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52WoC#21: Get Your Plurk On

30 June 2008 – 10:47 pm

52 Weeks of Blog Community Hey, hey, hey - welcome to the latest 52 Weeks of Blog Community. How are you today? And, how did you all find last week’s task?

Anyway, I just want to send a quick shout-out to those who shared their lovely voices (and videos at that) from 52WoC #20: Let’s Hear You -

Thank you so much! It was great hearing (and seeing) you all. I hope that there will be more ahead.

And yes, welcome to 52WoC, Melissa. Glad to finally have you here. :-)

For this week’s task, I’m dedicating it to my latest social web media addiction: Plurk. Although I hesitated using it to start with, I became increasingly interested in it due to the conversations that happen within the threads. When I realised that there are plenty of community love that can happen within Plurks, I became a convert.

I also enjoy the “fun” elements within Plurk - the points system (which can be crazy weird), the smileys/emoticons, the very visual representation of communication… the easy way to share photos and videos… Yeah, it’s cool. And, I haven’t said that about many other social web sites/micro blogging platforms.

Anyway, I still Twitter, but I definitely started hanging around Plurk more often lately. And, if you want to add me as a Plurk Friend, you can do so by clicking here. Or, check out my brand spanking new sidebar item with my Plurk widget. And when you do sign up, please say hello.

So, for this week’s task, I invite you to join us Plurkers. If you’re already one, great! All you need is to share your Plurk URL in the comment section here to be considered as a participant this week. Hopefully, you can all find new Plurk friends this way too. :-)

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Blogging & Bloggers | Also tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (9)

52WoC #20: Let’s Hear You!

23 June 2008 – 11:16 pm

52 Weeks of Blog Community Hello and welcome to another 52 Weeks of Blog Community task. And, since this is going to be another 52WoCer-submitted task, I thought I’d start off by sharing last week’s participants (52WoC#19: Suggest a Theme)

  • Toni- who suggested audio posts
  • Kari- who suggested holding a blog contest or blog drawing
  • Lynn Stevens - who suggested a flickr + words mashup
  • Nicola - who suggested the ’suggest a theme’ AND a book club week (or Top 10 books Recommendation)

So, we’ll be working through these suggestions along the way. Thanks again, everyone! And, of course, you’re welcome to keep suggesting new ideas.

Anyway, for this week, we’re taking on Toni’s challenge of sharing an audio post. I’ve done this before, but it’s probably high time for me to do another one. :-) So, I’m definitely planning on doing that this week. And, I hope you will do so too. When you’ve posted your audio posts, do share the link here.

Looking forward to hear your voices!

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Blogging & Bloggers | Also tagged , , , , , | Comments (7)

5 Things I Love about the Great b5media Blog Off

22 June 2008 – 10:56 am

blogoff.jpgSomething’s always happening over at b5media - new blogs, new hires, new acquisitions… And, every now and then, a new project pops up that excites us in more ways than one.

And, one such recent project is “The Great b5media Blog Off” - a 24-hour charity blogging drive where a few of our bloggers from the Business and Entertainment channels (as well as some folks from our Lifestyles channel) blogged for 24 hours last Friday, 20th of June. And yes, all for a cause!

The chosen charities are Accion International (Business), The Actor’s Fund (Entertainment), and The Children’s Hunger Fund (Lifestyles). You can read more about this through our official press release. Or, you can go directly to Accion to donate and/or The Actor’s Fund to donate. (Yes, there’s still time to donate!)

Anyway, there are a few things that I love about this Blog Off -

1. It was Blogger-Driven. Yes, the whole idea originated from bloggers - not management or staff. Actually, it was Kelly Phillips Erb, the Business Channel Editor who first approached me with the idea a few months ago. Got excited about it from the start. And, we started brainstorming. Of course, I wanted to be more involved. But, when my dad passed away, I had to slow down with a few things. And you see, that’s the best thing about blogger-driven community projects: It goes on without me as Community Strategist (or any other management folks). Even the logo was designed by our very own Entertainment Channel Editor, Arieanna Schweber. And I find that really, really wonderful!

2. It brought the b5 Community Together. People got excited about it. Folks shared ideas and suggestions. Those who were not blogging for 24 hours offered to support other bloggers who were doing it - either by offering guest posts, donating, sharing the news, and/or providing some kind of moral support. It was a fabulous way to work together for a good cause.

3. It extended to a Wider Community. Not only were b5 bloggers involved, but there were also invitations to other (non-b5) people to get involved - either by spreading the word, donating, or by becoming guest bloggers on participating blogs. It allowed folks outside the network to take part in a common goal.

