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Latest Post on BlogHer: Parenting after Infertility.

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Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Commentathon

Who doesn't enjoy receiving a comment or two? And who doesn't enjoy leaving a comment or two, knowing it makes a difference in the other person's day to know that they're not speaking into a silent vacuum?

And that, my friend, is the point of the Commentathon. Seven days to collective send out 1000 comments. Does that sound like a lofty goal? Perhaps. But I think we're just the people to do it.

So here is how it works:

(1) Sign up begins today. Leave a message in the comments section saying you'd like to participate or send me an email at thetowncriers@gmail.com. I need a name, the url for your blog (if you don't have a blog, just leave a name), and a comment goal for the week (for instance, if you think you can leave 5 comments a day, write down a goal of 35 comments for the week. You can always leave more comments than you put down as your goal. You can also spread it out and leave 10 comments one day and no comments the next day). Don't be shy--if you can only leave 7 comments over the whole week, that's fine too. Every comment takes us closer to that 1000 comment goal. People can sign up until June 17th.

(2) I will post a participant's list with links to blogs, updated daily once the Commentathon begins to reflect your comment total. It will look something along the lines like this
Stirrup Queens and Sperm Palace Jesters (Melissa) Goal: 70 ___ (M) ___ (T) ___ (W) ___ (TH) ___ (F) ___ (SA) ___ (SUN) _____ (Total)

(3) Keep track of how many comments you leave from June 18th--June 24th (7 days--if you'll be gone any of these days, use the 25th, 26th, or 27th as "make-up" days). This is how to tally your comments:
  • Every comment you leave on another person's blog* equal one point.
  • Every time someone leaves a comment on your blog and you click over to their blog and return the favour by leaving a comment, you get two points.
So, for example, if you pledged that you would leave 10 comments/points a day, you could leave 6 comments on blogs you like to read or new blogs that you've found on the participant list. And you could return 2 comments for people who left comments on your blog, making 10 comments/points total for the day (6+2+2=10). So...yes, I ask for a comment total, but it's really a "points" total since there are two types of comments you can leave: new ones (one point) and return ones (two points).

Keep track during the day on a scrap of paper and email me (thetowncriers@gmail.com) a total at the end of the day each day (this is obviously done on an honour system). I will update your total and how close we are collectively to leaving 1000 comments in a single week daily.

(4) The highest commentors will be announced and awarded on the 29th during the blog roundup. Collectively, we will make the world feel like a better place for at least a week by spreading the love around and letting people know that people are reading their words.

So sign up by leaving the necessary information in the comments section or sending me an email. You don't need a blog to participate, but if you've been considering starting one, this is a great opportunity for people to find your new blog. And then start keeping track of your comments on the 18th...

And don't forget to send me your secret odes for Secret Ode Day (posting June 21st)...

* Infertility and pregnancy loss is a simplistic name that encompasses any blog related to infertility, treatments, living child-free, adoption, GBLT assisted reproduction, donor gametes, secondary infertility, pregnancy loss, pregnancy-after-infertility, and parenting-after-infertility
(as well as any other categories I inadvertently left off the list).

55 comments:

Esperanza said...

Love this idea, so there! Dianne, flutterofhope.blogspot.com, and my comment goal is 50.

It will be my perfect two week wait distraction!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like fun! Jenn http://jennsjournal.clubmom.com and my comment goal is 35.

Also wanted to say that my blog is about parenting after infertility so I don't want anyone get surprised if they click through and see baby pictures. I know how much that can hurt, even if they are IVF babies.

Leah said...

Can't wait for the week of festivities to begin! Especially because we'll be celebrating in person with the DC group on the 19th.

Here's my info: Leah
http://mydustyovaries.blogspot.com
my comment goal is 65

Caro said...

I'm in, I'll aim for 50.

Mindy said...

Oh -- sounds like fun.

Work is getting super busy, so I'm going to set a modest goal, with hopes I can do better.

Mindy
http://happinesslost.blogspot.com/
goal: 25

Stacie said...

I'll aim for 50.

http://twinkies.bastetweb.com

Like Jen, I fall into the "parenting after infertility" category and the site is laden with baby pictures and talk about babies. Avoid me if that would be too much.

Jen said...

I think I have to still actually work while at work, so I'll try for 30.

