What I Learned From… Mashing It Up!
Howdy, y’all! Today is the first Monday of the month – and we all know what that means, right! Yep; it’s WILF day (sound of crowd cheering enthusiastically)! And as promised, this time we’re tossing in yet another bit of a challenge, just to keep you on your toes.
OK, this is going to take a bit of background, so bear with me a bit. But I just want to say right up front; it’s Mike DeWitt’s fault. See, it’s sorta like this…
Not long ago (April 2th) I published a post titled Peace… and Quiet, a story about my discovery of The Quietest Place on Earth (I think its somewhere in Germany). Within moments, the blogosphere erupted in a frenzy of activity as the ramifications of my obvious genius completely flummoxed experts round the world. No doubt someone’s already built a shrine there.
Well… what actually happened was (I’ve always considered myself a legend in my own time mind), er, it picked up a few comments, including this thought from Mr. Mike:
“It’s not often you get Godzilla and Get Smart in the same post…” [Ed. - you'll just have to read it]
OK, so sometimes Mike and I get to exchanging quips back and forth. It’s like, as Liz Strauss put it once, “playing in the sandbox”. Anyway, I responded that all we needed was “Tiny Tim tiptoeing through the tulips”, and the picture would be complete. Which sorta initiated the germ of an idea, and I told him so. (Mike’s comment: “Better hide the wimmen and childrens”!)
I said to myself, “You know, Self, he’s right! You don’t often get such diametrically opposed topics in the same room, much less the same post!” Well naturally it made me think of a mashup!
You know what a mashup is, don’t you? (No, silly; It’s not like mashed potatoes, where you take one thing and, well, mash it.) Naw; it’s where somebody combines two or more things together and produces something really really good. Like how Google Earth enables you or me to upload photos, and tie them to their actual locations on the globe. Or something really practical, like putting peanut butter on my chocolate.
So this month, we’re going to mash it up!
I’ll warn you now, though; this one might cause you to exercise a few extra little gray cells than previous WILFs (sound of audience stampeding for the door).
Gee, that went well, don’t you think?
OK; for those of you unable to escape still here, now we get to the challenge (and don’t worry; it’s easy). Your job, should you choose to accept it, is to write your usual What I Learned From… entry, except this time, you get to pick two, three, or as many topics as you like from the list below! And, just to make it a real challenge, special bonus points go to those of you who use multiple topics in your post.
See? I told you it was easy! Here’s the topics (there are 18, in no order whatsoever):
Heck; why not really impress me and go for a bunch – or maybe all of ‘em? In fact, as a bonus, the outstanding participant who incorporates the most topics will earn a special place of honor in the WILF Hall of Fame.
Now, you can decide how you want to do it; as you know, I’m pretty easy-going. For instance, you can write a post that includes one or more of the above topics in it. Or, you can go the other way and write something about any number of ‘em (hint: that’s the direction I took for mine – you’ll see it tomorrow). As long as the end result illustrates “lessons learned”, then ya got it!
What to Do
Hey, you know the drill. Like I said; you can pretty much write anything you like, as long as it illustrates a lesson (or lessons) learned, and in this case incorporates at least two or more of the topics above. Be specific. Be non-specific. And, since I never impose a restriction on length, be as eloquent as you like (you don’t have to write a book – although you can if you want to!)
But most of all, be yourself – and write something! And don’t forget the details…
Now, normally, WILF projects are open to contributions for only one week. However, in consideration of the fact that a) the challenge is a bit harder this time, and b) some of you (myself included) just got back from a very full weekend at SOBCon08, I’m going to give you TWO WHOLE WEEKS for this one (sound of crowd going, “whew!”) Yep; that means we’re open for business from now thru midnight, Sunday night, May 18.
[Let's not forget the disclaimer, though: As usual, should you or any of your team be caught or killed, or, you know, break a fingernail or something during the execution of this project, the Secretary will disavow all knowledge of your existence.]
To participate, here’s all you have to do:
- Write a new post on your blog with a link to THIS POST (uh, the one you’re reading now). As I said, feel free to be as eloquent (or concise) as you like. C’mon; show off for us!
- Include in the title the phrase: “What I Learned From _____” (or something similar)
- Send me an email (rhruzek@sbcglobal.net) containing your name, the title of your post, and the permalink of the post. (To make sure I don’t miss it.)
(By the way; help me out – make it obvious which topics you used. I may be slow… but at least I’m dense!)
That’s all there is to it! Next Monday, May 19, I will post the entire list of entries right here at the Middle Zone, so be sure and drop by to check ‘em all out.
As always, we have just two simple rules around here:
- For the sake of the general blogging audience, please keep it G-Rated. (Also please note: this is a request, not a demand, since after all it’s your blog and you can do what you want. Fair warning: I can choose to link to you or not.)
