Just Get A Microphone
The title means nothing. Seriously it’s sort of an inside joke but I needed to come up with a title for my post, so that worked. The other option I had was “Slacker”. That’s right. I have been a slacker.
I had a dream last night that my blog was re-named The Occasional Blonde…wait, that was a nightmare. I want to do it daily. I want to post daily as well.
Sooooo….how about those Yankees? Again, nothing to say. Maybe I just need to get a microphone. You know…the thing you hold in your hand, put your mouth up to and talk? Seriously, someone told me to get one. That’s like saying, “Get a life”. Get a microphone. Do I need to speak up? Or is my blog just totally void of content rich bullshit this week?
I thought about writing about social media and then I realized that every flipping person on this planet writes a blog post every boring day of the week about social media. How to get more followers. How to use SEO to make your social media blog take off. How to influence people in the 2.o world so they kiss your ass. How to be a social media rockstar. (anyone else sick of the over-use of the word ‘rockstar’?)
Yep. I love social media but have you noticed lately that when people step up to the microphone write a post it’s always about social media? How to make it work for you and blah blah blah.
I do that at times. Guilty as charged. Then I realized that it starts to become ALL people write about. Have we stopped blogging about life in general? Life B.T. (before Twitter)? Just some random bullcrap or a funny story is something I want to read. It’s a breath of fresh air when I read a blog that’s a reflection of a real person, not the person they think they should be to fit in around the blogging water-cooler.
Be different. Step up to the dammed microphone and say something. Don’t use the words coach, social media sculptor (WTF?), content rich (i.e. spammy key words to get you noticed…and you’ve basically said nothing) ….do something different. Social media will be there when you come back.
Need an idea? How about my 11 year old son’s homework assignment:
You are a leaf. You’re the first leaf to fall off the tree this Autumn.
Where are you going? What adventures will you go on? Where will this journey take you?
Dammed fabulous assignment. And you know what? If you take that on and write it, you’re going to really love the end result. I’m not only going to be so happy to read some blog posts about something other than how you’re a social media evangelist, I’m going to do something rare: a giveaway. I hate dopey blog giveaways (I’m a party pooper) but I love this prize.
Do it…and let me know about it. I’ll be giving away something very special. It’s from Poland (we’re great people, aren’t we?) and it’s a $180 piece of jewelry you won’t see on everyone. It’s a leaf….which is such a thought provoking symbol. And this is it:
Unique Vine Baltic Amber Pendant
My son, Maxx, creative leaf story writer extraordinaire will read the stories with me. He’ll pick one to win this Unique Vine Baltic Amber Pendant. It’s from the awesome site, Signature-Gems.com. This gorgeous $180 pendant is handcrafted and designed in Poland and is . 925 silver with genuine (honey) baltic amber.
Are you in? Just let me know if you post. You know how to find me….leave the link to your story here…send a Twitter DM…or send me an email. If you don’t, then I guess you’re just a lurker and you’re shit out of luck. Write your post by Monday, October 12th. Maxx will start reading the posts on the 13th and we’ll announce the winner of the Baltic Amber Pendant on October 16th. I’ll be posting Tweets about the entrants and their stories….fun? yes. A little traffic to your blog? Of course.
Now, leave me alone and get to work. Step up to that microphone and write something fabulous.
So true, Ken, I struggle some days because my head is full of other things to do…and then comes the problem I have that I don't know how to just leave things at three sentences…..
The thing about giving assignments like this to kids is that they're pretty creative and imaginative. People, like me, who have been on the journey for awhile and have to "unlearn" every one of life's lessons to move on have a harder go at "…where will the journey take you?"
Now, having whined about that, I'll encourage you by saying that I've been trying to blog every day but sometimes I just go brain dead. I feel stupid writing three sentences but don't have enough to do three paragraphs. I guess you just have to keep keyboarding away and hope for the best.
I love this post…. I love reading your blog.
Would love to join in, but don't think I could bang one off in time. What a great idea though. If I do, I will let you know. I look forward to checking all the stories out. Should be great!
You are such an amazing writer… I could sit and read your blog all day. I've been following for a while now. I totally get ya on the social media thing… and I still can't bring myself to do anything but try and write (hopefully) amusing posts for anyone that wants to stop by. I'm not about "the follow" total. And am starting to dislike the "race to follow me/follow you" thing. I find too many people follow for the wrong reasons. I say, If you like my style come back, if not, then be on your way….
anyway, sorry to rant in your comments….. not sure why I felt the need to "share" that much! LOL
Have a great weekend. Thanks for such a great contribution to the "blogosphere". It's a little brighter with you in it!!!
Michele
you rock….your comment made my day.
Love this article! Sometimes, going "back" to writing about life "as we knew it" is refreshing change of pace~ Talking about life "the old fashioned way" … Bravo for extending the challenge.
a fun challenge…and some great stories!!
Pollocks are fabulous, and so is that pendant.
I agree!
GREAT. My son is going to love these! THANKS
http://unicorns-and-dragons.blogspot.com/2009/10/...
Maxx loved your post……..so you win! I'll announce this in the morning on Twitter. I'll need you to email me your address…….thedailyblonde at gmail dot com
http://unicorns-and-dragons.blogspot.com/2009/10/...
Ooh, kind of spooky. I wrote a little bit about a leaf just last night. Not sure if it qualifies, though. The leaf met an unfortunate demise….collateral damage.
Love the idea and will be checking in to read the entries.
can you put the link here in the comments? thanks!
Sure will, here it is:
http://raisedqueer.squarespace.com/journal/2009/1...
Long link, for a shortcut:)
long links are fine! I enjoyed it!! Great blog you have!!
wonderful….loved it