Last week, we discussed the basic ways of making connections in blogging. This week, we'll touch on the next step, which involves taking part in blog hops, blog fests, challenges and memes.
Last week's steps were 1. Visit Blogs, 2. Leave Comments, 3. Follow Blogs, 4. Have Something to Say, and 5. Respond to Comments on Your Own Blog and Visit Back.
Before we get started, we should probably define the terms we're discussing:
1. Blog Hop/Blog Fest: This is a virtual party that often involves a theme. People sign up to participate in whatever the theme is. They then post to that theme on their own blogs during the designated time period.
Ex: The A-to-Z Challenge. We challenge participants to blog every day except Sundays during the month of April. Further, we ask participants to go in alphabetical order with their posts. Any theme will do, as long as the basic rules are followed.
Note: Blog hop and blog fest are fairly interchangeable and don't necessarily have a different meaning. For the rest of this post, they will be referred to as blog hops or, simply, hops. Challenges, campaigns and any other types of hops/fests will be included in this simple definition.
2. Meme: An ongoing blog hop, of sorts, that occurs repeatedly and consistently, such as once per week. These are always to a theme.
Ex: Wordless Wednesday. There are many different iterations of this meme, but they usually involve posting a photo or image of some sort once per week, rather than posting a written or wordy post.
Why do people do blog hops and memes?
It's a fun and easy way to meet other people. Why do we have parties and meet-and-greets in person? Same reason. You get a bunch of people together so they can meet, rub elbows, forge relationships, and enjoy themselves in the process. And when it's done via blogs, no one has to spend money on food and decorations.
How can they help me make connections?
When you participate in a hop or a meme, you sign up on a linky list or submit your name/blog in some fashion. You're then expected to try to visit other participants, and the same is expected of them. This means you have people dropping by your blog who might not have done so if you hadn't both signed up for the hop/meme. Exposure may gain you readers/followers.
What are the basics in participating in blog hops and memes?
1. Be sure you're interested. Don't sign up for every single blog hop or meme you happen across unless you are genuinely interested in doing so. Choose only those you actually want to take part in. If you don't enjoy the hop/meme, it will be obvious in your post. And if you sign up for too many, you will quickly find yourself overwhelmed.
2. Participate once you sign up. Don't sign up for hops and memes only to draw people to your blog. You must follow through and put your post up on the appropriate date. While you may think it will benefit you just to have people drop by, despite not taking part, you may find it harms more than helps, as people are deterred by your lack of participation. (Note: Honest mistakes happen. Don't be afraid to address that you forgot to put up your post once you realize what happened. People will understand.)
3. Follow the rules. Yes, sometimes the rules may be flexible, but try to keep to the overall idea of the original hop/meme. Don't sign up for a blog hop about cats and post about UFOs. Follow the rules as they've been set out, so that you aren't cheating other participants or the hosts of the fun of the hop/meme.
4. Visit other participants. Try not to just throw your post up then leave it. You should make an effort to visit at least a few of the other participants and leave comments for them. If you truly enjoy the topic, which you should if you signed up, you'll enjoy reading other people's take on the topic. Get out, have fun, rub elbows. The main point in a hop/meme is to meet other bloggers you may have something in common with.
5. Help "advertise" the hop/meme. If they've made a badge, be sure to put it in your sidebar. Even better, link the badge to the host's site, so others can participate if they'd like. Put the badge in your hop/meme blog post, along with a link to the host's site. If you can mention the upcoming hop/meme in advance, try to slip that in somewhere. The more, the merrier, so you want more participants to share in the fun. Be sure that you make it clear that this post is part of the hop/meme. If participants are confused about your post, there is a good chance they will skip it. I always try to put the badge beneath my introduction or at the top of the post, so participants who are stopping by know they've reached the right place.
The best way to learn about a hop/meme is to participate and learn as you go. Just bear the above pointers in mind and jump in with both feet. Hops and memes are meant to be fun, so don't be too serious about it, and don't allow yourself to get stressed out about it. Enjoy yourself!
May you find your Muse.
Shannon
The Warrior Muse
April Blogging from A to Z Challenge #AtoZChallenge
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Building Your Blog Readership Through the #AtoZChallenge
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| Image via CrunchBase |
Daron Henson, who blogs at Daron Henson--Freelance Writer, asked:
Do you know the linkedin.com groups that are specifically tailored to showcase our writing and our websites?
I am looking to expand the readership of my blog.
Here is the answer I gave him:
I'm really not that familiar with the LinkedIn groups.
My best suggestion is time-consuming but it does work if you work it right.
Establish yourself in blogging circles and focus on those that deal with writing. You must visit other blogs and build up relationships (blog friendships) with the bloggers. Eventually, if you've done your job right, you will have loyal followers who will visit you and be willing to comment and help you with your work. The other blogs will have great information to share as well.
