It’s Friday, the weekend is just around the corner, so let’s have some fun today.
As some of you know, two months ago I started the Monthly Mini Meme (MMM) series. Each month we share one random thing about ourselves. It’s a way to let others into your life, and in turn, we learn a little more about our favorite bloggers.
In addition to the MMM series, I’m having “Open Mic” today. If you have a question, comment or concern about blogging, please feel free to leave a message in the comment section.
Rita asked if the readers of Blogging Without A Blog (BWAB) could ask questions to Lorelle (of Lorelle on WordPress) for her next appearance. If you have a question for Lorelle, that too, can be left in the comment section. I’ll gather all of the questions. When Lorelle returns (in 4-6 weeks), we’ll get her answer(s).
Today’s Assignment
1) Share one random thing about yourself that others in blogosphere don’t already know about you.
2) Leave a question, comment and/or concern you have about blogging, and/or leave a question for Lorelle’s next appearance.
The last time we did this, several of you had concerns with regard to blog maintenance/behind the scenes “stuff”. Both John Hoff and Hyrcan were kind enough to help with the technical questions.
O.K. I’ll start. Here’s my “Mini Meme”
I have a pen “fetish”. If I don’t like how a pen “flows”, I won’t use it, no matter what the price. I have been known to go to an office supply store and try dozens of pens to find just the right one(s). Years ago my favorite was the Bic Stick (it is yellow and cost $0.39). It had to be “fine”. My current favorite pen is the Pilot(R) G-2(TM) Retractable Gel Ink Rollerball Pens, Fine Point, 0.7 mm
Now the floor is yours.
Have fun! Keep it clean!
Photo Credit: akaalias’ photostream
um… I can’t really think of anything… I grew up in a steam train enthusiast family. So I know all about steam trains.
Hi Davina,
I read your meme and thought, “can you imagine what those people in the waiting room were thinking?” If I had been there, I think I would have ran out citing, “I’ll pass on the tatoo”. 🙂
Hi Robin,
Steam trains? I have an uncle who loves to read all about trains. One year for Christmas, we got him a tabletop book on trains. It actually looked real fascinating.
Hi Scott,
So, are you like a game show contestant “junkie”? It seems like I’ve heard of “The Weakest Link”, but I can’t remember what the premise of the show is. Did you win money or some other kind of prize?
Your blogging question is fabulous. I like your answer, too. Mine would be “Good Bye My Dear Friends, I Will Miss You”
Now I have a great idea for you. When don’t you use that as the very first blog post title on your soon to be blog? BTW: When are we going to see your blog?
Actually Scott,
I was thinking (I do a lot of that), you could be onto something. You don’t have a blog, but you’ve become extremely active in blogosphere and on social media sites. (including writing guest posts on Liz’s blog). Let’s say you continue on this “path” for a while longer. You already are gaining a “following” (so to speak). The day comes when you go “live” with your blog. You put the word out. BOOM! You instantly have a kazillion subscribers/readers/commenters.
Why didn’t I think of that?
Hi Annie,
The Signo uni-ball Micro 207 is the anti check washing pen. I use that one too – to sign and write checks. Oh, that’s too funny!
I have a Cross pen that I got when I reached my three year anniversary at a company I used to work for. It’s pretty and even engraved, but the tip is too thick (probably 5 mm) for my liking. Hmmm, maybe I could find a 7 mm refill.
Ooooooh! I don’t like when someone takes my favorite pens. I usually have a few I don’t like on my desk, and let others use those. My husband is a pen thief too. I have to keep an eye on him. Hehe. 🙂
Hi Scott,
You did great! $4500.
Yes, your journey into blogging isn’t the “norm” (whatever that means), but you’ll have an advantage over other bloggers (like me) who dove in, head first.
I have a tattoo! It’s a creature similar to a mermaid and she is coming out of a shell. The colours are the blue and green colours of the sea. Have had it for about 5 years and love it.
