Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Monday, August 1, 2011

Who is In?

Last year over Labor Day, I hosted a virtual BBQ. That post was titled "Are you ready to find a bunch of awesome new followers?" It got 176 comments and has been viewed nearly 1200 times. Many requested I do the event each year.

Since then, I've seen a lot of changes in blogging routines. People are grouping together, like with like. Emailing and chatting as well as commenting on blogs. Branching out to Twitter and now Google+ which makes chatting and private discussions even more accessible. I'm not sure it's about seeking out new blogs as much as it is about building deeper relationships with the ones you have already found and connected with.

I wondered if I should do the Blog BBQ again. Has the interest in blog discovery waned? But there are more people blogging than ever before, and new ones coming up daily, wondering how they can get in on the action. I think it is still a good idea, and I want to do it again! Like last year, it will be simple-- no linky links to connect with, no buttons or icons to post, just leave a comment, share yummy food to make us drool over our keyboards, and follow at least three new blogs of other participants.

It will be over the 4-day Labor Day weekend, Friday through Monday, plenty of time to go blog-hopping. I will post about it again as the time gets closer. Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of your summer and get ready to find a bunch of awesome new followers that first weekend in September!

53 comments:

  1. What a great idea! I look forward to it.

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  2. Sure, do it again! I'm still working on building friendships with those I met during the Challenge and new followers since that time, but I like connecting with new bloggers.

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  3. I vote you do it again! Sounds like fun.

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  4. It sounds like fun! It's always interesting to discover new blogs (and bloggers). It's one of my favorite things about doing it. Have yourself a great week!

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  5. Oh it was loads of fun! Yes please, lets do it again! ;-))

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  6. I brought some veggie burgers last time!!! Maybe I'll bring some veggie erm... hot dogs!! Yay!!! Take care
    x

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  7. Hi Karen .. sounds like you have a resounding yes .. I didn't do it last year - but I will this year ..

    Cheers for now .. Hilary

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  8. Your Labor Day BBQ was a blast and I definitely think that you should do it again!

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  9. It sounds like fun! I would definitely do it!

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  10. Sounds like a great idea! Now...what to bring? I always like planning a menu!
    I am in!

    Happy Sunshine!
    Kim

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  11. I don't think I participated last year, so I'm willing to try this year.

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  12. I think it sounds great! I like the simpleness of it. :)

    And very cool on last year's success!

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  13. Yay!
    I was a brand new baby blogger during last year's BBQ and met lots of cool people. It was a lot of fun.

    I'm definitely in and looking forward to connecting with others.

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  14. Hi Karen, I only started blogging in July, but a blog BBQ sounds a wonderful idea! By the way, I wondered if anyone could advise me how to get the little icon pix that accompany comments please? Bye for now! Jane Gray

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  15. I wasn't blogging last year, so I'm in. I make yummy desserts too!

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  16. Sounds fun. I love BBQs, and I don't even have to clean the house for this one.

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  17. I DO remember that BBQ, and I picked up a LOT of followers through it. It was fun! Think about it~ :o) <3

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  18. I remember that BBQ because I had my blog party the same day and it was INSANE! I don't like blogfests, but I am definitely in for a party, so count me in, Karen!

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  19. I'm in! I am not doing the Crusade this time--that has been a great one for follower building, but I think the months at a time is more than I can sustain at the mo, but a long weekend of it? Sure thing!

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  20. I missed it last time but I'm ready for a challenge.

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  21. I don't think I came to your last BBQ blog, but I've met a lot of awesome blogging friends through your blog. If you do it this year, I'm definitely in.

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  22. You're so right about the importance of focusing on building deeper relationships with the followers we've already connected with. It is my goal that I don't just add numbers to my blog but friends. And a barbecue blog sounds different and fun!

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  23. It is apparent that it's not just the new bloggers who want to participate, which is exciting. I've been blogging for 2 years and I still like discovering new blogs and new friends online.

    Jane, To answer your question about the picture, you go to the profile settings on your blog and find where you can add a picture. Welcome to blogging, and thanks for the follow! I will go visit yours as well :)

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  24. Thanks for joining my blog Karen, lovely to have you there! I do have an image in my profile but for some reason it refuses to come out and play! I'll have to investigate when I'm feeling a bit more technically minded than usual! Jane Gray

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  25. sounds like fun and I have a great recipe to share :)

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  26. Oh Karen this is awesome. I love the concept. I put it in my community events calendar, and I'll try to remember to make a blog post announcement closer to the time. Remind me if you don't see it by the last week of August. (When you're making your own reminder post.)

    ......dhole

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  27. I'm in. I can't turn down a fun BBQ with friends old and new.

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  28. Sounds like fun! I've been looking for new blogs to follow, especially because several of the blogs I'm currently following are on hiatus.

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  29. Oh definitely! I made some great new friends last year.

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  30. I'm actually trying to do the same thing on my blog this week because you did such a good job drawing me in last year! Can't wait!

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  31. It was tons of fun last time, so yes, I'd be in! It is always nice to find new people. :)

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  32. I'm in this sounds like a lot of fun. And I like the idea of learning and strengthening ties with others.

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  33. Oh I'm so glad you're doing this again! It sounds like so much fun and I missed it last year because I'd just had my baby and had to take a hiatus from blogging.

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  34. I missed this last year but it sounds great fun!

    As you say, new blogs are springing up daily and it's great discovering them.

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  35. It was fun last year - looking forward to it :)

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  36. I am looking forward to you BBQ! Have my dish all lined up already. Oh and by the way, I have been out of the loop lately due to Broadband problems, what is Google+?

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  37. I missed out on your BBQ last year but I really want to be in on it this year. I'll keep an eye out for your announcements. Sorry to sound so UKish but when's Labour Day?

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  38. I'm definitely in, Karen. Sounds great! :)

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  39. Count me in - let's hope I can:
    a) come up with an irresistable mouth watering recipe
    b) get my comment posted this year without in ending up in your spam box LOL

    Great idea ~ looking forward to more details ~ Eddie

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  40. I say go for it. There are people out there who still enjoy cultivating new friendships with other bloggers they haven't met before. Though we have established groups by now, there's always someone who may not have a group and might need a helping hand to join one.

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  41. I want to participate again! Very successful last year.

    J

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  42. Yeah, love to take part again. Just remind me, when is Labor Day weekend? It's not something we have in the UK.

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  43. Simon, Labour Day Weekend (note the nifty British sp. LOL) is the first weekend in September. I will start announcing the week before. Clearly there is an interest. So watch for it!!

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  44. Hi Karen
    Sounds like a wonderful idea..would love to join in. Is Irish stew suitable for the party?

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  45. Sorry it took me so long to comment on this, but I'm totally in! I had so much fun last year!!

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  46. Saw this advertised on another blog, and I want to be a part of it! I love BBQ. Guess I have to, as an Australian. hehehe

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