October 24, 2006
The Mic Is On: Happy Birthday to SOBs Everywhere!
Liz published 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!
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696 Comments to “The Mic Is On: Happy Birthday to SOBs Everywhere!”
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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 usually take a lunch nap, but not always.
I can’t keep to a schedule on personal things only on business.
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
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
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…!!!
Happy Blog B-Day to You Too…
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???
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!
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
Chris Cree said
OK you Google Reader folks nearly have me convinced. I think it may be time to suck it up and learn my way around a new app.
Is there anyway to rearrange the order of things in the left scroll bar, or is alphabetical the only choice?
One thing I like about Bloglines is that I can shuffle my feeds so that the ones I am most interested in are at the top regardless of their spelling.
ME Strauss said
Hey Sheila,
I’m just delighted that you took a second to stop by and leave a post. That’s really cool. Have a great trip!
ME Strauss said
Hey Mike!
Thank you. You’re no little guy when it comes to doing things right yourself!
What a neat story you brought with your post! That will be a great addition to the list. Gosh this list is going to be a classic!
ME Strauss said
Chris,
It sounds like you already know more than I do. Gosh I’m going to have to suck up and learn even MORE.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Ok… here is my favorite post – http://ipopin.typepad.com/think_positive/2006/07/keep_moving_tow.html
I think is my favorite because it is about an experience that was very meaningful to me. When I think back to this rock climbing experience I can vividly recall the “aha” moment. It was very cool… and very fun to write about.
ME Strauss said
Yea Kirsten,
What a great reason to choose that as a successful post! I can’t wait to read it. I’m really getting charged about this list!!
Chris Cree said
Well, Liz, it’s not really fair. I’ve been playing with it for a day or so. Yesterday Darren posted about RSS reader reviews and it got me thinking…
seanrox said
Hi Liz.
I just wanted to pop in and say Happy 1 year Birthday.
I have a busy day of client work, so I’ll stop back later in the afternoon evening. I’ll even bring cake and of course a special link just for you
Benjamin said
Happy Birthday to all of the October blog babies!
My most successful post is this one: http://kwmarketwatch.wordpress.com/2006/09/30/breaking-bach-joins-keller-williams-realty/ because it marked a turning point in my business, and was widely read in my local market.
Be Great,
Benjamin Bach
Realtor, Keller WIlliams Golden Triangle Realty Inc.
ME Strauss said
Hey SeanRox,
Thanks for the birthday wishes and for the plans to bring a link.
Everyone follow Sean’s link and see his new redesign!
ME Strauss said
Hi Benjamin!
Welcome. Thanks for bringing a successful post. Stick around and meet the folks here. Let us get to know you a little bit.
ME Strauss said
Chris,
Thanks for the link to Darren’s post. I missed that one getting ready for this. It seems the world loves Google Reader.
candice said
Hey Liz, Just a drive-by as well, just put some customers into test mode for going live tomorrow. (Presently sitting around waiting for stuff to break.)
I don’t really try for ‘successful’ per se with my posts. The only goal really, for me, is to be interesting.
I suppose the posts where I have various acquaintances stop me on the street and say “oh that was a cool post the other day” would work, but I never remember which ones those are.
ME Strauss said
Hey Candice!
I think you should bring the one about your shoes!
Debbie Call said
Liz – what a marvelous way to celebrate! Happy Blogoversary to you (and mine, Spirit in Gear, was Oct. 21st)! You really know how to kick up your bloggin heels!
My favorite link is entitled “Home – At Last.” (http://movingspirit.typepad.com/spirit_in_gear/2006/02/home_at_last.html)
In my estimation, it was successful because I bared my soul at a challenging time in my life, and it marked my return to my heart.
ME Strauss said
Hey Debbie!
So glad you made it. There are so many folks here you’d really like.
Ah, a return to heart . . . I know a little about that, I had to get my heart rewired to my head, somehow they came apart. They don’t work as well that way do they?
People respond to head and heart.
candice said
Liz, good point.
We were discussing them when I wore them to dinner at a friend’s last night. (“Oh yeah, those are the shoes from the blog, those are cool!”)
The Shoes
There are actually many other posts about shoes, like “the shoes the laptop wears” and my red shoes. (The laptop wears a pair of pointy-toed black leather high heels that were the talk of my cousin’s wedding. Heh.)
ME Strauss said
Yea, Candice!
Cool. That will be a great one to put on the list. An air or mystery and confidence pulled off by the post about the shoes.
ME Strauss said
Debbie,
I wish I knew it was your blog’s birthday. I’d have you up there with the rest. Let me see if I can’t change that now.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Hi Debbie! Great post! very moving indeed, but I always love your posts!
ME Strauss said
Kirsten,
You are the best! I agree Debbie writes a great blog post.
ME Strauss said
Lorelle couldn’t be here, but she emailed to say,
Give my love to all the fellow SOBers and wish I was there!
TechZ said
lorelle writes so well, I really enjoy reading her posts. she’s a great addition to the blog world!
ME Strauss said
Yeah, TechZ,
She’s one of my heroes too!
Stéphanie said
Hi Liz,
Happy birthday to Successful blog and all the SOBs. This looks like a busy party
Since my blog is fairly new and I’m not so active on the blogging side of life, I don’t have a successful post to share here but I do have a favorite post.
I’m originally a art historian so last december I had posted a little something about the artist Mark Ryden. It’s one of my very first posts.
Mark Ryden’s cabinet of curiosities and popular antiquities.
I feel a glucose overdose coming up… Cheers!
Joe said
And Debbie (and HART and anyone else) don’t forget the Blog B-Day Carnival.
Liz you have to help remind people that posts are accepted until 10-30.
seanrox said
I have so many posts, it’s hard to pick just one but the post I did about the perfect cheese sandwich seemed to be a hit with my readers.
What kind of cake do you like Liz? I’m stopping by the bakery later, so I can get your favorite.
ME Strauss said
Hey Stephanie!
Thanks for bring a post along with you, You are such a good one! This is such a fine party!
ME Strauss said
Joe,
I think you did just remind everyone!
ME Strauss said
SeanRoc
I’d go for a flourless chocolate cake — with confectioner’s sugar only on top. MMMMmmmmmmm
Steve said
I have to put this in here, because there are so many people here.
Many of you know of Neal Donald Walsch, who wrote the critically-acclaimed book series, “Conversations With God”, and appeared in the movie, “The Secret”.
A movie has been made from his book series. You can watch the trailer at: http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/conversationswithgod/trailer/
I, for one, am putting this on my ‘must see’ list. His story is nothing short of amazing, and regardless of your beliefs, an inspiration.
ME Strauss said
Thanks Steve,
That sounds wonderful. I’ll get over to see it.
Stéphanie said
Ohmegosh, there’s a queue now to connect to your server
ME Strauss said
I don’t what that means, Stephanie.
Working at Home on the Internet said
[...] If you are coming over from Liz’s Blog Birthday Bash and want to join the Carnival, just click the B-Day Cake above and post your Blog B-Day Entry. [...]
seanrox said
Ok Liz, a flourless chocolate cake  with confectioner’s sugar only on top it is. I just put in the order and I’ll pick it up on my way back to the party.
Joe said
Liz,
I thought that would make it easier.
ME Strauss said
Killer Cake SeanRox . That is so excellent!
Steve said
“Ohmegosh, there’s a queue now to connect to your server
”
It means, “Wait in line, she’s busy!”
ME Strauss said
Do you actually get a message that says you have to wait?
Chris Cree said
SeanRox is making me drool. mmmm…. Chocolaty…
ME Strauss said
Joe, I think that was a fine idea!
Joe said
I hope so Liz, so far it’s just you, cat and me…
There are so many more B-Days to Celebrate.
Steve said
Liz, I didn’t see the message, and it depends on the server setup that you’re on, but yeah, sometimes it’ll say something like, “The server is busy, your request is being processed…” or something along those lines.
ME Strauss said
Steve,
Thanks, I didn’t know that. I’m on one of the b5 servers. So that’s something. Martin said this morning we would take the server down twice. I hope he’s not right.
I’ve got another post that’s being pretty heavily stumbled upon right now.
Roy Jacobsen said
Happy Blog Birthday, Liz! Thanks for throwing the bash.
Hard to pick my “best” post, because so much depends on how you want to think of “best.”
One that got a lot of traffic for me was How to Write E-mail that Sucks: An Incomplete Guide. I saw several hits coming my way from stumbleupon.com, which was fun.
Joe said
Damn, I still haven’t gotten used to the refresh button being on the right with IE7
Chris Cree said
OK! I must insist: Everyone stop commenting on this post!
