Nov 17, 2014

BLOG BLITZ 2.0




I've been coordinating the BLOG BLITZ since March 2013 and during that span of time we have BLITZED approximately 83 targets and seen the team expand to 486 members. I feel that together we have brought an immeasurable amount of positive energy to the blogosphere and I am extremely proud of our accomplishments. However, it's not been without its detractors.  Below is a sample of an email I received a couple months ago about the BLITZ.

I joined Blog Blitz on the off-chance that I'd get more exposure for my blog. I don't know how your random selection thing works but when there were 150-some blogs in rotation (when I joined) I knew that in the worst case scenario, my blog would come up "at random" sometime within 3 years (at the rate of 1 Blitz per week).

I'm dropping out because A) we don't Blitz every week so my blog will never receive exposure, and B) no one is going to nominate my blog because... no one reads it.

If I realized it was going to be an on-again, off-again popularity contest, I never would have signed up. If I can figure out how, I'll remove my blog from the line-up. I'm going to remove the "Blog Blitz button" from my site.

I occasionally receive other requests to be dropped from the BLITZ TEAM, but usually those members no longer have the time to spare to participate.  The average BLITZ generates 90-120 comments, which is only 18-25% of the TEAM, and that concerns me.  I recently had a friend audit the entire BLITZ TEAM list and we found almost 150 dead links.

The BLITZ was never intended as a way for members to draw traffic to their site, but rather a tool for focusing blogosphere energy for fun...and as it turns out...when its desperately needed. The person who wrote the above email must not have understood that. All you have to do is re-read my original POST introducing the BLITZ if you want to really understand my motives. This got me thinking about our low participation rate and why people added their name to the linky list in the first place.

So...today we are re-booting the Blog Blitz Team with a new Linky List and asking everyone who believes in the true purpose of the BLITZ to re-dedicate themselves by signing up again. The rules will remain the same.  From time to time I will select a blog via a random selection or recommendation (must be another Blitz Team member) and a date.  I will email the team members that information and on that date we all will go out of our way to visit that blog and leave an encouraging comment on their most recent post

My only restriction about who joins the Blog Blitz Team is that your blog cannot be primarily for commercial gain.

Please help me spread the word (again) and gets as many bloggers as we can to join the team.  Once your signed up, display the banner above proudly on your own blog. Blog about the Blitz.  Tweet about the Blitz.  Facebook the Blitz.  Then sit back and wonder...

122 comments:

  1. You know what? See ya! (To the person who dropped out because the blog blitz wasn't ALL about them and didn't help THEM.) I have been involved with the Blitz team since its inception and I've watched as you nurtured the idea into a supportive writing community. We've visited people who needed a boost, people who had happy book things happening, and people who were just starting to blog and got encouragement. I feel as though people who participate without expecting anything back are the ones who get the most out of it. (Funny how that also goes for life.) I may not be able to participate every week, but proud/happy to sign up again!

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  2. What Julie said. :) We can't always get something out of what we do and if the Blitz serves to cheer or encourage just one person, then I would say we've done good.

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    1. I forgot to say I was blitzed at a time when I was a little discouraged and the comments helped tremendously to help me refocus, plus there were people who also drew encouragement from what I had written. Blitz on!

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    2. I'm certainly glad to see that a lot of people feel the same way I do. Thank you JL!

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  3. What a poor attitude. The Blitz isn't about us, it's about others. And I was very touched and surprised when I was Blitzed. I'll gladly sign up again.

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  4. You're doing a great job, DL. And if someone didn't get what you are doing then it's their loss. I must confess I'm not always regular with visiting the folks you've chosen to Blitz, but I'm adding my name to this and hoping to me more regular...Offering you a virtual hug from India!

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    1. BLITZING every single time isn't the issue...everyone has commitments and time pressures...but rather its the ones who signed up and never BLITZED in the first place. Those are the ones that we can stand to lose!

      Thank you Corinne! :)

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  5. I would sign up twice if I could, DL!
    It was a fantastic idea back then and a fantastic idea now.
    What a sore loser they must be.
    You are awesome. Thank you for sticking with it.
    Heather

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    1. I don't mind if people with multiple blogs sign up each of them...just as long as they take part in the BLITZES. Thank you Heather! :)

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  6. Forget that guy!! Granted, my blog is more of a pop culture bent than strictly about writing (as many of the blogs on here are) but I am working on my first book (about forgotten TV shows of the past) so I suppose that means I can play along.

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    1. Blogs that participate don't have to be about writing...that was never a rule or an issue...but putting your name on the list and then disappearing, that is. You can play along as much as you want Kevyn! :)

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  7. Happy to sign up again! I suppose everything will have its critics, but I love the purpose of the Blog Blitz as it is!

