My reflections:1. BLOGGING, A NEW WORLD -- This was like a door opening to a new world. I learned a lot about blogging itself (why people blog, what they blog about, etiquette, tips), which was one of my goals. I was very excited to find other writing blogs and writers that are kindred spirits!
Here is my favorite blogging tip (by Sue at Traverselife):
How to Make a Hyperlink Signature in Blogger
2. ON POSTING -- I was never stressed about posting because I did most of my posts in advance (in draft). I had a great time coming up with writing exercises, researching supporting information, and writing responses to the exercises.
3. ON VISITING -- I was stressed about visiting 1200+ blogs. I did visit them all, but did not explore each one in depth. I came back to ones that I found interesting.
Here are some of my favorites:
Lucy Adams Write With Pictures
Pocketful of Playdough Melissa T. Liban Illustrations
Encouragement for Christian Writers Style is Not Just a Black Suit
...then she writes Writercize
4. ON "FOLLOWING" -- Since I am a new to blogging, I wasn't sure about the whole "Following" thing.
I decided to follow blogs if:
a. I liked the content and wanted to be a regular visitor.
b. I posted a comment on the blog (due to interesting question or funny post).
c. I liked what the blogger had to say and wanted to encourage him/her.
5. ON COMMENTS -- I loved the interaction through comments (on my blog and on others). My only complaint is that if you leave a comment on someone's blog, you have to return to it later to see if they responded. Is there a widget out there or something that addresses this problem?
All, if you have any feedback on my blog, I'd love to hear it. Blessings! Dawn
Re: comments. Often, you can subscribe to comments on a blog if you want to follow up on responses. I learned a lot as well about posting, linking, meta tags, etc. as well as writing tips. Glad you had a good time on the challenge, and congrats on getting to All of those blogs!!
ReplyDeleteALL of those blogs? Wow. That is amazing. I am still on a learning curve about blogging. I have set up so that any comments show up in my email, which allows me to email that person back. This has helped me.
ReplyDeleteI like how you outlined your reflections post to cover specific aspects of the challenge. It was a nice read.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have found the secret to getting through all of the letters in April, by way of advanced posts and blogging drafts. Congrats on being among those who completed the challenge.
This has to be maybe about the 3rd or 4th time that I came across your blog during the challenge, so you're becoming quite familiar :)
The Madlab Post
Nice wrap-up 'dawg.' Haha. I'm with you, though. Being new to blogging, I still have so much to learn. Thanks for your visits, your comments always make me smile.
ReplyDeleteLangley Writes about Writing
I actually have lots of questions on some of the same things you do, but I will say this.... I think your policy on following in right on. That's exactly how I go about it and it works well for me.
ReplyDeleteThis is the most organized Reflections post I seen so far. Very nice! I'm impressed that you were able to make it through the entire list. You make some good points here and I'm glad you took away so much that was positive from this event.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for finishing!
Lee
Tossing It Out
Dawn, this has been a terrific experience. Thank you so much for your encouragement and expertise along the way. You helped me take my first baby steps in blogging. I am already feeling the first symptoms of withdrawal though. Like I told Brianna, we may have to come up with a list of challenges to keep us going and since you are our writing prompts girl, we will have a great resource available!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations again on finishing.
ReplyDeleteAs for the comments and replies, I started replying to comments left on my blog via email. It's a little more personal. I also made a habit of re-visiting the post of the previous day before clicking on the new post to see any comment replies. It's not ideal, but it's working pretty well.
Congrats; it was an amazing challenge!
ReplyDeleteWow you did really well~ I am happy we crossed the finish line~ Nice
reflection post~
Congrats on finishing!
ReplyDeleteI too struggle with returning to blogs later to following up on comments. If there is a subscribe by email, then I will usually do that, but sometimes the email feeds get lost in my inbox.
Thank you for mentioning me in your favorites section. I am going to go visit the others you mentioned now!
Great observations! I had a hard time getting to everyone, too. I think I must have missed you! Congrats on finishing!
ReplyDeleteI'm really impressed in how you made it around to all the blogs in the list. I think I made it through about a quarter of them. It was a great month though and a good time to meet new fellow bloggers.
ReplyDeleteYou completed the challenge! I knew you could do it. The sky is the limit for you girlfriend :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent reflections on the A-Z Challenge. Congrats on completing it. I did too, but didn't get around to visiting as many blogs as I intended, so am trying to catch up now. Glad I've found you - and thanks for the link to Sue's hyperlink instructions!
ReplyDeletePaula Martin’s Potpourri
Thank you all for stopping by and leaving comments. I love how everyone has been so supportive. This has been such a wonderful experience.
ReplyDeleteAn amazing feat to visit all the blogs. What determination.
ReplyDeleteMany of us had time restraints. I wish I go to many more blogs. But I am catching up with the reflections post.
Michael, I'm trying to tackle some reflection posts each day. It's hard work!
ReplyDeleteWow! that's me! golly gosh, thankyou. And you touched on one of the things that had me perplexed for MONTHS, how to avoid having to revisit to see if the blogger had replied. If you're still confused, drop around and let me know. I'm still learning, but that one I now have under my belt. Sue
ReplyDeleteSo nice to meet you as I hop around the reflections (yours is lovely, btw)!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats for completing the challenge and for pointing out some concerns...
My two cents...I have my email set up to alert me if someone responds on their blog to me; that seems to help :)
I may not see them all though and that is bothersome.
I also try to pick a time (early morning has been working) to read all my comments from the previous day - any I've missed - and respond.
I love the community we bloggers have and would encourage anyone just beginning to get involved; there is a wealth of information out there from vets and newbies :) ...and it's so nice to be surrounded by like-minded people :)
Cheers to you and looking forward to reading more from you :)
I really enjoyed the challenge although I did not get to all the blogs...I too have met some very interesting ppl that I will want to keep in contact with. Hope you have a great day.
ReplyDeleteWOW! I am amazed that you made it through every one. I'm still working on that ... I think I made it through about 400 or so.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the shout out! I really appreciate it! And I love that you are stopping by often to do the exercises. I'll have to dip my toes in your exercises as well!!
As far as the comments thing, I really wish there was a way that you could just subscribe to comments the blog owner leaves so that you know when they reply but don't have to read all of the follow-up comments. Hmm ... maybe something for blogspot to work on.