tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post6459922976093859875..comments2024-03-18T11:59:18.128-07:00Comments on Tossing It Out: A to Z Reflections 2014 #atozchallengeArlee Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-51213175932031815852014-05-15T07:49:19.301-07:002014-05-15T07:49:19.301-07:00It's always so interesting to read the discuss...It's always so interesting to read the discussion generated in your comments...but also one of the reasons I don't make it over here very often. I feel like if I can't invest the time in the post AND the discussion, then I'm going to be missing out, and I'd rather go to a whole party then just drop in for 10 minutes ;-)<br /><br />You know I love the Challenge, and I find it interesting that so many bloggers expect so many different outcomes of their efforts.<br />I think that if you gain what you're going for, then that's success, not that success should be a measure of satisfaction with a job well done...<br /><br />I gained 99 new followers, and followed a lot of new blogs. I tried to encourage small, new blogs. Many of the blogs I found this year are now in my sidebar, which for me is like my hall of fame: these folks are really special, please give them a chance. (I know others have differing criteria for their blog rolls but that's mine. It always thrills me to find myself in someone's.)<br /><br />I'm starting to ramble so I will sum up:<br /><br />You do get what you put in, in my opinion, both mathematically and qualitatively, but Andrew and I argue about that sort of thing all the time, it entertains us.<br />The Challenge is a wide open opportunity to choose a goal and pursue it.<br /><br />We all thank you for coming up with this idea, and for your strong leadership through the years.<br /><br />Proud to be part of team,<br />Tina @ <a href="http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Life is Good</a><br />On the Open Road! @ <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/2014/05/whos-ready-for-4th-annual-post.html" rel="nofollow">Join us for the 4th Annual Post-Challenge Road Trip!</a>Tinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08925730745204736744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-55847172846349868002014-05-15T00:25:57.831-07:002014-05-15T00:25:57.831-07:00Hi Lee – first I think the Challenge is great and ...Hi Lee – first I think the Challenge is great and you do get out of it what you put in ...I enjoy meeting and connecting with new bloggers which turn into a great relationship.<br /><br />I try and take into account the blogger and their level of knowledge .. ie new blogger with few followers, and where they say they’re struggling with the technology ... giving them a gentle positive nudge ... <br /><br />As Andrew says .... people who just leave a comment saying they’ve visited without making any salient reference to the blog drive me demented .. I will go back, because that’s etiquette ... but I’m not interested from there on in ... unless something changes.<br /><br />However – re that para above – if I get a funny comment and apparently from someone I don’t know ... I check them out via their profile and via the A-Z ... if they’re valid fine, but if not I remove the comment, and remove them from the following list.<br /><br />A lot of people said the Challenge petered out towards the end ... I found, very definitely this year, that things distinctly went up, and I’ve met some amazing new friends in the last week or so, or just after the Challenge.<br /><br />I did ask to get pushed over 500 ... as I’d been sitting in the late 580s – 590s for the year I think .. that triggered ‘a rush’ and I’m not up to 521 ... which I’m very grateful for. I’d rather have some wonderful friends and commenters than millions of people – well perhaps not! But I like people I can relate to ... and share things with ... you’ve created that opportunity for us ... <br /><br />Re Sandy and the WP thing .. I stay signed in to my WP account – it’s free and they don’t bother you ...and unfortunately we have similar problems with Disqus, et al ... <br /><br />Re Captcha WV being on .. I do email people or leave a comment on the blog asking them to take it off for the duration of the A-Z ... particularly if I like the content and want to continue that connection.