- Be nice.
All right, ladies and gentlemen; you know what to do! Grab the writing instrument of your choice and start writing!
[Note from the Proprietor - I realize it takes a little time to write your entries, but would you mind too terribly not waiting until midnight on Sunday night, May 18, to notify me? Sometimes it can be difficult to get them all compiled by Monday's 6 am post time! I surely thank you, and as a token of my appreciation - have yourself a cookie!]
56 responses so far
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...
Robert, you said this one would be special … and you were right! The wheels are turning.
Aha! So that’s what that noise is!
Hi Robert.
Oh dear, hope I don’t mess up the mashup
but count me in – two weeks deadline is a great help.
Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)
“Mess up the mashup” – hey, that’s a catchy phrase, Karin. But not to worry! I’m sure you’ll do fine, considering it’s pretty much “wide open” for interpretation. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of this one.
Robert, you really keep things lively. I stopped by on the first by mistake since I was going by the first of the month so I’ve been more than a little anxious to see what you had cooked up… no less than mashed potatoes. Now we’ll need some pork and gravy to go with that. And, we can toss in a few pickles for good measure.
Pickles, Robyn? Yuck! On the other hand, a big bowl of cranberry sauce sounds nice, though!
Hey Robert – How positively cool it was to meet you this weekend. This idea is fantastic!!
Thanks, Karen! It was a blast for me to meet you and so many other new folks, too.
Now here is a WILF that I can handle!
Thanks for the mention. Most of my comments are not so long-lived.
Mike
Ya better watch yerself, Mike! Some comments will live in infamy! And here at the Zone, I always try to put the
blamecredit where credit is due!Blame sound about right! LOL
Puns work well to describe events as “pickles,” Robert. I had a little tongue in cheek on that one. Guess if I’m serving up pork and gravy with mashed potatoes a little applesauce works well, too.
I knew that, Robyn; I was just funnin’ ya. But all this food talk is making me hungry! Good thing it’s almost lunch time!
Robert,
This one does indeed look challenging–yet fascinating, as well! I have an insanely busy writing month ahead, though; so I’m not sure I’ll be able to participate. If I can, I will. But, either way, I just know it will be totally interesting to see the entries!
Great idea for a WILF project!
Jeanne
“Insanely busy”, Jeanne? Gee, sounds like you need to take a vacation! Or at least a “time out”. But no worries – I think we’re going to get some interesting entries on this one and I look forward to reading them as well.
Cheers!
I’ve got just the thing… Heh heh heh. And yeah, we were trying to do our highcallingblogs.com writing project all in five days. It’s a whirlwind, but we got short notice on one of the retreat offers.
It doesn’t need to be anything fancy. In fact, I suspect SOBcon was a sort of retreat for you… hint, hint.
Uh-oh… that evil laugh is freakin’ me out, Marcus. Should I hide the women and children?
SOBCon was fun, but as a retreat – man, I’m bushed! However, I should be able to put something together for your project, no worries.
Sounds fun! I’m in
I have never done this but I wanna play too!
“Welcome back home”, Joanna! Hope your flight was a good one, and your arms aren’t too tired!
By the way, I popped that pizza photo into the SOBCon group – take a look.
Karen, so glad to have you join us – you’ll enjoy it, I promise!
[...] and a tip o’ the hat to ya![Note from the proprietor: this is my entry in this month’s What I Learned From… group writing project. If you’d care to participate (and you’re welcome to!), just [...]
I know you did!
Wondering if it can make it’s way into this month’s WILF…
Joanna
Well, come to think of it, it’s something you just learned about food…
[...] What I Learned From Mashing It Up! Group Writing Project Submit your entry until 2008-05-18 here [...]
[...] Oh, and you may want to subscribe to my feed. Thanks, and a tip o’ the hat to ya!This month’s What I Learned From… group writing project is under way, y’all! But don’t panic, you have plenty of time [...]
Man, this sounds like one of the best WILF’s you’ve come up with. Congratulations! Unfortunately, it’s now ending week 9 of my quarter (which is bloody awful), week 10 is next week (even worse), and the following week is finals week and graduation! I think I’ll (unfortunately) be sitting this one out due to time pressure (couldn’t extend the deadline to a month, could ya?
)
Sorry we’ll miss ya, Sam, but ya do what ya gotta do, ya know? Good luck on the exams, Buddy! Let me know how it’s going!
[...] post is part of Robert Hruzek’s latest What I Learned From … group project. This month’s topic is Mashing It Up, and I decided to take it [...]
[...] see, Robert Hruzek is hosting a group writing project where people write about a mash-up of 18 fun topics. I added [...]