I just noticed that Liz promised that I was volunteered to pay for all these comments!
I better call Visa and up my credit limit! Where is that confounded Basil, anyway…
Joe said
Chris, I hear Basil turned right at Cape May this morning and is heading up the Delaware River towards my house.
debbie millman said
Congratulations, Liz!!!!
You rock!
Happy Birthday and happy always!
My fave posty is this one:
Economy Foam
http://debbiemillman.blogspot.com/2005_07_01_debbiemillman_archive.html
Thank you for all that you do for the blogging community…and then some!
ME Strauss said
Hi Roy!
Great to see you. That sounds like a wonderful post. I’m looking forward to reading it — especially seeing you use the word sucks. I love it when you get in the trenches.
ME Strauss said
Chris,
I can’t tell you how loud I laughed when I read that you just found out about you paying for the comments on this post.
I’m still laughing. That’s what took me so long to type this comment.
ME Strauss said
Hey You Rocking Publicist, Debbie Millan!!!
How the heck are you?
Economy Foam — if it’s like the rest of your blog, it’s got be just wonderful
I need you now more than ever. I’ve got a great idea! Can I call you?
Chris Cree said
You know, Liz, for a nice lady you sure are sneaky! I like how you artfully dodged the whole subject and judo threw it back at me! Nicely done.
ME Strauss said
Whyyyy, Chriiiis, I’m sure I don’t a thang about judo. *she said in her Scarlet voice*
Chris Cree said
I’ve been meaning to look into some sort of martial arts training. Not that I have time for yet another hobby, mind you. OR the money. Speaking of which, I probably should stop by the bank on my way home, eh? Boy is Gorgeous going to be hot with me over this one…
The good news is it is after 5 here on the East Coast so I imagine some more of the regulars may start checking in here in a little bit.
ME Strauss said
Ah, we’ll let the comments go for free. Consider an early blog birthday present to you., Chris!
I just emailed you.
Carolyn Manning said
No place to plug in but here today. Before I get to mingling again, I’ll leave the link for the party. It’s not so much that it’s a great post; it’s the one where the comments (yours was one, Liz) made me realize this blogging world is for me.
http://carolyn-writehere.blogspot.com/2006/09/if-youre-gonna-write-crap-journal.html
Maybe someday I’ll figure out how to shorten archive title in Blogger.
Carolyn
ME Strauss said
Carolyn,
That sounds like a fine reason to chose a post. We have a saying here Half the show is in the comments. It’s proof that you wrote something that moved people.
Sometimes here the whole show is in the comments.
Mark McGuinness said
Evening all (or afternoon for most of you, I guess).
Liz – I’ve brought you a special Birthday guest.. . my wife Mami. She’ll be here in a minute. Her blog’s a bit different to mine…
ME Strauss said
Mark,
How cool a special guest! That’s a nice surprise!
Mami McGuinness said
Hello Liz. Happy Birthday to your blog!
Your blog looks very nice.
ME Strauss said
Hey Mami!
Thank you for coming. I’m glad you like it.
What brings you?
ME Strauss said
Mami,
Where are the photos in your blog taken? The place is beautiful, but I can’t place it.
Mami McGuinness said
Thank you for your reply Liz(That was so quick! I’m so pleased).
Mark told me your blog is very nice and you have your blog’s birthday party today.
So I thought I would say hello.
I hope you are enjoying the party.
ME Strauss said
I am enjoying the party. Though I’ve been here for almost 12 hours.
We do a smaller version of this every Tuesday. It only lasts for about 4 hours. It goes very quickly. Right now we have almost 300 comments. AT night we’ve gotten 456 comments in about 4 hours.
Then it’s very fast and furious almost like playing a live video game with real people talking — 4 or 5 conversations happening at one time.
Mami McGuinness said
I took most of the photos around London and others in different parts of England. I’m writing articles for Japanese magazines,papers and my blog for Japanese readers.
I hope you enjoy my photos although my blog is all written in Japanese.
ME Strauss said
I think your blog is beautiful. I thought it could be London, but it’s not part of London I recognize. I was going to tease and ask how you got Mark in that costume . . .
I believe there are one or two Japanese SOBloggers in the Hall of Fame Directory.
Mark McGuinness said
Ha ha what makes you think it isn’t me in the costume?
ME Strauss said
Well, lets start with, which costume are YOU talking about?
Mark McGuinness said
Take your pick…
ME Strauss said
The lady on the left as you’re looking at the picture.
Joe said
Liz,
I just want to know what William’s Loft Memory Foam Mattress or Miami Dolphins Tickets has to do with Successful Blogging?
Scott said
Wow! I disappear for a few hours and 300 comments appear. Did I miss anything?
Mark McGuinness said
I think the Dragon would be nearer the (ahem) Mark…
ME Strauss said
Joe,
Successful Bloggers lay back on Sundays and watch the game.
ME Strauss said
Scott,
Time warps do occur here. But time has never been know stand still here. Just ask Joe. he’s the expert on such phenomena.
ME Strauss said
Darn! Mark, the dragon was going to be my very next guess!
Joe said
I don’t know how she does it Scott, my best is 44 comments followed by 41 then 37 and I thought that was Great.
I think this could go Well over 750 by the time it’s over.
Mark McGuinness said
Beat you to it! Well it’s getting late here so we’ll say goodnight and enjoy the rest of the party. Hope you don’t have too much of a hangover tomorrow!
Mami McGuinness said
Thank you very much for a nice chat Liz.
I’ll be back to read your blog again soon.
Once again,happy birthday!
Good night.
Joe said
Mark and Mami, I just want to know if it is today, tomorrow or yesterday in Japan, since we were talking of time warps.
Scott said
Joe, 44 isn’t bad at all. 750′s just insane
Joe said
Thanks HART…
HART (1-800-HART) said
*burp* // taps Microphone .. Is this thing on?
JOE! okay. I submitted.
~waves to everybody! – Hello & Goodbye.. my wife (in her infinite wisdom) has decided to shop on Tuesday instead of Wednesday, and has purchased all the ingredients for .. HART’s Famous Chili .. so, I guess I won’t be back here for about another 3 hours..
Hope everybody is up and Chatty then! But, I’ve got a hungry BooBoo that I’ve just got to feed. *sniffles* [h-e-l-p]
Jessica Doyle said
Hi liz and people!
Happy B-day to S O B
Happy B-day to youuu
Happy Birthday dear S O Beeeeeee
Happy Birthday to you.
HART (1-800-HART) said
btw .. I think my best post that has the most comments on – reached … a whopping 42 posts … congratulating Team Canada’s Team Kleibrink for winning Silver Curling medal at the Feb/06 Olympics. Actually – it was over 80 – but then I deleted the spam comments. My next best post – reached 8 comments. I really do suck. It’s true.
Joe said
HART,
No Spam counted in the 44, but I learned from Liz, probably half were mine in keeping with the conversation.
ME Strauss said
Bye Mark!
Hi Jessica!
ME Strauss said
Thanks for the lovely song, Jessica!
Do you have a post you love?
scot herrick said
Hi Liz,
Here’s a recent series with comments that also help people that work in cubes…
http://scotherrick.com/bizblog/2006/09/25/cubicle-warrior-what-it-takes/
Had to drop in and say hello on the all-day comment marathon!
Scot
Jessica Doyle said
I’m looking for one. I think it will be a poetry post. Nice amount of comments you have going on! Woot!
Joe said
Ok guys,
Din-Din time. I’ll be back shortly.
scot herrick said
Added Mami’s link to my PhotoBlog site too…some very nice pictures on Mami’s site.
Scot
ann michael said
Hi Liz!
Happy Birthday – wow look at all those comments! I’m not even going to try and figure out what you’re talking about now!
Ann
scot herrick said
And it really is people’s birthday…Happy Birthday to Liz and Hart (now gone for chili…) and ???
This is what happens when you arrive late to the party…
Scot
Chris Cree said
You know, after staring at my very old laptop screen all day this new monitor I have here is very pleasing to the eyes…
Did someone say dinner? Mmmmmm… Smells great!
Mike Sansone said
Happy Birthday SOB, Congrats Liz!
Jessica Doyle said
In the side of a mountain, there exists, a place named paradise
I will submit this post Liz. The memory of the jump will remain with me forever. The only way to face your fear is to stop running and simply jump into it face on!
ann michael said
Hi Mike!
Glad to see someone I know at the party (although I’m sure I know more people if I scroll through the comments).
What are you drinking?
a
ME Strauss said
HI Scot,
I like the post you brought! How’s everything out in the real world going?
