August Blogger Awards

August saw 54 BBC Blogs Updated
Remember September 4th is BBC Blogging Day
Here are the nominations for posts of the month

Steph on God's Immutability
Elizabeth's Cold Cat
Lindy's Top 10 TV Shows
Dave's RobBELLion
Jessica's Fling with Fall
Kelly's Trouble/Trimph of 2

The Blogger of the Month Award Goes to AJ. I really like reading about his church visits. Though AJ has had plenty of nominations for 'post of the month,' this is, according to my records, his first award for blogger of the month.

January: Elizabeth S
February: Kirk P
March: Kirk P
April: Elizabeth S
May: Steph P
June: Julie M
July: Mark B
August: AJ T

#8 Add On

The long lost series on the 10 Commandments of Blogging is back. Just 3 Weblog laws left! So far we've discussed...

#1 Pick a Platform
#2 Win the Name Game
#3 Find your True Colors
#4 Hit Your Target
#5 Be Consistent
#6 Comment Unto Others
#7 Think Themes

The 8th Commandment of blogging is 'thou shalt add on.' Quality text is the stuff of a great blog, but the best blogs have some useful 'add-ons' that add value to the extended site experience. But first a note of caution: Just because you CAN add something to your blog, doesn't mean you SHOULD! Let me give you a for instance: When I was first getting started in the blogosphere, I found out that ESPN offered a ticker add-on that would flash live scores at the top of my blog. That sounded cool, but it wasn't what my blog was about. Don't add just anything.

So what SHOULD you add? My advice is to think of Add-ons like makeup on a girl. Makeup shouldn't be attention grabbing, but discreet. Some girls wear way too much makeup in general, or really go overboard in 1 particular area. The same problem exists with blog add-ons. Some people simply have too many. Others just have add-ons that are too bulky. Add-ons, like makeup, are best when they make a subtle yet positive difference. (Think about how myspace was ruined by add-ons, and facebook 'applications' are putting it in danger as well)

There are hundreds of potential add-ons. I actually have 7 items that could be considered add-ons. Each one has a subtle and important purpose. First, under my heading I have the alphabet. Each letter is a link to a site I visit often. Hardly noticeable, but highly useful. Obviously that is a self-made add-on. Second & third, I have 2 link lists which are used by dozens of people on a daily basis. Fourth, fifth, sixth & seventh are all 'stat' add-ons (we'll discuss stats later) including the interesting cluster map, a hit counter, an overall stat-keeper, and a online users update. These add-ons are mostly for my own benefit, but can be used to build momentum for your blog.

1000 POSTS

It's hard to believe this is my 1000th post. It seems like only 842 posts ago that my blog was born. I thought about celebrating by listing some of my favorite posts, but I do that on my blog's birthday & at the end of each year already. Instead, I think I'll just take this moment to declare that blogging is great. It has made me a better writer & thinker. It has made me more consistent and focused. It has given me new friends and skills. The 1st 1000 has been fun!

It's amazing to think how much my life will probably change by the time I reach 2000 posts. Who knows what's in store? We'll find out together right here! (Technically, you'll find out after me, but usually within 24 hours).

1 More Week

Just 1 more week until BBC BLOGGING DAY! I'm so excited to start this tradition. I'm setting the goal for this year at 33. It's a small, attainable goal. Simply put, 33 BBC'ers need to post to their blog on September 4th. To reach this goal I need your help. Tell all your friends on the link list about BBC Blogging Day! You have 1 week.

Doerfel Family

We had another bluegrass concert last night. The Doerfel's were back and this time they brought Goldwing Express with them. Very fun concert. Here's a youtube of a newish Doerfel song.