New to SITS? Welcome!! Go read this to get started.
Today is Day 27 of our ProBlogger Summer Challenge. It’s hard to believe there are only four days left in our month long event. If you’ve been diligently playing along, then congratulations! You are still in the running to win a Sony Bloggie Camera from our friends at BlogFrog.
On other other hand, if you are thinking about joining or maybe haven’t been able to keep up with the daily tasks, don’t worry! The good news is that the discussions in the SITS Girls Community are not going anywhere. You can check out select topics or work through the entire challenge at your own pace starting whenever you like.
Since it is Saturday, here is your recap of what happened in BlogFrog this week:
Day 21: We updated an old post by rechecking hyper-links, calling our readers to action, adding more detail, and a host of other methods. Alana from Domestically Challenged did this by updating a post on how to get reluctant sleepers to make it through the night. Michelle from Green Earth Bazaar also completed this task, but wrote about how she found hope and joy through a fleeting connection to peace activists in her home town.
Day 22: We paid special attention to a reader and showed how much we value them. Shawna R.B. Atteberry did a fantastic job with this post by introducing Margaret Almon, an artist and fellow blogger she had met through our challenge, to her readers. Kimberly from Kimberly Gauthier Photography wrote about how she overcame her nervousness and connected with a friend from Twitter over the phone.
Day 23: We learned the importance of calling our readers to action. Snapping them out of a passive role, and into an active one, can help ensure people come back to a blog again and again. Our very own Erin from Nirvana Mamma is doing just that with a blog meme she created entitled, Blog for a Cause. In her monthly carnival, Erin is calling her readers to action by asking them to support a specific cause, such as breast cancer.
Day 24: We took a break and headed out to a bookstore for an hour. Our mission? To analyze a magazine for marketing, design and post ideas.
Day 25: We asked our readers a question. Question posts can rank higher in search engines, engage a community, and give readers a sense of participation. Andrea from Multiple Mama battled with figuring out what kind of mom she is, while Clarabela Media challenged her readers to question their expenses when starting a business as a freelancer.
Day 26: We figured out a way to improve someone else’s blog. The key is to identify another blogger’s needs and attempt to fulfill them in some way. For Sandi from Deva Coaching, this meant creating a post about Gabe from Now What, Dad? Gabe is the only man brave enough to work his way through the challenge along with our other 500 women participants. We heart us some manly presence in the SITStahood. Thanks for this post, Sandi!
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It’s Saturday Sharefest today! If you’d like to play along, then leave a comment below linking to your favorite post you wrote this week.
Also, if you have been having trouble with the CommentLuv plug-in when commenting on SITS, then check out this post. Since the feature is working correcting on our site, we hope this post will be helpful in resolving any problems you may be having!
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Tickets for Austin and St. George, Utah, our final Bloggy Boot Camp stops for the year, are on sale now! Don’t wait to buy yours. We’d love to meet you in person!
And, as always, when you see this:
I so should have joined in. But, summer = madness.
I agree. I wish this would have been earlier in the summer..I so would have participated!
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Not to worry, ladies. We have plenty of other activities planned for both the fall and into next year. Even if you missed 31DBBB, there will be plenty of opportunities coming your way. Stay tuned!
I’m new here, but plan to go back and read all the helpful tips. My blog not even a month old yet, and I’m learning as I go.
Please stop by, and feel free to add your “fresh start” tips:
http://justpeachyindixie.blogspot.com/2010/08/fresh-start.html
Have a great weekend!
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Welcome to the world of blogging, Jennifer! So glad that you’ve joined the SITS Community. If you have any questions as you begin to work through the challenge, be sure to ask. We’d love to help you out.
I’m so glad you’re keeping the challenge discussions on BlogFrog! I haven’t been able to keep up with the daily pace, but looking over the past challenges there has been really helpful. I’ve been able to do maybe one or two tasks a week, but I’m definitely going to keep going!
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Fantastic job, Lynn! This is definitely the way to make the challenge work for you. Well done!
Saying hello to the share-fest! I have two posts I like this week….
Grilled pizza: http://barbhogan.typepad.com/black_belt_scrapping/2010/08/recipe-tuesday-grilled-pizza.html
and adventures at the State Fair (I can’t believe the things that they deep fry and put on a stick!): http://barbhogan.typepad.com/black_belt_scrapping/2010/08/state-fair-peekaboo-on-a-stick.html
Have a great day!
I’m new here, so I feel a bit lost yet. I’m sure I’ll find the way to do things right
xoxo
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Let us know what we can do to help! Feeling overwhelmed is never good. If you are interested in working through the 31DBBB challenge, then great. However, know that we have plenty of other activities planned for our community both this fall and into next year. Easy enough to wait for something else too!