Tammy said
Hey, Liz, happiest birthday wishes to you and Successful Blog! I’m literally driving across multiple states today and tomorrow but wanted, from my sweet little hotel room, to stop by and give my regards. We’re all happy you’re here in the blogosphere and grateful for the smarts you grace us with.
ME Strauss said
Jessica,
The name of that post sounds so wonderful! Thank you. I can’t wait to read it!
ME Strauss said
Hi Mike and Ann!
You two are the best for coming!
Chris Cree said
This feels vaguely like the old Navy days on shore leave. We’ve been partying all day and then a new gang shows up and we just start partying all over again! Very nice indeed.
Hi Mike, Tammy, Ann, Jessica, Scot, oh, and Hi again Joe!
Mike Sansone said
Hi Ann:-) Would a cup of Panera coffee be a surprising answer?:-)
ann michael said
Not at all! Enjoying the free internet again – eh?
ME Strauss said
Hey Tammy!
Thank you for the birthday wishes. I need to talk with you when you get back!
Send me a post by email if you can,
Mike Sansone said
Hiya Chris!
Liz…I wouldn’t've missed this (tho apparently I missed the “all day part) been a fun ride, yes?
ME Strauss said
Ann,
What’ll you be drinking? Have you decided what post you’re bringing?
Mike Sansone said
Ann…I loved your 26 word comment here a few days ago!
ME Strauss said
Mike,
It’s been fun to see all of the people coming by. Yes!!!
Mike Sansone said
Hi Dr. Tammy:-) I’m starting to give out conductors caps…tell Mr. Dr. to send me a size:-)
Jessica Doyle said
Ann – I’m drinking pepsi on the rocks. But will be migrating over to sparkling wine to celebrate the occasion.
ME Strauss said
I think it’s time for the music and some more cold ones. Anyone for snacks and beverages?
TechZ said
Well, awfully late here, great to finally take part in Open Mic night! It was loads of fun, see you all tomorrow!
Thanks Liz
ann michael said
Hmmm – no I haven’t decided on a post.
As for the drink, I should lay off the hard stuff since I haven’t had dinner yet (leaving in 5 minutes to pick it up).
How about an iced tea for now!
I suppose I should hold off on the nachos too until after I eat!
ME Strauss said
Some sparkling wine for Jessica, chilled to perfection with a strawberry for a nice touch.
ann michael said
Oh – and thanks Mike! I’ve been having fun with amateur poetry in October (as you well know!).
ME Strauss said
An iced tea brewed from hot tea first in a chilled glass with a colorful straw and an umbrella.
Mike Sansone said
Here’s the post I’ll bring to this party…
Liz Strauss Wears a Cap
ME Strauss said
We could do some amateur poetry here.
Mike, you write the first line.
Mike Sansone said
Ok…Here we go
“If ever there was a successful blogger…
Jessica Doyle said
it would have to be a person of…
ann michael said
Jessica – that sounds great – I’ll migrate over to that with you (only in about an hour)!
Mike Sansone said
… I’ll go a full verse?
“If ever there was a successful blogger,
how would they know they fit the part?
Soon Liz would grant them a button
One that comes straight from her heart…
/ga
ME Strauss said
If ever there was a successful blogger
It would have to be a person of
the brightness and sparkle of lager
Mike Sansone said
Sorry Jessica, I didn’t see that:(
Jessica Doyle said
Ann – nice…
ann michael said
Liz – what a great iced tea – it’s so pretty – i almost hate to drink it.
ME Strauss said
Oh Ann, I have more of those umbrellas wait until I put in one of the little whirly things.
Jessica Doyle said
Mike -
It’s all good
While on this site
I can’t keep up either
with all the comments
come to light
ann michael said
Wow – one refresh and I miss all the poetry!
Liz is there a way to set this up with the latest comments first for open mic nights????
I’m such a dork – I keep missing what everyone is saying while I’m paging through!
ann michael said
I have to run and get my kids dinner (it’s 7:40 here and they haven’t eaten – I’m a horrible mother!). I’ll be back later with a post!
ann
Jessica Doyle said
LOL Ann – so do I
that is a neet idea
Joe said
I’m Baaaccckkk.
Scallops in Garlic Sauce over Linguine.
Uuuummmm
ME Strauss said
Mike,
Thank you for the wonderful cap. I’ll wear it to sleep tonight . . .:)
I wrote you a comment. Thank you from my heart.
But I can’t put it in the list. It’s about me. You have to have posts you love more than that.
Mike Sansone said
Ah Jessica, that’s pretty quick
I can see you’re very wise
Hard to keep up with both computers
I’m refreshing one for each of my eyes
Mike Sansone said
Ok Cap’n. I’ll find another:-)
ME Strauss said
Ann,
We tried to put them in reverse order when we first set this up and it worked screwy. I can’t remember why, but it was REALLY not good at all.
Chris Cree said
Joe’s talking food again. And I still haven’t had dinner. Gotta step out for a bit.
Starbucker said
Boy am I late to this party. Happy Birthday to all the One Year Bloggers! My internet connection is horrid right now at my hotel so as much as I’d like to bring a link, I better wait . How’s everybody doing? Liz, you havin’ fun?
Mike Sansone said
Here’s an official entry for the posting list:-)
http://www.converstations.com/2006/08/the_battles_hym.html
Jessica Doyle said
Mike – two computers?
Mike Sansone said
Yep…I get more work done that way (or at least I think I do:-)
ME Strauss said
Hey Starbucker,
I’m here for hour 13. When does the dancing start? Great to see you!!!
cat said
Well, I get some sleep and look at this! Everone is still going.
It’s a wonderful party Liz, you must be zonked.
And Debbie Millman even shared in. She’s a beaut.
… now off to read the links and grab a hot cuppa …
well, it’s a ‘potta’ actually … but cuppa sounds so much more attractive …
ME Strauss said
Thanks Mike,
I like the new one. The battles hymn . . . I remember that one. It’s great!
Mike Sansone said
Hiya SB:-) Hope things are well. I hear you’re traveling this way soon?
ME Strauss said
Hey Cat!
Good morning! How is tomorrow?
Starbucker said
You aren’t dancing yet? Well strike up the band, my lady – we’re goin’ for a spin! Let’s call it the “Blogiversary Waltz”. One-two-three, one-two-three, one-two-three…….we’re pretty good, aren’t we?
Mike Sansone said
I was making introductions the other day and called someone an uberpreneur…and everyone checked the bottom of their shoes.
ME Strauss said
You be we are! If Christine hears the music she’ll come running back!
Jessica Doyle said
Went and read your post Mike – very nice blogger anthym/hymm/poem
Mike Sansone said
Uberpreneur. That word types better than it talks, I guess
Joe said
Hey cat,
How’s things in the future?
Mike Sansone said
SB…now I have Tennessee Waltz in my head. how’d you do that?
Starbucker said
Yes Mike, I’m comin’ to Des Moines! I look forward to meeting you on November 10 at your hang out Panera (and then lunch I believe).
Mike Sansone said
Very cool! SB. I’ll gather the troops. It’ll be a gas (the party – not the lunch)
Starbucker said
Mike, just putting the music on the page, and letting your imagination do the rest!
Jessica Doyle said
Ahhh waltzing takes me back to grade five when the teachers were making sure that we waltzers were a safe enough distance from eachothers by measuring the length of distance between us with their forarm.
We all looked like stiff lego people…
ME Strauss said
Jessica.
where’s the airplane flying to?
Jessica Doyle said
The airplane… is ahh…. flying west to pick me up in Vancouver where it will morph into a space jet and take me to the moon
Mike Sansone said
Thanks, Jessica.
Love your art,
Dig your phrases,
Can’t wait to peruse the archives
And continue to be amazed-s
Melissa Petri said
Happy Birthday, dear Liz’s blogs
it’s 2am and I am up reading 393 comments! haha
Joe said
*lurk* *lurk*
ME Strauss said
Hey Melissa!
Thanks for coming!!
You’re not actually supposed to read all of the comments. They’re just conversation.
Congratulations to Escape Blog!!
Starbucker said
OK, my internet is better – here is what I think is my most successful post, because I’ve since come to the conclusion that it has defined who I am better than anything else I’ve written:
http://tshalffull.blogspot.com/2006/08/crash-davis-and-belief-statement-my.html
This is why I’ve grown to love blogging, and I send my grateful thanks to all of you on OMN today who have been kind enough to engage in conversations with me.