Once you have started exploring the blog communities, start looking for blogfests and contests. Many sites offer opportunities for you to share your writing with others, Just remember, it is a give and take thing where you need to read a few stories and comment on them in order for others to be willing to reciprocate with yours.
Until you have become a huge success where readers are flocking to your works, you will have to do some networking which involves a lot of interaction.
Also, consistent quality posting is a must. You should develop and adhere to a blogging schedule so readers come to expect something at specific times just like they would anticipate the arrival of a favorite magazine or turn on the TV at a designated time to watch a favorite show. Presence on the web requires regular visibility. Not every day in my opinion (except during April of course!), but at least once or twice a week. Regular posting will be good for you as a writer as well.
These are a few of my tips. For another angle you may want to consider the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. You can really build up a big following and readership if you play this the right way. Website at: www.a-to-zchallenge.com.
Good luck!
Lee
The April A to Z Challenge is not only an ideal way to extend the reach of your blog and expand readership, it's a challenge designed to make you a better blogger and writer, instilling greater discipline in writing. You will improve your habit of posting with regularity and coming up with unique and solid content. The networking opportunities are valuable. And in addition to these reasons, the A to Z Challenge is great fun. Sign-ups begin on Wednesday January 30th. Be sure to be a part of this year's A to Z!
See Shannon's post on this site tomorrow for some more great blog building tips.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
2013 What Discoveries May Lie Ahead
Medical Innovations Poised to Transform the way we Treat Diseases
• Targeting tumors with specialized drugs
• Performing your own EKG at home
• Making DNA analysis quick and inexpensive
• Turning gene therapy into reality
• Setting antibiotics loose on cancer
• DNA sequencing for routine checkups
• Letting your body fight cancer
WSJ Reference (You've got to read this article)
First Alien Earth: Many astronomers believe we will find the first Earth-like alien planet will be discovered, an epic discovery that would cause humanity to reassess its place in the universe. Reference
We Are Not Alone in the Universe: No, I’m not talking about aliens. China and India have major space launches scheduled and will join us in space. China will be sending a landing craft to the moon and India will send an orbiter toward Mars.
Dark Matter: dark matter could be found by looking up into space. Scientists analyzing observations of cosmic gamma rays in 2012 discovered an unusual excess at a particular energy emanating from the center of our galaxy. One explanation for the signal is that dark matter particles are colliding and converting into high-energy radiation. This coming year will no doubt bring new data, better analysis, and maybe, just maybe, evidence that pins down dark matter once and for all. Reference
Other possible breakthroughs for 2013: Quantum computing. Robotic limbs powered by the human mind. Exoskeletons. Space probes. Space telescopes. New propulsion technologies for rockets that will allow us to go to Mars in 40 days. All bigger, badder, and faster.
But what’s truly amazing will be the shift from government and corporate research and development to the private sector. Then there are the amateur scientists who practice their craft in their garage or basements. Look for amazing advancements from all three arenas in 2013!
And I'll be covering as many as I can. Stay tuned!
And I'll be covering as many as I can. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Blogging Basics: Making Bloggy Friends
As we near the 2013 A-to-Z Challenge, we'll be speaking increasingly on all topics A-to-Z. In the meantime, though, let's focus on blogging overall. Today, I thought I'd talk about how to make connections in the blogging world.
Blogging is a social medium, but people's reasons for engaging in the blog world differ. Some are here to sell books or other products by creating a platform, some want to meet others and hang out, some are more interested in reading than sharing, and some just want someone to hear them.
For each reason to blog, there are dozens of types of blogs. Parenting blogs, reading blogs, writing blogs, photography blogs, exercise blogs, history blogs, dream blogs, political blogs. You name it, there is likely a blog for it. This gives us the ability to visit all manner of blogs, and to invariably find something out there we want to read.
How do you reach out to all of these bloggers and get to know them, though? How do you meet and forge relationships online?
This is easier than you may think, and really depends upon how much time you have. Here's a quick rundown of how one might connect with other bloggers:
1. Visit blogs. Pretty simple, right? Hunt down blogs you're interested in. Do a search on the topic you're looking for + "blog." Head on over and check them out to see if you're interested in what they have to say.
2. Leave comments. Once you've found a blog you're interested in, read their posts and leave a comment for them. Make it a real comment, not just a passing "nice blog" type comment. Address the topic they're discussing and/or ask a question about the topic.
3. Follow blogs. If you like what they have to say, follow in the way you prefer. Options include Google Friend Connect, RSS feed, follow by email, etc. Choose the option you like best and follow it.
