What I Learned From Blogapalooza 2009
Yee-Haw, y’all! No, wait… lemme say that again, with feeling: YEEE-HAAAW!
I’d like y’all to give a big round of applause (sound of big round of applause) for all the folks who participated in Blogapalooza! I’m tellin’ ya; it puts a tear in the eye when I see how many folks from all over the world decided to join us for this year’s event.
We also had an amazing cross-section of demographics represented this year. Folks from all over the world, published authors, university professors, home makers, teachers, reporters, high tech – and not-so-high-tech – folks; you name it, we probably had someone representing that group. (NOTE – In case you missed ‘em, a complete list of participants is here, while a list of the army of kick-starters is here.)
But naturally, that’s not the whole story. In fact, I’ve identified at least three very important lessons to be learned from the experience (not that there aren’t more, of course!) Naturally, I’d like to share a few of ‘em with you (which should come as no surprise since that’s, y’know, what I do).
First, a Few Numbers
Although some may not have realized it, this was actually the second Blogapalooza at the Zone (here’s the results of the first one), and statistically, this year’s event was nothing less than a blowout!
The first Blogapalooza had 33 entries. (Note I didn’t say “only” – hey, it was my first time; I was thrilled to get any!) This time there were 128 entries. Not bad, considering I was, well, only goin’ for 100, don’cha think? That’s a 388% increase over last year!
Not only that, but this year I asked a whole herd o’ folks if they’d be willing to help kick it off by sending me their posts early (to “prime the pump”, so to speak). Out of 62 people asked, 31 followed through and contributed their post prior to the kickoff date (Jan. 5), which translates to a 50% response rate – not bad by anyone’s standards! (By the way, no problem if you were asked but couldn’t do it. I promise you’ll not be gettin’ a midnight visit from Guido and the boys for a pep talk or anything. Really.)
OK, now for the payoff. During the course of the last three weeks, there were 1,258 outgoing links to your posts (well, not all to yours… you get my meanin’, right?) Now, divide that number by 128 participants and you get… well, lemme see now… multiply by 3… carry the 7 (hold on, I gotta get my shoes off to calculate this one)… that averages out to 9.828125 links per participant! (I’m tellin’ ya, it’s amazing how accurate you can be when you use all yer fingers and toes, ain’t it?)
Anyhoo, now on to three simple, yet powerful lessons I learned from this year’s experience.
The Power of an Invitation
One of the most interesting things I learned was related to everyone’s favorite topic: social media. The fact is, bein’ sociable is what social media is all about, right? But is it really all that valuable? Is it desirable? Is it kosher?
Well, maybe that last one is for better folks than me to decide… but on the first two, I’d say the answer is a resounding “yes”. As exhibit one, let’s take a look at what happened here.
When you get right down to it, folks contributed an entry to Blogapalooza because, well, I invited ‘em to! (Or someone else asked ‘em to.) That’s pretty much it! No money, no prizes, no book signing offers… well, you get the picture, I think. (Although a book offer does sound kinda nice, doesn’t it? Maybe one day when I’m rich and famous. Or when pigs fly, which is a far more likely occurrence.)
But if you think about it, this event is a great illustration of the (if you’ll pardon the much over-used expression) power of social media: people doin’ somethin’, simply because they were invited to take part. (Oh, sure; I’m greatly simplifying it for the sake of illustration, but I think you get my meanin’.)
Who Do You Trust?
Now, a corollary to the previous lesson is that little word we all love to hate: trust. See, folks also did what I asked because, for whatever reason, they trusted me. I don’t say that in a proud way, mind you; the truth is I’m tremendously honored that so many would do so enought to participate in this event. (Yep; It’s all I can do not to insert a line here about a bridge I’d like to sell you. But I, uh, won’t.)
Anyhoo – I think part of why folks trusted me (at least, for this) is because they believed I would do what I said I’d do: point folks to their websites. And that’s the lesson: do what you say you’re going to do. Hey, it’s a “three-fer”: plain, pithy and powerful.
