In last Friday's post, Csenge offered some great ideas about the inspiration that music can offer to those who write. If you appreciate music and missed this post you might want to go back and check it out. In the mean time thinking about music brings to mind something else that has become a favorite blogging event of mine and many other bloggers: The Battle of the Bands.
The Battle of the Bands (#BOTB) event which is managed by Stephen T. McCarthy has been going on since 2013. Three years is not too shabby of a record for such an intensive ongoing event, one which happens twice every month on the 1st and 15th. A small core of fervent music lovers join in regularly to enjoy the presented battles and then vote on favorites.
The premise is simple. Participants find two versions of the same song by different artists or in some cases different songs with similar themes or in other cases some other variation of pitting one performance against another. Visitors to each battle listen and then decide which performance they like best and cast a vote. It's a lot of fun which considering that I've been participating on Tossing It Out from the beginning I guess I'm hooked on this event.
Typically I will tie in a theme to my battles which gives those not interested in the music or who can't listen to the music for some reason an opportunity to still join in a conversation about my theme. My upcoming battles will be themed around the U.S. presidential election, but don't worry--there shouldn't be too much that will be contentious other than what might appear in the comment sections. My intent is to offer some food for thought plus what I hope will be music my visitors will enjoy.
If you haven't visited one of my BOTB posts then please join me at Tossing It Out for my next one on Saturday October 1st and cast your vote or at least weigh in on the topic.
More Events...
A to Z'er Mary Lou Quinn from Me in the Middle asked:
Can you recommend some other Blogfests, Arlee? I'd like to see what else is out there that fits my goals for my website.
Great question for which my answer may not totally address your needs, but might be helpful to some others if not you. Frankly I've limited myself to a handful of blog events, though if I run across something that sounds interesting I might jump in because the nature of how it sets my mind to working. But those are one time events that you just have to watch out for.
Our long time A to Z Team associate Alex J Cavanaugh often mentions events at his site. He also hosts the monthly Insecure Writer's Support Group which has many participants. This event is especially good for anyone who considers themselves writers. I've participated in IWSG since its inception five years ago. If you're like me you can probably always think of something to write about. I guess we'd better if we're writers. Look for the next IWSG community posting on Wednesday October 5th.
Two other regular blogging events are hosted by Michael G D'Agostino at A Life Examined.
Michael mentioned that he is looking for someone to take these over for him. Question of the Month and FlashBack Fridays have potential for growth if someone wants to take on either of these responsibilities. Visit his blog to leave him a comment that you are interested or leave a comment below that you would like for him to contact you. FlashBack Friday is another I participate in on Tossing It Out so my Friday September 30th post is part of this event. I'll address my Question of the Month at Tossing It Out on Saturday in tandem with my BOTB post.
Now It's the Readers' Turn...
Can you suggest any ongoing blogging events for those who are wishing to reach out more (or just have fun)? Do you know of any special blog fests that are coming up? Do you have an idea for a blogfest that you'd like to see?
11 comments:
Blog hops, challenges, monthly linkups are not easy to find. I love doing photography challenges but there are few bloggers that host them. Seems all the action has moved over to Instagram. I did find an October Instagram challenge hosted at #mrsbrimblesoctdaily that I will be participating in. Some fun prompts like "I made this" and "out & about."
Linda Hill (http://lindaghill.com) hosts a couple of weekly blogging events, Stream of Consciousness Saturday and One-Liner Wednesday. Kat Bouska (http://www.mamakatslosinit.com) hosts her Pretty Much World-Famous Writer's Workshop each Thursday. And X-Mas Dolly (http://www.xmasdolly.com) hosts Monday's Music Moves Me. Check out their blogs for all the details.
Tami, I can understand why photo challenges might be well suited to Instagram. The blog challenges are still out there, but it takes time and effort to find them.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
John, you take part in a few blogging events that I've seen when I've visited your site (which is often). Thank you for stopping by to leave some links.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I certainly do enjoy Alex's ISWG,especially now there is a question we can write about. There have been many over the years I've been blogging, some have remained the time others have fettered out.
Thanks for an interesting post Lee, always a pleasure to read anything that comes my way written by you.
Yvonne.
Thanks for the mention, Arlee! I'm picking up some great info from your post and the comments.
Mary Lou
https://meinthemiddlewrites.com/
One more question ..... are all of the blogs who participate in IWSG using Blogger. I'm WordPress. Thanks!
Yvonne, we've seen bloggers come and go over the past several years. Of late I've sensed a slump of activity in our blogging circle. My comments have dropped and postings on other blogs seemed to have lessened as well. It's a cycle perhaps.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Mary Lou, there are a number of WP blogs participating in IWSG. Not sure of the count, but I've seen quite a few.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Mary Lou, thanks for prodding the question that encouraged me to write this post.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I enjoy stopping in at Battle of the Bands, but I can't make it to the blogs as often as I'd like. I do have to factor in sleep once in a while when I'm writing and promoting my books. :-) I love the idea and I get to hear some great music when I do visit. So thanks for the BOTB!
Sorry to hear that Question of the Month may vanish. I didn't sign up (same reason as above), but I enjoyed reading the answers on the blogs I visit. Wish I could step up and "woman" that hop.
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