A Blogiversary Introspective
Believe it or not, next week will mark the four-year anniversary of this blog and about one year since I moved it to this domain.
Time flies, huh.
I started the blog as a way to connect with other knitters and in that respect it’s been successful beyond my wildest dreams. Over the course of the last four years, blogging has enabled me to create and administer a 3,000-member Yahoo group; design patterns that have been published in books, by yarn companies, and in ezines; and help coordinate a knit-blogger campaign that resulted in the donation of more than $100,000 to the people affected by Hurricane Katrina. But, more importantly, the blog has facilitated my communication with hundreds of amazing knitters. I’ve even been fortunate enough to meet (in the flesh) many of the fantastic people who I met through blogging.
I rarely discuss my personal life on the blog, mainly because it’s not nearly as interesting as my knitting (which you may or may not find interesting either). For those of you who have asked over the years for some non-knitting tidbits about me, I’m a 40-something lawyer, married with 2 teenagers, and now living in Utah. I spent my childhood in Massachusetts then lived briefly in New York and even more fleetingly in Texas.
See, not very exciting.
I posted a 100 Things About Me list back in 2004 when it was all the rage. If you’re still curious, you can read it here. It’s pretty much still all true.
I readily confess to being an exceedingly pragmatic (and, some might say, dour) person. The blogiversary and recent events in my personal life got me thinking seriously about things like family, friends, memory, commitment, and opportunity lost but happily found again. That introspective generated a mental list of many practical reasons why I should walk away from the blog and call it good. Things like the nasty, snarky emails I get from readers on a weekly basis (don’t believe me? ask Margene), or the difficulty of trying to fit the blogging into all the other activities and commitments competing for my time. While I receive many wonderful comments on my posts, I regret that there aren’t enough hours in my day to enable me to personally respond to every one. So, as the blog became more popular, it also became a bit of a Catch-22. I love the opportunity to connect with more knitters but the more knitters with whom I connect, the less time I have to knit and blog. *sigh*
But, after dwelling for a while on all the negatives, I turned my focus to all the unbelievably wonderful things that naturally flow from maintaining the blog. The sense of community and the overwhelmingly positive tone of the messages and comments I receive from readers. I truly adore getting emails telling me that something I posted was helpful to someone.
On balance, I’ve decided the positive far outweighs the negative. So, you’re not getting rid of me yet but I have decided that I’ll be posting less often, probably no more than once a week and maybe less than that.
But enough sentiment, let’s get back to the event that inspired this post in the first place–the blogiversary.
And what’s a blogiversay without a contest?
I think the best way to celebrate the last four years is by having not one contest, but two!
Here’s the skinny on the first:
Leave me a comment between now and Sunday night, suggesting a theme for the contest I intend to hold next week to celebrate the blogiversay. If I use your idea, you win this:
A Ceilidh Lace Socks Kit (yarn and pattern) from Wooly Wonka Fibers in the colorway of your choice (it’s shown here in the Nantucket colorway but you can choose from the other colorways on the website).
C’mon, help me out here. After four years, I’m outta ideas.
View blog reactions
120 comments Susan | blogs, contests, random
120 Responses to “A Blogiversary Introspective”
I’m sorry to hear that some of the feedback for your blog is less-than-pleasant! I am lucky that I haven’t had that experience yet… not nice at all. My contest suggestion is: Have a good ol’ fashioned “Guess how many beans are in this jar” contest. You could photograph it from a couple of angles, and closest guess wins! Not knitting related, but still a classic.
Putting on my cap and gown, I’ve earned my BB
(Bachelor of Blog)
now onto my MB
(Masters of Blog of course!)
Since your life has evolved in the four years since you began the blog, how about an “Evolution” contest, in which contestents share the object they’ve knit which changed most dramatically from what they envisioned when they first cast on?
Wow! Four years! Congrats. I think I’ve been reading here for a few months maybe. I’ve enjoyed it, but I’m not much of a commenter. Based on your post today, I think the contest theme should be something about new beginnings. Can’t wait to see what you decide!