Getting it was a different story though. It is at the base of my spine on the right side, and I later learned that is a painful spot to get a tattoo. I almost fainted and got charged for an extra half hour of her time because of the break we had to take. Quite an experience, especially for the people in the waiting room who had to watch me practically staggar to the washroom with very pale face indeed 🙂
No blogging questions today. Well, that’s a lie. I have some but I’m doing research behind the scenes. Thanks Barbara for giving us this opportunity.
What a cool way of finding out more about each other, Barbara.
My random fact is that I’ve appeared on 5 tv game shows in the UK- including me winning ‘The Weakest Link’ and charming the ‘Queen of Mean’, Anne Robinson 🙂
My blogging question for Lorelle would be: If you knew that your next post was going to be the last one you would ever write. what would its title be?
Hi Alex,
Congratulations on your published work.
I’m guessing your tattoo experience was better than Davinas.
Ebooks? We’ll have to see what others say about that one as I have yet to write one. We can also ask Lorelle.
Actually, could I contribute to the meme by asking everyone that question:
“If you knew that your next post was going to be the last one you would ever write. what would its title be?”
Mine would be: “10 Reasons Why I Wish I’d Discovered Blogs Earlier” ! 🙂
… It could be serious or fun.
Barbara –
This is a cool idea!
And it’s funny – but I share the same “fetish” – pens have to be just right or I don’t use them. I do the same thing when I go into a store and test every pen I possibly can.
My current favorite is the Signo uni-ball Micro 207 pen. I think they’re a gel type pen and I have them in blue, black and red and I buy the Bic Ultra Round Stic pens for the kids because that’s what they like. I also have Cross pen that I’ve had since I was 15 that was given to me by my Uncle’s friend. I keep it tucked away and only use it occasionally (it’s very hard to find the right refill for it now).
My husband isn’t too picky about pens. 😉 You have to be careful, though, because he’s a pen thief. If he uses it, he’ll probably walk off with it before he even realizes he still has it in his hand.
~ Annie
Anne Robinson is the flame-haired, black-clad, English game show hostess who is a self-styled super villainess!
Yes, I won approximately $4500- but it was 8 years ago, and well spent 🙂
I guess my journey in the blogosphere has been a little different, or so I’m told.
When I was a child, I loved Alice in Wonderland (still do) and wanted to become a writer because of Lewis Carroll, so when I had my first short story professionally published, I got the Tenniel March Hare tattooed on my left thigh. I chose him because he’s not the most known character but he’s delightfully odd.
As for a blogging question… hmmm… What’s your take on creating ebooks as freebies and ebooks as something to sell?
Cheers
Alex
Alex Fayle’s last blog post..The Blog is Dead! Long Live the Blog!
Yes, it was much better than Davina’s. In fact, it was a family outing. I went with my sister (Urban Panther) and her oldest daughter. Plus her son and her step-nephew stopped by to visit while we were in the tattoo parlour.
And since the thigh is all muscle, it didn’t hurt much, like someone was lightly scratching a sunburn. It hurt much less than the piercing I got a few years earlier (but we’ll save that story for another day).
Can’t think of anything funny to write about self 😆
But I have been a jack of all ‘games’ but master of none when it comes to sports. In the last 25 years, have played soccer, cricket, badminton, lawn tennis, basketball, volleyball, ping pong etc (and several other in door games) but not somebody good at any of these…!
Some of these games I played only for a few months and some say 5-6 years.
Cheers,
Ajith
Ajith Edassery’s last blog post..Google Insights for Search
I’m going to continue on with On Scott’s gameshow story and admit that I was such a dorky fan of “Sale of the Century” as a TEENAGER (yes, in this regard I was a total dork) that I bought a bell to authentically practise my speed in answering questions.
