October 24, 2006
The Mic Is On: Happy Birthday to SOBs Everywhere!
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 5:33 am
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
TODAY, ALL DAY, IT’S A PARTY!!
Bring-a-Link: Successful Bloggers Write Successful Posts
That’s right, you’re invited to bring a link to your most successful post. When you leave the link, please write a comment about how you chose the most successful post to bring.
- Was it your best content?
- Did it get attention from a hero?
- Did it get the most links?
- Did it get the most comments?
- How do you define a Successful Post?
I’ll compile a list of all of the posts when the party is over.
C’mon in and get to know us! There’s free beverages and snacks in the sidebar. Join the party. See who you meet. Stay and come back again.
Be sure to Check Out the SOB History in the D-Z Listat the Blogging Times!
–ME “Liz” Strauss
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The Mic Is On in Margaritaville!
Filed under Comments, Community, Links, Marketing, SOB Business, Successful Blog, ZZZ-FUN |
C'mon. Let's talk!
695 Comments to “The Mic Is On: Happy Birthday to SOBs Everywhere!”
Martin said
WooHoo, I’m early … Happy Birthday guys and gals and here’s to a successful second year of blogging.
ME Strauss said
Hey Martin,
Thank you. Here’s a cold one and some nachos! Did you bring a post?
Chris Cree said
You gotta get up pretty stinking early to get the first comment in here, Liz.
Happy Blog-Birthday!
ME Strauss said
Aw, Chris,
You were here, I know that! Thank you. Quite a discussion going on Bloggy 26. That’s such fun!
Chris Cree said
Ethical questions are very thought provoking and can produce some great discussion. Then you have certain pot stirrers…
Martin said
I’m still working on my 25-word ode to the numero uno SOB of them all - I’ll bring along my post later.
Chris Cree said
Should we start a pool for how many comments we see before midnight? My guess is 1,227. Think WP can handle it?
ME Strauss said
Martin,
To the blog not the blogger, uh-oh, I’m in trouble now! Should have known not to push you. :)
Chris Cree said
Martin, I’m probably going to be noodling the whole “Most Successful Post” thing for a while too. It all boils down to how I choose to define it, which I haven’t decided yet. Then there’s the part about selecting one post…
ME Strauss said
Chris,
I’m sure WP can handle it. I’m not so sure about me. :)
Joe’ll keep track.
Rick Cockrum said
Happy Birthday Successful Blog!
Don’t eat too much cake and get all sugared up. :-)
ME Strauss said
Chris,
That ONE post thing — you can do one for each of your blogs. So that’s a little better. :)
Martin said
Chris - Yup, same here, which one to pick and why?
I think I’ll go not with most links or any of that but the one I personally enjoyed writing or got the most satisfaction out of.
ME Strauss said
Hi Rick
Thank you.
I’ve gone light on the sugar in my coffee. But I’m not sure I’m be strong all day. :)
Mark McGuinness said
Happy Birthday Successful Blog!
Many happy returns… and comments, and trackbacks, and links, and so on…
ME Strauss said
Martin,
That’s how I pick the one on my writing blog. It’s the one that I still get moved when I read it.
ME Strauss said
Hi Mark,
Thank you!
I haven’t forgotten your email. It’s starred and in my box. Are you going to bring your most Successful post link?
Chris Cree said
My own personal favorites are the ones that made me laugh when I finished and re-read them. But they usually aren’t the ones that get the most traffic.
Rick, our next door neighbor likes to cook and we like to eat. Friday she called the house and had me come over to get half a chocolate cake. She made it because her husband left for Iraq Sat. Again. Army. She didn’t want to be stuck eating the rest of the cake after he left. Mmmmmm…
Mark McGuinness said
Hi Liz, no rush re the e-mail, I deluged you in detail and you’ve got a busy day of celebrations here!
I’m working on my definition of success, will bring the post along shortly…
ME Strauss said
Hey, Chris,
Define success how you want to.
ME Strauss said
Thanks, Mark,
Can’t wait to see what you bring.
We’re going make such a cool list!
Martin said
My post … Motley F….. Crue (warning: some words my offend).
Why? Nothing special - no great numbers, visits or fanfare or comments but it was personal - lots of reminiscing, pure passion, raw 4am-in-the-morning stuff, my youth etc., etc.,
Chris - Mmmmm … Cake
ME Strauss said
Hey Martin,
Check out the D-Z list . . .
You’re mentioned. Can you find yourself?
http://www.thebloggingtimes.com/content/index.php/2006/10/24/d-z-list-october-24-2006/
Char said
Happy Birthday Liz and all other successful blogs at the party. I hope you’ll come to mine in May. It would be rude of me to come to the party without a gift - a link gift that is - and I’ll bring you two!
1. For my business blog - I bring you You’ve only Got 30 Seconds or 20 Words… because it has been my most popular post and it was selected for a headline makeover by Copyblogger.
2. For my personal blog - I bring you The Queen of Multitasking or ADD? for no other reason than I like the graphic and I’d love to know if anyone else feels the same way.
So here’s a toast to a successful year of blogging for you and wishes of many more to come!
Martin said
Liz - HaHa, witness protection, very cool! :)
I’m heading over there right now to leave a witty comment.
Rick Cockrum said
My thoughts are with your neighbor, Chis. I just wrote to my son last night, and Lady Glynis is leaving to watch our oldest’s graduation from boot in a couple of weeks.
The females here have been on a brownie kick the last month or so. I haven’t been able to get them to make Ben’s recipe yet, though. :-(
For my gift link, Your Life, Your Greatest Work of Art. Not one of my most popular, but one of the most important.
ME Strauss said
Hey there, Char!
Thanks for coming and for bringing your links and your stories.
Here’s a toast back to you and your blogs!
Scott said
Happy birthday Successful Blog. May the coming year bring plenty of link, trackback and financial happiness.