Thank you so much Francesca!!
I think I will walk with baby steps to not feel overwhelmed and figure how things work first.
Thank you all that already started to show some support.
xoxo
It has been a fun month doing this challenge! I can’t believe it’s almost over!
It was an eventful week at acting balanced… lots of good things!
I wasn’t able to do the challenge, but I’ve been reading along and got some great tips!
Greeting Francesca,
I really like how you’ve included the weekly activities in one simple post. It gives us a way to review some of the posts we might have missed.
I really enjoyed reading Erin aka NirvanMamma’ post on Blog for a Cause although I didn’t participate in the ProBlogger challenge, I’m looking forward to being part of the Blog for a Cause project.
Although there are a few posts I enjoyed writing this week, I would love to call attention to a fellow blogger I’ve been keeping track of for quite some time. She’s has taking a positive approach to tackling her weight loss by improving her eating habits and including exercise into her daily routine. I’ve enjoyed watching her journey.
You can check her out at The Waist Whittler, one of the posts that she wrote this week was The Body wants what it wants
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
As usual, amazing comment, Moondancer. A sincere thank you for this. I will definitely check out the blogger you recommended. She sounds like she is deserving of some comment love. I’ll work to make this happen.
I have loved the 31 day challenge. I have missed some days, but have read along every day. I look forward to being able to access all the discussions for months to come on BlogFrog.
Here are two of my favorite posts this week. The first is about how when our kids hurt, we hurt, with a cure for eczema.
http://familyvolley.blogspot.com/2010/08/because-what-ails-your-childails-you.html
The second, a great activity for you and your family.
http://familyvolley.blogspot.com/2010/08/family-fun-friday-toothpick-jenga.html
Have a great weekend. I am off to visit some SITStahs.
xo
I wish I have had more time to do the challenge with everyone. I am hoping to start from day 1 once my schedule is more regular (kids back to school).
Leaving you with my post from yesterday….Would you get involved?
http://www.generationxmomblog.com/2010/08/would-you-get-involved/
Have a great weekend!
I have been loving this challenge. It has caused me to look at things on my blog a whole lot different. Though I did miss a couple days as the month of August is a busy one for me I will get back to them and finish them up when things settle down here at home. Happy Saturday everyone.
I didn’t participate…but I think I’m gonna go back and read all the posts and do it on my own time.
I had to drop out for a while – working doubles and kids starting back to school did not equate to creativity or time – but I am so glad that once things calm down I can pick it back up!
Congratulations to all the gals who made it this far!
http://www.gettingallmyducksinarow.com/2010/08/end-of-toddler-era.html
http://www.gettingallmyducksinarow.com/2010/08/what-do-you-do-when-you-get-angry.html
the weekend is a beautiful thing!
What a great concept. Even for those of us who didn’t take advantage of it…
happy saturday! i love me some weekend! now maybe i’ll go take a nap.
have a great day!
Happy Saturday! I didn’t participate in this challenge but I have been following along and doing some of the ideas. Thanks!
http://www.momondealz.com/2010/08/1-way-to-ensure-your-childs-success-in.html
Good Morning, SITStahs. Come on over to my blog for some Saturday Silliness!
Happy Weekend! Looking forward to my next big project which starts this Wednesday! Stay tuned!
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Can’t wait to see what your next project is, Cindi! You always come up with the best ideas.
Happy Saturday!
http://www.mommyhastowork.com/2010/08/im-so-proud-of-my-son.html
Oh my. Missed the challenge but so excited to be back in the game. Blog Frog – is it a good place to just start with the tutorials?
Also, I’m the new owner of Rooted Living and Take Root and Write. I have a blogfrog for that and for my personal blog. I need a huge learning curve. LOL
My favorite post this week is my current one. http://www.toastedmatzoh.com on a special cookbook I found.
Yes – blog frog will have everything you need. Look for the Day (#1 – #31) and the task will be included along with any other valuable information.
Good morning! I’m so far behind on the 31DBBB that mine’s going to be called 93DBBB.
Yikes, I’ve not been here in quite a while! I’ll definitely have to go check out the discussions.
I’ve been making a bra all week, so on Monday I posted about how to draft a pattern, Wednesday wat fitting and styling, and today I posted how to actually sew a custom-fit bra
I will be very, very sad when this is all done, it has been a wonderful boost to my skills!
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Don’t be sad, Gina. We’ve got you covered. Tiffany, Mama Kat, and I are busy planning new events for the fall and even looking into 2011. They’ll be plenty more to look forward to on SITS!
Love the 31DBBB and love that you have all that discussion on BlogFrog.
I am new and I missed the challenge
Hoping that there’ll be many more in the future though
My favourite post this week is this one: http://mauzziemuses.blogspot.com/2010/08/salt-water-and-foams.html
Cheers.