4. It supported relevant, great Charities. Each charity by the respective participating channels were chosen with much thought and care. There are soooo many great causes out there. And, one challenge in doing charity events is how to choose which one to support. Business folks chose Accion because of the nature of its cause - micro lending to help people get businesses going to fight poverty. Same thing with Entertainment and The Actor’s Fund, and Lifestyles with The Children’s Hunger Fund (some of our Lifestyles blogs are about parenting, family, etc).

5. It inspired us to do more. It was a great reminder that we can do more as a network. We can do more as bloggers. We can do more as members of our community, our society. And hopefully, we will keep doing more.

Since this was our first official Blog Off as a network, we have plenty to learn from the event. And, I’m looking forward to take those lessons and apply them accordingly. And, we’re hoping that this is just the first of many blogathons.

Again, a big thanks to everyone who were involved in this event - from our fantastic Channel Editors to our bloggers, as well as our staff, various supporters and readers.

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Blogging & Bloggers | Also tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

Adelaide Social Web Media Meet-up: June 2008 Edition

21 June 2008 – 9:25 pm

Adelaide Social Web Media Meet-up: June 2008 Edition

So, sooo glad that I went to Vino’s to meet fellow social web media enthusiasts here in Adelaide last night. I wasn’t feeling well so I didn’t know if I was going to make it or not to our scheduled meet-up. But, I didn’t want to miss it, so off I went - germs and all (sorry guys).

Anyway, there were only 13 of us who made it to the meet-up, but it was definitely no less fun than April’s meet-up. Shows that we do have a great group going here!

Food was great, the venue was lovely. And, topics of conversation flowed from parenting, babies, photography, shoes, food, music, craft, art, and of course, all things web and gadgets - from Facebook apps to Plurk and emails to Last.FM, programming to cameras. Oh, and yes, there was even a brief mention of Barry White. Don’t ask. ;-)
It’s also wonderful to know that people are hoping to continue meeting up at least every couple of months or so. Even offshoot mini-meet ups. And yes, there are even talks of having a mini Christmas party.

In any case, here’s just a round-up of those who came to the party -

Present for the second time around were: Janette Toral, Steve Thomas, Kay Walker (who chose and booked the great venue - yay!), brand new dad Steve Davis, Charlie Robinson, Jim Manning, Marcia Burgmann (this is actually our 3rd meet-up!), Melissa Williams, and Bridie Gallagher.

Folks that we met for the first time were: Michael Gallagher, Stephen Mitchell (who wrote an interesting account of the meet-up on his blog), and Richard Pascoe.

So, if anyone wants to join us, we’re considering another meet-up come August. Any suggestions and ideas for future get-togethers are always welcome.

To receive updates and other information about the group, join our Facebook Group and/or Meet-up Group.

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Australia Buzz, Blogging & Bloggers | Also tagged , , , , , , | Comments (6)

52WoC #17: International “Thank You” Week

2 June 2008 – 9:09 pm

52 Weeks of Blog CommunityYes, it has been over a month since our last challenge. A lot has happened between then and now. And, I must admit, I have been wondering about whether I should proceed with this 52 Weeks of Blog Community Project or not.

Part of my release/redefine/restore wanderings made me question about continuously tying in the concept of my work and my personal life. After all, what I do is not who I am. So, why am I putting in so much of my work in to my personal blog?

Then, I read these emails from online friends about 52WoC. And, I realised that this project is really not just about my work anymore. It has become part of my world, my life - as I connect with friends and the general blogging community.

And yes, regardless of the challenges that community might bring - I know that I have drawn a lot of inspiration and strength from the communities that I belong to (both online - and off). Especially during my rough moments. I think things would’ve been a lot tougher without people’s support.

I guess, that’s why I consider 52WoC as my ongoing Thank You messages to all of you.

So, for this week, I want to encourage you to find a blogger (or two!) to say thank you to. It’s up to you how you wish to say thanks. You can do it by email, by Twitter, by a special blog post, by sending an ecard… or even sending a real, tangible present.

If you decide to join this week’s International “Thank You” Week, leave a comment in this post and you’ll be included in the participants’ list.

By the way, this week is the last challenge before our fourth virtual party. We’ll be doing our celebrations for Weeks #13 - 17 after we close this challenge on the 8th/9th of June, next week. Remember that we’re giving away 2 prizes for Party No. 4 - a $30 Winner’s Choice Award + a new Art Print.

Anyway, read on for last week’s challenge round-up…

Click to continue reading “52WoC #17: International “Thank You” Week”

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Blogging & Bloggers | Also tagged , , , , , , | Comments (24)

52WoC #15: Get to Know Your Readers

21 April 2008 – 11:14 pm

52 Weeks of Blog CommunityHello and welcome to 52WoC. It’s Week #15 of our 52 Weeks of Blog Community Project

This week’s task is pretty much a continuation of last week’s task. This time, though, I encourage you to do something to get to know your readers better. If you already do this on a regular basis, share with us what you do. If you have a sample post on how you get to know your readers, share them in the comments section below.

