All Write…It’s Friday!!!
Happy Blogoversary to ME!!!!!
And you know how it is…when you reach a
milestone, you look ahead and choose another.
Me? I
want to give my poor little schizophrenic blog a bit more direction.
So, I have decided…drum roll…my first post of
the week…I’ll do whatever I want.
Buuuutttt on Friday I’m going to try to give
back to my writing community.
Why? “Cause I’d still be mailing queries to
“whom it may concern” if it weren’t for you guys…yeah…you know who you are!
All Write…It’s Friday!!! Post #1
~Joining
the Blogosphere~
When I first started this blog, I had boy#2
(Cole) as tech support, boy #1 (Caleb) as proof reader, boy #3 (Carter) as
content monitor…and yes it’s about time I tell the world…Carter Seckman is
sexy…I keep receiving poor content reviews because I have not made this fact
public and until I do the blog will lack the hard core honesty it needs to grow…
and boy #4 (Conner), who told his teacher….you
think her school notes are funny…read her blog…as promoter.
That was my team. I didn’t know too many other
bloggers and honestly, I had NO idea what I was doing.
Then I met this lady…Cassie Mae!!! (Sup.) Since
I’ve met Cassie, I no longer feel like I am wandering around the internet all
alone (no offense to my old team…though honestly, they are probably getting
tired of being bugged.)
So, for whatever reasons…you want to start a
blog…here’s Cassie to get you started…
*hehe…I asked Cassie if she would contribute…little
did she know I’m giving her the whole post! (For real! Now there’s a ton of
pressure!)
Cassie…I will so owe you a Mt. Dew if you will
answer just one question…
What advice do you have for a new blogger?
Deal! I’ll be expecting that drink in the mail. ;) you betcha chick!
(oh yeah,
that’s me in black, cause I am a chatty little interrupter!)
Okay, so I’ll give ya the basics… and pretend to know what I’m talking
about, lol.
I bullet things so people read them. (Hey! That’s a tip right there!) (woe
there reader, that’s the little dot before each topic…she’s not threatening you…relax.)
*Easiest thing you can
do? Put your followers and your ‘About Me’ up top. Up there. ^ Know why???
(Hey Cassie...whatcha think? I’m considering going with the existential me def…I
am a flower, my petals dropping with the wind…fine I won’t…stop rolling your
eyes! Good grief...continue please...)
Think about when you visit a blog you haven’t been to before. You
read the post and dude, it’s awesome. You wanna follow this blogger. But who is
this blogger?
Scroll, scroll, scroll.
Mmmkay, I see awards, twitter button, bloghops, quotes, current wip,
current pageviews… where the heck are they?
Oh! There they are! Sweet! Okay,
now how can I follow?
Where are their followers???
Do they have any?
Or do I just gotta click the little button at the top of the blog that
only works about half the time.
Scroll, scroll, scroll.
Ah ha! Found them.
Okay. Now, let’s do this scenario again.
Dude! This blog rocks! Who is this person?
No scrolling necessary, it’s right there! Right next to the followers
button. Sweet! *clicks Join This Site*
Done and done.
*Font and background
(I instinctually did this right, cause I
have 40 year old eyes )
Super dark blog. I can read it (thank heavens) cuz the font is in white.
*spends a few minutes reading, commenting… blah blah blah.*
*Clicks back over to google reader.*
Agh! My freakin’ eyes! Dude that is bright!
Word of advice. Dark blogs: Okay, as long as it’s not all dark. Same thing
with bright blogs. And always, ALWAYS, make the font color, size, and font
itself readable. No one likes to squint.
*Content
Monday’s post: Holy crap, life sucks and everything about it is just crap.
I’d crawl into a hole, but no one would know I went missing, so what’s the
point?
Tuesday’s post: Guess what? I discovered that every religion is one big
piece o’ sh**. I dare you to disagree with me. I’ve got proof.
Wednesday’s post: I don’t get why agents don’t just read what’s right in
front of them. I’m a freakin’ brilliant writer. I’d make them a ton of money!
And they keep sending me forms? Screw them. All of them.
Thursday’s post: Guess who’s better
than every single person who commented on my Tuesday post? That’s right suckas!
Kiss my a**!
Friday’s post: I don’t understand why no one comes around anymore.
Ahem… need I say more?
(but this might work if you want a small, but
loyal group of negative Nellie followers,
people who understand life sucks, you’ll never make it as a writer, and it’s
because the whole world is out to get you…NO, sweets, never getting anything
beyond a form rejection has nothing to do with your charming personality or your
refusal to learn!)
*Be a Friend
Someone follows you, follow back. Follow your bloggy buddies’ buds.
Respond to the comments left on your posts, whether in email or comment thread.
