Reflections on the AtoZ Blogging Challenge
Well, it’s over. Everyone who stuck it out from A to Z is well aware of that, I’m sure. So now it’s time to Reflect. I divided my Reflections into three categories: What I Loved. What I didn’t Love. What I’d do Differently.
What I Loved
- My Muffin Commando Squad Team. They rocked.
Thanks to Matusic |
Yvonne Ventresca, Patricia Lynne, Elizabeth Seckman, Tammy Therialut, Tyrean Martinson, Tara Tyler, Donna McDine, Carrie Butler
- Visiting my already favorite blogs daily or almost daily.
Hilary’s posts about Cornwall were amazing and informative. I’ve marked a few to return to.
Julie at Empty Nest Insider always is entertaining and poignant. She was that and more from A to Z.
Alex gave use something fun, informative and interesting daily.
Untethered Realms made up a great team and served tantalizing teasers to their books.
And speaking of teams, I thought L. Diane’s beautiful photography along with Writer In Transit’s (Michelle’s) short fiction was a super theme.
Chrys Fey terrified me with her AtoZ catastrophes, so, of course, I went back again and again.
Zalka’s Multicolored Diary intrigued me with myths I’d never heard of before.
- Discovering new favorite bloggers was something else I loved.
J.H. Moncrief’s Tales of Terror and Suspense was a thrill a day.
Kern Windwraith’s The Odd Particle Review is so well written and interesting that I’ve marked it as a blog I’ll visit frequently.
Maui Jungalow is clever, perky and informative. I’ll be back there for sure.
Brigit at BB Creations went through some fabulous actors from bygone eras and filled us in on their lives. So interesting.
Scribbles From Jenn took us back through the Twilight Zone, and that was quite a trip. Well written.
What I Didn’t Love and what might be in the Guidelines for 2016
- Some blogs had font that was so small or complicated I couldn’t–and finally wouldn’t–stop by.
- I soon hated the black background, especially with green font. Be serious! My eyes just couldn’t take it.
- Never appreciated the comment “Thanks for sharing.” That’s a Red Flag and means: “I didn’t bother reading or even skimming your post.”
- It was sometimes so hard to figure out where the comment link was on some blogs. It would be great if bloggers would configure blogs so that feature was easy to find.
What I’d Do Differently
I’d always include a direct link to my blog with my name at the bottom of my comments. I didn’t always do that.
I’d try to find MORE blogs I’d never visited before. This is always a challenge during the Challenge.
Did I touch on any of your favorite bloggers? Your peeves about blogs your visited? What would you do differently?
You might like a Survivor T-Shirt. Take a look at what Jeremy Being Retro has designed for the intrepid bloggers who finished the AtoZ Challenge and are proud of it.
Get your A to Z Gear |
And then there’s that thing called Insecurity! Can’t forget that, can we? But we can give it a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. Go away. I don’t want to be Insecure today. How easy that was. Try it. See what happens.
Alex Cavanaugh |
Yvonne Van Dalen says
Thanks for the comments and feedback π Enjoying the road trip and all the hints on how to make my own blog more user friendly.
Random Musings says
Thanks for sharing – sorry I couldn't resist π I totally agree about the blogs that were awkward to comment on and the green on black layout! I also really enjoyed J H Moncrieff's spooky posts. Going to check out your posts now!
Popping by on the A to Z Road Trip
Debbie
http://www.myrandommusings.blogspot.com
Random Musings says
Totally agree about trying to find comments on some blogs! Or how about the ones where you write the comments then have to jump through hoops to have the "priviledge" of posting it – I usually just give up then. I do have a habit of saying thanks for sharing in comments, but I add a bit of clarification to show I've read the post!
Popping by as part of the A to Z Road Trip
Debbie
http://www.myrandommusings.blogspot.com
Entrepreneurial Goddess says
Hello there.
Congratulations on completing the challenge! Thanks also for your help behind the scenes. As participants, we have no idea of the work involved in keeping the AtoZ going. I never got a chance to visit your blog during the challenge as I started my visiting beginning with the numbers below me in the linky (as per guidelines). Just meandering through now from the Road Trip.