Mike Sansone said
Speaking of flying…
Gotta jet
Tho I hate to go,
As always Liz –
One heck of a show
Your continous example
Of the power of “we”
Makes us all proud to wear
Our SOB
Happy Birthday:-)
Yvonne said
400th comment?
ME Strauss said
Starbucker,
That is one heckuva great choice. I’m so glad you brought that link to add to the list. Yea!
Jessica Doyle said
I don’t know how to respond except to say
“Thank you Mike”
ME Strauss said
Bye Bye Mike!
Thanks for the verse!!
Joe said
Starbucker, I think the series on songs that defined times in your life was much more revealing.
ann michael said
Hi Liz -
I’m back. I’ve eaten so pass whatever Jessica is drinking. After much deliberation here is my post:
http://managetochange.typepad.com/main/2006/09/putting_holes_i.html
Did you pick one from your blog(s)?
Joe said
Nite Mike,
No poem from me would be
as good as one from thee.
Jessica Doyle said
Goog night Mike!
Liz – My boyfriend just walked in with foot long sausage that was cut off a longer one whle he was at the construction site today. It’s girth is about well the same size as my upper arm. He surprises me everyday! LOL. i love when this happens… means I don’t have to cook.
ME Strauss said
Thank you, Ann.
That one is special. I’m really glad that’s the one you choose.
No I’ve not picked one from my blogs.
Raj Setty said
Happy Birthday to SOB website and congratulations to Liz..
Have a great year ahead
Best,
Raj
Starbucker said
Joe, you might be right on my “soundtrack” post – I guess I looked at that more as a history, but in hindsight I can see it revealed more than I thought it would.
ME Strauss said
Jessica,
That sounds wonderful, but at first it made quite an image in my mind!!
ann michael said
Liz – glad I wasn’t the only one with an image in my mind
ME Strauss said
Hi Raj,
Thank you for the lovely comment. You’re a wonderful man.
ME Strauss said
Joe,
That little couplet was lovely.
Starbucker said
Ann – great choice; I loved that post since it reminded me of my father.
ann michael said
Thanks Starbucker – I really liked the Crash Davis one too (although I have yet to write my statement). I’ve been running in to you in a few cyber places lately, haven’t I (in comments sections). Looks like we might enjoy the same reading material!
Jessica Doyle said
I took some pics. lmao.
I guess for supper we are having fresh sausage, perogies, red onions and garlic á la mode de stirfry.
Joe said
Jessica, a la mode on garlic?
cat said
Liz and Joe – I just peeked outside and the future is bright with a smattering of clouds.
WoW, what a great run of poetry and links you’ve gathered in Liz. With my week it’s going to take me into the next Mic night to read them all.
And happily read them I will. I already have a new recipe for chili, bloglined a writing blog and am seriously thinking about jumping on google to read.
And all before my cuppa cooled …
ME Strauss said
Jessica,
You enjoy talking about cooking. I remember you did the last time too.
Starbucker said
Yes Ann it looks like we do! Small world, isn’t it?
Becky McCray said
Happy BBday, Liz! Let’s have a toast!
ME Strauss said
EEEYYY Becky, Watch out. I never let Becky and Starbucker sit together. How did this happen?
Jessica Doyle said
Joe – Sure why not. My french is not so good these days. I practice a little bit everynow and then. Mais maintenant je suis pas capable de l’ecrit une ligne en francais vitement. C’est tros longtemps… a peut être 20 années?
Sandra Renshaw said
Hi Liz,
Happy Birthday Successful Blog!
Great Party
Becky McCray said
Hi, Starbucker. I brought that “special” bottle you wanted! Sit right here by me!
Jessica Doyle said
Liz – it’s suppertime here in Vancouver… 5:33PM. Food – sooooo good.
Becky McCray said
We are going to plot up something terrific for Liz!
Joe said
I’m not sure if I saw Dee and Melissa here tonight, but they just joined the Blog B-Day Carnival.
I’m pretty sure Liz had something to do with it, and if not, still glad to have ya.
Starbucker said
Hey Becky – you got it! Glad you brought “the bottle”.
ME Strauss said
Hi Sandra!
Thank you for coming. Yes the party is very special. Are you going to leave a link and tell us why you chose it?
Becky McCray said
Starbucker, do you notice how Liz just skipped right over me on the “link” question? I think she needs a drink, and I think we need to mix it for her!
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Hey Liz! Happy birthday!
Scott said
Cooking. It seems every time I glance over here there’s someone talking about food. Breakfast seems so long ago …
Becky McCray said
Well, this party is too popular now! I’ll have to go.
All the best, Liz! Congratulations on one terrific, productive year.
Jessica Doyle said
Well it has been nice. I must go eat. I’ll be back later this evening, liz and peeps.
Sandra Renshaw said
Sure – I don’t have a lot of posts on this blog, but I’ll find one.
ME Strauss said
I did not skip over you Becky. I got a phone call.
What post are you bringing? Tell me true!
Starbucker said
Bye Becky – I’ll try to mix Liz a good drink; I never was much of a bartender but what the heck, let the good times roll!
ME Strauss said
HI Doug!
Thank you for coming!
Did you decide on a post to bring?
Joe said
Jessica, sorry, my French is almost as bad as my English. I guess I should have studied more in High School.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Liz, you can’t take a phone call during Open Mic Night (especially an important one)!
Starbucker said
Douglas – how are ya!
Joe said
Becky,
Maybe Liz wants US to pick a post for her???
Sandra Renshaw said
My favorite post has to be this one. http://purplewren.typepad.com/purplewren/2006/10/blogging_in_per.html
I love the flexibility of work and the community of blogging.
ME Strauss said
Doug,
I can’t stay here for 14 hours and not answer the phone when my son calls. Well, I could, but it wouldn’t look good.
Sandra Renshaw said
Wow – 14 hours. That’s a lot of monitor time.
ME Strauss said
Hey, Sandra,
Than you for choosing a post. That’s a great reason. I’m really liking the community part.
Starbucker said
Great post Sandra – are you in Iowa too per chance?
Phil Gerbyshak said
Happy birthday to Liz (and her blog). Happy birthday to Liz (and her blog). Happy birthday to you (and your SOBs too). Sorry I’m late. Darn work thing. 450 comments already. Whew!
ME Strauss said
Joe,
I hear you back there! If I did, I’d tell you. If you want to, you tell me.
Sandra Renshaw said
Thanks for hosting this event. I’ll stop in again on open mic nights. I’ve heard about these events, but tonight’s my first…
ME Strauss said
No such thing as later around here, Phil!
Thanks for coming! Great to see you. Pull up chair and relax awhile.
Sandra Renshaw said
Starbucker, Yes, I’m in Iowa. I see that I just missed Mike Sansone. He left some great prose.
Phil Gerbyshak said
Yo Liz – glad to be here, if only for a short while. I’m up for a shot and a beer with you and Starbucker, and it’s my turn to buy
ME Strauss said
Sandra, are you leaving?
Sandra Renshaw said
Kind of heading toward the door, but stopping to chat here and there.
Starbucker said
Howdy Phil! How’s things in Brew City?
ME Strauss said
Here you g — a shot and beer for whomever wants ‘em. Go ahead. Pass ‘em around.
Phil Gerbyshak said
What’s up Starbucker. Life here in the Brew City is very good. Here’s to good friends, tonight is kinda special.
How are you friend? Up for a shot and a beer from Brew City Phil?
Sandra Renshaw said
Sorry I have to run, but got a phone call I have to take. I’ll join you all again.
Thanks for the hospitality.
Party on!
Joe said
Ok, I want to pick as your most successful…
When you helped so many people (including me) with problems with T-Rati.
They responded to you, your post and fixed a lot of the problems we were having.
ME Strauss said
Bye Sandra! Thanks for coming!
Phil Gerbyshak said
Bye Sandra!
ME Strauss said
Oh Joe,
That’s a successful one, but . . . who’d want to read it now? Except for David Sifry’s phone number.
Phil Gerbyshak said
Liz and Starbucker – I know it’s been short, but my wife calls, and I have the opportunity to spend a bit of time with her. I promise I’ll buy you another round when we connect again in person. Have fun!
And everyone, enjoy Liz’s place, and be sure to clean up after yourself so Liz can get to bed before sunrise!
Starbucker said
Be with your wife Phil, and I’ll see you again soon!
ME Strauss said
Good night Phil,
Email me, your most successful post.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Hmm, according to my stats program, this is my most popular post:
http://serviceuntitled.com/customer-service-difference-3-ritz-carlton/2006/09/01/
My most popular category is related to angry customers.
Joe said
Liz,
It just shows how much influence a Blog(ger) can have.
