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WritersNotes.Net: Helping Writers Follow Their Dreams Through Information, Inspiration, and Encouragement!
A Tragic Accident
Just wanted to let everyone know the reason I haven't posted in quite some time: Two of my out-of-town grandnieces were hit by a car on October 21st (along with their little friend), and both were seriously injured. (The three girls were five, six, and six years old at the time of the accident.)
Tragically, their friend Mia died three days after the accident, and my two grandnieces, Rain and Alyssa, both sustained serious head injuries. Rain sustained a skull fracture and small brain bleed but, thankfully, was out of the hospital three days later. Alyssa, on the other hand, has had a much longer road to recovery. Alyssa sustained serious brain trauma, along with other injuries, and we truly feared we might lose her, both at the beginning and at several other points early in her battle to survive and heal. But, God was gracious. Much has happened during the ensuing battle – far too much to cover here – but after about five weeks in intensive care, Alyssa was transferred to in-patient rehab, where she is today, exactly seven weeks and one day after the accident.
Despite many challenges, scares, and setbacks along the way, Alyssa's continued progress and ongoing recovery have been nothing short of miraculous, and we are so thankful for the prayers of so many people who have joined together to support the family during this trying journey.
Two Links for More Info About Three Beautiful Angels
Rather than go into too many more of the details here, I will provide a few links where you'll be able to get further information on the accident and the journey of the two families if you should be so inclined.
The first link, to the These 3 Angels website, will provide all the background on the accident and loss of Mia, along with a beautiful and inspirational video about the girls.
The second link, to the These 3 Angels Facebook page, is where my niece Christin (Rain's and Alyssa's mom) is posting all the latest updates and many lovely photos of Alyssa as she courageously battles her way back to wholeness. The page also allows visitors who have Facebook accounts and who "Like" the page to leave comments expressing their thoughts, prayers, and good wishes for the families. God has been amazingly good to Alyssa, providing miracle after miracle, and we are so thankful for her incredible progress in just seven weeks!
Of course, the journey continues, and we hope to see Alyssa back home with her family (she has five siblings) before Christmas, even though she will need to continue daily rehab at an outpatient facility after going home. She's progressed by leaps and bounds over the last seven weeks, amazing everyone, and we are truly thankful for these blessings, as we continue to move forward in faith that she will fully recover from all the residual effects of the injury. Perhaps you might even decide to join together with us in prayer for this much hoped-for outcome. We certainly would appreciate it!
Thanks so much for reading!
Jeanne
Today, Sunday, October 16, 2011, is Blog Action Day – the day when bloggers from 100 countries around the world gather to post about a single significant topic. This year, 2,250 bloggers will be discussing FOOD! And what makes this year’s topic even more appropriate is that today is also World Food Day!
Food: A Critical Topic to Every Person on Earth
Food is important to all of us, and so many food-related issues exist that it would be impossible to address them all in a single post. So, for now, let’s discuss a few significant aspects of the topic.
World Hunger
Famine runs rampant in many parts of the world, and numerous organizations are doing their part to make a difference. Some offer direct aid, others educate and advocate. Here are just a few:
ONE: Visit the site to learn what this organization is doing to end hunger, and the ways you can help. Sign the Petition asking the U.S. Congress to fully fund the Feed the Future program. The petition’s message to Congress says this about the critical need: “The famine in Somalia has killed 30,000 children in 3 months. In 2011 we have the opportunity to make famine a thing of the past. Lives are in your hands. Please fully fund Feed the Future and help break the cycle of famine for good.”
Ending Hunger: This organization also asks visitors to sign a Petition putting pressure on politicians to end world hunger. The petition states the following: “We who support this petition find it unacceptable that close to one billion people are chronically hungry. Through the United Nations, we call upon governments to make the elimination of hunger their top priority until that goal is reached.” The original goal was 1,000,000 signatures, and to date, well over 3,000,000 people have signed.
Ending Hunger says this about its objectives: “The objectives? A critical mass of people who no longer accept the presence of one billion fellow human beings living in chronic hunger. To make a lot of noise about the problem. To build up political pressure for change.”
Food for the Poor: This Christian non-profit offers help in various forms to people in need, describing its efforts as follows: “Food For The Poor is the third-largest international relief and development charity in the United States, feeding 2 million poor every day. Our Christian relief programs and projects are helping children and the poorest of the poor by providing food, housing, health care, education, water projects, emergency relief and micro-enterprise assistance in the Caribbean and Latin America.”
Hunger in the U.S.
Many people in the U.S. go to bed hungry each night, and the following organization is working to change that:
Food Rescue: This Indiana-based non-profit addresses the issue of food waste and focuses on how food that is currently (or would currently be) wasted can be donated to area food banks to help feed hungry local residents. While Food Rescue only works directly in its own state, the organization does help people in other states put its principles into practice. It also hosts a Virtual Flash Mob that periodically joins together to simultaneously post pleas on the social media fan pages of various food-related businesses urging them to share their excess food with the hungry, rather than throwing it away.
About its efforts, the organization says the following: “Food Rescue schedules and inspires more than 2,000 "food rescues" each month, turning millions of dollars in rescued food into hundreds of thousands of meals for children and families in need through a network of volunteers working to turn discarded food into changed lives.”
Healthier, More Equitable, and Sustainable Food for All
Slow Food International: This organization describes itself as follows: “Slow Food is a global, grassroots organization whose supporters are linking the pleasure of good food with a commitment to their community and the environment. Today we have 100,000 members worldwide, as well as the Terra Madre network of 2,000 food communities who practice small-scale and sustainable production of quality foods.” Slow Food says it is “committed to good, clean and fair food for all.”
Slow Food USA: Slow Food USA’s mission states, in part, “We believe that food is a universal right. Food that is fair should be accessible to all, regardless of income, and produced by people who are treated with dignity and justly compensated for their labor.” The non-profit also says, “Slow Food USA is working to change the food system through a network of volunteer chapters all over the country.” Its visitors are invited to join their local chapter.
This organization has issued its $5 Challenge, which states, “I pledge to share a fresh, healthy meal that costs less than $5 – because slow food shouldn't have to cost more than fast food." Those who take the challenge can submit photos and descriptions of their meals on the Tips & Tricks & Challenges page.
Please Visit These Websites
The above organizations are but a few that are working to provide food for the hungry or to improve the diets of those who are tired of the modern processed foods that are slowly robbing us of our health and vitality. I hope you will take a few minutes to visit their websites, learn more about their efforts, sign their petitions, and find out what you can do to make a difference – for others as well as yourself.
Too many people battle hunger each and every day – and too many others have more than enough to eat yet are still malnourished. These are the ironies of our crazy modern world -- ironies that we will hopefully be able to work together to change in the very near future!
Here’s to that change!
Jeanne
#BAD11
Blog Action Day 2011 Topic: FOOD
October 16th is Blog Action Day, and this year's topic is FOOD -- a topic that could hardly be more appropriate, since Blog Action Day coincides with World Food Day, which is also October 16th.
Join Us!
As of October 11th, nearly 1500 bloggers from 80 countries were registered to take part in Blog Action Day this year. If you're a blogger, why not join us by getting involved this year! Participating is easy: Simply register your blog at the Blog Action Day website and then publish a post about FOOD on October 16th. Your post can focus on any aspect of the topic. For a few ideas and a list of suggested topics, visit the Why Food? page of the Blog Action Day site.
Suggested Food-Related Topics
You might want to draw attention to world hunger -- a very critical topic in today's world -- or focus on hunger in a specific area, either at home or abroad. Perhaps you'd prefer to focus on healthful food choices, getting back to basics, and moving away from the highly processed products the food industry is foisting upon us to line its pockets, while increasingly eroding our health. There are tons of related topics and just as many angles from which you can approach them. You may even decide to cover more than one food-related topic. Whatever you decide to write about, please do participate and help draw attention to a subject that is crucial to every person on earth.