4. Have something to say. It won't matter what you're doing on other people's blogs if you're not talking on your own. Know what you want to blog about, then do so. Be yourself, use your own voice, and talk about something that interests you...and that you feel will interest other people.
5. Respond to comments on your own blog and visit back. When someone happens along and likes what you have to say enough to leave a comment on your blog, be sure to reply in some way. You can comment back in the comments, reply back to each individual comment (on blogs that allow that), email a response to those who have allowed that possibility, or respond to them on their own blog. No matter which response you choose, you should also try to visit them back at their blog to return the favor and see what they have to say.
There are many other ways to get to know other bloggers, but these are the basics that will get you started. After that, you can explore other ways to make connections, such as blog hops/fests, memes, guest posting, guest hosting, interviews, etc. Most important is that you find out what works best for you and go from there.
May you find your Muse.
Shannon
The Warrior Muse
Blogging is a social medium, but people's reasons for engaging in the blog world differ. Some are here to sell books or other products by creating a platform, some want to meet others and hang out, some are more interested in reading than sharing, and some just want someone to hear them.
For each reason to blog, there are dozens of types of blogs. Parenting blogs, reading blogs, writing blogs, photography blogs, exercise blogs, history blogs, dream blogs, political blogs. You name it, there is likely a blog for it. This gives us the ability to visit all manner of blogs, and to invariably find something out there we want to read.
How do you reach out to all of these bloggers and get to know them, though? How do you meet and forge relationships online?
This is easier than you may think, and really depends upon how much time you have. Here's a quick rundown of how one might connect with other bloggers:
1. Visit blogs. Pretty simple, right? Hunt down blogs you're interested in. Do a search on the topic you're looking for + "blog." Head on over and check them out to see if you're interested in what they have to say.
2. Leave comments. Once you've found a blog you're interested in, read their posts and leave a comment for them. Make it a real comment, not just a passing "nice blog" type comment. Address the topic they're discussing and/or ask a question about the topic.
3. Follow blogs. If you like what they have to say, follow in the way you prefer. Options include Google Friend Connect, RSS feed, follow by email, etc. Choose the option you like best and follow it.
4. Have something to say. It won't matter what you're doing on other people's blogs if you're not talking on your own. Know what you want to blog about, then do so. Be yourself, use your own voice, and talk about something that interests you...and that you feel will interest other people.
5. Respond to comments on your own blog and visit back. When someone happens along and likes what you have to say enough to leave a comment on your blog, be sure to reply in some way. You can comment back in the comments, reply back to each individual comment (on blogs that allow that), email a response to those who have allowed that possibility, or respond to them on their own blog. No matter which response you choose, you should also try to visit them back at their blog to return the favor and see what they have to say.
There are many other ways to get to know other bloggers, but these are the basics that will get you started. After that, you can explore other ways to make connections, such as blog hops/fests, memes, guest posting, guest hosting, interviews, etc. Most important is that you find out what works best for you and go from there.
May you find your Muse.
Shannon
The Warrior Muse
Monday, January 14, 2013
A to Z Team 2013
Another Challenge, Another A to Z Team!
Well, folks, it's official! The 2013 A to Z Team is in place and we have another great line-up for you this year. Our Team is here to help you with the Challenge and inspire you along the way. We will be having some extremely helpful posts from the A to Z Co-hosts in the months to come. You will want to be sure to check in daily to see what's new as well as reminders about things you may have forgotten.
Since this 4th annual Challenge is occurring in lucky year number '13, we have thirteen A to Z Team members to help make the Challenge a success. Most of the team are members from last year who have returned with a lot of experience behind them, while there are three new ones coming on board to take the place of those who couldn't make it for this year's Challenge.
So without further ado, say hello to The 2013 A to Z Team:
The A to Z Team 2013!
Arlee Bird Tossing It Out @ArleeBird
Damyanti Biswas Amlokiblogs @damyantig
Alex J. Cavanaugh Alex J. Cavanaugh @alexjcavanaugh
Tina Downey Life is Good @TinaLifeisGood
DL Hammons Cruising Altitude 2.0 @DL_H
Jeremy Hawkins Retro-Zombie @iZombieJMH
Shannon Lawrence The Warrior Muse @thewarriormuse
Matthew MacNish The QQQE @MatthewMacNish
Konstanz Silverbow No Thought 2 Small @KonstanzS
Stephen Tremp Breakthrough Blogs @StephenTremp
Livia Peterson Leave it to Livia @LiviaGPeterson
L. Diane Wolfe Spunk on a Stick @SpunkOnAStick
Nicole Ayers The Madlab Post @madlabpost
Damyanti Biswas Amlokiblogs @damyantig
Alex J. Cavanaugh Alex J. Cavanaugh @alexjcavanaugh
Tina Downey Life is Good @TinaLifeisGood
DL Hammons Cruising Altitude 2.0 @DL_H
Jeremy Hawkins Retro-Zombie @iZombieJMH
Shannon Lawrence The Warrior Muse @thewarriormuse
Matthew MacNish The QQQE @MatthewMacNish
Konstanz Silverbow No Thought 2 Small @KonstanzS
Stephen Tremp Breakthrough Blogs @StephenTremp
Livia Peterson Leave it to Livia @LiviaGPeterson
L. Diane Wolfe Spunk on a Stick @SpunkOnAStick
Nicole Ayers The Madlab Post @madlabpost
Who Are the New Team Members?
