Sunday Blog Chatter: The Way I See It
What did I notice in the blogosphere this week?
1. He opened up an important dialogue about tag awards. It's a subject near and dear to our blog hearts. Read it HERE and then the encore performance HERE where seven thoughtful bloggers weighed in on the subject at hand. It was the longest comment I ever wrote and it nearly broke his comment box. Awards and memes are two different animals in the blogosphere. Bloggers do not use them universally. There is no United Blog Nation (thank goodness) to set rules and procedures. They evolve like folk tunes passed down from generation to generation. Bud's post did bring to light a few issues I had to take seriously as of late. It was an interesting discussion.
We have our individual tag policies which should be respected from blog to blog and I think we do a fine job of doing just that. I've created a new page just for mine and will continue to add to it, linking back to the many badges I've been given that I truly appreciate. I've had to pause lately and rethink my response to tag awards. Bottom line: the intent behind it, the motivation, the source. Is it a person I trust? Why are they giving it to me? Where did it come from? I've chosen to try to think carefully before I pass on awards just for the sake of tagging. Sometimes I love saying "thank you for your friendship" to my whole blogroll and sometimes I like to give out a few here and there when warranted. What's your policy on awards? I think they make blogging a happy and supportive place to be - unlike the real world.
What else did I see while out and about?
2. The Big Bang continues to roll along. Link requests and blog building formats like the Big Bang are great for exposing your blog to new people. There are nearly 600 on the master list.
Thanks to Mel at Monday Morning Power who is doing a fabulous job with this. Mel has also written a great article "Increasing Blog Readership, 14 Rules By Monday Morning Power" that is excellent.
3. Somebody (who shall remain nameless) created a new blog for a meme. Go figure! Who would DO such a thing? The blog ocean is now afloat with your many words of wisdom and laughter. Somebody said to tell you she's lost at sea and needs a compass before she can get back around to all her blog reading. Somebody has 694 unread posts in her reader. And that's her "message" to you.
4. Do you know about Sky Watch Friday? It started at a blog called Strolling Through Georgia. I discovered it when I saw this glorious shot taken by Misty Dawn of My Dogs Keep Me Sane.
5. Entrecard is a new gadget I've noticed that I'm really excited about. It's a virtual internet business card that promises to be an innovative networking tool for your blog. I plan to sign up as soon as I come up for air from the blog ocean. Click here to see one at the top of Sanni's blog, who by the way, has started a great new feature called Sunday Suggestions. She's even serving cupcakes and coffee. I'm so there.
6. And the most important part of my week? I had a date.
We went for pizza......
That was nice. He used his napkin and everything.
Then he taught me how to play a video game at the restaurant. He pushed the pedals. I drove. He mashed the gas. I drove. He pushed the pedals and shouted "Look out, Mimi!" a lot.
I crashed.
He laughed and said "I'll drive next time." I like him!
What posted on Mimi Writes one year ago today? February 2007 Instant Recap! Demon possessed vacuum cleaners, Valentine's Day romance, Prince at the Superbowl and The Queen's Dirty Thirty. What a month!
31 comments:
I agree with you completely when it comes to awards and tags and I thoroughly enjoyed the exchange between bloggers on the subject on Bud's blog. There were a lot of good points, and counterpoints made, and it's nice to see people debating and/or discussing in a civilized and adult manner.
I'm guilty of not passing along too many awards myself lately - not because I don't think that people out there are worthy but because I want it to mean something more than just a tag for someone. When I got my very first blog award I was thrilled and it was almost like I had made it on the stage at the Academy Awards (or as close to it as I'll ever get!). One of my most coveted awards is the one I got from The Rising Blogger because it awarded a single post and that seemed to validate my writing more than anything.
Don't get me wrong, I love and appreciate the awards that people give me but sometimes I just don't know what to do with them in return other than say thank you, write a nice post, and maybe save them up for passing along later. I don't take any of those awards for granted and I don't want anyone that I pass it along to to do that either. I hope that makes sense!
By the way, I'm not sure if you noticed this or not but your date had only half a head! Has to make for a great combination to see you with your half a face and your date with half a head out and about!
Linda-Thanks for weighing in. Debate is good. Respect among friends is better! I so love blogging....
The half head thing is hereditary.
my take on those awards is cynical i know. it's the whole
"link to the originator" thingy. i did one where i had never heard of the originator so i didn't link him and i got a snarky comment from him so i deleted the post and didn't do any more awards after that. i just thank the giver in their comments and let it go at that. i think it has run its course...
smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
The awards - I appreciate all awards I received so far. To me it´s the thought that counts.
Those awards that were created to "spread the love" mean a lot to me, because a fellow blogger has thought of me when he/she forwards the award to me.
The personalized awards (like BBOTD, TRB, etc.) are also very special to me, because somebody noticed me and my "work".
I´ve created a little collage for my sidebar were all the awards are displayed. The collage is placed in a scroll-able box... so it won´t bust my sidebar *g*
However, I do my very best to spread the love, although I have to collect the awards from time to time to do a "whole in one" post - but I never expect anyone to forward the awards if he/she doesn't want to.