If you do not have any ideas on what to do to get to know your readers better, here are some suggestions:

1. Start a Tell Me About You project. You don’t have to make it an ongoing project, if you feel it’s too much to cope with. A one-off session might do you for now.

2. Post some of the questions last week’s task (with a link to the originator of the questions, if possible). Encourage your readers to answer those questions.

3. Do your own “Getting to Know You” session in your blog. Ask a question, encourage commenter #2 to answer your question and post a new question, etc etc etc.

4. Hold a delurking day!

Whatever it is that you decide to do, please share your post’s links here, so we can visit them and send them some love. Maybe even take part in them!

In any case, I hope this task will help you to bring some readers closer to you…

Anyway, thanks again to all who shared a little more about themselves in last week’s task, Getting to Know You (52WoC #14):

I really enjoyed reading all the answers and questions. When there was a bit of confusion to begin with, I was really impressed when you all managed to get things back on track. Well done, all. Thank you!

Since Jami posted the last 3 questions, I promised to answer them here. So, here you go…

Click to continue reading “52WoC #15: Get to Know Your Readers”

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Blogging & Bloggers, Personal Stories | Also tagged , , , , , | Comments (15)

52WoC Virtual Party Three!

15 April 2008 – 3:44 pm

My First Proper Taste of SushiHey, hey, hey! It’s Sushi + Vodka Cruiser Day here on our 52WoC Virtual Party #3. Thanks so much for your patience with the delay. Hope our third party’s worth the wait!

Anyway, we’ll be holding TWO raffle draws in this party, with 3 winners. In Raffle 1, the first 2 names listed by random.org will be chosen as the winners of the main art journal + b5 gear respectively. In Raffle 2, the first name listed will be the winner of the mini art journal, from the collab project.

So, without further ado, here’s the round-up of our 52WoC participants. Will also share some basic stats below…

52WoC#9: More Social Networking Fun -

52WoC #10: Collab Project Help -

52WoC#11: Get a Gravatar! -

52WoC #12: Give a Blog Star Award -

Vodka Cruiser : RaspberryIt looks like we have FOUR special mentions for completing all four tasks: Nenette, Nicola, Toni, and Em Dy. Thanks so much for being here every week!

This month, we had a total of 15 participants. And we welcomed 5 new 52WoCers - Heather, Chloe, Jen, Lin, and Kay. It’s always great to have new folks join 52WoC.

Again, thanks to everyone who joined 52WoC this month. Really enjoyed it all too!

Well now, go and grab and drink as we announce our winners… The first 2 names are the winners. Name #1 will win the main Art Journal & Name #2 will win the b5 gear. Afterwards, the 1st name in the 2nd draw is the winner of the mini art journal.

So, let’s raise our glasses and send our cheers and congratulations to…

Click to continue reading “52WoC Virtual Party Three!”

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Blogging & Bloggers | Also tagged , , , , , , | Comments (10)

52WoC #14: Getting to Know You

14 April 2008 – 3:45 pm

52 Weeks of Blog CommunityYay! It’s Week #14 of 52 Weeks of Blog Community Project. And this week, it’s Getting To Know You Time. With a twist. Inspired by Toni’s Weekend Soirees.

Basically, the idea is, I’ll post 3 Questions here that Commenter #1 should answer either directly in the comment section or through his/her blog. If he/she posts on the blog, please share the link via Comments.

Commenter #1 will also ask 3 new Questions. Commenter #2 can then answer those questions either directly or via a blog post. He/she will also post 3 new Questions. Commenter #3 will answer #2’s questions & ask 3 more questions, etc etc. I will then answer last commenter’s 3 questions next week, after I close this task.

So, if in summary:
Me > Post 3 Questions
Commenter 1 > Answers my questions via comments or blog + Posts 3 new questions
Commenter 2 > Answers Commenter 1’s 3 questions + Posts 3 new questions
Commenter 3 > Answers Commenter 2’s 3 questions + Posts 3 new questions
….
Me> Answers Last Commenter’s 3 Questions

Hope that makes sense! If not, you’re always welcome to Contact Me. To see my questions, please see the bottom section of this blog post.

Just note that all participants in this week’s task will be eligible to join our Virtual Party #4.

