Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Spotlight On...

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When I first began blogging back in 2009, I was literally overwhelmed with all that I had to learn about the blogging process.  I dove in and did quite a bit of floundering, but along the way, I connected with a core group of bloggers who have since become dear friends. (The Blogging Class of 2009, Healing Morning, 12/13/2010). 

There are many firsts that you experience with your blog.  One of them is blogging awards.  These are fun, informal awards that different bloggers create, along with an award icon and a set of criteria for each award recipient to follow.  I clearly remember the first time I was given one of these awards - I was very happy to learn that other bloggers were reading my work and enjoying it enough to offer a symbol of recognition.  The downside of these blog awards is that they become viral in a very short period of time, with many people sending you the same award and overloading your page.  I have given this concept a lot of thought over the past two years, and I believe I've come up with my own version that works for me.


Blogging itself is cyclical.  You'll find yourself interacting and connecting with your own core group of blogging friends.  These are the people who you'll turn to for advice on programming the newest gadgets/widgets and applications on your blog. They're also the ones that you'll trust to give you honest, sincere critiques when you make changes to your formatting.  So, obviously, it is very important to build that core group for yourself.

It is equally important to continue to broaden your horizons in the blogging world.  Keeping your content fresh and new becomes a bit more challenging the longer that you write.  So, you'll want to explore new ways of attracting readership.  With that in mind, what I decided to do is take that blogging award concept and spiff it up a bit.

I am going to do a monthly "column" here at Healing Morning where I shine a spotlight on five blogs that I enjoy.  They may be blogs that I've followed for a while, or they may be blogs I've just discovered.  My rules for this are going to be simple.  In order for me to pick your blog for this Spotlight On monthly column, I will have the following criteria:
1. Be a member of Authentic Blogger Facebook Group & have the Authentic Blogger button posted on your blog page.  You will find our button & the code on the home page, on our right hand sidebar, just below the FB and Twitter share buttons.
2. If you are interested in your blog being posted in an upcoming Spotlight On blog post, shoot me an email with your blog link, make sure you have the Authentic Blogger button posted on your blog page, and I'll add you to my list of prospective blogs.
3. Be an actively involved member of the blogging community.  By this, I mean that I will have noticed you writing thoughtful comments on various blogs in the AB community.  I really do pay attention to what's going on out there among our group!
4. Upon learning that your blog has been chosen for Spotlight On, take a moment to post the link for this blog post on your FB wall, Twitter page and/or your blog page, or any other social media page, if you like.  Linking back to Healing Morning will ensure that everyone involved receives that much more traffic to their respective blogs.
5. Visit Healing Morning, follow my blog & leave comments occasionally.  This is how I find a lot of really wonderful blogs to follow in return, so it's not as self-serving as it sounds at first glance.  If you follow me and comment on my work, that keeps you current in my mind, and I'm more likely to visit your blog in return.
That's it!  Short and sweet criteria that's easily met.  I hope that everyone that I spotlight in this column will enjoy the attention and gain followers for their blog.  I was encouraged and helped by many wonderful bloggers when I first ventured into the world of blogging.  This is my way of saying Thank You to everyone who spends time at Healing Morning and at Authentic Blogger.

I will post this monthly column at both Healing Morning blog and at the Authentic Blogger sister blog, as well as several other blogging forums.  The spotlighted blogs will benefit from this publicity and reach a much wider audience as a result. 

So, for the inaugural Spotlight On post, these are the five blogs I have chosen:

Derek's Home and Business Blog, author Derek Jones.  Derek and I connected perhaps a month ago, and I have been extremely impressed with his informative content.  If you're looking for a blog that gives you the newest updates on blogging tips, SEO and SEM as well as IT information, look no further.  Derek is one that you'll want to follow.  I subscribe to his email feedburner option so that I receive every new blog that he posts directly to my Inbox.

Living with Food Allergies and Celiac Disease, author Mary Hudak Collins.  Mary is a Mom with two children, one of which suffers from food allergies and Celiac disease. I find her content to be very well written and calm in approach.  She offers realistic, logical solutions and tips in her blog posts.  She's also very good about reciprocating with fellow bloggers, and I enjoy her thoughtful comments that she offers on my own work.

Anna of Alaska, author Anna L. Walls.  Anna was one of the first group of members to join Authentic Blogger back in 2010, and she's been a strong member ever since.  Anna is a published author as well as writing two successful blogs.  She has a quirky, delightful sense of humor and offers a fascinating window into what life is like living in Alaska.

The Widow Lady, author Lisa Brandel.  Lisa was also one of our earliest members at Authentic Blogger.  Her blog is a valuable resource and forum for people who are dealing with loss of a loved one, or who are dealing with being a caretaker of a loved one.  It might sound as though visiting her blog would be a sad experience, but the exact opposite is true.  Lisa writes about all manner of topics that are grief related, and they range from funny, to dramatic, to educational, to downright absurd, and they address those topics that many shy away from.  Lisa also invites many of her followers to do guest posts on The Widow Lady. 

