So…it was one year ago today that I started my little blog here. I had no idea what I wanted to talk about, much less if anyone would care, regardless of topic, but I thought it would be an interesting experiement, and more personal and direct than the message boards I had been hosting previous to this.
I guess I envisioned an on going conversation about books, maybe some insights into the world of the writer, and hopefully some lively banter about whatever was on the minds of fellow posters.
Initially I did talk a bit about books, about writing, occasionally veering into sports, as it’s one of my passions…and slowly but surely, a hardy band of blog babes began to evolve and hang out in my little corner of the world.
Then came the fateful day that I wrote a commentary piece on a little show called American Idol. I think I was more hard up for something to talk about that day than anything else…so imagine my surprise when my little blog space was invaded by a global brigade of American Idol watchers who, upon Googling any of the many names I’d mentioned in my blog, happened upon my (not so) humble opinions. And responded. In droves. (Mostly via email, as is the case most days.)
Imagine my further surprise when, the following week, some got a little pouty when I didn’t provide a similar recap of the events of the most recent vote off. Which, as I’d been dying to talk about it anyway, I was more than happy to provide.
And…the Morning After Commentary (or MAC as we’ve come to call it) was born. And my little blog, it seemed, had defined itself.
This was followed by seasons of Survivor, So You Think You Can Dance, Amazing Race, and Dancing With The Stars, amongst other, periodic MAC’s.
Sure, we still occasionally manage to talk about books, but mostly, it’s All About the MAC.
If you had told me when I started this endeavor that I’d be writing a blog summarizing the latest hot reality program, I’d have laughed. Because, you know, who cares what I think about Ryan Seacrest? But a whole lot more people watch the same reality program than read the same book. (Even mine. Shocking, I know!) So, while we still talk books on occasion, bonding over who was voted off the island or who hit the Amazing Bathmat last this week, is a more unifying conversation. And I’m really happy to be having it with all of you!
The other trend that started on this blog is the weekly SHaQ Attack contest. I thought it would be fun (especially for those who have no idea who has the immunity idol or why watching Phil’s Amazing Eyebrow is my favorite past time) to dwindle the Amazing Pile of Author Copies in my basement by giving away copies of previous releases every week. And, since it’s not as much fun just randomly handing them out, I thought it would be fun to, you know, make you guys at least work for it a little. 
And the Scavenger Hunt Question (SHQ > SHaQ) was born! It’s been fun coming up with weekly ways to make you guys a little crazy. (Crazier?) And, twelve months and a lot of mailed books later, I’ve actually carved a path all the way to my washing machine. So it’s been a worthwhile endeavor all the way around.
All of this is to say that, while I could have never predicted the course this blog would take during its first year, I knew going in I would follow the lead of my readers and let it go in whatever direction it took itself. It’s been a blast for me and more rewarding than I could have imagined. I hope it’s been entertaining for you all as well. I enjoy your comments and responses, as well as your enthusiasm and camaraderie. Blog Babes rock!
Here’s hoping 2007 is just as fun and exciting.
Tune in tomorrow for the first SHaQ Attack of 2007!
Happy New Year and Happy Anniversary!
Tags: Writing by Donna
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