IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The 2024 OFFICIAL MASTER LIST: https://tinyurl.com/w54yupwe

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Time for Reflection on the 2016 Challenge




         Think you're done with the Challenge?   Well, hang on just a minute!  We want to hear what you thought about the 2016 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.  Before you take a break from blogging for a while or if you're just going back to blogging business as usual, please take a moment to reflect a bit.   We'd like to hear just one more little thing:  Tell us about your A to Z experience.

         The A to Z Reflections Post has become a tradition as most Challenge vets will remember.  We've done this since the first Challenge in 2010.  What we request is that in a post on your own blog you tell us all something about the Challenge that impacted you the most.

         This post can be about any April A to Z related topic and presented in any form that you like.  Your post doesn't have to be long and complicated unless that's what you want to do.  Like the regular A to Z posts, the Reflections Post can be whatever you want it to be just as long it's about the April Challenge.

           This is the time for you to register your complaints about anything Challenge related.  Let us know the weaknesses along with your suggestions as to how they can be improved.   We don't mind hearing the negative aspects of A to Z, but we hope you will have some positives to report as well.  Relate your anecdotes about interactions with the A to Z staff or other bloggers.   Offer praise to the outstanding bloggers in this year's Challenge or tell us about particular posts or themes that you think deserve recognition.

          Incidentally, even if you didn't participate in the Challenge itself or didn't finish the A to Z Challenge but have something about it that you think is worth mentioning, you are welcomed to add your own Reflections post as long as you were following some of the A to Z posts.   Do not take this invitation as a license to just get on the list with some random post that has nothing to do with A to Z.   These non-Challenge related post links will be removed from the list.  

          The Reflections Post is your time to tell everyone what's on your mind about the A to Z Challenge.  If you want to brag about your own blog then go ahead.  If you want to brag on something else then that's definitely welcomed.  Good, bad, indifferent or however you feel, tell the rest of us.  Whatever you feel is worth saying, then say it.   Even if it's just your blog stats for April--that's valuable information that might help us get some ideas.  Say what you have to say and we will listen.

We Want Next Year to Be Better

          The Challenge of 2016 was pretty darn good by my estimation, but there's always room for improvement.  That's one reason why we like the Reflections Posts.   We get ideas on what not to do in the future and even better we get some ideas on what we can do to improve future events.  

          Many of you have some good ideas that the A to Z Team may have never considered before.  Let's hear those ideas so we can do some brainstorming.   And even if your brain is not brimming with ideas for improvement, just your general thoughts can stimulate some thinking.  Don't think that you have nothing to say because everything any of you say is worth hearing.

          Bottom line is that we want to hear from you.  All of you are important to us and each of you has some valuable input that will be lost if you don't tell us.

"What Do I Do?"

         If this is the question you're asking then let me explain.   Starting anytime between now and Friday May 13th, put together your thoughts in a Reflections Post.   No rules on this as it can be as short or as long as you like and it can be composed in any way that you wish.    Once your Reflections piece has been written then add the "Reflections" badge that you see at the top of this page to your composition.  When you have your Reflections ready to go then post it on your own blog site.

          On Monday May 9th the Reflections Linky List will appear on this blog--The Blogging from A to Z Challenge Blog.   Add the link of the Reflections post that you have already posted on your site.  ***NOTE:  Add the link that directs to your Reflections Post and not your general blog URL***Please don't do this wrong and expect us to have to go back to fix it!

         You can post anytime between now and next Friday May 13th.  You must post your Reflections to your own blog before you can add it to the list at the A to Z Blog.  Only add your link to the list if you have actually done a Reflections post.  This Linky List will be accessible to all for the rest of the year so it can be advantageous for you to participate.

       Hopefully this is all clear to everyone, but don't hesitate to ask questions in the comment section if there is anything at all you don't understand.  


         Those who have successfully completed the 2016 A to Z Challenge are invited to copy the Survivor badge below and display it on your own blog to show your visitors that you are an A to Z Winner!






31 comments:

MLQ said...

I've begun jotting down reflections! Super experience, Arlee! You've given me more ideas with this post.
https://meinthemiddlewrites.com/category/a-to-z-challenge/

Arlee Bird said...

That's what we want! Thank you and look forward to reading your thoughts.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

LissaJ said...

