Saturday, March 17, 2012

Hot Bliggety Blog

I've been asked to develop a workshop on teaching blogging in the classroom. My first goal with this is to make these other teachers bloggers themselves, before they try to teach it to their students. I need your help with a few things.

What do you consider your most important rule/ guideline in blogging?

What's been your best experience in blogging?

And a little embarrassing, but I have to submit one of my own blog posts for this. I haven't a clue as to how to pick which one. If a post I have written has stuck in your head, please let me know that, too. It can be on anything.

You all are the best. Always. Thank you so much for being such terrific, supportive friends.

55 comments:

  1. I love the story about Carolina!!!

    (and so many more)

    I also love the stories you put on here about things that happen at school, and the humor you put into them--like the field trip one and the things in your drawer...

    Most important rule? Wow....always be nice. Oh, and give credit where credit is due...like using someone's picture or their idea, always mention where you got the idea or picture.

    The best experience for me is all the friends I've met. So many different people brought together, there's so much love!!

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    1. Jamie Jo: I fully agree- being nice in everything will always be the best policy in blogland!

      And yes, the blog universe it just like no other place. My only regret is that I didn't discover it sooner.

      Thank you so much, my friend!

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  2. Oh, yeah, have fun teaching this, how exciting!!!

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    1. It's a little nerve wracking right now, but I think it will be fun~

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  3. Needless to say that all of your blogs are written beautifully. The one that I will always remember is about the two sisters and how you have helped one of them. I will have to re read some more of your blogs to point out still the best.. As you know, by the time I finish one chapter of a book I tend to forget the past chapter, therefore it takes me a longer time to read a book. This has been going on for almost a year. I am thankful though that I can still read and write and that side of my brain is still working. I read and re read material to enjoy it thoroughly.

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    1. Thank you, Munir- I often do the same thing to really cement it into my head but rereading it. It's a great strategy!

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  4. I agree, that the one about the two sisters will always stick in my mind, but the other one that stays with me is the one about the cowboy. Yes, always be kind in your blogs, and always keep in touch with your followers when they are kind enough to leave a comment. Either under their comment, or as I now do, by sending them an e-mail. Interaction with each other is important I think. Good luck with this project my friend!

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    1. Thisisme: I love the connections we build with each other in blogging, so I do think the interaction is a very key component. Thank you, friend!

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  5. Be totally yourself in style.
    and
    Keep it reasonable in length.

    I love me a funny story, so I really enjoyed the one about you chasing the run away bulls. Too funny!

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    1. Sweet Tea: Those are great, especially about being yourself in style. There's only one you, after all! Thank you!

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    2. The Chubby Chatterbox is about releasing the stories bottled up in my head. If anything instructional appears, this being the focus of many blogs, it's by accident. Many bloggers like to complain but I'm not about that either. My favorite post of your was called Poetic Boy. I hope I got the title right. I still think about it. Hope this helps.

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    3. Stephen: That's exactly my purpose, too, storytelling. I don't think I could do a very good job at the other genres of blogging. Thank you!

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  6. I think it helps to read several different types of blog authors to see what others are doing, but at the same time, be yourself, experiment.

    I think it is very Important not to have paragraphs that are too long.

    I try to never use foul language.

    I am not sure which of your blogposts are my favorite, but I was fortunate enough to be able to read the one about rounding up cattle in the middle of the night as my very first one, it was a riot!

    I am not sure what my best experience is with blogging. Besides the joy of making friends all over the globe, I think it is the personal satisfaction of accomplishing a growing body of work in literature that you have absolute control over, and then seeing people read your "old stuff".

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    1. esboston: I'm in full agreement- no foul language, and no lengthy paragraphs. It's a good tip, too, as you said, to read different blogs to see what is going on with them. I love getting to "meet" people from all over through blogging. Great! Thank you~

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    2. I also have a rule that I almost never erase a story from my blog, so I have to ask myself, is this something I want in my "permanent" collection? I may do minor tweeks, fix typos, and give updates to ongoing events, but I rarely delete. I don't push the publish button until I can feel a certain flow, order, and sense of completeness.

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    3. esb: Wow! That will certainly give you pause before you hit publish. I also do after the fact editing when I see typos, but generally I also leave it as is.

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  7. I always liked the one about Poncho Villa but really any of your posts is great.

    One of my first blogs was single spaced all in one paragraph and a new friend suggested I break it up with different paragraphs. So now I do try to keep my spacing neat which I hope makes reading my blog more enjoyable.