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  8. Someone really thought the Blitz was about gaining followers? So sad.
    Now you know why I prune the IWSG list every month. The Blitz list is so big, starting over seems wiser.

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    1. That's what I said. I'll send an email blast to everyone on the old list for a couple weeks...then it'll be history.

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  9. Sign my up *again*! Spreading love is a good thing. It's sad someone didn't get the point.

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    1. There always seem to be one or two in every crowd. What's up with that? :)

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  10. I'm signed back up! The only time I missed blitzing peeps was when I was on vacation. Otherwise I blitz every time

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  11. Hi Don - I'm newly signed in .. and am pleased to add my name to a supportive blogging gesture ... and go where we're needed .. cheers Hilary

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  12. The best part is stumbling on a new blog and loving it.
    I am in. :)

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  13. I'm signed up again. I was Blitzed on Halloween and enjoyed every minute of it. I didn't gain new followers and I didn't care because it was just great to see so many bloggers coming to my blog and leaving a comment. I think this is a great idea and I look forward to blitzing more bloggers in the future. :)

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    1. The BOO BLITZ! I remember it well. Thank you Chrys! :)

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  14. I love BOTH the BLITZ and the IWSG! What wonderful ways to spread a little love in the world. It gives a lift to my day each time I participate, so count me in too!

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  15. Thank you DL - for all that you do to connect us bloggy folk. Long live the BLITZ!

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    1. We all try and contribute in our own special way. Thank you Corinne! :)

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  16. I'm sorry you're having to do this, DL. Anyone who actually read your original post outlining the purpose of the Blog Blitz would realize it was never intended as a way to drive traffic to participants' blogs but rather as a means to show support and camaraderie toward fellow bloggers. As for the individual who is convinced blog statistics are more important than community, maybe there's a reason no one reads his/her blog.

    VR Barkowski

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  17. I'm so sorry to hear that that person was so negative about the Blitz! It's one of my favorite blogging activities. I love being able to help support people and am always excited to participate even when my own blogging is on a bit of a break.
    Also as a recipient of one of the first Blitzes.. I didn't gain a ton of new followers after my Blitz. I did feel extremely supported and happy to receive so many lovely comments on a post I put a ton of work into. That, to me, is much more important.
    Here's to v2.0! Thanks for all your hard work, DL!

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    1. That's great AJ! I would hardly call this work though. :)

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  18. Happy to sign up again! I've only missed a few blitzes. It's fun to get around and read sites I might otherwise never get to. Thanks for doing this!

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  19. Blitzing has never been about gaining followers. That's a whole different ball game. Granted, I've found a few interesting blog sites during blitzes and that's a nice by-product. I've missed a few blitzes here and there. I know I was touched to be blitzed but to be honest, I hadn't really expected to be blitzed. Sometimes we reach out to others simply because they need it with no thought to any benefits to us. It's being generous and caring of others.

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    1. And that's what its all about in a nutshell! Thank you Sia! :)

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  20. I get that this is a support list. It's too bad anyone thought it was a promotion list. Thanks, DL, for trying to bring smiles to someone's face.

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    1. You just brought a smile to mine! Thank you Theresa! :)

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  21. Rebooting is a really great idea DL! Sometimes that's all it takes. I think Blitzing is a great thing!

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  22. It's so unfortunate that people aren't getting the point. When I first stumbled on the blitz my interpretation was that it was meant to bring the community together, and support others. Also, to just plain put a smile on someone's face for a day. For me it kind of felt like getting birthday wishes texted or FBed to me all day. It just put me in the best mood :) big thank you for all you do to help the blogging community!

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  23. Now that my computer problems are fixed, I'm ready to resume the visiting. I also think it was a good idea to think on rebooting. New starts are healthy. :)

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    1. At least I didn't have to burn down a forest or anything to do it. :)

      Thanks Al.

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  24. I was already the recipient of an amazing blitz that warmed my heart. I know that I will probably not be blitzed again, and that is okay. I'm signing up, not so that I can bring promotion to my own little slice of the web, but so that I can share the same warm fuzzies that I received. Keep doing what you do, DL, and don't worry about the haters. :)

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    1. There just aren't enough warm fuzzies!! Thank you Sarah! :)

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  25. I have enjoyed visiting blogs during the Blitz, and have found some new blogs to follow sometimes. This is a wonderful way to build community and brighten someone's day. Thanks for continuing this event :)

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  26. I do the blitz as I can (currently WAY behind because my computer died) but you were very clear about the purpose of this group when it started. While it would be a nice bonus to "drive traffic," that was never the reason I signed up. As for an "on-again-off-again popularity contest," this individual obviously feels that the world revolves around h/im and is experiencing a much-needed reality check.

