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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Thank you, for such a great WBC year!


 I want to take a minute to thank all of you who left such wonderful comments for me on my Where Bloggers Create post. My cheeks were blushing and my head was swelling!!!  It sounds like everyone had (and are still having) a wonderful time enjoying all the studios that participated in this years event.
I myself, am still trying to work my way through the list and still have a long way to go!!
I am in the process of linking all the studio posts to the Where Bloggers Create blog where they will remain there until next years party.

Speaking of next years party... I have a question for you all. Since the party is fresh in everyone's mind, I would like to ask your opinion.  For several years now I have debated on whether to change the format of the party and use a service like McLinky instead of listing all the blogs ahead of time on my sidebar. I have avoided this, because... well.... I guess I'm a little bit of a control freak. :)
I have had people in the past try to sign up for the party that were really just trying to get free advertising on their site, and weren't really playing within the spirit of the event.

That being said... what can be even more frustrating is going to the blogs who have signed up, only to find that they have completely forgotten and there is no party post to be found. 

Basically what I need to know is this... would you prefer that everyone link up their party posts after they are already published, or should we continue to do it they way it's been done for the last 5 years??

Thanks for your input!!!


47 comments:

Judi said...

I honestly LOVED how you had it listed by name ~ but no matter how it's done, nothing would stop me from visiting everyone!! I'm still visiting too and glad to hear the list won't be going away anytime soon! Filled my head with so many ideas, inspiration and thanks so much for all your hard work! Judi

Louise@ElsieMayandBertha said...

Personally I'd stick with status quo so you can manage the list. If people have forgotten I'd rather have the link to an interesting blog rather than a link to adverts. Plus it's easy to find the list on your side bar rather than buried in a post.
Either way, thanks for doing it :-)

bobbie said...

Karen ~
I'm good either way, but you've just answered a question I just Emailed you!!!
Thank you again for hosting this wonderful party ~ I've just started on the "T's", and I've been having a blast seeing everyone's beautiful spaces, and gathering all kinds of lovely ideas!

Kathy said...

I like the current format - just being able to go back in your blog to run thru them again looking for some idea I KNOW I saw but can't remember how executed always helps.
Plus I know at least 2 left notes that they would post later...I do agree its frustrating that some forget, but I vote for current method!

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Karen, I will be there next year and I think it should be done the same way that it's always been done. Thank you for all of your efforts, it's wonderful.

hugs
cindy@stitches

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

I'm in favour of a linky thing Karen, only because I did another couple of posts in the same time frame and I don't think people knew to look back for my WBC post. They probably thought I forgot and I know I had to search back a couple of posts myself on other blogs.
At least with a link, it will direct readers to the correct post indefinitely.
Would this not save you a lot of time too on your sidebar?
Or, you could list the blogs without an URL and once we post, we could email you our direct link to the party post and you could enter it then but still much work for you.
Merely my 2 cents worth.
Judith

Elizabeth Johnson said...

Do what's going to work the best for you. We can adjust to either plan.

Vickie ~ Mademoiselle*Rose said...

I am slowly working my way through them, and am happy with the way you've done it. The only kind of annoying thing I'm finding is that some links go to the blog, rather than the actual post, and I have to search down to find the workroom post. If people are looking for them in six months they'll have to search back through heaps and heaps of subsequent posts on the blog to find the workspace.

Having said that, it's a wonderful idea and so enjoyable to go peaking into all the workrooms. I think your blog is fantastic, it's one of my absolute favourites for style and content.

Art and Sand said...

I had fun with the party- my first time.

I was frustrated that I went to the blogs and the people had not posted. I didn't remember which ones had not posted yet so I didn't get back to all of them.

I would love to participate again because it definitely got me to organize my space and I will join in no matter which format you use.

Rhonda said...

I totally see both sides but truly prefer the way it is. I agree with others that no matter which way you choose, Karen, we will be here next year with you.

This is one event that is so much fun, I look forward to it each year!

Donna said...