Fireside Moments, author Anahid Boghosian.  Anahid is one of our wonderful admins over at Authentic Blogger & was also a very early member of our group.  Her blog covers a wide range of topics, from ruminations on current events, to helpful posts that cover a lot of blogging IT tips, to very funny content.  Anahid is one of my favorite people in the blogging world & I always enjoy reading her perspective.

I hope you'll all take time to visit these five blogs, read their content, and if you enjoy what you find, follow them.  These five blog authors fit what I consider to be the epitome of Authentic Bloggers and I am proud to call each of them blogging friends.

~ Dawn

26 comments:

  1. Well what if we have done all the above?
    Just kidding I love visiting your site no matter what. Filled with points of views that are refreshing and sometime pushes one to think!
    Love you Dawn.

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  2. LOL...you're on my list, Savira! I didn't want to focus only on people that have been AB members from the beginning; I was working towards getting a good cross section of old friends and people new to me. ;-)

    Never fear, you'll be Spotlighted in the near future!

    I love you back, chickadee!

    ~ Dawnie

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  3. This is great advice Dawn. I've been blogging for awhile, but still have SO MUCH to learn. I love it though and thanks to blogs like yours, I'm finding my way in the blogosphere!

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  4. Debbie, I'm glad you found it valuable advice! And let me just share w/ you that even though I've been blogging for about 17 months now, I still have a ton to learn. In fact, not a week goes by that I don't learn some new fact, tip, or programming dealie. I usually learn from some of these 5 bloggers Spotlighted in this post. Our fellow bloggers are always our best resource in that regard.

    Keep writing, chickadee! You're making a difference in the world w/ what you do. :)

    ~ Dawn

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  5. Thanks Dawn! :-) Sometimes it feels like I'm talking to space and no one is out there listening. It's nice to get your affirmation that what I do is making a difference, albeit a small one!

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  6. This is such a great idea Dawn! Thanks for choosing mine as one of your first five. :) Although, I haven't had much time to blog these past few weeks, but hope to start up again soon. You are also one of my favorite people in the blogging world! :) Much love!

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  7. Debbie, I understand exactly what you're saying and how you're feeling. Unless people give us feedback with comments, we really don't have any way of knowing if our content is being read. This is my way of giving back and helping other bloggers get some more exposure. If your blog meets all the criteria for the Spotlight On concepts, I'll be happy to add you to my list for future posts. :)

    ~ Dawn

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  8. Fantastic as always Dawnie! Alien NOW for the beatiful mention of my offering to the blogging world. You, Authentic Blogger, and blogging in general have been the biggest blessing since my losses. It has allowed me to heal, and share healing with all...PLUS an unexpected side has been all the sister-brother-family-hood I've experienced from you and so many folks. Thank you sister! Namaste and *CARTWHEEL HUGGLES*

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  9. Anahid, yours was one of the first ones that came to mind for me. I always love your writing and the way you see the world. Glad you're enjoying the spotlight, sweetheart! Loving you!

    Lise, I'm so glad you like the concept! Sister-brother-family-hood....I LOVE that! Alien NOW right back at you, dear one. You've been an equal blessing to me, probably more than you could ever imagine. So, of course you were going to be in the first five. :) *Cartwheel Huggles to Infinity!*

    ~ Dawnie

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  10. Ooh, I found it. Thanks so much for what you said and for doing this. You're the greatest.

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  11. I love you, Anna! Sorry for the hiccup w/ the FB email not giving you the link the first time. You're very welcome, of course! You do so much to help us further the public profile of Authentic Blogger, and I wanted to return the favor. I want people to discover you and enjoy your blog! :)

    Much love,

    Dawnie

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  12. Thank you Dawn! I do believe my blog meets your criteria. Obviously, it's up to you to decide if my blog is worthy of a spotlight. Either way, I'm happy to have found this blog, Authentic Blogger, and happy to be a part of the blogging community!

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  13. Debbie, I have your name & blog on my list for a future Spotlight On post! I love that everyone is liking the concept, and your blog is definitely worthy of being spotlighted! Heck, just taking time to show appreciation of this new concept matters a great deal to me, so thank you for that. Stay tuned for next month's post!

    ~ Dawn

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  14. I have to say, that I'm shocked at the virtual relationships I've established. I call them my imaginary friends, but still, the online community that I find myself participating in has been incredibly encouraging and wonderful. I hope to meet some of these people face to face someday!!

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  15. JML, isn't it truly amazing how small the world has become as a result of the internet, Facebook and other social media concepts, and blogging?! My mind is boggled quite often also, when I sit back and contemplate the people that I've met through blogging. It is equally mind boggling to realize that I've not even scratched the surface of the blog-o-sphere! Thank you for visiting & leaving such a positive, happy comment! I hope to see you over at Authentic Blogger FB group as well. :)

    ~ Dawn

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  16. Great advice and insights towards blogging. I've found much of what you've said to be true to my own experience while developing my identity as a blogger. Connecting and networking with other bloggers is a big help! It's great to meet others who have a passion for sharing their passions with others! And oftentimes it's an invaluable source of encouragement and inspiration.