I would pull the coffee table over in front of the lounge, put my bell down and smack it like there was no tomorrow so I could “beat” the other contestants. I used to tell dad I was going to be their youngest ever entrant and win us a car. Unfortunately I discovered boys and forgot all about “Sale of the Century” and all that hard work I put in. But man, I was fast. I used to beat everyone I knew at Trivial Pursuit too.
I don’t have a blogging question today because I still have reading to catch up on and I’m trying to write blog posts rather than contemplate blogging.
My last post title would be:
Broccoli is good for you and other lies…
Thanks Barbara
Kelly
i DROpped out of sign language class, now I’m just a really fast finger speller. 3 people in my family know sign language well and no one is deaf.
i can’t find the path to my default avatar on my blog anymore since I changed themes, you think i over looked it? that’s not a theme problem, but a wordpress thing, right? i better go look for it then. i have blank man where avatars could be.
Natural’s last blog post..Are You Feeling Guilty Over Something?
I use basic Staples gel pens. They have a good enough flow for the price. When I first started writing last year, I was writing a lot in notebooks. So much so that I emptied the ink from two full boxes of pens (twenty-four to be exact). Here’s where I turn into an idiot. I’ve kept those pens. They’re still in the boxes, neatly lined in rows, just as I bought them, but now empty. I’m not a clutter monkey in any way, but I can’t bear to throw these stupid empty pens away. It’s like, “I became a writer with these pens, they’re a symbol.” No they’re not. They’re trash. Please excuse me, I think I’ve finally talked myself into tossing them.
*looks around to see who’s watching*
*whispers* I used to be a nun.
Seriously, I was in a religious order for about 2 years. I left before making vows. I was going to enter another order in 2002 when I met my now husband *laughs*. So much for being a nun.
Oh gosh .. what is there left that you guys don’t know about me?
*Thinking*
All the things I can think of are so lame. Like, not only did I never, ever start to smoke, but I’ve never taken an illegal/recreational drug in my life. Not once. See? Pretty lame, but that’ll have to do. LOL!
My bloggy question is –
What is the optimum interval between posts? I aim for daily, or at least once every second day, but if someone reads only once a week, do all those unread posts put them off?
HA, I’m picky about pens too, My current favorite is the Pilot Precise V5, the office has the G2s but I didn’t like them so I went out and bought my V5s 😉
I’m full odd things people don’t know anything about… lets see if I can come up with something… Ah Ha!
I was in the first ever National Civilian Community Corps, which is part of Americorps. We did everything from tutoring school children and renovating a building to be a homeless shelter to cleaning up after the flood (pre-katrina) in New Orleans and fighting forest fires in Idaho.
@Scott McIntyre: Last blog title? That’s easy.
“So long, and thanks for all the fish.”
@Alex Fayle: I think eBooks are a great way to self-publish, they are easy and quick to make. As for free or not… that depends on you really. If the content is worth it, people will purchase it. I know Leo over at Zen Habits has several out eBooks out for sale, and people seem to enjoy them quite a bit.
Something most people don’t know about me? I’m a preacher’s kid and was a preacher’s wife up til recently. And I’m so happy my DH now owns his own business instead, because I wasn’t a very good preacher’s wife and never want to be one again. 😀
Incredibly, I can’t think of a blogging question right now but I’ll definitely come back if one plagues me over the next few days!
@Scott – Funny enough, last night I had thoughts of writing my last blog post!!!! And then my husband talked me out of it. But it would probably be something like this: “Thanks For The Fun Ride, But Now I Bid Adieu” or something dorky like that.
@Jay: I make it a point to read all articles by end of day. If ever I do miss out and find mutiple articles, I would read one and mark read to the rest. I think quality and size matter as well.
I have been experimenting with my posting frequency. 5/week to 2/week. Trying out 3/week now.
Barbara –
I had forgotten the Signo’s were an anti check washing pen. But you’re right, they are. And I don’t even write checks! Or at least rarely. I pay all my bills online through the bank.