***
Thanks for the "Sunday Suggestions shout-out", oh Queen. There´s always coffee and cupcake for you over at my little coffee corner *G*
Your date is invited, too. I´m sure he´ll get along with Luis. Little guys ROCK - Luis invited me to a candle light dinner some days ago - isn´t it nice to go out with a "real gentleman" that behaves? *grin*
Bee - I really appreciate it when my blogfriends and those on my blogroll especially send me awards or badges. We get to know each other pretty well by reading everyday and that is one of the best parts about blogging. The support! And friendship. It makes my day for sure. And I enjoy passing them along to people I know enjoy receiving them.
Sometimes I've even tagged the whole blogroll because I want them to know how much I appreciate them.
Some of my favorite bloggers do that too. It is the thought behind it that counts.
Maybe I should have made this clearer but where I take exception is when someone I don't know from Adam sends me something lovey dovey and "requires" me to link to them and pushes the tag rule on me or strongly suggests that I display the badge.
As far as friendship awards go within a blogging community where everyone in your circle of bloggers ends up with the same awards, well, I think it's just inevitable that that's going to happen within a community. Maybe you know of someone in the group that particularly needs that thought today that I'm not aware of. To me, that is what makes blogging unique. We don't hear that kind of daily affirmation in our real lives very often. Some do. Some don't. Friendship awards are not offensive to me at all. That's different than awards for certain blog characteristics or specific posts - which I think should be earned.
All of the awards in my sidebar came from people I respect and admire as bloggers. None of them ever "required" or even strongly suggested that I pass it on or link back to them. In fact, most always say that the tag/participation is OPTIONAL. I find that respectful and classy.
Many awards in my sidebar were given without the tag option - which I think is especially meaningful if they are one-of-a-kind awards based on writing merit or whatever your niche is.
Now I need to think of an award for people who give awards the right way!
Sanni- I've noticed your little scrollable box and I think that's a great idea. You are displaying them and honoring them. I have a trophy room on a separate page. Some of those I have now in the sidebar will probably eventually go there as well. But I would love to think about trying to do what you've done so that they can stay on the main page intact.
Part of our "blogging history" is made up of those awards. They are important. As I've said before, there are a few instances where people have obviously taken advantage of the awards thing.
None of those folks' awards are on my blog.
Sanni - Would Luis and my little guy make a cute pair? It is such a fun age. He calls me on everything. I can get by with NOTHING. He's a hoot.
Mimi,
Thanks for the plug, I really appreciate it.
You must be drowning in the ocean.... and loving in every minute of it.
As far as awards go, I made my position very clear a while ago. I will accept all awards that are given in good faith. I will post them once a month or so and give them out when I when it feels right for me. I will never give in to the pressure to give the awards back out or to accept tags that don't feel right for me. I will also, never pressure anyone to tag others when accepting a tag of mine. It's that type of pressure that can cause blog authors to implode and end up exiting the blogesphere. If blogging isn't fun any more, then why continue. Pressure, which is always, whether we know it or not, self-inflicted. We can always choose not to accept the pressure.
Mimi I just read what you said about awards lol, I have one for you if ya you would like it click here for your award!
Your Blog Rocks!!
Have a great day! :D
Great post, as always, Mimi! Thanks for the food for thought!
Your date is a cutie! :-)
I have received awards and am always honoured that someone actually thinks enough of me and my blog to pass on an award to me. My problem is having to choose who to pass the awards on to. I prefer to pass it on to all my readers when possible. I think awards play an important part in the blogosphere in making you feel as though your blog is recognised.
Your date is a cute guy!! :)
hi mimi,
happy sunday.
i agree with Bud. Glad he put it so eloquently...
it is a post classic, if you'll ask me.
loved your commentsurate too (comment longer than the post)
Hi Mimi-
Thanks for the acknowledgement. I've felt liittle about awards once the same person sent me 20 over a thirty day period. I thought, "You must have something better to do..."
Mel - "I will accept all awards that are given in good faith." Exactly.
Roger - Thank you!
Stacey - It is an interesting blog phenomenon. And my date was totally smoochable.
Chesca - Thank you. It is a subject we obviously both felt strongly about as so many others do. It is also nice to hear about the experiences of other bloggers with awards/tags/memes. If we don't talk about it, we won't ever get it right.
I like when friends acknowledge me with the badges. I've been making sure I go back and thank them in comments. But recently I haven't been posting them on my blog and I haven't passed them on.
As others have said, I truly appreciate when the blog community recognizes me or gives me a shout out. I try to do the same by pointing out posts that touch me.
I think these tag awards are as much about the giver as the receiver. Usually when I receive one, I know the person who gave it to me did so out of friendship. It made them happy to give it, just as it made me happy to receive it.
And I think that can be enough. If it pleases me to pass it on, I will. But if I'm a little busy with life and choose to use my time elsewhere, then I suspect people will understand and be ok with it.
Bud - LOL. I feel your pain. I rest my case.
Trav - VERY well said. You always seem to say succintly what it takes me hours to formulate. Brava!