    Some bloggers overuse the 4 letter words where I tend to stay away from them as I do not want to offend anyone. Hope this helps.

    Have a restful night and a blessed Sunday tomorrow.

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    1. Odie: Very good tips on keeping it neat and easy to read. I agree, too, about the four letter words. Really no need for that.

      Thank you my friend- enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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  8. I'm late, Shelly, and I promise that I won't peek and copy anybody else's answer.

    << What do you consider your most important rule/ guideline in blogging? >>

    Make it interesting. Use attention grabbing headlines, powerful words and compelling images if available.

    << What's been your best experience in blogging? >>

    I could point to the great friendships that have resulted from blogging. It goes beyond that, however. For me the best experience in blogging is the moment of recognition when two strangers realize they share the same reality, the same system of beliefs, and a bond is formed. When that happens it's like a lightning strike. It can happen when least expected and is in no way restricted to people of the same age group, gender, race, political party or nationality. Blogging knocks down barriers and knows no boundaries.

    << I have to submit one of my own blog posts for this. I haven't a clue as to how to pick which one. If a post I have written has stuck in your head, please let me know that, too. >>

    Your posts are consistently excellent, Shelly, and it's hard to choose only one. Any of your stories about your ancestry would be well worth submitting. I am also still reeling from your post outlining all of the changes that have taken place in the classroom over the years - books, pencils, chalk, blackboards, copying machines, movie projectors, etc. all vanishing. The look, feel, weight, sound and smell of a fresh new textbook induces a learning trance. The young person does not have the same multisensory experience when using an electronic reader.

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    1. Shady: You are always so good at getting those attention grabbing headlines and all of the research you do to get the best clips in your posts. Those unforseen connections we make with others we would never meet in real life are gold to me, too.

      Thank you, my friend! Hoping the rest of your weekend is gentle and relaxing!

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  9. wow..congrats on belong asked to teach about blogging!! I blog about what I like! My kids keep asking me if I sold out yet..haha!!

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  10. momto8: Ha! That's the way it should be- we blog about what floats our boats!

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  11. I think you have to be yourself - and let it come though in the blog. I liked your weight loss one. sandie

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    1. Sandie: That's what I enjoy about blogging, is getting to know so many different people through what they write. It isn't the same if they try to force another style. Thanks~

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  12. I agree with Chatty. My most important guideline is to be myself. Lots of times I have wondered if I should post something I have written and then posted it because I decided I had to be myself. If some people didn't like what I wrote they didn't have to stay. Some have left because of a few things I've written, but I don't mind. I don't want to offend anyone, but I have to be me.

    My favorite story of yours is the one about the elderly lady who told the story of her mother and the priest. I will also say I have loved all your posts so whatever you choose will be wonderful.

    My best experience has been meeting people like you and making friends. I am usually only with my family and it is wonderful to read posts written by so many interesting and fantastic people. I love learning about your lives and what you believe, your families and the everyday things you do. I feel a part of a loving community who will always be there for me when I need them. You have prayed for my family and for me; I have prayed for those you wrote about and for you. This means so much to me.

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  13. Belle: I agree. If we're not ourselves, if we wear some kind of mask in our posts, then it's only ourselves we're hurting. I'm so thankful to have made wonderful friends like you, too- it means so much to know you're there praying for me while I'm here praying for you! Thank you! And big hugs to you!

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  14. I like all your stories. I guess the Nursing Home could be a favored.
    What do I consider the best rule in Blogging?.. Don't write too much on all different subjects in one Blog. Keep it simple and not too lengthy.

    What's been your best experience in blogging? Sharing about my country Australia because so little is known about it. Also, meeting the many, True Blue, Fairdinkum mates from all around the world. Blessings to you with the teaching.

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    1. Crystal Mary: I've so enjoyed learning more about Australia from you posts. I really want to visit there one day when we're retired. Very good tips- I need to follow them myself! Thank you!

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  15. In my opinion, your best story was Poetic Boy, but I do like all you have written that I have read. My best blogging experience, the support we give each other in happy times, sad times, etc. My most important rule in blogging is to really read an entry someone makes and take the time to write a comment that is relative to what was written. My biggest rule should be to keep my entries short and sweet, but I never see that happening :)

    great project you are involved in; good luck with it!

    betty

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    1. Betty: You're right- the support here in blogland is unlike that you'd get anywhere else. I like what you said about really reading what someone else writes and making a relevant comment. I need to work on making my posts shorter. Thank you!