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    1. By the way, I put my information in on the linky page and was directed to a login page for linky tools? That's never happened before. Could you please check and verify that Eclectic is back on the list? I've refreshed a number of times and it doesn't appear. I don't want to add it again if it's there.

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    2. Lauren - it's not there. Try it again and if that doesn't work just email me the info and I'll enter it. :)

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  27. Good luck to ya'll. Starting over sounds like the smart thing to do.

    Nicely written, by the way.

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  28. Thanks for hosting this, DL. I know putting this together takes effort on your part, and I want you to know what you do is appreciated. =)

    This sounds like a fun opportunity to get to know other writers better. And it also feels good to be able to support one another in our writing community.

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  29. Being Blitzed last year was a huge boost and made me smile the whole week. I'm all re-signed up ;)

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    1. A week long smile! Now that's what I'm talking about!! :)

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  30. I was the last to sign up to the old Blitz Team, so I haven't done a lot of Blitzes yet, but I love the idea and I do look around the blogs we visit and ended up following quite a few. I just love this exposure to other writers and bloggers that I would never have seen under normal circumstances. And I do make an effort to leave encouraging comments, reading the posts carefully.

    I got really excited when I saw that one of the referrers to my site with the Blog Blitz linky tool the other day. But I guess that was the check whether the link is actually working or not. So no, not blitzed yet, but I live in hope. I think it's great that you actually go through the trouble and check the links to make sure they're actually working. Other blog hop hosts might find that that's too much trouble!

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    1. First or last...everyone is an equal candidate for being BLITZED! But bringing some unexpected smiles is what its all about! :)

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  31. I get so excited to blitz people. It's a real feel good thing to imagine you make someone's day special.

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  32. I love being part of this group, and am definitely not in it for ME! ;) Though I guess it does make ME feel good to be part of a team that is all about celebrating one or two members of the team every week or few weeks! So maybe I am in it for me? hehe

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  33. Love the Blitz Team, and I agree with Julie and Trisha!

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  34. I've not participated before, but am happy to join now. I think it's a great way to show support and an interesting by product would be to discover new blogs I haven't visited before.

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    1. You're in for a whole lot of FUN and smiles!! Thank you Mason. :)

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  35. I am fairly new to this and have missed a few. I suppose I should go back and read the first post that started this. But before I do that, I want to say, I love the concept and enjoy reading new blogs every time I participate. And I look forward to the new rounds.

    Julie

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    1. Missing a BLITZ here or there is no big deal...heck there are weeks when I can't even post a BLITZ...but signing up and never showing up for one -- now that's not right!

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  36. I missed several, but I think I can do it this time!

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    1. Like I said before -- missing a BLITZ here or there is no big deal...but signing up and never showing up for one -- that's not right!

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  37. Thank you for taking you valuable time to run this blitz!

    I have had the pleasure earlier this year of being blitzed and loved reading the comments left on my blog. I have been very busy writing this year and have not had the time to connect with the many friendly bloggers I have had the pleasure to interact with over the years and the blog blitz did the job intended, making me feel I had not been forgotten.

    I have re-joined the Blog Blitz team, and am very happy to do so.

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  38. Thanks for continuing to run the blitz!

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  39. Thanks DL for continuing to run this Blitz. I haven't been around much in the blogosphere to Blitz the chosen 'victims' lately, but thank you for the prompt to get back into it all. I love the Blitz as it gives me the opportunity to check out blogs I may not have found otherwise. Keep up the good work, there's still plenty of us behind you!

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    1. There's no better way to keep in touch than to show up at someone's doorstep for a party! The BLITZ is a great big blogosphere party! :)

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  40. I love the Blog Blitz, I think it's great to spread a little bit of joy to our fellow bloggers! It's been a great way to meet new bloggers as well as visit old friends that I haven't visited in a while. I'm so glad that you are continuing it!

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    1. Thank you Kathryn! Wouldn't have it any other way. :)

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  41. You know that strange thing is I hadn't checked my emails in a couple of days. And I was thinking I better had in case there was anything to do with Blog Blitz. And lo and behold there was...
    I'd say that I take part in about 95% of the blitzes (I try for 100% but it doesn't always work out) and I certainly didn't join just to get more people to my blog - it's all about sharing the love :)

    Chippy

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    1. In it's simplest form...sharing the love is what the BLITZ is for. Thank Chippy! :)

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  42. The blitz found me during the darkest days of my entire life. I doubt anyone had the slightest clue how much those words of support helped and meant to me. I have the entire post--with all 204 comments--printed and placed inside the memorial book I made for my wife. How can I refrain from helping make someone else's day a little better?