Thank you again for hosting such a wonderful event, Karen! This was my first experience with WBC, and not only have I been having a blast checking out everyone's amazing studios (I'm still working my way thru the list, too!), but it was a great incentive to get my space in order. And I have been overwhelmed with so many sweet comments, too! I would love a linky party format. If someone visits our blogs to check out our studios, and we have added new posts, they may not think to scroll down and hunt for what they came to see. Also, I love the idea of having a thumbnail photo of each studio that is participating:)

Helena White said...

I love your format! All the blogs in a list is so easy to maneuverer. As long as everyone links directly to their WBC post, there is need to scroll through to find their party post. Easy breezy. Karen, I love your party and I am still perusing the party. Helena @ Memory Box Creations

ImagiMeri said...

I was a bit frustrated, too, when going to different blogs and not finding any posts. The other frustration is "word verification" and I have a hard time seeing those things, so most times won't leave a comment if it takes me too many tries. I've done McLinky before and it's nice because it links the actual post about WBC and so even if people have moved on in posting on their blogs, you will always go straight to the WBC post. That's my two cents. Thank you for hosting this amazing event girlfriend, and I'm sorry I didn't leave a comment on your post as I was just too excited to get started seeing everyone else, with this being my first year and all. Plus, I've been to your magical creative space, so I'm one of the privileged few to have seen your amazing decor up close.

Hugs,
Meri

Cbug Art said...

if it ain't broke, don't fix it ...loved the party and will still join either way. Thank you for for hosting such an awesome event and putting in so much effort, it shows!!!

Debbi said...

Go with the linky. It is easy to go into your dashboard and delete a link on someone who doesn't play by the rules. The ones who truly want to participate follow your blog anyway, so you can give a heads up post when the link up is about to go live.
PS...I am still going thru the list. Might be Labor day before I am done LOL

fairyrocks said...

Thanks for asking Karen, I love the list you make. It is organized and alphabetical, which helps me see where I left off. I love all the peeps. They do tend to get buried under new posts, but, for the most part are not that hard to find. I always put a link in the sidebar for late comers. Scammer's and spammer's are easy to ignore.

Anonymous said...

I would think the linky service would be much easier for you and it seems that on other blogs that use the linky service have stated that if the blog post isn't appropriate to their linky party they will delete it so I think there must be a way to still be in control of that maybe?

Always love this party and hopefully I will be able to join again next year-just too many things going this time.

bee blessed
mary

Kathy said...

It was another fun year and I, too, have not made my way around to visit everyone but I am working on it! I do like the linky idea for exactly the reasons you mentioned, plus the fact that I am a "k" and depending how people go through the list, I might get lost. I like the idea of the thumbnail so folks get a little preview.

Unknown said...

I can see why changing would be good, however, the best advice I can give is "If it ain't Broke, don't Fix it...lol

sweet violets said...

Thank you for hosting this wonderful event!!! I love the format you have now, and I am still visiting all the blogs....so many great ideas out there!! Do whatever is best for you!!! And I apologize for not having my studio ready in time, it was so hot, it was impossible to work up there.....next year, I promise.....cleo

Maureen said...

I too have been working my way through every single participant. However, I was surprised how many never posted... I even went back though their posts to before July 11th just in case I missed something... so that being said, I fear that will increase even more with a Linky party; some will see another Mr Linky post and just join in without really reading the purpose of the party.

Also, I love being able to go back again and again to my favorites so I like the way you have a special page set up - it makes it stand out from all the other parties out there.

As for linking just to the blog's home page, that is because many signed up before creating their post (me included). However, once I do a newer post, I always make sure I have a direct link at the top of my home page to take people right to my WBC post.

Either way you decide Karen, you know I will be participating next year; I met so many wonderful new bloggers and received so many kind comments! I am having a blast! Thank you again for all your hard work putting this together for us all!

Lily's Lace said...

Linky away my dear! It was a great year thanks to you!!-xoxo-cin

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all your hard work, it's been very enjoyable seeing all the studios.
Maybe next year mine will be finished, if it happens I would love to participate.
Either format is fine, whatever works for you will work for us!
Enjoy the rest of the summer, warm greetings from Mexico :)

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Karen,
I know doing it the way you do it takes an incredible amount of your own spare time up. So if you feel the need to go with a linky party, that is fine . I do know you have to pay for the linky though. You could also just delete the posts that are not participating in the true spirit of the party...
Whatever you decide to do that is easier for you will be fine. I understand how much work this all is...Thanks so much for hosting this great yearly event. It may take me a few months to get through all the posts.. But I will!!