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  17. Recognition where it is due :D

    I'm familiar with a couple in your list and you put it so perfectly. The blogosphere seems huge but in actual fact there are so many overlaps in it and quite often those special people who have a little something extra get over looked.

    I think it's a wonderful first choice and a lovely concept oxox

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  18. Your thoughts are highly appreciated and commended. There are so many bloggers who need to know the basics and also get highlighted for others to read their works. I wish you the best in this new venture.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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  19. this is a great idea, Dawn! Good way to get exposure, traffic, and hopefully adding a lot interaction between bloggers.

    Trust you to come up with something like this. :)

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  20. Jessica M., I agree with you 100% that building a network of friends within the blogging community is key. Apart from the friendship aspect, my core group of blogging friends really are the people I turn to when I hit a problem, or need to figure ut a programming feature, or just need someone to bounce thoughts off of. I hope to see you over at Authentic Blogger FB group, & I'll be visiting your page later this evening. :)

    SJ, I'm glad you like the concept! Feedback is always appreciated when you're working on launching a new blogging series, so I'm happy to hear positive remarks. I hope that it will become a much looked forward to monthly post and that each spotlighted author benefits from the exposure. :)

    Hey there, Susan! I appreciate your comments and feedback very much. Yes, there are so many talented bloggers out there who, for whatever reason, are just not getting enough attention to their work. I hope this concept sparks some traffic for the spotlighted authors, and for my blog as well. I'll be on a monthly hunt for the AB button on various blogs & look forward to growing this idea. :) Joy to you in return, sweetheart! <3

    Dave, I'm so glad you like this idea! I've been mulling it over for about a week & had planned to poll y'all during our chat last Saturday, but the viral crud hit & postponed everything. So I decided to just take a leap of faith and put it out there. I am so happy with the response to it so far! And never fear....my gray matter is always coming up w/ new ideas for marketing. Just wait till the rescheduled chat for more fun stuff! Thanks, as always, for being supportive. :)

    Love to you all!

    ~ Dawnie

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  21. This is an absolutely brilliant concept Dawn and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you not only for putting my blog in the spotlight, but for taking the time and energy to spotlight other blogs, giving the authors recognition for their hard work.

    Here's wishing success to you Dawn and all the fellow bloggers I have met through my group and Authentic Blogger.

    Thank you so much!

    Derek

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  22. Dawn, Thank you so much! Here I am, chin on hand, just reading along down your page and BAM! There's me! What a surprise, lol!
    This is a wonderful idea you have devised and I am truly touched that I was chosen to be one of your five blogs. This is such a great opportunity for bloggers as well as you are encouraging visits and commenting, which sometimes lacks in the blogging world.
    You have a beautiful blog here and I enjoy visiting. It gives an ambiance with the tones of purple you have chosen and your leading photos that are contrasted so well.
    Here's to hoping that your Spotlight will be well received and will be back again with your next post!

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  23. Derek, I'm glad you like the concept! So far, I've had nothing but positive feedback and that's always encouraging. I'm going to have to do some work on the AB wall to get the word out for the criteria, because I had a bit of a challenge finding blogs that carry the AB button on their walls. I'm sure with time and informative posts, that part will become more streamlined. For now, I'm happy that the idea is being embraced. I do hope it garners each spotlighted blog more attention and traffic.

    I wish you equal success for your blog and blogging group! I'm not even a wee bit worried that that won't happen, as you're aleady well on your way to carving out a solid niche for both. :)

    Namaste',

    Dawn

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  24. Hi Miss Mary! I love that I gave you a nice surprise today - isn't that just the most enjoyable thing to experience out of the blue? Gives a few extra warm fuzzies around the heart, I think. I hope you'll repost the link on your wall to wave your own promo flag a bit, because you deserve the recognition!

    Thank you for your kind words about Healing Morning. I've tended to be slow and deliberate about making changes to my design, and each slight tweak is well thought out. It makes me smile to hear that the overall impression is hitting the tone and presentation I'm aiming for. Feedback is always welcome! Enjoy your Spotlight, my dear. :)

    ~ Dawn

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  25. I think what you are doing here is wonderful for the blogging community. With the spotlight or not I am really glad I found the healing morning to start following and add to my daily reading list :)
    http://www.aaronoutward.com

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  26. Aaron, thank you for these kind words! I will get to your blog later this evening after the business day is done. I continue to appreciate all the positive feedback on this concept, as I came up with it for the very reasons so many have commented upon - to help other bloggers grow their readership. I think that helping one another is the best method of approach in all walks of life, and particularly so with blogging. I'm happy to connect w/ you, my friend!

    Namaste',

    Dawn

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