I also have a set of Parker pens with a case that my dad gave me – I don’t remember if it was when I was a junior in high school or if it was for graduation – but he’s gone now so I keep them in a drawer in my desk and don’t use them very often. I’m afraid something will happen to them and then I’ll be sad. Last time I got a refill for the pen, it didn’t fit right so now it retracts kinda funny but it still writes nice!
@Scott – I have no idea what I’d write for a last post title. Probably something incredibly dorky, trying to be funny. 😉
~ Annie
Annie’s last blog post..Introducing . . . my family
Random thing about myself: Ummm… I use to love going to the movies and watching DVDs, but these days, I don’t have time. It’s sad, but it’s ok, I’ve found something I like better . . . the work I do.
Question for Lorelle: I’d like to know why she uses a free WordPress account over a paid hosting account? There are many drawbacks to free accounts.
@ Scott – my last title would probably be “Why I’m Not Blogging Anymore”
@Alex – free eBooks get distributed easily and could be a good marketing tactic.
@ Natural – There’s a PBS show on called Signing Time which my son loves to watch, which also means I watch LOL. I’ve been learning some sign language myself. It’s cool. Also, it looks like you got your Avatar thing squared away?
@ Jay – Personally, I really strive for at least 3 posts a week, but with a new baby and a 2 year old running around, it’s very hard as my actual business isn’t “blogging” and I have other things to attend to as well. It’s hard to say what the optimum is. Copyblogger seems to have somewhere around 3-4 posts a week and does quite well, where Problogger posts like 10 a week and does good, too. I think it’s the content that matters most, not frequency.
EEwww! Just thinking about fine point pens give me shivers! I hate the scratch feeling. Give me a good medium point any day. They do have to flow well or I won’t use them. That’s not my meme, though, just a comment.
Mine is when I was in 5th grade I was in a Christmas play and I had a lead role as Alfie the Elf. I got the part because I was sick one day and no one else wanted it so it was given to me. I was thrilled, but as my acting is not very good, it was the last lead I ever got. In high school I was always cast as an extra.
No questions today. I had one a couple weeks ago and now I can’t remember it!
Hi All,
I’m am sooooo far behind. I had a birthday party to go to yesterday and then came home only to find I had to shut down my my computer due to a lightening storm. I’m busily working on “work” (it pays 🙂 ) but will be back later to answer comments and visit all of you.
Thanks for sharing your comments, memes, and questions.
Keep them coming…..
My mattress is on the floor. I have no bed to hold it up. I like it this way, because it’s simple.
A pen fetish… that’s funny. 🙂
Scott, I love your question. My last post would be: “Question for the readers: how do I fill up my time now that I can’t blog anymore??”
Thank you everyone for answering my question. It’s great to read what you’d like to convey in your last blog post…
Random Thing > I’m an introvert fascinated with social media.
Pens and pencils no biggie, but I need a fresh, clean, white sheet of paper to really get going!
1) If I could afford it, I could eat sushi all day and all night. It’s the wasabi!
2) Lorelle: Toughest blow, moment, or criticism of your blogging life and how you overcame it.
SpaceAgeSage’s last blog post..Leadership skills — seasoned or dinosaur-like?
Kind of like your pen sharing I like a brand new pad of Tops lined paper, white, not legal size. It’s so fulfilling to write on while thick.
I also just love using my garden hoe. It’s huge, heavy and thick and cuts down anything that I go for.
Blogging question – I can’t read enough on nailing your blogging purpose. Perhaps you and Lorelle have already written about that? Please forgive me if I missed it in her interview series. I’ve yet to read them all.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work’s last blog post..Big Life Lessons and Hitting Bottom
Behind my facade of a big fearless Lion hides someone who has a deathly fear of needles! When I need to go for tests I always bring a bottle of vodka with me and down a few before heading for the needle. Luckily for me they are only looking for cholesterol levels, not alcohol!
Urbane Lion’s last blog post..Fantastic bruschettas!