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    1. I am touched by this. I know I speak for ALL of the BLITZ team when I say that being able to provide you even a tiny bit of comfort during that dark time is something we are grateful for. Thank you for this! DL

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  43. I love this idea - it's brilliant! I wish there were more fun & uplifting activities. Who doesn't have time for that?

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  44. I think the Blitz is fun. Yeah, maybe I won't randomly get selected, or be nominated. But THE ODDS ARE EVER IN MY FAVOR that I'll meet some cool new people by way of Blitzing. In fact, some of my favorite blogs I found because of their blitz day. People who are in it only for themselves don't get that blogging is a community. And in this community, you, DL, are some super celebrity that makes things better for the people.

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  45. Wahoo! look at that--over 100. We're a strong bunch. =) Oh, and I tagged you today.

    Unleashing the Dreamworld

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    1. ^ Yeah she did. And I think it'd be cool to read your reply to that!

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    2. Check out my blog post this coming Monday (11/24). :)

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  46. Signed up both my blogs again DL. It's a shame that this guy didn't understand the concept of what the Blitz is supposed to be about. I may not be the perfect blitzer because I'm notorious for blitzing a day, sometimes two days late (after the glitter's been cleaned up and everything), but I make my best efforts. The Blog Blitz is about Friendship and Support, not promotion. I'm proud to be a member of the Blog Blitz team; I always have been. Hugs to you DL for keeping it going.

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    1. Thank you, Eva! It never gets old reading comments from people who GET IT! :)

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  47. I'm back. Thanks for the follow up email as I missed the first one.

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    1. Believe me...I know how easy it is to miss an email or two. Thanks for coming back Stephen! :)

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  48. Alright -- late, but better than never: I love the purpose, and while I hadn't before, I AM jumping in for the reboot of the Blitz!

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  49. I'm keeping up with the Blitzes. They're fun and I know they make the bloggers excited when it's their turn. I'll join in on the Deja Vu, but it will have to be Monday. I'm not blogging on Fridays anymore. Hope that's okay.

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  50. Just ran across the email about this in my mailbox. I got it when I was back home in Tennessee after my mother's passing so there were a lot of emails I didn't see at the time. Now I'm trying to catch up and clean up.

    Good idea to do a reboot.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  51. I'm in. That blogger's sentiment is understandable but unfortunate. Would love to have all the comments landing on a thread of mine, of course. Love the idea of getting together and concentrating positive attention all on one primarly non-commercal blog even more.

    I saw Connie's post about the Blitz she experienced a while back and put this on my list of things to look into for later in the year. Then went to Write On! Sisters this morning to share some important info with them, found the badge, and followed it here. Discovered a lot of bloggers I recognize, even though I haven't talked to many of them, chattering on this thread. Good enough for me :-)

    I love that original post. I'll get the badge up as soon as I can and do a post when I clear out my queue a bit.

    Good that you don't do it weekly, by the way. I couldn't join if it were a weekly thing.

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  52. I just read about this on my friend Inderpreet Kaur Uppal's blog. Sounds intriguing and I'd like to give it a go. ☺

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  53. Thanks a ton for the Blitz, Here is my Thank you post and why I love the Blitz. Keep it going DL Hammons. http://inderpreetkaur.blogspot.in/2015/01/why-i-love-blog-blitz.html

    Thanks for the support Debbie D. :)

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  54. It was fun watching the threads grow today. This is an awesome thing. I am really in now.

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  55. I'd love to join....but where is the linky list ? - Barbara, Life & Faith in Caneyhead

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  56. All I can say is the linkly list was not showing up the other night, but I was out of bandwidth. Now I'm in and good to go!

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  57. Ok - I have read both posts, checked out the code and I think I get it... hopefully...
    Should have a post on my blog and will then spread it around...

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  58. Thank you for the blitz. I was totally not expecting it. I love participating but never expected it to happen to me. Thanks for the encouragement. Maria from http://delightdirectedliving.blogspot.com/

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  59. Just signed up on the linky. Don't exactly know what I'm doing, but looks like fun. I feel like the kid on the playground whose been invited to a game but doesn't know the rules completely. I hope I don't ruin the fun for everyone by tagging the wrong person!

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  60. Happy 2019.
    Just doing some blog updates and saw my link to this. Figured I'd stop in and say hi just for the heck of it.

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