Collect Your Links
If I might take it a step further, I'd like to recommend that you gather any links you may have to food-related organizations that are helping to make a difference -- or even food-related resources that can help others improve their own food choices -- and add these to your post. In that way, you'll be helping those dedicated organizations make a difference, while also encouraging people to improve their own and their families' health and well-being through wiser and more intentional food-related practices.
For Further Information
For more information about Blog Action Day, read the About page of the Blog Action Day website, where you'll learn what Blog Action Day is, the goal it is intended to accomplish, and a bit about its history.
Hope you'll join us on Blog Action Day 2011 to share your perspective about FOOD and help make a difference! After all, isn't making a difference what blogging is all about?
Let's join together to do our part!
Jeanne
P.S. My apologies for posting so late about this. Hopefully my tardiness won't prevent you from participating!
Are you planning to participate in Blog Action Day this Sunday, October 16th? Hopefully the ranks of participating bloggers will swell between now and the "big day." Last year, 5,600 bloggers from 143 countries participated, reaching 40 million readers with information about another crucial topic -- WATER. Let's help make this year's event just as successful! Let's get people thinking -- and talking -- about FOOD!
Blog Action Day Coincides with Ongoing Age of Conversation 3 Effort
October 15th is Blog Action Day – a day when bloggers all over the world join together to talk about the critical need for safe, clean water around the globe. And each of the bloggers who contributed a chapter to Age of Conversation 3 (among them, yours truly) is doubly excited about the effort to point the spotlight on this need. Why is that? Let me explain.
What Does Age of Conversation 3 Have to Do with Blog Action Day?
Everything! Age of Conversation is an annual collaborative book project specifically designed to raise funds for charity. Since the first book was published in 2008, the Age of Conversation books have raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity. In 2008 and 2009, Age of Conversation and Age of Conversation 2 raised $15,000 and $10,000, respectively, for Variety Children's Charity. What does that have to do with water? Glad you asked!
This Year's AOC 3 Charity is charity: water
In 2010, all funds raised through the sale of Age of Conversation 3 have been earmarked for donation to charity: water, an organization that's already doing incredible work implementing over 2,900 different water- and sanitation-related projects in numerous parts of the developing world. Charity: water uses 100% of all public donations to directly fund water projects. How can they do this? A group of private donors covers the charity's other expenses.
AOC 3 Authors Are Happy to Help charity: water and Blog Action Day
I'm sure I speak for all AOC 3 authors when I say that I'm honored to be involved in raising funds for this fine charity that is making such a difference in the lives of so many people. (Please note that no AOC 3 author and no AOC 3 editor receives a penny for our contributions to the book. All proceeds raised, after printing costs are covered, go directly to charity: water.) All AOC 3 authors welcome the opportunity to join together with Change.org in pointing to the worldwide need for clean water on Blog Action Day 2010.
Help Fund Clean Water Projects: Buy a Copy of Age of Conversation 3
One way you can help provide clean water for people around the world is by purchasing a copy of Age of Conversation 3 at one of the Amazon.com links below. While every purchase will help, no matter when it's made, if you make your purchase on Blog Action Day, along with everyone else who responds today, you'll help push AOC 3 up higher in Amazon's rankings, making it more visible to Amazon visitors, which will encourage even more people to purchase it and raise even more funds for charity: water. For more information about the Amazon.com Bum Rush, visit this post on the Age of Conversation 3 blog.
Here are the links to make your AOC 3 purchase(s):
AOC 3 Paperback Edition
AOC 3 Hardcover Edition
AOC 3 Kindle Edition
A Few Other Things You Can Do to Help
• Write a post about Blog Action Day. (Be sure to register at Change.org first.)
• Tell your friends and readers to buy AOC 3 and help charity: water. (Tell them to buy each copy separately, since Amazon counts each purchase only once -- even if they buy multiple copies.)
• Visit the Blog Action Day web page for other ideas.
Let's see how much money we can help raise for charity: water and other great charities that are working so hard to make a difference!
Thanks for doing your part to help!
Jeanne
What's Your Plan?
What have you been doing or planning lately to give yourself a break from the rat race? What strides — or even baby steps — have you been making toward a more balanced, restful, peaceful life? Even if they haven’t yet been translated into action, what thought-pattern transformations — or paradigm shifts — have been occurring for you lately that have begun preparing you for action?
Permission to Be Human
Personally, I'm choosing to savor small successes, take smaller bites out of bigger tasks, and not allow all the things that still need doing to steal my joy over the things I've managed to get done. In other words, I'm purposefully focusing more on what I have accomplished than what I haven't. Whenever I do that, I usually realize that I've accomplished far more than I thought I had. But even when I haven't, I give myself permission to be human, to be imperfect, and not to beat myself up over it. If something doesn't get done today, tomorrow's another day. And it's perfectly OK for me (and you) to take some time out to enjoy life, relax, and savor the moment, and not be on task every minute of every day.
Mind Over Matter
It's a mindset, really. It doesn't mean you have any less work to do. It doesn't magically give you fewer responsibilities. It doesn't give you an excuse to ignore a job indefinitely. And it doesn't make you irresponsible. It simply means that in addition to work you're also willing to allow a little time for you. Because you're worth it! And because, when you're stressed out, overworked, and overwhelmed, you can't do your work effectively anyway.
It also means you take time out to focus more on the things that are truly important. In the grand scheme of things, will it really matter whether you do the research for that article right now or put it on your calendar for tomorrow or your To-Do list for later this afternoon so you can take a few moments out to call a friend or relative you haven't spoken to in far too long? Usually not. And what an incredible difference that simple gesture can make in your life and theirs. That's just one example of something far more significant than work. No doubt you can think of many others — if you'll pause long enough to think about it.
When You've No Choice But to Work
I understand you may be wrestling with looming deadlines — Believe me, I know them well! — and in such cases that all-important call may have to wait. But, my question is: Will you determine to make the call once you've finished? Or will you fall right back into the old routine, the pattern of thinking there's simply no time for such luxuries, that they can wait for a time when you aren't so busy? Allowing yourself to stop and smell the roses, connect with the important people in your life, and free your mind from the incessant demands of compulsive "doing" will bring new life, new vigor, and new inspiration to your work. Try it and see.
How Will You Break Free?
I've told you a few of the things I'm doing to alter my perfectionistic, inadequate - unless - continuously - overachieving paradigm and given you a few reasons why it's so important to do that. Now, my question for you is this: What will you do (or what are you already doing) to bring more harmony and balance into your own life and work?
To your freedom!
Jeanne
A Quote That Serves Up Food for Thought for Writers
Today's Quote of the Day (in my left sidebar) says that "Silence is more eloquent than words." (Thomas Carlyle). As writers, words are the tools of our trade. What do you think of Carlyle's statement, and/or what would you say to Carlyle about his assertion if you could?
Words and Silence
Personally, I would say that there are definitely times when silence is more eloquent than words--as in those times when no words are adequate to express an emotion or when nothing we could say would ever be sufficient to respond to another person's sorrow or despair without trivializing it.
I also believe that silence can be a highly effective method for punctuating a statement and providing dramatic contrast, which can not only drive an idea home in a particularly potent manner but also encourage (and allow) a listener to really ponder it.
Of course, the above comments would apply more to verbal exchanges than written ones--though there are also many times when silence in written messages can exert a powerful (though not always unambiguous) influence.
"Silence" in Writing
We all know that not replying to something said by someone in an e-mail, letter, or comment can sometimes cause that person to question why and wonder about the significance of the omission. This type of "silence" can create serious doubts about our message's intent and sometimes even give the recipient a totally erroneous impression of what we meant to convey. This would be a negative application of silence in our written communications, which--while certainly powerful--wouldn't actually qualify as "eloquent."