Oy…for a minute I thought you were going to quit blogging. Your blog is one of the first that I read each day and I have loved everything you’ve done. Some of your patterns are truly amazing! I have learned many things from your patterns and posts, and am a better knitter for it. I am sorry the idiots send you snarky mail – use your “delete” button loudly!
As to a contest, how about just a plain and simple random number generator for comments?
That’s sad that people feel the need to leave snarky comments.
Contest theme; December; gifts; how about something along the lines of do you believe in Santa, and why?
Happy Blogiversary, Susan!!! I can’t even think of my own contests — never mind try to think of one for you. (sorry). Hee. XO
2 weeks!
I am not really good at coming up with clever contests, but I did want to tell you that I really enjoy reading your blog. I’m glad that you aren’t going away, and that I do understand that life sometimes needs to come first before something like a blog.
While I have zero ideas on the contest, I wanted to let you know that your horcrux socks blog series walked me through my very first sock. I also did my very first lace project from one of your patterns – Branching Out. And I recently finished the Spring Things shawl for my mom-in-law’s Christmas present. So you see you have played a fairly large role in developing my 1+ year knitting skill set. Thanks for blogging – please don’t stop!!
How about having people tell their most positive experience from knitting blogs?
I am glad you have been able to rise above the snarks to see that the positives outweigh the negatives.
As a rather random blogger myself, I completely understand how difficult it is to juggle all of the balls some days (or months). I do enjoy your posts.
As for a contest, how about guessing something knitting related about you like: how many published patterns you have, how many sets of dpns or circs or straight needles you own, how much of *something* is in your stash? Nothing that’s gonna give you a headache to figure out, of course.
I, too, am glad to see you’re just scaling back a bit and not discontinuing your blog.
Happy Blogiversary!!
Don’t quit!! Maybe for your contest you could ask readers how they celebrate Christmas from their heart. I always like to hear how people add extra somethings to the rush and pressure of the holidays. P.S. How sad that people even take the time to leave snarky comments; how sad their lives must be….
I like the beans in a jar idea, but how about balls (or skeins) of yarn in a basket or in your stash? Then the newer knitters can still have a chance at winning, as can the less eloquent posters.
And Happy Blogiversary!
Maybe ask readers for something (knitting wise) that they learned from reading your blog. Maybe it will help you see all the great things that we see in your blog!!
Whew! You kinda a scared me there for a minute! I love your blog and have learned some useful knitting stuff from you. Your patterns are first rate. I don’t blog myself,
because it seems like to would eat up too much of my time to learn how and then follow through. I’d rather just read blogs and knit. I know, it sounds lazy. I don’t have a good contest idea, but something knitting related and perhaps involving the number 4 might be good. Congrats on your upcoming blogiversary!
Congratulations! And Happy Blogiversary (I have NO idea when mine is or how many years!) but not a clue for your contest. And, what Norma said!
Wow, four years! That makes you an “old-timer” in the blog world, doesn’t it?
’
Since you’ve been weighing the positives and negatives of hanging around the cybersphere, how about an “Accentuate the Positive” contest. Folks can write in with stories of how they turned “lemon” situations into “lemonade.” Because being happy really is a matter of perspective and, barring a clinical depression situation where chemical imbalances are in play, if you look hard enough, you can usually find something positive in just about any situation. Sometimes we just get so busy we forget to look.
Oh, and Happy Blogiversary!
I was getting scared there for a minute! I’m glad you will keep on blogging, I enjoy reading it
Along the jelly bean guess how about a contest to guess how many skeins in your stash, assuming they are not all listed in Ravelry.
Even though your blogs have given a lot to us, if they are taking away from you. . . well we don’t want that. Do what you need to, but know that many of us are keeping our fingers crossed that your blogs continue.
You have brought inspiration and knowledge. *many grateful thanks*
How about – Guess how many skeins/hanks/balls are in your stash presently, or how many projects you are thinking about starting or have caught your eye lately? I guess one may find that out in ravelry – my ravelry is definately not that organized!
I can’t think of any good contest ideas either, but I DO want to offer my congratulations on 4 years of blogging. That’s quite an achievement, and I know that I enjoy your blog quite a bit (and would never leave you a snarky comment). And yes, I was getting a little worried there, too, because it did kind of sound like you were planning on taking a break, there!