Entrepreneurial Goddess
Arlee Bird says
Great job this year on the postings and you and your team were exceptional in making the Challenge go more smoothly.
I'm with you on those negatives and I agree about leaving the links in the names. I think the spam is easily distinguished from regular comments. that is if the blogger receiving the comments actually reads them.
You were a hit C.Lee!
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Road trippin' with A to Z
Tossing It Out
Cathy Kennedy says
I'm pretty sure this is the first time visiting you. The one thing I would definitely do different is visit more bloggers. My plan of action sorta went haywire a little halfway into the challenge. This is something I hope to correct next year and am thankful the A2Z Road Trip will give me another opportunity. I totally get what you're saying about blog formats/styles. They can be crazy on the eyes. Too small or neon colored fonts drive me berserk! I thought about including my signature at the end of my comments, but I sorta figured if I was signed in then anyone is able to find me, if they click on my profile. Now, you got me second guessing myself. Hmmm…oh well, maybe I should begin doing that. Good point! I mean, we do want to make the task easy for others to find us, right? Oh well…I'm looking forward to visiting everyone who signed up for the Road Trip assuming I don't run out of fuel. If I do, then I'll pull over briefly to top off my tank and mug before zipping back on the open road!
Count me in #America #AtoZChallenge #music with Curious as a Cathy *wink*
suesconsideredtrifles says
Hello, I'm visiting from the Road Trip. Yes, Hilary's blog is always informative. I have "met" some of your other bloggers too – one just today. Sueβs Trifles
Melissa Sugar says
Thanks for sharing – kidding and not kidding. I seriously am grateful to you for your thorough reflection post. The comment system is a problem and one that I am stuck in the middle of. I think Disqus is absolutely the worst comment system and ironically I use it. I switched to it a while ago and I don't know how to switch back without losing all my comments. If anyone out there knows how, I would be most appreciative of your help . I realize now that Disqus makes people jump through hoops to leave a comment and sadly , even when people take the time to sign up and leave me a comment, the link doesn't take me to their blog, only to their Disqus account which does me no good. I have to track people down but I do it because it's my fault, not theirs that I have a crappy comment system. I also despise the green font on black background . It hurts my eyes and makes me dizzy. In the beginning I didn't leave a link to my blog, but on the recommendation of others I started doing so. But , now I am worried, after reading Dezmond's comment that people might misconstrue my link inside a comment as spam .
You mentioned the comments like, "Thanks for sharing." I didn't like the lazy, generic comments either. Big flag advertising that they didn't even read the first paragraph of my blog post. I recognize that one of the goals of the challenge is for us to try and visit every blog. For me , that's impossible beause I actually read the entire post before I comment. I noticed quite a few comments that appeared to be nothing more than a copy and paste . What's more important, leaving a bland comment or truly interacting with people? I choose the latter. I just read a comment on a reflection post that read, simply , " Congrats on making it to the end of the challlenge ." If the commentor had actually read, even the title of the blog post, he/she would have realized that the reflection post was about not being able to finish the challenge.
Thanks for sharing your insights and thoughts.
I am number 424 on the reflection post sign up list.
Melissa Sugar
@msugar13
[email protected]
http://fictiontoolbox.blogspot.com
sage says
several of the blogs I regularly read were into the A-Z challenge, but it's not really what my blog is about… I have enough non-blog writing to do that I try to not make extra deadlines for myself. That being said, there were some great posts out there and some were really funny–and I can always use a laugh!
Alexa S. Winters says
Thanks for sharing. π
Kidding, kidding. I'd never heard of the A to Z challenge, but it seems pretty cool. I'll have to check out some of the other posts on it. π
Alexa
thessalexa.blogspot.com
verbositybookreviews.wordpress.com
sage says
several of the blogs I regularly read were into the A-Z challenge, but it's not really what my blog is about… I have enough non-blog writing to do that I try to not make extra deadlines for myself. That being said, there were some great posts out there and some were really funny–and I can always use a laugh!