Livia Peterson started her blog Leave It To Livia last May, heading full force into the blogging world to make her presence known in many ways including landing a place on the A to Z Team. Her blogging niche includes movies, entertainment, and, of course, writing. She's ready to take the blog world by storm so be sure to head on over to her blog and become friends with her now. We think you'll like Livia.
L. Diane Wolfe was already in the blogging circle that I fell into nearly four years ago and I feel honored to be a part of her blog circle of friends. Diane is an expert on writing, public speaking, marketing, and promotion. In other words, she's a valuable contact to have. You can find her at Spunk on a Stick. If you're not following her blog, then now's the time to head on over and do so.
Nicole Ayers from The Madlab Post is probably a very familiar name to A to Z'ers by now. In fact you may be wondering, "Isn't she already on the A to Z Team?" Nicole has been responsible for our Friday posts over the past several months as she sat in as an unofficial Team Member. Now it's official--Nicole is part of the Team. If you are looking for some inspiration about A to Z themes you may want to check out some her previous Friday posts on that topic. And be sure to follow her blog if you aren't doing so already.
Follow The Leaders
The links to all of the Team blogs can be found in the list above. If there are any that you are not yet following then hop on over to their blogs and click the "Follow" button. You will want to check in with all of these bloggers on a regular basis for the latest A to Z Challenge news and for helpful tips about the Challenge and blogging in general.
The Blogging from A to Z April Challenge Blog is another must for all Challenge participants. Up until April we will be presenting plenty of information about the Challenge, the participants, and the Team members. You don't want to miss any of the posts here, especially between now and April.
If you haven't done so yet, explore the tabbed pages above. Some are still being updated and revised. If you need to contact the Challenge administrators or individual Team members go to the "Contact Us" tab. If you have questions about the Challenge then first read "What Is the A to Z Blogging Challenge?" and if your questions aren't answered there then look at "FAQ" to see if your questions are answered there. If not, just ask us and we'll find you an answer.
The sign up list will start on Wednesday January 30th. We're ready. Are you?
Livia Peterson started her blog Leave It To Livia last May, heading full force into the blogging world to make her presence known in many ways including landing a place on the A to Z Team. Her blogging niche includes movies, entertainment, and, of course, writing. She's ready to take the blog world by storm so be sure to head on over to her blog and become friends with her now. We think you'll like Livia.
L. Diane Wolfe was already in the blogging circle that I fell into nearly four years ago and I feel honored to be a part of her blog circle of friends. Diane is an expert on writing, public speaking, marketing, and promotion. In other words, she's a valuable contact to have. You can find her at Spunk on a Stick. If you're not following her blog, then now's the time to head on over and do so.
Nicole Ayers from The Madlab Post is probably a very familiar name to A to Z'ers by now. In fact you may be wondering, "Isn't she already on the A to Z Team?" Nicole has been responsible for our Friday posts over the past several months as she sat in as an unofficial Team Member. Now it's official--Nicole is part of the Team. If you are looking for some inspiration about A to Z themes you may want to check out some her previous Friday posts on that topic. And be sure to follow her blog if you aren't doing so already.
Follow The Leaders
The links to all of the Team blogs can be found in the list above. If there are any that you are not yet following then hop on over to their blogs and click the "Follow" button. You will want to check in with all of these bloggers on a regular basis for the latest A to Z Challenge news and for helpful tips about the Challenge and blogging in general.
The Blogging from A to Z April Challenge Blog is another must for all Challenge participants. Up until April we will be presenting plenty of information about the Challenge, the participants, and the Team members. You don't want to miss any of the posts here, especially between now and April.
If you haven't done so yet, explore the tabbed pages above. Some are still being updated and revised. If you need to contact the Challenge administrators or individual Team members go to the "Contact Us" tab. If you have questions about the Challenge then first read "What Is the A to Z Blogging Challenge?" and if your questions aren't answered there then look at "FAQ" to see if your questions are answered there. If not, just ask us and we'll find you an answer.
The sign up list will start on Wednesday January 30th. We're ready. Are you?
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