Let them know they are important to you, and you appreciate them reading what
you’ve had to say, and giving their input. Comment on their blogs. Create
folders in Google Reader and make sure you visit the people who visit you. Blogging
is not something you do halfway if you want to be a successful blogger. You
gotta go full out! And you won’t regret it either. I have met some great people
through blogging. (Miss Elizabeth included ;) (right back at ya chick!)) Take advantage of the opportunity
here.
*There are a ton more
things, but advice number… uh, I forget what number I’m on… Try not to be too
lengthy. (I suck at this BTW) I’m gonna say it, though you all are gonna deny
it. People skim. I skim sometimes. It sucks, but it’s true. So keep it real,
but also try to keep it short. (I know… hypocrite speaking here!) And if you
are going to be long-winded, keep it entertaining. (Again, not sure how I do at
this either.)
See! There’s stuff even I need to work on!
(yeah, we
broke the rule on this one…but cause you’re here…it’s uber entertaining!)
Okay, so that’s enough spewage. BUT! I’ll be here all day people! So if
you have any questions, leave them in the comment section and I’ll pretend to
know the answer.
Thanks Elizabeth! You are freakin’ awesome! (as are
you!!!!!) *waits patiently for Mountain Dew* LOL…didn’t
it already arrive? Did you check your mailbox…it was there…with a check…for
like, um a million dollars…cause of course
that is what your priceless advice is worth!
Thanks Cassie! And you, the hardy little dedicated wonderful lovable person that read this far...
CLICK HERE meet Cassie on her own turf. :)
Thanks Cassie! And you, the hardy little dedicated wonderful lovable person that read this far...
CLICK HERE meet Cassie on her own turf. :)
I love Cassie! She helped me (unknowingly) while I was starting out, and now I feel like a part of this lovely writey, bloggy family!
ReplyDeleteThere is a "thank you" post in my future, I think! :D
I did? Wow Kyra, you are like uber popular so I'm totally freakin' out that *I* helped *you*! Thanks girl!
DeleteCassie you are the best!
Delete@Kyra, this is a wonderful family. You're the the cousin across the pond we actually look forward to seeing at reunions!
Great advice, Cassie! Who would've thunk...follow those who follow me! LOL
ReplyDeleteI know right? Beat them at their own game! Haha!
DeleteGreat post I couldn't stop cracking up at the Mon-Fri posts. They were awesome! And I couldn't agree more about having your followers be at the top of your blog. I get so sad when I can't find it! Then I get determined and it's like a scavenger hunt.
ReplyDeleteLol, maybe I should move my followers so it'll be an adventure when people try to find it! LOL.
DeleteGreat advice. Came over from Cassie's blog. Nice to "meet" you. :)
ReplyDeletethanks for following me over here girl!
DeleteNice to meet you too Jessica! I wish I hadn't been driving yesterday, looks like you guys had a lot of fun here!
Deleteawesome tips Cassie. I love commenting on a blog and then getting a response from the blogger, so I have started to do that on my own blog and it really does make it feel more like a conversation then just me talking to the air.
ReplyDeletethe other thing I'm trying to be better at is commenting on people's blogs that comment on mine... I still need work on that, sometimes there's just not enough hours in the day. But I'm getting there!
Me too! I love that subscribe button so I can see when people have responded to one of my comments. But they took it off the pop up window!
DeleteOh blogger! Why does thou hate me????
I agree. I enjoy posting, but it's the 'getting to know' the people we're connecting with that makes it the most addictive!
DeleteTrying to follow, but having trobles with the dumb computer I'm on. I'll come back later. :)
ReplyDeleteI ahd problems yesterday too! Blogger kept giving me error messages every time I tried to comment. Grrr. So, I have a lot of actching up to do today!
DeleteThe content one is spot on! I actually follow a couple people like that. Don't comment though. Wonder why?
ReplyDeleteGood stuff, Cassie! Especially about getting that follower widget up where we can find it. And a link to one's profile.
Oh, you comment on mine! *wipes forehead free of perspiration*
DeleteAnd yes on the profile link! That def. needs to be up there :)
@Alex, glad you took the time to comment here. You're a bit of a blogging legend...I feel special...even if you came for Cassie :)
DeleteI wish I would've used blogspot so I could have followers too. Wordpress sucks (sometimes).
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary Elizabeth!
You can use networked blogs. That one should be compatible with it :D
DeleteThank you Suzi!
DeleteCome on over to Blogger...we'll have you a welcome party!
A bunch of wonderful common sense tips. Thanks. And you are oh-so-right about the negative Nellies. Everybody has a bad day now and then, but a constant stream of negative whines and complaints gets old real fast. Ditto the "I'm THE best writer ever blah blah blah."
ReplyDeleteEvery now and then yes, a woe is me post is totally fine. Shows us there is a real person posting, lol.
Delete@Susan- those people who think they're the best annoy me. I mean, how can they be the best when they're not me?