A link gift to add to the pile : Biphasic Sleep : 30 Day Summary. Why is this my best post? Quite apart from the number of comments or links to it, it’s the one I’m happiest with (in terms of writing style).
Quick question - are most people here in the same timezone? It seems incredibly early (it’s about 21:30 here).
ME Strauss said
Hi Scott!
Welcome. Biphasic Sleep . . . I do that by default. I’ll really interested in reading you post. What great reasons for choosing it!
No, I’m in Chicago it’s 06:37 — you can see that on the blog.
Chris is one hour east — 7;37 — Savannah, GA.
Rick is the same timezone as Chris, but hundreds of miles north in Pittsburgh, PA
Martin is in Melbourne Australia.
Mark is in the UK
Martin said
Scott - I’m in Australia and it’s 9.40pm - so it’s great to finally get a mic night in my night time.
Scott said
Liz, another biphasic sleeper - that’s great. Do you stick to a set routine or just take an afternoon nap when you get a chance?
MamaDuck said
Happy birthday to everyone!!
Chris Cree said
See, and I thought Liz just didn’t sleep at all. I’ve seen time stamps on her comments after midnight and then she’ll be right there to reply to a comment of mine ~ 5 AM (4 AM her time!)
ME Strauss said
Scott,
I can’t keep to a schedule on personal things only on business. :) I usually take a lunch nap, but not always.
ME Strauss said
Hi Mama Duck!
Thanks! Are you bringing your most successful post link?
Mark McGuinness said
OK I’ve settled on ’serendipity’ as the criterion for my most successful post - something I discovered by accident, and which led others to accidentally discover me. The kind of magical connections that start to happen when you start blogging.
The post is The Ingenious Thomas Heatherwick about the English designer, sculptor and all-round creative maestro.
As I say in the post, I discovered his work by accident, on late(ish) night TV, and something forced me to blog about it the next morning, even though I had many more ‘urgent’ things to do. The programme obviously struck a chord with lots of other people - this is one of my most popular posts, with lots of people stumbling on my blog while Googling ‘Thomas Heatherwick’. Judging from the e-mails and comments I’ve received, they seem to think it was worth dropping by.
It has also brought me some new coaching clients who have been a joy to work with. This part is pretty intriguing, since I wrote the post out of sheer enthusiasm for the subject. It wasn’t a ‘marketing’ oriented post at all, but in terms of bringing in new clients it’s been one of my most successful. Maybe they sensed an affinity between my way of thinking and theirs, based on our shared interest in Heatherwick’s unusual way of looking at the world.
Finally it was a success for me personally because it was terrific fun to write - I’ve no doubt that part had something to do with its other successes.
ME Strauss said
Hi Chris,
Sometimes instead of napping I read my book.
Kent Blumberg said
Happy Birthday!!
My favorite post is http://kentblumberg.typepad.com/kent_blumberg/2006/07/people_who_help.html, about my three most influential teachers. Not because of popularity (I think only my wife and I read it), but because of how fast and well I wrote it - this one just flowed out of me.
Martin said
Sorry Liz, I couldn’t keep it to 25 words or less - and you shouldn’t expect anything less. Heck what’s the point of escaping into the blogging world with such rules, any rules … Bah!
I only use word count for my professional life - this one’s personal.
My Happy Birthday post to Liz …
Three Cheers to One Successful Blogger
ME Strauss said
Great way to make a choice, Mark — a compelling reason. Nothing better than that. Thank you for bring your post and adding to our list.
ME Strauss said
Hi Kent,
Welcome!
Something from the state of flow! Yea! I’m all for that. That’s a great definition of success. Thanks for bringing the post. Sounds like those teachers were inspiring on many levels.
ME Strauss said
Martin, I’m heading over to read. . .
Mark McGuinness said
Thanks Liz.
Great post Kent, three thought-provoking stories and a powerful ending.
ME Strauss said
Wow, Martin,
I have to meet that Liz Strauss some day. She sure sounds pretty special.
Thank you.
Martin said
Written in 10 minutes flat - with no planning. I like that sort of writing. Any yup, she’s pretty amazing, I’m sure you’ll like her.
ME Strauss said
Rick,
I just read the post you brought. Wonderful writing and wonder thinking. What a great choice. Thank you for bringing it.
Scott said
Mark, I just read your post on Heatherwick. Superb stuff (both the post and his work) - where exactly is that rolling bridge (I’m guessing Canary Wharf somewhere)?
ME Strauss said
Martin,
Ten minutes - huh? You must know this Liz-character pretty well then. Can you get me her autograph?
Martin said
Yup she is a character and I think I can get her to scrawl her name on a napkin…
Enough already - you know we can go on forever with this - and turn everyone away thinking we’re nuts (we are!), so … Liz meet Liz.
:)
ME Strauss said
Why, Martin, what’dya know. I was right here all of the time!
I left your comment a reply at the Blogging Times D-Z List article. :)
CT Biz Blogs » Blog Archive » Successful Blog birthday bash today said
[…] She started writing on Successful Blog a year ago today, and she’s got open comments day going on her blog today. Check it out, bring a link, and see how a master creates buzz and a community. […]
Mark McGuinness said
Scott, thanks I agree it looks like Canary Wharf but the bridge is actually in Paddington Basin. Apparently you can see it ‘roll up’ one Friday a month at 12pm - I still haven’t got round to seeing it in the ‘flesh’ yet.
V interesting post on polyphasic sleep by the way. Re the 90-minute cycle When I trained as a hypnotherapist I was taught that we alternate between left and right brain dominance every 90 minutes - in one state you’re more awake, the other more sleepy. You can tell which cycle you’re in by which nostril you’re breathing through most strongly right now - e.g. I notice my breath is coming through my left nostril as I type this, hence I’m likely to be in right-brain dominance, which might explain why I’m feeling slightly low-energy. (Just having eaten lunch probably contributes as well :-) )
Chris Cree said
Ok. My post with the most traffic has to be Negative Thinking Power. Apparently it touched a nerve with some folks.