Anyway, thanks to all who shared their Best Posts of the Month (52WoC #13):

Welcome to 52WoC, Chris! Hope you’ll continue to join future 52WoCs. :)

My 3 Questions for Commenter #1:
1. Who is the biggest influence you have as a blogger?
2. If you can ask someone to be a mentor (from blogging or elsewhere), who would you choose and why?
3. What’s your favourite book of all time?

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Blogging & Bloggers | Also tagged , , , , | Comments (12)

52WoC #13: Best Post of the Month

7 April 2008 – 9:53 pm

52 Weeks of Blog CommunityHello and welcome to Week #13 of our 52 Weeks of Blog Community Project. As you can tell from the title of this post, this week’s task is all about choosing best posts of the month.

Here’s how you can take part -
1. Choose your best - or most favourite - post from your blog for the month of March 2008.

2. Share the link in the comment section below. You can also tell us why you like it best.

3. Send some love to the commenter before you either by Tweeting about their favourite URL, Stumbling it, Leaving a comment, Blogging about it, etc. You can also do all, if you wish. But, just one way of sending some love is enough.

Note: Commenter #1 can simply send some love to this post or to 52WoC in general. Commenter #2 can send some love to Commenter #1’s best post. Commenter #3 send some love to Commenter #2’s best post, etc etc.

Hope that’s all good. If you have any questions, as always feel free to ask.

Also, please note that this is the first task for Month #4. Tasks/Weeks inclusive for Month 4: Week #s 13 - 16.

Prizes for our fourth monthly virtual party? 1) $30 Winner’s Choice Award (via Paypal) and 2) A copy of a brand new gocco print (still to be created/announced)

Anyway, thanks again to everyone who participated in last week’s task (Give a Blog Star Award) -

UPDATE:
I’m adding Nicola, who shared a Blog Star Award too - but didn’t get included immediately ’cause her comment was stuck in the spam section. Yikes. Anyway, comments recovered - she’s now part of this week’s task too. And, yeah - it was a shock to see that she awarded me with a Star. Thanks, Nicola! Didn’t really expect one. I do appreciate the kind words, though. Thank you!

I’ll be updating the Blog Star Awards page soon to reflect our Batch 2 Awardees. Congratulations to all!

And yes - we’re holding our 3rd Virtual Party on the 11th of April! So, mark the date and check who will win the customised art journal and b5 gear.

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Blogging & Bloggers | Also tagged , , , , , , | Comments (11)

52WoC #12: Give a Blog Star Award

31 March 2008 – 9:39 pm

52 Weeks of Blog CommunityHow’re you all doing? It’s now Week #12 of our 52 Weeks of Blog Community Project. And yes - it’s our fourth and final task for our Month Three Party.

So, what’s up for this week?

Well, this week, I invite you to give someone a Blog Star Award. That is, if you know a blogger (or bloggers) who made a difference in your life - I urge you to give that person (or persons) a Blog Star Award.

To read more about the background of this award, check out the Blog Star Awards page.

So, how can you give someone a Blog Star Award?

Well, you can do so by either:
1) Sharing your nomination in the comment section here; or
2) By giving the award on your blog (write a post about it). If you do this, please share the URL to your post so I can link back to it.

If you decide to blog about it, you’re welcome to use this image:

You Are a Blog Star Award

You can either save it to your computer and upload to your own photo hosting service. Or, you can use this code (just change [ to < and ] to >):

[img src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/scoggins/blog-star-award-general.jpg" border="0" alt="You Are a Blog Star Award"]

To help with your Blog Star nominations, here are some questions that you might want to use as a guideline -
1) How long have you been reading the blog you’re nominating? And, how often do you visit?
2) How did you find out about this blog?
3) Can you describe this blog in 3 words?
4) What makes this blog/blogger a Blog Star?

All those who get nominated during this week will be added to the Batch 2 awardees list on the Blog Star Awards page, with corresponding links to you - the one who nominate the awardees.

So, I’m looking forward to seeing who you’ll give this Star to this week. I’m excited to discover more amazing bloggers out there - and recognising their contributions to the blogosphere.

Again, just a reminder that this is the LAST task for Month #3. All participants in Weeks 9 to 12 will be eligible for the raffle draw on our third virtual party - scheduled for 11th April 2008. Prizes for the month: A custom-made art journal + a b5media gear. We will choose two winners in this round.

Anyway, it was really cool seeing everyone’s ‘faces’ via Gravatars in last week’s task. And, I’m loving that I can now associate images of 52WoCers in other posts (as well as in other blogs). So, here are folks who joined last week’s task…

Yay! This looks like a record-breaking week in terms of number of participants. So, thanks again, everyone. Always happy to see ‘regular’s And, a big warm welcome to Lin and Jen to 52WoC. Glad you can join us!

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Blogging & Bloggers | Also tagged , , , , | Comments (11)