Happy Sunday, thought I'd do a little review of the A-Z challenge so far. I believe I'm enjoying it more this year because rather then be upset that people aren't really participating, using the system, going to the trouble of reporting (as we're suppose to)offending blogs to the organizers, I'm just passing them by and moving on. By not dwelling on them, keeping track etc I am less bothered.
The positives:
- Have gained followers, was around 295 ish when challenge began
- Have had thoughtful comments from people who have learned something about homelessness they didn't know or realize before.
- Have inspired some folks to get out their knitting or crochet needles and hooks and help us, and or donate to their locale shelters
- Simply spreading the word about the problem,the need to help, and ways to help...........always positive
- As soon as I signed up I started visiting 5 blogs daily from the linky, so about 10 days prior to the official start of April 1, I began getting some visits. This is suggested
- Wrote a reveal post (separate linky to join prior to the official start to reveal the theme of your month of blogging). Not everyone, in fact the bulk of those in the linky didn't elect to select a theme or post theme. Visited 5 additional blogs daily for about 4 or 5 days or the reveal linky
- Wrote and scheduled all posts ahead of the start on April 1st, in order to spend time daily visiting blogs.
- Continued to visit 5 blogs daily not before visited from the linky, and returned every visit/comment made here
- Started a blog log (in the right sidebar) of those that visited and left comments and continued to visit them.
A=Afghans, Family Heirlooms
B= Bridge and Beyond, Behind the Scenes
C=What is Crochet
D=Donations
E=Exposure Kills Homeless Vet
F= Crying and Homeless and Freezing Temperature
G= Gubbio, A Homeless Project, St. Boniface Church
H=Hobo and Homelessness
I= Inspiration
J= What is Joy
Google stats indicate the A, B, and G posts had the highest stats of visits with G being 146, though, we received far fewer actual comments. I'm not up to speed to know if those are simply clicks vs time spent to actually read. I think it may just be clicks? Any one know?
All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.
Just came in from doing yard work. It is 70 here today. My son is out of town and was checking for his E mail and found this.. Primrose is a beautiful afghan . Interesting to see what has been accomplished since you started this A Z challenge, dont claim to have a clue what it is all about, but people do seem to be reponding and that is the important part for the Bridge..I am enjoying it too. Keep up the good work. Have a lovely day. Marj in Minnesota/70 degrees and WINDY
ReplyDelete70 and yard work, sounds wonderful Marj, I know how you love being outside. Don't over work. I too am pleased to see the comments and hope it helps the Bridge.
DeleteSandy love the afghan, I don't see a name a name so I hope you made it. good job . Pink is my favorite color and lavender. Rosemarie.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosemarie, I assembled this afghan sometime back, just needed a photo for todays blog post.
Deleteyou are very conscientious about the challenge...I had not thought to do a review.
ReplyDeleteI began the challenge last year and did not finish it. I felt enthused this year and like you I got my posts ready in advance. I am moved by your commitment to the well being of people without a home.
You mention not liking blogs without a picture. Mine does not have pictures, but your really comes alive with the photos you share of knitted items.
zannie rose A-Z
Yes I am very conscientious about the challenge. I really want to get the word out about homelessness and what people can do to help. I think photo's help grab attention, and if it's not a blog I know or have read before often I pass them by.
DeleteGorgeous afghan Sandy. But then you always have been a great crafter and leader. I don't understand this A-Z Challenge thing but this I do have too many things buzzing through my head. Take Care
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the clicks with the statistics for Google, wish I could help you with it. Make sure if you want to sign up to do a post challenge reflection post (I think its a week after the challenge ends, not sure when sign ups start) because you gave some great things here you did to make the challenge be successful for you. I sometimes can't visit 5 new blogs a day (but I follow way too many blogs in the first place, LOL) but on the weekends I try to visit a lot so it makes up if I don't do it during the week.
ReplyDeleteI just realized, I forgot to include an email address in my note to you which I mailed Thursday; its lv2trnscrb@aol.com
betty
Thank you Betty for the reminder about the challenge post review, will make a note of it and check back. Got your email also, thanks!
DeleteSounds like you've been very productive and yes, you have been sharing some great information. Wish I'd gotten all most posts done beforehand.
ReplyDeleteTry to be productive JL, the mission of Bridge and Beyond means a great deal to me. Getting the posts done ahead really does make the whole process much easier.
DeleteYou are certainly well organised. I hadn't realised they suggested starting to visit before the official beginning but anyway I was still preparing posts up to the last minute. Still not finished and I find I'm changing them as I go on.
ReplyDeleteI'm finding it difficult to comment on a lot of the blogs so I visit a large number. I don't think I'll be doing this again :)
I comment on all I visit, unless it's one that has their comments closed or you have to join something etc then I pass those by, but find rather then trying to visit alot, I do the 5 or so, plus all who leave comments, then if I have more time, visit a few more. Think this is my 5th year doing it, and thus far, it's going better then it has in other years.
DeleteI have found the A - Z posts interesting. I have looked at some of the other blogs, but I didn't comment. Love the pink afghan.
ReplyDeleteNice to know you've been enjoying the a-z posts, I do appreciate you're on going support by way of visits and comments!
DeleteYour roundup is a great idea! I had only been blogging for a few days when I signed up so I wouldn't have much to compare, but I think I might try this again next year. I was planning on doing a roundup at the end. I've been trying to hit 5 new blogs every day (going down the list from my blog).
ReplyDeleteGlad it's going well for you Stacey, this year has been much better for me then other years. I almost wasn't going to do it again, glad I changed my mind.
DeleteI've found this year's challenge a bit harder than last year. Last year if I commented on 10 blogs, I'd get 10 comments back. This year it may be half that. On the other side, sometimes I'll read something and not be able to come up with anything significant to write in a comment, so I move on. There are also blogs where I can't find the comment button to save my life. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteThere are also several groups of people monitoring blogs to weed out the ones who quit, have bad links, etc. So don't worry about notifying the organizers, the minions are on task! (I'm a minion for Lisa's Live Wires.)
When I kept track in other years it was very discouraging. Ii'd do like 30 visits and comments and get back maybe 5. So this year, I'm not trying to visit as many, and am feeling better about things.
DeleteI've found this year's challenge a bit harder than last year. Last year if I commented on 10 blogs, I'd get 10 comments back. This year it may be half that. On the other side, sometimes I'll read something and not be able to come up with anything significant to write in a comment, so I move on. There are also blogs where I can't find the comment button to save my life. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteThere are also several groups of people monitoring blogs to weed out the ones who quit, have bad links, etc. So don't worry about notifying the organizers, the minions are on task! (I'm a minion for Lisa's Live Wires.)
The Afghan looks very pretty. Thankyou for sharing the tips :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit and compliment.
DeleteThat primrose afghan is beautiful! Love the colors!!
ReplyDelete