S. L. Hennessy says
It was a great challenge. I would so agree – the "Thanks for sharing" comments don't feel terribly genuine. But it's wonderful getting to the finish line and looking back at all the new connections you've made!
TheCyborgMom says
Thanks for sharing.
Just kidding! Wow, that is pretty lame. Thanks for sharing your theme with us…I found it really interesting and really liked the pictures you included. Emmie asked me if the A to Z team could make bandanas π
Katie @TheCyborgMom
Mary Burris says
My peeves: Blogs that didnt have share buttons, or didnt configure their share buttons with their information. Blogs that forced you to sign in to comment, And I agree with the tiny fonts and no pictures. BLAH! Congrats on completing the A to Z Challenge! Looking forward to next year! See you on the Road Trip!
Mary @ Jingle Jangle Jungle
Caffe Maggieato says
Urgh. I totally spaced out and forgot it was time for the IWSG posting. Time seems to be flying by so fast. Yikes! Didn't realize "Thanks for sharing" is a red flag. I write that on occasion, and I do read the post. =/ Anyway, have a great week and congrats on surviving A-Z! You guys rock!
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – you have two of my most hated type comments here …
Crumbs why can't people get real … I agree with the things you've highlighted …
… and thanks so much for mentioning my Cornwall blog posts – I'm chuffed everyone was interested …
I do need to sort the signature line out … I've been intending to do it for the last three or four years .. this year I might crack it!
Cheers and see you soon … Hilary
Lonnie Goldman says
BTW, I must say, you have a great blog! I love your main banner!!
I'm still discovering A-Z blogs… and glad that I found yours now… will be reading more of your articles.
–Mee (The Chinese Quest)
MELODY JACOBS says
LOVELY POST
NICE BLOG DEAR
i followed your blog, please follow back
http://melodyjacob1.blogspot.com/ #MELODY JACOBS
thank you
Lexa Cain says
I don't like black backgrounds either (and it seems every horror/thriller writer thinks their blog has to be black. *sigh*). And sometimes it's like they're playing "Hide the Comment Button!" But huge kudos to you and your Commandos for fighting the good fight and doing a great job with the A-Z! You all rocked!!
Nick Wilford says
Loved your posts! The pictures were beautiful and I enjoyed the little quizzes. Thanks for… no, I'll just say congrats. π
I didn't have too many issues with odd colours or sizes of fonts. What bugged me was where all the posts seemed to be bundled together in micro form on the same page and I couldn't figure out what was the latest one.
J.L. Campbell says
Lee,
Glad you found some new favourites. During the challenge, I found some of the same challenges, blogs with teeny-tiny fonts (good thing my keyboard) can do the magnifying thing. Then there were the blogs where I had to search to see where the comments links were and on some, it was hard to figure out which was the last daily post.
Love your insecurity post. Poke it with a stick and make it go away, indeedy!
Stepheny Houghtlin says
Oh boy, did you nail what doesn't work. My reflection mentions these same things. I feel badly for those who go to all the work to participate and then the blog is unreadable, irritating because of how hard it is to navigate, and where do you leave a comment? That was the end of that! Because I'm a writer I try to attach the list by visiting the (WR) blogs. Thank you for mentioning some of your favorites. I am going to check it out when I say goodbye. It was another great challenge for me. I'll be back when I can catch my breath.
Vanessa Morgan says
This was the first year that I read less blog entries than usual because I was so involved with several other projects. Now I kind of regret. Aaah, priorities! π
Empty Nest Insider says
This was such a great Reflections post, because I came across several of the problems you mentioned. Some of the blogs on my iPad were just too darn small to read, so I had to switch over to my desktop to enlarge them. Of course a lot of this involved bumping around in the night, so it got pretty frustrating. I also had trouble finding several comment sections, and nothing I seemed to try helped on Disqus. The good news is that I really enjoyed learning about Burma, though I wasn't brave enough to take the quizzes. Thanks so much for the honorable mention, and I'm thrilled to be in such good company! I really appreciate your kind words. Oh, and I love how you poked fun at the IWSG! Thanks again, Lee!