ME Strauss said
Anyway, Joe, I’m kinda miffed at T-rati right now and feel like I should write that post all over again. That might be my real reason . . .
Ah Pek said
Hi Liz, it’s me, late as usual! buthen better late than never..
HAPPEEE BIRDDAY!!!!!!!!!!
You are my inspiration!
ME Strauss said
Hi Ah Pek!
Thank you!
ME Strauss said
Doug,
Do you agree with your stats program? What I mean is . . . Is that how you want to choose?
Starbucker said
So Liz, do you want to try a Cha-Cha now? I wish you could see me now- I’m in Missoula MT at the hotel restaurant tapping this stuff out among the din of the other diners – pretty surreal!
ME Strauss said
Starbucker,
That sounds kind of like James Bond — no Thomas Crown. That’s it you’re Pierce Brosnan.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Liz,
It is a good post – not my favorite, but a good one.
I’m actually not sure which post is my favorite – it is kind of like picking your favorite child – you just can’t do it.
I have no children, but I would imagine this is how it would be.
Starbucker said
Yes Liz, Pierce Brosnan
And right now you and all the others celebrating your birthday are my secret dinner dates!
ME Strauss said
Well, Doug, I could offer one other suggestion — if you want one, but it’s your choice. So feel free to say “No this is fine.”
Robyn McMaster said
Hi Liz, what a great party!! You’re really the BEST SOB. Thanks for your kind words.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Liz, I’m all ears.
Customer Service Rule: Be open minded and ALWAYS welcome feedback from customers.
ME Strauss said
Hi Robyn,
Well actually, I’m not officially an SOB myself. I’m just the ghost behind the curtain.
ME Strauss said
Okay Doug,
Here goes . . . do the words
Stupid Moron
mean anything to you?
Mark Wade said
Hey! I didn’t realize it is your birthday! Congrats!!! WTG!!! Awwwlll Right!!! Give me an excuse for an exclamation!!!
Seriously – Cool deal Liz… Many Many More
So – you asked for one post eh? Sorry if the URL throws off your format (hope it doesn’t but its a long one). This has been my most visited entry since the beginning;
http://rwebsdesigns.com/blog/archives/2005/09/content-theft-please-tell-me-what-you-think-about-this/
Feels like its been a long year to me, I bet it feels differently to you eh?
Take Care Friend, You’ve done a bunch of good things for me and I owe you lots of Thanks!
Mark
Tony said
Wow, I am late to the party
Happy Birthday everyone!
Joe said
Doug,
I picked mine because it was picked up by the MSM in my area and Liz’s because it influenced a Big time company.
Both got a reaction from something we wrote in Blogs.
Neither were really “favorites” but were Very Successful Blog Posts. IMHO
ME Strauss said
Mark
You came.
Thank you.
That is the nicest thing!
It’s better than crayons!
ME Strauss said
Hey Tony,
There’s no late here! You gonna bring a successful post and tell a story?
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Liz,
I could never forget that post! Quite the classic.
http://www.serviceuntitled.com/who-else-wishes-there-were-no-moronic-idiots-in-customer-service/2006/08/02/
Tony D. Clark said
Hi all… Just wanted to pop back in and see how things are going. Wow, closing in on 500, awesome!
Well the kids are in bed, and it’s finally quiet around here, so I think I’m off to enjoy it. Happy B-Day again, Liz. This has been, and will continue to be I’m sure, great…
ME Strauss said
Hey Tony,
Thank you for being part of what has been a long and wonderful day!
ME Strauss said
So, Doug, it appears that the stupid moron post works for you? Cool.
I’m smiling to remember the history of it being conceived in this comment box.
Joe said
Damn, I can’t get used to the refresh being on the right. I keep hitting some stupid square that brings up a Tab…
Renée said
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Successful-Blog!
Hey Liz, it looks like you’re having a great time judging from the enormous comments here.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Liz,
I have a proposal for you. Tell me when you are ready.
ME Strauss said
Hello Renée!
We’re talking plenty. Thank you for the birthday wishes. It’s Joe’s birthdsay too!
ME Strauss said
Okay Doug,
This is a new thing.
I think I’m ready.
Joe said
And Cat’s and HARTs
Service Untitled - Douglas said
*gets down on one knee*
Liz, will you join my channel?
*opens box with “Business Channel Writer Badge” in it*
Starbucker said
Joe, I am remiss in personally wishing you a Happy Birthday too – your posts have given me a lot of insight into this blogging thing, and I’m grateful.
Tony said
Most successful post?
Easy.
And here’s the story:
For some reason I’ve always been drawn to corporate hypocrisy and controversy, and one of my first big posts was my most successful:
A Brief History of Digg Controversy
I’ve followed Digg’s success right from the beginning, and after a while I began to notice a number of intersting controversies popping up from time to time.
So I started keeping track.
Little did I know that the web2.0 was about to explode, with Digg being one of the posterchildren.
With the most recent episode of controversy surrounding allegations people were trying to game their way to dominating the frontpage,
blogs started linking to it — and I was lucky enough to get links from Bokardo, Guardian Unlimited, and DrudgeRadio (Drudge Report).
ME Strauss said
Doug,
Have you asked my dad?
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Liz, no I haven’t. I hope he doesn’t have any problems with it. I haven’t asked your husband, either.
Tony said
(yikes!)
Joe said
Well thank you Starbucker. That’s a very nice thing to say.
ME Strauss said
Gee, Doug, that only leaves my son.
He just got offered a job with Goldman Sachs — maybe he’s the one you want.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Heh, congratulations to him! I am sure he will be okay with it.
So what do you say?
Starbucker said
Joe, I thought of you when that guy kicked a 62 yd field goal to beat your Eagles. Ugh. But hey, the Pack won!
ME Strauss said
I’m speechless.
I need more information.
You’re talking business now.
My brain is looking at the situation from every side. It’s what I do.
Renée said
Pardon me for my manners. Let me start again!
Happy Birthday to Successful-Blog
Happy Birthday to Hart
Happy Birthday to Designers-Who-Blog
Happy Birthday to WorkingAtHomeInternet
Good evening to everyone!
Some I know, some I don’t
Nonetheless it’s good to meet you all!
Minic Rivera said
Happy birthday SOBs! Here’s to more years to come.
Joe said
SB, you are Not making me feel good.
ME Strauss said
Renée
Thank you. Are you going to leave a favorite successful post and tell us why you picked it so that I can include it in the list?
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Well, it wouldn’t be too much of a change. You’d just be able to participate in the ultra awesome business channel.
There is also another reason, but I’m not sharing it.
It may have to do with the “Blogging” channel being renamed “Founder Blogs”, though. However, that’s just a rumor.
ME Strauss said
Hi Minic!
Thank you for coming! Would you like to leave your favorite story?
Scorpia said
Happy Blogday to you…
Happy Blogday to you…
Happy Blogday, dear Lizzie,
Happy Blogday to you.
Dunno if anyone else did that; 500+ comments were a bit much to wade through.
Anyway, many happy returns, Liz!
Steve Remington said
Happy Birthday! happy birthday – sorry I am late
ME Strauss said
Thanks Scorpia!
No one does anything quite the same as you. I’m reaching for the very nice scotch.
ME Strauss said
Hey Steve,
No such thing as Late — Just glad you came!
ME Strauss said
Hey Doug,
I sent you an email.
Starbucker said
Joe, no worries – they are making the playoffs. It was a bump in the road. Hakuna Matata!
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Liz: replied to your email.
Starbucker said
Liz, have you had any birthday cake yet? What’s your favorite – chocolate I bet!
Chris Cree said
Whoo-hooo! And the party rolls on. Did someone say chocolate?
Service Untitled - Douglas said
I’m going to be back in a little bit. Got a few things to do.
Steve Remington said
Over 500 posts… wow!
Great to be here Liz, been hectic around these parts.
Now where is that tequila?
Starbucker said
Chris! How’s our man from Savannah?
Joe said
Hey Steve,
Did you forget about me?!?
Send me an EM if there is a problem.
Chris Cree said
Starbucker! Would you believe it was almost chilly here? I actually had to put on a jacket this morning. For a little while.
ME Strauss said
See you in a while Doug!
ME Strauss said
My favorite cake is flourless chocolate cake, which SeanRox said he was going to bring tonight!
Timothy Johnson said
Hey all… I’m back… and only missed about 300 comments…
Steve Remington said
Joe, nope I didn’t forget about you. My wife’s brother is in the hospital and I will email you more of the details. So I had to put some things on hold.