Guilt Virtue by Association
One of the reasons this event was so much bigger than last year’s was through my association with the fine folks over at HighCallingBlogs network. There are over 300 (and counting) blogs in the network now, and thanks to Marcus Goodyear and Dan Roloff, I was given the opportunity to appeal directly to the membership for help in kicking things off.
What amazed me, though, was how many folks jumped aboard right from the get-go! Now that was gratifying, I’ll tell ya! And it illustrates yet another point: that some folks will trust you based on who you associate with. Because of many of these folks, we had a great start to this year’s project. And because of you fine folks, we topped my goal of 100 posts – by a considerable margin!
Yep; half the battle of getting to know new folks is knowin’ enough about ‘em to know you’d like to associate with ‘em, right? But how do you do that when you don’t know them at all. Well, you can start by looking at who (or is it ‘whom’?) they are associated with. Hey, it’s not a perfect system – and you need to be careful about judging a book by its cover (so to speak) – but at least it’s a place to start.
Kinda begs the question, though: Who do folks associate with you?
So What About YOU?
All right; enough bloviating from yours truly.
What about y’all? What did YOU learn from Blogapalooza this year? Was it worth your time? Did you make any new friends? Was it everything you hoped for? And… what about Mary Lou?
Leave a comment and let us know, why don’cha? As always, we’ll leave the light on for ya.
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Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
I was most heartened to see so many people taking part. It’s testimony to the community you’ve built up here. I was only sorry that the numbers meant I just couldn’t attempt to follow the links or comment to those who’d posted here in the way I’d normally try and do.
Joanna Youngs last blog post..An Audacious New Look at Confident Writing: Come and See!
As Joanna already put it, the success of Blogapalooza is testimony for the community you’ve built up here, and, so I might add here, is testimony for you, Robert, as the “leader of the pack” here.
I also had my difficulties following the links, but I soon found out, that there was this list on the archives page, and whenever there was some time left, I came over and clicked through the list. So I had the feeling that I wasn’t missing the whole thing.
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..The Blogger as an Artist?
Robert, It’s all got to do with trust. Folks participated because they trusted you. They trusted you because of the way that you present yourself on your site and in places like Twitter.
People know the real thing when they see it, and Bubba – you’re the real thing.
Thanks for putting this together – I’m sure it took up most of your month!
George
Tumblemooses last blog post..How to write the killer book proposal
I learned I need to blog more. And more specifically, keep my four separate blogs pretty much on topic. I have actually two that I use for the same purpose. I’m actually also going to start another, as a result of this experience.
So, a big thanks to you, Robert, for inspiration, and the additional space to bloviate as well
Matches Malones last blog post..MatchesMalone: Going #offline…. Later, Tweeps!!!
@Joanna – No need to feel like the Lone Stranger, Joanna – I’ve not managed to follow them all either! But it is gratifying to have so many fine folks contribute.
@Ulla – Thanks, Ulla; kind of you to say so.
“Leader of the Pack”, eh? Well, I’ll take that over some of the other things I’ve been called over the years!
@Tumblemoose – Hey, George; I’m just honored to have gained that level of trust from so many folks. Besides, it helps solidify some of the goals I have in mind for the Zone.
And I appreciate you sayin’ I’m the real thing. Now, if I can just figure out, “the real what”, then I’m there!
@Matches Malone – Hey, glad to’ve helped you spot a few things, Mike! Tip o’ the hat, Bubba!
I really enjoyed reading the diversity of topics and found some really great blogs! Thanks for doing that!
Sure Ed I’ll answer that question:
When I get your emails through the subscription I do a quick overview of the entire email first, then go back and reread the one’s that I either had or currently do relate to in some manner; whether small or big. Or sometimes something just sounds interesting to me so I read that as well.
I have learned that there is so much diversity, so much uniqueness and so many multitudes of talent out there that God has given to many, many, individuals. I have been blessed by learning the various ways others view life and God. Some, IMO, take God’s word extremely strict, while other’s are more realistic and human about what He has taught in His word. Each have their own benefits and are equally relatable.