Julie
Spacerguy says
You've mentioned lots of interesting blogs here. During the blogfest it felt like I've been making new friends, discovering new blogs and read their amazing stories.
Shooting Stars Mag says
It sounds like you had an enjoyable experience overall. I hate not being able to find links to someone's blog – if they have one of course. haha
Pat Hatt says
Ugg to the black background and small writing, I run far far away from most of those sites
DEZMOND says
Your blog is a bit tough on the eye too because the background is a bit too dark for the letters π It needs to be two shades lighter.
And be careful when leaving links within comments, blogger can sometimes think you're a spammer π and block you on some places π
klahanie says
Hey superstar author, Lee,
You can stop twiddling your thumbs. Yay and gosh, I have arrived with one of my highly collectable and often sold on eBay comments.
Nice shout-outs to all of my adoring fans. I have to also add that I wish more folks had that option, "subscribe by email" application on their site. It's about the only way I can keep up these days.
I know that the positive interaction, bordering on some weird clique, has been rewarding to you and all those fascinated by the alphabet.
Nicely done and what say this be the last year of that idiotic A to Z. Thank you and cheerio.
Your starstruckest fan,
Gary π
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm back to trying to respond to everyone on the blog because so many people aren't following via email. Maybe I'll put out another plea. Yes. That's going to be my plan of attack.
I'm worried about you because you haven't gotten the word about the AtoZ yet, and I seem to be the one who will have to tell you, and then I'll be responsible for your reaction which could be frightfully detrimental to your health. But here goes: There are already plans for AtoZ 2016. There, I said it. Sorry. Really.
joylene says
Your blog has a lovely look and feel to it. You're right, the changes are almost unnoticeable. I like the link idea. I don't do that. Not sure why. I guess I should rethink my unknown decision. cluculzwriter.blogspot.ca
C. Lee McKenzie says
Trying to make it easy and readable. I can't complain about others if mine isn't simple and clear, can I? π
Nadine_Feldman says
Great suggestions! I didn't get into suggestions this year…it was my first time, and I was so happy just to be there.
One that I think of, though, as I look at yours is, make it easy for people to subscribe to the blog. I subscribe by e-mail, and I'm frustrated when I can't find that option. I, too, had problems commenting on a few blogs because I had to search for the comment button.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You're right about making subscribing easy. I like those features at the top of a blog. I hate scrolling to the bottom to follow someone.
Donna K. Weaver says
Good suggestion on leaving a direct link. Sometimes it can be time consuming to respond back, otherwise.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I do think that's a huge time saver.
Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com says
Yeah, I feel guilty when I can't comment on someone's blog because I can't figure out how.
You've mentioned some blogs I haven't heard of. Thank you. I'll be visiting them.
Happy Thursday, Lee.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Robyn. Come back and Rawk here a bit. Love your humor.
Yvonne Ventresca says
You did a great job as leader of the Muffin Commando minions!
Yvonne
C. Lee McKenzie says
I loved my team!
nashvillecats2 says
Some great suggestions there Lee, Thanks for all the hard work you put into the Challenge. Got my T-Shirt ordered.
Yvonne.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Let's see you in that new shirt! I know you'll write a poem about it.
~Brandy~ says
Kudos to you and the other cohosts for pulling off a successful AtoZ. I'm sure glad that I participated this year. I often wonder if my white font on red background is difficult to read?
Brandy from Brandy's Bustlings
C. Lee McKenzie says
The red seems to be okay. And the black isn't bad unless green font is involved. For some reason that wears out my eyes. Congrats on crossing the finish line.
Sandra Cox says
There's a lot of blogs I missed that were doing the A-Z, but I did really enjoy Birgit's.
I occasionally do the thanks for sharing after reading a blog. Sometimes I just don't have anything more worthwhile to add as a comment:)
C. Lee McKenzie says
It is a two-way street. You have to have something to comment about, don't you?
Southpaw HR Sinclair says
Thanks for sharing – I mean really. π Even though I took April off I did sneak by and read posts every now and then.
This is probably my favorite post day of the challenge, when everybody talks about the blogs they liked. Then I pop over and take a look That might be sneaky too. π
C. Lee McKenzie says
You're smart. Some of the best blogs are mentioned in these posts.