Hugs,
Deb

Unknown said...

I would choose whatever way is easiest for YOU :-)

I have had so much fun!!

Love your digital "Thank you" Collage!!!

Happy Creating
Tracie

Terry said...

Karen,

I want you to have control. With that being said, I can see some positive reasons to use a linky. First, I like the photos that can be used when one links up. I have a really hard time remembering where I left off when visiting studios. I think a photo with the link might be helpful. Second, it might help with people actually sharing their studios and not just linking up any post. I also have had people visit not only the wrong post, but the wrong blog (I have more than one blog.) I think because they are clicking on my name in their comments and it takes them to my blog list, not my studio post. A linky might help, then again maybe not. Would you be able to have control with a linky? please don't give up too much control of this party. You are the expert and I know you will choose what is best. Whatever choice you make I am with you.

Thank you! I know this is a tremendous amount of work for you, and it is all out of the goodness of your heart.

Terry

Carole said...

Hi Karen, I also agree, whatever works best for you is what you should do.

As I am making my way through the list, I've had a lot of fun visiting. I must say that the majority of blogs I've visited have some incredible pictures of their "creative space" to share. Amazing how almost anything can be decorated and used. I'm very impressed! Once more I loved the opportunity to "meet and greet" and would like to say a huge thank you to you for making this happen. I am so grateful for the time, energy and patience it took for this to happen. Hugs Carole xox

Cindy said...

I completely agree with the frustration of those who did not post with the party in mind. I took a week to go through them all (wasn't feeling 100% so that helped with the time) I subscribed to quite a few and now get them in my mailbox! Love that! When I found a site that did not post, I just closed it and didn't look further. I DID go back to further posts to ensure they did not post for the party first. I understand your wish for control... Another lady who does a tea party each year plainly stated that if participants did not do a post for the party and tag back, they got removed from the list. Perhaps with linky or such you would be better able to monitor posts as they come in? Either way, it's your party and you can do what you want to! :) Hugs!

Mi Cottage Crafts said...

I thoroughly enjoyed this party and am also still going through the list (it may take sometime but I want to see them all):) The longer it takes though the more I will have to scroll through other blog posts, which I don't mind really, it will just take longer. What ever is best for you in the long run.
- Jeanette

Marlynne said...

Most of the bloggers had their Studio Tour Post on so I guess I would vote for just leaving it like it is, It is a fun tour! Thanks again for all your time and work to pull it off! Marlynne

Sandra Morris said...

This is my first year participating in WBC and I have to admit I arrived fashionably late, having been embroiled in my workroom makeover for several weeks.
I can see the advantages in having a link to published posts... I do hope that people didn't visit my blog during the "nothing to see here, move along please" phase of the makeover, and were disappointed.
That said, I have still to visit many of the blogs on your list, and it's good to know that I don't have to cram my visits into a short time frame.
I would go with whatever works best for you, and thanks again for making it possible to visit so many inspirational blogs.
Sandra
Tales from a Toymaker

The Painted Garden said...

Hi Karen,
Thank you for all of the hard work you put into hosting the blog party. I do find it frustrating to go to a blog that signed up and then did not post about the party. Perhaps having everyone responsible for signimng up each year on the linky thing would eliminate that. I agree that the word verification is very annoying.

In the long run - I suggest that you do what is the easiest way for you since you are the hostess.
One way or another the party is a lot of fun and a great reason to keep our creative spaces looking beautiful.
Blessings, Erin

This N That said...

What you're doing works for me and "Thanks" for that..Change seems to confuse me..

Kelly said...

HI Karen. Just found you through a Pinned post from another blog. The general thought seems to be Keep it the way it is.

So here's a suggestion for participants. Each blogger could put something on THEIR sidebar with something like:
Click Here to tour my studio.
This way visitors can go straight to pics without scrolling through newer posts.

Anyone is free to email me if they need clarification. I hope to participate next year.
Creative Blessings!
Kelly
KellyH(at)artlover(dot)com

Sherry said...

