Sunday, May 6, 2012

Reflections on A-Z Writing Challenge for 2012

It's over... phew! April came so FAST, this year; don't you think?



 
I do want to thank all of the Co-Hosts of this year's Challenge and hope those of you who are reading this will also take the time to pop over and give them some comment love, too!
Because I didn't do what I originally planned to do, my trek through the alphabet was eclectic, to say the least. I tried to think ahead but usually found myself working on just two or three at a time. Next year, I plan to do better! (Yup. That's what I'm going to do. Sure.)  I did meet some bloggers who shared my interests, but many immediately following my ranking were too extreme for me. But, I am composing my Guest Blogger requests and features for upcoming posts, and that should fill up the next few months.

My highlights were actually getting the postings completed on time, except, for that one instance when I hit the wrong timing button and I had to manually publish it. (Bad me...)  There's so much going on in my life, right now, that daily posting was harder than last year but still well worth the attempt. I love how it forces the mind to focus and stretch, at the same time.

I didn't have a theme and I'm not sure I want one -- although, that may well change by next year. I hate to be confined to one topic and so will just have to think about this over the next few months. Coming up with ideas for each letter wasn't difficult until the xyz's.  But, that's the fun of the Challenge.

Some sites made commenting too hard with their word verification still on and WordPress sites made some commenting too involved. I would give them two tries and that was it. I love that Blogger has now allowed me to reply to each commentor but, for this Challenge, I saved the commentors to a separate folder to make sure I got everyone for my responses and visits.

NEXT year, I will plan my posts in advance and get them all lined up. Next year, I will plan my posts in advance and get them all lined up. Next year, I will plan... -- But, there will be a next year.

I don't know how you can change the way you're doing things to be more effective. If it's broken up, then it's a different Challenge, altogether; isn't it? I love visiting the other blogs but I'm not going to follow all of them, if their subject matter is something I wouldn't normally follow, and I would expect the same from them. As an example, as enjoyable as visiting gaming bloggers, I'm not going to follow them. There has to be something of a shared interest and, with all the new bloggers on board, there's still plenty for everyone.

Again, I want to thank everyone and hope to see you, next year!








17 comments:

  1. Nicely put! It was quite the challenge! Glad you joined in ;D

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    1. Me, too. And, then, it gives me something to do for the rest of the year, in catching up. Thanks for a great experience.

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  2. Seems like we both went the eclectic route. I'll do it differently next time and maybe I won't be flat on my back like that panda!

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    1. Here it is, halfway through the year, and I'm only now catching up on Comments and visiting new blogs. I had planned on getting ready for next year's challenge, but haven't written a draft, yet. Eclectic seems to bring the most inspiration... Thanks for stopping by.

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  3. Congratulations on completing the challenge. I really can't wait to see how the challenge evolves next year. :) This year's alphabet was also very hard for me... last year I managed 2 blogs, planned in advanced and all.... but there is always next year :D

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    1. Yes, there's always next year and I think it's a worthy Challenge. Makes you think and expand your horizons and feel guilt, all at the same time! Like going back to school. Will keep my fingers crossed that it'll be easier for you, next year.

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  4. Congratulation on finishing the challenge. I didn't visit all blogs during the challenge but, cross my heart, I'm visiting every single one with reflections post!

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    1. I, too, am slowly working my way through the blogs and Comments. Hope I get done before next year's Challenge! Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

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  5. Reflection is a good thing, You have done a great job on the A to Z Challenge...
    Hopefully you were able to use one of my banners/badges for the Challenge, had as much fun designing them as seeing them around the blog world.

    Jeremy [Retro-Zombie]
    A to Z Co-Host
    My New Book:
    Retro-Zombie: Art and Words

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    1. I did and thank you for the design. Kudos. Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. Congrats on completing the challenge!

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  7. So, how are you doing? Did you get over the Challenge? :>

    Roadtrip: On my way from A all the way to Z!
    English Speaking Zone

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    1. I got over the Challenge and am still catching up on Comments and new blogs. I've had to stop for a bit to debut my solar oven, the SolarChief, and do a couple of workshops; but, there's still the rest of the year to give me something to do (in my spare time, ha, ha). Thanks for stopping by.

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  8. Aww! The panda picture is adorable. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I think it says exactly how I felt on the final post. Thanks for stopping by.

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  9. We have the same mission, you and I, and will continue to do so until the next Challenge begins. Thanks for stopping by and good luck on the journey!

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