Hmmm, a clever contest idea… Well, you could have people tell what’s the single most useful knitting tool or yarn that they’ve ever used. Something they couldn’t live without.
Don’t you dare quit on me! I’ll have to come back out there and kick your ass. LOL
Anyway, blogiversary contest theme? How about coming up with the weirdest stuff about living in Utah? Too easy? Yeah, you’re probably right.
I haven’t read the other comments, so forgive me if it is a duplicate.
The date and time of the first snarky email of 2008.
Not very original, but there ya go.
Happy blogoversary!!
How about naming all your published patterns? (not just books, but also ezines, groups, freebies, etc.)
Hmm, how about best joke? It has to be clean, and it doesn’t have to be knitting related. If nothing else, that should give all of us a stockpile of smiles.
Happy Blogiversary, and I’m happy to hear your going to stay with it. I don’t post often but I’ve been here since you’ve been at this new domain.
A contest idea? How about something that includes pictures, those are always fun to follow.
Congrats and Happy Blogiversary! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for the past few years, even though I’m not a regular commenter.
For a contest – how about having us guess how many *somethings* you have knit since you started blogging. Shawls, scarves, mittens, whatever object you choose!
I loved the contest you did where you took a photo of a place- the baseball stadium- and had people guess where it was. Great idea.
Or how about a virtual scavenger hunt?
(Why, you are correct- that would be alot of work, and it would take time away from knitting, designing and blogging…scrap the idea. It sounded better in my head!)
your blog is among my list of Interesting Sensible Real Knitter blogs. I like your point of view and learn a lot from you – so thank you! contests are fun, but I read you because… well, you are a great “read”. xxxoo – Lisa
4 years is fantastic! For the contest, how about a theme on 4? Like your 4 favorite blog entries? Of your 4 favorite yarns? Or 4 favorite yarn/knitting people? Or 4 favorite FO’s?
Nice post! I, for one, am glad you are staying.
How about Clean Hands, Warm Heart? I don’t need to win the sock kit tho.
Happy blogiversary!
I know . . . a scavenger hunt, answering various questions whose answers can be found in your blog history somewhere. What color were the manly mitts? When did I knit X for so-and-so?
Sure, it would be easy to find the answers with the search, but then you could either take the first person to submit correct answers, or do a random drawing.
Just a thought (and I haven’t read the rest, so forgive me if this is a repeat). Have a good one!
I am flabbergasted that anyone would leave you nasty comments! As for me, I’m so happy to have (virtually) met you. You’ve been such an inspiration and help to me, and you would be badly missed. I don’t think I can be much help with suggestions for your blog contest, but I’m looking forward to seeing what others have in mind – so far I especially like the “4″ theme idea.
i also enjoy your blog, and your knitting projects. i think a contest related to your snarky commenters might be fun…how about knitting a smallish effigy of what a snarky commenter might look like. pics could be uploaded to a flickr album.
Happy Blogiversary! I’m sorry that you have rude or snarky people to deal with. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and hope to do so again.
I love cute. I think you should ask blog readers to submit the most cute picture that includes something they have knit – be it a dog that chews on their knitting (If it is a cute dog), a baby in a sweater or whatever it may be
/Lene
Happy Blogiversary Susan!
Susan,
Just wanted to let you know that I’m extremely happy that your going to still blog. Your blog is the first one I go to every morning to read, one of the best around. As for a contest, I suck at them. lol. But I like the idea of how many skeins in your stash idea or the scavenger hunt of your blog.
Name a colorway, show us a yarn and we will name it. (my secret fascination with make up color names bleeding through)
First of all, I’m glad that you’ve decided to stay, even on a more limited basis. I’m sorry that any negativity has come your way. And I completely disagree with the “dour” label. Then again, I’m a 40-something pragmatic lawyer from Masschusetts with two kids.
How about a contest called “Great in 08″ — challenge us to tell you about our most exciting plans, knitting or otherwise, for the upcoming year.