I really like the way you manage this party and have always enjoyed visiting all of the blogs. I still have many more to visit but I intend to visit all of them. I don't know which way is best, I guess use the method that works best for you. Thanks again!

The Feathered Nest said...

Hi sweet friend!!! Thank you always, always for hosting this wonderful event! And my little, humble opinion is LINKY!!!! And that it makes the participant HAVE to link to their recent studio post. It will make folks actually DO their post if they want to enter, right??? Plus it makes your life easier and the readers happy as well....Sounds like a WIN/WIN! xxoo, Dawn

the paper addiction said...

Whichever is better for you. As a participant I only had to sort my own post but to manage all of us!!! crazy - make it work for you and we will be thrilled to participate again. Loved it and I am also still visiting and drooling the divine studios xx Michelle

Unknown said...

personnaly I don't like changes...and if something work why change it...
I love to participate! and you are doing a great job Karen!

Unknown said...

personnaly I don't like changes...and if something work why change it...
I love to participate! and you are doing a great job Karen!

Unknown said...

Hi sweets! In my humble opinion I would use Mr Linky that way it would go to the correct post and could be deleted if it wasn't correct so it actually gives your more control in the long run! I haven't made it through all the parties but will eventually. I think turning off word verification should be required too. Again just an opinion.
Thank you for hosting a wonderful,party, love you too!
Hugs Marilou

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

I have been taking part of this part now for 4 years and I really enjoy it immensely, so much inspiration and great ideas and most of all meeting other creative people. And visiting past studios is also great as you can see what has changed, but most of all I really enjoy seeing the unusual and unique kind of spaces (sea containers, garage rebuilds and others). Its fantastic to see how someone can change something to something totally new.
I like the way you made the whole party, easy to follow and find, but of course you have to do it the way you feel comfortable and find it better (hope that makes sense) and I think that no matter what program you use, I think there will always be people who are after free advertising and exposure.

Karen, you have done a super fantastic job for this event, all the prep work before and after and all that in between : ) Love it!!!

Vicki Boster said...

Karen- we should all be singing our thanks to you for another great event---I know I speak for us all in saying that we love and appreciate you so much. Already looking forward to next year:)

As for the format-- you know we've had some chats about this-- Linky would sure be easier and would put the responsibility on the participant. Probably there will be some that won't play by the rules- but can't you just delete them? I don't know-- it's a lot to think about.
Vicki

suziqu's thread works said...

Hi Karen
Just want to thank you "heaps" for all the tremendous effort you have put into making this party such a success! I really don't think all of the participants including myself know exactly just how much there is to get this together!

Regarding the format I'm happy either way but see nothing wrong with the way you have it set up now! Have to confess I still haven't visited every blog as yet but do plan to get there.
By the way you might like to enter yourself in my Giveaway before I do the draw which is in a couple of days!!!

Big hugs,
Suzy

Jen said...

HI Karen.I am always enjoying your blog posts . I don't know how you do all this work I am just reading about. I am not a participant but admire how you do all this for the ladies.

Derrith said...

Hi Karen: I agree, the show is fabulous. I did want to ask you something. I hope I haven't messed things up. I have added a post to my blog since my WBC post and was about to post another and then I wondered if it will make it difficult for you to make a link to my WBC post. I noticed some others that aren't on the perm. link page have a link to their WBC post, but I don't know how to do that. So sorry. -Derrith, tiedupinribbon.blogspot.com

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hi Karen,

I wasn't able to participate this year...but I do want to say that you should handle it the way that works the best for you. I, like the others would still look forward to the party regardless of how you set it up.

Hugs, Steph ♥

Unknown said...

thankyou for all you do organising the party Karen.. this was my first time participating and I loved visiting everyone's places...

yes it was annoying to find they had forgotten to add the post ... but I just left clicked on to the next one..rather like finding a friend not home and going to visit someone else LOL.

That Catchpa thing is annoying though... it sometimes took me several goes to leave a comment on their blogs.. don't know anything about mclinky... but cope much better with moderated comments rather than catchpa....however whichever way suits you to keep it going is fine by me... I will def be here again next year ..

big love!

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