I love sudoku puzzles. I take a booklet fillled with sudoku puzzles wherever I go so that I have something to do in case I have to wait.
@Scott: My last post would be: “That’s All Folks!”
@Bamboo Forest: My mattress was on the floor for a long time too, but now I converted my room into a home office and my bed looks like a sofa.
Oh my, I am thinking hard here, because y’all pretty much know about me through my blog. My tattoo is not news, because there is a picture with me, with tattoo in full view, on one of my posts. Ah! Alex knows this, but he doesn’t count because he’s my brother. I do have a belly ring. I LOVE it. The Lion loves it too, but the rule is I am not allowed to change it with him anywhere within 500 miles of me. I think it goes along with his needle fear.
Urban Panther’s last blog post..The toughest crowd yet
Hi All,
I’ve really enjoyed reading through all these comments! What a fun group we all are (if I may say so myself).
I have one Cross fine point pen bought by my husband on our honeymoon in Hawaii that I never let leave my desk. It is too precious to me — won’t even put it in my purse. I use it daily and would be heartbroken if I lost it.
No tattoos, and I absolutely hate needles, too, Urbane Lion! My ears were pierced in my girlfriend’s kitchen when I was in junior high. Her older sister was in nursing school and we were her practice subjects. She put ice cubes on our lobes, a cork behind our ears and voila! our ears were pierced. I promptly ran to the bathroom and vomited from nerves! That did me in for needles the rest of my life. 🙂
Blogging question: When creating a link in a blog post, what are the pro’s and con’s about having them open in the same window or a new window? Is it just personal preference or is there ettiquette about it? Came up with this question while I was creating links to my “thank you” post this week, so if I screwed up, sorry!
I was thinking so hard about what to write and then it came to me: I have a phobia about pumping gas! Unless it’s an absolute emergency, my husband puts gas in my car.
And yes, I did run out of gas once, but believe it or not, I was right in front of a gas station and basically coasted to the pump on fumes! and I had to summon my courage, take a few deep breaths and put gas in the car myself.
As for blog questions: I could fill a blog with questions about blogging, but I’ve been wondering about the whole keyword thing. Is the idea that you fill your posts with the keywords that potential readers might search on? Doesn’t that cramp your writing style?
@Linda – about the links going to new windows or not – my thoughts are – for a normal static website, have the links open new windows because you don’t want to lose your visitors if you can help it – your page will still be there underneath the one they opened. For a blog, I follow advice I read somewhere on ProBlogger – which is don’t clutter up people’s screens with new windows, because the nature of blogs is that people click on to new things all the time, and we can respect that they know where the back button is if they want to return to where they came from. Just my thoughts on it.
So…I have a pen fetish too. I really like the free pens our bank used to give out. Simple and cheap, but they worked great. My wife gives me a hard time about it. Now that they don’t give out the pens anymore, my supply is starting to run low.
Another factoid, since that one was related to Barbara’s original pen stuff. I like my bath towel rough, not soft. I think it’s feels like I’m getting a backrub when I dry off after a shower. No one else in my family agrees with me…
Last post: It’s Been An Awesome Ride, And Now Another Sunset Calls”.
Hi Alex,
It sounds like your tattoo experience was a great family outing. Maybe you will share the piercing story on next months meme. Yeah?
Hi Ajith,
That’s a lot of sports to learn. Did you play professionally or just for fun?
Hi Natural,
Sign language has always intrigued me, but I never learned it. Is it hard to learn?
P.S. I hope you found your default avatar.
Hi Kelly,
Do I sense a competitive spirit? You story is so funny. I like how you told your Dad you were going to win a car. Sweet!
Hi Writer Dad,
I have to know, did you throw out the empty pens?
Hi Hyrcan,
It sounds like you were doing a very good thing in the National Civilian Corps. That had to be a fabulous experience. Kudos to you.