Carol Kilgore says
Glad you had a great A to Z! So much fun. But exhausting at the same time π
C. Lee McKenzie says
Still standing, but bowed a bit.
Birgit says
Thank you for showcasing me here:) i am grateful that you included me:) I liked it when someone left their blog title in the comments section…the problem is me-I have no clue how to do that and have to be given slow, very slow step by step ways how to do that:) Ughhh I wrote that last sentence as if I never went past Grade 2. i came across a couple of blogs that I simply had no way to comment or it took me a few minutes…and a microscope, to find the comment area:)
C. Lee McKenzie says
Please spare me the micro-fonts!
Yvette Carol says
I'm in awe of anyone who participated in the A-Z Challenge. Good on you C. Lee. Next time I'm feeling insecure, I'll have to try your idea of poking it in the eye with a stick! ha ha
C. Lee McKenzie says
When cornered, poke at whatever's got you there! Thanks for the visit, Yvette.
lilicasplace.com says
Thanks for visiting my blog earlier today, Lee. Much appreciated. Funny you mention disliking the 'thanks for sharing' comment; the only time I use it is when I come across a post I really like.
I'm still working on my Reflections post. I'm hoping to have it posted by some time tomorrow. I'm going to spend a good part of the coming months going through this year's A-Z participant blogs. Have a great day. Eva, IWSG co-host
C. Lee McKenzie says
I should have said, using the thanks for sharing without any comment to indicate you'd read the post was objectionable. I like to thank people, too.
Patricia Lynne says
The worst I had for font was black background with white. Ouch. My biggest peeve was discus commenting that didn't allow guest commenting. Don't make me sign up just to leave a comment.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hate Discus. I should have mentioned that, too.
Michelle Wallace says
Thanks for the shout out Lee!
Tiny font also make my eyes tired.
Poke insecurity in the eye! Ha! Good one. I've taken your advice…
(P.S. I love the 'exotic' spelling of my name in your post. Micelle – I can 'hear' the foreign accent… )
C. Lee McKenzie says
I go for the exotic once in a while. All fixed now. π
dolorah says
I did not participate – I'm not social enough for visiting that much every day, eeek. Lots of people have fun with it though. The t-shirt looks awesome.
I'm also not a fan of "thanks for sharing" or "nice post".At least pick one paragraph to make a comment on!
C. Lee McKenzie says
AtoZ isn't for everyone. That is clear, but you know I think I'd visit the blogs on the Linky even if I didn't participate. There are so many interesting ones.
Karen Mortensen says
I really like your reflection. It was a good experience for me. It was also good to get reconnected to you again. I have been followling you for a while now. Enjoy your day.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Appreciate your continued support! Keep in touch. I love reading your comments.
Mere Joyce says
Haha, insecurity can definitely use a few good pokes!
Congrats again on finishing A to Z…you've summed up some of the annoyances perfectly! (especially the black background one!)
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Mere. Maybe you'll be able to join us next year with that new babe toddling around…or maybe not. I remember the toddling stage and I was always on the run.
Lisa says
Almost all the blogs you mentioned where in my top ten as well. I agree with your thoughts on finding where to post comments. Some blogs I gave up on because I could never find where to post my comments. I do say "thanks for sharing" but only as a PART of my comments, because I agree, it feels cold if it doesn't actually mean anything but space filler. I came across some poignant posts that I really was glad that they'd shared. Lisa, co-host #AtoZChallenge and #IWSG May, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com
C. Lee McKenzie says
I agree. Adding "thanks for sharing" after a considered comment is totally different than a stand alone. And I often wanted to tell people I appreciated their posts.
Elizabeth says
I have enjoyed reading Alex and Julie's blogs that you mentioned. I have a dark gray background with white font because it works well with my background picture, I hope that isn't hard on your eyes. Also, thanks for following me π
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think the neutral backgrounds are easy on the eyes. I wouldn't complain about the black if I only spent a few hours on the computer, but I'm spending many many hours there. Great to connect, Elizabeth.