My blog is http://mamawannabe.wordpress.com

Cece said...

I'm in. sign me up for 35. http://child-bearing-hips.blogspot.com

Bobby and Ivy said...

Sounds like fun!

Ivy

bobbyandivy.blogspot.com

35 per week sounds like a good goal!
I'm also in the pregnancy/parenting after infertility group.

Serenity said...

For a second - and it was a LOOOONG second - I thought you were trying to rally each of us to leave 1000 comments in 7 days. I was doing the math and thought "143 comments per DAY? No WAY can I do that!"

So yeah. I'm going to try for 50 as well. That's a little over 7 a day... not counting the double I'll get for responding to everyone who leaves ME a comment...

Great idea. :)

Anonymous said...

Yep, sign me up. Although, I suppose that means I will have to come up with something interesting to post...

Aunt Sassy
www.blogbysassy.blogspot.com
Goal:50

Tina / Anxious Changer said...

This is soooo great! I can't wait for the festivities to begin!

Tina
http://my-many-blessings.blogspot.com
My comment goal is 50 (maybe more since the boss is AWAY in South Africa without e-mail contact. Muuuuhauauauuaua!).

Anonymous said...

Oh fun! I've been looking for an easier way to find people's blogs who really want comments...

I'm Jenna
Count me in for 20

http://epilogue.inconceivablejourney.com

decemberbaby said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
decemberbaby said...

hey Jenna, I really want comments!!!

Ok, put me down for 50.

Sara
http://of-course-youll-get-pregnant.blogspot.com
comment goal is 50

Nichole said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nichole said...

Sorry...I forgot to leave my comment goal on the last post.

I think this is a great idea and a great way to read new blogs.

http://clingerworld.blogspot.com

My goal: 40

The Goddess G said...

Count me in!
Carole
http://thejourneyfromhere.blogspot.com
Parenting after loss...children mentioned.

My comment goal is 50

Unknown said...

What a great idea! Count me in, too. And I fall into the pregnant after IF category.

Comment goal: 35

http://jonesingforbaby.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Count me in!
http://karaokediva.blogdns.com
My comment goal is 35. I'm pretty sure I can swing 5 comments a day.

Anonymous said...

Ok, I'm going for 70. (Screw work!)
This is going to be so much fun!! I'm off to think of interesting things that will entice y'all to comment and raise your scores...

AwkwardMoments said...

Oh count me in ... sounds like a blast - Ill aim for 50- Farah @ Fertilizeme.blogspot.com

Sami said...

I love this idea - I have a goal of uhmm... 20 - I'll be out of town for part of it and without internet access so we shall see :) http://3dogsandmaybebaby.blogspot.com

Furrow said...

Sure, I'll have a go. But it is a busy week, so I'll be wimpy and go for 25.

FYI... Pregnancy after infertility;
occasionally includes some cussin' (but not much)

http://seeddispersal.blogspot.com

Natalie said...

I'm in! Natalie http://lunardreams.net/ttc/
My comment goal is 60.

M said...

LOVE IT! I'm in! How about a goal of 50? Eeks...the pressure is on!
www.destinedtobeamom.blogspot.com

Lollipop Goldstein said...

Everyone rocks! This is going to be so much fun. Should I designate the category you're in on the blogroll with a code next to your name so people can click on the ones they're comfortable reading (you guys are so thoughtful!)? I can do that really easily.

Samantha said...

Bad week for me, since I'll be out of town for a good chunk, but I'll try for 20!

Samantha http://southern-infertility.blogspot.com

Aurelia said...

Ummm, well I comment waaaayy too much already, but I'd say I'll keep to my usual level, and it's a busy week, so how about 100 for the week on your list of newer blogs? And 100 on any of the other infertility and pregnancy blogs I read but who may not be in the commentathon?

Aurelia @ http://nomatterhowsmall.blogspot.com/

Parenting after infertility & loss, TTC again, & being an adoptee.

Rachel Inbar said...

I'd love to join in :-)

Rachel
http://fertilitystories.com/fertilityblog/

My goal is 25 (just have to be realistic here...)

Gil said...

I'm in Mel. Put me down for 50 as well.

http://thehardestquest.blogspot.com

Can't wait for the fun to start!

