Congratulations to all those who’ve made it to the short-list…. well done you!
I haven’t, but no matter. I was in the ‘personal’ category this year…. which I thought strange, but I guess it is how ‘you’ out there read my blog and categorise it…. it is not my opinion that matters. And, of course, thank you to whoever you are that nominated me!
photo courtesy of Blog Awards Ireland
I volunteered to help with the judging this year, as I have done for the past three years. And, yes, didn’t I write a blog post about learning to say ‘no’ to volunteering…. I am still learning!!!!!
Obviously, I didn’t get involved in judging in the category that we were nominated in, but I did do a few others, and I wanted to share my thoughts with you.
Firstly, I think every blogger should volunteer to judge. It is good for you. You learn a lot. You will see what amazing talent is out there, and appreciate the competition! You will be blown away by the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes… mostly on a voluntary basis.
Through judging I have found blogs (and people) from around the world, that I would perhaps never have found, and now I communicate with them on a regular basis… they’ve become virtual friends.
I’ve had people say to me that they would not know enough about some of the topics to be competent to judge them. To that I say ‘stuff and nonsense’. It is up to the blogger to bring you into their world, and enthral you with their passion. You will learn from that. I couldn’t write a ‘humorous’ post…. but I do know when a post makes me laugh or giggle.
So to all of you I say, give a little time. Don’t say you are ‘too busy’ – we all are! The call for volunteers usually goes out in June or so… be ready next year.
My second point today is to all those new bloggers (there were over 200 of them this year). I know as that was one of the categories I judged. Or if you are thinking about starting a blog…. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE make sure to put in an ‘About’ section. So many of the ‘new’ blogs didn’t have an ‘about’ section…. it is very difficult for the reader to establish where you are based, what is the purpose of your blog, why are you writing.
Just a little detail about who you are, why you are blogging, even explain the name of your blog. Just anything to make you a real person.
To all you finalists, fingers and toes are crossed for you on Saturday night. Of course, I have already chosen who my winners would be…. let’s see if I’m right 🙂
A Year In Redwood 
Well done for judging, Margaret. I did it this year again and although it takes quite a bit of time it’s so worth the effort. There are some amazing blogs out there and it’s great to be able to see so many. Totally agree with you on the “About” pages. Even for established bloggers I would say revisit that page once in a while – it is weird to read about things you “will” do on your “About” page only to find on the main blog that you did them a year ago. Twice a year pop back in and make sure it’s still relevant and up to date. Hope you enjoy the night on Saturday if you’re going. I’d love to go but it’s a bit far from here! Best of luck to all the finalists – myself included! I’ll be glued to Twitter waiting for the news to come in!
Sound advice June…. no I won’t be able to go along, we have guests but like you will be glued to twitter. Fingers and toes crossed for you:)
You don’t need an award to know how special you are 🙂
Thanks Margaret – and June for all your help with the judging. I am also learning to say ‘no’, have said it a few times recently but yesterday I agreed to writing a play for the kids for Xmas (nativity play for around 20 kids)!
Yes, revisiting that About Us page is important, it’s all too easy to let it slide.
Lorna,
I hope it will encourage others to volunteer next year… and give us a chance to learn to say ‘no’!!!!
M