ME Strauss said
Welcome back, Timothy!
I’m still here!
Timothy Johnson said
Liz – flourless chocolate torte is amazing with chocolate ganache drizzled on top… served with a side of really good ice cream (Starbucks java chip would be my recommendation)
Chris Cree said
Liz, maybe we could have another contest… Instead of guessing how many comments we get here today, we could guess how many times the word “chocolate” appears!
ME Strauss said
And a nice European cup of coffee.
Timothy Johnson said
Liz… you are a machine!!! A full day of blogging and commenting… you must take your vitamins
Joe said
Steve,
Not a problem my friend, as long as the kids are Ok. (and you and the wife of course).
Chris Cree said
WAIT! Is that The Steve Remington from up near the border?
Timothy Johnson said
10 so far Chris on the chocolate count… oops, that makes it 11
Starbucker said
I thought so Liz – the best flourless chocolate cake I ever had was at the Sunflower restaurant in Boulder, CO (http://www.sunflowerrestaurant.net/)- it was called “Chocolate Nirvana”. Yum Yum.
Steve Remington said
I live up North alright!
Chris Cree said
Timothy, I’m telling you I think there’s more chocolate than that here! I think I’ve used the word chocolate at least 6 or 7 times myself here today. And I’m just one chocolate lover of many present.
Timothy Johnson said
My recommendation for flourless chocolate cake is the restaurant Canoe in Atlanta
Renée said
Thanks for asking, Liz
Here’s one of the top read (in-series) topics,
What Happens During Euthanization?
I wrote this series-post without thinking much about traffic nor search term, since I reckon this kind of subject is an unusual daily event that dog owners would be facing. Boy, was I so wrong. Most of my visitors are email-queriers than commenters, hence I’m having some difficulties in answering one to one basic. I may have to write a part 5 to this topic sometimes soon.
Liz, please forgive me for the “inappositeness” of my subject.
Starbucker said
Tim, I take it you like chocolate too?
BTW, see you in a few weeks.
Chris, I’m surprised you even had a jacket over there. It’s 40 here in Missoula, MT. It’s supposed to snow tomorrow (yes, snow).
Chris Cree said
Did I mention that Gorgeous dished me up some of Edy’s Grand Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream (ICE CREAM!!!!) tonight? mmmmm…..
Steve, It’s good to see you again!
ME Strauss said
Renée
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with your subject. I know the name of your blog.
Timothy Johnson said
Starbucker… have it on my calendar… you’re still coming to Des Moines on the morning of November 10th, right?
Chris Cree said
Starbucker, I needed something to go over my polo shirt! I miss the snow….
Steve Remington said
Renee, I just read your article on your blog. My wife is a Vet and so I can relate to it…
Chris, I sent you an email a few weeks ago. Did you ever get it?
Kammie K. said
Liz!
Well I guess I’m fashionably late! I saw Phil just left a little bit ago…and is Starbucker still around?
Happy b-day again Liz…I left a comment earlier, but think it was in the wrong spot. Thanks for the heads up.
Looks like 500+comments fiull of fun. Now that’s a party!
kam:)
Service Untitled - Douglas said
I am back for a bit.
Chris Cree said
Steve – Yeah. I thought I replied. Did it not get back to you?
Starbucker said
Yes Tim, the morning of the 10th. Look forward to seeing all my Des Moines blogging friends!
Timothy Johnson said
Dang… I missed Phil? Oh well, I’m sure I’ll have the pleasure of discussion with him soon.
ME Strauss said
Hi Kammie!
Welcome back again! Great to see you around! Are you going to leave a post here with a story?
Carolyn Manning said
Reading these comments, I remembered when I first found Liz and Successful-Blog. Then I remembered the post I wrote about that. If it’s not ok to bring another post today, don’t read any further.
http://carolyn-writehere.blogspot.com/2006/09/we-are-family.html
Timothy Johnson said
Cool, Starbucker… cannot wait to meet you in person… now I just have to figure out how to meet Phil, and Liz, and Steve (among others)…
Starbucker said
Hey Kammie – we’re shooting for 1,000, if Liz can hold our that long!
Chris Cree said
Steve, For some reason your message has a little “replied to” symbol but I don’t see where there is any message out to you in my sent items. Weird. I’ll poke around that some more in the morning to see if I can’t figure out what happened.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
It’s Kammie! Another business channel person!
Joe said
I already said 750 SB. Do you think we can stay awake long enough for 1k?
Starbucker said
I’m going to figure it out too Tim – I saw Phil last month and had a blast. Next time to Milwaukee I need to sneak down to Chicago and visit the birthday girl. I think we probably just need to have a convention or something.
Timothy Johnson said
I agree… some kind of bloggers reunion… Liz, what do you think? Maybe something in April or May?
Renée said
Liz, my referring to “inappositeness†is that it is not auspicious to bring “death” to “birth” in the same event (the asian culture context).
I’m not superstitious anyway, and hope you’re not.
Steve – I bet your wife has to be a part-time counselor to her clients too.
ME Strauss said
Carolyn,
What a great post to bring! We are family!
Starbucker said
Not sure Joe, not sure. But that’s up to the birthday girl now isn’t it?
I gotta admire this – how many hours now?
Rick Cockrum said
Hey everyone, another chocolate lover checking back in after a hard night. It’s been going great guns in here today!
Chris, you’re welcome to come up here to get a taste of snow. We had some yesterday and today, flurries only thank goodness.
Tony said
speaking of conventions, is anyone heading up to Mesh 2007?
ME Strauss said
Tim, Starbucker,
Hearing Tim talk about meeting us. Reminds me that my husband turned to me this afternoon and said. “You really should throw a convention.”
Believe that, Starbucker?
I told him you already wanted to.
Chris Cree said
Gorgeous says I romanticize the winters, only remembering the good parts. But the truth is I kinda didn’t mind the bad parts so much either. Not that I’m complaining. This is the time of year when Savannah actually has great weather. We’ll be back to wet-blast-furnace soon enough.
ME Strauss said
16 hours 5:33 – 9:33
Timothy Johnson said
A convention sounds so sterile… we’re family here… let’s call it the “Blogger Family Reunion.”
Chris Cree said
An S-B Convention!! I love it. Savannah’s great this time of year…
Steve Remington said
Renee, I think it is more like fulltime..
I think people are worse when it comes to their pets than family members..
Chris, I don’t ever remember getting anything. That’s weird. Weirder things have happened.
OK wife tells me I need to go to bed lol
Night all!
*man I am so whipped it ain’t funny*
Timothy Johnson said
Well, I’m not the blogger energizer bunny that Liz is… I’m off to bed and a nice soft pillow. G’night all… just let me know when to show up to the “gathering”
ME Strauss said
Steve,
Sweet dreams!
Tony said
Did anyone go to Mesh 2006?
Starbucker said
Liz, I believe it. It’s our destiny! Seems just like a matter of where and when. I like May too – I like Chicago in the springtime!
Chris Cree said
Steve, I just found and re-sent it. Don’t ask where it was hiding…
I’m off to sleepy time myself folks. Keep commenting away. If Liz can keep awake you’ve still got a couple two or three hours to max this out! What a great way to celebrate the birthday of a blog!
‘Night All.
Joe said
Nite Steve,
Don’t forget me when things settle down a bit.
ME Strauss said
I like Chicago in the springtime too, but someone has to tell Tim that “the gathering” sounds like a Stephen King novel.
Starbucker said
Goodnight Steve and Tim!
ME Strauss said
Good night, Tim
Starbucker said
I will when I see him Liz.
I need to take a break here and pay my restaurant tab and do a few work things before I turn in. I’ll stop back for a “g’nite” in a bit.
Rick Cockrum said
Good night Chris, Steve, Tim.
David Mackey said
This article was one that got Digged to Digg’s front page. It’s about why Microsoft should give Vista away.
Kammie K. said
Ooppss…got derailed on a call…
here’s the 2 posts I dig:
This is my fav I wrote over at Small Business Branding, cuz I like the Steve Irwin angle on branding by being yourself. I LOVE that bloggers are such originals!!
http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/544/writing-for-wom-branding-the-croc-hunter-way/
…and this is my favorite from my PMP blog, again all about being unique and staying true to yourself…
http://www.passionmeetspurpose.com/blog/index.php/site/blog/be_unique_kick _the_critique_self_love_is_where_its_at/
Liz, you are a TRUE original…and I LOVE it!! Hope you’ve got plenty of snacks to keep you up tonight!
xo,
kam:)
HART (1-800-HART) said
I’m back now! Glad to see that this is still going on .. but I’m not going to read all those 588 comments at the moment
Did I miss anything? New links? contests? Did Liz post all those 25 words or less entries? Is anybody drunk? Is everybody drink? What music is on the turntable?