Now I have to think for a while on my favorite post - the one that was most successful for me.
But for now I’m off to work. Catch y’all later!
Martin said
Liz - And I just left a comment from your reply to my initial comment from your post …
ME Strauss said
Mark,
I’ve read a lot about brain dominance, I hadn’t come across the breathing thing. Makes senses though.
John Richardson said
Wow Liz, this is great. I already found some great content to write about today. Char’s great posts fueled the fire.
My most popular posts have always been my “5 minute Solutions Series” of free downloads. But one post went ballistic a few weeks back that really surprised me. I though it would be one of those mediocre posts that might not even garner a comment. But the title was evidently a big draw. Just out of the blue the title was The Power of 48 Minutes which had over 10,000 visits by the second day.
This whole process of working in a focused manner for 48-50 minutes has really revolutionized the way I work. I use the process daily now for blog posting and editing my book. It cuts out the distractions and has helped me become much more productive.
Your blog just gave me some great ideas… set the timer for 50 minutes… Lets GO!
ME Strauss said
Hi John!
I read that post! It’s a great post and I read how it helped you when you were on vacation too. :)
Thanks for bringing it for the list!
@ Martin, I’m off to see!
Open Comment Night - Extended Play at CREEations said
[…] But today she’s opened it up for a whole day long extended play event. Stop over and check it out and have some cake while you’re there! Technorati Tags: Fun Stuff, Liz Strauss, Successful BlogShare and Enjoy:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. […]
Martin said
John - very good post, my eyes perked when I read that 4 times a day and he wrote a 200 page book in two weeks - right down my alley.
I just found myself a post to write about - thanks and look for some link love this week.
ME Strauss said
Martin,
You’re good at predicting . . . Chris started the guessing at 1227 comments.
Tony D. Clark said
Happy Birthday and Blogiversary Successful Blog!
Wow, lot of comments already. So apparently I have to change my morning routine to get up, comment at Successful-Blog, THEN get the kids off to school, walk the dog, and have coffee.
You know, it’s great to actually be able to participate in an open mic. Tuesday night is “kids doing the practice thing” night, so I’m always too late for the party.
It was hard to pick my favorite post, but I’m going with the one that seemed to strike something in the most readers - “3 Valuable Lessons from 1st Grade Career Day“. Though I’ve gotten more comments on other posts, this one got me a bunch of really great direct contact emails.
Scott said
That’s very interesting Mark - the breathing thing especially. I’ve never come across that.
Fortunately the right nostril is currently powering along :)
Martin said
Folks - it’s nearing midnight in my neck of the woods so I’ll catch y’all in a few hours (okay, 7 hours). Have fun.
My prediction: 1208 (guess why) - with at least two b5 server meltdowns along the way.
Timothy Johnson said
Hi Liz - congratulations and happy birthday.
You’ve created quite a sense of community, so “carpe factum” and be proud of your accomplishment!
I promise to stop back later with a blog post from somebody else’s blog.
ME Strauss said
Hey Tony!
I knew we’d find a way to make it so that you could come to one of these. Who knew that the conversation could be lively do early in the a.m. for us?
That’s a great post! Thanks for bringing it to add to the list. What fun!
ME Strauss said
Hi Timothy,
Thank you! I can’t wait to see what you choose to bring.
ME Strauss said
Martin,
1208 — your b-day.
Martin said
Liz - Sheesh, No! The number of this post!
My b’day always has the greatest parties the world over - New Years Eve.
nighty nite ;)
Ellen Weber said
Liz - you rock! Thanks for the way you value people’s art! Lately I was invited to write a new blog out of England and it’s a blast to show boomers how much brain can still work well past their golden years.
It’s also fun to bust the myths about an aging brain as I did here, http://www.brainboomer.com/2006/10/16/youd-have-to-be-brain-dead-to-listen-up/ This link also connects to my regular business brain blog and shows why lectures lasted since Plato - even though they work against your brain:-) My favorite for list you’ll compile and that I cannot wait to read - thanks Liz! Happy Birthday!
ME Strauss said
Hey Ellen,
You’re a rocker yourself, you know!
I love reading about the brain. We’re a brainy incredible lot here!
Thanks for bringing a link and story to share!
Rick Cockrum said
Thanks for stopping by Liz. You’re, and we all, are going to have a lot of reading to do. Some of the posts I’ve seen, like Tony’s. I enjoyed that.
There’s been writings in India on the breathing balance for centuries. They have an entire literature of prognostication based on which nostril is predominant when you begin a task, what type of tasks should be done during which part of the breathing cycle, and how to induce changes in the mental state by manipulating the breathing cycle.
ME Strauss said
Rick,
This nose breathing thing is particularly interesting to me — I can hardly ever breathe through my nose properly. I have no sense of smell either. Does it talk about nose breathing sanity? :)
Kate said
My most-viewed?
A story that piggybacked Madonna’s adoption of a little boy from Malawi by highlighting other blogs that detail what adoption looks like to “normal” people.
http://babylune.com/what-adoption-usually-looks-like/
By relating a post to a celebrity event, I could then post it at lipstick.com and attract those interested in the lives of celebrities to a blog that it basically concerned with women’s health.
Writing a blog for women recovering from childbirth is a niche, but getting the word out that the site is there when women need it is essential and if Madonna, Angelina and Britney can help me, so be it!
http://www.babylune.com/no-more-gratuitous-celebrity-mother-mentions/
Yvonne said
Well I’m about to go to bed, but I couldn’t resist sending out a happy b’day to you Liz!
Have a good time guys :)
Timothy Johnson said
Submitted for your consideration…
http://delaney.typepad.com/
Dr. Kirk is a phenomenal professor whose insights about classroom management will appeal to anybody who has to stand up in front of a group of people and teach them. She offers very practical advice on many of the issues that college professors (and high school teachers and corporate trainers) must deal with…
So she’s my blog pic of the day (as far as picking out a single post, that’s almost impossible… they’re all good).