<br /><br />Re Gary/Penny’s comment ... I feel if we enter the Challenge we know what we’re letting ourselves in for ... however establishing a ‘happy’ presence and enjoying the process is being responsible for our work ... I was lucky with my theme –which has stuck and I’ll continue on that way ... <br /><br />I felt anxious as I started blogging and trying to build friendships ... but I went slowly forwards, wrote interesting content and over time now have a most wonderful experience ... I don’t moan – what’s the point ... it’s my choice, and there are challenges, sometimes I just move on ... a necessity ... but you’ve given us a great opportunity, that we’d have never had on our own as a floating one off blogger ... <br /><br />I don’t follow via email – I use Feedly ... still not sure how it works, but I’m addressing all the technical issues – if I can’t do something I try and sort it out, or work round it ... obviously I get emails from anyone who comments on my blog ... <br /><br />I hope this isn’t too long – but hope it helps a little ... I’m a supporter ... and am so grateful you had the excellent idea ... Cheers Hilary<br />Hilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-17862817027748669462014-05-09T14:44:07.796-07:002014-05-09T14:44:07.796-07:00Maybe we're getting our inboxes overloaded and...Maybe we're getting our inboxes overloaded and finding other ways to follow? My stats for visitors has gone up and stayed up so far, which is great. But I only had two new email followers and 30 new Wordpress Reader followers.<br /><br />On the other hand I probably only followed about three new blogs by email - but I added around 60 to my Pinterest A to Z list - which is a really nice place I can put people and go and visit them whenever I feel like it, with a picture to remind me of who they are!<br /><br /><a href="http://jemimapett.com" rel="nofollow">Jemima</a>Jemima Petthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17110647375899927233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-18575666239433037282014-05-08T07:38:48.277-07:002014-05-08T07:38:48.277-07:00Looks like you had another successful challenge. I...Looks like you had another successful challenge. I have a lot to catch up on following my trip, but I look forward to all the stuff I'll have to read. Kelly Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01752857506190488860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-15412424835021445232014-05-07T14:55:44.195-07:002014-05-07T14:55:44.195-07:00Su-sieee! -- Thank you so much!
LeeSu-sieee! -- Thank you so much!<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-32894929142202545392014-05-07T12:28:36.747-07:002014-05-07T12:28:36.747-07:00Just wanted to stop by and thank you directly for ...Just wanted to stop by and thank you directly for organizing the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. :-)<br /><a href="http://su-sieeemac.com" rel="nofollow">The View from the Top of the Ladder</a>Su-sieee! Machttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-38881546865034737462014-05-07T07:17:35.022-07:002014-05-07T07:17:35.022-07:00MS -- There is a great amount of blog education in...MS -- There is a great amount of blog education in the Reflections posts and the comments.<br /><br />Sittie --#IWSG is probably a good place to talk about A to Z.<br /><br />Jamie -- A blog content evaluation might be at hand. Try a reader survey or just ask readers for their opinions about your posts. I gage a lot by the comments I get (or the lack of comments on certain posts). I see blogging as an ongoing experiment. I have still not found the surefire formula to success.<br /><br />Lee<br /><br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-13512005184374043512014-05-07T05:09:27.841-07:002014-05-07T05:09:27.841-07:00Honestly, I don't know how some people do it. ...Honestly, I don't know how some people do it. I only got 6 new followers. But there are some who got hundreds. What am I doing wrong? I know I don't have a lot of time. But I visited everyone who visited me, left comments. And then tried to get a few new ones. I did my best to be a return visitor as well. I actually did better than last year. So, Maybe I'm just not a popular type? I dunno. Either way, those who did stop by and commented liked what I did with the A to Z so that's the best thing! I mean, quality over quantity has always been my thing. But I guess my posts weren't engaging? *shrugs* I still enjoyed every bit of this challenge and loved your posts too. I commend you for having FOUR! and keeping up with each one! YOU ROCK!<br /><br />Jamie Dement (LadyJai)<br /><a href="http://writebackwards.we3dements.com" rel="nofollow">Be Positive in Life and Writing</a><br /><a href="http://caringforaveteran.