I might call you a lot of things but dour isn’t one of them. We met because of our blogs (my 4 yr blogiversary will be in March) and I’m rather fond of yours. It’s so nice to know you’ll still be around.
Been thinkin’…yes, I know that is dangerous according to my family. The snarky letters really bother me. Maybe you should publish the snarky stuff for all to see. Let US address the snarker with whatever means gets the point across…heh! Slime uncovered and exposed dries up!
As I said earlier, you have been very influential in improving my knitting skills. Please don’t stop!
I’ve been a lurky reader for a while, and I think you’re way too kind for anybody with sense to leave you rude comments. Born in a barn, the senseless beasts. Bless their little coal hearts.
As for your contest, my suggestion is descriptions of a fantasy/money-is-no-object/dream celebration. Hot air balloons, cabana boys with MaiTais, whatever. Though I do like the “why do you believe in Santa” suggestion.
Happy Anniversary!
Random number generator…have people send in emails, give the email and number a poof, random number generator. Quick and easy.
P.S. I have a friend that has gotten many nasty emails to her blog from time to time. I am always surprised and how mean people can be.
Enjoy your blog, have learned some valuable knitting tips from you. The contest should be like no other that I have seen. DO NOT guess the number of yarn skeins in the knitting bag, how about GUESSING the number of knitting needles and gadgets that occupy your home. Congrats on your anniversary, and enjoy many more.
phooey to the nasty snarkys; i love you enough to make up for them. i have learned something from each of your patterns; six that i can think of easily; starting with Branching Out. i’m going to take a shower to try to think of something contest worthy.
Sorry about the few people who deem it OK to email you with snarky comments.
As for the contest, how about something themed around the number 4. Name your 4 favourite projects you’ve created (bonus for photos?). 4 most useful knitting/crochet implements. 4 most lusted-after patterns that you know you will never actually knit!
Make people do some research – have a trivia contest of different things that happened on your blog in the last year.
What about 4 tips you would give a beginning knitter.
I can’t believe you get snarky comments! What’s wrong with people? Well, for a contest I’m not much of a fan of guessing games (like how many skeins in your stash). How about something like favorite family holiday traditions or your favorite knitted Christmas gift? How about your favorite last minute knitted Christmas gift for those of us feeling under the gun? Years ago I posted on my blog that I was feeling knitting ennui and couldn’t decide what to knit. You sent me one of your patterns. Although I didn’t knit it at the time (it’s on my list!), your generosity meant so much to me. Thank you again.
how about a show and tell? what susan lawrence project is your favorite and why?
I don’t comment much but I do read and enjoy your blog and all I can say is Boo to the haters! Boo! I’m glad you decided to continue.
Ok so for a contest… how about everyone lists something positive that has happened through knitting/blogging that was unexpected when they first started.
Happy Anniversary on your Blog. I have to echo all the previous comments – your blog is wonderful! I have found your blog to be inspirational. I have been encouraged to try to knit things that I never thought possible. Your photography is beautiful, your posts are always interesting and your knitting is fantastic! Please keep blogging, but also take care of yourself. You are a talented and generous person to share your work and thoughts with all of us.
4 years of blogging, that’s a lot. Congrats.
Theme for the contest must be something about the time we are going into, Advent.
In Norway the colours are purple, we have 4 purple lights, and lighten them one by one on the Sundays before Christmas, so, you must have purple, lights, angels and snow.
Take care.
Congratulations on your blogiversary!!
Sorry about the rude emails. Just remember for every snarky email, there are lots of lurkers like me who value what you do with the blog and your lovely patterns.
I’m so glad you’re going to continue blogging — I was worried for a sec!
Some of my favorite contests were rip-offs and theme-related — matching songs from a particular year (like when I graduated) to artists, pictures — or just asking for an answer/opinion/tip/advice and choosing a winner at random. Whatever it is, it should be a reflection of you — what’s important to you or something you’re interested in.
“New Beginnings” is my theme suggestion.
I have learned so much from you, Susan! Thanks!
Wow, four years is quite a milestone! Congratulations!