Changing Expectations said...

Hi Mel,

I love this idea. I'll sign up for 50 comments. Changing Expectations at http://changingexpectations.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Hmmm, I'm going to have to set a low-ish goal and hope to surpass it. Let's say...25. Stupid job, they seem to think I'm supposed to be WORKING when I'm here.

Allison
http://ourowncreation.wordpress.com

mandolyn said...

Comments rock!

mandolyn
http://daysfivethroughnine.blogspot.com

I'm aiming for 35.

Pamela T. said...

Nice idea and a great way to encourage us not only to read and ponder each others thoughts but to indicate -- even in a small way with a word or two -- that we're there for each other. I sent you a separate email with my particulars.

Erin said...

Count me in for 35!

http://viciouscycleofcycles.blogspot.com/

Erin

Rachel said...

My goal is 40.

Rachel
diaryofamiscarriage.blogspot.com

Pregnancy after miscarriage mentioned

Anonymous said...

I'll sign up :)

Sharah
http://sharah.wordpress.com
Goal -- 25

TeamWinks said...

Oh, I think I can manage 35 comments. I'll give it my best shot!

In and Out of Luck said...

I'll say 20.

inandoutofluck.blogspot.com

One View said...

I'd love to join as well.

Forever Hopeful
http://wishingitwouldgeteasier.blogspot.com/

I'll aim for 30 (I'm away most of next week so I don't know how much I can get on the computer).

ultimatejourney said...

We have guests for a good portion of the week next week, but count me in for 35.

ultimatejourney
http://allthosepills.blogspot.com

LJ said...

Oh, I am so in. I'll be on the road part of Monday, and at the beach (woo hoo) next weekend, but I'll commit to a bunch
Lindsay at jausshaus.blogspot.com
And hmm, a goal? I'll say 40, but with the expectation that I blow past it.

Joy said...

I'll pledge 30.

http://fertilehope.blogspot.com

Natalie said...

Sounds fun!
Name: chicklet
URL: http://blurbthis.blogspot.com/
Goal: 25

Mama Bear said...

I'm a little late to the game, but I'm in too. Let's say my goal is 50.

So, here's my info:

Sticky Bun (http://sticky-bun.blogspot.com)
goal: 50
:-)

Lori Lavender Luz said...

Well, I think there are 45 people signed up so far, so I guess I'll shoot for 50. Yikes. Maybe Hubby won't miss me too much.

http://weebleswobblog.blogspot.com

Mom of 2 via adoption. Kids may be mentioned.

Love comments. Love the way you create community.

olivegirl said...

Count me in! Better late than never. My comment goal is 20.

And everyone, send good vibes my way. My FET is tomorrow morning at 9:45!

http://thegirlandtheolive.blogspot.com/

FattyPants said...

Sign me up.

My goal will be 50

www.fattypantsonthemove.blogspot.com

I lurk way too much so this is my push into the pool.

Anonymous said...

Ok I am in - my goal is 25

www.perpetually-waiting.blogspot.com

Meghan

Nearlydawn said...

Sign me up!!!

My goal is 50

http://www.nearlydawn.blogspot.com/

Christy said...

I would love to participate! It sounds like so much fun and a great way to get to meet fellow bloggers!

http://www.lovehopeandfaith.blogspot.com

comment goal is 30

Lea Bee said...

OK! i a ready to do this. sign me up for 21 comments, hopefully i can do more. my site is nothowiplannedit.blogspot.com and fits under general infertility or female factor.

thanks for organizing this.
laura

Anonymous said...

I need to do this too. I spend entirely too much time lurking on people's blogs, too shy to comment. This will hopefully give me the kick up the rear I need to actually join in and stop being so damn' self-conscious all the time.

My comment goal is 25 - 5 a day. I think I can manage that.

May at www.nutsinmay.wordpress.com

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

My blog has 3 parts:

--http://www.mloknitting.com/ - no infertility, per se.
--http://www.mloknitting.com/private/ ask for psswd from mlo at otherinfo dot com (Say you are from Stirrup Queens and I will send you the password)
--http://www.mlocooking.com/ -- tries to be about allergies, etc.

I am committing to 10 comments a week because I have no idea what my week is going to be like since I found out this morning our embies didn't make it.

Pax,

MLO