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Welcome, Reenie! So glad that you joined the SITS Community.
And there will definitely be more events like this in the future. Don’t worry about a thing!
Twitter: thewahwife
says:
Thanks for continuing to share what you guys are doing with those of us who weren’t able to participate this time around. It’s been great!
It’s been a busy week!
So glad that it’s Saturday. Going to Hampton beach today.
Oh, I wish I had participated! Sounds like a wealth of good information. I look forward to reading the archived discussions. Thanks for all that you do!
Yay for Saturday linkups! I’m assuming that you need to have commented in the BlogFrog forum every day of the challenge to still be eligible? Somewhere along the way I forgot to do that, even though I’ve been reading and participating on Twitter and such.
Anyway my fave post this week was Tuesdays list post: Top Ten Most Useful Tweeters!
http://www.waterwatereverywhere.net/2010/08/top-ten-most-useful-twitters.html
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Unfortunately, yes. You do need to have commented in the BlogFrog regularly in order to be considered for the giveaway. It was the only way we could figure out how to track participants!
One of the things that I appreciate most about SITS is that you are always here for me; I can catch up after a crazy week (like this one) and still find all the goodies that you have to offer. Thank you!
Best,
Colleen
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Awww! You’re the best, Colleen. Thank you for leaving such a wonderful comment. Much appreciated!
I’m light on posts this week since I have family in town and my husband took vacation days, but I do have a giveaway going on:
http://strictlysimplestyle.blogspot.com/2010/08/blogiversary-giveaway-from-courtney.html
I have to say I couldn’t believe the response I got from the question post that was part of the 31DBB Challenge this week. I got more comments on that post than any other!
SaucyB’s latest post: I Know You Are, but What Am I?
http://bit.ly/acqeLw
I think my comment got eaten
I love Sat linkup! My fave post is Tuesday’s Top Ten Tweeters! http://www.waterwatereverywhere.net/2010/08/top-ten-most-useful-twitters.html
I assume to be eligible for the prize you have to have commented in the forum every day? I forgot even though I’ve been reading and participating on Twitter.
I’ll admit, I may have some #31DBBB withdrawls after the challenge is over. I think I’m going to visit often and review. I really loved this and I’ve learned SO much!
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Don’t worry, Liz. You shouldn’t suffer from withdrawals in the least.
In addition to being able to revisit the daily discussions in BlogFrog, we have plenty of other events planned for the SITS Community going forward. Lots of fun coming your way again!
Hi All,
With company here off and on for 5 weeks, I am very behind on my blogging! I want to do the challenge. I’ll have to read older posts.
Please come read my latest about sending our oldest back to school for his sophomore year at http://www.zen-mama.com
I wish I would have been playing along
I think I still need to do the 31 day challenge though.
I really need to do the book but am saving up to move to WP, buy own domain, and self host.
Wishing you all a very happy Saturday!
I’m Posting a Call to Action next Wednesday – to call Wal-Mart 1800-Wal-Mart to please put sleaves over Cosmo and Glamour in the check-out aisles. It infuriates me that they call themselves a family-friendly store, want us to buy our kid’s school supplies there but refuse to cover magazines with titles like “Guy Sex” and “35 Sex Positions” in the check out aisle. What happened to caring about customer values!
I am totally up to my ears in kids until another 2 weeks. Will have more time to check it out…oh and blog. Yeah…
Happy Weekend SITS.
This week was a personal high for me in bloggy world. I have really started to see readership go up and followers add. I’m almost at 100 and I couldn’t be happier. My best post… There are a few. Silent and I Quit were good although I quit was something silly. Why nit just go to my site and see what one your favorite is!!!!
Danon
http://www.insatiablehost.blogspot.com
http://www.pantypyramid.blogspot.com
Sounds great!
I’m giving away a $50 Chili’s Gift Card!
Have a great day!
I am thinking that when the snow is high and I am stuck in my house, I will get to the better blog challenge. For now, the sun is out and margaritas are always calling.:)
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
You are wise. A good margarita should never be ignored.
… and oh, thanks for the CommentLuv site address… it wasn’t working for this site or any other… took some suggestions from the site, and now it works!!!!!!
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
HOORAY!!! I am thrilled to read this, Reenie. Fantastic news!
Happy Saturday! I really need to start going to bed earlier – I’m beat!
Here’s one I liked this week:
http://organicenchilada.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-to-be-stellar-hostess.html
Maybe next year I will join this. This summer has been so busy.
Happy Saturday. I am not ready to get up! Enjoy your weekend.
Hey girls! Have I told you lately that you are awesome?! No? Well, then…you are awesome.
Have a great weekend!