ME Strauss said
Hi Kate!
Welcome. Thanks for coming and sharing your story and your links. :)
ME Strauss said
Yvonne,
Thanks for the good wishes!
I hope you’ll return in the morning with your most successful post link. :)
Tony D. Clark said
Hi Rick, the different breathing methods is some interesting stuff. I started with circular breathing a few years ago, and have tried others. There’s some Korean (or at least based on Korean) breathing and relaxation techniques that are pretty cool too.
Just breathing – really breathing – is a great way to bring you back into the moment.
ME Strauss said
Aw, Timothy,
If you were racing through the forest and you needed on post . . . ;)
[BIG GRINS]
Timothy Johnson said
Tony and Rick - I tell my students and clients alike that at the end of the day, there are only three things to remember:
1. Inhale
2. Exhale
3. Repeat
ME Strauss said
Timothy,
That’s like mine
When I give my soul room to breathe,
everyone I know gets nicer.
Timothy Johnson said
Ok, Liz, since you’re pressing me for one, this recent post just tickled my funny bone:
http://www.delaneykirk.com/2006/10/i_kept_my_night.html
Gen Y-ers can be an interesting lot
Kevin J. Bowman said
Hi - So I read Chris’ blog and he said we should come over and say hi. So, “Hello World!”
Kevin
TechZ said
Happy B’day to all the blogs! We look forward to so much more from you all.
Liz, this is going to be a super day here and on all the blogs, I can just feel it.
I think my best post so far has been the following: New to Blogging? So was I at one time…
Just to point out my current #1 Digg link, Erin’s truly wonderful post titled I heart geek boys
ME Strauss said
Hey Kevin,
Nice to meet you, I’m Liz.
We’re celebrating. One thing you can do is bring a link to your most successful post and tell us why you chose.
OR just join in the conversation. :)
Timothy Johnson said
I like that one, Liz.
And since you made a semi-obscure reference to “Race Through The Forest,” check out the charitable promotion I’m running right now. I’m basically donating my book-sales margins, so I want to sell as many books as possible to benefit three very deserving child serving organizations.
ME Strauss said
TechZ!!!
You’rre here! Open comments and birthday wishes from TechZ. Way cool.
Thanks for the links and the stories. Thanks for everything you do for the SOBs.
TechZ said
I think were easily going to top 1000 comments here, were almost at 100 and it’s just getting started.
Bring out the very tasty hors d’oeuvres! And cake :D
ME Strauss said
Timothy,
Feel free to leave a link for charity!
Robyn McMaster said
Hi Liz, I love parties so I thought I’d jump in to help you celebrate. I’ve started a new venture so I’m at the cusp! Here’s my most successful post so far: http://www.arts-mind.com/2006/10/19/what-do-you-see-in-this-drawing/.
TechZ said
It’s a day to spread links, I was delighted to get some great emails today, here’s one in particular Ali Al Saeed, who writes at
http://www.quixotiq-writings.blogspot.com/
I went over to EssentialKeystrokes today and I have to say wow, what a blog!
ME Strauss said
Hi Robyn,
Welcome! Great to see you here!
Your post sounds intriguiing . . . lots of readers here are going to jump on that link.
:)
TechZ said
You’re going to be plenty busy today Liz, Akismet is going to be working twice as hard :P
TechZ said
http://www.theundersigned.net/
I even reported the progress of undersigneds Blogging Survey, everyone take a few minutes to do the Survey, so it can be a real success and we get some super results out of it. undersigned runs the WP-Theme btw :)
ME Strauss said
TechZ,
I’m keeping my eye on that Akismet creature. I feel like I’m at the control panel of a spaceship.
Tony D. Clark said
Anyone else tracking with co.mments? Here’s a nice experiment, I’m going to see if it can handle this… ;)
TechZ said
In all the excitement I forgot its morning for most people, so Good Morning SOB’ers!
TechZ said
We need a White Paper on the subject of Blog Birthdays and the incredible effect they have on comments!
ME Strauss said
Tony,
That’s going to make a fabulous blog experiment post. What a great idea. You should collect data hourly. Graph it.
Then make a SlideShare presentation. :)
ME Strauss said
TechZ
Don’t you know me well enough yet to know that as soon as you say something like that I’m going to ask you to write one? :)
Rick Cockrum said
Timothy: Just like life. :-)
Tony: I’ve never looked much north of India and China. Any websites or books to recommend?
Liz: The two could be related through the olfactory nerve. Aww, now you have me working on another article.
TechZ said
Already cracked the magic 100 in comments. I think a quick break for tea and s/wiches is in order ;)
ME Strauss said
Rick,
I have a feeling that by the end of the day, we’re all going to have plenty of new ideas and blog post fodder. :)
Mark McGuinness said
Timothy - great lesson, must bear that in mind…
Rick - I don’t know anything about the Korean tradition, but I found out about the breathing via Ernest Rossi’s work. He writes about it in this book
Tony D. Clark said
Liz – Graphing it would be cool. Unfortunately I’m swamped today. Besides, there’s this great site having a birthday bash, and in addition to all the work, I’m trying to keep up with the party :)
Rick - Human Technology by Ilchi Lee is a good overview. Some of it might be a little too much for some, but many of the techniques are great. I use a few every day.
katiebird said
Happy Birthday!! Congratulations.
This place is so grown-up. It doesn’t seem like a toddler at all.
ME Strauss said
Tony,
No worries the data is captured. The time for each comment is recorded. So you’ll always be able to see how many comments per hour etc.
Maybe I can help in some way. :)
ME Strauss said
Hi Katie,
Good morning, welcome, and thank you!
I think that 1 year in blog life is many, many, many years in human life.
Christine Kane said
Happy Birthday Liz! (Your blog is a scorpio, by the way. Which makes it dark, intense, and somewhat sexually alluring.) I’m still sans computer and hard drive… so I couldn’t write the contest message, but I wanted to stop by and say hello and happy b-day to all to whom it applies!