For the contest, how about asking your reader to comment on why they began blogging (or haven’t) and their favourite thing about it that keeps them at it?
I can’t imagine anyone being snarky to you – you’ve always been a pleasure to read and very helpful the couple of times I’ve had questions, which is very much appreciated!
Happy blogiversary! And I’m glad you decided to keep posting!
Hi, I enjoy reading your blog AND knitting your designs
)
don’t sweat the idiots!!
contest question:
“How many YOs are in the ____ shawl?”
How about a “FourPlay” contest? (Sorry, couldn’t resist, what with it being your 4th anniversary and all…) What pattern have people knit four of..sock pattern? hat pattern? even sweater patterns…(I have knit 6 of those Wonderful Wallabys, 2 of which were XL!!)…
just a thought and btw, Happy Blogiversary and hope you do continue to find inspiration and positivity in your blog postings, I read every day..that you post!
I am glad you decided to continue, you are far too special to fade away.
The number four brought to mind the four Greek elements of Wind, Air, Fire and Water One for each year of your Blog.
Some of the design names on your blog fit into this theme. Don’t know where to go from here. A design theme? Chosen by your readers favorite element
Happy Blogiversary! Four years is a lot of writing, and well worth the trouble. How about the flip side of negative comments? You could ask people to leave their favorite quotation, all positive thoughts.
Four years of fun, and teaching, and inspiration for so many! So glad you aren’t quitting, but if your teens have recently inspired you to think, “I only have two years, three months, and 12 days before they go off to college, move out, hitchhike Europe or sail the South Seas out of Nantucket, fill-in-th-blank,” I can relate. Family must always come first.
Since you are so amazingly generous, how about asking your readers to share a story of generosity, the most amazing thing anyone ever did for them, and the most amazing they ever did for anyone. It would be a good read for everyone, especially at this time of year. And if you didn’t want to “judge” the generosity acts, after all, all generosity is a good thing, you could just put all the comments in hat and pick one.
Thanks for making all of our skies a little bluer! Blue skies!
I’m glad you aren’t giving up on the blogging – we’d miss you!
How about asking people what their favorite yarn is (or 4 most favorite yarns)?
Reading your blog always brightens my day. I’m not too good thinking up contests and all the ideas above are so good. So I suggest picking a random number.
Thank you for your time, the entertainment and information and ideas you provide.
Contest idea?
What’s the oddest (weirdest?) item you’ve used as a knitting tool or accessory?
——————Carol
I think you should have contest entries be stories of knits that are 4 years (or more) old. For new knitters, it can be for their first knit.
Something yarn related, perhaps? Take a picture and see who guesses the “make” and “model,” so to speak, of a particular skein.
It saddens me to think that people feel the need to leave negative feedback/snarky remarks..but I’m happy to hear that you’re going to make them suffer through more of your blogs..haha
I’ve been reading yours for as long as I’ve been blogging..and always left feeling more knitworthy..
Your patterns have always been wonderful to work with..being a mid-intermediate knitter and you’ve always been so kind to communicate any time I’ve left a question..so I say..Onward..and even if you blog less..just BLOG~
For the contest..I feel I should give to you for all you have shared with us. Happy Knitting~~
Thanks for all your designs, insights, helpful tips, entertainment, etc.! You have given many of us the confidence to step out of our comfort zone and try new projects. I really appreciated all the guidance you provided on the Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl.
Good luck with the contest. I like Beth’s idea of listing all your original designs.
I’m stealing this idea from Erin at “My Best Friend’s A Dork”…because it was a ton of fun to participate in…
She held a photo scavenger hunt contest on her blog(http://dorkybestfriend.typepad.com/blog/2007/05/contest.html#trackback). She gave us a list of several items tat we had to find and in order to be entered into the contest we had to photograph 75% of the items and have our entries up on our blog and a comment sent to her blog by a certain time. Do you know how hard it was to find an ice cream truck where i live in Maryland? I ended up finding a faded out of commission truck…lol!
Best Wishes on your next year of fantastic blogging!