DeleteLOL...just joking. I have so much to learn and I am so grateful to all the people who help me out (like Miss Cassie!)
Great interview! Glad Cassie sent me over here cause I'm now a follower ;) You two are hilarious!
ReplyDeleteOh I didn't know you didn't know Elizabeth already! She's amazing Hope! I would've introduced you sooner :D
DeleteYay!!!!!! And thank you Hope!! Always excited to have new friends. :)
DeleteAren't you full of cheer today, Cassie Mae! Between this post and your one at the Dojo, I am feeling the love.
ReplyDeleteLet's cuddle.
Thanks for interviewing Cassie Mae, Elizabeth! *waving*
Totally let's cuddle! Don't mind the boob slap and butt grab.
DeleteOR! I may just rub your belly cuz you're prego. Ya, I'm one of those weird people who do that, lol.
You're welcome Emily. :)
DeleteJust wanted to bring some vavoom to the blog!
You girls are the bestest!!! I loved this, and I think Cassie is a blog master :)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth- as always, your wit cracks me up :)
AWWW thanks Amber!
DeleteThanks Amber. Always glad to see you drop by. You're such an uplifting spirit. :)
DeleteI love your fake blog schedule. Hehe. Negative Nellie. We call my son Debbie Downer when he gets like that.
ReplyDeleteNice advice Cassie!
Oh I bet he loves that! Lol.
DeleteThanks for manning the ship Cassie! I'm traveling to SC, so I'm just sneaking peaks when I get a chance at an Internet connection.
DeleteCan't wait to read them all better tomorrow!
LOL...Debbie Downer...I'm seeing a children's book...
DeleteGreat advice, Cassie!
ReplyDeleteThanks Annalisa!
DeleteGreat interview ladies! Love both of you! :)
ReplyDeleteLove you too :D
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DeleteDitto Cassie <3
DeleteHey Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteSo Carole hacked into your account, too, and made it look like she was invited, huh :)
The things that woman will do to get a free Mt. Dew... at least she'll never make it onto *my* blog...... oh...
Great job, Claire, and I'm glad you mentioned brevity as one of your weak areas... otherwise I was going to do a Hula and sing "liar, liar, pants sooooo on fire :)~
Elizabeth, thanks for hosting Cici and my best wishes as you begin the recovery process :)
oh my goodness, you caught me! Don't tell anyone in the blogoverse I know how to hack in their account!
DeleteI should've not mentioned the weakness. I think I would've liked to have seen the liar hula dance. :D
And are you still recovering from my interview on Monday? I was wondering the real reason why you've decided to step back ;)
I know Mark. I'm just sooooooo popular, she just had to come bask in my glory. Ha!
DeleteLovely to meet you Elizabeth....and welcome back Cassie...you have me racing for the Thesaurus. I think why you are so successful (and there are too many reasons to mention here)- is because you are so sincere and genuine...people really like that!! Have a great weekend ladies.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeff! And I'm pretty sure most of the words I've used are made up. :D
DeleteI can't agree more Jeff (being forward enough to assume we are on a first name basis)! Cassie is all that she appears to be. She has been so helpful to me, I am forever grateful. And I'm glad you're sticking around! I just love *meeting* new talented people!
DeleteThat was the funniest advice post I've read :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd something worked, because I'm following Elizabeth now :-)
Yay!!! And thanks Sarah. I'm always excited to get new peeps. One more brain to pick when I'm in a jam!
DeleteSarah, do you have a blog? I was trying to check it out and couldn't find one.
DeleteShe does have a blog. It's called Empty White Pages :)
DeleteHmm... let me find the link...
http://emptywhitepages.blogspot.com/
Thanks Cassie! Now, I must go check it out.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteVery nice that you had Cassie by. And thanks for adding me to your blog list.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Sheena. :)
DeleteHello Elizabeth, visiting over from Alex's. Happy blog anniversary.
ReplyDeleteWell hello ocean girl! Glad you stopped by. :)
DeleteLovely interview, ladies. So glad to visit your blog, Elizabeth! Following...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the follow Melodie! :)
DeleteI feel like a bad blogger cause really, it's a 24-hour job keeping up with followers/commenting/writing blog posts. I was really good for about 2 weeks, then life (college) hit. lol. Great advice!!
ReplyDeleteI know what you're saying Ashley! I just try to read up when I get some time, but I feel like I'm letting people down. :(
DeleteHow did I miss this post? Bad Angie! You two are both all kinds of awesome!
ReplyDeleteHow in the world did I miss this? I mean for real? It must be because it was last week and I was MIA. Agh! See what happens when I skip a week? It's horrible! BTW - I agree with this 110%. That's why Cassie rocks it and why you do too! I love it! Keep it up ladies. I love you both!!!
ReplyDelete