BTW I've put together a Listly of participants like yourself who have written a challenge recap here http://list.ly/list/17Wd-2016-a-to-z-challenge-wrap-ups

Rob Z Tobor said...

Reflections Post done and posted on the 1st May. . . . I do like a good reflections post.

Unknown said...

Writing it as we speak! Since it was my first attempt at fiction writing I thought I should write a bit about what I learned :)

Lisa @ Zen and Pi // Come say hello :)

Arlee Bird said...

Lissa, excellent list. I like how you did that.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Marion Ann said...

I wrote a reflections post yesterday for my Monday Blog post - I'm inspired to keep writing! http://bit.ly/1W2dt98

Parul said...

I was waiting for the announcement. Would love to see you all there with your learnings and share mine as well :)

Saraallie said...

Yayyyy! I'd been waiting for this announcement!
Just one question, I can add my post to the linky after the 9th right? As long as it is before the 13th. I'm scheduling one to be published on the 9th but I may end up being able to come here and add the link by the next day at the earliest!

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

Leave it to our founder to tell it like it is. :) I'll be reflecting, just not sure what direction I'll take with mine. But I have already posted a little celebration piece.
Barbara
Visit me at
Life & Faith in Caneyhead

Lynn La Vita said...

I think the A to Z was very stimulating. However, I didn't want to post 26 prompts on my blog. Next time, I'll consider creating a free site, such as Blogger, for this purpose. Thank you for asking for feedback. This honesty keeps the site fresh and alive.

Deniz Bevan said...

Looking forward to seeing everyone's thoughts. Thanks for another great year!

Pat Garcia said...

Super! I love to read the reflections post as well as sharing my own experience.

Shalom,
Patricia

Lizanne Lloyd said...

Most impressed with such a wide range of creativity. Here are my reflections https://lizannelloyd.wordpress.com/atozchallenge-2016/

Arlee Bird said...

Sarallie, Yes, the list opens on the 9th and remains open until the 13th. Once your post is up on your site you can add the link to that specific post to the Linky List on the A to Z site.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Somerville, Be sure to add your above link to the Linky List on Monday May 9th.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Rob, you are so hooked on A to Z. And to think you were considering not doing it this year! WE love you Rob!

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

LissaJ said...

Thank you! I like Listly for certain things but often forget to use it. Also I forgot to link to my blog post recap so here it is http://www.lissajohnston.com/2016/05/2016-to-z-blog-challenge-7-lessons.html

Jen said...

I always enjoy the Reflections Post. I'll be adding a link come Monday :) I really enjoyed the challenge this year. As always, the only improvements I can hope for next year are with ME! Great job you guys and THANK YOU for another great challenge.

~ Jen

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Lee - I can have a year off this Reflections post this year as I had to withdraw .. I have a post going up on Sunday I think ... but it's a R and R break in South Africa ...

The Challenge is great - and I so enjoy being amongst the crowd .. congratulations on the organisation and help provided by the minions (major and minor!) .. cheers Hilary

cleemckenzie said...

I've got my badges and I'm ready to Reflect!

Debra Renée Byrd said...

I posted my badge, and I can't wait to reflect! I should schedule my post while I still remember!

Anonymous said...

I have my reflections post written and scheduled for Friday.

Carrie-Anne said...

Pretty much all I need to do now is add the badge to my reflections post and add in how many views each post got.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I will definitely do some reflecting.

Rajlakshmi said...

I am looking forward to read more tips and tricks from fellow A to Z'ers :D

Whimsical Medley
Twinkle Eyed Traveller

Deepti Agarwal said...

It was a wonderful trip down the reading lane ... I am super excited about the reflections post as I survived strong even while losing my Maternal Grandmother on 12th April.. though i posted few writes a day or so late.. but gradually I survived posting all... I am already ready with Reflections post.. Thanks a lot all..

HappySurfer said...

This is such a COOL idea! Love it!

The Solitary Writer said...

Oh I am ready with my victory speech :D ;)

Waiting for the Linky. This was a good experience, made new and many friends and happy that for the 2nd time in the row I was able to complete this challenge. That itself calls for an award :D

The Solitary Writer

JazzFeathers said...

I should really start writing mine...

Really enjoyed the challenge this year. Time was a tyrant, but I still managed to enjoy the challenge a lot :-)

Arlee Bird said...

Hilary, you're excused:) You've done so many cool series in the past and we look forward to your next participation in A to Z.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out