Successful Blog

Dear Emperor: A Test for Your Next Link Post

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Dear Emperor,
I’m writing to tell you that I know. Well, everyone does. In the past, you’ve a problem with things that people see that you could not. The problem was that no one would tell you.

I’ve heard that once that you were walking around, . . . well, sorry to be so forward . . . with no clothes on. [blush] Please forgive me for bringing that up, but it is relevant.

And relevant is really what you need to think about.

I don’t want someone to write a book called, The Emperor Has No Content. or The Emperor Takes His Love to Town

That’s a problem. I’d like to help change that. In that effort, I offer this test for your next link post.

  • Who am I writing this post for? If the answer is NOT my readers, please start over. Step outside yourself, and ask “If I saw this post on another blog, would I actually want to read it?”
  • Have I personally checked out every blog on this list? If the answer is NOT yes,please start over. I know you are generous to a fault, but it’s not link love to put your name on a place you’ve never been. Using the same metaphor, that’s . . . um, er . . . promiscuous. It’s a matter of self-respect and respect for the readers in your blogdom.
  • Am I using links to buy traffic? If the answer is yes, please start over. Traffic that is bought will only stay as long as you keep paying for it. You don’t need to pay to be noticed — really, it just takes a little more time, and everyone will see how good you are.

Oh Emperor. Your link shows a quality and relevant relationship that you want to share with your blogdom. It is your seal of approval, your vote for someone’s content. Your readers and your search bots pay attention. They see the folks that you endorse, even when you don’t.

I’m sorry, Emperor, I tried to say this as nicely as I could.

Sincerely,

Liz's Signature

Do the work and the recognition will come.
I remember when someone told me that.

We Talked About Art!

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Hi Everyone! Every week Sandy and I try to think how to sum all that we talked about but you know it’s impossible to capture the joy, humor, and camaraderie of four hours in one simple blog post. And as much as I like taking a clever comment and sharing it here, it sure takes time and once in a while it embarrasses folks.

So we’re going to stop trying to do the impossible, trying to retell a fabulous memory, and instead let you enjoy the comments as they were said whole.

It was a busy night. We were talking about art. What makes it art? How do you know it’s art? Is that art? Graphic design, photography, ceramics, weaving, welding, spin art, calligraphy, graffiti, concrete, flower arranging, art therapy, music, cinema, theatre, architecture, poetry, dance, modern, renaissance, gothic, folk, fine, painting, drawing, sculpture, stained glass, blown glass, calligraphy, art history, art fairs, art galleries, art in the park, Art isn’t what you hang on a refrigerator, and don’t drink and draw. Wow!

You can read all about it in the We’re Art Crazy! Comments

Here are some cool links we shared.

Thanks to everyone for the cool links and for being part of the conversation. I’m so sorry I missed half the night and that he server has been misbehaving.

See you next Tuesday? I sure hope so.
–ME “Liz” Strauss

What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?

WANT TO GUEST HOST AN OPEN COMMENT NIGHT WITH ME? PICK A THEME AND TELL ME ABOUT IT. C’MON IT’LL BE FUN!

The Mic Is On: We’re Art Crazy . . .

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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.

We’re Talking About Art!

We might talk about

  • What makes it art?
  • How do you know it’s art?
  • Is that art?
  • graphic design, photography, ceramics, weaving, welding, spin art, calligraphy, graffiti, concrete, flower arranging, art therapy, music, cinema, theatre, architecture, poetry, dance
  • modern, renaissance, gothic, folk, fine
  • painting, drawing, sculpture, stained glass, blown glass, calligraphy
  • art history, art fairs, art galleries, art in the park
  • Art isn’t what you hang on a refrigerator.
  • Don’t drink and draw.

And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey.

Oh, and bring a link, if you have one to share.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?

Open Mic 7pm Chgo Time: Let’s Talk About Art!

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Yes the Mic Will Be on Tonight

Join Us Tonight for Tues. Open Comments

We’re Talking About Art!

Let’s talk about ART. What makes it art? How do you know it’s art? Graphic design, photography, ceramics, weaving, welding, spin art, calligraphy, graffiti, concrete, flower arranging, art therapy, music, cinema, theatre, architecture, poetry, dance, modern, renaissance, gothic, folk, fine, painting, drawing, sculpture, stained glass, blown glass, calligraphy, art history, art fairs, art galleries, art in the park, and anything else that comes up.

Art isn’t what you hang on a refrigerator.

Don’t drink and draw.

Oh, and bring a link about art to share, if you have one.

The rules are simple — be nice.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?

We Talked About Las Vegas . . .

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Hi Everyone! Every week Sandy and I try to think how to sum all that we talked about but you know it’s impossible to capture the joy, humor, and camaraderie of four hours in one simple blog post. And as much as I like taking a clever comment and sharing it here, it sure takes time and once in a while it embarrasses folks.

So we’re going to stop trying to do the impossible, trying to retell a fabulous memory, and instead let you enjoy the comments as they were said whole.

It was a busy night. We were talking about Las Vegas!

Wow!

You can read all about it in the We’re in Las Vegas! Comments

Here are some cool links we shared.

Thanks to everyone for the cool links and for being part of the conversation.

See you next Tuesday? I sure hope so.
–ME “Liz” Strauss

What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?

WANT TO GUEST HOST AN OPEN COMMENT NIGHT WITH ME? PICK A THEME AND TELL ME ABOUT IT. C’MON IT’LL BE FUN!

The Mic Is On: We’re in Las Vegas!

by

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.

We’re Talking About Las Vegas!

We might talk about

  • what’s to like about it?
  • gambling
  • shows
  • food
  • Wayne Newton
  • weddings
  • conferences
  • travel rates
  • weather
Picture taken from 14th floor of Treasure Island Casino in Las Vegas around 9 a.m.

And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey.

Oh, and bring a link, if you have one to share.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?