br />Non-participants should be removed from the list. I know it sounds cruel, but there are some serious bloggers on here that don't have time for people who did A, B...and never another entry.<br /><br />I like the idea of breaking the blogs into categories, although I definitely enjoyed stumbling upon cooking and writing ones by chance. <br /><br />Overall, I loved the challenge. I still talk about it.Maggiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17601103760591682505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-74120338424295185182011-05-23T09:47:32.825-07:002011-05-23T09:47:32.825-07:00LOL! If you didn't gain followers, were you fo...LOL! If you didn't gain followers, were you following and commenting on other blogs? <br />Not crazy about the entry fee idea.L. Diane Wolfehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-67758771370518688802011-05-23T09:13:01.085-07:002011-05-23T09:13:01.085-07:00I think I agree with mybabyjohn. I thoroughly enjo...I think I agree with mybabyjohn. I thoroughly enjoyed the A to Z. We all knew what we were signing up for and no one was forcing us to visit blogs. Apart from maybe flagging up areas of interest I say leave well alone.Rosalind Adamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05363027308436257933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-40540566509889146842011-05-23T09:09:30.698-07:002011-05-23T09:09:30.698-07:00I was surprised to see the May Z to A Blogfest. I ...I was surprised to see the May Z to A Blogfest. I needed a week off myself. And I wouldn't change a thing. I think things were fine they way theey were. And I do like Hart's suggestion too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-5931971707022332022011-05-23T08:26:08.328-07:002011-05-23T08:26:08.328-07:00People really went from Z to A? That would be conf...People really went from Z to A? That would be confusing! I agree w/ no word verification & shorter posts.notesfromnadirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500676081267972noreply@blogger.com