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  16. I used to think that to be a blogger, one must be a writer. Thankfully that's not really true. There are some bloggers who are also stellar writers and storytellers (such as you!). I think it's important to begin a blog with a flexible idea of what you'd like to share. I started as a way to launch my etsy shop but found that I was bored by posting images of my finished products, or documenting the process of creating items (I'm embarrassed by the mess all that plush makes!) I soon found that my blog was more than advertising space. It was a way for me to learn to relate to people on a different level than I was able to find in the three dimensional world. It was an instant medium for sharing thought illustrated with images...and a place to plant the seeds of my high hopes and dreams. It became a way to see myself underneath the reflective surface of a mirror. It became an important place of discovery, where I learned that the world is not what the media portrays. Most people are kind at their core. Most people are not in direct competition with each other. More people would rather have a friend than be overwhelmed with information. The practice of blogging encourages compassion because writing can produce anxiety. It is a risk to write for an unknown audience. With practice I've become an active participant in a community of supportive, kind people.
    My favorite piece you've written was about running with the cows, but all of them are great!

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    1. Jenny: "It was a way for me to learn to relate to people on a different level than I was able to find in the three dimensional world. It was an instant medium for sharing thought illustrated with images...and a place to plant the seeds of my high hopes and dreams." I LOVE this! You put it so well. I'm total agreement that I think blogging builds kindness and compassion, which is another reason I so enjoy it.

      Thank you, my friend- have a wonderful Sunday in your beautiful neck of the woods!

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  17. How exciting. If you get some more people into blogging, that would be great. How does one pick a favorite from "La Tejana"? I'm going with recent posts. I particularly liked "The Boy Who Ran Faster Than a Rabbit" and "Midnight Cowgirl." Then I think of the wonderful ones I didn't mention!

    My tip? Go with the flow as you write, but edit and re-edit before hitting "Post."

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    1. vanilla: So true about the editing and re-editing. I always try to do a good job before I hit publish, but sometimes things sneak through. I hope you all are having a good trip back up north! Thank you!

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    2. So the author always wants to be first to log onto the new post, just to be sure. And still...
      Thanks for the travel wishes. We'll be in Rockport about a month.

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    3. vanilla: You're in a good place! Love the Rockport ski basin-

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  18. There are RULES??? :) I guess I would have to say that I really try to be careful not to tell or share someone else's news. If I do put someone's picture or otherwise on my blog it's because it pertains directly to me or my family and I try to be respectful.

    Favorite post of yours? That is tough. You could put all of the stories that you've shared on a wall, throw a dart and come away with a winner. I loved "The boy who ran faster than a rabbit". But I think I would encourage you to pick a post about you and your life. It would display how a blog can be a journal; and in your case can have a huge influence on others. My favorites:

    Funny: Big blue ball
    Powerful: The one about obesity (you in line behind an obese woman and the cashiers laughing)
    Enlightening: Wrongful fraud accusation (stealing $ from the elderly in a house painting scam)
    As I typed these I realized that these four posts are all posts that I read aloud to my husband as well. They are just so good in such different ways. I really loved the story about being sued because it had so much depth. It not only told the story, but taught a moral lesson, gave us a glimpse of your wonderful husband, and you made yourself vulnerable by sharing your initial thoughts about the woman and letting us laugh with you.

    Good luck! I have no doubt it will be a wonderful workshop. Especially if you write everything backwards! :)

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    1. P.S. I forgot to share my best experience in blogging. Well, I love that I've met people like you! I also loved doing the A to Z challenge last April. It really changed the way I think about blogging and helped me to feel more comfortable blogging whatever subject I would like to. Before that my blog posts fit in a very nice little box and there wasn't much variety. But truly for me, the best part about blogging is sitting down occasionally with a child or two on my lap or next to me and looking back at old blog posts and laughing and enjoying our family memories.

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    2. Felt Family: You are so right about being respectful of other's wishes pertaining to being in blogs. My older daughter still doesn't want to be in mine, so I haven't included her...yet. Still hopeful she will change her mind!

      The A to Z Challenge sounds fun- maybe I can give it a whirl. It is always good to stretch ourselves out of our comfort zones. I'm going to go back and read yours from last year as I know they must be good!

