Write a Guest Post for the Middle Zone!
Have you ever thought to yourself, “Gee, I’d sure love to write a guest post for Middle Zone Musings”? If so, then you’re playin’ my song! (If, on the other hand, you’re thinkin’ to yourself, “Now why in tarnation would I want to do that?” then read on…)
The fact is, whether you’re a newbie or an old hand, guest posting is a great way to gain exposure (Eek! Not that kind of exposure, silly!), spread your wings, and introduce yourself to new folks. And getting to know each other is, after all, the heart and soul of social media, right?
There’s a First Time for Everything
I remember my first guest post like it was yesterday…
‘Way back when I was just a newbie, wet-behind-the-ears blogger (almost 3 years ago now – practically pre-historic times in blog years), I simply wrote about this and that; y’know, mainly just learnin’ the ropes. I found plenty of other blogs to read, began to get to know a few folks, and even started leaving comments here and there. It was a heady time – bein’ “out there” like that!
Hey, it wasn’t without its rewards. After about six months or so, I managed to pick up a grand total of about, um, 5 readers (starkly testified by that little Feedburner chiclet over there in the sidebar). Man, was I tearin’ it up, or what? Still, I have to admit to wonderin’ now and then if “this blog stuff” was worth it or not
Then one day, a fine upstanding member of my vast army of, er, fan asked me to write a guest post. Really? Me? Man, I’m tellin’ ya, it was like… well, it was like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, fresh drops of dew on a bright yellow daffodil, that morning bowl of Rice Crispies when you first pour milk over ‘em and they start to Snap, Crackle, and, y’know, Pop!
As a matter of fact, it was my Down Under friend Pete Aldin, who asked me to participate in his group writing project and submit a guest post. So I threw caution to the winds and wrote How I Won the War on That Stupid Pipe.
Actually, it was kinda fun to think, just like that, my pointless bletherings pithy prose would be seen by an entirely new group of folks. I’m tellin’ ya; I was inspired!
The Forum is OPEN!
OK, like I said up top, I’m lookin’ for folks who would like to write a post for the Middle Zone. If you’d like to be a guest writer here (or at least think you would), then I’d like to hear from you.
What do I have to do, you ask? Hey, glad you asked!
Since all we do here is tell stories “about lessons learned from life”, then all you have to do is tell a story about something you learned from… well, pretty much anything. You get to choose the topic. You can be serious or silly, prolific or pithy, ridiculous or rambunctious; it’s up to you. Also, length is not an issue, long or short.
And, although I’ll naturally screen ‘em (hey, I’m not a complete whack job), there’s pretty much only two rules here: 1) keep it rated G (ultimately, it’s determined by yours truly), and 2) be nice. As for editing, I’ll try to keep it to a minimum, and will only do it in a way that makes you look better. Promise.
If you’re interested, then let me know by sending me an email. (And if we don’t know each other yet, then by all means, introduce yourself! I promise I won’t bite. Very hard.)
Guest Posts So Far
The truth is, as much as I enjoy posting elsewhere, I truly enjoy having folks guest post here at the Middle Zone! (And it’s nice to have the occasional day off.) If you’d like to join ‘em, you’ll be in some fine company, I’ll tell ya!
Here’s a list of who’s posted here at the Zone to date:
Confessions of a PDF Addict, by Chris Garrett
What I Learned From Balloon Animals, by Karen Swim
My Slapstick Moment on the Slopes, by Brad Shorr
Obstacles in Your Path, by Joanna Young
Editorial Wisdom, by Liz Strauss
Just When They Think You’re Smart, by Brad Shorr
The Year I Learned There Really is a Santa Claus, by J. Sewell Perkins
What I Learned From Kevin Eikenberry, by Kevin Eikenberry
Why not throw caution to the winds and join ‘em? I’m waiting to hear from ya!
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Image: Keyboard – blur, by striatic
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15 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...
Wow – that’s a fine list of previous guest post writers! Dare I step up to be counted amongst them? Let me have a rummage around my heart and see if I can find some courage in there, all covered in lint right at the bottom…
Emma Newmans last blog post..The rule of three
Robert,
I just took a spoonful of courage juice mixed with orange and am now humbly raising my hand – could I —ahemm — may I – would you consider me as a possible guest post? Of course it might make you to do more hard editorial work than you use to do with other guest authors…
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..At the Roadside
@Emma – That’s great, Emma! Brush off the lint and I’ll get in touch with you next week.
@Ulla – I would love to have you drop by the Zone for a visit! I’ll get in touch next week!
As soon as I get good enough … um … brave enough … as soon as I find the SE thing … self-esteem? … (the usual excuses of the shy), I will apply, simply because I would be in such good company, and I love this blog
Karen
I really enjoyed some of your past guest bloggers. The confessions of a PDF addict really hit home for someone who spends as much time in front of the computer as me. Downloading free ebooks is a guilty pleasure of mine for far too long now.
I’ll have to mull over the idea of posting as a guest blogger, that is if you’ll have me
Matts last blog post..UFC PS3 Undisputed 2009 Game
@Karen – Well, we’d love to have you join the ranks, Karen! Don’t worry; we have a great audience here at the Zone. After all – you’re in it!
@Matt – I’ve got a spot with your name on it, Matt!
It sounds like an interesting idea, Robert. By allowing the guest authors to guest writing on your blog, it able to bring more diversity to the Middle zone musings! I’m sure your email will be bombarded by emails, soon after you’ve announced this offer! Lol
I love the thought of guest bloggers. I think we should have a day or a week of it to promote other blogs. Let me know if I can be of some assistance to your undertaking!
Tuckers last blog post..Whats Happening on the Farm
[...] to my feed. Thanks, and a tip o’ the hat to ya!Last week I issued an invitation for y’all to write a guest post here at the Middle Zone. Several folks have stepped up to the call, and I hope you’ll consider it [...]
@Tucker – Well… I appreciate the offer to help, Tucker; it’s truly appreciated. So… when can I expect to see your guest post? Got a nice spot all picked out for it!
By the hat you wear, I know you like hats. Can you accept a guest post from someone with a tri-corner hat? I think I can come up with something clean and interesting without talking about hats.
Steve Sherlocks last blog post..job search notes: the best worker is a trust agent
@Steve – Hey, I’ll be happy to host a post from a fellow hat-bearer, Steve! Just drop it by anytime…
[...] Hey, I’m still open for more. The fact is, they not only come in handy when I’m too busy to write something new, but give your readers a chance to be seen by a new audience – a win-win! Hey, if you’re interested in more exposure (Eek! Not that kind of exposure, silly!), then check out this post for details.] [...]