Comments on: Why writers should blog: it's not personal, it's business

By: 100 Essential Tips & Tools for Writers of the Future | Associate Degree - Facts and Information

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:35:31 +0000

[...] Start a blog: Start a blog to extend your brand and reach more readers and industry people online. [...]

By: It pays freelancers to find wiggle room in exclusivity clauses « WordCount – Freelancing in the Digital Age

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:55:58 +0000

[...] that would have restricted my ability to blog about topics I also write about. One of the reasons I got into blogging in the first place was to get up to speed on topics I want to write about, so I’m not going to agree to limit [...]

By: Michelle Rafter

Michelle Rafter — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:30:41 +0000

So sorry you missed us. Not to worry, I’ll do announce the 3rd annual WordCount Blogathon well in advance of May 2010 to give you and anyone else who wants to join plenty of time to get ready.

MVR

By: Michelle Rafter

Michelle Rafter — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:29:55 +0000

Danielle, thank you for participating. The blogathon has taken on a life of its own, far beyond anything I could have imagined when I started it a year ago. As writers we work alone so much of time it’s a treat to do something as a group, especially for those of us (like me) who at one time worked in a newsroom or on staff at a magazine and remember the camaraderie that offered.

MVR

By: Michelle Rafter

Michelle Rafter — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:27:07 +0000

Thanks Kerry, it was a lot of work, but a lot of fun too. We just finished the wrap party & I’m in the process of posting the transcript of our Twitter chat here.

MVR

By: Kerry Dexter

Kerry Dexter — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:30:33 +0000

Michelle,
I’ve enjoyed the blogathon, though I didn’t participate directly– okay, I did two guest posts at one of the participating blogs, A Traveler’s Library, commented on other blogs, and read yet others. Here’s wishing you all a great wrap party and many fine posts and conversations ahead.

By: Horrible Sanity

Horrible Sanity — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:18:46 +0000

Michelle,

Let me first start by saying that it has been an absolute pleasure not only being a member of the blogathon, but also getting to know all my fellow bloggers that also participated. I made lots of new friends and I gained a lot of readers along the way since May 1.

I appreciate the opportunity that you gave us to not only get to gain new friends, but also to help one another out. Writing is such a personal journey no matter what category your place yourself in. And to see others taking it so seriously to blog daily and give each other feedback and comments was just fantastic.

I can’t wait to continue to be a part of your blogathons in the coming years.

Thanks again. For the support, the friendship, and most of all the chance to get our voices heard, recognized, and taken seriously as writers. I know it means a lot to all of us who participated in your blogathon.

By: Jackie Dishner

Jackie Dishner — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:46:27 +0000

I think the relationship with readers and followers is the whole point of blogging. So, yes, do find ways/time to engage–on both ends. For me, that’s what MAKES the whole experience, though I admit it’s harder to get to other sites than it is to respond from your own. It behooves you to do both, as best you can.

Thanks for initiating the best blogathon yet! All the extras added great fun to the learning process.

By: 2 Lessons Learned During the Blogathon « The Social Writer

2 Lessons Learned During the Blogathon « The Social Writer — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:19:55 +0000

[...] But I could have done better. I should have done better. Why? Because blogging is as much a business as it is a passion. [...]

By: Michelle Rafter

Michelle Rafter — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:05:02 +0000

Jackie: Thank you for articulating so completely so many of the same thoughts I’ve had these past few days thinking about this year’s blogathon. Blogging is not a solitary pursuit; one thing I tried to do more of this month was reply to comment – this I am with this one – in order to keep the conversation going. If the 21st century news model is shared communication, than having a relationship with your readers is one more way to practice for what’s to come.

MVR