I have been blessed through your ‘group writing participation’ (and let me add, I can’t wait for your next one or something similar) and though I am new to your site, and High Calling Blogs, I find my mind expanding more and the Holy Spirit within me growing and rewarding my mind to be a better follower of Christ.
And yes, I have also gained many new friendships through this site and High Calling Blogs. I love the interaction and cyberspace Christian friendships that I have formed.
I love what you write about “And it illustrates yet another point: that some folks will trust you based on who you associate with.” This is such a good point. Something I must chew on to either convict or bless me.
Tip o’ the hat to ya too!
(Ooops, sorry so long again….yeah, my husband says I talk too much sometimes too. I guess I must work on this a bit.
)
~Sarah
Sarahs last blog post..New Pledge of Allegiance (Totally Awesome)
Thanks so much for your awesome blogapalooza. It was my first and I enjoyed meeting new bloggers. Many of the blogs were simply fabulous and I subscribed to some! I really had some tired eyes some nights I must say…I would enjoy a site so much I just would hang out and read and read. What a blessing! Thanks again!
Diane
Robert,
[NOTE: Tried to leave this comment twice yesterday and each time it was gobbled up and lost forever in the farthest reaches of cyberspace. So, here I am trying yet again and hoping the third time will be a charm. I think it just might, since I've just successfully left you a comment on another post. I suspect that Internet Explorer was just acting up yesterday. My original message follows.]
I was reminded again this year just how great it feels to be part of something so much bigger than oneself. And the value of reviewing our past year’s posts to mine them for lessons learned can hardly be overstated. Thanks for inspiring so many to do just that!
Jeanne
@Val – Hey, thanks for checkin’ ‘em out, Val – and don’t forget to drop by again sometime!
@Sarah – Hey, you can speak your piece here anytime you want, Sarah! Thanks for sharing the things you learned from our little party, and I really DO hope you join us for our regular WILF projects every month.
Tip o’ the hat!
@Diane – Thanks for taking the time to read the many entries, Diane. Hey, the whole point is to introduce you folks to each other. Looks like it worked again!
@Jeanne – Hey, I’m glad your comment finally made it; don’t know what happens to them things…
Glad you managed to get one in just in time, too – it just ain’t the same without ya!
[...] At Middle Zone Musings you can find more on the results of this years Blogapalooza. What I Learned From Blogapalooza 2009 [...]
Hi Robert,
I just got finished writing a short post about Blogapalooza . The biggest thing I think I learned from the process was just how much I had posted in 2008 and the great variety in my posts. I want to avoid duplication.
I also learned that the relationships I have created with other bloggers are invaluable. It was another blogger who I follow who mentioned your project to me otherwise I would not have been any the wiser.
Finally I found your blog which is also a great big plus.
So it is a mighty thank you to you, and a huge debt of gratitude.
Walk in Quiet places,
Nick
Nick Grimshawes last blog post..Blogapalooza What is it?
Hey Nick, I’m glad you found your way over here! Blogapalooza just wouldn’t have been the same without ya, Bubba!
One of the BEST things about Blogapalooza is the exploration of your own archives. We often forget about the jewels in there. Hey, why not TELL folks about ‘em, y’know?
Congratulation Robert, this Blogapalooza is far beyond your expectation and it’s definitely a big achievement indeed!
I have been blown away by the number of people in the blogosphere, particularly the High Calling Blogs Network, who are willing to share their hearts, willing to take time to stop by and offer encouragement and in some cases, put their money where their mouth is – so to speak.
Guilt by association had a negative connotation for me growing up – as I continue to mature in my walk, the associations I have and continue to make mean a great deal to me.
Proud to be part of the blogapalooza and associated with you, Bubba!
Chriss last blog post..It’s all about love
@Wilson – Hey, thanks, Wilson!
@Chris – Well, glad to count you as a fellow Bubba, Chris! I’m honored you’d choose to hang out here. Hat tip to ya!
it is happy to see that the number of people particapating is increasing.some topic could arouse public interests such as social media.whta is more, trusty is alos plays an very important role.