Monday, August 1, 2011

Platform Building Crusade, Colorado Top Blogs & Contest

It's a lovely sunny day outside. We've just finished our daily thunderstorm (something that occurs only every so many years here in Colorado Springs--usually we are quite dry with only occasional rain or snow) and everything smells delightfully clean and fresh. Add to all that natural loveliness that I opened my Warrior Muse email today to find an email saying my blog has been chosen to be on the site Colorado Top Blogs! I went to look and, sure enough, there I am on the list of linkies on the left side. Exciting!

This news brings the P-word to mind: Platform. While I did not start this blog with an eye to platform, I've learned it can be an aid in publication further on down the line. Because of this, I do keep a mind to that purpose. For that, and other reasons (my readers being the biggest one), I've been trying to post somewhat consistently, to the point of having a theme on some days. I've said it before, but one of the big things I learned about platform at the conference (PPWCON) was that you have to post regularly, at least twice per week, be established for a year and have followers who regularly read and comment. Even without that "requirement" I would seek comments, as I enjoy reading them. I especially enjoy when it becomes a conversation.

The interactions within the blogging community are important to me. If these interactions have the side effect of helping to build a platform, I am not going to complain. Every little bit counts, and every reader counts, whether you comment or not. Things like appearing on a local blog aggregate like Colorado Top Blogs are one of those much appreciated side effects of getting to know all of you better and discussing things that are important to me. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I am extremely grateful for the blogging community, and glad to have begun finding myself a place within it.

Getting back to platform, I am planning on participating in Rachael Harrie's Platform Building Crusade, which will take place from August to October. For more information, you can go to Rach Writes... and click on "Platform Building Crusade." Sign-ups begin August 22 and end August 31. It sounds like a fun crusade/blog hop to take part in, and is aimed at those wishing to create an online platform.

Aside from that, I wanted to mention a contest on author and fellow blogger Carole Anne Carr's website, where you can win a copy of her newest book Thin Time. You can either click on THIS LINK or go to www.caroleanncarr.co.uk and click on "News" in the upper menu banner. All you have to do is leave a comment as to why you'd like to read it.

Have you started building an online platform? What are your platform goals?

May you find your muse.

7 comments:

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I've been building my platform for many years now.

Andrew Leon said...

Hey! That's pretty cool!
I'm so proud of you. You're growing up so well. >grin<

Mostly, I prefer soapboxes to platforms. Maybe that's a problem? Or, maybe, I just need a bigger soapbox.
heh

Julie Flanders said...

Wow, congratulations on making the Top Blogs! That's awesome!

I'm planning on joining Rachael Harrie's platform building this month as I really don't have a clue about platform building, and this seems like a great opportunity to work on that. I wrote a note to myself to remember to sign up as I know it fills up fast. I'm looking forward to it!

Congratulations again!!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Most enjoyable post except the thinder storm bit, I am not a lover of them but overcome most of my fear whilst living in Spain where they last for up to 12 hours.

Have a lovely day.
Yvonne.

Shannon Lawrence said...

L. Diane, it takes time and work, that is for sure.

Andrew, haha, love it: "I prefer soapboxes to platforms." Not a problem at all!

Julie, I didn't know it fills up so fast. I did write it on the calendar for opening day, though.

Yvonne, a 12 hour thunderstorm sounds intense! Weather moves through here pretty quickly.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Shannon .. that's really good and must have been a great boost - excellent news re Colorado .. jumping around time!

Also a great way of becoming known in your area ..

Well done .. enjoy meeting many others within Colorado and us beyond .. cheers Hilary

Shannon Lawrence said...

Hilary, I always enjoying meeting others, no matter where they may be located!