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow">Caring for My Veteran</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05428537878590963832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-69611698609881628242014-05-07T04:15:21.863-07:002014-05-07T04:15:21.863-07:00I missed this! Anyway, I've included some thou...I missed this! Anyway, I've included some thoughts about the challenge as part of my IWSG post. SittieCateshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14521819279505376147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-69354599960112297462014-05-06T18:49:23.560-07:002014-05-06T18:49:23.560-07:00Excellent points in your reflection and follow-up ...Excellent points in your reflection and follow-up comments. <br />I've learned a lot during the challenge and even more reading the many reflections. <br />Thanks ! <br />Mary @ <a href="http://www.mary-sky.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">The View from my World</a>MShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05847657888731338351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-51951504574057032472014-05-06T15:42:33.593-07:002014-05-06T15:42:33.593-07:00Gary/Penny -- You make a good point and many other...Gary/Penny -- You make a good point and many others feel the same way. When I first started A to Z I'll admit it was about the numbers, but then I came to realize the potential of community and see that this is where the real importance of the Challenge is. <br /><br /> Also the content creation is very important. Every year I see some of the most amazing and creative content coming out of the A to Z. This to me is very important for any serious blogger or writer who wants to build a body of online work. Just realizing all of the books that have resulted from A to Z is pretty impressive.<br /><br />The A to Z Challenge is no empty endeavor of vanity. There is productivity, education, and writing exercise that make up a big part of the Challenge. And the friendships and professional relationships--those are hard to beat.<br /><br />You're right--A to Z is not a contest. It's not an obligation. It's a Challenge. For some it's attaining a personal best. For others it's a fun social event. For everyone it's a matter of what they get out of it. Not everyone likes this sort of thing and that's fine. A lot of folks do and this fills a blogging need for them. It's done a lot for me as a blogger and from the things we hear a lot of others there is a benefit.<br /><br />A to Z is something to do in April that is generally good in the eyes of most. That works for me.<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-20014262024676408602014-05-06T15:12:07.984-07:002014-05-06T15:12:07.984-07:00Carol-- Not much that I can add to your incredible...Carol-- Not much that I can add to your incredible comment other than thank you. This is what I like to hear and what makes our efforts worth the while. Thank you for seeing the Challenge to the end.<br /><br />Loni -- The numbers are just an added bonus, but the solidifying of community is the most important aspect. I'm glad you got that much from this event.<br /><br />Elsie - Firstly thank you for the help you gave us. Your contribution is invaluable to us. You're right about the tough subject matter that you blogged about but still I think you did commendably. Sometimes I find that my research on a topic is enough to provide value to me. You've help establish some additional credibility for yourself and your blog.<br /><br />Sarah-- Good news to hear! I think I've just gotten used the CAPTCHA so I barely notice it much of the time. When I do notice I usually let the blogger know because often they don't even realize that the Word Verification is enabled.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-17716582622309247742014-05-06T14:54:30.071-07:002014-05-06T14:54:30.071-07:00Hi Lee,
If I was even considering joining the A t...Hi Lee,<br /><br />If I was even considering joining the A to Z, my main priority would be a sharing, caring, genuine ethos. I'm not bothered about accumulating followers. Besides, follower totals, in many cases, is most superficial. My human and I are grateful for the huge interaction we share, regardless.<br /><br />My thoughts about the A to Z, despite my bringing awareness to it in my ironic way, is that it's way too long. Actually, you wont know this, but my human and I get emails from folks who struggle with it. Feel guilty they cannot keep up with reciprocating back to others as much as they wish they could. My human and I tell them to go at their own pace and remember this isn't a contest. <br /><br />Glad to see you get such glowing endorsements. <br /><br />You know I did a reflection pawst, my human friend. Yes, my human and I do our own thing and we like it like that.<br /><br />Well done and we hope you will co-host the Alphabark Challenge, 2015!<br /><br />Pawsitive wishes,<br /><br />Penny, the cordial host of the Alphabark Challenge, 2014! klahaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08613505424843475639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-79083999869558832522014-05-06T11:27:13.734-07:002014-05-06T11:27:13.734-07:00I loved my first attempt at the A to Z challenge! ...I loved my first attempt at the A to Z challenge! My following increased by 50% over the month of April, and that's great. But what I found the most satisfying, I found an awesome bunch of bloggers who I class as my blogging buddies now.<br /><br />I did come across captcha on a few blogs, it was fine to start with, but after a while it got annoying. It didn't stop me however, from commenting.<br /><br />Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, and I've learned a few things for next year.<br /><br />Thank you to you, the co-hosts and minions for all your hard work in making this challenge possible.<br /><br />Sarah.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-4072209208772739532014-05-06T11:22:38.558-07:002014-05-06T11:22:38.558-07:00Hi Lee,
This was my first year as a participant. ...Hi Lee,<br /><br />This was my first year as a participant. I also decided to be a minion because I wanted to make myself accountable to the Challenge and to myself. I knew I wouldn't fail if someone else was relying on me. I'm glad I did it and feel like even without being a minion, I would have stuck it out - although I joked I wouldn't have - I think there would have been to much disappointment in myself if I hadn't.<br /><br />I didn't expect much of a jump in numbers because of my blog content. It can be a difficult topic to follow (sex addiction) and while I don't talk about it daily, I understand it scares people away. Add in that I did my Challenge on SA, and well, I didn't expect to gain many followers, but still, I think I added about fifteen people and on a small blog like mine, that's quite a bit. <br /><br />I really chose to do the Challenge for me and to find more blogs to follow. I will continue to comb through the list. I think it's a great place to find great people. And, now that the Challenge is over, we can all dedicate more time to commenting again.<br /><br />I just wanted to swing by and say thank you. Also, I stumbled upon your Bible study blog and love it. I'm not one to comment very often on religious blogs because it is such a personal matter, so, I may be a bit awkward on there, (ask C.W. he knows! poor guy!) But, I do love to read them)<br /><br />Okay, longest comment ever is finally over.<br /><br />Thank you again!!<br /><br /><a href="http://mockturtlemusings.com" rel="nofollow">Elsie</a><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-455929447620030512014-05-06T08:53:55.251-07:002014-05-06T08:53:55.251-07:00Albeit, I didn't see a huge jump in numbers, I...Albeit, I didn't see a huge jump in numbers, I made some invaluable new friends during this challenge. I agree that I got out of it what I put in, because I spent most of my limited time visiting those friends I already had (they are just so darn interesting). But I made some strong new connections with people I really enjoy reading. <br /><br />I didn't get to many of your blog posts, but I'm going to go back and read this and Wrote by Rote's to play catch-up. Should be easier since most of my blogging friend dropped down to weekly posting again, giving me more time to spread reading love. <br /><br />Thank you for starting this amazing challenge, Arlee!Loni Townsendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05126958230703180761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-14412731041493858472014-05-06T08:50:14.638-07:002014-05-06T08:50:14.638-07:00Thank you for this incredible informative post. T...Thank you for this incredible informative post. This was my first year in the challenge and my first year at blogging. What I learned and who I met will last forever. <br /><br />Of course it was difficult some days but we did it and should all be proud of ourselves.<br /><br />The first day of the challenge I got personal devastating news and didn't know how I was going to get through the next few days, let alone the A - Z but......it actually helped to work on my posts to keep me focused on something positive.<br /><br />Thank you again<br />Battered Hopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04084857421183756543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-7442339678307159152014-05-06T07:49:50.811-07:002014-05-06T07:49:50.811-07:00Cifar -- Thank you for your regular visits.