Hi Jodith,
It’s great to see you here again. A nun? I’m guessing you’re happy with your choice to marry instead.
Hi Sara with an “h”,
Seems I’ve heard there’s a lot of expectations put on a preacher’s wife. That could be a tough position to be in.
What’s this about thinking of writing your “last” blog post. You’re not thinking of quitting, are you?
Hi Jay,
Your meme isn’t lame at all. In fact, it’s commendable.
Re: The interval between posts? That’s something bloggers struggle with. I would say, set a posting schedule that works for you, be consistent, and that way your readers know what to expect. Myself, I went from six days a week down to five and that has worked well in my schedule.
Hi Annie,
I forgot about Parker pens being great pens, too. That’s so neat you still have the ones your Dad gave you. They hold a lot of memories, don’t they?
Hi John,
It sounds like your current work is a passion for you. Isn’t amazing how easily we can let other activities go when we find something that we truly love to do.
That’s a great question for Lorelle. Seems I remember reading the answer somewhere, but we’ll ask her again.
Hi Bamboo,
It sounds like your bedroom is very “zen”.
Hi Avani,
Thanks for sharing your posting schedule. How is 3x a week working?
Hi Vered,
Yes, a pen fetish, of all things. 🙂
P.S. I like your” last” blog title.
Hi Debbie,
Oh no, a good pen (even fine point) can write s-m-o-o-t-h. But you did bring up another thing. I’m a little picky about the paper I write on, too. It has to be smooth for me to enjoy writing.
I like your actress meme. 🙂
Hi Stacey,
Welcome to the BWAB community!
Funny you should say that. A lot of bloggers are also introverts and get involved with social media in order to get “found”. Maybe blogging gets us out of our “shells”.
I’ll be by later to check out your blog.
Hi Tom,
Yeah! Us writers love our paper, don’t we?
Your garden hoe sounds like a landscaping weapon.
Re: blogging purpose? Do you mean why we blog about what we blog about, or finding your niche? Or am I misunderstanding your question?
Hi Urbane Lion,
Haha! Will they let you bring the vodka in the room with you?
Hi Marelisa,
Sudoku? They do look fascinating, but I’ve yet to get the hang of them. Sounds like they may be somewhat addicting.
Hi Urbane Panther,
I can understand how changing your belling ring would freak out the Lion. If hes’ around, just give him the vodka. 🙂
Hi SpaceAgeSage,
Mmmmmm sushi. Yum! Wasabi is a great addition to sushi, is’t it?
GREAT question for Lorelle.
Hi Linda Abbit,
Ice cubes and a needle? Yes, I’ve heard of many young girls doing that. I would have been too freaked out.
Re: opening links in a new window. I used to always do that, but now only do sometimes. It’s been a question that’s been debated for a long time. Is there a right answer? Hard telling, but I see Robin has also added more on that subject.
Hi Ann,
Pumping gas phobia? I wonder where that comes from?
Re: keywords. Gosh, volumes have been written about them. Using them can change our writing style, but without them, search engines may never find us. I have a few articles in my “keywords” category you might want to check out.
Hi Robin,
Thanks for answering the links in a new window issue. I read that post on Problogger too, but am still torn on the subject.
Hi Lance,
Don’t you hate that when you get free pens, love how they write, and can’t find them? That’s when you have to resort to visiting the office supply store and trying dozens of them.
So, how do you resolve the bath towel issue if everyone in the house wants theirs soft?
Hi Evelyn,
Yuk! Sinus attacks are no fun at all. Hope you get to feeling better soon.
What can I share about myself?? Hmm…I’m having a sinus attack right now…it happens to me a lot…and I can barely concentrate. But I enjoy reading blogs so much that I refuse to shut down my laptap!! Help me here!!
Barbara- I too have a pen fetish. It must be fine and I have found the cheaper the better. Bic rules!