ME Strauss said
Hey Christine!
Just to see you here is a present! Thank you for taking the time and making the special effort. You’re a jewel and gem and I so value you.
Roger von Oech said
Happy Birthday Liz,
It was fun flirting with you last night!
Here’s my birthday gift to you:
Please accept my Ball of Whacks®
– My entry to your Gala Bash –
You’ll love it — it’s really true –
Play with it till you turn blue!
Roger von Oech
TechZ said
By the looks of Christines blog, there’s no shortage of well designed and visually captivating blogs!
Christine Kane said
Aw! That’s so nice of you. You are a jewel and a gem — and we ALL value you!
Christine Kane said
Thanks TechZ… I’m actually preparing to re-do my site. (It’s been in that design for almost three years. I’m restless.)
ME Strauss said
Hi Roger,
Thanks for the 25 words.
Are you going to bring your most successful post link and a bit about why you chose to bring one? We’re compiling a list. From what I read last night. You’ve got some great ones to choose from.
ME Strauss said
Christine,
Can you tell me your most successful post in your eyes and why you picked that one –so that I can go get the link and add it to the list we’re making?
CB said
I love birthdays! And nachos!
Kudos, scorpio.
ME Strauss said
Hey CB,
Great to see you! Thanks for stopping by!
Roger von Oech said
Okay, Liz:
Here’s a link to help you and your readers be more creative:
http://blog.creativethink.com/weblog/2006/10/ignore_the_sun_.html
I don’t know if it’s my best, just my most recent.
It’s about the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus (500 BC), whom I consider to be the world’s first creativity teacher.
Read it you want a little mental stimulation!
Tony D. Clark said
Hey, this is cool, “Whole Other World” just played about 20 minutes ago on my random playlist. Then Christine shows up. Hmmm… Coicidence…? :)
Christine Kane said
Okay Liz… The most successful post is probably this one…
http://christinekane.com/blog/?p=65
Why? Well, as far as the internal process, it was fun. And the idea and writing grew organically. And as far as the external process, it drew in lots of response, which sort of surprised me BECAUSE it had been so easy and fun to write. (You know, we usually think that the external success should be “hard-won.”)
Christine Kane said
Hello Tony, I like your blog! I was just reading it. And of course, there are NO coincidences. I’m actually Sylvia Brown. I knew you were playing my music.
Tony D. Clark said
That’s a terrific post Roger.
“… discovery often means the uncovering of something that was always there but was obscured by something else.”
Great advice. Taking the time to be quiet once in a while allows the mind to do its thing. Think of how many times you remember something – a song, that guy that played Bob in the movie you couldn’t remember – when you’re relaxed and letting the mind wander.
ME Strauss said
Roger,
That’s a wonderful choice! Often our most recent is our best work. It has all of our experience behind it. :)
ME Strauss said
Christine,
You’re not the first to choose one that was from the “flow” state. I think work done then is magical.
Christine Kane said
Roger, I’m adding my nod with the rest of these folks. That is a GREAT post.
Tony D. Clark said
Thanks, Christine. Wow a psychic musician. Think of the possibilities!
Roger von Oech said
Just how imaginative are you?
Here’s a challenge to your readers’ creativity:
Do you know what this symbol means?
http://blog.creativethink.com/weblog/2006/10/recognize_this_.html
Nice party Liz! (not even 8 in the morning where I am, and the neurons are a’firing)
Roger
ME Strauss said
Roger,
You’re discovering the magic of the people who come here for open comments. They’re pretty special aren’t they? Now you’re one of them . . . :)
HART (1-800-HART) said
AW C’MON! 128 COMMENTS ALREADY?
:( it’s not even 10am yet!
okay okay .. let me catch up and pull out a link..
ME Strauss said
Hey HART!!
Great to see you, Happy HENetwork Birthday!
TechZ said
6pm here already, hi there HART!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Okay.. I’m caught up :) I just saw the other post - I missed that it was an all-day event! WooHoo!
Hi Liz // and thanks! 1-year time sure flies when you’re having fun, right?
Here’s my gratuity link. It’s the second best traffic on this link, from all my blogs (next to the Labrador Retriever Post on my pet blog)…
http://1800hart.com/blog/2005/09/amusing-powerpoint-slideshows-in-harts-email/
Lots of powerpoint slide shows of mindless dribble and for the short attention span individuals…
Rick Cockrum said
Happy Blog-Birthday, HART!
ME Strauss said
Thanks Hart!
Now we’re cooking!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hey TechZ .. what’s for supper? :)
Rick .. thanks! It’s hard to believe it’s been a year. I’ve been thinking of renaming it .. UNsuccessful-Blog…. lol
If only I would pay attention and retain what I read here .. I’m sure I’d be much better off.
ME Strauss said
Aw HART you can’t name it that, I already made you and SOB. :)
TechZ said
HART, I had pizza yesterday, so what do you feel like having today?
ME Strauss said
Hey HART,
You tell great stories. Why not give TechZ some of the early history of Successful Blog days. Back when we were in Fine Fools and “Half the Show is in the comments . . .”
cat said
HAPPY B-DAY everyone!
Apologies for coming in late. I had to work. I’m still not finished but I can’t focus anymore (it’s after ten pm) so I’m going to call it a night.
In honour of the shared B-day celebration I wrote this post –>> http://www.designers-who-blog.com/index.php/archive/birthday-1/
To celebrate DWB’s one year b-day I created a shared banner page –>> http://www.designers-who-blog.com/index.php/banners-1/
It’s going to load a tad slow but that’s ok. Being able to see everyone together is worth the wait.
c
Timothy Johnson said
WOO HOO, I did not know Roger von Oech had a blog. Three cheers for open mic time.
ME Strauss said
Hey Cat!
Thanks for coming and Happy Birthday!