In the writing arena, I also think that, in many cases, economy of words can have a similar effect to that of auditory silence in conversation. This is true in the sense that it leaves some room for individual thought, opinion formulation, and/or personal application of a concept, rather than bombarding the reader with the author's own perspective and thereby limiting the reader's engagement with the work in question. This would be a positive manifestation of written "silence" which might actually qualify for Carlyle's "eloquent" descriptor.
Another version of this type of "silence"--whether in speech or writing--would be the art of asking questions. This is because the very act of questioning implies that a period of silence will follow, during which the hearer's/reader's input will be welcome--another positive manifestation of written "silence." (Even rhetorical questions invite the hearer/reader to ponder the topic and provide the "space" for him to reach his own conclusions.)
What are your thoughts on words and silence--either from a writing or conversational perspective? You have the floor!
Thanks, in advance, for sharing your thoughts!
Jeanne
Update On My Situation
Most of you are aware that, due to my mom's illness and my caregiving responsibilities, I've been unable to post much at Writer's Notes over the past few months. Some may also be aware of the latest development in my situation; but for those who aren't, I'd like to share an update: My dear, sweet, precious mother passed away Sunday, May 17th, at the age of 82, after a shockingly short, fierce battle with an unusually fast-progressing form of Alzheimer's, which devastated both mind and body before finally taking her life.
It's been a very sad time for my family and me and an extremely hard thing to watch this insidious disease wreak its devastation on a woman who was always so sharp, alert, detail-oriented, meticulous, and exacting before its onset--to watch her gradually (though rapidly) lose her ability to reason, communicate, walk, feed (or do anything else for) herself, and eventually even lose the ability to eat or drink (even through a straw) and even when fed by others.
I hope my description of the end-stages of this hellish disease isn't too graphic for my readers' sensibilities, but I believe that many (like me) were not previously aware of the true nature of Alzheimer's and just how devastating it can be. Prior to my own experience with this medical monster, I didn't know that it was a fatal disease and naively thought it always took years and years to develop and that its effects were limited to cognitive impairment, wandering and becoming lost, and other similar difficulties. I soon learned, though, that that isn't the half of it.
Dispelling the Widespread Myths About Alzheimer's
The following quote from the Alzheimer's Myths page of the Alzheimer's Association website addresses the reality of Alzheimer's--a reality of which most people are unaware:
Myth 2: Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal.
Reality: Alzheimer's disease has no survivors. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors and loss of body functions. It slowly and painfully takes away a person's identity, ability to connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk and find his or her way home.
I hope this eye-opening information won't be too shocking to my readers, but I do feel it very important to dispel the myths that lull us into complacency about this devastating disease--making us ill-equipped to face it when it enters our lives. (For the other seven myths listed on the website, along with their rebuttals, visit the above link.)
Knowledge Equals Power to Prepare
The truth is that many people live many years with Alzheimer's, and in its earlier stages it rarely, if ever, wreaks the devastation that its later stages bring. Many Alzheimer's patients live reasonably happy lives for years. Yet, it's also important to be aware that this isn't always the case and to be prepared in the eventuality that we or our loved ones face a more aggressive, faster-moving variety.
There are drugs that can slow the progression of Alzheimer's somewhat if taken early enough in the disease process, though their effect is temporary, they only work for about half the people who take them, and that effect only lasts on average about 6 to 12 months. These facts are also addressed on the Alzheimer's Myths page of the Association's website (found at the link presented earlier in this post.)
This insidious disease snuck up on me, and by the time I realized what was happening, so much ground had already been lost. Then, it progressed at super speed like a horror movie video set to "fast forward," never allowing me to achieve (or regain) my equilibrium as a daughter, companion, caregiver, "nurse," or friend. In short, it was a nightmare, and I would hate to see this same nightmare come upon you unawares.
Please educate yourself about Alzheimer's, because you simply never know when it might strike someone you know and love--and when it does, there's absolutely no way of knowing for certain how much (or how little) time you have left.
Thanks so much for reading!
Jeanne
P.S. I'd planned to provide a link to a writing-related website as part of this post (since this is, after all, a writing blog); but, due to the serious and emotional nature of the above message, I've decided to hold off and provide that link in a separate post. When I first began penning the above post, I wasn't absolutely certain how much I would reveal about my mom's death or the precise manner in which that revelation would evolve. But, since I felt it so important to share and prepare my readers for the possibility of meeting Alzheimer's head on in the future, it seemed inappropriate and anticlimactic to follow my appeal with something so mundane as a link to a freelancing website. I hope that no one minds and that all will be patient until I can get the next post up. Thanks so much for your understanding.
February '09 Comment Recognition
I'm honored to once again recognize my valued readers who have left comments at Writer's Notes. To the special people who have graced this little corner of the blogosphere with your wit and wisdom during the month of February, 2009, "Thank you!" You help make this blog so much more interesting, and you are greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Everyone!
I appreciate all your thoughtful, wise, inspiring, and informative comments! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts at Writer's Notes! I truly enjoy reading your insights, viewpoints, and perspectives and especially appreciate your loyalty over the past month, during which I've posted so little, since you are obviously a die-hard Writer's Notes fan!
Sparser Posting Schedule
My sincere apologies for the lateness of this comment appreciation post, for my sparser-than-ever posting schedule lately, and for my practically non-existent visits and comments at the other blogs that I so enjoy. So many things have been keeping me busy--all vying for my attention at once--that it seems impossible to get to them all; and I admit that, as a result, I've been rather lax in my updates here at Writer's Notes.* I hope you'll forgive me. I appreciate each and every one of you who took the time to leave a comment--even more now than when I have a larger group! Thanks so much for your faithfulness!
February '09 Commenters
The following is a list (in no particular order) of the fantastic folks who have left comments at Writer's Notes during February, 2009:
Janet Collins, at The Social Critic
Mark Antony, at Bloggers Quest
Wilson Pon, at TechnoStuffs
Lillie Ammann, at A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye
Brad Shorr, at Word Sell, Inc.
Jacques, at Monkeyprofit
Laverne Daly, at Words into Print
Sharon Hurley Hall, at Get Paid to Write Online
Michele Tune, at Writing the Cyber Highway
I Truly Appreciate Your Comments!
Thank you so much, everyone, for making the Writer's Notes conversation so much richer during the past month by visiting and sharing your thoughts, insights, opinions, advice, and personal experiences with us! You add so much value to this blog, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Many, many thanks,
Jeanne
*I've been so busy, in fact, that I totally missed my Writer's Notes second blog birthday (which was also my second blogging anniversary) at the end of January and only just realized it recently! Now, that's distraction!
P.S. If you've commented at Writer's Notes during February, and I've somehow managed to overlook you, please be sure to let me know. I appreciate every single commenter, and I want to give each of you the recognition you deserve!
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add...any insights to share? I'd love to hear your thoughts! After all, your comments are what these monthly recognition posts are all about!
Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!
January '09 Comment Recognition
I'm honored to once again recognize my valued readers who have left comments at Writer's Notes. To all the special folks who have graced this little corner of the blogosphere with your wit and wisdom during the month of January, 2009, "Thank you!" You help make this blog so much better through your feedback! Special thanks, also, to those who commented here for the first time last month! You, too, are truly appreciated!
Thanks, Everyone!
I'm very grateful for all your thoughtful, wise, inspiring, informative, and incisive comments! Thanks for taking the time to read and share your thoughts and experiences here at Writer's Notes! I so enjoy reading your insights, viewpoints, and perspectives! They add so much richness to my own experience! Thanks so much for making January another great month—and the beginning of another great year--through your valuable input!
January '09 Commenters
The following is a list (in no particular order) of all the wonderful people who have left comments at Writer's Notes during January, 2009:
Liara Covert, at Dream Builders Australia
Lillie Ammann, at A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye
Janet Collins, at The Social Critic
Michele Tune, at Writing the Cyber Highway
Brad Shorr, at Word Sell, Inc.
