This could not have happened at a more inconvenient time. I’m going to be (even more so) out of the loop for the next week or so. It seems I have done myself some damage while getting ready for Thing1’s graduation. I’ve managed to to over-stress and inflame (because just doing one of them wasn’t enough – classic over-achiever) my right trapezius and sternocleidomastoideus (yeah, I had to look it up too) muscles. I’m knotted up like an over-wound rubber band.
Tag Archive for blogging
Hey, I’m Award Winning! – The Versatile Blogger Award
First off, and before I forget, many, many thanks to Melanie Marttila over at Writely Goodness for manominating It was a Dark & Stormy Night … for The Versatile Blogger Award.
Thank you Melanie! I mention her name so you will know who to blame in the future. I must say, I feel like I imagine blue ribbon cattle feel; outstanding in their field.
Seriously (if I can be taken at face value), it is quite an honor, especially since it is bestowed by a peer. I wasn’t sure who was reading my ramblings, outside of friends and family, so it’s encouraging. Yes, I have been encouraged and will continue (the last spoken to embarrassed spawn).
Continue reading Hey, I’m Award Winning! – The Versatile Blogger Award »
Out To Guest Dragon
I am off Guest Blogging today at Letters To People Who Won’t Read Them; thank you Amber James for hosting! So, pop on over and read “Dear Inattentive Driver,” then comment profusely. See, I trying to engage you interactively.
Last week I put out a “Help Wanted: Looking for Guest Bloggers” sign. Nary a peep. *Sigh*
This week, I’m trying a more direct approach … the dragon. I mean, hey; the sign didn’t work. Dragons are cool, right? I see it as a reverse psychology approach, “Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and good with ketchup!”
Last week, I asked for Guest Bloggers and I got nada. This week I’m telling them to stay away and I’m bracing myself for the impending rush as we speak. Why dragons, you may ask?
Gone Blogging!
Today I’m Guest Blogger over at Mel’s Madness. Go and visit, comment and let Mel know how much you appreciate her. You’re reading, she’s a teacher, do the math. Mel is gracious enough to host a local writer’s workshop that I have been known to frequent (if you abuse the term ‘frequent’). I told her I’d ask all 18 of you to go and visit. Consider yourself asked.
Next week, I’m guesting at Letters To People Who Won’t Read Them. With a title like that, you know that snark is around the corner. It just begs to be read! I’ll have more info on that later.
I’m having a great deal of fun doing these guest posts. What would really be fun is for you to Guest Blog here! If you’re a blogger, writer, or just have something to say, check out the “Be Our Guest” link up top. I’d love to host you!
Spring Cleaning – Categories
Tomorrow I will be the Guest Blogger at Mel’s Madness. That’s the first bit of spring cleaning that needed doing. I’m not sure how I feel about it. Mel’s place is non-fiction and, as I’m sure my family will tell you, I like to make stuff up. Tomorrow’s offering is a (mostly) auto-biographical piece, in keeping with Mel’s blog. It is, quite frankly, a stretch for me. Anyhoo, head over tomorrow and give it a gander.
Yes, I know the image looks more like holding on than letting go, but it has two things going for it. When you start the cleaning process, things do get tossed and decisions have to be made, otherwise you are just shuffling stuff. And second, it’s a free image.
I have been taking (forever with) the April Platform Challenge. One of the areas that wasn’t specifically covered was how to handle tags or, as Blogger calls them, categories. I’ve been going hog wild with them and there’s an issue with that; it makes it hard to have a coherent search.
Around day 20, the challenge was to create an editorial calendar. You know, what are you going to be doing when. This forces you, as the blogger, to determine your scope, what areas you are willing (or have time) to cover. I came up with 18. At last count, I had 61 categories and not all of my new topics overlapped my old categories. You see the problem?
I toyed with the idea of using a noun-verb approach. For example, I would have a “Review” category and a “Books,” “Movies,” “Podcasts,” and “Blogs” categories. If I had a book review, I would choose the “Books” and the “Review” categories, etc. I think that approach might work well for some blogs. I haven’t made a final decision yet, but I’m leaning towards a straight “Review” category for now. I feel I can always add the others in later, if the situation warrants it.
Yeah, I know it’s an administrative thing and I shouldn’t get wrapped around the axle about it, but like all Spring Cleaning, it’ll look better when I’m done. Sometime, in the next week or so, look for the new categories to be in place; unless I get distract by something shiny.
Oh, and I have another Guest Blogger appearance scheduled next week at Letters To People Who Won’t Read Them. I’ll have more info on that later. If you’re a blogger, check out the “Be Our Guest” link up top. I’d love to host you here.