Well – if nothing is – here’s one song..
Happy Birthday .mp3-1 )
Joe said
Hey Liz,
I think you may have to shorten that URI that Kam put in, it WAY skewed the whole page.
ME Strauss said
HI HART!!
Glad to see you’re still in your form!
ME Strauss said
Hi David
It looks like WordPress ate your link.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Liz! Glad to see you’re still up! Whew~ Long day, eh? Are you having fun? I wasn’t going to ask earlier, (pre-500 comments) but – how close are you to getting comments from all your 500+ SOB’s?
ME Strauss said
Sleep well, Chris!
Kammie K. said
Sorry Liz,
My links too long…I’m NOT drunk I swear!!
can you fix it?
Long-link-lovin,
Kam
Chris Cree said
HART, The latest contest is guessing how many times the word “chocolate” appears. The latest theory is that it is something over 10 times. Personally I think that is a remarkably low number considering how many of us are chocolate addicts.
Oh, Liz – I shot you an email.
And now I really am heading to bed.
Enjoy!
Rick Cockrum said
That was brilliant, HART. I think my wife wants to play it for my birthday.
ME Strauss said
Thanks for the links, Kammie!
No worries. I’ll make them work when I put together the list.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Rick .. that was “The Happy Birthday Song” by Arrogant Worms
you want it? help yourself (save target as) .. I could also have a few other birthday songs on the www at the moment … Beatles .. Uriah Heep … Patsy Cline .. Marilyn Monroe .. Elvis .. anybody interested?
Joe said
Not to be a party pooper
but it’s time for beddy bye
and after all of the partying
I seem to be in a stupor.
Berma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
ME Strauss said
Good night, Joe,
Sleepy swell. Happy Birthday!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Chocolate? Now why in the world would you want to count Chocolate Words in here? I mean .. chocolate? Really? What type of Chocolate? White Chocolate? Dark Chocolate? Chocolate Milk? How obsurb!
:p
Renée said
Hart!, love that b’day song! Glad nobody sang that to me, yesterday!
Rick Cockrum said
G’night, Joe. Sleep well.
I saved the song, HART. Thank you! No more right now, but Uriah Heep doing a birthday song sounds unique.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Have a G’nite Joe! And ditto belated G’nite to all who come and gone. I guess I will have time to catch up on these links and previous comments
Ben Yoskovitz said
Happy birthday!
What a day. Phew.
Anyone still around?
Rick Cockrum said
Well Happy Birthday to you, Renee! The song fits right in with the over the hill coffee mug I got a few years ago.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Ben .. I’m still here .. or, back actually.
Rick – Here’s Magician’s Birthday ..
Ben Yoskovitz said
Hey HART – haven’t seen you around in some time. How are things going?
ME Strauss said
Yea! Ben! You came!
How wonderful! Are you gonna leave a link and a story?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Liz — good question. I just didn’t have the time to think of it. I guess my story is all about Where Is Basil? That site is all because of Successful-Blog and open mic night. What more is there to say, really!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Happy Birthday Renee for yesterday! Did you have a party? Personally, I hate celebrating my birthdays .. ever since I started counting backwards since my 33rd birthday … People keep mocking me that I don’t look good for a Teen-Ager ..
HART (1-800-HART) said
Ben .. I’ve been around the computer, but working hard … and then surfing late at nights. It’s like hit-and-miss with the comments. It’s almost like I have to stick to the Aussie blogs just to get some feedback in realtime ..hehe
Rick Cockrum said
Hi Ben.
Doh! Now I know I’ve been up too long. I never even thought of that, HART.
I’m going to say Good Night, and a final Happy B-Birthday Liz, Joe, HART, and cat. Have a good week, and a successful year to come!
ME Strauss said
Renée a birthday. Did I hear them say a birthday? YEA!! Congratulations!
ME Strauss said
Good night, Rick.
Sleep well!
Ben Yoskovitz said
Ok time for me to go! At least I made it for a short while.
Congratz to everyone for surviving 1 year of blogging. It’s a big accomplishment. And I wish you all the best!
HART (1-800-HART) said
G’nite Rick
catch you again I’m sure!
Ben .. and speaking of that fossil .. how is Basil?
ME Strauss said
Ben you have to leave the Where Is Basil Link!!
Renée said
Thanks Rick and Hart!.
That “someone” supposed to throw me my xxth birthday in a grand slam way. But I ended up spending it in bed three-quarter of the day, nursing my migraine.
Hart, it’s wise to stop counting after 21st. Birthday parties aren’t much fun thereafter. Whatever practical jokes, it’s been played and tricked.
Becky McCray said
Hi, again, Liz! and the whole crew!
What a day for Liz, 14 – 15 hours so far!
ME Strauss said
Ah, Becky 17 hours, I think.
Becky McCray said
Guess I won’t go back and read over all 623 comments.
(am I the only one who hits Submit and *then* thinks of something else I should have said?)
Liz, you are sure earning your birthday cake!
ME Strauss said
Hey, I’m only doing this once.
Becky McCray said
Liz, I hope it’s OK. I brought you a BBday cake. (It’s a rum cake, of course, for the Saloon-keeper’s Daughter.)
katiebird said
(what’s been going on around here?!)
Hi Liz, I can’t believe that I missed almost the entire party
— I’m prett sure that I’ve never had a busier day. I just got home a few minutes ago.
It looks like you had a great time — 26 pages, oh my!
Did you have a happy birthday? Are there any drinks left?
Are any of the other birthday kids around?
Renée said
Yea Liz, for now…and 364 days later, there is 2nd, 3rd and so forth.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Becky .. you are not alone
I personally find it easier to just post as I see fit. I don’t hit refresh repeatedly to find out what’s going on – I am subscribed to this entry and setup an email filter to transfer new emails in there – where I read it. Then, when I comment on one .. I mark it as read, so I know how far I’ve been reading it up to.
katiebird said
HART — How are you! Are you having fun?
Becky McCray said
But next year, your blog will be 2! It will take twice the party, with an exponentially larger audience.
Have you got another year of exceptional blog topics in your brain? (I know, OF COURSE YOU DO!) Any deep-down wishes for the coming new year on the blog? Or that you can share?
Katiebird, there is plenty of rum cake left!
Hart, that has to be the most complicated, technical solution you could think of!
I just missed an update ’cause I was sitting on page 25 after everyone else went to 26. Too many to Show All!
katiebird said
Hi Becky — Thanks it looks good.
(a YEAR of exceptional blog posts? I’m lucky to drag out a days worth!)
ME Strauss said
And year 2 means that Becky can sit with me so that there will be two of US!!!
Meikah Delid said
Happy happy happy birthday SOB! More success to you, Liz! May I take this opportunity to thank you for helping me improve my blogs every time. Keep up the good work!
Cheers!!!
ME Strauss said
Thank you Meikah!
You do such wonderful work, you don’t need me!
HART (1-800-HART) said
hi katiebird. I’m doing okay. Been here for about an hour, was here during the morning about 12 hours ago .. and, was making a fresh batch of Chili this evening. It was the first batch since BBQ Season started. It’s good to get back into chili
On the weekend I will have to make HART’s Famous Pasta Salad Recipe too.
katiebird said
umm. HART, I love Chili! Yours smells great.
Tony said
Ah chili … I love chili.
What’s your recipe, Hart?
Becky McCray said
Hi, Meikah! I just subscribed to your blog based on the first two posts I saw. You must have learned Liz’s lessons well!
Liz, you’re avoiding that question:
Any deep-down wishes for the coming new year on the blog? Or that you can share?
HART, let’s have some of that chili!
ME Strauss said
Becky,
Deep down wishes, I hope that people take to seeing me as someone who is worth paying for what I do so that I can get rid of college bills and I hope all of my friends get rich too.
Becky McCray said
Great one, Liz!
Starbucker said
Liz, my work is done, I’m all tucked in, and I want to wish you a Happy Birthday one more time, with thoughts of chocolate and spring conventions, James Bond, and your incredible ability to draw people like us together. Salute!
To everyone else still partying here, please carry on for me, and see you in the blogosphere – let’s keep making it a fun and rewarding place. Chao!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Becky .. here’s that link again to HART’s Famous Chili Recipe .. You will note picture #7 … with instruction ..
Don’t forget .. if you have a helper .. try and toss some celery pieces on the floor to be ‘vacuumed’ up!
Otherwise the recipe is jinxed.