Moonglow, at How to Write
Cheryl Wright, at Cheryl Wright Writes
Dianna G, at I Wish This Was 42
Amy Huang, at Travel String
Wilson Pon, at TechnoStuffs
Ulla Hennig, at Ulla Hennig's Weblog
I Truly Appreciate Your Comments!
Thank you so much, everyone, for making the Writer's Notes conversation so much richer during the past month by visiting and sharing your, insights, opinions, advice, and experiences with us! You add so much value to this blog, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Many Apologies for My Sparse Posting Schedule Again Last Month
Due to a few ongoing writing and editing gigs, I've been so busy with work lately that I simply haven't been able to find the time to post very often--for which I truly apologize! I have definitely been keeping busy lately and not simply ignoring you!
Many, many thanks for your comments!
Jeanne
P.S. If you've commented at Writer's Notes during January, and I've somehow managed to overlook you, please be sure to let me know. I do my best to keep track, but every so often I do slip up. I appreciate every single commenter, and I definitely want to give each of you the recognition you deserve!
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add...any insights to share? I'd love to hear your thoughts! After all, your comments are what these monthly recognition posts are all about!
Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!
Very Late, But with Tons of Link Love!
I've prepared this comprehensive post to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has commented at Writer's Notes during 2008. (My apologies for not publishing these thanks sooner. I simply couldn't manage to do it for the same reason that I haven't managed to post much of anything lately: too much other work that's monopolizing my time and energy. Many apologies!)
I would have liked to go into more detail than I have here (i.e., listing the number of comments each person left and giving special recognition to those who commented often). But, I simply don't have an efficient method of doing that, so I'll limit myself to identifying individual commenters and linking to their blogs the same way I do in my monthly comment recognition posts.
Writer's Notes' 2008 Commenters
Here's a list of all the readers who left comments at Writer's Notes during 2008 and for whom I am ever so grateful! (Commenters are listed in no particular order.)
Lillie Ammann, at A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye
Mark Antony, at Bloggers Quest
Wilson Pon, at TechnoStuffs
Moonglow, at How to Write
Brad Shorr, at Word Sell, Inc.
Robyn McMaster, at Brain Based Biz
Connie Arnold, at Inspirational Poetry of Connie Arnold
Bluestocking, at The Bluestocking Guide
Janet Collins, at The Social Critic
BJ Keltz, at Enriched By Words
Cath Lawson
Morgan Bell, at Current Business News
Karen Swim, at Words for Hire
Kyle Howard, at MoneyVac
Dianna G, at I Wish This Was 42
Len Kennedy
Debbie Yost, at Three Weddings
Amy Huang, at Travel String
Ellen Weber, at Brain Leaders and Learners
Dan C. Rinnert, at dcrBlogs
Cheryl Wright, at Cheryl Wright Writes
Joanne Fedler, at Secret Writers Business
Carolyn Cordon, at Light Within
Jarrah, at Back to the Eighties
Chris Champion, at Vyoos
Amy Derby, at Write From Home
Joanna Young, at Confident Writing
Sharon Hurley Hall, at Get Paid to Write Online
Laura Spencer, at Writing Thoughts
K-IntheHouse, at ShanKri-la
Melissa Donovan, at Writing Forward
Jean Wise, at Kindred Heart Writers
James Chartrand, at Men With Pens
Jean Browman, at Cheerful Monk
Bobby Revell, at Revellian
Joel Ratner (aka, Zirdlander) , at Zirdland.com
Katyzzz, at MS Paint Art
Andrew, at Good Honest Dollar
Techno, at Geeky Blog
Nevar (aka, Raven), at ad hominem
Ulla Hennig, at Ulla Hennig's Weblog
Liara Covert, at Dream Builders Australia
Michele Tune, at Writing the Cyber Highway
Cindy Nichols, at Kaleidoscope
Lis Garrett
Lynn Smythe, at Freelance Online Work
Tracy, at Movies and Life
Scotty, (aka, Spennies), at Record Reviews
John Doe, at Film & TV on DVD
Robert Hruzek, at Middle Zone Musings
Krissy Knox, at Sometimes I Think
Nana Connie, at Play Wit Me Nana
Malathy, at Blog Avenues
Kerith Collins, at Freelancing, My Road Less Traveled
Danielle Batog, (now) at Acres of Diamonds
Jacob Malewitz, at A Reader's Eye
Howard, at Real Crash
Pat, at Books are for Losers
jayque
JP Shaw, at Sassy Ink Author
Lilla, at Enviro Warrior
Rosemary, at Alpaca Notes
James Rickard, at Angling Fish
Merle
Susan Keeping, of What's in a Word?
Rebecca Laffar-Smith, of Writers Round-About
Matt Jones, of Blogging Fingers
Tina
Mark Goodyear, at Good Word Editing
Yvonne Russell, at Grow Your Writing Business
Tom Colvin, at Becoming A Writer Seriously
Norm
Sonya 1, at Freelance Tips
Always Eighteen
Damo, at My Apologetics
Wayne F, at Bucket Movies
Shan Jayaweera, at Watching You Tube
John Hewitt, at Writer's Resource Center
Jackie Cameron
The Daily Sonnet, at Lots of Sonnets
Mike Crowl, at Webitz
Patricia, at Travel Stripe
Lady Henrietta Muddling
Dances with Words
Renae Brumbaugh, at Morning Coffee
Scott, at Enterprising Energy
Whitney, at Gaming Life
Mother Earth, at Best of Mother Earth ~ Creating Healthier Lives
Diane, at The Mommy Diaries
Amanda, at The Mom Crowd
Mike Goad, at Exit 78
Morgan, at Red Raven Circling
TravelinOma, at TravelinOma's Library
Wild Bill, at Passionate Blogger
Lindsay, at Writing for Your Wealth
Shamelle, at The Enhance Life
Ash, at Australian Traveller
Workflow, at Gedys IntraWare
Ravens’ wraith
Meggie, at TV Chit Chat
D. Armenta, at The Florida Keys and Everglades
Brenton, at Downwrite
Graphic Design Blog, at StuffHeaven
AnonymousC (Cheryl)
高須クリニック (Translation: Clinic)
pay blog review
Deb, at Punctuality Rules
Jill Browne, at Skip on Over
Many Thanks to Each and Every Commenter!
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights at Writer's Notes during the past year! You've made this blog a friendly, lively, thought-provoking community, with your keen insights, kind words, and generous good wishes—all of which have been greatly appreciated! Hope you'll help make the Writer's Notes Year Three conversation as fascinating as its Year One and Two interaction has been! I know we're off to a slow start in 2009, since my work has been making it difficult for me to post very often; but, hopefully, I'll be able to pick up the blogging pace soon!
Many Thanks to My Silent Readers, as Well!
If you have visited Writer's Notes during 2008, subscribed to my RSS feed, or signed up for e-mail notification of new posts to my blog—even if you haven't left comments—I very much appreciate you, as well! I know how hectic life can be (as I've just mentioned above), and I understand that there are many other reasons, besides being busy, for not getting around to commenting on the blogs we visit. Thanks so much for reading!
I'd Just Love to Hear from You in 2009!
If you are a regular Writer's Notes reader—and even if you aren't—I'd love to get to know you during the coming year; so, if you can possibly find the time to say Hi—and maybe even share a few of your thoughts on a topic that interests you—it would be wonderful to hear from you! I promise that you'll receive a personal reply (so be sure to stop back and look for it—or sign up for comment notification). One thing I'm always careful to do here at Writer's Notes is reply to comments! That's because each and every one of you—and each and every one of your thoughts—is important to me! You may have noticed the "iReply" logo in my sidebar: You Comment, iReply! Why not put me to the test this year!
Have a happy, healthy, successful 2009!
Jeanne
NOTE: If I haven't included a link for a commenter, it's because I either don't have a URL for that commenter or I noticed certain content on the commenter's site which ran counter to the G-rating of this blog.
Did you enjoy this post? Or have you commented this year and I've forgotten to include you? Please feel free to let me know, and I'll correct the situation immediately!
Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!
December '08 Comment Recognition
I'm honored to once again recognize my valued readers who have left comments at Writer's Notes. To all the special people who have graced this little corner of the blogosphere with your wit and wisdom during the month of December, 2008, I'd like to say, "Thank you!" You help to make this blog better by your presence and far more interesting through your feedback! Special thanks, also, to those who commented here for the first time last month! You, too, are greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Everyone!
I'm very grateful for all your thoughtful, wise, inspiring, informative, and incisive comments! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts, experiences, and support here at Writer's Notes! I thoroughly enjoy reading your insights, viewpoints, and perspectives! They add so much richness to my experience! Thanks so much for making December another great month through your valuable input!
December '08 Commenters
The following is a list (in no particular order) of all the wonderful people who have left comments at Writer's Notes during December, 2008:
Brad Shorr, at Word Sell, Inc.
Moonglow, at How to Write
Wilson Pon, at TechnoStuffs
Lillie Ammann, at A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye
Len Kennedy
Janet Collins, at The Social Critic
Debbie Yost, at Three Weddings
Robyn McMaster, at Brain Based Biz
Mark Antony, at Bloggers Quest
Amy Huang, at Travel String
Andrew, at Good Honest Dollar
Techno, at Geeky Blog
Nevar, at ad hominem
Joanna Young, at Confident Writing
Ulla Hennig, at Ulla Hennig's Weblog
I Truly Appreciate Your Comments!
Thank you so much, everyone, for making the Writer's Notes conversation so much richer during the past month by visiting and sharing your, insights, opinions, advice, and experiences with us! You add so much value to this blog, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Many Apologies for My Very Sparse Posting Schedule Lately!
Due to several new ongoing gigs, I've been so swamped with work that I haven't managed to find the time to post--for which I truly apologize! I'm still around, though, and hope you'll forgive me this lapse! I have definitely been keeping busy lately and not simply ignoring you!
Many thanks for your comments!
Jeanne
P.S. If you've commented at Writer's Notes during December, and I've somehow managed to overlook you, please be sure to let me know. I do my best to keep track, but every so often I do slip up. I appreciate every single commenter, and I definitely want to give each of you the recognition you deserve!
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add...any insights to share? I'd love to hear your thoughts! After all, your comments are what these monthly recognition posts are all about!
Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!
November '08 Comment Recognition
I'm honored to once again recognize my valued readers who have left comments at Writer's Notes. To all the special people who have graced this little corner of the blogosphere with your wit and wisdom during the month of November, 2008, "Thank you!" You help to make this blog better by your presence and your feedback! Special thanks, also, to those who commented here for the first time last month! You, too, are truly appreciated!
Thanks, Everyone!
I'm truly grateful for all your thoughtful, wise, inspiring, informative, and incisive comments! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts, experiences, and support at Writer's Notes! I really enjoy reading your insights, viewpoints, and perspectives! They add so much richness to my own experience! Thanks so much for making November another great month through your valuable input!
Thanks, too, for joining in on Lillie Ammann's two Dream or Destiny book tour stops at Writer's Notes last month--for leaving your comments about my book review as your entries into the drawing for a free copy of Lillie's book and for reading Lillie's fascinating interview and bringing your questions about writing and publishing your own work in order to learn from Lillie's experience. Many congratulations to Mark Antony, who won the drawing!
November '08 Commenters
The following is a list (in no particular order) of all the wonderful people who have left comments at Writer's Notes during November, 2008:
Lillie Ammann, at A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye
Connie Arnold, at Inspirational Poetry of Connie Arnold
Bluestocking, at The Bluestocking Guide
Janet Collins, at The Social Critic
BJ Keltz, at Enriched By Words
Mark Antony, at Bloggers Quest
Wilson Pon, at TechnoStuffs
Cath Lawson
Morgan Bell, at Current Business News
Karen Swim, at Words for Hire
Kyle Howard, at MoneyVac
Lynn Smythe, at Bike Diva
Moonglow, at How to Write
Dianna G, at I Wish This Was 42
I Truly Appreciate Your Comments!
Thank you so much, everyone, for making the Writer's Notes conversation so much richer during the past month by visiting and sharing your, insights, opinions, advice, and experiences with us! You add so much value to this blog, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Many Apologies for My Sparser than Usual Posting Schedule Last Month
Due to several new ongoing writing/editing/coaching gigs, I've been so overwhelmed with work during the past few weeks that I simply haven't been able to find the time to post--for which I truly apologize! I was in fact offered--and accepted--two regular ongoing gigs and one longer term project in the same week, which has basically wreaked havoc with my writing--and life--schedule, keeping me busy almost nonstop since.
As you can well imagine, many regular gigs include a steep learning curve, which makes them even more work at the beginning, and this is what I've been up against--particularly with my new editing gig which consists of editing grant proposals for an educational website. So far, I've completed six different assignments of varying lengths for this site in the past 10 days, one of which was a substantive edit of a full grant proposal consisting of 12 pages. So, I have definitely been keeping busy lately and not simply ignoring you!
Many, many thanks for your comments!
Jeanne
P.S. If you've commented at Writer's Notes during November, and I've somehow managed to overlook you, please be sure to let me know. I do my best to keep track, but every so often I do slip up. I appreciate every single commenter, and I definitely want to give each of you the recognition you deserve!
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add...any insights to share? I'd love to hear your thoughts! After all, your comments are what these monthly recognition posts are all about!
Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!
October '08 Comment Recognition
I'm honored to once again recognize my valued readers who have left comments at Writer's Notes. To all the special people who have graced this little corner of the blogosphere with your wit and wisdom during the month of October, 2008, "Thank you!" You help to make this blog better! Special thanks, too, to those of you who commented here for the first time last month! You, too, are greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Everyone!
I appreciate all your thoughtful, wise, inspiring, informative, and incisive comments! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts, opinions, ideas, experiences, and support at Writer's Notes! I truly enjoy reading your insights, viewpoints, and perspectives! Thanks for making October another special month through your valuable input!
Sparser Posting Schedule = Fewer Commenters to Recognize
My apologies that my posting schedule, as well as my own visits and comments on the other blogs that I so enjoy, were quite sparse last month--which is why my comment recognition list is so short! Still, I appreciate each and every one of you who took the time to leave a comment--in fact, I appreciate you even more now than when I have a larger group! Blog comments are so motivating to a blogger! Thanks so much for your faithfulness!
October '08 Commenters
The following is a list (in no particular order) of all the fantastic folks who have left comments at Writer's Notes during October, 2008:
Ellen Weber, at Brain Leaders and Learners
Dan C. Rinnert, at dcrBlogs
Lillie Ammann, at A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye
Brad Shorr, at Word Sell, Inc.
Karen Swim, at Words for Hire
Mark Antony, at Bloggers Quest
Moonglow, at How to Write
Wilson Pon, at TechnoStuffs
Cheryl Wright, at Cheryl Wright Writes
Joanne Fedler, at Secret Writers Business
Carolyn Cordon, at Light Within
Jarrah, at Back to the Eighties
I Truly Appreciate Your Comments!
Thank you so much, everyone, for making the Writer's Notes conversation so much richer during the past month by visiting and sharing your thoughts, insights, opinions, advice, and personal experiences with us! You add so much value to this blog, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Many, many thanks,
Jeanne
P.S. If you've commented at Writer's Notes during October, and I've somehow managed to overlook you, please be sure to let me know. I appreciate every single commenter, and I want to give each of you the recognition you deserve!
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add...any insights to share? I'd love to hear your thoughts! After all, your comments are what these monthly recognition posts are all about!
Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!
Age of Conversation, Round 2, Comes Out Swinging
In a massive effort to raise $15,000 for Variety Children's Charity, Drew McLellan and Gavin Heaton have once again joined forces to assemble a diverse group of 237 authors from around the blogosphere and across the globe to create Age of Conversation 2: Why Don't they Get It? AOC 2 is the sequel to last year's popular Age of Conversation, itself a collaborative effort between 103 authors which raised $14,000 for Variety.