Happy blog anniversary! I just wanted to say that the idea of sending snarky or nasty messages over the content of a KNITTING BLOG just blows my mind. If people are getting so worked up about knitting-related topics that they are sending nastygrams about them, it’s time for them to find a less stressful hobby.
i don’t understand the snarky emails.
anyway, congratulations on 4 years.
as for a contest idea. i’m thinking random number generator. i know, boring, but so easy.
I’d like to thank you for your blog. When I found it, you caught my attention with a picture of yarn appropriately labelled “Syracuse sky” (since I live in the area) and I have been reading along ever since. I enjoy your knitting and your pics. I also like the idea of a theme based on the four years somehow. Or even a favorite project or post of the last year. Happy Blogiversary!
How about a “family” theme? You know, the ones you live with and the ones you only know through that little online portal. Happy Blogiversary!
happy #4!! It’s always fun to visit you to see what you’re up to and the community aspects is what’s so nice about blogging. As for theme, I’m going to suggest cookie recipes, purely out of self-interest. I love baking cookies in the winter ;0)
Congratulations. Some marriages don’t last four years, much less blogging. I never comment but I enjoy reading so it’s good you’re going to continue. Too bad there isn’t a ‘hateful people’ email filter. I’d buy it….
Well, with the day I’m having, I suggest “Guess the number of knots in these six skeins of Noro” with bonus points for “Guess how many of the knots result in drastic color changes”.
meh.
THank you so much for all your sharing – patterns, comments, beautiful photos of your lovely state and children, I have 2 suggestions for names for your contest which totally reflect my reaction to you anniversary post (1) Snow Lucky! – a Utah snow lovers sping on “your so lucky to live in Utah and have snow already” as I am in Cincinnati and love your mountains!!!! or name (#2) “How Does She Do It” I had no idea that you were an attorney! How do you ever find the time with teens in the home and a law career …to KNIT…much less BLOG!!! Perhaps I could entice you to start another blog on organization??? Just Kidding! Thanks for your time and thoughts. Happy Blogiversary!
Congrats on 4 years…how wonderful. I’ve always been self-concious(see I can’t spell either) about leaving a comment because when I chose my blog address (not title) I was in a hurry and then found out that it’s the name of your site…but it was too late to change it. But after reading today and frantic that you may not be here to share anymore…well I just had to stop to tell you how much I’ve been inspired by your lessons and patterns. I’m glad your sticking around..alot of us would sure miss you. As for a contest theme…I’m really no good at that but if you have a collection of knitting books we could guess how many..told you I wasn’t very good at this.
Take care and never read negative….the delete button is on the right.
I add my vote to the pot for a guess number of something contest. maybe with a random number generator for more then one correct guess.
I am glad that you have decided to continue blogging for the moment. I think I have been reading (stalking?) for 3 of the 4 years and you are one of the privileged few that I read the archives from the beginning. So yes your knitting is interesting. And occasional life details just means you are not a figment of the internet’s imagination.
I just wanted to let you know that I truly enjoy reading your blog and am thrilled that you have decided to continue. Each morning when I open my Bloglines if there is a new post from you it is the first one I open. I think it is truly sad that there are those that feel the need to send electronic comments to people that they probably would not be brave enough to say aloud. I say don’t give them the satisfaction of driving you away from your blog. Treat their comments for what they are. Junk!! Enjoy your blogiversary.
whew, 4 years! I’ve been a bad blogger lately, hard to keep up with it all! Totally sucks about the negative comments! What on earth are people thinking? So, here’s an idea for a contest… Magic 4′s (or some other catchy phrase), meaning, what is good in your life that comes in 4′s?
I’m so glad you are going to continue your blog. I found it after you and Margene gave that great presentation at the SL Knitters Guild. ( I did the Mystery Shawl 3). I think you are simply wonderful and hope to see you again.
Hi Susan,
Congratulations on 4 years! It’s blogs like yours that inspire me as I approach my first blogiversary.
Perhaps you could have a theme related to patterns you’ve designed. Maybe a link to picture or post related to a project people made from one of your patterns. Of course it should include a way for people who haven’t knitted something yet to also be included in the contest. Thanks so much for your patterns and continued commentary in our little world of knitting. My forest canopy shawl is my most proud project to date and I have you to thank for that.