That Banner page is OUTSTANDING!!!
What fun! You should make that into a wall hanging. It’s incredible.
ME Strauss said
Hey Timothy,
You never know who you’re going to find here! Imagine — you’re here aren’t you?
Kammie K said
Liz!
Happy B-day/Blog-o-verssary!!
What great content in 1 year…SB is such an amazing showcase of just what great things one can create when living passionately and on purpose!!
I’ll have to scan my archives and find my favorite/bestest post.
Thanks to you for gathering the good stuff all in one place. Can’t wait to read ‘em all later…
Happy day,
Kam
Timothy Johnson said
Yes, I’m here, Liz… in an existential bloggish sort of way ;)
ME Strauss said
Tim,
What I meant was . . . I know lots of folks who call you a hero.
AND I’ve read your reviews at Amazon!!
ME Strauss said
Hey Kammie,
Thanks. I can’t wait to see what you bring back with you!
Rick Cockrum said
And a Happy B-Birthday to Designers Who Blog, cat! That’s a neat trick with the rotating header. I like it.
Timothy Johnson said
Thanks Liz… you always know the right thing to say…
Let’s hope those Amazon reviews help raise a whole lot of money for some really great charities:
http://carpefactum.typepad.com/my_weblog/2006/10/a_time_to_give_.html
Joe said
Hey All,
Happy Blog B-Day to us…
148 comments, I guess I didn’t get up early enough.
I haven’t even jumped in the shower yet, which I’m going to do now.
Count the comments, I think about 33 should about do it. ;-)
cat said
Thanks Liz. I sort of like it too. Portraits are my thing. The human expression holds an attraction for me.
I glance down through those faces and remember the first time I came across each blog, the different conversations we’ve had, the ones who have changed from stranger to friend.
If just for the friendship angle, I’d love blogging …
ME Strauss said
Tim,
I wish I did always say the right . . . what you see is just trick of the light and typing. :)
ME Strauss said
Hey Joe!
Happy Birthday!
We’re counting!
ME Strauss said
Yeah, Cat, I can only imagine.
That page is so powerful to me. . . .
Whoa if I knew everyone of them, it would be so moving.
Rick Cockrum said
Happy Blog Birthday to you, Joe. :-) It’s almost lunch time, dude! I want your job.
Chris Cree said
So. Joe decides to sleep in, eh? Just getting up?!?!! What time zone is he really in? Sheesh! :)
Timothy Johnson said
See, Liz, I always figured the magic of blogging was just done with mirrors… now I know the truth.
Michael Stelzner said
Happy BDay Liz!
Since I get to bring a link: http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/2006/08/17/writing-like-dead-grass/
This is about how to add fertilizer to your writing.
It is one of my favorites.
Mike
Rick Cockrum said
His house has had a stressful couple of days, Chris.
But I still want his job.
ME Strauss said
Hey Mike!
I read that post. It’s a great one. That will be good blogging fertilizer!
Thanks for coming and bringing a post with you!
Timothy Johnson said
Hey, where’s Phil Gerbyshak today? I figured he’d be all over this conversation.
ME Strauss said
Well, Tim!
We COULD call him. *she said remembering when Phil and Liz called Tim*
cat said
Thanks Rick! If you need the code just holler and I”ll shoot it over. It’s simple, you just create the banners and drop them in a folder. The code does all the rest.
(I wish other bits in life were that easy …)
Timothy Johnson said
I’m dialing his number as I type (the joy of speed dial)
ME Strauss said
Hey Chris,
Welcome back! How’s your day going?
Joe said
165…
17 comments for a shower, not too shabby…
ME Strauss said
Hey Rick,
I just want more work . . . [BIG GRIN}
Does that make me a glutton for punishment?
Timothy Johnson said
OK, Phil sends his regards (just call me “make it great by proxy”). He’s currently posting his attention at I’m-a-corporate-cog-and-am-earning-a-paycheck-while-the-rest-of-you-are-having-fun-chatting-it-up-with-Liz.com (Disclaimer: not a real blog name). Anyway, he said to tell everyone “hi”
Tony D. Clark said
Hey Mike, I agree with Liz. I’d read that one and really got a lot from it. Great choice for your link.
cat said
Ah, I love it when I come to Liz’s and go away with something new …
http://www.creativewhack.com/
(Roger von Oech)
Joe said
Chris, No, I’ve actually been up for hours. I even got a little work done before stopping by.
Rick, It’s a great job (if you don’t like money).
ME Strauss said
Hey, Tim, that would make some domain name. Google would probably put in the sandbox to nowhere forever! :)
ME Strauss said
Joe
21 Comments! That must be a RECORD!!
Chris Cree said
OK. I think I decided. My most successful post, based on entirely irrational and undefinable characteristics (”I just like it”) is…
No Love for Love Bugs
It wasn’t an easy decision. But, in spite of the icky-ness of the topic, the silliness quotient finally pushed it over the edge.
ME Strauss said
Chris,
I like your judging criteria. I think you’d make a great kids publisher.
TechZ said
Liz, you must have the best memory ever to remember all of us! I don’t know how you do it!
Chris Cree said
Liz, had a Bellsouth related issue to resolve here at the office. Apparently they decided to change their DNS servers and since our company sub-contracted our DSL from a local vendor I had to spend about an hour on the phone with tech support to get things re-configured on our end. Our office was a (nearly) internet free zone for a while here.
I think the new duck-tape and bright red chewing gum that now hold things together compliment our router casing very nicely, thank you!
ME Strauss said
TechZ,
You’re all people. You’re all different. It’s easy.
Chris Cree said
Good to hear you’ve been up and about Joe. I was on vacation last week. Thew off my whole routine. Some days I didn’t get dressed until nearly dinner time. I’m not sure I would make it working from home. Too much freedom isn’t really liberating, if you know what I mean.
Timothy Johnson said
Is there a World Record for most comments received on a single blog post? Who/where/how would track?