Davina- I have a tattoo as well. I walked into the place and asked the tattoo artist if it would hurt. “Nah!!!”He said and then he looked at me, squinted and asked, “Where do you want it?” I replied “On my foot in the fleshy instep.” He paused and sucked wind through his teeth and finally said, “That’s gonna hurt.” And it did.
Natural- ASL was my major in college before I changed to premed! I love it!
Scott- I would write about Never Never Shaking a Baby. Still happens all the time and I cringe.
Hmmm one little factoid?? I pierced my nose. Just impulsively came home one day. Iced it up. Put a hole in it and then an earring. Took it out 3 days later. Why? Cause I couldn’t yawn. Every time I started the pain would stifle the yawn. It was killing me. I HAD to yawn. I started holding my nose to yawn and when I got tired of that I just yanked it out muttering to myself- What was I thinking!
The scar still stands.
Barbara – I use an old towel, and we never dry it after it is washed. I have one favorite, that has that crusty feel. That’s mine! No one seems to care (I guess they just don’t want it). Their loss, my gain!
Scott –
Mine would be “How blogging has transformed my life”
Barbara –
I’m a hotelier and naturally mine is to collect pens and many times even pay hotels to get a pen if I really like its style and design.
Shilpan
First, to Urbane Lion – PLEASE DO NOT READ!
I guess my biggest “secret” is that I have been disabled for 16 years – there I said it. I usually get around just fine, but I suffer from Stage 2 CRPS (otherwise known as RSD) – a problem with the sympathetic nervous system that causes unremitting pain, and frequently limited movements of my right arm. I have to give myself 6 5″ needles into the thigh PER DAY.
But, I’ve learned to control IT, and not let it control ME – so NO PITY PARTIES, PLEASE!
I, too, sleep on a mattress on the floor. (No tatooes!)
As to Scott’s question, about the “last post,” mine would be “What have I learned?”
And finally, my question for Lorelle: If you could NOT write (or have anybody do it for you, what field would you choose for yourself – if “the world were your oyster” (without the written word?)
Thank you,
Rita
Hey, this looks like fun! I wanna join in too…
@Barbara: A piece of trivia about me is that I’m a fan of samurai movies. Seen many of the Kurosawa flicks, own the Lone Wolf & Cub series, and watched many other classics. If there was one samurai movie to watch, I’d recommend “Twilight Samurai.”
@Lorelle: No question from me, but thanks for sharing so much of your knowledge and looking forward to your return!
@Scott: Great question. My last blog title would be, “Don’t Get Too Busy Making a Living That You Forget to Make a Life.”
Al at 7P’s last blog post..The Hero with a Thousand Jobs
I secretly suffer from low self esteem because I’m not as successful as most of my friends. And I hate spiders.
VERY cool idea for a post.
T
Hi Dr. Cason,
Ouch! It sounds like piercing your nose would have hurt. I’ve only had my ears pierced, but don’t wear earrings very often.
Hi Shilpan,
I bet you have a great collection of pens from other hotels. Do you showcase them in any way? That’s a great way of having souvenirs from your travels.
Hi Al,
Samurai movies? I guessing they’re quite good. I’ll have to look for “Twilight Samurai” the next time I’m in the video store, per your recommendation.
Hi T Edwards,
I’m guessing you’re not giving yourself enough credit. Success is measured in many ways.
I’m not fond of spiders either. 🙂
Hi Lance,
Rough towels are often the result of drying them on a clothes line outside, too.
Hi Rita,
**Shhhhh***, we don’t tell Urbane Lion.
I love your attitude…You don’t let it control you.
Another GREAT question for Lorelle. It will be interesting to find out what her answer is.
Water splashes against the grim grey rocks as John runs frantically through the crystal clear creek. He finds a cave off to the side and decides it’s worth the risk. He takes shelter in the moss-filled darkness to take a moment and slowly inhale the densely humid air to calm himself. After the pounding in his chest slows he peeks out around the cave wall.