Cheers to 4 more years!
I didn’t read through all the comments so I don’t know if someone had this idea already. Along the evolution theme, how about commenters linking to a post on their blog showing pictures and telling about their first knit item vs. their most recently knit item? Telling about how their skills have improved, etc.
I’ve read every comment so far and I just gotta say–I’m all verklempt! Talk amongst yourselves–I’ll give you a topic:
“People who send snarky emails to generous and talented knitters/bloggers are motivated by jealousy to be mean and nasty AND probably doltish knitters who end up with fugly fo’s–discuss!”
Friend, you’ve been an inspiration to me for nearly four years and I’ve learned so much from you. Take it easy on yourself and blog when you feel like it.
*mwah*
How about “The Positive Outweighs the Negative” Contest. People can tell about the good things that have happened because of blogging and reading others blogs?
I’m glad to hear you will still be writing and happy you can focus on all the good things that have happened because of your blog!
HEY – can’t believe negative bloggers – they are people who can’t work out their personal problems and take it out on you and other bloggers – ignore them WE KNOW THEM FOR WHAT THEY REALLY ARE!! – BAD INTO GOOD CONTEST – what can you say good about even people in knitting that you don’t like [ ie new beginnings]
keep blogging pat j
How about Ends and Beginnings? You were thinking about quitting but didn’t, which, in a way, is a new beginning. Or maybe I just had too much sugar, not sure which.
I’m sorry you get nasty e-mail from people. I really don’t understand why. You’re blogging, you’re putting up your thoughts and ideas, and if people don’t like them, they don’t have to read the blog.
Snarky? On a weekly schedule? damn that’s harsh. I’ve had people not thanks me after I answered questions, and the few cranks over the years, but not so much with the regular snark. I’m so sorry, and sorry it gave you pause, but glad (and relieved) you’ve decided to hang around. Blog on!
I think you asked about a theme for your contest, not a contest idea. Coming late to this discussion, I’m not particularly original, but the “new direction” you articulated seems like a theme to me. The blog has changed your life and changed your knitting, therefore leading in directions you didn’t anticipate when you started blogging 4 years ago. Contest? –maybe ask for comments from your readers and friends about how the new online knitting communities have changed their directions, too.
Happy Blogiversary!! And glad that you’re not closing up shop. You have SO much to offer. I’m sorry you’ve been snarked with regularity. I don’t understand what drives people to do that. Maybe jealousy….
Contest: How many pairs of socks have you (Susan) knit in the last 2 years? Or how many knitted objects has your daughter lost? I know not very original.
You’ve got some great ideas already, and I like the “focus on the positive” thoughts. You could have a contest asking people for the most surprising thing they’ve ever read on a knitblog. Or the ways they’ve found inspiration through something they’ve read on a blog. Or how blogging changed their lives.
Congratulations on 4 years. I enjoy your blog very much too, and was relieved to see that you are not intending to quit. Thank you for the time you spend to share your talents.
The contest – I think something about 4 is good too, but not sure what. How about comments listing 4 favorite knitting things – pattern, accessory, blogs, etc. It would still be random generator then, but would be interesting to see everyone’s favorite things.
Happy Anniversary.
How about a contest that has to do with how much yarn you have in stash, by weight or just do a random number generator thing.
I’m glad you decided not to quit blogging – yours is one of the knitting blogs I read regularly, and I just love checking in. Afraid I’m not of much use when it comes to contests, but I’m sure you’ll come up with something good.
I can’t get past the fact that someone would leave YOU snarky mean comments. They deserve a swat on the head!
I mean it!
xoxoox
Susan, congratulations on the blogversary. I’ve been reading your blog for several years, and am glad you won’t be quitting. It’s a challenge juggling everything, but your idea to just cut back seems to make sense. Do what’s best for YOU and your life, knitting and otherwise.
Regarding the snark commenters, I’d venture to guess it’s due to the popularity of your blog AND more importantly your wonderful knitting and design accomplishments. My Mama always said, “Honey, ignore that kid, she/he is probably just jealous.” I’ve found that often to be the case.