On the topic of awards... When I created The Spreader of Love Award I suggested that a link back would be helpful for people to read the reason it was created, and to obtain the original photo file. I go around and see where the award is showing up, and most people don't do the link back, and I truly don't mind at all. In fact I have to say that tracking where it has gone is more fun, as it gives me the chance to get exposed to many different blogs from around the world.
I can say I have never received an award from someone I don't know or read on the web. I would feel odd about that too.
Smoochies to you Peace woman.
I am so tongue tied by the award/badge topic that I've erased several comments before hitting send. Your date is easier, adorable from the back, those hands look perfect for holding, four year olds make great dates. Cheers, Carver
Barbara - Yes, it was quite odd at that.
I've always cherished The Spreader of Love Award from you and display it proudly in my sidebar and in the trophy room at Bloggingham Palace. What's not to love about love?
Carver - It is a sensitive and complicated topic. Generally, I'm finding we're all in agreement and making some really useful and valid points as we go.
And he is absolutelu A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.....I could just squeeze his little face! And do (grin) but not to his liking!
Hi Mimi - First I think your date is way too young honey. Younger men are nice, but must be at least 18 years of age. Just saying. I don't want the law to put our queen in their dungeon. I know you won't like it.
Sometimes meme's and awards hit you all at the same time. There is a Meme Monday that I'm doing now that will show all my tags and awards during the week. I think one post a week is better than 5,10 or however many. I do appreciate all the tags and awards I get though. I really do. Hope your weekend has been wonderful. :)
He does look a little young.;0
Awards of the kind made up by bloggers I accept if I've read the blogger, they read me and I think they actually do rad me, and I post them on my separate page. Some I have ignored only because it is really unreasonable to do a whole bunch of them. I have been blogging a long time and it is only recently it seems these things are prevalent and for me I would not have time or room to blog otherwise. Awards of the type where someone nominates me I will do as I did with the weblog awards, as one time I ignored one of those types of awards and the people who nominated me felt slighted, but if it is not something like the weblog awards I won't pass it on mainly because my readers cold care less. Though for instance your meme was very interesting and different and worthy of conversation - being able to see what others write is very interesting and so I passed it on to people...and even the cynical's who never do such stuff, they just write, did them. I guess it's about the content and the judgment and if it is unique and does something rather cool.
I think the difference is when I started blogging there really wasn't this mass off reader given awards so no one had to deal with them. There were memes/tags, but they nowherenowhere near as pervasive.
Mimi, your date looks like a cutie pie.
Must be fun to hang with a four-year old! When they are 17 they don't talk to adults too much, do they?
I like awards, but am conflicted about who to give them to sometimes. I admire many bloggers and their writing talents.
Your blog is exceptional, that's for sure.
have a good Monday.
P.S. Hi, I just checked out your trophy case. That's quite a list of awards! All much deserved.
WAVES..... remember me????
I do not do awards...BUT I am conceiving a special thing for people to put in their sidebars....
What is this Message in a bottle thing? I have not heard about it before...
Bwahahhahaa @ Vinny!
I have received ummm maybe...4 awards...and I love 'em! I forget to pass them on though.
I'm a bad bad blogger!!
I'm charmed by your descriptive date. you go girl!!
Sandee - He's adorable jailbait. I don't care.
Very good point about awards and memes coming all at the same time. It's true. You do a great job with yours.
Cooper - Thanks for reminding us that the tagging thing is a relatively new phenomenon. Maybe it's a phase that we can hone to a fine science of perfection. And thanks for supporting the message bottles. I'm having an unbelievable blast with them. Sooooo inspiring.
Patti - Choosing recipients is difficult sometimes because you don't want to leave people out. You are a thoughtful and kind person. I can understand why you would feel conflicted.
And yes, he's fun to hang with. This afternoon we did the Spider Man coloring and a Nemo. But mainly talked about "stuff."
He's so wise.
Bond - There are special rooms in Bloggingham reserved for people like you. .......
Julie - Charmed I am, as well. I always love your comments. And Vinny funny? He's gonna think it's funny when he spends the rest of his born days in the dungeon with the rats and the mice and my cooking! Meme dodger!!!!
(Can't you talk some sense into him?)
I have been absolutely thrilled by each and every award I have received. I just can't express what they've meant to me. I was honored just yesterday with the Rising Blogger of the Day award (thanks, Mimi) and it is particularly humbling because it was for a specific post. I took it as validation that my writing efforts actually make an impression.
For my part, I created the Brain Building Blog Award for much the same reason that Rising Blogger exists. There are occassional posts that really make me think and I wanted to be able to recognize them in a special way. I suggest linking back to the award page I created so that the rationale can be read. But whether or not the award is displayed, or a link created is entirely up to the recipient.
What I do make sure to do is to dedicate a post to the original article that sparked my giving the award to begin with. If that garners me a few visits to my own blog, that's great. If it doesn't, that's OK too.
Lee - You have the best attitude about things. Really.
Me talk some sense into Vinny?
Bwahahahahhahaa! I may be special but.....
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