Liz, I think you might become the first “unofficial record-holder” for one-day blog comment traffic.
ME Strauss said
Timothy,
Quick Call Guinness Records!!
Chris Cree said
Tim, we’re not even close to half way to a good Open Comment Night! And there are many hours to go.
ME Strauss said
Thank God, Chris, that you went with the RED chewing gum. It works the best in DSL cases. I’m not sure why . . .
Chris Cree said
Because it tastes like chicken?
No. Wait. That wasn’t the gum.
Joe said
Hey Liz,
I think my most successful post was on my PolBlog. It’s the one that got noticed by the Philadelphia Inquirer, if you remember.
http://worldpolitics.workingathomeinternet.com/2006/05/02/net-neutrality-threatens-grandparentsvets/
ME Strauss said
Great choice, Joe!
I do remember. That was exciting!
ME Strauss said
Chris,
Am I supposed to ask about the chicken?
Chris Cree said
Nah. It’s lunch time is all.
TechZ said
Chicken, mmm, sounds good. Mash potatoes too?
Joe said
Sorry guys,
This working at home takes a little discipline(?) I have to go get some work done, got some bills to pay soon.
I’ll be in and out all day. ;-)
ME Strauss said
Check this out guys. Look what I found on the most comments ever. It’s amazing!!
http://www.cynical-c.com/archives/004702.html
Big Roy said
Congratulations Liz. You are the Shining Star in the Blogosphere. You have helped me greatly over the past few months to make my blog better. I thank you.
For my Bring a Link I want to present this post made yesterday. It’s not nearly my best post or had the most comments. But it involves a subject I feel strongly about. I hope everyone gets a chance to take a look.
http://imusblog.com/we-can-still-pass-the-combating-autism-act/
TechZ said
Have a great day Joe, good luck!
Chris Cree said
Liz, if that’s all that is needed I think you’ll have the record here one day. Besides, most of your comments come in within a day or two of the post. Those record holders are getting comments over long periods of time.
Perhaps we could create a “same day comment” category?
ME Strauss said
Chris,
I like the way you think!
HART (1-800-HART) said
okay. Story time (see comment 139, page 6) …
I started blogging May 31, 2005 and Liz and I went to different schools together. I would see her commenting on the blogs that I would be commenting on (and noticing her unique way of interpreting posts compared to my sideways viewpoint .. // remember this is a story!)
The archives start June 2005 although I’m not sure about that except that it was part of the fine fools network (don’t bother looking for it now - sex pictures comes up) and later inducted into 9-rules.
It was disgusting. If every 2nd post wasn’t “Darren this” and “Darren that” .. it was a challenge of the minds to see who could put in the last words. Let me give you an example (all of which you are probably aware). Comments would go something like this:
YOU: … and that’s what I think!
HER: Okay! I like the way you think!
YOU: Thanks
HER: Your welcome
YOU: K.. I’m going now
HER: okay. Come Back now!
YOU: Okay I will
HER: I’ll be waiting
YOU: Don’t wait up for me, I’m serious.. Go to sleep - I’m leaving now
HER: That’s fine!
YOU:/// well, it didn’t matter what you said because she would have the last word!
(feel free to interupt me)
Anyway .. It was a dreadful Xmas but a great New Year because Now this blog was ‘released’ to Liz to do what she wants to do. If you recall about that time there was a hullaballoo out there. One minute Liz is mentioned in Washington Post and the next minute locked out of her blog. I believe they her and cowboy jumped ship with Matt (pre-blogherald) and a new small business section was born? or more pronounced.
Then it was back to the same old same old.. “Darren this” and “Darren that” and meanwhile in the background stuff became “ERATI-mated” and um .. well, who knows how it happened but by first week of February 2006 not only did Liz jump ship from two networks .. she jumped ship from the 3rd one and joined Darren and b5media.
Now - of course, she wouldn’t be here today if HART (1-800-HART) had not mentioned one day in 2005 that she had a spelling mistake in her header graphic. I’m not sure and can’t remember but - for some Egotistical reason (because I’m anal like that) I attribute that to the reason there is that insertion of that ^ And outstanding bloggers^ in the header .. but in the old header.. (I think it was red before).
Let’s see .. what else. Oh yes. Then the Technorati incident and I will not bother mentioning that again here but it was shmugley.
ME Strauss said
Hey, Big Roy,
Thank you.
I’m glad that’s the post you brought with you. I like the post and your reasons for choosing it. It’s a great addition to the list. Success means having a care about people.
Tony D. Clark said
I’m with Joe. I guess I better go get some actual work done. I’ll check in now and then to see how the party’s going. I’ll also check and see if you’ve killed co.mments, Liz :)
ME Strauss said
That was SOME story HART,
Have you seen the movie BIG FISH??
I like your retelling. All of it’s true, except the parts that aren’t. :)
HART (1-800-HART) said
I liked Big Fish .. especially the Giant tale :)
Oh! BTW at NOON CST http://PetLvr.com/blog/ will post it’s 2000th post! WooHoo! ..
Okay.. Have fun everybody and I will be back after 6pm tonight /
TechZ said
Just saw Chris on StumbleUpon, techzonline.stumbleupon.com, add me!
Rick Cockrum said
I never saw a story that wasn’t true. Big Fish and HART’s story prove it. (And Tim Burton’s movies in general).
Carolyn Manning said
This is incredible! Over 200 comments already! I’ll mingle a bit now. Happy Birthday, Liz.
Steve said
Liz, I’m not a SOB, and I’m not the most eloquent writer. Mine is not a high-traffic site; it’s there because I want it to be. It helps me clarify my thoughts, to stay on track.
The entry that means the most to me is: http://www.thefastlane.info/2006/08/07/who-do-you-think-you-are/ .
It’s something I make a point to ask myself every morning; if I don’t like the answer I get, I know that I have some work to do before I do anything else.
Thanks for making a great site! I enjoy reading you and all of the people who contribute.