Age of Conversation 2 Will Make You Think
Age of Conversation 2 is about communication in a lightning-fast, technology-enabled, globally connected world. It explores various issues which affect us all, providing thought-provoking commentary on the realities of real-world vs. virtual interaction in the 21st century—realities which we often overlook, misunderstand, or fail to recognize the full impact of.
Multiple Authors and Perspectives Will Add Variety to Your Reading Experience
Age of Conversation 2 offers 237 unique perspectives on a wide array of topics relevant to modern life. It's a plethora of fascinating viewpoints, eloquently expressed by some of the best internet writers of our age, who represent a whole spectrum of backgrounds and philosophies and hail from 15 different countries. Aside from their expertise with the written word, and a bit of life-, work-, and business-experience thrown in for good measure, the only thing these authors have in common is a desire to donate their time and talents to help sick children around the world get well.
An Array of Fascinating Topics Will Grab Your Interest
Topics AOC 2 authors explore in this one-of-a-kind book are listed below:
Manifestos
Keeping Secrets in the Age of Conversation
Moving from Conversation to Action
The Accidental Marketer
A New Brand of Creative
My Marketing Tragedy
Business Model Evolution
Life in the Conversation Lane
You can bet that this creative group will have many intriguing ideas to share in each bite-sized, single-page treatise. Coming in at 258 8-1/2 x 11 inch pages, AOC 2 is one book that will provide you with reading material for quite some time--yet each individual article can be enjoyed in a single sitting whenever you have a few free minutes. It's the ideal book for busy people.
Sneak Preview of My Own AOC 2 Chapter
Here's a sneak peek at part of my chapter, which falls under the Life In the Conversation Lane category. It's called "Who's Using What? (or What's Using Whom?) Life in the Internet Age."
Thanks to the internet, the world is getting smaller every day. The Web has opened vistas unimagined just a few short years ago. Thanks to the advances of modern technology, we now have access to news, information, entertainment, goods, and services from half-a-world away, literally at our fingertips 24/7, 365 days a year.
Welcome to the age of mega data, super commerce, and ultra communication...
AOC 2 Launches Today (October 29, 2008)
Age of Conversation 2 debuts today at Lulu.com at 8 am U.S. EST and will be available for purchase in your choice of e-book, hardbound, or soft-cover versions. (Prior to 8 am U.S. EST today, only last year's original Age of Conversation will be available.) Visit the site for pricing info. As mentioned earlier, proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit Variety Children's Charity, so you'll know your money is going to a good cause.
Don't miss out on a fantastic read—and a wonderful opportunity to help children in need. Hurry over to Lulu.com today and pick up your copy of Age of Conversation 2: Why Don't They Get It? You'll be glad you did!
AOC 2 Authors List
Here's a list of the 237 authors who have made this book possible:
Adrian Ho
Aki Spicer
Alex Henault
Amy Jussel
Andrew Odom
Andy Nulman
Andy Sernovitz
Andy Whitlock
Angela Maiers
Ann Handley
Anna Farmery
Armando Alves
Arun Rajagopal
Asi Sharabi
Becky Carroll
Becky McCray
Bernie Scheffler
Bill Gammell
Bob LeDrew
Brad Shorr
Brandon Murphy
Branislav Peric
Brent Dixon
Brett Macfarlane
Brian Reich
C.C. Chapman
Cam Beck
Casper Willer
Cathleen Rittereiser
Cathryn Hrudicka
Cedric Giorgi
Charles Sipe
Chris Kieff
Chris Cree
Chris Wilson
Christina Kerley (CK)
C.B. Whittemore
Chris Brown
Connie Bensen
Connie Reece
Corentin Monot
Craig Wilson
Daniel Honigman
Dan Schawbel
Dan Sitter
Daria Radota Rasmussen
Darren Herman
Dave Davison
David Armano
David Berkowitz
David Koopmans
David Meerman Scott
David Petherick
David Reich
David Weinfeld
David Zinger
Deanna Gernert
Deborah Brown
Dennis Price
Derrick Kwa
Dino Demopoulos
Doug Haslam
Doug Meacham
Doug Mitchell
Douglas Hanna
Douglas Karr
Drew McLellan
Duane Brown
Dustin Jacobsen
Dylan Viner
Ed Brenegar
Ed Cotton
Efrain Mendicuti
Ellen Weber
Eric Peterson
Eric Nehrlich
Ernie Mosteller
Faris Yakob
Fernanda Romano
Francis Anderson
Gareth Kay
Gary Cohen
Gaurav Mishra
Gavin Heaton
Geert Desager
George Jenkins
G. Kofi Annan
G.L. Hoffman
Gianandrea Facchini
Gordon Whitehead
Greg Verdino
Gretel Going & Kathryn Fleming
Hillel Cooperman
Hugh Weber
J. Erik Potter
James Gordon-Macintosh
Jamey Shiels
Jasmin Tragas
Jason Oke
Jay Ehret
Jeanne Dininni
Jeff De Cagna
Jeff Gwynne & Todd Cabral
Jeff Noble
Jeff Wallace
Jennifer Warwick
Jenny Meade
Jeremy Fuksa
Jeremy Heilpern
Jeroen Verkroost
Jessica Hagy
Joanna Young
Joe Pulizzi
John Herrington
John Moore
John Rosen
John Todor
Jon Burg
Jon Swanson
Jonathan Trenn
Jordan Behan
Julie Fleischer
Justin Foster
Karl Turley
Kate Trgovac
Katie Chatfield
Katie Konrath
Kenny Lauer
Keri Willenborg
Kevin Jessop
Kristin Gorski
Lewis Green
Lois Kelly
Lori Magno
Louise Manning
Luc Debaisieux
Mario Vellandi
Mark Blair
Mark Earls
Mark Goren
Mark Hancock
Mark Lewis
Mark McGuinness
Matt Dickman
Matt J. McDonald
Matt Moore
Michael Karnjanaprakorn
Michelle Lamar
Mike Arauz
Mike McAllen
Mike Sansone
Mitch Joel
Neil Perkin
Nettie Hartsock
Nick Rice
Oleksandr Skorokhod
Ozgur Alaz
Paul Chaney
Paul Hebert
Paul Isakson
Paul McEnany
Paul Tedesco
Paul Williams
Pet Campbell
Pete Deutschman
Peter Corbett
Phil Gerbyshak
Phil Lewis
Phil Soden
Piet Wulleman
Rachel Steiner
Sreeraj Menon
Reginald Adkins
Richard Huntington
Rishi Desai
Robert Hruzek
Roberta Rosenberg
Robyn McMaster
Roger von Oech
Rohit Bhargava
Ron Shevlin
Ryan Barrett
Ryan Karpeles
Ryan Rasmussen
Sam Huleatt
Sandy Renshaw and James G. Lindberg
Scott Goodson
Scott Monty
Scott Townsend
Scott White
Sean Howard
Sean Scott
Seni Thomas
Seth Gaffney
Shama Hyder
Sheila Scarborough
Sheryl Steadman
Simon Payn
Sonia Simone
Spike Jones
Stanley Johnson
Stephen Collins
Stephen Landau
Stephen Smith
Steve Bannister
Steve Hardy
Steve Portigal
Steve Roesler
Steven Verbruggen
Steve Woodruff
Sue Edworthy
Susan Bird
Susan Gunelius
Susan Heywood
Tammy Lenski
Terrell Meek
Thomas Clifford
Thomas Knoll
Tim Brunelle
Tim Connor
Tim Jackson
Tim Mannveille
Tim Tyler
Timothy Johnson
Tinu Abayomi-Paul
Toby Bloomberg
Todd Andrlik
Troy Rutter
Troy Worman
Uwe Hook
Valeria Maltoni
Vandana Ahuja
Vanessa DiMauro
Veronique Rabuteau
Wayne Buckhanan
William Azaroff
Yves Van Landeghem
Happy Reading!