HART (1-800-HART) said
G’nite Starbucker .. chocolate dreams I guess.
Becky McCray said
Good night, Starbucker! Enjoy that “special bottle” I brought for you!
ME Strauss said
Good night Starbucker,
I just published the winners.
Becky McCray said
Thanks, HART, for that recipe!
katiebird said
Liz, everyone, goodnight.
Becky McCray said
Goodnight, Katiebird!
ME Strauss said
Good night, Katie.
I hope you can rest soon.
cat said
Carolyn, what a great idea! Sharing our memories of Liz seems fitting on this occasion.
Here’s mine –>> http://www.designers-who-blog.com/index.php/archive/successful-blog/
My, does time fly …
And yes, it DOES mention chocolate.
Tony said
Thanks for the Chili recipe, Hart.
I make something very similar — I do like my corn though, so I add some of that.
Tony said
Oh, and for any one interested, 9Rules Submissions are now open!
http://www.9rules.com/submit
Becky McCray said
OK, Liz, even though you skipped over me earlier, I came prepared with a link.
Becky McCray said
ME Strauss said
Oh my, Cat, oh my!
I forgot about that!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Tony … Cheers!
I was off reading the entries .. Congrats to Sheila Joe Starbucker and TechZ ..
Meikah Delid said
Hi, Becky! Thank you for subscribing!
Yeah, Liz is contagious. 
Thanks for the kind words, Liz. This anniversarty is so much fun. Very successful! Here’s to more years with SOB and Liz’s success. Until the next open mic and other celebrations…
ME Strauss said
People keep calling contagious today. Thank you, I think!!
Becky McCray said
Good night, Meikah! I’ll be reading you!
Becky McCray said
Liz, here’s my link to my most successful post, if you are still awake for such goofiness!
Too many business people won’t ever write a business plan because the experts make it into a huge deal. My approach Simplified Business Plans for the Real World.
My most successful post not just because it gained attention, but because it can help more people to succeed as entrepreneurs.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Well .. I think I must say my G’nites to myself and everybody else .. I have about an hour’s work left to do before sleep..
Liz .. Hope your blog had a wonderful birthday today (and you too) .. and .. next year … a Working Template in Internet Explorer! *fingers crossed*
~wave .. // Take care all ..
Becky McCray said
Goodnight, HART!
ME Strauss said
Becky, I’m still awake and I love the name of your post!
ME Strauss said
Good night Meikah, Good night HART!
Tony said
Have a good one Hart!
Becky McCray said
Thanks, Liz, but isn’t it time for you to go to bed? I know it’s time for me to go!
Congratulations, again, on a wonderfully meaningful year of community building and education of your readers.
Pleasant dreams!
Becky McCray said
And goodnight, to all who are still here!
ME Strauss said
Yeah, I think it’s time for me to throw in the keys. I’m now hitting close falling asleep. Thank you all for celebratitng with me.
Thank you, thank you. thank you.
Thank you. I really mean that.
Tony said
Thanks Liz!
ME Strauss said
Tony, thank you.
Tony said
Always a pleasure, liz!
First one in (with the congratulations, I think) … last one out.
Renée said
Looks like everyone is off to bedtime! Sleep tight and sweet dreams.
Liz, you still there? Awake?
I’ll be here all night long … more like all day long. I don’t nap much in the day.
cat said
Liz (for when you wake up) I’d forgotten about it also. So much has happened since then. All nice ‘muches’ of course.
Hsien Lei said
Ahhhh!! I accidentally subscribed to the comment thread and got hundreds of emails over night. You party animals!!
TechZ said
Good morning! Well, its almost noon here, had some stuff to do before coming online. Seems like the B’day went really well
Sabine said
Hey Liz — thought I’d make it an even 680! I couldn’t even get in, earlier.
Happy anniversary to a the very model of a modern successful blogger!
Best wishes for many more.
ME Strauss said
Thank you, Sabine.
It’s so great to still know you! How special to start this new day with a comment from you.
TechZOnline.net » I won, I won! said
[...] I have to say, Tuesday’s Birthday on SOB.com was loads of fun, it’s the first time I was able to participate in Open Mic night because Liz started the show much earlier than usual. [...]
Delaney Kirk said
Sorry I’m late to the party (My thanks to Tim Johnson for bringing me in). Just finished teaching and could use some conversation that doesn’t start with, “is this going to be on the test?”
ME Strauss said
Hi Delaney,
I’m sorry it took so long to get you into the party. I was working on collecting all of the successful blog post links. Since you’re here, I think yours qualifies, but I think you should choose — not have Tim choose for you. So what shall it be?
What was your most successful blog post and why did you choose that one?
Successful Blog - 25 Outstanding Bloggers’ Most Successful Posts: The Morning Links said
[...] The Mic Is On: Happy Birthday to SOBs Everywhere! [...]
Eat4Today » A place to discuss food and eating and the state of the world » Blog Archive » Blog Hopping on a Thursday Night said
[...] And finally, the Great Liz had an anniversary this week — the first birthday of her blog (683 Comments!!) — congragulations, Liz! — Also, don’t miss her Net Neutrality Page, she posts new articles to it everyday. If you have any questions about the Net Neutrality issue, it’s a fanatastic resource. [...]
Successful Blog - 20 More Successful Bloggers’ Most Successful Posts: Afternoon and Evening Links said
[...] Related article The Mic Is On: Happy Birthday to SOBs Everywhere! [...]
Essential Keystrokes » Successful Blog Knows How To Throw A Party said
[...] I have been reading and commenting at Liz Strauss’ Successful Blog for a while now. The one thing I noticed is that she knows how to throw a party – a great, big, blogging party! She held a blogging birthday party for herself and three other blogs and got hundreds of bloggers to come out for it. Instead of gifts, the bloggers brought their favorite or most popular posts to share (she is willing to share her presents, too!). Now, she doesn’t attract just any old bloggers, she attracts some of the most talented bloggers out there. The list of posts brought to the party continues to grow. If you want some great reading, learning, laughing, and relaxation, check out some of these posts: [...]
Small Dogs Paradise said
A Little Love and A Whole Lot of Tips…
Since I didn’t party like a party animal on my Birthday on Monday (in bed with migraine), I thought I had better make up for all my losses. So this past Tuesday I went to a party, a cyber-party to celebrate 4 Successful Blogs’ first Blogday…
Successful Blog - Open Mic 7pm Chgo Time — It’s Halloween! said
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vic said
Happy Halloween everyone from Vic in Pittsburgh. So how is everyone
Successful Blog - The Mic Is On — It’s Halloween! said
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Successful Blog - It Was Halloween and Link Were Leaking! said
[...] Related articles The Mic Is On: Happy Birthday to SOBs Everywhere! [...]
Virtual PreConference Bring-a-Link Event! : SOBCon 07 said
[...] You might remember the birthday party and link event at Successful-Blog last October. It was a real blow-out, virtual all-day event. Friends met up and new friends were introduced. People came and went through the comment box — for 18 hours. The conversation never stopped. [...]
cat said
* 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?
Hmmmm, DWB isn’t in the ‘best content’ category. Falling short, I’ll just have to give you my personal favs, where I wrote (and rewrote) in response to life getting in the way of planned posts.
Happy Birthday DWB ….
And a Blogging Birthday Coup to you too
Bombing Bangkok on New Years Eve
So for me, I’d say a Successful Post is where you write from the heart.
The Mic Is On: Happy 2nd Birthday to SOBs Everywhere! - Liz Strauss at Successful Blog - Thinking, writing, business ideas . . . You’re only a stranger once. said
[...] articles 2006 Birthday Party! A Party Invitation to 646 SOBs  Successful and Outstanding [...]
Meikah Delid said
Happy happy happy birthday SOBs everywhere!
Another good job on this party, Liz! More success and more successful events come your way.
I don’t have a link to my post on CustServ because the site is down, and we suspect it was hacked. Sorry to dampen the celebration
… but that’s how it is.
Let me share some quotes instead on success and outstanding that I believe apply to SOBs.
“Four short words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd: a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more.” A. Lou Vickery
“The signs of outstanding leadership appear primarily among the followers. Are the followers reaching their potential? Are they learning? Serving? Do they achieve the required results? Do they change with grace? Manage conflict?” Max De Pree
The Mic Is On: Happy 3rd Birthday to SOBs Everywhere! - Liz Strauss at Successful Blog - Thinking, writing, business ideas . . . You’re only a stranger once. said
[...] articles 2006 Birthday Party! The Mic Is On: Happy 2nd Birthday to SOBs [...]