ME Strauss said
HART,
You called your 2000 comment was coming on comment 200. That’s eerie. Work well and see you later!
Chris Cree said
TechZ, consider it done. >
HART left the part out of his story where Liz starts convulsive coloring at the mention of Wi——-.
ME Strauss said
Hey, Steve,
Don’t apologize. You wrote a darn good post there. Why tell me that you’re not a writer? Don’t I get to decide? :)
Thoughts and ideas are important. You have plenty of them. We need them.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Chris.. Right! Right! Convulsions.. oh, forgot about that! ..go ahead and fill in the blanks :)
~waves to everybody until later. // Le Peuf.
ME Strauss said
Steve,
I just left a comment on your post. :)
Thanks for bringing it. It’s a good one to add to the list.
TechZ said
Thanks Chris, you’ll find some good bloggers there, and I’m loving stumbleupon!
ME Strauss said
Chris,
I took my meds this morning, but you almost have me shaking. . . . next thing you know I’ll be saying Ja-
Steve said
I said I’m not the most ‘eloquent’ writer…I meant to add ‘yet’ :)
Thanks for the comment!
ME Strauss said
Carolyn!
I got so distracted by Steve. I’m sorry. Thanks for coming. It’s a great bunch of people. Don’t you think? Successful Bloggers are clever.
ME Strauss said
Great answer, Steve!
Glad you haven’t left the building. :)
I leave off words like that all of time. Not to mention the words I mix-up, misspell, and totally omit. My brain and my eyes don’t often cooperate — especially when I’m on a roll.
Joe said
Hey HART…!!!
I understand your Blog is having a Blog B-Day also…
How come you didn’t join in the Blog Carnival with the rest of us???
:-) Happy Blog B-Day to You Too…
Chris Cree said
Question for savvy bloggers out there: What feed reader do you use?
I like web based because I split between home and work and don’t want to have to work at keeping stuff straight. Been a Bloglines user for a while. Tried Rojo and didn’t like it much.
Just took a look at the latest Google Reader and it has potential
Any input out there on Google Reader vs. BlogLines?
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Hello everyone! Good to see such a great party going over here! :) I am sure by tonight it will be roaring. Happy Blog Birthday to everyone who is celebrating one.
Hsien Lei said
Hiya! Came to join the party with this gift - my personal favorite post, which also happens to be a favorite with spammers! :P
The Purpose of A Hearty Life
It’s a heart-felt declaration of why I felt it important to write a heart disease blog and why I think mine is different from all the others. I’m still working to define the blog and make it valuable to others but I hope my passion shows through in this one particular post.
Party on!
Tony D. Clark said
Okay, I know I said I was leaving, but had to chime in on Chris’ question.
I’ve been a user of Sage since way back in alpha, and nothing I tried made me want to switch. But after using Google Reader for 2 days, I switched. That was just after the launch of the new version and I’m loving it.
My wife was using Bloglines, but I switched her over too after she kept reading over my shoulder and saying how much nicer GR was. The “River of News” list view has cut my scanning of feeds by about half. And the “starring” feature makes it easy for me to mark stuff to read later or blog about.
Just my $.02… Now I’m really going to do some work :)
Hsien Lei said
Chris,
I just switched to Google Reader because I like how it remembers which posts you’ve read and which you haven’t instead of marking all as read as soon as you open that blog in Bloglines. I also like being able to have a blog assigned to more than one folder, tags, and the general look of Google Reader.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
I’ve heard that Goodle Reader is awesome! Mitch Joel from Twist Image recommeded it. I haven’t tried it yet, but after reading these comments I think I’ll try it.
Chris Cree said
Any of you Google Reader fans at all weirded out by the prospects of Big-Brother Google looking over your shoulder?
Rick Cockrum said
It’s not web-based, but I just use the reader in Thunderbird. For times when I need to go from computer to computer, I have portable Thunderbird on a memory stick, and just copy my data files between my laptop and the memory stick. The plus is their backed up all the time, and I can get my email without using something like yahoo, gmail, or hotmail.
Steve said
Another vote for Google Reader. As for looking over my shoulder, I have to say that I don’t worry too much about that. If somebody wants to read what I read, maybe it’ll help them out a little…
ME Strauss said
Hey Hsien!
Thanks for coming! That’s a great post to put on the list! I’ve been thinking about Google Reader. I think you’ve just convinced me.
No wonder they call you, Smart Cookie!
ME Strauss said
Hi Kirsten!
Thanks for the birthday wishes. Looks like we’ll be Google Reading each other.
ME Strauss said
Kirsten,
Are you going to bring a post and a story for the list?
Cotton-Pickin’ Days » Happy Birthday, Successful Blog! said
[…] Liz has invited everyone to stop by the Successful Blog open mic birthday party to meet some new friends. Who’s coming with me? […]
Sheila said
Hi Liz and everyone, happy birthday to all….I can’t stay unfortunately because I’m getting on the road to meet an old friend this evening down in San Antonio.
Friends are good!
Liz is good!
Before I forget, my most popular Family Travel blog post is Pisa & Florence With Kids, which has my daughter doing the obligatory dorky hold-up-the-Leaning-Tower photo which everyone agrees is dumb and everyone does anyway ’cause it’s fun!
Thanks so much to Liz and everyone for this great community, and I wish I could sit here today and chat. Just back from the grocery store with a few bottles of wine so I could really be in fine form in a few hours.
As it is, must wish everyone a stone-cold sober best wishes!
mike dunn said
hey liz - first off, congrat’s on such an amazing site in just one year…
my most successful post is based on two things: the fact that google still points to it often for variety of media related search strings & that it received a nice compliment from doug kaye, the guru of podcasting and founder of it conversations & now co-owner of http://www.gigavox.com/ …
http://weblog.glemak.com/nomadic_audio/2005/07/media_strategic.html
it is titled “media strategic myopia” - something i tend to know a little about ;)