Jeanne
September '08 Comment Recognition
I'm honored to once again recognize my valued readers who have left comments at Writer's Notes. To all the special people who have graced this little corner of the blogosphere with your wit and wisdom during the month of September, 2008, "Thank you!" You help to make this blog better! Special thanks, also, to those who commented here for the first time last month! You, too, are truly appreciated!
Thanks, Everyone!
I'm truly grateful for all your thoughtful, wise, inspiring, informative, and incisive comments! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts, experiences, and support at Writer's Notes! I really enjoy reading your insights, viewpoints, and perspectives! They add so much richness to my own experience! Thanks so much for making September another great month through your valuable input!
September '08 Commenters
The following is a list (in no particular order) of all the wonderful people who have left comments at Writer's Notes during September, 2008:
Brad Shorr, at Word Sell, Inc.
Lillie Ammann, at A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye
pay blog review
Cheryl Wright, at Cheryl Wright Writes
Chris Champion, at Vyoos
Amy Derby, at Write From Home
Joanna Young, at Confident Writing
Sharon Hurley Hall, at Get Paid to Write Online
Laura Spencer, at Writing Thoughts
Wilson Pon, at TechnoStuffs
K-IntheHouse, at ShanKri-la
Melissa Donovan, at Writing Forward
Jean Wise, at Kindred Heart Writers
Karen Swim, at Words for Hire
James Chartrand, at Men With Pens
James Rickard, at Angling Fish
Dan C. Rinnert (aka, dcr) , at dcrBlogs
Jean Browman, at Cheerful Monk
Bobby Revell, at Revellian
Joel Ratner (aka, Zirdlander) , at Zirdland.com
Janet Collins, at The Social Critic
Katyzzz, at MS Paint Art
Anonymous commenters during September: 1
Comment left after midnight Australia time on 10/1, which was still 9/30 in the US:
Jarrah, at Back to the Eighties
I Truly Appreciate Your Comments!
Thank you so much, everyone, for making the Writer's Notes conversation so much richer during the past month by visiting and sharing your, insights, opinions, advice, and experiences with us! You add so much value to this blog, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Many, many thanks,
Jeanne
P.S. If you've commented at Writer's Notes during September, and I've somehow managed to overlook you, please be sure to let me know. I do my best to keep track, but every so often I do slip up. I appreciate every single commenter, and I definitely want to give each of you the recognition you deserve!
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add...any insights to share? I'd love to hear your thoughts! After all, your comments are what these monthly recognition posts are all about!
Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!
September 21st 2008 01:26
The Lowdown Right from the Lizard's* Mouth!
Joel Ratner, Director of Zirdland.com, has graciously responded to several somewhat skeptical comments left on my recent post: "That First Line" Contest Offers $500 Prize for One Line! In his comment, Joel addresses a few issues raised by some Writer's Notes readers. I've decided to reproduce his fairly lengthy comment in this post to be certain that everyone who's read the earlier post and either entertained or expressed doubts about the Zirdland website and its writing contests will see his remarks and benefit from hearing the other side of the story.
The Inside Scoop from the Top Man at Zirdland
The following is what Joel had to say about his site:
Hi Jeanne -
Thanks for writing so many wonderful things about our web site. It's been a long development process. But we want to make sure we get this right. For too long, writers have been left in the dark wondering how to get published. Publishers are similarly in the dark about where the "truly" great works can be found. They rely on third-parties to evaluate and recommend. Seems to us (as writers) a tragic failed business model.
So, maybe we're crazy for trying to change things, but somebody needs to do something - the same old stuff keeps getting published - and I can tell you from what we've seen in both the first-line contest and the new novel competition, that there are some incredibly talented people with very meaningful works out there. Even more tragic are some of the tales of their querying experiences.
The Arc Angel is something we've worked on for 4 years now, and when deployed, we hope it can bridge the gap - helping writers structure their plots and characters for maximum reader satisfaction, and helping the publishers wade through their slush-piles in a more organized way. While it can't "read" like a human - or interpret the social significance of a work, it can accurately detect emotional development, dramatic ebb and flow and chart-out the arc structure for each character and for combinations of characters.
The actual user-interface you will eventually see on the site will be very intuitive, graphical, and integrated with a text editor so a writer can work in the desktop environment and have the Arc Angel analyze the edits on the fly.
Our writers focus groups have given us valuable feedback and even some of the die-hard skeptics remained well afterwards to get more hands-on with the Arc Angel - addicted, as we are.
The novel competition is our beta test - giving the Arc Angel and the processing engines a work-out with real submissions. While we've taken reasonable precautions to protect the entries, writers should always copyright their works. No rights are lost by entering - we only expect to test the system. Eventually, each entrant will receive the analysis output of their entry. And of course, one exceptional writer will also get $1,000.
No entry fee this time around. The first-line contest was an effort to raise money for our literacy partners (Firstbook and National Center for Family Literacy) while providing a fun opportunity for writers. We love competitions and feel it sparks creativity. I think Zirdland will always have some sort of contest running...at least we'll try.
Hope that helps. I'm excited to see so much discussion about our project and we'd welcome any suggestions or insights your readers may have.
Thanks again for great coverage of the adventure!
Joel Ratner, Director
Zirdland.com, LLC
Permission to Quote Graciously Granted
In response to my request for permission to turn his comment into a blog post, Joel later posted this friendly follow-up comment:
Hi Jeanne -
No problem at all in distributing my comments. Yes, I did see your later post. Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts and comments about Zirdland. I'm glad to get some opposing viewpoints from all the responses to your post - it helps us understand what areas we need to focus on as we develop this site.
It's been a lot of fun and we've received so many well-wishes.
Let me know if you or your readers have any additional questions, comments or concerns. I'll do my best to answer them.
Any Questions or Comments for Joel About His Site?
There you have it--right from the source. If you still have questions, concerns, thoughts, or opinions about Zirdland, its contests, or its Arc Angel Story Analysis Tool that you'd like to share, Joel would be more than happy to listen and respond to any issues you may have.
Thanks to All!
Thanks so much, Joel, for your willingness to entertain our comments, answer our questions, and assuage our concerns!
And thank-you, Writer's Notes readers for your thoughtful comments left in response to my earlier post! Thanks, too, for any feedback you may decide to give Joel in response to his gracious offer to clarify his site's plans, goals, philosophy, policies, and practices!
To your writing future!
Jeanne
* The Zirdland trademark/mascot is a bright green lizard, appropriately called a zird.
Did you enjoy this post? Have any questions for Joel about his site, his software, or his contests? Any suggestions for ways his site could better serve you as a writer? Any concerns that haven't been addressed either on the site or in his comments? Both he and I would love to hear your thoughts!
Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!
September 18th 2008 19:09
Blogs, Forums, Free Polls, or Exciting Prizes, Anyone?
Are you looking for a free online blog community where you can share your thoughts, photos and videos, music files, podcasts, and more--without pressure, deadlines, or stress? Would a friendly and active forum where you can meet new people and discuss current news, events, or any other topic that strikes your fancy, or the opportunity to win expense-paid retreats to fabulous places excite your interest? Does unlimited free space for your postings sound like a great deal to you? You might even already have a blog of your own and would simply like to create free polls to post on it. If any of the above features sound good to you, you might want to check out a new community which is growing up at Thoughts.com--a community which focuses on Blogs, with a capital B!
Thoughts.com: A Great Place to Try Your Hand at Blogging
For those who have the creative urge, yet who've mainly focused on reading other people's blogs, possibly going so far as to comment occasionally, and have begun thinking about trying blogging out for themselves, yet up till now, have been a little shy about doing so, Thoughts.com can be a great place to start. The friendly, casual, easygoing atmosphere of this site can help make the sometimes-frightening prospect of becoming an official blogger a positive, enjoyable, even fun experience, helping you get your "Web feet" wet, with zero performance anxiety.