      Thank you for your very kind words- can you believe some of my colleagues are STILL teasing me about the big blue balls thing??? Memories as long as elephants, they have-

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    3. Yes, I can. It's REALLY funny! :)

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  19. As always Shelly, just be yourself. You are a natural and you have a tremendous ability to express yourself in words. That is an amazing gift.

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    1. HumorSmith: The blogs I enjoy the most are the ones where people write with authentic voice and just let themselves be themselves. You're so right! Thanks!

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  20. Interesting, easy to read, real life stories that we all experience, but I think the contact is vital .... we are creatures that love to be noticed and if you want followers then you would need to make yourself friendly ...the Lord has purposed my blog to be an avenue of sharing his truths...I had two other blogs and then a third blog but I after awhile deleted all three.....too much on my plate...but for me I love variety...laughter, serious issues, photography....an experience of all emotions.

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    1. Rhonda: Friendliness is truly the key to not only getting someone to read it, but getting them to come back again. I like an eclectic bunch, too~

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  21. Dearest Shelly,
    Wow, how exciting being asked to do the workshop about blogging!!!
    I don't think I'm able to help or leave a good comment on this one. Because I tend to use the pictures and links a lot. I always admire, respect, enjoy your beautiful writing here. Sometimes, I feel like I should have more writing talent for English like you to be eligible for blogging.
    Well, it is always kind of heart-beating when I push the "publish" button, hehe. The only thing I keep in mind is being decent and honest to friends and myself.
    It is REALLY educational for me to read your dear friends' comments here, my friend☆☆☆ I will come back and learn!
    For the last, I wish I have time to reply send return mails for my posts like you. For me it is quite time consuming to do it and I won't able to comment for friends' posts at all p;)
    Sorry for my out of the line comment again, hehe.
    Love you always, xoxo Miyako*

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    1. Orchid: My friend, your blog is always so lovely and elegant. I love your pictures and information. You are quite talented, as well, in English. Thank you so much, and I hope you are recuperating from your large gathering you hosted in your home! Have a wonderful week, my dear friend Miyako!

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  22. By now, everyone has listed every idea I had, which were: 1. Rules/Be nice. Be honest, but don't hang out all the dirty laundry. Keep your posts a nice readable length. People only have so much time. 2. Best experience: all of the great and varied friends I've "met" online, and the few I've actually met in real life. They're all gifts. 3. Your best post? ANY of your stores. They've all been wonderful. You'll be the perfect teacher for this!

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  23. Karen: Love your rules- they are so good! And your best experience is definitely mine. I'm just blown away by how many nice, caring people, like you, are out there in blogland. Thank you!

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  24. Shelly, all of your posts are wonderful. I've read the commenets here and the amazing things people have to say about you and your stories are all true and a testament to your writing skills and depth.

    As far as rules go... I am the WRONG person to ask. :) Rules are made to be broken. I am a wreckless writer. So I guess my rule would be: Entertain.

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    1. Crystal: And yours are always vastly entertaining. It was after reading your blog that I finally got the impetus to start one of my own. Thank you!

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  25. Good morning, Shelly! For some reason I am not getting your blog on my reader ... don't know why.

    It is hard to make a decision on your best post, they all are best but the "bestest" of the best for me is your post about the old yearbook.

    Rules? I need to follow some of the "rules": Not having the post too long, too many cutest gadgets on a blog, being one's self. The other day I was reading some blogging tips of Jeff Davis, a writer. I like one post he had that was entitled "Don't Write to Gain Followers or Be Adored". I suppose that could translate to being true to one's self.

    The best experience has been meeting some of the most wonderful people.

    Good luck, Shelly! Of course you have to keep us posted! Have a good week ... ♥

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    1. Cindy: I love that title that your shared. It is so true. Folks can lose sight of why they started to write in the first place if it's not about their true self.

      A side note to that old, 1931 yearbook: It was sitting on my desk and some of my 8th grade girls saw it. One asked, "What a neat yearbook! It's so old. Are you in it?" She asked it in full sincerity, not trying to be mean or anything. I explained to her that I'd have to be almost 100 if I were in that book even as a freshman. Argh.

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  26. The nursing home story was very good. The length might intimidate new bloggers if they think they have to write longer posts.
    I think you're kind of like me, some of mine are quite short, but when I have a good topic, they will be longer.

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  27. Life 101: Good point. If length intimidates adults, I know it would intimidate kids. Thanks!

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