What I Learned From The Gifts I Received At SobCon08…
Unpacking from the weekend I noticed a wonderful mash-up of gifts I’d received while I was away. Here’s some of them: Advice on eating pizza from Robert Hruzek (in front of everyone, plus a picture posted on Flickr, thanks so…
Robert, you are hilarious. I’m so glad I met you through the HC blogs writing project. Now, whether I get inspired to mash is another question. Either way though, I’m happy to stop by with a little butter of appreciation. ; – )
Hey, glad to have ya drop by anytime, L.L.!
Yes… to Mash, or not to Mash; that indeed is the question! Whether ’tis nobler on the plate to suffer the mashing and smashing of outrageous utensils, or to take arms against a sea of gravy, and by opposing, end up being swallowed whole…
Er, sorry. Got my Shakespeare game on… :-\
Congratulations. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you need to get on over to GoodWord.) Just wanted to extend a smile and a little sweet butter.
Wow, thanks, L.L.! I just got the news! Looks like Mrs. MZM are goin’ up to Laity Lodge!
[...] month the assignment for Robert Hruzek’s What I Learned From… series is to take two or more of the following topics and combine them in a post: School, Writing, [...]
Okay, my post is way too long, but I do believe I got all the words in. You’re a bad influence on me! But it was fun.
http://stresstopower.com/blog/2008/05/11/what-i-learned-from-our-trip-to-deerfield/
Hey, good one, Jean; you got ‘em all! Not to mention sharing an excellent tool for managing the mashups of life, too. Way to go!
[...] the way, since we’re still in the midst of our What I Learned From… writing project, I looked this post over and realized I’ve touched on at least 5 of our 18 [...]
Hi Robert
Think I messed up the track-back again, so here’s my mash-up contribution
And thanks for the extended deadline, needed that!
Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)
Great entry, and excellent thinking, Karin! Thanks for joining us this time, I’m glad the extended deadline helped.
Ok, i took a stab at it. It was fun.
Looked good to me, GL.
Um, don’t forget to post it!
[...] Robert Hruzek has initiated projects title “What I Learn From” or WILF, it’s a group writing project where you are given a challenge about what you have learned from a certain topic. The topic is changed every month, and this month’s is “What I Learn from… Mashing It Up!” [...]
Hi Robert,
finally, I got a chance to join your project. The 2 weeks is really helpful. Thanks, I’m not mashing up a lot in my project, but I’m sharing about mashing up many types of content in my post.
Check it out!
What I learn from messing up with mashing up
Cheers,
Robert
Great to have you join us this time, Robert! You’re on the list!
[...] group writing project and also for the challenge from Robert Hruzek at Middle Zone Musings, What I Learned From… Mashing It Up! The point about Robert’s challenge was to write a WILF story addressing two or more topics [...]
What We’ve Learned (so far) from our JJL Movie Mashups…
“Howdy, y’all! Today is the first Monday of the month – and we all know what that means, right! Yep; it’s WILF day (sound of crowd cheering enthusiastically)! And as promised, this time we’re tossing in yet another bit of…
[...] Hruzek has given us a challenge in this month’s What I Learned From … group writing project. Instead of giving us one subject, he’s given us enough topics to cover [...]
[...] Texas sized applause) for all the folks who joined in for this month’s group writing project: What I Learned From Mashing It Up! Thanks again for sharing your stories (and more importantly, your lessons learned) with the rest [...]
[...] Unlike last month, though, I’m only giving you one topic this time: ANIMALS. But hey, it’s broad enough, don’t you think? So my fine feathered friends; now’s your chance to write a post about a thing (or things) you learned from the animal kingdom. [...]
Too bad I missed this mashup challenge. I love these kind of games where you have to write stories that look silly at first but in the end turn out to be something with sense after all. Lets do this again at the end of Summer when everybody is back from their holidays. Count me in at that time. I’ll subscribe to your RSS feed to not forget about it this time.
Howdy, Drew! Glad you finally found your way into the Middle Zone before all was, er, lost!
Don’t worry; there’s a new WILF comes along every month on the first Monday! See ya there!
Another great WILF article really enjoyed reading, sometimes when you see you live a mixture of a whole bunch of hard works it makes you feel creepy and you hate living your life then you normally need a vacation or a long drive which comforts. along with mashing up a whole lot things in your routine never forget to include a little activities which can ease your brain. such like movies, songs, hanging out with friends, having a coffee with your partner at evening (makes you nearer while you work separately)
MOins last blog post..Track Your Backlinks And Search Engine Index With iTracker
Nice one, WILF day. I will give this thing a try, I just hope something good comes out.
Hope to see you at the next WILF, Adam!