“Who are these people with pen fetishes,” he says. “Where am I? Where did they come from? Mommy!”
LOL
Pens? You guys are all cracking me up with the pen fetish thing. I’ve never once even thought of that being a fetish. You guys are great!
@ Ann – I have a post coming up either Monday or Wednesday on my blog where I’ll be outlining my SEO tips – keywords being one of them. Please feel free to comment in the comment section with questions, or ask here of course 😉
@ Robin & @ Barbara — Sounds like you both think that links should be opened in the same window (most times), so I’ll learn from your example. Maybe we can ask Lorelle that too, just out of curiosity? Thanks!
late to the party so Im reading the comments and learning BUT wanted to say how amazing you are at getting the conversation FLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWING.
Hi all,
Here’s what I do with the opening links thing –
Since most browsers these days have user options which allow links to be forced open in another tab, window or just as normal, it doesn’t matter much which you set it on – the users browser will open it however the user has it specified.
I hope that’s too convoluted. 😉 LOL
~ Annie
@ Annie — I got you! DUH — why didn’t I realize this happens on my own computer!!!
btw, how do you select one browser as your default browser so the links open in that one (on a pc). I’ve totally forgotten how since it was so long ago that I first set it up, and now I want to change it. Thanks in advance to anyone who can explain. Not urgent, obviously!
John, I see the writer in you 🙂 You never heard of people having a pen fetish before? As luck (?) would have it, I also have a paper fetish. I LOVE paper. Now when I go to the store I have to keep my blinders on so I don’t buy ANY more.
Thanks for the heads up on your SEO tips post. I’ll be watching for it.
Re: Your other comment. You hit the nail on the head. We certainly can’t assume anyone knows how to open a link in a new window. Years ago, I didn’t know I could do that and it actually would upset me as I would start on one site, start clicking and end up “who knows where” and wanted to go back to the original site, but forgot the name.
It is all about our audience.
Hi Linda,
Check out John’s comment that follows. He raises another very important issue.
Hi MizFit,
Thank you! This party never ends, so you can’t be late. 🙂
Hi Karl,
That’s a great idea. I think too often we plop down at our desk and stay there way too long. Do you also find by getting up and stretching, you’re also awakening your creativity?
@ Annie – remember though, a lot, if not most, people on the Web don’t know how to do stuff like that. They barely even know what a tab is. So be careful in assuming. I’d say it’s better to design based on how you want your user to interact with your website.
@ Linda – it depends on which web browser you are using, but normally there’s a Tools –> Options area in your upper left Web browser menu where you can choose which Web browser you want as your default. It should be there too that you can find how to set new windows to open.
John Hoff – eVentureBiz’s last blog post..Is A Google XML Sitemap Necessary?
Hi Mark,
That was sweet revenge, wasn’t it? And look at you now. You’re an artist with a published book and beautiful works of art. 🙂
I love to stretch every hour. I get up from my desk. Reach into the air and move side to side. I’ll also stretch my hips or calves. Whatever I feel in that moment. I try to do this every hour so my muscles stay loose. It’s the best way for me to keep enjoying my desk job.
Something about me you don’t know? Hm…
I once got sent to the guidance counselor in high school for drawing a mean caricature of my biology teacher. (She was mean, afterall.)
But then the yearbook staff had me draw all the teachers for our yearbook. (Sweet Revenge!)
@ Barbara – Thanks for directing me to John’s help & advice.
@ John — Found the default setting and changed it. And I *know* I forget how inexperienced most people are with computers. While I think of myself as a tech-newbie, I’m way advanced compared to most friends I speak with! I must remember that as well, when I’m nervous about making changes on my blog. 🙂
Linda Abbit’s last blog post..Funny Fridays: Because It Is Better to Laugh than to Cry!
Rita: Thanks for the warning but you know how undisciplined I am. Just had to read. I don’t think anyone truly enjoys needles but it’s always a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils!