Are you doing the "A to Z" blog challenge? Have you ever done it before?
I feel a bit apprehensive about doing this. It's not about the theme or the daily posts. I know exactly what I'd do... in fact it's (semi-)practically all set. But there's another big question lurking behind my decision.
What is my motive? I'm not about "followers."
I love the people who "join my journey," visiting and leaving a comment about something they like or relate to. I've been blogging since 2006... having followers has never been the reason for my blogging. And since I don't see myself as a writer, cranking out books, I haven't sought an audience for my blog works.
One big fear is not visiting enough blogs. I know me. I'll want to see them all. I read that last year there were 2009 participating blogs. At a minimum of one minute, per blog, it would take over 33 hours to visit them all. So I may as well toss that fear in the trash, right... maybe?
What exactly are the benefits to participate in the "A to Z" challenge? Can you tell me? Or maybe you can share a joke and we'll call it a day! (smile)
well, yours would be funny to read :) Most of the posts in A TO Z are often deadly boring :)
ReplyDeleteReally Dezzy? I don't want boredom. And I hate tying up this blog for 26 plus days (you get Sundays off). Okay maybe that's my answer. Thanks, Dah-link!
DeleteI've never done it because I simply don't have the time. But I'm a big believer in blogging what makes ourselves feel happy, amused or fulfilled. If you want to do it for yourself, do so! That's the most worthwhile reason for doing it, I think.
ReplyDeleteDebra, I know. Time is a huge issue. Gosh, research for "artful blogger" is time consuming. Those jokes don't knock on my freaking door... you know, and by the way... your post is hysterical!!
DeleteI've been thinking of doing it too, but reading Dez's comment is giving me second thoughts :P
ReplyDeleteI know, Michael. I to bore people and I hate to be bored :p
DeleteHappy Australia day... oi, oi, oi!!
I think the A to Z is really great for motivating a person who wants to blog more (and isn't currently meeting their own internal quota). It's also great for a person who wants more followers and is looking for more blogs to read. If you do decide to participate, I STRONGLY recommend writing ALL of your posts before April begins. It will be all you can do just to READ other people's blogs during April.
ReplyDeleteI did the A to Z last year and the year before. I'm not doing it this year. Mostly because I'm not all that interested in acquiring new followers via this method. I'm stressed out enough, without the pressure of blogging daily and reading daily. AND I was so exhausted in June both times that I almost quit blogging altogether. Yeah, I was that tired. Now, I don't think everyone feels that way. Many come through it all balanced out and perfectly content. I just never found that balance during April either time. Blogging took over my life and it really felt like work.
SO, if you can do A to Z and keep your life... DO IT.
Actually, I think everyone who blogs should do it once. Just to say that they did:) Just be careful with your time and don't let it take over your life!
Thank you, Robin! Good information and advice :) I think I'll skip it this year. maybe check out the blogs that are participating to pick up tips; observe how they handle it.
DeleteI'll grateful to know a "survivor". (smile).
I know a lot of people love the 'A TO Z' Blogfest that my friend Arlee Bird created. Kudos to him for hitting on such a popular idea. It's just not for me though.
ReplyDeleteI tried it the first or second year and got as far as the letter "O" which I titled "OVER AND OUT". To me (not to everyone, but to me) it felt too much like a job - I was expected to show up every day and perform, whether I wanted to or not, whether I felt inspired to perform or not. Then I was expected to visit a whole lot of blogs I wouldn't ordinarily visit and think of some comment to leave.
I already have a full-time job and didn't need another. It was too time-consuming for me. It would be great for a retired person who wants to meet a lot of new people, but for a working person, it's a bit much.
It's not something I would try again, but it pleases me to see that Lee's baby is so popular with so many people and has kind of made him a celebrity in our blogging world.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Thanks, ~D-FensDogg,
Delete> "I know a lot of people love the 'A TO Z' Blogfest that my friend Arlee Bird created. Kudos to him for hitting on such a popular idea."
I agree, and when I read that 2009 bloggers participated last year, it was very impressive! And scary! I love reading his posts and BOTB days... I can't imagine how he gets it all done.
I don't work, but have other issues that involve time limits outside the blogworld. I empathize with what you're saying.
Thanks for your input! "OVER AND OUT," that's pretty funny (smile).
Hi Dixie. Last year was my second time in the A-Z. I almost talked myself out of it, and then because I debated so long, when I finally did enter, I had only a few posts completed in advance. It was CRAZY, trying to keep up....I was SO BURNED OUT, and then coupled with moving into a new home, it was months before I returned to my blog. Nevertheless, when the A-Z was over, I had a nice collection of posts I was proud of, and one I could add to the previous year's collection. I made sure I had blogged about something I wanted to learn (I was curious about the health benefits of fruit and their origin; the previous year I blog about a family collection of stereoviews). For me, learning something new is key to doing the A-Z. I like researching things. It can be academic or even something fun or entertaining. I just want to learn something new. If you do it, I highly recommend having a theme. I admit that members were really important to me in the beginning, because I only knew one blogger at first. Now that I know a lot, it's not so critical but I still enjoy meeting new bloggers. You can sort through only some on the list or visit so many. Everyone has a personal limit and no one expects you to visit all the blogs. You can go through the list pretty fast though beforehand, eliminating those you are not interested in, but mostly you'll visit those near your name on the list. Aside from learning something new, I like the challenge of it all. I have a theme in mind but I'm not sure if I'll have time this year. I'm trying to submit a book and the learning curve is new territory for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sharon. You hit upon one thing that certainly concerns me. Having a theme, and preparing it fully... would allow me more space to actually enjoy the blogfest. I don't really want to throw it together at the last minute.
DeleteI'm sure I'd learn a lot and would meet some lovely people. My current participation in two bloghops has proven to be a delightful and rewarding challenge, and maybe that's enough, for me, for now.
One thing about it, Sharon, I have an outline that I can work on for next year. I think it would be more fun if I could remain relaxed throughout it.
I appreciate your input, and look forward to reading more about the nursing ship at your place!
I've done 3 years of A-Z and I love it because I have to post every day and I have to find things to blog every day. My blogging schedule has become rather erratic in the past year or so because I figure people aren't really that interested in what I'm doing or writing or thinking anymore, so rather than repeating myself or banging out something for the sake of it, I just don't blog. The A-Z forces me to think of things to write about and post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kate. I understand erratic.
DeleteHealth issues crop up on occasion, interfering with my blogworld. Not only do I post less, but the people I love to read, and the ones who've 'joined my journey' don't hear from me. It's not that I'm ignoring them.
This past year I was away for eight months. That's a long time in blogland and people will have a tendency to 'forget' me. I understand. So coming back from a dry spell is challenging and rewarding, catching up on everyone's writings.
Three years of the A-Z, wow! You really are one of the 'survivors'... that's great!! Maybe you might want your own A-Z type system for the rest of the year. Just a thought. Only don't go negative thinking. I changed the appearance of my blog when I found some had trouble, visually with the all black background.
I wish the best with the A-Z and hopefully it will give you renewed belief in yourself and what you choose to write about. I'm sure visiting others and viewing their world will inspire (smile).
Hi Dixie,
ReplyDeleteI did the challenge last year and didn't enjoy it at all. I'm not a disciplined blogger - I keep my blog as a kind of journal and only write when I feel like it (my own self-imposed segments are to ensure I write at least twice a week!) so it was daunting for me to have to blog, respond to comments and visit other people's pages every day! My reason for doing it in the first place was to teach myself discipline and I failed miserably, then felt even worse about myself for failing... Reading some of the above comments though, I don't feel so bad anymore. I'm glad others had a similar experience and most agree that if you have a job (or any kind of life at all) you simply don't have the time to be an active participant!
Thanks, Lena!!! You have helped me rest my case. And I hope you have a great time this weekend!
Delete