I’ve loved your blog for a long time and I love your pattern sense – your designs and WIPs always appeal to me. Thank you for being a bright light in a sometimes dim world.
For a contest idea, how about asking people to post about when knitting made a difference in their lives, sort of a “clearing skies ahead” moment when knitting helped in some way to make their life better or to simply survive the latest crisis?
Congratulations on the anniversary!
You should absolutely blog as MUCH or as LITTLE as pleases you and fits in with your life and everything else you HAVE to do and WANT to do. Selfishly I hope you continue. I keep the link to your blog in my “A Blogs” folder as one I check in on every time I surf. I ALWAYS enjoy your posts and love seeing all the wonderful things you create, and I have certainly enjoyed many of your patterns. Contest idea? What if you ask what is our favorite pattern/post of yours and why?
Maybe you could have a contest where people write in how blogland has affected their knitting in a positive way, helped them become a better knitter or helped them to “branch out” into something they normally would have never done.
Whew, that was a close one! Thank you, thank you, thank you for not quitting the blog!
Contest theme–unexpected good results.
happy Blogiversary!!!
Your’s was one of the first knitting blogs that I read when I started to knit and blog and I’ve learned so much from you. Your encouragement has meant a lot to me. Thanks so much.
How about this for a contest–how many patterns have you published? Tie breaker for your favorite one.
Hard to believe you’d get nasty comments. Just when my faith in humanity was restored on another blog…I take it personal, sorry, I like you:) I supposed some need to make a point instead of just going away. Hope everything is OK for you (good thoughts and karma).
Happy Bloggiversary! so glad you’ve decided to stay. I’m bad with ideas when asked for one, so maybe something to do with the patterns you’ve created? (how many-pattern names-type of artical)
Happy Bloggiversary! I am glad you decided to stay on the scene, I enjoy reading your posts and seeing the beautiful Utah photos. Without you I would not have known about personalized m&m’s.
Have a great week!
Happy blogiversary! I’m sorry you get snarky emails. I can’t even imagine. But then, after hearing stories of some of the Ravelry groups, maybe I’m not surprised after all.
Well I’m late to the blogiversary party, but I sure do want to say “Thank You” to you for taking so much time and energy to make your wonderful and inspirational blog! I’m glad you are sticking with it, AND I completely understand the conflict (I dropped to 1 post/week after less than a year of blogging – it was taking WAY too much time!)
Happy Blogiversary…next week!
bloggingasfastasican
and happy blogiversary, a little early!
Ack.. I simply do not understand negative (and/or nasty) comments to bloggers. If you do not like what you read….click on by!
I’ve always enjoyed your blog (tho’ I don’t always comment) and I’ve always enjoyed your designs…
Unfortunately, I’m lousy at coming up with contest ideas, too. But those socks are lovely – I was drooling over the patterns today (after seeing Margene’s!).
Post less, dear. But please don’t disappear!
Happy Blogiversary!
((((hugs))))
Well, I missed your contest, but that’s okay. I’ve recently found you and your blog and I’m glad you’re going to continue! That’s a lot of blogging you’ve done!
of course I’m late… that’s why I don’t have hundreds of readers like you, but I am so thankful we both started blogging or we never would have met in person (more than once!) and had so much fun:) Don’t let the snarks get to you!
Four years? Wow! I’m so glad you’re not throwing in the towel. I’d really miss you!
Contest theme: Name something you were working on approximately four years ago, and how it has held up over time.
Happy anniversary! I have to say that i enjoy reading your blog. And I even learn something new once in a while.
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY my friend! Anyone who really knows what a kind hearted person you are would never leave you snarky comments….tsk, tsk!
I’m a little behind the times. Happy “B”versary. As for the snarky comments, its just fallout from the vast amount of readers that you have. Ignore, ignore. I would miss you terribly…don’t leave. Your lack of presence over at 6Sox is proof, just not the same anymore.
Hi,
I’ll follow you in my Google Reader.
Happy belated blogiversary! Isn’t it fun meeting knitters from around the world by having a blog
Happy knitting,