Loni Townsend says
Poke insecurity in the eye! Yes!
I wish I'd been able to participate in A to Z. Maybe next year. π
C. Lee McKenzie says
You had a lot going on this year, Loni. Hope all is better now.
Pat Garcia says
Hi,
I started out as number 1016 in the challenge and so what I did was start reading those blogs on the side of me, behind me and in front of me. What I noticed was that some of the bloggers were not commenting. And I agree with you on the comment thanks for sharing. When I saw that comment, I felt like they hadn't read what I wrote at all. I also ended as number 805 and that told me that our hosts were out there doing their job, and that made me happy.
Shalom,
Pat
C. Lee McKenzie says
You noticed the behind the scenes work, Pat! That's like hearing applause. Thank you for this comment. Everyone on a team really appreciates it.
Chemist Ken says
Thanks for the ideas. I'm thinking about finally taking the A to Z challenge next year, and I'll need every bit of help I can get!
C. Lee McKenzie says
You'll do great. You already have an interesting blog, so the next step is to do more of that. Easy as pie. (I lie sometimes.)
Jennifer Hawes says
Small font, long posts, ugh! I don't want to feel insecure anymore as a writer either! Let's take a break:-)
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes, to taking a break. Mine's coming in June.
TBM says
Sometimes I wonder if bloggers preview their posts, especially the ones with small font and odd colors. Can't they see it's hard to read. I don't have patience for that. So you're a go for 2016? That's impressive.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm a go as of right now. Let's see what 2016 brings.
Susan Gourley/Kelley says
There were a few blogs where I could not figure out how to comment. That really frustrated me.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It's all about the time. You read it, then you want to respond and you can't! Grrr.
Sarah Foster says
Green font on black background? Yuck!
I didn't leave a link to my blog in my comments, either. Something to improve on next year!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I was sporadic on the link back. Next time I'll be better.
Melissa says
I don't like light font on dark background either. Or font so tiny I have to squint.
Congratulations on finishing the challenge. π
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Melissa. I guess it's just that when you're visiting so many blogs, you want it as simple as possible and as easy on the eyes.
J.H. Moncrieff says
Oh yes, the "Leave a Comment" obstacle course. Some blogs were nearly impossible to figure out. I hope it was easy for people to find my blog when I commented–never thought of leaving a link-back, but I'll keep it in mind for next time.
I'm with you on the black backgrounds. Makes my eyes bleed.
Congrats on surviving! Very happy to have discovered your blog.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm looking forward to your visit on my blog next week! It needs a little terror to perk it up!
Michael Di Gesu says
HI, Lee…
Congrats on finishing the challenge! Very valid points. And yes, you did touch on some of my favorite blogs!
C. Lee McKenzie says
And here you are! Hope you're moved and settled. Will stop by your place to get a report.
SittieCates says
Poke insecurity in the eye with a sharp stick. π Now, THAT's a very easy thing to do.
C. Lee McKenzie says
And why didn't I think of it earlier?
Chrys Fey says
Thank you so much for mentioning me, C Lee! The fact that you kept coming back because I terrified you made me laugh. π
I know my background is black, so I hope it didn't bother your eyes too much. I can't seem to want to change it though.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I made an exception for you. So I guess I should have said, if your content isn't interesting AND your background is black. . .
DMS says
lol- and I see that I didn't realize Stephanie was the last one to log into my computer! I hate when that happens. π The comment that says Stephanie was me.
Have a wonderful day!
~Jess
C. Lee McKenzie says
She looks like you. Guess you've written together so long it's hard to tell you guys apart! π
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
I'll try that!
Hope to get my survivor shirt in the mail this week.
If you're not going to read and comment on what you read, don't bother commenting.
Glad you enjoyed my posts! And JH will be the first featured blogger in my Themes That Rocked the Challenge at the A to Z Blog next week.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I look forward to seeing the Themes That Rocked the Challenge!
Natalie Aguirre says
Great suggestions on how to make A-Z better. You're almost making me want to try it. Almost.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Ha! When you jump in let me know. I'll send some AtoZ remedies.