Sandy...Cifar -- Thank you for your regular visits.<br /><br />Sandy -- I've done this stuff, but I'm not sure how to tell you I did it. Over the years I've gone round and round with all things related to Wordpress, but I can't recall how I accomplished any of it and often it's been a matter of constant tweaking. Sorry that I'm not much direct help. When I was dealing with these issues I'd just google the problem and find the answer eventually there. That's how I do just about all technical computer things these days--Google it, fix it, and then forget what I did. Life's too complicated anymore.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-19253241005381858302014-05-06T07:34:34.184-07:002014-05-06T07:34:34.184-07:00Totally off topic, but I consider you knowledgeabl...Totally off topic, but I consider you knowledgeable and thought you might know the answer. I tried to make a gravatar through someone's urging, which meant I had to join wordpress...err and now I'm unable to leave comments on wordpress blogs without signing into that account with I don't want to use...it won't let me leave me blogspot url's. Any ideas how to fix it? I managed to tell it not to use the gravatar, tried to dummy the email it's attached to...they say you can't change your email, people get new accounts, that's silly. I can't find a way to delete my account.<br /><br />Thanks for your brain<br /><a href="http://travelingsuitcase.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Sandy at Traveling Suitcase</a>Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13141251905909903805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-15442078475250124042014-05-06T01:53:55.215-07:002014-05-06T01:53:55.215-07:00Enjoyed your post during the challenge,hope to rea...Enjoyed your post during the challenge,hope to read you more in the future.<br /><br /><a href="http://blogthepoint.blogspot.com/2014/05/reflections-of-to-z-challenge.html" rel="nofollow">My Reflection post</a>Cifarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03435254563163870510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-52413675965414747812014-05-05T21:42:25.552-07:002014-05-05T21:42:25.552-07:00Jennifer -- We'd always clash with something. ...Jennifer -- We'd always clash with something. Here's an idea though. Combine the two events. A poem a day alphabetized.<br /><br />Jo -- Thanks for the behind the scenes work you put in. This is such an important help to all of us.<br /><br />Damyanti -- I hear you! And you did an amazing job considering what you were dealing with.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-12527148536672407572014-05-05T18:32:14.601-07:002014-05-05T18:32:14.601-07:00Sarah -- I agree. I had all the best intentions t...Sarah -- I agree. I had all the best intentions to prepare ahead of time and then things went awry. Preparation makes a big difference.<br /><br />Andrew --Your stats say a lot I'm sure and I don't doubt that part, but I think there are so many other things to take into account that can't be extrapolated by the numbers alone. You had great content this year--I think I visited every post because I was so interested. But there must be something else. Wish I knew the easy answers for your blog. I have a pretty good idea about mine.<br /><br />Nicki -- I think each blogger has to decide for themselves what they'd like their own immediate community to look like and focus on that. I see the same core visiting my blogs and it's most important to hang onto them first.<br /><br />Judy -- I think your content has a lot to do with the audience you draw. You post content that could easily be expanded into something worth publishing after the Challenge.<br /><br />CW -- Be sure to call me out if you see anything you think is errant, but a reassurance is important too if you are in agreement.<br /><br />Patricia -- The way I see it is if you aren't interested in the community aspect of A to Z it will be revealed eventually and you won't have much interest from anyone regarding what you're doing. I hope you emphasize this point with your friend. Blogging is social networking.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-38597515009317999902014-05-05T17:51:05.874-07:002014-05-05T17:51:05.874-07:00I wish I had more hours in the day, and also less ...I wish I had more hours in the day, and also less trouble in my offline life so I could focus more on the challenge in April-- I didn't visit nearly as many blogs as I wanted to visit-- I know I didn't comment on all your blogs.<br /><br />I don't know if the challenge helped me much in terms of visitors or followers, but I did make a few good friends, and I think that was worth the price of admission! :)<br /><br />Thank you for starting this all off four years ago!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04283371140346602856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-82077984321185026442014-05-05T17:50:41.853-07:002014-05-05T17:50:41.853-07:00I did get some new followers this year and basical...I did get some new followers this year and basically enjoyed the Challenge. I made sure to visit every new person who visited me and ended up following some of them. I also am following some of the blogs I came across in my minion duties. I do agree, you reap what you sow.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14087140585742801854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-63733077637822165512014-05-05T16:47:42.868-07:002014-05-05T16:47:42.868-07:00I really enjoyed all of the content available duri...I really enjoyed all of the content available during April. I wish A-Z took place in, say, June so it wouldn't clash with the Poem-A-Day challenge. Sill, as a spectator, it was fun!Jennifer Ruth Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04699005759754946494noreply@blogger.com