Something for Everyone
Whether you've always dreamed of blogging, but haven't yet had the nerve to try it, or are simply seeking a site where you can engage others in conversation--or pick up a nifty, free poll for your own website or blog--Thoughts.com could just be the site you've been looking for. Why not stop by and check it out? You may just like what you see.
Happy blogging!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add? If you've never blogged before, would you be more inclined to try blogging on a more casual, low-profile website or an "official," high-profile site? Why? If you're an experienced blogger, do you often check out forums and other social media sites where you can connect with others of like mind? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!
September 11th 2008 21:08
Which Term Do You Use?
While I realize this isn't an issue of earth-shattering importance, the question was brought home to me this morning when MS-Word unceremoniously informed me (via the dreaded squiggly red underline) that the word "commenters" was incorrect. (For those of you who may not yet know it, this is the form I use exclusively [and without apology]--at least with reference to the people who comment on blogs.)
Allow me to add here that my personal preference for the word "commenters" over "commentators" is in no way intended as a criticism of those who choose the latter term. However, my mention of this issue is intended to present the reasons for my preference, as well as the reasons why MS-Word--and anyone else who believes the word "commenters" to be second-rate English--is just plain wrong.
Dictionary Definitions
My (print) dictionary tells me that "commenter" is indeed a legitimate term for one who comments, since it happens to be listed as an accepted form of the word "comment." It also defines a "commentator" as either "one who writes commentaries" or "one who discusses or analyzes news events." Personally, I've always tended to view the term "commentator" in this more specialized and official manner.
I am aware, of course, that, because the word "commentaries," used in the first definition, can simply mean "comments," it's also perfectly legitimate to use "commentators" to describe those who comment on blogs. But, my intention in writing this post never was to dispute that fact in the first place, but rather to demonstrate that "commenters" is an equally valid alternative.
Other dictionaries I've consulted (online), however, tend to reinforce my interpretation of the term "commentator" as an expert who writes and/or broadcasts analysis of the news, sports, weather, and the like, most of these websites making no mention of the simple, casual act of "commenting." But, apparently, as in most questions which involve the continuous evolution of the language, there's a great deal of room for interpretation on this issue. So, dear readers, I would contend that the choice is entirely ours.
Judge Not
Nevertheless, I've always been--and I suspect will always remain--partial to the term "commenter" when referring to those who offer feedback on our blog posts. I also suspect that I'll continue to reserve the term "commentator" for more specialized use. You, on the other hand, may choose to do otherwise, and that's certainly your prerogative. I promise not to judge you if you won't judge me.
What's Your Take?
Which term do you prefer and why? Does it bother you to read or hear the alternate term (when used to refer to those who comment on blogs)? If so, why do you think that is? Does one or the other term seem less appropriate or somehow less grammatically correct? I'd sure love to hear your take on the topic!
Question for Those With More Recent Versions of Word
If you have a version of MS-Word that's more recent than 2003, does Spell-Check indicate that the word "commenters" is incorrect? I'm quite curious whether Word has caught up with the times and corrected this anomaly.
For the love of Words!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add? What are your own personal thoughts on the "commenters/commentators" issue? Do you care? Do you view it simply as another interesting rhetorical question, or is it a pet peeve of yours? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
August '08 Comment Recognition
I'm honored to once again recognize my valued readers who have left comments at Writer's Notes. To all the special people who have graced this little corner of the blogosphere with your wit and wisdom during the month of August, 2008, "Thank you!" You help to make this blog what it is! A special thanks, too, to those of you who commented here for the first time last month! You, too, are greatly appreciated!
Thanks So Much, Everyone!
I appreciate all your thoughtful, wise, inspiring, informative, and incisive comments! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts, opinions, ideas, experiences, and support at Writer's Notes! I truly enjoy reading your insights, viewpoints, and perspectives! Thanks for making August another special month through your valuable input!
August '08 Commenters
The following is a list (in no particular order) of all the fantastic folks who have left comments at Writer's Notes during August, 2008:
Brad Shorr, at Word Sell, Inc.
Lillie Ammann, at A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye
Raven, at Alaska Chronicle
Cheryl Wright, at Cheryl Wright Writes
Wilson Pon, at Techno Stuffs
Chris Champion, at Vyoos
Shamelle, at The Enhance Life
Joanne Fedler, at Secret Writers Business
AmyHuang, at Travel String
Ash, at Australian Traveller
Lilla, at Enviro Warrior
Workflow, at Gedys IntraWare
Ravens’ wraith
Robyn McMaster, at Brain Based Biz
Meggie, at TV Chit Chat
D. Armenta, at The Florida Keys and Everglades
Brenton, at Downwrite
Joanna Young, at Confident Writing
Karen Swim, at Words for Hire
Graphic Design Blog, at StuffHeaven
AnonymousC (Cheryl)
高須クリニック (Translation: Clinic)
I Truly Appreciate Your Comments!
Thank you so much, everyone, for making the Writer's Notes conversation so much richer during the past month by visiting and sharing your thoughts, insights, opinions, advice, and personal experiences with us! You add so much value to this blog, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Many, many thanks,
Jeanne
P.S. If you've commented at Writer's Notes during August, and I've somehow managed to overlook you, please be sure to let me know. I appreciate every single commenter, and I want to give each of you the recognition you deserve!
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add...any insights to share? I'd love to hear your thoughts! After all, your comments are what these monthly recognition posts are all about!
Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!
July '08 Comment Recognition
Once again it's time to recognize my valued readers who have left comments at Writer's Notes during the month of July, 2008. My apologies that my July posts were so sparse. Life has been especially hectic again this past month! And consequently, because I wrote so few posts, my list of July commenters will be correspondingly short. (Special thanks to this loyal group of die-hard Writer's Notes fans who decided to stick with me anyway! Thanks, too, to those of you who commented here for the first time last month! You, too, are greatly appreciated!)
Thanks So Much!
I appreciate all your thoughtful comments! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts, opinions, ideas, experiences, and support at Writer's Notes! I truly enjoy reading your insights, experiences, and viewpoints! Thanks for making July another special month through your valuable input!
July '08 Commenters
The following is a list (in no particular order) of all the fantastic folks who have left comments at Writer's Notes during July, 2008:
Brad Shorr, at Word Sell, Inc.
Lillie Ammann, at A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye
Raven, at Alaska Chronicle
Cindy Nichols, at Kaleidoscope
Dan (dcr), at dcrBlogs
Cheryl Wright, at Cheryl Wright Writes
Dianna G., at I Wish This Was 42
Wild Bill, at Passionate Blogger
Lindsay, at Writing for Your Wealth
Wilson Pon, at Techno Stuffs
Chris Champion, at Vyoos
And Two Honorable Mentions
I'd like to also add two of my favorite blogging buddies to this month's comment recognition list, though neither was able to comment during July, for the reasons mentioned below.
Due to technical difficulties which were entirely beyond her control, Krissy Knox has been unable to comment at Orble lately but has contacted me more than once via MyBlogLog messages:
Krissy Knox, at Sometimes I Think
While Michele Tune's life has been extremely hectic during the past month and therefore she hasn't found the time to comment, she has communicated with me via e-mail and has also given one of my posts a Stumble:
Michele Tune, at Writing the Cyber Highway
Thanks, ladies!
I Really Appreciate Your Comments!
Thanks again, everyone, for making the Writer's Notes conversation so much richer this past month by visiting and sharing your thoughts, insights, opinions, advice, and personal experiences with us! You're the best!
Many, many thanks,
Jeanne
P.S. If you've commented at Writer's Notes during July, and I've somehow managed to overlook you, please let me know. I appreciate every commenter, and I want each of you to get the recognition you deserve!
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add...any insights to share? I'd love to hear your thoughts! After all, your comments are what these monthly recognition posts are all about!
Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!
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